Hello All!
I'm trying to determine if my 4th GGF served in the Civil War, possibly in the Army and/or the Navy. I have been researching records for a few years but I am unable to find the 'Ah-Ha!' record that links him to his reported naval/military service. My question: What is the best method of proving/disproving military service with approximate year of birth and definitive date of death? What records can/should I request?
Definitive background and person I'm researching:
George Hunt
Born: ~ 1842 Ireland
Died: 12 Nov 1881 New York City
- Emigrated from Ireland and arrived in USA in 1860 (at 18 years of age)
- Is buried in an unmarked grave in NYC (Calvary Cemetery). Visited personally with confirmed burial records. No mention of being a vet.
Family Stories and Rumors...
- Fought in the Civil War (Union) after enlisting in 'Red Hook', NY (most likely Redhook part of Brooklyn)
- Was reportedly captured and sent to a southern prison camp.
- Continued a naval career and became a 'master welder' (Engineer)
- My GF was a career Navy man and was proud of this history, so I tend to believe that some of it is true.
I've searched through multiple records... Widow certs, Prisoner of War, NY Musters... There are multiple George Hunts, some fit, but I can't nail down a definitive record. The only record I am sort of sure about is a Naval Rendezvous record (discussed here: Deciphering US Navy Enlistment Rendezvous Ratings 1866 ) but again, can't be 100% sure.
Can anyone give some general advice how to proceed? I'd love to be able to rule him in OR out of a military career.
Thanks for any input!
1 person found this helpful
