Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 9626, for Robert K Skaddin, Pennsylvania
Page 1

(S-1776)

SERVICE NUMBER

Penn, Skaddin, Robtert, K, R. 9626

CONTENTS
Page 2

Nol. 37497
Robert. K. Skadden
Ohio
Act of June 1832.
Page 3

State of Ohio
Champaign County

On this thirtieth day of March 1847 personally appeared in open court before the court of common pleas now sitting, Robert K. Skaddin, a resident of Urbana in the county of Champaign and state of Ohio, aged ninety-one years, who first being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.

I, the said Robert K. Skaddin was born at Campbell's Mills, Orange County, in the state of New York, March 17th 1756 according to the best information I have on the subject, having no record evidence of my age.  At the age of ten years I removed with my parents and family to Cumberland County, Pennsylvania where I resided until the month of June 1779, when I entered the service of the United States as a volunteer.  I entered said service at the Township of Lemoyne in the then county of Cumberland, state of Pennsylvania.  I served as such volunteer under Capt. Thomas Clark and marched from the town of Carlisle in the county of Cumberland, Pennsylvania, to a place called the Crooked Billet within about five miles of the city of Philadelphia, where I remained in station until near the expiration of the term for which I volunteered, which was three months.

Then I enlisted as a private in the regular service and was attached to second company, tenth regiment, Pennsylvania Line, said company being commanded by Capt. James Butler, Col. Israel Butler commanding the regiment.  While at the Crooked Billet we were surrounded by the British troops and had an engagement with them, in which I received a flesh wound on the fore part of my left leg (between the knee and ankle) from a pistol
Page 4

shot.  I entered the regular service as before stated at an encampment within about five miles of the Crooked Billet, under the command of Gen. Anthony Wayne, from which encampment I marched to Germantown, Pennsylvania, where I was engaged in a battle between the troops under Col. Buttler and Col. Fluery of the Virginia Line, all under the command of Gen. Wayne. 

After which we were ordered to cross the Delaware River into the state of New Jersey.  We crossed above Philadelphia, as near as I can recollect, after marching six or eight miles we met the forces under Gen. Lee retreating before the (illegible).  We sustained Gen. Lee's forces until ordered by Gen. Washington to retreat, by (illegible) from about East Towns on the Delaware River after which at the request of Gen. Wayne, the 10th regiment, Pennsylvania Line and the regiment of new Virginia troops under Col. Fluery were detailed under the command of Gen. Wayne, and marched to Stoney Pont on the Hudson River about 45 or 50 miles above the city of New York.

We passed through the state of New Jersey and arrived in the vicinity of said fort on the 16th day of July 1780, I think; and on the night of that day, at midnight, we left our baggage in camp (illegible) half mile from the fort and with several bayonets silently (illegible) the works were carried by us in half an hour; in the engagement I received a bayonet wound on the right side of my body.  

We marched with the prisoners to Philadelphia where if I remember rightly, we remained in the barracks until mid-winter, from thence we marched to Lancaster, Pennsylvania where we remained until spring opened, thence to the vicinity of Annapolis, Maryland, then to the siege of York Town, Virginia.  My recollection of events from the time we left Philadelphia until I was discharged so distinct as before I served
Page 5

in the company to which I was first attached, after my enlistment during the war.  

I received my discharge under the signature of Col. Israel Butler, when disbanded from the service at the end of the war at Philadelphia, which I lost while emigrating to the state of Ohio in the year 1811 under the following circumstances; at (illegible) falls on the Ohio River our flat bottomed boat was crushed by the ice, my moveable effects were wet and damaged and a bundle of papers among which was my discharge, was wholly lost.

After my discharge from the service, I returned to Lemoyne Township aforesaid, where I resided until January 1811, when I emigrated to the state of Ohio.  I resided in Hamilton and Preble (adjoining) counties in Ohio for two years and removed thence to Jackson Township, Montgomery County, where I resided fourteen years, thence to Dayton same county and lived there 16 years, then removed to Champaign County, Ohio where I have lived nearly four years and where I still live.

Having lost my discharge, I have no documentary evidence of, and I know of no person who can testify to my service.  

