Cherie --

From what you've written, this man didn't become a "Galvanized Yankee" because he didn't enroll in Federal military service. Federal authorities often specified on the oath that the signer promised top remain north of the Ohio River for the remainder of the war. Their concern was the reduction of men in arms against the Federal government; otherwise they had little interest in whether an individual was homeless or not.

Section Two of the Homestead Act specified that an applicant must swear "that he has never borne arms against the Government of the United States or given aid and comfort to its enemies." That language excluded anyone who had enlisted in Confederate service, even if he later deserted.

I'm confused about what records you want to search. Sounds as if you already have this man's service file, which should contain all the particulars needed. What don't you know about him?