Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17,341, Aaron Brister, Va.

Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Va.

Brister, Aaron (Colored)
Betsey

NUMBER
W. 17,341
CONTENTS

Page 2

Let to T C Miller July 8 1843
to Hon Geo Rathbun March 25 '44

3494.
New York Roll
Aaron Brister, 
Private
Virginia line '76. 2 years.
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence the 27th of April 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8th of October 181 and sent to Stephen Phellps Esq Judge Canandaigua N.Y.
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1818 [illegible 4 months and 30 days] mos/4 of d/30               34:13
Semi-anl all'ce ending 4 March 1819 48:-
                                                          $ 82:13
Weedon
{Revolutionary claim Act 18th March, 1818.}
Palmyra N.Y.

Page 3

432
New York [illegible]
Betsey Brister
widow of Aaron Brister
who served in the Revolutionary
Va
war, as a private: Increased from 80 dollars per an
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars
00 Cents per annum, to commence on the first day of July, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of April 1837 and sent to William H Southwick Palmyra New York
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 14 Vol. 4

Page 4

State of New York Ontario Court
On this 27th day of April 1818 before me Stephen Phelps a Judge of the court of common pleas in and for the county aforesaid personally appears Aaron Brister aged 56 years resident of the town of Palmyra in said county who being by me first duly sworn according to law doth an his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions made by the Late act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain persons Engaged in the Land and Naval Services of the United States in the Revolutionary war that he the said Aaron Brister Enlisted in the town of Dumfries in Prince William County and State of Virginia in the company commanded by captain Thomas Helm in the 3rd Virginia Regiment commanded by Colonel Weadon for two years in 1776 and that he continued to serve in the said Corps until the expiration of the aforesaid term of time where he was discharged from service at Philadelphia that he was in the Battle of York Island and White Plains and that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of assistance of this country for support and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services
Sworn to and declared the day and year aforesaid before me Stephen Phelps
Aaron Brister his X mark

Page 5

State of New York
Ontario County
I Stephen Phelps a Judge of the Court of common Pleas in and for said County and State do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Aaron Brister did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony [illegible] and had before me to the Secretary for the department of War pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned Act of Congress [illegible] Canandaigua April 24 1818
Stephen Phelps

State of New York
Ontario County
I Stephen Phelps a Judge of Ontario common pleas do certify that Aaron Bristor the aforesaid applicant is in reduced circumstances and in need of assistance of his country for support
Stephen Phelps

Canandaigua Septr
24th 1818

State of New York
Ontario County
Clerk office
In testimony that Stephen Phelps whos name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate was on the day of the date of the same a Judge of Ontario Common Pleas and that the same is his signature I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said county at Canandaigua this 24th day of September 1818
Hu McNair Clk

Page 6

5988
In the matter of application of Betsy Brister for a pension Declaration &c

5988
[illegible] Betsey Brister NY Act 4th July '36

Page 7

State of New York
Wayne County
On this eleventh day of August eighteen hundred and forty three personally appeared before me Susan Stuart a resident of Farmington in the County of Ontario and State aforesaid aged eighty years of age and being first duly sworn according to law says that she new Aaron Brister before and at the time of the revolutionary war that he sometimes called himself Alexander Brister that he lived in the county of Prince William and State of Virginia that he was drafted in the war as she now things that he served [illegible] two years commencing in the spring of 1777 in the company commanded by Captain [illegible] in the 3rd Virginia Regiment commanded by Col Weadon that during the times of his service he was married to Betsey [illegible] the applicant for a pension that he servied in the revolution war after his said marriage that the were married in the year 1777 or 1887 that they were never afterwards married that some time afterwards to just about fifteen years the said Aaron [illegible] the said Betsey his wife moved to the town of Bath county of Steuben and State of New York where they remained till about the year eighteen hundred and five when they moved to Palmyra in the said county of Wayne where they remained till his death in August 1821 that she was aquinted with the said Aaron till his death and is now acquinted with and has always known the said Betsey and knows that they always lived together as husband and wife that the said Betsey has never been remarried but is now in the widow of the said Aaron Brister
Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year first above mentioned.
O.H. Palmer First Judge Wayne Co
Susan Stuart X her mark

Page 8

We Alexander McIntyre a physician and Goerge Beckwith merchant of Palmyra in the county of Wayne certify that we are well acquainted with Betsey Brister who is about to apply for a pension as the widow of Aaron Brister under the act of 4th July 1836 and the above named Susan Strand that they are personally good [illegible] character and that there testimony is worthy of belief and that the said Betsey is the widow of the said Aaron Brister
Subscribed sworn to before me this 25 day of August 1843
A McIntyre
George Beckwith
O. H. Palmer First Judge Wayne Co

State of New York
Wayne County
On this twenty eighth day of September personally appeared in open court before the judges of the court of common pleas being a court of record in and for the said county of Wayne Betsey Brister a resident of Palmyra in said county and state aged seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn doth, on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 4, 1836. That she is the widow of Aaron Brister (who some called himself Alexander Brister) who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war fa the period of one year and nine months in the Company commanded by Captain Helms in the 3rd Virginia Regiment commanded by Colonel Wheadon commencing in the spring of the year 1777 that on the twenty seventh day of April 1818 the said Aaron made application for a pension; that he received a pension certifiate number 3494: that he received a pension till his death in August 1821; that said Aaron resided in in County

Page 9

of Prince William and State of Virginia where he entered the service
She further declares that she was married to the said Aaron in the year seventeen hundred and seventy seven or eight; that he was in the service when he was married to her the said Betsey and served a year or more after she was married to him the said Aaron; that she always lived with the said Aaron as his lawful wife till the time of his death in august eighteen hundred and twenty one and that she has never since been remarried.
Betsey Brister her X Mark
Sworn to and subscribed this 28th day of September 1843 before me
E A Palmeter, Dep Clerk

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the [illegible] interrogatories that the above mentioned applicant is the widow of Aaron Brister who served in the Revolutionary war and that she was married to the said Aaron before the last period of his service in the said Revolutionary war, and the court further certifies that it appears to them that Alexander McIntyre and George Beckwith who have signed the accompaning certificate are creditable persons and that their statements are entittled to credit.

