Louisiana, World War I Service Records, 1917-1920 - FamilySearch Historical Records

Record Description
This collection consists of an index and images of enlistment or induction records from World War I for the years 1917 to 1920. The collection is arranged alphabetically by parish name and is located at the Louisiana State Archives in Baton Rouge.

Record Content
The information found varies from one record to another. You may find any of the following:


 * Soldier’s name
 * Birth date and place
 * Enlistment or Induction date and place
 * Age
 * Estimated birth year
 * Residence parish, city, and state

How to Use the Record
This section includes tips and information on how to search the collection.

To begin your search it is helpful to know:


 * Your ancestor's name
 * Other identifying information such as residence, age, estimated military service years, and family relationships

Search the Collection
To search the collection: ⇒Select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page ⇒ Select the "Name of Parish" category which takes you to the images.

Look at each image comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine if the image relates to them. You may need to look at several images and compare the information about the individuals listed in those images to your ancestors to make this determination. Keep in mind:


 * There may be more than one person in the records with the same name.
 * You may not be sure of your own ancestor’s name.
 * Your ancestor may have used different names or variations of their name throughout their life.

Using the Information
When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. Save a copy of the image or transcribe the information. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details. Add this new information to your records of each family. You should also look for leads to other records about your ancestors. For example:


 * Use the estimated age to calculate a birth date.
 * Use the soldier's age and location of the military unit to find his family in census, church, and land records.

Tips to Keep in Mind

 * When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct.
 * Remember that there may be more than one person in the records with the same name as your ancestor and that your ancestor may have used nicknames or different names at different times.
 * Titles may be clues to property ownership, occupations, rank, or status within the community.
 * Continue to search the index and records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have served in the same unit or a nearby unit.
 * Be aware that, as with any index, transcription errors may occur.

Unable to Find Your Ancestor?

 * Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for alias names, nicknames and abbreviated names.
 * Look for a different index. Local genealogical and historical societies often have indexes to local records.
 * Search the indexes and records of nearby localities.

Related Websites

 * Military Indexes
 * Louisiana Military Records – National Archives
 * Veterans Service Records - National Archives

Related Wiki Articles

 * United States, World War I Draft Registration Cards (FamilySearch Historical Records)
 * Louisiana Military Records
 * World War I United States Military Records, 1917 to 1918
 * United States World War I Draft Records

Citations for This Collection
When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information; that is, cite your sources. This will help people find the record again and evaluate the reliability of the source. 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. Citations are available for the collection as a whole and each record or image individually.

Collection Citation:

Image Citation: