A House Divided: Research in the Civil War

Sectional differences and ideology tore apart the United States between 1861 and 1865. This lecture separated in two parts is an in-depth examination of the various military records used to search for soldiers, sailors, and marines on both sides during this conflict. Compiled Service Records, Pensions, Draft Registrations, and related genealogical material is covered in this presentation. Civilian records covering the war period are also examined in both segments of this lecture.   This lecture continues and focuses on the other military branches outside of the United States Army; which includes the United States Navy, United States Marines, and Revenue Cutter Service; forerunners of the United States Coast Guard. Their Confederate counterparts in the Navy, and Marine Corps are also lectured on in detail.

Risking It All: The United States Life-Saving Service

This remarkable organization can trace its beginnings to the early 19th century. Although it did not receive official recognition as a service, the U.S. Life-Saving Service remained dormant until 1871. By 1874, a number of stations had been established along the coasts of Maine and Massachusetts, and later along the Outer Banks of North Carolina. In 1878, the life-saving stations were officially organized as a separate entity under the United States Department of the Treasury, initially referred to as the Life-Saving Service until 1915, when it was combined with the Revenue Cutter Service to form the U.S. Coast Guard.

Roosevelt’s Tree Army: Understanding the Civilian Conservation Corps

The New Deal came in response to the great depression focusing on the “3 Rs” of Relief, Recovery, and Reform. Genealogists today can follow the personal experiences of their ancestors who lived through the Great Depression. One of these programs was the Civilian Conservation Corps organized in 1933 and disbanded in 1942 with the United States involved in World War II.

Fighting on the Frontier: Research in the Indian Wars

From 1775 to the early twentieth century, the Indian Wars were characterized by the United States use of military force alongside strategic treaties to gain control over frontier territories. The conflicts during this time included fighting east of the Mississippi River from 1775 to 1842, which featured the Cherokee, Creek, and Seminole wars. In addition, the period west of the Mississippi from 1811 to 1924 involved the wars in the Dakotas, Colorado, Yakima, and the Black Hills, all of which were instrumental in the expansion of the American West. The records that will be examined include service records, pension documents, bounty land records, and other military-related files.

That Splendid Little War: Researching the Spanish-American War:

The end of the nineteenth century witnessed the transformation of the United States from a developing nation into a global power.  This lecture focuses on the war against Spain and include the Boxer Rebellion (1900) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) which U.S. soldiers participated by discussing records at the National Archives and other research facilities covering all 3 conflicts.

Crossing the Border: The Punitive Expedition of 1916

In the early morning of March 9, 1916, Francisco “Pancho” Villa led an assault on the town of Columbus, New Mexico. In response, the United States dispatched General John Pershing along with an army to pursue Villa. This punitive expedition would ultimately serve as a valuable opportunity for the military to train and discipline its soldiers in preparation for the onset of World War I in 1917. Various genealogical records, encompassing both civilian and military accounts, chronicle the experiences of those who witnessed these significant events as they occurred.

The Great War: The Impact of World War I on Modern Society

Known as the “Great War,” this conflict took place from 1914 to 1918. At the onset of this worldwide struggle, the United States officially proclaimed its neutrality, even as its citizens became increasingly engaged with international developments. A significant number of Americans ventured into Canada to enlist, while rising tensions with Mexico made war seem unavoidable for the United States. On April 6, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson urged Congress to declare war on Germany and to mobilize the nation’s resources. Numerous genealogical sources reflect the sentiments, attitudes, and responses of our government by exploring ancestral connections to what would later be termed the “War to End All Wars.”

Over the Top: Canadians in the First World War

Canada was destined to play a crucial role in World War I, being a component of the British Empire in 1914. When Great Britain announced its war against Germany on August 4, 1914, Canada was automatically involved as the Commonwealth declared war the following day. This lecture will delve into the documentation of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces, which encompasses C.E.F. personal files, the Commonwealth grave registry, Regimental Nominal Rolls, and the contributions of American fighters for Canada during this conflict, in addition to other records pertaining to the Royal Navy and Marines.

Fighting Against the Fatherland: German-Americans in World War I

The entry of the United States into World War I in April 1917 found tens of thousands of German-Americans taking the oath of allegiance seeking to prove their loyalty in their newly adopted country. This took into account persons who were either naturalized or recent immigrants who sought permanent residence. These men knew well they would fight their former countryman and still sought to earn the respect of the army and the United States.

