Massachusetts Revolutionary War Index Cards to Muster Rolls - FamilySearch Historical Records

Record Description
Index card abstracts of accounts, muster and pay rolls, descriptive lists and accounts, etc. of soldiers who served in Massachusetts companies and regiments during the Revolutionary War, 1775-1783. The records were acquired from the Massachusetts State Archives in Boston.

Examples of Card Abstract Types
 * An Account -Mass. Archives Depreciation Rolls
 * Company Return - Coat Rolls Eight Months Service
 * Continental Army Pay Accounts - Continental Army Books
 * A Descriptive List - Mass. Muster and Pay Rolls
 * Lexington Alarm Roll - Lexington Alarms
 * List of Men Mustered - Mass Muster and Pay Rolls
 * List of Men Raised to Serve in the Continental Army
 * Muster and Pay Roll
 * Muster
 * Order for Bounty Coat - Coat Rolls Eight Months Service Order.
 * Order - Mass Muster And Pay Rolls
 * Pay Abstract - Mass Muster and Pay Rolls
 * Pay Roll
 * Receipt for Bounty - Mass. Muster and Pay Rolls
 * A Return
 * Statement of Continental Balances

Record Content
Muster and Pay Roll may contain the following information
 * Name
 * Rank
 * Company Commander
 * Regimental Commander
 * Length of Service
 * Residence
 * Remarks

Descriptive List may contain the following information
 * Name
 * Age
 * Stature
 * Complexion

How to Use the Record
To begin your search it is helpful to know:
 * Your Ancestor’s Name
 * Your Ancestor's Residence
 * Your Ancestor's Military Unit
 * Your Ancestor's Age

Search the Collection
To browse by image: ⇒Select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page ⇒Select the appropriate “Surname Range" 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.
 * Your ancestor may have enlisted more than once and served in more than one military unit during the course of the war.
 * Your ancestor may have also served with other family members.
 * It will be helpful to know your ancestor's residence at the time of enlistment.

For tips about searching on-line collections see the on-line article FamilySearch Search Tips and Tricks.

Using the Information
When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. Download a copy of the record, or extract the genealogical information needed. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details. Add this new information to your records of each family. The information may also lead you to other records about your ancestors. The following examples show ways you can use the information:

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.


 * 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.


 * If your ancestor used multiple names throughout their life, look for all their names.


 * Titles may be clues to property ownership, occupations, rank, or status within the community.


 * 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.


 * An ancestor could also have enlisted multiple times serving in more than one military unit.

General Information about These Records
The collection consists of card abstracts from original records of muster and pay rolls, accounts, warrants, descriptive lists, Continental Pay Accounts, Lexington Alarm Rolls, etc with volume number and page references to the collections that were abstracted.

Related Websites

 * Massachusetts Archives Collection, Records,1629-1799, 329 volumes
 * Massachusetts State Archives

Related Wiki Articles

 * Massachusetts Genealogy
 * United States Rosters of Revolutionary War Soldiers and Sailors (FamilySearch Historical Records)
 * United States, Revolutionary War Compiled Service Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)
 * United States, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Applications (FamilySearch Historical Records)
 * Massachusetts Military Records
 * Revolutionary War, 1775 to 1783

Citations for This Collection
Citing your sources makes it easy for others to find and evaluate the records you used. When you copy information from a record, list where you found that information. Here you can find citations already created for the entire collection and for each individual record or image.

Collection Citation:

Image Citation: