Military pension records from the Revolutionary War era are recognized as highly reliable sources for genealogical research. These records, awarded based on rigorously vetted applications, required substantial proof of service and approval by the War Department before they were submitted to Congress for final approval. This stringent process ensured that only those who legitimately served and were in need received pensions, making these documents a treasure trove of historical data.
The detailed index for each pensioner is a rich source of information, often including the individual’s rank, regiment, annual allowance, and a thorough service description. It also provides dates of enlistment and when they were added to the pension roll, along with their place of residence, the nature of any wounds or disabilities incurred, date of death, and occasionally references to family members such as widows and orphans. Organized by state or territory, these records primarily list veterans of the Revolutionary War, though they also include those from subsequent frontier conflicts.
The collection encompasses several key publications that offer a window into the lives of these veterans and their families:
- The Pension Lists of 1792-1795: Early records of pensions granted for service in the Revolutionary War.
- Index to U.S. Invalid Pension Records, 1801-1815: A catalog of pensions awarded to veterans rendered disabled due to their service.
- Revolutionary Pensioners: A Transcript of the Pension List of the United States for 1813: A comprehensive list from 1813, offering insights into the veterans and their circumstances.
- Revolutionary Pensioners of 1818: Focuses on those who were receiving pensions as of 1818, providing a snapshot of the surviving veterans.
- The Pension List of 1820: Updates and expands on the information provided in earlier lists.
- The Pension Roll of 1835 (4 volumes): A detailed four-volume set that gives a more complete picture of Revolutionary War pensioners in the mid-1830s.
- A Census of Pensioners for Revolutionary or Military Services, 1840: Integrates pension records into the broader context of the 1840 census.
- Pensioners of the Revolutionary War Struck Off the Roll: Documents those whose pensions were discontinued, offering a different perspective on the administration of military pensions.
- Rejected or Suspended Applications for Revolutionary War Pensions: Chronicles applications that were either denied or put on hold, providing insight into the criteria and processes for pension approval.
These books collectively provide a nuanced understanding of the Revolutionary War veterans’ experiences, the bureaucratic process of pension awards, and the invaluable genealogical information these records hold. Through these documents, researchers and descendants can trace the lineage, service, and legacy of those who fought for America’s independence, offering a tangible connection to the nation’s early history.
Books Included:
– The Pension Lists of 1792-1795
– Index to U.S. Invalid Pension Records, 1801-1815
– Revolutionary Pensioners: A Transcript of the Pension List of the United States for 1813
– Revolutionary Pensioners of 1818
– The Pension List of 1820
– The Pension Roll of 1835 (4 volumes)
– A Census of Pensioners for Revolutionary or Military Services, 1840
– Pensioners of the Revolutionary War Struck Off the Roll
– Rejected or Suspended Applications for Revolutionary War Pensions