I have recently researched Benjamin F. Bickerstaff's history. His parents are buried at Gray Rock Cemetery, Franklin County, TX . Ben enlisted in the Gray Rock Grays which later became Company I 11th TX Cav. He was wounded at the Battle of Stones Mountain, Murfreesboro, Tn and captured near Sevierville, Tn January 29, 1864.He was received at Rock Island Barracks as a POW on 18 February, 1864. He was transferred to New Orleans for exchange and was there at the end of the war. It was on his trip from New Orleans back to Titus County, TX that the killed a Freedman in Louisiana and became a hunted man. Upon returning to his home, he became wanted by the U.S. Government when he captured a 15 wagon Government Wagon Train and robbed and burned the wagons. A $1000.00 bounty was placed on him. He was also involved in terror activities towards Freedmen and some Union Supporters, among others, in the Northeast Texas area. Claims were that his "gang" of about 20 ruffians ( several served with him in Co.I 11th TX Cav) combined with Cullen Baker's Gang and Bob Lee's Gang when necessary against the Reconstruction Union Troops. When things became too heated in Hopkins/Titus Counties, he went undercover and moved to the Alvarado area. He took the name of Tompson/Thompson and died there with your ancestor Joe Thompson in the same gun battle. Pictures of their bodies were taken, but as far as is know, none have surfaced. There are Bickerstaff descendants in these counties still today.