In the Line of Family History:

01

Enlistment Notices

Military enlistment notices preserve vital records of ancestors who served, often including names, ages, residences, date of enlistment, assigned units, and sometimes commentary on their character or standing within the community - all helpful details for piecing together the lives of relatives who answered the call of duty.

Example:

“Here Is Volunteer List As Reported to Register Office. Here is a list of Orange County boys who have volunteered for service in various branches of the war activities, as reported to the Register by relatives. . . . [A]nderson, Jesse A., R.D. 2, Orange. Enlisted Dec. 10, 1917, in the Ordinance Deparment.  Now with Ordinance Depot Co, Camp Kearny, Son of Mrs. Delia Anderson.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-feb-28-1918-4150934

Key Insights

• List of volunteers that enlisted for the county
• Full name
• Address of volunteer
• Date of enlistment
• Department in which they enlisted
• Current department/company
• Where stationed
• Names family members

02

Promotion Announcements

Promotion announcements serve as public notifications regarding an individual's advancement within the military. These articles typically include essential details such as the promoted person's new rank, affiliated unit, and notable achievements, providing a comprehensive overview of their professional growth and contributions to the military.

Example:

“In the Navy for the past ten months, Kelly F. Shelton, of Sprague, has been promoted to the rating of gunner’s mate third class. He is now stationed at Port Saint Joe, Florida. His wife resides at Sprague. https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jul-23-1943-4151801

Key Insights

• Name of sailor
• Where he’s from
• Details of promotion
• Where stationed
• Mentions wife and where she lives

03

Casualty Reports

Casualty reports serve as vital records documenting soldiers who have been wounded, killed, or are missing in action during military engagements. These reports often offer insights into the circumstances surrounding these events, providing valuable information for individuals exploring their family history, especially in understanding the experiences and sacrifices of their relatives in times of conflict.

Example:

“Killed in Action. Captain Frank W. Hulett, 102 Nichols street, Lewiston, Me. Lieutenants Ernest Francis Sexton, Darien, Conn.; George Stein, New York. https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jun-15-1918-4154275/

Key Insights

• Names soldiers killed in action
• Includes where they are from - some have address
• Lists the dead by cause - killed in action, died of wounds, died of disease, etc.

04

Discharge Notices

Discharge notices are announcements that highlight a soldier's honorable release from military service, typically accompanied by details outlining their service record. These articles provide valuable information for individuals delving into family history, offering insights into a relative's military career and the circumstances surrounding their departure from active duty.

Example:

“Bradford Area Men Released From Army. Bradford and vicinity men discharged from the U.S. Army through the Separation Center at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation recently were: Pfc. David E. Bruce, 165 Jackson avenue; S/Sgt. Kenneth R. DeLee, 54 West Corydon street.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-aug-09-1945-4151811

Key Insights

• Lists the names of soldiers discharged
• Includes their street address
• Includes where they were discharged from

05

Return of Troops

The return of troops signifies announcements regarding the homecoming of military units or individuals who are concluding their deployment or being demobilized following a war or conflict. These articles often convey the joyous news of reunions and mark a significant chapter in family history, providing a glimpse into the times when loved ones returned from their service to rejoin civilian life.

Example:

“Local Soldiers Return from Overseas. (From Saturday’s Eagle). Five Pittsfield soldiers and one from Adams arrived yesterday on the U.S.S. Wakefield at the Commonwealth Pier in Boston. . . . [T]he Pittsfield men are: Sgt. Frederick L. Collins, husband of Laura Collins, 75 Harvard Street. Pfc. Andrew J. Somers, 16 Plunkett Street.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jul-11-1945-4151831

Key Insights

• Detailed information about the return of local soldiers, including where they had seen battle
• Names of the soldiers
• Street address of the soldiers
• Spouse of the soldiers

06

Medal and Award Recognition

These articles provide insights into the distinguished achievements and contributions of individuals within the family's military lineage, offering a glimpse into their honorable service and the recognition they received for their commitment to duty.

Example:

“Two Air Medals Presented Parents of Young Airmen. Johnny Lovin Presumed Prisoner in Europe, Dickerson Reported Dead. . . . [O]ne of the Air Medals went to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Lovin, parents of Staff Sergeant Johnny Lovin, who is presumed to be a prisoner of war in Germany.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jan-27-1944-4151749

Key Insights

• Name of airman
• Who received the medal for them (and their relationship)
• Rank of airman
• Status of airman (prisoner of war)

07

Personal Letters and Diaries

Personal war-time letters and diary entries reveal military ancestors’ perspectives from the front - conveying experiences, hardships endured, and eyewitness details to battles fought in their own words, preserving individual memoirs otherwise lost over generations.

