Howard County Indiana: Civil War Volunteer and Militia Enrollment List – Center Township

In the summer of 1862, Indiana responded to President Lincoln's call for troops by requiring men between the ages of 18 and 45 who had not already enlisted in the volunteer force to be enrolled in the state militia.

County commissioners were appointed to oversee this enrollment with lists being created for each township. Once the lists were complete, claims of disability and conscientious objection could be made, with objectors being allowed to pay $200 to "commute their obligation". Others considered exempt included telegraph operators, skilled workers in gun factories, engineers and firemen on the railroads, and ministers; however, many of these men may have volunteered.

The militia enrollment lists include the following information: name, age, occupation, disease or condition causing the "not able-bodied" status, exemption and remarks. (NOTE: The last three columns were combined in this transcript.) The entries are numbered and in rough alphabetical order. Illegible letters or parts of words are marked with a [?]. The microfilm can be found at the Kokomo-Howard County Library.