The State of Georgia first began giving pensions to maimed Confederate soldiers in 1877. The law was gradually broadened to include injured and indigent soldiers. Widows of Confederate soldiers who died in service or as a result of that service and who were indigent began receiving pensions in 1890.

Pensions were administered by the comptroller general and the governor until 1896, when the office of commissioner of pensions was created. Responsibility for administering pensions changed frequently until the State Division of Confederate Pensions was created in 1939. The division was abolished in 1961 and its functions transferred to the Veterans Service Office.

Pension applications generally give the soldier’s unit, date of enlistment and discharge, any disabling wounds received, length of Georgia residence and place of residence at the time of his application, his health at the time of application, and the value of personal property.

Widows’ pension applications include the husband’s name, name of his unit, date of their marriage, husband’s death date, and her means of support. Some applications include a copy of their marriage certificate.