Revolutionary War Pension Records: Goldmine for Genealogical Research
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Brick wall. You know your ancestors lived, maybe even fought, in early America, but records are scarce. Their stories, their lives; are they lost forever?
You exhausted the usual sources: birth certificates, censuses, and local archives. Nothing. Dead ends everywhere. The further back you go, the harder it gets. It’s a puzzle with most of the pieces missing. Will your ancestors remain nameless, their contributions to history forgotten?
There’s hope! Pensions of Revolutionary War Soldiers are packed with sworn testimonies, service details, and family information. They offer more than just dates; they provide a window into your ancestors’ lives, their sacrifices for independence, and the hardships they endured.
» Trace your ancestor to the Revolutionary War using pension records
What are Revolutionary War pension records?
Revolutionary War Pension records tell the stories of veterans and their families. These documents provide detailed, first-hand accounts of the war from the people who lived through it.
After the war, many soldiers found it hard to support themselves and their families. To help them, the government passed four pension acts by 1818.
These provided pensions to Continental Army soldiers who had good service records. But, it was harder for widows and militiamen to get pensions because they often lacked the necessary paperwork.
To prove they were eligible, widows and militiamen had to go to court and describe their experiences during the war. They also needed credible witnesses to verify their stories.
» Learn how to look for your ancestors using military records
What’s in a Revolutionary War pension record?
Revolutionary War pension records include details like:
- Military Information: Rank, unit, service dates.
- Personal Information: Age, where they lived, marriage, and death dates.
- Family Information: Marriage records, family trees, and even stories about their lives.
These documents often contain letters, diaries, and personal accounts from the soldiers themselves, their families, friends, and neighbors. Most importantly, they also include stories from women and people of color, giving us a complete picture of everyone who helped during the war.
Pension records can help you understand your family connections, as soldiers applied for them to support themselves and their loved ones. Because of this, they often include details about:
- Marriages and children
- Extended family members
- Even neighbors!
Most of these records include surnames, which makes it easier for you to trace your family tree. Sometimes, you’ll even find information about children’s spouses, grandchildren, and other relatives.
For example, my 7th great-grandfather’s pension record includes a list of his belongings and tells us who depended on him. He also mentions that he was a farmer living on land given to him by a kind neighbor.
This might seem like just another story by itself. But when I added it to my family tree, it became part of my own. I learned facts I didn’t know before, like proof of his marriage and his granddaughter’s name. The research helped me connect his son to my family tree and expand my family history.
How to locate Revolutionary War pension records
1. Start with the basics
Before you begin your search, gather information about your ancestor. This includes:
- Full name: Be sure to have their complete name, including any middle names or nicknames they may have used.
- Location: Where did they live? Knowing the state, county, and town will help narrow down your search.
- Approximate birth year: Even a rough estimate of their birth year can help you filter search results and identify the correct person.
- Military information: If you have any details about their military service, such as their rank, unit, or where they served, this can be incredibly helpful in finding their records.
» Understand the value of the many records from the Civil War
2. Find the right database
Once you have your ancestor’s basic information, you need to find the right place to search. Here are some key resources:
- Subscription databases: MyHeritage has a huge collection of records, and it’s growing constantly. You can find a wealth of information about your family history on this site.
- National Archives catalog: The National Archives’ official website allows you to search its catalog online [1]. You can find descriptions of available records and information on how to access them.
- The National Park service: The Park Service is working with the National Archives on a special project to transcribe pension files. Volunteers are helping to make these valuable records more accessible. You can learn more about it on its website [2].
Remember to search databases related to the specific branch of service your ancestor was in (e.g., Army, Navy) or those focused specifically on the Revolutionary War. These pension records are considered archival, which means anyone can access them, so you don’t have to be a direct relative.
3. Search everywhere
Don’t limit your search to just one database or location. During the Revolutionary War, record-keeping wasn’t always organized, and soldiers might have served in units from different states.
- Cast a wide net: Search all relevant databases, even if they seem unlikely. You never know where you might find a crucial piece of information.
- Think outside the box: Consider searching for records in neighboring states or counties, especially if your ancestor lived near a border or if their unit was known to have operated in different areas.
» Learn all about overseas military burials of U.S. soldiers
4. Keep proper records
As you search, it’s essential to keep track of where you’ve looked and what you’ve found.
- Create a research log: Use a spreadsheet, notebook, or genealogy software to document every database you searched, the dates you searched, and the keywords you used.
- Record your findings: Note down any relevant information you find, even if it’s just a small detail. This will help you build a complete picture of your ancestor’s life and service.
» Find out how to use WWI military records to find your ancestor
Pension Requirements and the Records They Created
Revolutionary War pensions were initially granted to Continental Army soldiers and disabled veterans with at least six months of service before 1832. The Act of 1832 expanded eligibility, including state militia members, naval personnel, state line troops, and certain civilians who aided the war effort.
To receive a pension, applicants had to prove their service and residency. This often involved answering questions about their birthplace and where they lived before, during, and after the war.
These questions highlight the challenges of proving residency at that time, as people frequently moved between states. Official records like census data weren’t available until 1850, so applicants often relied on tax records, bounty land records, and sworn statements from witnesses to support their claims.
» Understand the different military awards and decorations
Preserve your ancestor’s stories
The stories of your ancestors deserve to be told. Revolutionary War Pension Records offer a unique opportunity to give voice to those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.
By exploring these records, you’re not just doing genealogical research; you’re reclaiming your family’s legacy and ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten. It’s time to honor your past and bring their remarkable journeys to light.
» Start your search: Look through military pension records