Seeking Civil War (Union) records for Joseph Gomer

Hi Dave,

Welcome to History Hub

Found Joseph and Mary Gomer on findagrave.com with a biography. states that

he was a cook in the Civil War.

Joseph Gomer (Unknown-1892) - Find A Grave Memorial

Have you tried Ancestry.com, they give a free trial period, there is a fee after that. It is worth

checking for your relative.

Alice Lane

Research Volunteer

In a book entitled the United States in Africa by David Shavit, it states:

GOMER , JOSEPH ( 1834 – 1892 ) . Missionary , born July 20 , 1834 , in Ann Arbor , Michigan . Gomer was employed in a home furnishing store in Chicago , served as a cook during the Civil War … [https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_United_States_in_Africa/fT1yAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=joseph+gomer+(1834-1892)&dq=joseph+gomer+(1834-1892)&printsec=frontcover]
He may have served as a civilian employee, who would not have had a military service record.

Dear Mr. Datema,

Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!

We searched the National Archives Catalog and located series titled the Register of Petty Officers, Seamen and Others Received On Board Receiving Ships at the Naval Rendezvous at Baltimore, 1855 - 1869; the Lists of Recruits Enlisted for Service During the Civil War, 2/1864 - 6/1865; the Records Relating to Enlisted Men Who Served in the Navy Between 1842 and 1885; the Index to Certificates of Discharge Issued for Discharges Made During and Immediately After the Civil War (Part I) and Index to Certificates of Discharge Issued for Discharges Made During and Immediately After the Civil War (Part II), a series Registers of Pensions, 5/1867 - 8/1902; the Muster Rolls of Naval Ships, 1/1/1860 - 6/9/1900; the Civil War Muster Rolls, 5/1861 - 10/1863 (select ships only, read SC note); and the Ship Books Containing Complements and Rosters of Officers on Vessels, 11/1834 - 9/1865 in the Records of the Bureau of Naval Personnel (Record Group 24) that may contain records of Joseph Gomer.  For access to these series, please contact the National Archives at Washington, DC - Textual Reference (RDT1) via email at archives1reference@nara.gov. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and pursuant to guidance received from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), NARA has adjusted its normal operations to balance the need of completing its mission-critical work while also adhering to the recommended social distancing for the safety of NARA staff. As a result of this re-prioritization of activities, you may experience a delay in receiving an initial acknowledgement as well as a substantive response to your reference request from RDT1. We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and patience.

We hope this is helpful. Best of luck with your research!