Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 21,021, Benajah Brown, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Brown, Benajah Dustin, Violetta
W 21,021
(Former widow)
CONTENTS
[Faint, illegible text]

9.692 New York Albany
Violetta Dustin dec d for 40 N.Y. widow of Benajah Brown, who was a S er gt: & Lieut t in the Revolution.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 98 Dollars 76 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. & End 15 th October 1844.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th day of Ap r 1857 and sent to
Thos H Hartwell Detroit, Mich s
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book 26 Vol. 2 Page 11b
Thos Hartwell May 26, 1857. H. H. Hall, Secy. Same Aug 5, 1859.

Province of Canada } County of Elgin }
On this thirteenth day of August A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me D. J. Houghs. a judge of the county and division courts within and for the county and Province aforesaid at the courthouse in the Village of Aylmer in the county & Province aforesaid. Walter Brown aged Sixty four years a resident of the town- ship of Malahide in the aforesaid county and province, who I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit and who doth on his affirma- tion (he being one of those persons called Quakers) make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 entitled "an act gran- ting half pay and pensions to certain widows" and the several acts & resolves of Congress relative thereto. That he is a child of Benajah Brown an officer in the Revolutionary war and Violetta his wife, he further affirms that he has repeatedly heard his said father and Mother converse on the subject of his military service in the said war, he further affirms that according to the best of his knowledge and belief the said Benajah Brown volunteered at some place in the county of Westchester in the state of New York in or about the month of August A.D. one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight and served in the company commanded by Captain Ebenezer Scofield as a sergeant and was after wards appointed Lieutenant and served in the company commanded by Captain Samuel Lewis in Col. Shadins (trans) Regiment of the Westchester Militia and continued in actual service in said war

till its close in 1783, or thereabouts but his principle reliance for proof of said service is on the records which may be found in the military archives relating to the said war, he further affirms that he has seen the original record of marriage of the said Benjamin Brown & Violetta, that the said Record was on a leaf contained in a Bible, which he was informed and believes was given to the said Violetta at the time of her marriage to the said Benjamin Brown by her father Col-Brinton Paine that the said Benjamin Brown and Violetta Paine according to records were legally married in the State of New York on the eighth day of September AD one thousand eight hundred and eighty four, that several years after their said marriage and within the deponents recollection they removed from the State of New York to the province of Canada that in the year AD 1805 his said father was drowned in crossing a lake near Burlington that in the year AD 1806, his widow the said Violetta Brown was again married to one Solomon Nichols, and by him had one son whose name is Sylvanus who is still living, he further affirms that the said Solomon Nichols died in the year AD 1814 and in the year following (1815) his said Mother was again married to one Paul Dustin but she had no child or heirs by the said Dustin he further affirms that the said Paul Dustin died at Walsingham in the Province aforesaid in the year AD one thousand eight hundred and twenty three he further affirms that the said Violetta was never again married but continued to be a widow as above stated from the year AD 1823. he further affirms that the bible above referred to having become worn and detached

in several places and a new one was obtained about the year A.D. 1826, at which time he (deponent) was requested by his said Mother and did transcribe from the original record as above (which is not in existence to his knowledge) on the leaf hereto attached (said leaf being cut from an old bible in the presence of this court) in the presence of his said Mother and by her direction, and that the same is a true record of the Marriage & birth of the said Benajah & Violitta Brown & their family, as he was informed by her and verify believes and that portion which is marked in brackets was written by him (deponent) as above stated, that a few years after the above transaction his said Mother took the said bible now present in court to her daughters sister to this deponent who is now the wife of Sam d Harper and that portion which is marked with a cross was written after the said bible was taken out of his possession and by whom he does not say, he further affirms that his Mother the said Violitta died in the township of Malahide in the County of Elgin & Province of Canada on the fifteenth day of October A.D. one thousand eight hundred and forty four, that there were living at the time of her said death of her children the following to wit: Elizabeth now wife of William Brown who resides in the township of Berta in the County of Welland Province of Canada Walter (this deponent) Brenton P. Brown now residing in the township of Dearborn County of Oxford Province aforesaid Stella Wife of Eli Brown. Electy Wife of Samuel Harper Benajah M c Brown residing in the township of Malahide County of Elgin and Sylvanus Nichols now residing in the township of Norwich in County of Oxford & Province of Canada aforesaid he further affirms that his said Mother never

Made application for or receive a pension in virtue of the service in the said war of her first husband the aforesaid Benajah Brown
Walter Brown
Affirmed to and subscribed before me in open court this day and year above written
I certify that the interline between the 12 th & 13 th "according to said Record" and that between the 9 th & 10 th "as he was informed by her and worldly beliefs," were written before signing
I further certify that I have no interest in this claim and am not concerned in the prosecution thereof
J. J. Hughes
Judge of the Division and County Courts of the Co. of Elgin, the Province of Canada
Province of Canada County of Elgin } ss
I hereby certify that J. J. Hughes is a legal judge of the County and Division Courts within and for the said Province of Canada duly appointed and sworn that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and know that the above is his genuine official signature In testimony whereof I have to set my name and affix the seal of my office this thirteenth day of August A D 1855
William Campbell Clerk of said Division Courts the County of Elgin

in 2
Family Record.
DEATHS.
DEATHS.
Benajah Brown Died 25th January in the year A.D. 1805 was buried in the Little Lake at Marlinton Berks in 74th year of his age and 44 years of marriage with his wife the before mentioned
Benajah Brown Born Oct 14 1782 Dorsetshire England Born Sept 16 1767 Married Sept 24 the 8th 1784 Elizabeth Born Jan 1 1786 - 1787 Dolly Born Jan 1 1787 Clarisa Born Apr 12 1789
Walter Brown Born Apr 8 - 1791 New York Leahy Brown Born Jan 18 1794 Brinton R. Brown Born Aug 1 1797 New York Stella Brown Born Jan 24 1809
Oct 15th 1844 Notchfield Connecticut Died Jan 25 1805 Harriet Brown Born April 7 1802 Connecticut Benajah M Brown Born Jan 24 1801 Connecticut Sylvanus Nickols Born April 23 1807 Connecticut Samuel Nickols Born April 1803 1809 Connecticut Samuel Nickols Died in 1822 in Connecticut Harriet Brown Died Oct 2 1832 Connecticut
Died in 1799 Gen. St York Died July 24 1805 Connecticut

