United States, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Applications - FamilySearch Historical Records: Difference between revisions

 
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{{US NARA HR Infobox
{{US NARA HR Infobox
| CID=CID1417475  
| CID=CID1417475  
| title=United States Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Applications, 1800-1900
| title=United States, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Applications, 1800-1900
| location=United States
| location=United States
| LOC_01 =  
| LOC_01 =  
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| FS_URL_09 = [[DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) and SAR (Sons of the American Revolution)]]  
| FS_URL_09 = [[DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) and SAR (Sons of the American Revolution)]]  
| FS_URL_10 = [[United States Military Bounty Land Warrants]]  
| FS_URL_10 = [[United States Military Bounty Land Warrants]]  
| FS_URL_11 =  
| FS_URL_11 = [[United States, National Archives, Revolutionary War Records]]
| FS_URL_12 =  
| FS_URL_12 = [[United States, Revolutionary War, Continental Army Military Unit Names]]
| FS_URL_13 =
| FS_URL_13 = [[Graves of Revolutionary War Soldiers in DAR Magazine]]
| RW_URL_01 = [http://www.fold3.com/title_467/revolutionary_war_pensions/ Revolutionary War Pensions]
| RW_URL_01 = [https://www.archives.gov/citizen-archivist/missions/revolutionary-war-pension-files NARA Citizen Archivist Dashboard: Revolutionary War Pension Files Transcription Mission]
| RW_URL_02 = [https://catalog.archives.gov/id/300022 Case Files of Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Applications Based on Revolutionary War Service]  
| RW_URL_02 = [http://www.fold3.com/title_467/revolutionary_war_pensions/ Revolutionary War Pensions]
| RW_URL_03 = [http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2015/summer/rev-war-pensions.html Using Revolutionary War Pension Files to Find Family Information]
| RW_URL_03 = [http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2015/summer/rev-war-pensions.html Using Revolutionary War Pension Files to Find Family Information]
| RW_URL_04 = [http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/1984/fall/pension-mobility.html Revolutionary War Pension Records and Patterns of American Mobility,1780-1830]
| RW_URL_04 = [http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/1984/fall/pension-mobility.html Revolutionary War Pension Records and Patterns of American Mobility,1780-1830]
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| RW_URL_11 = [https://www.archives.gov/research/military/army/pensions National Archives: Pre-World War I U.S. Army Pension and Bounty Land Applications]
| RW_URL_11 = [https://www.archives.gov/research/military/army/pensions National Archives: Pre-World War I U.S. Army Pension and Bounty Land Applications]
| RW_URL_12 = [https://www.archives.gov/research/military/american-revolution NARA: American Revolution]
| RW_URL_12 = [https://www.archives.gov/research/military/american-revolution NARA: American Revolution]
| RW_URL_13 = [https://catalog.archives.gov/id/10639078 NARA American Revolutionary War, 1775-1783]
| RW_URL_14 = [https://www.archives.gov/citizen-archivist/missions/revolutionary-war-pension-files Citizen Archivist Dashboard -Revolutionary War Pension Files Transcription Mission]
}}
}}
== What is in This Collection?  ==
== What is in This Collection?  ==
The collection consists of images of [https://catalog.archives.gov/id/300022 revolutionary war pensions] for the years 1800 to 1900. It is part of Record Group 15: Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 1773 - 2007 and is National Archive Microfilm Publication M804.  
The collection consists of images of Case Files of  [https://catalog.archives.gov/id/300022 revolutionary war pension and bounty land applications] for the years 1800 to 1900. It is part of Record Group 15: Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 1773 - 2007 and is {{FSC|306844|item|disp=National Archive Microfilm Publication M804.}}


The pension and land warrant applications consist of about 80,000 files. Each file may be a single card or may contain from 1 to 200 pages or more. A typical file is about 30 pages and includes an introductory card, an application, sworn affidavits, and other supporting documents that verify a veteran’s identity and service. The file also includes papers that show decisions made concerning the claim. In 1912 the Survivor, Widow, Rejected, and Bounty Land Warrant files were consolidated into a single alphabetical series.
The pension and land warrant applications consist of about 80,000 files. Each file may be a single card or may contain from 1 to 200 pages or more. A typical file is about 30 pages and includes an introductory card, an application, sworn affidavits, and other supporting documents that verify a veteran’s identity and service. The file also includes papers that show decisions made concerning the claim. In 1912 the Survivor, Widow, Rejected, and Bounty Land Warrant files were consolidated into a single alphabetical series.
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Most of the records in the files are dated between 1800 and 1900, although there is some correspondence dated as late as 1940. These records cover about 20 percent of American military, naval, and marine officers and enlisted men who served in the Revolutionary War. Pensions and bounty land warrants were issued to compensate Revolutionary War veterans for their service. Later, widows of veterans also received benefits. Information recorded on pension and bounty land warrant applications is generally reliable, but its accuracy depended on the memory of the applicant and the records he or she had access to. Some applications were rejected if the information could not be verified in federal records or if the claim was suspected of being fraudulent.
Most of the records in the files are dated between 1800 and 1900, although there is some correspondence dated as late as 1940. These records cover about 20 percent of American military, naval, and marine officers and enlisted men who served in the Revolutionary War. Pensions and bounty land warrants were issued to compensate Revolutionary War veterans for their service. Later, widows of veterans also received benefits. Information recorded on pension and bounty land warrant applications is generally reliable, but its accuracy depended on the memory of the applicant and the records he or she had access to. Some applications were rejected if the information could not be verified in federal records or if the claim was suspected of being fraudulent.
{{HR Add}}


'''Related National Archives Collections '''
'''See Also'''
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/210054984 Public Law, 9th Congress, 1st Session: An Act to Provide for Persons Who Were Disabled by Known Wounds Received in the Revolutionary War, April 10, 1806 RG 11]
*Mary Govier Ainsworth. '' Recently Discovered Records Relating to Revolutionary War Veterans Who Applied for Pensions Under the Act of 1792'' National Genealogical Society Quarterly 46 #1 (March 1958): 8-13; 46 #2 (June 1958): 73-78. FS Library 973 B2ng v. 46 
 
