Thx George, So far 100% of the galvanized soldiers have been truthful when it came to where they were born. Even the Union deserters who claimed to be Confederate soldiers, they too have been truthful about their place of birth even in northern states. They may have used an alias but their place of birth remained truthful. I suppose they felt they would never be caught and were not afraid to state their correct place of birth. John Martin said he was born in Ireland so I'm hanging my hat on prior research and will believe him until he proves me otherwise.