New York, U.S., Pension Claims by Disabled Revolutionary War Veterans, 1779-1789

During and following the Revolutionary War a series of laws were passed to provide for servicemen who were disabled and the wives of those who were killed. States were responsible for making payments on behalf of the federal government. This collection includes records created by the New York State auditor, who was charged with recording proof of disabilities and authorizing payments to partially and fully disabled soldiers.

To receive payment, claimants had to appear in a local court and prove both service and the disability. They received a certificate, and a copy of that certificate was sent to the state auditor. Certificates can include the veteran’s name, rank, and unit and the date, place, and cause of the disability.

In addition to the certificate copies, this collection includes audits and lists of pensioners, with the names, ranks, and dates and amounts of pension paid. Some of these may include details about the disability as well.