In this case family history is correct. If parts of it remind you of the novel "Cold Mountain", just remind yourself that "Cold Mountain" is based on historical characters in a particular time and place.

Companies like John C. Brown's cavalry organized for the specific purpose of serving the Confederate Conscript Bureau. In the period between late 1863 and early 1864, at least two dozen such companies roamed the Alabama countryside. By early 1864 2nd Class Militia companies began to organize and took their places. Most companies like Brown's eventually found their way into a regular command, but several like his remained independent until the war's end.