United States, Mexican War Pension Index - FamilySearch Historical Records

United States

What is in This Collection?
The collection consists of a card index to Mexican War pension files for the years 1887 to 1926. Pensions were first granted to Mexican War veterans and widows based on the act of January 29, 1887. Eligibility requirement included 60 day service, or were actually engaged in battle, honorably discharged and at least 62 years of age. The act included widows who had not remarried. Veterans may also have received bounty land. The pension files are located at the National Archives. The soldiers served between 1846 and 1848. The records are a part of Record Group 15 Records of the Veterans Administration and is NARA microfilm publication T317. The event date and place represent the earliest filing of either the veteran or widow.

 Related Articles
 * James W. Oberly, Military Bounty Land Warrants of the Mexican-American War Prologue 14 #1 (Spring, 1982):
 * Claire Prechtel- Kluskens  For Love and Money: Pension Laws Affecting Widows of Military Veterans NGS Magazine 42 #1 (January-March 2016): 35-39. FS Library 973 D25ngs.
 * Craig R. Scott  Researching US Servicemen in the Mexican War NGS Magazine 48 #3 ( July-September 2022): 50-55 FS Library 973 D25ngs

'''Copies of pension files are available from the National Archives. To request copies follow the instructions in the following link. Requesting Pre-WWI Service Records'''

 Related National Archives Collections
 * Numerical Register of Original Widows Service Pensions for Service in the Mexican War, ca. 1887 - ca. 1887. NAID 18253473
 * List of Survivors of the Mexican War on Pension Agency Rolls, 3/1910 - 3/1910. NAID 2602603

To Browse This Collection

 * United States, Mexican War Military Unit Names - FamilySearch Historical Records

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


 * Name of Soldier
 * Name of spouse (sometimes)
 * Rank
 * Date enlisted and discharged


 * Additional Services
 * Date of Filing
 * Class
 * Application Number


 * Certificate Number
 * File Number
 * Filing date

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of your ancestor
 * The place where your ancestor resided
 * The approximate age of your ancestor
 * The name of the soldier's spouse
 * The names of other family members or associates

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?

 * Add any new information to your records
 * 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 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.

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

Other FamilySearch Collections
These collections may have additional materials to help you with your research.

FamilySearch Catalog

 * Index to Mexican War pension files, 1887-1926, NARA pun To317
 * Navena Hembree Troxel and Susan Merrill Warner, comp. Mexican War index to pension files, 1886-1926. 13 volumes. Plano, Texas : N.H. Troxel and S.M. Warner, c1983-1995 FS Library 973 M2mw
 * Christine Rose, Military bounty land 1776-1855 San Jose, California : CR Publications, c2011 FS Library 973 M27r
 * Index to pension application files of remarried widows based on service in the War of 1812, Indian Wars, Mexican War and regular Army before 1861
 * Index to compiled service records of volunteer soldiers who served during the Mexican War
 * Pennsylvania, Bureau of Audits, Mexican War military accounts, 1846-1880

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.

Estados Unidos, Índice de Pensão da Guerra Mexicana (Registros Históricos do FamilySearch)