Free Trade and Sailors Rights: Research in the War of 1812

Often called America’s “Forgotten War” and our second domestic conflict with England. This lecture examines the causes that brought the United States into war in 1812. Genealogical records of importance are discussed including Compiled Military Service Records, Pensions, Bounty Land and other related material to place your ancestors into the pages of history. Also included are those records relating to the United States Navy, Marines, and the privateers   that harassed the British shipping.

Researching Your Colonial War Ancestors

Participation in the local militia units was an important part in the life of your ancestors.  The militia provided for the common defense, and brought families together in times of crisis.  Numerous armed conflicts including; King Philip’s War, King George’s War, and the War of Jenkins Ear are some that are highlighted. Genealogical sources will include muster rolls, militia lists, pay documents, published books and manuscripts, and other related materials.

The Road to Independence: Revolutionary War Research

The Revolutionary War was fought in part over tensions between England and her colonies that escalated over time into violence with the opening shots fired in Massachusetts in April 1775. Some of the historical records examined will include compiled military service records, pensions, state and federal bounty land, local militia, along with records from the Continental Navy and Marine Corps. Additionally historical context include some of the national emergencies after the end of the war in 1783 including both Shay’s Rebellion and the later Whiskey Rebellion.

Manifest Destiny: Mexican War Research

The year 1846 saw the onset of the Mexican-American War, the first instance in which the United States engaged in a conflict primarily on foreign soil. This war served as a crucial training ground for both military leaders and troops who would later be involved in the Civil War. The conflict featured a militarily unready Mexico facing off against the United States, motivated by the principles of “Manifest Destiny” and the pursuit of westward expansion. Numerous genealogical records trace the involvement of our ancestors in this prolonged conflict, which yielded significant land acquisitions for the country.

Military Records of the Five Civilized Tribes

Historically the mention of soldiers in the United States military and American Indians usually brings to together images of fierce fighting on the open plains. Events and battles fought by men like General George Armstrong Custer were unfortunate stories found inside the pages of history. Truth is sometime stranger than fiction; as Indians fought from the Revolutionary War to World War II with this lecture focusing on those who belonged to the five civilized tribes who served with honor.

Trial and Punishment: Records of the Uniform Code of Military Justice

Investigating military court martial records provides a unique perspective on the disciplinary measures and legal procedures used by the different branches of armed forces since the time of the Revolutionary War. First adopted from the British Articles of War, records are stored in the national archives among other repositories. These records incorporate comprehensive details regarding trials, allegations, verdicts, and personal backgrounds of service members implicated for misconduct or criminal activities

Enemy Aliens: Registering Our Immigrant Forbearers

Documenting enemies of the United States dates back to 1798 with the passage of the Alien and Sedition Acts. Our Government has not always been kind to immigrants of other ethnic origin. During both World War I and later World War II with Germans, Italians, and Japanese nationals, and in many cases their spouses were considered enemy aliens and required to register themselves. The Act of registering Enemy Aliens during times of war done to protect our nation while suspending those persons basic civil liberties.

Dog Tags: Identifying our Military Dead

In times of war the inability to identify battlefield casualties becomes ever increasingly critical. Begun as early as the Civil War when soldiers would write their names and units pinning them on uniforms evolved to create identification tags from either wood, or other material. In 1906 the United States Government formulated plans for permanent aluminum discs and by 1913 the wearing of the new discs became mandatory.  Called “Dog Tags” they became more detailed with information over time and today are issued to recruits serving in the military.

Spies, Slackers, and Aliens: The American Protective League

Organized in Chicago, IL in 1917 by citizens who believed the United States Department of Justice was understaffed and not up to the task of fighting against espionage. They grew to a volunteer force of more than 250,000 members. The APL was given absolute power to stop ordinary citizens in the streets by checking whether men were legally registered for draft, or were sympathetic to the Germans, or those unregistered aliens living in the United States. Long believed to be a pseudo-patriotic organization. The APL documented both members and their activities in rich genealogical and historical details at the time the United States entered World War I.

The Draft and the Selective Service System

The history of the draft and conscripting men for military service dates back to the days of the Revolutionary War. Individual colonies were given the authority to draft men that were called up for militia service. It wasn’t until the Civil War that the first national legislation in 1862 was passed that would enact a national draft. Since then, several Selective Service Acts in 1917, 1940, 1948, and 1967 that have account for men who would serve their country in times of crisis or emergency.

Militia and Records of the National Guard

The earliest Colonial Militia date to 1636 when the Massachusetts Bay Colony organized separate companies.  Defending the frontier and providing for the common defense have always been at the heart of militia service. St. Clair’s military defeat at the hands of the Indians in 1791 led to the passage of the Militia Acts of 1792 which authorized the President to take command of the state militias in times of national emergency or insurrection.  Starting afterwards individual states would have their own National Guard in some manner where today it is still providing defense for the nation.

