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United States, Index to General Correspondence of the Pension Office - FamilySearch Historical Records: Difference between revisions

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{{Record_Search_article
'''[[United States Genealogy|United States]]'''
|CID=CID1834308
{{US NARA HR Infobox
|title=United States, Index to General Correspondence of the Pension Office, 1889-1904
| CID=CID1834308  
|location=United States}}<br>
| title=United States Index to General Correspondence of the Pension Office, 1889-1904
 
| location= United States
== Record Description  ==
| LOC_01 =
 
| LOC_02 =
| LOC_03 =
| record_type = Index to Correspondence
| record_group_nr = 94
| record_group_title = [http://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/094.html Records of the Adjutant General's Office]
| start_year = 1889
| end_year = 1904
| alt_flag = US_38_Star_Flag_concentric_circles_1877-1890.png
| alt_flag_desc = US Flag 1877-1890 (38 stars)
| micro_pub_nr =M686
| micro_pub_title = Index to General Correspondence of the REcord and Pension Office, 1889-1904  
| micro_pub_rolls = 385 
| 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 = Alphabetical by name or subject.
| NAID = [https://catalog.archives.gov/id/588793 588793]
| 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 = {{RecordSearch|1919699|United States General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934}}
| FS_URL_05 = [[Union Pension Records]]
| FS_URL_06 = [[US Military Pension Records]]
| FS_URL_07 = [[Beginning Research in United States Military Records]]
| FS_URL_08 = [[Getting started in United States military records]]
| FS_URL_09 = [[Steps for research in United States Military Records]]
| FS_URL_10 = [[Military Records Tips for Beginners]]
| RW_URL_01 = [https://catalog.archives.gov/id/300385?q=300385 NARA Collection Description NAID 300385]
| RW_URL_02 = [https://catalog.archives.gov/id/588793?q=300385 NARA Collection Description NAID 588793 (M686)]
| RW_URL_03 = [http://www.archives.gov/research/military/civil-war/pensions.pdf NARA Reference Report Pensions for Union Civil War Service, 1861-1865]
| RW_URL_04 =
| RW_URL_05 =
}}
== What is in This Collection? ==
This collection is a name index to correspondence of the Records and Pension office. The index is part of RG 94, Records of the Adjutant General's Office and is NARA microfilm publication M686 located at the National Archives. This index covers only personal names. This collection covers the years from 1889 through 1904.  
This collection is a name index to correspondence of the Records and Pension office. The index is part of RG 94, Records of the Adjutant General's Office and is NARA microfilm publication M686 located at the National Archives. This index covers only personal names. This collection covers the years from 1889 through 1904.  


The “Index to General Correspondence of the Record and Pension Office, 1889-1904” indexes two groups of records held at the National Archives and Records Administration, as shown below:  
The “Index to General Correspondence of the Record and Pension Office, 1889-1904” indexes two groups of records held at the National Archives and Records Administration, as shown below:  


*“Document File, 1889-1904.” The Document File collection contains information about volunteer soldiers and regular military personnel including information on battles, desertions, requests for certificates of discharge, personnel policies, and other records.
*“Document File, 1889-1904.” The Document File collection contains information about volunteer soldiers and regular military personnel including information on battles, desertions, requests for certificates of discharge, personnel policies, and other records


*“Records Cards, 1889-1904.” The Record Cards collection includes copies of the responses of the Record and Pension Office and the sources they used.
*“Records Cards, 1889-1904.” The Record Cards collection includes copies of the responses of the Record and Pension Office and the sources they used


To find descriptions of these record groups, visit the [http://www.archives.gov/research/arc/ National Archives Online Catalog] and enter these ARC identifiers: 300385 (Document File) and 588796 (Record Cards).  
To find descriptions of these record groups, visit the [http://www.archives.gov/research/arc/ National Archives Online Catalog] and enter these ARC identifiers: 300385 (Document File) and 588796 (Record Cards).  
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As correspondence was received by the pension office, it was filed and indexed onto cards. Inquiries were sometimes made by the soldier himself, a governmental office, or others. The correspondence included requests for the following: certificates of discharge, certificates in lieu of lost discharge papers, medals of honor, removal of charges for desertion, information needed for admission to homes for disabled soldiers or to complete the records of adjutants general of States, and information relating to the strength or service of the organizational units.  
As correspondence was received by the pension office, it was filed and indexed onto cards. Inquiries were sometimes made by the soldier himself, a governmental office, or others. The correspondence included requests for the following: certificates of discharge, certificates in lieu of lost discharge papers, medals of honor, removal of charges for desertion, information needed for admission to homes for disabled soldiers or to complete the records of adjutants general of States, and information relating to the strength or service of the organizational units.  


