Since we've been highlighting special fighting units that served in various wars, I thought I would mention a group I'm sure many people have probably heard about (even if you're not exactly sure who they are): the Galvanized Yankees. These men were former Confederate prisoners of war who opted to enlist in the Union Army to … Continue reading Family Tree Friday: Fighting both sides in the Civil War
Author: dstokes
Family Tree Friday: Artificers in the Revolutionary War
Continuing on the theme of (unusually-named) specialty units that served in the U.S. military, this time we look at the artificers who supported the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Simply put, artificers were skilled artisans and mechanics who kept military equipment in good working order so the troops could operate effectively. They typically served … Continue reading Family Tree Friday: Artificers in the Revolutionary War
Family Tree Friday: U.S. Voltigeurs in the Mexican War
In my last post, I talked about the Sea Fencibles, a unique fighting unit from the War of 1812. I thought it would be interesting to continue that trend, moving on this time to introduce the Regiment of U.S. Voltigeurs and Foot Riflemen from the Mexican War. Voltigeurs, you may ask?!? What in the world … Continue reading Family Tree Friday: U.S. Voltigeurs in the Mexican War
Family Tree Friday: Who were the Sea Fencibles in the War of 1812?
With all the hype ramping up for the approaching 150th anniversary of the Civil War next year, which is expected to continue over the next five years, I've heard a few concerns that another major milestone might be overshadowed--the bicentennial in 2012 of the beginning of the War of 1812! Lest we forget about our … Continue reading Family Tree Friday: Who were the Sea Fencibles in the War of 1812?
Family Tree Friday: Landing reports of alien immigrants, 1798-1828
When I started this series of blog posts on immigration records, I mentioned that the Federal government began documenting alien arrivals in 1820, in fulfillment of the requirements of the Steerage Act of 1819. So, can you still find any information in federal records about alien arrivals PRIOR to 1820? As a matter of fact, … Continue reading Family Tree Friday: Landing reports of alien immigrants, 1798-1828
Family Tree Friday: Info about U.S. citizens in immigration records.
Even though passenger arrival records were intended to document foreign or alien immigrants coming into the United States, you will occasionally find U.S. citizens listed on the vessel manifests as well. In the 19th century records, they are much harder to locate, their names generally mixed together with the alien arrivals. You have to note … Continue reading Family Tree Friday: Info about U.S. citizens in immigration records.
Family Tree Friday: Immigration Act of 1891–Origins of the Ellis Island experience
As I mentioned in my previous post, when most people today think of immigration history they envision the "Ellis Island experience"--the huddled masses from Europe entering New York harbor (waving at the Statue of Liberty on those old news reels) and then being processed in long lines at the INS transfer station. That whole system … Continue reading Family Tree Friday: Immigration Act of 1891–Origins of the Ellis Island experience
Family Tree Friday: More on U.S. immigration law–the Immigration Act of 1882
Most people today equate Ellis Island with the typical immigration experience in U.S. history--the "huddled masses" coming through immigration processing centers before being allowed entrance into the country. Well, it actually took many decades after 1820--when the United States first started regulating immigration (see my previous blog post!)--for U.S. immigration law to reach that point, … Continue reading Family Tree Friday: More on U.S. immigration law–the Immigration Act of 1882
Family Tree Friday: Why do immigration records start in 1820?
Family historians generally know that federal immigration records begin in 1820, but has anyone stopped to wonder why? Well, it all began with the Steerage Act of March 2, 1819 (which went into effect on January 1, 1820). Traveling conditions aboard ocean-going vessels were anything but good in the early 19th century, especially for general … Continue reading Family Tree Friday: Why do immigration records start in 1820?
Family Tree Friday: More military vital statistics–quartermasters' burial records
Continuing on the theme of vital records that were intentionally created by the federal government--in this case the U.S. military. You may not be aware that many military posts maintained their own burial records for deaths that occurred among both military personnel and (sometimes) the nearby civilian population. Among the many responsibilities of the post … Continue reading Family Tree Friday: More military vital statistics–quartermasters' burial records