This article will show how to research conscripts/draftees in the 1800s in the military rolls. The following example presents how to search for a draftee in the conscript rolls (stamrulla) using his enrollment number which is normally found in the parish records (The Household Examination Rolls - "Husförhörslängd").The image to the right shows three conscripts wearing infantry uniform m/1886 and cap m/1865-1899. The image is shown with consent of Shirley Koelling, USA.
Universal Conscription System - Beväringen
The Swedish Government passed an act in Parliament in 1812 for the establishment of a universal conscription system called Beväringen or Beväringsinrättningen. The new conscription service was to be universal which meant that all able-bodied men fit for military service had to undergo a minimum military training in the armed forces. The hiring of substitutes was allowed, i.e. to pay someone to do the service in his place. In 1860 the possibility of hiring substitutes was replaced with a right to redeem conscription. This right was abolished in 1872 and from then everyone called up had to fulfill military service.The conscripts only had to do 12 days of service per year. However, the service time for conscripts was increased to 30 days (divided into two years) after the Crimean War (1853 - 1856) in the parliament meetings 1856-1858. The first conscripts were called-up for service in Beväringen in the spring of 1813.Beväringen was to be a complement and reinforcement to the regular professional army.The conscripts were military trained in a regiment in the region where they were enrolled. In the beginning only allotted regiments trained conscripts but from 1849 also enlisted regiments trained conscripts. In areas where there were no garrisoned regiments the conscripts were trained at special Beväring battalions (beväringsbataljoner). After 1885, each conscript was assigned a unique enrollment number (inskrivningsnummer).
The Parish Records - Husförhörslängd, HFL
When doing genealogy research, it's likely you will eventually find your male ancestors conscript enrollment number in the parish records (husförhörslängd, HFL). If you have found a man's enrollment number, it means that he had been registered (mustered) for military service/training. The muster/registration was done the year a young man reached the age of 21. Normally a draftee was called up into the military training the same year he was mustered/enrolled.In the following example we will search for conscript (draftee) Johan David Karlsson in the military rolls. We have found Karlsson in Ulfsberg, Gammalkil parish record, Östergötland (E). Karlsson was born on 1872-05-18.Source: Gammalkil AI:30 (1891-1895) Image 226 / page 213 .The parish record (HFL) lists Karlsson with his military enrollment number: 12 57/1893. See below:
Tutorial 11a: How to Research Conscripts, 1800s,
Sweden
Above, extract from Gammalkil parish book, husförhörslängd Gammalkil AI:30 (1891-1895) Image 226 / page 213 (AID: v25505.b226.s213, NAD: SE/VALA/00095).The above image shows Karl Fredrik Petersson and his family including the children. His son Johan David, born 1872, is listed on line 4.In 1893 Johan David, then 21 years old, was called up for conscript registration in the Beväringen.
Above, Inskr. No 12 57/93. "Inskr. No" is short for "Inskrivningsnummer" = enrollment number.
What was a Muster of Conscripts? (Mönstringar)
Every young man was required to register to be drafted for military service/training. The draftee muster/registration was carried out the year the young men reached the age of 21. They were that year called-up for registration in the "Beväringen" and entered into the enrollment roll (inskrivningslängd). The "Inskrivningslängd" was prior to 1886 called "Beväringsmönsterrulla". The muster was an examination of the potential draftee's physiques and their medical and mental status to find out if they were fit for military service. The men approved for military service were assigned a personal enrollment number which was entered in the roll together with assigned branch of the Army (infantry, cavalry, artillery, fortification etc.) or the Navy. Most draftees were assigned to the Army since the Army needed a great deal of soldiers. These annual musters normally took place in April.A draft card was made up for the draft registrants approved for military service.Normally a draftee was called up into the military service the same year he was mustered/enrolled.The military service was a military training period which was carried out in the assigned regiment, in most cases a local regiment. The military training was held at respective regiment's training ground (övningshed). These military training courses were called "beväringsmöten".The conscripts were trained in a regiment in the region where they were enrolled. In the beginning only allotted regiments trained conscripts but from 1849 also enlisted regiments trained conscripts. In areas where there were no garrisoned regiments the conscripts were trained in special battalions, the so-called Beväringsbataljoner (Beväring Battalions). Examples of those freestanding beväring units are Livbeväringsbataljonen in Stockholm, Västernorrlands beväringsbataljon, Gotlands nationalbeväring, Hallands bataljon and Blekinge bataljon.The conscripts training/service period was initially only 12 days per year. However, the service time for conscripts was increased to 30 days (divided into two years) after the Crimean War (1853 - 1856). In 1885 the service time was increased to 42 days distributed into 2 years.A new conscription act was passed in Parliament in 1885. The training period was now increased to 90 days.At the registration/muster each conscript was also assigned an enrollment book after 1885. This enrollment book was the conscript’s personal belonging and had to be presented every time he reported for duty.Example of a Military enrollment book for conscripts, 1892
The Enrollment Number
Between 1886 and 1901 military enrollment numbers (draftee service numbers) where noted in the form SSS CCC/YY were SSS is the conscript’s personal serial number in the roll, CCC is the company area (kompaniområde) in the enrollment area and YY the year of enrollment of the conscript.Johan David Karlsson's enrollment number was 12 57/93, which means that 12 was his personal serial number in the enrollment roll, 57 is the company area (draft board) where he was enrolled and 93 the year of enrollment (1893).Karlsson was born in in 1872 and was 21 years old in 1893, which was the year he came of draft age.The next step is tofind the regiment where he did his military service. The company area code in the enrollment number will be of great help in finding the name of the regiment.In 1885 Sweden was divided into 31 Universal Conscription Enrollment Areas (Inskrivningsområden). These enrollment areas were between 1886 and 1901 closely linked to the allotted infantry regiments' "catchment areas" and the enrollments areas carried the same name as these regiments, for example Hälsinge Regiment Enrollment Area. Each of these enrollment areas were in turn divided into a number of Company Areas [districts] (Kompaniområden). These company areas correspond to what in the US is called draft boards.The enrollment of conscripts (draft registration) was done in respective company areas which means that the rolls were kept per company area. Enrollments were carried out annually. The conscripts (draftees) were registered in the so-called inskrivningslängder (enrollment rolls) and each conscript was assigned a unique enrollment number [Registration number] (inskrivningsnummer). Each company area (Draft Board) were responsible for the roll keeping of their respective conscripts.By looking at the chart of company areas we can convert the roll company area code to the name of the company area. Such a chart is at Military enrollment numbers for conscripts (draftees) (opens in a new window).