Family Record.
BIRTHS.
BIRTHS.
Married
Benajah Brown - and Nettie Prine Mar Sep 8 1784 N.Y. Nettie Brown - Widow Mar - to Paul Gusten 1815 Canada
Violetta Gusten Ma died Oct 15 1844 Oct 15 1844 Canada
Elizabeth Brown Mar to Clarisa Brown Ma to Seety Brown Maria to Seety Dowlen Widow Mar - to Seety Spencer Widow Mar to Stella Brown - Maria to Harriet Brown Mar to
William Bowen 1800 Canada Mervil White 1802 Canada Thomas Dowlen 1810 Canada Roswell Spencer 1833 Canada Samuel Harper 1843 Canada Eli Brown 1817 Canada Abram Brown 1818 Canada
William B. of Holland Born - 1760 Paul Gusten Born 1753
Died 1811 Canada Died 1823 Canada
List of Samuel Harper's Samuel Harper Born in Mira Harper Born in Joseph Harper Born January the 8 Betzann Harper January the 2 Abram Harper Born the November the 17 1834 Laura Harper Born the November the 17 1834 Savannah Harper Born April the 11 1836 Rhube Harper Born May the 11 1840 Died in August the 18 1827
Children's Ages May the 6. 1797 April the 18. 1798 1828 1831 1834 1836 1840 1827
1840

Province of Canada } SS County of Middlesex }
On this 22nd 22 nd day of September A.D. 1886, personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a justice of the Peace in and for said County. Marvel White a resident of the County & Province aforesaid aged Seventy five years, who being first duly sworn according to law deposeth and says That he was personally acquainted with Lieutenant Benajah Brown who as reputed, was an officer in the American army of the Revolutionary war, and Violetta his wife who are now dead, That he well knew them and was a member of their family many years previous to the death of the said Lieutenant Brown. That during his said residence in the family aforesaid he has many times been told by the said Brown that he served as Lieutenant in a Company of Westchester Militia first commanded by Ebenezer Scapite and afterwards in a company commanded by Captain Samuel Lewis and in Col. Cramers Regiment in the State of New York and continued in actual service in said war for the term of more than two years and about the close of said war he received an honorable discharge. That he (deponent) has seen papers in the possession of the said Benajah Brown relating to the said war and among them his said Commission as Lieutenant aforesaid he is positive of this from the fact that he has often read it. That the said Brown was familiarly known and called Lieutenant Brown in the community where he resided, That the said Lt Brown & Violetta were reputed to be legally married together in the state of New York some time in the year A.D. 1784. That she was the reputed daughter of Col. Brinton Paine of said state. That the aforesaid Lieutenant Brown and Violetta lived together as man and wife he is certain and that the fact of their said marriage he has never heard disputed or questioned, That they moved from the State of New York with several of their children to the

Province of Canada where other children were born to them That the said Lieutenant Brown died in the year AD one thousand eight hundred and five, in the Province of Canada he knows this from the fact that he (deponent) was in attendance at the funeral of the aforesaid Brown and saw his remains deposited in the grave, That his widow the aforesaid Violetta was subsequently married to one Solomon Nichols by whom she had one child named Sylvanus, That the said Solomon Nichols died about the year AD 1814, That the said Violetta was again married to one Paul Dustin by whom she had no children That in the year AD one thousand eight hundred and twenty three she the said Violetta again became a widow by the death of the said Paul Dustin & she was never again married that some time after the death of her last named husband she resided with her children That she died at the house of her daughter Electa in the township of Malahide County of Elgin Province of Canada in the month of October AD one thousand eight hundred and forty four, That he (deponent) well knows the family of the aforesaid Lieutenant Brown & Violetta lastly widow Dustin That her only children remaining at her death are the following named, Elizabeth (now the wife of William Bowen of Berta in the County of Holland Waller Brown, Benajah M. Brown Electa (now wife of Samuel Harper) Stella now wife of Eli Brown residents of the County of Elgin Brinton P. Brown resident in Oxford County, and Sylvanus Nichols also in Oxford County, Canada West, and that he deponent is a disinterested witness
N. Wood Bhatt
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year first above written and I further certify that I well knew the

I have named deponent Marvel White to be of Sound mind and good memory and that he is reputable and a reliable witness and that I have no interest in this claim and am not concerned in the prosecution thereof as attorney or otherwise
Hugh Carmichael Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid
Province of Canada County of Middlesex } ss
There by certify that Hugh Carmichael before whom the foregoing affidavit was made and who has thereto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn and that his signature there to is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the County Court of the County of Middlesex
D. B. L. R. in Clerk of the C. Court
D. M. Akin Deputy C. C.

September 2, 1936
Benajah Brown-W.21021
BA-J/AWT Q
Mrs. Edward Brown 105 Pottawatomie St., West Tecumseh, Michigan
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Benajah Brown who was born October 23, 1762, served in the Revolutionary War and died January 25, 1805.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, W. 21021, based upon the service of Benajah Brown in the War of the Revolution.
Benajah Brown was born October 23, 1762, place not stated, nor are the names of his parents shown. His father and family were living in Westchester County, New York during the Revolution.
While residing in Westchester County, New York, Benajah Brown volunteered sometime in August, 1778, served as sergeant and lieutenant in Captains Ebenezer Scofield's and Samuel Lewis' companies, Colonel Thaddeus Crane's New York regiment until the close of the war.
Benajah Brown married September 8, 1784 in Westchester County, New York, Violetta Paine; she was born September 16, 1767 and was the daughter of "Colonel" Brinton Paine of the state of New York, the name of her mother is not given.
Several years after their marriage, Benajah Brown and his wife, Violetta, moved from Westchester County, to Tioga (later Chemung) County, New York and later

moved to the Province of Canada.
Benajah Brown was drowned, January 25, 1805 in crossing a lake near Burlington. His widow, Violetta, married in 1806, Solomon Nickols, by whom she had one son, Sylvanus, born April 23, 1807. Solomon Nickols died in 1814, and the widow married in 1815, Paul Dustin, by whom she had no children, and he died in 1823.
The widow, Violetta Dustin, died October 15, 1844 at the house of her son-in-law, Samuel Harper in Malahide, Elgin County, Province of Canada.
The children of Benajah Brown and his wife, Violetta-
   Elizabeth  born  January 1, 1786,  married William Bowen in 1800    Polly  "  January 1, 1787,  died in 1789    Clarisa  "  April 12, 1789,  married Marvel White in 1802, she died July 24, 1805    Walter  "  April 8, 1791     Electa  "  January 18, 1794,  married Thomas Dowlen in 1810 married Roswell Spenser in 1833, married Samuel Harper in 1843    Brinton P.  "  August 1, 1797     Stella  "  January 24, 1799,  married Eli Brown in 1817    Harriet  "  April --, 1802,  married Abram Brown in 1818, she died October 3, 1832.    Benajah M.  "  January 24, 1804.    
In 1857 the following children were allowed the pension due their mother, Violetta on account of the service of her husband, Benajah Brown- Elizabeth, wife of William Bowen, of Welland County, Canada; Walter Brown of Malahide, Canada; Electa, wife of Samuel Harper of Elgin County, Canada; Brinton P. Brown, of Oxford County, Canada; Stella, wife of Eli Brown of Elgin County, Canada; and Benajah M. Brown of Elgin County, Canada.
Sylvanus Nickols was a resident in 1855 of Oxford County, Canada.
Polly Teall in 1855 was the widow of Nathan Teall, she was then eighty-three years of age and living in

