Ohio, WWI Index and Return Cards - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This publication consists of two card collections. An index to military service and "World War I 83rd Division Personal Information Cards Index" of men assigned to the division serving in France. The collections were acquired from the Ohio Genealogical Society. The 83rd Division was raised in Ohio and Western Pennsylvania largely with inductees from the Selective Service. It trained at Camp Sherman, Oho.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:


 * Name
 * Age at enlistment
 * Race
 * Home address
 * Location where enlisted


 * Rating (Rank)
 * Service number
 * Date of discharge

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of your ancestor
 * Some other identifying information such as birth date or residence

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. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details. 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 information found in the record to find additional family members in census records
 * Search for land and probate records
 * Use the names, ages and residence to locate church records

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

 * Look for variant spellings of the names. Pay special attention to how the name should have been pronounced and try variations on the pronunciation
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names. Try searching for these names as well
 * Immigrant first names may be in their native language
 * Look at the 1910 census to identify names and ages of additional family members

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

Related Family History Library Holdings

 * Ohio, World War I 83rd Division Returning Soldier data cards, 1917-1920.
 * Ohio. AGO. World War I - Statement of Service Cards

Related FamilySearch Historical Records Collections

 * Ohio, World War I Statement of Service Cards, 1914-1919. The collection covers service in the Marine Corps, Navy and out of state enlistments.
 * Ohio, World War I, Enrollment Cards, 1914-1918
 * United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
 * United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940

Related Digital Books

 * Official Roster of Ohio Soldiers, Sailors and Marines in the World War One.

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.