Joseph Zediker was born around 1835 in Ohio to Daniel and Mary Zediker. His father was a farmer who owned $500 of real estate and $200 of personal property by 1860. The family lived in Monroe, Ohio, until the 1850s, when they moved to Harrison Township, Ohio. On November 29, 1861, Zediker travelled about ten miles to Decatur, Indiana, in order to enlist in the Union army. He mustered in as a private in Company C of the 47th Indiana Infantry later that day. He eventually earned a promotion to corporal. The regiment took part in the Vicksburg campaign, and Zediker died in the Battle of Champion Hill on May 16, 1863.