The Iowa Civil War Site
Iowa During the Civil War
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PRESENTS A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF FREDERICK F. KINER Frederick F. Kiner was born in Lansburg, PA. (Perry County) on November 17, 1833. He moved to Iowa in 1847, and settled in Mt. Pleasant (Henry County). In 1854 he married Eliza Ann Nicodemus. He was a minister with the Churches of God in Iowa. Basing his decision on strong political and religious beliefs, Frederick enlisted with the 14th Iowa Infantry Co. I, on October 5, 1861 as a private and then received the position of first sergeant. The unit moved from Camp McClellan in Davenport, Iowa to Benton Barracks in St. Louis, Missouri where they drilled in preparation for the forthcoming battles of Fort Donelson, and Shiloh. It was at the battle of Shiloh, on April 6, 1862, in the midst of the "Hornets Nest", that he was captured with over 200 others from the regiment. The next 6 1/2 months were spent as a prisoner of war at Camp Oglethorpe in Macon, Georgia until their parole at Aikens Landing on October 17, 1862. It was the horrible treatment and living condition endured as a prisoner (conditions which were just as terrible in northern prisons) which prompted him to write the book "One Years Soldiering" in 1863. Other involments Frederick was a part of included being stationed at Columbus, Kentucky, Shermans Meridian campaign, Banks Red River expedition, serving under General Canby at Fort Fisher and Blakely, the battle of Pleasant Hill, and the "March to Montgomery" at the wars end. On April 30, 1863 he was discharged for promotion to Chaplain of the same unit. He was mustered out of the 14th on November 16, 1864. On January 21, 1865 he was mustered to the Field and Staff of the 27th Iowa as the Regimental Chaplain and served in this capacity until being mustered out with his unit on August 8, 1865 - end of the war. Pension records show that Frederick suffered as a result of the war from serious back injuries and "a nervous system a good deal broken down." The family moved to Ida Grove, Iowa sometime after the war where Frederick practiced law. His children where:
Frederick was admitted to the Iowa State Soldiers Home (now known as the Iowa Veterans Home) Marshalltown, Iowa in 1900. He died on April 15, 1901 and is buried in the cemetery at the Veterans Home. If anyone has any information on Frederick F. Kiners family or military history please contact me at [email protected]. I would love to hear from you. Steve Kiner (great-great grandson) -When my liberties are buried, lay me by their side. F. F. Kiner - One Years Soldiering
Transcribed and submitted by great great grandson |
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