Thank you all for the great information found in this thread, especially the threads about "unionism" and reasons for southerners and former Confederate soldiers joining Union units.

I have been researching my family history for sometime, especially military members.

I seem to have ran into a problem with my Great 3x grandfather William H. Carnley, Sr. He was born in 1835 in Monroe County, Alabama, but 1860 census records show him living in Santa Rosa County, FL listed with the name of "Henry". The only record of service I can find is three seperate listings as a member of the 1st Florida Cavalry. The first listing shows a "Henry Canteline" serving with Company F (The name "Canteline" is one of the documented variations of our last name). The other two listing show a "William E. Carnley" and "William E. Carnelly" both listed with Company D.

William H. Carnley would have been 25 years of age in 1860, but fathered 4-5 children including my great 2x grandfather between the years of 1861-1863.

There are also no records of any of his brothers (which were a year older and younger) than him serving with any unit Confederate or Union.

My two main questions are; Were Companies D or F from the Santa Rosa/Escambia County area? and does anyone have more info on any of these individuals or others with the names of "Carnley".

Thanks,
Randell Carnley