RESEARCHING MY GG GRANDFATHER FREDERICK H. LAYMAN was born on or around February 16, 1830 in Hanover, Germany, and died May 27, 1886 in Franklin Co. IL.. He married his first wife (1) MARY CHARLOTTE YOUNGINGER Abt. 1863 in Posyville, Indiana, daughter of CHARLES YOUNGINGER and ELIZABETH KNIGHT a grocery store operator in Poseyville, Indiana after he was discharged from the military in 1862. They had two children, Charles Layman (my G Grandfather) born in 1864, and John Layman born in 1866, who must have died sometime before 1870. After Mary's death he married (2) SARAH J. SIMPSON October 15, 1868 in White County, Illinois. They had no children. Upon the death of Sarah he married his third wife (3) MARY DOWNEN October 01, 1871 in Posey County, Indiana, daughter of DAVID DOWNEN and MARY SOUTH. They had three children named Archibald Frank Layman, born in1873, Rachel P. Layman, born 1881, and Caroline E. Layman, born 1884. An Orphan by the name of Mary Ormsby born in 1873 is listed as living with them (1870 Federal Census). Fred is buried at Knob Prairie Cemetery in Franklin County, IL. Frederick H Layman Immigrated to the United States in or about 1857 at the age of 27 and settled near Benton, Illinois. He enlisted in Company "H" 48th Regiment Volunteers Infantry from White County, IL. on September 10, 1861 at Camp Butler Illinois (Union Army) under the command of General Asher Goslen. At the time of his enlistment he lived in Carmi, Illinois (White County) and was 32 years old. According to his enlistment papers he was 5ft 6in tall, his hair color was black in color, and he had brown eyes and a dark complexion. He was wounded in the right arm between the elbow and the shoulder in the battle of Shiloh and saw action at FT. Henry, Ft Donelson, Siege of Vicksburg and lookout Mt.. He developed chronic diarrhea and was discharged from the service for disability at the rank of corporal. SAID BY SOME: Spelling of last name was Americanized. Frederick immigrated to this country (USA) with a brother (name unknown). His father served as an officer in the Prussian Army. His father's name was also Frederick. He may have worked on a ship for his passage. His father sent him to the USA to keep him out of the military. Other "surnames" associated with this Layman family include> Chapman, de LaP;ante, LaPlante, Downwn, Downs, Haley, James, Mckee, Puckett, Puckette, Vike, Younginger Very little is known of my GG Grandfather before his military service during the Civil Waar. I have been unable to locate his port of entry, immigration or naturalization records, and /or any kind of citizenship records. I was told that an application for citizenship was not needed if one served in the military. The information we do have is based on stories and the little information obtained from his military records. We believe he came to the United States from Hannover, Germany via England. It is said that the spelling of our last name was Americanized to "Layman" upon his arrival to this country. The correct spelling is unknown for sure. I have been trying to track down any information that could assist in my very difficult search. Any suggestions or aid would be much appreciated. Fred Layman [email protected]