Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16839, Samuel Townsend, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York.
Townsend, Samuel Bennet, Sarah
N. 16839.
(Former widow.)
CONTENTS

New York - 2452
Sarah Bennet, formerly widow of Samuel Townsend, de
who died on the 15 th Sep r 1792 - of Tarry in the State of N. York who was a Reg t Paym t in the — commanded by Captain — of the R t commanded by — Cubois in the N. Y. R. line for 2 years
Let to Geo. Townsend Feb 17. 1841.
to Hon. Sam l Gordon June 17. 42 do. to A. Ray June 24. 1842 do. to same Aug. 8. 1842
Inscribed on the Roll of N. York at the rate of 320 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 14 th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of Oct r 38, and said Sarah Bennet Reg t Paym t New York, — — — — —
Arrears to the 14 th of Sep r — $2400.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 160.00 $2560.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by R. Burdine Clerk, B. Vol. 2 Page 119

Reported to Algonkian, see letter Let to A. Ray Oct: 1: 1842 Let to E. J. Beach Jan: 11: 1850 Let A. Ray, April 18/54
New York 2452
Sarah Bennet, dec d formerly widow of Samuel Townsend
who died on the 15 th Sept. 1792
of Queen's Co. in the State of N. York who was a Reg t Paymaster in the ————— commands by Captain ————— of the Reg t . commands by Col. Dubois in the N. York line for 2 years
Increased from $320 —
Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 1480 Dollars ————— Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1834. Payable to Garnet Bennet and Mrs. Duyva, wife of Hewlett Duyva, children of Sarah Bennet, dec d . to the 7 th April 1840
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 th day of August 1842 and sent to A. Ray. Presents
Arrears to the 14th of 7 th April 1840 $ 4364: 00
Semi-annual allowance ending
Former payments to be deducted
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3. }
Recorded by D. Braun Book C. Vol. 1.
Clerk Page 107

The Births of Samuel and Sarah Townsend his Wife and Family.
Samuel Townsend was Born August 7th 1793 Old Style Sarah Townsend his Wife April 8th N.S. 1795
Married 27th of September 1793
Births of their Children
1 James Townsend Born Augt. 1795 on Mt. 2 Sarah Townsend Born Dec. 10. 1796 on Mt. 3 George Townsend January 9. 1798 on Mt. 4 Richard Townsend July 1st 1799 on Mt. 5 Samuel Townsend October 13. 1799 on Mt. 6 James Townsend June 23. 1799 on Mt.
The Death of James Townsend. He Departed this Life in Baltimore April the 17 in the year 1828 Aged 30 years when he Died
Sam Townsend

The Death of Samuel Townsend and Son. -
Was Taken Ill on the 12 th of September - Departed this Life on the 15 th Inst. after a short Illness of three days in the Year of our Lord 1792. Aged forty eight years one Month and three days.
James Townsend Departed this Life August 13. 1782 Aged 17 Years
Richard Townsend departed this Life. February the 20 th day, in the Year 1809. aged 23 Years and Eight Months.
George Townsend departed this Life April the 8 th in the Year 1816 Aged 33 Years and three Months.
M M

The Births of James and Anna Horton and their Children. viz.
James Horton Senior was Born September 27 1730.
Anna Horton Senior February 17th 1737 1. Sarah Horton April 8. 1755 2. Steiner Horton January 15. 1758 3. Isaac Horton January 17. 1760 4. Sebe Horton March 15. 1762 5. Anna Horton Junr. May 18. 1764 6. Mary Horton April 25. 1766 7. James Horton Junr. Sept. 29. 1768 8. Mariam Horton Jan. 19. 1771 9. Robert G. Horton April 4. 1772 10. Samuel Horton January 11. 1774 11. Silvanus Horton Feb. 10. 1775 12. William Horton January 20. 1777
James Horton Reported their Deaths Nov. 19th 1762 Isaac Horton Nov. 10. 1762 Sebe Horton June 1777 Robert G. Horton December 1772 James Horton Junr. March 23rd 1796

Hn. S. Gordon H.R.

State of New York Payter Bay. Luzerne County ss S. March 28 th 1842
Justice in Court before Thos S. Monfort Justice
Satisfactory Evidence has been adduced in Court to show that Sarah Bennet deceased was a pensioner of the United States as the Widow of Samuel - Bennet at the rate of $320 - per annum. on the New York roll and agency Made act 4 th July 1836. and died on the 7 th day of April 1840 leaving two children to wit - Harriet Bennet to whom she bequeathed all her personal property and Anna Drayton Wife of Herbert Drayton they being the only surviving children of the above said Sarah Bennet Luzerne County ss I certify that the above is a transcript from my docket - dated March 28 th 1842
Thos S. Monfort Justice