At the page referenced by the link above chose "Enrollment areas/Company areas 1886 - 1901".Scroll down in the chart until you find the company area code found in the draftee's enrollment number, in this case 57. The company area code is in the first column of the chart labeled "KO".In the chart we will find that company area code 57 corresponds to Vifolka kompaniområde (Vifolka ompany Area) which during the years 1893 - 1901 belonged to Andra Livgrenadjärregementets inskrivningsområde (Second Life Grenadier Regiment Enrollment Area). Johan David Karlsson was drafted in 1893.
We now know that Johan David Karlsson was drafted in 1893 in Vifolka kompaniområde (Vifolka Company Area [Draft Board]) which belonged to Andra Livgrenadjärregementets inskrivningsområde (Second Life Grenadier Regiment Enrollment Area). See the chart above.Further information about the draftee can be found in the enrollment rolls (inskrivningslängd) for the company area in question for year 1893. Thereafter he can be searched for in the so-called stamrulla (a military service roll) for more information about his military service. Karlsson most likely did his military service in the Second Life Grenadier Regiment, Östergötland.The Enrollment Rolls (Inskrivningslängderna)We now know that Karlsson probably did his conscript military service in the Second Life Grenadier Regiment (Andra Livgrenadjärregementet). Next we will take a look at the enrollment roll (inskrivningslängd) for the Andra Livgrenadjärregementet Enrollment Area (inskrivningsområde), Vifolka Company Area (Kompaniområde) for 1893.The enrollment rolls are available online at Arkiv Digital and SVAR. You need a subscription to access these two providers' databases.At Arkiv Digital, search for "andra livgrenadjärregementet" or "inskrivning" and chose "Andra Livgrenadjärregementets inskrivningsområde". Open the roll and scroll until you find year 1893 and within that year search for Gammalkils socken (Gammalkil parish).The enrollment rolls were kept year by year and within year, parish by parish.
Johan David Carlsson in the Enrollment Roll
Carlsson in the enrollmet roll:
Above, extract from the enrollment roll for Andra livgrenadjärregementets inskrivningsområde, Vifolka kompaniområde (Ko 57) D1:1 (1891-1895) Image 740 (AID: v748535.b740, NAD: SE/KrA/0473A1105Ö).Here we find Johan David Karlsson/Carlsson in the roll in Ulfsberg, Gammelkil socken (parish). According to the roll karlsson was born on May 18, 1872. He is 1.80 m (5 foot 6) tall. The didgit "1" in the right-most column (14) shows that he was assigned to the infantry. The Andra Livgrenadjärregementet was an infantry regiment so this information increases the probability that he did his military service in that regiment.De värnpliktiges = The Draftee'sColumns:•1. Mantalskrivningsort = Domiciled in (Residential address)•2. Födelse-år = Year of birth•3. -Månad = Month•4. -Dag = Day•5. Namn och yrke eller titel = Name and occupation or title•6. Längd i meter = Height in meters•7 - 9. Frånvarande = Absence•13-14. Tilldelad fotfolket = Assigned to the infantry (foot soldiers)
Above, at the right-hand side of the roll is Johan David's enrollment number is listed: 12 57/93 (column 27). "12" is his serial number in the roll, "57" the company area and "83" the year of enrollment (1893).Johan David Karlsson was mustered/registered in March, 1893. See Andra livgrenadjärregementets inskrivningsområde, Vifolka kompaniområde (Ko 57) D1:1 (1891-1895) Image 1030 (AID: v748535.b1030, NAD: SE/KrA/0473A1105Ö).The Second Life Grenadier Regiment's training ground (övningshed) was Malmen in Linköping city, Östergötland (E) which was the place where the regiment's conscripts were being trained.
Examples of Notations in the Enrollment Rolls
There might be some interesting notations in the right-most column labeled "Inskrivningsmyndigheternas anteckningar" (The enrollment agencies' notations) of the enrollment roll about respective draftee registrant. Here you might find a reason to why a registrant was regarded unfit for military service.The second right-most column is the enrollment number column,labeled Inskrivningsnummer / Inskrifningsnummer. If there is no enrollment number noted in this column for a draftee registrant, he wasn't fit for military service. The reason might be found in the Notations column.
Above, extract from the stamrulla for Andra livgrenadjärregementets inskrivningsområde, Vifolka kompaniområde (Ko 57) D1:1 (1891-1895) Bild 2170 (AID: v748535.b2170, NAD: SE/KrA/0473A1105Ö). This record is for yet another draftee, Nils August Björn. In the Notation column (16) we find a note that this draftee was arrested for drunkenness (fylleri) on May 17, 1894, and sentenced to two days' detention (vaktarrest) in the regiment's guardhouse.
The Uniform
What type of military uniform did our infantry draftees in the examples above wear?
