I had the same experence with a friend of mine whose father was always referred to as "General Knox". I did some geneology work for him and found out that "General Knox" had been an Ordance Sargeant in the 1st Mississippi Cavalry under General Forrest during the War. It seemed that Ordance Sargeant Knox accidently shot his own toe off at some point during the War. But remained in service until the end.

Ordance Sargeant Knox obtained the Title "General" as Arkansas Division commander of the United Confederate Veterans.