State of New York (S.S. Oyster Bay, Queens County)
On this 28 th day of March 1842 personally appeared before me Thos. S. Monfort a Justice of the Peace in and for said County. Garrit Bennet a resident of Oyster Bay: Who being first duly sworn according to Law, sett on his Oath that he is one of the surviving children of his — deceased Mother Sarah Bennet who was a pensioner under the act of July 1836 at the rate of $320 per annum as the Widow of Samuel Townsend who was a 1 st pay Master in the War of the revolution, and that she the said Sarah Bennet died on the 7 th day of April 1840 leaving the following named children Garrit Bennet and Ann Grayea. Wife of Bennett Grayea Now the object of this Declaration being made is, in order to obtain an increased rate of pension under act 1836 at the rate of allowance to a cap t of artillery, in lieu of her late pension at $320. and the payment of arrear thereon from the 4 th of March 1831 up to the 7 th day of April 1840 the period of my Mother's death and hereby relinquish any other claim to a pension or annuity except the present. Subscribed to on the day and year above written.
before me
Garrit Bennett
Thos. S. Monfort Justice of the Peace
I John Simonson Clerk of the County of Queens also clerk of the court of common Pleas of said county do hereby certify that Thomas D. Monfort is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine In testimony whereof I have here- unto affixed my seal of Office and subscribed my name this twenty ninth day of March A.D. 1842
John Simonson clerk of Queens County also clerk of the court of Common Pleas of said County

Susan Youngs.
Affidavit

Queens County ss. Susan Young, being Affirmed  sworn deposes and says that she was well acquainted with Samuel Townsend and Sarah Town- -send his wife. That the said Samuel Townse- -nd was an own cousin of the husband of the deponent, that they were married some time before the Revolutionary war, at Manaroneck in the county of Westchester, as deponent was informed and then they came over to the father of the said Samuel Townsend in the town of Oyster Bay, that this deponent attended the wedding party at that time. That after the said Sarah Townsend became such a widow by the death of the said Samuel Townsend. She married one Garet Bennett and lived with him at Norwich in the town of Oyster Bay until his death, and that she is now a widow and lives with her son at the same place.
Affirmed before me the 12 th day of November 1838.
Susan Youngs John D. Hicks Judge of Common Pleas
The above deponent Susan Young is known to me to be a respectable inhabitant of the town of Oyster Bay in Queens County, and entitled to the fullest belief.
John D. Hicks
State of New York
County of Queens ss. I John Simonson clerk of the county of Queens also clerk of the court of common Pleas of said county do hereby certify that John D. Hicks Esquire who administered the affirmation was at the time of administering such affirmation a Judge of the court of common Pleas of said

county Commissioned and sworn and duly authorized to administer the same And further that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of such Judge and verily believe that the signature to the said affidavits is genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court and county the 20 th day of November 1838
John Simonson Clerk

State of New York } Westchester County } ss
Mary Griffin of the town of New Rochelle personally appeared before me William P. Gallaudet one of the Justices of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, and being duly sworn deponeth and saith that she is a niece to James Horton Esq. who formerly resided on Rye neck, and that she was intimate in the family, and was well acquainted with his daughter Sarah; that some time before the breaking out of the war of the Revolution, she, the deponent with her parents were invited from New York, where they then resided, to the wedding of the said Sarah Horton, and that she, the deponent, with her parents were present on that occasion, and that the said Sarah Horton was then and there married to Samuel Townsend with whom this deponent was well acquainted both before and after his marriage: She says further more that the said Samuel Townsend was afterward, that is, on the breaking out of the war of the Revolution appointed a Captain in the service of the Country, which office she believes he held to the close of the war: and further she recollects well that the said Capt. Townsend was made a prisoner and carried to New York where he was kept some time by the British, until he was regularly exchanged; and that while he was so imprisoned his wife the said Sarah came to visit her parents at Rye neck where they deponent saw and conversed with her. deponent recollects this visit well, from the circumstances; the mother of Sarah was in a state of mental derangement, and the whole family in great affliction. This deponent does not recollect seeing Capt. Townsend after the war; she heard of his death many years ago; and that Sarah his widow was married again, to a man by the name of Bennet somewhere on Long Island, and that while she was the wife of the said Bennet, she came to Mamaroneke to see her sons, who then resided there, and that this deponent then saw her for the last time. She further says that she had heard several years ago, that her second husband then had died and she had never heard of having married since.
Mary Griffin
Sworn before me this 23 day of Nov 1838
Wm P. Gallaudet Justice of the Peace

I Certify that I am well acquainted with the deponent Mary Griffin and know her to be a person of respectability and that her testimony is worthy of credit
Wm Lloyd Justice
State of New York County of West-Chester S.S.
I, John H. Smith Clerk of the said County certify, that Wm D Gallaudet before whom the foregoing affidavit of Mary Griffin pur- -ports to have been taken was on the day of the date of taking the same a Justice of the Peace as above in and for the said County and duly authorized to take the same, and further that the foregoing signa- -tures purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County this 26 th day of November A.D. 1838
John H. Smith Clerk

A-100
Sarah Townsend.
Declaration
4 July 36
Sarah Bennett.
2452-119.
acomd
2 yrs Regimental
Paymaster
320 $
Pen: Com. 4 March 31.
no deduction
Rev d
Bazaleel Howe present

