Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2,904, John Austin, Privateer R.I.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Privateer.
R I.

Austin, John
 Priscilla

NUMBER
W.2.904

CONTENTS
Page 2

4963.

Rhode Island

John Austin
of Washington in the State of RI
who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain ---- of the regt commanded
by Col. Brown in the RI
line for 21 mos.

Inscribed on the Roll of RI
at the rate of 70 Dollars -- Cents per annum, 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 31st day of Jany  1833 and sent Hon. D I Pearce H. of Reps

Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832                $105.--
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 33    35.--
                                                              _________
                                                               $140.00

{ Revolutionary Claim, }
{ Act June 7, 1832 }

Recorded by J. H M Blair Clerk,
Book D.  Vol. 3rd  Page 107.
Page 3

31 
Declaration of       #
John Austin

12.761
Page 4

DECLARATION.
IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE ACT OF CONGRESS, PASSED JUNE 7, 1832.
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND,   }
COUNTY OF Washington     } ss.
On this 30 day of September 1832 personally appeared in open court, before the Judges or Justices of the Court of Common Pleas now sitting, John Austin a resident of North Kingston in the county of Washington and State of Rhode Island, aged Seventy one years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.  
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.  he was born in North Kingston, in the County of Washington and has always resided there, he is seventy one years
Page 5

of age and has no record of his age in January 1776 one half of the company of Militia to which he belonged, of which number he was one was called onto go given to where and stationed in Boston residents in Kingston and quartered at the house of John Compton, William Jaydon and Captain, James Congdon hereto me [illegible] his three months.  I think Robert Brown was Colnel of the regiment to which the company belonged here Whimple in April 1776. By next service now the same company at said aftermath called ...to adjust in
Page 6

and from thence to Bristol, and [illegible] Ferry, where we [illegible] and went to Tiverton, it rained here all the March, and he [illegible] march, two troops were dismissed at Tiverton, in two [illegible] these same days, and he returned home. Charles Dyer was Colonel then, after being at home a little while, he was called on again, and stationed at the [illegible] House, at Bissels Hills, Lawrence Paine was Captain of the Company then, he was there two months, one month of the time, he was a substitute for someone, but cannot state for whom, the two month ended in the spring of 1778. In June following he listed for the space of nine months, in Colonel Topham's Regiment of State Troops. Nathaniel Hankins Lt. Col, Samuel Phillips Major, Charles Handy Adjutant, Alexander Thomas was Captain of the Company, Daniel Wall Leut. he served out the nine months, they were stationed at [illegible] all the time, except at the time of General Sullivan's Expedition, when they were landed on the Island, with the other troops under his command he was in the Battle which took place on the Island, many were killed and wounded which were near him, the Americans retreated from the Island to Tiverton a violent storm came on, and the french Fleet went to sea, which was to [illegible] and after that to Boston, at the end of the nine months he was dismissed. He then shipped on board the General [illegible] a Privateer Ship, in the spring of 1779, of which George Waite [illegible] was Commander, he shipped at New London and [illegible] almost three months cruise, and took several prizes, they [illegible] and he shipped for another voyage, and went on a cruise of several months and took several prizes and returned. He returned home in the Fall of 1779, the Enemy evacuated Newport, that Fall, and he was called out with the Company to which he belonged of which Lawrence Pence was Captain & came to Rhode Island & stationed at Newport, and out in Portsmouth for a month. He knew General Sullivan, and Lay Fayette, he also knew Colonel Caray who commanded a State Regiment. He has no documentary evidence of his service. Paul Austin, Pence Austin were with him in the militia & John Browning. William Lunt & Samuel Gilling was there with him in Col. Topham's Regiment. He knew William [illegible] & Richard Thomas Esq [illegible] to the reputation of his services in the [illegible], he vener at any time received any written discharge.
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I hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
John Sutton

We J. William Nathing and Richard Thomas residing in the Inn of North Kingston with John Austin who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy one years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood
where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion
Sworn to and subscribed the day aforesaid
in open Court
William Northup
Richard Thomas
with Saml Helme Clk

