Hi, I am trying to unravel the mystery of an ancestor who passed away in 1903 in Alabama, Oliver Dozier. He was born in Georgia before 1852, lived in both Alabama and Mississippi-- I have him in the 1860 and 1880 census, but not in between. Not being sure about his age, I searched, on a whim, to see if he may have a Civil War record. Something that popped up was really confusing. This is probably not my Oliver Dozier, but with that uncommon name I sure can't rule it out. There is a pension application for service in the U.S. Army, dated 18 Feb 1884 (Private, Co D, 43rd Reg, U.S. Cavalry)... under the name, William Oliver Dozier, it includes another name-- Lewis, Henry-- listed as an alias.

Why might someone have used an alias?

Our Oliver Dozier lived out his life following the Civil War living between Pontotoc Cty, MS, through northwest Alabama, settling in 1890-ish in Walker County. He was either born in Georgia or Alabama, possibly in Oglethorpe.

Just wondered if you had a theory. The first thing that occurred to me was if you were a white male fighting for the union from the south that might be a reason to use an alias?

Here is the link from fold3 image: http://www.fold3.com/image/21732492/

Any ideas appreciated! The age may rule him out for us anyway, but we have a small reason to think he may be a little older than it claimed on the 1880 census. THANK YOU!!!