Malinda was probably named for her aunt, Malinda Davee. Her maidenname on the death certificate of daughter, Kate, looks like Daupreerather than Davee. Her middle initial was recorded on variousdocuments both as K and C.
Edna Powell Van Gundy said her grandmother was married three times:
1. The first died in the Civil War. (Verified as Jacob Parker byvarious records and descendants.)
2. She divorced because he beat the children. (Verified as CalvinGipson. Whether they actually divorced is unknown as Calvin died 3months after the birth of their last child.)
3. A Mr. Miller. (Verified as John Miller by marriage records)
Much of the information on her life was contained in records of thepension she received based on Jacob Parker's Civil War service.
Events in her life:
10/21/1867 Prairie City, Cumberland Co, IL. As guardian of her 3Parker sons, she made a financial report to the court, referring toher brother, Zachariah, as their "former guardian."
12/1875 Jasper Co, IL. She posted $400 bond as guardian of sonWilliam Parker. She signed along with a Calvin Pursifield,(unreadable Pippin?) and Jenny Davee.
1880 Crooked Creek Twp, Jasper Co, IL was where the census takerfound her as a widow with 6 children, all named Gibson even though thetwo oldest were her Parker sons. Malinda was 39 years old, thechildren were: Riley, 23, Benjamin, 21, Jane, 13, Margaret 11, Mary,9, and Catherine, 7. (Where was 10 year old Jennie?) Next door livedthe family of step-son Frank and Amanda Gipson.
8/19/1901 Jasper Co, IL. In county property assessment records underthe name of Calvin Gipson and Malinda Miller, the following land wasvalued at $550: S 1/2 of NW 1/4 of NW 1/4 of S5 T8 R10E.
9/3/1901 Moultrie Co, IL. In a General Affadavit in the matter ofRestoration of Pension, John Martin & Cicero Gilbreath testified thatMalinda owned no real property or dowry rights in that county. Shedid own kitchen furniture worth $25 and one cow, also worth $25.
1910 Moultrie Co, IL. In the census her name was again Gipson and wasliving with son, Jacob Parker, and granddaughter, Jennie Mack. Thecensus taker also recorded that she had birthed 7 children but only 4were still living. Which listed child was not hers?
9/21/1916 Marne, Cass Co, IA. In the Entitlement of Increase ofPension it states Malinda Miller was 76 years old, listed her birthdate and place and current resident as IA.
1/3/1920 Jefferson St, Benton (original says Marne town), Cass Co,IA. She was again listed as widow Malinda C Gibson, 79, living withson J B Parker.
She was mentioned in a letter written by daughter, Kate Powell, in1910 , saying Grandma Gipson was well.
She either moved west with the Parker children or joined them therelat er.
