John,

Col. Mitchell was recruiting the 8th Mo infantry, CSA at Thomasville, Mo., Camp Holmes in August, 1862 for about a month before the feds in Rolla and Pilot Knob sent forces to break up the operation. In that timeframe many men found their way south to join.

In the roster for the 8th I found William Champ Smith and Thomas Elijah Smith, Cpl., co. A--John Smith, Co. C--Smith, J., Co. D and Smith, William Co. D, 1st. Lt--Smith, John B., Co. F, 1st. Lt and Smith, Thomas K. Co. F, Cpl--Smith John, Co. G--Smith, William, Co. H--Smith, William H, Co. K. Maybe some of the initials will help.

I think you can google the diary of Capt Ethan Pinnell of the 8th.