Research Notes -
from Park Genealogical Books,
your specialists in genealogy and local history for Minnesota
and the surrounding area
Finding Military Records for Minnesota - Part II: Unofficial Records
A vast array of records regarding an ancestor's military service can be used to compile a family history. Some of them were made by governmental units, and can be termed 'official' records, and some were made by private groups or individuals. All are worth checking. Here are a few of the non-governmental sources:
- Cemeteries: Try visiting the cemetery which your ancestor is buried. Often the gravestones carry hints to military service, because they mention a fraternal group (such as the GAR) or specific service unit. And don't forget the auxiliary branches of those fraternal groups. Women were often very involved on the home front. Check out every abbreviation you may find on a gravestone for every ancestor!
- Decoration/Memorial Day programs: The holiday once known as Decoration Day and now known as Memorial Day is often accompanied by information about those buried in local cemeteries. There may be separate programs (check the local historical society or library) or the listing may be published annually in the local newspaper. This can also provide a clue as to date of death, when a veteran starts appearing in the listing.
- Grand Army of the Republic (GAR)/Woman's Relief Corps (WRC) fraternal organizations required military service in the Civil War. While the organizations themselves are defunct, their records might provide clues. The Minnesota Historical Society has a large collection of GAR materials, and listings of some of the WRC conference attendees have been published in the Minnesota Genealogical Journal.
- American Legion/Veterans of Foreign Wars organizations still operate in many Minnesota cities. Check in the area where your ancestor lived.
- Diaries - Letters - Papers are among the richest resources, especially if they concern your family. Some were published in local newspapers during the wars, others carefully saved in the attic, and still more given to historical organizations. Remember that your ancestor served with others, and their personal papers will likely discuss the sights and incidents your ancestor experienced, and perhaps will have anecdotes naming him. Look for these under personal names, units, locations, etc.
If you are researching in a time period where your ancestor was on the move, the papers may have ended up somewhere along the way. It's not uncommon to find personal reminiscences of soldiers from Ohio, Wisconsin and Minnesota in collections in the Dakota, Montana or Washington state. Keep track of where you look and what you looked for, so that you will know when you find something new.
Military records seem complex, but they are a rich source of information about our ancestors and their families. Common sense, diligence and patience will reward your efforts! And be sure to look at our on-line catalog for the military information we carry.
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