IF he went with the 26th and ended up in Virginia that may explain how he got to Wake County, North Carolina where he married my great-grandmother. I can't imagine his family allowing him to join at such an age, but in those days boys became men at an earlier age than they do today. Also, I don't know who his parents were--possibly he was an orphan or had an unpleasant home life that would help him make a decision to join. So it is hard to make a judgment call. I am beginning to believe he must have changed his name so the family couldn't find him, but if he was officially "in" why isn't there a record. A letter from J. H. Hudson, dated 25 Oct 1902, told him he wasn't eligble for a pension in South Carolina, and he should apply in Georgia. He was living in Savannah, Georgia at that time. Do you know if the "rules" said you had to apply in the State in which you were living or in the State in which you joined?
Really a mystery! Thanks for your help.
Joan