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Archiver > OKGEN > 2001-08 > 0996673930


From: pcobb <>
Subject: Re: [OKGEN ] National Archives Question
Date: Wed, 01 Aug 2001 08:52:10 -0500
References: <MABBIHMAICGOOGPHJHKEMEHGCDAA.flip@okplus.com><001601c11a8a$ccd1e000$65aae4d0@homeseries>


If the soldier was Confederate, BOTH the National Archives (NARA for short)
AND the state where he enlisted have to be checked for possible records. If
he was Union, only NARA will have a service record.

Also, remember the following:

(1) Thousands of men 'changed sides' during the course of the war, sometimes
more than once. Your ancestor could have a record for service in both
armies.

(2) Men were transferred between units just as often then as they are now.
It was quite common for a medically disabled 'foot soldier' (Infantryman) to
end up in the Cavalry. Most usually the man would be discharged, return
home, then promptly enlist in a mounted unit that happened to be nearby.
For record keeping purposes (and for genealogists) this causes a problem.
Let's say your ancestor was named William Henry Smith. There will be a
totally separate service record for him in the general collection of records
for each and every unit he served in...AND do not expect every one of those
records to be filed under William Henry Smith. You have to be creative. He
may be listed under William H. Smith -- W. Henry Smith -- W. Smith -- W.H.
Smith, etc, etc.

(3) If your ancestor survived the war, the possibility exists that
either/both he and/or his widow eventually applied for a pension. Whether
the pension was granted or not, the application can contain a wealth of
information. All pension applications for Federal service are in NARA.
Applications for Confederate pensions will be found in the state where the
veteran (or his widow) was living at the time application was made. EX: If
the man served in an Alabama regiment, then moved to Texas after the war,
his Confederate pension application will be in the Texas State Archives in
Austin. The former Confederate states passed laws awarding pensions to
veterans and widows at different times. If memory serves, Texas started in
1899, and Oklahoma started in 1915 (correct me if I'm wrong). Texas at
least did award pensions to Confederate widows, even after they had
remarried.

Hope this helps.

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