Thanks much for your reply. I had previously found the one in Seven Stars Artillery but then found his grave in Hopewell so I know he was born in 1847 - too young to be the dad of my great grandfather who was born in 1857. That's why I figured it had to be the other one. And since the family is from Claiborne, Copiah and Jefferson Counties that is where I looked so I am not sure about someone who signed up in Marietta. I also can't find any other reference to the William J Beard in the 38th, but his physical description matches what our clan generally looks like. Family lore says he did not return from the war but that he didn't die either. He just chose not to return to his wife. What is the best way to try to find out if he get killed after all?