Connecticut, Military Census Questionnaires - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
The Connecticut “Military Census” was taken in 1917 at the direction of the General Assembly in an effort to assess the states available men and resources for war. The forms in this collection were filled out by men aged 16 years and older. The original records are housed at the Connecticut State Archives, Hartford.


 * Thomas J. Kemp, "The Connecticut State Military Census of 1917'' Connecticut Ancestry 22 (1979-1980): 117-122 FS Library 974.6 B2s v. 22

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The forms in this collection were filled out by men aged 16 years and older and included common questions such as: • 2 As well as other interesting details such as: The index is arranged alphabetically by name of town, and within each town alphabetically by name of person.
 * whether the man could swim
 * ride a horse
 * operate a wireless
 * ride a motorcycle
 * etc.

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * Name of the person
 * Approximate date 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.

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

 * Add any new information to your records
 * Use the person's name and place of birth to find a birth certificate which should list the names of the parents
 * Use the country of citizenship to lead you to immigration or naturalization records
 * Use the person’s age and residence to find the family in census, church, and land records
 * When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct
 * Continue to search the index and records to identify siblings and other relatives who may also have registered for the draft
 * Census, military service, military pension, immigration, naturalization, and land records can be very useful

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

 * Look for variant spellings of the names. Pay special attention to how the name should have been pronounced and try variations on the pronunciation
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names, or even initials
 * Immigrant first names may be in their native language
 * Search the records of nearby localities

Research Helps
The following articles will help you research your family in the state of Connecticut.
 * Connecticut Guided Research
 * Connecticut Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Connecticut Research, 1880-Present

Other FamilySearch Collections
These collections may have additional materials to help you with your research.

FamilySearch Catalog

 * edited by Rhonda R. McClure, Genealogist's handbook for New England research 6th ed. Boston, Massachusetts: New England Historic Genealogical Society®, 2022 FS Library 974 D27mr
 * Thomas Jay Kemp, Connecticut researcher's handbook Detroit, Michigan : Gale Research, c1981 FS Library 974.6 D23k
 * Military census Questionnaires, 1917-1918
 * Military census Questionnaires of nurses, 1917-1918
 * Connecticut Adjutant General's Office. Connecticut service records : men and women in the armed forces of the United States during World War, 1917-1920. 3 volumes. Hartford, Connecticut : Office of the Adjutant General, 1941 FS Library 974.6 M2cag

FamilySearch Digital Library

 * Connecticut. Adjutant General's Office. Service records : Connecticut men and women in the armed forces of the United States during World War, 1917-1920. 3 volumes.

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.