I may have finally solved at least some of the puzzle re the 17th Arkansas Infantry at Elkhorn Tavern/Pea Ridge as documented in pages 287-288 of Mamie Yeary's book (1912) "Reminiscences of the Boys In Gray, 1861-1865".
Here a short sketch by "E.R. Griffith, Moro, Taylor County, Texas" states "I was near Gen. McCulloch when he was killed at Elkhorn, and had a comrade killed by my side by the name of Joe Meyers. This made a lasting impression on my mind as his father was opposed to his going to the army."
"E.R. Griffith" was actually Pvt. Ellis Ringold "Major" Griffith, Co. B, 17th Arkansas Infantry and also the youngest brother of then Lt. Col. John Griffith as documented in my earlier posting on March 7, 2012.
see: http://history-sites.com/cgi-bin/bbs53x/arcwmb/webbbs_config.pl?read=25819
I recently rediscovered the following info on the ARKANSAS Edward G. Gerdes Civil War Home Page re a certain "H.H. Mayers" who served in Co. B, 17th Arkansas Infantry; this soldier was apparently killed at Elkhorn Tavern on Mar. 8, 1862 (see below).
at: http://www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/17thcob.html
COMPANY B
17TH (GRIFFITH'S) ARKANSAS INFANTRY REGIMENT
CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA
"MAYERS, H.H. Pvt Enl 20 Oct 1861 at Ft Smith, AR. Killed at Elkhorn, AR 8 Mar 1862."
Does anyone out there have any additional info re this Pvt. H.H. Mayers; Bryan, was denkst du?????
Pvt. H.H. Mayers certainly seems to be a good candidate for Ellis R. Griffith's "Joe Meyers" even though the names don't match up precisely. The documented fact that Ellis and H.H. Mayers were in the same Co. B of the 17th Arkansas Infantry most definitely supports this hypothesis.
This entry by "E.R. Griffith" in ROTBIG (M. Yeary, 1912) is very interesting. Apparently submitted by Ellis Ringold “Major” Griffith (or perhaps one of his relatives?) sometime before he died in 1920, it has some major errors; notably the claim that he fought in Corinth, Iuka, Tupelo, Port Hudson, etc. and was surrendered to Gen. Canby. His older brother Lt. Col./Col. John Griffith did indeed fight in these battles (not yet sure about Tupelo MS), and was indeed surrendered to Union Gen. Canby in 1865.
The compiled service records for Ellis Ringold “Major”/”Bud” Griffith only indicate his short service in the 17th Arkansas Infantry, and also that he was only present at Elkhorn Tavern on March 7 & 8, 1862.
thanks y'all,
y.v.o.s.,
Kenneth Byrd