J.A. Griner enlisted August 4, 1863 in Bryan County with Capt. J.L. McAllister. Griner was with the Hardwick Mounted Rifles, Co. A until February 13, 1864 when the 7th Regiment, Georgia Cavalry was organized through consolidation, Co. A of the HMR was then Co. K of the 7th.
Pvt. Griner was listed as present on the March/April roll. On June 4, 1864 he was hospitalized at Danville, Va. with chronic diarrhoea. He was furloughed home July 1st. Then on July 27th he died at home. Pvt. H.A. Lester, also of Co. K, acted as Legal Representation.