'''State Government Pensions - Bounty Land'''
*Lloyd de Witt Bockstruck ''Revolutionary War pensions : awarded by State governments 1775-1874, the General and Federal governments prior to 1814, and by private acts of Congress to 1905'' Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c2011 {{FSC|1911942|item|disp=FS Library 973 973 M2bLd}}
*Lloyd DeWitt Bockstruck. ''Revolutionary War bounty land grants : awarded by state governments'' Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1996 {{FSC|334133|item|disp=FS Library 973 R2bo}}
 
 
=== Related National Archives Collections ===
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/10530935 U.S. Senate. Committee on Pensions. (12/10/1816 - 01/02/1947)]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/10530934 U.S. Senate. Committee on Revolutionary Claims. (12/28/1832 - 04/18/1921)]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/10557226 U.S. House of Representatives. Committee on Claims. (11/13/1794 - 1946)]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/10521484 U.S. House of Representatives. Committee on Pensions and Revolutionary War Claims. (12/22/1813 - 12/09/1825)]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/10534019 U.S. House of Representatives. Committee on Revolutionary Claims. (1825 - 1873)]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/10533788 U.S. House of Representatives. Committee on Revolutionary Pensions. (01/10/1831 - 1880)]
 
 
'''Pensions'''
*[[United States, National Archives, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Records Sources]] '''NARA Finding Aid''' - Illustrated Family Records - Images
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/18471430 Family Bibles Filed with Case Files of Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Applications Based on Revolutionary War Service, ca. 1800 - ca. 1912. NAID 18471430]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/18471430 Family Bibles Filed with Case Files of Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Applications Based on Revolutionary War Service, ca. 1800 - ca. 1912. NAID 18471430]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/605836 Claims Filed by Revolutionary War Veterans, 9/16/1828 - 8/3/1835. NAID 605836]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/605836 Claims Filed by Revolutionary War Veterans, 9/16/1828 - 8/3/1835. NAID 605836]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/24200695 Applications for Revolutionary War Scrip, 1830–1847 (Military Bounty Land Script) NAID 24200695]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/24200695 Applications for Revolutionary War Scrip, 1830–1847 (Military Bounty Land Script) NAID 24200695]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/1588363 Correspondence Relating to Revolutionary War Pensions, 1784–1815 NAID 1588363]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/2601035 Case Files of Claims for Half Pay and Pensions Based on Revolutionary War Service, 1800–1859 NAID 2601035]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/605894 Selected Final Payment Vouchers, 1818–1864 NAID 605894]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/210054984 Public Law, 9th Congress, 1st Session: An Act to Provide for Persons Who Were Disabled by Known Wounds Received in the Revolutionary War, April 10, 1806 RG 11]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/1630201 Records of Pennsylvania Accounts for Revolutionary War Pensions, 1799–1817 NAID 1630201]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/1663659 Records of Virginia Pension Payments, 1791–1834 NAID 1663659]
'''U.S. District Courts'''
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/2662766 Revolutionary War Record Book of Proceedings for Pensions, April 25, 1792–February 2, 1797 - Connecticut]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/2770230 Revolutionary War Pension Applicant Case Files, 1792–1792 - Connecticut]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/102035733 Register of Papers Submitted by Revolutionary War Pensioners - Maine]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/3144488 Register of Papers Submitted by Revolutionary War Pensioners, June 1820–December 1836 - Maine]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/2674866 Estate Schedules and Oaths of Revolutionary War Pensioners, June 1820–May 1832 - Maine]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/2669065 Affidavits Concerning Deceased Revolutionary War Pensioners, 1833–1855 - Maine]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/3280183 Schedules of Property of Revolutionary War Pensioners, July 1820–July 1820 - Maryland]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/2953574 Records Relating to Revolutionary War Pension Applicants, 1806–1832 - Massachusetts]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/3281773 Revolutionary War Pension Estate Schedules and Affidavits Submitted by Pensioners, June 1820–January 1824 New Hampshire]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/102251070 Record Book of Proceedings on Petitions for Revolutionary War Pensions - Rhode Island]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/3478036 Record Book of Proceedings on Petitions for Revolutionary War Pensions, June 1792–November 1792 - Rhode Island]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/3478037 Revolutionary War Pension Applicant Case Files, 1792–1792 -Rhode Island]
''' Bounty Land'''
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/567388 Bounty Land Warrant Application Files, ca. 1800–ca. 1900 NAID 567388]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6861417 Revolutionary War Bounty Land Scrip, 1831–1837 NAID 6861417]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6861417 Revolutionary War Bounty Land Scrip, 1831–1837 NAID 6861417]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/1588363 Correspondence Relating to Revolutionary War Pensions, 1784–1815 NAID 1588363]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/300022 Case Files of Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Applications Based on Revolutionary War Service, ca. 1800–ca. 1912 NAID 300022]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/2825004 Letters Sent Relating to Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Military Bounty Land Warrants, 1821–1878 NAID 2825004]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/2825004 Letters Sent Relating to Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Military Bounty Land Warrants, 1821–1878 NAID 2825004]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/18501151 Copies of Warrants Issued to Surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Revolutionary War, March 1828–November 21, 1828 NAID 18501151]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/607405 List of Pennsylvania Officers and Men Entitled to Donation Lands NAID 607405] See Numbered Record Books
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/23944268 Records of Officers' Locations of Revolutionary War Military Bounty Land Warrants, 1800–1816 NAID 23944268]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/23944321 Records of Soldiers' Locations of Revolutionary War Military Bounty Land Warrants, 1800–1819 NAID 23944321]
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/24200695 Applications for Revolutionary War Scrip, 1830–1847 NAID 24200695]
''' Digital Images '''
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/102035733 Register of Papers Submitted by Revolutionary War Pensioners NAID 102035733] Maine
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/102251070 Record Book of Proceedings on Petitions for Revolutionary War Pensions NAID 102251070] Rhode Island


'''Related Articles'''
'''Related Articles'''
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*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  
*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 Roberts Scott. '' When a Revolutionary Pensioner's Claim Can't Be Found'' National Genealogical Society Quarterly 77 (June 1989): 128-132.
*Craig Roberts Scott. '' When a Revolutionary Pensioner's Claim Can't Be Found'' National Genealogical Society Quarterly 77 (June 1989): 128-132.
*Constance B. Schultz '' Revolutionary War Pension Applications: A Neglected Source for Social and Family History'' Prologue 15 #2 (Summer 1983):
*Constance B. Schultz '' Revolutionary War Pension Applications: A Neglected Source for Social and Family History'' Prologue 15 #2 (Summer 1983): 103-114.


