West Virginia, Military Discharge Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection contains military discharge records for various counties in the state of West Virginia ranging approximately from 1866 to 1990. More records may be added as they become available. Counties represented in the records are: • 9

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
 * Be sure to 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
 * Remember that spelling was generally not standardized until the early part of the 20th century

Research Helps
The following articles will help you research your family in West Virginia.
 * West Virginia Guided Research
 * West Virginia Record Finder
 * West Virginia Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step West Virginia Research, 1880-Present
 * West Virginia

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

FamilySearch Catalog

 * Compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of West Virginia: M508
 * West Virginia, World War I Selective Service System draft registration cards, 1917-1918.
 * West Virginia, World War II draft registration cards, 1940-1945

FamilySearch Historical Records

 * West Virginia Civil War Service Records of Union Soldiers, 1861-1865
 * United States General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934
 * West Virginia, World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1940-1945
 * United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
 * United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940
 * United States World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946

FamilySearch Digital Library

 * Organization and the execution of the Selective service act in the state of West Virginia.

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.