I've been toying with this idea, but I don't want to go down another blind alley in this road. What would you do?

In my research I have found that the men in my grandfather's generation served in the military if only for 1 year. I requested copy of records--but you know 'The great fire destroyed all". Seems like the story I get when I am looking for any really important records.

Now I really believe without any evidence to back it that my grgrandfather's brother's may have served in the Civil War. They were born in Alabama dates starting ADAMS- Alfred 1853, Doc 1854,.

Their father Dan ADAMS was born abt 1828 Ala. In 1870 I found their names on the census in Monroe Ms. Possible ADAMS syblings of Dan could be, Adams-Abraham 1822, Henry 1834, Jackson 1839, Moses 1825. Now not being of a military mind, I can't seem to get into figuring out who may or could have served and if there are some pension records available.

I would like to get at least 1 sure record but I tell you reading stuff about slaves who lived in one state but enlisted or was enlisted in place of their slaveholders, just confuses me.

I see 1st and last names of ADAMS that are on my charts, but they are all so common EVERYWHERE. What should I do, who's should I order? What other research should I do before spending another dime.

I need some positive hit's. I'm not just beginning my search for ancestors, but just getting into researching any 'white' name I have found on the great uncles indentured records, and land that Daniel and his wife Mary Francis owned in the 1890's.

I am trying to find out who the last slaveholder could have been.