Brian Rhinehart
@brianrhinehart.bsky.social
Professional genealogist, focusing on research and record retrieval at the National Archives in Washington DC. Owner of CivilWarRecords.com.
1/4 Here is the original discharge certificate for USCT soldier Henry Johnson. It is a document that survived against all odds.
These discharge papers are exceptionally rare because they were given directly to the soldier upon completion of service. The military kept no copies.
These discharge papers are exceptionally rare because they were given directly to the soldier upon completion of service. The military kept no copies.
June 16, 2025 at 4:44 PM
1/4 Here is the original discharge certificate for USCT soldier Henry Johnson. It is a document that survived against all odds.
These discharge papers are exceptionally rare because they were given directly to the soldier upon completion of service. The military kept no copies.
These discharge papers are exceptionally rare because they were given directly to the soldier upon completion of service. The military kept no copies.
This collection features 39 fully transcribed diaries from Union and Confederate soldiers. While your ancestor’s personal diary might not be here, you might discover firsthand accounts from soldiers who served in the same regiment.
content.lib.auburn.edu/.../collecti...
#genealogy
content.lib.auburn.edu/.../collecti...
#genealogy
June 11, 2025 at 2:26 PM
This collection features 39 fully transcribed diaries from Union and Confederate soldiers. While your ancestor’s personal diary might not be here, you might discover firsthand accounts from soldiers who served in the same regiment.
content.lib.auburn.edu/.../collecti...
#genealogy
content.lib.auburn.edu/.../collecti...
#genealogy
1/4 Here’s another remarkable and deeply moving discovery from a Civil War pension file.
When 18-year-old Henry M. Cheney died in April 1862 while serving with the 8th Connecticut Volunteers, his captain wrote a letter to Henry’s parents informing them of his passing.
When 18-year-old Henry M. Cheney died in April 1862 while serving with the 8th Connecticut Volunteers, his captain wrote a letter to Henry’s parents informing them of his passing.
June 10, 2025 at 4:49 PM
1/4 Here’s another remarkable and deeply moving discovery from a Civil War pension file.
When 18-year-old Henry M. Cheney died in April 1862 while serving with the 8th Connecticut Volunteers, his captain wrote a letter to Henry’s parents informing them of his passing.
When 18-year-old Henry M. Cheney died in April 1862 while serving with the 8th Connecticut Volunteers, his captain wrote a letter to Henry’s parents informing them of his passing.
2/4 Alongside his portrait was a small, easily overlooked scrap of paper, no bigger than a postcard. That piece of paper named his enslaver, his parents, and his exact date of birth.
For descendants of those once enslaved, records like this are worth more than gold.
For descendants of those once enslaved, records like this are worth more than gold.
June 4, 2025 at 2:34 PM
2/4 Alongside his portrait was a small, easily overlooked scrap of paper, no bigger than a postcard. That piece of paper named his enslaver, his parents, and his exact date of birth.
For descendants of those once enslaved, records like this are worth more than gold.
For descendants of those once enslaved, records like this are worth more than gold.
1/4 Meet William Brown of the 19th U.S. Colored Infantry, and yes, that’s his photo, found tucked inside his Civil War pension file.
Finding any image of a USCT soldier is rare. Finding one in the pension file? Nearly unheard of.
But this pension file held something even more extraordinary.
Finding any image of a USCT soldier is rare. Finding one in the pension file? Nearly unheard of.
But this pension file held something even more extraordinary.
June 4, 2025 at 2:34 PM
1/4 Meet William Brown of the 19th U.S. Colored Infantry, and yes, that’s his photo, found tucked inside his Civil War pension file.
Finding any image of a USCT soldier is rare. Finding one in the pension file? Nearly unheard of.
But this pension file held something even more extraordinary.
Finding any image of a USCT soldier is rare. Finding one in the pension file? Nearly unheard of.
But this pension file held something even more extraordinary.
Answer our latest trivia question for a chance to win a $25 credit toward your next purchase at CivilWarRecords.com!
Enter by 7 pm ET on Thursday. The Winner will be announced Friday!