What type of military uniform did our infantry draftees in the examples above wear when they did their military service in the Second Life Grenadier Regiment (Andra livgrenadjärregementet) 1893 - 1895? The infantry uniform at that time was the m/1886 with the cap m/1865-1899. The blouse (jacket) was dark blue, single-breasted with 8 buttons. The trousers had the same dark blue color as the blouse. The blouse had a stand-up collar with a braid and blue shoulder straps on each shoulder with the unit code of the regiment. Uniform m/1886 was used by all infantry units. However, a few details were different from unit to unit.The majority of the infantry regiments had yellow unit codes (numbers) on the shoulder straps. The blouse was decorated with yellow buttonholes on the collar as well as on the arm sleeves. The Second Life Grenadier Regiment had a red collar with two white buttonholes. The unit symbol on the shoulder straps was a red flaming grenade. See below. The conscripts did wear the same type of uniforms as the regular soldiers. However, when a new uniform model was issued it was the regular soldiers who first received the new uniform. Therefore, you might find photos of conscripts wearing an older uniform even if a new uniform model existed when the photo was taken.
Conscription and the Emigration from Sweden
The only legal possibility the authorities in Sweden had to prevent emigration was the general prohibition for conscripts to emigrate to other countries without permission. It is considered to be a connection between avoidance of conscription and emigration. Every time the military service time for conscripts was extended the number of emigrated 21-years old men increased, at least temporarily. It wasn’t that difficult to obtain permission to leave the country though. During the second half of the 1800’s the authorities were generally generous with the permissions. However, at the end of the 1800’s fulfillment of conscription was needed to get permission to emigrate. Without a such exit permit you couldn’t get a moving certificate from the parish minister and thereby not be able to buy an emigrant ticket through an emigrant agent. The Police Departments in the Swedish emigrant ports checked that the regulations were followed and that the emigrants were legal emigrants.The only possibility for eligible men to avoid conscription was illegal emigration. Normally they then went to Copenhagen in Denmark, Oslo or Trondheim in Norway and from there to the United States. It is however, not known how large this illegal emigration was.
Conscript Rolls - "Stamrullor"
The conscripts were also kept in the so-called "Stamrulla" (Conscript roll) in respective company area (draft board). The conscript rolls held information such as: name, date of birth, occupation, enrollment number, assigned branch of the Army or Navy, and possible postponement of each draftee's military service period plus of few more data about each draftee. The "stamrulla" is an important complement to the enrollment roll. It is "stamrulla" (singular) and "stamrullor" (plural).The next thing to do is to take a look at the "stamrullor" (conscript rolls). Unfortunately, there are no digitalized conscript rolls for the Andra livgrenadjärregementet (Second Life Grenadier Regiment) before 1894 at Arkiv Digital (2015) so I will show a conscript roll for another draftee Jakob Gerhard Olsson, born on 1873-04-01 in Viby parish, Östergötland (E). At the time when he was called up for conscript registration he lived in Alviken, Nykil parish (E). Source: Husförhörslängd (parish record) Nykil AI:26 (1893-1900) Image 15 / page 2. Unfortunately, the parish minister only noted the word "Inskr." (inskriven - enrolled) in the column "Värnplikt" (Conscription) instead of his enrollment number which was normally the case.Instead we have to start by taking a look at Olsson's year of birth to find out when he was mustered. Young men were at the time called up for military registration the year they reached the age of 21. Olsson was born in 1873 which means he had his 21th birthday in 1894. Without the enrollment number we don't know the company area either. One way to find the company area is to take look at other draftee registrants who lived in the same area as Olsson. Olsson lived in the same area as the above mentioned Johan David Karlsson and Karlsson belonged to company area 57, Vifolka kompaniområde (Vifolka Company Area [Draft Board]) which belonged to Andra Livgrenadjärregementets inskrivningsområde (Second Life Grenadier Regiment Enrollment Area).Since we don't have Olsson's serial number in the enrollment roll so we have to scroll through the enrollment roll for Company Area 57 for year 1894, Nykil parish, until we find him and thereby his enrollment number. Olsson lived in Nykil parish when he was called up for registration in 1894.We start by searching Olsson in the enrollment roll.
Olsson in the Enrollment Roll (Inskrivningslängden)
The map to left shows both Gammalkil parish as well as Nykil parish. Both parishes belonged to the Second Life Grenadier Regiment Enrollment Area, Vifolka Company Area (Ko 57).The Second Life Grenadier Regiment's training ground was Malmen in Linköping city. It was here the conscripts were military trained.
Grenadier in uniform m/1886 and cap m/1865-1899 with cap plate and plume.The shoulder straps has red flaming grenades.The image is shown with consent of Helen Hildinggren.
The image below is an extract from the company area chart 1885 - 1901.
Gammalkil and Nykil Parishes, Östergötland
Gammalkil parish is located in Östergötland, south-west of the city of Linköping. Nykil parish is located just south of Gammalkil. See map below.
Above, the right-hand side of the parish book. Johan David's enrollment number is listed on line 4 in the column "Värnpligt" (Conscription): 12 57/93. His enrollment number isn't very sharp on the above image but the image below shows an enlarged extract of the image.On the image above we find also that Johan David's older brother Karl Emanuel, born in 1869, was permanently exempted from military service when he was mustered in 1890: "frik. 90" or in full "frikallad 90".
