Track: Military

Tracks at the TxSGS 2019 Family History Conference are designed to help you concentrate on a specific area of research or skill development. Use this information as you plan your schedule.

All lectures included in your registration if you sign up for the full conference. If your register for a single day, all lectures on that are included. Workshops are optional and have limited seating. You must register in advance. Lunches with speakers are also optional and must be purchased in advance. These may be selected during registration or added before September 30.

Military

Beyond the soldier, military and pension records capture genealogically rich information on widows, heirs, and more. Discover the wealth of data available for the Civil War and Spanish-American War as well as other record sets such as those honoring WWI Gold Star Mothers.

Friday, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm – Great-Grandpa Wore Gray: Researching Your Confederate Ancestor, Elizabeth O’Neal
Confederate ancestors may be more difficult – and controversial – to research than their Union counterparts, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook the records they left behind. Bringing your Confederate ancestors’ military service to life will give you a better understanding of why they served and what life was like for them. From their service records to the pensions they may have received, learn how and where to find Confederate records. (Beginner, Intermediate)

Friday, 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm – Skirts & Skirmishes, Wars & Widows: Finding Service Records, Pensions, & More, Paula Perkins
Nearly all your ancestors were eligible for military service. Records, pensions, citizen files, enlistments, and draft registrations can easily be located. Veterans, widows, and heirs made claims creating a wealth of information proving migration patterns, children, births, deaths, and marriages. Exciting facts and discoveries are just waiting to be found! (All levels)

Friday, 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm – That Splendid Little War: Your Ancestors in the Spanish-American War, Michael Strauss
The end of the 19th century witnessed the transformation of the US from a developing nation into a global power. Learn about the war against Spain and fighting during the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) in which US soldiers participated. Records discussed will include those from the National Archives, National Personnel Record Center, and more. (Beginner, Intermediate)

Saturday, 9:00 am to 10:00 am – The Blue and the Gray: Civil War Research in Oklahoma, Nancy Calhoun
Civil War? Oklahoma? Not only did the Five Tribes enter the conflict, they suffered immensely with repercussions still affecting life today. Most were aligned with the Confederacy, but the tribes were split between the two sides. Troops serving in I.T. also included Texans and African Americans. Those coming to the Twin Territories much later had served in other states. Learn about service records as well as Confederate and Union pensions and homes. (Beginner, Intermediate)

Sunday, 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm – Gold Star Mothers – Discovering Your Veteran Ancestor’s Military Records, Gale French
The number of casualties in World War I was over 37 million. Many have ancestors that were among those killed. Learn how to find and record information about those ancestors included among the casualties. Discover tools, resources and approaches to find ancestors who were buried overseas. Find out how to obtain military records, photographs of Gold Star Mothers, grave markers, and other relevant documents along with tips for telling their stories. (Beginner, Intermediate)