For those at the first step in researching your Civil War ancestor you might be wondering what exactly do you do? Just like your regular genealogy research, start at the very beginning. Start at home. Talk with the oldest generation of your family.
- Your parents
- Grandparents
- Aunts and uncles
- Even cousins (they may have heard a story unknown to you)
Do they remember hearing stories as a child about their/your great great grandfather who served in the Civil War? Just a few questions from you may open up some long lost memories. If you get a few nuggets of information try asking something specific like:
- Where your potential Civil War ancestor lived? What state or region?
- Did he serve in the infantry or was he in the cavalry?
- Was he an enlisted man or maybe an officer?
Who knows what valuable information these questions may produce? As always jot down any and all genealogy information citing your informant, date, etc. Also keep in mind any info you glean from family members is a starting point for your research. All information needs to be researched and proven.
Next take a look at your family’s stories handed down through the generations. Those oral stories may not be entirely accurate but hold enough truth to be a research starting point. One of my family’s stories was my great-great grandfather fought in the Civil War with an Ohio regiment. It’s true he did fight in the Civil War but it was with Co. A 81st Pennsylvania Infantry, not an Ohio regiment. That’s why all information needs to be researched and proven.
Ask if previous generations in your family did some genealogy research. My aunt, my mom’s sister had done some rudimentary research into my family’s history. I was able to obtain copies of some of her work. Copies of your own great-aunt’s research may provide several jumping off points. Also make sure you go through the boxes stored in the basement or attic of your older family members, with their consent of course. Who knows what family heirlooms, papers, certificates have long been forgotten while safely tucked away in a corner of your grandparent’s home.
Also take another look at your family tree. With careful inspection those men born between 1820 and 1848 are the main candidates for serving in the Civil War.
Next get some exercise! Take a walk through the cemeteries where your ancestors are buried. Pay special attention to the headstones — looking for military service engraved there. Civil War veterans were especially proud of their service and noted it on their grave markers. Of course the white marble government headstones are a give-a-way of a veteran’s service. Also make special note of military markers adjacent to an ancestors headstone. Most denote membership in veteran’s organizations after the war.
Now these tips are just for starters. I have a few more ideas for you as you begin your research on your Civil War ancestor. I’ll share them tomorrow.