Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,759, John Brink, New York
Page 1

(3 - 1776 )

SERVICE
New York

Brink, John
Diana

NUMBER
W. 15,759

CONTENTS
Page 2

5110
New York, Albany
widow of 
Diana Brink died
who died on the [illegible]
of ___ in the State of New York
who was a private in the _____ commanded
by Captain ______ of the ____ commanded
by N.Y. in the Revolution
for two years

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany
at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1831 & Endg [ending] 24 August
1848
---
Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of
January 1834 and sent to
James G. Austin

Arrears to the 4th of Present
Semiannual allowance ending

Increased from $40

Revolutionary Claim,
by Mr
Act July 4, 1836,
Section the

Recorded by H. R. Weightman Clerk
Book D. Vol. 2 Page 362
Page 3

Declaration of
Mrs. Dianna Brink

Mrs. Dianna Brink 
Application for a Pension

Declaration and 
Proof    and 
Letter of Commission 

No 2
Page 4

Dianna Brink
widow of john 
For Pension Act of 1836

original papers bearing 
date in 1839
A
Page 5

State of New York, Ontario County ss.
On this 23d day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine, personally appeared before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County. Said court being a Court of record in said County and now in session. Mrs. Dianna Brink a resident of the town of Phelps in the County of Ontario aged seventy eight years who first being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the Act of Congress passed July the 4th 1836. Entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows or orphans where their husbands and fathers have died of wounds received in the Military Service of United States in certain cases, and for other purposes". That she is the widow of John Brink (whose service is proved by Henry Van Etten and others and their affidavits of such service is herewith transmitted) who was a private in the Revolutionary army and served in a Company Commanded at different times by Captains Jones, Moses Cartright, Major John Decker and others. She does not recolect said Regiment was called the Goshen and Minisink Regiment of the New York State Militia, that her husband the said John Brink lived at the time he entered the service above mentioned in Minisink in the County of Orange in the state of New York. That in or about the month of June 1777 the said John Brink was draughted into and went out in the aforesaid Company under the command of Capt Moses Cartright and marched on to the North River in the State of New York at some point she thinks New Windsor or New Burgh and was on duty as a soldier about 20 or 30 days. When discharged and returned home to Minisink and soon after he was ordered out as well as the whole company to which he belonged and marched under the command of Capt Moses Cartright in the Regiment commanded by Col. Thurston aforesaid and Major Decker on to the North River soon after the storming of Fort Montgomery. From some point on said river he marched in said Regiment up the river towards Kingston on said river but before arriving there, news came that the Brittish had burnt that place and retired. He was then discharged and marched back to Minisink under Major Decker in said Regiment. Said
Page 6

Major Decker. Then had orders to keep that part of said Regiment belonging to Minisink aforesaid upon the Frontiers as it was then called and in the neighbourhood of the Delaware and Neversink Rivers in said County of Orange, to watch the movements of the Indians who began to committ depredations on said Rivers. That in the spring of the year 1778 her husband John Brink together with a part or all of the company to which he belonged under the command of Lieut. Vantyle was stationed at Carpenters Point and other points on the Delaware Rivers and allso upon the Neversink River, to gaurd the Indians who there infested that part of the country. Said Regiment was then commanded (or the Minisink part of said Regiment) by Major Decker. Col Thurston there being on the North River with the rest of said Regiment, was the greatest part of that year viz (1778) under arms, stationed at points on said Deleware River, or marching against the Indians and Torys. Who where continually harrassing & plundering the inhabitants burning their houses, stealing their cattle, and otherwise destroying their property. At one time said Brink (and at that time her husband) was in a skirmish with the Indians & Torys at what was called Van Aukens Picket Fort on the Deleware River. That in the spring of the year 1779 her husband the said John Brink was called out as well as the whole company and commanded by  Lieut Vantyle and Major Decker and marched against the Indians who made made their appearance in large numbers upon the Deleware and Neversink Rivers. That her husband aforesaid was in the action at Beaver Brook (as it was called) on the 21st day of July 1779. That he served on that day under Col. Thurston, Major Decker, Wood & others. That her husband was after that Butte dury the remainder of that year. Stationed at diferent points or fighting small parties of Indians and Torys, allso during the year 1780 her husband was the greatest part of the year in actual duty as a soldier in the remnant of the Company before mentioned and in fact untill the close of the War her husband was continually engaged in fighting and driving the Indians and Torys or guarding the Frontiers inhabitants. Their property & from [illegible] by the Indians. That she has made enquiries if any of the officers under whom her husband served is living and can find none and that she has no documentary evidence in proof of her claim.
Page 7

and no other evidence that she at present able to find except the affidaits herewith transmitted. She further declares positively that she was married to the said John Brink on the seventeenth day of February seventeen hundred and seventy eight by Solomon Cuykendall a Justice of the Peace legally authorized to perform marriage ceremony. That her husband the aforesaid John Brink died at Phelps in the county of Ontario and state of New York on the seventh day of February eighteen hundred and twenty one. That the whole time of the service of her husband in said war was about four years. That she was married to him previous to the last period of his service viz at the time above stated. That she is the widow of the said Brink and has remained his widow ever since the death of her husband the said John Brink. Dianna Brink - her mark X
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before, John L. Upham, Judge of Ontario County Courts.
State of New York, Ontario County
I, Thomas Hall, Clerk of Ontario County Courts do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Dianna Brink for her pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 23 day of May A.D. 1839 at [illegible]
Thomas Hall Clerk
Jn. LeDran Brown, Dep. Clerk
Page 8

State of New York, Ontario County SS.
I George Willson a surrogate of in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that a Surrogates Court held at Canandaigua in said County on the 9th day of February 1852. Said Court being a Court of record. It was proven to my satisfaction by the testimony of Simon Westfall and Eli Middaugh whose affidavits are hereto annexed that Diania Brink (widow of John Brink late of the town of Phelps in said county deceased) died at the town of Galin in the county of Maysee & state of New York on the 24th day of August 1848 and at the time of the death of the aforesaid Diania Brink she was the widow of the aforesaid John Brink and that she was an applicant for a pension under the act of July 4th 1836 on acct of the Revolutionary services of her late husband. And further that at the time of her death aforesaid she left three children only that her late husband surviving and whose ages and places of residences are as follows viz. Cornelius Brink of the town of South Nankin in the county of Wayne & state of Michigan aged about 58 years and Abigal Westfall of the town of Plymouth county of Wayne & state of Michigan aged about sixty years and Jane Shepperd of the town of Phelps county of Ontario & state of New York aged about sixty two years. All of whom are above the age of twenty one years.
And I do further certify that the above named Jane Shepperd one of the children above named and Benja-
Page 9

-min Shepperd of the town of Phelps aforesaid were duly appointed administrator and administratrix of the Estate of the aforesaid Diania Brink. That they were duly sworn & authorized by the laws of this state to act as such administrator & administratrix.
And I do further certify that the above named Jane Shepperd Administratrix is dead and that the above name Benjamin Shepperd is the sole surviving administrator of the Estate of the said above named Diania Brink deceased.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto ssubscribed my name and affixed my official seal at Canandaigua this 9th day of February 1852.
George Milton 2d
Surrogate of Ontario
Page 10

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15759
Dianna Brink widow of John Brink
Pri Rev War
Act July 4th 36
Index: Vol. A, Page 88
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 11

N. York
Diana Brink
Let. to J.G. Austin 4.Oct.1839
to Hon. T.R. Strong 20.Feb.1840
to same 22.Feb.1840
same Dec 29.1850
to J.W. Martin Sep 27.1843
Hon C.H. Carroll 16.March 1846
with papers enclosed
Act July 1836
Page 12

Admited case act 4 July 1836
Dianna Brink widow of John Brink of N.Y.
5110
Revolutionary Case
[illegible] [illegible]
Page 13

Brink, John
W15759
Page 14

I certify that John Brink is mustered to serve until the first January 1723 in the Newyork State Lines. Sergt. Cornelius Brinck's class in Col. Johan Snyder of militia in Ulster County. This 29th April 1922.
Corns DuBois St. M.M.
Page 15

Brink, John
(NY)
W 15759
Page 16

I certify that John Brink is mustered to serve until the first January 1723 in the Newyork State Lines for Sergt. Cornelius Brinck's class in Col. Johan Snyders Reg. of militia in Ulster County. This 29th April 1922.
Corns DuBois St. M.M.
Page 17

April 22 183?
Addl. evi. in case of Diana Brink decd widow of John
Kirby
JJ Coombs
Resent
Mr. Austin advises that this case be returned to the files without action. JJC
Department of the Interior.
Pension Office, Official Business.
[illegible] Esq.
Comm of Pensions
Page 18

