A relative said that a certain relative had served in the Russian army. He came from Plock and arrive in America in 1903 at age 15, so I sort of doubt that he was in the Russian miliatary- perhaps his father? I don't have any info on dates for the father other than his name was John Nowakowski which is a lot like John Smith.

I imagine his motivation for immigration by himself was to AVOID conscription. What is your best guess on what was typical at that time near Plock?
Thank you.