Abraham Jinks Pension File

Submitted by: Loyd Bishop

At Rush County, Indiana, Abraham Jinks, aged 50 years, applied for an invalid pension Application Number 669,976 on 25 August 1888, who was enrolled on 21st day of July 1862 in Company c of the 16th Indiana infantry commanded by Capt. P. J. Beachbard. He was honorably discharged at New Orleans on the 30th day of June 1865. His physical description was 5 feet, 8 inches with light complexion, gray eyes, and gray hair. He attested that while a member of the organization serving in Indiana and Arkansas that on or about August 15, 1863 he incurred malarial or breakbone fever from which he suffered an acute attack lasting six or seven weeks, and from an attack while in Parole camp at Indianapolis, Indiana the attack lasting from October 1, 1862 until about December 1, 1863 from which has resulted a general breaking down of the system as is evidenced of frequent headache, backache, pain about heart, pulse racing from 45 to 106, constant constipation, indigestion, nervousness, aching of legs, numbness of arms and legs, kidney trouble, pain in left testicle working upward toward kidney, swelling of testicle and incontinence of urine that was treated at a hospital at Young‘s Point, Louisiana about January 15, 1863. He stated he had not been employed in the military o naval service otherwise as stated, and that since leaving the service he resided in the towns of Rushville, Marseilles, and New Salem, Indiana, that he had been in good health before he enrolled as a private in the service and that he is not involuntarily disabled from obtaining his subsistence by manual labor by reason of his injuries received in the service of the United States. He listed his residence as New Salem, Rush County, Indiana. The declaration was attested by S. C. Newton and John Huffman.

On February 9, 1889 A request for records of the War Department for a full report as to the service disability and hospital treatment of Abraham Jinks who claimed he enlisted on July 21, 1862 serving as a private in Company C, 16th Regiment, Indiana Infantry. He was discharged at New Orleans, LA, on June 30, 1865. In this request for disability pension, Jinks reported he had been treated for diseases contracted at Indianapolis, Indiana, in October 1862 and in Arkansas in January 1863.

The war department reported to the pension office that Mr. Jinks had been indeed served with the company and regiment mentioned, enlisting in that company on July 21, 1862 at Rushville, Indiana for a three year period. He was with the company on a muster dated August 24, 1872 at Indianapolis, but on August 31, 1862, was reported absent having been taken prisoner at Richmond Kentucky on August 30, 1862. War department stated the company was in active service at that location at that time and date, and that he had been paroled by General E. Kirby Smith at Richmond, KY, August 30, 1862. On October 31, 1862 he was present at muster. He was present at musters thereafter until mustered out at New Orleans. A prisoner of war record shows him captured and paroled at Richmond, KY, August 30, 1862, and that his name appears on Register Headquarters at Cincinnati, Ohio with a remark he was stationed at Camp Morton, Indiana.

At St. Joseph, Buchanon County, Missouri, on the 10 of February 1892, Abraham Jinks applied for a pension again under the act of June 27, 1890. He again stated his service record as before, but greatly simplified his list of ailments to just rheumatism in thebackbone and limbs, heart disease, and jaundice. He said he was mustered out at New Orleans and discharged at Indianapolis, again declaring he had not been in the military since June 30, 1865. He stated that he had applied for a pension previously but had forgotten the number. He said that he had filed the claim in 1888 while residing at New Salem, Indiana. He gave his present postal address as 1440 North 13th Street, at St. Joseph, Missouri. He was still at St. Joseph. Missouri, in April 1892, when certified by physicians to be eligible for a partial pension of $6.00.

[Jinks had moved to Iowa by 1893 when he was listed in a state census as a veteran living Essex, Page County, Iowa.] In September 1894, his was directed by the Bureau of Pensions at West Des Moines, Iowa, to report himself to a Dr. Enfield at Clarinda, Page County, Iowa, which he apparently failed to do within the allotted time.