Only those who submit their answer through the link will be entered to win.
civilwarrecords.com/pages/win-a-...
Enter by 7 pm ET on Thursday. The Winner will be announced Friday!
Only those who submit their answer through the link will be entered to win.
civilwarrecords.com/pages/win-a-...
June 2, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Answer our latest trivia question for a chance to win a $25 credit toward your next purchase at CivilWarRecords.com!
Enter by 7 pm ET on Thursday. The Winner will be announced Friday!
Only those who submit their answer through the link will be entered to win.
civilwarrecords.com/pages/win-a-...
Enter by 7 pm ET on Thursday. The Winner will be announced Friday!
Only those who submit their answer through the link will be entered to win.
civilwarrecords.com/pages/win-a-...
While at the National Archives recently, I came across another powerful piece of history, a document bearing Abraham Lincoln’s signature, approving the death sentence of Private Sylvester Buel from Company B, 3rd Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry. 1/3
May 31, 2025 at 5:41 PM
While at the National Archives recently, I came across another powerful piece of history, a document bearing Abraham Lincoln’s signature, approving the death sentence of Private Sylvester Buel from Company B, 3rd Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry. 1/3
I was a guest on the Ohio Roots podcast, the official podcast of the Ohio Genealogical Society! We chatted about my start in genealogy, Civil War research, & helping others discover their ancestors.
Listen now: webmasterxy.podbean.com/e/episode-47...
Listen now: webmasterxy.podbean.com/e/episode-47...
May 28, 2025 at 1:31 PM
I was a guest on the Ohio Roots podcast, the official podcast of the Ohio Genealogical Society! We chatted about my start in genealogy, Civil War research, & helping others discover their ancestors.
Listen now: webmasterxy.podbean.com/e/episode-47...
Listen now: webmasterxy.podbean.com/e/episode-47...
Memorial Day began in 1868 as Decoration Day, a time to honor Civil War soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers. First proclaimed by Gen. John A. Logan, it later grew to honor all fallen U.S. service members. #MemorialDay
May 26, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Memorial Day began in 1868 as Decoration Day, a time to honor Civil War soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers. First proclaimed by Gen. John A. Logan, it later grew to honor all fallen U.S. service members. #MemorialDay
I recently joined The Family Treehouse Podcast by Storied to talk about one of my favorite topics, uncovering powerful stories in Civil War records. I shared tips for researching your ancestor’s military history. Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify! 1/2
May 21, 2025 at 3:26 PM
I recently joined The Family Treehouse Podcast by Storied to talk about one of my favorite topics, uncovering powerful stories in Civil War records. I shared tips for researching your ancestor’s military history. Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify! 1/2
Our giveaway is almost over! Don’t miss your shot at winning a $25 credit toward your next CivilWarRecords.com purchase.
Answer this trivia question correctly to be entered:
Click the link to submit your answer. civilwarrecords.com/pages/win-a-...
The winner will be announced Friday!
Answer this trivia question correctly to be entered:
Click the link to submit your answer. civilwarrecords.com/pages/win-a-...
The winner will be announced Friday!
May 14, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Our giveaway is almost over! Don’t miss your shot at winning a $25 credit toward your next CivilWarRecords.com purchase.
Answer this trivia question correctly to be entered:
Click the link to submit your answer. civilwarrecords.com/pages/win-a-...
The winner will be announced Friday!
Answer this trivia question correctly to be entered:
Click the link to submit your answer. civilwarrecords.com/pages/win-a-...
The winner will be announced Friday!
In October 1862, 19-year-old Creed Amos wrote his parents from Camp Lincoln. Four months later, he was gone. His letter became key to their Civil War pension claim. Read his story & see images from the file in our latest post: civilwarrecords.com/blogs/news/a... #genealogy
May 12, 2025 at 2:23 PM
In October 1862, 19-year-old Creed Amos wrote his parents from Camp Lincoln. Four months later, he was gone. His letter became key to their Civil War pension claim. Read his story & see images from the file in our latest post: civilwarrecords.com/blogs/news/a... #genealogy
What year did the American Civil War begin? Know the answer? Enter it here for a chance to win a $25 credit toward your next Civil War Records purchase!
civilwarrecords.com/pages/win-a-...