5110
New York A
Diana Brink deceased widow of John Brink who died on the     of     in the State of    who was a private in the line for Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Roll of N. York at the rate of 10 Dollars __ Cents per annum, to commence on the Ten day of March, 1831 T. Ewing 24th August 1848
Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day of Feb. 1852 and sent to T. Ewing Jr.
Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowance ending
{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the  }
Recorded by B. McRae, Clerk
Book D Vol. 2 Page 362
Page 19

J. G. Austin Esq
Phelps NY
Page 20

Comptroller Office
Albany January 28th 1846
Sir,
I [illegible] enclosed a certificate, which contains all the evidence remaining in this office, relative to the services of Jno Brinck in the war of the Revolution.
Yr. Obt. Servt. Philip Phelps, Dep Camp
J.G. Austin, Esq.
Phelps NY
Page 21

James G. Austin Esq 183
Phelps
Ontario County
N. York
Page 22

Comptroller Office 
Albany Nov 20, 1839
James G. Austin Esq
Sir
The books and papers relating to the revolutionary period having been [illegible] and put in order for reference, I have caused diligent search to be made for the name of John Brink, but without success, his name cannot be found in such index.
I am very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servant
Philip Phelps
[illegible]
Page 23

Dianna Brink widow of John Brink
Petition to Congress
June 24, 1846 Referred to the Committee on Revolutionary pensions.
The other side
No 1
No 1
ex. [illegible] 77
An Carrole
Page 24

Dianna Brink widow of John
For Pension act of 1836
Papers bearing date in 1846
Except letter of Comptroller of
N.Y. bearing date in 1839
"B."
Page 25

State of New York, Ontario County SS.
John VanAuken being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath say that on the 31st day of January 1840 he was called on by James G. Austin Esq. in behalf of the Dianna Brink, then making application for a pension as the widow of John Brink late of the town of Phelps in said county of Ontario, for a statement of the facts within this deponents knowledge in relation to the services rendered by the said John Brink in the War of the Revolution. That this deponent did on the said 31st day of January 1840 make oath to a statement so far as his memory at that time served him of the services of the said John Brink in the said Revolution. That his said statement was reduced to writing by the said James G. Austin Esq. and read to the deponent. That subsequently the said Austin has read to the deponent a copy of the said affidavit or statement by him made as aforesaid which this deponent recognizes to be true excepting in a statement which is in the following words & figures viz "In May 1779, the said Brink was drafted in said Company and marched out under Capt Westfall, Lieut VanAuken and Major Decker was marched on to the North River at or near New Winden, soon after the storming of Fort Montgomery." This deponent further says that when said statement was read to him he did not discern the erors in the year which should have been in the year 1777 instead of the year 1779 as in his former affidavit a copy of which has been read to him. And this deponent say that he feels confident in saying that he gave Mr. Austin the true time viz 1777, when the
Page 26

said service so refered to in his former affidavit was rendered. And that the mistake in the year must have been made by Mr. Austin in taking down his said statement so made as aforesaid. And this deponent further says that all the dates given in his former affidavit as the same has been read to him are true excepting as aforesaid. And are in accordance with his present recollecting. And this deponent feels confident in saying that the services rendered by the said John Brink was rendered as stated in his former affidavit, excepting the eror above mentioned. And this deponent further says that he well recollects the name of Col. Johnson, Col Pawling & Col Weissenfelt & particularly Capts. Henry Pawling & Derick Westbrook who were on the East side of the mountains & on the North River. That he recollects of the said Brink being at one time during the Revolution with Cols Pawling & also with Col Weissenfelt who were principally latter part of the war upon and along the North River & deponent further says that he has no doubt but that the services named in the annexed Comptrollers Certificate relates to a portion of the services rendered in the Revolution by the said John Brink late husband of the said Dianna Brink. That he knew the said John Brink to have been a great part of the time in the service either on the Deleware or the Mountains and upon the North River. That the officers named by him in his former affidavit under whom the said John Brink served were Militia officers and several times during the Revolution. The said Brink was over the Mountains on the North River, up into Ulster County & among the Highlands. That
Page 27

when the said Brink was on duty upon the North River. Deponent cannot say under what officers he served, but remembers well of hearing the names of the afforesaid officers to wit Capt. Pawling, Capt Westbrook, Col Pawling & Col Weissenfelt. Deponent remembers of the said Brink being absent nearly the whole of one year immediately before the close of the war. That he knew the said John Brink & the said Dianna his widow at the time they were married in 1778 & that he has known as husband & wife & to live together as such from 1778 to the death of the said John Brink in the year 1831. John VanAuken
Subscribed and sworn this 31st day of January 1846 before me. Henry C. Swift J.P.
Henry Vandemark Witness
State of New York, Ontario County SS.
James G. Austin being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath say that on reading [illegible] the said John VanAuken a copy of an affidavit made by him on the 31t day of January 1840 in behalf of Dianna Brink then making application for a pension for and on account of services by her late husband John Brink in the War of the Revolution. That the mistake refered to by the said John VanAuken in the foregoing affidavit was made by this deponent in reducing his former statements to writing & that when the said former affidavit was read to him the said John VanAuken the mistake was not by him then noticed. That this deponent feels convinced
Page 28

that the mistake was his from the circumstance of the said VanAuken noticing the eror on hearing the copy of his former affidavit read and immediately correcting the same & then deponent further says that in the fall of the year 1839 he requested the Comptroller of the state of New York to search the Military Records Rolls [illegible] in his office for the services of the said John Brink late husband of the said Dianna Brink & that the annexed letter is his reply. That deponent has never from that time to the present (from the general information he has been able to collect in relation to the service of the said Brink) doubted evidence of his said Brink service was to found upon such records & that in his recently caused another search to be made & the annexed Certificate of the Comptroller of the state of New York is the result of such second search & deponent has no doubt, but the services therein detailed relates to the service of the husband of the said Dianna Brink now his widow. James A. Austin
Subscribed and sworn this 31st day of January 1846 before me.
Henry C. Swift J.P.
Henry Vandemark witness
Page 29

State of New York, Ontario County SS.
I Henry C. Swift a Justice of the Peace in & for said county do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with John VanAuken and James G. Austin who [illegible] took and subscribed their names to the two foregoing affidavits. That they a persons of good moral character and that their several statements therein contained are entitled to credit. Henry C. Swift J.P.
State of New York, Ontario County Clerks Office SS.
I Alexander H. Howell, Clerk of the County of Ontario in said state do hereby certify that Henry C. Swift before whom the three preceding affidavits were taken and [illegible] time of the taking such affidavits and making the said Certificate a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly elected Qualified and sworn to act as such Justice and duly empowered by the laws of said State to take such affidavits and make such certificates. And that being acquainted with his hand writing I know his signature subscribed to said affidavits and certificate is genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said County this second day of February A.D. 1846. Alex. H. Howell, Clerk.
Page 30

To the Congress of the United States. Your petitioner humbly represents that her late husband John Brink who died in the town of Phelps in the County of Ontario in the State of New York on the 7th day of February 1821 was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, and served his country faithfully to the end thereof. And she further represents that she was married to him the said John Brink in the year 1778. To wit on or about the 17th day of February 1778 and which was prior to his last period of service and about one year after he first volunteered [illegible] went into the service. That her said husband was in the service as a soldier and private most of the time from the early part of the year 1777 to the close of the War under officers who are now dead so far as her information extends. That she and her husband resided during the Revolution on the Deleware River in the town of Minisink in the now County of Orange in the State of New York, and which place during the Revolution was called the Frontiers and which Frontiers was almost certinnally anoyed by the Indians who infected that Region and west of the Deleware River. That her late husband was on duty as a soldier at various points on said Deleware River the Neversink & upon the North River. Most of the time from 1777 to the close of the War. Evidence of the service of her said husband so far as she was then able to collect the same was filed in the office of the Commission of Pensions. That recently she has caused search to be made in the Comptrollers Office of State of New York for service of her said husband. Another accompanying certificate is the result of such search & she confidently believes that the service named in the said annexed certificate relates to the service of her said husband & that the evidence of her marriage to her said late husband is also on file in the Pension office & she must respectfully [illegible] your honorable body in relation thereto & that she further represents that some time since she
Page 31

made application to the Commission of Pensions & filed her proof of service, marriage & death of her said husband which said proof of service of her said husband was all that she was then able to collect. That she did in the fall of 1839 make application to the Comptroller of this State of N.Y. for a search for service of her said husband & that the accompanying annexed letter of the Comptroller informed her agent that no service could be found & in consequence of the absence of such record at that time & the decision of the Commission that she has delayed any further prosecution of her claim till the present. That she was not able to gain the names of all the officers under whom her said husband served. She is confident that her husband did serve in the Revolution as her proof shows & that she further represent that she is now an old widow. That she has not intermarried but continues the widow of the said John Brink & that she now resides in the town of Phelps in the County State of New York. And finally trusting to the good sense and liberty of Congress towards the patriots of the Revolution. She now makes her appeal. Confidently believing that a careful examination of her proof & that you will place her upon the pension roll under the act of July 4th 1836 in behalf of her late husband who she knows was a good soldier in the Revolution & served as is alleged. Dianna Brink - her mark X
Subscribed and sworn this [illegible] day of January 1846 before me. 
[illegible] J.P.
[illegible] Witness
Page 32

