The Mississippi in the Civil War Message Board

John Henry Willis-confederate shoemaker?

Hello all,
I have a great grandfather, John Henry Willis, who was born around 1827 in Ireland, moved to Alabama then around Newton,MS. According to family stories that have been passed down, he was a shoe cobbler for the Confederate army. The only source I can find that may back up the claim is an 1870 census stating he was a shoe maker. Would there be any resources that may aid me in my search?