Above, extract from the enrollment roll for Andra livgrenadjärregementets inskrivningsområde, Vifolka kompaniområde (Ko 57) D1:1 (1891-1895) Image 1040 (AID: v748535.b1040, NAD: SE/KrA/0473A1105Ö). Left-hand side.Above we have Jakob Gerhard Olsson in the enrollment roll for Alviken, Nykil socken (parish), Östergötland. According to the roll Olsson was born on April 1, 1873. He height was 1.60 m.De värnpliktiges = The Draftee'sColumns:•1. Mantalskrivningsort = Domiciled in (Residential address)•2. Födelse-år = Year of birth•3. -Månad = Month•4. -Dag = Day•5. Namn och yrke eller titel = Name and occupation or title•6. Längd i meter = Height in meters•7 - 9. Frånvarande = Absence
Above; The right-hand side of the enrollment roll. Here we find Olsson's enrollment number: 1 57/1894. His serial number in the roll is 1, 57 is the company area and 1894 the year of enrollment.Olsson belonged to the same company area (draft board) and enrollment area as Karlsson, i.e. Andra livgrenadjärregementets inskrivningsområde (enrollment area), Vifolka kompaniområde (company area).The digit to the far left (column 13), "1" tells us that Olsson was assigned to the infantry (foot soldiers).Columns:•13. Tilldelad fotfolket = Assigned to the rank and file (foot soldiers / infantry)•Inskrifne = Enrolled•I hären = In the Army•I flottan = In the Navy•Till vapentjänst = Military service in arms•Beväring = Conscript•Lämplig för uttagne till = Eligible for•15. Rytteriet = Cavalry•16. Artilleriet = Artillery•17. Ingeniörtrupperna = Engineers•18. Trängen = Maintenance and supply troops•27. Inskrifningsnummer = Enrollment number•28. Inskrivningsmyndigheternas anteckningar = The Enrollment agencies' notations
The Conscript Roll - Stamrulla
The "stamrullor" are available online at Arkiv Digital and SVAR. You need a subscription to access these two providers' databases.Now, when we know Olsson's enrolment number we continue by searching him in the conscript roll (stamrulla), Andra livgrenadjärregementet, Vifolka kompaniområde (57). This stamrulla is in the same volume as the enrollment roll referenced above.Below is an extract of Olsson's record in the stamrulla.
Above, extract from the stamrulla for Andra livgrenadjärregementets inskrivningsområde, Vifolka kompaniområde (Ko 57) D1:1 (1891-1895) Bild 2070 (AID: v748535.b2070, NAD: SE/KrA/0473A1105Ö). In column 7 above, labeled "Namn, yrke eller titlel och postadress" (Name, occupation or title and residential address) we can read that Olsson was a tenant farmer/leaseholder (arrendator) in Nykil parish. His enrollment number is shown in column 8 (Inskrifningsnummer): 1 57/1894, which corresponds with what we found in the enrollment roll. In column 9 we have information that Olsson was assigned to the infantry (Inf. = Infanteriet).Columns:•Införd eller omförd = Registered or reregistered•1. Year and day•2. From•4. Hemvist (gård, n:r vid gata) = Place of residence (farm, street number)•Födelse = Birth•5. År och dag = Year and day•6. Ort = Place (parish, county or city)•7. Namn och yrke eller titel = Name and occupation or title•Postadress = Residential address•8. Inskrifningsnummer = Enrollment number•I vapentjenst tilldelad = Assigned to branch of the armed forces for service in arms•9. Truppavdelning eller station i allmän tjänst = Military unit or station in general service•10. Station i särskild tjänst; flottans reserv; under krigstid i Beväringen = Station in special service; the Navy reserve; war service in Beväringen (conscription)•I särskild befattning tilldelad = Assigned to special service•11. Truppavdelning eller station; under krigstid i Beväringen = Military unit or station; war service in Beväringen (conscription)
Above, the right-hand side of Olsson's record in the conscript roll (stamrulla). Column 12 tells us that he did military service both in 1894 as well as in 1895. Further, he was serving also in the period 1896 - 1904 and 1905 (column 13).Columns:•12. Tjänstgöring = military service•13. Mönstrad = Mustered•16. Anteckningar = Notations•Afförd eller omförd = deregistered or reregistered•17. Year and day•18. Till = To
This article will show how to research conscripts/draftees in the 1800s in the military rolls. The following example presents how to search for a draftee in the conscript rolls (stamrulla) using his enrollment number which is normally found in the parish records (The Household Examination Rolls - "Husförhörslängd").The image to the right shows three conscripts wearing infantry uniform m/1886 and cap m/1865-1899. The image is shown with consent of Shirley Koelling, USA.
Universal Conscription System - Beväringen
The Swedish Government passed an act in Parliament in 1812 for the establishment of a universal conscription system called Beväringen or Beväringsinrättningen. The new conscription service was to be universal which meant that all able-bodied men fit for military service had to undergo a minimum military training in the armed forces. The hiring of substitutes was allowed, i.e. to pay someone to do the service in his place. In 1860 the possibility of hiring substitutes was replaced with a right to redeem conscription. This right was abolished in 1872 and from then everyone called up had to fulfill military service.The conscripts only had to do 12 days of service per year. However, the service time for conscripts was increased to 30 days (divided into two years) after the Crimean War (1853 - 1856) in the parliament meetings 1856-1858. The first conscripts were called-up for service in Beväringen in the spring of 1813.Beväringen was to be a complement and reinforcement to the regular professional army.The conscripts were military trained in a regiment in the region where they were enrolled. In the beginning only allotted regiments trained conscripts but from 1849 also enlisted regiments trained conscripts. In areas where there were no garrisoned regiments the conscripts were trained at special Beväring battalions (beväringsbataljoner). After 1885, each conscript was assigned a unique enrollment number (inskrivningsnummer).
