Submitted by Modene (Knight) Thornton
FAIRFIELD RECORDER, April 30, 1909 issue
NOTICE TO EX-CONFEDERATES AND THEIR WIDOWS
I have received several inquiries as to the change made by
the present Legislature in the Ex-Confederate Pension Law. The changes made are
as follows:
1. The date of marriage of widows is raised from prior to Mar. 1, 1866, to Mar.
1, 1880.
2. The definition of the word “indigent” is entirely eliminated. In it place an
applicant is rendered eligible unless he has property in excess of $1000
(household good and wearing apparel excluded), or unless he receives an income
or annuity in excess of $150 annually.
3. Application is made to the County Judge, but does not require his approval,
neither does require the approval of the Commissioners’ Court. And the
application can be made at any time.
4. Proof of inability to make support by labor, of any sort, and a certificate
by a physician showing the applicant’s physical condition, is entirely
eliminated.
5. The fiscal year for all accounts shall begin on September the 1st of each
year.
6. The office of Pension Commissioner is created, and when this law goes into
effect, pension matters shall be under his charge.
7. It amends the law with regard to making proof; in certain instances, so far
as it relates to widows of Ex-Confederates; making proof more easily made.
This law, as amended, does not go into effect until June 12, 1909.
R. L. Williford County Judge