This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: Gerald_Hodge Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.alabama.counties.cherokee/2711.5.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Sir or Ma'am, I'm tracking the same material that you have found. I currently am not convinced that his middle initial is "A." I want to see some court papers and/or other documentation noting this. The problem with the "A." as a middle initial is that they're several John A.'s in the various counties in the area. This guy went began his murdering career in 1864 so I tend to lean away from a sixteen year old being so violent at such an early age. "Long was a native of the Cove; he was not, however, related to the Longs in the lower part of Chattanooga Valley." This statement, if true, would knock out at least two and this would include the twelve year old in 1860. This Long family location is actually shown in the Atlas for the Official Records. HOWEVER, the family could be lying to deflect later criticism of the family. Even today, many people do not want to talk about home front Appalachia and the bloody conflict were murders took place years after the war. Many want to present the South as a united front were everyone rushed to volunteer and everyone marched dauntless into battle but nothing could be further from the truth. McClemore's Cove had huge issues during the war. I researched some of it for my master's thesis and will cover it more indepth in the regimental history that I am writing. This little venture on John Long is just one of many thus far. I looked at the 1850, 1860, and 1870 Federal Census for John Long. A John W. Long pops up in 1870 that would be in the age window. There are lots of John Long's in the surrounding counties; Bradley, McMinn, Tennessee and Fannin County, Georgia. I saw the Compiled Service Record for Alexander Long. He deserted in February 1864 and there is no further record. In contrast, there is a Brevell Long in the same company and there are records beyond that point for him. Therefore, I tend to believe that Alexander (if it were John) was not honorably discharged as stated by Bullock. Enough for now. Thank you for your assistance. I will continue to dig. Respectfully, Gerald D. Hodge, Jr. M.A. Military History - Civl War Concentration War Between the States Historian Research - Preservation Historian: 39th Georgia Volunteer Infantry Regiment http://39thgavolinfrgt.homestead.com/39thHomepage.html Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.