State of New York } }
On this 15 th day of November 1838. - personally appeared before me John D. Peeks one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Queens, Sarah Bennett, a resident of the Town of Oysterbay in the County of Queens in the State of New York, aged Eighty three years and seven months - Who being first duly sworn according to law, 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 th 1836, and the act explanatory of said act passed March 3 rd 1837. That she was married to Samuel Townsend who entered the Army of the United States during the Revolutionary War - She does not remember the exact date, at which he entered the Army, but it was some time previous to the taking of Fort Montgomery, at which he was present; - That he held the office of Paymaster with the rank of Captain as will appear by a reference to the Military Records of the State of New York - That he was taken prisoner during the war, and imprisoned in the Provost in the City of New York nearly one year - when he was exchanged that he served to the end of the war, and that three or four lots of land, the deponent does not recollect which, in the military tract in the State of New York were granted to him for his services - - The deponent has preserved several papers in the hand writing of the said Samuel Townsend which may aid in establishing the fact of his services as an Officer in the revolutionary Army - She further declares that she was married to the said Samuel Townsend on the 27 th day of September 1773, that her husband the aforesaid Samuel Townsend died on the 15 th day of September 1792 - That she was

afterwards married to Garret Bennett, who died on the 15 th day of February 1825 - and that she was a widow on the 4 th day of July 1835, and still remains so - as will more fully appear by a reference to the proof hereto annexed
Isaac Bennett
Sworn to, and subscribed on the day and year above written before me.
John D. Hicks. Judge of Cr. Courts.
I certify that the above named Isaac Bennett, cannot, from bodily infirmity attend the court, as required by the regulation but her mind and memory are very sound.
John D. Hicks.
State of New York
County of Queens ss I John Simonson clerk of the county of Queens also clerk of the court of Common Pleas for said county do hereby certify that John D. Hicks Esquire who administered the foregoing oath was at the time of administering such oath a Judge of the court of Common Pleas of said county of Queens, commissioned and sworn and duly authorized to administer the same And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Judge and verily believe that the signature to said affidavit is genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court and County the 20 th day of November 1835
John Simonson clerk

66, East Sixteenth Street, New York,
July 31, 1854.
Sir:
On account of military services rendered in the war of the Revolution by Samuel Townsends , of Oyster Bay, on Long Island, in this State, who died many years ago, his widow or his heirs were, under the laws of the United States, entitled to a pension. Some portion of it was enjoyed by his widow, Sarah , who then bore the family name of her second husband, Bennett , and resided at Oyster Bay, or at least some portion of it was drawn from the Treasury in her name, during her life time; but, adequate proof of a higher grade of commission which Mr. Townsende had actually held not having been at first obtained, it would seem that the pension enjoyed by the widow, or drawn in her name, was only for an inferior grade, and was thus less than the amount really due in the case. My information

tion is to the effect, that, the deficiency of proof having been in the mean time supplied, a further amount, for arrears of pension, or for the difference between the two grades of Commission, — amounting to I know not how much precisely, but it is believed to several thousand dollars, — was drawn from the Treasury after the widow's death, which happened about the year 1840, by two parties now living on Long Island. If these parties, or if any others, did really touch the money after the widow's death, I am satisfied they were guilty of fraud, which they could have consummated, it is believed, only by perjury. The heirs of Samuel Townsend , eight of whom are now living, and on behalf of a part of whom I have now the honor to address you, have never received any part of the money, and have never authorised anybody either to receive it for them, or to apply for it in their name.
Under these circumstances, and

and determined to prosecute this matter until justice shall be done to all the parties concerned, — of whom the United States are I suppose not the least in interest, — I respectfully request that I may be supplied with an account of whatever payments may have been made, at any time subsequent to the widow's death, on account of the military services of the officer named, with such circumstances as the records of the Pension Bureau or of the Treasury may supply, and also with copies both of the vouchers, and of the evidence filed by the payees in support of their pretensions.
At the same time, since the parties believed to have wrongfully possessed themselves of the money after the death of the widow, are also believed to have had, whether rightfully or wrongfully, most of the benefit of that part of the pension which was drawn in the widow's life time, as well as to have been otherwise where suspiciously interested and active, and for other reasons, it is much to be desired (and it would facilitate the

the whole inquiry in the case) that I may further be furnished with copies of all the vouchers, which cannot be many, for payments anterior to the widow's death, and of all the evidence which may have been at any time filed, in the matter of Samuel Townsend's pension.
I have the Honor to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant,
Edwin George Townsend.
2542
The Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.

Issue a certificate increasing the pension of Sarah Bennet, decd. to $480 per annum, to terminate 7: April 1840 - payable to Garret Bennet and Ann Druyea, wife of Hewlett Druyea, children of Sarah Bennet, decd.
Hand cert: 5 A. Ray Present.

claimant; Merely to state that the claimant contracted a disease which caused his being crippled in his feet and otherwise disabled, establishes no fact whatever upon which Myers can predicate any claim. He has  been  agent  has been frequently informed of the insufficiency of such affidavits, and has been repeatedly instructed as to what proof is required. If He says the affiant was an Ensign, as is alleged, the fact should be shown by the production of his commission; and it should be clearly shown that he was in the service with the

Sarah Townsends
Affidavit

Frank County ss. That Townsend being sworn says that she knew Captain Samuel Townsend by sight, that some where about the year 1773, as near as deponent can recollect, the said Samuel Townsend came to Pystebury bringing with him a young lady as his bride. That deponent has a distinct recollection of seeing the said Saml Townsend and his bride at the Episcopal Church in Pystebury. That some time after the war the said Samuel Townsend and his wife the said Sarah Townsend came to reside with the his father at Norwich in the town of Pystebury where they lived together and wife until the said Samuel's death. Deponent has been acquainted with the said Sarah Townsend ever since her return to Norwich with her mother after the war. That some time after she became a widow by the death of Captain Town- send, the said Sarah Townsend was married to one Garrett Bennett with whom she lived until his death. That the said Garrett Bennett is now a widow and lives with her son at Norwich in the town of Pystebury.
Sworn before me this 19th day of November 1838.
Sarah Townsend John D. Weeks Judge of Cr Court
The above said deponent Sarah Townsend is a respectable inhabitant of the town of Pystebury and fully entitled to belief John D. Weeks

