Mr. Elmore:

Thanks for reading my scribbles and commenting on same. However, I must point out that a 1915 original newspaper item is much closer to being primary source data than a 1992 book, no matter how good the latter. It never ceases to amaze me that people will cite a recent book over earlier material. One can write a book and say anything.

As far as Marion Wilson, immediately upon reading your post, I began searching for info on Francis Marion Wilson. I know from years of genealogical/historical research that 95%+ of the time when one comes upon Marion, it will turn out to be Francis Marion. Surely enough, I found old F. M. Wilson living in the community of Loosier (which by the way, is still on Lawrence County maps), exactly where the article stated that Marion lived. He appears there on the 1870, 1880, 1900, and 1910 censuses. I also found a marriage record (Probate Court Marriage Book D page 150) for F. M. Wilson and Elizabeth Stokes on 10 Dec 1865. By this point, I was sure in my own feeble mind that I had the right fellow, yet had no conclusive proof that he had served in the 9th Alabama. My next step was to begin searching cemeteries in the Loosier area for his grave. (I have Lawrence County censuses, marriage records, various cemeteries, etc, in databases.) While searching the third cemetery, known as the "John F. Terry Cemetery", I found the following:

Francis Marion Wilson
8 Dec 1840 - 7 Jan 1917
Pvt Co I - 9 AL Regt CSA

I suggest that if the book you mentioned doesn't have either F. M. Wilson or Francis Wilson, you might want to contact the author.

As far as the Captain Cannon problem, I honestly have no idea. I have no interest in compiling roster lists, although I contribute when I can. I leave such to researchers such as Mr. Carter and others. It may well be as you proposed in your post. I submit, however, that when it's all said and done, the newspaper article will prove true.

Again, your input is appreciated.

Regards,
Hoyt Cagle