To the Congress of the United States.
The undersigned residents of the town of Phelps in the County in the State of New York do hereby certify that the above named petitioner Mrs. Dianna Brink, widow of John Brink who was a soldier in the Revolution, but now dead, is of good character and her statements are entitled to credit. And we do further certify that her late husband John Brink was always reputed to have been a soldier in the Revolution and served his Country faithfully. And we do hereby cordially unite with her in her above petition for a pension believing as we do, that her claim is an honest and just one. And in placing her upon the pension roll would but be an act of Justice to an old deserving Patriot of the Revolution.
Phelps Ontario County N.Y. January 1846.
Benjamin Shepperd
John Watson
Al Edmonston
Jonas Beull
Richard VanVranken
Joseph June
Geo Hubbell
Capt Bannister
George Cobb
Cyrus Jackson
Abram Cugdebach
H McLaud
Owen Edmonston
Cornelius Horton
W.W. Redfield
M.D. Morrison
Charles E. Hobby
Geo. W. Breck
Wm. Dillon
Morez B. Whitmore
Sam J. Seymour
Wm. J. Hooker
W.T. Hotchkif
Eilwin Gilbert
James S. McBride
John Q. Howe
Wm Minnis
John M. Horton
Page 33

{illegible} Norton
Sam E. Norton
Jacob D. Westfall
Mini Shear
C.H. Coplin
Isaac Locke Junior
John C. Price B.F. Hawks
Elias Cost
Simeon D. Steetor
Page 34

of the Levies and Militia, for their services in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned, the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five per cent. per annum, viz:
10th May 1780. John Brinck priv. $1 4 10 1/2
25th June D. D. D. - 15 10 1/2
28th Sept D. John Brink. D. 13 1/2
22nd Oct. D. D. 5 2 1/2
25th Apl 1782. D. D. 1 0 10
25th Dec 1779. D. D. 4 17 9
20th Oct 1780. D. D. 7 16 5
31st Dec 1782. D. D. 21 10 2
38 4 2
STATE OF NEW-YORK,
Comptroller's Office, Albany, 28th Jany 1846.
I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book No. 1. & 2. now remaining in this office, and that the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following officers, viz:
First - under Capt. Petrus Roosa in Col. Johannes Johnsons Regt.
Secdon - under Capt. Mattw. Jansen in Col Johannes Johnson Regt.
Third - under Capt. Mattw. Jansen in Col Johannes Johnson Regt.
Fourth - under Capt. Mattw. Jansen in Col Johannes Johnson Regt.
Fifth - under Lt. Joseph Crawford in Col Johannes Johnson Regt.
Sixth - under Capt. Robert Hunter in Col Albert Pawling Regt.
Seventh - under Capt Dirck Westbrook in Col. Albert Pawling Regt.
Eighth - under Capt. Henry Pawling in Col. Fredk. Weissenfels Regt.
Ninth - under Capt. Henry Pawling in Col. Fredk. Weissenfels Regt.
Tenth - under Capt. Henry Pawling in Col. Fredk. Weissenfels Regt.
Eleventh - under Capt. Henry Pawling in Col. Fredk. Weissenfels Regt.
Twelfth - under Capt. Henry Pawling in Col. Fredk. Weissenfels Regt.
Philip Phelps [illegible]
Page 35

State of New York, Ontario County ss
I Simon Westfall aged 74 years and Eli Middaugh aged 52 years both residents of Phelps Ontario County & State of New York being duly sworn according to law severally depose and say that they were well acquainted with old Mrs. Dianna Brinks (widow of John Brink) deceased that the said Dianna Brink was (at the time of her oath hereinafter mentioned) an applicant for a pension on account of the Revolutionary services of her said late husband the aforesaid John Brink. That the said Dianna Brink died at the town of Galen Maysee County & State of New York on the 24th day of August 1848. That they were present at her funeral & burial. That they have known the said Dianna & her huband & the children of their family ever since 1810. That at the time of the death of the said Dianna aforesaid she left three children only. She and her said late husband surviving and whose place of residence & ages are as follows - Cornelius Brink of the town of South Nankin in the county of Maysee and State of Michigan aged about fifty eight years and Abigal Westfall aged about sixty years and who resides in the town of Plymouth in the County of Maysee and State of Michigan and Jane Shepperd of the town of Phelps Ontario County and state of New York who was one of the administrators of the Estate of the said Dianna Brink with Benjamin Shepperd
Page 36

State of New York, Ontario County Clerk's Office, SS.
I, Reuben Murray, Jr., Clerk of said county, do hereby certify, that Henry C. Swift Esquire, before whom the annexed instruments were subscribed, acknowledged and sworn, was at the time the same purports to have been so subscribed, acknowledged and sworn, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly elected, sworn and authorized to act as such. [illegible] further, [illegible] with the hand-writing of such Justice

of the said town of Phelps and that the said Jane Shepperd administrator as aforesaid died at the said town of Phelps on the 2d day of January 1852 and thus they attended and was present at her burial - and that this affidavit of Benjamin Shepperd hereto annexed is the son of the aforesaid Jane Shepperd and the surviving administrator of the Estate of the said Dianna Brink. Simon Westfall, Eli Middaugh

Subscribed and sworn before me this 28h day of January 1852 by the above named Simon Westfall & Eli Middaugh who are personally known to me & that they are creditable persons & not interested in the claim. Henry C. Swift a Justice of the Peace of Ontario County
Page 37

(No. 4)
State of New York, County of Ontario SS
Benjamin Shepperd being duly sworn according to law deposes and says that he was the duly appointed administrator of the Estate of Dianna Brink late of Phelps in said County deceased, with Jane Shepperd and that as such administrator he makes this declaration & application (in behalf of the children of the said Dianna) for a pension under the act of Congress of the 4th July 1836, which was due the said Dianna at her death, on account of the revolutionary service of her late husband (John Brink in the War of the Revolution) and for the proofs & facts as well as all papers connected with this application respectuly refers to the papers hereto annexed. And also to the original Declaration & proof hereto form filed at the Pension office by the said Dianna Brink previous to her death.
And that any certificate for such pension which may be issued when this application. I request that the same may be transmitted to James G. Austin of the City of Washington D.C. & the said Austin is hereby authorized to do & receive all, everything, in relation to the previous as I might & could do were I personaly present.
Benjamin Shepperd, administrator of the estate of Diana Brink
The words with Jane Shepperd interlined before execution. HC Swift
Subscribed, sworn and acknowledged, before me this 28th day of January 1852 by the above named Benjamin Shepperd who is personally known to me to be the individual who signed and swore to & acknowledged the signing & that he is a credible person. Henry C. Swift, a Justice of the Peace of Ontario County
Page 38

State of New York, Ontario County Clerk's Office, SS.
I, Reuben Murrary, Jr., Clerk of said County, Do Hereby Certify, That Henry C. Swift Esquire, before whom the annexed instruments were subscribed, acknowledged and sworn, was at the time the same purports to have been so subscribed, acknowledged and sworn, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly elected, sworn and authorized to act as such. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of such Justice and verily believe his signature subscribed to the jurat of said affidavits & certificates to be genuine. 
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the Seal of the said County, this 29th day of January 1852.
Reuben Murray Jr. Clerk.
Page 39

