Why Military Records Matter
Military records often provide some of the richest genealogical detail available. Service files, pension applications, and bounty land records may include:
- Age and birthplace
- Physical descriptions
- Residences before and after service
- Marriage dates and spouse names
- Children’s names and ages
- Affidavits from neighbors and relatives
Union County residents served in multiple conflicts, particularly the Civil War, where Kentucky was a border state with divided loyalties.
Major Conflicts Affecting Union County
- War of 1812
- Mexican-American War
- Civil War (Union and Confederate service)
- Spanish-American War
- World War I
- World War II
- Korean War
- Vietnam War
Because Union County sits along the Ohio River, some men enlisted in Indiana regiments while residing in Kentucky.
Civil War Resources
- National Park Service – Civil War Soldiers & Sailors Database
- Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA) – Military Records
- National Archives (NARA) Catalog
Civil War pension files (Union) are held by the National Archives. Confederate pension applications were filed with the state and may be available through KDLA.
World War I & World War II
Draft cards provide birth dates, addresses, employers, and next-of-kin information.
Bounty Land & Pension Records
Veterans of early wars often received bounty land or filed pension applications.
Research Tips
- Search for variant spellings of surnames.
- Check neighboring counties and Indiana regiments.
- Review pension affidavits for family relationships.
- Search newspapers for enlistment and casualty notices.
- Check cemetery records for military markers.
Military service often connects families across county and state lines.
Contributions Welcome
If you have Union County military rosters, discharge papers, photographs, or transcriptions to share, contributions are welcome.