Before the Civil War he graduated from South Carolina College in 1849 and taught law to John D. Kennedy.

Commanding the Camden Volunteers, being Company E of the 2nd South Carolina Infantry Regiment, he was wounded at Gettysburg.

Losing his right leg as result of his injuries; he was forced to resign in 1864 while serving as enrolling officer for the Kershaw District, SC.

He served under Governor John Peter Richardson III, another confederate officers during his term.

and Gen. Milledge Luke Bonham, and Col. Fitz W. McMaster, previous commander of the 17th SC Infantry.