Today we are going to explore the Civil War Soldiers & Sailors System database managed by the National Park System (https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/soldiers-and-sailors-database.htm). The Civil War Soldiers & Sailors System can be used to search for individuals, regiments, cemeteries, battles, prisoners, monuments, and medals of honor.

In the 1890 United States Census of Union Veterans, we find John Barton, living in Spokane Falls, Spokane, Washington. According to this record he served from 1861-1863 in the New York 16th Infantry regiment where his rank was Musician. During the war, he had been wounded in his right arm.

Using the Soldiers & Sailors database, we want to learn more about his service.

Hint

• Search by name using the format: Last name, First Name. Because it is a common name, enter the name in quotes to help narrow.

• Narrow your results using the Filters (left-side of the screen) and the information found on the census.

• Now scroll through the results, looking for the Battle Unit.

• Click on the name in the results to view more details.

• Click on the Battle Unit name to learn more about the unit’s service.

Questions

1. What type of musician did he serve as?

2. Where was the regiment organized?

3. On what date did they organize?

4. How many men were killed or mortally wounded?

5. How many men in total died?

6. Looking at the battles in which this company served and considering John Barton’s role, he was lucky to have survived. Name one of the battles. (If you want to read more about the battles, click on the Battle Name)