I think about the only way to know for sure are complete county studies that show exactly who and how many served. My Masters Thesis, regarding Saline County shows a little different take. ALl the historic writings state Saline County sent more men per capita than most all other counties (sound familiar?)and only 20% returned. I compiled a list from 1860 census listing each male aged 10-65. Roughly 2500 men out of a population of a little more than 6000. I did not just want to know how many military aged men served but exactly how many, so I wanted to include the old guys in 1861 and those 13 and 14 year olds in the last 2 years. Now what I find is that 1194 out of app. 2500 served which is just under 50%, and I can find that more like 80% survived (254 out of 1194 kia, died). If I look at just military ages males and the conscript laws I am sure the % will be higher as it should be higher, but Saline County was not devoid of men during the war, although it was hit hard by both armies being in such close proximity to LR and right along the SW Trail aka Military Road. I identified soldiers (US and CS)through CSR's, pensions, biographies, mention of Home Guards service, burial records, probates of 1861-65 etc. Anything that would show service later when records were not kept well or lost in 1864. So, it would be curious to know as a state exactly what the % were but then that would take complete county studies. I was amazed at how many I could not find any service for US or CS. Of my 4 surname families that were here well over 90% did serve, so it was a learning experience to see the neighbors who did not serve. THen there were those who came home for whatever reason during the conflict and remained at home.

It will be interesting to see what numbers continue to be verified and discovered.