Semper Paratus: The History of the United States Coast Guard

The Revenue Cutter Service, the oldest active seagoing service in the United States can trace their origins to an act of Congress that became law on August 4, 1790 that authorized the Secretary of Treasury, Alexander Hamilton to fit out cutters to be employed for protection of revenue. Originally called the Revenue Cutter Service (or Revenue Marines) they were  first envisioned as a force of revenue tax collectors, their ability to conduct many diverse missions, some simultaneously, during both peacetime and war became the hallmark of the service. Interestingly, one editor of the Army and Navy Journal in the November 26, 1864 issue not only recognized the value and potential of this unique organization, but also unknowingly predicted both the motto “Semper Paratus” and the future name of the Coast Guard intended for it in 1915 when this service officially became the U.S. Coast Guard.  Discover your family members who may have served in this organization.

World War II Military Research and Records

With the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941 the United States was plunged into another global conflict. On the battlefield and the home front alike, our country mobilized to defeat the Axis Powers. Researching your WWII Ancestors has some obstacles, but it’s not without rewards. By examining the Official Military Personnel Files in St. Louis, MO and those documents lost or destroyed as a result of the devastating fire in 1973, genealogists learn to search other ways to reconstruct their ancestor’s records. Some other sources include; Draft Registrations, Morning Reports, Submarine War Patrol Reports, and Missing Air Crew Reports. This lecture focuses on all those listed and others to reconstruct those records most affected by the fire.

Military Uniforms, Insignia, Awards, Regalia, and Ephemera

This lecture focuses on each of the  military branches, including the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard in discovering the uniform regulations, and medals associated with each branch, along with memorabilia such as broadsides, and other great resources.  Additionally, the records from the U.S. Life-Saving Service and the Lighthouse Service are examined to show information from lesser known organizations.

Aiding Those in Peril: Navigating the Records of the United States Light House Service

Discover your ancestors who may have served in this venerable organization.  Deeply rooted in tradition and folklore, the United States Light House Service history stretches back more than two centuries when formed under the leadership of President George Washington.  Follow the history of the service during the nineteenth century as it was under the heading of the light house board and later as the light-house service until 1939 when it was incorporated into the United States Coast Guard.  Many fascinating and historical documents and other records from log entries to light house keeper records will enable researchers to record the history of their ancestors who service in this lesser known Federal branch of service.

Crossing the 38th Parallel: Lessons Learned from the Korean War

Sometimes referred to as the “Forgotten War” The Korea War has been overshadowed by the larger conflicts both before and afterwards; namely, World War II and the Vietnam War. This lecture focuses on numerous genealogical records covering this military conflict including Official Military Personnel Files, Morning Reports, after action records, and records of casualties and prisoners of war. Although only lasting 3 years where communist and capitalistic democratic forces staged war against each other; this conflict would not be forgotten as it caused tensions between the participants for decades after the fighting stopped.

Honoring the Memory of the Vietnam War

The conflict of the Vietnam War is also called the Second Indochina War that was to pit the communist supported area of North Vietnam against the United States backed region that would become South Vietnam. This conflict would follow the earlier First Indochina War that witnessed fighting between the French and their neighbors in North Vietnam. The Vietnam War is recognized as being waged in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia between 1955 and 1975 with the fall of Saigon and the United States officially removed from the fighting. This lecture focuses on genealogical and historical materials to finding ancestors who fought during this conflict.

Refugees, Claims, and Pardons: Reconciliation during the Reconstruction Era

With the end of the Civil War in 1865 the United States turned to mend the sectional differences that had separated the country with four years of bloody Civil War. This new era known to historians as the Reconstruction Era ran from 1865-1877 until the withdraw of Federal Troops from the south under the presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes. Both military and civilian records will help piece together the history of our families during this difficult period of time in the United States.

Traveling with the Army: Non-Combatants and their Role in the Military

Historically when armies marched off to war civilians followed in numbers. From the Revolutionary War through the end of the 20th century this included sutlers, wagon masters, teamsters, blacksmiths, laborers and other contract workers. Other civilians who joined the ranks of the armies were nurses, washerwomen, and other camp followers. In the Confederate army it was commonplace to have slaves with the army. Many primary records document the lives of our forbearers who witnessed war up front and personal.