But in November 1894, affidavits filed in the Page County courts by George Raph and R. E. Hutchinson attested they had known Abraham Jinks for about one year, and both had seen him almost daily during that time. They believed that the disabilities were as a result of Jinks military service and not contracted by any “vicious habits”. [Whether this term meand smoking, drinking or something else, the Tonkawa, Oklahoma newspaper article certainly indicates he had a drinking habit, but it is the only reference in writing that indicates he may have liked to “tilt a few” quite often.]

On February 27, 1895, again under application number 669,976, a medical doctor certified he was eligible for one-half pension. Mr. Jinks was finally granted a pension of six dollars per month. In that month, and again in April 1895, he was listed as being eligible for payment of his pension that had been granted under the Act of 1890. On February 12, 1892, and he said he was living at Essex, Iowa.

In January 1898, Jinks was requested by the Des Moines agency of the Bureau of Pensions to answer questions with regard to this family life. He stated that he had Married Sarah E. Freeman on March 2, 1860 (1861 according to Rush County, IN, marriage records) at Rushville, Indiana, by Esq. Jonathan R. Mitchell, and the marriage was recorded by the justice in the court returns at the county seat of Rush County. He said his wife, Sarah, had died in 1885 at Noble Township, Rush County, Indiana. He also provided names and dates of birth of his children: Abraham Lincoln Jinks, born October 31, 1870; Rosco C. Jinks, born August 8, 1892; Cora May Jinks born about 1870, and Blanche Jinks born about 1877. This pension certificate number was listed as 888,373 granted under the Act of 1890.

[Between January 15, 1898 and April 8, 1901, Mr. Jionkls has apparently drifted from Iowa to Oklahoma Territory. Accprding to the Tonkawa newspaper article dated in October 1907, Jinks was said to have drifted into town about eight years ago—which would have been so,e time in 1899.]

At the Kay County, Oklahoma courthouse, Abraham Jinks appeared on April 8, 1901 and swore a declaration for increase of pension under the Act of June 27, 1890 as amended by the Act of May 9, 1900. He swore he was a pensioner of the United states by certificate number 888,373 and that he was duly enrolled at the Des Moines Iowa Pension agency at $6.00 per month by reason of general disability. On September 18, 1901, a physician certified that Jinks was found to have permanent disability for farming or supporting himself by manual labor due to the previously diagnosed conditions and that the disabilities warranted a pension at the rate of $12.00. An application filed by attorney M, Garrett for a fee of $2.00 was approved by the pension office commencing on September 18, 1901, for a total disability to earn support by manual labor.

We know from, the News story about Jinks that he lived in Tonkawa until sometime in 1906 when he headed east. Whether wanderlust struck the man again, or whether he was headed back home to Indiana is a matter of conjecture. However, Jinks died at Osceola, Missouri, on September 10, 1907. The Des Moines, Iowa, Pension agency stopped payment on the pension on that date. It seems that Jinks had for a time lived on the Grand River in Oklahoma before moving on to Osceola, Missouri, and he had not resided long at that place. At a later date, the following letters was sent to the Washington, D. C. Bureau of Pensions office.

“Osceola, Mo., Mar. 28th 08. F. L, McKennan, Washington, D. C., Dear Sir, An old soldier died here some time ago penniless with no friends or acquaintances so far as known. He was buried and cared for by the local G. A. R. Post. The expenses being borne by 4 of the comrades. Now there was at his death some 2 (two) months pension due him. How can we proceed to get the amount paid out by our members? Hoping to hear from you, I am yours, C. C. Rubottom, Post Commander, Post 384.”

