United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1861-1866 - FamilySearch Historical Records: Difference between revisions

From FamilySearch Wiki
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
(205 intermediate revisions by 67 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Record Search article
'''[[United States Genealogy|United States]]'''
|location=United States
{{US NARA HR Infobox
|CID=CID1834304
| CID = CID1834304
|title=United States, Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Individual Civilians 1861-1866
| title = United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1861-1866
|CID2=CID1845948
| location = United States
|title2=United States,Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866}}<br>
| LOC_01 =
| LOC_02 =
| LOC_03 =
| record_type =
| record_group_nr = 109
| record_group_title =[http://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/109.html War Department Collection of Confederate Records] 
| start_year =1861
| end_year =1866
| alt_flag = US_33_Star_Fort_Sumter_Flag.jpg
| alt_flag_desc = Civil War flag 1861 (33 stars)
| micro_pub_nr = M345
| micro_pub_title = Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Individual Civilians  
| micro_pub_rolls = 300
| micro_pub_nr_02 =
| micro_pub_title_02 =
| micro_pub_rolls_02 =
| micro_pub_nr_03 =
| micro_pub_title_03 =
| micro_pub_rolls_03 =
| micro_pub_nr_04 =
| micro_pub_title_04 =
| micro_pub_rolls_04 =
| coll_series =
| arrangement =
| NAID =[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/2133278?q=*:* 2133278]
| language =
| FS_URL_01 = [[GuidedResearch:United States|United States Guided Research]]
| FS_URL_02 = [[United States Record Finder]]
| FS_URL_03 = [[United States Research Tips and Strategies]]
| FS_URL_04 = [[Union Provost Marshals' File|Union Provost Marshals' File]]
| FS_URL_05 = [[Confederate Prisoner of War Records|Confederate Prisoner of War Records]]
| FS_URL_06 = [[Beginning United States Civil War Research]]
| FS_URL_07 = [[Begin a search for Union records]]
| FS_URL_08 = [[Union Draft Records]]
| FS_URL_09 = [[United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866 - FamilySearch Historical Records]]
| FS_URL_10 =
| Coverage = [[African American Contraband Records, Coverage Table - FamilySearch Historical Records|Coverage Table]]
| Inventory =
| DFNL =
| RW_URL_01 = [https://s1.sos.mo.gov/records/archives/archivesdb/provost/ Missouri State Archives Provost Marshal Database]
| RW_URL_02 = [http://www.tnsos.net/TSLA/provost/index.php Tennessee State Library and Archives Union Provost Marshal Name Index]
| RW_URL_03 = [https://catalog.archives.gov/id/2133278?q=*:* NARA Collection Description M345 and M416. Papers Relating to Citizens, 1861-1867]
| RW_URL_04 = [http://www.archives.gov/research/naturalization/415-confederate-citizens.pdf NARA Reference Report Confederate Citizens during the Civil War, 1861–1866]
| RW_URL_05 = [http://www.civilwarhome.com/ProvostMarshal.htm The Provost Marshal and the Citizen]
| RW_URL_06 = [https://catalog.archives.gov/id/75302268 List of Scouts, Guides, Spies, and Railroad Personnel, RG 110 NARA]
| RW_URL_07 =
| RW_URL_08 =
| RW_URL_09 =
| RW_URL_10 =
| RW_URL_11 =
| RW_URL_12 =
| RW_URL_13 =
| RW_URL_14 =
| RW_URL_15 =
| custodian = 
}}
== What is in This Collection?  ==
This collection contains images of records from the United States [https://catalog.archives.gov/id/10461614 Provost Marshal] during the Civil War. The Provost Marshal served as military police for the Union Army. Records in this collection deal with deserters, Confederate spies, civilians suspected of disloyalty, civilian passage through military zones, [https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/African_American_Contraband_Records contraband slaves], etc.  The records are in Record Group 109 located in the National Archives. This collection corresponds to NARA publication M345, Union Provost Marshals’ File of Papers Relating to Individual Civilians. See [[United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866 - FamilySearch Historical Records]] for cases involving two or more persons.


== Collection Time Period  ==
The collection was digitized from microfilm and is arranged alphabetically by the first two or three letters of the surname. It consists of correspondence, provost court papers, lists of transportation permits, claims for compensation for property used or destroyed by military forces, affidavits, oaths of loyalty and other lists.


