California, Military Discharge Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection contains military discharge records for the counties of Butte and San Mateo in California. The records range from 1856 to 1965. More records may be added as they become available.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records: • 2

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.

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

 * Add any new information to your records
 * If available, check the image for additional information
 * Analyze the entry to see if it provides additional clues to find other records of the person or their family

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

 * The person may be recorded with an abbreviated or variant form of their name
 * Try searching by surname only

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in California.
 * California Guided Research
 * California Record Finder
 * California Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Research: 1850-1905 | 1905-Present

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

FamilySearch Catalog

 * Butte Co. Soldiers and sailors discharges, 1918-1926
 * Butte Co. Record of burial of ex-Union soldiers, sailors, marines and widows, 1886-1898
 * Butte Co. Military rolls, 1886, 1895-1919
 * San Mateo Co. service discharge records, 1856-1965
 * San Mateo Co. Camp Fremont naturalization index, 1918-1919

FamilySearch Historical Records

 * California, Geographical and Name Index of Californians who served in WWI, 1914-1918
 * California, Honor Roll of Californians who served in WWI, 1914-1918
 * California, World War II Draft Registration Cards,1940-1945
 * United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918

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.