No, as a parent, I wouldn't allow it, but the family lore says that is what happened. LOL BUT, you know where family lore gets you!

He has baffled me. For years we have been searching for his background. The only record I have of his birth is on his grave stone, so it is possible that he lied about his age to get into the service and later lied to become younger. Who knows? Austin and J. H. Hudson corresponded regularly; the last one dated 26 March 1909 when Hudson told about his home burning and the death of his wife. He was age 78, in poor health, and living in Bennettsville, South Carolina with daughter. In one of his letters (Oct 25, 1902) he writes: I have to inform you that you cannot get a pension under the law of So. Car., and you will get one, if at all, under the law of Ga. I grieve to hear of your old wound troubling you.” Austin died in 1913 and I cannot find anything to indicate he, or his widow, ever received a pension.

I have also posted on the Georgia site but have had nothing positive there. This is a good site and very helpful. The real puzzling thing is why is there no record since all these men corresponed with him as though they were friends. It seems as though at least one of them would have asked, "Who are you?" I will say, their letters protray them as honorable men. Just possibly, they were just too kind to say they didn't know him.

I appreciate all you and others have done to help me. If you think of anythng else that may help, please let me know.

Joan