Geneva, Ontario County, New York; she was the younger sister of the widow, Violetta Dustin. H. N. Teall, son of Polly and Nathan Teall, was living in 1855 in Geneva, New York.
George C. Paine, brother of the widow, Violetta, was seventy-five years of age in 1855 and living in "Horse Heads", Chemung County, New York.
Marvel White in 1856 was seventy-five years of age and living in Middlesex County, Canada; it is not stated that he was identical with the one who married Clarisa Brown.
The names Oscar O. Brown and Robert G. Bowen appear in 1854, but no relationship to the family shown; and one James Brown in 1855 was Justice of the Peace in Elgin County, Canada, it is not stated that he was related to the family.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

State of New-York, COMPROLLER'S OFFICE.
Albany, Dec. 26 th 1856.
I Hereby Certify,
That on searching the Records in this office for the Registry of Certificates issued in pursuance of a law, passed April 27, 1784, entitled "An Act for the settlement of the pay of Levies and Militia for their services in the late war, and for other purposes therein mentioned," I find the following, viz:
   NAMES. NO. OF BOOK. NO. OF CERTIFICATE. DATE. £   S.   D. RANK AND NAME OF COMPANY OFFICER. RANK AND NAME OF FIELD OFFICER.   £ S. D.     Benajah Brown Sgt. 8 38720 1779 Nov. 15 12 16 8 Capt. Eln. Scofield Col. Thaddeus Crane   Benajah Brown Sgt. 8 38961 1779 Aug. 31 7 3 6 Lt. Daniel Bouton "   "   "   Benajah Brown Lt. 8 39651 1781 Nov. 1. 59 — 4 Capt. Saml. Lewis "   "   "   £79 — 6  
I have examined the Rolls for the items above set forth, and find them to be correct.
C. L. Kelce Esq. Clerk.
D. D. D. Comptroller.

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section.
Ans
November 4, 1937
Ralph C. Hannum 109 West Newell St Syracuse, N. Y.
Sir:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 21021, it appears that Benajah Brown enlisted in Westchester County, New York, in August 1779 and served until in 1783 as sergeant and Lieutenant in Captains Ebenezer Scofield's and Samuel Lewis' Companies, Colonel Thaddeus Crane's New York Regiment.
Soldier was born October 23, 1762 (place not stated) and married September 8, 1784 in the state of New York, Violetta, daughter of Colonel Brinton Paine. She was born September 16, 1767.
Soldier was drowned January 25, 1805 near Burlington, and she married in 1806 Solomon Nickols, who died in 1814 and she married in 1815 Paul Dustin, and he died in 1823. She died October 15, 1844 at
Completed

Malahide, Elgin County, Canada.
Their children--
Elizabeth born January 1, 1786, married William Bowen. in 1800 Polly " January 1, 1787, died in 1799. Clarissa " April 12, 1789, married Marvel White 1802 {she died July 24, 1805. Walter " April 8, 1791. Electa " January 18, 1794, married Thomas Dowlin then 1810 {married Roswell Spencer then 1817 {married Samuel Harper. 1843 Brinton P. " August 1, 1797. Stella " January 24, 1799, married Eli Brown. 1817 Harriet " April —, 1803, married Abram Brown 1818 {she died October 2, 1832. Benajah M. " January 24, 1804.
The following surviving children were allowed the pension due their mother- Elizabeth Bowen, Walter Brown, Electa Harper, Brinton P. Brown, and Stella Brown.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

V. L. M. Rev. War Section.
July 9, 1917.
Mrs. J. D. Spragins, 322 Main Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
Madam:
In response to your letter dated the 1 st instant, you are advised that the only soldier named Benajah Brown found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau (W. F. 31,021) who served as a Sergeant and Lieutenant in the New York Troops, married Violetta Paine in September 1784, and therefore does not appear to be the subject of your inquiry.
Very respectfully,
E. C. Niman Acting Commissioner.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
W. F. 51021
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Benajah Brown a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Aug. 1779 to 1783 Sergt and Lieut Ebenezer Scofield Samuel Lewis Thaddeus Cram N.Y.         
Battles engaged in, none stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, enlisted in Westchester Co. N.Y.
Date of application for pension, by son Walter Aug. 13. 1855 claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, of son Walter Twp. of Malahide, Elgin Co., Canada.
Age at date of application, _____
Remarks: Soldier  was born Oct. 23. 1762 married Sept. 8. 1784 in the state of New York, Viola  bom Sept. 16. 1767 daughter of Col. Brinton Paine. He was drowned Jan. 25, 1805, near Burlington, and she married in 1806 Solomon Nickols who died in 1814. She then married in 1815 Paul Dustin and he died in 1823. She died Oct. 15. 1844 at Malahide Canada.
See Supplement herewith for names of children.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