This collection covers the years from 1861 through 1866.  
Although the records were kept by the Union Army, they primarily deal with information about confederate citizens and union citizens who were suspected of supporting the confederate cause. They dealt with a wide range of individuals including those who were suspected of disloyalty or of giving aid to the enemy, who violated military orders, were prisoners, were authorized to travel in or to enter the Confederate states, and others. During the war each division, brigade, and corps of the Union Army had a provost marshal. Marshals kept records of their activities as the military police and presided at courts established to try civilians who violated military orders as well as military personnel suspected of committing civil crimes.


== Record Description  ==
{{HR Add}}
=== Related National Archives Collections ===
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/2133278 Papers Relating to Citizens, 1861–1867]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/4213514 Consolidated Enrollment Lists, 1863–1865] Draft Enrollment
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/2555022 Descriptive Books of Drafted Men, 1864–1865] New Jersey
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/2554829 Register of Persons Taking Oaths of Allegiance Under Provisions of Department of the East General Order 80 of 1864, October 1864–April 1865] New Jersey
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/3126602 Lists and Reports Relating to Transfers of Men, 1864–1865 Kentucky]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/3514880 Receipts for Men Sent to Atheneum Prison, March 1863–July 1865] West Virginia


The collection was digitized from microfilm and is arranged alphabetically by the first two or three letters of the surname. It consists of correspondence, provost court papers, lists of transportation permits, claims for compensation for property used or destroyed by military forces, affidavits, oaths of loyalty and other lists. Although the records were kept by the Union Army, they primarily deal with information about confederate citizens and union citizens who were suspected of supporting the confederate cause.  
*See also:
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/10678799 War Department. Provost Marshal General's Bureau. Office of the Acting Assistant Provost Marshal General for Delaware and Maryland. District of Delaware. (1863 - 08/28/1866)]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/10557584 War Department. Provost Marshal General's Bureau. Office of the Acting Assistant Provost Marshal General for New Jersey. Office of the Superintendent of the Volunteer Recruiting Service. (ca. 1863 - ca. 1866)]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/10678595 War Department. Provost Marshal General's Bureau. Office of the Acting Assistant Provost Marshal for the Southern Division of New York. 6th District. (03/03/1863 - ca. 08/20/1866)]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/10678808 War Department. Provost Marshal General's Bureau. Office of the Acting Assistant Provost Marshal for the Eastern Division of Pennsylvania. 6th District. (ca. 03/03/1863 - ca. 08/20/1866)]


=== Record Content  ===
=== Index and Image Visibility ===
 
{{Image Visibility}}
<gallery widths="160px" heights="120px" perrow="3">
=== To Browse This Collection ===
Image:Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Individual Civilians Example 1 DGS 4599818 687.jpg
{{Collection_Browse_Link |CID=CID1834304 |title=United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1861-1866 }}
Image:Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Individual Civilians Example 2 DGS 4599818 870.jpg
{{HR Tip|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".}}
Image:Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Individual Civilians Example 3 DGS 4599818 874.jpg
== What Can These Records Tell Me? ==
Image:Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Individual Civilians Example 4 DGS 4599818 880.jpg
The following information may be found in these records:
Image:Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Individual Civilians Example 5 DGS 4599818 885.jpg
{{columns-list|2|
Image:Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Individual Civilians Example 6 DGS 4599818 890.jpg
*Name of civilian  
</gallery>
 
The records contain a variety of genealogical facts which vary by the individual record. Those most often found in the collection are listed below:  
 
*Name of the civilian  
*County and/or state of civilian’s residence  
*County and/or state of civilian’s residence  
*Why the civilian was brought into question  
*Reason why civilian was brought into question  
*Residence
*Current residence
*Occupation
*Occupation  
 
*Legal findings
== How to Use the Record  ==
*Resolution of matter
 
}}
Provost marshal records can be used to place an individual in a specific location at a specific time. They can show how individual citizens were involved in the Civil War. They may also indicate the profession of the civilian, as well as other biographical information.  
== Collection Content ==
 
=== Sample Images ===
When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct. These records may give initials rather than full names so you should use caution in determining if the record is for your ancestor. If you are unable to find the ancestors you are looking for, check for variant spellings of the surnames.  
<gallery perrow="3" heights="120px" widths="160px">
 
