Born in Baltimore, Maryland, he earned the Medal of Honor during the Indian Wars while serving with Company G, 8th United States Cavalry at the Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona, on October 20, 1869. The Medal was presented to him on February 14, 1870.
He had previously served in the Civil War under the name "John L. Donoho."

He is buried in Section 13 of Arlington National Cemetery.