June 11, 1919.
Mrs. J. D. Spragins, Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
Madam:
In addition to the military history of Benajah Brown, W. File No. 31,031 you are furnished the following data as to his children:
Elizabeth born January 1, 1786, mar. William Bowen. Polly " January 1, 1787, died in 1789. Clarisa " April 12, 1788, { mar. Marvel White { died July 24, 1805. Walter " April 8, 1791. Electa " January 18, 1794, { mar. Thomas Dowlin then { Roswell Spencer then { Samuel Harper. Brinton P. " August 1, 1797. Stella " January 24, 1799, mar. Eli Brown. Harriet " April - 1802, { mar. Abram Brown. { died October 2, 1832. Benajah M. January 24, 1804.
Very respectfully,
E. C. Sieman
Acting Commissioner.
ages of children when they married, as given in family record, are so undeniably young I have not included them in the above thinking they must be a mistake.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.,
H. F. 21,021
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Benajah Brown , a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his son's widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Aug 1779 to 1783 { Sgt and Lieut } { Ebenezer Leffler & Samuel Lewis } { Rodolphus Crane } N.Y.  
Battles engaged in, - none stated Residence of soldier at enlistment, by son Waller in Wadsworth Co. N.Y. Date of application for pension, Aug. 13 th 1855. of son Waller claim was allowed Residence at date of application, Imp. of Middlesex, Essex Co., Canada Age at date of application, 77
Remarks: Soldier married daughter of Col. Branton Letitia June Sept 8 1784, she died June 25 1805 and she remarried Solomon Nickols in 1808 who died in 1814. She married Paul Dustin in 1815 who died in 1823. She died Oct. 15 th 1824. Her children by Benajah Brown are Elizabeth b. Jany 1. 1786. married Mr. Brown; Polly b. Jany 1. 1787. died 1799; Clarissa b. Apr. 12. 1789. married Samuel White and died July 24. 1805; Waller b. Apr. 8. 1791; Elisha b. Jany 18. 1794, married Thomas Dowlin then Russell Spence then Samuel Harper; Branton P. b. Aug. 1. 1797. Stella b. Jany 24. 1799 married Eli Brown; Harriet b. Apr. 1802, married Abram Brown, died Oct. 2. 1832; Benajah Jr. b. Jan. 24. 1804.
Very respectfully,
* one son Sylvanus, by this marriage
Sol. moved from N.Y. to Canada
15567b2m11-01 by Paul Dustin
Commissioner.

Received, Mich. Aug. 16, 1936. The Veterans Administration, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir: I wonder if you could give any information concerning Benajah Brown. Family record is as follows: "Benajah Brown was in Brinton Paine's Company and became captain of the company before the war closed and married his Colonel's daughter, Violeta Paine" He was born Oct. 23, 1762. Violeta was b. Sept. 16, 1767 d. Oct. 14, 1844. married Sept. 8, 1784. Died - Jan. 20, 1805.

"Benajah Brown" was a captain of the Winchester militia, Fourth Regiment."
Can you verify this?
We hope to find something of Benajah Brown's ancestry. Would you have a record of who his parents were?
Any information that you might have would be very welcome.
Thanking you and hoping to find some way to find records of Benajah Benajah Brown's family previous to the War of the Revolution or where he lived at that time.
Sincerely
Mrs. Edward D. Brown
105 Potawatomi St. West,
Telegraph, Michigan -
Do you know from what place Benajah Brown enlisted?

RALPH C. HANNUM ARCHITECT AND PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER 109 WEST NEWELL STREET SYRACUSE, N. Y.
Mr Winfield Scott, Commissioner, Dep't. of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
June 4, 1927.
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.      W. 21021.
Dear Sir.      I desire to thank you for the information contained in your communication of June 1 concerning BENA JAH BROWN, W.21021 and per your statement I do desire the full history of this Benajah Brown which please send to me,
Respectfully yours,
Ralph C. Hannum.

One 24 stamped Envelope Stmpd. Env. recd Civ
OYC or J. D. SPRAGINS COTTON
Recd Sept 2 JC
CODE USED SHEPPERSON 78
ARKADELPHIA, ARKANSAS
July 6, 1917
The Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:—
I am trying to trace the war record of Benajah Brown, who was a general in the Revolutionary War and an ancestor of mine. He was born in North Salem, N. Y. and married Sarah Weed, but I haven't the date of marriage or death.
Any assistance that you can give me will be greatly appreciated. I enclosed an addressed envelope, hoping for a prompt reply.
Yours respt.,
Mrs. J. D. Spragins
322 Main St.

J. D. SPRAGINS COTTON
CODE USED SHEPPERSON 78
Arkadelphia, Arkansas, May 29, 1919
The Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir: -
In my attempts to trace the Revolutionary War Records of my ancestor, Gen. Benajah Brown, I have been directed to write you. The New York State Library informs me that he entered the Westchester county militia as a sergeant, later 1st lieutenant, June 16, 1780, in Capt. Samuel Lewis' company in the 4th regiment, commanded by Lt. Col. Thaddeus Crane.
Any further information that you can give me will be greatly appreciated,
Yours truly,
Yrs. J. D. Spragins

To the Chief Clerk of
The Pension Office, Washington
Dear Sir, I would like to have the Military record hereon Enclosed, verified by the proper officials, an order that my Daughter may become a member of the D. A. R., and have been advised to send it to you, if you will kindly give it your attention you will greatly oblige
Mrs Chas. Belleck
Blair
Washington Co.
Neb.

mar. 8-1907
History to Mrs. Lehar.
Success v. m.
1917 July 9 Mrs. J. D. Spragins that this does not appear to be the subject of inquiry.
1919 June 12 Hist. to Mrs. J. D. Spragins.
1927 Nov. 4 " " Ralph C. Harrington Aug 3
1936 Sept 2 " " Mrs. Edward Brown
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 21021
Violet Austin
Wid of
Buragah Brown
First Rev War.
Act: March 3 rd /43 June 17 th
1844.
Index:—Vol. 21 Page 28
[Arrangement of 1870.]

No. 15,368.
Violeta Austin, w
for widow of
Benj. Boon
New York
Let W. N. Tread, No. 6 / 55
Les same Jan 9 / 56
Let. T. M. Hartwell, Dec 5 / 56
Let same Feb. 13 / 57
July 7, 1838.
15368

11857 New York a Violetta Dustin dec d for w fe , widow of Benajah Brown. who died on the of in the State of who was a Sgt & L t in the commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the Revolution line for
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 98. Dollars 76 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th day of April 1857, and sent to Mrs H Hartwell Arrears to the 4th of Detroit Semi-annual allowance ending Mich.
{ Revolutionary Claim. } { Act July 7, 1838. } Recorded by G. J. Getty Clerk. Book 36 Vol. 2 Page 52.

District Ind. July. 19 th 1887
Mrs Geo C. Whiting Carmel, Indiana W.D.C.
My Dear Sir,
Enclosed I send you the Certificate of the Judge of Probate of Wayne Co. Mich. under his official seal setting forth the date of the death of Violetta Smith (Widow of Royal Brown) and the names and number of her now surviving children as required per letter from you bearing date Feb. 25 th Inst.
Very Resp't. Yours Affec'tly Geo. N. Hartwell.

