Born in Taylorville, Christian County, Illinois. A resident of Taylorville, Illinois when he enlisted in the 41st Illinois Infantry for three years at Decatur, Illinois. Mustered in as a Corporal in Company G at Decatur, Illinois on 5 Aug 1861. Reenlisted as a Veteran Volunteer for three years at Hebron, Mississippi on 4 Jan 1864. Mustered at Hebron, Mississippi on 17 Mar 1864. Transferred to Company A, Veteran Battalion, 41st Illinois Infantry. Upon consolidation, transferred to Company K, 53rd Illinois Infantry on 23 Dec 1864. The Regiment marched in the Grand Review, Washington, DC on 24 May 1865. Mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky on 22 Jul 1865. Received final pay and discharged at Chicago, Illinois on 28 Jul 1865. A member of A. J. Smith Post No. 17 of Drain, Douglas County, Oregon. Died in Benton County, Oregon.