A Civil War Widow's Pension (1899)

A few years ago, I obtained from the National Archives and Records Administration the civil war pension file for my ancestor, Christopher Tinkler (1834-1899)*, the first in this family line to be born in America.  In a family tree prepared by my great uncle Leslie Tinkler, Christopher's wife's name is given as Julia Carey.  Her name in the marriage record was Julia Ellen Carey.  It took some time to uncover her maiden name.  It can be challenging to find details about female ancestors.  Often the details of their lives are hidden in the records of their husbands, sons, fathers, and brothers.

 

Below is a transcription of an affidavit filed by Julia's brother, George Washington Kline, and sister, Lydia Ann (Kline) Nicholson, in support of Julia's widow's pension:

 

No. 707102

 

General Affidavit

 

Case of Julia A. Tinkler, Widow of Christopher Tinkler, Co. D 107 Ohio Infantry

 

Affidavit of Geo. W. Kline and Lydia A. Nicholson, Bethany, Illinois

 

Filed by Michael Shea, Decatur, Illinois

 

                                                                       

State of Illinois, County of Moultrie ss:

 

In the matter of Pension Julia Ann Tinkler Widow of Christopher Tinkler Co D 107 Ohio Inf.

 

Personally came before me, a Notary Public in and for the aforesaid County and State, George W. Kline, aged 56 years, and Lydia A. Nicholson, aged 63 years citizens of the town of Marrowbone Bethany County of Moultrie, State of Illinois well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declare in relation to aforesaid case as follows:

 

We lived in Stark Co Ohio knew claimant Julia Ann Tinkler all her life knew of her marriage to Charles F. Carey in May 26 1856 and know her husband Charles F. Carey Died October 16^th 1857 all in Stark Co Ohio

 

We further know that Julia A. Carey the claimant married Christopher Tinkler the Soldier in Stark Co Ohio July 11^th 1858

 

We further State that claimant was never married except the two times above named that her and Soldier lived together as husband and wife up to time Soldier was placed in asylum at Kankakee except the time he was in U.S. Service we further state that Soldier was not married ...[illegible]... to his marriage to claimant and that they were never divorced and that she still remains his widow.

 

We further declare that we have no interest in said claim and are not concerned in its prosecution.

 

            /s/ George W. Kline

            /s/ Lydia A. Nicholson

 

Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above-named affiant; and I certify that I read said affidavit to affiants, and acquainted them with its contents before they executed the same.  I further certify that I am in nowise interested in said case, nor am I concerned in its prosecution; and that said affiants personally known to me; that they credible persons and so reputed in the community in which they reside.

 

Witness my hand and official seal this 14^th day of October, 1899

 

                                                                                                                        /s/ N. P. Mcguire

OFFICIAL SEAL                                                                                     Notary Public

 

My Commission will expire Dec 10 1899

*Tinkler, Christopher [alternate name Christian Tinkler]

BATTLE UNIT NAME: 107th Regiment, Ohio Infantry

SIDE: Union

COMPANY: D

SOLDIER'S RANK IN: Private

SOLDIER'S RANK OUT: Private

FILM NUMBER: M552 ROLL 109

INVALID APPLICATION NO.: 166512, filed 19 Jun 1871, Illinois

INVALID CERTIFICATE NO.: 156616

SPOUSE: Julia Ann Tinkler

WIDOW APPLICATION NO.: 707102

WIDOW CERTIFICATE NO.: 488385, filed 18 Oct 1899, Illinois