Family tradition holds that my g-g-grandmother's brother, James BERTHOLF, fought in the Union Army during the Civila War, and more, that he died during his service. I have found a service record for a James H. Bertholf who died of typhoid fever in Falmouth, Virginia in December 1862. He served in the 124th NY Infantry. The service record yielded no information that proves his parentage or other family connections. But I found the pension file for his widow, and from this, have concluded this James Bertholf is not the brother of my g-g-grandmother. I have also found a service record for a James Bertholf who was killed in action in Williamsburg, Virginia in May 1862. He served in Co. H., 8th NJ Infantry. (I understand this was part of Hooker's Division.) Again, the service record yielded no information that proves his parentage or other family connections. He apparently was not married, so no widow (and indeed no other family member) filed for a pension as his survivor. How can I prove or disprove that the James Bertholf who served in Co. H., 8th NJ Infantry, was the son of my g-g-g-grandfather? Thanks! Joe Dooley Falls Church, Virginia

James Sharon makes a good point. If you can find out where he was living before signing up, then see where the 8th New Jersey recruited from, perhaps it will move you closer to a conlclusion. There are 4 types of records at NARA Pension, Service, Medical and, less likely, Court Marshal all of which may be sought on this soldier. Mike