On February 9, 1856, at the age of 17, he joined the Army in New York and was assigned to Battery G, 2nd US Artillery and served during the Seminole Indian War in Florida from 1856 to 1857, and later in 1857 and 1858 against the Crows and Sioux in Minnesota.

Artillery, was in a party of three that protected a field gun, belonging to another battery that was deserted by its officers and men.

[2][3] Uhri's official Medal of Honor citation reads: Was 1 of a party of 3 who, under heavy fire of advancing enemy, voluntarily secured and saved from capture a field gun belonging to another battery, and which had been deserted by its officers and men.

On October 7, 1911, a letter from the War Department was sent to the mayor of New York City requesting confirmation of the date, place and cause of Uhri's death.

[6] His widow died on September 13, 1914, of acute bronchial pneumonia in New York City and was buried beside her husband.