Company was organized under state laws and did not operate under Confederate command. Members included men who had been discharged from Confederate service or ineligible for Confederate service due to lawful exemption (over or under age, exempt due to holding a state or county civil office, or exempt by means of having a substitute in Confederate service &c).

As the country became more lawless and fewer able-bodied men available at home, the need for state companies like this one increased. In some instances deserters formed armed bands and came across the line from Florida to attack isolated farms. As the war dragged on many women had to manage farms alone because husbands and sons were 1) away in the army, or 2) lost their lives in service, or 3) disabled by wounds or illness. These farms were fairly common and often the most vulnerable to raids.

State militia companies were expected to locate deserters and men avoiding conscription, arrest and deliver them to the nearest Confederate camp (Pollard or Greenville). Some men would rather fight than enter Confederate service. Plenty to be concerned about at home in a very dangerous time.