Van Etten is a pensioner Act, 1832
State of New York, Cayuga County ss.
Henry Van Etten being duly sworn according to law says that he resides in the town of Niles in the County and State aforesaid. That he is seventy eight years of age. That he was born in the town of Minisink in the county of Orange in this state. Where he resided allways till his removal to the town and county first above mentioned, about 19 years. Since that he was well acquainted with John Brink from his infancy to his death, which took place at Phelps in the county of Ontario and state aforesaid on the 7th day of February 1821, being at his death, sixty years of age. That the said John Brink served as a private in the Revolutionary War and during the War from 1777 to the close of the same. That the said John Brink was a native of said town of Minisink and allways lived there untill his removal to Phelps aforesaid. That in or about the month of June in the year 1777 said Brink was draughted and went out in a company commanded some times by Capt. Jones and other times under Capt. Moses Cortright in the Regiment commanded by Col Thurston and Major John Decker of what was called the Goshen & Minisink Regiment. At the time he was draughted he went out as a releif of a former draught in the same Regiment and was out a number of days, he thinks about 30 days, some point on the North River, was discharged and returned home and soon after was ordered out as well as the whole company under the command of Capt Cortright. Said Brink was marched in said company under the command of Col Thurston aforesaid and Major Decker on to the North River. Immediately after the storming of Fort Montgomery, was marched up the river towards Kingston before arriving there news came that the Brittish had burnt Kingston and had retired, was discharged, with orders to Major Decker, I think, to keep that part of the Regiment belonging to Minisink upon the Frontiers in the neighbourhood of the Deleware and Neversink Rivers. That in the spring of 1778, said Brink together with the company he belonged, I think under the command of Lieut Vantyle, was stationed at Carpenters Point and other points in the Deleware and Neversink Rivers, to watch the movements of the Indians. Then in or about that part of the country under Brant, Indian Chief, and was allmost the whole of that season under arms. Some times stationed at said points or marching
Page 40

against small parties of Indians and the Torys. Who were continually harrassing & plundering the inhabitants or burning their dwellings and other property. At one time the said Brink was in a skirmish with the Indians at a place called Van au Rens Fort or Picket. That in the spring of the year 1779 the said Brink together with myself and all that belonged to the aforesaid company were ordered out against the Indians and the Torys (who made their appearance in that neighbourshood) and were out allmost the whole of that season in actual duty. That the said John Brink as well as myself and others were on the 21st day of July 1779 ordered out to fight the Indians & Torys under Brant after they had burnt Minisink. He was marched as aforesaid after the Indians and came up with them at Beaver Brook or at the mouth of the Lackawaxen River. Said John Brink was in that Battle and served under Col Thurston who was killed, Major Wood taken prisoner and a great many killed. That from that time during the year 1780 and 1781 the said Brink together with myself and many others under the command of Major Decker, Lieut John Vantyle, Col Cortright was continued on guard on the Frontier or fighting small parties of Indians who continued to harrass that place. That the said Brink served in that part of the Regiment belonging a Minisink under Major Decker, the Col in the neighbourhood of Goshen. That the said Brink when not in actual duty marching he was stationed at different points above stated and served as a good soldier during the War from 1777 to the close 1783. That the said John Brink at the time he entered the service above stated, he lived in Minisink aforesaid. That from inquiries which this deponent has made, the officers above stated under whom said Brink served are all dead, and none of them left. A part of the time the said John Brink served in the above mentioned company under Capt. Cortright, Jones and Lieut Vantyle & Major Decker the Regiment was commanded by Col Hatfield. The whole time of the service of the said John Brink was five years. Henry Van Etten
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 11th day of May 1839. C. Cuykendall, Justice of the Peace
Cayuga County ss.
I, Cornelius Cuykendall a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid do Certify that I am well acquainted with Henry Van Etten who took and subscribed his name to the above affidavit to be of good character and is entitled to the Highest Credibility. And that the facts therein stated by him I have no doubt are substantially true. C. Cuykendall, Justice of the Peace
Page 41

Cayuga County. ss. We Martin Cuykendall and Simon Swartwout resident of the town of Owasco in said County, do certify that we are well acquainted with Henry Van Etten who took and subscribed his name to the above affidavit, to be of good character and entitled to the highest credibility and that we have been acquainted with him ever since our infancy and that his statement in said affidavit, we have not the least doubts are substantially true as therein stated by him. Owasco May 11th 1839
Martin Cuykendall, Simeon Swartwout
Page 42

State of New York, Cayuga County, ss.
Henry Van Etten being duly sworn according to Law says that he resides in the town of Niles in the County and State aforesaid. That he is seventy eight years of age. That he was born at Minisink in the county of Orange and state aforesaid. That he was well acquainted with John Brink whose service in the Revolutionary War is proved in another affidavit hereto attached. Was well acquainted Dianna Brink, said John Brinks wife. That the said John Brink and Dianna Brink his wife were both born in Minisink aforesaid and lived in the same place of myself. That he was present at the marriage ceremony of the said John & Dianna Brink. Said marriage took place at Minisink aforesaid on the seventeenth day of February 1778. That they were positively maried on that day as husband and wife by Solomon Cuykendall Esquire a majistrate duly qualified to perform such ceremonies. That the said John and Dianna have lived together ever since, till the death of John Brink, which took place at Phelps on the 7th day of February 1821. That he never heard this marriage disputed by their friends who were numberous. That they have raised a large family of children. That this deponent has made enquiries and cannot find that the majistrate who married said John & Dianna Brink aforesaid, even left any record of the said marriage either among his records or with any member of his family. That it was not customary in those days to keep Records of Marriages. That the maiden name of Mrs. Dianna Brink was Westfall. Henry Van Etten
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 11th day of May 1839. C. Cuykendall, Justice of the Peace
I, Cornelius Cuykendall, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Cayuga above mentioned do certify that I am well acquainted with Henry Van Etten who took and subscribed his name to the above affidavit to be of good character and entitled to the highest credibility. C. Cuykendall, Justice of the Peace
Page 43

New=York State, Cayuga County, ss.
I, William Richardson, Clerk of said County, certify that Cornelius Cuykendall Esq. was, on the 11t day of May 1839 a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly qualified: And that I know his hand writing, and believe the signature on the annexed instrument, purporting to be his, is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the seal of said County, and set my hand this 11t day of May 1839. W. Richardson, Clerk
Page 44

State of New York, Ontario County, ss.
Henry W. Brink being duly sworn says that he resides in the town of Phelps in the County and State aforesaid. That he is thirty one years of age. That he was well acquainted with John Brink and Dianna Brink his wife. That he was present at the death of the said John Brink which event took place at Phelps in the County and State aforesaid on the 7th day of February 1821. That he has been acquainted with Mrs. Dianna Brink ever since the death of her husband John Brink. That ever since the death of said John Brink Dianna Brink his wife has remained a widow. That the said John and Dianna Brink kept a family record and the said record was destroyed by the burning of said Brinks house about 18 years since and that from diligent inquiry which this deponent has made, he cannot find that Solomon Cuykendal Esquire, the magistrate who married said John and Dianna Brink, ever left any record of such marriage among his records or with any member of his family. Henry W. Brink
Subscribed and sworn before me this 24th day of June 1839. James. G. Austin Justice of the Peace
I, James G. Austin one of the Justices of the Peace of the County of Ontario and State of New York, do certify that I am well acquainted with Henry W. Brink who took and subscribed his name to the above affidavit to be of good character and entitled to the highest credibility. James G. Austin
Page 45

State of New York, Ontario County. ss.
Mrs. Phebe Brink being duly sworn according to law says that she resides in the town of Phelps in the County and State aforesaid. That she is fifty years of age. That she was well acquainted with John Brink and Dianna Brink his wife. That she is the daughter of the said John and Dianna Brink. That she was present at the death of her father John Brink, which took at Phelps in the county and State aforesaid on the 7th day of February 1821. That she has resided near her mother, Mrs. Dianna Brink ever since her fathers death. That her mother, the said Dianna Brink is now a widow and has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband John Brink aforesaid. That the said John and Dianna Brink kept a family record. That said record was destroyed by the burning of said John Brinks house about 18 years since. That from diligent inquiry which she has made, she cannot find that Solomon Cuykendal Esquire the mgjistrate who married her father and mother, even left any record of said marriage among his records or with any member of his family. That the said magistrate has been dead a great number of years. Phebe Brink
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 24th day of June 1839. James G. Austin Justice of the Peace
I, James G. Austin one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the county of Ontario and above mentioned, do certify that I am well acquainted with Phebe Brink, who took and subscribed her name to the above affidavit to be of good character and entitled to the highest credibility. James G. Austin
Page 46

State of New York, Ontario County ss.
I, Thomas Hall, Clerk do hereby Certify that James G. Austin whose name is subscribed to the within Affidavit and Certificates was on the day of this date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly elected and qualified and authorised to take the same and that his several signatures within written are genuine.
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said county this 25th day of June 1839 at [illegible]
Thomas Hall Clerk
Page 47

