Partly-Printed Autograph Document Signed

Known as the "Father of the House of Representatives" for his lengthy (13 terms) service, this Pennsylvania representative served from 1887 to 1913. Partly-printed ADS, 1p, 3½" X 8½", n.p. [Washington, DC], n.d. [1895 September 25 inkstamped]. Near fine. Partly-printed Bureau of Pensions form for Congressional use. Dalzell pens in Loveina M. Kunkle of Pittsburgh as the claimant for soldier Jacob L. Kunkle of Company "I," 11th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and requests to be advised on "present status claim," signing boldly. A private named Jacob L. Kunkle (1843-63) is known to have enrolled at Kittanning, Pennsylvania in 1862 and died of "Congestion of the Brain" in Virginia in 1862; Loveina was obviously next of kin, though her relationship is unclear, and presumably petitioned her congressman to find out if she could receive any pension because of this relationship. It's not believed Jacob Kunkle was married, so perhaps she was a sister.