The War Record of Frederick Fincher Starnes

Yesterday, I received the papers on the military service of Frederick Fincher Starnes or Sternes, my 3rd Great Grandfather. He served during the Civil War and there was some ambivalence as to where he was born, due to some faulty census records. This helps clear up where he was born. His two oldest daughters are clearly listed as being born in South Carolina, from their marriage licenses to their death certificates, to those of their children. Maybe now, knowing where in South Carolina to look, I can find F. F in the 1850 census.

Fredericksburg, Va circa 1863


On December 13, 1862, Frederick Fincher Starnes was wounded at Fredericksburg, Virginia. The wound was not fatal and he returned to duty in the spring of 1863.

Map of Fredericksburg, Virginia during the war.



Currier and Ives print of the Battle of Fredericksburg, on December 13, 1862, the day F. F. Sternes was wounded.


He returned for the Battle of Hatchers Run, where he was captured. 





Strategy map of the Battle of Hatcher's Run.


Battery at Hatcher's Run


Officers outside of House used as Headquarters prior to the Battle.
Lithograph of the Battle of Hatcher's Run

He was captured during the battle and taken to Point Lookout, Maryland prison camp, from where he was released at the end of the war.

Point Lookout showing Hospital and Prison Camp

Prisoners at Point Lookout taking the Oath of Alligiance. Was Finch Starnes among this group?

Cedar Point Lighthouse's  Last Days

The Old Hotel at Point Lookout , before being raized in the 1980's

Frederick Fincher Starnes was able to return home after the War between the States. Many unfortunate soldiers and civilians alike, were not. Among those were his  brother William, who contracted Typhoid Fever and died in Virginia. It is said that more soldiers died from disease than from battle.