The St. Louis Greys were the oldest militia organization in the city, formed in 1832. As part of the Missouri Volunteer Militia they were captured in the Camp Jackson affair in 1861. After parole many of the members then enlisted in Confederate service, forming Company D of the 1st Missouri Infantry, organized by Col. John S. Bowen in Memphis, TN. Joseph Boyce served in the company as an officer until the end of the war.