Margaret:

I believe your cousin may have confused J[ohn] F. DAVIS with PVT T[homas] F. DAVIS, who also served in Co. E, 21st SC Infantry. Given the vagaries of 19th Century penmanship, a "T" can easily be confused with a "J." Thomas F. DAVIS was captured at Petersburg, VA, on 24 Jun 1864, and sent to Elmira Prison. He was transferred to Point Lookout, MD, for exchange on 2 Mar 1865.

To further illustrate the point about the ease of misreading initials, the SC Archives has on file a Confederate pension application submitted by Tinnsey R. DAVIS of Mt. Croghan, Chesterfield Co., SC, on 25 Oct 1919, based on the service of John J. DAVIS, Co. E, 21st SC Infantry. Although listed as John J., a close examination of the document reveals that the "J" could also be an "F." The application states that he enlisted in said company, commanded by CPT B. T. DAVIS (a relative?) on 8 Jan 1862, and served until discharged for physical disability at Morris Island, SC, 14 Jan 1863. She was b. 21 Oct 1847, and they were m. in 1865. He d. 16 Feb 1891. Perhaps this information will be familiar to you.

You can access this application on the SC Archives website at http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/search/default.asp
Go to the Confederate Pension Application,1919-1926 database, and search for "DAVIS, Tinnsey" under the "Individual" Category.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions.

Fred Knudsen
Columbia, SC