Example:

“Good Hunting in New Guinea Lieutenant Write Home. 19-Year-Old-Boy Youngest Officer Sent in April Convoy to Australia. From somewhere in New Guinea First Lt. Dan de Young, 19, on combat duty, write to his mother, Mrs. Helen K. de Young, Argonne Apartments. Lt. De Young was formerly a copy boy at The Star.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-dec-06-1942-4151757

Key Insights

• Name of solider and his rank
• Name of his mother and where she lives
• Diary-like entries about his experiences in combat

08

Memorial and Obituary Notices

Memorial notices and obituaries immortalize ancestors lost serving in uniform - conveying names, death dates, ages, family connections, ranks achieved, units, circumstances of sacrifice, honors bestowed, burial locations, and plans for local community mourning - preserving otherwise forgotten lives given to duty’s highest call.

Example:

“Roll of Honor. Following is a list of names that will be carved upon the Soldiers’ Monument in Mount Hope cemetery. . . . [W]ar of the Revolution. Butler, James. Scott, Alexander.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jan-26-1887-4154290/

Key Insights

• List of each conflict and names of the soldiers from those conflicts
• Some conflicts are just the names
• Some conflicts are split out by company and where the soldier died or was killed

Example:

“Correspondence. Atlanta Letter. Correspondence Cincinnati Commerical. The Dead of Sherman’s Army. Atlanta, Ga., May 25. It is with pleasure that I am able to inform your many readers and the friends and relatives of our dead soldiers that the ground has been selected at this place for a National Cemetery, fifty acres, lying between the city limits and the battle-field of the 28th of July, three miles from the City Hall. https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-may-31-1866-4154300/

Key Insights

• Details about the new cemetery for Sherman’s army

Some newspaper articles easily lend themselves to further research. This is a great example. There is a website for the cemetery HERE.

09

Unit Histories

Unit histories in the press document the battles waged by specific regiments or divisions - chronicling their formation, training, commanders, battlefield exploits, citations won, casualties suffered, towns liberated, lore, and peacetime life - providing invaluable context on the service of soldier ancestors who marched within the ranks.

Example:

An entire page titled “Some Interesting History of Co. K, 3d Regiment, Indiana National Guard” from 1911. Read it HERE: https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-apr-27-1911-4151902

10

Prisoner of War Accounts (Mortality Reports)

Narratives documenting the experiences of soldiers who were captured during wartime, including details about their time in captivity and, in some cases, mortality reports accounting for those who did not survive their ordeal. These accounts provide a poignant glimpse into the challenges faced by individuals held as prisoners of war and offer valuable historical insights into the hardships they endured before eventual release or, sadly, their ultimate fate. Stories about soldiers who were taken as prisoners of war, detailing their experiences and eventual release.

Example:

“Weekly Report of the Mortality Among the Soldiers in the Hospitals and Camps in the Vicinity of St. Louis, Mo. The following report is furnished by Mr. John A. Smithers, Undertaker, 113 Chestnut street . . . [J]an. 19 - Robert T. Ashby, prisoner of war. Green Burris, prisoner of war. Napoleon B. Henry, Co.D. 14th Iowa.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jan-29-1862-4151912

Key Insights

• Name and address of undertaker
• Date information was provided by undertaker
• Name of the prisoner or dead
• If dead, company, regiment, and state listed

11

War Correspondence

A collection of letters and reports authored by embedded journalists or war correspondents who actively covered military conflicts and events. These articles provide firsthand accounts of the wartime experiences, observations, and perspectives of those on the front lines, offering valuable insights into the challenges, emotions, and historical context surrounding the family's military heritage.

Example:

“Washington, Aug. 20. Gen. Brown’s Secofd Battle. General Brown’s Report of the Battle of the 25th ultimo, at the falls of Niagara. Sir, Confined as I was, and have been, since the last engagement with the enemy, I fear the account I am about to give, may be less full and satisfactory, than under other circumstances it might have been made. I particularly fear, that the conduct of the gallant men it was my good fortune to lead, will not be noticed in a way, due to their fame and honor of our country. You are already apprised that the army had on the 25 ult. Taken a position at Chippewa. About noon of that day, Col. Swift, who was posted at Lewistown, advised me by express, that the enemy appeared in considerable force in Queenstown, and on its heights; that four of the enemy’s fleet had arrived during the preceding night, and were then lying near Fort Niagara, and that a number of boats were in view moving up the streight.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-aug-27-1814-4154313/

Key Insights

• Name of the military personnel writing the account
• Detailed, diary-like entry of what was happening on the battlefront

12

Veteran’s Reunions

Announcements and articles detailing gatherings where military veterans come together to commemorate shared experiences. These reunions typically feature photographs and firsthand accounts of the events, providing a meaningful record of the camaraderie, shared memories, and connections forged among veterans as they come together to celebrate their collective service and bond over their military history.

Example:

“Encampment Reunions. Survivors of Armies, Corps, Divisions, and Brigades Met at Camp Roosevelt. The series of Reunions of Corps, Divisions, Brigades and Regiments, held on the white-tented field of Camp Roosevelt formed one of the happiest features of the great Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic. . . . [S]econd Corps Reunion. The Reunion of the Second Corps was held in Grant Tent, Camp Roosevelt, Tuesday, Oct 8, at 11 o’clock a.m. The assemblage was called to order by Capt. N.F. Seville. Seated on the platform were Col. Charles Lyman, President of the Corps; Gen. W.S. Shallenberger, Second Assistant Postmaster-General, and other prominent members of the organization.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-oct-23-1902-4151941

Key Insights

• Detailed description of where the reunion took place
• Different corps groups had a section of the article dedicated to them
• Names of veterans included and their rank

13

Military Wedding Announcements

Articles that mention the marriages of military personnel, showcasing the unique aspects of these unions. These announcements often highlight the special circumstances or locations of the weddings, providing a glimpse into the love stories and commitments forged within the context of military service. The first example is a double ceremony which was very popular at the onset of both World Wars.

Example:

“Double Military Wedding Here Tonight. A double military wedding will be held this evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Whitehouse, No. 909 South State street. Their daughter, Miss Clara Whitehouse, will become the bride of Sergeant G.C. Eldridge and her chum, Miss Helen C. Kane, the bride of Sergeant Joseph T. Leary. An army chaplain will perform the ceremony and two soldiers will act as attendants.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-aug-04-1917-4151953

Key Insights

• Name of the parents of one of the brides
• Address of their home where the wedding took place
• Names of both brides
• Names and ranks of both grooms
• Indicated an army chaplain would perform the ceremony
• Indicated two soldiers would be witnesses, but did not include their names

Example:

“Grad Marries. 2nd Lt. Robert R. Malone, member of Keesler Field’s first graduating class, and Miss Helen Dombrov of Leroy, Ill., were married last Wednesday afternoon in the William Mitchell Memorial Chapel here. The ceremony was performed by Chaplain Solon L. Cole. Lieutenant Malone, son of Mrs. A.G. Brannon of Cleveland, Miss., was commissioned shortly before the graduation of the Air Forces Technical School’s first class February 27. He remained with the class to receive his diploma before reporting for duty as an officer. Other members of the bridal party included 1st. Lt. and Mrs. Donald Bassett, 1st Lt. Lee Hook and 1st Lt. Gibson Capers. Corp. Charles W. Kirkland, chapel organist, played.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jun-10-1942-4151746

Key Insights

• Picture of the couple
• Name of the groom
• Rank of the groom
• School information of the groom
• Name of the mother of the groom and where she lived
• Name of the bride and where she lived
• Name of chaplain who performed the ceremony
• Listed bridal party with names and ranks
• Named the chapel organist who played at the ceremony

14

Military Birth Announcements

Published notices or articles that announce the births of children to military personnel. These announcements typically include details such as the names of the parents, the newborn's name, birthdate, and possibly additional information about the military service of the parent, providing a historical record of military families and their joyous milestones.

Example:

“Year’s First Infants and Gifts - Nancy Gail Caduff, above, and Bruck Stalk, right, are shown about with their mothers and some of the many gifts awarded them by local merchants as the first babies to be born locally in the new year. Nancy, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Caduff, was honored as the first child born to a civilian family. She arrived in Fairbanks on January 2. Brude, the birth military birth of the year, arrived in the afternoon on New Year’s day. He is the second son of Captain and Mrs. George Stalk, stationed at Ladd field.” https://newspaperarchive.com/birth-clipping-jan-12-1952-4151973/

Key Insights

• Date of birth
• Name of child
• Parents of child
• Noted he was the second son born to the couple
• Rank of father in the military
• Where the father was stationed
• Picture of mom and baby

15

The Draft

Notices or articles that announce the conscription or drafting of individuals into military service. These announcements often include details such as the names of those drafted, their hometowns, and other relevant information, serving as a historical record of the individuals who were called to serve during specific periods of conscription or wartime mobilization.

*The two examples provided here were part of the same newspaper.

