George , Using what you posted as references I find this---
John Shoptaw in the 1850 United States Federal Census--
Name: John Shoptaw
Gender: Male
Age: 20
Birth Year: abt 1830
Birthplace: Kentucky
Home in 1850: Pope, Arkansas, USA
Line Number: 7
Dwelling Number: 415
Family Number: 415
Household Members Age
James Shoptaw
56
Catherine Shoptaw
43
Sophia Shoptaw
21
John Shoptaw 20
Ellendor Shoptaw
19
Alpheus Ralph
16
Mathew Ralph
14
Sarah C Ralph
12
Lucinda Ralph
10
William Ralph
8
Richard Ralph
6
Which leads me to this -----
John Shoptaw in the U.S., Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934
Name: John Shoptaw
Gender: Male
Unit: D. 15. Ky. Infantry
Relation to Head: Soldier
Spouse:
Elizabeth Shoptaw
Roll number: 428
Looking at his CSR in Fold3, I believe it says "killed at Chaplin Hills Oct 8, 1862". Another card states KIA at Perryville. Please check me out for accuracy.
Other than this man I am looking at a brick wall.
Thanks GP