United States, Revolutionary War, Virginia Pension Application Files - FamilySearch Historical Records: Difference between revisions

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. The pension act of 1832 made Revolutionary War Pensions available to all veterans who served during the war for at least six months in any of the armed forces—Regular or Continental Army, state militia, navy and certain contract positions such as teamsters—not just disabled veterans and those who had served in the Continental Army.  In addition to Federal pensions nine states including Virginia enacted pension laws.

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, deposition 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 pension laws were amended and provide more information about the soldier or sailor and their families as more information was included in the file—pension files average around fifty documents. Whether rejected or approved pension files are rich with data concerning Revolutionary War veterans and their families and provide unique records and glimpses into their lives and time.

In addition to Federal pensions nine states including Virginia enacted pension laws.