Tim
OR
Thu Jan 25 10:17:17 2001


In the 1930s, after the compilation of the Official Records during the turn of the century, photographs using slide negatives were taken by archivists and annotated and compiled on official cards for microfilm use. That is what we see while reviewing the library records.

The best place to study reliable information is at the state archives where the original muster roles can sometimes be viewed under supervision. I don't know the route taken or how they got there in the end. I just know I have seen first hand accounts written by the men who were there and in their own hand.

The key is to know who you are trying to research by working census and or accurate family records authenticated by official government census records and verifing the wherabouts of the individuals you seek.

This can be done next with the official government records on file and recorded by archivists. There is enough information there to corraborate the origin of the individuals noted and mentioned in the muster roles company battle records.

The trip to Montgomery should include the time and work necessary to study ALL of the records in the regimental file to include the company (roster and individual records) commanders report at the end of the file.

Many people, no doubt, make the huge mistake of accepting family heresay and word of mouth by well meaning people who have no clue as to how to verify the path taken by those they seek. There are many people with common names listed on the muster roles. Once you listen to the wrong person and make a mistake, you are doomed to go off on the wrong road and end up on a fraudulent and sad "wild goose chase". I venture to say many people who are researching ancestors are studying people who actually lived in completely different counties and just share a common name with the one they seek. It is better to get it right before investing the time in researching the paths taken by the different units and the members "on duty" at the time of the battles.

The company muster roles show exactly where these people were at the time of the battle and what they were actually doing according to their official status assigned by the men responsible for their conduct.






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