George Washington Pryor was a member of the 51st Regiment Arkansas Militia when the war started. The militia mustered for its annual inspection and drill for two weeks in March 1862, but played no part in the war.
Pryor later enlisted in Co. C, 35th Arkansas Infantry, at Fort Smith, Arkansas, on June 19, 1862, for three years or the war. He deserted on the retreat from Little Rock on September 10, 1863, but returned from desertion on August 5, 1864, and served to the end of the war. His name was spelled "Prior" on the rolls of the 35th Arkansas.
The descriptive roll of the regiment on the day he was mustered into service (June 19, 1862), described him as a farmer, age 26, born in Marion County, Tennessee, eyes gray, hair light, complexion light, height 6'0".