I checked the 1850 county census and if what you say is true then the family breaks down as Father Allen 53, Farmer b SC, Irena 37 b SC, Joseph N 19 Ga.,M Malissa 18 Ga, Malenda 17 Ga, Thomas 12 Ga,Frances 11 Ga,William 10 Ga,Benjamin 5 Ga. Looking at the records of the 35th Ga. Co F Thomas W ,Joseph N ,and William J all enlisted on the same day Sept 21 1861. Since they appear on the census together and enlisted together you have you answer.