Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 37692, Aaron Austin, Conn.
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE NUMBER
Conn-  Austin, Aaron S37692
CONTENTS
Page 2

[left column]
Notification sent to
F Wolcott, Esqr 9 Oct 1820
Litchfield Cont
Reinstated
Feby 14 1892
& sent to
A. Sterling
House of Rep


[right column]
Connecticut Roll
1825
Aaron Austin
Col Burrall Captain
Connecticut Line
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.

Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut
at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence of
the 1st of April 1818

Certificate of Pension issued the 30 of June 1818
and sent to Uriel Holmes, Esq.
Litchfield, Conn
Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1818
5 months 4 /30 $102.66
Revolutionary claim,
Act 18th March, 1818.
20 Jan 76 till 5th 1777
Disc
Page 3

Deposition of Aaron Austin
Page 4

I, Aaron Austin of New Hartford in the County of Litchfield and
State of Connecticut do testify and say
That the beginning of May 1775 I received a Commission from
the Governor of this State in the words and figures as follows
State of Connecticut Jonathan Trumbull Esquire
Captain General and Governor in Chief in and and over
his Majestys English Colony of Connecticut in America
To Aaron Austin Jr  Greeting
By virtue of the Power and Authority to me given in
and by the Royal Charter to the Governor and Company of the
said Colony under the Great Seal of England I do by these
presents reposing especial Trust and confidence in your
Loyalty Courage and Good conduct constitute and appoint
you the said Aaron Austin Jun to be second Lieutenant
of the fifth Company of the fourth Regiment of the
Inhabitants enlisted and assembled for the special
Defence & safety of his Majestys said Colony you
are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the
duty of Second Lieut.

This Commission was dated at Hartford the first of
May 1775 and signed by Jonathan Trumbull
The 4th Regiment was commanded by Col. Benjamin
Hinman and Marched soon to the Northern
frontiers and the beginning of the fall into Canada
I served in this Regiment as Lieut untill it was
Discharged about the first of December following
about the 20th of Jany AD 1776.   I received the
following Commission In Congress
The Delegates of the United Colonies of New Hampshire
Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut. New York
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of New Castle, Kent
Page 5

and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia,
North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia
To Aaron Austin Esq Greeting.
We reposing especial Trust and confidence in your
Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, do
by these Presents, constitute and appoint you to be Captain
of the third Company of the Battalion raised in the
Colony of Connecticut by order of Congress for the 
reinforcement the Continental Army in the Northern
Department in the Army of the United Colonies raised
for the defence of American Liberty, and for repelling
every hostile invasion thereof. You are therefore carefully 
and diligently to discharge the duty of Captain
of said Company, by doing and performing all manner
of things thereunto belonging. And we do strictly charge
and [illegible] all officers and Soldiers under your command, to be
obedient to your orders as their Captain And you are
to observe and follow such order and directions from
time to time, as you shall receive from this or a
illegible] Congress of the United Colonies, or a Committee
of Congress for that purpose appointed or the
Commander in chief for the time being of the army
of the United Colonies, or other your superior officers,
according to the rules and discipline of War, in pursuance
of the trust reposed in your this Commission to continue 
in force untill revoked by this or a future Congress
Dated at Philadelphia the 19th day of Jany 1776
by order of Congress
Signed John Hancock President
attest Charles Thompson Secy

The foregoing is a true Copy of my Commission and
in pursuance thereof the Deponant raised a Company
and joined the Regiment commanded by Col Charles
Burrell and continued in said Regiment untill it
Page 6

was discharged at Mount Independance on the 15th of February
One Thousand Seven hundred and Seventy Seven
The Deponent is in his Seventy third year of his age by various
misfortunes is so reduced as he is unable to get [illegible]
support without the aid of his friends or his Country
and further the Deponent saith not
Aaron Austin

State of Connecticut Litchfield County April first
day AD 1818 Personally appeared Aaron Austin signer
of the foregoing affidavit and made Solemn Oath to the
truth of the same before me
Augustus Pettibone Chief Judge
of Litchfield County Court

State of Connecticut Litchfield County
I Augustus Pettibone Esqr Chief Judge of the County
Court for said Litchfield County which is a Court of
record do certify that the foregoing affidavit was 
regularly taken before me and from the Evidence exhibited
it appears to my satisfaction that the said Aaron Austin
served in the revolutionary war in the manner and
during the terms as stated in his aforesaid affidavit - 
that from his reduced circumstances in life he is in need
of the assistance from his country for support-

In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and bound the seal of the
said Court to be affixed as of this first
day of April Anno Domini 1818
Augustus Pettibone Chief Judge

