Kentucky Civil War Service Records of Confederate Soldiers - FamilySearch Historical Records
| Access the Records | |
| This article describes a collection of records at FamilySearch.org. | |
| Kentucky, United States | |
| |
| Flag of the United States of America | |
| |
| National Archives and Records Administration Logo | |
| Record Description | |
| Record Type | Compiled Service Records |
| Record Group | RG 109: War Department Collection of Confederate Records |
| Collection years | 1861-1865 |
| Microfilm Publication | M319. Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers who Served in Organizations from the State of Kentucky. 136 rolls. |
| National Archives Identifier | 586957 |
| FamilySearch Resources | |
| Related Websites | |
| |
| |
| Archive | |
| National Archives and Records Administration | |
Contents
What is in This Collection?[edit | edit source]
This collection includes Civil War Service records of Confederate Soldiers, from 1861 to 1865.
Confederate service records of soldiers who served in organizations from Kentucky. 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
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. 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 M319. Index courtesy of www.fold3.com (previously Footnote.com).
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.
To Browse This Collection[edit | edit source]
 |
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". |
Collection Content[edit | edit source]
The records are in individual files which usually include the following:
- A jacket-envelope for each soldier, labeled with his name, 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
What Can This Collection Tell Me?[edit | edit source]
The index to these records contains the following:
- Jacket name
- Soldier’s full name
- Year(s) of service
- Age (often estimated)
- Military unit and rank
- Links to additional documents
- Type of records in file
- NARA publication number, title, and roll number
How Do I Search the Collection?[edit | edit source]
Before searching the collection, it is helpful to know:
- The name of the soldier.
- The approximate age of the soldier.
- The military unit in which the soldier served.
- The rank of the soldier.
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]
When you have located your ancestor’s service record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details that can lead you to other records about your ancestors. Add this new information to your records of each family.
I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?[edit | edit source]
- Use the estimated age to calculate a birth date.
- Use the age and location of the military unit to find the soldier’s family in census, church, and land records.
- Continue to search the index and records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have served in the same unit or a nearby unit.
- When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct.
I Can't Find the Person I'm Looking For, What Now?[edit | edit source]
- Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for alias names, nicknames and abbreviated names.
- Search the records of nearby military units.
- Try alternative search methods such as only filling in the surname search box (or the given name search box) on the landing page leaving the other box empty and then click on search. This should return a list of everyone with that particular name. You could then browse the list for individuals that may be your ancestor.
Citing This Collection[edit | edit source]
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying you sources helps others find the records you used.
- Collection Citation
| 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. |