The Parish Records -
Husförhörslängd, HFL
When doing genealogy research, it's likely you will eventually find your male ancestors conscript enrollment number in the parish records (husförhörslängd, HFL). If you have found a man's enrollment number, it means that he had been registered (mustered) for military service/training. The muster/registration was done the year a young man reached the age of 21. Normally a draftee was called up into the military training the same year he was mustered/enrolled.In the following example we will search for conscript (draftee) Johan David Karlsson in the military rolls. We have found Karlsson in Ulfsberg, Gammalkil parish record, Östergötland (E). Karlsson was born on 1872-05-18.Source: Gammalkil AI:30 (1891-1895) Image 226 / page 213 .The parish record (HFL) lists Karlsson with his military enrollment number: 12 57/1893. See below:
Tutorial 11a: How to
Research Conscripts,
1800s, Sweden
Above, extract from Gammalkil parish book, husförhörslängd Gammalkil AI:30 (1891-1895) Image 226 / page 213 (AID: v25505.b226.s213, NAD: SE/VALA/00095).The above image shows Karl Fredrik Petersson and his family including the children. His son Johan David, born 1872, is listed on line 4.In 1893 Johan David, then 21 years old, was called up for conscript registration in the Beväringen.
Above, Inskr. No 12 57/93. "Inskr. No" is short for "Inskrivningsnummer" = enrollment number.
What was a Muster of Conscripts?
(Mönstringar)
Every young man was required to register to be drafted for military service/training. The draftee muster/registration was carried out the year the young men reached the age of 21. They were that year called-up for registration in the "Beväringen" and entered into the enrollment roll (inskrivningslängd). The "Inskrivningslängd" was prior to 1886 called "Beväringsmönsterrulla". The muster was an examination of the potential draftee's physiques and their medical and mental status to find out if they were fit for military service. The men approved for military service were assigned a personal enrollment number which was entered in the roll together with assigned branch of the Army (infantry, cavalry, artillery, fortification etc.) or the Navy. Most draftees were assigned to the Army since the Army needed a great deal of soldiers. These annual musters normally took place in April.A draft card was made up for the draft registrants approved for military service.Normally a draftee was called up into the military service the same year he was mustered/enrolled.The military service was a military training periodwhich was carried out in the assigned regiment, in most cases a local regiment. The military training was held at respective regiment's training ground (övningshed). These military training courses were called "beväringsmöten".The conscripts were trained in a regiment in the region where they were enrolled. In the beginning only allotted regiments trained conscripts but from 1849 also enlisted regiments trained conscripts. In areas where there were no garrisoned regiments the conscripts were trained in special battalions, the so-called Beväringsbataljoner (Beväring Battalions). Examples of those freestanding beväring units are Livbeväringsbataljonen in Stockholm, Västernorrlands beväringsbataljon, Gotlands nationalbeväring, Hallands bataljon and Blekinge bataljon.The conscripts training/service period was initially only 12 days per year. However, the service time for conscripts was increased to 30 days (divided into two years) after the Crimean War (1853 - 1856). In 1885 the service time was increased to 42 days distributed into 2 years.A new conscription act was passed in Parliament in 1885. The training period was now increased to 90 days.At the registration/muster each conscript was also assigned an enrollment book after 1885. This enrollment book was the conscript’s personal belonging and had to be presented every time he reported for duty.Example of a Military enrollment book for conscripts, 1892
The Enrollment Number
Between 1886 and 1901 military enrollment numbers (draftee service numbers) where noted in the form SSS CCC/YY were SSS is the conscript’s personal serial number in the roll, CCC is the company area (kompaniområde) in the enrollment area and YY the year of enrollment of the conscript.Johan David Karlsson's enrollment number was 12 57/93, which means that 12 was his personal serial number in the enrollment roll, 57 is the company area (draft board) where he was enrolled and 93 the year of enrollment (1893).Karlsson was born in in 1872 and was 21 years old in 1893, which was the year he came of draft age.The next step is tofind the regiment where he did his military service. The company area code in the enrollment number will be of great help in finding the name of the regiment.In 1885 Sweden was divided into 31 Universal Conscription Enrollment Areas (Inskrivningsområden). These enrollment areas were between 1886 and 1901 closely linked to the allotted infantry regiments' "catchment areas" and the enrollments areas carried the same name as these regiments, for example Hälsinge Regiment Enrollment Area. Each of these enrollment areas were in turn divided into a number of Company Areas [districts] (Kompaniområden). These company areas correspond to what in the US is called draft boards.The enrollment of conscripts (draft registration) was done in respective company areas which means that the rolls were kept per company area. Enrollments were carried out annually. The conscripts (draftees) were registered in the so-called inskrivningslängder (enrollment rolls) and each conscript was assigned a unique enrollment number [Registration number] (inskrivningsnummer). Each company area (Draft Board) were responsible for the roll keeping of their respective conscripts.By looking at the chart of company areas we can convert the roll company area code to the name of the company area. Such a chart is at Military enrollment numbers for conscripts (draftees) (opens in a new window).
At the page referenced by the link above chose "Enrollment areas/Company areas 1886 - 1901".Scroll down in the chart until you find the company area code found in the draftee's enrollment number, in this case 57. The company area code is in the first column of the chart labeled "KO".In the chart we will find that company area code 57 corresponds to Vifolka kompaniområde (Vifolka ompany Area) which during the years 1893 - 1901 belonged to Andra Livgrenadjärregementets inskrivningsområde (Second Life Grenadier Regiment Enrollment Area). Johan David Karlsson was drafted in 1893.
