Thanks for checking, that's good to know, but I've found what I needed. He was born in 1838.
The Service card said 26 (b. ca 1835-36)
The census says 21 (b. ca. 1838-1839)
He said 1842 in his confession.
One note: He apparently had a sense of humor. He said "My parents are French."
His mother's maiden name was Almira French.
Jim