Several thoughts come to mind: perhaps he had a stroke; became alcoholic, dementia, any number of things could have happened, but I know that people were considered insane back then for things that we = now wouldn't think much of. - - - - - - - - - - - - Those many who contracted dysentary during the Civil War and who never got over it often suffered from a prolonged mineral imbalance which made them appear to be mad and they were treated accordingly. I have read this in Civil War pension claim files. Today, it would be a simple case of replacing lost electolytes. To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html