He was born in Philadelphia in February 1840. He enlisted at Philadelphia on February 1, 1858 just prior to his 18th birthday, with his father approving the enlistment and signing with an "x." He was sent West, where he protected the Pony Express before being sent East to fight in the Rebellion.
He was assigned to Battery “B” of the Fourth United States Artillery. During the Rebellion, he was wounded at the Battle of Sharpsburg, wounded at the Battle of Spottsylvania, and shot in the abdomen, leg, mouth and stomach. They had one child, Annie M., born in 1872.
So conspicuous was his record as a soldier during that war that he was accorded the distinction by the United States Congress of being permitted to enter either the Senate Chambers or the floor of the House and enjoy any privilege of either.
Later he was disinterred and re-buried in Mountain View Cemetery.
