Question: I am curious if you can define the pension acts passed for War of 1812 veterans in the 1870's? I understand this is when my ancestor qualified, but I am not sure under what criteria.
Answer: The following is a definition of the Pension Acts of 1871 and 1878.
The Pension Act of 1871 provided pensions for veterans who served at a minimum sixty days. It also permitted pensions for widows if they had married before 1815. The Pension Act of 1878 provided pensions for veterans who served at least fourteen days. This was also applicable to widows of veterans with that minimum service.