I just returned from a family history research trip to Missouri and am going over information collected on that trip. I already had much info about these families but wanted to collect more info where they lived to see if I could find any and go to graves, etc. --really just building and adding to what I already have and trying to fill in some blanks and get details that I didn't yet have.
I have only worked very superficially on the Civil War records up to this point, and an now wanting to go into deeper detail about the service of my ancestors--in a variety of states, not just Missouri, though that history seems to be the most interesting. Missouri was such a unique place during the Civil War. It is almost as if their Civil War was an entity unto itself, separate from the broader Civil War. I am glad to know there is a place for me to come to ask "stupid" questions. Until about 2 1/2 weeks ago I had never heard of "Provost Marshall" and I now I know it is another source for information from which to gather. I am still overwhelmed and need to wade through what I have so I will be able to ask the next series of questions.