Detroit April 18 th 1857.
Hon Geo. C. Whiting, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D.C.
Dear Sir.
Sometime about the fourteenth day of Feby 1857. I enclosed to your address the Certificate of the Judge of Probate of Wayne County, Michigan, setting forth the day of the death of Carolina Austin died , and the names and number of her children now surviving in accordance with the requirements contained in your letter of the 18 th Feby 1857. A long time having elapsed since I transmitted the Crt. referred to. I now apprehend that it may never have reached the Department. Please advise me respecting same at an early day & Oblige Very Resp'y Yours Affec'tly
Thos. H. Hartwell Adm st Est. V. Austin's Heirs

Dear Sir
Dear Sir
Commission of Pensions.
Mr. Rujah M. Brown claims to be the sole assignee of the house of Violetta Dustin dead. and says that there are papers on file in your office showing this fact. Please examine the files in case of Violetta Dustin dead and let me know at your earliest convenience the result. If not inconsistent with the regulations and rules of the Pension Bureau you will oblige me by transmitting whatever you may find of the character stated in return mail to my address.
Very Respectfully Yours
Thos H. Harbore
Administrator Est. Violetta Dustin dead.

Brief in the case of Violetta Austin  formerly wife of  Benjamin Brown Elgin County and State of Illinois act July 2, 1838, etc.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
There is evidence of marriage to Benjamin Brown prior to 1838, and also there is evidence of his residence for 5 months or upwards in Michigan and 8 other days in Illinois . In the State of New York , at Adams  Michigan  New York  has been appointed & (for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent Geo. H. Hartwell Detroit Michigan.
Examining Clerk. O. C. Miller

Geneva June 20 th 1859 Honored Sir
I received a letter from Canada on Saturday last requesting me to obtain if possible your letter to me in the claim of Violetta Dustin's heirs for Revolutionary pension in virtue of the service of her husband Lt Benajah Brown requiring additional evidence & an Administrator of her estate to be in the jurisdiction of the U.S. and a further request that you send the names of the persons who gave evidence in the case those who I presented and particularly those who were forwarded by J. H. Hartwell as Administrator in the claim and the dates of their several affidavits. I presented the claim I think in the month of Oct. 1855.

and recd your letter making the requirements above stated perhaps in now following but it & copies of other papers in the case is now lost
Now if you will be so kind as to forward me the Date of Walter Brown's Declaration and the names and dates of all the affidavits forwarded by me & all those accompanying the fulfillment of your requirements you will confer a very great favour on the parties interested in Canada It is presumed that Mr Hartwell forwarded the affidavits of George C Paine & Capt. Marshall White & perhaps some others & I think I presented W. Brown's Declaration M c Leod & Harper's & Polly Seall's affidavits & the certificate of the Comptroller & Secretary of

the State of N.Y. and all that is desired is the dates of each and every one of the papers pertaining to the case & I would not trouble you if I now had any other means of obliging the parties by complying with their request.
I am Very Respectfully Your Oble Servt
A. W. Seall Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.
It appears difficult for them to satisfactorily settle for the although the claim has been allowed & the money recd by their Administrator they think 2/3 of the amt is too much to be retained for administrators fees considering the amt of service rendered

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Libert Dec 29 1886. Hon Geo C. Whiting Dear Sir,
In accordance with the requirements of your letter of the 5 th inst. I have obtained from the Comptroller of the State of Ohio for a Certificate of Benajah Brown's entire services in the Rev War, which as you will perceive gives him services amounting to $20. more than that now on file in your office. I suppose therefore that this is sufficient to establish the claim. If so, please forward Draft for same to my address at your earliest convenience & Oblige Very respectfully.
Your obed Servt (Chs. H. Hartwell)

PROBATE COURT.
ESTATE OF
Violetta Austin
Deceased.
LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION.

STATE OF MICHIGAN, } ss. COUNTY OF Wayne
Probate Court for said County:
In the matter of the Estate of Violetta Dustin Deceased.
By Joseph H. Bagg Judge of Probate for said County.
To Thomas H. Hartwell
of said County, GREETING:
Whereas, Violetta Dustin lately departed this life intestate, being at, or immediately previous to her death, an inhabitant of the County of Wayne and having while she lived, and at the time of her decease, Estate within said County of Wayne to be administered, whereby the power of committing administration and full disposition of all and singular the goods, chattels, rights, credits and estate, whereof the said deceased died possessed, in the State of Michigan, and also the hearing, examination and allowing the account of such administration doth appertain unto me; and you having given a Bond in the premises, which has been duly approved and filed, as required by law in that behalf: Now, THEREFORE, trusting in your care and fidelity, I do, by these presents, commit unto you the said Thomas H. Hartwell in the Capacity of Administrator
full power and authority to administer and faithfully dispose of, according to law, all and singular the goods, chattels, rights, credits and estate, of said deceased, within the State of Michigan, which shall at any time come to your possession, or to the possession of any other person for you; and to ask, gather, levy, recover and receive, all the goods, chattels, rights, credits and estate whatsoever, of said deceased, which to her while she lived, and at the time of her death did belong; and to pay and discharge all debts and charges chargeable on the same, or such dividends thereon as shall be ordered and decreed by said Court: Hereby requiring you to make and return to said Court, within three months, a true and perfect inventory of all the goods, chattels, rights, credits and real estate of said deceased, which shall come to your possession or knowledge, or to the possession of any other person for you, and also to render a just and true account of your administration to said Court, within one year, and at any other time when required by said Court, and to perform all orders and decrees of said Court, by you to be performed in the premises.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Probate Court, at Detroit the Tenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty six
Joseph H. Bagg Judge of Probate.
Recorded, in Lib. 42 Fol. 198

23rd Decr. 12 th 1886. Hon Geo C. Whiting Comm r Pensions. Washington D.C.
My Dear Sir.
Enclosed please find Letters of Administration in Estate of Violetta Austin, decd. Navy Widow, together with the affidavits of George D. Paine and Harriet White. Please give this case your earliest attention and you will very much Oblige
Respectfully Yours &c.
Thos M. Hartrick
Adm r & Ex r Violetta Austin

98.76 - 12/69 132 5761 3.02 60.63
1844 1836 111111-11
8. 12/98.76 8.23 11 30/90 53 307 8.23 11,25
98.76 8 190,08 60.63 #850.71

State of Michigan, } County of Wayne, } In the Probate Court of said County
In the matter of the Estate of Violeta Austin - deceased -
I Elijah Hawley Jr. Judge of the Court of Probate in and for said County in said State do hereby certify that thereon file in my office satisfactory evidence that Violeta Aus- tin (widow of Benajah Brown) died on the fifteenth day of October 1844. and that she left seven children who are now surviving and whose names are as follows to wit: Elizabeth, wife of William Brown; Walter Brown; Electa wife of Samuel Warner; Priscilla Brown; Stella, wife of Eli Brown; Sylvanus Nichols; and Benajah M. Brown.
In Testimony Whereof have hereunto set my hand and official seal this 19 th day of February A.D. 1857.
E. Hawley Jr. Judge of Probate

Brief in the case of Violetta Dustin, decd. formerly widow of Benajah Brown.
Elgin County and State of Province of Canada,
act July 4. 1838, 1:
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Record evidence of marriage to Benajah Brown, prior to 1794, and also record evidence of his service for 5 months as Sergeant and 5 months and 16 days as Lieut. in the troops of New York. An Administrator residing in Michigan has been appointed, 1:
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
M c H. Hartwell, Detroit, Mich.
W. Ogden Mills, Examining Clerk.

