His draft registration card for World War I (signed June 5, 1917) shows that he was living in Garfield, Minnesota at the time, and was a farmer, for which he claimed an exemption from the draft. He is described as being tall, of medium build, with blue eyes, and dark brown hair.

Apparently his exemption was rejected; his gravestone says he was a private in 3 Corps Arty Park in World War I.

He also filled out a draft registration card on April 27, 1942, where is a still a farmer, and he is listed as having a light complexion, and being 6 foot tall, weighing 175 pounds.