How do I get a Civil War pension file?

Union service files and Confederate service files can be ordered from the National Archives. They are also available on microfilm which can be borrowed from Family History Centers or they can be found online at Fold3 ($).

What is in a Civil War pension file?

The pension file will contain records for all claims relating to one veteran—the soldier’s, the widow’s, the minor children’s, and the dependent father’s or mother’s. If a Civil War widow later became the widow of a second Civil War veteran, all records relating to both veterans may be consolidated in one file.

Are Civil War pension files online?

Pension Records: Paper copies of Civil War pension records can be requested online or requested by mail using an NATF Form 85 for each soldier (Volunteer Army or Regular Army, Union Navy or Marine Corps).

Where can I get Civil War pension records?

Ordering Records Generally you will find that Union Civil War Pension Records are available from the National Archives while Confederate Civil War Pension Records can be found in the appropriate State Archives or equivalent agency. Most Union soldiers (or their widows or other dependents) applied for a pension.

How do I find out if I have family in the Civil War?

If you don’t know if any of your ancestors fought in the Civil War, take your list of family surnames and go online to the “Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System” of the National Park Service.

Did Civil War veterans receive pensions?

Confederate veterans, who served in the military before the Civil War, or with the United States Army after their Confederate service, were eligible to receive pensions from the federal government.

Who was eligible for a Civil War pension?

Pension Laws Act of July 14, 1862 – Started the General Law pension system for Civil War veterans who had sustained war-related disabilities. Pensions became available to widows, children under 16 years of age, and dependent relatives of soldiers who died in military service from war related injuries.

How much is a Civil War pension worth?

Pension payments grew gradually over time starting with that $8/month for a completely disabled private in 1862. A law passed in 1912 increased the rate to a maximum of $30 a month for both Civil War and Mexican War veterans.

Who received a Civil War pension?

The last person in the United States to receive a Civil War-era pension died late last month at age 90. Irene Triplett received a monthly check for $73.13 from the Department of Veterans Affairs as her father, Mose Triplett, deserted the Confederates just before Gettysburg and later joined the Union army.

How do I find my Civil War ancestors?

The best place to research Confederate soldiers is at the various state archives and historical societies. These organizations keep state volunteer militia, regiments and Confederate pension records. Be sure to also visit local war museums and Confederate cemeteries.