I was born January 21, 1841 in Litchfield, Bradford Co., Pennsylvania, the sixth child of a family of ten -- seven boys and three girls. Six of the boys enlisted and served their country in the war of the rebellion. The youngest boy was too young to enlist, being but ten years of age. I enlisted August 14, 1862 at Heart Prairie, Wis., in Co. E, 28th Wis. Vol. Inft., for three years, or during the war. Jas. R. Kenyon, captain; Wm. E. Bingham, first lieutenant; Chas. J. Collier, second lieutenant. We were mustered into the state service, sent to Milwaukee, and organizeed as a regiment. We left Camp Washburn the latter part of December for the South, arriving at Cairo in due time. We took the steamer for Columbus, Ky., went into camp, and were later sent to Helena, Ark. The boys thought the place well named, especially when the last three letters were left off. I remained with the regiment until discharged, participating in all the battles and hardships in which we were engaged.

I came back to Heart Prairie in the spring of 1866, later going to Iowa, where I married Miss Addie Richards, Nov. 13, 1867. Five children were born to us -- Clarence H., Clifton J., Miriam Florencia, Merton D. and Vivian C. Clifton and Miriam died in infancy.

We remained at Palo, Ia., until Oct. 15, 1878, when we moved to Kearney Co., Neb., where I took up a claim and went farming int he Platte Valley, remaining there four years. The second year I was licensed to preach. In the fall of 1882 we went to Beadle Co., Dak., and farmed it for for five years, when we sold out and moved to Huron City. While there I worked and preached, often traveling thirty to forty miles, making three appointments of a Sunday. We remained in Huron about five years, when we moved to Harvey, Ill., where we now reside.

God has been very good in sparing my life in the army and on the field of battle, and may His richest blessings rest upon all the dear Comrades who may read this sketch.