Research: Massachusetts National Guard Museum and Archives

Worcester Armory, 1891

Today I thought I might try to change the pace a little.  This will be my first of several posts devoted to research.  If you are looking for more information (as am I) about the 30th Massachusetts, or a relative who served with them, then this is a post that you might find very helpful.

Roster: Company A

A Muster Roll similar to one used
by Co. A as seen at
http://www.mnhs.org/preserve/
conservation/images/muster01.jpg

The following is a list of all soldiers listed as serving in Company A of the 30th Massachusetts (1861-1865).  These names have all been taken a list I have compiled using names from the books Massachusetts Soldiers, Sailors and Marines in the Civil War and Record of the Massachusetts volunteers 1861-1865, both of which are available to view at www.ancestry.com

Roster: Field + Staff (Duration)

A battalion on parade.

The following is a list of all soldiers listed as serving on the Field Officer & Staff level of the 30th Massachusetts (1861-1865).  These names have all been taken a list I have compiled using names from the books Massachusetts Soldiers, Sailors and Marines in the Civil War and Record of the Massachusetts volunteers 1861-1865, both of which are available to view at www.ancestry.com

Enlistment: Michael Harkins

150 years ago today marks the day the Michael Harkins (18) enlisted as a private in Co. A of the Eastern Bay State Regiment (later 30th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry).  At this same time dozens of other men were also enlisting in the regiment.  The reason why I focus on this one enlistment is because Michael Harkins is my Great Great Great Grandfather...it is through Michael that I have my connection to the 30th Mass. and why I am interested in tracking the events of his enlistment and of the regiment through the rest of their service in the war.

Field & Staff + Company Officers: 1861

In the coming months there will be a great deal of information for me to add if not on a daily basis, at least several times a week.  Posts reflecting the time frame of 1862 will be quite plentiful, mainly due to the fact that I have two very good diary accounts to draw from (one from Henry Warren Howe as I have presented already.  I will add more information about the second diary a few days before its entries begin).

October 12, 1861.

Went up to camp and reported for duty.  I am acting Quartermaster Sergeant of the regiment; sooner or later I shall be transferred to the regiment by an order.  The different companies are being equipped very rapidly.  I am kept busy issuing clothing, etc.  Drills, guard mounting, etc., are kept up every day.  General Butler reviewed and inspected us the other day; he told one old fellow to go to the barber and have his hair and beard colored, as they were very gray.  The 9th Connecticut Regiment are in camp with us, a hard set of men; they run guard, go down town and get drink; so do some of our boys.  It is a bye-word around camp, "Connecticut over the fence;" it is frequently heard from the guard stationed around the camp, on a line with the tight, high board fence.  My friends at the Mechanics Mills, A. L. Brooks, C. H. Latham and others, have presented me with and officer's sword.  I formerly worked for A. L. Brooks, lumber dealer.
*HWH

October 3, 1861.

Thursday.  Paid all the expenses of the office and closed it.  I am to go into camp as acting Quartermaster Sergeant under J. M. G. Parker, who is to be Quartermaster.
*HWH