Accompanying this letter was an application for reimbursement from accrued pension due Mr. Jinks. Pension had last been paid July 4, 1907. Jinks was apparently not well known to the G. A. R. members. The group was unable to answer any of the questions appearing on the application form. Mr. Jinks's estate was listed as $1.53 in money, a houseboat, fishing gear and house hold goods. The latter being described as very cheap stuff did amounting to much. Jinks had no real estate. Administrator, C. C. Rubottom was appointed by the probate court of St. Clair County, and said property was sold at probate auction the proceeds of which was $29.65. It was noted that Jinks was living on the houseboat at the time of his death. Apparently all but the attending physician, D. B. Williams, and a portion of the funeral expenses, were paid form revenues from the sales of from Mr. Jinks’s personal property. The amount due Mr. Rubottom was included as he stated this amount was still owed to him from Mr. Jinks estate. Copies of receipts signed by all to whom money was owed from Jink’s estate also accompanied this letter.

A copy of the probate record was also included in the application:

“State of Missouri. County of St. Clair, ss In the Matter of Application for Reimbursement case of Abraham Jinks, deceased soldier,
C. C. Rubottom, a resident of Osceola, Township St. Clair County, State of Missouri, being first duly sworn upon his oath states, that he became acquainted with
Abraham Jinks, deceased soldier, a short time before the death of the deceased. That said Abraham Jinks, lived on a houseboat, on the Osage River, and that said boat was anchored in the river near the house of affiant. Several days before the last sickness of deceased, that affiant discovering that said Abraham Jinks was sick, visited him, called in Dr. D. B. Williams a physician in Osceola, Mo. And also employed two young men to wait upon and nurse the said Abraham Jinks. That upon the death of the said Abraham Jinks, affiant took charge of the body, had the same properly cared for and decently buried in the City Cemetery at Osceola, Missouri. And that upon the suggestion and request of the authorities was duly appointed the administrator of the estate of deceased and took charge of the property of the deceased and disposed of the same as directed by the order of the Probate court of said county, in accordance with the provisions and laws of the State of Missouri, concerning the settlements of estates, Affiant states that he advertised in the local papers wrote numerous letters and endeavored to learn something about the past history of said Abraham Jinks, and diligent inquired concerning his relatives, and was unable to get any information that would enable him to answer the question upon the attached blank which appear unanswered. That the only response he received from his many letters and advertisements was from a woman in Ohio who represented her self to be a niece of the deceased, being a brother’s child and who could give no information concerning his family, saying that she had no knowledge of deceased since before the war. That her name was Elizabeth M. Jinks, 577 Oaks Street, Columbus, Ohio.

Affiant states that this affidavit is made for the purpose of explaining the annexed application. Signed C. C. Rubottom, attested by H. T. Calvird, and T. T. Bernard. Wallace W. Lawton notarized the document on the 15th day of February6 1909. “

The letter of Miss Elizabeth Jinks was included in the pension file.

“Columbus, O., Sept 1907. C. C. Rubottom, Osceola, Mo.
“Dear Sir, Your favor of recent date addressed to me at Zaleski, [Vinton County] O. and forwarded to Columbus came to hand this a.m.
“We are very sorry to learn of Uncle Abraham’s death and very much regret the fact that it was necessary for strangers to perform the last rights.
“We appreciate the kindness shown him by the G. A. R. commandery and I know Pappe [sic] will be pleased to know that he will have a respectable burial.
“Has he any family? I am sorry that he was a stranger to me he having left Ohio before I could remember.
“Enclosed find a note of thanks to your commandery,
“Thanking you personally for your kindness to my uncle and for notifying us of his demise.
“I am very respectfully, Elizabeth M. Jinks
“P. S. kindly reply giving particulars as 577 Oak Street, Columbus, O.”

