I ordered my 2nd grand uncle’s pension file on August 2nd. I received the file on Aug 15th. Amazing, considering Gopher Records had to get special permission to pull the file as my 2nd grand uncle’s file – Harlow, as it was combined with another soldier’s file.
My goal was to learn more about my paternal side, brick wall at my 3rd great grandfather, father to my 2nd grand grandfather (James) & his brother (Harlow) who served. I received 451 pages of documents, testimonies and statements. Took me a while to learn how to read that old hand writing to be able to read it.
I learned that my 3rd great grandfather died when James & Harlow were very young. My 3rd great grandmother then married a mane with the last name of Butcher, and often James & Harlow were simply referred to as the “Butcher boys”. I was then able to find them on several census in the Butcher household. Still have not gotten past my 3rd great grandfather, but I was able to build out my tree under Harlow significantly. I am hopeful that with more time & maybe DNA connections, I will get past that brick wall!
Can’t thank Gopher Records enough for the extra effort to get this file for me and the speed!
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