Military and pension records: the most underused files in American research
A pension application can name a wife, her maiden name, every child with birth dates, and the neighbours who vouched for the service. Nothing else in American records does that for the early nineteenth century.
Why pension files matter more than service records
A compiled service record proves someone served. A pension file proves who they were: it contains affidavits, family Bible pages, marriage certificates, letters from neighbours, and sometimes the widow's application listing children and their ages. For Revolutionary War and Civil War families, the pension file is often the single richest document that survives.
By conflict
| Conflict | Records held | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Revolutionary War | Compiled service records, pension and bounty-land files | Pension files often include the widow's application — the best source for maiden names |
| War of 1812 | Service records, pension files, bounty land warrants | Pensions granted much later, so files can reach into the 1870s |
| Civil War | Union compiled service records and pensions; Confederate records largely at state level | Union pension files are the largest single body of personal detail for that generation |
| Spanish-American War and after | Service records, some pensions | Increasingly detailed, with photographs in some series |
| First World War | Service records, draft registration cards | Draft cards give full name, birth date and place, occupation, and next of kin |
| Second World War and Korea | Service records; some personnel files lost | A 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center destroyed a large share of Army and Air Force files — alternatives include unit records and veterans' organisations |
How to request a file
Most of these records are held by the National Archives, either in Washington or at the National Personnel Records Center in St Louis. Older pension files are increasingly digitised; recent service records require a request, and access rules depend on whether the veteran is deceased and how long ago. Next of kin can request more than a researcher can, so ask within the family before paying anyone.
Draft registration cards for the First World War are widely available and free to search. They are often the fastest way to get an exact birth date and a birthplace town for an immigrant ancestor.
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