Ludia, I believe that Civil War Pension files rarely name the parents, but do often name the children and spouse. Did your ancestor live in NY until at least 1880? If so, you may be able to find the name of his parents on his death certificate after 1880. Also, you might want to mention the name and regiment of your ancestor. This list is archived and that will allow researchers to contact you. you posted: I have Ciivil War papers that I sent for, for my great grandfather but they do not list his parents names. Does anyone know if the papers might sometimes show parents? Mike Burnett