Ruarks Company of Milton Burch's Battalion of the 14th MSM saw considerable service and action during Marmadukes first raid into Missouri participating in a face off fight with Elliott's Battalion of Scouts at Springfield, Mo. Jan 8, 1863 as well as Quatrill's company attached to Elliott's Bn. In February 1863 the Missouri State Militia was reorganized and the battalion became part of the 8th MSM which saw considerable action in SW Missouri namely around Newtonia and Neosho where Cpt. Ruark and many of his men are buried.