I had first heard of Bob Velke and Gopher Records through the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. I contacted him, to see if he could locate a specific record concerning my Great Grandfather, who had served with the Iowa Cavalry during that conflict. Working on my own, I had been unsuccessful in locating the information that I wanted. Bob Velke went immediately to work on it, but like myself, couldn't find that specific record but suggested retrieving my ancestor's pension records, which he had located during his search. I told him to go ahead and send [...]

To my good fortune, I stumbled on the Gopher Records website by happenstance. This site provides a concise and useful description of records that are available from the National Archives. I was not even aware that many of these records are actually available. More importantly, Gopher provides a relatively inexpensive record retrieval service that is supplemental and complimentary to the services provided by the National Archives. I requested an individual's civil war medical records through Gopher at a fraction of the cost that the National Archives would have charged. Gopher filled the order within weeks [...]

I was looking for a Civil War veteran’s service record because his obituary said he was a POW at Belle Isle and Andersonville and I couldn’t find anything online to verify that. I stated that this is the information I was looking for and there was no indication that he had applied for a pension before his death in 1868 or that his orphan children did. He explained to me why he and the children would be ineligible before supplying the records, including verification of POW status. This was accomplished quickly, affordably and professionally. I will certainly be a [...]

Very fast service!!! Communication is great!! I love the prices!! Thank you so much!!!

I've used Gopher Records in the past, but it was a small file. This time I knew it was going to be much more work. I was looking for the complete pension file on a Civil War ancestor. This man was a wanderer and had TWO wives who tried to claim his pension. There were PAGES of depositions that gave a view into their lives. Gopher kept me informed during the process and delivered ALL the records within about 2-3 weeks. If you are on the fence about using them, get down and [...]

I was very impressed with the speed and efficiency that was shown by Gopher Records after trying recently for the first time. They were also very reasonably with their prices. I would certainly recommend them to others and will certainly be using them again in the future.

My first time using Gopher Records and I will absolutely use them again. I am researching Civil War soldiers and veterans for two different projects, including obtaining headstones for unmarked graves. So easy to use this service and the turn around time is fast.

I don't know why it took me so long to try this service. I have had a Civil War veteran ancestor brick wall for some time, and knew that there was likely a pension record for my ancestor (as opposed to at least one other man of the same name) but hadn't pursued getting a copy. Recently a genealogy friend talked about Gopher Records, reminding me to look again. I discovered that I could ask for a free assessment of what records were available so I started there. It took 5 days to get a [...]

Researching my forbear from Australia was most difficult. I was uncertain how to negotiate the National Archives, and would never have had details of his Civil War service without the patient and professional assistance rendered by Gopher Records. Thank you Gopher Records. Margaret from Australia.

I've used Gopher a couple of times to get military related information on ancestors and been super satisfied. I requested the whole thing and got back literally over a hundred pages of items on each person I've selected. And what I found was more than I had anticipated. Pension records especially contained information such as descriptions, copies of documents, and family connections that I hadn't thought about getting through military records. It was great. Bob is very helpful and prompt when I've submitted requests. Was kind enough even to make a change when I discovered [...]