Minor attended a military academy in Richmond, Virginia, and served in the Army of the Potomac during the American civil war. After the war, he went into the music field, teaching at singing schools and conducting at musical conventions. He helped found the Hume-Minor Company, which made pianos and organs.

A member of the First Baptist Church of Richmond, Virginia, Minor was the Sunday school superintendent there. His works include:

• Golden Light No. 1, 1879
• Golden Light No. 2
• Golden Light No. 3, 1884
• Standard Songs, 1896
• The Rosebud