State of New York County of Queens ss I John Simonson clerk of the county of Queens also clerk of the court of Common Pleas for said county do hereby certify That John D. Peeks Esquire who adminis- tered the within Oath was at the time of Administering such Oath a Judge of the court of Common Pleas of said county of Queens commissioned and sworn and duly authorized to administer the same and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Judge and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate affidavit is genuine In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court and county the 20 th day of November 1838
John Simonson clerk

Hannah Colwell's Affidavit

Queens County p. Hannah Colwell being sworn deposes and says, that she was well ac- quainted with Captain Samuel Townsend and his wife, that she knew the said Sarah before she was married. When her name was Sarah Horton. Deponent has a distinct recollection of hearing the marriage of the said Sarah Horton and Samuel Townsend spoken of some time before the Revolutionary War, it was that it was generally reported that the said Samuel Townsend was an officer in the American Revolutionary Army. and that he was called Captain Townsend. Sworn before me Hannah Colwell this 13 th day of November. mark 1838. John D. Hicks Judge of Co Court
The above deponent is known to me to be a respectable inhabitant of the Town of Oyster Bay in Queens County and whose statement of fact is entitled to belief. John D. Hicks
State of New York
Queens County p. I John Simonson clerk of the County of Queens also clerk of the court of common Pleas of said county do hereby certify That John D. Hicks Esquire who administered the foregoing oath was at the time of administering such oath a Judge of the court of common Pleas of said county of Queens commissioned and sworn and duly authorized to administer the same and further that I am well ac- quainted with the handwriting of such Judge and verily believe that the signature to the said affidavit is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court the 20 th day of November 1838 John Simonson clerk

Special Term Queens Co. County Court of Queens County - State of New York May 4. 1854. Before Morris Hosdick County Judge
Satisfactory evidence has been adduced in this Court by the testimony of two reputable witnesses to wit Catharine Hoogland and William H. Hoogland to show: that Sarah Bennet dec d was a pensioner of the United States as the widow of Samuel Townsend at the rate of $480 a year, on the New York Roll and Agency under the act of 4 th July 1836 and died April 7. 1840 leaving two children "to wit" Garret Bennet to whom she bequeathed all her personal property: and Ann Duryea wife of Hewlett Duryea, they being the only surviving children of the above said Sarah Bennet now living -
Morris Hosdick County Judge

Queens County Clerks Office ps I Martin J. Johnson County Clerk of said County and Clerk of the County Court of said County being a Court of Record having a Seal do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true Copy of a Certificate and determination of said Court on the proof presented before the same and further that the witnesses therein referred to "to wit" Catharine Hoogland and William H. Hoogland were duly sworn in said Court, that they are credible and res- =pectable witnesses — and further that the said Morris Fisdick before whom said Special term was held was at the time and still is County Judge of said County of Queens —
Witness my hand and the Seal of said Court this 11 th day of May 1851
Martin J. Johnson Clerk of Queens Co,

3 July 15 To the Hon. the Secretary of War.
Asking for information respecting an officer of the Continental Army.
Hg. Feb 15, 1841.
Yours sincerely, Sarah Bennett widow of Saml. Townsend, N.Y. Feb 36.

Governor's Island, New-York Harbor, February 13, 1841.
Sir:
In behalf of the heirs of a revolutionary patriot, whose claim to some landed estate in this vicinity, once the property of their ancestor, is about to be made a subject of litigation in one of the courts of this state, I have the honor, very respectfully, to request some information, which, it is supposed, the archives of the War Department must supply. This application, I beg to say, would not be made, were it not that the records and papers of the family are, unfortunately, in the custody of parties interested in their concealment.
It is desirable that counsel, in the preparation of the case, should be possessed of as much information as can be collected respecting events that transpired, in the pers between the years 1774 and 1786, in the personal and military history of Samuel Townsend, Esq., a native of the colony of New-York, who is understood to have commanded a troop of horse, and to have filled

filled some staff appointments, under General Washington, and whose relict, Mrs. Sarah Pennell, of Long Island, in this state, is now, or was quite lately, in receipt of a pension, on account of his military services in the war of the revolution. Information, to be useful, I beg to say, should exhibit places and dates, with some precision.
Could I have the the honor to receive a memorandum of such particulars as may appear upon an inspection of the records of the War Office, the parties concerned would have reason, sir, to hold themselves much indebted to your politeness.
I have the Honor to be, Sir,
With great Respect, Your obedient Servant, Geo: Townsend.
To
the Honorable
the Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.

Aug 2. 1842
Sarah Bennett
Esq.
Edwards Esq.
A. Ray
Commission of Pensions
Rich.