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the
interrogatries prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and
served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that William Northrup who has signed the preceeding certificate, is a Clergyman
resident in the the Town of North Kingstown and that Richard Thomas who has
also signed the same is a resident in the same Town and a credible person, and
that their statement is entitled to credit

I Samuel Helme Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas & Gen. Justice of the Peace 
do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of John Austin for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this Eighth 
day of September AD. 1832
Sam. Helme Clk

I certify the above name to be the handwriting of Sam. Helme & the seal that of his court
Dutee J. Carr
Page 8

12,761
Jno Austin
Private
21 Mos
Adm
$70-
of 10 & 16
-
May 21st, 1833
Capt. Thomas
to
4 May 1778
P 209
Mr Pearce
HR
Page 9

12, 761
BRIEF in the case of Jno Austin of Wash.tn Co ini the in the State of Rhode Isl.d

(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? a Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? --
3. How old is he? 71
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period | Duration of Service | Rank | Names of General and Field Officers
under whom he served. 

Jany 1776 -Apl 76| 3 mos | Private | Capt. Taylor (think, Col. Brown)

Summer of 77 | 6 or 7 mos | " | Captain Cole
" | don't say distinctly | don't substitute | do Col. Dyer

Spring 78 | 2 months | private | Capt. Paine

June " | 9 months | private | " | Capt. Thomas  - Col. Topham  

Spring of '79 | about 3 months | seaman | on board Gen.l Mifflin, privateer - Capt. Calcost

Fall '79 | 1 months | -- | Capt. Pearce


5. In what battles was he engaged?
Battle of Rhode Island
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?
North Kingston R.I.
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by
incidental evidence, or by the rolls?
a Clergyman
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? the papers on which the declaration is written are not properly connected-- The seal has no impression.
The authentication of the affidavits not properly connected to them.
Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above
Wm C. Easton Examining Clerk
19 Jan 1833
Page 10

1728

1462
Application of Priscilla Austin for a pension under July 7th 1838

JG. Sheeman
Wild.d RI
Agent for Application

Admitted 
private 21 months
Page 11

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the seventh of July 1838 entitled an Act granting half pay and pension to certain widows 
State of Rhode Island
County of Washington 
ON this fourth day of August in the year 1838 personally appeared bef me Benjamin Smith Esq, a judge or Justice of the Court of Common Pleas in the county of Washington in said State of Rhode Island, Priscilla Austin, of North Kingston in said county aged eighty years who being first duly sworn accordingly to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the Act of Congress passed July the seventh 1838 entitled an act "granting half pay and pension to certain widows. that she is the widow of John Austin late of North Kingston deceased who was a private in the army of the Revolution and who according to the best of her knowledge and belief served much in the war of the revolution as a private within the Rhode Island militia and Rhode Island Militia and Rhode Island state troops. But that she is wholly unable to state any [illegible] to said services of her said deceased husband as she was not married to him untill after he served army. 
But [illegible] for hereof thereafter tohis declaration and the deposition with there made [illegible] the court of common pleas, for said county of Washington on the first Monday of September 1832 and now in the possession of the pension office. And she further declared that she was married to the said John Austin at  and North Kingston by William Northrup a Preacher or clergyman of the Baptist denomination in the eleventh day of December 1783 and that before her marriage with him,
Page 12

She was Priscilla Smith the daughter of Jeremiah Smith of said North Kingston. She had no certificate of her marriage but who for part thereof to the annexed Certificates of the Town Clerk of said North Kingston. And she further declares that she was not married to the said John Austin prior to his leaving the service and that the Marriage took place previous to the first Day of January
1794, at the time above stated, and that he died at said North Kingston, in the Thirteen
Day of March in the year 1835 and that she still remains his widow never having intermarried same his decease and that at that
time of his death, he had a Pension, under the Act of Congress of off June the seventh 1832.
Priscilla her X mark Austin
-
Witness
Silvester G. Sherman