Entries must be submitted via the link. Winner announced Friday! #genealogy
civilwarrecords.com/pages/win-a-...
Entries must be submitted via the link. Winner announced Friday! #genealogy
May 10, 2025 at 3:04 PM
What year did the American Civil War begin? Know the answer? Enter it here for a chance to win a $25 credit toward your next Civil War Records purchase!
civilwarrecords.com/pages/win-a-...
Entries must be submitted via the link. Winner announced Friday! #genealogy
civilwarrecords.com/pages/win-a-...
Entries must be submitted via the link. Winner announced Friday! #genealogy
One of the rarest and most heartbreaking finds I’ve ever uncovered at the National Archives...
Tucked inside a Civil War pension file was the diary of Private Calvin Gray, Company K, 155th Pennsylvania Volunteers. He wrote every day in 1864, until September 18, when he wrote his final entry. 1/6
Tucked inside a Civil War pension file was the diary of Private Calvin Gray, Company K, 155th Pennsylvania Volunteers. He wrote every day in 1864, until September 18, when he wrote his final entry. 1/6
May 7, 2025 at 2:16 PM
One of the rarest and most heartbreaking finds I’ve ever uncovered at the National Archives...
Tucked inside a Civil War pension file was the diary of Private Calvin Gray, Company K, 155th Pennsylvania Volunteers. He wrote every day in 1864, until September 18, when he wrote his final entry. 1/6
Tucked inside a Civil War pension file was the diary of Private Calvin Gray, Company K, 155th Pennsylvania Volunteers. He wrote every day in 1864, until September 18, when he wrote his final entry. 1/6
While I was at the Ohio Genealogical Society's annual conference over the weekend, I sat down with attorney and family historian Justin K. Houser, JD, and he shared how a Civil War pension file uncovered the real story behind a long-held family tale, changing everything they thought they knew. 1/2
May 5, 2025 at 2:22 PM
While I was at the Ohio Genealogical Society's annual conference over the weekend, I sat down with attorney and family historian Justin K. Houser, JD, and he shared how a Civil War pension file uncovered the real story behind a long-held family tale, changing everything they thought they knew. 1/2
Today at the Ohio Genealogical Society Conference, I caught up with Kate Townsend, CG®, who shared some of the incredible documents she's discovered in Civil War pension files she ordered from CivilWarRecords.com, including an original German marriage certificate! 1/3
May 2, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Today at the Ohio Genealogical Society Conference, I caught up with Kate Townsend, CG®, who shared some of the incredible documents she's discovered in Civil War pension files she ordered from CivilWarRecords.com, including an original German marriage certificate! 1/3
My booth is all set up and ready for the Ohio Genealogical Society’s annual conference! I’m excited to reconnect with friends and meet some new ones. If you’re attending, be sure to stop by the exhibitor hall and say hi! #genealogy
May 1, 2025 at 3:23 PM
My booth is all set up and ready for the Ohio Genealogical Society’s annual conference! I’m excited to reconnect with friends and meet some new ones. If you’re attending, be sure to stop by the exhibitor hall and say hi! #genealogy
As April closes, take a look back at one soldier’s letter from April 16, 1865, just days after the surrender and hours after Lincoln’s death. It is a powerful firsthand glimpse into the final days of the Civil War. Read the full letter on our blog! civilwarrecords.com/blogs/news/a...
#genealogy
#genealogy
April 30, 2025 at 3:23 PM
As April closes, take a look back at one soldier’s letter from April 16, 1865, just days after the surrender and hours after Lincoln’s death. It is a powerful firsthand glimpse into the final days of the Civil War. Read the full letter on our blog! civilwarrecords.com/blogs/news/a...