The cards index the correspondence received from 1889-1904, but the subject matter can range from as early as the Revolutionary War to the those who were alive at the time of the inquiry. Some of the cards will indicate the war in which the individual served, but others only list the company or division.  
The cards index the correspondence received from 1889-1904, but the subject matter can range from as early as the Revolutionary War to the those who were alive at the time of the inquiry. Some of the cards will indicate the war in which the individual served, but others only list the company or division.


For a list of records by surnames currently published in this collection, select the [https://familysearch.org/search/image/index#uri=https%3A//api.familysearch.org/records/collection/1834308/waypoints Browse].  
*Claire Prechtel-kluskens '' Pension Office Correspondence with Special Examiners,1887-1931.'' NGS Magazine 39 #4 (October-December 2013): 41- 45. FS Library 973 D25ngs


=== Citation for This Collection ===
'''Copies of pensions files are available from the National Archives. To request copies follow the instructions in the following link. [http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/pre-ww-1-records.html Requesting Pre-WWI Service Records]'''


The following citation refers to the original source of the information published in FamilySearch.org Historical Record collections. Sources include the author, custodian, publisher and archive for the original records.
{{HR Add}}
 
=== Index and Image Visibility ===
{{Collection citation | text= "United States, Index to General Correspondence of the Pension Office, 1889-1904." Index and Images. <i>FamilySearch</i>. http://FamilySearch.org : accessed 2013. Citing NARA microfilm publication M686. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.}}  
{{Image Visibility}}
 
[[United States Index to General Correspondence of the Record and Pension Office (FamilySearch Historical Records)#Citation_Example_for_a_Record_Found_in_This_Collection|Suggested citation format for a record in this collection.]]
 
== Record Content  ==
 
Information found in this collection may include: <gallery>
Image:US Index to General Correspondence of the Record and Pension Office (10-0385) (11-1119) DGS 1527667 90.jpg|Index to General Correspondence
</gallery>


=== To Browse This Collection ===
{{Collection_Browse_Link
|CID=CID1834308
|title=United States, Index to General Correspondence of the Pension Office, 1889-1904
}}
== What Can These Records Tell Me? ==
The following information may be found in these records:
*Name of soldier  
*Name of soldier  
*Unit of service  
*Unit of service  
*Name of person/office making the inquiry  
*Name of person/office making the inquiry  
*Subject of inquiry
*Subject of inquiry
== Collection Content  ==
=== Sample Image ===
<gallery>
Image:US Index to General Correspondence of the Record and Pension Office (10-0385) (11-1119) DGS 1527667 90.jpg|1891 Index to General Correspondence
</gallery>
== How Do I Search This Collection?  ==
To begin your search you will need to know:
*The name of the pensioner
*The name of the unit where the pensioner served
*The name of the person making the inquiry
=== Search the Index ===
{{Search Collection Link
| CID=CID1834308
}}
=== View the Images ===
{{View_Images_Link | CID = 1834308
| browse_1 = Select a Surname Range
| browse_2 =
| browse_3 = 
| browse_4 = 
| browse_5 = 
| browse_6 =  }}
{{HR Tip|More images are available in the FamilySearch Catalog at [https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/1834308 United States Index to General Correspondence of the Pension Office, 1889-1904]. Some catalog records link to multiple references. In this case, click on a reference to find a camera icon to see images.}}
=== 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]].
== What Do I Do Next? ==
=== I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?  ===
*Add any new information to your records
*Information about military units was generally filed under the name of its commanding officer
*Continue to search the index and records to identify other relatives
*When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct
*You may need to compare the information of more than one person to make this determination
*Be aware that, as with any index, transcription errors may occur
=== 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
*Try alternative search methods such as only filling in the surname search box (or the given name search box) on the landing page leaving the other box empty and then click on search. This should return a list of everyone with that particular name. You could then browse the list for individuals that may be your ancestor
=== Research Helps ===
The following articles will help you research your family in [[United States Genealogy|the United States]].
* [[US Military Basic Search Strategies]]
* [[Beginning Research in United States Military Records]]
* [[Beginning War of 1812 Research]]
* [[Beginning US Mexican War Research]]
* [[Beginning United States Civil War Research]]
* [[Locating a Union Civil War  Soldier (1861-1865)]]
* [[Locating a Confederate Civil War Soldier (1861–1865)]]
* [[Locating a Confederate Civil War Soldier (1861–1865)]]
* [[GuidedResearch:United States|United States Guided Research]]
* [[United States Record Finder]]
* [[United States Research Tips and Strategies]]


== How to Use the Record  ==
== Other FamilySearch Collections ==
 
These collections may have additional materials to help you with your research.
Fill in your ancestor’s name in the initial search page. This search will return a list of possible matches. Compare the information about the ancestors in the list to what you already know about your ancestors to determine if this is the correct family or person. You may need to compare the information about more than one person to find your ancestor.
 
