There is a William Adams listed as a Capt, (no company designation) in Freeman's Regiment Missouri Cavalry CSA. ( http://www.missouridivision-scv.org/mounits/freemancav.htm ) This unit was organized by Thomas Roe Freeman. Apparently it formed up on the Missouri-Arkansas border in mid 1863 and operated independently as an irregular unit until JO Shelby took it under his wing in April 1864. Based primarily in and around Mammoth Springs Arkansas it made a number of trips into south central Missouri in the fall of 1863. see J McGhee's "Guide to Missouri Confederate Units..." This would certainly fit time and location for your Adams family. To confirm there is a pension ap and approval from the state of Missouri #761647 as an invalid and a widows pension application under Sarah E Adams filed with Arkansas and approved #712490.

There is also a letter from a Major JB Kaiser, Waynesville Missouri " forwarding names of Pulaski and Texas County residents who have been aiding and harboring bushwhackers. Kaiser names B. Adams et al and provides information about the disloyal allegations against him" in the Provost Marshall files. Names listed are Adams, B.; Corgan, John; Scott, Mrs. [?]; Tippet, Mrs. [?]; Ryden, Mrs. [?]; Vinson, Mrs. [?]; Mosgrove, Carroll; Hix, Philing; Hix, George; King, Hiram; Lemons, John; Wilson, Nancy; Wilson, John; Carmack, Jessie; Tompson, [?]; Warthen, Mrs. [?] etal

Thus I would make the logical supposition that Benoni given his age was not an actual combatant but part of an active network of insurgent supporters, if not the leader, and his sons were associated with Freeman's Regiment. The Feds at Houston clearly were aware of Freeman and actively sought to suppress his activities.

FWIW

John R.