Head was born in Castalian Springs, Tennessee.
Head studied law and was admitted to the Tennessee bar.
During the American Civil War, Head served in the Confederate Army, as a colonel, in the 30th Tennessee Regiment.
In 1874, Head was elected to the United States House of Representatives from the 4th Tennessee Congressional District.
But he died from pneumonia at his home in Gallatin, Tennessee only six days after the election, long before the Congress convened again.