I EA Palmeter D ck clerk of the said court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Wayne do certify that the above are the original proceedings had in the matter of the application of Betsey Brister for a pension, and that Oliver H Palmer above named is the first Judge of Wayne County and that the above annexed to the affidavits of Susan Stuart and Alexander McIntyre and George Beckwith are his genuine signatures
E.A. Palmeter Dep Clerk

Page 10

State of New York
Wayne County fo Susan Stuart a resident of the town of Farmington in the County of Ontario & state aforesaid aged Eighty two years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following statement in addition to what she has heretofor testified, in order to aid Mrs. Betsey Brister widow of Aaron Brister or as he was sometimes called Alexander Brister - to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836 Entittled "An Act granting half pay & pension to Certain Widows". that she knows that the said Aaron or Alexander did serve as a soldier in the Revolution that he belonged as near as she can recollect in Capt Helms Company in the 3rd Virginia Regiment Commanded by Col. Meadon or Weedon that he served as near as she can recollect two years as his former statement will more fully appear. that she knew him before the war & after she also distinctly recollects his marriage with the said Betsey Brister his widow. & she further says that she distinctly recollects that her said late Husband the said Aaron or Alexander Brister was in the service & served nearly or quite one year after they were married. She further declares that the said Betsey widow of the said Aaron or Alexander Brister is now either Eighty or Eighty one years of age. that she has always lived near her was brought in the same place with her & knows her age deponent and the said Betsey was always called of the same age or within

Page 11

a year or two of each others age. deponent further says her memory is good and knows she is not mistaken in these and her former statements in relation to the service of and the marriage of the said Aaron or Alexander Brister and the said Betsey Brister now his widow that she has personally known them both from their infancy. and she positively declaires that she has known the said Betsey Brister as the wife of the said Aaron or Alexander Brister ever since the year 1777 or early in the year 1778 that they always lived together as Husband and wife from that time until the death of the said Aaron or Alexander her late Husband which took place in August 1821 - She further declares that she well recollects the fact that in two or three instances during the time the said Aaron or Alexander was in the service that he came home to see his wife the said Betsey & in a few days returned again to his Company in the Army - that during that time he was some times called or called himself Alexander & was know as well by Aaron or Alexander - that the said Betsey Brister is still a widow and has remained the widow of the said Aaron or Alexander Brister ever since his death aforesaid & further deponent says that she said Betsey is the mother of ten children the oldest of whom died in infancy as aforesaid & whose name was Aaron. Six of them are dead & that four are still living [illegible] Mrs. Lucy Jarvis

Page 12

aged fifty five years Robert Brister aged, thirty Eight years. Mina aged thirty three, and Betsey aged thirty one years & upwards. that the [illegible] all the said children - these of the said children only resided at home with the said Betsey & her late husband the said Aaron in the year 1820:
Subscribed and sworn this 31st day of December 1845 before me Isaac E Bucher Justice of the peace of Palmyra in said county. 
witness J.G. Austin
Susan Stuart her X mark

Page 13

Fees of

Page 14

State of New York
Ontario County [illegible]
On this nineteenth day of August 1820 personally appeared in Open Court being a court of Common Pleas in and for said county and constituted a court of Record by proceeding according to the court of the common Law with a Jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount and keeping a record of its proceedings and recognized as such court by the Laws and judicial decisions of said State Aaron Brister aged sixty two years resident in the town fo Palmyra 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 for the term of One year and nine months with Company Commanded by Capt Helmes in the 3rd Virginia Regiment Commanded by Col Weadon commencing in the spring of the year 1777 and that he made application for a pension on the twenty seventh day of April 1818 and that he received a pension certificate No 3494 - And I do solemly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the Eighteenth day of March one thousand and 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 there of with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress Entittled "An act to provide for certain persons Engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War" posed on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securites contracts or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed viz:
Three fourths of an acre of land in possesion by verbal contract with a small house thereon twoards which there is due one hundred dollars
Over and above what is due towards it $100.00

Page 15

One Hog and 4 small pigs 4.00
1 three pail kettle 3.00
1 Tea Kettle 1.00 1 spideo .25 1.25
1 Kettle .50 1 Frying pan .75 1.25
2 Barrels 1.0 2 Tables (old) 1.0 2.00
4 chairs 1.00 1 Hoe .50 1 old ax .50 2.00
6 cups saucers .25 8 plates .50 .75
a few other articles of crockery &c 1.00
$115.25
Aaron Brister his X mark

And I do further swear and declare that I am by occupation a day laborer and that by age and bodily infirmation (being lame in both my knees) I am able to perform out very little laboour and taht my family consists of my wife Betsey aged 46 years my son James aged 10 years my daughter mina aged 8 years and my daughter Betsey aged 6 years
Aaron Brister his X mark

The foregoing sworn and declared in open court the 19th day of August 1820 before me
Wm Rogers a Judge of Ontario Com Pleas

[Illegible] court fo Common Pleas held at the court house in Canadaigua in and for the county of Ontario before the Judges of said court on the 19th day of August of the term of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty
Present Moses Atwater
Micah Brooks
Willam Rogers
Stephen Bates
Judges
EA parte on the matter of Aaron Brister a

Page 16

Pensioner residing in the town of Palmyra in said county
The said Aaron Brister as a person placed on the Pension list of the United States having exhibited a schedule subscribed by him Containing his whole estate and income (his necessary clothing and bedding excepted) in persuance of an act of Congress of the United States entittled "An act in addition to an act Entittled" an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval services of the United States in the Revolutionary war prposed on the eighteenth day of march one thousand eight hundred and eighteen posed May 1 1820 and having taken subscribed and produced to this court the oath or affirmation by the said act required and the said court having heard evidence of the nature and value of the property mentioned in the said schedule and duly considered the premises are of the opinion that the property contained in the ssaid schedule is of the value of one hundred and fifteen dollars and twenty five cents another hereby order then clerk to certify the same in due form

Page 17

Rev WIDOW, &c.
No. 17341
Betsey Brister widow of Aaron Brister Pri Rev War
Feb 29 48
Vol. 1, Page 80
[arrangement of 1870.]

