When searching for a particular soldier, the researcher should not become discouraged if initially unable to locate the surname. Because the soldiers' names were usually spoken to the recorders, the spelling of the surnames will vary depending on the speaker's accent and enunciation and the recorder's hearing and spelling skills. Researchers should always check potential alternate spellings (e.g. Hanson, Hansen, Henson, Hensen).
Researchers should also check about five to ten cards before and after the point where the desired card should be. There is the possibility that a past researcher put a card back in the wrong order, thus displacing surrounding cards by several spots.
Another option for researchers, if he or she knows the unit with which the desired soldier served, is to reference the publication Roster of Wisconsin Troops in the Spanish-American War. Madison: [Adjutant General's Office], 1899. It is in the library collection (call number E 726 .W6 R6) and might provide an alternate spelling of the surname.
The abbreviation keys in the back of Box 5 should be consulted to aid in deciphering the information on the cards.
