This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: pharder5037 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newyork.counties.columbia/4936.3.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Dorris, Spencer and Betsey Silvernail had only 2 children, which we know from the Biography you posted on the Silvernail board a few years back; also the censuses - Betsey as a widow in 1900 had 2 children/ 2 living - Philip and Abby who married Chas. Roberts. Martin and Lee Silvernail with Philip in 1875 were sons of Albert C. Silvernail & Maryette (or Mary J.). The family was in Ancram in 1860 and 1870. There was also a daughter Clarissa or Clara born about 1855. I can't find the Jennie that was with Philip C. (and Albert) in 1875, but she may be the clue to the parents of Albert. I don't see any Charles in the Copake/ Ancram area between 1840 and 1880 that could be the father of John Albert in 1856. Maybe it's just a coincidence, but there is a Charles Silvernail from Columbia County that died in the Civil War. There are clear records for him, and he is not old enough to be John Albert's father. He enlisted at Claverack in 1862 and died of disease at Savannah Ga in 1865. He was the son of John b. 1809 & Anna M. (Moore in a few family files) of Claverack. John was son of Nicholas b.1780 & Catherine Porter. This John and Anna baptized 7 children 1833-1848 - 6 at St. Thomas Luth. Churchtown, including Charles Stewart b. 28 Oct 1845/bt. 3 May 1846. An abstract of his military record: American Civil War Soldiers: Name: Charles S. Silvernail Enlistment Date: 15 Aug 1862 Enlistment Place: Claverack, New York Side Served: Union State Served: New York Service Record: Enlisted as a Private on 15 August 1862 at the age of 18. Enlisted in Company G, 128th Infantry Regiment New York on 19 Aug 1862. Promoted to Full Corporal on 11 Sep 1863. Promoted to Full Private (Reduced to ranks) on 1 Apr 1865. Died of disease Company G, 128th Infantry Regiment New York on 8 Jul 1865 at Savannah, GA. Film Number: M551 roll 129 It's possible that John Albert either confused the stories he heard as a child or was trying to impress his Confederate neighbors years later in Tennessee with stories about his father in the Civil War. Jim 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.