To the Hon John C. Calhoun Secretary of War
Page 7

Aaron Austin
not entitled
1.625
Sept [illegible] 
1875

[sideways]
Sworn and declared to on the 5th day of July A.D. 1820
before said court
Frederick Wolcott Clerk
Page 8

District of Connecticut ss. County of Litchfield, County Court.
On this 5th day of July 1820 personally appeared in open Court, being court of RECORD for
said county in said district, having the power to fine and imprison Aaron Austin
aged Seventy four years resident in New Hartford in said county, who being
first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary War, as follows:
In the month of April or May 1775 I was appointed a Lieutent
in a company commanded by Shubael Griswold & Col
Benjamin Henmans Regiment to serve in the army in
the Northern Department. I served in that Regiment 
until about the first of December soon afterwards I received
from Congress a Captains commission signed by President John Hancock
to remain in force until revoked, to join a Regt commanded
by Charles Burrell and to reinforce the army in the Northern
Department as will appear by said commission in the Honorable
Secy of War's office.-- I raised a company joined said Regiment 
marched into Canada and continued in the service until the 5th
day of Feby 1777 more than 12 months the date of my commission
I mistake not was the 19th of January 1776 first application
for pension was April 1st 1818 No of certificate 1.625. I am by
occupation a farmer if any thing am able to do as much business as
men in general of my age. My family consists of the Wife
of my youth old and feeble one Daughter named Sally
aged 36 years very poor in health three fatherless grandchildren
Lucius Austin aged 17 years Elizabeth fifteen
Aaron thirteen

And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March
one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner
disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the
provision of an act of Congress entitled ""An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval
service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War,” passed on the 18th day of March, one thousand eight
hundred and eighteen; and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property, or securities, contracts
or debts due to any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed,
and by me subscribed
I have at present in my occupation a Tenantable
house, and about forty acres of land apprised by the assessors
in the Assessment list of 1819 at 1.875 dollars. But said
house and land is covered by three mortgages
for the surity of more than four thousand dollars
now due-- said house and land is not worth
any thing to the Deponent
Page 9

one yoke of oxen worth- $65.
Two Cows -35
2 yearlings - 15
1 old horse kind - 25
1 Cart - 30
1 sled - 5
Yoke & Chains - 6
2 axes & 2 hoes - 3
1 Bisman? - 10
1 block wooden wheels. - 10
1 Dozen Silver Spoons & table Do - 12
1 Dozen dining chairs a $1.34 - 16
6 Windsor ditto - 6
12 Kitchen ? - 6
5 Tables - 20
Book case & Desk - 15
2 Brass Kettles - 10
Pots & Dish Kettles - 4
Crockery and other articles of household
furniture too numerous to mention - 50
I have Turnpike Stack worth - 200
$543
Aaron Austin

And I do further declare that I now justly owe
a greater sum than is contained in the above Schedule
and all the debts due to me, and am poor and
stand in need of the munificence of Government
for to support me in my old age and further

Aaron Austin
Page 10

Jany 7 Free
Hnble Ansel Sterling Esqr
Representative
In Congress
Washington City

[upside down]
Aaron Austin
wishes a reconsideration of his case
Page 11

New Hartford Jany 1st 1822
Hon. Sir
I want to employ some Gentleman at
Washington to be my Agent to attend to my Pension
you know that for a number of years I was decently
supported by the Government of this State but on my
arriving to 70 all my emolument ceased I was
then taken up by the General Government Two years
but on making out my Schedule on the 4th July
1820 according to the provision of the Act of Congress
I had no Idea but where the applicant stated
that he owed more than the amount of his Schedule
and all the credits due him it would be taken into
consideration but it is well known the rule at the
war office was that way my Schedule at that time
I think amounted to $445 the income of which
would fall for short of my support. I had an answer
from the office that in looking over my Schedule
they found I had too much property and was stricken
of the Roll my creditors then took from me
almost the whole of my property except what by
our law is protected from execution. I made a second
Schedule before the Superior Court in Feby Term
amounting short of $950- and stated my Insolvency
and poverty to that I had an answer in August
last from Mr Edwards in which he informed me that the
Hon Secretary at was had examined my claim
to be restored on the Pension Roll & he had directed him
to inform me that it could not be admitted no reasons
given but probably the Decision of the atty General was the
cause
Page 12