Washington Augt. 1 st 1842.
Sir,
I have received your letter of the 30 th Ultro. in the case of Sarah Bennetts dec d . formerly widow of Samuel Townsend; and in answer have to state that I am wholly at a loss to know what further proof you require than the service and grade of Sam l Townsend stated in your letter of the 17 th June last to the Hon ble . Samuel Gordon, where in you say that. "Samuel Townsend was the Paymaster of the 5 th Regiment of the N.Y Line from 25 June 1777 to the end of the war."
Now as you acknowledge the service of Sam l Townsend as a Regimental Paymaster for upward of two years what further proof in reason can you ask of his monthly pay than the resolutions of Congress. 29 March. 1777. and the 12 Jan y . 1781. These resolutions clearly establish, that regimental paymasters were first paid $40 per month, and in addition after Jan y 12. 1781. Thirty dollars more in specie . thus bringing a reg t Paymaster pension, to the right of an artillery captain pay under the construction given to the act 7 June 1832.
I therefore claim for the representative of Sarah Bennetts an increase of her late pension under the act 1836. from $320. to $600 per annum, from the 4 March 1831 to the time of her death.

Believing that some misconception on your part exist in regard to my previous letters on this subject. I have thought it best respectfully to solicit that you will again take up the case, and be pleased to favor me with an early answer as your convenience will allow.
I am most respectfully Hon. Gen. Sedg. Alex. Ray
Hon. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 4 th of July 1836, Sarah Bennet, late of the State of N.Y. deceased, formerly widow of Samuel Townsend, late of the State of  New York , who was a Regimental Pay Master in the War of the Revolution, was entitled to receive Four hundred and eighty Dollars per annum, but received only Three hundred and twenty Dollars per annum, and having died on the 7 th of April 1840, the amount due, at the first mentioned rate, from the 4 th March 1831. to the day of her death, is payable to Garit Bennet, and Ann Druryea, wife of Haslett Druryea, children of Sarah Bennet, deceased. All former payments to be deducted.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 17 th day of August one thousand eight hundred and forty-two.
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned.
Commissioner of Pensions.

Aug 8. 1842
Cam
Sarah Bennett,
James L. Edwards to Remnants of Friends. New-Left.
A. Ray to Pres.

Washington Aug. 8. 1842
Sir
as I expect to leave home this afternoon for a week, will you be pleased to favor me with a reply to my letter of the 5 th in the case of Sarah Bennett, late a pensioner under act 1836. Her Govt agency. Your compliance will oblige Yours ever - Sir A. H. Ray
Gen. L. Edwards Esq. Comm. of Pensions

Sept 24. 1842.
Sarah Dennett dau. N.Y. M. act 1836
L. Eames Esq. Commissioner of Pensions

Washington
Sep. 24. 1842
Sir
I have just learned from my constituents Hester Bennett, and Ann Lydia, children of Sarah Bennet def. late a pensioner on the New York roll act. 1836 at $320 per annum, as widows of Samuel Townsend a regimental pay-master from the 25 th June 1777, to the end of the war, and upon application her late pension was increased at the rate of $480. They are not satisfied with that allowance and still claim $600. and respect- -fully request a revival of their claim. It is mentioned that Lydia East of New York receives a pension of $600. a year. her husband is represented to have served as aid-provost one year, and for sometime as pay-master, whether the service of East as pay master was different from the duty of Townsend as pay master I am not prepared to say.
The increase is claimed because the amount of Townsend's monthly pay under the Journals of Congress entitled them to receive the allowance of pension of $50 pr. Mo. to wit, the Resolve of 29 March 1777 gives to regimental pay masters $40 pr month.
and by the resolve of June 12. 1787. the pay of $30 a month in addition to the pay as an officer of the line is directed to be allowed to regimental paymasters in Specie .
Samuel Townsend being of the rank of Captain, and

under the two resolutions now entitled to receive 70s per month. from Jan y 1781. The question is asked by what construction the claim is not admitted at the rate of £600 per annum under each. 4 July 1838.
I am Sir M c Donell Secy. N.ay
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions

Name of Representative
Washington City June 9 1842
Samuel L. Edwards Esq
Sir
I enclose you an application made by Govt Bennett of Oyster Bay New York one of the surviving children of Sarah Bennett deceased late a pensioner under the act July 4 1836 at $320 a year as the widow of Samuel Townsend - and. She died on the 17th April 1840 The application is made for an increased allowance of pension at the rate of $50 per month for the services of said Townsend as regimental paymaster and I am informed had the rank of captain of artillery I send you the old pension certificate upon which a payment is due from the 4th of March to the 17th of April 1840 be pleased to afford me the necessary instructions to draw the amount
I am very
respectfully
Your obed Servt
S. Gordon

Brief in the case of Sarah Bennet, deceased, former widow of Samuel Townsend. Queens - County and State of New York act July 4, 1836
Claim, ( XXXX "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
This case was allowed in 1842 at the rate of $480 per annum to the death of Sarah, viz - 7 th April 1840 - her husband having been shown to have served as Regimental Paymaster - The heirs now filing Certificate of Secretary of State of the United States, that he was also a Captain, the allowance has been (If for increase.) increased to $600 per annum.
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Alexander Ray Esqr Present
Name and residence of Agent
Wedder Examining Clerk.

