I was born in 1939, my father was born in 1886, my paternal grandfather was born in 1840. and he fought for the Confederacy.
This seems so odd to me, only two generations removed from that sad war.
My wife’s “grandfather” was born before the Civil War in NC. That is amazing to me. He outlived 3 wives.
Former President John Tyler’s (1790-1862) grandchildren still alive
By Eric Pfeiffer, Yahoo! News
Jan 25, 2012Former President John Tyler, born 221 years ago, still has two living grandchildren. The one-term president isn't a well-known historical figure; he's probably best remembered for helping to push through the annexation of Texas in 1845, shortly before leaving office.
So, how is it possible that a former president who died 150 years ago would still have direct descendents alive today? As it turns out, the Tyler men were known for fathering children late in life. And that math is pretty outstanding when added up:
John Tyler was born in 1790. He became the 10th president of the United States in 1841 after William Henry Harrison died in office. Tyler fathered Lyon Gardiner Tyler in 1853, at age 63. Then, at the age of 71, Lyon Gardiner Tyler fathered Lyon Gardiner Tyler Jr. in 1924 and four years later at age 75, Harrison Ruffin Tyler. Both men are still alive today.
That means just three generations of the Tyler family are spread out over more than 200 years. President Tyler was also a prolific father, having 15 children (8 boys and 7 girls) with two wives.
How many people alive can say "My Grandfather was born in the 18th Century!"?
I have a cousin born in 1931 that is the seventh son of the seventh son. His great grandfather (my ggg grandfather) was born in 1794.