Alan: thanks..My Willis papers seem ok, its my Parkers that has me confused:

1. On Muster Rolls it says he was 3 years on the war..So he was fighting for 3 years prior to 1862 or does it mean he signed up for 3 years..

2. It states that he desires to take the Oath return to Mo remain loyal to USA. This confuses me..Can you figure out what they mean...

3. What did a bondsman mean to the Union side> Was this man a relative from Smithfield Missouri or is it just a coencedent?

4. Should I check the Union records. I am looking for his Oath of Alliegence to see where he states he was born...and possible the name of his father..

Thanks again, for all the help..When you said my records were there I immediately order them and they came very fast.

Sally Staley