Hi Jim -
thanks for your posting!!!!
I noticed in your book that the 2nd MO Cav. was not in SW Missouri during Jan. 1863, but I had not considered the possiblity that Wm. F. Simmons might have been recruiting, etc. in the area and joined the raid.
I need to get his CSR fersure to see what's what, etc.
I found two possible candidates for Wm. F. Simmons, Co. C, 2nd MO Cav. listed in the 1860 censuses for Missouri and Arkansas:
W.F. Simmons, Farmer, 27 years, POB Tennessee in Blue Twsp., Jackson Co. MO, Big Cedar P.O.
W.F. Simmons, Physician, 40 years, POB Georgia in Red River Twsp., Sevier Co. AR, Richmond P.O.
I would think the 27 year old one in Jackson Co. MO is the better bet, but.....???
One other possility crossed my mind: the Wm. Frances Simmons who died on Jan. 8, 1863 might have been an infant who was not listed in the 1860 census? More research needed.....
thanks again,
Ken