Military records as genealogy resources are great especially when researching American ancestors.
Military records are another great source especially when researching American ancestors. Military records can help fill in many gaps; especially between the years of 1770 to 1880. Many of our ancestors fought in the American Revolution, 1775-1783; Battle of 1812; many Indian, Mexican, and American wars, 1817-1898; World War I, 1917-1918; World War II, 1941-1945; Korean War, 1950-1953; Vietnam, 1961-1975; and Desert Storm, 1990-1991.
Military records can be found in many books and through state and local archives. American records cover a period starting from the late 1600's. Many of these records are recorded in various books held by some public libraries, and genealogical societies.
The Daughters of the American Revolution (D. A. R.) have an exhaustive compilation of genealogical data available through their publication. The D. A. R. is a multi-volume set of books covering soldiers and their relatives. Many are listed under the names of the soldiers spouse or immediate family, such as the wife or daughter of the soldier.
The D. A. R. is indexed by the soldier's name and by their ancestor or descendant's names also. Many of the descendants listed with the D. A. R. have extensive family histories already compiled.
There are many books and sets of books available covering the American Revolution, Civil War, Battle of 1812, and all major conflicts involving the military.
Not all of these books are linked genealogically, but it is always worthwhile to go through the index. Many times, you will find a short passage about an ancestor. These short phrases and paragraphs can be of value if you plan on putting your family history into print. Even if you are only going to print your family history up for your own use, little phrases and quotes by ancestors will still add character to your family history.
Service, pension, and muster records can offer you such information as, place of residence, date and place of birth, next of kin, physical descriptions, occupation prior to and after, and parents names and places of residence (a copy of a pension record is included at the end of the book).
The U. S. Census is also a valuable source for the genealogist. Although the first federal record began in 1790, you can find individual records of population (some being church records) counts for towns, parishes, and counties, dating back to the early 1600's.
Census records began as an effort to obtain a head count of the population of the United States. In future years the census records began covering a broader range of information. The census records offer the following information: 1) Head of household 2) Slaves 3) Servants 4) Roomers 5) Sex 6) Age 7) Residence 8) Spouse 9) Children 10) Birth dates 11) Occupation 12) Birth place.
Census records are available now for a period covering 1790 to 1920. For information covering the years between 1920 to the present, you must request this in person and you can only receive information pertaining to your immediate family or legal heirs. Proof of identity is a must.
City Directories are also a valuable source of information. With a city directory you can begin in any given city at any given year and work forwards or backwards. If you know that great grandpa and grandma lived in Derby, Connecticut around 1885 you can begin with the 1885 directory and work forward or backward until you find your ancestor's name. This will help give you an idea of when they lived in a particular area. Some city directories may even list a person's former place of residence and birthplace.
By 1850, most American cities had directories. Some cities had directories as early as 1790. These directories can be found in your public library.
In review, you will find that military records, census records, and city directories are some of the most complete and reliable sources available to you. Although the census records did not start until 1790, they can help fill many gaps.
Military records are available through state and local archives and some are recorded in published volumes dedicated specifically to the history of the American Soldier. Census records can be located through local libraries, historical and genealogical societies. You may also write the National Archives, in Washington, DC and obtain census information.
Always remember that when you are requesting information by phone or mail to be as precise as possible. Although this information has been indexed and compiled rigorously, the more specific you are the better your chances of receiving the information you desire.
Piecing together military, census, and city records can be discouraging, yet very rewarding. Never give up, just take a break and distance yourself from the pursuit. After a few days pick it up, sort it out and to your amazement, you'll find that you are again ready to turn the pages of your heritage.