Love Thy Neighbor: Conscientious Objectors in the Civil War

Thousands of men during the Civil War were subject to conscription where some were affiliated as members of the historic “peace churches” of the Mennonite, Amish, Quakers and the Church of the Brethren. These men sought to be exempted for conscientious scruples being opposed to military service. Researching the records of the federal draft and depositions for those who opposed the war adds to the social history of a divided period in our nations history.

Deeds Not Words: The Legacy of the Merchant Marines

The Merchant Marines have always played a pivotal and important role in American history. Without their efforts and sacrifice the wars of the twentieth century could have turned out very different.  A series of acts passed by Congress in 1916, 1920, and 1936 would officially organize the Merchant Marines into a well-trained and disciplined organization set about to answer the call to action during World War II.  Many genealogically valuable records can be searched to find your merchant mariner ancestors.

Introduction to Military History Research:

Beginning genealogy research on your ancestors who served in the military is not without rewards; research can be both challenging and daunting for persons not familiar with the records, repositories, and the methodology employed to find details of military service. This lecture focuses on a large number of records, strategies, and techniques on how to research military ancestors from the colonial era through Vietnam that can be used to discover facts about your ancestor’s life”

Following The Armies: Researching Military Maps

Military maps are invaluable source of information for determining where our ancestors may have served in a specific conflict. Having knowledge of your ancestor’s military unit or organization can help place his regiment, battalion, brigade, or division on the field to determine the precise footsteps you family trod during a specific engagement.  This lecture focuses on those maps that contain valuable military information from the colonial period through the Vietnam War of the mid twentieth century.

Hallowed Ground: Burying of our Honored Military Dead

Deaths and burials of military veterans in both combat and during peacetime periods have been records for centuries. Listings of death and burials are recorded in many numerous primary sources. Records of the Compiled Service Records, Official Military Personnel Files, Individual Deceased Files, Pensions, and other sources all have the potential for burial information in addition to some lesser used records. For details about burial procedures of veterans looking at the way flags were supplied to American veterans and families and the issuing of United States Government tombstones for deceased soldiers, sailors, and marines is yet another way to discover unknown fact about your family.

The German Forty-Eighters and their Fight for Freedom

German who had supported, and in many cases, had participated in the Revolution of 1848 that swept across the European continent. Many favored the unification of Germany with a central government that defended basic sovereign rights. With the failed Revolution many from Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic emigrated to the United States to continue their quest for freedom.  Many were well educated, and had wealth, and would become very successful in their new adopted country with the coming of the Civil War a decade later. Genealogical records document their journey and successes in this new land.

Code Words: “Plan One, Acknowledge” The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard in World War I

On Friday April 6, 1917 the U.S. Navy’s communications center in Arlington, VA transmitted the code words “Plan One, Acknowledge” that initiated the transfer of the U.S. Coast Guard then under the Treasury Department to the Department of the Navy for the duration of the war. Both services worked side by side together to defeat the enemy. From war patrols, transporting of troops to the war zones, and fighting a new undersea nemesis with the U-Boats both services performed with valor.  Discover your ancestor or other family members who may have served in either seafaring organization and the legacy each left behind as we remember World War I.

Rebel Leathernecks: The Confederate Marine Corps in the Civil War

Research your ancestors who may have served the Confederacy  during the Civil War.  The Confederate Marine Corps-a part of the Navy was established by Congress March 16, 1861.  Initially authorized for less than a thousand men, later by September of 1862, the service employed additional soldiers within their ranks.  The Marines saw various action throughout the war serving along the eastern seaboard.  By war’s end those that remained were serving in defense of the city of Richmond, Virginia at the time of surrender.  Discover some great untapped resources awaiting you in primary records for this relatively unknown branch of the military.

Confederate Raiders in Maine: The Capture & Destruction of the Revenue Cutter Caleb Cushing

During the early morning hours of Saturday, June 27, 1863 the Revenue Cutter Caleb Cushing was hijacked from her homeport in Portland, Maine by Confederate privateers under the command of Lt. Charles W. Read. She was under full sail about twelve miles off the coast of Maine, when quickly intercepted by pursuing federal authorities. Read, who was not able to dodge his pursuers, chose to set fire to his prize and surrender.  In her final moments, the Caleb Cushing blew apart from the resulting magazine explosion and slid quickly beneath the waves.  The story of the Caleb Cushing is an appealing narrative, complete with all the key ingredients of a great story. It has elements of suspense, danger, and intrigue with traces of brazenness. It is the story about the only Revenue Cutter to be captured and destroyed during the Civil War, and the men who served on the cutter in the many months prior to her destruction.