Joined the army as an elisted man in 1840. He fought in the Semiole and Mexican wars under Grant. He was later given a commision and served as a quqrtermaster at Fort Vancouver. In Feb 1865, Grant recommended his personally for promotion to Major. He published two anthologies, including "to my Old Knapsack" His two sons both went to West Point.

Inscribed to Nellie "(Last name illegible and entered twice)"

original poem by Eckerson inscribed