Louisiana First Registration Draft Cards - FamilySearch Historical Records

Collection Time Period
While the cards are part of a record group created between 1940 and 1945, they pertain to men born between February 17, 1897 and 1928.

Record Description
The cards are arranged alphabetically by surname and are a part of Record Group 147: Records of the Selective Service System, 1926-1975. The collection was acquired from the National Archives Southwest Region in Fort Worth, Texas.

Record Content


Genealogical information on the registration cards includes:


 * Name
 * Birth date
 * Birthplace (lists town or county and state or country
 * Residence
 * Mailing address
 * Name and address of the person who will always know the registrant’s address
 * Occupation
 * Employer’s name and address
 * Marital status
 * Physical description
 * Race

How to Use the Record
To begin your search you will need to know the following:


 * The name of your ancestor
 * The approximate birth date

If you are having difficulty finding your ancestor, look for variations in the spelling of the name. If your ancestor used an alias or a nickname, be sure to check for those alternate names.

Compare the information in the record to what you already know about your ancestors to determine if this is the correct person. You may need to compare the information of more than one person to make this determination.

When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details that can lead you to other records about your ancestors. Add this new information to your records of each family. This information will often lead you to other records.

For example:


 * Use the birth date or age along with the residence or place of birth to locate census, church, and land records.
 * Use the occupation to locate business or employment records.
 * Use the race and residence to locate ethnic and specialized records such as Indian censuses and school records.

You may also find these search tips helpful:


 * Compile the entries for every person who has the same surname as the deceased; this is especially helpful in rural areas or if the surname is unusual.
 * Continue to search the records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have been seeking the pension.
 * When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct.

Record History
After the United States entered World War I, a Selective Service Act required that all men between the ages of 18 and 64 register for the draft. The local draft board of the Selective Service System conducted the registration. The original registration cards were later sent to the regional branch of the National Archives responsible for receiving records from that state

Why the Record Was Created
The purpose of this registration was to collect information on the industrial capacity and skills of men who were born between February 17, 1897 and 1928. This draft registration was intended to provide a complete inventory of manpower resources in the United States that could be utilized for national service.

Record Reliability
Information on the cards was supplied by the individual but recorded by a registrar. While there was a chance of a recording error, each individual signed his card to attest that the information was correct.

Related Websites
World War II Draft Registration Cards

Related Wiki Articles
Louisiana Military Records

Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections
When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information. This will help you or others to find the record again. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records.

A suggested format for citing FamilySearch Historical Collections, including how to cite individual archives is found in the following link: How to Cite FamilySearch Collections.

Examples of Source Citations for a Record in This Collection
"Lousiana, First Registration Draft Cards, compiled 1940-1945" index and images. Familysearch (https://www.familysearch.org.: accessed 2 June 2011). entry for Herman Marion Evans, born July 15, 1909; citing Draft Cards, Evans, Herman Marion - Elliot, Willis, Image 1; National Arachives Southwest Region, Fort Worth, Texas.

Sources of Information for This Collection
“Louisiana, First Registration Draft Cards, 1940-1945,” images, FamilySearch Internet ([http:www.familysearch.org http:www.familysearch.org]): from the National Archives Southwest Region, Fort Worth, Texas. Record Group 147. FHL digital images, Family History Library Salt Lake City, Utah.