Strategy: Local Militia RollsBy Dale E. Lee and AI2025.05.28 Local Militia Rolls One underutilized genealogical resource is local militia rolls. Before the establishment of standing armies, many men served in local militias, and these records can reveal not only personal details but also connections to others within their communities. What Are Local Militia Rolls? Local militia rolls were rosters of men eligible or required to serve in community-based military organizations. Unlike regular army enlistments, militia service was typically part-time and often compulsory for able-bodied men of certain age groups. These militias were responsible for local defense, law enforcement, and emergency […]