Image:United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1864 DGS 4599818 img 687.jpg|1864 Example 1
When you have located a document about your ancestor, 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. For example use the residence or locality listed to find the family in census, church and land records.
Image:United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1863 DGS 4599818 img 870 .jpg|1863 Example 2
 
Image:United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1862 DGS 4599818 img 874 .jpg|1862 Example 3
== Record History  ==
Image:United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1864 DGS 4599818 img 880 .jpg|1864 Example 4
 
Image:United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1863 DGS 4599818 img 885 .jpg|1863 Example 5
The provost marshals were the military police of the Union army. They dealt with a wide range of individuals including those who were suspected of disloyalty or of giving aid to the enemy, who violated military orders, were prisoners, were authorized to travel in or to enter the Confederate states, and others. During the war each division, brigade, and corps of the Union Army had a provost marshal.  
Image:United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1865 DGS 4599818 img 890 .jpg|1865 Example 6
 
</gallery>
=== Why This Record Was Created  ===
=== Coverage Table ===
 
A coverage table containing lists of contraband names and slave owners in the collection ''Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Civilians'' can be found at [[African American Contraband Records, Coverage Table - FamilySearch Historical Records]].
*Provost marshals kept records of their activities as the military police
== How Do I Search This Collection? ==
*Provost courts were established to try civilians who violated military orders as well as military personnel suspected of committing civil crimes
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 
*The name of your ancestor
=== Record Reliability  ===
*The state and county of residence for your ancestor
 
*The occupation of your ancestor
These records are usually reliable.  
==== Search the Index ====
 
{{HR No IDX}}
== Related Web Sites  ==
==== View the Images ====
 
{{View_Images_Link | CID = 1834304 | browse_1 = Select a surname range | browse_2 =  | browse_3 = | browse_4 = | browse_5 = | browse_6 = }}
How to find civil war records at the [http://www.archives.gov/research/civil-war/index.html National Archives]<br>&nbsp;
=== How Do I Analyze the Results? ===
 
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 [[Use_Appropriate_Forms#Prepare_a_Research_Log |research log]].
[http://www.civilwarhome.com/ProvostMarshal.htm The Provost Marshal and the Citizen]
== What Do I Do Next? ==
 
=== I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now? ===
== Related Wiki Articles  ==
*Add any new information to your records
 
*If available, check the image for additional information
[[United States Civil War, 1861 to 1865|United States Civil War, 1861 to 1865]]  
*Analyze the entry to see if it provides additional clues to find other records of the person or their family
 
*Provost marshal records can be used to place an individual in a specific location at a specific time
=== Contributions to This Article  ===
*They can show how individual citizens were involved in the Civil War
 
*Film numbers referenced will tell you in which of the two records sets you will locate the file
{{Contributor invite}}  
:Film numbers F1580-F1662 indicate that the file is located in "United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866"
 
:All other film numbers designate United States Union Provost Marshal Files of "United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1861-1866."
== Sources of Information for This Collection  ==
=== I Can't Find the Person I'm Looking For, What Now? ===
 
*Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for alias names, nicknames and abbreviated names
<!--bibdescbegin-->"United States, Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Individual Civilians 1861-1866," database, FamilySearch Record Search (http://familysearch.org); citing United States. War Department, “Union provost marshal's file of papers relating to individual civilians” FHL microfilm, 300 rolls. Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah<br>
*Look for an index. Local genealogical and historical societies often have indexes to local records. For example an index to Missourians in the collections is available at [http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/provost/ Index for Missourians in the Provost Marshal's Records]. The dates listed in this index will help you more readily locate the files.
 
=== Research Helps ===
"United States,Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866," database, FamilySearch Record Search (http://familysearch.org); citing United States. War Department, “Union provost marshal's file of papers relating to Two or More Civilians” FHL microfilm, Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.<!--bibdescend-->
{{HR Helps US|where=US}}
 
*[[US Military Basic Search Strategies]]
== Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections  ==
*[[Beginning Research in United States Military Records]]
 
*[[Beginning United States Civil War Research]]
When you copy information from a record, you should also list where you found the information. This will help you or others to find the record again. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records.
*[[Locating a Union Civil War Soldier (1861-1865)]]
 
*[[Locating a Confederate Civil War Soldier (1861–1865)]]
A suggested format for keeping track of records that you have searched is found in the Wiki Article: [[How to Cite FamilySearch Collections|How to Cite FamilySearch Collections]].
== Other FamilySearch Collections ==
 
