That is correct, it is a family story; although, there is the piece of bark and note written by Joseph H. Massey that was found in his home in his desk some 40 yrs. after his death, when his youngest son died in the 1970's. On the muster rolls of Thornston's Company, Caroline Light Artillery, for John T. Massey, (older half brother of Joseph H. Massey) he is listed as absent-furlough on the last roll taken on Feb. 28, 1865 which is about the time that the family story says John T. took his run away little brother home and Joseph H. went to live with his Garrett cousins. John T. returned to his post with the Artillery and was paroled April 28, 1865 in Ashland, VA.

Before anyone in the family had found proof that John T. Massey was a CSA vet., the story was a family legend. Who knows...It is a fun story to tell and speculate about and I know that Fanny Garrett and Lucinda were Holloway sisters and cousins of Joseph H. Massey's mother, Elizabeth Holloway. So...a lot of cross connections, but I would not claim or publish it as a proven fact.

Dr. Robert Massey
El Mirage, AZ