Washigt. In North Kingston

August 7th 1838
Personally appeared before me the subscriber, a Judge or Justice of the Court of Common Pleas in  the County of Washington in said State of Rhode Island, Priscilla Austin whose name is also written and made dem
the truth of the foregoing Declaration and I further certify that she is well known to me and that he thereto is good for truth & veracity and that she is to feeble and infirm to appear in open court to make her Declaration and also
that she is now unmarried an is the widow of John Austin, late of said North Kingston deceased.
Benjamin Smith Justice C C R
Page 13

Washington 
Clerk office court of Common Pleas
August 30th  1838
I hereby certify that Benjamin Smith Esq is one of Justices of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island duly commissioned and qualified as [illegible] and that the Signature purporting to be his to the certificate to the declaration of Priscilla Austin is genuine in testimony when of I never his to let my name and the seal of the Court the law and years above written
Matthew Waite
Page 14

Births of the Children of John Austin by by,
Priscilla his wife, viz
Jonathan Austin Son of the above persons
was born June the 2oth day AD 1784
Mary Austin Daughter of the above
was born April the 5th day A.D. 1786
William Austin Son as above
born Septemr 22 A.D. 1788
Elizabeth Austin Daughtr of the above
was born July the 1st  AD 1790
Nichols Austin Son as above
was born Novem 13th AD 1792
Stephen Sweet Austin Son as above
born March 29th  AD 1794
John Austin Son as above was
born June the 1st A.D. 1797

Town Clerks Office
North Kingstown RI
August 4. 1838
I certify the above record of Births to be a
true copy of Record in this Office

Nick. N. Spink Town Clerk

Washington North Kingston
September 7th 1838-
Personally appeared before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for said
North Kingston, Nicholas N Spink the Town Clerk said North Kingston whose name is also written & made solemn Oath to the truth of the above certificate.
And I further certify, that the signature above purporting to be his is his to me and
genuine signature-
Silvester G Shearman
Justice of the Peace
Page 15

North Kingstown November nineteenth one thouasand eight hundredd and twelve.
I herebu certify that John Austin son of Prismus Austin and Elizabeth Austin and Priscilla Smith daughter of Jeremiah and Mary Smith both of the above said town were lawfully joined together in marriage on the eleventh of December one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three by me

 Wm. Northrup ELder
Recorded November twenty-third one thousand eight hundred and twelve

George Thoms, Jr. Clerk


Washington Cty. - Town Clerk's office the Town of North Kingston, County of Washington
I hereby certify that the (afore is time) City of Record of the marriage of John Austin and Mary his wife  with the exception of date of the marriage which is () on the record in ()? NOvember 19th 1812
I hereby certify that John son of Prismus Ausstin and Elizabeth Autstin and Pricilla Smith Daughter of Jeremiah and Mary Smith *(?) in marriage on the eleventh of December 1783 - June   
(?)
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I Jonathan Austin of North Kingston, in the
County of Washington, on solemn Oath do testify and say that I am fifty four years of age and am the Son of John Austin, late of said North Kingston. My Father died on the thirteenth day of March 1835, at said North
Kingston leaving my mother Priscilla Austin his widow and she has not married since, but is [illegible] widow--I have always understand 
that I [illegible]
the twentieth of June 1782- My father
at the time his Death was a  Pensine of the United States, under the Act 1832-
Jonathan Austin

Washington In North Kingston
September 12th 1838-
Personally appeared before me the Sulsater, a
Justice of the Peace for said North Kingston
Jonathan Austin, whose name is subscribed to the above Deposition and made solemn Oath to the truth of the same, which was by me reduced to writing, in his presence and by him signed in my presence--And I further certify that he is well known to me and and that his character for truth is good-
Sylvester G Shearman
Justice of the Peace
Page 17

