Info from service records, NARA:
1. Filed under ADAM CHRONISTER - Company C, 32nd AR Inf. Three cards: 1) Company muster roll: "J. A. Chronister" for 31 Aug 1862 to 28 Feb 1863. Enlisted 15 June 1862 at Camp Cache by W. P. Anderson for 3 years. Present or absent: Absent, sick. 2) Company muster roll: "A. J. Chronister" for Mar & Apr 1863. Enlisted 15 June 1862 at Camp Cache by W. P. Anderson for 3 years or during the war. Present or absent: Deserted 10 Jan 1863. 3) Company muster roll: "Adam Chronister" for 30 April to 31 Aug 1863, enlisted Camp Cache by Capt Anderson for 3 years or during the war. Present or absent: Deserted 26 Aug at Camp Texas.
2. Filed under J. A. CHROMSTER - Company C, Ford's Battalion, Missouri Cavalry (Confederate). One card: Muster and Descriptive Roll (scan attached): J. A. Chromster, Pvt., appears on a muster and descriptive roll of prisoners of war belonging to the Army of the Northern Sub-District of Arkansas, and surrendered on the 11th day of May, 1865, by Brigadier General M. Jeff. Thompson, C.S.A., commanding said Army, to Major General G. M. Dodge, U.S.A., commanding Department of the Missouri. Paroled at Jacksonport, Arkansas, 5 June 1865. Where enlisted: Jackson. Age: 35 yrs; eyes light; hair dark; complexion light; height 6 feet 0 inches. Where born Mo.
Does it make sense that these two would be the same men? The age is a good fit, J.A. #2 enlisted in Jackson, was born in Missouri, and in this regiment there are several people who seem to be living near James Adam Chronister #1 in Jackson County, Arkansas, including Naramores, who signed J.A. #1's estate administration bond.
From another researcher I rec'd info that James Adam #1 is listed on a "roll of poor and destitute soldiers of Matlock and Gause Regiment" Jackson County ARK. Apparently this roll states that James Adam served 2 years with the Missouri Cavalry, CSA, and died 22 October 1865. I haven't seen the actual record of the "poor and destitute soldiers", and do not know where it was found. Can anyone tell me where to look, and whether it might list more information, perhaps family members?
Also, where are "Camp Cache" (where J.A. #1 enlisted in 1862..... is this a reference to the Cache River?) and "Camp Texas" (where the record states that J.A."deserted in 1863").
I truly appreciate your advice. Many thanks!
Cynthia