Bryan Howerton
Other Sources
Sat Mar 31 12:30:09 2001


That's an excellent point, Jim. You might add, as most serious researchers have already discovered, that non-military sources of information can often be a goldmine, especially genealogical and historical society publications, county histories, etc. It is amazing the number of muster rolls and other CW-era documents have survived in private hands all these years. Often these are donated to and published by local genealogical and historical organizations. When I'm at the Arkansas History Commission, I never pass up an opportunity to browse through old issues of these publications. I've discovered dozens of old muster rolls (especially from the 1861 State Troops period) that never made it into the NARA Compiled Service Records collection. These publications often publish Civil War letters that include a name, date or place that turns out to be just the key you're looking for. Bottom line, I guess, don't just look at State-specific military records -- look at whatever source opportunity throws your way.

• Another unlikely source... — Hayes Lowe, Sat Mar 31 13:12