Born in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. A resident of Fremont, Lake County, Illinois when he enlisted in the 15th Illinois Infantry for three years at Freeport, Stephenson County, Illinois. Mustered in as a Corporal in Company I the same day he enlisted. Discharged as a Sergeant on 13 Feb 1862 to transfer to the gunboat service. Served as Ships Steward on the USS Cincinnati with the Western Gunboat Flotilla (13 Feb 1862-1863). A resident of Fremont, Illinois when he enlisted as a veteran recruit in the 39th Illinois Infantry for three years at Fremont, Illinois. Mustered in as a Private in Company F at Chicago, Cook County, Illinois on 29 Feb 1864. Promoted to Sergeant Major and transferred to Field and Staff (F&S). Mustered out at Norfolk, Virginia on 6 Dec 1865. A member of Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington.