United States, Civil War and Later Pension Index - FamilySearch Historical Records

From FamilySearch Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search

United States

Access the Records
United States Civil War and Later Pension Index, 1861-1917
CID1471019
{{{CID2}}}
{{{CID3}}}
{{{CID4}}}
{{{CID5}}}
{{{CID6}}}
{{{CID7}}}
{{{CID8}}}
{{{CID9}}}
This article describes a collection of records at FamilySearch.org.
United States, 
United States
United States flag.png
Flag of the United States of America
US 33 Star Fort Sumter Flag.jpg
Civil War flag 1861 (33 stars)
NARA logo circular black on white.jpg
National Archives and Records Administration Logo
Record Description
Record Type Index to Pension Files
Record Group RG 15: Records of the Veterans Administration
Collection years 1861-1917
Microfilm Publication T289. Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans who Served Between 1861 and 1900. 765 rolls.
Arrangement By state, by branch of service then numerical by military unit
National Archives Identifier 2588825
FamilySearch Resources
Related Websites
Archive
National Archives and Records Administration


What is in This Collection?[edit | edit source]

Organization Index to Pension Files of Veterans who Served Between 1861 and 1900 on NARA microfilm publication T289 part of Record Group 15 Records of the Veterans Administration. The most of the index cards pertain veterans in the Civil War veterans. Other pension records included are for the of the Spanish-American conflict, Indian wars, the Philippine insurrection, and World War I. Index courtesy of Fold3. The pension files are located in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

Image Visibility[edit | edit source]

Whenever possible FamilySearch makes images and indexes available for all users. However, rights to view these data are limited by contract and subject to change. Because of this there may be limitations on where and how images and indexes are available or who can see them. Please be aware some collections consist only of partial information indexed from the records and do not contain any images.

For additional information about image restrictions see Restrictions for Viewing Images in FamilySearch Historical Record Collections.

What Can These Records Tell Me?[edit | edit source]

The following information may be found in these records: Pension

  • Name of the person claiming the pension
  • Service record of the soldier, including rank, company, and regiment
  • Enlistment date
  • Discharge date
  • Date pension was filed
  • Whether an invalid, widow, or minor
  • Application number
  • Certificate number
  • Additional service information, including company and regiment
  • Death date of the veteran
  • Death place of the veteran

Collection Content[edit | edit source]

Sample of indexed information:

John Smith United States Civil War and Later Pension Index
Name John Smith
Event Type Pension
Event Date 05 Apr 1897
Event Place Louisiana, United States
Military Regiment 16
Military Unit Infantry
Shipping Company F

How Do I Search This Collection?[edit | edit source]

To begin your search you will need to know:

  • The full name of your ancestor
  • The approximate age and birth place of your ancestor
  • The state and county of residence for your ancestor
  • The approximate dates your ancestor served in the Civil War

Search the Index[edit | edit source]

Search by name on the Collection Details Page.
  1. Fill in the search boxes in the Search Collection section with the information you know
  2. Click Search to show possible matches

How Do I Analyze the Results?[edit | edit source]

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.

What Do I Do Next?[edit | edit source]

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?[edit | edit source]

  • Use the age to calculate an approximate birth date
  • Use the birth date or age along with the residence or place of birth of the deceased to locate census, church, and land records
  • Compile the entries for every person who has the same surname as the deceased; this is especially helpful in rural areas or if the surname is unusual
  • Continue to search the records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have been seeking the pension
  • When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct

I Can't Find the Person I'm Looking For, What Now?[edit | edit source]

  • 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[edit | edit source]

The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the United States.

Related Family History Library Holdings[edit | edit source]

Related FamilySearch Historical Record Collections[edit | edit source]

Known Issues[edit | edit source]

Click here for a list of known issues with this collection.

Citing This Collection[edit | edit source]

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.

Collection Citation:
The citation for this collection can be found on the Collection Details Page in the section Citing this Collection.
Record Citation:
When looking at a record, the citation can be viewed by clicking the drop-down arrow next to Document Information.
Retrieved from "https://wwwp.familysearch.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=United_States,_Civil_War_and_Later_Pension_Index_-_FamilySearch_Historical_Records&oldid=4414277"