None of the documents I saw in his service record files provide information as to birth or parent data or home of residence.

You might consider ordering the service record files for these two names, perhaps something might turn up to offer you a clue. They are too faint to read
online. You may procure these service records files at: http://history-sites.com/research/index.htm

I tried a Goggle search Confederate Signal Corps hoping to find some reference book on the Corps. No joy, but I found this interesting tidbit "The Confederate Signal Corps was established in 1862. Nearly 1,200 men were in the secret service, most of whom were well-to-do and knew more than one language."

If he or his widow later filed for a pension, ca 1890+, you would need to know in which state he resided at the time as there
is where pensions were issued.

Good hunting,

George Martin