Oct 27 1855 Geneva Ontario County New York Hon. Sir
Your circular O. in answer to my last letter to you previous to leaving Aylmer was only forwarded to me from that place and for which please accept my thanks - Since my arrival home I have reviewed the cases of Widows. Eunice Nelson and Sarah Jones & compared the copies of Mr Waldo's letters with yours in those two cases, and have showed them to other agents and I can but say in truth that there is as yet but one exception, and that is that they have been fairly and plainly presented and the proof is far more weighty than has been adduced in some cases on which certificates for Pension have been obtained, the first information I had that there was 2 persons by the name of William Nelson attached to the 5 Regiment was from Mr Waldo I answered his letter immediately & if you will only look at that & his letter which I sent you a true copy of which I have you can but see that I speak truth after I wrote him I wrote to Albany & also to Mrs Nelson & recd answer from her first that she knew or to comply with Mr W's desire, could not remember that her husband said anything about another Nelson I could not tell her about him for I had not recd from Comptroller I wrote to W. what she said & a few days after recd as recd record of desertion in D.B. Viers (or please look at my 2 nd letter to Mr W. & you will see what I stated and you have his reply to it - I then went to Houghton

where she resides with the certificate of Comptroller forwarded to you (some 30 miles) & took her season officewet to fulfill Mr. W. S. requirement and am fu. Satisfied she told me the truth in what I sent for as far as she could she was not required to speak any other but Wm N. she spoke of Murphy as a circum- to show where her husband was you of course know if there was such a man at the place described by her I do not she swears that her husband William Nelson was at the point set forth by her and it is reasonable that you show from records which ought to be in the war department that he was not to warrant you in rejecting the evidence adduced if you be lenient to do that I will be much obliged as to Jacob Spangstad he now resides within the jurisdiction of the U.S. & I say with full confidence that if required he can be sworn again & you will then know that what he says will have some weight and also that Emil Nelson's husband did not go to Canada in 1881 as you have stated and even if he did that would not help your presumption as to how for the war was not then close and I would not have been good policy for a man to desert to the enemy and while a deserter return and marry a wife in 1891 and move to Canada in 1881 - 10 years before he had done and even 2 years before the war closed and still remain dealing about some 3 years after he deserted, it is presumed that no man could perform such a feat in the face of the very men he had deserted and yet you are made to found your presumption on just such a feat and I have yet to hear that they can be raised on any other my only object in speaking this on this case is to show the absurdity of the ground you have taken and request you to preserve all the papers in that case just as you are likely to testify you found them on taking your claim there are other men besides J. S. who will swear if necessary

This same William Nelson the husband of Eunice and who is proved to have served in Capt. Johnson's Company of the 1 st Regiment of N.Y. line went to Canada in 1800, and that they were living at the time at Salt Fleet & still are & they are ready to swear to the fact in positive terms, and further they have often heard him speak of his service in Sullivan's expedition and why and when he was discharged and how he lost it as has already been shown and they cannot be impeached I knew this before I recd Mr. W's requirements as set forth in his letter of the 7 th of June last but as he only asked of the Clement and the Wotief Springslee to state what they could remember what her husband said respecting other Nelson's who were in the same Regiment and line with him or about the same time I concurred it quite unnecessary to send this and when I found some time after that the man I sought was not in the same company and deserted some 2 years before our man was discharged I could not help laughing at the street the Commission must be in to find people to hang a prescription on I could not think he was serious in his requirements after I found how the case stood in relation to those two Nelson's till I recd his last when I undertook to fill them & when I read yours of the 13 th Sept. I could have no other view than that same persons unknown to me are striving to injure me in my efforts to do an honorable business & I shall not attempt to battle with them but stick to my purpose & if I can not be satisfactorily noticed in one department I know just where to make my business known & intend to apply in that quarter since I have some information that there are persons still living in Albany County at the place where Nelson was married to Eunice Young in 1791 - who knew him at the time and long before but I do not know that they served in the 5 th Reg. with him it is too late for the Commission to expect positive evidence of service in those old Revolutionary days & yet he allows just such claimants to receive their legal pensions - In the case of Sarah Jones you are made to say you concur in the opinion of your Predecessor, if so I hope you will accept of his requirements as filled & for you say you have filed them forward your report accordingly to me here if you do not choose to do that will you please preserve

all the papers in that case as requested above in the Nelson case? I was agreeably surprised on my return from Saltfleet to Aylmer to find the certificate of Pension in the case of Susannah Foster for Sarah (Cossett) & Hannah Hooker but as it came by the way of Geneva the said H. H. has got the impression that my object was to cheat the claimants & that I have the bulk of the amount claimed, I did not expect the certificate yet for after I had filled every requirement Mr. W. made he refused the certificate & said I must take the evidence all over again in the highest court the claimants could - & I intended to go to the Supreme Court of the State of N.Y. & Queens bench in Canada before I gave up although it had all been done in the right way before Foster recd $80 pr year as an invalid I think he is proud to have served longer than 2 years & the heirs are entitled to $96 instead of $80 My Father Nathan Leall drew $96 - he served in the Continental line about as long as Foster - & My Mother Polly Leall is now in receipt of $96 I suppose the line soldiers all recd the same out of pay for so many months the law gives full pay for 2 years service will you please look into the proof in that case and certify I shall continue to strive to merit an honorable notice and hope hereafter to receive it -
Will you please be kind enough to examine the papers enclosed which consist of Walter Brown's Declaration, and family record attached thereto Mordecia Loop's affidavit, Polly Leall's (my mother) affidavit the Comptroller's (N.Y.) certificate B. M. Brown's Power of Attorney from his Brothers and Sisters and his Power of Attorney to me, and forward your report to me at this place at your earliest convenience?
I have the honor to be Sir Very Respectfully, N. N. Leall

