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United States, Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Civilians - FamilySearch Historical Records: Difference between revisions

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|title2=United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866
|title2=United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866
| location=United States
| location=United States
| LOC_01 =United states 
| LOC_01 =  
| LOC_02 =  
| LOC_02 =  
| LOC_03 =  
| LOC_03 =  
Line 13: Line 13:
| record_group_title =[http://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/109.html War Department Collection of Confederate Records]   
| record_group_title =[http://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/109.html War Department Collection of Confederate Records]   
| start_year =1861  
| start_year =1861  
| end_year =1866  
| 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_nr = M345
| micro_pub_title = Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Individual Civilians  
| micro_pub_title = Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Individual Civilians  
| micro_pub_rolls = 300
| micro_pub_rolls = 300
| micro_pub_nr_02 = M416  
| micro_pub_nr_02 = M416  
| micro_pub_title_02 =Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Two or More Civilians  
| micro_pub_title_02 = [https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/195660-union-provost-marshals-file-of-papers-relating-to-two-or-more-civilians-national-archives-microfilm-publications-pamphlet-accompanying-microcopy-no-416?offset=1 Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Two or More Civilians]
| micro_pub_rolls_02 =94  
| micro_pub_rolls_02 =94  
| micro_pub_nr_03 =  
| micro_pub_nr_03 =  
Line 30: Line 32:
| NAID =[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/2133278?q=*:* 2133278]
| NAID =[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/2133278?q=*:* 2133278]
| language =  
| language =  
| FS_URL_01 = [[Union Provost Marshals' File|Union Provost Marshals' File]]  
| FS_URL_01 = [[GuidedResearch:United States|United States Guided Research]]
| FS_URL_02 = [[Confederate Prisoner of War Records|Confederate Prisoner of War Records]]
| FS_URL_02 = [[United States Record Finder]]
| FS_URL_03 = [[United States Record Finder]]
| FS_URL_03 = [[United States Research Tips and Strategies]]
| FS_URL_04 = [[United States]]
| FS_URL_04 = [[Union Provost Marshals' File|Union Provost Marshals' File]]  
| FS_URL_05 =
| FS_URL_05 = [[Confederate Prisoner of War Records|Confederate Prisoner of War Records]]
| FS_URL_06 =
| FS_URL_06 = [[Beginning United States Civil War Research]]
| FS_URL_07 =
| FS_URL_07 = [[Begin a search for Union records]]
| FS_URL_08 =  
| FS_URL_08 =  
| FS_URL_09 =  
| FS_URL_09 =  
| FS_URL_10 =  
| 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_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_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]
| 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 National Archives Reference Report]
| 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_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]
}}
}}
== What is in This Collection?  ==
== What is in This Collection?  ==
This article describes multiple collections covering the years 1861 through 1866.  
This article describes multiple collections covering the years 1861 through 1866.  
 
The collection "United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1861-1866" consists of images of records from the United States Provost Marshal during the Civil War. [https://catalog.archives.gov/id/10461614 '''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 and Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers relating to Two or More Civilians NARA publication M416.  
The collection "United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1861-1866" consists of 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, 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.  


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.  
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.  


===To Browse This Collection===
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. Be aware that
*Provost marshals kept records of their activities as the military police
*Provost courts were established to try civilians who violated military orders as well as military personnel suspected of committing civil crimes


{{Collection_Browse_Link
The ''United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866'' collection consists of mages 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 would deal with deserters, Confederate spies, civilians suspected of disloyalty, civilians passage through military zones, etc. These files (for two or more citizens) are arranged by file number and date.This is National Archive publication M416.
|CID=CID1834304
|title=United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1861-1866
}}


The collection "United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866" consists of mages 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 would deal with deserters, Confederate spies, civilains suspected of disloyality, civilians passage through military zones, etc. These files (for two or more citizens) are arranged by file number and date.This is National Archive publication M416.
{{HR Add}}
=== Index and Image Visibility ===
{{Image Visibility}}


===To Browse This Collection===
=== To Browse This Collection ===
 
'''United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866'''
{{Collection_Browse_Link
{{Collection_Browse_Link |CID=CID1834304 |title=United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1861-1866 }}
|CID=CID1845948
'''United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866'''
|title=United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866
{{Collection_Browse_Link |CID=CID1845948 |title=United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866 }}
}}<br>
{{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".}}
 