Page 18

5988
Betsy Brister N Y.
Act July 4 [illegible]
Suspended
Let to T. C Miller 13th [illegible] 1844
Rejected
Let to T Cellillie Sept 24 '4[illegible]
Act July 4th '3

5988
Betsy Brister
Let to Hon [illegible]
Jun 15 1846
N. [illegoble] Jan 18, '47
Let to Hon [illegible] [illegible]
[illegible]
Nov 7 '48
Act July 18.36.

Page 19

5432
New York Alby
Betsey Brister
widow of Aaron Brister
who served in the Revolutionary war as a private.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848
Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of May 1850 and sent to Hon W. A. Sackett House of Reps
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 14 Vol. 4
H.E. Robinson

Page 20

8824
New York a
Betsey Brister
widow of Aaron Brister who was a private in the Revolutionary War
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843
Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of May 1850 and sent to Hon W. A. Sackett House of Reps
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book a
Vol. 2 Page 201
H.E. Robinson

Page 21

10.909.
New York
Betsey Brister Widow of Aaron Brister who was a pensioner under the Act fo 1818 and who died in the year 1821. of Wayne Co in the State of New York who was a priv in the Revolutionary War commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate fo 80 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of May 1850 and sent to Hon WA Seckett H of R
Total amount, $
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by HE. Robinson Clerk,
Book D Vol. 1. Page 531.

Page 22

I assign my agency
to N. Leake Esq
Arad Joy

Page 23

to Hon J L  Edwards Com of Pensions Sir I have oppointed Arad Joy of Ovid New York my agent for me to inviestigate my claim to a pension as the widow of Aaron Brister late a pensioner
late Wayne Co N.Y. Dec 16th '46 Betsey Brister

Page 24

Friend [illegible] Palmyra April 24, 1857
Enclosed I send you and Betsey Brister certificate which I wrote you about last week. Please attend to it at once and oblige yours, Wm H Southwick

Page 25

State of New York
County of Wayne [illegible] On this 17th day of August 1848 personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the Peace in and for said county Betsy Brister a resident of said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, deposses and states, that she is the widow of Aaron Brister deceased, who during his natural life was a Revolutionary pensioner under the act of Congress of 1818 at the rate of ninety six dollars per year, and that she is an applicant for a pension from the said county & State
Now the object of this declaration being made is, in order to open a claim at the same rate of pension her husband received, claiming on the evidence filed in her late husbands case, and under the Resolution of Congress approved the [illegible] July 1848 sworn and subscribed before me She further declares that on the 17th day of August 1848 She is still a widow
Fredk Smith Justices of the Peace
Betsy Brister X her mark

I do here by certify that Betsy Brister above name is well known to me, and that she is the widow of Aaron Brister who was a Revolutionary pensioner the words, "She further declaires that she is still a widow" written at the right above her name [illegible] before signing
Fredk Smith Justice of the peace

Page 26

State of New York
Wayne County Clerks office } Alexander B Williams clerk of
[illegible] county, herby certify that Frederick Smith [illegible]
who took the bargaining affidavit and substituted [illegible].
going certificate [illegible] at the date of the paid affidavit 
[illegible] Justice of the [illegible] in and for [illegible] county duly elected
[illegible] from and duly authorized to administer [illegible] -
[illegible] further that I am well acquainted with his hand
writing and verify where the signature [illegible]
to the [illegible] affidavit and certify to be genuine.
Im [illegible] where of. [illegible][illegible] set
my hand and affixed the seat of the [illegible]
county this 18th day of August 1848.
A.B. Williams
Clerk of [illegible]

Page 27

Palmyra Wayne [illegible] NY.
September 11th 1844
J.S Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions.
On the 29th of September 1843 I enclosed you the declaration of Betsey Brister, and the affidavit of Sesan Stuart and Dr McIntyre and Col [illegible] as proof to obtain a pension to paid Betsey Brister- On the 25th of March 1844 you write to [illegible] Geo Rathburn, House of Representatives, that her papers are returned for authentication "the alleged date of the marriage should be established by a certified copy of the marriage bond filed in the clerks office of the county which [illegible] the licence" The parties at the time of the marriage were slaves and no license was [illegible] or record made of it as it was never done in such cases. Therefore it would be

Page 28

impossible to furnish any such proof. But by referring to the papers you will see by the affidavit of Susan Stuart that she swears to the marriage. The applicant Betsey Brister also swears that she was married to the said Aaron in 1777 or 1778 and Dr McIntrye + Col Beckwith(?) testify that Susan Stewart + Betsey Brister are persons of good moral character and that their testimony is worthy of belief. You farther say in your letter that "her husbands papers show that he was in service, at the north from his enlistment in 1776 to the fall of 1777, while she aserts that she was married to him in 1777 or 1778 while he was in the service" It would be difficult for such persons, after 60 years two give the exact year of their marriage while they might easily remember that the marriage took place during his service as they both testify it was- In a letter to myself dated April 13th 1844 you father say "The identity of the claimant as the widow of Aaron Brister and the alleged fact that

Page 29

he was generally also known by the name of Alexander. Brister should be satisfactorily proved. The name of Assron Brister does not appear on the notes of this office" I hardly know how it would be possible to establish the identity of the claimant as the widow of Aaron Brister farther than we have done. We have not only her own declaration but the affidavit of Susan Stuart, McIntyre + Beckwith to the same fact and we have the testimony of Betsey + Susan Stuart that he was generally Known by the name of "Alexander Brister" But I do not conceive it necessary to prove that he was generally called "Alexander Brister" for by the name of "Aaron" he himself on making the necessary declaration, a copy of which I enclose to you, obtained a pension tell his death in 1822 If he obtained a pension as being a solder in the revolution I cannot conceive it necessary for us to show that "Aaron Bister" the husband

Page 30

of this applicant served in the revolution for if he had not himself made that out he could not have recovered a pension. Any other testimony which it is possible for us to produce we will most cheerfully - but you are well aware how difficult it is to find witnesses at this distance of time. We can produce the testimony of 50 witnesses to show that applicant is the widow of the said Aaron who received a pension till his death. send as many more to give credit to the testimony of the said Betsey + Susan Stuart. 
This is a matter which I have undertaken gratuitously, and I am [illegible] almost daily to [illegible] the papers- when I cannot see but that the papers already presented make out a cae which entitles the applicant to a pension. If you think she is not entitled to one under the act of July 4, 1836 would she not be under the act of July 7, 1838. Excuse the length of this letter. An early reply will [illegible] oblige. 
I am Yor [illegible] Servant,
Thos C Miller

