Margaret,

Below is a listing of all the soldiers named Davis in the 21st SC Infantry. This is from the NPS Soldiers and Sailors database.

While there does not appear to be more than one J.F. Davis, there are some other Davis soldiers in Co. E of the regiment whose names and/or initials are close to that of your ancestor. There is also a James Davis (no middle initial shown) in Co. I of the regiment.

21st Regiment, South Carolina Infantry

No. Soldier Name Company Rank In Rank Out
1 Davis, A.W. E Lieutenant Lieutenant
2 Davis, B.Thomas E Captain Captain
3 Davis, B.F. E Captain Captain
4 Davis, E. E Private Private
5 Davis, G.W. K Private Private
6 Davis, H.F. I Private Private
7 Davis, J.F. E Private Private
8 Davis, J.H. I Private Private
9 Davis, J.W. E Private Private
10 Davis, James I Private Private
11 Davis, John W. E Private Private
12 Davis, T.F. E Private Private
13 Davis, T.H. K Private Private
14 Davis, T.P. E Private Private
15 Davis, Thomas H Private Private
16 Davis, W.A. E Private Private
17 Davis, W.B. E Private Private
18 Davis, W.J. L Private Private
19 Davis, W.M. L Private Private
20 Davis, W.R. E Corporal Corporal
21 Davis, Wm. B. E Private Private

There seem to be some conflicts in dates between the hospitalization periods researched by your cousin and the hospitalization periods provided by Mr. Knudsen based on info provided to the latter at the SC Archives.

Possible explanations addressing the query of your original post could include cousin/researhcer confusion as suggested in your first post, transcription error(s) on CSRs, or even treatment in military hospitals post discharge if malady was debilitating enough and appropriate civilian medical treatment was not readily available near your ancestor's home.

Further research may clarify reason(s).

Best,

Mike