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United States, Civil War Widows and Other Dependents Pension Files - FamilySearch Historical Records: Difference between revisions

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''[[United States Genealogy|United States]]''
'''[[United States Genealogy|United States]]'''
{{FamilySearch_Collection
{{US NARA HR Infobox
|CID=CID1922519  
|CID=CID1922519  
|title=United States Civil War Widows and Other Dependents Pension Files, 1861-1934
|title=United States Civil War Widows and Other Dependents Pension Files, 1861-1934
|location=United States
|location=United States
}}<br>
| LOC_01 =
 
| LOC_02 =
[[Image:United_States.png|right|200px|]]
| LOC_03 =
 
| record_type = Pension Files
== Record Description  ==
| record_group_nr =15
 
| record_group_title = Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs 
| start_year = 1861
| end_year = 1934
| alt_flag = US 33 Star Fort Sumter Flag.jpg
| alt_flag_desc = Flag of the United States at the outbreak of the civil war
| micro_pub_nr =
| micro_pub_title =
| micro_pub_rolls =
| micro_pub_nr_02 =
| micro_pub_title_02 =
| micro_pub_rolls_02 =
| micro_pub_nr_03 =
| micro_pub_title_03 =
| micro_pub_rolls_03 =
| micro_pub_nr_04 =
| micro_pub_title_04 =
| micro_pub_rolls_04 =
| coll_series =
| arrangement =
| NAID =[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/300020 300020]
| language =
| FS_URL_01 = [[GuidedResearch:United States|United States Guided Research]]
| FS_URL_02 = [[United States Record Finder]]
| FS_URL_03 = [[United States Research Tips and Strategies]]
| FS_URL_04 = [[Union Pension Records]]
| FS_URL_05 = [[United States Civil War, 1861 to 1865|United States Civil War, 1861 to 1865]]
| FS_URL_06 = [[United States Military Pension Records]]
| FS_URL_07 = [[Locating a Union Civil War Soldier (1861-1865)]]
| FS_URL_08 = [[Beginning Research in United States Military Records]]
| FS_URL_09 = [[Union Veterans' and Lineage Society Records]]
| FS_URL_10 = [[Begin a search for Union records]]
| RW_URL_01 = [https://catalog.archives.gov/id/300020?q=300020 NARA Collection Description]
| RW_URL_02 = [http://www.archives.gov/research/military/civil-war/pensions.pdf NARA Reference Reports Civil War Union Pensions]
| RW_URL_03 = [http://www.archives.gov/research/military/civil-war/resources.html NARA Civil War Records]
| RW_URL_04 = [http://www.archives.gov/research/military/spanish-american/service-records.pdf NARA Reference Reports Spanish-American War]
| RW_URL_05 = [http://www.history.rochester.edu/jssn/page5.htm “United States Civil War Service and Pension Records” James St. John]
}}
== What is in This Collection?  ==
This database on FamilySearch.org is a copy of an index provided by www.fold3.com. The index is to images in pension application files uploaded to the fold3 site. The index on FamilySearch.org is only to the files that have been uploaded. These files can be viewed only on the fold3 site.<br>  
This database on FamilySearch.org is a copy of an index provided by www.fold3.com. The index is to images in pension application files uploaded to the fold3 site. The index on FamilySearch.org is only to the files that have been uploaded. These files can be viewed only on the fold3 site.<br>  


Since the FamilySearch database is strictly an index to material on another site, the citation format given below is incorrect.&nbsp; Only this index can be cited from this site.&nbsp; Fold3.com provides complete citation information for the actual files, when a researcher accesses that site to view the documents.  
Since the FamilySearch database is strictly an index to material on another site, the citation format given below is incorrect. Only this index can be cited from this site. Fold3.com provides complete citation information for the actual files, when a researcher accesses that site to view the documents.  


The FamilySearch copy of the fold3.com index to the Collection will eventually encompass applications for pension beginning from 1861 to 1934.  
The FamilySearch copy of the fold3.com index to the collection will eventually encompass applications for pension beginning from 1861 to 1934.  


This collection consists of approved pension case files of widows and other dependents of soldiers submitted between 1861 and 1934 and sailors between 1910 and 1934. Some files may be for service in the War with Spain. The files are arranged numerically by certificate number. Orginal files are located at the National Archives in Record Group 15, Records of the Veterans Administration. Index courtesy of Fold3.com (previously Footnote.com). Additional records will be added to this collection as they become available.  
This collection consists of approved pension case files of widows and other dependents of soldiers submitted between 1861 and 1934 and sailors between 1910 and 1934. Some files may be for service in the War with Spain. The files are arranged numerically by certificate number. Original files are located at the National Archives in Record Group 15, Records of the Veterans Administration. Index courtesy of Fold3.com (previously Footnote.com). Additional records will be added to this collection as they become available.  


From the onset of the Civil War, the US government granted pensions to widows of men who died in service to the Union Army. Then the Pension Dependent Act of 1890 extended benefits to those who could prove that they were the widows of honorably discharged veterans serving the Union for at least ninety days during the Civil War. A widow also had to provide proof of the soldier’s death, unless it resulted from his military service. An applicant could not have any means of support other than her day labor, and her marriage to the soldier had to occur before 17 June 1890, the date of the act.  
From the onset of the Civil War, the US government granted pensions to widows of men who died in service to the Union Army. Then the Pension Dependent Act of 1890 extended benefits to those who could prove that they were the widows of honorably discharged veterans serving the Union for at least ninety days during the Civil War. A widow also had to provide proof of the soldier’s death, unless it resulted from his military service. An applicant could not have any means of support other than her day labor, and her marriage to the soldier had to occur before 17 June 1890, the date of the act.  


These records are generally accurate. However, some soldiers used aliases and some lied about their names and ages.  
These records are generally accurate. However, some soldiers used aliases and some lied about their names and ages.


== Record Content  ==
See also [https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2010/spring/civilwarpension.html Claire Prechtel-Kluskens, ''“A Reasonable Degree of Promptitude” Civil War Pension Application Processing, 1861–1885'' Prologue 42 1# (Spring, 2010)]


<gallery widths="160px" heights="120px" perrow="3">
{{HR Add}}
Image:Civil War Federal Soldiers' Widows Claims DGS 4591908 2.jpg|Federal Soldiers' Widows Claim
=== Index and Image Visibility ===
</gallery>
{{Image Visibility}}


This collection may include:
=== To Browse This Collection ===
{{HR Tip|This collection contains searchable content in the NARA Catalog.  They can be accessed by clicking on the National Archives identifier in the Record Description.  Once inside the Catalog, click on the "Search Within This Series".}}


== What Can These Records Tell Me? ==
The following information may be found in these records:
{{columns-list|2|
*Soldier's full name  
*Soldier's full name  
*Name of widow  
*Name of widow  
Line 41: Line 82:
*Date pension started  
*Date pension started  
*Miscellaneous information about the soldier such as death date and cause of death
*Miscellaneous information about the soldier such as death date and cause of death
}}
== Collection Content  ==
Sample of indexed information:
{| style="width:60%; vertical-align:top;"                 
|-                 
|style=" vertical-align:top; width:20%;"|
{| border="1" class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! align="center" style="background: rgb(240,240,240)" scope="col" | '''John H Smith
! align="center" style="background: rgb(240,240,240)" scope="col" | '''United States Civil War Widows and Other Dependents Pension Files
|-
|Name
|John H Smith
|-
|Event Type
|Pension
|-
|Relationship to Veteran
|Minor Child
|-
|Veteran's Name
|Pleasant Smith
|-
|Veteran's Military Unit
|80 Indiana Infantry
|-
|}
|}
== How Do I Search This Collection?  ==
To begin your search you need to know:
*The name of the soldier
*The name of the widow
*The age and birth place of the solider
*The military unit in which your soldier served
*The state and county were your soldier lived
=== Search the Index ===
{{Search Collection Link
| CID=CID1922519
}}
=== 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 [[Use_Appropriate_Forms#Prepare_a_Research_Log |research log]].
== What Do I Do Next?  ==
=== I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now? ===
*Add any new information to your records
*Death dates may lead to death certificates, mortuary, or burial records
*Use the names along with the residence of the widow 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
*When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct
*This index is to widow’s pensions, but you will still need some information on the soldier
*This index is for widows whose husbands died during the war. It does not include widows whose husbands died after the war
*Indexes may contain inaccuracies, such as altered spellings, misinterpretations, and optical character recognition errors if the information was scanned
*Your ancestor may have used a nickname or an alias. In addition, ages may have been altered to allow men to serve who were not of the appropriate age
=== I Can't Find the Person I'm Looking For, What Now? ===
*Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for nicknames and abbreviated names
*Look for another index. Local genealogical and historical societies often have indexes to local records
*Search the indexes and records of nearby counties
*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 [[United States Genealogy|the United States]].
* [[US Military Basic Search Strategies]]
* [[Beginning Research in United States Military Records]]
* [[Beginning United States Civil War Research]]
* [[Locating a Union Civil War  Soldier (1861-1865)]]
* [[GuidedResearch:United States|United States Guided Research]]
* [[United States Record Finder]]
* [[United States Research Tips and Strategies]]


== How to Use the Record  ==
== Other FamilySearch Collections ==
 
These collections may have additional materials to help you with your research.
To begin your search you need to know
 
*The name of the soldier
*The name of the widow
*Other identifying information such as age or military unit where served
 
=== Search the Collection  ===
 
'''To search the collection by name:'''<br>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.
 