Mr Edwards write me soon after I transmitted my second 
Schedule that before a final decision on my claim I must
and on from the proper office a certificate certifying the date
of the Mortgage and amount which I did the whole of
the papers undoubtedly may be found in the Office
I see by the resolution that has passed the house that the
law of 1820 will probably be amended
Now Sir my request to you is to attend to my business
if I obtain my pension I shall be able to pay you
well of not I shall be poor old man always as I am
Now in real Disstress - You know perfectly well that
ever since the death of my son I have been considered
to be insolvent well known to the court and barring
further evidence is wanting to prove my poverty it
can be obtained from the first characters in the
County Gentleman well known to the Hon Scy
Please to inform me from time to time what
progress you make and when you obtain an answer
please to Inclose it to me  Mrs Austin Health
is very poor she has had ten of Bleeding from the
lungs for several years but this winter & lately bled
copiously for 11 days and has left her very low
I am with every sentiment
of respect your friend &
humble Servant
Aaron Austin
Page 13

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION 3 - 525
MMHF
S. 37692

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., June 13, 1923

In reply to your request of _____, for the history of
Aaron Austin a soldier of the Revolutionary War,
the following is taken from the soldier's claim for pension.

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
May 1, 1775 to Dec 1775
Jan 19 1776 to Feb 5 1777

LENGTH OF SERVICE.

RANK.
2" Lt
Capt

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Shubel Griswold
COLONEL.
Benjamin Hinman
Charles Burrall

STATE.
Conn

He was Judge of Probate and County Court and State Senator

Battles engaged in, none stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, not stated
Date of application for pension, April, 1818. His cl was allowed
Residence at date of application New Hartford, Litchfield Co. Coun-
Age at date of application, 72 years.
Remarks: He died Feb. 15, 1829. In 1775 he was referred to as
Aaron Austin, Jr. In 1820 he referred to his wife (name not
stated), daughter Sally aged 36 yrs. & 3 fatherless grand - children,
Lucius Austin aged 17 yrs, Elizabeth aged 15 yrs, and Aaron aged 13 yrs.
Only one son alive on Feb. 13, 1821 and he died before Jan 1, 1822,
name not stated
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

COVERNMENT FRINTING OFFICE
date from A.B.
Page 14

37692
Revy INVALID.
File No. 37692
Aaron Austin
Capt Rev War
Act: 18 March 18th
Index: --Vol. 2 , Page 14
[Arrangement of 1870.}

[sideways]
1923- June 13 Hist to Miss E May Christley
Page 15

IN CONGRESS
THE DELEGATES of be UNITED COLONIES, of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of New-Castle, Kent, and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, to Aaron
Austin Esqr     greeting
We reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity,
Do by these Presents, [illegible] and appoint you to be Captain of the third
Company Raised in the Colony of Connecticut by order of Congress for Reinforcement
of the Continental Army in the Northern Department.

in the Army of the United Colonies raised for the defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile Invasion thereof. You are there the carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of Captain of said Company doing and performing all matter of things thereunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and soldiers under your Command, to be obedient to your Orders as their Captain And you are to observe and follow such Orders and Directions from
Time to Time, as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United Colonies, or Committee of Congress, for that purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief for the Time being of the Army of the United Colonies, or any other your Superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in Pursuance of the Trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in Force until revoked by this or a future Congress, dated at Philadelphia the 19th day of Jany Anno Domini 1776

By Order of the Congress
John Hancock PRESIDENT
Attest Chas Thomson
Page 16

[left column]
Suspended for the
Attorney Generals opinion
See letter to Hon
Phelps, H. R. Feb. 17.18??

Date of Mortgage must
be given
still susp see letter of 24 Feby 18??
Hon. E. Phelps. H. R.

[sideways left column]
Decision confirmed 
by the Secretary of War
see letter to the applicant
7 July 1821 
of F Wolcott Esqr
Litchfield Cont
Page 17

report to the Hon A Sterling
Pensioners Real Estate was 
Valued at $1875 in the first
schedule. Evidence since 
furnished, that the same was
mortgaged in 1801, 1808 for
$4414.19. Personal property
in the 1st Schedule $543
since dropt from the Roll.
his creditors have taken all
of the personal property,
except what is allowed him
by the Laws of the State, viz
$143.56, and he says two
Judgment Debts now against
him several years standing
about $1000. Colonel [illegible]
75 years old and infirm, to
wife old & feeble - 1 Daughter of
bad health & 3 fatherless Children

He was a Leut 8 months in 1775, a
Captain 12 months in 1776-1777
Page 18

Litchfield Cont May 6th 1844
Hon. John C. Calhoun Secry of War.
Sir-
Enclosed is the Testimony
his support of the claim of Aaron
Austin Esq. to be placed on the
Pension List, under the Law of
the the 18th of March 1818 -
Evidence is sufficient I will thank
you to enclose his Certificate
to me, if the evidence is not
sufficient please inform me
wherein it is deficient.
---
I am very Respectfully
your obt
& [illegible]
Uriel Holmes
Page 19

