Hello.
It would be my opinion that he was probably speaking of Reconstruction. He may have mixed some stories from his childhood with the memories and oral histories of his parents.
I would suggest that you nail down some dates and places that the family lived as well as read some about the area during that time period.
Your state capitol surely has a place that historical things such as newspapers of the times have been preserved for the purpose of research. If you do this, you may find yourself as the most noted authority on Lafayette County just after the Civil War.
My own kin were in Arkansas and nearly starved to death during that time period following the Civil War. Some were broken by the war emotionally and simply never recovered from the tragic losses of their loved ones during the war.
Good luck with your search!