{{HR Tip|This collection contains searchable content in the NARA Catalog.  They can be accessed by clicking on the National Archives identifier [https://catalog.archives.gov/id/300022 NAID 300022] in the Record Description.  Once inside the Catalog, click on the "Search Within This Series".}}
{{HR Tip|This collection contains searchable content in the NARA Catalog.  They can be accessed by clicking on the National Archives identifier [https://catalog.archives.gov/id/300022 NAID 300022] in the Record Description.  Once inside the Catalog, click on the "Search Within This Series".}}


{{HR Tip|Images are also available in the FamilySearch Catalog at [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/306844 Revolutionary war pension and bounty-land-warrant application files].The files are arranged in alphabetical order. click on a reference to find a camera icon to see images.}}
{{HR Tip|Images are also available in the FamilySearch Catalog at {{FSC|306844|item|disp=Revolutionary war pension and bounty-land-warrant application files}}.The files are arranged in alphabetical order. click on a reference to find a camera icon to see images.}}


{{HR Add}}
=== Index and Image Visibility ===
=== Index and Image Visibility ===
{{Image Visibility}}
{{Image Visibility}}
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Image:United States, Revolutionary War Pension Application of Abigail Hale DGS 004159131 00781.jpg|Application folder, Abigail Hale, widow of Nathan Hale
Image:United States, Revolutionary War Pension Application of Abigail Hale DGS 004159131 00781.jpg|Application folder, Abigail Hale, widow of Nathan Hale
</gallery>
</gallery>
=== Inventory ===
For a list of all the titles included in this Historical Records publication see [[United States, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Applications - Inventory]]
=== Finding Aid ===
=== Finding Aid ===
A finding aid for this collection is available at [[United States Revolutionary War, Virginia Pension Application Files]].
A finding aid for this collection is available at [[United States Revolutionary War, Virginia Pension Application Files]].
*[[United States, National Archives, Military Bounty Land Warrant Records]] NARA Finding Aid
== How Do I Search This Collection?  ==
== How Do I Search This Collection?  ==
To search the index it is helpful to know:  
To search the index it is helpful to know:  
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=== FamilySearch Catalog ===
=== FamilySearch Catalog ===
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/306844 Revolutionary war pension and bounty-land-warrant application files, NARA M804]
*{{FSC|306844|item|disp=Revolutionary war pension and bounty-land-warrant application files, NARA M804}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/573816 Central treasury records of the Continental and Confederation governments relating to military affairs, 1775-1789, NARA M1015]
*{{FSC|77488|item|disp=Daughters of the American Revolution, Revolutionary War pension papers, 1776-1850, 44 rolls}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/602360 United States. War Department. Office of the Secretary of War. Letter from the Secretary of War transmitting a report of the names, rank, and line of every person placed on the pension list, 1818-1819]
*{{FSC|201149|item|disp=Pension files, service records, land warrants, 1775-1913}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/719688 U.S. Treasury, Department, Accounting, Final Revolutionary War pension payment vouchers, Georgia]
*{{FSC|602360|item|disp=United States. War Department. Office of the Secretary of War. Letter from the Secretary of War transmitting a report of the names, rank, and line of every person placed on the pension list, 1818-1819}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/77488 Daughters of the American Revolution, Revolutionary War pension papers, 1776-1850, 44 rolls]
*{{FSC|719688|item|disp=U.S. Treasury, Department, Accounting, Final Revolutionary War pension payment vouchers, Georgia}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/201149 Pension files, service records, land warrants, 1775-1913]
*{{FSC|772761|item|disp=Daughters of the American Revolution. Brigham Young University. Harold B. Library. D.A.R. Revolutionary War burial index. FS Library 8 rolls}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/772761 Daughters of the American Revolution. Brigham Young University. Harold B. Library. D.A.R. Revolutionary War burial index. FS Library 8 rolls]
*{{FSC|573816|item|disp=Central treasury records of the Continental and Confederation governments relating to military affairs, 1775-1789, NARA M1015}}
*{{FSC|573842|item|disp=Correspondence of the War Department relating to Indian affairs, military pensions, and fortifications, 1791-1797 M1962}}


''' Publications'''
''' Publications'''
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/367492 Howard H. Peckham, ed. ''The Toll of independence : engagements & battle casualties of the American Revolution.'' Chicago, Illinois : University of Chicago Press, 1974 FS Library 973 M2ti]
*Howard H. Peckham, ed. ''The Toll of independence : engagements & battle casualties of the American Revolution.'' Chicago, Illinois : University of Chicago Press, 1974 {{FSC|367492|item|disp=FS Library 973 M2ti}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/1057575 Christine Rose, ''Military pension laws, 1776-1858 : from the journals of the Continental Congress and the United States statutes-at-large'' San Jose, California : Rose Family Association, c2001 FS Library 973 M2rm]
*Christine Rose, ''Military pension laws, 1776-1858 : from the journals of the Continental Congress and the United States statutes-at-large'' San Jose, California : Rose Family Association, c2001 {{FSC|1057575|item|disp=FS Library 973 M2rm}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/767486 Craig R. Scott, ''The lost pensions, settled accounts of the Act of 6 April 1836'' Lovettsville, Virginia : Willow Bend Books, c1996 FS Library 973 M2sL]
*''Index to Revolutionary War pension and bounty land records of the veterans' administration archives : the National Archives, Washington, D. C'' 3 vols. Washington, D.C. : National Genealogical Society Bookstore, 1942-1963 {{FSC|287898|item|disp=FS Library 973 M24n}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/1911942  Lloyd de Witt Bockstruck,''Revolutionary War pensions : awarded by State governments 1775-1874, the General and Federal governments prior to 1814, and by private acts of Congress to 1905'' Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c2011 FS Library 973 M2bLd]
*''Index of Revolutionary War pension applications in the National Archives'' Revised and enlarged. Washington, D.C. : National Genealogical Society,1976 {{FSC|566624|item|disp=FS Library 973 M22ng 1976}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/334133 Lloyd de Witt Bockstruck. ''Revolutionary War bounty land grants : awarded by state governments'' Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1996 FS Library 973 R2bo]
*Lloyd de Witt Bockstruck. ''Naval pensioners of the United States, 1800-1851'' Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c2002 {{FSC|1054915|item|disp=FS Library 973 M38b}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/463831 Murtie June Clark, comp. ''The pension lists of 1792-1795 : with other Revolutionary War pension records'' S. l. : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1991 FS Library 973 M2cmj]
*Lloyd de Witt Bockstruck. ''Bounty and donation land grants in British Colonial America.'' Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c2007 {{FSC|1404490|item|disp=FS Library 973 R2bl}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/578023 Murtie June Clark ''Index to U.S. invalid pension records, 1801-1815'' Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1991 FS Library 973 M22c]
'''Awarded by State Governments'''
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/767486 Craig Robert Scott. ''The lost pensions, settled accounts of the Act of 6 April 1836''Lovettsville, Virginia : Willow Bend Books, c1996 FS Library 973 M2sL]
*Lloyd de Witt Bockstruck,''Revolutionary War pensions : awarded by State governments 1775-1874, the General and Federal governments prior to 1814, and by private acts of Congress to 1905'' Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c2011 {{FSC|1911942|item|disp=FS Library 973 M2bLd}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/1054915 Lloyd de Witt Bockstruck. ''Naval pensioners of the United States, 1800-1851'' Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c2002 FS Library 973 M38b]
*Lloyd de Witt Bockstruck. ''Revolutionary War bounty land grants : awarded by state governments'' Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1996 {{FSC|334133|item|disp=FS Library 973 R2bo}}
*[https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/235757 1813 Pension List]
'''Pension Lists'''
*[https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/731683 1818 Pension List]
*Murtie June Clark, comp. ''The pension lists of 1792-1795 : with other Revolutionary War pension records'' S. l. : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1991 {{FSC|463831|item|disp=FS Library 973 M2cmj}}
*[https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/463823 1820 Pension List]
*Murtie June Clark ''Index to U.S. invalid pension records, 1801-1815'' Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1991 {{FSC|578023|item|disp=FS Library 973 M22c}}
*[https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/287874 1835 Pension Roll]
*Craig Robert Scott. ''The lost pensions, settled accounts of the Act of 6 April 1836''Lovettsville, Virginia : Willow Bend Books, c1996 {{FSC|767486|item|disp=FS Library 973 M2sL}}
*''Rejected or suspended applications for Revolutionary War pensions : with an added index to states'' Washington : s.n., 1852. reprint. Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, 1969 {{FSC|287870|item|disp='FS Library 973 M24ur}}
*{{FSC|235757|item|disp=1813 Pension List}}
*{{FSC|731683|item|disp=1818 Pension List}}
*{{FSC|463823|item|disp=1820 Pension List}}
*{{FSC|699641|item|disp=American revolutionary war pensioners, 1828 : report to the 20th Congress}}
*{{FSC|287874|item|disp=1835 Pension Roll}}


'''Bounty Land '''
'''Bounty Land '''
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/1949572 Christine Rose. ''Military bounty land 1776-1855'' San Jose, California : CR Publications, c2011 FS Library 973 M27r]
*{{FSC|83932|item|disp=Payson Jackson Treat. ''The National land system, 1785-1820'' New York : E.B. Treat & Co., c1910}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/253710 Clifford Neal Smith,'' Federal land series : a calendar of archival materials on the land patents issued by the United States government, with subject, tract, and name indexes'' 4 volumes. Chicago, Illinois : American Library Association, 1972-] FS Library 973 R2scn  v. 1. 1788-1810 -- v. 2. 1799-1835, Federal bounty-land warrants of the American Revolution -- v. 3. 1810-1814 -- v. 4, pt. 1-2. Grants in the Virginia Military District of Ohio.
*Christine Rose. ''Military bounty land 1776-1855'' San Jose, California : CR Publications, c2011 {{FSC|1949572|item|disp=FS Library 973 M27r}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/314740 Registers of Revolutionary War land warrants, act of 1788 : military district of Ohio, 1789-1805, NARA T1008]
*Clifford Neal Smith,'' Federal land series : a calendar of archival materials on the land patents issued by the United States government, with subject, tract, and name indexes'' 4 volumes. Chicago, Illinois : American Library Association, 1972- {{FSC|253710|item|disp=FS Library 973 R2scn}}   v. 1. 1788-1810 -- v. 2. 1799-1835, Federal bounty-land warrants of the American Revolution -- v. 3. 1810-1814 -- v. 4, pt. 1-2. Grants in the Virginia Military District of Ohio.
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/249409 Register of Revolutionary War land warrants, act of 1788; Military District of Ohio : entries for the years 1799-1805]
*{{FSC|314740|item|disp=Registers of Revolutionary War land warrants, act of 1788 : military district of Ohio, 1789-1805, NARA T1008}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/267780 U.S. Revolutionary War bounty land warrants used in the U.S. military district of Ohio and related papers, acts of 1788, 1803, 1806, 16 rolls, M289]
*{{FSC|249409|item|disp=Register of Revolutionary War land warrants, act of 1788; Military District of Ohio : entries for the years 1799-1805}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/8635 Donation lands or military tracts granted to the officers and soldiers of the Pennsylvania Line in the Revolutionary Army, 1780-1800]
*{{FSC|267780|item|disp=U.S. Revolutionary War bounty land warrants used in the U.S. military district of Ohio and related papers, acts of 1788, 1803, 1806, 16 rolls, M289}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/414179 Virginia. Office of the Governor. Bounty warrants, 1779-1860]
*{{FSC|8635|item|disp=Donation lands or military tracts granted to the officers and soldiers of the Pennsylvania Line in the Revolutionary Army, 1780-1800}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/474937 Virginia Continental Army lands, February 15, 1822 : roll of officers of the sixteen Virginia regiments of the Continental Army who received land bounty in the Virginia Military Districts in the states of Ohio and Kentucky]
*{{FSC|474937|item|disp=Virginia Continental Army lands, February 15, 1822 : roll of officers of the sixteen Virginia regiments of the Continental Army who received land bounty in the Virginia Military Districts in the states of Ohio and Kentucky}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/758280 Ohio. Auditor of State. Virginia Military District lands of Ohio ; indexes]
*{{FSC|758280|item|disp=Ohio. Auditor of State. Virginia Military District lands of Ohio ; indexes}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/723941 Virginia. Land Office. Military certificates, A-Z : July 14, 1782-August 5, 1876]
*{{FSC|414179|item|disp=Virginia. Office of the Governor. Bounty warrants, 1779-1860}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/412793 Virginia. Land Office. Military certificates, nos. 1-9926 : July 14, 1782-August 5, 1876]
*{{FSC|723941|item|disp=Virginia. Land Office. Military certificates, A-Z : July 14, 1782-August 5, 1876}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/583036 Virginia. Land Office. List of military land bounty warrants : September 1, 1833-September 1, 1834]
*{{FSC|412793|item|disp=Virginia. Land Office. Military certificates, nos. 1-9926 : July 14, 1782-August 5, 1876}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/406376 Virginia. Land Office. Register of military certificates located in Ohio and Kentucky, nos. 1-6899, 8701-8850]
*{{FSC|583036|item|disp=Virginia. Land Office. List of military land bounty warrants : September 1, 1833-September 1, 1834}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/583024 Virginia. Land Office. Military warrants, nos. 1-1320, 1328-5020, 8780-9969 : August 8, 1782-September 21, 1889]
*{{FSC|406376|item|disp=Virginia. Land Office. Register of military certificates located in Ohio and Kentucky, nos. 1-6899, 8701-8850}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/1175964 Virginia. Rockingham County. Land grants, Revolutionary War, 1783-1832]
*{{FSC|583024|item|disp=Virginia. Land Office. Military warrants, nos. 1-1320, 1328-5020, 8780-9969 : August 8, 1782-September 21, 1889}}
*{{FSC|1175964|item|disp=Virginia. Rockingham County. Land grants, Revolutionary War, 1783-1832}}


