Monday, February 22, 2010

Revolutionary War Pension Act of 1832

Several acts dealt with pensions for veterans and widows of the Revolutionary War. The act of 1832 stated that every officer or enlisted man who had served two years in the war was eligible for a pension, whether he was needy or not. If the veteran died after being granted a pension, his widow or children could collect any money due from the date of his last payment until his death. The following entry in Caldwell County, Kentucky Court Order Book E, page 355, Monday, 16 February 1835 is important as it verifies Benjamin Ogden was a R.W. veteran and pensioner, gives his death date and states his widow was still living. Also, it suggests Nancy Ogden was was due money from her late husband's pension.

"Satisfactory proof was this day made in open court by the oaths of Asberry Harpending and Stephen F. Ogden that Benjamin Ogden late a pensioner of the United States, departed this life on the 16th day of November 1834, and that the said Benjamin Ogden was the identical person named in an original Certificate Now here shewn to the Court bearing date the 6th day of November 1832 and signed Lew Cass Secretary of War, granting to the said Benjamin Ogden a pension of Eight dollars per year and Numbered 1535, and it was further proven to the satisfaction of the Court that Nancy Ogden is the widow of the said Benjn. Ogden and that she is now living."

2 comments:

Ron Pavellas said...

I believe "Asberry Harpending" was Asbury Harpending, Sr. (1790-1873). His youngest child, a son, was Asbury Harpending, Jr. (1839-1923). Junior was my father's maternal grandfather and was known for his memoir The Great Diamond Hoax and Other Stirring Episodes in the Life of Asbury Harpending

It can be read online here:
http://www.archive.org/stream/diamondhoax00harp#page/n0/mode/2up

Brenda Joyce Jerome said...

Thank you for the additional information.