His early life was spent upon his father's farm and his education was such as was afforded by the common school in the district. This, with his natural ability, proved sufficient for a successful life work. Upon the breaking out of the Civil War he enlisted in Company H, Seventeenth Kentucky Volunteers (as did his brother), and served three and one-half years, being wounded three times. Soon after his discharge from the army he entered into partnership with his father in the tanning business, and later bought the entire business. Soon cheaper and improved methods of tanning rendered the old process unprofitable and he gave it up and engaged in farming, which he continued until his death. He did not accumulate a large stock of this world's goods, but was able to give his children a good start in caring for themselves. While not a member of any church, he revered God and respected all religious faiths. The only organization of which he was a member was his Grand Army Post. He was a bitter opponent of human slavery in any form, and a believer in free speech and an unfettered press. He was an ardent advocate of what he believed to be right and a fearless opponent of the wrong. He was strictly honest, not only in business, but in social and neighborly intercourse. He was temperate in all things, kind and indulgent to his family, and had great faith not only in his immediate family but in the integrity of all who bore the family name. His last illness was borne with patience and fortitude, and he passed away peacefully.8