Abstract of Civil War Widow’s Pension FileMatilda Harding |
| 1. Samuel Harding enlists Aug. 9, 1862 at Garden Grove as a private
in Co. A, 34th Iowa Infantry; post office given as Franklin, Decatur
Co., Iowa. 2. Samuel Harding is mustered in Oct. 15, 1862 at Burlington to serve three years. 3. Pvt. Samuel Harding died Jan. 21, 1863 aboard the steamer “Iatan” returning from the Battle of Arkansas Post; cause of death, smallpox. 4. Matilda Harding applies for a widow’s pension on July 18, 1863, represented by her lawyer, S. W. Shepard of Garden Grove. 5. Affidavit of Rev. Daniel A. Mercer, stating that on April 9, 1862 he officiated at the marriage of Samuel Harding, age 21, and Matilda Arnold, age 19, at the home of the bride’s father, Moses M. Arnold. 6. Affidavits, both dated Dec. 5, 1863, of James Arnold and Adelaide Wilson, stating that they were acquainted with both Samuel Harding and Matilda Arnold Harding, and that said couple lived together as man and wife from the time of their marriage until the beginning of his army service. 7. Matilda Arnold Harding enrolled as pensioner #14,785, commencing Feb. 6, 1864 at a rate of $8 per month, payments retroactive to Jan. 22, 1863. 8. Per “Act of July 25, 1866” Matilda Harding files for an increase of her pension for the support of her minor child, Emily Harding. 9. Affidavit of Thomas Johnston, M.D., stated that he delivered of Matilda Harding a girl child, named Emily, on April 7, 1863. 10. Increase of $2 per month granted for the support of minor child, Emily Harding, dated Jan. 21, 1867, payments retroactive to July 25, 1866 and to be paid until child reaches age 16. 11. Matilda Harding, pension #14, 785, dropped from pension roll on account of her death; last payment, Apr. 5, 1900. |
| Source: Fold3; added 28 Dec 2019 |
| Military Directory *** Decatur County IAGenWeb |