The records which record service for most Confederate soldiers are taken from the bi-monthly musters held for pay purposes. These records contain very brief information, essentially place of enlistment, transfers, promotions, death, capture, desertion, etc.

In Williams case, we know he enlisted at Marion, Perry County and was last recorded present on the April 30, 1862 muster roll. The next surviving bi-monthly muster roll in the records for Company A is that for the period Jan/Feb, 1863 in which his presence is not recorded. This would mean, he would have been dropped from the rolls for some reason on one of the four intervening muster rolls.

As to the report of his death due to lightening, this was derived from some unknown source and could well have been a clerical error. We have no way of knowing due to the lack of records.

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Captains and counties from which the companies came:

Co. "A", Perry County: W. Lavelle Butler (promoted); James H. Graham (wounded, Chickamauga); John F. Wilson (wounded, Franklin)
http://ehistory.osu.edu/uscw/features/regimental/alabama/confederate/28al.cfm

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On June 27th, [1863] , at daybreak, the Army of Tennessee evacuated Shelbyville and moved toward Tullahoma, Tennessee. In anticipation that the enemy might cut their line of supply from Chattanooga, the army moved swiftly, sometimes marching over night. They reached Chattanooga on July 6th, a permanent camp was established and camp duties once again resumed.

On August 20th, the 28th Alabama move with their division, crossing Lookout Mountain and continuing several miles west up the Waukatchie Valley. They retained this position until the evening of August 23rd, at which time they re-crossed Lookout Mountain and moved to within three miles of Chattanooga. On August 30th the division marched east of Chattanooga to Chickamauga Creek. The position which they retained was located across the creek from the enemy.
http://americancivilwar.50megs.com/28thAlabama01.html

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Samuel Owens

Residence was not listed; 30 years old.
Enlisted on 1/24/1862 at Marion, AL as a Private.
On 1/24/1862 he mustered into "A" Co. AL 28th Infantry
He was Accidentally killed on 8/3/1862
(Killed by lightning)

Also in Company A were:

Private Robert A. Owens & a Lewis G. Owen, 1st Sergeant
These men could have been kin

Sources used by Historical Data Systems, Inc.:
- Index to Compiled Confederate Military Service Records
- Those Gallant Men of 28th Alabama

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Samuel Owen, age 30, Private, Captain Butler's Company, Frazer's Regiment Alabama Volunteers,* enlisted January 24, 1862 in Marion Perry County, Ala. by Lt. John O. Reid for 3 years or the war, killed August 3, 1863 by lightening,** no further records

* This company subsequently became Company A, 28th Regiment Alabama Infantry

** Name appears on a register of deaths which appears to have been compiled in the Adjutant and Inspector General's Office from returns furnished by Hospitals and by Regimental and Company Officers

M311: Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Alabama