Cantonist
![Herzl Yankl Tsam, one of only eight Jewish officers in the Russian army in the 19th century. Drafted as a 17-year-old cantonist, he became an officer in 1873. He was not allowed any promotions beyond captain until his retirement after 41 years of service, when he was given rank and pension of a colonel. In spite of pressures, he never converted.[10][11]](/Images/godic/202501/03/Herzl_Yankl_Tsam3706.jpg")
Cantonists (Russian language: Кантонисты) were underage sons of Russian conscripts who from 1721 were educated in special "canton schools" (Кантонистские школы) for future military service (the schools were called garrison schools in the 18th century). The canton schools were eventually abolished in 1857.