This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: waroper Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.roper/1935.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Frank: I have pored over more than a few militia lists from the Southern States for the period indicated and these are typically ordered much as this particular list was ordered. It seems to me that it is a bit of an aggrandizement to describe something as a "Tax List" if the list FAILS TO SHOW any basis for application of a tax or a calculation of tax amounts. Land tax lists typically show acreage, value and the amount of the tax. Personal property tax lists typically show the number of tithable (taxable) males, the number of slaves, counts of livestock or other taxable personal property. Militia lists tend to show none of these, but rather usually include the names of officers, NCOs and then the various privates. As to militia units generally, I have for more than two decades also been a member of one of the oldest private militias in the United States, founded in 1774, which has continuously operated as a militia since that time. Our militia unit has original muster rolls, journals, records and various biographical information on its members from the Revolutionary period to the present date. This unit, being composed primarily of gentlemen of fortune, is a cavalry unit. This unit still ELECTS its members and also ELECTS its officers. These private militia units were once quite common. Thomas ROPER, of Charleston, SC, was Captain of a similar Troop in the early Federal Period. Most of the private units were chewed up during World War I, as well as the organization of the modern National Guard after the Civil War. More than twenty five years of service in the Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve and Army National Guard also informs my understanding of the military. Although the details and processes have somewhat changed over more than two centuries, there are some things that have endured. This includes the necessity of having a "Roster" of who is a member of a company, the necessity of having a muster and expressly identifying those entering active service when the active service commences, and another muster out (discharge) when the active service has been completed. Although modern mobilizations and releases from active duty involve far more paperwork, ultimately, this paperwork reduces to a simple list like those used since the Revolutionary period. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board. <br>