Born in East Avon, Genessee County, New York. A resident of Wauconda, Lake County, Illinois when he enlisted in the 96th Illinois Infantry for three years at Hainesville, Illinois. Mustered in as Musician (Fifer) of Company B at Rockford, Illinois on 5 Sep 1862. Promoted to Principal Musician and transferred to Field and Staff (F&S) on 1 Jul 1863. Discharged for disability. A charter member of Geo. G. Sykes Post No. 28 of Elkton, Douglas County, Oregon. Died at Scottsburg, Douglas County, Oregon.