Page 31

1820
49
_______
74

Page 32

Palmyra Wayne County New York
September 29, 1843

JS Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions
D. Sir.
   On the 24th of May last I addressed you concerning the application of Betsey Brister for a pension as the widow of Aaron Brister.
   I afterwards received a letter from you dated July 8 1843, in which you stated she would be entitled to a pension under the Act of July 11, 1836 if she could produce testimony corroborating my statement.
   Enclosed is the declaration of the said Betsy and other affidavits corroborating her declaration, which testimony appeared perfectly satisfactory [illegible] of common reasoning in [illegible]
   If the testimony is not satisfactory we will endeavor to make it so if you will inform us what is still wanting.
   If it is satisfactory, please inform us how much she is entitled to and what must be done to get the same, also the time and place when and where she will receive it at your earliest convenience and much oblige.

   Your Ob Servant
   Thomas C. Miller

Page 33

I, Samuel Cole, clerk in the pension office do hereby certify that I hav been for fifteen years personally and [illegible] acquainted with Alexander McIntyre, George Beckwith and Alba Hendee the witnesses who have offered their testimony with the case of Mrs Betsey Brister and know them to be gentlemen of the highest and strictest integrity Doct McIntire is one of the most eminnent surgeons and physicians in [illegible] New York of [illegible] experience and skill in his profession Messrs Beckwith & Hendee are leading members of the Presbyterian Church and men of wealth and [illegible] character.
May 11, 1830 Samuel Cole

Page 34

[stamp center left] [illegible] 22 N.Y.
Free
FREE
Hon J L Edwards
Court of Washington D.C.
Mr Amos

Page 35

Ovid Augs 22p '48
Sir
I inclose the application of Betsy Brister
under Revolution of Congress approved 1 July 1848
Respectfully
Your Ob Serv
Arad Joy

Hon J L. Edwards
Court of Pensions

Page 36

Washington
Jan y 8. 1844
My dear Sir
Will you please 
investigate the claim of my
Betsey Brister whose affidavit
I herewith enclose and advise 
me of the result as your
earliest leisure
Also the Magsej made
on the case of Sarah Palmer
Yours Truly
Robt L Rose
Hon J L Edwards
Pension Office

Page 37

Inc to $96 dedy $80
per annum
Conin 1 July 1848
Alby Roll
Wm H Southwick Palmyra N. York
Payment to be made at Albany by T. W. Olcott Esq Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Albany New York Payable on teh 4th September and 4th March Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 2d, 1848, Page 14 Vol. 4 H.E. Robinson Clerk.

Page 38

Palmyra April 24 1851
I hereby certify that on this 24th day of April 1851 I onversed with and saw Betsey Brister the person named in the pension certificate attached to this certificate and I further certify that I am well acqueinted with the said Betsey Brister and know that she is now alive.
Wm H Southwick
Justice of the peace
Wayne County 
N.Y.

Page 39

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the act of Febrary 2d, 1848, Betsey Brister widow of Aaron Brister of New York who was a private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty dollars and - cents per annum, commencing in the 4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior this thirteenth day of May on thousand eight hundred and fifty
T. Ewing Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and Countersigned
JL Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Page 40

To Hon J. L. Edwards Com of Pensions, Sir I am an applicate for a pension from the State of New York, under the law of 1836 as the widow of Aaron Brister who was a pensioner, it being dificult to [illegible] my claim under that law, I hereby respectfully ask you to grant me the pension under the law of 1836-1838 and I will accept of it under that law
Subscribed before me this 24th day of November 1849
Betsy Brister her mark X
Wm. H. Southwick Justice of the peace Wayne Co N.Y.
Palmyra Wayne County New York

Page 41

I certify that Wm H Southwick within named is a Justice of the peace in & for Wayne County that I am personally acquainted with him & with his hand writing & that he signed the within affidavit as such Justice as [illegible] believe [illegible] W.A. Sackett [illegible]

Page 42

State of New York Wayne County town of palmyra Mch 11, 1850
On this 11th day of March 1850 before me a Justice of the peace in and for said county came Betsey Brister and made oath in due form of law that she is the widow of Aaron alias Alexander Brister who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution and [illegible] a pension from the Unted States in the rate of ninety six dollars per annum and died about the year 1828 in the town of Palmyra in the said county that she has evers since continued his widow and that her application for a pension is on file in the pension office that she asks for any pension that may be found due her under any of the acts or resolution of congress that she now resides in Palmyra in said county.
Betsey Brister X her mark
Subscribed & sworn before me this 11th day of March 1850
Wm H Southwick
Justice of the peace Wayne Co N.Y.

Page 43

No 5988
Betsy Brister
widow of Aaron
N.Y.
Act 4 July 1836
[illegible]
Married before 1794
Hsb died 1831
[illegible] acts
'38
43 & 44
'48
for two yers per
$80 per annum
comg 4 March 1836
Wm A. Sackett
[illegible] R.

Page 44

House of Reps March 20.'50
Sir, I here with transmit the application of Betsey Bristed of New York widow of Aaron for a pension under act of 2d of February, 1848, and have to request your early attention thereeto. The origional application is on file.
Very Respectfully W.A. Sackett

Hon J.L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
[illegible]

Page 45

State of New York
Ontario Count
On this nineteeth day of August 1820 personally appeared in open court being a court of common pleas in & for said count & constituted a court of records by proceeding according to the course of the common law with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount & keeping a record of its proceedings & recognized as such court by the laws & judicial decisions of said STate, Aaron Brister aged sixty two years resident in the town of Palmyra in siad county who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionay War as follows - for the time of one year & nine months in the company commanded by Capt Helms in the 3rd Virginia Regiment commanded by Col Weadon commencing in the spring of the year 1777 and that he made application for a pension on the twenty seventh day of April 1818 and that he received a pension certificate No 3494. And I do solomenly swear that I was a resdient of the United States on the eithteenth 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 provisions of an act of congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval service of the United Staes in the Revolutionary War" proposed on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or security contractor debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule here to annexed and by me subscribed

