He married after the war and went on to have a daughter. I never wanted to share my story with the public, Jackson reportedly said during a Civil War oral history recording in 2018. Today's video is a historical look at the Helen Jackson Hunt who is believed to have a major tie to American History as the last Civil War widow who has seen. After Bolins death in 1939, she did not seek his pension. Jackson was believed to be the last surviving widow of a Civil War soldier when she died Dec. 16, 2020, in Marshfield, Mo. Missouri woman believed to be last Civil War widow dies - KXII I had great respect for Mr Bolin, and I did not want him to be hurt by the scorn of wagging tongues, she said. Helen Viola Jackson (August 3, 1919 - December 16, 2020) was the last surviving widow of a Union soldier and the last surviving widow of a Civil War veteran overall; she died on December 16, 2020, at the age of 101. Jackson agreed in large part because she felt her daily care was prolonging his life, Inman said. Helen Viola Jackson was 101 when she died on December 16, 2020. She never remarried, spending decades harboring this secret that had to be eating her alive, Inman said. You have successfully subscribed the newsletter. Helen Viola Jackson, last known Civil War widow, dead at 101 In an oral history recording in 2018, Jackson said she never spoke of the wedding to protect Bolin's reputation as well as her own. A Missouri woman sacrificed much of her own life to help an aged Union veteran Barely five feet tall and weighing no more than 100 pounds, Helen Viola Jackson sat on the edge of a bed in a private room of a nursing home, her tiny feet grazing the floor. "I didn't want them all to think that I was a young woman who had married an old man to take advantage of him," Jackson added. Jackson had received several laurels during her lifetime. Although 93 years old at the time, Bolin offered to marry her in payment so that she would receive his pension when he passed on. She also realized the stigma and potential scandal of a teenager wedding a man in his 90s, regardless of her reason. Jacksons father volunteered his teenage daughter to stop by Bolins home each day to provide care and help with chores. Jackson did not go public with her story until 2018, speaking to Historian Hamilton C. Clark. Registered in England No. After Bolins relatives found out about Jacksons role in his life, they went to the nursing home and presented her with a framed photo of him. The last known widow of a Civil War veteran died after concealing the marriage for much of her life. Last Civil War Widow Dies at Age 101 She never took her $73.13-a-month Veteran's Pension. She admitted recently, after keeping it quiet for many years, that she married James Bolin, who was 93 when she was 17. All rights reserved. "All a woman had in 1939 was her reputation", Helen Viola Jackson said when she shared her 80-year-old tale of being married to a 93-year-old Civil War veteran back in 1936. Helen Jacksons mysterious marriage was confirmed by The Daughters of Union Veterans, who tracked down wedding documents and a signed witness affidavit. Back up about that. Helen Viola Jackson, Last Civil War Widow, Dies at 101 - InsideHook Remarkably, Jackson married a 93-year-old veteran in 1936 when she was just 17 years old. KELEIGH: A LIFE NOW MEMORIALIZED FOR GENERATION IN A CITY THAT KEEPS HISTORY CLOSE TO, 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. "It was during the Depression and times were hard. Inman checked into her story and found that everything she told him was spot on. Officials at Wilsons Creek National Battlefield sent him copies of Bolins service information. We have noticed that there is an issue with your subscription billing details. She was talking with her pastor, Nicholas Inman, and revealed shed been married to a Union veteran. Helen Viola Jacksons 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. She died Dec. 16 at Webco Manor Nursing Home in Marshfield, Missouri, where she had been a resident for many years, according to a statement on her Facebook page. After Bolins death in 1939, she did not seek his pension. >> THIS TELLS YOU THAT HISTORY, HISTORY LIVES ON. 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. Inman checked into her story and found that everything she told him was spot on. Officials at Wilsons Creek National Battlefield sent him copies of Bolins service information. Maudie Hopkins of Arkansas who passed away in 2008 was believed to be the last known Civil War widow left in the United States until Helen Viola Jackson shared her story in 2017. KELEIGH: DRIVE PAST THE CITY OF LECOMPTON. Helen Jackson grew up on a farm in Missouri with 10 siblings. Helen Viola Jackson, the last known widow of a Civil War veteran, died in a Marshfield, Missouri, nursing home Dec. 16. Eventually, Bolin suggested he wed Jackson because he did not have any money to pay her. She and Bolin met at the church near her home. Missouri woman believed to be last Civil War widow dies - KMBC Channel 9 Bruce Yuanyue Bi via Getty Images By Tobias Carroll @tobiascarroll