Example:

“Drafted Men to Ft. Dodge. Saturday of next week, September 22nd, is the date when forty percent of Cavalier county’s quota for the military draft leave Langdon for Fort Dodge, Iowa. This second installment of the draft to leave will include forty-eight young men from all over the county who have been called service.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-sep-13-1917-4152111/

Key Insights

• Detailed information about the draft for a specific county

Example:

“Citizen Soldiers Receive Orders. Forty-Eight Drafted Men To Leave Sept. 22nd for Fort Dodge. [T]he list follows: Konrad Mann, Langdon. Anton A. Rose, Langdon. Lemuel Wells, Calio.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-sep-13-1917-4152115/

Key Insights

• Names of the men drafted
• Where the men are from

16

Home Front Stories

Articles or narratives that chronicle the experiences and events taking place within civilian communities during times of war or other significant historical periods. These stories provide insights into the challenges, resilience, and contributions of individuals and families on the home front, offering a broader understanding of the social and cultural context surrounding one's family history during specific historical eras.

Example:

“Ration Roundup. (By The Associated Press). Weekly roundup of OPA price and rationing news, ration calendar for week of July 10. . . . [S]ugar: Sugar stamps No. 30, No. 31 and No. 32 (Book 4) good for five pounds each indefinitely. . . . [G]asoline: A-10 coupons now valid in the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida. Expire August 8.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jul-16-1944-4152000/

Key Insights

• Explanation of ration coupons for the week

17

Military Training Camp News

Articles or reports that detail events, activities, and developments related to training camps where military personnel undergo preparation for service. These news pieces often include information about recruits, training exercises, and notable achievements, providing a snapshot of the early stages of military service for individuals within one's family history during specific historical periods.

Example:

“Completes Flight Training. Tuskegee Army Air Field, Ala. - Aviation Cadet William F. Williams, son of Mr. and Mrs. W.F. Williams of 3998 E. 121 St., Cleevland, Ohio, recently completed the basic flight course at the Tuskegee Army Air Field and is now undergoing his advanced training here. Cadet Williams, a former student of Talladega College, is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-may-29-1943-4152177/

Key Insights

• Name of the cadet
• Where the cadet completed training
• Parents of the cadet
• Address of the parents
• Current training information
• Education and fraternal affiliation of the cadet

18

Homecoming Parades and Events

Accounts or articles covering celebrations held to welcome back military personnel returning from service. These news pieces often highlight the joyous reunions, parades, and community gatherings that commemorate the homecoming of servicemen and women, offering a historical record of the collective gratitude and recognition bestowed upon returning veterans.

Example:

“Grateful City Acclaims Its Heroes Out Of War With Whole-Hearted Enthusiasm; Thousands Come To Witness Festivities. . . . [W]ith the same wholehearted sincerity with which the people of Harrisburg met every demand on their patriotism during the strenuous war period they to-day acclaimed their men and women out of war to-day as they marched over the streets of Pennsylvania’s capital city.”  https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-sep-29-1919-4152081/

Key Insights

• Detailed account of a homecoming parade in honor of the service men and women home from World War I - front page and additional page covering the event

19

Military Court Martial Reports

Articles or reports detailing legal proceedings involving members of the military who are subject to a court martial. These reports typically include information on charges, testimonies, and outcomes, offering a historical record of legal actions taken within the military and providing insights into the conduct and discipline of individuals in one's family history who may have faced such proceedings.

Example:

“Faces Courtmartial - Sergeant Samuel B. Edgeman, acting sergeant major for the Thirtieth Infantry at the San Francisco Presidio, who faces courtmartial. He is accused of stealing confidential army reports. The sergeant assertedly admitted taking the documents, saying he had taken them home to work upon. Long known as a “model soldier”, Edgeman served as staff sergeant of the Thirtieth Infantry in Tientsin, China, from 1926 to 1929. He was placed in the guard house pending courtmartial. The documents concerned personal matters.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-may-10-1938-4152141/

Key Insights

• Name of the accused soldier
• Rank of the accused soldier
• Where he was stationed
• Accusations of the court martial
• Background information for the accused soldier
• Picture of the accused soldier

20

Historical Photos and Sketches

Visual depictions and detailed accounts published during or after military conflicts, capturing scenes and moments from the front lines. They provide a historical record, offering a glimpse into the experiences and challenges faced by individuals in one's family history who may have participated in those battles, helping to connect the past and present through storytelling.