As you are searching it is helpful to know such information as your ancestor’s given name and surname, some identifying information such as residence and age, and family relationships. Remember that there may be more than one person in the records with the same name as your ancestor and that your ancestor may have used nicknames or different names at different times.
 
Keep in mind:
 
*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 wiki article [[FamilySearch Search Tips and Tricks]].
 
=== Using the Information  ===
 
When you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details that can lead you to other records about your ancestors. Add this new information to your records of each family. This information will often lead you to other records. For example:
 
*Death dates may lead to death certificates, mortuary, or burial records.
*Use the names along with the residence of the widow 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.
*When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct.
 
=== Tips to Keep in Mind  ===
 
*This index is to widow’s pensions, but you will still need some information on the soldier.
*This index is for widows whose husbands died during the war. It does not include widows whose husbands died after the war.
*Indexes may contain inaccuracies, such as altered spellings, misinterpretations, and optical character recognition errors if the information was scanned.
*Your ancestor may have used a nickname or an alias. In addition, ages may have been altered to allow men to serve who were not of the appropriate age.
 
== Related Websites<br>  ==
 
 
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/300020?q=300020 NARA Collection Description]
*[http://www.archives.gov/research/military/civil-war/pensions.pdf NARA Reference Reports Civil War  Union Pensions]
*[http://www.archives.gov/research/military/civil-war/resources.html NARA Civil War Records]
*[http://www.archives.gov/research/military/spanish-american/service-records.pdf NARA Reference Reports Spanish-American War]
*[http://www.history.rochester.edu/jssn/page5.htm “United States Civil War Service and Pension Records” James St. John]


== Known Issues with This Collection  ==
=== FamilySearch Catalog ===


{{HR Known Issues}}For a full list of all known issues associated with this collection see the attached [[United States, Civil War Widows and Other Dependents Pension Files (FamilySearch Historical Records)/Known Issues|Wiki article]]. If you encounter additional problems, please email them to [mailto:support@familysearch.org support@familysearch.org]. Please include the full path to the link and a description of the problem in your e-mail. Your assistance will help ensure that future reworks will be considered.
=== FamilySearch Historical Records ===
*{{RecordSearch|1919699|United States General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934}}
*{{RecordSearch|1471019|United States Civil War and Later Pension Index, 1861-1917}}
*{{RecordSearch|1979426|United States Remarried Widows Index to Pension Applications, 1887-1942}}
*{{RecordSearch|1834308|United States Index to General Correspondence of the Pension Office, 1889-1904}}


== Related Wiki Articles  ==
=== FamilySearch Digital Library ===


*[[Union Pension Records|Union Pension Records]]
==Known Issues==
*[[United States Civil War, 1861 to 1865|United States Civil War, 1861 to 1865]]
{{HR KI}}
 
== Citing This Collection  ==
== How You Can Contribute  ==
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}}
{{Contributor invite}}
{{Record_Citation}}
 
[[Category:NARA_Military_Records]]
== Citations for This Collection  ==
[[pt:Estados Unidos, Arquivos de Viúvas e Outros Dependentes da Guerra Civil (Registros Históricos do FamilySearch)]]
 
[[Category:Civil War, 1861-1865]]
When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information; that is, cite your sources. This will help people find the record again and evaluate the reliability of the source. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records. Citations are available for the collection as a whole and each record or image individually. <br><br> '''Collection Citation'''<br>
 
{{Collection citation | text= "United States, Civil War Widows and Other Dependents Pension Files, 1861-1934." Database. <i>FamilySearch</i>. http://FamilySearch.org : accessed 2016. Citing "Case Files of Approved Pension Applications of Widows and Other Dependents of Civil War Veterans, ca. 1861- ca. 1934." <i>Fold3.com</i>. http://www.fold3.com : 2008.}}
 
 
'''Record Citation''' (or citation for the index entry):<br> {{Record Citation Link
|CID=CID1922519
|title=United States, Civil War Widows and Other Dependents Pension Files, 1861-1934.
}}

Latest revision as of 17:44, 8 January 2024

United States

Access the Records
United States Civil War Widows and Other Dependents Pension Files, 1861-1934
CID1922519
{{{CID2}}}
{{{CID3}}}
{{{CID4}}}
{{{CID5}}}
{{{CID6}}}
{{{CID7}}}
{{{CID8}}}
{{{CID9}}}
This article describes a collection of records at FamilySearch.org.