Helen Viola Jackson was just 17 when she married James Bolin, a 93-year-old veteran, in Missouri in 1936. Jackson was believed to be the last surviving widow of a Civil War soldier when she died Dec. 16, 2020, in Marshfield, Mo. Helen Viola Jackson is shown in this April 2017 photo. She had served as grand marshal in her hometown's annual Independence Day Parade. To pay back her kindness, Bolin offered to marry Jackson, which would allow her to receive his soldiers pension after his death, a compelling offer in the context of the Great Depression. She was stern, stoic and somewhat intimidating, a stalwart of local societies, a regular at her Methodist church who objected if anyone sat in her pew. She also received an honorary high school diploma from Niangua High School in the class of 1937. And her husband had fought for the Union in the American Civil War. SET SQUARELY IN THE SUN. She didnt do so in fear of having her reputation ruined after receiving a threat from one of her stepdaughters. History of Now The Last Surviving Widow of a Civil War Veteran Dies at 101 Helen Viola Jackson married James Bolin in 1936, when she was 17 and he was 93 Meilan Solly Associate Editor,. Screengrab from Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival in Marshfield, MO. , who died in December at age 101, had been married to a Civil War veteran. She was 101.Several Civil War heritage organizations have recognized Jacksons 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. The two were married in 1936. She spoke to schoolchildren and relished the cards and letters she received. She was 101 years old. Helen Viola Jackson, the last known surviving widow of a U.S. Civil War veteran, has died. Jackson was featured in the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival Auxiliary Our America magazine for October of 2020. So, Helen never did. Helen Jackson, Last Civil War Widow - Facebook Civil War veteran widow Helen Jackson dies in Missouri | Charlotte Observer Those written words were good enough for the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and other heritage organizations to recognize Jacksons place in history.After a lifetime of avoiding her past, Jackson embraced it in her final years, Inman said. Here you'll find all collections you've created before. She was a charter member of the Methodist church where he serves as pastor. I had great respect for Mr. Bolin, and I did not want him to be hurt by the scorn of wagging tongues, she said. She also kept a Bible that he gave her - in which he wrote about their marriage. I had great respect for Mr Bolin, and I did not want him to be hurt by the scorn of wagging tongues, she said. The last known widow of a Civil War soldier has just died at age 101. Missouri woman believed to be last Civil War widow dies - WHSV Jackson was living in the Webcon Manor Nursing Home in Marshfield, Mo., according to a . Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Jackson grew up one of 10 children in the tiny south-western Missouri town of Niangua, near Marshfield. Helen Jackson, Last Civil War Widow - Facebook She also kept a Bible that he gave her, in which he wrote about their marriage. They wed on Sept. 4, 1936, at his home. She also never remarried and had no children. She was just 19 in 1936, when she married 91-year-old Civil War veteran James Bolin after volunteering as his . Until three years ago, no one knew that Helen Viola Jackson, who died in December at age 101, had been married to a Civil War veteran. January 12, 2021, 11:41 am Find out more about how we use your personal data in our privacy policy and cookie policy. She had been married once, a very long time ago. Miss Jackson they called her in the small town of Marshfield, Missouri (population 7,562). (AP) - Helen Viola Jacksons 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. She was an old maid who had never married, or so everyone believed until three years ago. She passed away on Dec. 16, according to a statement by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Jackson, 101 years old, was thought to be the last living widow of a Civil War veteran, as reported by The Washington Post . That way, Helen could inherit Bolins Civil War pension when he died. Also Read:Meet Padala Bhudevi, An Inspiring Woman Who is Working to Uplift Lives of Widows, If you liked this article share it with your friends.they will thank you later. Jackson died in Marshfield, Mo. Confirming a Legacy Helen Jackson, who never remarried, held on to her historic secret for nearly a lifetime. A stoic nature that kept her from shedding tears at her own siblings' funerals seemed to evaporate. She also found new peace. According to HuffPost, Helen Viola Jackson passed away on December 16, 2020. NIANGUA, Mo. Irene Triplett, last person. Thats because she never told anyone. KELEIGH: IN THIS WOODED SPACE, A HIKER, MAKING A STRIKING DISCOVER THE HEADSTONE OF A CIVIL WAR SOLDIER KILLED IN BATTLE. Although she led an extraordinary life as a centenarian, she was also the countrys last Civil War widow according to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Bolin was also a. She was raised on their family farm during the height of the Great Depression. Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password. Jackson was almost certainly the last remaining widow of a civil war soldier when she died on 16 December at a nursing home in Marshfield, Missouri. I said, What? Missouri woman believed to be last Civil War widow dies Bolin was also a civil war veteran who fought for the Union in the border state of Missouri. We will send you a maximum of two emails in, We will be in touch to remind you to contribute. Helen Viola Jackson, Last Known Widow Of A Civil War - SheThePeople Helen Jackson was, by most every account, the last surviving widow of the Civil War. James Bolin then urged that they enter wedlock since he was unable to pay for her service. 16 years later Jackson was a 17 year-old neighbor of Bolin who would look in on him and take care of him at the insistence of her father. Jackson was the last-known surviving widow of a Civil War veteran. , who died in 2008, was believed to be the last. In December 2017, aged 98, Helen Jackson met Nicholas Inman, her pastor and longtime friend, to discuss her funeral arrangements, but before doing so she said there was something she should tell him. She spoke to schoolchildren and had a Facebook page dedicated to her. Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF. Helen Jackson, who never remarried, held on to her historic secret for nearly a lifetime. When you hear there was still a surviving Civil War widow in the year 2021, it might seem hard to believe. Woman believed to be last remaining widow of US civil war soldier dies According to the military records, Bolin had signed up for his military service at the age of 18. Inman was astounded. "He wanted me to have a future and he was so kind." Inman and Jackson were longtime friends. She mentioned in passing that he fought in the Civil War. For more stories on the Civil War, then click on Outsider. On January 7, 2021, her death was announced by the Associated Press. Jackson grew up one of 10 children in the tiny southwestern Missouri town of Niangua, near Marshfield. 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.. Jackson agreed and they were married in 1936, although she never told anyone about the marriage. It was sort of a healing process for Helen: that something she thought would be kind of a scarlet letter would be celebrated in her later years, Inman said. Emily Mack Those written words were good enough for the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and other heritage organizations to recognize Jacksons place in history. She was even an honoree on the Missouri Walk of Fame at the age of 99. She enjoyed getting cards and letters. I had great respect for Mr Bolin, and I did not want him to be hurt by the scorn of wagging tongues, she said. Jackson had been taking care of Bolin, who was a widower and served as a private in the 14th Missouri Cavalry during the Civil War. A stoic nature that kept her from shedding tears at her own siblings funerals seemed to evaporate. Helen Jackson, who married a Civil War veteran when she was 17 years old, died last December at 101 years old. Missouri woman believed to be last Civil War widow dies between the couple, their marriage was unconventional. She admitted recently, after keeping it quiet for many years, that she married James Bolin, who was 93 when she was 17. Bolin, a widower who had served as a private in the 14th Missouri Cavalry during the Civil War seven decades earlier, lived nearby.Jacksons father volunteered his teenage daughter to stop by Bolins home each day to provide care and help with chores. Inside The Life And Death Of The Last Civil War Widow - Grunge And with her passing, we lose the last known widow of a Civil War veteran. What do you mean he was in the civil war? Inman said. I said, What? Missouri woman believed to be last Civil War widow dies - WIBW The Last Surviving Widow of the Civil War - HistoryNet Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF. Although she led an extraordinary life as a centenarian, she was also the countrys last Civil War widow, This tank was named after both Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. 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A stoic nature that kept her from shedding tears at her own siblings' funerals seemed to evaporate.After Bolins relatives found out about Jackson's role in his life, they went to the nursing home and presented her with a framed photo of him.She broke down and cried, Inman recalled. If you would like to customise your choices, click 'Manage privacy settings'. Helen Viola Jackson is shown this April 2017 photo. All a woman had in 1939 was her reputation, Jackson explained to Our America Magazine, the official publication of the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival. Jackson was believed to be the last surviving widow of a Civil War soldier when she died Dec. 16, 2020, in Marshfield, Mo. 