As it turns out, we have three ancestors that participated in the Civil War.  Reuben, James, and John were all privates for the Confederate side.  Reuben and John were in Co. H - GA 26th Regiment Volunteer Infantry and Co. K - GA 26th Infantry Regiment, both lead by Col. E.M. Atkinson and Lt. Col. James S. Blain.  James was in Co. G - GA 47th Regiment.

Wilds, Reuben

26^th Regiment Volunteer Infantry

H

Wildes, Reuben

26^th Infantry Regiment

K

Wilds, Reuben

26^th Infantry Regiment

K

Wilds, John

26^th Regiment Volunteer Infantry

H

Wilds, John

26^th Infantry Regiment

K

Wilds, James

47^th Infantry

G

Wiles, James

47^th Infantry

G

Note the way their last names are spelled!  This supports findings that the only reason Reuben's last name ended up without the "e."  Although it's interesting that on one record he actually has it!  Imagine if John's spelling had "stuck!"  That would have made a big difference in many descendants' lives!  Of course the spellings for James turned out to be a little different as well.  Therefore, it seems the initial spelling of the family name was WILDES.

If you'd like to learn more about what their particular units did during the Civil War, then CLICK HERE for more information.