These collections may have additional materials to help you with your research.
=== Examples of Source Citations for a Record in This Collection  ===
=== FamilySearch Catalog ===
 
*{{FSC|362447|item|disp=Case files of investigations by Levi C. Turner and Lafayette C. Baker, 1861-1866}}
"United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Inidvidual Civilians, 1861-1866." index and images, ''FamilySearch:'' (https//www.familysearch.org]: accessed April 8, 2011). entry for Silas M Donett; citing Provost Marshal Files. Dons-Dov, Image 245; United States War Department.
*{{FSC|367444|item|disp=Union provost marshals' file of papers relating to two or more civilians}}
 
*{{FSC|573199|item|disp=Union provost marshal's file of papers relating to individual civilians}}
<br><br>
*{{FSC|578042|item|disp=Historical reports of state acting assistant Provost Marshal's General and District Provost Marshals, 1865}}
 
*{{FSC|478818|item|disp=Reports and decisions of the Provost Marshal General, 1863-1866.}}
<br>
*'''1863-1865''' {{FSC|1135280|item|disp=Enrollment lists for Delaware}} United States Provost Marshall's Bureau at FamilySearch Catalog - images
 
*'''186-1865''' {{FSC|244663|item|disp=Descriptive list of deserters from various regiments of Pennsylvania State volunteers}} at FamilySearch Catalog - images
[[Category:United_States|Military]]
*Curtis, Annette W.. ''selected, transcribed & indexed, ''"Contrabands" slaves and freedman : found in the Union Provost Marshal's file of papers relating to two or more civilians (M 416).'' S. l. :Midwest Afro-American Genealogical Interest Coalition,2008. {{FSC|1983431|item|disp=FS Catalog book 973 M2caw}}
=== FamilySearch Historical Records ===
*{{RecordSearch|1834304|United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1861-1866}}
*{{RecordSearch|1845948|United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866}}
=== FamilySearch Digital Library ===
*''Preliminary inventory of the records of the Provost Marshal General's Bureau'', 8 volumes, Patricia Andrews, Ellen Garrison, Mark German, and Ruth Johnson, comps. Washington, D.C.: National Archives, 1966-1967 {{FSDL|283107|Volume 1}}, {{FSDL|289559|Volume 2}}, {{FSDL|281253|Volume 3}}, {{FSDL|293531|Volume 4}}, {{FSDL|298226|Volume 5}}, {{FSDL|285299|Volume 6}}, {{FSDL|286640|Volume 7}}, {{FSDL|517429|Volume 8}}
*Records of the Provost Marshall General's Bureau, 1863-1866 : list of Civil War districts in the States {{FSDL|847429}}
== Citing This Collection ==
Citing your sources makes it easy for others to find and evaluate the records you used. When you copy information from a record, list where you found that information.
{{Collection citation}}
{{Image_Citation}}
[[Category:NARA_Military_Records]]
[[pt:Estados Unidos, Arquivo de Papéis do Marechal Reitor em Relação aos Civis (Registros Históricos do FamilySearch)]]
[[Category:Civil War, 1861-1865]]

Revision as of 13:27, 7 April 2025

United States

Access the Records
United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1861-1866
CID1834304
{{{CID2}}}
{{{CID3}}}
{{{CID4}}}
{{{CID5}}}
{{{CID6}}}
{{{CID7}}}
{{{CID8}}}
{{{CID9}}}
This article describes a collection of records at FamilySearch.org.

United States
Flag of the United States of America
Flag of the United States of America
Civil War flag 1861 (33 stars)
Civil War flag 1861 (33 stars)
National Archives and Records Administration Logo
National Archives and Records Administration Logo
Location of the United States of America
Location of the United States of America
Record Description
Record Group RG 109: War Department Collection of Confederate Records
Collection years 1861-1866
Microfilm Publication M345. Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Individual Civilians. 300 rolls
National Archives Identifier 2133278
FamilySearch Resources
Content Resources
Related Websites
Archive
National Archives and Records Administration


What is in This Collection?[edit | edit source]

This collection contains images of records from the United States Provost Marshal during the Civil War. The Provost Marshal served as military police for the Union Army. Records in this collection deal with deserters, Confederate spies, civilians suspected of disloyalty, civilian passage through military zones, contraband slaves, etc. The records are in Record Group 109 located in the National Archives. This collection corresponds to NARA publication M345, Union Provost Marshals’ File of Papers Relating to Individual Civilians. See United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866 - FamilySearch Historical Records for cases involving two or more persons.

