United States, Navy Widows' Certificates, 1861-1910
This collection consists of an index of approximately 20,000 approved pension application files of widows and other dependents of US Navy veterans who served between 1861 and 1910. The applications are commonly referred to as "Navy Widows' Certificates." Applications prior to approval were termed "originals." when claims were approved, a new file number was issued and they were referred to as "certificates." This collection corresponds to NARA publication M1279: Case Files of Approved Pension Applications of Widows and Other Dependents of Civil War and Later Navy Veterans, ('Navy Widows' Certificates'), 1861-1910. Index courtesy of Footnote.com.
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United States, Navy Widows' Certificates
What is in This Collection?
This collection is an index to approximately 20,000 pension application files of widows and other dependents of U.S. Navy veterans who served between 1861 and 1910. The applications are commonly referred to as "Navy Widows' Certificates.” Prior to approval, applications were termed "originals." When claims were approved, a new file number was issued, and the records were referred to as "certificates." This collection corresponds to “NARA publication M1279: Case Files of Approved Pension Applications of Widows and Other Dependents of Civil War and Later Navy Veterans, ('Navy Widows' Certificates'), 1861-1910.” The index is arranged alphabetically and numerically.
This is an index to the Widows’ Certificates Collection, which was compiled from documents submitted by applicants (which include proof of their relationships to the veterans) and also from records created by the government (such as requests for documentation, certificates, or more information). The information in this index is quite reliable. However, keep in mind that even though this index is very accurate it still may contain inaccuracies, such as altered spellings or misinterpretations. Additional records and/or images may be added to this collection in the future.
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What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these Navy Widows' Certificates records:
- Navy veteran’s full name
- Rank and rate of pay
- Pay commenced on what date
- Name of wife and children
- Petitioner's full name
- Petitioner's relationship to veteran
- Application number
- Certificate number
Collection Content
Sample of indexed information:
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Collection Details
Location of Original Records
National Archives and Records Administration
"United States, Navy Widows' Certificates, 1861-1910." Database. FamilySearch. http://FamilySearch.org : 12 February 2025. From "Case Files of Approved Pension Applications of Widows and Other Dependents of Civil War and Later Navy Veterans (Navy Widows' Certificates), 1861-1910." Database. Fold3.com. http://www.fold3.com : n.d.