James Van Vliet
affidavits
Page 48

State of New York, Aleghany County ss.
James Van Vliet being duly sworn according to Law, says that he resides in the town of New Hada the County of Aleghany and State aforesaid. That he is eighty three years of age. That he was born in the town of Minisink in the County of Orange in the State of New York. That he was well acquainted with John Brink from his infancy to the death of said Brink which took place at Phelps in the County of Ontario and state aforesaid, on the 7th day February 1821, being at this death sixty years of age. That the said John Brink served as a private in the Revolutionary army and during the war from the year 1777 to the close of the same. That the said John Brink was a native of the aforesaid town of Minisink, was born and allways lived in said town of Minisink untill his removal to Phelps in the County of Ontario. That in or about the month of June in the year 1777, said John Brink was draughted into and sent out in a company commanded by Captain Moses Cortright and others, in the Regiment commanded by Col. Thurston, Major John Decker in the Goshen and Minisink Regiment of New York State Militia. That he served in said regiment of New York State Militia from the time above stated viz (1777) to the close of the revolutionary war.  That at the time he was first draughted, he marched out as the relief of a former draugt in said Regiment.The he was out on duty a private in said Regiment at some point on the North River about 30 days. Was discharged and returned home to Minisink and was soon after ordered out as well as the whole of the company to which he belonged under the command of Captain Moses Cortright, and Col Thurston & Major Decker. Was marched on to the North River to some point thinks New Burgh or New Winden. Soon after the storming of Fort Montgomery, from that point was marched up the said Riber towards Kingston, but before ariving there, news came that the Brittish had burnt that place and had retired. Was then discharged, with orders to Major Decker of said Regiment to keep that part of said Regiment belonging to Minisink upon the Frontiers as it was called, in the neighbourhood of the Deleware and Neversink Rivers. That the said Brink was during the whole of that year viz (1777) in actual duty as a soldier and when not in actual duty, held himself as a Minute Man as ordered. When not under marching orders, that in the spring
Page 49

of the year 1778 thinks in April. That the said John Brink together with the whole company to which he belonged and then under the command of Lieut Vantyle was ordered to march out and occupy certain points on the Deleware & Neversink Rivers to gaurd the Frontiers and to watch the movement of the Indians, who began to make their appearance in large numbers in that neighbourhood under the command of Brant, Inidan Chief. That the said Brink assisted in building Vanaukens Picket Fort. Was during that year or during that campaign the whole time on duty as a soldier under the command of Lieut. Vantyle, Major Decker & others. The principal point where the said Brink was stationed that season was Carpenters Point on the Deleware River. At one time that year the said John Brink as well as myself, was in an action or skirmish with the Indians at Vanakens Picket Fort, where the women and children had fled for protection from the Indians, who had made and were making great destruction among the inhabitants such as burning their houses, stealing their property [illegible]. That in the spring of the year 1779 the said Brink was called out as well as the whole company to which he belonged to gaurd again the Frontiers as the Indians made terrible havoc among the inhabitants upon the Deleware & Neversink Rivers. Sometimes said Brink was stationed at Carpenters Point and at Vanaukins Picket. And on the 21st day of July that year viz (1779) the said Brink as well as myself and all the company was ordered to embody themselves and march under the command of I think Col Thurston, Major Decker, Major Wood & others. Who had come on from Goshen and other places against the Indians & Torys. Who had assembled in large numbers in the neighbourhood of the Deleware River. That on the 22d day of July of that year viz (1779) the said Brink was in the action or battle of Beaver Brook or at the mouth of the Lackawaxon River, together with myself and many others, were in that hard fought battle with Indians & Torys under Brant Indian Chief. When Col Thurston was killed and a great many others. Major Wood taken prisoner and others. That after that action the remnant of said regiment and the company to which the said Brink belonged got home as well as they could and during the rest of that year, the said Brink together with the remnant of the company was ordered to keep gaurd at certain
Page 50

points to protect the inhabitants from the tomahawk of the Indians. And that during the year 1780 was on duty a great part of the time on duty either skirmishing with small parties of Indians or stationed at points to gaurd the Frontiers or as a Minute Man. That when at home or relieved was obliged to work with our muskets in hand. That during the year 1781 was in actual duty under the command of Lieut Vantyle, Major Decker. Either keeping garrison at Carpenters Point, Vanauken Picket or held himself as a Minute Man in said Regiment. That this deponent was with the said John Brink the greatest part of his service above stated and that the said Brink served as a good soldier. That the whole time of the service of the said Brink in said war was about four years or more. That at the time the said Brink entered said service, he lived in the town of Minisink in the County of Orange and State first above metnioned. That this deponent has made inquiries if any of the officers under whom the said John Brink served is still living and cannot find that any of there are now living. But are long since dead. That one the captains under whom said Brink served was Jones and the Regiment I think was after the war or about the close commanded by Col Hatfield. Do not recolect particularly about this. James A. VanVliet
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 15 day of June 1839. A. K. Allen Justice of the Peace
Aleghany County ss. I AK Allen a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with James Van Vliet who took and subscribed his name to the above affidavit to be of good character & sound judgment and his statements therein are entitled to the highest credibility. A.K. Allen Justice of the Peace
Page 51

State of New York, Aleghany County ss.
James Van Vliet being duly sworn according to Law says that he resides in the town of New Hudson in the County and State aforesaid. That he is eighty three years of age. That he was born in the Town of Minisink in the county of Orange and State aforesaid. That he was well acquainted with John Brink and Dianna Brink his wife. That he was born and brought up in the same place with them viz. Minisink aforesaid. That the maiden name of Mrs. Dianna Brink was Westfall. That he was present at a marriage ceremony at Minisink aforesaid on the 17th day of February seventeen hundred and seventy eight. That the said John and Dianna were on that day married as husband and wife in my presence by Solomon Cuykendall Esq. a magistrate duly qualified to perform such ceremonies. That he has known them ever since that day and from their infancy to the death of said Brink. That he has never heard the legality of their marriage questioned by any one. The said Brink died at Phelps Ontario county on the 7th day of February 1821. That the said magistrate who married said John & Dianna, has long since died and has left no record of marriages by him performed either among his records or with any member of his family. That it was not customary in those days to keep records of marriages. James Van Vliet
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 15 day of June 1839
A.K. Allen Justice of the Peace
Aleghany County ss.
I, A.K. Allen a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid do certify that I am well acquainted with James Van Vliet who took and subscribed his name to the above affidavit to be of good character of sound judgment and entitled to the highest credibility and that the statements made in the foregoing affidavit are entitled to credibility. A.K. Allen Justice of the Peace
Page 52

Aleghany County. We Jonas Eastwood a clergyman in the M. Ep. Church in the town of New Hudson in the aforesaid county and I Leonard Nichols of the same town and county aforesaid do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Van Vliet who took and subscribed his name to the foregoing affidavits to be of good character and his statements we have no doubt are substantially true as therein stated by him. June 15th 1839
Joan Eastwood, Leonard Nichols
State of New York, Aleghany County Clerks Office ss.
I Saml Van Wickle Clerk of said county do certify that A.K. Allen was on the 15th day of June 1839 a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly qualified and that I know his hand writing and believe the signatures on the anexed instruments purporting to be his, is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said county and set my hand this 15th day of June 1839. Saml Van Wickle Clerk
Page 53

State of New York, County of Ontario SS.
Benjamin Shepperd as resident of the town of Phelps in the County and State aforesaid being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that he is the administrator of the Estate of Diana Brink (widow of John Brink) deceased, and that as such administrator he has lately received the amount of pension which has been allowed the said Diana Brink at her death (as the widow of said John for his services in the Revolution) and that in as much as the said Diana Brink was entitled to a larger pension than he has received in her behalf, as the proof on file will show he makes this deposition to obtain the increase to which she is entitled under the act of 4th July 1836 as by Refference to her application & proof on file will show. And for this purpose he hereby constitutes and appoints J.J. Coombs Esq. of the City of Washington D.C. his true and lawful attorney for me & in my name place & stead to take such steps & measures in the premium as will be advisable in the previous, & such. Attorney or attorneys as he may appoint under him for the purposes aforesaid hereby ratifying all my said attorney or his substitues may lawfully do in cause to be done in the previous.
Benjamin Shepperd
Sworn & subscribed before me this 13th day of March 1852. Henry C. Swift Justice of the Peace of Ontario County
Page 54

State of New York, County of Ontario SS.
Be it known that before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in & for said County duly authorized by law to administer oath, personally appeared Benjamin Shepperd (the administrator of Diana Brink deceased) and to her known to be the individual described in & who executed the within instrument. And acknowledged that he executed the same for

State of New York, Ontario county Clerk's Office, SS.
I, Reuben Murray, Jr., Clerk of said County, Do Hereby Certify, that Henry C. Swift Esquire, before whom the annexed instrument was subscribed, sworn and acknowledged was at the time the same purports to have been so subscribed sworn and acknowledged, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly elected, sworn and authorized to act as such. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of such Justice and verily believe his signature subscribed to the jurat of said affidavit & acknowledgement to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the Seal of the said County, this 15th day of March 1852. Reuben Murray Jr. Clerk.
Page 55

