Lists of Pensioners of the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts,

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888

Background

Scope and content:

Lists of pensioners, 1785-1804, includes printed lists with names of individuals receiving pensions from the state of Virginia. Each list is in alphabetical order by surname. Lists, 1786-1790, include name, residence, age, rank, corps, and annual allowance. Lists, 1785 and 1792-1804, include name and annual allowance only. Lists also indicate widows and orphans.

Biographical / historical:

During the session which began in October 1777, the Virginia General Assembly passed several laws designed to increase military enlistment. These laws authorized the payment of pensions to maimed and disabled soldiers and to the widows of men killed in action. The provisions varied according to the specific terms of each act. In October 1782 an act was passed requiring county courts to certify on a semi-annual basis the continued eligibility of pensioners to receive allowances. The state auditor of public accounts maintained lists of pensioners that he sent to the county clerks for verification. He also issued warrants for the disbursement of pension funds. A few of the pensions in the collection are for French and Indian War service. The last act concerning Revolutionary War pensions was passed by the General Assembly in 1785.

Acquisition information:
Acquisition information unknown.
Physical description:
.325 cubic feet (1 box).