Research military records

Question

https://www.archives.gov/research/military

Answer 1

Excellent resource, Eddie. Thanks for the link.

Those records are NOT just for military service! The information to be found in U S Military records, in particular, pension applications from early wars (Rev War, 1812) shouldn't be underestimated. I've found a couple Rev War pension applications for ancestors which included affidavits deposed by the applicant wherein he stated his birth date, birth place, military service, and places of residence. I found no other records with that valuable info. REALLY good stuff.

Comments

Definitely not just for military. The widows pensions may have the only evidence of a marriage. The 1812 pension application is the only place I found something approaching a marriage record for a 4G grandparent. In it she says the Justice of the Peace never filed the record and his copies were lost. The affidavits of friends may also lead to finding relatives. These are really great records to pursue.

Answer 2

For Canadian research, there are equivalent records at Library and Archives Canada at http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/Pages/military-heritage.aspx