So true. I've found that pension applications can actually shed more light on one's ancestor than
his official service records. I discovered that the pension application of an ancestor turned into a
bitter court battle and almost a feud , (after a former company member challenged my ancestor's application).

It seems that after the War, Uncle Joe married a local Doctor's widow. Financially he was set for life & had no reason to apply
for a pension.

The family "manuscripts" never mentioned this fact.

While his honorable CSA service was well documented, his post War shenanigans were omitted.

That's what I love about honest research, you discover the good and the bad about your family.