Three fourths of an acre of land in possesion by verbal contract with a small house hereon towards which there is due on hundred dollars
over such plan what is due towards it $100
One hog & 4 small pigs 4.00
1 three [illegible] kettle 3.00
1 tea kettle 1.00 1 spider .25 1.25
1 kettle .50 1 Frying Pan .75 1.25
2 Barrels 1.00 2 Tables (old) 1.00 2.00
4 chairs 1.00 1 Hoe .50 1 old exe .50 2.00
6 cups & saucers .25 8 plates .50 .75
a few other articles of crockery & c 1.00
$115.25

Page 46

State of New York
Ontario County 
Benjamin Bristo and Robert Stewart being duly sworn in upon their respective oaths [illegible] and say that at the commencement of the Revolutionary war they lived in the State of Virginia in Prince William County and went at that time and have eversince been acquiainted with Aaron Bristor Colored man who entered into the service of the United States in said Revolutionary War with Thomas Helmes who at the time said Aaron entered the said service was a Lieutenant and at the close was discharged as a captain, that said Aaron Brister served in said war as much as a year and a half or two years at one time and further there [illegible] [illegible] not
Benjamin Bristo X his mark
Robert Stewart X his mark
Be it Remembered that on the 21st day of September 1818 Before me [illegible] Lilly a commisioner to take application in and for said county of Ontario came the afore named Benjamin Bristo and Robert Stewart men of color [illegible] I will honor and verily believe [illegible] credible witness and for men & swore and subscribed the afor [illegible]
RA Selby.

Page 47

State of New York Ontario County Clerks Office
In testimony that Ira Shelby whose name is subscribed to the foregoing affidavidtt was on the day of the date of the same a commisioner for taking affidavits in and for the county of Ontario acting under the authority of said state and that the same is his signature I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said county at Canandaigua this 24th day of September 1818
Hon McNair Clk

Page 48

Claims of Aaron Brister
April 27th 1818
The honorable
Sec fo War

Page 49

State of New York Ontario County Clerks office
In Testimony that Stephen Phelps whos name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate was on the day of the date of the same on eof the Judges of the court of common pleas in and for the county of Ontario and that the same is his signature I here unto subscribe my name and affix the county seal at  Canandaigua this 7th day of May AD 1818 
Hon McNair Clk

Page 50

Stephen Phelps, Esq; Judge Canandaigua, Ontario County, New_York.
Aaron Brister, Virginia line, Revolutionary Claim.
Admitted
The Virginia rolls have not yet been received at the pension office-
See endorsement in the cases of Jeremiah Battles, and Noah U. Norton.

Page 51

The Honorable Secretary of War if my claims are allowed will please to forward a certificate thereof to Stephen Phelps Esq. of Canandaigua who is my agent
Aaron Brister X his mark

Page 52

[stamp top center] PALMYRA NY MAY 25
May 29 1843
NY
A. Brister
J.L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

Page 53

In the matter of the application of Betsey Brister for a pension. Dr Sir, I have been engaged by the above named Betsey Brister to ascertain whether is entittled to a pension, the facts upon which she claims these. During the Revolutionary war and before the year 1977 the said Betsey was married to one Aaron Brister, they both [illegible] in the State of Virginia, Soon after which the said Aaron [illegible] the army of the United States and served for the term [illegible] years and nine months in the Company commanded by Captain [illegible] in the 3rd Virginia Regiment commanded by Col Wheadon commencing in the Spring of the year 1777 Sometime after the war said Aaron Brister and the said Betsey his wife moved to Bath in the County of Steuben and State of New York where they lived for [illegible] than thirty years from which place they moved to this place in Palmyra and lived here till he died in 1821 since which time [illegible] lived here and has never been married again but has always remained the widow of the said Aaron She can prove by an old lady living near here that she lived in the same house when

Page 54

they the said Aaron & Betsey were married and though she was not present at the ceremony not heard them say they were married by a justice of the place and hears the justice declare he had married them and that they were reputed as married by the said justice amongst all in the neighborhood and lived together as man and wife She can also prove by person living in Bath and Palmyra forsaid that they lived together as man and wife for 40 years [illegible] his death
The said Aaron made application for a pension on the 27th day of April 1818 and received a pension certificate No 3494 and drew a pension till the time of his death in 1821 He received his pension through Judge Phelps of Canadaigua Ontario County New York
The said Betsey is now almost 70 years of age is very poor and herself and relatives are unable to support her could she receive some pension money it would be a great help
Enclosed I send you a copy of a paper on file in the Clerks office of Ontario County which should have been certified by the County Clerk and correct copy from which you will see there is merit in this application
If you will investigate the merits

Page 55

and inform me at your earliest convenience what proof [illegible] is necessasry you will confier a lasting favor when the widow gone of [illegible] who so nobly strove for us during the trying times of the revolution and of whom so few now remain to receive a nations gratitude and demand their just rights
I am yours to Thomas C Miller

J L Edwards Esq
Commisioner of Pensions
Palmyra County of Wayne State of New York May 24 1843

Page 56

NY July 4 1836 Betsey Briter
Aaron
Hon Geo Rathbun MC Feb 22 1844

Page 57

State of New York
Wayne County On this eleventh day of August eighteen hundred and forty three personally appeared before me Susan Stuart a resident of Farmington in the County of Ontario and State of foresaid aged eighty years of age and being first duly sworn according to law says that she knew Aaron Brister before and at the time of the Revolutionary War that he sometimes called himself Alexander Brister that he lived in the County of Prince William and State of Virginia that he was drafted in the war as she now thinks that he served nearly [illegible] years commencing in the spring of 1777 in the company commanded by Captain Helms in the 3rd Virginia Regiment commanded by ColWeadon that during the time of his service was married to Betsy Toliver the applicant for a pension that he served in the Revolutionary War after his said marriage that they were married in the year 1777 or 1778 that they were never afterwards married that sometime afterwards to wit about fifteen years the said Aaron & the said Betsy his wife moved to the town of Bath County of Steuben and State of New York where they remained till about the year eighteed hundred & five when they moved to Palmyra in the said County of Wayne where they remained till his death in August 1821 that she was acquainted with the said Aaron till his death and is now acquinted with and has always known the said Betsy and knows that they always lived together as husband and wife that he said Betsy has never since been remarried but is now the widow of the said Aaron Brister
Susasn Stuart X her mark
Sworn and subscribed before me the day & year first above mentioned O. H. Palmer First Judge Wayne Co.
Mr Alexander McIntyre a Physician and George Beckwith merchant of Palmyra in the count of Wayne Certify that we are well acquinited with Betsy Brister who is about to apply

Page 58

for a pension as the widow of Aaron Baister under the act of 4th July 1836, and the above named [illegible], that they are persons of good moral character and that their testimony is worthy of belief, and that the said Betsy is the widow of the
said Aaron Baister.
S. McIntyre
George Beckwith
Subscribed & sworn before me
this 20th day of August 1840
V. Ho. Palmer first-judge
Wayne Co.

