DESCRIPTION:During the years 1775 to 1902, thousands of American men answered the call of their country, joined the military, and served in the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, the various Indian wars of the 1800’s, the Mexican War, Civil War and the Spanish American War. When the veterans of these wars met the requirements, the federal government granted them pensions for their service. A significant but often overlooked part of family research, the early war pension records can be an exceptional source for furthering one’s genealogy. An early war veteran’s pension file is a potential goldmine for the researcher, as it can provide and confirm names and dates, track migrations, establish family ties, and break through brick walls.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:Susan Covey is the keeper of the genealogical flame for her family. An amateur genealogist and self-taught in the field of family history, she has been researching over 25 years. Ms. Covey has a journalism degree from the University of Evansville and has attended the University of Louisville. She is a current board member and past vice president of the Southern Indiana Genealogical Society, a member of the Louisville Genealogical Society, and the National Society Daughters of the Union. Ms. Covey is a 2011 recipient of the Floyd County, Indiana, “Gold Leaf Volunteer Award” for her efforts in local genealogy.