Thomas J Stowers

In the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Baxter, Tn. is a grave with the following inscription.Thomas J. Stowers Dec.3 1848July 25 1933 Enlisted Sep. 3 1864 Private Co. D 199 Regiment Served in the Seventh Cavalry after the Civil War. Was sole survivor of General Custe'rs massacre June 25, 1876. According to the story Thomas was extremely intoxicated and had been placed in a wagon which overturned during the battle and saved his life. Any truth to this story or is it just an old soldiers claim to fame ?