State of New York
Wayne County, : On this twenty eighth day of September person-
-ally appeared in open court - before the judges of the court of Common Pleas being a Court of Record in and for the said county
of Wayne Betsy Baister a resident of [illegible] in said county
+ state aged seventy eight years, who being first-duly sworn, doth on
her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the ben-
fit of the provision made by the act of Congress [illegible] July 4.
1836. That she is the widow of Aaron Baister (who sometimes called
himself Alexander Baister) who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war for the period of one year and nine months in the company commanded by Captain [illegible] in the 3rd Virginia Regiment commanded by Colonel Weadon commencing in the Spring of 1777; that on the twenty seventh day of April 1818 the said Aaron made application for a pension; that he received a pension certificate number 3494; that he received a pension till his death in August 1921; that said Aaron resided in County of Prince William and State of Virginia when he entered the service.  She further declared that she was married to the said Aaron in the year seven-teen hundred and seventy seven or eight that he was in the service 
them hundreds and esvently Reven or right that he works in the service when he was married to her the said Aaron; that she lived with the said Aaron as his lawful wife till the time of his death in August eighteen hundred and twenty one and that she has never since been remarried.

Sworn to and subscribed this 28th
day of September 1843 before me
E.A. Palmeter [illegible]

Page 59

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the necessary interrogatories that the above mentioned applicant is the widow of Aaron Brister, who served in the Revolutionary War, and that she was married to the said Aaron before the last period of his service in the said Revolutionary War, and the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Alexander McIntyre and George Beckwith who have signed the accompanying certificate are creditable persons and that their statements are entitled to credit.  I E. A. Palmeter Dep. Clerk of the said Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Wayne do certify that the above are the original proceedings had in the matter of the application of Betsey Brister for a pension, and that Oliver H. Palmer above named is the first Judge of Wayne County and that the above signatures annexed to the affidavits of Susan Stuart and Alexander McIntyre and George Beckwith are their genuine signature.
E. A. Palmeter Dep. Clerk
[handwritten as well] {SS Seal of W. Co. }

Page 60

[seal]
State of New York
Wayne County SS.
Alexander McIntyre a resident of Palmyra in the County aforesaid aged fifty two years, being duly sworn, doth on his oath make the following statement in order to aid Betsey Brister (widow of Aaron Brister or, as he was also called Alexander Brister a Soldier of the Revolution) to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed July 4th 1836, Entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows". That he has resided in Palmyra aforesaid over thirty three years and that he well knew the said Aaron Brister or Alexander Brister, the late husband of the said Betsey Brister, that he was always reputed to have been a soldier in the Revolution - that he also well knew the said Betsey his widow, ever since he came into the place.  That the statements of the said Betsey in her application for a pension on account of the service of her said husband in the Revolution are entitled to credit, and deponent has no hesitation in saying that the said Betsey, widow aforesaid is eighty years old and upwards and that whatever statements may have been made by her late husband during his life time & more particularly in 1820 in which he alleged his said wife the said Betsey to have been younger than she really was.  Must have been by those who examined him on that point.  Misunderstood or inadvertantly (sic) set down wrong, as that

Page 61

her general appearance, and anatomy conclusively indicates her age to be eighty years and upwards.  Deponent further says that he is well acquainted with Susan Stuart who also testified in the case of the application of the said Betsey for a pension is a woman of good moral character and that her statements in said application by her made are entitled to the [next 2 words underlined] fullest credit.  Deponent further says that he is by profession and practice a physician and surgeon.  That he has practiced as such in the town of Palmyra aforesaid over thirty three years and that  however inconsistent it may appear to some, that Mrs. Brister aforesaid should have had her youngest child when she was about fifty years old - deponent has no doubt of the fact - cases of the kind have in several cases come under his knowledge.  Deponent further says that the said Betsey and her late husband the said Aaron or Alexander, lived together as husband & wife when he first became acquainted with them which is above thirty three years ago & that they then had a numerous family of children - and that among the oldest inhabitants their connection as husband and wife was never questioned.  That the said Betsey is in possession of fair physical powers, and her memory does not appear to be impaired, but seems to recollect events remarkably well.
Subscribed and sworn this 23rd day of December } [signature in different handwriting] A. McIntyre

Page 62

Case of Aaron Brister


Mar '19

Page 63

STATE OF NEW YORK
ONTARIO COUNTY, ss.
   On this nineteenth day of August 1820 personally appeared in open Court, (being a Court of Common Please in and for said county, and constituted a Court of Record by proceeding according to the course of the Common Law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, and keeping a record of its proceedings, and recognized as such Court by the laws and judicial decisions of said State,) Aaron Brister aged Sixty five years, resident of the town of Palmyra 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:

For the term of one year and nine months in the company commanded by Captain [illegible] in the 3rd Virginia Regiment commanded by Col Weadon, commencing in the Spring of the year 1777

and that he made application for a Pension on the twenty seventh day of April 1818 and that he received a Pension Certificate, No. 3494. And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that I have a 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 provisions 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, 1818 and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me, nor have I any income other that what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by subscribed, viz.

