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Archiver > GenMassachusetts > 2001-02 > 0981473841


From: Priscilla <>
Subject: Re: [GM-L] NARA RECORDS
Date: Tue, 06 Feb 2001 10:37:21 -0500
References: <008e01c09044$522e0f20$61c64e0c@272184821>


Hi:
Have had similar experience with NARA. Two years ago I sent for my
ggrandfather's pension record. After several months, I received an answer
stating that no pension record existed. Knowing that he had indeed served
in the Civil War, I then requested his military record. At least eight
months went by without an answer. I then e-mailed NARA and several weeks
later received a phone call stating they had never received my request.
However, the woman who called was very helpful. She took the information
over the phone, and within a week, I had his military record. Later, from
a search of Ancestry.com records, I learned that he did indeed have a
pension record. Just yesterday, six months after refiling for this
record, I received an answer that the record could not be found. But this
time they included the actual number of the pension record and information
stating that many of the records are still held by the Veterans
Administration and given the address of the closest office. I have to say
there were also three typewritten pages of typical government directions
about retrieving these documents which leave my head spinning. It looks
much easier to just go to the local office and ask for assistance.
Good luck and keep trying.
Priscilla

Joan Blaisdell wrote:

> Last May I sent for Widow's pension papers for my greatgrandmother's
> ex-husband. He was a Captain in Union Army Civil War. I've waited and
> waited. On the old form 80, There was a phone number which I called 3
> weeks ago. Then man in the Reference Library could not find his name
> in his computer. I sent the Pension index file from Ancestry.Com
> showing the actual form that had been filled out by my
> greatgrandmother. The man requested I send the papers to him, Then
> yesterday I received another request, I have to send more money. They
> located pension file 96 pages. $48.00 and I had to write back today to
> approve the entire file. There is a 5 month back log. The billing now
> goes to Atlanta, Ga. The other papers that I've received have taken
> at least 3 months. I'd like to hear other experiences from list
> regarding NARA and Old Military Records. I wish President Bush would
> hire more people to get these papers sent faster. Regards, Joan
>
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