In a letter from the Bureau of Pensions, Washington May 5, 1909, Mr. Rubottom was told that the office had received correspondence from relations of Mr. Jinks that sufficiently answered the questions on the application for reimbursement. That Jinks had been married, that his wife had died in 1885, [Different from a date later declared by Ross Joinks], that Jinks had not remarried, and that he had no dependents under 16 years of age. This letter did include the bill of Dr. D. B. Williams so that he may make the settement thereon, over his signature that he holds you responsible for payment. and the same for a bill of dressing Mr. Jinks’s body. A postscript added to this letter stated the bureau had received a letter from R. C. Jinks dated May 20th from Glenwood, Indiana. The letter asked if Abraham Jinks ever drew a pension and if so where he was at the time. If the department wanted to know anything about him [Abraham Jinks], or his children, to write R. C. Jinks. [Ross C Jinks]

The Bureau of pensions wrote to R. C. Jinks on June 5, 1909, that Abraham Jinks had drawn a pension and that his address in 1901 was Tonkawa, Oklahoma. Also, that C. C. Rubottom of Osceola, Mo., filed a claim for reimbursement of expenses incurred by him in the soldier’s last sickness and burial. The letter informed Ross C. Jinks that Abraham had died September 190, 1907, on a houseboat on the Osage River, near Osceola, Mo. The letter requested information from Ross that was answered by return letter to the Bureau.

Ross Jinks, Abraham's son, replied on June 7, 1909, that he did not know if Jinks had ever married again, but that he had no property here [Indiana] and none anywhere else other than what C. C. Rubottom has told you of.

The bureau inquired again of Ross if he knew Abraham’s wife's name and for the date she died. To which Ross replied that her name was Sarah E. Freeman who had died April 20, 1887. [This information differs from that given by Abraham in his application in 1898 in which he listed her death year as 1885.]

A letter from Mr. Rubottom to the bureau was dated June 25, 1909 stated that he had succeeded in locating on of Abraham’s sons. He included a sworn statement with regard to his father'’ marital status, which was notarized on June 14th 1909, Ross Jinks said to the best of his knowledge, Abraham had never remarried. Also included in the letter were receipts of Dr. Williams and Davis and Rubottom for accounts owed for Jinks’s funeral. Mr. Rubottom also mentioned that the son Ross had lost all trace of his father in 1898 and that he thinks he has been wondering over the western country since that time.

On June 29, 1909, Mr. Rubottom was asked for an explanation of receipts from disposing of Abraham’s effects which was the only testimony that was needed to complete the application for reimbursement. On July 290, 1909, Rubottom sent a balance sheet showing sales receipts and disbursements of the money.

“List of property sold y C. C. Rubottom, administrator of the estate of Abraham Jinks, deceased.

Boat & 2 ropes $17.00
Tea Kettle, shoes & broom .25
Box & salt ` .10
Bundle poles & lines .15
Wood Saw .25
Lard & apples .05
Dishes & cans .20
Box & fish lines .20
Sundry groceries .65
Trunk and contents 1.95
Shot gun 1.75
Ax Wire & buck .30
Bucket & wash pan .25
Oil can & oil .70
Plane & saw 1.35
Umbrella .40
Violin 2.00
Lot of clothes 1.00
Lot of rope .25
Stove .25
Boat-skiff ____.60
Total $ 29.65

Expenses

Dr. Williams $ 4.00
Nursing and care 3.00
Undertaker 8.00
Cemetery 7.50
Dressing Body 2.00
Advertising 1.00
Probate fees and cost
of administration 33.80
Total $59.30

Less proceeds of sale $29.65

Balance due $29.65

Because the $1.53 in cash left by Abraham Jinks, the Bureau refigured the total of the estate to be $31.18. The expenses being approved, the application for reimbursement was approved for $26.80. On July 28, 1909. Which was the accrued pension due to the date that Abraham died.

On July 27, 1909, the reimbursement application was disallowed because as shown by the evidence on file the pensioner left sufficient assets to meet the expenses of the last sickness and burial. The payment of the accrued pension is such circumstances is prohibited by the act of March 2, 1895, signed by P. J. Hofflinger, examiner.

An annotation at the bottom of the application noted that cost of administration must be allowed was initialed P. J. H. With that postscript, it is probable that Mr. C. C. Rubottom did receive payment for his expenses as administrator of the estate of Abraham Jinks.


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