Born at Magnolia, Putnam County, Illinois. A resident of Magnolia, Illinois when he enlisted in the 77th Illinois Infantry for three years at Magnolia, Illinois. Mustered in as a Private in Company B at Peoria, Illinois on 2 Sep 1862. Transferred to the 70th Company, 2nd Battalion, Veteran Reserve Corps. A member of A. J. Smith Post No. 17 of Drain, Douglas County, Oregon. Served as Post Commander in 1884.