Michigan, Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), Cemetery Index - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
An index with over 2400 cards containing names of soldiers buried in Michigan Veterans Facilities (or Soldiers Home Cemeteries) with names of sections to which they belonged. (Time period - c. 1800's to 1900's). Many cards do not list any dates. This collection covers primarily Civil War soldiers but includes some from other wars as well. The microfilm of a card file is in the possession of the Grand Rapids Public Library, Michigan.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The records may contain the following information:
 * Member's name
 * Cemetery location
 * Death and place
 * Rank
 * Organization served in
 * War served in

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of the soldier
 * Other identifying information such as birthplace or organization where he or she served

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.

What Do I Do Next?
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.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Add any new information to your records
 * Use the name, enlistment date and organization to find the soldier’s military records
 * Use the name and residence to find the soldier’s family in census, church, and land records
 * Continue to search the records to identify other relatives who may have served in the same unit or a nearby unit

I Can't Find the Person I'm Looking For, What Now?

 * When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct
 * Search the records of nearby military units
 * You may need to compare the information of more than one family or person to make this determination.
 * If you are unable to find your ancestor look for variant spellings of the surnames. You should also look for nicknames and abbreviated names

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of Michigan.
 * Michigan Guided Research
 * Michigan Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Research
 * Beginning Research in United States Military Records

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

FamilySearch Catalog

 * Grand Army of the Republic. Michigan. Cemetery index 1800's-1900's
 * Grand Army of the Republic. Department of Michigan. Records of posts and index, 1876-1945
 * (Grand Army of the Republic) cemetery index, ca. 1800's-1900's

FamilySearch Historical Records

 * United States General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934
 * States Census of Union Veterans and Widows of the Civil War, 1890
 * United States Records of Headstones of Deceased Union Veterans, 1879-1903
 * United States Civil War Soldiers Index, 1861-1865

FamilySearch Digital Library

 * Annual Encampment Department of Michigan Grand Army of the Republic 1917
 * Finding aid for the records of Michigan Department of the Grand Army of the Republic 1861-1957

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.