Melvina Roberts' Application for Accrued Pension
Sworn September 19, 1896 before Notary W.J. Peil, this printed "Application for Accrued Pension (Widows)" form is Melvina Roberts' formal claim to the pension that had accrued to her late husband Elias Roberts between his last payment and his death. She declared she was his lawful widow, that he died June 23, 1896, that Certificate No. 17403 had last been paid through May 4, 1896, and that she had been married to him on April 26, 1860 at Marlin, Falls County, Texas under her maiden name, Mulvina Bowers. She signed by her mark, witnessed by J.B. Rives and A.H. Walker. A second sworn statement followed from two corroborating relatives: Emily Roberts, her sister-in-law, and Thomas Roberts, who had known the couple for twenty years — both testifying they had lived together as husband and wife and were satisfied the marriage was lawful.
Full Transcription
(3—560.)
APPLICATION FOR ACCRUED PENSION.
(WIDOWS.)
State of Texas, County of Harris ss:
On this 19th day of September, 1896, personally appeared Mrs Elias Roberts, who, being duly sworn, declares that she is the lawful widow of Elias Roberts, deceased; that he died on the 23rd day of June, 1896; that he had been granted a pension by Certificate No. 17403, which is herewith returned (or if not, state why not) ___; that he had been paid the pension by the Pension Agent at Knoxville, Tenn. up to the 4th day of May, 1896, after which date he had not been employed or paid in the Army, Navy, or Marine service of the United States, except ___; that she was married to the said Elias Roberts on the 26th day of [illegible, heavily struck through] April, 1860, at Marlin, Falls Co., in the State of Texas; that her name before said marriage was Mulvina Bowers; that she had (or had not) been previously married; that her husband had (or had not) been previously married; that she hereby makes application for the pension which had accrued on aforesaid certificate to the date of death; and that her residence is No. ___ Street, City of Hockley, County of Harris, State of Texas, and her post-office address is as above.
Witnesses to Mark: J. B./P. [?] Rines, A. H. Walker
(Widow's signature.) Mrs Elias [her mark] X Roberts
Also personally appeared Mrs Chas Roberts, residing at Hockley, Harris Co, Texas, and Thomas Roberts, residing at Hockley, Harris Co, [Tex.], who, being duly sworn, say they were present and saw Mrs Elias Roberts sign her name (make her mark) to the foregoing declaration; that they know her to be the lawful widow of Elias Roberts, who died on the 23rd day of June, 1896; and that their means of knowledge that said parties were husband and wife, and that the husband died on said date, are as follows:
Mrs Charles Roberts is a Sister in Law of Mrs Elias Roberts and has known them live together as man & wife, and feel satisfied they were lawfully man wife married. Mr Tom Roberts has known them for twenty years, that they lived together as man and wife, and feels satisfied th[ey were] legally married.
Witnesses to Mark: J. P. Rines [?]
(Signature of witnesses.) Mrs Emily [her mark] X Roberts / Thomas [his mark] Roberts
Sworn to and subscribed before me on this 19th day of September, 1896, and I certify that the affiants are reputable persons; that they know the contents of their depositions, and that their statements are entitled to full faith and credit. I further certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the above claim.
(Signature.) W. J. Peil, Justice of the Peace, Precinct #6
(Official character.) and Ex-Officio Notary Public, Harris Co. Tex.
(bottom-left, printed form codes:) 8540 b—20 m; 0-2
