"In 1809, though still a student, John Vianney was recruited in the draft. However, because he failed to join his detachment in Renaison, John was considered a deserter. Finding refuge in a small village known as Les Robins, John Vianney settled there for a couple of years. Although this village was obscured by the forest, the gendarmes still arrived to meticulously search for deserters. John Vianney, who had only seconds to hide, dove into the hayloft, where he felt himself sweating and could hardly breathe..."
... Since he had deserted, he had to be replaced in the Napoleonic armies. His brother François was drafted into the army in his place, went to the front to Phalsbourg (Moselle today the borders of Alsace) and died in the fighting. "