Old War Index to Pension Files, 1815-1926

The "Old War Index to Pension Files, 1815-1926" (NARA T316) consists of index cards to pension files dated from 1815-1926. They relate mainly to pensions based on death or disability incurred in service between the years of 1816-1861. The national archives catalog describes the records as relating to service between 1783-1861, however.

The cards primarily cover Regular Army soldiers and Navy personnel, however, volunteer soldiers are often included in this index. A large number of Mexican War (1846-1848) soldiers are included. Civil War soldiers are usually only included if they had served prior to the war.

Content of the Records:

 National Archives Catalog 
 * Old War Index to Pension Files, 1815 - 1926
 * Case Files of Pension Applications Based on Death or Disability Incurred in Service between 1783 and 1861 ("Old Wars"), ca. 1815 - ca. 1930

 National Archives - Case Files of Old War Pension Applications - Selected 
 * Bounty Land File of John B. Winburn, Captain McElvy's Company of Florida Militia (24841)
 * Disapproved Pension File for Private David C. Castleman, Company I, 4th Indiana Infantry Regiment (13065)
 * Approved Pension File for John Samuel Foote, Minor Child of Rear Admiral Andrew H. Foote, U.S. Navy (WC-685)
 * Approved Pension File for Catharine Boland, Widow of Seaman Columbus Boland, U.S.S. Ticonderoga (WC-178)
 * Approved Pension File for Susan V. Pendegrast, Widow of Seaman Garret Pendegrast, U.S. Navy Yard, Philadelphia (WC-1569)
 * Approved Pension File for Magdalena E. Frederickson, Widow of Acting Ensign George Frederickson, U.S.S. Monitor (WC-251)
 * Approved Pension File for Mary A. Fenwick, Widow of Quarter Gunner James Fenwick, U.S.S. Monitor (WC-739)
 * Approved Pension for Catherine A. Lacy, Widow of Master-at-Arms John E. Lacy, U.S.S. Levant (WC-1135)
 * Approved Pension File for Sarah J. Cahill, Widow of 1st Assistant Engineers Joseph N. Cahill, U.S. Navy (WC-510)
 * Approved Pension File for Lucinda E. Perry, Widow of Seaman Luther O. Perry, U.S.S. Cincinnati (WC-1542)
 * Approved Pension File for Seaman Philip Dudley, U.S.S Lexington (SC-2274)
 * Approved Pension File for Ann Cunningham, Widow of Captain Robert B. Cunningham, U.S.S Powhatan (WC-307)
 * Approved Pension File for Louisa Budd, Widow of Lieutenant Commander Thomas A. Budd, U.S. Navy (WC-184)
 * Approved Pension File for Bridget Joice, Widow of Fireman Thomas Joice, U.S.S. Monitor (WC-1059)
 * Approved Pension File for Elizabeth McCluney, Widow of Captain William J. McCluney, U.S.S. Roanoke (WC-1302)

FamilySearch Historical Records


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Libraries


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 * Family History Library (7 films)