Revolutionary War Pensions

            During the war, legislation passed by the Continental Congress for pensions were an inducement to provide continued service in the Continental line, and after the war a reward for services rendered. 

            1776, the Continental Congress approved a pension of half pay for officers and enlisted men who suffered a disability as a result of their service and were incapable of earning a living.  The pension would continue for the duration of the disability. 

            1778, The Continental Congress passed a resolution providing half pay for seven years to all officers and a gratuity of $80 to enlisted men who remained to the end of the war in the Continental line.  1780, the Continental Congress amended the resolution to provide half pay for life, and in 1783 it was changed to five years. 

            1780, The Continental Congress passed a resolution providing half pay for seven years to widows, or orphans of officers who were on active duty in 1778 and subsequently killed in the line of duty. 

            1806, Congress extended the scope of pensions for disabilities to State Troops and Militias. 

            1818, Congress passed legislation providing pensions to Continental troops and navel person who served in the Revolution for nine months and were in poverty.  This was the first legislation not connected to a disability or death (excepting officers).  The pension was to continue for life.  1820 legislation was passed requiring substantiation of the need for assistance, and subsequently thousands were dropped from the rolls.  1823, further legislation was passed restoring many to the list. 

            1828, Congress passed legislation providing a full pension for life to all surviving enlisted and officers who served under the provisions of the 1778 legislation. 

            1832, Congress passed legislation extending the pensions to personnel who had served at least six months in the Continental line, Navy, Marines or Militia.  Under this act widows and orphans could also collect payments due. 

1835 Pension Roll  (Working) 

Census 1840 NY, Albany Co, Berne 

Census 1840 NY, Albany Co, Knox

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Partial List of Revolutionary War Pension Applications in the National Archives 

Dietz, Adam. NY, Margaret, R2847. 

Dietz, Johan Jost/John Joseph, NY, S45837 

Ecker, Johannes. NY, Elisabeth, R3182. 

“Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications in the National Archives.” Bicentennial ed. Special Pub. No. 40. Washington D. C.: National Genealogical Society, 1976. 

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Pension Records located at: 

National Archives and Records Administration

General Reference Branch NNRG-P (Military Records)

7th Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Wash., D.C. 20408 

Phone # (202) 501-5170