Frederick C. Breuninger was born on September 27, 1889, to Frederick and Helen Breuninger both German immigrants. His father worked as a gardener and later became a stationary engineer working in a steam plant most likely at a manufacturer. Frederick grew up at 32 Jay Street in Newark, NJ with his brother and two (2) sisters. In 1909 he enlisted in the US Navy and was received aboard the USS Franklin in Northfork, VA. The Franklin was a receiving ship where recruits receive their initial instruction and issue of uniforms. From there he was assigned to the battleship USS Minnesota which had just returned from the Great White Fleets around the world tour.
USS MINNESOTA
For the next few years, the Minnesota patrolled the United States east coast and the Caribbean. Frederich was promoted thru the ranks to Fireman 2nd class. This placed him in the engineering division on the ship and he spent his time tending the steam boilers. In 1911 the Minnesota was at Guantanamo Bay Cuba when Frederich became ill, appendicitis. He was transferred to the USS Solace a hospital ship which was stationed there. He died there on February 24, 1911.
USS SOLACE
His body was returned home, and the family buried him here in Woodland Cemetery. Frederick was so highly regarded that his shipmates collected $300 for his family and asked that it be put towards a suitable gravestone. Frederich now rests with his parents, brother and sister in Section T Plot 177. As an interesting aside in 1905 Fredericks parents had another son born his name was John. Research by Westley Shelton
Woodland 