Richard Barbour (Barber) Affidavit on Benjamin Starkey
abandoning his wife and children - 19 Jun 1863
Information found in this document
- Benjamin Starkey leaving his wife, Mary C., with several young children
- Benjamin Starkey is considered dead
- Benjamin Starkey has been gone for about 20 years
- Daniel G. Lewis is the second husband of Mary C. Lewis
- Daniel G. Lewis and Mary C. Lewis are in poor health
- Wilson L. Starkey is the son of Mary C. Lewis
State of New York
County of Niagara On this 19th day of June 1863 Richard Barbour who is to me well know personally appeared before me the undersigned Justice and being by me duly sworn declares, That he was well acquainted with Benjamin Starkey who is described in the foregoing application of Mary C. Lewis for more than five years at the town of Newfane in the aforesaid county. And knew of his leaving home and that he remained absent and unknown at the place of his former residence for more than seven years being as he believes for the last twenty years: That said Benjamin Starkey was reputed to be dead and so far as Deponent knows his death is not doubted: That at the time said Benjamin Starkey left his home Deponent lived Neighbor to the family and said Mary C. Lewis who was then the wife of said Benjamin Starkey was left with a family of small children to support and she was very poor and was assisted by the Neighbors until her children were grown to be able to support her and she had not as deponent believes any means of Support to depend upon except the exertions of herself and family for many years: That Deponent was well acquainted with her son Wilson L. Starkey from his childhood and he remained in the family with his mother and assisted her and devoted his time to the support of the family for many years That Deponent is also acquainted with Daniel G. Lewis who is the 2d husband of said Mary G. Lewis as herein described and has been for over ten years. That both said Daniel G. Lewis and Mary C. Lewis are Poor and as be believes unable from age, Disability & infirmities to support themselves and that Deponent has heard the annexed affidavit of Alden C. Keith read and believes it in all respects true and a fair statement Richard Barber Sworn and subscribed before me this 19th day of June 1863. by Richard Barber & I certify his statements are entitled to full credit. J W Vail Justice of the Peace Attached is the Notary Certificate of William S. Wright, County Clerk, and Clerk of the Courts of Record of Niagara County, New York. He certifies that Alden C. Keith and J.W. Vail are both Justices of the Peace. Dated 22nd day of June A.D. 1863 W.S Wright Clerk. |