Form

Archive

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Museum of History Benicia

Name/Title

Form

Entry/Object ID

2019.021.0055

Scope and Content

This is a copy of the deposition from Mrs. Anna Eliza Wainwright, wife of Col. Robert A. Wainwright, in regard to her application for government pension. Her husband was the Commanding Officer at Benicia Arsenal from 1864 to his death December 22, 1866. She states that her husband committed suicide. She also says that he was out of his mind at the time. Newspaper articles from the time indicate that his death was linked to a belief in "Spiritialism". (A belief that people could talk to their dead relatives from the beyond.) The charlatans promoting "spiritialism" are blamed for causing his death. The papers also show when Mrs Wainwright died (03/04/1897).

Collection

Benicia Historical Museum Collection