He was a farmer. He came to Smoky Hill Township, Davis County, Kansas, December 14, 1868, locating on the southwest quarter of Section 12, Township 11, Range 4; has 160 acres. He was the first postmaster of Alida, receiving his appointment in 1870, and resigned his office in April, 1873. He was one of the Board of County Commissioners for a term of two years.

He was a Civil War veteran. He enlisted September 6, 1864, in Company E, Ninth Regiment New York Volunteer Heavy Artillery, and participated in the battle of Cedar Creek, in October 19, 1864, one at Fort Fisher (on the lines at Petersburg) March 25, 1865, taking of Petersburg, April 2, 1865, and at Sailor's Run, April 6, 1865, during the pursuit of Lee's army. He was mustered out June 28, 1865. He served with his bother Julius E. Clemons. He was raised on a farm, and lived in New York until he came to Kansas.