I have found much info on Capt W.H. Shannon after his enlistment at Evansville, July 4, 1862, but nothing prior to that date. I'm wondering if he was in the Arkansas State Troops/militia prior to July 1862. (Gratiot's?)

William's younger brother, John L. Shannon, was a sergeant in his company but deserted at Cane Hill, Dec. 1, 1862, and joined the 3rd Indian Home Guard (US) and served as commissary sergeant. William's older brother, also in his company, was apparently murdered, August 1, 1864, and is buried in his wife's family's cemetery -- Edmiston Cemetery, Washington County AR.

Bryan's Battalion had a large number of men from Northwest AR -- maybe most of the battalion. Cooper assigned them to scout the line up to Evansville in Nov. 1862 and Hindman attached them to Marmaduke for picket duty during the Prairie Grove campaign. Even after becoming part of the 2nd Cherokee Mtd Vols (Feb 1863), it appears the companies were frequently detached to perform scouting duties along the border.