#genealogy
#genealogy
I had rare access to original Revolutionary War muster rolls at the National Archives! This one, from August 1776, just a month after the Declaration of Independence. It's a privilege to see these stories firsthand. Let us help you find your ancestor's records! www.CivilWarRecords.com #genealogy
April 21, 2025 at 3:07 PM
I had rare access to original Revolutionary War muster rolls at the National Archives! This one, from August 1776, just a month after the Declaration of Independence. It's a privilege to see these stories firsthand. Let us help you find your ancestor's records! www.CivilWarRecords.com #genealogy
The correct answer was James Madison—fun fact, he was the last U.S. president who was also a Founding Father! Congratulations to our winner, Terry Gunnell-Beck!
April 18, 2025 at 3:00 PM
The correct answer was James Madison—fun fact, he was the last U.S. president who was also a Founding Father! Congratulations to our winner, Terry Gunnell-Beck!
Last Chance to Enter!
Don’t miss your shot at winning a $25 credit toward your next CivilWarRecords.com purchase.
Answer this question correctly to be entered:
Who was President during the War of 1812?
Submit your answer civilwarrecords.com/pages/win-a-...
The winner will be announced this Friday.
Don’t miss your shot at winning a $25 credit toward your next CivilWarRecords.com purchase.
Answer this question correctly to be entered:
Who was President during the War of 1812?
Submit your answer civilwarrecords.com/pages/win-a-...
The winner will be announced this Friday.
April 16, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Last Chance to Enter!
Don’t miss your shot at winning a $25 credit toward your next CivilWarRecords.com purchase.
Answer this question correctly to be entered:
Who was President during the War of 1812?
Submit your answer civilwarrecords.com/pages/win-a-...
The winner will be announced this Friday.
Don’t miss your shot at winning a $25 credit toward your next CivilWarRecords.com purchase.
Answer this question correctly to be entered:
Who was President during the War of 1812?
Submit your answer civilwarrecords.com/pages/win-a-...
The winner will be announced this Friday.
Many Southern states passed laws to approve pensions at the state level, so Confederate soldiers applied for pensions in the state where they lived at the time, not necessarily where they had enlisted. The National Archives has a list of where they are located. www.archives.gov/.../confeder...
April 15, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Many Southern states passed laws to approve pensions at the state level, so Confederate soldiers applied for pensions in the state where they lived at the time, not necessarily where they had enlisted. The National Archives has a list of where they are located. www.archives.gov/.../confeder...
It’s giveaway time! Answer this trivia question for a chance to win a $25 credit to CivilWarRecords.com:
Who was President during the War of 1812?
Enter now! Winner announced next Friday:
civilwarrecords.com/pages/win-a-...
#genealogy
Who was President during the War of 1812?
Enter now! Winner announced next Friday:
civilwarrecords.com/pages/win-a-...
#genealogy
April 14, 2025 at 1:19 PM
It’s giveaway time! Answer this trivia question for a chance to win a $25 credit to CivilWarRecords.com:
Who was President during the War of 1812?
Enter now! Winner announced next Friday:
civilwarrecords.com/pages/win-a-...
#genealogy
Who was President during the War of 1812?
Enter now! Winner announced next Friday:
civilwarrecords.com/pages/win-a-...
#genealogy
🧵If you’ve spent any amount of time researching your family’s history, you know that finding reliable information about some of your ancestors can be tricky. Did you know that many Civil War pension files have detailed family information in them?
April 10, 2025 at 3:54 PM
🧵If you’ve spent any amount of time researching your family’s history, you know that finding reliable information about some of your ancestors can be tricky. Did you know that many Civil War pension files have detailed family information in them?
Looking for a speaker for your #genealogy society or local library? I'd love to speak to your organization. Contact me for details and to schedule a time to speak to your group. To see a list of my current presentations, click the link below.
civilwarrecords.com/pages/presen...
civilwarrecords.com/pages/presen...
April 9, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Looking for a speaker for your #genealogy society or local library? I'd love to speak to your organization. Contact me for details and to schedule a time to speak to your group. To see a list of my current presentations, click the link below.
civilwarrecords.com/pages/presen...
civilwarrecords.com/pages/presen...