1919 Minnesota WWI Soldiers' Bonus Application: A Look at Veteran Compensation

📌 Explore a rare 1919 Minnesota Soldiers' Bonus application, documenting the post-war compensation process for WWI veterans. Learn about Ludvig K. Gjenvick's service, state-level veteran benefits, and how immigrant soldiers were recognized for their contributions. A valuable resource for historians, genealogists, and educators.

📜 Minnesota Application for Soldiers' Bonus – 1919

🔍 Recognizing the Service of WWI Veterans

The Minnesota Soldiers' Bonus Application of 1919 represents a significant effort by the State of Minnesota to financially compensate its veterans for their military service during World War I. This document captures the vital details of Ludvig K. Gjenvick, a Norwegian immigrant and Minnesota resident, who served in the U.S. Army from 1917 to 1919.

Under Chapter 49 of the Special Laws of Minnesota (1919), eligible veterans were entitled to $15 per month of service between April 6, 1917, and July 30, 1921, as long as they were Minnesota residents at the time of enlistment or induction.

For teachers, students, genealogists, and historians, this application provides an authentic and personal glimpse into how states supported their veterans after World War I, shedding light on:

✔ Veteran compensation policies at the state level after WWI.

✔ The bureaucratic process of applying for wartime benefits.

✔ How individual soldiers documented their military service.

✔ The challenges of immigrant veterans, like Ludvig K. Gjenvick, seeking recognition for their service.

✔ A vital genealogical resource, offering residence, employment, and family details.

This application is a crucial historical record that reveals the post-war treatment of veterans and the state’s acknowledgment of their sacrifice.

43 Questions on the Minnesota Application for a World War 1 Soldiers' Bonus Under Chapter 49 Special Laws Minnesota 1919, No. 31843 and No. 58704. This Form Completed by Ludvig K. Gjenvick. Gjenvick-Gjønvik Family Archives. GGA Image ID # 1870d8c08f

No. 58704

Application for Soldiers' Bonus Under Chapter 49 Special Laws Minnesota 1919.

The Soldiers' Bonus Board: Brig. Gen. W. F. Rhinow, the Adjt. General; J. A. O. Preus, State Auditor; and Henry Rines, State Treasurer.

This Application Must be Made in Duplicate.

1. Name of Applicant (as on discharge paper): Ludvig K. Gjenvick
2. Identification Number: 2100540
3. A. If in draft, place of registration: Madison, Minn
   B. Serial Number: 540
   C. If inducted, Draft Board Order No.: [Blank]
4. Present Permanent Address: 1419 Newton Ave N, Minneapolis, Minn
5. Place of Birth: Trondhjem, Norway
6. Date of Birth: January 11-1892
7. Age: 27
8. Resident of Minnesota: 4 years, 7 months
9. Present occupation: Laborer
10. Business Address: 420 N 3rd St
11. Name of Employer: Heywood Mfg. Co.
12. Name and address of nearest relative: Clara S. Gjenvick, 1419 Newton Ave N, Minneapolis, Minn
13. Relationship: Wife
14. Name and address of Parents at time of Enlistment, Induction or Commission.  None
15. Have you made previous application to this State for Soldiers' Monthly Bonus? No
16. Have you applied for or received a bonus Gratuity or compensation, whatsoever, from any other State or Country for services in the war against Germany? Not except for 60 dollars when discharged.
17. If rejected state reasons given --
18. Did you at any time defraud, violate, evade or attempt to evade any of the provisions of the Selective Service Act (Draft Act)?  No
19. Did you seek to evade Military Service on either of the following grounds: (a) Conscientious Objections No (b) Alienage No
20. Legal residence at time of enlistment, induction or commission: Madison, Minn
21. Legal residence now: 1419 Newton Ave N
22. Where did you vote before entering service:  Did not vote
23. Length of residence in Minnesota prior to enlistment, induction or commission: 2 years, 6 months
24. If married at time of enlistment, induction or commission give name and residence of wife at that time: Not married then.
25. Rank (At time of enlistment): Pvt
26. Organization: Co. C 381 Inf
27. Rank (at time of discharge): Cpl
28. Organization: Co. C 346 Inf
29. Date and place of enlistment, induction or commission: Madison, Minn
30. Age when enlisted, inducted or commissioned: 25 years 9 months
31. Date and place reporting for active duty: Sept. 20, 1917 at Madison, Minn
32. Date and place of discharge: May 7, 1919 at Camp Grant, Ill; Character given: Excellent
33. If Commissioned Officer, date accepting Commission: No

Questions 34 to 43 for Naval Men and Naval Nurses

34. Branch of Service. (Regular Navy—Naval Reserve—Coast Guard)
35. Date of enlistment (If Regular Navy or Coast Guard.)
36. Age
37. Date of enrollment (If in U. S. Naval Reserve Force.)
38. Age
39. Date reported for active duty
40. Station or Ship Station Ship
41. Original Rating
42. Last Rating
43. If Commissioned Officer, date of accepting Commission.