United States
United States flag.png
Flag of the United States of America
US 33 Star Fort Sumter Flag.jpg
Flag of the United States at the outbreak of the civil war
NARA logo circular black on white.jpg
National Archives and Records Administration Logo
Record Description
Record Type Pension Files
Record Group RG 15: Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs
Collection years 1861-1934
National Archives Identifier 300020
FamilySearch Resources
Related Websites
Archive
National Archives and Records Administration


What is in This Collection?

This database on FamilySearch.org is a copy of an index provided by www.fold3.com. The index is to images in pension application files uploaded to the fold3 site. The index on FamilySearch.org is only to the files that have been uploaded. These files can be viewed only on the fold3 site.

Since the FamilySearch database is strictly an index to material on another site, the citation format given below is incorrect. Only this index can be cited from this site. Fold3.com provides complete citation information for the actual files, when a researcher accesses that site to view the documents.

The FamilySearch copy of the fold3.com index to the collection will eventually encompass applications for pension beginning from 1861 to 1934.

This collection consists of approved pension case files of widows and other dependents of soldiers submitted between 1861 and 1934 and sailors between 1910 and 1934. Some files may be for service in the War with Spain. The files are arranged numerically by certificate number. Original files are located at the National Archives in Record Group 15, Records of the Veterans Administration. Index courtesy of Fold3.com (previously Footnote.com). Additional records will be added to this collection as they become available.

From the onset of the Civil War, the US government granted pensions to widows of men who died in service to the Union Army. Then the Pension Dependent Act of 1890 extended benefits to those who could prove that they were the widows of honorably discharged veterans serving the Union for at least ninety days during the Civil War. A widow also had to provide proof of the soldier’s death, unless it resulted from his military service. An applicant could not have any means of support other than her day labor, and her marriage to the soldier had to occur before 17 June 1890, the date of the act.

These records are generally accurate. However, some soldiers used aliases and some lied about their names and ages.

See also Claire Prechtel-Kluskens, “A Reasonable Degree of Promptitude” Civil War Pension Application Processing, 1861–1885 Prologue 42 1# (Spring, 2010)

Additional records and/or images may be added to this collection in the future.

Index and Image Visibility

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.

To Browse This Collection

Tip
 This collection contains searchable content in the NARA Catalog. They can be accessed by clicking on the National Archives identifier in the Record Description. Once inside the Catalog, click on the "Search Within This Series".

What Can These Records Tell Me?

The following information may be found in these records:

  • Soldier's full name
  • Name of widow
  • Rank
  • Company
  • Regiment
  • Infantry unit
  • When soldier was commissioned
  • Where soldier was commissioned
  • Amount of pension
  • Date pension started
  • Miscellaneous information about the soldier such as death date and cause of death

Collection Content

Sample of indexed information:

John H Smith United States Civil War Widows and Other Dependents Pension Files
Name John H Smith
Event Type Pension
Relationship to Veteran Minor Child
Veteran's Name Pleasant Smith
Veteran's Military Unit 80 Indiana Infantry

How Do I Search This Collection?

To begin your search you need to know:

  • The name of the soldier
  • The name of the widow
  • The age and birth place of the solider
  • The military unit in which your soldier served
  • The state and county were your soldier lived

Search the Index

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?

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?

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

  • Add any new information to your records
  • Death dates may lead to death certificates, mortuary, or burial records
  • Use the names along with the residence of the widow 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
  • When looking for a person who had a common name, look at all the entries for the name before deciding which is correct
  • This index is to widow’s pensions, but you will still need some information on the soldier
  • This index is for widows whose husbands died during the war. It does not include widows whose husbands died after the war
  • Indexes may contain inaccuracies, such as altered spellings, misinterpretations, and optical character recognition errors if the information was scanned
  • Your ancestor may have used a nickname or an alias. In addition, ages may have been altered to allow men to serve who were not of the appropriate age

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

  • Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for nicknames and abbreviated names
  • Look for another index. Local genealogical and historical societies often have indexes to local records
  • Search the indexes and records of nearby counties
  • 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.

Other FamilySearch Collections

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

FamilySearch Catalog

FamilySearch Historical Records

FamilySearch Digital Library

Known Issues

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

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.

Collection Citation:
The citation for this collection can be found on the Collection Details Page in the section Cite This Collection.
Record Citation:
When looking at a record, the citation can be viewed by clicking the drop-down arrow next to Document Information.
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