State of New York, County of Ontario SS.
Be it known that before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in & for said County duly authorized by law to administer oath, personally appeared Benjamin Shepperd (the administrator of Diana Brink deceased) and to her known to be the individual described in & who executed the within instrument. And acknowledged that he executed the same for the uses and purposes therein mentioned.
Dated Phelps this 13th day of March 1852
Henry C. Swift Justice of the Peace of Ontario County
Page 56

Van Auken is a pensioner act 1832.
Van Auken belonged to the Pa. Line & John Brink to the N.Y. [illegible]
State of New York, Ontario County ss
Capt John Van Auken being duly sworn according to law says that he resides in the town of [illegible] in the county of Senecca and State aforesaid. That he is seventy two years of age. That he formerly resided in Minisink [illegible] county & state of Pennsylvania (it being his native place) that he was well acquainted with John Brink the husband of widow Dianna Brink where application for a pension is now on file at the War Department. That he was acquainted with said Brink from his infancy to his death. "The he knows the said John Brink to have served as a private in the Revolutionary War. That the said John Brink aforesaid served in a company commanded by Capt. Moses Cortright in the regiment commanded by Col. Thurston & Major John Decker in the Goshen and Minisink regiment of New York State Militia" that the said John Brink was draughted in June 1777 and went out up the Delaware River and [illegible] the county in to the North River in the County of Orange & State of New York in the regiment commanded by Col Thurston aforesaid and company commanded by Moses Cortright Capt. Was out about 40 days in that march was discharged and returned home and imediately was called out on to the frontier to guard the inhabitants their dwellings & property from the depredations of the indians and remained on duty as a soldier under [illegible] in the neighbourhood of Carpenters Point in State of New York from 1st of August to Nov that year. In the winter of 1778 in February the said Brink was called out to pursue the Indians who were making their appearance on and about the Delaware & Neversink Rivers and who were plundering the inhabitants. Said John Brink have during February & March of that year on duty as a soldier under Capt Cortright aforesaid. That in the spring of 1778 in May he thinks, he was called out, marched under Capt Cortright & Lieutenant Vantyle on to the Neversink River and Deleware River. Was on duty as a soldier all that summer about five months. Had
Page 57

his house and all his goods destroyed by the Indians. Was [illegible] in a skirmish with Indians under Brant at what was called Vanaukens Picket Fort. In Nov 1777 was called out and marched under the aforesaid Capt Cortright down the Deleware River in pursuit of the Indians. Was out 20 days and when not on actual duty held himself as a Minute Man "that during the winter of 1779 the said John Brink together with the company he belonged and then commanded by Lieutenant Vantyle for three months was stationed at the fort to protect the inhabitants who assembled there for protection from the Indians. In May 1779 the said Brink was draughted to serve as a private and did march out in the same company under the aforementioned officers. Was marched on to the North River at or near New Windser. After the storming of Fort Montgomery was marched up the North River to near Kington through the county back to the Deleware River and remained in actual duty under arms. Since part of that company was stationed at Carpenters Point on the Deleware River. That the said Brink was ordered out and did march against the Indians in the month of July that year and was in the Battle of Beaver Brook with Indians under Brant Indian Chief. Where almost all the officers were killed and but few soldiers escaped. The whole service as performed by the said John Brink that year was six months. That during the winter following [illegible] 1780 the said Brink acted as a Minute in the militia and frequently turned out to fight small parties of Indians who infested that neighbourhood viz Minisink, Carpenters Point & Neversink. Was on duty that winter 2 months. In the spring of 1780 the said Brink entered the service under Lieutenant Vantyle, Capt Willhelmus Westfall & Major Decker and was a private in said company and continued in the service that summer six months. Sometimes marching against the Indians and at other times stationed at Carpenters Point. Vanaukens Picket Fort and at other point on the Deleware & Neversink Rivers. Was discharged he thinks in Nov that year. That during the winter of 1781 the said Brink acted as a Minute Man and was frequently called out against the Indians.
Page 58

and Torys. That in compaign of 1781 or summer of 1781 he served under the same officers before mentioned and continued in the service as a private under Capt. Westfall & Lieutinent Vantyle & Major Decker and served four months in actual duty as a soldier and the remainder of that season. Three months was relieved from actual duty but under order to hold himself as a Minute Man, which he did. In 1782 he served six months under the same officers & was on duty on the then frontiers, (Deleware & Neversink Rivers) in the county of Albany. Some time was on guard at the Picket Fort called Vanaukens Fort, Carpenters Point & other points on said Rivers. That the said John Brink, he this deponent knows, very well was frequently with him in service. That the said John Brink at the time he entered the service of the Revolutionary War resided in Minisink, Orange County & State of New York. That this deponent lived about two miles distant from the residence of said Brink. That he knew the said Brink to have been a good soldier. The whole service performed by the said in the Revolutionary as before stated was in all about 5 years and performed as aforesaid and under the aforesaid officers in the New York State Militia. Was acquainted with the said Brink from infancy to his death. That when the said Brink was not on actual duty, he kept himself as a Minute Man. Is and was well acquainted with Henry Vanetten & James Vanfleet whose affidavit respecting the service of the said John Brink are now on file at the War Department in application of Dianna Brink for a pension. John Van Auken
Subscribed and sworn before me this 31st day of January 1845.
James G. Austin Justice of the Peace
Ontario County ss. I certify that I am well acquainted with Capt. John Vanauken who subscribed his name to the above affidavit and that his character is good and his statements entitled to credit. 
James G. Austin Justice of the Peace
Page 59

State of New York, Ontario County Clerks Office SS
I, Thomas Hall Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that James G. Austin Esq. whose name is subscribed to the within affidavit and certificate was at the time of taking said affidavit and certificate a Justice of the Peace in and for said County dwelling in the said County duly elected and qualified and authorized to take the same and that his name within written is his genuine hand writing.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county this eleventh day of February A.D. 1840. Thomas Hall Clerk
Page 60

State of New York, County of Ontario ss
Simon Westfall a resident of the town of Phelps in said county, being duly sworn according to law deposes and says, that he is seventy four year of age. That he knew John Brink and Dianna Brink in their life time and has known them from his infancy, having lived & was brought up near them & near the Deleware River. That this deponent from his early infancy & boyhood always heared it talked and it was universally believed by all the old acquaintances of the said John Brink, that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary war & to his knowledge the fact was never disputed. That he always understood & it was universally believed that the said Brink while he was in the service as aforesaid, had his house burned with all his house hold goods, by the Indians. And further that John Van Auken and Henry Van Etten two old Revolutionary sodiers & pensioners & who certified to said Brinks services in the application of Dianna Brink his widow for a pension & whose papers are on file in her said application, are men of truth & veracity & their statements are entitled to credit, & also that Vanfleet who also testified in her behalf is a man of credit & also his statements are entitled to credit. That he knew he knew the said Brink at his death having lived near
Page 61

him in Phelps aforesaid for about fifteen years and prior to that time lived in the neighborhood of the early residence of said Brink & his wife, both now deceased. That he has no interest whatsoever in the claim for a pension in behalf of the heirs & truly believes that the claim is a just and meritorius one. Simon Westfall
Subscribed & sworn this 9th day of April 1852 before me by the above name Simon Westfall who I am personally acquaitned with & that he is a man of truth & [illegible] this statement and entitled to credit. H.C. Swift Justice of the Peace of the said County
State of New-York, County of Ontario, SS.
I, Reuben Murray Jr., Clerk of the County Court, in and for the County and State above mentioned, do hereby certify, that H.C. Swift whose genuine signature appears above, is, and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit; and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of Record, having general jurisdiction.
Given under my Hand and Seal of Office, at Canandaigua this 10th day of April 1852
Reuben Murray [illegible]
Additional Evidence
Dianna Brink deceased Pensioner Act of 4th July 1836
New York Roll
Claim for increase
Page 62

4610 July 2
NY
July 4. 1836
N4610
Dianah Brink
widow of John
[illegible]
act 7 July 1838
FREE
Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 63

Phelps Ontario NY
June 26. 1839
Hon. JL Edwards
Sir
Enclosed is widow Diana Brink, application for a pension. Please give it your attention at  as early a day as possible and oblige.
Respectfully Yours JG Austin
Page 64

Diana Brink widow of John Brink
Act of 1836
G.F. Yates agent
Page 65

Albany NY July 24t 1848
Sir,
I was engaged sometime since to aid in the prosecution of the claim of Diana Brink widow of John Brinck for a pension under the act of 4 July 1836.
At the time I was engaged. I failed to discover any documentary proof of John Brinck's services in the revolution. I have recently found the enclosed which I think cannot fail to prove available. It is a species of proof which the N.Y. Comptrollers Records only occasionally furnish. John Brinck hailed from the Regiment & County described in the certificate of the muster master.
Respectfully Your obt. Servt. G.F. Yates
To Com L.L. Edwards Comm. of Pensions
Page 66

