ADJUTANT GENERAL:

The Indian War pension was created by the Minnesota legislature in 1905 [Laws 1905 c315] to provide pensions for Minnesota residents who participated in the U.S.-Dakota War and in subsequent actions from August 15 to September 15, 1862. Those who rendered active service, bore arms, or otherwise rendered efficient aid and suffered any disabilities during this interval were eligible for a monthly pension of up to twelve dollars, beginning in January 1905 and lasting until death and/or until the death of a widow to whom the applicant was married after 1885. This act only applied to those who received no other pension or relief. The wording pertaining to widows was slightly altered in 1909 [Laws 1909 c459].

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The main files include a pension application form and a series of affidavits describing the applicant’s service during the period. Many also contain death certificates, marriage licenses, and probate records documenting claims by widows for pensions based on their husband’s service.

A small number of files contain Civil War discharge papers and other original documentation submitted as evidence to support the application for a pension. Approved files frequently contain the Adjutant General’s official certificates for transmittal to the State Auditor, which initiated payment.

Most approved pension files for surnames A-H contain only the pension certificate; supporting affidavits are missing. Also in the records are an incomplete alphabetical index to deceased pensioners (1905 – ca. 1940s), an undated list of female pensioners, and related lists and compilations.

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The main body of pension files are arranged alphabetically by surname of applicant.

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Alphabetical index listing name, roll (application) number and/or number, certificate number, city and county of residence (usually at the time of approval or denial of the claim), and approximate date of beginning and ending dates of file, with notation of additional documentation beyond the certificate if present, in pdf format.

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Availability:

The collection is open for research use.

Preferred Citation:

[Indicate the cited item and/or series here]. Minnesota. Office of Adjutant General. Indian War Pension Files. Minnesota Historical Society.

See the Chicago Manual of Style for additional examples.

Accession Information:

Accession number(s): None: 992-110

Processing Information:

Catalog ID number: 990017198430104294

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This collection is indexed under the following headings in the catalog of the Minnesota Historical Society. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons or places should search the catalog using these headings.

Topics:

Dakota Indians -- Wars, 1862-1865 -- Veterans.

Military pensions -- Minnesota.

Places:

United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Veterans -- Minnesota.

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