Minnesota Soldiers’ Bonus Fund (1920): WWI Veteran Compensation & Financial Aid
Payment of the Minnesota Soldier's Bonus paid to World War I Veterans who were residents of the State of Minnesota at the time they were inducted or enlisted into the Armed Forces.
📜 The Soldiers' Bonus Board Voucher – State of Minnesota Soldier's Bonus Fund (1920)
🔍 Recognizing WWI Veterans' Service with Financial Compensation
The Minnesota Soldiers' Bonus Voucher (1920) represents a statewide effort to financially compensate World War I veterans who were Minnesota residents at the time of their induction or enlistment. This specific voucher, issued to Ludwig K. Gjenvick, reflects an official recognition of his military service during the Great War.
For teachers, students, genealogists, and historians, this document is a valuable primary source, showcasing:
✔ The bureaucratic process of veteran compensation after WWI.
✔ How states supplemented federal efforts to assist returning soldiers.
✔ The financial struggles faced by veterans after the war.
✔ The importance of records for genealogical and historical research.
This soldier’s bonus payment reflects the state’s role in helping WWI veterans reintegrate into civilian life, providing much-needed financial assistance to ease their transition.
Front of Voucher for $300 Issued to Ludwig K. Gjenvick in Recognition of His Service During World War I by the State of Minnesota’s Auditor’s Office and the Soldiers’ Bonus Board on 1 November 1920. There Were Bank Markings Stamp of Nov 5 1920 Check 6 and an Amount of $288.75 Handwritten Below the Imprinted $300.00. Gjenvick-Gjønvik Family Archives. GGA Image ID # 1870eaa961
Back Side of Endorsed and Cashed Voucher for $300 Issued to Ludwig K. Gjenvick, 1 November 1920. Gjenvick-Gjønvik Family Archives. GGA Image ID # 1870f0db3b
Voucher 91699
The Soldiers Bonus Board
Application Number 31843
For Bonus From AUTHHORIZED
Aprroved for Payment
W. F. Rhinow
The Adjutant General
By /s/ Deputy
On the face of the voucher
SOLDIER'S BONUS FUND
TREASURER'S CHECK
WARRANT NO 58704
State of Minnesota, Auditors Office
St. Paul Nov 1 1920
Pay to the Order Of Ludwig K Gjenvick, 3530 Lewton Ave No Minneapolis, Minn.
$300.00 THREE HUNDRED AND NO/100 DOLLARS
ACCEPTED: HENRY RINES State Treasurer by C.A. Anderson, Assistant
Counter Signed by J. A. O. PREIS, State Auditor by /s/ Assistant
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
✔ An authentic example of a state-level WWI veteran compensation program.
✔ Sheds light on how government entities managed veteran benefits post-war.
✔ Provides genealogists with key personal details about military service.
✔ Showcases official state financial transactions for soldiers' support.
✔ Highlights the economic conditions and monetary assistance for returning soldiers.
This document serves as a crucial piece of WWI veteran history, revealing how Minnesota and other states sought to aid those who fought for their country.
📌 Key Highlights & Most Engaging Content
📜 The Minnesota Soldiers' Bonus Fund – A Financial Lifeline for Veterans
📌 The Minnesota Soldiers' Bonus Act of 1919 provided financial assistance to:
✔ Veterans who served between April 6, 1917, and July 30, 1921.
✔ Minnesota residents at the time of their induction or enlistment.
✔ Soldiers with an honorable discharge from military service.
📌 Bonus Amount
🔹 Veterans received $15 per month of service.
🔹 Payments varied, with Ludvig K. Gjenvick receiving $300.
🔹 Adjustments, such as bank deductions, are evident, with Gjenvick’s check reflecting a handwritten $288.75 instead of the printed $300.00.
📝 Why It’s Important:
✔ Demonstrates how states actively supported veterans independently from federal efforts.
✔ Reflects the financial difficulties veterans faced after returning home.
✔ Provides a historical record of how state budgets allocated funds to war heroes.
📜 The Soldiers' Bonus Board & Official Authorization Process
📌 The Minnesota Soldiers' Bonus Board, consisting of:
✔ Brigadier General W. F. Rhinow (Adjutant General).
✔ J. A. O. Preus (State Auditor).
✔ Henry Rines (State Treasurer).
📌 Why This Matters:
✔ Confirms that military service verification was essential before issuing payments.
✔ Demonstrates that veterans had to formally apply and be approved.
✔ Provides insight into state governance and financial management for veteran affairs.
📜 Ludwig K. Gjenvick: An Immigrant Soldier’s Recognition
📌 Ludvig K. Gjenvick was a Norwegian immigrant who served in the U.S. Army during WWI.
📌 He was officially recognized and compensated for his service by the state of Minnesota.
📌 His check was issued for $300, a notable amount at the time, reflecting his service duration.
📝 Why It’s Important:
✔ Highlights the role of immigrant soldiers in WWI and their post-war recognition.
✔ Serves as a key genealogical record for tracing military service.
✔ Showcases the struggles immigrant veterans faced in receiving support.
📜 The Financial Breakdown – Understanding the Voucher & Payment Process
📌 Voucher Details
Officially marked as “SOLDIER’S BONUS FUND”.
Authorized & Approved for payment by state officials.
Endorsed and cashed by Gjenvick on November 1, 1920.
📌 Noteworthy Elements
Bank stamp markings from November 5, 1920, confirming processing.
Handwritten deduction to $288.75, likely representing processing fees or tax deductions.
📝 Why It’s Important:
✔ Shows real-life financial transactions between government and veterans.
✔ Provides insight into economic challenges faced by WWI veterans.
✔ Reflects the real-world deductions soldiers experienced even in compensation.
📸 Noteworthy Images & Their Significance
📷 Front of the Soldiers' Bonus Voucher ($300) – Issued to Ludwig K. Gjenvick
🔹 A tangible record of state-level compensation for WWI service.
🔹 Includes signatures of high-ranking officials approving the payment.
🔹 Stamped by the Minnesota State Treasurer's office.
📷 Back of the Endorsed and Cashed Voucher
🔹 Shows the transaction completion, confirming the payout.
🔹 Provides further evidence of how WWI veterans received financial support.
📚 Relevance for Different Audiences
📌 🧑🏫 For Teachers & Students:
✔ An engaging case study on how states supported WWI veterans.
✔ Provides a tangible connection between war service and economic reintegration.
✔ Encourages discussions on state vs. federal roles in veteran affairs.
📌 📖 For Historians & Researchers:
✔ An example of early 20th-century state policies for returning soldiers.
✔ Helps understand financial compensation in the post-WWI era.
✔ Reveals bureaucratic processes behind veteran aid programs.
📌 🧬 For Genealogists & Family Historians:
✔ Confirms military service for individuals with Minnesota roots.
✔ Documents an immigrant soldier’s compensation post-war.
✔ Acts as a valuable historical and financial record.
🌟 Final Thoughts: A Crucial Piece of WWI Veteran History
📌 The Minnesota Soldiers' Bonus Voucher (1920) serves as a powerful historical artifact, illustrating:
✔ State-level financial support for WWI veterans.
✔ The bureaucratic approval process for veteran compensation.
✔ An immigrant soldier’s official recognition for service.
✔ The financial realities of post-war veteran reintegration.
This historical document is a treasure trove of information, preserving an essential chapter in America’s post-WWI veteran history. A must-see for educators, researchers, and family historians! 🇺🇸🏅