'''State Sources'''
'''State Sources'''
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/980334 Jana Sloan Broglin, ed. ''Kentucky abstracts of pensions : Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Indian wars'' 4 volumes. Indianapolis, [Indiana] : Heritage House, c1999 FS Library 976.9 M28b]
*Jana Sloan Broglin, ed. ''Kentucky abstracts of pensions : Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Indian wars'' 4 volumes. Indianapolis, Indiana : Heritage House, c1999 {{FSC|980334|item|disp=FS Library 976.9 M28b}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/209076 New Jersey Revolutionary War pension claims, 12 rolls]
*{{FSC|224501|item|disp=Revolutionary pensioners records of New Hampshire : with a brief abstract showing names of their wives and residence 26 rolls}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/432565 Pennsylvania. Revolutionary War pensions, 1785-1809]
*{{FSC|209076|item|disp=New Jersey Revolutionary War pension claims, 12 rolls}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/283665 Pennsylvania, Revolutionary War pension file, 1809-1893]
*{{FSC|432565|item|disp=Pennsylvania. Revolutionary War pensions, 1785-1809}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/432573 Pennsylvania, Adjutant General's Office, Revolutionary War pension accounts, 1807-1883]
*{{FSC|283665|item|disp=Pennsylvania, Revolutionary War pension file, 1809-1893}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/8635 Donation lands or military tracts granted to the officers and soldiers of the Pennsylvania Line in the Revolutionary Army, 1780-1800]
*{{FSC|432573|item|disp=Pennsylvania, Adjutant General's Office, Revolutionary War pension accounts, 1807-1883}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/422979 Accounts audited of claims growing out of the Revolution in South Carolina]
*{{FSC|8635|item|disp=Donation lands or military tracts granted to the officers and soldiers of the Pennsylvania Line in the Revolutionary Army, 1780-1800}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/414074 Virginia State Library, Revolutionary War pensions and index, 14 rolls]
*{{FSC|422979|item|disp=Accounts audited of claims growing out of the Revolution in South Carolina}}
*{{FSC|197626|item|disp=A.S. Salley, ed. ''Stub entries to indents issued in payment of claims against South Carolina growing out of the Revolution'' 12 vols. Columbia, South Carolina : Historical Commission of South Carolina, 1910-c1957 FS Library Books 975.7 M2h}}
*{{FSC|414074|item|disp=Virginia State Library, Revolutionary War pensions and index, 14 rolls}}
 
'''Local Sources'''
'''Local Sources'''
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/1881490 Maine, Hancock County, Revolutionary War pension applications, 1818]
*{{FSC|1881490|item|disp=Maine, Hancock County, Revolutionary War pension applications, 1818}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/1779329 Maine, Lincoln County, Revolutionary War, pensioners applications, 1820-1824, 1818-1824]
*{{FSC|1779329|item|disp=Maine, Lincoln County, Revolutionary War, pensioners applications, 1820-1824, 1818-1824}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/1881493 Maine, York County, Revolutionary war pension applications, 1818-]
*{{FSC|1881493|item|disp=Maine, York County, Revolutionary war pension applications, 1818-}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/596149 Massachusetts, Berkshire County, Revolutionary War pension papers, 1818-1825]
*{{FSC|4092094|item|disp=Massachusetts Revolutionary War bounty land applications, 1805-1845}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/248984 New Jersey, Morris County, Court records concerning Revolutionary pensions, 1779-1795]
*{{FSC|596149|item|disp=Massachusetts, Berkshire County, Revolutionary War pension papers, 1818-1825}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/427615 New York, Delaware County, Revolutionary War pension applications, 1820-1832]
*{{FSC|248984|item|disp=New Jersey, Morris County, Court records concerning Revolutionary pensions, 1779-1795}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/379387 New York, Otsego County, Revolutionary War pensioners, Otsego County, New York, 1832-1844]
*{{FSC|427615|item|disp=New York, Delaware County, Revolutionary War pension applications, 1820-1832}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/710818 New York, Suffolk County, Revolutionary War pension request, 1790-1837, War of 1812, 1820, 1858]
*{{FSC|379387|item|disp=New York, Otsego County, Revolutionary War pensioners, Otsego County, New York, 1832-1844}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/548963 Pennsylvania, Berks County, Revolutionary War soldiers' pension applications, 1785-1786]
*{{FSC|710818|item|disp=New York, Suffolk County, Revolutionary War pension request, 1790-1837, War of 1812, 1820, 1858}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/460644 Pennsylvania, Centre County, Revolutionary War pension declarations, 1819-1835]
*{{FSC|548963|item|disp=Pennsylvania, Berks County, Revolutionary War soldiers' pension applications, 1785-1786}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/420368 Pennsylvania, Cumberland County, Petitions for Revolutionary War pensions, 1783-1800]
*{{FSC|460644|item|disp=Pennsylvania, Centre County, Revolutionary War pension declarations, 1819-1835}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/7267 South Carolina, Laurens County, Revolutionary war pension applications, 1820-1830]
*{{FSC|104124|item|disp=Pension records of the Revolutionary War veterans of the United States}} Chester County Historical Society
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/241776 Tennessee, Roane County, Revolutionary War pension applications, 1793-1855]
*{{FSC|420368|item|disp=Pennsylvania, Cumberland County, Petitions for Revolutionary War pensions, 1783-1800}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/162559 West Virginia, Revolutionary soldier's applications for pensions, Harrison County]
*{{FSC|7267|item|disp=South Carolina, Laurens County, Revolutionary war pension applications, 1820-1830}}
*{{FSC|241776|item|disp=Tennessee, Roane County, Revolutionary War pension applications, 1793-1855}}
*{{FSC|162559|item|disp= West Virginia, Revolutionary soldier's applications for pensions, Harrison County}}


=== FamilySearch Historical Records ===
=== FamilySearch Historical Records ===
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=== FamilySearch Digital Library ===
=== FamilySearch Digital Library ===
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/464461 James C. Neagles and Lila L. Neagles, ''Locating your Revolutionary War ancestor : a guide to the military records'' Logan, Utah : Everton Publishers, c1983]
*{{FSC|464461|item|disp=James C. Neagles and Lila L. Neagles, ''Locating your Revolutionary War ancestor : a guide to the military records'' Logan, Utah : Everton Publishers, c1983}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/599248 Mabel E. Deutrich, comp. ''Preliminary inventory of the War Department collection of Revolutionary War records : record group 93.''Washington, D.C. : National Archives and Records Service, 1962]
*{{FSC|599248|item|disp= Mabel E. Deutrich, comp. ''Preliminary inventory of the War Department collection of Revolutionary War records : record group 93.''Washington, D.C. : National Archives and Records Service, 1962}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/599018 Thayer M. Boardman, Myra R. Trever, and Louise W. Southwick, comps. Preliminary inventory of the administrative records of the Bureau of Pensions and the Pension Service, (record group 15). Washington, D.C. : National Archives & Records Administration, 1953]
*{{FSC|599018|item|disp=Thayer M. Boardman, Myra R. Trever, and Louise W. Southwick, comps. Preliminary inventory of the administrative records of the Bureau of Pensions and the Pension Service, (record group 15). Washington, D.C. : National Archives & Records Administration, 1953}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/170431 Robert K. Wright, Jr. ''The Continental Army'' Washington, D.C. : Center of Military History, U.S. Army, 1983]
*{{FSC|170431|item|disp=Robert K. Wright, Jr. ''The Continental Army'' Washington, D.C. : Center of Military History, U.S. Army, 1983}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/117492 Benson John Lossing,''Field-book of the American Revolution : published under the patronage of the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution ...'' 2 volumes. Reprint of the 1850-1852 ed. published in New York, Harper and Brothers. Cottonport, Louisiana : Polyanthos, 1972]
*{{FSC|117492|item|disp=Benson John Lossing,''Field-book of the American Revolution : published under the patronage of the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution ...'' 2 volumes. Reprint of the 1850-1852 ed. published in New York, Harper and Brothers. Cottonport, Louisiana : Polyanthos, 1972}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/72773 Gaius Marcus Brumbaugh, ''Revolutionary war records : Virginia army and navy forces with bounty land warrants for Virginia Military District of Ohio, and Virginia military script, from federal and state archives'' Washington, D.C. : s. n., 1936]
*{{FSC|72773|item|disp=Gaius Marcus Brumbaugh, ''Revolutionary war records : Virginia army and navy forces with bounty land warrants for Virginia Military District of Ohio, and Virginia military script, from federal and state archives'' Washington, D.C. : s. n., 1936}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/85940-the-last-men-of-the-revolution-a-photograph-of-each-from-life-together-with-views-of-their-homes-printed-in-colors-accompanied-by-brief-biographical-sketches-of-the-men?offset=1  Rev. E. B. Hillard. ''Last Men of the Revolution'']
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/85940-the-last-men-of-the-revolution-a-photograph-of-each-from-life-together-with-views-of-their-homes-printed-in-colors-accompanied-by-brief-biographical-sketches-of-the-men?offset=1  Rev. E. B. Hillard. ''Last Men of the Revolution'']
*{{FSC|309454|item|disp=American state papers : documents, legislative and executive of the Congress of the United States Class Nine Claims}}


