Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 18321, Peter Westbrook, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Westbrook, Peter Lydia
W 183217
CONTENTS
Twelve horizontal dotted lines for writing.
Twelve horizontal dotted lines for writing.

2290
New York City Lydia Westbrook, exec. widow of Peter Westbrook who died on the of Orange in the State of N.Y. who was a Captain in the by Captain of the by N.Y. in the Revolution time for Emerita
Inscribed on the Roll of New York City at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831 & 1838 March 15th/38
Certificate of Pension issued the 23rd day of May 1854 and sent to Alexander Ray Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending Present
Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3rd
Recorded by H. H. Weightman Clerk, Book Vol. 2, Page 363

✓ 7854
Lydia Westbrook N.J.

State of New Jersey } Sussex County ss: }
On this thirteenth day of September one thousand eight hundred and fifty one personally appeared before the subscriber one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County, Sarah Van Auken a resident of Montague in the County of Sussex and State of New Jersey aged eighty-three years, 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, that she is the daughter of Lydia Westbrook, who was the widow of Capt. Peter Westbrook of Sussex County in the State aforesaid, who was a captain in the New Jersey militia in the war of the revolution, that she has heard and believes, and has a distinct recollection of her own, that her father the said Peter Westbrook was called into actual service as captain but his commission cannot be found at or about the commencement of the revolution and was almost constantly engaged in defending the frontiers from the British and Indian incursions till he was killed by the Indians at the battle of Minisink on the nineteenth day of April one thousand seven hundred and eighty. She has heard her mother speak that her father the said Peter Westbrook served under Col. Gyles, and Rosecrantz, and also under Major Westbrook and was often out in expeditions of which he had the command himself. She refers to such proofs as can be obtained at this late period to establish the claim for services performed by her said father. She further declares that her mother Lydia Westbrook was married to the said Peter Westbrook in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and sixty-two; that her husband the aforesaid Peter Westbrook died in battle on the nineteenth day of April seventeen hundred and eighty; and that the said Lydia Westbrook remained his widow until her death, which took place on the fifteenth day of March one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight; all of which will more fully appear by reference to the proof herunto

annexed, sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
✓ Before me
Moses Dunning Judge
her Sarah Wentworth Van Aukin mark
* Interlined "As Captain, but his commission cannot be found." Interlined before execution and
I certify that - I am personally acquainted with the above declarant - and that - on account of bodily infirmity she is unable to appear in open court - and that - her statements before made are entitled to full credit - and belief
Moses Dunning Judge

State of New Jersey: Sussex County, ss:
On this thirty first day of December 1851, personally appeared before the undersigned, a justice of the Peace in and for the said County, Sarah Van Aaken a resident of Montague, in the aforesaid County who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following amendment to a former declaration made by her in order to obtain the provisions of the act of Congress passed July the 4 th 1836, granting half pay and pensions, to certain widows of soldiers of the revolution: that she is the only surviving heir of Lydia Westbrook mentioned in the former declaration: that she has made diligent search for the record of the marriage of her father and mother Captain Peter Westbrook and Lydia Westbrook, and can find none; nor has she any evidence of her father's services in the war of the revolution in her possession, but she distinctly recollects of his being often out in defence of the frontiers and in pursuit of the Indians, but she is unable at this late date to state the particular times; that she has for several years past been thinking and speaking about making application for the pension, which might have been due to her mother at the time of her death, for the services of her husband, the said Captain Peter Westbrook during the war of the revolution, and up to the time of his death, which took place as stated in her former declaration: that she had heard her mother speak several times previous to her death, of making application for the same, but died without doing so: and further she saith not.
Sworn to & Subscribed the day and year first above written
her Sarah x Van Aaken mark
Before me,
Martin Cole Justice Peace

State of New Jersey Sussex County ss:
On this first day of January one thousand eight hundred and fifty two, personally appeared before the undersigned, a justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid, Benjamin Hornbeck of Montague in the said County and State aged eighty five years, a man of truth and veracity, and whose statements are entitled to full credit and belief, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath depose and say, that during the revolutionary war, his father's house, was occupied as a quarters for the defence of the frontiers of the County of Sussex in the State of New Jersey: that he was acquainted with Captain Peter Westbrook of Colonel Rosecrantz's regiment, Sussex County Militia: that he has seen the said Capt: Peter Westbrook at his father's house doing duty as a captain of a company of said militia at different times, but in consequence of the length of time since the said service was performed and his great age this deponent is unable to state the different times or length of service: that the said Capt: Peter Westbrook with several others was killed in a battle with the Indians on the Delaware frontier in April one thousand seven hundred and eighty: that he left a widow whose name was Lydia Westbrook who died in the year eighteen hundred and thirty eight leaving one heir, viz. Sarah Van Aken who still survives her.
Sworn to and subscribed
By making his mark, he having the rheumatism in his hands: the day and year above written. Before me.
Benjamin his Hornbeck mark
Martin Gole Justice Peace

State of New Jersey / On the 27 th day of Nov Superior Court) 1858 at a Superior Court being a Court of record held before me Moses Dunning one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said Court satisfactory evidence was adduced to show that Peter Westbrook was in the Revolutionary war a Captain of a Company of Militia in Colonel Rosecrantz Regiment that he was killed by the Indians while in pursuit of them on the 19 th day of April 1780. That he left a widow whose name was Lydia Westbrook who died on the 15 th day of March 1838 and left one only child whose name is Sarah Van Sauren
Moses Dunning Judge

State of New Jersey
I Thomas S. Allison Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that Moses Dunning Esquire who hath signed the foregoing declaration & certificate was at the time of the doing thereof a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Sussex in said State; that Martin Cole Esq: before whom the foregoing amended declaration of Sarah Van Auken & affidavit of Benjamin Van Beck were made and taken, was at the time of the doing thereof, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Sussex in said State, both duly appointed Commissioned and sworn, that full faith and credit are to be given to their official attestations, and that the signatures are in the proper handwriting of the said Moses Dunning and Martin Cole Esquires.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Official Status this ninth day of June. Eighteen hundred & fifty two.
Thos. S. Allison. Sec'y of State

May 8, 1931
Mr. W. J. Coulter 86 Watkins Avenue Middletown, New York
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section AWF:MLB
Dear Sir:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 18321 , that Peter Westbrook , while residing in Sussex County, New Jersey, served from the beginning of the war as captain in the New Jersey militia in Colonels Symmes' and Rosekranz's regiments, and was out at various times against the Indians and was killed by the Indians April 19, 1780.
The soldier married in 1762, Lydia, whose maiden name is not stated. She died March 15, 1838, in Montague, Sussex County, New Jersey.
Their daughter, Sarah Van Auken, was allowed pension on account of her father's service, on her application executed September 30, 1851, at that time aged eighty-three years and residing in Montague, New Jersey. She stated that at that time she was their only surviving child.
In 1852 she was residing in Deer Park, Orange County, New York.
other Their children referred to in the case were Blondina, Sarah , Cornelius and Benjamin.
Due to the very large number of requests similar to yours, and the lack of a clerical force available for the purpose, this bureau can not furnish more than two histories to each inquirer; nor can it make immediate reply to letters relative to soldiers of the Revolution and War of 1812. Letters are being answered as rapidly as possible in the order of receipt.

Your stamps are returned herewith.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner

Commissions filled out. Third Battalion Supers B o Company - Captain Peter Westbrook. March 1. 1776.
State of New Jersey
original on file in my Office.
I Thomas S. Allison Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby Certify that the foregoing is a true extract from a paper headed as above, and taken from and compared with the
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office at Trenton this seventeenth day of July Eighteen hundred and fifty two.
Thos S. Allison
Sec y of State

