I just received an answer from Bobby Horton. It reads as follows:

Dear Dennis,

I do not know who Abner was. He may have been a citizen of Baldwyn, MS or a soldier who was not on duty when the Yanks came upon the rear (of Gen. Forrest's forces). You have posed an excellent question!

Kindest Regards,
Bobby

Now, how's that for a quick response from a man of Bobby Horton's stature?