State Pensions
After the war, Virginia issued a limited number of pensions to soldiers disabled in service and widows of soldiers who died in service. Pension files are available at the following link:
Federal Pensions
The federal government also issued pensions. Beginning in 1818, all Continental Army veterans or their heirs were eligible to apply, and beginning in 1832, those who had served at least six months in the militia were eligible.
Pension applications often give details of the veterans’ family, biography, and military service. Widows’ pension applications usually give their marriage date and maiden name. Federal “final pension payment vouchers,” separate from the pension application file, document the death date of the pensioner (veteran or widow).
Half-Pay Pensions
In May 1779, the Virginia General Assembly promised half-pay for life to officers in the Continental Line and State Line who served until the end of the war. In 1780, half-pay for seven years was provided for widows or orphans of officers who died in service. In 1832, Virginia defaulted on these obligations, and the federal government assumed the payments.
Virginia half-pay pension applications and federal records of the Virginia half-pay pensions are available on microfilm at the Library.
