After coming to Haywood County, NC with his parents in 1817, he went to public school. Later he attended Waynesville Academy, where R.H. Dabney was principal. While he was in school at Waynesville Academy, the Civil War starts. He enlisted in Company A, which became attached to Thomas' Legion, in which he served three years. At first a private, he soon attained the rank of First Lieutenant, which rank he held till the close of the war. Before the disbanding after the war closed, he was elevated to the rank of Captain, although he did not serve with this rank.