Payment to be made at - New York - by Stephen Knapp, Esq., Agent for paying Pen- sioners, in the Agency of N. York
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book A Vol. 2 Page 119 by
R. Burdick Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th July, 1836, Sarah Bennett , of New York, formerly widow of Samuel Townsend , deceased - who was a Regimental Paymaster during the Revolutionary War - is entitled to receive Three hundred & twenty dollars and cents per annum , during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 12th day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.
J. P.
Examined and } Countersigned. }
Jc

Pension Office April 18 th 1857.
Sir:
The papers filed by you in support of the application for increase of pension in the case of Sarah Bennett, deceased, have been placed with those originally filed.
The condition of the case will be fully reported when a certificate of court is filed, showing the names of such children of said Sarah as are now living .
I am, respectfully, Your Obt. Serv,
L. M. Mulao Commissioner.
Alexander Ray, Esqr. Present.

Washington May 6 / 54
Hon' L. P. Waldo Com d of Pension Sir
In compliance with your letter of the 18 th ulto. in the case of Sarah Bennett dec d act 36 New York. I herewith enclose a certificate of Court. showing the names of the living children.
I remain very respectfully Yours Sir Alex. Ray

Washington April 11/54
Hon. L. P. Waldo Com d of Pensions Sir,
In the case of Sarah Bennett dec d . for- =merly widow of Samuel Townsend. I made application in behalf of her surviving children for an increase of her pension under act 4 July 1836. to $600 pr. annum. Some time back.
The claim stands admitted for the years since as Regimental pay master: and allowed that her husband served to the end of the war for a long period of the war. The case was not increased to six hundred dollars, for the reason that he was not satisfactory proof that her husband held the appointment of captain .
I now present a certificate from the Secretary of the State of New York, showing that Samuel Townsend was pay master of the 5 th New York Regiment June 25. 1777. and then in hand as a "Superannuity Rank as captain" but as the Cert. only entitled one time as "rank as captain" it was not presented.
Recently I have discovered that he served in the army as captain and pay master . a present that fact. in a letter from the Dept. of State. It is now conclusive he was a Com- =missioned officer serving in the line in May 1778. as Capt. & Pay M. and as the Cert. from Albany shows he then in hand as "Superannuity rank as captain". The case is made out. for an increase to $600. as allowed at that rate, in cases. for service as Captain and pay master.
I remain Sir Resp t . Alex. Ray for the Eng. officer —

Department of State, Washington, March 27. 1854.
Sir
In reply to your note of the 21. st inst., I have to inform you, that on the 11 th day of May 1778, Samuel Townsend, was serving in the Army of the Revolution, as Captain and Pay Master.
I am respectfully Your obed Servt W. L. Marcy.
Alexander Ray Esq Washington D. C.

August 5. 1872.
Sarah Bennett's case.
L. Edwards Cr.
com d . of pensions
A. Ray Rich.

Washington Aug. 5. 1840.
Sir,
Your letter of the 4 th is now before me, you say the claim of the children of Sarah Bennett dec d . under the act of July 4. 1836 cannot be increased to $600 pr annum. Will you be pleased to inform me at what rate of increase over the $320. in this case you are willing to allow,
I am respectfully Your. Ov. Ser. A. H. Ray
J. L. Edwards Esq. Committee of Pensions

Howe County Dec 21 st
Paid 5-
W. Cole
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Dist. Columbia
Dec 22 nd

Glen Cove Dec 24 th 1849
To commissioners of Pensions U.S.
Sir
I take the liberty to address you at this time hoping to obtain some information — I wish to ascertain through you what Amount of Pension money, has been paid to Mrs. Sarah Bennet late Widow of Samuel Townsend of New York, Regimental Paymaster during the Revolutionary war, or to her personal Representatives, and likewise at what time such payments were made — If you can forward me such information you will much oblige
Yr comd Pensions Washington D.C.
Your Obl Servt Elias D. Beach Glen Cove L.I. N.Y.

June 23 1842
Sarah Bennett
Mill, for increase
James.
L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Esq.
A. Ray, Present.
Aug 4 1842 L. Edwards

Washington
June 23. 1842.
Sir,
The Hon d . Samuel Gordon of the House of Represen- tatives has placed in my hands a letter you addressed to him on the 17 th inst. He informs me application has been made for an increase of the late Sarah Bennett's pension, under act 1836, at the rate of an artillery Captain's pay. It is shown by the pension certificate herewith enclosed, that her name was inscribed on the New York pension roll as the widow of Sam l . Townsend who was a Regimental Paymaster at the rate of $320 per annum.
I have perused the letter you addressed to Mr Gordon, and am of the opinion it was not written by yourself; with this impression most respectfully request a re-examination of the case. The "intimation" that Samuel Townsend was a Captain of Cavalry, or the "suggestion" that he was a Capt. of Artillery has nothing to do with the merits of the case, when it is admitted he was a Regimental paymaster from 25 Jan 1777 to the end of the war. I, therefore, presume it to be neces- sary to refer to the Journals of Congress for the pay of Regimental paymasters, or to cite cases where officers of the grade of paymaster have been allowed at the highest rate of a Capt. pay

I submit the case upon its merits, and respectfully request to be informed, at what rate of increase pension the representatives of Sarah Bennett is entitled to receive for the revolutionary service of Samuel Townsend as Regimental pay-master.
I remain
Most respectfully
Govr. Dr. Ser.
Apr. 2 nd .
Lt. Genl. Edwards. Br.
Comm ee of Pensions