I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and also declare that my name is not on the pension roll of any state.
Signed:  Robert (his X mark) Skaddin

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year before written.
Signed:  Samuel H. Robinson, Clerk

Mr. William R. Scott and Charles Flago, residing in the town of Urbana, Champaign County and state of Ohio, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Robert K. Skaddin who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration; that we believe him to be ninety-one years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Signed:  William T. Scott, Charles Flago

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Signed:  Samuel H. Robinson, Clerk
Page 6

And the said court declares their opinion, after investigation of the matter and after putting interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states. 

And the court further certifies that it appears to them that William T. Scott and Charles Flago, who have signed the preceding certificate, are credible persons and their statement is entitled to credit.  
Signed:  James L. Terbert, President Judge Champaign Com. Pleas

I, Samuel H Robinson, clerk of the court of common pleas for Champaign County, Ohio, due hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said court in the matter of the application of Robert K. Skaddin for a pension.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this thirtieth day of March in the year eighteen hundred and forty-seven. 
Signed:  Samual H Robinson, Clk. 

37.497  
Robert K. Skaddin
Ohio
Act of June 1832
Page 7

[illegible]
Robert Skadddin
Act '39, Ohio Regt. 

[Too faded to read]


8105

Crane   Schenck
Dayton
Ohio
Page 8


BRIEF in the case of Robert Skaddin
Co. of Montgomery in the State of Ohio
(Act 7th June, 1832)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  Open Court

2.  If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  

3.  How old is he?   72

4.  State his service, as directed in the form annexed.  

Period - In 1777 Volunteered  
Duration of Service - 3 months
Rank - Private
Gen. and Field Officers under whom he served-
Cap. Clark  Col. Armstrong

In 1778 - Volunteer
Duration of Service - 3 months
Rank - Private 
Gen. and Field Officers under whom he served- Cap. Blair  Col. Armstrong, Gen. Wayne

In 1779 - volunteer
Duration of Service - 2 months 20 days
Rank - Private
 Gen and Field Officers under whom he served Capt. Blair Gen. Wayne Col. Armstrong

In 1780 - Draftee
Duration of Service - 3 months
Rank - Private
Gen and Field Officers under whom he served
Capt. Murray,  Col Irwin

 [blank]
Duration of service - 11 months, 20 days
Rank - Private
Gen. and Field Officers under whom he served-
[blank]

5.  In what battles was he engaged?  Paoli surprise, storming Stony Point and wounded by a bayonet -- wounded by a musket shot.  

6.  Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Cumberland County, Pa .
 
7.  Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  traditionary documentary.  

8.  Are the papers defective as to form or authentication?  and if so, in what respect:  The papers are not attached according to the Regulations.  

I CERTIFY that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.  

George Taylor [signature]
Examining Clerk.
Page 9

[At bottom of page]

J Kaddin, Robert
Penn   R9626
Page 10

[Page Illegible]
Page 11

Letter to E. Wilson
April 21 1847

Same 10th Oct. 1849


9627
Page 12

Act 7th June 1932

Rejected    9629
See letter 26th June 1833
To Crane + Schenck
Dayton
Ohio

sent letter to W. L. Helfenstein
Sept. 12.1834 -- [Rest illegible]
Page 13

[Acts of July 14, 1852, and March 3, 1873 . Crossed out]

R E J E C T E D

9607
P. O.  [blank]
Robert H. Shaddin

Service:  
See same Soldier rej'd 9626

Enlisted:  [blank]
Discharged:  [blank]

Application filed:  [blank]

Alleges:  [blank]
Page 14

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.

REJECTED

9626

P.O. K
Robert Skaden

Service: Robert K Skaddin

Enlisted: Act Aug. 7, 1906 , 18
Discharged: , 18

Application filed: , 18

Alleges:

Re-enlisted:

Attorney:
P. O.

Recognized. Contract.
Cert. of Dis. Searched for , 18
Page 15

[Page illegible]
Page 16










Springfield Clark County Ohio
July 12th 1849

Hon. Sir

Your letter of the 5th last, is rec'd; also, the printed circular.  You say that your rules will not admit a search of rolls to be made until 
the 5th paragraph of the printed circular is completed with. On the 30th day of March 1847 Robert K. Skaddin made his declaration according to the form in House document No. 95, page 124 + 5 before the Court of Common Pleas, then in Session at Alabama Champaign County State of Ohio which declaration was forwarded to your office .  I sought for the testimony of service in his case at Harrisburgh Pa., but it appears that his name is not on the rolls in the Auditor Generals office at that place.  Learning a few days ago that there were  muster rolls of continental service in Philadelphia and in Pittsburgh also that Capt. James Butler died in the latter place the letter of the 28th June was addressed to the Secretary of War, and any information in answer to which yours of the 5th is rec'd.  

Robert K. SKaddin is generally believed to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and to have served as he has set forth in the declaration.  The law of 1832, 7th of June is understood by us to apply in this case, but if the documents of the [illegible] show no such service we expect to receive no pension.  But if they are in your office or the office of the War Department we can see no justification
Page 17


cause why they should be withheld, we are willing to submit our cause to the necessary tests, but at the same time desire to know where to apply for those tests which the rules of your office require and if they are to be found at Washington City, we see no cause why a certificate of pension should not be immediately issued to him.  If necessity would be regarded as a [illegible] None much stronger could be submitted [illegible] in his case.  

Believing that you will act in such a manner that Justice will be meted to him according to his deserts.  With respect I subscribe myself your  obledient servt.

E. Wilson     
Hon J. L. Edwards
Washington City


P.S.  The name of James St. Clair was mentioned by me as being nearly a    case with  that of Robt. K. Skaddin, Genl. C. Armstrong has the suspension of the St. Clair case.  

 Respectfully yours +c


Hon. J. L. Edwards,

E. Wilson
Page 18







War Department
Division Office 
[2?] June 1833.

[illegiblee] Crane J. Schenck

The evidence in support of the claim of Robert Shaden has been again examined.  

The papers purporting to be discharges are not genuine.  The claim is therefore rejected and the papers are retained as the files of this office.  
 
I am very respectfully 
your obt. servt.
J. L. Edwards

[illegible] Crane + Schenck
Dayton,
Ohio
Page 19

J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 20

Springfield Clark County Ohio April 1st 1847

Dear Sir  Enclosed is the application of Robert K. Skaddin for a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 for your information I state that he was totally unacquainted that such an act had passed until recently and when made acquainted thereof  he has taken the earliest opportunity to comply with its provisions.

After an examination of the application you will please address.      E. Wilson, Springfield


J. L. Edwards
Page 21

Robert Skaddin
Page 22








BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Robert Skaddin  which require further proof or explanation.  

I.  Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
Page 23

2

XI.  Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?   [illegible]


XII.  If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?  

XIII.  If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?  [illegible]

XIV.  If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?  
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?  
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?  

XV.  Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?  

XVI.  Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct:  No

XVII.  Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily?  And if not, which of them is not so answered?  [illegible]

EXPLANATORY NOTES.

*QUERE V.  In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:  "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c.  A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For [blank] year [blank] months, and [blank] days, I served as a [blank]   For [blank] months and [blank] days, I served as a [blank]; and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 24

3

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.

QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.

In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.

QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.

In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of the paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Page 25

[illegible]
Page 27

Dayton Aug. 27, 1834 -

J. L. Edwards Esqr -

Dear Sir,

     Mr. Robert Skaddin of this place a revolutionary soldier, sometime in March of 1831 sent on his application for a pension this Mosses Crane & schedule, to Washinton - His papers were all properly authenticated & one or two additions were made to these since at Washington.  Thus for Mr. Scaddon has been unsuccessful in his application.  He is now desirous to withdraw his papers for certain reasons - will you have the goodness to forward them to Mr. Scaddon to my care.
    This is a matter of general request, that so worthy a man as Mr. Scaddon has (illegible) in foregoing his (next Page)
Page 28

pension - He is poor, but universally esteemed by all who know him.

                               Very respectfully,
                                     Yours
                                           //s//
                              Wm. l. Helfenstein