Born in Dixon, Lee County, Illinois. A resident of Pleasant Grove, Olmsted County, Minnesota when he enlisted in the 4th Minnesota Infantry as a substitute for Prescott Patridge at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Mustered in as a Private in Company G the same day he enlisted. Mustered out with his Company at Louisville, Kentucky on 19 Jul 1865. Discharged at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. A member of Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. Admitted to the Washington State Soldiers Home at Orting, Pierce County, Washington on 24 Jun 1900 and discharged at his own request on 1 Sep 1904. Re-admitted to the Soldiers Home on 21 Mar 1905 (no discharge date found). Admitted to the Washington State Veterans Home at Retsil, Kitsap County, Washington on 18 Nov 1914 and discharged on 1 Jul 1930. Re-admitted to the Veterans Home on 2 Sep 1931. Died in Seattle, King County, Washington while on furlough from the Veterans Home. His Soldiers Home applications lists 16 Mar 1843 as his date of birth, while his Veterans Home file and death certificate lists 17 Mar 1845.