Learn More About This Remarkable Man

🇳🇴 From Norway to America: The Inspiring Journey of Immigrant Ludvig Kristian Gjønvik

📌 Explore the remarkable immigration story of Ludvig Kristian Gjønvik, a Norwegian immigrant who overcame orphanhood, financial struggles, and war to build a new life in America. Perfect for historians, genealogists, educators, and students exploring early 20th-century immigration.

🌟 Why This Page is Important

✔ A valuable primary source for studying the impact of WWI on American veterans.

✔ Documents the financial support extended to soldiers at the state level.

✔ Provides a comprehensive profile of a veteran, useful for genealogists tracing family history.

✔ Illustrates the bureaucracy involved in veteran benefits after WWI.

✔ Offers insight into the experience of immigrant soldiers who fought for the U.S.

This application offers a rare and detailed window into the post-war period, showcasing how the U.S. and its states attempted to assist returning soldiers in transitioning back to civilian life.

📜 The Detailed 43-Question Application Process

📌 The Minnesota Soldiers' Bonus application required extensive documentation, including:

✔ Personal and service-related information.

✔ Proof of Minnesota residency before and after the war.

✔ Details of family members and next of kin.

✔ Military rank, unit assignments, and discharge status.

✔ Verification that the applicant did not attempt to evade the draft.

📌 Key Details from Ludvig K. Gjenvick’s Application

🔹 Born in Trondhjem, Norway (Jan. 11, 1892).

🔹 Enlisted in Madison, Minnesota (Sept. 20, 1917).

🔹 Served in the 381st and 346th Infantry.

🔹 Promoted from Private to Corporal.

🔹 Discharged with an "Excellent" character rating (May 7, 1919).

🔹 Employed by Heywood Mfg. Co. in Minneapolis.

🔹 Identified his wife, Clara S. Gjenvick, as his nearest relative.

📝 Why It’s Important:

✔ Provides a snapshot of an immigrant soldier’s life before, during, and after the war.

✔ Acts as a rich genealogical resource for tracing family military history.

✔ Demonstrates how military service was formally recorded post-war.

📜 The Role of State Governments in Veteran Compensation

📌 Unlike federal compensation efforts, state-level benefits were immediate and targeted.

📌 Minnesota’s Soldiers' Bonus Board, which included state officials such as:

✔ Brigadier General W. F. Rhinow (Adjutant General).

✔ J. A. O. Preus (State Auditor).

✔ Henry Rines (State Treasurer).

📌 Why This Matters:

✔ Demonstrates how different states handled veteran affairs differently.

✔ Showcases the commitment of local governments to support their own residents.

✔ Helps researchers understand state-specific policies affecting veterans.

📜 The Struggles of Immigrant Veterans

📌 Ludvig K. Gjenvick was a Norwegian immigrant who served in the U.S. Army.

📌 He had to prove residency in Minnesota before enlistment to qualify for the bonus.

📌 His application confirms immigrants played a key role in the U.S. war effort.

📝 Why It’s Important:

✔ Highlights the contributions of immigrant soldiers in WWI.

✔ Provides documentation of naturalized soldiers and their service.

✔ Sheds light on post-war challenges faced by immigrant veterans.

📸 Noteworthy Images & Their Significance

📷 Minnesota Soldiers' Bonus Application (1919)

🔹 A rare example of a WWI veteran’s application for compensation.

🔹 Demonstrates the bureaucratic process of obtaining veteran benefits.

🔹 Provides personal details of a Norwegian-born U.S. soldier.

📷 List of 43 Questions in the Application

🔹 Highlights the extensive verification process for veterans.

🔹 Includes detailed service records, next of kin, and residency proof.

🔹 Serves as a crucial genealogical record for family historians.

📚 Relevance for Different Audiences

📌 🧑‍🏫 For Teachers & Students:

✔ A real-world example of post-WWI veteran support at the state level.

✔ Encourages discussions on how governments compensate soldiers after war.

✔ Provides context for comparing modern veteran benefits.

📌 📖 For Historians & Researchers:

✔ Offers insight into post-war policies affecting soldiers' reintegration.

✔ Demonstrates how states contributed to veteran support, separate from federal efforts.

✔ A valuable document showcasing bureaucratic processes for veterans.

📌 🧬 For Genealogists & Family Historians:

✔ Provides personal information about a WWI veteran.

✔ Confirms military service details and hometown residence.

✔ Acts as a primary source for tracing ancestral military history.

🌟 Final Thoughts: A Vital Historical Record of Veteran Compensation

📌 The Minnesota Soldiers' Bonus Application of 1919 serves as a powerful historical document that highlights:

✔ The role of state governments in supporting WWI veterans.

✔ The bureaucratic process required for soldiers to receive benefits.

✔ How immigrant veterans navigated post-war life.

This document is a treasure trove of information for researchers, educators, and family historians, preserving the personal and financial history of those who served in World War I. 🇺🇸🏅