I think he possibly could be talking about this "John Wesley Parker" on this website listed below for part of this..Perhaps, may help..

I find two Eli Willson's on the 1850 Osage Co, MO (Benton) Eli Wilson born age 35 PA, wife Stacama (Unsure of name) age 30, OH & son Eli age 3, MO among the children & 1860 Maries Co, MO (Boone) Eli Willson age 46, PA, wife Rachel 41, MO & son Eli 14, MO among the children..
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https://people.creighton.edu/~shu02225/genealogy/parker/Ch03.htm#John

EXCERPT (scroll down):

On November 6, 1863, John (at that time known as Wesley) and a friend of his were killed by bushwhackers along Dry Creek in Maries County, Missouri.
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Gay