PVT Jeremiah Dinkle

courtesy of Misty Ortiz

PVT Jeremiah Dinkle was born about 1830 in Augusta County, Virginia. He was the 2nd of 5 children born to Jacob and Elizabeth (Showalter) Dinkle. The family lived near Burke's Mill in 1850 where his father farmed and reported an estate of $7000. Jeremiah undoubtedly grew up helping his father farm. Jeremiah married Caroline Sheffer in Rockingham County on 26 Mar 1857. The couple had a son 10-months later near Pudding Spring in northern Augusta County. The couple apparently moved to Burke's Mill, closer to his parents but not adjoining his father's farm. They reported that their estate was valued at $5150 in 1860. With a farm and young family, Jeremiah did not rush to enlist in the first months of succession. 

Whatever motivated him, Jeremiah enlisted in G Company 5th Virginia Infantry on 23 Mar 1862 at Rude's Hill, Virginia. This was likely immediately after the Battle of Kernstown or while it was occuring that same day. This was in the beginning of Jackson's Valley Campaign and Jeremiah would have then fought at McDowell, Front Royal, and Winchester before he became sick with a fever, likely typhoid, and was hospitalized at Winchester where he died on 15 Sep 1862. 

PVT Dinkle was laid to rest with other Confederate soldiers at the Stonewall Cemetery in Winchester, Virginia.

Brother, George William Dinkle, served as a PVT in C Company 52nd Virginia Infantry and died of a fever at home where he'd been sent to recover on 12 Nov 1861. Jeremiah is survived by at least 2 great, great grandchildren.