Union County Civil War Related Indexes, 1861-1867
(3,414 records)
(Updated: April 22, 2015)

Civil War Bounty Records (1865-1867)

These records contain a record of volunteers’ requests filed with the county auditor for payment of a county bounty, showing sometimes, volunteer’s name, company in which he enlisted, age, date of enlistment and money paid.

In the spring of 1864, the state legislature authorized county commissioners “to levy a tax for the payment of bounties.”  These bounties were issued to help induce men to enlist for military service in accordance with the President’s request for additional troops in October 1863 and February 1864.  These bounties were paid by the counties, township, and cities to help fill the enlistment quotes so political subdivisions could avoid being subjected to the draft.

Civil War Commutation Records (1864-1865)

These records contain a record of disbursements from the Commutation Fund showing the name of the individual, township of residence, date and amount paid.

In March 1864, the Ohio General Assembly passed a new Militia Bill.  The act required all white male citizens between the ages of 18 and 45 to perform military duty in volunteer companies – National Guard.  They could exempt themselves by paying a four dollar commutation fee to the County Treasurer.  National Guard members who uniformed themselves were entitled to a five dollar allowance from the Commutation Fund that was funded through the payment of commutations for exemption.  These records track those disbursements of National Guardsmen who uniformed themselves.

Civil War Soldiers’ Remittance Records (1862-1867)

These records contain a records of payments of a soldier’s allotted military pay that was to be disbursed to their families, showing the name of the recipient and amount paid.

In February 1862, the state allowed enlisted men to pay a portion of their military pay into the State Treasurer to be distributed to individuals the soldier had listed as recipients.  The lists were then distributed to the county auditors who then requested the money from the state for distribution to those listed individuals.

Civil War Military Relief Fund Records (1861-1865)

These records contain a record of tax disbursements to wives and dependents of those serving in the military, showing name of recipient, date, and amount paid.

On May 10, 1861, the Ohio General Assembly passed an act “to afford relief to the families of soldiers mustered into the service of the United States…”  The act provided that the county commissioners in their respective counties could levy a tax to provide for the wives and minor children of those who enlisted in the military.  The commissioners fixed the amount given to families based on “their wants and necessities.”  A family could receive relief funds until one month after the discharge of the head of household from military service or for a year if the individual became disabled or was killed or died in the military.