Joseph Climer served as an Army corporal in Company 33, Ohio Infantry, during the Civil War and was killed in action at the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, on October 8, 1862, at the age of 23 years and 8 months. He is buried at Camp Nelson National Cemetery, Kentucky, in grave E-3228, and a memorial stone stands in Schooley's Chapel Cemetery in Liberty Township. He was raised on the family farm on Ault Road in Harrison Township, Ohio. His family's words recall reading his letters home and standing on the spot where he fell and died that day.