in Bruce Nichols' book, "The Civil War in Johnson County", Bruce mentions a Thomas W. Houts, who in 1861 "help lead the attempt to lynch the McCowns", then created the "Red Shirt Company", and was eventually appointed captain in the Seventh Missouri Cavalry; Mr. Houts evidently was at some point before the end of the war, promoted to Major.

However, I find this entry in the Congressional Record:

Feb 21 1891 Chap. 259 An Act For The Relief Of Thomas W. Houts

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. That the President be, and he is hereby authorized to remit the unexecuted portion of the sentence of court-martial in the case of Thomas W. Houts, late major Seventh Cavalry Missouri State Militia, and to cause said Thomas W. Houts to be honorably mustered out of the volunteer service of the United States, as of the date of said sentence of said court-martial: Provided that the said Thomas W. Houts shall not in consequence of the passage of this act be entitled to have or receive back pay or allowance. Approved, February 21, 1891.

Can anyone tell me for what crime Major Houts was Court-Martialed, and other details?