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Archiver > Scotch-Irish > 1999-02 > 0919578740


From: "Bill Johnston" <>
Subject: Military History
Date: Sat, 20 Feb 1999 23:32:20 -0700


I have thought of something that might be a good genealogical area of
research. Has anyone looked into this:

In many countries during the last century and earlier it was possible for a
person joining the army to have some choice into which regiment to enlist.
I was wondering if in Ireland and Scotland if members of the same families
or clans tended to join the same regiments. For instance, would a Ross join
something like the Black Watch Regiment because 15 cousins were in that
outfit? Would a Merle join the Royal Irish Fusiliers because he had three
brothers already belonging?

If this was the case, researching military records and muster rolls might
turn up a lot of relatives in one small area, so to speak.

Has anyone researched this area? Does anyone know of any books that might
deal with this subject and hopefully contain name lists?

Bill Johnston

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