Example:

An entire page titled “Maine at the Battle of Gettysburg” from 1889. Sections of the page include: “Record of the Dedication of the Monuments Erected By the State. Tour of the Maine Veterans Over the Great Battlefield. Stories of the Conflict Told Amid the Old Scenes. Addresses of Generals Chamberlain, Connor and Smith. Colonel Clark S. Edwards at the Fifth’s Monument. Some History that Should Never Be Forgotten in Maine.” It even includes a map of the battlefield. Read it HERE:  https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-oct-09-1889-4152168/

21

Missing in Action

Reports or articles that convey the status of military personnel who have disappeared during wartime or military operations and whose whereabouts are unknown. These notices often detail the circumstances surrounding the disappearance, the individual's last known location, and efforts to locate or account for them, providing a somber aspect of family history that reflects the uncertainties and sacrifices of military service.

Example:

“Private Lester Richardson Clark of 325 Norton st, New Haven, missing in action, is the only son of Mr and Mrs Horace E. Clark. He is 23 years old and is a member of Co D, 102d Infantry.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-may-19-1918-4152171/

Key Insights

• Name and rank of soldier
• Street address of soldier
• Parents’ names of the soldier
• Soldier’s age and his company

22

Women in the Military

Articles or reports that discuss the roles, achievements, and contributions of women serving in the armed forces. These stories highlight the evolving roles of women in various branches of the military, offering a historical perspective on the challenges and accomplishments of female service members within the context of family history.

Example:

“Saboteurs Better Beware! ‘Lady M.P.’s’ Help Guard This Airplane Plant. Columbus, O. - A would-be saboteur, spy or other Joe with evil intent who fools around the Curtiss-Wright airplane plant here might not be surprised at being caught by a husky he-man guard, but he’d probably curl up with astonished mortification if he were collared - and none to gently - by an attractive young woman. Could happen. She would be one of the company of “Lady M.P.’s” which is part of the plant’s force of uniformed guards.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jul-13-1943-4151753/

Key Insights

• Detailed description of women as military police at an airplane plant
• Pictures with captions naming some of the lady M.P.s

23

Information About Servicemen Stationed

Articles or reports that detail the deployment or assignment of military personnel to specific locations or bases. These pieces provide information about the servicemen's duty stations, capturing a snapshot of their geographical placements and offering insights into the diverse experiences and roles undertaken by individuals in one's family history during their time in the military.

Example:

“Miscellany. Rush County War Notes: Another of the county’s war veterans, who was wounded in action, has returned home with an honorable discharge. He is 1st Sgt. Holman Goodpaster of Milroy, discharged July 8 at Camp Atterbury. A long-time member of the National Guard at Greensburg, he had been in active service since the guard federalized in January of 1941. 1s Sgt. Goodpaster had been overseas for the past ten months and he served in France, Belgium, Holland, England and Germany. The Milroy soldier was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry badge and E.T.O. and Occupation of Germany ribbons.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jul-11-1945-4154375/

Key Insights

• Name and rank of the soldier
• Where and when he was discharged
• City where he’s from
• Branch of the service he was part of
• How long he had been part of the branch
• Where he had been stationed overseas
• Awards and honors of the soldier

24

Military and Service Orders

Published notices or articles that announce official instructions, directives, or orders issued to military personnel. These documents, often found in newspapers, provide insights into the organizational and operational aspects of military service, offering a glimpse into the duties, responsibilities, and deployments of individuals within one's family who were subject to these official mandates.

Example:

“Army and Navy Orders. Army Orders. Foley, Col. Thomas Madden, Medical Corps Reserve, ordered to active duty at Carlisle Barracks, Pa. July 8. Davis, Col. William J., Infantry, to be examined by an Army retiring board at headquarters, 4th Corps Area. Russell, Col. George M., Cavalry, ordered to Walter Reed Hospital for observation and treatment.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-jun-27-1934-4150944/

Key Insights

• A list of servicemen's names
• Rank of servicemen
• Details of orders with possible location, unit, etc.

25

Company Send-Offs

Announcements or articles that document farewell events held for military units or companies before their deployment or departure. These pieces often highlight the community's support, well-wishes, and ceremonies organized to bid farewell to the servicemen and women, offering a poignant glimpse into the emotional and communal aspects of military service.

Example:

“Company C, I.N.G., Called Out by Governor Mount Last Night. Leaves for Indianapolis. On the 7:30 O’clock Dinkey This Morning. Received a Great Send Off. Thousands Cheered Them on Their Way. Many Tear-Bedimmed Eyes. Company Leaves Nearly Ninety Strong. Complete Roster of Company. . . . [T]he complete roster of the company is as follows: Captain - W.J. Coleman. First Lieutenant - J.R. Gebhart. Second Lieutenant - F. McCurdy.” https://newspaperarchive.com/other-articles-clipping-apr-29-1898-4151898

Key Insights

• Detailed description of a company’s send-off
• Names and ranks of the soldiers in the company