Archive:War of 1812 Pension File, Joseph Whitney (1793-1841)
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War of 1812 Pension File, Joseph Whitney
Widow: Mary Whitney
Widow's Claim, #WO23394, Certificate #WC16959
National Archives Building, Washington, D.C.
U.S. Navy
Mary Whitney filed a claim on the military pension of her husband Joseph Whitney from Niagara Co., New York on 29 April 1878. Mary testifies that she is 79 years old, and a resident of Lewiston, N.Y. She declares she is the widow of Joseph Whitney, who served as a sailor or marine in the company commanded by Captain Warrington in the United States Navy. He served on the ship (Man of War) "Peacock" under Captain Warrington. On 29 April 1814 he was in the fight with the British Brig (Epervier ?) 18 guns, Captain Wales. Also the Nautilus, in the Straits of Sunda June 30, 1815. Mary declares that her husband’s service was terminated by peace, and she does not know his physical description at the time of his enlistment. Proof of service should exist in his file from getting a land warrant.
Mary states that she was married to Joseph Whitney in Oswego, Oswego Co., New York on 1 March 1818. Her maiden name was Mary Cooley, and this was the first marriage for both parties. She testifies that her husband died a Lewiston, N.Y. on 11 October 1841. She declares that since his discharge they have lived in Oswego for 5 years, Port Ontario for one year, and Lewiston four years (sic) until his death, and she has lived there ever since her husband died.
Mary retained John (Slevo?) of Canandaigua, Ontario Co., N.Y. as her attorney to prosecute the pension claim, and declares that she had obtained a land warrant, number unknown, whose application contains all the necessities of proof of service. Her address is Lewiston, Niagara Co., N.Y. Attesting the claim is Robert B. Whitney and A. S. Bairsto.
The Widow’s Brief in the file adds the following: Joseph Whitney served aboard the "Peacock" from 30 September 1813 to 20 January 1815, when he was discharged. Length of service was 478 days. The bounty land claim was found to be No. 50940-160-55 issued.
Mary Whitney was admitted January 16, 1879 to a pension of 8 dollars per month from March 9, 1878, the date of the Act.
Copyright © 2006, Kenneth L. Whitney and the Whitney Research Group