The United States to The State of New Jersey Dr. On Account of Militia Services
   No. of Abstract No. of Bouch: When paid By whom paid To whom paid Amount     30 135 October 24. 1778 Joseph Lewis Capt: Peter Westbrook £ 20. 9. 0   " 136 Do Do Do £ 5. 5. 0   " 193 Dec: 9. " Do Do 29. 18. 0  
State of New Jersey
I Thomas S Allison Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby Certify that the foregoing is a true extract from Book 6. of Auditor's Accounts Page 30 &c as taken from and compared with the original record
in my Office.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office at Trenton this Seven- teenth day of July Eighteen hundred and fifty two.
Thos S Allison
Secy of State

Abstract of Pay Rolls discharged by Joseph Venois Pay- Master to the Militia of the Counties of Morris. Sussex & Bergen
   No Date Regiment Officers Names When & Where Under whom L. S. d     64 Apr. 12. 1777 Symonds Sussex Cap. Peter Westbrook After Series — 49. 3. 0   215 July 15. 1778 Rogers Keans Do Do Delaware Maj. Cartwright 121. 6. 4   216 Sep. 18 " Do Do Do Do 98. 2. 8   289 Oct 18 " Do Do Do Maj. Westbrook 100. 18. 6  
State of New Jersey
I Thomas Allison Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby Certify that the foregoing is a true Abstract from Book No 10 of Auditor's Accounts page 60 V o as taken from and compared with the original record in my Office.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office at Trenton this twenty seventh day of July Eighteen hundred fifty two Thos. Allison Sec. of State

Brief in the case of Lydia Westbrook, deceased, widow of Peter. Orange County and State of New York act July 4. 1836
Claim, ("original," or " for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband's service of 6 months as captain of Infantry, shown by record proof certified by the State Department of New Jersey.
Marriage in 1762, and death of Peter in 1780 - shown by parole testimony - witness certified credible The death of Lydia on the 15 th March 1838, and kinship of claimant as her only surviving child shown (If for increase.) by certificate of Judge of Orange County Court.
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Arrears of pension allowed at rate of $120 per annum from 4 th March 1831 to 15 th March 1838 - payable to Sarah Van Arken, sole surviving child of deceased widow
Alexander Ray Esq.
Name and residence of Agent Present
R. Seddes
Examining Clerk.

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 18821 Sydia Westbrook Widow of Peter Westbrook Capt. Rev. War.
Act: June 4 th 1836
Index:—Vol. M , Page 322
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1931- May 8 - Hirsch to N.Y. Collector

Copy
#86 Watkins Ave., Middletown, N.Y. April 9th, 1931.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear sir:-
Does your Revolutionary files show any pensions paid to the following Revolutionary soldiers of Sussex Co., N.J.
Jacob Westbrook-(wife Lydia Westfall Soveryne Westbrook(wife Blandina Westbrook) Capt. Peter Westbrook(wife Lydia Vredenberg James Shimer
Sent Jasper Rorick or Gosper Rorah-his second wife was a Woolverton. Jasper died in 1843 aged 95 years-buried at Deckertown, N.J.
If so, can you give us any information about them.
Very truly yours,
W. J. Coulter
The first three are my wife's ancestors and the last one is mine.
Can you tell us whether you have any information about Thomas Northrup who was in the War of 1812, his wife Lydia Doyle Northrup received a pension.
Lydia Doyle Northrup died Sept 14, 1882 Thos Northrup died Feb 15, 1875

7.854 Lydia Westbrook widow of Peter N.P.
Al Ray Octo 9 1852 Same Dec 9 1852 Same May 26 1853 Same July 15 1853 Same April 17/54 Same May 2/54
Recy, April 29
Act July 4 1836

No 7.854
Lydia Westbrook, deceased widow of Peter -
Orange County, New York Admitted - Act 4 th July 1836 6 mos. Captain Infantry at rate of $120 per annum commencing 4 th March 1831 and ending March 15, 1838. when she died.
Pay to Sarah Van Auken only surviving child Certificate to
Alexander Ray, Washington, D.C.

