Arkansas Civil War Service Records of Confederate Soldiers - FamilySearch Historical Records
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| Arkansas, United States | |
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| Record Description | |
| Record Type | Compiled Service records |
| Record Group | RG 109: War Department Collection of Confederate Records |
| Collection years | 1861-1865 |
| Microfilm Publication | M317. Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers who Served in Organizations from the State of Arkansas. 256 rolls. |
| National Archives Identifier | 586957438 |
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Contents
What is in This Collection?[edit | edit source]
This collection includes Civil War service records from 1861 to 1865. The collection consists of Confederate service records of soldiers who served in organizations from Arkansas. The records include abstracts of entries relating to the soldier as found in the following original records:
- Muster rolls
- Returns
- Rosters
- Payrolls
- Appointment books
- Hospital registers
- Union prison registers and rolls
- Parole rolls
- Inspection reports
For each military unit the service records are arranged alphabetically by the soldier's surname. The Military Unit field may also display the surname range (A-G) as found on the microfilm. This collection is a part of RG 109, War Department Collection of Confederate Records and is National Archive Microfilm Publication M317. Index courtesy of www.fold3.com (Previously known as Footnote.com).
Service records were kept for each Confederate soldier. Those records, or their abstracts, were compiled into individual files. Each envelope/jacket contains information and cross references to original records relating to the soldier.
This index was created to provide quick access to compiled service records.
The information in this index is quite reliable. However, keep in mind that even though this index is very accurate it still may contain inaccuracies, such as altered spellings or misinterpretations.
Image Visibility[edit | edit source]
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This collection contains searchable content in the NARA Catalog. They can be accessed by clicking on the National Archives identifier in the Record Description. Once inside the Catalog, click on the "Search Within This Series". |
What Can These Records Tell Me?[edit | edit source]
The index to these records contains the following:
- Jacket name
- Soldier’s full name
- Year
- Age (often estimated)
- Military unit served in
- Type of records in file
- NARA publication number, title, and roll number
The papers are in separated into individual files which usually include the following:
- A jacket-envelope for each soldier, labeled with his name, his rank, and the unit in which he served
- A card (or cards) with abstracts of entries from original muster rolls, returns, rosters, payrolls, appointment books, hospital registers, Union prison registers and rolls, parole rolls, and inspection reports
- The originals of any papers relating only to the particular soldier
How Do I Search This Collection?[edit | edit source]
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
- The name of the person
- The location or date of the event
Search the Index[edit | edit source]
Search by name on the Collection Details Page.- Fill in the search boxes in the Search Collection section with the information you know
- Click Search to show possible matches
How Do I Analyze the Results?[edit | edit source]
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.
What Do I Do Next?[edit | edit source]
If these are indexes, the original records may contain additional information than was not indexed, or the information might have been indexed incorrectly. You may want to search for the original record at the National Archives and Records Administration.
I Found the Person I was Looking for, What Now?[edit | edit source]
- Use the age or estimated birth date to find vital records such as, birth, baptism, marriage, and death records
- Use the information found in the record to find additional family members in census records
- Search for a military pension record
- If applicable, search for immigration and naturalization records
I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?[edit | edit source]
- If your ancestor does not have a common name, collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This list can help you find possible relatives
- If you cannot locate your ancestor in the locality in which you believe they lived, then try searching a nearby locality
- Try different spellings of your ancestor’s name
- Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names
Research Helps[edit | edit source]
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of Arkansas.
- US Military Basic Search Strategies
- Beginning Research in United States Military Records
- Beginning United States Civil War Research
- Locating a Confederate Civil War Soldier (1861–1865)
- Arkansas Guided Research
- Research Tips and Strategies
- Step-by-Step Research: 1880-Present
Related Family History Library Holdings[edit | edit source]
Related FamilySearch Historical Record Collections[edit | edit source]
Citing This Collection[edit | edit source]
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.
| Collection Citation: The citation for this collection can be found on the Collection Details Page in the section Citing this Collection. |
| Record Citation: When looking at a record, the citation can be viewed by clicking the drop-down arrow next to Document Information. |
How Can I Contribute to the FamilySearch Wiki?[edit | edit source]
| We welcome user additions to FamilySearch Historical Records wiki articles. We are looking for additional information that will help readers understand the topic and better use the available records. We also need translations for collection titles and images in articles about records written in languages other than English. For specific needs, please visit WikiProject FamilySearch Historical Records/Guidelines for Articles. Please follow these guidelines as you make changes. Thank you for any contributions you may provide. |
