Maine and Massachusetts, Case Files of Deceased and Deserted Seamen - FamilySearch Historical Records

Record Description
This collection contains three NARA collections: Case Files of Deceased and Deserted Seamen, compiled 1912 - 1965 (ARC 1079716), Case Files of Deceased and Deserted Seamen, compiled 1873 - 1911 (ARC 1077387), and Case Files of Deceased and Deserted Seamen compiled 1909-1951 (ARC 1096743). The collections were filmed at the NARA Regional Facility in Waltham, Massachusetts. For the most part, the records are arranged numerically by case number and contain an assortment of details including personal information, death details, wages etc. about deceased and deserted sailors and others who worked on board ships.

Record Content
The records may contain any of the following information:


 * Name of seaman
 * Death date and place
 * Burial date and place
 * Names of family members or next of kin
 * Financial statements
 * Dates of service

How to Use the Record
To begin your search you will need to know:


 * Name
 * Identifying information such as death date

Search the Collection
To search the collection: ⇒ Select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page ⇒ Select the "ARC Number and Title" ⇒ Select the "Case Number or Last Name" 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 names, date and place monies were sent to search for church and census records.

Related Websites
National Archives

Related Wiki Articles

 * Maine
 * Massachusetts

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: