A pension application made in Texas twenty-five years or more after the war ended would not have been reviewed by authorities in another state. These papers were reviewed by Texas state authorities only.

Plus, if Staton had truly been fearful of extradition, he wouldn't have given his real name to the census taker, who was providing information to Federal authorities. Joseph P. Staton provided his real name every time it was required for public identification, so this must not have been an issue with him.