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About This Listing
In the 1860's The State of California Political Code stated “every able-bodied male inhabitant of this State, except Mongolians and Indians, between the ages of eighteen
and forty-five years, not exempt by law, is subject to military duty. But no alien is
obliged to serve or bear arms against the State to which his allegiance is due.”
Exemptions from service were granted to the following: Ministers of religion: civil and
military officers of the United States, officers of foreign governments, civil ‘Officers of the
State of California; all persons exempted from military duty by the laws of the‘United
States.
The Assessor of each county was charged with the duty of enrolling all the inhabitants
thereof subject to military duty. This duty was to be carried out at the same time the
Assessor prepared his tax rolls. In Nevada County, for the years 1866 and 1867, the
Assessor added a column to his tax ledgers which was titled “Members of the Militia.”
It is from this column that the following listing of the Nevada County Militia was compiled.
The Assessor of each county was paid compensation for this duty at the rate of $5 per
one hundred names of enrolled persons.
A Word of Warning!
When using this listing, be sure to check all possible spellings of the name you seek.
lt has become obvious, while working on this project, that one or all of the following circumstances may have affected the accuracy of the listings. Use this listing as an index
and check the original Assessor’s books to verify your information.
1. Spelling ability of the collector
2. Spelling ability of the members of the militia
3. Ability to read the handwriting of the collector
4. Sources of information and their ability to spell the names iisted
5. A Gradual standardization of name spelling appears to fave taken
place with the increasing education of the population
It is unknown how the Assessor collected his information. Did he actually interview
each member of the militia or did he accept information from friends, neighbors or relatives?
Good luck with your searches,
Pat Chesnut