Three fourths of an acre of land in possession by verbal contract with a small house thereon, towards which there is due 
{over[illegible] what is due for it}
one hundred dollars......................................$100.00
one hog & 4 small pigs........................................4.00
1 three [illegible] kettle........................................3.00                    
1 teakettle $1  one [illegible], 25......................0.22
2 [illegible] $1   2 old tables $1.........................2.00
1 kettle, 20 - 1 frying pan 12..............................1.00
4 chains $1   1 hoe, 20   1 old axe, 20............2.00
6 cups & saucers. 25, 8 plates, 20....................0.00
a few other articles of crockery.........................1.00
                                                               $113.22
[signed]  Aaron Brister
And I do further swear & declare that I am by occupation a day laborer, and that by age and bodily infirmities,

Page 64

(being lame in both my knees) I am able to perform but very little labor, and that my family consists of my wife Betsey aged 46 years, my son James aged 10 years, my daughter Mirea aged 8 years and my daughter Betsey aged 6 years.
Aaron Brister X his mark
The foregoing sworn to and declared in Open Court the 19th day of August 1820 before me
Wm. Rogers
A Judge of Ontario Com Pleas
[typed]
ONTARIO COUNTY, SS
I, [handwritten] John Van Fossen [typed] Clerk of said county do hereby certify, that the foregoing Oath, and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Record of the said Court; and I farther certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule, is [handwritten] one hundred & fifteen [typed] dollars and [handwritten] 25 [typed] cents.  In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this [handwritten] 22d [typed] day of [handwritten] August 1825
John Van Fossen [typed] Clerk of the Court aforesaid, in and for said County.

Page 65

New York 12 Broad St.
July 2nd 1851
Major James L. Hurd
You will I hope excuse the liberty that I have taken by troubling you with this letter, about eighteen months since a Mr. Southwick of Palmyra Wayne County drew my fathers pension for my mother Betsey Bristel living at Palmyra and I have never been able to ascertain the amount of pension drawn by him, and you would confer a very great kindness on me by letting me know the amount if not giving you unnecessary trouble.
My father served in War of the Revolution. By complying with my request you will very much oblige your very ob't humble servant -
Rob't Brister
Major James L. Hurd
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

Page 66


                             Washington June 1st 1846
Hon J.L. Edwards
Commission 
                              Dear Sir
I enclose herein the Declaration of Elizabeth TIfney claiming arrears  of Pension deducted or withheld from her under the act of July 4. 1838
from 4th March 1836 to 27th April 1838 at $43.46 per annum also the application of Mrs. Mabel Whitney for arrears of Pension under the same act, for 5 years from the 4th of March 1836
Also, additional evidence in the claim of Mrs Ann Smith, to remove the objections of insufficiency to the papers on file in the Pension Office

Also, additional evidence in the case of Betsy
Brister widow of Aaron Brister sometimes called Alexander Brister, to remove the objections of the Commissions to the allowance of this claim urged in his letter of Sept 24th 1844
 
Your attention to these claims is respectfully solicited as soon as convenient and the business of your office will permit
                             I am Sir
                                 Very Respectfully
                                       Yours
                                            C.H. Carroll

Page 67

June 3, 1845
Betsy Brister
Additional Evidence
in her case which is 
on file.

Hon C.H. Carrol H.R

Page 68

State of New York
Wayne County [illegible] George Beckwith a resident of Palmyra in the said County aged Fifty four years, being duly sworn according to [illegible] on his oath make the following statement in order to aid Mrs. Betsey Brister widow of Aaron Brister or as he was sometimes called Alexander Brister [illegible] of Palmyra in the County of Wayne aforementioned deceased. To obtain the Benefit of the [illegible] made by the act of Congress passed [illegible] 4th 1836 Entitled "An Act granting half pay & pension to Certain Widows" that he was well acquainted with Aaron or Alexander Brister during his life time and that he was also well acquainted with Betsey Brister his widow that he has known them over thirty one years and never heard of the Relation of Husband & Wife between the said Aaron or Alexander disputed that he knew the said Aaron or Alexander at & during & before his death. Next this deponent has been informed that the said Aaron made a statement in the year 1820 in which he alleged that his wife the said Betsey was only forty six years old. Deponent further says that from his long acquaintance with the said Betsey Brister widow aforementioned he has no hesitation in saying that she is not [illegible] then eighty years of age and that she must have been fifty six years old and upwards in 1820, instead of forty six years -- that her general appearance indisputably indicates that her age is eighty years and upwards, that her late husband the said Aaron or Alexander

Page 69


was a very ignorant and unlettered man and that he must have been ignorant of his wife age in 1820. or that he must have been misunderstood in giving the age of his wife by those who were then Conducting or making his said statement, that the said Betsey Brister widow of the said Aaron or Alexander is a woman of good moral character, and that her Statements by her made, are Entitled to the fullest Credit - he further says that the said Aaron late husband of the said Betsey was at the time of his death in 1821 a pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress of March 18, 1818. and that he is also well acquianted with Mrs Susan Stuart whose statements an hereunto annexed. that she is a women of good moral Character and that her said Statements are Entitled to Credit

Subscribed and sworn           George Beckwith
this 31st day of December
1845 before me.
Isaac E. Bucher Justice
of the peace Town of Palmyra
in said County.

I am well acquainted with the Handing and notation of George Beckwith who made the above affidavit. He is a man of high moral standing and esteemed on of our first Citizens
            M A Larket
                McC

Page 70

State of New York
Wayne County SI  Mrs. Lucy Jarvis a widow of the town of Palmyra in the said County, aged Fifty five years, who being duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following Statement in order to aid Mrs. Betsey Brister, widow of Aaron Brister or as he was some times called Alexander Brister late of Palmyra aforesaid deceased to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836. Entitled "An Act granting half pay and Pensions to Certain Widows" that she is a daughter of  the said Betsey and the said Aaron, that she will recollect her father the said Aaron, that the said Aaron her father and the late husband of the said Betsey, died at the town of Palmyra in the county of Wayne and  state aforesaid on the day of August 1821. That she was present at his death and burial, and that the said Aaron at the time of his death aforesaid was a pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress of March 18, 1818. for services in the War of the Revolution that her mother the said Betsey Brister is now a widow, that she has not intermarried, but has continued the widow of the said Aaron ever since his death aforesaid, that her father and mother aforesaid never kept a family record of their marriage or of the births and deaths of their children — that she frequently heard her said father the said Aaron and her mother the said Betsey, during the life time of her said father tell over their ages and that according to their statements during the life time of her said father, her mother the said Betsey is now Eighty years old and upwards and that

Page 71

this agrees with the statements which was always made in her presence and in the presence of the family by her said father during his life time, and according to the statements made mutually between her said father and mother, and she has never heard the age which deponent gives of her said mother, disputed by any of the family or by any of the oldest inhabitants and acquaintances of her said father and mother

Subscribed and sworn                      her
this 31st day of December         Lucy x Davis
1845 before the                               mark
  Isaac E. Bucher Justice
  of the Peace of Palmyra
  in said County.

