United States, Index to Indian Wars Pension Files - FamilySearch Historical Records

United States

What is in This Collection?
The collection consists of a card index to pension files located at the National Archives for service in the Indian Wars between 1817 and 1898. The files are part of Record Group 15 Records of the Veterans Administration and is NARA microfilm publication T318. Pensions were first granted to veterans and widows with thirty days service between 1832 and 1842 in the Black, Hawk War, Cherokee Disturbances and Florida War. Later pension acts included additional conflicts.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:

Pension
 * Name of soldier
 * Name and class of dependent
 * Rank and unit in which served
 * Date enlisted and discharged
 * Additional Services
 * Class
 * Application Number
 * Certificate Number
 * Filing date
 * State in which filed

How Do I Search This Collection?
To search for your ancestors in the index you will need to know:
 * The name of your ancestor
 * The date of enlistment
 * The date of discharge or date of filing
 * The approximate age and birth place of your ancestor
 * The state and county where your ancestor lived

View the Images
View images in this collection by visiting the :
 * 1) Select Surname Range to view the images.

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * 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

I Can't Find the Person I'm Looking For, What Now?

 * 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
 * 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

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the United States.
 * US Military Basic Search Strategies
 * United States Guided Research
 * United States Record Finder
 * Research Tips and Strategies

Related Books Family Search Library Catalog

 * Chronological List of Engagements
 * Indian Battles and Skirmishes on the American Frontier,1790-1898

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.