Kerry Bryant

Female

Evans Head, New South Wales

Australia

Profile Information:

Which Douglas line are you researching? Dates and places help making connections.
Oh maybe I shouldn’t be on here. I was inquiring about the Angus Shire Fencibles in 1794 and trying to seek any information on my x4 GGrandfather, John Fraser, whom I believe was a Sergeant.
My John Fraser had x 4 children with Elizabeth McDonald and they resided in St Andrew’s & St Leonard’s, Fife. Fotheringham Fraser was born in 1790. Euphan Wallace Fraser in 1792. William Bethune Fraser in 1794 & Cathcart Fraser in 1798. I know my x 3 GGrandfather, Fotheringham, was also a foot soldier. I am absolutely stumped on the Scottish end so any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated 🙏.
Cheers,
Kerry 🤗
Who is your earliest known Douglas ancestor?
Not known

Comment Wall:

  • Russell Lynn Drysdale

    Welcome Kerry!

    Dec 7, 2023

  • William Douglas

    Welcome to our community, Kerry.

    I don't know if anyone here has expertise in the Angus regiment, but you may be lucky.

    The Angus Shire Fencibles were a part-time militia force raised in the late 18th and early 19th centuries in Angus, Scotland. They were established during times of unrest and war to defend against potential invasion or civil disorder. The term "Fencibles" referred to troops raised for local defense, often composed of men from the area. These forces were not full-time soldiers but were mustered when needed for defense purposes. The Angus Shire Fencibles played a role in bolstering local defenses during times of conflict, but their significance declined as peace became more established.

    I did some research a couple of years ago:
    https://www.douglashistory.co.uk/history/Regiments/Angus_Regiment_F...

    I do not recollect finding a muster roll, but one may exist.

    if you man was a sergeant, then this John  Fraser was probably not the same man:
    The Angus Fencibles, raised by, and under the command of, Major Fraser
    of Hospitalfield, and locally known as *Fraser's Men," were nearly all Angus
    men. The regiment comprised four or five companies, and was embodied in
    1794-5. The minutes of the Arbroath Town Council, of date 6th August,
    1794, bear that John Fraser, Esq., as Deputy-Lieutenant of the County of
    Forfar, waited on the Council and suggested the enrolment of the inhabitants
    for the defence of the town, &c. After hearing Mr Fraser, the Council
    unanimously recommended the inhabitants to enrol themselves.

    Yours aye,

    William

    Dec 7, 2023