'On 27 June 1842 Ruth Howard, at Ellisburg, N. Y., writes to Brother Shadrach Austin at Union Township, Pa., ... "I have heard nothing before from you in forty years." She tells of losing her companion in the wilderness, who left her with five small children to provide for, and she given the names of the children, viz., Chancy, Daniel, Hunin, Harriet, and Eleius G., Howard. She reminds Shadrach that she is the older, and states that Sister Huyck is living in Chautauqua County, in the town of Arkright, and that she hears from her through J. A. Spencer.'
This letter establishes Ruth Howard of Ellisburg, NY as the daughter of Joshua and Tryphena (Hatheway) Austin, who were married at Suffied, 10 July 1747, and older sister of "Shadrach of Luzerne County, Pa, b. in Connecticut 12 July 1770."
