I thought this information might be of benefit to some of you Craig cousins.......Judy From: DearMYRTLE@aol.com <DearMYRTLE@aol.com> To: DEARMYRTLE-L@rootsweb.com <DEARMYRTLE-L@rootsweb.com> Date: Monday, June 26, 2000 9:54 AM Subject: [DearMYRTLE-L] NA Veterans Pension Files >DearMYRTLE's DAILY GENEALOGY COLUMN >NA Veteran Pension Files > >From: RKlein3204@aol.com >DearMYRTLE, >I have just received my copy of my gg grandfathers pension veterans records >from the National Archives. They said they had 161 pages remaining documents >in the file what sort of information is usually in these files? There is an >extra $50 charge and I wonder if I would gain that much information or is it >just a record of payments? If you can give me some insight into >approximately what to expect I would really appreciate it. Pat Klein > >DearPAT, >You are most fortunate! Asking for a copy of a Civil War Veterans file >through the National Archives for you becomes a two-fold project. You have >received the "selected" records, which are largely service/pension oriented. >These items are also available on microfilm and are described at the National >Archives Web site: >Civil War Records >http://www.nara.gov/genealogy/civilwar.html > >Part 1: Introduction to Basic Research Sources > Union Records > Confederate Records > Publications > Discussion of Basic Records > Compiled Military Service Records > Pension Records > Record of Events > >Part 2: Compiling a Soldier's History >Part 3: Where to Find These Records >Part 4: Civil War Photographs and Maps >Part 5: Other Records >Part 6: Grand Army of the Republic >Part 7: For More Information > >----- >The "selected records" are composed of the request for benefits, >determination of eligibility, and periodic notices of allotments (usually >increasing as time passes). > >The second and perhaps most important part of your research is to request the >"full packet" includes in addition to the "selected items" an assortment of >miscellaneous documents. You definitely want to get the remaining 161 pages >in your case, as you will find more genealogically interesting items. I've >seen such things as: > >-- original wedding portraits (where the widow was attempting to prove her >relationship to the veteran) > >-- signature of the vet over the years on requests for increase in benefits >(shows how his strength and health are deteriorating) [Myrt's Note: This >makes me cry!] > >-- letters from those who served with the vet describing his before/after >service health > >-- letters from those who served with the vet stating how he had referred to >his wife and children while in battle > >-- numerous newspaper clippings > >-- affidavits from witnesses (proving or disproving the widow's right to >benefits) > >-- handwritten notations by the vet listing his wives and children by name >with birth/death dates > >-- bill for final burial clothing > >How's that for relevant genealogical information? While you can't be sure >you'll get a family portrait, you WILL be writing back to thank me for >encouraging you to get the "full packet." > >Myrt :) >DearMYRTLE, >Daily Genealogy Columnist >AOL Keyword: roots or myrtle >www.DearMYRTLE.com >-------------------------------- >copyright 2000. All rights reserved. >An easy-to-read web version of this column appears at: >http://www.dearmyrtle.com/00/0627.htm > >To post a message on this topic, go to Myrt's Message Board located at: >http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/Special/DearMYRTLE > >Can't Click? Copy and paste URL to your web browser. > > >==== DEARMYRTLE Mailing List ==== >THANKS to RootWeb for sponsoring this mail list! >http://www.rootsweb.com >