United States, Old War Pension Index - FamilySearch Historical Records

Record Description
The collection consists of a card index to pension files located at the National Archives for service in the Regular Army, Navy or Marine Corps between 1783 and 1861. This collection is part of RG 15 Records of the Veterans Administration and is NARA microfilm publications T316. The event date and place represent the earliest filing of either the veteran or dependent.

For a list of records by surnames currently published in this collection, select the Browse.

Citation for This Collection
The following citation refers to the original source of the information published in FamilySearch.org Historical Record collections. Sources include the author, custodian, publisher and archive for the original records.

Suggested citation format for a record in this collection.

Record Content
The index cards ask for the following information, but the information listed varies:




 * Name
 * Name and class of dependents
 * Branch of service
 * Rank
 * Enlistment date
 * Discharge date
 * Additional service information
 * Date of filing
 * Class
 * Application filing number
 * Certificate number
 * File number
 * Bounty land information
 * Other remarks

How to Use the Record
To search the collection, select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page ⇒ Select the Surname Range which takes you to the images.

Look at the images one by one comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine which one is your ancestor. You may need to compare the information about more than one person to make this determination.

To search for your ancestors in the index you will need to know their full names. Check the index for the surname and then the given name. If you are having difficulty finding your ancestor, look for variations in the spelling of the name. If your ancestor used an alias or a nickname, be sure to check for those alternate names. Remember that these indexes may contain inaccuracies, such as altered spellings, misinterpretations, and optical character recognition errors if the information was scanned.

Compare the information in the record to what you already know about your ancestors to determine if this is the correct person. You may need to compare the information of more than one person to make this determination.

When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details that can lead you to other records about your ancestors. Add this new information to your records of each family. This information will often lead you to other records.

For example:


 * The application or certificate number will lead you to the full pension record.
 * The enlistment date and branch of service will lead you to the military service record.
 * The service information may lead to a death or cemetery record.
 * The bounty land information may lead you to a land grant record.
 * The name and class of dependents can help you compile a family record.

Related Websites

 * National Archives Access to Military Service and Pension Records
 * Family Link Military Records Search

Related Wiki Articles

 * Old War Index to Pension Files, 1815-1926

Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections
When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information. This will help you or others to find the record again. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records.

A suggested format for keeping track of records that you have searched is found in the wiki article Help:How to Cite FamilySearch Collections.

Citation Example for a Record Found in This Collection
"United States, Old War Pension Index, 1815-1926:" images,  FamilySearch  (https:/;/familysearch.org:  accessed 29 August 2012). William Gallagher, 1852; citing Pension Index; Records of the Veterans Administration, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C., United States.

"United States, Old War Pension Index, 1815-1926:" images,  FamilySearch  (https:/;/familysearch.org:  accessed 29 August 2012). William C Burnell, Image 6 of 4571;citing Veterans Administration. United States, old war pension index. National Archives, Washington D.C.