Questions Regarding the Relationship of John O'Kelly Buxton and Frances Jenno

From the Department of the Interior, Pension Office, Washington, D.C.
July 15, 1879
Sir
In the claim for pension of Frances widow of John O. Buxton no 34479 act of March 3, 1878, you are required to show the nature of the separation that existed between the claimant and the soldier as it appears they did not live together for about twenty five years. Were they divorced? Please return this letter with the evidence.
Very respectfully,
J A Bentley
Acting Commissioner
to John H Stotsenburg, Esq
New Albany, Ind.

Department of the Interior, Pension Office, Confidential, Washington, D.C. May 26th 1879
Sir:
Will you be pleased to furnish this Office with any information you may possess, or be able to obtain without any inconvenience, in answer to the following questions, to be considered in the claim of Frances Buxton, No 34479, as the widow of John O Buxton, for the pension under the Act of March 9, 1878.
Is there within the delivery of your office, a person by the name of Frances Buxton; is she the reputed widow of a soldier of the War of 1812; what is her apparent age; and has she remarried since the soldier's death.
It appears that John O Buxton died at Benton County, Arkansas, in 1874, and that his widow was not informed of his sickness until after his death, she alleges.
It also appears that one John O K Buxton was a pensioner; that he made application for the same in 1871, from Benton County, Arkansas.
It is desirable that this Office be also informed whether they were recognized and generally understood to be man and wife at that time, as he seems to have been absent from his wife at the time of applying for pension, and also at the time of his death, the date of which would include a period of three years.
Please return this letter with your answer.
Very respectfully

Commissioner


to Postmaster New Albany, Floyd Co. Indiana


New Albany Ind
May 29th 1879
Sir:
In reply to the within, I have obtained the following particulars: Frances Buxton resides in New Albany Ind. She claims to be the widow of John O Buxton, a soldier of 1812, now deceased. She was 78 years of age Dec 25 1878. Since her separation from her husband she has not remarried. Her husband died Feb 14, 1874 in Benton Co., Arks. She did not learn of her husbands death until after it occurred. Does not think that there were other initials to her husbands name beside John O, has never heard him say that his name was John O'Kelly Buxton. Never made application excepting through John H Stotsenburg, atty of New Albany Ind. Has been separated from her husband 25 years and was separated from him at time of death. The separation was a mutual agreement and was not the result of quarreling or unhappiness from any cause. The husband moved to Arkansas, she went to her daughters who has supported her since.
Character good
Respectfully
M. M. Harley, P. M