Mortimer Smith Goodrich: CT to IN via Mexican War

Anyone know anything about Mortimer Smith Goodrich aka Charles Clifton? The first solid evidence of him is his Mexican War pension record and we have solid evidence of him from that date (1 July 1847) forward. However, his pension record says that he served in the Mexican War under the name Charles Clifton. No reason for that is given. His dates of birth vary between 15 July 1804 (1880 Census, funeral notice) and 15 July 1814 (Army Oath of Enlistment, 1850 Census, 1860 Census, 1870 Census, 1880 Pension Application). He was allegedly born in Fair Haven, CT -- or somewhere in CT.

I've found an 1820 New Haven Probate District record of a bond posted by Philip S. Galpin who was appointed guardian to a 16-year old Mortimer S. Goodrich.

There is a Mortimer S Goodrich in the 1830 Census in Thompson, Sullivan Co, NY age 20-30, and living with 2 females, both ages 15-20.

1 July 1847 Charles Clifton enlists in the U.S. Army in NYC (On 5 May 1880 he attests that he is the same person who served under the name Charles Clifton and his claim is accepted by the U.S. Govt).

2 Dec 1847 He was discharged due to disability in Vera Cruz, Mexico and started moving east and north with short stops in New Orleans & Vicksburg, Mississippi before settling in Dearborn County, Indiana.

2 May 1848 Charles Clifton was granted a Land Warrant which was transferred to someone else in 1850. The land was in New Orleans.

28 Feb 1849 Mortimer Smith Goodrich marries Harriet Cathernine Knowles in Aurora, Dearborn County, Indiana. They have a boatload of kids, most of whom die quite young of tuberculosis. They appear in the 1850, 1860, 1870 & 1880 census records. The census records all note his birthplace as CT.

18 Dec 1887 Mortimer dies and is buried in Wilmington, Dearborn County, Indiana.

Family lore had it that he came to this country from France to avoid military service in France. I doubt that story, especially since my grandmother who told us the story seemed to know nothing of his military service here or of his other name.

Had an Ancestors Seeker resercher tackle him & she came up empty on both names. My gut tells me that MSG was his real name, but who knows?

Anyone out there have a MSG in your family lines? Grateful for any help! Thanks!

Martha Watson