The collection was digitized from microfilm and is arranged alphabetically by the first two or three letters of the surname. It consists of correspondence, provost court papers, lists of transportation permits, claims for compensation for property used or destroyed by military forces, affidavits, oaths of loyalty and other lists.

Although the records were kept by the Union Army, they primarily deal with information about confederate citizens and union citizens who were suspected of supporting the confederate cause. They dealt with a wide range of individuals including those who were suspected of disloyalty or of giving aid to the enemy, who violated military orders, were prisoners, were authorized to travel in or to enter the Confederate states, and others. During the war each division, brigade, and corps of the Union Army had a provost marshal. Marshals kept records of their activities as the military police and presided at courts established to try civilians who violated military orders as well as military personnel suspected of committing civil crimes.

Additional records and/or images may be added to this collection in the future.

Related National Archives Collections[edit | edit source]

Index and Image Visibility[edit | edit source]

FamilySearch provides images and indexes subject to contractual limitations and changes. Access to images and indexes may vary. Some collections may only have partial indexes without images. See Restrictions for Viewing Images for details.

To Browse This Collection[edit | edit source]

You can browse through images in this collection using the waypoints on the Collection Browse Page for United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1861-1866.
Tip: 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".

What Can These Records Tell Me?[edit | edit source]

The following information may be found in these records:

  • Name of civilian
  • County and/or state of civilian’s residence
  • Reason why civilian was brought into question
  • Current residence
  • Occupation
  • Legal findings
  • Resolution of matter

Collection Content[edit | edit source]

Sample Images[edit | edit source]

  • 1864 Example 1

    1864 Example 1

  • 1863 Example 2

    1863 Example 2

  • 1862 Example 3

    1862 Example 3

  • 1864 Example 4

    1864 Example 4

  • 1863 Example 5

    1863 Example 5

  • 1865 Example 6

    1865 Example 6

Coverage Table[edit | edit source]

A coverage table containing lists of contraband names and slave owners in the collection Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Civilians can be found at African American Contraband Records, Coverage Table - FamilySearch Historical Records.

How Do I Search This Collection?[edit | edit source]

Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:

  • The name of your ancestor
  • The state and county of residence for your ancestor
  • The occupation of your ancestor

Search the Index[edit | edit source]

This collection does not have a searchable index. Only images are available. See View the Images to access them.

View the Images[edit | edit source]

View images in this collection by visiting the Collection Browse Page:
  1. Select Select a surname range to view the images

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]

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?[edit | edit source]

  • Add any new information to your records
  • If available, check the image for additional information
  • Analyze the entry to see if it provides additional clues to find other records of the person or their family
  • Provost marshal records can be used to place an individual in a specific location at a specific time
  • They can show how individual citizens were involved in the Civil War
  • Film numbers referenced will tell you in which of the two records sets you will locate the file
Film numbers F1580-F1662 indicate that the file is located in "United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866"
All other film numbers designate United States Union Provost Marshal Files of "United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1861-1866."

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
  • Look for an index. Local genealogical and historical societies often have indexes to local records. For example an index to Missourians in the collections is available at Index for Missourians in the Provost Marshal's Records. The dates listed in this index will help you more readily locate the files.

Research Helps[edit | edit source]

The following articles will help you research your family in the United States.

Other FamilySearch Collections[edit | edit source]

These collections may have additional materials to help you with your research.

FamilySearch Catalog[edit | edit source]

FamilySearch Historical Records[edit | edit source]

FamilySearch Digital Library[edit | edit source]

Citing This Collection[edit | edit source]

Citing your sources makes it easy for others to find and evaluate the records you used. When you copy information from a record, list where you found that information.

Collection Citation:
The citation for this collection can be found on the Collection Details Page in the section Cite This Collection.
Image Citation:
When looking at an image, the citation is found on the Information tab at the bottom left of the screen.

To access available information, first log into FamilySearch.

Retrieved from "https://integration-ru.familysearch.org/en/wiki/index.php?title=United_States,_Union_Provost_Marshal_Files_of_Individual_Civilians,_1861-1866_-_FamilySearch_Historical_Records&oldid=6153457"