My understanding is that is very difficult to get records from them, not because they do not want to cooperate but rather due to the location of the records. You should probably call the VA center (913-682-2000) and ask for "Release of Information." Whoever is working there should be able to help you out. I will do some checking for you as well. Patsy ============================================= In a message dated 6/24/2003 11:00:46 AM Central Daylight Time, [email protected] writes: > > You asked for more information about MY John Buchanan. He was born about > 1841 (from census info). Those sources say he was born in NY (yet to be > verified). He was in Boone County, IL in 1870 census, and in Oneida County, NY in > 1880 census. I do not know parents, siblings, etc. I know he married Helen > Pooler and had 6 children. I have information that says he enlisted in 1861 in > Marcy, NY (which is where his wife is from) age 20 (correct age for him) > which would make him a veteran, eligible for the hospital. The census record for > the hospital in 1920 lists John Buchanan, widow, age 78 (taken Jan 6-7, so > age would be correct), listing place of birth as NY. He was on their list for > 1915-1916 also. Things fit but don't know how to verify. > > If I write to them, will they release information??