FREE
Honble
John C. Calhoun Esq
Secretary at War
Washington
Page 20

New Hartford Litchfield County Cont
July 20th 1820
Sir
I understand that in some of the Counties
in this states the court in making out the
Schedule of the revolution Pensioners took a
different course than what was taken in this County
in this County the court said they had nothing to do
or say about the debts the applicant owed but only
to ascertain the value of the property in the Schedule
I stated in my declaration that I owe a larger sum
on the amount in my Schedule and all the [illegible]
me. This if it is necessary to prove I wish you to give
me Notice & I will do it-- Indeed it is well known that
I am Insolvent and have been for a Number of years
not worth a cent. Two Judgments lie against me
have for Several years of about 1000 that nothing but
Old age and poverty protect me
I am with every sentiment of respect
Your Obedient Servant
Aaron Austin
Page 21

District of Connecticut, County of Litchfield, Superior Court
On this 6th day of Feby 1821 personally appeared in open court, 
being the Superior Court of Cont. being a Court of RECORD for
said county in said district having the power to fine and imprison, 
Aaron Austin, aged 75 years resident in said county, who
being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that 
he served in the Revolutionary War as follows 
In the month of April or May in the year 1775 I was appointed
a Lieut in Capt Shubael Griswould Company & Col. Benjamin
Hinmans regiment to serve in the army in the Northern Department 
I served in said Regiment until about the first
of December. About the middle of Jany following
I received a Captains Commission from Congress signed
By John Hancock President to be in force until
Revoked & to Join a Regiment commanded by Charles
Burrell Esq. to enforce the Army in the Northern
Department I immediately raised a company &
Marched into Canada and continued in service until
the 5th Feby 1777 more than Twelve months
My Commission is now in the Honorable Secy of war
Office my first application for Pension was first of April
1818 No Certificate 1,625 My family consists of the
Wife of my youth old and very feeble Daughter
Named Sally 37 year old in poor health 3 fatherless
Grand children I am by law obliged to support having
No property of their own viz Lucius Austin aged 18 years old
Elizabeth 16 & Aaron 14 By occupation I am a Farmer if
anything am old and can do but little

And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March
one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner
disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, so as to bring myself within the
provision of an act of Congress entitled ""An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service
of the United States, in the Revolutionary war,” passed on the 18th day of March, one thousand eight hundred
and eighteen; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities, contracts 
or debts due to me except as stated in my schedule; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed. I have no legal title to any house or
land I am a Tenant at Will of Mortages of about
forty acres of land with an old house appraised by
the Assessors in this years assessment list at $1,600
said House and land are under different
Mortgages on which there is now more than four
Page 22

Thousand Dollars due to the Equity of redemption
is worth nothing and the Interest on the Mortgages is
far beyond the rents & profits

I state in my affidavit that accompanied my schedule
made on the 5th July last that I then owed a larger
sum than the amount of the Schedule since which my
Creditors have taken from me any property almost every
article except such as by our law are pretected for execution

Schedule What remains is as contained in the following
One horse kind 20 years old part - $12,
One small Cow $13 One Calf 3,34 - 16. 34
old Sled $2,50 Yoak and 2 Chains - 7.50
2 old axes and 2 broken hoes ---2.__
1 pot & three Iron Kettle---4.50
2 pr Iron Andirons ----4
[illegible] & Tongs and Trannels--4
4 Windsor Chairs --3.34
Kitchen do--7
case with Draws --- 4
2 Chests --- 2
3 Old Tables --7
Old Clock $6 old Brass Kettle $5 --11
Crockery and other small articles not worth more than --40 -
a claim of $20 against the Insolvent Estate
of William Stone Commissions have not yet
reported may make Dividend of half 10
Two collectable notes. 6.88
$141.56

Litchfield 6th Feby 1821
Aaron Austin
and I do further say that I am indebted still
in large sum man than probably I can ever pay
am poor and able to support my self without
the aid of Government
and further the deponent
Saith not
Aaron Austin
Page 23

Sworn to and declared
on the 5th day of February AD. 1821.
before the said Superior Court
Certified by Frederick Wolcott, Clerk
I, Frederick Wolcort, Clerk of the Superior Court
within the County of Litchfield & State of Connecticut
do hereby certify that the foregoing Oath and the schedule thereto annexed
are truly copied from the record of the court; and I do further certify that it is
the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of property exhibited in the
aforesaid schedule, is one hundred forty one dollars and fifty six cents
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said
court, on this 6th
day of February 1821 -
---
Frederick Wolcott
-
Clerk of the Superior Court for
the County of Litchfield within the State of
Connecticut
Page 24

rec 14 Feb. 1821
J.L. Edwards
Pension Office
Page 25

House of Rep Feb 13th 1821
Sir,
This day I received a letter from 
Colo. Aaron Austin of New Hartford, Litchfield
County, Connecticut stating that by the same
mail he had transmitted his second schedule
to the department of War