Geneva Dec 26-1855 Hon Sir
In the application of Walter Brown son of Benajah & Violeta claiming pension under act of 1858 by reason of services of the said Lt Brown in the Revolutionary war which I forwarded to you - the latter part of Oct last & on which I recd your reply in due time I am requested to ask the privilege to forgo the necessity of making another declaration on no other grounds however than that it will subject the said Walter Brown to an unnecessary expense in coming to the U.S. he resides about 160 miles from the nearest point where a court is held within the jurisdiction of the U.S. and there is no Rail Road near him the identity of his Father & Mother will be clearly shown by evidence in this state & if you will permit the facts to come forward under the declaration now before you

and also allow letters of Administration to be taken before the proper Authority in Canada where he is known & where it is easier for him to get the necessary Bail than among those who are strangers to him he will be much obliged. I am quite certain he would not ask this if he did not live so far from Buffalo as others have made the Declaration in Canada & had their claims allowed & he knowing this fast he is desirous to know why he can not be allowed the same privilege, the evidences to Identity will meet your requirements I think fully; will you please reply at your earliest convenience?
I have the honor to be Sir
Very Respectfully &c
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
H. M. Seall

State of New York Ontario County } ss
Personally appeared before me Charles Folger a judge of court within & for the county & state aforesaid Polly Teall aged eighty three years a resident of the Village of Geneva (county & state aforesaid whom I certify from my own personal knowledge to be respectable and entitled to full credit and who being duly sworn ac- cording to law says that she was personally acquainted with Benajah Brown who was an officer in the Revolutionary war that she first knew him several years previous to the close of said war at which time she with others of her Father's family removed from Dutchess to Westchester County in the State of New York and in the im- mediate vicinity of the residence of the said Brown's Father where she remained several years, She further swears that from the time of said removal till the close of the war the said Benajah Brown was absent from home most of the time but would after long absence occasionally visit at her home in company with her Father who was also engaged in the said war and from the general conversation held in her presence by the said Brown and others at the time and for some time after the war closed she did then believe & still has no doubt of the fact that the said Brown served as a Sergeant in Captain Ebenezer Doolittle's Company and afterwaras as Lieutenant in Captain Samuel Lewis' Company in Colonel James Rimmer's Regiment of the Westchester Militia in the State of New York and that he continued in actual service in the

last mentioned) in said war a period longer than two years, She further swears, a short time after the close of said war and several years previous to the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight the said Benajah Brown was legally married in the county of Weschester aforesaid to Violetta Paine, daughter of Col. Brinton Paine and elder sister of this deponent. She further swears that the said Benajah & Violetta Brown lived together as man and wife after their said marriage and reared a family that they removed from Weschester to Niagara, now Chautauqua County in the state of aforesaid and in the immediate vicinity of this deponent where they remained a few years and again removed to the Province of Canada where they continued to reside up to the expiration of their lives. That she has been informed and believes that the children of the said Benajah & Violetta his wife do now reside in the said province. She further swears that she was in a position to know the facts & circumstances of the service of the said Brown in the aforesaid war and his marriage with her sister and that the statement she has given above is true to the best of her knowledge & belief and that she is now a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $72. per annum in virtue of her late husband's (Nathan Ladd) service in said war and further that she has no interest in the claim to pension by the heirs of the said Benajah Brown.
Tilly Foss
Sworn to and subscribed before me this eighth day of September A.D. 1885.
Mark Bridger Notary Public

STATE OF NEW-YORK,
COUNTY OF ONTARIO, } ss.
I, JOHN J. LYON, Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State above mentioned, do hereby certify that Charles J. Holger whose genuine signature appears above, is, and was at the time of signing the same, a Justice of the Peace Justice of the Peace in and for the county and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit; and that the aforesaid county court is a court of record, having general jurisdiction.
Given under my hand and seal of office, at Canandaigua, this 22 day of Oct 1853.
John J. Lyon Clerk

Province of Canada County of Elgin } ss.
On this tenth day of October A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five personally appeared before me James Brown a justice of the peace within and for the County & Province aforesaid. Mordene Loop aged forty years, a resident of the township of Malahide in the County and Province aforesaid, who I know to be respectable and entitled to full credit and who being duly sworn according to law, swears that he was personally acquainted with Violetta formerly Widow of Benajah Brown an Revolutionary Soldier of the State of New York but lastly Widow of Paul Dustin he further swears that he knew her as Widow Dustin several years previous to A.D. one thousand eight hundred and forty, that during the time of their said acquaintance he has frequently heard her say that she was the Daughter of Col Britton Paine that she was married to the said Benajah Brown in the State of New York a few months after the close of the said war, that the aforesaid Benajah Brown was a commissioned officer in Col Thaddeus Cramers Regiment & served several years as such, that several years after their said marriage they removed from the State of New York to the Province of Canada.

He further declares that he is personally acquainted with Elizabeth Brown now wife of William Bowen residing in the County of Welland, in Province of Canada, Walter Brown Electy Brown now wife of Samuel Harper Branton, P. Brown Stella Brown now wife of Eli Brown and Benjamin M. Brown all of the County of Elgin & Province aforesaid, that they all have often called her Mother in his presence and has often heard her speak of them as being her children and from his knowledge of her character for truth and her appearance he has every reason to believe that she was the identical person she represented herself to be and that the above named persons represented as being her children are the legitimate heirs of the said Benjamin & Violetta. He further declares that the said Violetta died at the house of Samuel Harper's the then & now has been a of her Daughter Electy in the township of Mabaide in the County of Elgin & Province of Canada on the fifteenth day of October A.D. one thousand eight hundred and forty four
the Princess. He loved the lady. The first time he was present at her funeral and saw her remains deposited in the grave he further avows

That he is a disinterested witness Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written James Brown J.P.C.E.
Province of Canada County of Elgin S.S.
I hereby certify that James Brown is a legal justice of the peace within and for the County of Elgin Province aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and know that the above is his genuine official signature In testimony whereof hereunto set my name and affix the seal of my office This ninth day of October A.D. 1855
W. Campbell Clerk Division Court for the County of Elgin

State of New-York,
COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE.
Albany, October 24 1855.
I Hereby Certify, That on searching the Records in this office for the Registry of Certificates issued in pursuance of a law, passed April 27, 1784, entitled "An Act for the settlement of the pay of Levies and Militia for their services in the late war, and for other purposes therein mentioned," I find the following, viz:
   NAMES. No. OF BOOK. NO. OF CERTIFICATE. DATE. $ S. D. RANK AND NAME OF COMPANY OFFICER. RANK AND NAME OF FIELD OFFICER.   $ S. D.     Benajah Brown Lieut. 8 39,651 Nov r 1. 1781 59 " 4 capt. Sam l . Lewis Lt. Col. Thaddeus Crane   47 00 91 49   21 04 marks                  
I have examined the Rolls for the items above set forth, and find them to be correct.
W. D. S. ... Clerk.
J. ... Comptroller.

