This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: trrabo Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.cronk/131.148.150.1.1.1.3.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: You bring up a point which I didn't think of, but should have. I have another ancestor who falsified birth dates (actually stole an identity) to serve in the Civil War because he was too young. So that kind of thing did happen and is possible. We knew about it only because the story had been documented and passed down through our family. The limits if this theory are that the date that the military has, 1810, would have only made him older. Typically those older than 45 were not wanted for enlistment. Also, as in the case of my other ancestor, American may have continued using the falsified date in order to receive any military/federal benefits IF he was entitled to any due to his service. So while it at least seems unlikely to me, your theory certainly is possible. Isn't genealogy fun! 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.