I have long been acquainted with
Colo Austin. No man perhaps has a higher
character for integrity & virtue. He has filled
some honourable & important officers in the State.
He was for many years a member of the Senate 
Judge of the County Court, & Judge of Probate
He has been reputed to poor for ever since I know him
The hearing of his family has been expensive
he had much sickness, & lost several children by
conscription. He has but one son, who lives I
believe in the State of New York. His subsistence
must be derived from his own laborer-perhaps some
acts of charity. It is said that he is much involved
Page 26

in debt.

After you informed me that his 
name was erased from pension list I informed him
what rule had been adopted & that he
must dispose of some of his property to her
creditors. I believe he has done so. I
have no doubt but the law intended to 
extend its bounty to men in such
circumstances
I am Sir yr
Obt Svt
E. Phelps
---
P. S. As soon as you decide his case I
should be glad to be informed
Page 27

Connt
Recd 14 Feb 1821

[sideways]
Honorable John C. Calhoun
Secy of the War Department
Washington City
Page 28


New Hartford 6th Feby 1821 
Honored Sir
In my affidavit that I made on the
5th July last I stated that I was indebted 
for a sum much larger than the Schedule
I then made out, and I might with truth
state that nearly one thousand Dollars of these
Debts were in Execution and had been for a long time
since making said Schedule my creditors have
Taken from me almost every article not exempted
from Execution by the Laws of this State
Inclosed is a schedule of what remains Taken
before the Honble. Superior Court at the present 
term I pray your Honor to review my case
If old age & Poverty are Necessary requirements
to obtain the Munificence of Government Surely
I have enough of that
Please to direct your answer to me New Hartford
am with every sentiment
of Esteem & respect yrs
Aaron Austin
Page 29

$4414.19
Page 30

I Asa Goodwin of the Town of New Hartford County of Litchfield
& State of Connecticut being duly chosen & sworn to the
office of Town Clerk of said Town, do certify, that by the Laws
of said State I am fully authorized to give copies & extracts
from the Records of said Town, and having examined said
Records relative to the lands now occupied by Aaron Austin
of said New Hartford, do certify that all of said Land & Building
are under the incumbrance of three Mortgages for the security 
of the payment of four thousand four hundred, fourteen
dollars 19/100 - Two of said mortgages bearing date Feb 7th 1807
the other bearing date March 5th 1808

In Witness whereof I hereunto set my hand
and Seal at New Hartford in said
State this 12th day of March A.D. 1821
Asa Goodwin Town Clerk
Page 31

For the War Department
Sec Wr J. L. Edwards
First Clerk in the Pension Office
Washington City

[illegible]
13 March
Page 32

New Hartford 9th March 1821
Sir
I have received your note of the 26th Feby last
in which you inform me that before a final
decision can be had on my Schedule and application
to be continued on the Pension rolls I must first Transmit
to you the dates of the Mortgages on the lands
I now occupy, I feel the propriety of the measure 
that you should have the evidence before you that no
fraud has been intended on done on the Law of the 18th
March 1818 as will appear by the certificate of the
Town Clerk under hand & seal the only officer by
the Laws of this State authorized to record Deeds and give 
copies or certify extract from them

you will find so by his certificate herewith inclosed
that all the Mortgages are many years standing long
before Revolutionary pensioners were thought of
I had rather beg in the streets than to take
any indirect course to obtain a pension
( I hope Deferred make the [illegible] )
I pray you give me an answer soon as convenient
and address to me at New Hartford Connecticut

I am with the Greated respect
your humble Servant
Aaron Austin
Page 33

[postmark]
SILVER CREEK NY
APR 19 1923 4 PM
THIS SIDE OF CARD FOR ADDRESS

Pension Department
Washington D.C.

[stamp]
US PENSION OFFICE
Q APR 21 1923
Page 34

can the records of your office give me any 
information concerning Capt. Aaron Austin, pensioner
who served in the Revolutionary army Resided in
Middlesex Co. Conn.  Was in Col. Charles Burrall Regt
was from town of New Hartford Conn
was b. in Suffield, Conn. 1716
Torrington Conn
Also is there 
any information concerning
Aaron Austin son of the above, b. 1749
Yours truly
(Miss) E. May Christy
Silver Creek
Chautauqua Co
New York