State of Rhode Island
County of Washington
I the solicitor, I am Clerk of North Kingston
in the County of Washington and Clerk of the Court of probate  in Town, hereby certify, that Sylvester G Shearman, before whom the foregoing deposition made and sworn to, is a Justice of the Peace, for said town 
I am of North Kingston, legally chosen, commissioned and qualified-
And that the signature annexed to the foregoing deposition purporting to be his is his true and genuine signature in his own hand writing known to me as such
In testimony of  which I have hereto set my
hand and seal of office at said North Kingston, this twelfth day of September 1838 -
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County of Luzerne SS. On this eighteenth day of Decr. 1840 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Luzerne personally appeared Priscilla Austin who on her oath declares that she is the widow of John Austin who was a private in the Army of the Revolution and who served in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Tappan in the service of the United States. That her name was placed on the pension roll of the state of Rhode Island from whence she has lately removed. That she now resides in the State of Pennsylvania where she intends to remain and wishes her pension to be there payable in future. The following are the reasons for removing from the state of Rhode ISland to that of Pennsylvania. On account of her Children removing from said State of Rhode Island to the State of Pennsylvania she was obliged to remove with them in order that they might thake care of and support her she being old and infirm and entirely unable to maintain and sustain her self. Sworn and Subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid. Benj. F. Bailey J.P. Witness John A Nichols Benjamin Smith her mark X Priscilla Austin
State of Pennsylvania Luzerne County SS. Before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally came John A. Nichols who on his oath declares and says that Priscilla Austin the person who has taken and subscribed the above oath is the identical person described in said affidavit. Sworn and subscribed before me this 18th day of decr. 1840. Benj. F. Bailey J.P. John A Nichols.
Page 19

State of Pennsylvania}
Luzerne County} SS
I Benj. F. Bailey a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Luzerne do certify that John A. Nichols the witness to the oath and within written affidavit of Priscilla Austin and who has sworn that she is the identical person described in said affidavit is a person of truth and veracity-
December 18th 1840
[Signature] Benj F. Bailey  Justice of the Peace
State of Pennsylvania}
Luzerne County} SS
I Andrew Bedford Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County do certify that Benj. F. Bailey before whom the within written affidavits were taken is and was at the time of the taking the same an acting Justice of the Peace for said County and that full faith and credit are due to all his acts as such and that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Office at Wilkesbarre this twenty third day of December A. D. 1840-
[Signature] Andrew Bedford  Prothy
By [Signature] D. Nicholson
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4581
Pennsylvania
Priscilla Austin widow of John Austin who was a private in the Rd. Island line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 70 Dollars 
-- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22d day of Jany. 1844 and sent to B. F. Bailey Factoryville, Pa.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A  Vol 1  Page 129
Page 21

Rev.
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 2904
Priscilla Austin Widow 
John Austin Pri. Rev. War
Act:  March 3, 1843
Index:—Vol. A, page 22
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 22

Letter to B. F. Bailey 26 Oct. 1840 Cin to Penn Agent 5 Jany 1841. 
To Pennsylvania from 4th March 1840 22nd Feby 1841. Notification to Pensioner. Factoryville Luzerne County. Penna.
Letter to B.F. Bailey 12th March 1841. Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 4 April 1838 from 4 Mach to 4 Sep 1840 Agt. notified 21 July 1841. 

Pennsylvanial 1462 Priscilla Austin widow of John Austin who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 1832 and who died on the 13 March 1835 of Washington Co. in the state of R. Island who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain of the Regt; commanded by Col. Brown in the R.I. line for 21  months.

Inscribed on the Roll of R. Island at the rate of 70 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. Certificate of Pension issued the 21st day of Dec. 1838 and sent to S. G. Shearman, Wickford, R.I. Arrears to the 4th of Sep. '38 175.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar. '39 35.00 $210.00 Act July 7, 1838. Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book A. Vol. 2 Page 1
Page 23

12,761
no
Austin
Mr Pearce
Page 24

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Jno Austin which require further proof or explanation. 
1. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? -
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes
V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? Yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension that the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? NO
Page 25

2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to
their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary
service?
[illegible] 
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
[illegible]
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one
living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
[illegible] 
XIV. +If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who
administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?
A Yes
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under
his seal of office?
Yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age,
as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
Yes
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
[illegible]
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And,
if not, which of them is not so answered?
[illegible] 
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how
long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being
duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he
cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection
he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For---year
--
months and --
days, I served as a---
For---months and---
days, I served as a---;
and for such service I claim a pension."
Page 26

