United States Mormon Battalion Pension Applications - FamilySearch Historical Records

United States



Record Description
This collection includes records from 1846-1923

This index corresponds to the approximately 370 pension applications relating to the Mormon Battalion. The records are arranged by the name of the veteran, but are also searchable by the claimant’s name. The application files are NARA microfilm publication T1196, Selected Application Files Relating to the Mormon Battalion,Mexican War,1846-1848 and are part of Record Group 15, Records of the Veterans Administration.

In July 1846, over five hundred Mormon men gathered at Council Bluffs, Iowa to join the U.S. Army in the Mexican American War. Most of the soldiers’ enlistments ended after one year, but several continued on for another eight months. Pensions were sought by the veterans themselves and by widows or other dependents.

This index is based on pension applications for service performed during 1846-1848. It was created to provide easier access to the Mormon Battalion pension applications. The information in this index is quite reliable. However, keep in mind that it still may contain alternate spellings or misinterpretations.

Record Content
Information found in this collection may include:


 * Veteran's name and age
 * Veteran's rank, company and state from which served
 * Mustered-in date and place
 * Length of service
 * Claimant’s full name
 * Footnote and NARA reference identifications

How to Use the Record
To begin your search it is helpful to know:


 * The soldier's name
 * Identifying information such as his age or rank

Search the Collection
To search the collection by name: Fill in the requested information in the boxes on the initial search page. This search will return a list of possible matches. Compare the information about the individuals in the list to what you already know about your ancestors to determine if this is the correct family or person. You may need to look at the information on several individuals comparing the information about them to your ancestors to make this determination. Keep in mind:


 * There may be more than one person in the records with the same name.
 * You may not be sure of your own ancestor’s name.
 * Your ancestor may have used different names, or variations of their name, throughout their life.
 * If your ancestor used an alias or a nickname, be sure to check for those alternate names.
 * Even though these indexes are very accurate they may still contain inaccuracies, such as altered spellings, misinterpretations, and optical character recognition errors if the information was scanned.

For tips about searching on-line collections see the on-line article FamilySearch Search Tips and Tricks.

Using the Information
When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. Download a copy of the record, or extract the genealogical information needed. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details. Add this new information to your records of each family. The information may also lead you to other records about your ancestors.

Use the index to find the pension files of persons who served in the Mormon Battalion. Search for any alternate names your ancestor might have used, such as a nickname or alias. The index includes names of the veterans and the names of those applying for the pension. If you are having difficulty finding your ancestor, try searching for names of other dependents or relatives who may have been the seeking the pension. Pension files can often provide information about relationships, places of residence, and important events in the veteran’s life that can lead to additional records.

Tips to Keep in Mind

 * Continue to search the index and records to identify other relatives.
 * When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct.
 * You may need to compare the information of more than one family or person to make this determination.
 * Be aware that, as with any index, transcription errors may occur.

Unable to Find Your Ancestor?

 * Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for alias names, nicknames and abbreviated names.
 * Try alternative search methods such as only filling in the surname search box (or the given name search box) on the landing page leaving the other box empty and then click on search. This should return a list of everyone with that particular name. You could then browse the list for individuals that may be your ancestor.

Known Issues with This Collection
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Related Digital Books

 * A Concise History of the Mormon Battalion in the Mexican War,1846-1847
 * The Mormon Battalion
 * The Mormon Battalion Its History and Achievements
 * Captain Jefferson Hunt of the Mormon Battalion

Related Websites

 * Mormon Battalion Association
 * Descendant of Mexican War Veterans

Related Wiki Articles

 * Iowa Military Records
 * LDS Military Records
 * Utah Military Records

Citations for This Collection
Citing your sources makes it easy for others to find and evaluate the records you used. When you copy information from a record, list where you found that information. Here you can find citations already created for the entire collection and for each individual record or image.

Collection Citation:

Record Citation (or citation for the index entry):