Last known widow of a Civil War soldier dies at 101

[Elderberry]

American Military News by Tim Balk 1/9/2021

Helen Viola Jackson, the one-time spouse of an elderly Union soldier who wished to leave her his pension, died last month at 101 as the last known Civil War widow, according to Sons of Union Veterans.

Jackson died Dec. 16. at the Webco Manor nursing home in Marshfield, Mo.

She was 17 when she married James Bolin, a 93-year-old who had served in the 14th Missouri Cavalry, according to the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival, where she volunteered.

Bolin wanted to pass his pension on to Jackson after she volunteered to do chores for him, and they did not live together after they married in 1936, according to the festival. He died three years later, and she never collected his pension.

More: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2021/01/last-known-widow-of-a-civil-war-soldier-dies-at-101/

[rangerrebew]

Missouri woman believed to be last Civil War widow dies
By JIM SALTERJanuary 7, 2021
 
O’FALLON, Mo. (AP) — Helen Viola Jackson’s 1936 marriage to James Bolin was unusual to say the least: He was 93 and in declining health, and she was a 17-year-old schoolgirl.

Bolin was also a Civil War veteran who fought for the Union in the border state of Missouri. Jackson was almost certainly the last remaining widow of a Civil War soldier when she died Dec. 16 at a nursing home in Marshfield, Missouri. She was 101.

Several Civil War heritage organizations have recognized Jackson’s quiet role in history, one that she hid for all but the final three years of her life, said Nicholas Inman, her pastor and longtime friend. Yet in those final years, Inman said, Jackson embraced the recognition that included a spot on the Missouri Walk of Fame and countless cards and letters from well-wishers.

https://apnews.com/article/last-civil-war-widow-dead-367329af8e4e6c8524bef9f2ad1d1181

[catfish1957]

This was a very common occurence in the U.S. 1890's- 1930's. 

Young ladies down on their luck and deseperate would marry these old gentlemen in some cases to be able have shelter and eat.   In return the young ladies would provide care .  Much like a Home CNA in our society today.