1840 Kentucky Federal Census – List of Pensioners – Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Indian Wars

By Kentucky Kindred Genealogical Research on June 25, 2026 • ( Leave a comment )

Good morning! While working on a book for New Providence Presbyterian Cemetery I broke my wrist, and needing a few more photographs, I swerved in a different direction to produce this book, 1840 Kentucky Federal Census – List of Pensioners – Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Indian Wars. No photographs needed!

I’ve thought about this book for several months – always another project going on in the background. This is the only early census that lists soldiers by name and gives their age. If the pensioner was deceased, his wife is listed if she is still living. This information is listed on page two of the census record. The 1840 census is like the previous 5 – 1790, 1800, 1810, 1820 and 1840 – only head of household is listed on the first page, with the number of male and females in the adjoining columns, according to age.

It is amazing the number of pensioned veterans still living in 1840! Twelve are aged 100-109. 61 veterans were in their 90’s. 447 were in their 80’s. These were hardy individuals who not only fought in the Revolutionary War, but brought their families from the original colonies on the eastern seaboard to the wilds of Kentucky!

Mercer County – my home county for almost 40 years – leads the total with 39. Mason County had 34 and Henry County 32. 74% were head of household, many living alone.

Here is a sample from the book:

The census records were faded and sometimes difficult to read. The spelling is to the best of my ability. Remember the names were spelled as the census taker understood and as given to him.

My books can be purchased at amazon.com – search for Phyllis Brown genealogy books – or the name of the book.

Other Genealogy Books Available:

100 Years of Marriages – Washington County, Kentucky

Clark County Will Books Index 1793-1853 – Clark County, Kentucky

Early Jefferson County Kentucky Marriage Bonds – 1784-1792

Early Kentucky Marriages 1785-1800 Volume 1

Early Kentucky Marriages 1785-1800 Volume 2

Franklin County Kentucky Will Book 1 – 1795-1823

Holy Cross Catholic Church – Cemetery Photos Through 1900 – Marion County, Kentucky

Holy Cross Catholic Church Cemetery – Marion County, Kentucky

Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church – Old Cemetery – Marion County, Kentucky

Mercer County Will Book Index 1786-1900 – Mercer County, Kentucky