Washington DC Jany 13. '52
Sir,
Enclosed herewith please find evidence in support of the claim of Diana, widow of John Brink for pension under the act of 4th July 1836. The papers enclosed which are marked "A" were presented in 1839 to the Pension Office and the claim was then suspended for an alledged inefficiency of evidence of service. The testimony as to the date of the marriage was admitted then to be sufficient. Those enclosed marked "13" though got up for the purpose of presenting them directly to congress were first filed in the Pension office, when the claim was again suspended for the same reason. All the papers were then with drawn from the Pension office by Hon M. Carroll and having been presented to the House of Representatives were referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions - before
Page 67

being acted on by this Committee, it appears, they were withdrawn by M Carroll and sent to James G. Austin of Phelps New York for the purpose of enabling heirs to take copies of them. Austin instead of returning them to the House files, transmitted them to one G.F. Yates, of Schenectody N.Y. who assisted that he could procure record evidence of the service and would then be able to get an allowance of the claim by the Pension Office. He has been endeavoring to get the papers from Yates ever since and has at last succeeded. Yates had misplaced them and supposed and assected that they were lost.
In addition to the evidence contained in the papers above spoken of, I herewith enclose an original certificate of Cornelius Dubois, Muster Master in the war of the revolution, which conclusively established this fact of the claiments husband having enlisted for a period of eight months in that war. You will perceive that he was mustered in the "Ulster County Militia" and I understand that Minisink, the place of Brinks residence, was during the war within the limits of Ulster County.
Page 68

In seems to me, that on such consideration and examination of the evidence in support of this claim, there can be no questions as to its [illegible] now as to the sufficiency of the evidence presented in support of it. Three witnesses who were with Brink in the serivce, and whose credibility under oath is strongly certified, and evidence to a service of several years. John Vanauken who was a drummer boy in the war was a pensioner under act of 1832. Henry Van Etten is also a pensioner under the second act, and [illegible] James Van Vliets name is not upon the roll which was published in 1835. I presume he is also a pensioner.
Very Respectfully, Your obt. Servt. Tho. Ewing [illegible]
James E. Heath
Com of Pensions
Page 69

War Department, Pension Office
Feb. 22. 1840
Sir,
In compliance with your request I have the honor to report more specifically the objections to the claim of Ms. Diana Brink. It is alleged in the claimant's declaration that her husband was in the service in 1777, 1778, 1779 and 1780 in Capt. Moses Cortright's compaany. On the first examination of the papers reference was made to the Comptroller of New York for further proof. According to his certificate no evidence could be found there of the service in question. From the statement of John Van Auken, offered as additional evidence, it would appear that John Brink served as follows, viz. about forty days on the North River, commencing in the month of June 1777, and from the 1st of August till the 1st of November on the frontiers. In 1778 during the months of February and March, and from and after the month of May about five months. In the winter of 1779 three months at "the Fort." In May 1779 after the storming of Fort Montgomery, six months; in the winter of 1780 two months; in the spring of that year in Capt. Wilhelmus Westfall's company six months; in the same company in 1781, six months, and seven months in 1782. But the witness is evidently mistaken in the service he has
Page 70

undertaken to describe. If Capt. Moses Cortright's company was in actual service in 1777, 1778 & 1779 for the terms stated; it was in pursuance of a draft authorized by law. From the best evidence that has been collected of the services of Capt. Wilhelmus Westfall, it appears that that officer was not in actual service to exceed one month during the war; and it may be added that Fort Montgomery was taken in October 1777, and not in 1779. In June 1777 a draft of 4 months more was authorized; in April 1778 a draft of 8 months more; in 1779, March or April, a draft of 9 months more, and in 1781 a draft of 4 months more. If the claims to the alleged service in 1777, 1778, 1779 and 1780 is sustainable at all, the different tours may be so described by some witness that his account thereof will be such as to inspire confidence in his statement.
I have the honor to be Very very respectfully Your Obt. Servt. JL Edwards
Hon. R. Strong House of Representatives
Page 71

Henry Van Etten May 11, 1839
Was present at the marriage ceremony of John & Diana Brink Feby 17, 1778.
John Brink died Feb 7, 1821 being then sixty years old
James Van Vliet died July 7, 1821 aged 60 years
1777. Capt. Moses Cortright, served from 1777 to [illegible]
[illegible] [illegible] with John Brink.
Was present [illegible] [illegible] Feby 17, 1778 between John & [illegible] [illegible]
Dianna Brink May 23, 1839 78 years old [illegible]
[illegible] [illegible] [illegible] pensioner [illegible] N.Y. [illegible] [illegible]
Henry Van Etten [illegible] N.Y. 7 [illegible] 1834 [illegible] 1780
Dianna Brink died August 24 1848
Cornelius Brink [illegible]
Jane Shepperd [illegible]
Abigail Westfall Albany
Feby 9. 1852
Page 72

N. York
admitted case
act of 1836
Dianna Brink [illegible]
widow of John Brink
I [illegible] to examine the papers on file
J.G. Austin
atty
Present
Page 73

Washington D.C.
July 5, 1853
L P Waldo Esq
Com of Pensions
Sir
I desire to examine the papers in the case of Dianna Brink (widow of John) who was admitted under act 9 1836.
Respectfully Yours
Jas. G. Austin
Atty in the case
Page 74

Washington, April 23d 1852
Sir:
Enclosed I have the honor to present the declaration of the Adm. of Diana Brinck, decd. widow of John Brink, asking for a reexamination of her case, and an increase of her pension, under the act of 4th July 1836, together with a power of atty. to me to prosecute the claim. Also, the deposition of Simon Westfall, in support of said claim.
A pension at the rate of $40. per annum has been recently allowed in this case. I think the evidence most fully and satisfactorily proves much more than two years service, and consequently that a full pension should have been allowed. Three or four old soldiers who served with said Brink, who are themselves pensioners and men of good character, testify fully and clearly to more than two years services by said Brink, within their own knowledge.
I am very respectfully Your obt. servt. J.J. Coombs
J.E. Heath Esq.
Com of Pensions
Page 75

Washington DC Oct 2, 1857
Sir
I respectfully request a reconsideration of the claim of Diana Brink for rev. pen. under the act of 1836, now in the New York suspended file.
By the time the case comes up I hope were able to present such further evidence in the claim as may be necessary to establish it.
Very Respectfully Your Obd. Servt. Thos. Ewing [illegible]
James E. Heath Esq.
Com of Pensions
Page 76

Washington March 6th 1846
J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner [illegible]
Will you do me the favor to examine the letter and certificate of the Comptroller of the State of New York dated Jany 28th 1846 in relation to the services of John Brink a Revolutiona;y soldier (which letter is herewith inclosed attached to the papers of Diana Brink) and see if said letter together with the proofs now on file in your office in regard to the claim of Diana Brink to be placed on the pension list, does not effectually remove the objections heretofore made by you.
If there are still objections, the inclosed papers being forwarded to me to present to yourself, have to request the favor of you, to enable me to do so, to return the inclosed papers to me together with all the proof connected with the case on file in the pension office.
I have the honor to be Resplly C.H. Carroll
Page 77

Aug 14 43
N.Y.
Dunn & Brink
Hon James L Edwards
Commissioners of Pensions
Washington City D.C.
Page 78

Otis Ville August 6 1843
Dr Sir
Soon after the passage of the Pension law of 1832 Thomas Dunn of the town of Lyon Wayne County New York made a declaration before the Court of said County setting forth his services a commander of a train of baggage wagons in the Revolutionary War which was as I am informed transmitted to the Penson Office in Washington City for the purpose of obtaining a Pension but which has never been granted. Will you do me the favour if it is not incompatible with the rules of your office to inform me of the reason why a Pension has not been granted to the said Thomas Dunn.
Will you also inform me of the reason why a Pension has not been granted to Dian Brink widow of John Brink who resides in the town of Phelps Ontario County NY who made a declaration in 1838 or 39 and forwarded the same to the Pension Office through a W. Orson who acted as her agent.
In June last I forwarded to your office the declaration of the widow Van Gorder widow of James Van Gorder with other affidavit which had been returned to me they not being duly authenticated and not having heard from them since I ask the favour of being informed whether they have been received or not.
Yours truly John W. Martin, Otis Ville, Range County, New York
Hon JL Edwards Com of Pensions
Page 79

NY
JL Edwards
Com of Pensions
D Brink
J.G. Austin, Esq.
Phelps 
N. York
Austin
Hon J.R. Strong [illegible]
Page 80