1. The W. could not be regarded at once. 2. The midshipmen were in recent alternate months,
May be admitted for six months term as Capt. —
May 10. —
Alex. Ray G. Present

STATE OF NEW-JERSEY,
Department of State,
Trenton, May 9 1854
Alex d Ray Esq
Sir - Your letter of 4 th inst is received - I Enclose herewith copies of receipts, Shewing that Captain Peter Westbrook was in Service, And drew pay therefor, in the Month of April 1777. - The certificates forwarded by Dr M c Chesney, exhibit payments to him in 1778, in October and December, - and his death in the Service, is shown by the extract from the newspaper in 1780. - It seems to me, certain, that he was generally in Service for more than three years - These copies are taken from books and loose papers, preserved in this office, and authentic, but not full, - I have not been able to find any further evidence of Service in this case
The pound, as I believe, was calculated at $2.66 2 / 3 . in New Jersey.
The fees for search and certificates, charged against you in this case, are three dollars
Respectfully
Thos S. M c Clure

Pension Office December 9 th 1882
Sir,
I have examined the claim of Lydia Westbrook, decd, widow of Peter of N. F. act July 4 th 1836. The Certificates of the Secretary of State of N. F. do not show a service of six months for her husband. It is true that he received pay in April 1777, and in July, September, October and December 1778, which gives some color to the impression that he served much longer, but a consideration of the nature of his service will very readily dispel this impression. He was engaged in skirmishing with the Tories and Indians. His service was not a continuous one. The payments made to him were evidently made to him for himself and company, while accounts for the amount shown by the Secretary's certificate. The witnesses know nothing about the length of his service, they only show him at various

times engaged in the defence of the frontier against the Indians and Tories.
I am respectfully Your obedient servant Conrad.
A. Ray Esq. Present.

Washington Sep. 29. 1857.
J. E. Heath Esq. Sir.
On the 29 th July last, I filed an application in the case of Lydia Westbrook decd. late of New York. (Minder ad. 4 July 1856.
I now present a certificate from a court of records. showing the time of capture Peter Westbrook death; and also of the time of his mother, death & the name of the surviving child,
I remain your most obedient Anna May
Note
be good enough to have this letter filed with my letter of the 29 th July, in the case.

Washington Sep. 29. 1857
J. E. Heath Esq. Sir.
On the 29 th July last, I filed an application in the case of Lydia Westbrook dec d . late of New York. Under ad. 4 July 1856.
I now present a certificate from a court of records. Showing the time of Captain Peter Westbrook death; and also of the time of his mother, death & the name of the surviving child,
I remain your most respectfully Alma Ray
Note
be good enough to have this letter filed with my letter of the 29 th July, in the case.

See papers of Mrs. Van Ellen N.Y. L r Rose Westmore N.Y.

Washington Jan y 14. 1853.
J. E. Heath Esq. Comm d of Pensions Sir,
In your letter of the 9 th ulto in the case of Lydia Westbrook widow of Peter of New York, ad. 1836. You seem to be of the opinion that the evidence adduced in the case is not sufficient to allow a pension even for six months.
Some time back, probably in 1851, I filed an original return of certain New Jersey officers, appointed Jan 1. 1776. and also at the same time a certificate from the Secretary of State of New Jersey. showing under a law passed Jan 14. 1776. the service pay for 5 mo s . Ordinance of Jan 31. 1777. for 4 mo s . Mar 1778. for 9 mo s & and on this original return is the name of Capt. Peter Westbrook 3 rd Company, 3 rd Battalion. The paper in question was filed in the case of Mr. Van Etten, widow I think of Lt. Jacob Van Etten whose name is found on the original paper, or in the case of Lt. Aaron Rose Westbrook, whose name is also found on the original paper. and in connection with the S t Certificate accompanying. both cases were allowed. and as in point. I think, with the case of Lydia Westbrook now under consideration.
and beg to refer to the cases cited as precedents also I enclose further proof of marriage. Yours Respectfully Alex. Ray

Note/
In addition to the letter I wrote yesterday, in the case of Lydia Westbrook etc. have now to state, that I have a private paper showing. "a list or recruits raised for nine months , out of the 3 rd batt. of Superior County St. Johns )" On which the name of Capt. Peter Westbrook appears, and ask, when the case comes up for examination I may be permitted to exhibit the paper referred to.
Also Ray
Jan. 15. 1853

See original paper marked OR , sent as evidence of 9 mos service, Sher. Can. clusively. That Westbrook did not serve in that drage at all, 3 men were taken from his company. If he had served his whole company would have gone.

