Welcome back! , Happy Fall - September program - Navigating the Records of the War of 1812

 

 


 Join us virtually on Sept 19, 2026 for a free program from Brian Rhinhart of Civil War Records guiding us though the War of 1812 military records. Records from the war include compiled military service records, pension and bounty land records, administrative and operational records, civilian and diplomatic records.  Much personal information  like name, rank, military unit (regiment/company), dates and places of enlistment/discharge, state from which enlisted, references to absences, wounds, hospitalization, courts-martial, or death. They are abstracts compiled later from original muster rolls, pay rolls, returns, and related documents.

Pension application files (especially under later acts such as 1871 and 1878): Veteran’s name, age, residence, service details (dates, places of enlistment/discharge, organization, rank), medical information, and supporting evidence. Widow’s applications typically add maiden name, marriage date/place, husband’s death date/place, and children’s details. Files can include affidavits, family Bible pages, marriage certificates, and witness statements.

Bounty land warrant applications and patents: Rank, unit, service dates, warrant details, land location (often in western territories), and sometimes information about widows, children, or assignee's (many veterans sold their warrants).

 

The program is free but registration is required. The registration link is below.    

 https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/2kUIInhhReerXk6BOjYb1w

 

 

 

Historic preservation - Columbia Gorge Discovery Center Museum and William G. Dick Library - Historic Photos collection and Oregon Trail Inscription Database

 

This month is a milestone for history preservation, the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center Museum and the William G. Dick Library uploaded two very special databases that is in the interest of  both historical and genealogical research. Long time coming, with a grant from the City of The Dalles, the photo archive and the Oregon - California Trail Inscription Database is now online and is available for the public. 

Over 30,000 photos from the Wasco County Pioneer Association and thousands of donated photos from area residents and journalists and the Jim Henderson Oregon - California Trail Emigrant Inscription Collection with over 5,000 trail inscriptions from Missouri to Oregon. We hope everyone will enjoy and utilize these in their family research. 

 

https://www.gorgediscovery.org/photo-archives

https://www.gorgediscovery.org/oregon-trail-collection 

  

Celebrating America 250! Our ancestor patriot newsletter is out!

 

 

 


We are remembering our ancestors who fought for our freedom and liberty.    

Download our ancestor patriot newsletter on the right column of this blog or

pick up a copy at our local libraries.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May project and Event -IOOF and Park Lawn Photo requests from Find-a-Grave

 

 

  

             The society's goal for May was to clear the 106 request for grave photos at the IOOF Cemetery here in The Dalles. The Park Lawn Cemetery is in need of of requests photos also.The project is set back because of necessary tree removal in the area. Falling limbs and tree damage from the December storms have to be dealt with. You will be contacted when the tree project is done and it is safe to be in the cemetery.