W.J. Peil's Letter Clarifying Melvina's Names
Writing from Hockley on November 18, 1896, Notary W.J. Peil replied to a Bureau of Pensions inquiry addressed to Acting Commissioner D.S. Murphy, clarifying the full name history of Melvina Roberts for her widow's claim on Certificate 17,403: her Christian name was Mulvina, her name from a previous marriage was Mulvina Bowers, and her maiden name was Mulvina Shannon — revealing that the marriage documented on page 38 was in fact her second, not first. Peil also reported that the paperwork proving the date and death of her first husband had already been attended to, and that he was now simply waiting on the witnesses' certificate.
Full Transcription
(letterhead:)
OFFICE OF
W. J. PEIL,
Justice of the Peace Precinct No. 6,
and Ex-Officio Notary Public.
(docketing mark, upper left: "OUT" with a small hand-pointer/manicule mark)
Hockley, HARRIS CO., Tex., Nov'r 18th 1896
(round Bureau of Pensions receipt stamp, left margin: "...U.S. PENSION... NOV 23 1896 ... [O]FFICE")
D.S. Murphy "Ex" "Commissioner"
Bureau of Pensions
Washington "D.C."
Dear Sir:
In reply to yours of 9th inst. — just received — respecting claim of widow of Elias Roberts "Mex Surv" — Certificate 17,403 — advised for full Christian name — will state her Christian name is Mulvina — formerly married name = Mulvina Bowers — Mulvina Maiden name — Mulvina Shannon. Trusting this is satisfactory —
Previous papers as to proof of date and death of former husband — have been attended to, and am now waiting for witnesses' certificate.
Very Resp'y Yours
W. J. Peil
