With support from the University of Richmond

History News Network puts current events into historical perspective. Subscribe to our newsletter for new perspectives on the ways history continues to resonate in the present. Explore our archive of thousands of original op-eds and curated stories from around the web. Join us to learn more about the past, now.

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