Joseph Yates, abt. 1822 - abt. 1864, was my 2nd great grandfather. I have pretty good evidence about him from the 1850 and 1860 census and 1852 marriage record.

In 1850, he was at the Gosport (Norfolk) Navy Yard in Portsmouth, VA on the USS United States.
In 1852, he married Susan Silverthorn in Portsmouth (Norfolk County), VA.
In 1860, he and his family were in Portsmouth, VA.
At both censuses he was listed as a USN Seaman, born in New York, abt. 1822-24.

More lately I have found a number of Navy records which SEEM likely to be my Joseph Yates.

In 1848, there was a Joseph Yates aboard the USS Saratoga.That ship went to Norfolk and was decommissioned. Perhaps Joseph stayed there.
In 1856, there is an Enlistment Rendezvous for a Joseph Yates in Norfolk. It lists him as being from Montgomery, Orange County, New York, born abt. 1822. Physical description gray eyes, black hair, and 5' 10".
In 1858, there is an Enlistment Rendezvous for a Joseph Yates in Boston. It lists him as being from Florida, Orange County, New York, born abt. 1822.
In October,1861, there is an Enlistment Rendezvous for a Joseph Yates in New York. The Gosport/Norfolk Navy Yard was taken by the Confederates in April of 1861. It lists him as being from Montgomery, NY, born abt. 1823. All of the physical descriptions are very much the same.

In 1864, Susan Yates, remarries and is listed as a widow.

Have I got the same Joseph Yates'? What happened to him between 1861-1864. Were he and his wife separated by the war?

Looking around in Florida, New York, I find a John Yates, born about 1820. Brother?

Anyone with thoughts or information?

Thanks. Tom