'''Pension and Bounty Land Publications'''
'''Pension and Bounty Land Publications'''
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/1006837 ''Revolutionary War invalid pension claims, 1792-1794 : House of Representatives document 32, Second Congress, second session, 1792 ; House of Representatives document 51, Third Congress first session, 1794''Signal Mountain, Tennessee : Mountain Press, [19--?]
*{{FSC|2375500|item|disp=Max E. Hoyt and Frank Johnson Metcalf, comp. ''Index of Revolutionary War pension applications'' 4 vols. Washington, D.C. : National Geneal. Society, [1943-1963]}}  v.1 {{FSDL|321300}} v.2 {{FSDL|321107}} v.3 {{FSDL|615873}} v.4 {{FSDL|770125}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/834654 ''Pensions granted for military service under an Act of the Fourth Congress of the United States, 1795''Washington, D.C. : , 1796]
*{{FSC|1006837|item|disp=''Revolutionary War invalid pension claims, 1792-1794 : House of Representatives document 32, Second Congress, second session, 1792 ; House of Representatives document 51, Third Congress first session, 1794''Signal Mountain, Tennessee : Mountain Press, [19--?}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/602360 ''Letter from the Secretary of War transmitting a report of the names, rank, and line of every person placed on the pension list, 1818-1819''Washington : Printed by Gates & Seaton, 1820. reprint published: Baltimore : Southern Book, 1955]
*{{FSC|834654|item|disp=''Pensions granted for military service under an Act of the Fourth Congress of the United States, 1795''Washington, D.C. : , 1796}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/3714354 ''Letter from the Secretary of War : transmitting a report of the names, rank, and line, of every person placed on the pension list, in pursuance to the act of the 18th March, 1818, &c. January 20, 1820''Washington, D.C. : Gales & Seaton, 1820]
*{{FSC|602360|item|disp=''Letter from the Secretary of War transmitting a report of the names, rank, and line of every person placed on the pension list, 1818-1819''Washington : Printed by Gates & Seaton, 1820. reprint published: Baltimore : Southern Book, 1955}}
*[https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/282860 Census of Pensioners 1840 Census]
*{{FSC|3714354|item|disp=''Letter from the Secretary of War : transmitting a report of the names, rank, and line, of every person placed on the pension list, in pursuance to the act of the 18th March, 1818, &c. January 20, 1820''Washington, D.C. : Gales & Seaton, 1820}}
*{{FSC|3559027|item|disp=''Report from the Secretary of War : in obedience to resolutions of the Senate of the 5th and 30th of June, 1834, and the 3d of March, 1835, in relation to the pension establishment of the United States'' 4 vols. Washington, D.C. : Duff Green, 1835}}
*{{FSC|282860|item|disp=Census of Pensioners 1840 Census}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/499437-report-of-the-secretary-of-the-interior-with-a-statement-of-rejected-or-suspended-applications-for-pensions-february-16-1852?offset=1 Rejected or Suspended Applications for Pensions, 1852]
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/499437-report-of-the-secretary-of-the-interior-with-a-statement-of-rejected-or-suspended-applications-for-pensions-february-16-1852?offset=1 Rejected or Suspended Applications for Pensions, 1852]
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/2684644 Catalogue of: Revolutionary War pension and bounty-land-warrant application files; American Revolutionary War service records; and general index]
*{{FSC|2684644|item|disp=Catalogue of: Revolutionary War pension and bounty-land-warrant application files; American Revolutionary War service records; and general index}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/2213140 ''The Balloting book, and other documents relating to military bounty lands in the state of New York''Albany, New York : Packard & VanBenthuysen, 1825.]
*Alex M. Hitz, Comp. ''Authentic list of all land lottery grants made to veterans of the Revolutionary War by the state of Georgia : taken from official state records in the Surveyor-General Department housed in the Georgia Department of Archives and History, Atlanta, Georgia'' Atlanta, Georgia: Secretary of State, 1966 {{FSDL|515338}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/274858 Charles J. House, comp. ''Names of soldiers of the American revolution : who applied for state bounty under resolves of March 17, 1835, March 24, 1836 and March 20, 1836, as appears of record in land office'' Augusta, Maine : Burleigh & Flynt, 1893]
*{{FSC|2213140|item|disp=''The Balloting book, and other documents relating to military bounty lands in the state of New York'' Albany, New York : Packard & VanBenthuysen, 1825.}}
*{{FSC|274858|item|disp=Charles J. House, comp. ''Names of soldiers of the American revolution : who applied for state bounty under resolves of March 17, 1835, March 24, 1836 and March 20, 1836, as appears of record in land office'' Augusta, Maine : Burleigh & Flynt, 1893}}
*{{FSC|4329157|item|disp=Charles Lofland. ''A list of all the entries in the Virginia Military District : and also, all the entries in the United States Military District of 100 acre lots, located since the first commencement for locating warrants for military services, to the present year'' Columbus, Ohio : P.H. Olmsted, 1821}}


== Citing This Collection ==
== Citing This Collection ==

Latest revision as of 13:14, 31 July 2025

United States

Access the Records
United States, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Applications, 1800-1900
CID1417475
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This article describes a collection of records at FamilySearch.org.

United States
Flag of the United States of America
Flag of the United States of America
US Flag 1795-1818 (15 stars)
US Flag 1795-1818 (15 stars)
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Location of the United States of America
Location of the United States of America
Record Description
Record Type Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application Files
Record Group RG 15: Records of the Department of veterans Affairs
Collection years ca. 1775-ca. 1900
Microfilm Publication M804. Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files. 2670 rolls
Arrangement Alphabetically by name of veteran
National Archives Identifier 300022
FamilySearch Resources
Related Websites
Archive
National Archives and Records Administration


What is in This Collection?

The collection consists of images of Case Files of revolutionary war pension and bounty land applications for the years 1800 to 1900. It is part of Record Group 15: Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 1773 - 2007 and is National Archive Microfilm Publication M804.

The pension and land warrant applications consist of about 80,000 files. Each file may be a single card or may contain from 1 to 200 pages or more. A typical file is about 30 pages and includes an introductory card, an application, sworn affidavits, and other supporting documents that verify a veteran’s identity and service. The file also includes papers that show decisions made concerning the claim. In 1912 the Survivor, Widow, Rejected, and Bounty Land Warrant files were consolidated into a single alphabetical series.

Pension acts were passed and amended many times between 1776 and 1878. In 1776 the first pension law granted half-pay for life to soldiers disabled in the service and unable to earn a living. A pension law passed in 1818 permitted compensation for service, regardless of disability, but was later amended, making eligible only those soldiers who were unable to earn a living. The pension act of 1832 allowed pensions again based on service and enabled a veteran’s widow to receive pension benefits.

A veteran or his widow seeking a pension had to appear in court in the state of his or her residence to describe under oath the service for which the pension was being claimed. A widow was required to provide information concerning the date and place of her marriage to the veteran. The application statement, or “declaration” as it was usually called, was certified by the court and then forwarded, along with all supporting documents (this may have included property schedules, marriage records, and affidavits of witnesses) to a federal official, usually the Secretary of War or the Commissioner of Pensions. The applicant was then notified that the application had been approved, rejected, or set aside pending the submission of additional proof of eligibility. If an applicant was eligible, his name was placed on the pension list. Payments were usually made semiannually. A rejected applicant often reapplied when the law was later amended.

The Federal Government granted bounty land warrants, or rights to free land, to Revolutionary War veterans and their heirs. The promise of bounty land during the war was an incentive to enter and remain in the service. After the war, bounty land grants became a form of reward.