See papers of Sarah Van Etten dec. widow of Jacob, N.Y. ad mo '38-'43 & '44, No 8593—
Aaron Westbrook dec d ad o 1832 New Jersey No 28190.
These cases stand upon a very different footing from the case of Lydia Westbrook, for in them, the Soldiers are clearly connected with the Record by those who knew how long they served. Here the case is different—None of the witnesses knew any thing of the length of the service. (Over)

But if the testimony in the cases was the same, the evidence being insufficient; this should not be admitted because others have been improperly allowed. — See paper in the case of Van Etten marked X Y , which shows the appointment of Westrick & that the service in 1775 was for 5 months. That paper shows that Bat- talion was raised in Sussex Co. N.J. but out of their Cos in 1 st Battalion men were drafted to serve for certain periods. These drafted may have served 5 mos. but there is no evidence that Westrick was ever called up. See * to Col. Shumey's name under No 3 (in Red pencil)

Lydia Westbrook died 15 March 1838
Married before termina- tion of her husband's service,
Left surviving
Sarah Van Auken
Westbrook

State of New York (John G. McKim Judge of the County of Orange) County Court being a Court of Record held at my office
in Middletown in the County of Orange & State of New York do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Captain Peter Westbrook was killed on the Delaware frontier on the 17 th day of April 1780 that at the time of his death he lived in Sandyston Sussex County New Jersey That he left a widow Whose name was Lydia Westbrook who died on the 13 th day of March 1838 in the town of Montague in the County of Sussex and State of New Jersey leaving but one her surviving son Mr. Sarah Van Hook who now resides in Sparkill Orange Co- unty & State of New York but formerly lived in Montague in the State of New Jersey In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand at my office in Middletown on this twenty fifth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two
John G. McKim County Judge of Orange County

Orange County
Clerk's office
ss: I, Nathan Westcott, Clerk of said County and also of the County Court of said County, (a court of Records,) do hereby certify that John G. Wilkin, whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate, was at the time of giving the said Certificate and holding the Court therein mentioned, the County Judge of said County, duly elected and qualified; and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Judge and verily believe that the signature "John G. Wilkin," subscribed to the said Certificate is the genuine signature of the said Judge. In witness whereof I hereto set my hand and affix the seal of the said Court and County this 27 th day of September 1852
N. Westcott Clerk

Orange County } ss: CLERK'S OFFICE, }
I, NATHAN WESTCOTT, Clerk of said county, and of the County Court of said county, (a Court of Record,) do hereby certify that John W. Martin whose name is subscribed to the annexed declaration & affidavit , was, at the time of taking the same, a Justice of the Peace of said county, duly elected and qualified and having full power to take the same; and further, that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of said Justice, and verily believe that the signature subscribed to the said declaration and affidavit are genuine. In witness whereof, I hereto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court and county this 11 th day of December 1852.
N. Westcott Clerk

