As best as I can determine, my GGfather, James Frazier, was born in Canada. It appears he went to the US in about 1861, then joined the 17th Infantry (probably in Brattleboro) as a private on 8/1/1864. After serving for about a year, he was mustered out in July 14, 1865, in Burlington. It appears he remained in VT about a year before moving to Wisconsin. My questions concern his being Canadian, and joining the Union Army. Would he have had to be a US citizen to join? Could he have just walked across the border in that era (i.e. no passports or "permissions" required)? Would having served in the Army have given him citizenship, or provided him any special US benefits? It appears he lived the rest of his life in Wisconsin, but never had to do anything to become a citizen. If anyone can provide any information about James (I am unable to locate his birth records, or anything about his time in VT), or answer these questions about the US-Canada border, and requirements to join the 17th VT Infantry, I'd greatly appreciate it!
Jim Oliver