We now know that Johan David Karlsson was drafted in 1893 in Vifolka kompaniområde (Vifolka Company Area [Draft Board]) which belonged to Andra Livgrenadjärregementets inskrivningsområde (Second Life Grenadier Regiment Enrollment Area). See the chart above.Further information about the draftee can be found in the enrollment rolls (inskrivningslängd) for the company area in question for year 1893. Thereafter he can be searched for in the so-called stamrulla (a military service roll) for more information about his military service. Karlsson most likely did his military service in the Second Life Grenadier Regiment, Östergötland.The Enrollment Rolls (Inskrivningslängderna)We now know that Karlsson probably did his conscript military service in the Second Life Grenadier Regiment (Andra Livgrenadjärregementet). Next we will take a look at the enrollment roll (inskrivningslängd) for the Andra Livgrenadjärregementet Enrollment Area (inskrivningsområde), Vifolka Company Area (Kompaniområde) for 1893.The enrollment rolls are available online at Arkiv Digital and SVAR. You need a subscription to access these two providers' databases.At Arkiv Digital, search for "andra livgrenadjärregementet" or "inskrivning" and chose "Andra Livgrenadjärregementets inskrivningsområde". Open the roll and scroll until you find year 1893 and within that year search for Gammalkils socken(Gammalkil parish).The enrollment rolls were kept year by year and within year, parish by parish.
Johan David Carlsson in the Enrollment Roll
Carlsson in the enrollmet roll:
Above, extract from the enrollment roll for Andra livgrenadjärregementets inskrivningsområde, Vifolka kompaniområde (Ko 57) D1:1 (1891-1895) Image 740 (AID: v748535.b740, NAD: SE/KrA/0473A1105Ö).Here we find Johan David Karlsson/Carlsson in the roll in Ulfsberg, Gammelkil socken (parish). According to the roll karlsson was born on May 18, 1872. He is 1.80 m (5 foot 6) tall. The didgit "1" in the right-most column (14) shows that he was assigned to the infantry. The Andra Livgrenadjärregementet was an infantry regiment so this information increases the probability that he did his military service in that regiment.De värnpliktiges = The Draftee'sColumns:•1. Mantalskrivningsort = Domiciled in (Residential address)•2. Födelse-år = Year of birth•3. -Månad = Month•4. -Dag = Day•5. Namn och yrke eller titel = Name and occupation or title•6. Längd i meter = Height in meters•7 - 9. Frånvarande = Absence•13-14. Tilldelad fotfolket = Assigned to the infantry (foot soldiers)
Above, at the right-hand side of the roll is Johan David's enrollment number is listed: 12 57/93(column 27). "12" is his serial number in the roll, "57" the company area and "83" the year of enrollment (1893).Johan David Karlsson was mustered/registered in March, 1893. See Andra livgrenadjärregementets inskrivningsområde, Vifolka kompaniområde (Ko 57) D1:1 (1891-1895) Image 1030 (AID: v748535.b1030, NAD: SE/KrA/0473A1105Ö).The Second Life Grenadier Regiment's training ground (övningshed) was Malmen in Linköping city, Östergötland (E) which was the place where the regiment's conscripts were being trained.
Examples of Notations in the
Enrollment Rolls
There might be some interesting notations in the right-most column labeled "Inskrivningsmyndigheternas anteckningar" (The enrollment agencies' notations) of the enrollment roll about respective draftee registrant. Here you might find a reason to why a registrant was regarded unfit for military service.The second right-most column is the enrollment number column,labeled Inskrivningsnummer / Inskrifningsnummer. If there is no enrollment number noted in this column for a draftee registrant, he wasn't fit for military service. The reason might be found in the Notations column.
Above, extract from the stamrulla for Andra livgrenadjärregementets inskrivningsområde, Vifolka kompaniområde (Ko 57) D1:1 (1891-1895) Bild 2170 (AID: v748535.b2170, NAD: SE/KrA/0473A1105Ö). This record is for yet another draftee, Nils August Björn. In the Notation column (16) we find a note that this draftee was arrested for drunkenness (fylleri) on May 17, 1894, and sentenced to two days' detention (vaktarrest) in the regiment's guardhouse.
The Uniform
What type of military uniform did our
infantry draftees in the examples above
wear?
What type of military uniform did our infantry draftees in the examples above wear when they did their military service in the Second Life Grenadier Regiment (Andra livgrenadjärregementet) 1893 - 1895? The infantry uniform at that time was the m/1886with the cap m/1865-1899. The blouse (jacket) was dark blue, single-breasted with 8 buttons. The trousers had the same dark blue color as the blouse. The blouse had a stand-up collar with a braid and blue shoulder straps on each shoulder with the unit code of the regiment. Uniform m/1886 was used by all infantry units. However, a few details were different from unit to unit.The majority of the infantry regiments had yellow unit codes (numbers) on the shoulder straps. The blouse was decorated with yellow buttonholes on the collar as well as on the arm sleeves. The Second Life Grenadier Regiment had a red collar with two white buttonholes. The unit symbol on the shoulder straps was a red flaming grenade. See below. The conscripts did wear the same type of uniforms as the regular soldiers. However, when a new uniform model was issued it was the regular soldiers who first received the new uniform. Therefore, you might find photos of conscripts wearing an older uniform even if a new uniform model existed when the photo was taken.
Conscription and the Emigration from
Sweden
The only legal possibility the authorities in Sweden had to prevent emigration was the general prohibition for conscripts to emigrate to other countries without permission. It is considered to be a connection between avoidance of conscription and emigration. Every time the military service time for conscripts was extended the number of emigrated 21-years old men increased, at least temporarily. It wasn’t that difficult to obtain permission to leave the country though. During the second half of the 1800’s the authorities were generally generous with the permissions. However, at the end of the 1800’s fulfillment of conscription was needed to get permission to emigrate. Without a such exit permit you couldn’t get a moving certificate from the parish minister and thereby not be able to buy an emigrant ticket through an emigrant agent. The Police Departments in the Swedish emigrant ports checked that the regulations were followed and that the emigrants were legal emigrants.The only possibility for eligible men to avoid conscription was illegal emigration. Normally they then went to Copenhagen in Denmark, Oslo or Trondheim in Norway and from there to the United States. It is however, not known how large this illegal emigration was.