State of New York County of Orange
On this eight day of December One thousand eight hundred and fifty two personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for said county Lena Elmendorf aged Eighty Eight years a resident of Port Jervis who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath depose and say that she was born and raised on On the west bank of the Dela- ware River in the County of Northampton (now Pike) in the State of Pennsylvania and lived there until after the Revolution when she married a man whose name was Roman Elmendorf with him she mo- ved to the State of New York where she has ever since resided Her father's house during the revolution was used as a fort or block house and was one of a chain of forts kept up along the Delaware River from which Port Jervis now stands to Colonel Strouss a place now known as Stroudsburg That during the Revolution the inhabitants along the west side of the Delaware often crossed over into New Jersey for protection from the Savages and Tories who infested the frontier and sometimes killing men and women and destroying their property This deponent further saith that she her- self has crossed the Delaware to the State of New Jersey for safety That she there knew Captain Peter Westbrook living and cohabiting with Lydia Westbrook who was reputed and believed in the neighbourhood to be his wife She was acquainted with them both and was well acquainted with their children their names were Blondina Sarah Cornelius and Benjamin She further says that they resided in Sandyston Super- ior County New Jersey and that the said Capt Peter West- brook was killed by the Indians while in pursuit

of them on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River not far from where the village of Milford now stands Ensign Isaac Ennis and two pri- vates was killed at the same time This happened according to the best of her recollection in the spring of 1780 That he left as his widow Lydia Westbrook who never afterwards married but remained his widow until her death which took place in Montague in Sussex County New Jersey in 1838 but at what time in the year she cannot exactly tell She always knew the said Lydia Westbrook knew her living with Capt Peter Westbrook previous to his death as his wife and often visited her while she lived as his widow that three of her children died before she died viz Blondina Cornelius and Benjamin - Sarah sur- vived her and this deponent believes that she Sarah Van Saken is still living
Subscribed and sworn to Lena Elmendorf this 8 th day of December 1882 mark
Before me
John W Martin Justice of the Peace
Orange County ss I certify that I am well acquaint- ed with Lena Elmendorf who made and subscribed the foregoing affidavit by ma- king her mark because from decrepitude arising from old age she is unable to write and I know her to be reputed in the neighborhood where she lives to be a woman of truth and veracity and that the above affidavit was made clearly and from a distinct recollection of the times long gone by John W Martin Justice of the Peace

No. 2864

Washington July 29 th 1852.
J. E. Heath Esq. Com d of Pensions Sir
I present herewith, an application in the case of Lydia Westbrook dec d late of New Jersey under act July 4. 1836. Widow of the late Capt t Peter Westbrook of the Revolutionary Army, the declaration a you will perceive is made in right of the widow, by Sarah Van Auken her only surviving child.
I submit in proof, first the evidence of Capt t Peter Westbrook appointment on the 1 March 1776. Second payments made to him in April 1777. and in May, September and October 1778. and thirdly further payments to him as Capt t in Sept 1778. say for 6 months service. But it is alleged he was killed in April 1780, when in command of his company by the Indians, by the time the case is reached in its order of examination, I may be able to show that he was in service when he was killed
Yours most respectfully Alex. Ray

Bauf de

Papers in the case of Sarah Van Etten dec d widow of Jacob 38 & 40 Ny show Peter Westbrook in Service March 1776. On an original Roll in papers of Lydia Westbrook shows Peter Westbrook Capt of 3 d Co Vt Recruits for 9 months, no year given

Washington
April 10 / 54
Hon. L. P. Waldo Comm. of Pensions Sir
In the case of Lydia Westbrooks, at 36 State Street, it was alleged in the declaration that her husband was killed in a battle with the Indians in Sept 1780.
I herewith enclose, a certified extract from the "New Jersey Gazette Wednesday May 28 th 1780" in support of the fact. for the service the months pension should be allowed
and also submit, a certificate from the Secretary of State of New Jersey, showing that a certificate of $12.13.9. was issued to Joseph Burns for service under Capt. Westbrooks , this would make say 6 mo. more service.
The proof on file shows payments to Capt. Westbrooks for service months . The office has heretofore, and recently, allowed for similar time of payment in other cases.
I submit the additional proof, and remarks in the confident expectation that an allowance of at least 9 mo. pension will be allowed.
I have the honor to remain Sir Sir Alex. Ray

