From Jonesville, Michigan, he enlisted in Company C, 7th Michigan Infantry as Sergeant on June 12, 1861, at Jonesville, Michigan, for 3 years service at the age of 22. Commissioned 1st Lieutenant of Company G, 18th Michigan Infantry at its organization on July 27, 1862. Commissioned Captain of Company F, 18th Michigan Infantry on February 18, 1863. Resigned and honorably discharged at Nashville, Tennessee, on April 16, 1864.