To search the collection image by image you will need to follow this series of links:<br>⇒Select the "Browse" link in the initial search page<br>⇒Select the "Select a surname range" which takes you to the images<br> Keep in mind:
 
*There may be more than one person in the records with the same name.
*You may not be sure of your own ancestor’s name.
*Your ancestor may have used different names or variations of their name throughout their life.
 
For tips about searching on-line collections see the on-line video at [http://broadcast.lds.org/familysearch/2011-12-03-familysearch-search-tips-1000k-eng.mp4 FamilySearch Search Tips].
 
Information about military units was generally filed under the name of its commanding officer.
 
==== Using the Information  ====
 
When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. Save a copy of the image or transcribe the information. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details such as a title, an occupation, or land ownership. Add this new information to your records of each family. You should also look for leads to other records about your ancestors such as pension files and other helpful military records.
 
If you are unable to find your ancestor look for variant spellings of the names.
 
== Related Websites  ==
 
*[http://www.archives.gov/research/arc/ National Archives and Records Administration Online Catalog]
*[http://www.archives.gov/research/order/textual-records-dc.html Research Our Records] Contains information on ordering files from the National Archives
 
== Related Wiki Articles  ==
 
*[[Union Pension Records|Union Pension Records]]
*[[US Military Pension Records|US Military Pension Records]]
 
== Contributions to This Article  ==
 
{{Contributor_invite}}
 
== Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections  ==
 
When you copy information from a record, you should 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.
 
A suggested format for keeping track of records that you have searched is found in the wiki article [[Help:How to Cite FamilySearch Collections|Help:How to Cite FamilySearch Collections]].&nbsp;
 
=== Citation Example for a Record Found in This Collection  ===


"United States, Index to General Correspondence of the Pension Office, 1889-1904." &nbsp;images&nbsp;''FamilySearch'' ([http://www.familysearch.org http:/familysearch.or]g: accessed 8 April 2011). &nbsp;John Boukhead; citing Pension Office Correspondence, Bank-Bark, image 63; War Department Record and Pension Office.
=== FamilySearch Catalog ===
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/573247? Index to general correspondence of the Record and Pension Office, 1889- 1904]
=== FamilySearch Historical Records ===
*{{RecordSearch|1919699|United States General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934}}
*{{RecordSearch|1471019|United States Civil War and Later Pension Index, 1861-1917}}
*{{RecordSearch|1922519|United States Civil War Widows and Other Dependents Pension Files, 1861-1934}}
*{{RecordSearch|1979426|United States Remarried Widows Index to Pension Applications, 1887-1942}}
*{{RecordSearch|1832324|United States Veterans Administration Pension Payment Cards, 1907-1933}}


[[Category:United_States|Military]]
=== FamilySearch Digital Library ===
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/599018? Thayer M. Boardman, Myra R. Trever, and Louise W. Southwick, comp. ''Preliminary inventory of the administrative records of the Bureau of Pensions and the Pension Service, (record group 15).''Washington, D.C. : National Archives & Records Administration, 1953]
== Citing This Collection ==
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.
{{Collection citation}}
{{Record_Citation}}
{{Image_Citation}}
[[fr:Etats-Unis : Index de la Correspondance courante adressée au Bureau des Pensions Militaires (Family Historical Records)]]
[[pt:Estados Unidos, Índice para Correspondência Geral do Escritório de Pensão (Registros Históricos do FamilySearch)]]
[[Category:NARA_Military_Records]]
[[Category:Multiple Wars and Conflicts]]

Latest revision as of 18:29, 8 January 2024

United States

Access the Records
United States Index to General Correspondence of the Pension Office, 1889-1904
CID1834308
{{{CID2}}}
{{{CID3}}}
{{{CID4}}}
{{{CID5}}}
{{{CID6}}}
{{{CID7}}}
{{{CID8}}}
{{{CID9}}}
This article describes a collection of records at FamilySearch.org.

United States
United States flag.png
Flag of the United States of America
US 38 Star Flag concentric circles 1877-1890.png
US Flag 1877-1890 (38 stars)
NARA logo circular black on white.jpg
National Archives and Records Administration Logo
Record Description
Record Type Index to Correspondence
Record Group RG 94: Records of the Adjutant General's Office
Collection years 1889-1904
Microfilm Publication M686. Index to General Correspondence of the REcord and Pension Office, 1889-1904. 385 rolls.
Arrangement Alphabetical by name or subject.
National Archives Identifier 588793
FamilySearch Resources
Related Websites
Archive
National Archives and Records Administration


What is in This Collection?