Ben Hornbeck says that during the war his father's house was occupied as a fortress for the defence of the frontiers of the County of Sussex, N.J. Was acquainted with Peter Westbrook of Col Rosencrantz's Regt, had seen Westbrook at his father's house doing duty as a captain at various times, in consequence of lapse of time & great age cannot state the different times nor length of service, Westbrook was killed 1780, left a widow named Lydia who died 1838 leaving the declarant Sarah Vonauben.
Wilhelmus G. says he was often on duty defending the frontiers along the Delaware, that he was well acquainted with Westbrook, that he was a Cap in Rosencrantz's Regt; had seen Westbrook in service along the Delaware frontier, going duty both in N.J. & N.Y. cannot state time & length of service, knew Peter & Lydia Westbrook to live & cohabit together before the war
Lena Elsenendorf says her father's house was used during the Revolution as a fort or block house & was one of a chain of forts kept up along the Delaware River

What having to crop over into it for safety she there Knew Peter Westbrook living & cohabiting with Lydia, that Peter was killed by the Indians 1780
Peter Westbrook rec? payments for military service in the month of Apr '77 July, Sep, Oct & Dec? 1778.

The enclosed is the copy, of an original paper filed in the case Sarah Van Ecker New York ad 36 (1844)
It shows that March 1. 1876 Capt. Peter Westwood was a boy in the case, and the case of Rev. Aaron Westwood , was allowed ad 32 if I mistake not, on an exhibit that pay was made to them in certain named months.
An Inca was also made in the case of Nicholas Arrowsmith of Jersey ad 32. On I think the same thing. a set of payments being made.
Yours. truly
Washington 24 July 1874

Pension Office April 17 th 1831,
Sir,
I have very carefully examined the papers in the case of Lydia Westbrook, widow of Peter, as well those previously filed, as those presented by you on the 10 th instant, and am constrained to state that there is not evidence of a sufficient length of service to entitle the party now claiming to pension. From the known character of the service in which it is alleged he was engaged, nothing can be inferred as to the duration of the terms or tours, and the payments certified which can be fairly taken to have been made to him for his individual service, are not sufficient to cover six months. The evidence now adduced is merely cumulative. It has never been questioned that Capt. Westbrook was killed in 1780, and the present additional evidence affords no

Clue whatever, as to the length of time he served in that tour,
The claim cannot be admitted upon the present evidence,
I am yours
Respectfully
L. M. Alaco
Commissioner
Alexander Ray Esq. D. M. A.

Washington
Apr 19/54
J. M. Martin Esq
Dr Sir
I send herewith a letter from the Com ee in the case of Lydia Westbrooks; and have sent a pref copy to the Gov. to see if any thing more can be done.
The Land Warrant to Mr Walton -

Notes given by the Commissioners of the several Counties of the State of New Jersey for Militia service during the Revolutionary War.
   NO. OF CERTIF. DATE. SIGNED BY PAYABLE TO AMOUNT.     230 May 1. 1784 Joseph Gaston Joseph Ennis (under Cash Westbrook) £12. 13. 9  
STATE OF NEW JERSEY :
I, THOMAS S. ALLISON, Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey, do hereby certify, that the foregoing is a true abstract from a Book, headed as above, as taken from, and compared with the original, now remaining in my office.—And I do further certify, that Joseph Gaston was, by an Act passed by the Legislature of this State, December 20, 1783, entitled, "An Act to procure an estimate of the sums due to the Militia and Troops who have been raised for the defence of the frontiers of the State, and to provide for the settlement of the same," appointed a Commissioner for the County of Sussex for the purpose of settling and adjusting the Pay-rolls of the Militia and Troops of this State, as aforesaid, and also for signing and delivering out to each and every person a note for the payment of what may be justly due.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal of office, at Trenton, in said State, this fourth day of April A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty- four .
Thos. S. Allison
Secretary of State.

