Biography

Friedrich Straube was a German immigrant who enlisted in the 29th New York Infantry Regiment in May, 1861, for a two year assignment.  Straube mustered out of the NY 29th in June, 1863, and enlisted with Battery "C" 3rd New Jersey Light Artillery where he served until mustering out in June 1865.  His regiments saw action in the Eastern Theatre where Straube received a wound to his head and right arm in the Battle of Ream's Station.  After the war, Straube was a painter until he retired to the Old Soldiers' Home in Kearny, New Jersey.

Straube was twice married.  He married Carolina Bieber in 1847.  Carolina died in 1863.  He married Mary Feustlin (or Faustlent) in 1866.  She died in 1869.  There is no record of children being born to either woman.

There are still questions to answer about the life of "Graffiti Soldier" Friedrich Straube.  The story that came to light with his signature on the wall of Historic Blenheim House is incomplete.  His name is spelled several different ways over the years covered by available documents. At one point he is listed as "Frederick Staupe, painter" in an Albany, NY city directory. He appears as Frederick Straub, Frederich Straube, and Frederick Straube in various documents.  This confusion may contribute to his "absence" from US Census records.