This collection is a name index to correspondence of the Records and Pension office. The index is part of RG 94, Records of the Adjutant General's Office and is NARA microfilm publication M686 located at the National Archives. This index covers only personal names. This collection covers the years from 1889 through 1904.

The “Index to General Correspondence of the Record and Pension Office, 1889-1904” indexes two groups of records held at the National Archives and Records Administration, as shown below:

  • “Document File, 1889-1904.” The Document File collection contains information about volunteer soldiers and regular military personnel including information on battles, desertions, requests for certificates of discharge, personnel policies, and other records
  • “Records Cards, 1889-1904.” The Record Cards collection includes copies of the responses of the Record and Pension Office and the sources they used

To find descriptions of these record groups, visit the National Archives Online Catalog and enter these ARC identifiers: 300385 (Document File) and 588796 (Record Cards).

In 1889, the Record and Pension Office was established in order to consolidate the information regarding military soldiers and volunteers. The office had the responsibility of keeping the military and medical records of the volunteer forces and the medical records for the regular army. They were responsible for all of the business relating to these records.

Inquiries made to the Record and Pension office cover a wide range of subjects and time periods. Some of the inquiries regard soldiers who served in the Revolutionary War, while others pertain to soldiers living at the time who were in need of documentation or proof of service.

As correspondence was received by the pension office, it was filed and indexed onto cards. Inquiries were sometimes made by the soldier himself, a governmental office, or others. The correspondence included requests for the following: certificates of discharge, certificates in lieu of lost discharge papers, medals of honor, removal of charges for desertion, information needed for admission to homes for disabled soldiers or to complete the records of adjutants general of States, and information relating to the strength or service of the organizational units.

The cards index the correspondence received from 1889-1904, but the subject matter can range from as early as the Revolutionary War to the those who were alive at the time of the inquiry. Some of the cards will indicate the war in which the individual served, but others only list the company or division.

  • Claire Prechtel-kluskens Pension Office Correspondence with Special Examiners,1887-1931. NGS Magazine 39 #4 (October-December 2013): 41- 45. FS Library 973 D25ngs

Copies of pensions files are available from the National Archives. To request copies follow the instructions in the following link. Requesting Pre-WWI Service Records

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

Index and Image Visibility

Whenever possible FamilySearch makes images and indexes available for all users. However, rights to view these data are limited by contract and subject to change. Because of this there may be limitations on where and how images and indexes are available or who can see them. Please be aware some collections consist only of partial information indexed from the records and do not contain any images. For additional information about image restrictions see Restrictions for Viewing Images in FamilySearch Historical Record Collections.

To Browse This Collection

You can browse through images in this collection using the waypoints on the Collection Browse Page for United States, Index to General Correspondence of the Pension Office, 1889-1904.

What Can These Records Tell Me?

The following information may be found in these records:

  • Name of soldier
  • Unit of service
  • Name of person/office making the inquiry
  • Subject of inquiry

Collection Content

Sample Image

  • 1891 Index to General Correspondence

    1891 Index to General Correspondence

How Do I Search This Collection?

To begin your search you will need to know:

  • The name of the pensioner
  • The name of the unit where the pensioner served
  • The name of the person making the inquiry

Search the Index

Search by name on the Collection Details Page.
  1. Fill in the search boxes in the Search Collection section with the information you know
  2. Click Search to show possible matches

View the Images

View images in this collection by visiting the Collection Browse Page:
  1. Select Select a Surname Range to view the images
Tip
 More images are available in the FamilySearch Catalog at United States Index to General Correspondence of the Pension Office, 1889-1904. Some catalog records link to multiple references. In this case, click on a reference to find a camera icon to see images.

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 research log.

What Do I Do Next?

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

  • Add any new information to your records
  • Information about military units was generally filed under the name of its commanding officer
  • Continue to search the index and records to identify other relatives
  • When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct
  • You may need to compare the information of more than one person to make this determination
  • Be aware that, as with any index, transcription errors may occur

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
  • Try alternative search methods such as only filling in the surname search box (or the given name search box) on the landing page leaving the other box empty and then click on search. This should return a list of everyone with that particular name. You could then browse the list for individuals that may be your ancestor

Research Helps

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

Other FamilySearch Collections

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

FamilySearch Catalog

FamilySearch Historical Records

FamilySearch Digital Library

Citing This Collection

Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.

Collection Citation:
The citation for this collection can be found on the Collection Details Page in the section Cite This Collection.
Record Citation:
When looking at a record, the citation can be viewed by clicking the drop-down arrow next to Document Information.
Image Citation:
When looking at an image, the citation is found on the Information tab at the bottom left of the screen.
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