As the Civil War dragged on it became clear a larger army of fighting aged men was needed for the Union. In March of 1863 the U.S. government set up the Provost Marshal Bureau. Even though created by the federal government it was run on the state level, with a Provost Marshal team assigned to each congressional district. It was the job of this office to document each man in the district. From these lists potential draftees were selected. Along with listing eligible individuals, medical examinations were recorded. This office was also in charge of documenting deserters.
There were two classifications for the men enrolled in the draft. Class I were men age 20-35 and those 36-45, all unmarried. Class II encompassed everyone else. All men were recorded on the rolls and then given physicals to determine their ability to fight. Men with disabilities were prevented from service.
The Provost Marshal records contain a wealth of information on the individual from residence, physical description and health, to place of birth, age, marital status and occupation. If your ancestor had already served, listed is the date he entered the army, whether he was drafted, enlisted or a substitute, the regiment he served with and where he mustered in. If your ancestor had the means he could have paid a substitute to fight for him. That information is documented as well.
There is also the records on deserters. This register would contain a deserter’s name and rank, the company and regiment he left. Also his residence, occupation, date of birth and physical description.
A few things to keep in mind as you start your research in Provost Marshal records is know where your ancestor lived and approximately how old he was in 1863. If your current information is vague and you have access to Ancestry.com try their U.S. Civil War Draft Registrations Records, 1863 – 1865 or the 1860 United States Federal Census on FamilySearch.
Now where do you find the Provost Marshal’s records? They are part of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Record Group 110 and are spread between ten regional offices.
To locate the specific records you are interested in and for a more thorough explanation I suggest you check out the NARA website. Mid page is a list of three excellent links covering Provost Marshal Records. Click on those and you’ll learn extensively about this record set, what you can find and where you can find it.
Another informative explanation of the records can be found by Kathleen Brandt of a3Genealogy. You will find that information here.
Also check FamilySearch and Ancestry.
I hope the Provost Marshal records help as you continue your research. Using all the important dates and places in your Civil War ancestor’s life and putting them in sequence add up to a real person who made a difference. Good luck!