Collection of Genealogical Articles Written by Society Members For Weekly Publication in the Sun Herald Newspapers, 2001

              Wednesday, December 12, 2001
The ^^M>. Sun
Check out your military records
^*^^It's All JJ Genes
Mary Wilson
Last week, .loyce Blocker had some helpful hints to offer concerning finding your military man amid the records of the National Archives. There are other avenues avail¬ able and today Joyce makes the following suggestions:
If you know where the ances¬ tor lived at the time he entered the service, try writing the State Archives, c/o the secretary of state's office at the state capital. Ask for a copy of their brochure, "Genealogical Records and Mail Research Policy." This booklet will list procedures for ordering and will tell you what kinds of records are available. It will also tell you whether or not they will research and copy yoUr records
and. finally, how much their ser¬ vices will cost you. The State Archives usually has a 3x5 index file of persons from the state who have been in service. Copies of the muster and description rolls are also avail¬ able, but you should limit your request for these particular papers to two names at a time.
Been there and done that? Then check out the U.S. Army Military History Institute, Carlisle Barracks, PA 17013- 5008. Ask for "Guide to the United Stales Army Military Histoiy Institute," and while you are at it request a copy of their photo reproduction policy. The Institute has one of the best hold¬ ings of information on the Civil War, including over 90,000 pho¬ tographs and portraits from dif¬ ferent regions. If you are seeking a photo of a soldier, this will be a good contact for you. When you write, furnish as much informa¬ tion as you can. That includes date of sei-vice, regiment, branch of service, etc. Incidentally, the institute is actively seeking Civil War pictures and portraits of the men who served in the Civil War. If you have any at hand, you might contact them and offer
them copies of YOUR treasure trove.
If you are searching for a vet¬ eran, look for his name on the honor roll in the state archives or state historical library in the state where he was a resident. The state's veterans commission is responsible for compiling, publishing, and distributing an up-to-date honor roll. This includes names, burial places and other relative information on members of the Armed Forces of the U.S. buried within the State. It should be located in the capital city of the state. You may also wish to contact the vet¬ erans' homes in the area where your vet lived. Check the state archives or the state's veterans commission office for these addresses.
If your ancestor fought with the Union, you may find infor¬ mation in the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) post records. These may be found at the state historical library and/or the state historical society where he lived.
For Confederate veterans, contact the Civil War Descendants Society for a brochure on their services, address: PO. Box 233, Athens, AL 35611.
The Civil War Soldier and Sailors System is a computerized database containing basic facts about servicemen who served on both sides. It is a cooperative effort by the Genealogical Society of Utah, the Federation of Genealogical Societies, the National Park Service, and other public and private partners. For more infonnation. see On-Line: www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/system_ overview.htm
To find out which national cemetery a veteran ancestor was buried in, write the director. National Cemetery Systems (41- A), Veteran's Administration, 810 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20420.
Remember, when contacting anyone for ANY information regarding genealogy, always include a self-addressed stamped envelope. It could mean the dif¬ ference between getting the informadon you requested or not getting it.
A final word of caution: If you receive a list of people who will do research for you, you must make arrangements with the particular researcher as to what you want and what you will pay. Be sure you know the answers to these questions: What is  his  houriy  rate?  Cost  of
copies? Are mailing expenses extra? Do you pay for parking? Are there extra charges for mileage or for his time in transit? If so, does he live in the town where the research is to be done? Does he combine research trips and divide expenses between clients or will you be footing the entire bill? And by all means, if you are unhappy with the fee schedule, inform the researcher immediately so that he does not forge ahead, expecting remuner¬ ation. Extend to that person the consideration  that you would
expect to receive if the shoe were on the other foot.
WItat great suggestions. Thanks, Joyce, for taking the time to share the.se with us.
Sorry, but if you haven't made reservations for the CCGS Christmas luncheon by now, it's too late. Tickets will not be sold at tlie door
Mary Wilson and Joyce Blocker are members of the Charlotte County Genealogical Society.