The July 13, 1861 14th Brigade T.S.T. muster rolls indicate that Issac (age 21), Joseph (age 24) and John Neff (age 23) enlisted on July 6, 1861 in Capt. John W. Noah's Militia Company, Precinct #2, Fannin County, 14th Brigade, Texas State Troops.

When the brigades of T.S.T. were called into regular Confederate service, the Neffs enlisted in Col. J.G. Steven's 22nd Texas Cavalry.