Last Documented Widow Of A Civil War Veteran Has Died

Helen Viola Jackson, 101, has passed away. This is news because Jackson was the last remaining widow of the Civil War, fought from 1861-1865.

Yes, the Civil War ended 155 years and five days ago. So how was a 101-year-old woman a Civil War widow? Well, she was 17 years old when she married Private James Bolin of Missouri, then 93, in 1936, according to a statement from the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

Per the statement, Jackson's father had volunteered her to stop by Bolin's house every day on her way home from school, the purpose being to assist Bolin with chores. He didn't believe in "handouts," so he asked Jackson to marry him for one reason -- so he could leave Jackson his pension.

"She accepted and Bolin recorded the ceremony in his personal Bible," the statement read. Bolin died three years later. Jackson never accepted the pension.

All members of the SUVCW will attach a black mourning ribbon to their membership badges in remembrance of Jackson.