Civil War veteran enlisted age 60

Question

Hi Wikitreers,

It appears this veteran Isaac B. Farrer aka “Farrar” enlisted July 21, 1862. The strangest thing about this is his birth year is 1802. This places age at enlistment at 60 not 45. Isaac was discharged for disability, December 12, 1862. 

I do believe based on the sources it’s the right veteran his bio shows in fold3 as having “gray hair”

What is missing? 

Any insight is appreciated 

Thank you 

Update: Confirmed per his obit he was over 60 years of age when he enlisted  

Answer 1

Andrew,

This does not surprise me.

I believe he is around 60.  That fits with his wife's age. So his is probably around 60 at enlistment.  I assume you have checked to make sure that the soldier was not a cousin or nephew with the same name (and from the same area). That does happen. If you have eliminated those possibilities, then we are left with the conclusion that he was about 60 years old.

If he looked healthy enough to serve, they no doubt took him without questioning his age. The Union was hard pressed for soldiers. They would not turn down an able bodied man who wanted to serve.

I have come across several Privates who were in their 50s. But, this is the first I have seen a 60 something Private.

I had an instance of a man well into his 50s who served as a Private (in combat unit). He survived the War. However, he had a couple sons who were died in the War. It was a very different time.

Answer 2

He could have been in a non-combat role, such as quartermaster. It was not uncommon for older individuals to serve in support roles, such as quartermasters. The role of a quartermaster was crucial, as they were responsible for supplying troops with everything they needed, from food and clothing to equipment and transportation.

I have encountered a few instants where someone of that age joined, and was discharged for being physically unfit for service. So it would be possible for someone to join, as long as they could perform the duties.