Washington, World War I Veteran's Compensation Fund Application Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
Department of Veterans Affairs bonus records. World War I Veteran’s application records for compensation from the state of Washington, 1921-1925. Digital images of originals are held at the Washington State Archives in Olympia, Washington.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
These records may contain:
 * The soldiers name and rank
 * Months and days served
 * Place and date of induction
 * His company
 * His discharge date
 * Date and place of birth
 * His present occupation
 * Name and address of nearest relative
 * Name and address of father and mother at time of enlistment

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of the soldier
 * State where he enlisted
 * Identify the date and place of the event

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

What Do I Do Next?
When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. The information may also lead you to other records about your ancestors.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Use the names, age and residence to find census records including the 1910 and 1920 census. The 1930 also identifies World War I veterans
 * Look for discharge records. Many veterans registered their discharges at the local county courthouse
 * Look for membership applications of the local American Legion Post
 * When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for nicknames and abbreviated names
 * Search the records of the town where he was born and nearby localities for family

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of Washington.
 * US Military Basic Search Strategies
 * Beginning Research in United States Military Records
 * Beginning United States World War I Research
 * Washington Guided Research
 * Washington Record Finder
 * Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Research: 1850-1907 &#124; 1907-Present

Related FamilySearch Historical Record Collections

 * World War I Draft Registration Cards
 * Veteran's Administration Master Index

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.