Born in St Louis, Missouri, though his death certificate shows Mississippi. He was enlisted on July 13, 1875, at age 21 and 6 months, at Shreveport, Louisiana, by Lieutenant James M. Bell. His previous occupation was laborer. He deserted March 29, 1876, and surrendered on April 26, 1876. He was discharged on July 12, 1880 at Camp Houston, Dakota Territory, upon expiration of service, as a Sergeant of excellent character. He had later enlisted in the Marine Corps, and discharged on August 11, 1885.

He had gray eyes, black hair, florid complexion and was 5'10" in height. He died on December 30, 1914 in the Government Hospital for the Insane, Washington, DC, of syphilis. He had been committed there on May 11, 1914. He was cremated and his ashes were buried in Arlington National Cemetery.