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 also realized the stigma and potential scandal of a teenager wedding a man in his 90s, regardless of her reason. Check out member benefits and perks . Bolin was also a Civil War veteran who fought for the Union in the border state of Missouri. Helen Jackson sits with portrait of her husband, a Civil War Veteran. In an oral history recording in 2018, Jackson said she never spoke of the wedding to protect Bolins reputation as well as her own. Civil War veteran widow Helen Jackson dies in Missouri | The Kansas Jackson grew up one of 10 children in the tiny southwestern Missouri town of Niangua, near Marshfield. She enjoyed getting cards and letters. As she explained in an oral history in 2018, she feared not only for her reputation, but for Bolins. When Bolins wife passed away in 1922 he found himself alone and unwell. 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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. James Bolin had five children with his first wife, the late Elizabeth Davenport Bolin. In 1936 . He was a friend of Jackson's family. Americas Last Civil War Widow Dies at 101, Pentatonixs Cover Hallelujah Is So Powerful, It Takes Our Breath Away, Kate Hudson Hopes to Connect with Estranged Fathers Children. They used to farm near Niangua and it was then when the family began to assist old Bolin. Last Civil War widow dies after keeping marriage secret most of her Thats because she never told anyone. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy & cookie settings' or 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. America's Last Civil War Widow Dies at 101 - Rare Her death signifies the true end to any link to that period of Americas history. The marriage took place in the presence of a few people only at his Niangua home on September 4, 1936. Even after his passing, Jackson never applied for his war-time pension. Back in 1936, at age 17, she married 93-year-old James Bolin, who had served on the side of the Union in the 14th Missouri Cavalry. He always wished her to have a good future. 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. With a focus on news, media, and humor, we are a RARE voice in todays media landscape. She was 101. The Civil War veteran wanted to show his appreciation for her help. (And thankfully, those funeral arrangements were premature.) Bolin was also a civil war veteran who fought for the Union in the border state of Missouri. Helen Viola Jackson, Last Civil War Widow, Dies at 101 - InsideHook History | January 8, 2021 12:06 pm Last Known Civil War Widow Dies at 101 Helen Viola Jackson married a Union veteran in 1936, when he was 93 and she was 17 Graves of soldiers in Gettysburg National Cemetery. She also found new peace. James Bolin served as a Private in the Union Army, in the 14th Missouri Cavalry with F Company. After a lifetime of avoiding her past, Jackson embraced it in her final years, Inman said. The pastor realized that Helen was the only surviving Civil War widow. Please try again later. That bible is now a part of a rotating exhibit. Mr. Jackson was almost certainly the last remaining widow of a civil war soldier when she died on 16 December at a nursing home in Marshfield, Missouri. Helen Jackson, who married a Civil War veteran when she was 17 years old, died last December at 101 years old. Become a member of the Veterans Breakfast Club for only $36/year! She never told her parents, her siblings or anyone else about the wedding. If you do not want us and our partners to use cookies and personal data for these additional purposes, click 'Reject all'. Mighty Networks, 2023. Bolin, a widower who had served as a private in the 14th Missouri Cavalry during the civil war seven decades earlier, lived nearby. Sorry we couldn't set a reminder for you this time. Jackson never claimed her late husband's pension because Bolin's step-daughter had threatened to ruin her reputation if she did so, "All a woman had in 1939 was her reputation", she said. 0 Votes. >> IF YOU DONT KNOW WHERE YOUVE COME FROM, YOU DONT KNOW WHERE YOURE GOING KELEIGH: THATS WHY IN A HOME TO 640 RESIDENTS, AN EVEN SMALLER GROUP IS HEADING A BIG CHARGE. Photo originally shared in Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival Our America Magazine. Helen Viola Jackson is shown in this April 2017 photo. If this timeline seems confusing to you, you're not alone. She mentioned in passing that he fought in the civil war. Last Known Widow Of Civil War Veteran Dies At 101 - HuffPost This unlikely partnership came to be in 1936 when Jackson, just 17 years old, married James Bolin, 93. Helens secret past haunted her. Jackson was believed to be the last surviving widow of a Civil War soldier when she died Dec. 16, 2020 in Marshfield, Mo. It is said that his daughter threatened to ruin her reputation if she did. She is the spouse of an active duty Coast Guardsman and mother of two. Bolin. Missouri woman believed to be last Civil War widow dies - Yahoo News Helen Viola Jackson, the last known widow of a Civil War soldier, has died. The $73.13 a month represented a small fortune. 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