3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served,
and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of
the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too
indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he
must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits
the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as
the regiment, company, and line to which be belonged. The magistrate who may administer
the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature
of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not
written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the
certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must
pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being in
properly attached to the certificate.
Page 27

I William Lunt of South Kingston in the County of Washington, on oath do testify and say, that I am eighty seven years of age, during the war of the Revolution, I knew John Austin, of North Kingston, the Applicant, and know that he served Nine months in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Topham, of State Troops. He came there and took his place in the Regiment, as a private soldier, in the spring of 1778, & belonged to a Company of which Alexander Thomas was Captain, I was a private in the Regiment all the time myself. on the 3rd Day of Sept. 1832 Sworn to in Open Court Witn. Sam. Helme Clk. Wm Lunt.

I Samuel Tillingham of Exeter in the County of Washington, on oath do testify and say, that I am Seventy one years of age, and that during the war of the Revolution, I belonged to Col. Topham's Regiment of State Troops, and served therein one year, and in 1778, John Austin the within named Applicant, served as a Private soldier in same Company, nine months in the Company commanded by Alexander Thomas Samuel Tillinghast on the 3d of Sept. 1832 Sworn to in open Court Witn. Saml Helme Clk
Page 28

The deposition of Samuel Browning of North Kingstown in the County of washington R Island 77 years of age. On oath testifies and says that I know John Austin now an applicant for a pension That said Austin served as a private in Capt. Willaim Taylors Company of infantry in the year 1776 in defending the shore against the common enemy also that he served under Cole about 8 moths and under Laurence Pearce about four months in the same service of defending the shores in the whole time more than one year under Captains Taylor, Cole, and Pearce. And further the deponent saith not. Samuel Browning.
Page 29

The deposition of John Browning of Warsick in the County of Kent State of R. Island aged 74 years, of lawful age and engaged according to Law testifies & says. That I know John Austin now an applicant for a tension. That in 1776 I knew John Austin as a private soldier in Captain William Taylors company of Infantry about 4 months in defending the shores in North Kingston against the common enemy - that he served under Capt. Cole in the same service eight months or thereabouts and under Captain Lawrance Pearce about four months in performing the same service. That he [illegible] out of the service into Col. Tophams regiment. I know that he served as above stated because I saw him at various times on duty in those companies. & that Col Pearce & Col. Brown & Dol. Dyer were commanders of the regiments to which these companies were attached to which Austin belonged. And further the Deponent saith not. John Browning
Page 30

[illegible] Washington Se South Kingstown sep. 3rd 1832 Personally came the within named John Browning and made solemn oath to the truth of the within Deposition Before me Wilkins Updike Just. Peace

[All of the above is crossed out.]
Page 31

4901 Priscilla Austin $70
Benj. F. Bailey Factoryville Pa
Page 32

DECLARATION, In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress the 3d March, 1843, granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7, 1838. State of Pennsylvania County of Luzerne SS. On this Second day of November 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace for said County, Priscilla Austin a resident of Benton in the County of Luzerne aged eighty six years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 3d March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of John Austin who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution and who served in Capt. Coles Company of Enlisted Soldiers in Col. Toppins Regiment and the annual amount of the pension which she received under the act of July 7, 1838, was Seventy dollars. She further declares that she is still a widow. Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before Benj. F. Bailey Justice of the Peace Witness John A Nichols Benj. F. Bailey her mark X Priscilla Austin. 
State of Pennsylvania County of Luzerne SS. November 2nd 1843 I, Benj. F. Bailey a Magistrate in the county above named, do hereby certify that I have the most satisfactory evidence, viz. my own personal knowledge, that Priscilla Austin who this day appeared before me, and made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration, is the identical person she represents herself to be. Given under my hand at Abington on the day and year above written. Benj. F. Bailey J. Peace.
I, Andrew Bedfor Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne county, certify that Benj. F. Bailey is a magistrate as above, and that the foregoing signature, purporting to be his, is genuine. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of office, and subscribed my name, this eighth day of November in the year 1843. Andrew Bedofrd Clerk of Prob. of Court of Common Pleas.
Page 33