War Department
Pension Office
Oct. 4.1839
Sir,
The papers of M. Diana Brink, widow of John Brink, have been examined and filed. Of the service alleged to have been indured by the claimants husband, some evidence may be had by application to the Comptroller of the State of New York, Bales Cook, Esq. The statements of the witnesses are indefinite, except as to one tour of twenty, and one of about thirty days.
I am respectfully Your Obt. Servt. JL Edwards
J.G. Austin, Esq.
Phelps N. York
Page 81

75
Change Compt
James G Austin Esq
Phelps
Ontario Co
Page 82

Albany Dec 3d 1839
Sir
I reenclose the or [illegible] and letter referred to in your favour of the 28 [illegible]. I regret that the name of the individual sought for could not be found and also that in apprising you of that circumstance those papers were individually [illegible] to be sent.
I am very respectfully Your Obt Servt Philip Phelps Dep Comptroller
James G. Austin Esq
Phelps Ontario Co
Page 83

Brief in the case of Diana Brink [illegible]
County and State of New York 
act 4 July 1836
Claim, ("original")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? if either, state the substance.  Rank
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent T. Ewing Jr. Present
Triplett Examining Clerk.
Page 84

N.Y.
Dianna Brink wid of John Brink
Act 4th July 1836
Letter to Comp asking a review
Jas. G. Austin Present
Dec 8. 1853
Page 85

Washington D.C.
Dec 8th 1853
L.P. Waldo Esq.
Comm of Pensions
Sir
In February 1852 Dianna Brink of N.Y. widow of John Brink decd was placed on the Pension list under the act of July 4th 1836 at the rate of $40 per annum and paid to her children who have ever since felt disatisfied as to the amount allowed believing their father served a sufficient length of time to have entitled their mother to a full pension. The Record Evidence together with a map of Paral Evidence of soldiers who served with Brink & of others who resided in the same neighborhood show conclusively & satisfactorily (if any credit can be placed in human testimony) that Brink served over 2 years & instead of the allowance of $40 one years service, the claim should have been allowed for 2 years service which is fully proved if any service is proved at all. At the earnest Solicitation of the surviving heir. I did on the
Page 86

22d July last write your honor a letter reciting the evidence in the case and pointed out the grounds upon which it was believed that the claim for 2 years service should have been allowed instead of for one year. And Respectfully asked that you would personally review the whole case and grant the parties that increase the case merited, in which review I had no doubt you be satisfied from the proof that the claim should be increased. In answer to my letter & arguments. I have recd a report from your office with simply stating "whenever I filed any additional material evidence the claim would be reexamined & reported to me" without I believe, the case ever having been reviewed by your personally and believing my letter and argument were not duly examined in connection with the proof filed in the case. & having filed some additional evidence subsequent to the admission of the claim which I think has been overlooked. I am induced to again call your attention to this claim and Respectfully
Page 87

ask you to reexamine this claim & would Respectfully call your attention to my arguments filed with the papers in July last.
The application for increase has been made & on file & some additional evidence also filed since the admission of the claim.
I would remark here that John Vanauken a pensioner & who testifies in the case, although he appears to have been of Pa. it will be borne in mind that he was a resident of the same neighborhood with Brink & but an imaginary line between them a place adjoining N.Y. & Pa. lines.
Trusting you will be able to give this case your personal review & grant the claimant the increase. The claim was examined and adjusted under your predecessor & has not been reexamined to my knowledge although twice heretofore asked.
Very Respectfully Yours James G. Austin Present
My authority will be found with the papers
Page 88

Diana Brink decd
wid of John
N.Y.
Act 4 July 1836
[illegible] 1 yr pen $40
per ann from 4 [illegible] 1831 to 24 Aug, 1848, when she died
Payable to Benjamin Shepperd, same for the [illegible] of Cornelius Brink, Abigail Westfall and Jane Shepperd, her only surviving children
[illegible] use to J. Ewing Jr. Present
J.G. Austin Present
Page 89

Additional Evidence & asks reexamintion
Rev Pension of Dianna Brink widow of John Brink
N.Y.
Admitted under act 4th July 1836
presented July 22d 1853
Jas. G. Austin Present
Page 90

Washington D.C.
July 22d 1853
L.P. Waldo Esq.
Comm of Pensions
Sir
In the case of Dianna Brink (widow of John Brink deced.) of New York who was place on the Pension Roll under act of July 4th 1836, I have to respectfully ask a reconsideration of her claim and increase to a full pension.
There are several witnesses themselves revolutionary pensioners who each swear to more than 2 years service on the part Brink. The office resisted the evidence on the ground, it would appear by the letter of the 22d July 1840 that Van Auken placed the storming of Fort Montgomery in '79 and not in 77, when it actually took place but further the witness and the agent who drew up the papers swear this was a mere clerical error and we find that Van Etten who gave his deposition about the same time correctly places this event in 1777. This is proof possitive of the character of the error.
If any reliance is to be placed in human testimony Brink served more than 2 years under Capt Jon, Capt Cortright, Capt Westfall & Lieut Van Tyle. The records show a service amounting to $95 or 19 1/2 months in which the names of those officers do not occur. And one of the witnesses swear that Brink was a portion of the time serving under the officers named in the
Page 91

Comptrollers Certificate. That the Comptrollers Certificate cannot be taken as a final guide is evidence by the facts in this case. He at first certified that he could not find the name of John Brink at all. He afterwards Certified to service of John Brink amounting to $95 & upwards. Now, we also afterwards furnish from the Board of Muster Master "Du Bois" a cotemporary Certificate preserved in the family showing a service of 8 months & over under Col Snyder whose name is not contained in that of the Comptroller. What other guide can be taken than the oaths of men pronounced credible and trust worthy. The witness are clearly disinterested. They are certified to be credible. They show that they were in a position to know the truth of what they state. It is further to be observed that they do not particularly state the service shown by "Du Bois" certificate which service is to be added to that established by them.
It is Respectfully submited that the evidence in this case is conclusive of the service of Brink more than 2 years & that the pension be increased to a full pension in lieu of the amount allowed. Otherwise must we not totally discredit the testimony of Van Auken & Van Etten 2 old soldiers & pensioners & who were born & raised in the same neighborhood with Brink. Saying nothing of the other evidence presented in this case.
Page 92

I have not been able to discover the point upon which the pension was allowed for one half the amount established by the evidence in the case.
Your long and valuable experience in claims of this nature as well as your good judgment in applying evidence in these claims warrants me in the belief that you will see the Justice of increasing this pension to a full pension. In connection with the foregoing I have to say that the Claimant & witness Van Auken & Van Etten were long known to me & I do not hesitate to say that they were honest respectable and trust worthy people.
Very Respectfully Yours
James G. Austin Present
Page 93

12 must see
via to be
allowed as
proof of
[illegible] [illegible]
Page 94

Henry V. Etten - Jun '77 under Capts Jon & Cortright [illegible] Col Thurston
[illegible] after Ft Montgormery
Spring '78 Lt V. Tyle, Capt Cortright almost while [illegible]
Spring '79
80 & 81
Served from spring of '79 to close of the war which time 5 years
But [illegible] time under Col Hatfield
James Van Vliet - June 77 3rd [illegible] during the whole year
Apl '78 for the whole year a campaign
Spring 79 21st [illegible] now to [illegible] and the remainder of the year
'80 a great part of the year [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible]
81 The same. Serve 4 yrs or more
Jm Van Auken - June 77 40d. Then from 1 Aug to Nov
Feby 78 & [illegible] - Then in May for 5 m to Nov 20 d
Winter '79 3 mo - at the Fort. 6 m this year
80 winter 2 mo Spring 6 mo
81 4 mo
82 6 m
5 yrs in all
Page 95

Diana Brink. decd
widow of John
New York
Act of July 4th 1836
for increase
Admitted - Private two years at $80 per annum - deducting former payments from Mar 11th 1831 to Aug 24th 1848, when she died
Certificate payable to Benjamin Shepperd, Administrator for the benefit of Bornelius Brink, & Abigail Westfall, her only surviving children
Certificate to James G. Austin, Present
Page 96

Brief in the case of Diana Brink, decd. widow of John, Ontario county and State of New York, act 4th July 1836
Claim, ("for increase.") from $40 to $80 per annum
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. A certificate was issued for the benefit of the surviving children at $40 per annum from 4th March 1831 to August 11th 1848 the date of the claimant death.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
No additional evidence has been filed since the above mentioned Certificate [illegible], but [illegible] for an examination of the proofs which are on file. I am fully satisfied that John Brink performed must more than two years active military service. In that this office was in error in its former computation of the period of said service.
James G. Austin Esq. Present
Name and residence of Agent
J.C. Boynton, Examining Clerk.