Utah, Territorial Militia Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

Record Description
The collection consists of papers from the Utah State Archives containing various militia records from the Utah Territory. It includes records of the territorial militia, called the Nauvoo Legion, with reference to the Walker and Black Hawk Wars, the Overland Trail, and Johnston's army. Also of interest are records of the only Civil War company from Utah. Papers include muster rolls, military correspondence, payroll sheets, service reports, and journals.

It has been customary to keep service records for soldiers since the founding on the earliest militias were organized.

The records cover the years 1849 to 1877.

The records were created as proof of service and to track the service of each soldier.

The records are fairly reliable; however, the records are only as accurate as the knowledge of the individual who provided the information and the accuracy of the individual who recorded it.

For a list of records by document type and dates currently published in this collection, select the Browse link from the collections landing page.

Citation for This Collection
The following citation refers to the original source of the information published in FamilySearch.org Historical Record collections. Sources include the author, custodian, publisher and archive for the original records.

Suggested citation format for a record in this collection.

Record Content
The information varies with each type of record. Any of the following may be included:


 * Name
 * Birth date
 * Birth place
 * Mustering in date and place
 * Discharge date and place
 * Details of service such as: companies served in, battles fought in, or injuries sustained
 * Captures and confinements in prison
 * Unit, Rank, and offices held
 * Pensions, bounties, and payments received
 * Death date and place
 * Burial date and place
 * Names of close relatives and/or friends
 * Photographs
 * Date war sketch was made
 * Author of sketch
 * Injuries, illnesses, disabilities, and any nature of disability
 * Salary paid

How to Use the Record
To search the collection, ⇒Select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page ⇒Select "Document Number Range,Date Range,Description" which takes you to the images.

Look at the images one by one comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine which one is your ancestor. You may need to compare the information about more than one person to make this determination.

To search for your ancestors you will need to know the following:


 * Full name
 * Residence

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 estimated age to calculate a birth date.
 * Use the age and location of the military unit to find the soldier’s family in census, church, and land records.
 * 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.
 * Death dates may lead to death certificates, mortuary, or burial records.
 * Use the age to calculate an approximate birth date.
 * Use the birth date or age along with the residence or place of birth of the deceased to locate census, church, and land 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.

For tips about searching on-line collections see the on-line video at FamilySearch Search Tips.

Related Websites

 * Access Genealogy
 * Utah Genealogy Records
 * Ancestor Hunt

Related Wiki Articles

 * Utah
 * Utah 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 keeping track of records that you have searched is found in the wiki article Help:How to Cite FamilySearch Collections.

Citation Example for a Record Found in This Collection
"Utah, Territorial Militia Records, 1848-1977" images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org: accessed 15 February 2012). &gt; no 0005-0009, Jan 1850 &gt; Image 8 of 15; citing John Scott Cole, Special orders issued for Indian wars dated 21 January 1850, Utah State Archives Record Series 2210, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.

A suggested format for keeping track of records that you have searched is found in the Wiki Article: How to Cite FamilySearch Collections.