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND, &C. Washington County, Sc. South Kingstown, Sept. 2 1832. Personally appeared the aforenamed Samuel Browning John Browning & Polytone Austin and before deposing as aforesaid, was by me, carefully cautioned, examined and sworn to testify the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, and gave the foregoing depositions, which were reduced to writing by me, in their presence and they signed the same in my presence. And I further certify that the said deponents are well known to me and that they sustaing fair characters for thruth, and that their depositions are entitled to credit. Wilkins Updike Justice Peace. 
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. Washington County, sc. I Samuel Helme, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Washington, & state, aforesaid, do hereby certify that Wilkins Updike, Esq. before whom the deposition annexed were taken and sworn to, is a Justice of the Peace, duly elected and qualified within and for the county of Washington, in said state and that his signature thereto is in his own proper hand writing. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this Eighth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and thirty two. Saml Helme Clk.
Page 34

The Deposition of Paulipos Austin of North Kingstown in the County of washington aged 81 years testifies & says on oath. That I know John Austin now an applicant for a pension that saw John Austin was a private in Capt. William Tayors company of infantry for guarding the shores in North Kingstown in the year 1776 that he also served under Capt Cole in the same service. he also served under Capt. Larence Pearce in guarding the shores that he served at guarding the shores and in other service during the war. That I have seen him on duty at various times and lived near the shore and know that he performed said service Polipos Austin
Page 35

J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Page 36

Wickford September 17th 1838 J.L. Edwards Esq. Sir Herewith I forward you the application of Priscilla Austin for a Pension, under the Act of July 7th 1838. You will observe that her husband was a Pensioner, under the Act of June 7th 1832 and that she refers to his Declaration for proof of his services. I wished to have sent you Mr. Austins Certificate, but could not procure it. As he [illegible] his pay on the 4th of March 1835 and died on the 13th there was so little due to his Widow that it was not [illegible] and has been lost or destroyed by some of the family. I trust that the Application will be satisfactory to you. Please make known your [illegible] to me, when you have examined the papers. Yours truly Sylvester G. Shearman As there was no necessity of the Certificate of the Births of the Children, I trust you will overlook the dates being figured.
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TREASURY DEPARTMENT, Second Comptroller's Office, July 8th, 1841. Sir: Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Priscilla Austin a Pensioner of the Roll of the Philadelphia Agency, at the rate of Seventy Dollars per annum, under the law of the 7 July 1838, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March, to the 4th sept. 1840. Respectfully yours, Albion K. Parris, Comptroller. To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.
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Jan 5 1841 No Evary 
Factoryville Pa Dec. 30
FREE
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commr. of Pensions Pension Office Washington City D.C.
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March 2 1841 [illegible] Factoryville Pa March 6 free J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington D.C.
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State of Pennsylvania Luzerne County Factoryville Feby 24, 1841 J. L. Edwards Esq. Sir, Some time in January last I enclosed to you certificates and papers for the purpose of getting the pension Priscilla Austins transferred from the State of R.I. to this State in order that she might be paid here. She would be much obliged if you would be so good as to write and inform me whether the transfer was made so that she might apply for payments. Most Respectfully Yours &c. Benj. F. Bailey
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Arcade Bank
Providence R.I. Jany 9th 1841
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 5th inst. I have to inform you that Priscilla Austin, now on the roll of this agency, under the act of 7th July 1838 at seventy dollars per annum; was last paid to the 4th of March 1841.
I am respectfully your obt svt
S. Waterman Pension agt. for H. Greene.

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
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4901
Nov 19, 1843
Priscilla Austin
March 3d 1843
Pa.
Factoryville PA

J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.
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Factoryville Nov. 11, 1843
J.L. Edwards Esq.
Dear Sir,
I send enclosed to you the declaration of Priscilla Austin formerly a pensioner under the act of Congress of July 7 1838. Please to forward the necessary certificate that she may receive payment according to the Act of March 3, 1843. Send to me or to Mrs. Priscilla Austin at Factoryville Luzerne County Penn.
Respectfully yours &c.
Benj. F. Bailey