State of New York } Orange County }
On this fourth day of May one thousand eight hundred and fifty two personally appear- ed the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Wilhelmus Cole aged eighty nine years a resident of the town of Deerpark in the said County and State who being first duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that in the war of the Revolution he lived along the Delaware frontier which from early part of the war till its close was infested with Tories and Indians who were almost continually plundering the inhabitants destroying their property and sometimes committing cold blooded murder. This deponent was often on duty patrolling the frontier along the Delaware against the marauders but has never applied for a pension. He further deposes and says that he was well ac- quainted with Captain Peter Westbrook during the war and previous thereto. He was Captain in Colonel Rosencrantz's Regiment of New Jersey militia and served as such at Hornerstown in the State of New York at Germantown Newark & Springfield and other places against the British in the State of New Jersey and along the Delaware frontier. This deponent has seen him frequently along the Delaware frontier doing duty both in the States of New Jersey and New York but from the great length of time that has expired since the service was done this deponent is unable to state the particular times or their length. That the said Captain Peter Westbrook deceased in the spring of 1780 and left a widow whose name was Lydia Westbrook who died sometime in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.

This deponent knew the said Peter and Lydia Westbrook living and cohabiting together as husband and wife previous to the war of the Revolution and until his death. This deponent was a cousin to the said Lydia Westbrook and was always intimate in the family. The said Lydia Westbrook leaves still surviving her one heir very namely Sarah Vanacker. Sworn to and subscribed by making his mark on account of the infirmities of age before me on the day and year above mentioned. his Before me Wilhelmus J. Cole John W. Mearns Justice of the Peace mark
Corange County ss I certify that I have been acquainted with Wilhelmus Cole for thirty years past and I know him to be reputed in the neighbourhood where he lives to be a man of truth and veracity and that his statement above made which were made clearly and distinctly his mind being good should be entitled to full credit and belief. John W. Mearns Justice of Peace

State of New York, Orange County Clerk's Office, } ss.
I, NATHAN WESTCOTT, Clerk of the said County of Orange, and also Clerk of the County Court of said County, being a Court of Record having a seal, do hereby Certify, that John W. Moartun before whom the foregoing declaration & affidavit was subscribed and sworn was, at the time of taking the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned and sworn and authorized to administer oaths for general purposes; and further, that I am acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice, and verily believe that the signature John W. Moartun subscribed to the said declaration and affidavit are genuine.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said county of Orange the Sixth — day of May 1852.
John C. Mc Connell, Dep. Clerk.

"Vol III. Num. 123, The New Jersey Gazette" Wednesday May 3, 1780. Trenton May 3.
"We are obliged to the gentleman who sent us the following. About the 17 th ult a party of Indians were discovered at Meinisinks, in Pennsylvania, and on Thursday following. Some of the Jersey Militia passed the Delaware and engaged them. a very severe conflict ensued, which ended in a total defeat of the Indians. They left their commanding officer dead on the field, and by the Orderly Book and papers found on him, he appears to be one Daily (a white man) formerly of Somerset County. We had Captain Westbrook, a Lieutenant and one private killed in the engagement. The Indians left behind them, six blankets, two watches, coats, several packs, and a quantity of provisions."
State of New Jersey
On this 8 th day of April A D 1854 before the Subscriber a Master in the Court of Chancery of Said State duly authorized by law to administer oaths personally appeared Charles J. Christy Esq d Librarian of the State of New Jersey, a person of the highest credibility, who being duly sworn according to law on his oath saith That the foregoing extract is a true copy, as taken from and compared with the original, Bound Volume of the New Jersey Gazette now on file in the State Library.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above matter before me
Charles J. Christy Master of Chancery No. 11, 11.
C. C. H.

State of New-Jersey.
I, THOMAS S. ALLISON, Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey, do hereby certify, that
Charles G. M c Chesney Esquire, before whom the within affidavit was taken,
was, at the time of the doing thereof, a Master in Chancery duly authorized to administer oaths in and for the county of  State of New Jersey in said state, duly commissioned and sworn; that full faith and credit are to be given to his official attestations, and that the signature thereto is in the proper handwriting of the said
Charles G. M c Chesney
In testimony whereof , I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal of office, at Trenton, in said state, this Seventh day of April A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty four .
Thos S Allison Secretary of State.