Born in Hart County, Kentucky. During the Mexican War, served as a Corporal in Company K, 4th Kentucky Infantry. Enrolled in Company F, 51st Enrolled Missouri Militia as a 2nd Lieutenant at Richmond, Ray County, Missouri on 9 Aug 1862. Ordered into active service at Richmond, Missouri on 14 Jun 1864. Relieved from duty on 27 Nov 1864. A member of G. K. Warren Post No. 21 of North Yamhill, Yamhill County, Oregon. The Post elected him as an Alternate to the 8th Encampment of the Department of Oregon, Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) held in Portland, Oregon on 26 Feb & 27 Feb 1889.