Born in Chautauqua County, New York. A gunsmith by trade when he enlisted in the 2nd California Cavalry for three years at San Francisco, California. Mustered in as a Private in Company G at San Francisco, California on 11 Oct 1861. On 21 Aug 1863 was on escort duty to a wagon train traveling to Owens Valley, California. Sep-Oct 1863 was with a detachment at Camp Leonard, California. Mustered out at the expiration of his term of service at San Francisco, California on 23 Sep 1864. A charter member of Geo. G. Sykes Post No. 28 of Elkton, Douglas County, Oregon. Served the Post as Quartermaster Sergeant in 1884 and 1885. Elected as a Douglas County Commissioner in 1896 and would later serve as County Judge. Died at his home near Scottsburg, Douglas County, Oregon.