Don't write off the family lore too quickly!

His muster card July 1863 lists him as Sgt. Company H 33rd MO Infantry

"Sept 1862, absent at St Joseph on recruiting services, July 1863 lost July 4.63 Helena, Killed in action."

see: https://www.fold3.com/image/238243430

He was a 35 y/o wagon maker native of Pennsylvania per his enlistment certificate when enlisted for 3 years in August 1862 in St. Joseph. His death was certified by a Capt. Rose

This would indicate that he was performing general recruiting services just like recruiters do today, not to raise his own unit for commission.

JJR