Columbus Wesley “Wardie” Vineyard was born on October 9, 1893, in Rosine, Ohio County, Kentucky, to parents Oliver Perry and Sarah Janie Stewart Vineyard. He grew up in a farming family alongside his siblings. On March 2, 1916, Vineyard enlisted in Company H, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Kentucky Infantry Regiment of the Kentucky National Guard. His unit was mobilized in response to the Mexican Border conflict, a series of military engagements between the United States and various Mexican factions during the Mexican Revolution. The 3rd Kentucky Infantry was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, as part of the U.S. efforts to secure the border following raids by Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa. 

During this period, the Kentucky National Guard units, including the 3rd Kentucky Infantry, were mobilized for service on the Mexican Border. This was the first time Kentucky troops were trained to regular Army standards, preparing them for potential federal service overseas in World War I. 

On February 24, 1917, Vineyard married Lena Taylor Clark. Shortly thereafter, his unit was assigned to Camp Shelby near Hattiesburg, Mississippi, a military training camp established in 1917 to prepare troops for World War I. Camp Shelby was one of the largest training facilities of its time, capable of accommodating 36,000 soldiers and eventually training 50,000 troops between 1917 and 1918. 

Tragically, Private Vineyard contracted pneumonia and died on March 23, 1917, at the Camp Shelby Hospital. He was laid to rest in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Mount Pleasant, Laurel County, Kentucky. His service during the Mexican Border conflict and eagerness to serve in the Great War exemplifies the dedication and readiness of National Guard units in the early 20th century, contributing to the security and preparedness of the United States during a tumultuous period.