World Archives Project: KS, NE, OK - Returns from US Military Posts, 1800-1916

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About this project

These Returns from Military Posts were prepared by the Commanding Officer of each military post as required by Army regulations. They are a personnel report prepared as often as monthly for the soldiers assigned to each post. They cover the period from 1800 - 1916. Most are handwritten reports based on or drawn to match printed reports. Basically, these reports were designed to show units that were stationed at a particular post and their strength, the names and duties of the officers, the number of officers present and absent, a listing of official communications received and a record of events.

Project Sponsors

Federation of Genealogical Societies Nebraska State Genealogical Society

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World Archives Keying Standards
Project Support Article
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Project-specific sample images and form field help:

Choose a sample image from below to see the corresponding form field examples.
Post Returns

Post Returns

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Most post returns are handwritten based on or drawn to match printed reports. Basically, these reports were designed to show units that were stationed at a particular post, the names and duties of the officers, the number of officers present or absent, a listing of official communications received and a record of events. Please key all names of the personnel present on these reports including the signature of the post commander.

Month of Return

Key the month for the Return Period from the top of the return. If you can't find this date at the top of the image, you may enter the date the return was submitted.
See Example

Year of Return

Key the year of the return period for the report from the top of the form. If you cannot find the year at the top of the form, you may use the year the return was submitted elsewhere on the form.
See Example

Commander's Given Name

Key the Given Name of the Post Commander using the names in the drop down list to assist. If no given name is present skip this field. While usually at the top of the form, you may need to look over the entire form to determine in Officer in Charge.
See Example

Commander's Surname

While usually at the top of the form you may need to look over the entire form to determine in Officer in Charge. Key the Post Commander's Surname using the names in the drop-down list to assist.
See Example

Given Name

Key the first name and any middle names or initials for the soldiers assigned to the post and any other names of people you see, whether of soldiers, civilians, or unknown types. The personnel assigned portion of the report is listed in the body of the report. There may be two columns, one for Commissioned Officers and one for Non-Commissioned Officers or Enlisted.
Also check the other sections containing Remarks, Record of Events, Communications Received, Purport, etc., for names and key any found there. Key all the names, top to bottom, found in the left-most column, then move to the right and key from top to bottom. Then look still farther to the right, and key any other names, again going from top to bottom.
See Example

Surname

Enter the surname here as it appears on the image, using the drop-down list to help you. The personnel assigned portion of the report is listed in the body of the report. There may be two columns, one of Commissioned Officers and one for Non-Commissioned Officers or Enlisted.
Also check the other sections containing Remarks, Record of Events, Communications Received, Purport, etc., for names and key any found there. Key all the names, top to bottom, in the left-most column, then move to the right and key from top to bottom. Then look still farther to the right, and key any other names, again going from top to bottom.
See Example