Shelby, just a quick response (will send more later)- I went over to rootsweb, for a search of some of the Alexander families in Jones county, and did run into the same entry that you located. That person (who is working that family) was kind enough to give details on his work, and comments about the brother George, who is with the family in 1870. Per that file... I "clicked back" to the father of that William (wife Elizabeth). He shows that the father was another William, who died in Jones co in 1879; that there is a family Bible with the names, AND the brother George that you see, was in fact a George W., who married and remained in Georgia. He was also thorough enough to include 1860 for this family... sure enough, the census at that time includes GEORGE W., who is age 10. I use the files at rootsweb often, knowing that many of them are not backed up by good work. This file (in my opinion) is one of the better ones, where the submitter makes sure to explain his sources and conclusions. And it would seem that Jones County George is definitely NOT your man. Sorry on that. For the rest (had to go back and review your earlier postings)... You mention Civil war, but I don't see George in an index for CW pensions in Texas. The index is clear to caution that it does NOT mean someone did not serve in the War, just there is no record of a pension. Interesting comment about the button- my inclination is that he certainly could have served, but the jacket might have been one he picked up along the way, maybe from someone who had been killed. Those were HARD times. I worked one family in Miss, and in 1870, 3 of the brothers had died, and the kids from a 4th brother were scattered in several different homes. You are fortunate about what was preserved. I don't think you should discount what is said. The mention of step mother makes me think that mom #1 died young, dad remarried and wife 2 also died young, and dad himself is possibly dead. Really a challenge, but not impossible. Your George would be about 10 in 1860 and that is pre war. So still very possible to pin him down then.