Conscript Rolls - "Stamrullor"
The conscripts were also kept in the so-called "Stamrulla" (Conscript roll) in respective company area (draft board). The conscript rolls held information such as: name, date of birth, occupation, enrollment number, assigned branch of the Army or Navy, and possible postponement of each draftee's military service period plus of few more data about each draftee. The "stamrulla" is an important complement to the enrollment roll. It is "stamrulla" (singular) and "stamrullor" (plural).The next thing to do is to take a look at the "stamrullor" (conscript rolls). Unfortunately, there are no digitalized conscript rolls for the Andra livgrenadjärregementet (Second Life Grenadier Regiment) before 1894 at Arkiv Digital (2015) so I will show a conscript roll for another draftee Jakob Gerhard Olsson, born on 1873-04-01 in Viby parish, Östergötland (E). At the time when he was called up for conscript registration he lived in Alviken, Nykil parish (E). Source: Husförhörslängd (parish record) Nykil AI:26 (1893-1900) Image 15 / page 2. Unfortunately, the parish minister only noted the word "Inskr." (inskriven - enrolled) in the column "Värnplikt" (Conscription) instead of his enrollment number which was normally the case.Instead we have to start by taking a look at Olsson's year of birth to find out when he was mustered. Young men were at the time called up for military registration the year they reached the age of 21. Olsson was born in 1873 which means he had his 21th birthday in 1894. Without the enrollment number we don't know the company area either. One way to find the company area is to take look at other draftee registrants who lived in the same area as Olsson. Olsson lived in the same area as the above mentioned Johan David Karlsson and Karlsson belonged to company area 57, Vifolka kompaniområde (Vifolka Company Area [Draft Board]) which belonged to Andra Livgrenadjärregementets inskrivningsområde (Second Life Grenadier Regiment Enrollment Area).Since we don't have Olsson's serial number in the enrollment roll so we have to scroll through the enrollment roll for Company Area 57 for year 1894, Nykil parish, until we find him and thereby his enrollment number. Olsson lived in Nykil parish when he was called up for registration in 1894.We start by searching Olsson in the enrollment roll.
Olsson in the Enrollment Roll
(Inskrivningslängden)
The map to left shows both Gammalkil parish as well as Nykil parish. Both parishes belonged to the Second Life Grenadier Regiment Enrollment Area, Vifolka Company Area (Ko 57).The Second Life Grenadier Regiment's training ground was Malmen in Linköping city. It was here the conscripts were military trained.
Grenadier in uniform m/1886 and cap m/1865-1899 with cap plate and plume.The shoulder straps has red flaming grenades.The image is shown with consent of Helen Hildinggren.
The image below is an extract from the company area chart 1885 - 1901.
Gammalkil and Nykil Parishes,
Östergötland
Gammalkil parish is located in Östergötland, south-west of the city of Linköping. Nykil parish is located just south of Gammalkil. See map below.
Above, the right-hand side of the parish book. Johan David's enrollment number is listed on line 4 in the column "Värnpligt" (Conscription): 12 57/93. His enrollment number isn't very sharp on the above image but the image below shows an enlarged extract of the image.On the image above we find also that Johan David's older brother Karl Emanuel, born in 1869, was permanently exempted from military service when he was mustered in 1890: "frik. 90" or in full "frikallad 90".
Above, extract from the enrollment roll for Andra livgrenadjärregementets inskrivningsområde, Vifolka kompaniområde (Ko 57) D1:1 (1891-1895) Image 1040 (AID: v748535.b1040, NAD: SE/KrA/0473A1105Ö). Left-hand side.Above we have Jakob Gerhard Olsson in the enrollment roll for Alviken, Nykil socken (parish), Östergötland. According to the roll Olsson was born on April 1, 1873. He height was 1.60 m.De värnpliktiges = The Draftee'sColumns:•1. Mantalskrivningsort = Domiciled in (Residential address)•2. Födelse-år = Year of birth•3. -Månad = Month•4. -Dag = Day•5. Namn och yrke eller titel = Name and occupation or title•6. Längd i meter = Height in meters•7 - 9. Frånvarande = Absence
Above; The right-hand side of the enrollment roll. Here we find Olsson's enrollment number: 1 57/1894. His serial number in the roll is 1, 57 is the company area and 1894 the year of enrollment.Olsson belonged to the same company area (draft board) and enrollment area as Karlsson, i.e. Andra livgrenadjärregementets inskrivningsområde (enrollment area), Vifolka kompaniområde (company area).The digit to the far left (column 13), "1" tells us that Olsson was assigned to the infantry (foot soldiers).Columns:•13. Tilldelad fotfolket = Assigned to the rank and file (foot soldiers / infantry)•Inskrifne = Enrolled•I hären = In the Army•I flottan = In the Navy•Till vapentjänst = Military service in arms•Beväring = Conscript•Lämplig för uttagne till = Eligible for•15. Rytteriet = Cavalry•16. Artilleriet = Artillery•17. Ingeniörtrupperna = Engineers•18. Trängen = Maintenance and supply troops•27. Inskrifningsnummer = Enrollment number•28. Inskrivningsmyndigheternas anteckningar = The Enrollment agencies' notations
The Conscript Roll - Stamrulla
The "stamrullor" are available online at Arkiv Digitaland SVAR. You need a subscription to access these two providers' databases.Now, when we know Olsson's enrolment number we continue by searching him in the conscript roll (stamrulla), Andra livgrenadjärregementet, Vifolka kompaniområde (57). This stamrulla is in the same volume as the enrollment roll referenced above.Below is an extract of Olsson's record in the stamrulla.