Witness J. G. Austin


State of New York
Wayne County Clerks Office S.S.
    I hereby certify that Isaac E. Bucher Esq was at the time of writing the above three affidavits a Justice of the peace in and for said county only elected and qualified to take the same. And further that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe that his signatures to the within affidavits are genuine. In witness whereof I have herewith set my hand and applied my official seal this twenty first day of January A.D. 1846
               Sec. B. Yanti Dep Cen
                 (Cen absent)

Page 72

State of New York
County of New York. SS. Robert Brister a resident of the City of New York and state aforesaid aged near thirty eight years who being duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath. Make the following Statement in order to aid Mrs. Betsey Brister. Widow of Aaron Brister or as he was sometimes called Alexander Brister late of Palmyra in the County of Wayne & State of [illegible] deceased. To obtain the benefit of the provisions of the Act of Congress passed July 4th 1836 entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows. That he is a son of the said Aaron and Betsey aforesaid. that his father the said Aaron or Alexander Brister died at the town of Palmyra in the County of Wayne & State aforesaid in the month of August 1821, and the said Aaron left a widow the said Betsey his mother. What the said Aaron & his mother the said Betsey never kept a family record of the marriage of his said father & mother nor a record of the births & deaths of their children -- that there is now no record of the marriage of his father the said Aaron & his mother the said Betsey. Either private or public - that he has taken a good deal of pains to ascertain whether any such record exists &  that in has not been able to find any record of their marriage. Either, Public, Private or documentary -- that he will recollects of hearing the said Aaron his father during his lifetime and his mother talk of their ages and always understood both of them to say that there was but little difference in their ages, not more than five or six years difference -- & this he distinctly remembers their stating

Page 73

their ages frequently. to be nearly of an age, and not more than five or six year difference and this was always understood in the family - and that his father must have been misunderstood in 1820. When he is made to state that his then wife the said Betsey was but forty six years of age - that his mother the said Betsey and who is now the widow of the said Aaron is now Eighty-one years of age. from the statements made by them both when the said Aaron his father was living together -towhich is no doubt correct - - that his mother the said Betsey is now a widow.  That she has not intermarried but has continued the widow of said Aaron. Ever since his death aforesaid -- that his father the said Aaron was at the time of his death a pensioner of the United States under the Act of March 18, 1818 that at the time of his death aforesaid and for a number of years prior to his death. His said father was a diseased and infirm man. His physical and mental powers & faculties very much impaired and debilitated---

[illegible] and sworn  Robert Brister

STATE OF NEW-YORK,
CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW-YORK,
ss.
I, James Conner, CLERK of the City and County of New-York,
DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That [handwritten]John White before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was, at the time of taking the same, [handwritten]Commissioner of deed, in and for said City and County, duly commissioned and sworn, and authorized by the laws of this State to take the same; and that I believe the Signature of said [handwritten] commissioner of deed, thereunto subscribed [handwritten]as genuine. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have here unto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said County, the [handwritten]5 day of [handwritten]January 184[handwritten]6

[signed] James Conner
Clerk

Page 74

their ages frequently, to be nearly of an age, and not more than five or six years difference, and this was always understood in the family — and that his father must have been misunderstood in 1820, when he is made to state that his then wife the said Betsey was but forty six years of age — that his mother the said Betsey and who is now the widow of the said Aaron is now Eighty one years of age, from the statement made by them both where the said Aaron his father was living together — and which is no doubt correct— that his mother the said Betsey is now a widow, and that she has not intermarried, but has continued the widow of the said Aaron ever since his death aforesaid — that his father the said Aaron was at the time of his death a pensioner of the United States under the act of March 18, 1828 that at the time of his death aforesaid and for a number of years prior to his death. his said father was a diseased and infirm man his physical and mental powers and faculties very much impaired and debilitated

Substanted and sworn          Robert Ritteer
this 5th day of January
AD 1846 before the
  Jas. C. White
  Commr of Deeds

Page 75

AD 1845 before [illegible]
O.H Palmer
[illegible] Jack
Wayne Co.


I am personally acquainted with Dort M. Belyn who makes the above affectionate. He is one of the first physicians in our part of the country and a man of high moral standing in community.

March 25 1850
W.A. Sackett

Page 76

State of New York
Wayne County for Alva Hendee - a widow
of the [illegible] of Palmer in Said County. agree [illegible] four years being duly sworn according to Louis [illegible] on his [illegible] make the following statement in order to aid Betsey Brister widow of Aaron or Alexander Brister (who was a soldier of the Revolution) to obtain the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1886. that
he was well acquainted with her late husband
the laid Aaron or Alexander. and that he is also well acquainted with the laid Betsey. the widow that he knew then as husband and wife [illegible]  they lain unto the County. that is who [illegible] to the age of the laid Betsey Brister. he has no hesitation in saying that she is eighty years and upwards -- that her general appearance conclusively indicates. that her age is not less than eighty years -- that this Betsey Brister widow [illegible] is a person of good moral character. and that her statements made in her application for a pension is entitled to budit. that he is also acquainted with Susan who also testified to her knowledge of the Brister marriage with her late husband the said Aaron or Alexander -- is a woman of good moral character and her statements are entitled to budit subscribed to and sworn this 23rd day of December 1845 before Mr. OH. Palmer
[illegible] Jack Wayne Co.

Page 77

State of New York
Wayne County Clerks Office

I hereby certify that O.H. Palmer thus at the home of Luring the above two certificates the vist judge of the aforesaid county courts duly appointed and qualified to take the same. And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and hereby believes that the signature subscribed to the aim the affidavits are genuine. 
In witness whereof I have hereby sch my hand and affixed and official send this twenty first day of January AD 1846

SwB Gautt Dep Clk
Clk absent

Page 78

Name: Brister, John
Grade: Private
Line: Connecticut

Warrant Number: 5461
Acreage: 100
Issued: May 26, 1790 
To --- not shown ---