Know all men by these presents that I Benajah M Brown of the County of Elgin in the Province of Canada and one of the children and legal representatives of Benajah Brown a Revolutionary Soldier and Nolitte his wife who is now deceased do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint W. N. Seall of the Village of Geneva in the State of New York my true and Lawful Attorney for me, and in my name to examine into & prosecute any claim that may be due or found to be due the children and legal representatives of Benajah Brown and Nolitte his wife in virtue of said Benajah Brown's service in the Revolutionary war, and the several acts and resolutions of Congress relative thereto and that might have accrued to either of said parties and not drawn during their life time and now due to their legal representatives, and to receive the certificate of Pension &c when issued by the Department I hereby confirming whatsoever my said attorney may do or cause to be legally done either in person or by substitution in the prosecution of said claim I revoking any other authority I may have given to any other person or persons

in the premises what soever.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Fifth day of June. AD - 1854 Signed in presence of { Philip Hodgkinson. } Margaret M Brown
Province of Canada { County of Elgin } Set to wit
On this Fifth day of June in the year AD 1854 personally appeared before me Margaret M Brown and acknow- ledged the within Power of Attorney to be his act and deed
Philip Hodgkinson F.P. County Elgin

I William Campbell Clerk of the Second Division Court of the County of Elgin hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Phillip Hodgkinson Esquire one of her Majesty's Justices of the Peace in and for the said County of Elgin also his hand write and I believe the above to be the signature of the said Phillip Hodgkinson in proof whereof I subscribe my name and affix the seal of this Court Aylmer 5 th June 1854
(William Campbell) Clerk of said Court

No 15368
Violetta Dustin,
Formerly widow of Benajah Brown,
New York
July 7, 1838,
Marrried June 11, 1841 She died Oct. 15, 1844
H. N. Lewis. Genoa, N.Y.

I know all men by these Presents
That we Walter Brown Ebetty Harper wife of Samuel Harper Stella Brown wife of Eli Brown all of the County of Elgin in the Province of Canada and Brinton P. Brown in County of Oxford and Elizabeth Bowen wife of William Bowen in the County of Oxford and in the said Province of Canada, Children and legal Representatives of Benajah Brown a Revolutionary Soldier and Violetta his wife who is now deceased, Do here by irrevocably constitute and appoint Benajah Mr. Brown, our Brother, of the County of Elgin in the said Province of Canada our true and lawful attorney for us and in our names to commin- ce and prosecute any claim that may be due or found to be due the Children and legal Representatives of Benajah Brown and Violetta his wife in virtue of the said Benajah Brown's service in the Revolution- ary war and the several acts and resolutions of Congress relative thereto and that might have accrued to either of the said Parties and not drawn by them during their life time and now due to their legal Representatives and to receive the certificate of Pension when issued by the Department on the money thereon we here by confirming what so ever our said Attorney may do or cause to be legally done either in person or by Substitution in the prosecution of said claim we revoking any other authority we may have given to any other person or persons in the Premises what so ever.
In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and Seals this first day of October in the Year of our Lord one one thousand eight hundred and fifty four.
Witnesses: James M. McIntosh Clerk, Brantford Robt. J. Bowen
Brinton P. Brown
X Walter Brown
X Stella Brown
X Ebetty Harper
X Elizabeth Bowen

State of New York County of Chemung ss
Personally appeared before me Ariel S. Shrewton a judge of the court within and for the county and state aforesaid George C. Paine a resident of the town of Horse Heads in the aforesaid county & state who being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that he is seventy five years old, that he was well acquainted with Benajah Brown who was a soldier in the army of the Revolution, that from his (deponent's) earliest recollection and for several years subsequent to the year A.D. one thousand seven hundred and eighty four the families of Deponent's father and of the father of the said Lieutenant Benajah Brown resided in the same neighborhood, and near each other in the county of Westchester in the said state of New York, he further says that the said Benajah Brown was legally married to Violetta Paine daughter of Col Brenton Paine and sister to his deponent, and reared a family, whose names are as follows Elizabeth, Walter, Eliza, Stella, Brenton P. and Benajah M. Brown. he further saith that he has frequently heard the said Benajah Brown say that he served as sergeant first in the company commanded by Capt. Scfield and afterwards as Lieutenant in Capt. Paine's company in Col. Crane's Regiment of the Westchester Militia. he further says that the said Lieutenant Benajah Brown has frequently told this deponent that he served in the capacity as last mentioned from the time of his aforesaid appointment

a period longer than two years and to the close of the war and he believes this to be true from the fact that the said Benjamin Brown has frequently exhibited his Commission to persons and he was familiarly known as and generally called Lieutenant Brown he further says that he has seen the said Benjamin Brown Commission several times and read it he is certain of this fact he further swears that several years subsequent to the marriage of the said Lieutenant Brown with Kolette they with their family moved to the Province of Canada & about the year one thousand eight hundred and five the said Benjamin Brown was deceased this he believes to be true from the fact that he afterwards went to the said Province on a visit to the said Kolette then widow of the said Lieutenant Brown he further swears that he again visited his sister the said Kolette after she was married & became the Widow of Paul Dustin but prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty he further swears that the children of the said Benjamin Brown and Kolette are now residing in the Province of Canada most of them in the county of Elgin. This is the information he believes to be true George Edm Claire - and further says that I am well acquainted with the above named respondent & know that I know him to be of sound memory and gave evidence and that he is a good and Providence to once subscribed

before me this first day of December A.D. 1855-
And I further certify that I saw well as guarantee with George Paine the above named defendant and know him to be of same mind and good memory and that he is a good and reliable witness
Ariel S. Thurston County Judge of The County of Chemung
State of New York Chemung County Clerk's office 3 ss.
I hereby certify that Ariel S. Thurston Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit was made and executed and who has thereunto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing a County Judge in & for the County aforesaid, commissioned and sworn & duly qualified to act as such County Judge and that his signature above subscribed is genuine.
Witness My hand and seal of said County at Elmina this 1 st day of December 1855-
W. T. Lowe Jr. Clk. Chemung Co.