Born in England. A resident of Webster County, Iowa when he enlisted in the 32nd Iowa Infantry for three years. Mustered in as a Private in Company I the same day he enlisted. Transferred to Company B, 8th Iowa Infantry on 29 Jul 1865. Mustered out at Davenport, Scott County, Iowa. A member of Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. On 26 Sep 1896 admitted to the Washington State Soldiers Home at Orting, Pierce County, Washington where he died. Some of his military records and his private headstone spell his last name as "Keates".