Dear List, My James Kiernan and his wife Catherine Lennon had three children, Mary 1820, James 1822 and Catherine 1826 all native of Co. Longford. However in 1828 James was caught housebreaking in Co. westmeath and sentenced to 7 years transportation. On the shipping indents he is described as soldier guard/labourer. What exactly does this mean? Was he in the militia? Would the family have been living in Co. Westmeath or Co. Longford? What would a soldier guard be doing in Westmeath at this time? Any help appreciated cheers Maureen