Slowly, but surely, these guys are coming into focus. Like Jim Morris said, they seem to be a fairly loose coalition of homegrown talent and imports from various commands. I couldn't find either of the Deems in the Phelps or Pulaski County census.

Elizabeth, I can send you some more information, but it's copywrited, so I can't post it on this site. Email me at Mike@christeson.com. If you can get ahold of the "Bushwhacker" book, it's pretty interesting. I had it on loan and am trying to get another copy. Another good book for the war in that part of SW Missouri is "The Tilley Treasure," by James King. Pinell's diary, "Serving with Honor," edited by Michael Banasik, would give you a good idea of what William P. experienced while with the 8th Infantry. Your family story may come from the fact that Quantrill was at Cane Hill, Arkansas with Shelby's cavalry, while Pinell's men were there. I think they guarded Shelby's retreat after a skirmish that was a preliminary to the battle of Prairie Grove. A couple of questions ... Who did your g-g-g grandfather serve with and are Henry Mitchell, or Anthony Mitchell of Pulaski County related to your family?

Mike