Queens County ss. Phebe Van Wicklen being duly sworn, deposes and says that she is well acquainted with Sarah Bennet widow of Garrett Bennet, that she has frequently seen in the possession of said Sarah Bennet papers which she said were the property of the said Sarah Bennet first husband Samuel Townsend. Among the said papers was the comm- ission of (as deponent thinks) a captain in the American Army. which commission was granted to the said Samuel Townsend that deponent was present on one occ- asion when the said Sarah Bennet tore up the aforesaid commission. saying it had caused her so much trouble through his sufferings, that she wished to remove it from her sight. Deponent further states that the husband of the said Sarah Bennet Garrett Bennet died in February (1825) eighteen hundred and twenty five, and that the said Sarah Bennet has remained a widow ever since. Subscribed before me the 15 th day of November. 1858.
Phebe Van Wicklen
John D. Hicks. Judge of Co Courts
I certify that the above named deponent is a respectable person and fully entitled to belief. John D. Hicks

State of New York
County of Queens ss I John Simonson clerk of the County of Queens also clerk of the court of Common Pleas for said County do hereby certify That John D. Sleeks Esquire who administered the within oath was at the time of Administering such oath a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Queens Commissioned and sworn and duly authorized to administer the same And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Judge and verily believe that the signature to the said affidavit is genuine In Testimony whereof I have hereunto my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court and County the 28 th day of November 1838
John Simonson Clerk
John Van Klief Affiant

Certificate from Secretary of State of New York

State of New York Secretary's Office
Certify that it appears by the Military Register in this Office that Samuel Townsend was Pay Master of the fifth New York Regiment (Commanded by Col. Lewis Dubois) on the 25 th of June 1777. And I further Certify that Samuel Townsend is entered on the Balloting book of the Commissioners of the Land Office of this State as Pay Master of the said Regiment being Supernumerary with rank as Captain and that three Lots of Land in the Military Tract in this State were granted to him for his services by Letters patent under the Great Seal of this State bearing date the 13 th of September 1790 being the quantity of Land granted to Captains in the line of this State in the Army of the United States [See printed Balloting Book page 65]
Given under my hand and the Seal of this office at the City of Albany the 8 th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight. Rich d Campbell Dep. Secretary

State of New York } Westchester County }
Personally appeared before me James Dick Justice of the peace of the said County
Mary Hatfield
who being duly sworn deposes and saith that she was well acquainted with the family of James Horton Esq. of Rye neck, and particularly with their daughter Sarah and was her school-fellow; that she was also acquainted with Samuel Townsend who was married to the said Sarah Horton, and recollects that it was in the year Seventeen hundred and thirty twenty, from the circum- stance that her own elder sister was previously married the same year She further says that that said Samuel Townsend was appointed a Captain of a Company in the public service and that the husband of this deponent was a Lieutenant in the same company; that this was in the early part of the war of the revolution; that she understood that the said Samuel Townsend was made a prisoner and carried to New York but cannot recollect how long he remained a prisoner. She further says that the said Samuel Townsend died many years ago and that she saw the said Sarah his wife while she was a widow, and that afterward she understood that she was married, but she does not know to whom as she has not seen her for many years, but has always understood that she lived somewhere on Long Island she thinks in the town of Oysterbay.
Mary Hatfield
Sworn and subscribed to before me this 23 rd day of November 1838
James Dick Justice of the Peace
I am Well acquainted with the above Witness and consider her testimony Worthy of Credit James Dick

State of New York County of West Chester ss.
I John H. Smith Clerk of the said County, Certify that James Dick before whom the within affidavit of Mary Hatfield was taken, was on the day of the date of taking the same a Justice of the Peace as within and duly authorized to take the same and further that the foregoing signature purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County this 26 th Day of November A.D. 1838.
John H. Smith Clerk

State of New York Westchester County
Personally appeared before me William H Guion a Commissioner to take acknowledgment deeds. Anna Dora Hains, who being duly sworn deposes that she lived in the neighborhood of James Horton in Mamaroneck from her infancy, and well acquainted with his family, and particularly with his daughter Sarah; that she well recollects the time when she was married to Samuel Townsend and knows that it was in the year seventy three from the circumstance that she the deponent commenced teaching a School that year in April and the marriage took place some time in the fall: She further says that she was not present at the wedding, but that her sister was and that she had often heard her talk of the doings on that occasion, and further that she knows that the said Samuel Townsend was in the early part of the war of the revolution a Captain of the Minute men; and that, living in the immediate neighborhood she cannot be mistaken - She adds that after the war, the said Samuel and Sarah Townsend lived, as she understood in the Town of Oysterbay on Long Island where the said Samuel died. She also recollects, once seeing the said Sarah while she was the widow of the said Samuel; and also that she had heard that she was since married to a man by the name of Bennett in the said Town of Oysterbay and that she had again become a widow and further this deponent saith not
Sworn before me this twenty second Day of November AD 1838
William H Guion Commissioner of Deeds
Anna Dora Hains
That I am acquainted with William H Guion do hereby certify the above named Anna Dora Hains and that she is a person of veracity and that her statement can be relied upon William H Guion

State of New York County of West-Chester ss.
I, John H. Smith Clerk of the County of West-Chester certify, that William H. Union before whom the within affidavit of Anna Maria Hains was taken was on the day of the date of taking the same a Commissioner of deeds in and for the said County and duly authorized to take the same. And that the within signature purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County this 26 th day of November A.D. 1838
John H. Smith Clerk

