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New perspectives on how history is made

Civil War veteran's millions reach groups after nearly 80 years

The last wishes of a Civil War veteran are being fulfilled almost 80 years after his death, as three nonprofits split a nest egg now worth nearly $10 million.

Authorities had to sort out a complex money trail before awarding the money, some two years after the death of the soldier's last named beneficiary, a grandchild.

"Who would have thought that in 2007, you'd get a gift from a Civil War veteran?" asked Mark Stubis, a spokesman for KidsPeace, the children's advocacy group that announced the gift Monday.

Adam Brinker -- who was born in 1846 and joined the Pennsylvania Infantry at age 16 -- was mustered at Harrisburg in September 1862 and served in the Army of the Potomac. He was honorably discharged in July 1863.

Brinker, who once lived in Forks Township, amassed a small fortune after the war as a harness maker in South Bethlehem. He was also active with local organizations.
Read entire article at AP