Above, extract from the stamrulla for Andra livgrenadjärregementets inskrivningsområde, Vifolka kompaniområde (Ko 57) D1:1 (1891-1895) Bild 2070 (AID: v748535.b2070, NAD: SE/KrA/0473A1105Ö). In column 7 above, labeled "Namn, yrke eller titlel och postadress" (Name, occupation or title and residential address) we can read that Olsson was a tenant farmer/leaseholder (arrendator) in Nykil parish. His enrollment number is shown in column 8 (Inskrifningsnummer): 1 57/1894, which corresponds with what we found in the enrollment roll. In column 9 we have information that Olsson was assigned to the infantry (Inf. = Infanteriet).Columns:•Införd eller omförd = Registered or reregistered•1. Year and day•2. From•4. Hemvist (gård, n:r vid gata) = Place of residence (farm, street number)•Födelse = Birth•5. År och dag = Year and day•6. Ort = Place (parish, county or city)•7. Namn och yrke eller titel = Name and occupation or title•Postadress = Residential address•8. Inskrifningsnummer = Enrollment number•I vapentjenst tilldelad = Assigned to branch of the armed forces for service in arms•9. Truppavdelning eller station i allmän tjänst = Military unit or station in general service•10. Station i särskild tjänst; flottans reserv; under krigstid i Beväringen = Station in special service; the Navy reserve; war service in Beväringen (conscription)•I särskild befattning tilldelad = Assigned to special service•11. Truppavdelning eller station; under krigstid i Beväringen = Military unit or station; war service in Beväringen (conscription)
Above, the right-hand side of Olsson's record in the conscript roll (stamrulla). Column 12 tells us that he did military service both in 1894 as well as in 1895. Further, he was serving also in the period 1896 - 1904 and 1905 (column 13).Columns:•12. Tjänstgöring = military service•13. Mönstrad = Mustered•16. Anteckningar = Notations•Afförd eller omförd = deregistered or reregistered•17. Year and day•18. Till = To
![Exemption warrant. This draftee registrant received an exemption warrant (frisedel) when he was mustered. The text goes "Erhållit frisedel från K.området (kompaniområdet), No 141. Exempted due to a medical reason. "Kasserad för allmän svaghet, benröta." This draftee registrant was exempted (kasserad) from military service due to a medical reason - caries (in the bones) [benröta]. "Kasserad" is an old term used by the military to state that the registrant was unfit for military service and therefore rejected. Exempted due to a medical reason. "Frikallad, allmän svaghet". This draftee registrant was exempted (frikallad) from military service due to a medical reason - weakness (allmän svaghet). Military service postponed. "Erhöll 1892 uppskov." This draftee registrant's notation in the 1893 muster tells us that his military service was postponed (uppskov/uppskof). He was initially mustered in 1892 and then received a postponement warrant of his military service. He was mustered again in 1893 and this time he was assigned an enrollment number which means he then was obliged to do military service. His serial number in the roll was 51. Tailor, unfit for military service. "Skräddare, icke vapenför." Tailor, unfit for military service (icke vapenför). This draftee registrant's occupation was tailor and has a notation that he was unfit for military service. Still he has been assigned an enrollment number (serial number 30) and therefore was liable for military service, probably as a tailor in the military. Fined 10 Kr. "Bötfälld 10 Kr." Fined 10 Kr. Kr is the abbreviation for Kronor, the Swedish currency. This notation is probably made for a draftee registrant that failed to turn up at the muster, i.e. without a lawful excuse. He was therefore fined with 10 Kr. In America. "I Amerika." In America. This is a draftee registrant that failed to respond to his call-up notice and therefore didn't show up at the muster. Probably because he had emigrated from Sweden to North America (with or without permission). For more information, see below.](research_sold_start_htm_files/19714.png)
![Exemption warrant. This draftee registrant received an exemption warrant (frisedel) when he was mustered. The text goes "Erhållit frisedel från K.området (kompaniområdet), No 141. Exempted due to a medical reason. "Kasserad för allmän svaghet, benröta." This draftee registrant was exempted (kasserad) from military service due to a medical reason - caries (in the bones) [benröta]. "Kasserad" is an old term used by the military to state that the registrant was unfit for military service and therefore rejected. Exempted due to a medical reason. "Frikallad, allmän svaghet". This draftee registrant was exempted (frikallad) from military service due to a medical reason - weakness (allmän svaghet). Military service postponed. "Erhöll 1892 uppskov." This draftee registrant's notation in the 1893 muster tells us that his military service was postponed (uppskov/uppskof). He was initially mustered in 1892 and then received a postponement warrant of his military service. He was mustered again in 1893 and this time he was assigned an enrollment number which means he then was obliged to do military service. His serial number in the roll was 51. Tailor, unfit for military service. "Skräddare, icke vapenför." Tailor, unfit for military service (icke vapenför). This draftee registrant's occupation was tailor and has a notation that he was unfit for military service. Still he has been assigned an enrollment number (serial number 30) and therefore was liable for military service, probably as a tailor in the military. Fined 10 Kr. "Bötfälld 10 Kr." Fined 10 Kr. Kr is the abbreviation for Kronor, the Swedish currency. This notation is probably made for a draftee registrant that failed to turn up at the muster, i.e. without a lawful excuse. He was therefore fined with 10 Kr. In America. "I Amerika." In America. This is a draftee registrant that failed to respond to his call-up notice and therefore didn't show up at the muster. Probably because he had emigrated from Sweden to North America (with or without permission). For more information, see below.](research_sold_start_htm_files/19755.png)