Veterans or their heirs who claimed bounty land warrants sent applications to the Secretary of War (later the Commissioner of Pensions and then the Secretary of the Interior). Also forwarded were affidavits of witnesses who testified of service performed, marriage records, and other forms of evidence. If an application was approved, the claimant was issued a warrant for a specified number of acres. He could then “locate” his warrant, that is, select a portion of the public domain to have in exchange for his warrant. The Treasury Department, and after 1849 the Interior Department, accepted the warrants and then issued patents to the land. Many recipients of Revolutionary War bounty land warrants did not relocate to their new land. They sold the warrants instead.

Pensions and bounty land warrants were originally administered by the Secretary of War. In 1815 two bureaus were created, one for pensions and the other for land warrants. In 1841 the Secretary of War placed bounty land functions under the direction of the Commissioner of Pensions. In 1849 the Pension Office was transferred to the newly established Department of the Interior. In 1930 the Bureau of Pensions was placed under the jurisdiction of the new Veterans Administration.

Most of the records in the files are dated between 1800 and 1900, although there is some correspondence dated as late as 1940. These records cover about 20 percent of American military, naval, and marine officers and enlisted men who served in the Revolutionary War. Pensions and bounty land warrants were issued to compensate Revolutionary War veterans for their service. Later, widows of veterans also received benefits. Information recorded on pension and bounty land warrant applications is generally reliable, but its accuracy depended on the memory of the applicant and the records he or she had access to. Some applications were rejected if the information could not be verified in federal records or if the claim was suspected of being fraudulent. Additional records and/or images may be added to this collection in the future.


See Also

  • Mary Govier Ainsworth. Recently Discovered Records Relating to Revolutionary War Veterans Who Applied for Pensions Under the Act of 1792 National Genealogical Society Quarterly 46 #1 (March 1958): 8-13; 46 #2 (June 1958): 73-78. FS Library 973 B2ng v. 46

State Government Pensions - Bounty Land

  • Lloyd de Witt Bockstruck Revolutionary War pensions : awarded by State governments 1775-1874, the General and Federal governments prior to 1814, and by private acts of Congress to 1905 Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c2011 FS Library 973 973 M2bLd
  • Lloyd DeWitt Bockstruck. Revolutionary War bounty land grants : awarded by state governments Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1996 FS Library 973 R2bo


Related National Archives Collections


Pensions

U.S. District Courts

Bounty Land

Digital Images

Related Articles

  • Jean Nudd.Using Revolutionary War Pension Files to Find Family Information. Prologue (Summer, 2015): 55-60. FS Library 973 B2p
  • Claire Prechtel- Kluskens.Revolutionary War Pension Files - an Introduction. NGS Magazine 32 #2 (April-June 2006): 34-37. FS Library 973 D25ngs
  • 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 Roberts Scott. When a Revolutionary Pensioner's Claim Can't Be Found National Genealogical Society Quarterly 77 (June 1989): 128-132.
  • Constance B. Schultz Revolutionary War Pension Applications: A Neglected Source for Social and Family History Prologue 15 #2 (Summer 1983): 103-114.

Index and Image Visibility

FamilySearch provides images and indexes subject to contractual limitations and changes. Access to images and indexes may vary. Some collections may only have partial indexes without images. See Restrictions for Viewing Images for details.

What Can These Records Tell Me?

The following information may be found in these records:

  • Veteran’s name
  • Age or birth date
  • Residence
  • Birthplace
  • Death date and place
  • Name of person applying for pension
  • Residence
  • Marriage date and place
  • Names of children
  • Ages or birth dates of children

Collection Content

Sample Images

Inventory

For a list of all the titles included in this Historical Records publication see United States, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Applications - Inventory

Finding Aid

A finding aid for this collection is available at United States Revolutionary War, Virginia Pension Application Files.

How Do I Search This Collection?

To search the index it is helpful to know:

  • The name of your ancestor
  • The place where your ancestor lived
  • The names of the soldier's spouse and children

Search the Index

Search by name on the Collection Details Page.
  1. Enter the information in the fields in the Search Collection section or click More Options to see additional fields
  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
  • Use the birth date or age along with the residence or place of enrollment to birth records and parents' names
  • Use the birth date or age along with the residence or place of enrollment to find the family in census records
  • Use the residence to locate church and land records
  • The place of death or burial could lead you to funeral and cemetery records, which often include the names and residences of other family members
  • Compile the entries for every person who has the same surname. 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 lived in the same county or nearby. This can help you identify other generations of your family
  • 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?

  • Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for nicknames and abbreviated names
  • Look for a different index. Local genealogical and historical societies often have indexes to local records
  • 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 with the same family number
  • 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

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

Publications

  • Howard H. Peckham, ed. The Toll of independence : engagements & battle casualties of the American Revolution. Chicago, Illinois : University of Chicago Press, 1974 FS Library 973 M2ti
  • Christine Rose, Military pension laws, 1776-1858 : from the journals of the Continental Congress and the United States statutes-at-large San Jose, California : Rose Family Association, c2001 FS Library 973 M2rm
  • Index to Revolutionary War pension and bounty land records of the veterans' administration archives : the National Archives, Washington, D. C 3 vols. Washington, D.C. : National Genealogical Society Bookstore, 1942-1963 FS Library 973 M24n
  • Index of Revolutionary War pension applications in the National Archives Revised and enlarged. Washington, D.C. : National Genealogical Society,1976 FS Library 973 M22ng 1976
  • Lloyd de Witt Bockstruck. Naval pensioners of the United States, 1800-1851 Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c2002 FS Library 973 M38b
  • Lloyd de Witt Bockstruck. Bounty and donation land grants in British Colonial America. Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c2007 FS Library 973 R2bl

Awarded by State Governments

  • Lloyd de Witt Bockstruck,Revolutionary War pensions : awarded by State governments 1775-1874, the General and Federal governments prior to 1814, and by private acts of Congress to 1905 Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c2011 FS Library 973 M2bLd
  • Lloyd de Witt Bockstruck. Revolutionary War bounty land grants : awarded by state governments Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, c1996 FS Library 973 R2bo

Pension Lists

Bounty Land

State Sources

Local Sources

FamilySearch Historical Records

FamilySearch Digital Library

Pension and Bounty Land Publications

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.