{{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? ==
== What Can These Records Tell Me? ==
 
The following information may be found in these records:
'''The records contain a variety of facts which vary by the individual record'''. Those most often found in the collection are listed below:  
{{columns-list|2|
 
*Name of civilian  
*Name of civilian  
*County and/or state of civilian’s residence  
*County and/or state of civilian’s residence  
Line 84: Line 85:
*Legal findings  
*Legal findings  
*Resolution of matter
*Resolution of matter
 
}}
== Collection Content ==
== Collection Content ==
=== Sample Images ===
=== Sample Images ===
<gallery perrow="3" heights="120px" widths="160px">
<gallery perrow="3" heights="120px" widths="160px">
Image:Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Individual Civilians Example 1 DGS 4599818 687.jpg|Example 1
Image:United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1864 DGS 4599818 img 687.jpg|1864 Example 1
Image:Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Individual Civilians Example 2 DGS 4599818 870.jpg|Example 2
Image:United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1863 DGS 4599818 img 870 .jpg|1863 Example 2
Image:Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Individual Civilians Example 3 DGS 4599818 874.jpg|Example 3
Image:United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1862 DGS 4599818 img 874 .jpg|1862 Example 3
Image:Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Individual Civilians Example 4 DGS 4599818 880.jpg|Example 4
Image:United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1864 DGS 4599818 img 880 .jpg|1864 Example 4
Image:Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Individual Civilians Example 5 DGS 4599818 885.jpg|Example 5
Image:United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1863 DGS 4599818 img 885 .jpg|1863 Example 5
Image:Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Individual Civilians Example 6 DGS 4599818 890.jpg|Example 6
Image:United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1865 DGS 4599818 img 890 .jpg|1865 Example 6
</gallery>  
</gallery>
=== 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]].


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. Be aware that
== How Do I Search This Collection? ==
 
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:  
*Provost marshals kept records of their activities as the military police
*Provost courts were established to try civilians who violated military orders as well as military personnel suspected of committing civil crimes
 
== How Do I Search This Collection? ==
To begin your search it is helpful to know:  
*The name of your ancestor
*The name of your ancestor
*The state and county of residence for your ancestor
*The state and county of residence for your ancestor
*The occupation of your ancestor
*The occupation of your ancestor
 
==== Search the Index ====
'''United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1861-1866'''
'''United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1861-1866'''
=== View the Images ===  
{{HR No IDX}}
View images in this collection by visiting the '''{{RecordSearch|1834304|Browse Page|access=browse}}''':
'''United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866'''
# Select '''Select a Surname Range''' to view the images.<br><br>
{{HR No IDX}}
 
==== View the Images ====
'''United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866'''
{{View_Images_Link | CID = 1834304 | browse_1 = Select a surname range | browse_2 =  | browse_3 = | browse_4 = | browse_5 = | browse_6 = }}
'''United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866'''
'''United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866'''
 
{{View_Images_Link | CID = 1845948 | browse_1 = Document Type | browse_2 = Record Number/Date/Prison | browse_3 = | browse_4 = | browse_5 = | browse_6 = }}
=== View the Images ===
View images in this collection by visiting the '''{{RecordSearch|1845948|Browse Page|access=browse}}''':
# Select '''Document Type'''
# Select '''Record Number/Date/Prison''' to view the images.<br><br>
 
{{Tip|More images are available in the FamilySearch Catalog at [https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/1845948 United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866]. 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? ===  
=== 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]].
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? ==
== What Do I Do Next? ==
=== I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now? ===
=== I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now? ===
*Use the residence or locality listed to find the family in census records
*Add any new information to your records
*Use the residence or locality listed to find the family in church records
*If available, check the image for additional information
*Use the residence or locality listed to find the family in land records
*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  
*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 can show how individual citizens were involved in the Civil War  
*When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct
*Film numbers referenced will tell you in which of the two records sets you will locate the file
*These records may give initials rather than full names so you should use caution in determining if the record is for your ancestor
*Film numbers referenced will tell you in which of the two records sets you will locate the file<br>
:Film numbers F1580-F1662 indicate that the file is located in "United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866"
: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."
: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? ===
=== 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
*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  
*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.
:[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


