Hi Rick,

Thank you so much for responding & supplying the web site addresses. I did try the 1st one before placing a post on this site. There were so many Ben/Benjamin Smith(s). With checking into the different units/companies etc, I kind of narrowed it down some, but still have no solid leads. I will check the 2nd on out as soon as I finish this post.

The two family members that gave me the information of Ben being in the Civil War didn't even know each other. Ben's widow, Nancy lived until about 1907 & if anyone would have know what happened to him, she would have. The info had to have come from her originally, since all of the children were pretty little when he died.

In any case, I myself have wondered if he was already dead, since he wasn't on the 1860 census. But, neither was his brother Jas V. That's when I decided to try to find military records on them both thinking that they may have left home to join up with other family members elsewhere that were enlisting. But, the big question is "Where"? At present, I'm just trying the process of elimination, so to speak.

His grave has not been found & I don't have a death date for him. That in itself would have made this easier. I really would like to know what happened to him, if possible. If he fought in the Civil War, then he should be recognized for his service. If you have any more ideas or suggestions, I'm definately open to them.

Thanks again,

Vickie