1847
16
Alexander Ray Esq
Washington

State of New York Secretary's Office
I certify that it appears by the Military Register in this office that Samuel Townsend was Paymaster of the Fifth New York Regiment and that his commission was dated as such June 25. 1777.
It also appears by the Balloting Book of the Commissioners of the Land office of this State that three Lots of land were balloted to Samuel Townsend Paymaster of the Fifth New York Regiment containing 500 acres each lying in the Military Tract (being the quantity of bounty Land allowed to a captain in the Line of this State serving in the Army of the United States) which three Lots were granted to the said Samuel Townsend by Letters patent dated September 13. 1790. The commissioners made a note in the Balloting book opposite to the name of said Townsend in the words following viz: "Supernumerary Rank as Capt."
I find no entry in this office of the appointment of said Townsend as Pay Master or any other Military office Excepting the aforesaid Entry in the Military Register.
Arch d Campbell Dep Sec. of State
Albany Oct. 17. 1843

Phoebe Cashow
Official

Queens County. ss. Phebe Cashow being sworn Affirmed Depreth and says. That she was well ac- -quainted with Captain Samuel Townsend and Sarah Townsend his wife, that she lived neighbor- to the said Sam Townsend before his marriage, and was intimately acquainted with his father's family. That the said Sam Townsend married his wife whose maiden name was Sarah Horton at Mamaroneck in Westchester County sometime before the revolutionary war and that they came over to his father's house at Norwich in the Town of Oyster Bay immediately after the marriage, that this deponent was at the wedding party on that occasion. Deponent frequently heard in the family of the said Captain Sam Townsend's father during the Revolutionary War, that the said Sam Townsend was a Captain in the American Army. That after the war the said Captain Sam Townsend and his wife the said Sarah Town- send came to reside at Norwich in the said town of Oyster Bay, and continued to reside there until his death. That the said Sarah Townsend after remaining a widow some time was married to one Garrett Bennett with whom she lived until he died. That the said Sarah (Bennett) is now a widow and resides with her son at Norwich in the said Town of Oyster Bay. Phebe Cashow Affirmed before me this 12 th day of November 1838 John D. Fleeks, Judge of Courts
Note. The word "some" time inserted after "remained a widow" was added by the deponent at the time of taking the affidavit. John D. Fleeks
The above named deponent Phebe Cashow is known to me to be a respectable inhabit- -ant of the town of Oyster Bay in Queens County and is fully entitled to belief. John D. Fleeks.

State of New York
County of Queens ss I John Simonson clerk of the County of Queens also clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do hereby certify that John D. Peck Esquire who administered the within Oath was at the time of Administering such Oath a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Queens Commissioned and sworn and duly authorized to administer the same And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Judge and justly believe the signature to the said affidavit is genuine
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court and County the 20 th day of November 1838 -
John Simonson Clerk

C. 452
New York City
widow of Sarah Bennett deceased who died on the Samuel Townsend of in the State of New York who was a Captain in the commanded by Captain Byrnes of the commanded by N.Y. in the Revolution time for
Letter to E. G. Townsend Aug 4, 1854
Inscribed on the Roll of New York City at the rate of 600 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 1st day of March, 1831 & end 1st April 1842
Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of May 1854 and signed H. H. Hays
Arrears to the 14th of Present Semi-annual allowance ending
Withdrawn from $480
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3rd }
Recorded by H. H. Hays Clerk Book 1 Vol. 2 Page 362
C. 1. 104

Sarah Bennet, deceased former widow of Samuel Townsend Increase Queens Co., N York Admitted - Act 4 th July '36 as Captain & Pay master at rate of $600 per annum commencing 4 th March 1831 and ending 7 th April 1840 - former payments under said act at $480 to be deducted.
Pay to Garret Bennet and Ann Duryea, only surviving children of said Sarah certificate to
Alexander Ray Esq. Washington D.C.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 16839
Sarah Bennet
Wid. of
Samuel Townsend
Capt Rev War
Act: July 4, 1836
Index:—Vol. A Page 52
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1894 Dec. 4 Heirs not entitled to pension see copy inside. To Wm Ade Townsend Brooklyn N.Y. 1894 Dec. 4 Heirs Wm. Ade Townsend P.O. 2nd Heirs, N.Y.

REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
O. W. & N. Div.
MEMORANDA.
Please supply as much as possible of the data called for below.
Full name of soldier:
Samuel Townsend
Place of residence before service: (Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Oyster Bay Long Island
Place of residence after service: (Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Oyster Bay Long Island
Date of death (as near as possible):
Died 1792
Christian name of widow:
Sarah
Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
I have no cognizance of it
Remarks:
My Grandmother Married Janet Bennet. She died in 1839. G. Bennet died 1825 leaving two children
Your name and address:
Mrs Adee Townsend 357. Lafayette Av Brooklyn N.Y.

O. W. & N. Division,
P.S.
77.16839 Cur
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
December 4, 1894.
Sir:-
In returning herewith your communication requesting information concerning your right to receive a pension for the services of your ancestor, Samuel Townsend , who was an officer in the Revolutionary war, you are advised that there is no law granting pension to the children or other descendants of Revolutionary soldiers. No pension is now due to the heirs of the above named Samuel Townsend.
Very respectfully,
Wm. Adee Townsend, Esq., 551 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y.
Commissioner.