=== Record Finder ===
=== Research Helps ===
The following articles will help you research your family in [[United States Genealogy|the United States]].
* [[GuidedResearch:United States|United States Guided Research]]
* [[United States Record Finder]]
* [[United States Research Tips and Strategies]]
* [[US Military Basic Search Strategies]]
* [[Beginning Research in United States Military Records]]
* [[Beginning United States Civil War Research]]
* [[Locating a Union Civil War  Soldier (1861-1865)]]
* [[Locating a Confederate Civil War Soldier (1861–1865)]]
== Other FamilySearch Collections ==
These collections may have additional materials to help you with your research.
=== FamilySearch Catalog ===
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/362447 Case files of investigations by Levi C. Turner and Lafayette C. Baker, 1861-1866]
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/367444 Union provost marshals' file of papers relating to two or more civilians]
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/573199 Union provost marshal's file of papers relating to individual civilians]
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/578042 Historical reports of state acting assistant Provost Marshal's General and District Provost Marshals, 1865]
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/478818 Reports and decisions of the Provost Marshal General, 1863-1866.]
*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}}


Consult the [[United States Record Finder]] to search other records.
=== 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 ===
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/400322?  Patricia Andrews, Ellen Garrison, Mark German, and Ruth Johnson, comps. ''Preliminary inventory of the records of the Provost Marshal General's Bureau'' 8 volumes.  Washington, D.C.: National Archives, 1966-1967]
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/91765 Records of the Provost Marshall General's Bureau, 1863-1866 : list of Civil War districts in the States]


==Citing This Collection==
== 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. Here you can find citations already created for the entire collection and for each individual record or image.
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}}
;Collection Citation:"United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1861-1866." Images. <i>FamilySearch</i>. <nowiki>http://FamilySearch.org</nowiki> : 14 June 2016. Citing NARA microfilm publication M345. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C.
 
{{Image_Citation}}
{{Image_Citation}}
;Collection Citation: "United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866." Images. <i>FamilySearch</i>. <nowiki>http://FamilySearch.org</nowiki> : 14 June 2016. Citing NARA microfilm publication M416. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C.
{{Image_Citation}}
'''[[#top|Top of Page]]'''
== How Can I Contribute to the FamilySearch Wiki? ==
{{Contributor invite}}
[[Category:NARA_Military_Records]]
[[Category:NARA_Military_Records]]
 
[[pt:Estados Unidos, Arquivo de Papéis do Marechal Reitor em Relação aos Civis (Registros Históricos do FamilySearch)]]
{{H-langs|en=United States, Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Civilians (FamilySearch Historical Records)|pt=Estados Unidos, Arquivo de Papéis do Marechal Reitor em Relação aos Civis (Registros Históricos do FamilySearch)}}
[[Category:Civil War, 1861-1865]]

Latest revision as of 10:01, 19 April 2024

United States

Access the Records
United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1861-1866 andUnited States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866
CID1834304
CID1845948
{{{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 33 Star Fort Sumter Flag.jpg
Civil War flag 1861 (33 stars)
NARA logo circular black on white.jpg
National Archives and Records Administration Logo
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.
M416. Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers Relating to Two or More Civilians. 94 rolls.
National Archives Identifier 2133278
FamilySearch Resources
Content Resources
Related Websites
Archive
National Archives and Records Administration


What is in This Collection?

This article describes multiple collections covering the years 1861 through 1866. The collection "United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1861-1866" consists of 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 and Union Provost Marshal's File of Papers relating to Two or More Civilians NARA publication M416.

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. Be aware that

  • Provost marshals kept records of their activities as the military police
  • Provost courts were established to try civilians who violated military orders as well as military personnel suspected of committing civil crimes

The United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866 collection consists of mages 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 would deal with deserters, Confederate spies, civilians suspected of disloyalty, civilians passage through military zones, etc. These files (for two or more citizens) are arranged by file number and date.This is National Archive publication M416.

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

United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866

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.

United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866

You can browse through images in this collection using the waypoints on the Collection Browse Page for United States, Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More 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?

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

Sample Images

  • 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

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?

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

United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Individual Civilians, 1861-1866

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

United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866

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

View the Images

United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866

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

United States Union Provost Marshal Files of Two or More Civilians, 1861-1866

View images in this collection by visiting the Collection Browse Page:
  1. Select Document Type
  2. Select Record Number/Date/Prison to view the 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
  • 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?

  • 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

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

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.
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