Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4558, for Aaron Osborn, New York
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New York
Osborn, or Osburn, Aaron
Benjamin, Sarah 
W. 4558
BL. Wt 30. 622-160-55
This woman's last husband, John Ben-
jamin, also served in the Revolution-
ary War.
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9865 
New york
Aaron Obsurn
of Montgomery in the state of New york
who was a corporal in the regiment, commanded by Colonel Ganswork(?) Schaick(?) of the New york line, for the term of six years and 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of New york 
at the rate of 8 dollars per month, to commence on the 18 of May 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 of 1819 
and sent to Benedict Arnold Amsterdam New york
Arrears to 4th of March 1819 9 18/31 16.69
semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Le(?) 1819 6 mos 48.
$124.64

Revolutionary claim, 
Act 18th March, 1818.

Dead - 
See old roll -
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Pennsylvania 1782
Sarah Benjamin, formerly widow of Aaron Osborn, dec.
Who died about 1817
of Wayne Co in the state of Pennsylvania 
Who was a corporal in the Company commanded by Captain Gregg of the Regt commanded by Col. Clinton in the New York for 2 years + upwards

Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania 
At the rate of 88 Dollars ___ Cents, per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of Febr 1838 and sent  Hon. D. W. [?] Wagener  House of Rep

Arrears to the 4th Sept. 1837                 $ 572.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept 38 44.00
                                                                   $ 616.00

Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4, 1836,
Section the 3 [act]
Mar 3 1837
Recorded by H. D. Addison
[ ]    Vol. 2d.     Page
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175.954 Act Mar 3/55
June 25/58

Sarah Benjamin ^formerly [?]
Aaron Osborn
Corporal

No 30622

[___________]. from 4/56.  September

Rev. War.

Rec. pension date
Fe. 13 - 1838

Penn. July 26 - 1782

Marshall Wheeler
Honesdale. [Hanesdale]
Wayne County
Pa

Vol 6. page 114
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State of Pennsylvania
Wayne County
On this twentieth day of November, A.D. 1837 personally appeared before the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Wayne Sarah Benjamin a resident of Pleasant Mount in said County of Wayne and State of Pennsylvania aged eighty one years on the seventeenth day of the present month who being first duly sworn according to the law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4, 1836, and the act explanatory of said act, passed March 3rd, 1837:
That she was married to Aaron Osborn, who was a soldier during the revolutionary war, that her first acquaintance with said Osborn commenced at Albany in the state of New-York ^ during the hard winter of 1780 - that deponent then resided at the home of one John Willis ^ a blacksmith - in said city that said Osborn came down there from Fort Stanwix and went to work at the business of blacksmithing for said Willis and continued working at intervals at intervals [blotted out] for a period of perhaps two months - Said Osborn ^then informed deponent that he had first enlisted at Goshen in Orange County N.Y. that he had been in the service for three years, deponent thinks, about one year of that time at Fort Stanwix, and that his time was out and under an assurance that he would go to Goshen with her, she married him a the home of said Willis during the time he was there as above mentioned ^ to wit in January 1780 that deponent was informed by said Osborn
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that while he was at Fort Stanwix he served under Captain James Gregg and Colonel Van Schaick the former of whom she was informed by said Osborn was scalped by the indians near Fort Stanwix while he was on an excursion  pigeon hunting which in the sequel proved to be true as she will show hereafter.
That after deponent had married said Osborn he informed her that he was returned during the war and that he desired deponent to go with him. Deponent declined, until she was informed by Captain Gregg that her husband should be sent on the Commissary guard and that she should have the means of Conveyance either in a wagon or on horse back - that deponent then in same winter season in sleighs accompanied her husband and the forces under command of Captain Gregg on the east side of the Hudson river to Fishkill then crossed the river and went down to West-Point. There remained till the river opened in the spring, where they returned to Albany. Captain Gregg's Company was along as she thinks Captain Parsons, Lt. Forman & Col. Van Schaick but is not positive - Deponent accompanied by her said husband and the same forces returned during the same season to West Point.  Deponent recollects no other females in Company but the wife of Lt. Forman and Sergeant [Lambeson?]. Deponent was well acquainted with Capt.
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Gregg and repeatedly saw the same spot on his head where he had been scalped by the indians. Captain Gregg had turns of being shattered in his mind and at such times would frequently say to deponent, "Sarah did you see where I was scalped," showing his head at the same time. Captain Gregg informed deponent also of the circumstances of his being scalped, that he and two more went out pigeon hunting and were surprised by the indians and that the two men that were with him were killed dead, but that he escaped by reason of the tomahawk glancing on the bottom of his [hat?] that when he came to his senses crept away and laid his  [head?] [?] one of the dead men and while [there?] his dog came to his relief and by means of his dog, the two fishermen who were fishing near the [port?]. 
Deponent further says that she and her husband remained at West Point till the departure of the army from the south a term of perhaps one year and a half but she can not be positive as to the length of time. While at West Point deponent lived at Lt. [Frat's?] who kept a boarding house. Deponent was employed in washing and sewing for the soldiers. Her said husband was employed about the Camp. She well recollects the [?] occasioned when word came that a british officer had been taken as a spy. She understood at the time that
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Maj. Andre as brou't up on the opposite side of the river and kept there till he was executed. On the return of the bargemen who assisted Arnold to escape, deponent recollects seeing two of them, one by the name of Montecu, the other by the name of Clarke. That they said Arnold told them to hang up their dinners for he had to be at Stoney Point in so many minutes, and when he got there he hoisted his pocket hd'kf and his sword and said "row on boys' and that they soon arrived in Haverstraw bay and found the british ship. That Arnold jumped on board and they were all invited and they went aboard and had their choice to go or stay. And some chose to stay and some chose to go and did accordingly.
When the army were about to leave West Point and go south they crossed over the river to Robinsons farms and remained there for a length of time to induce the belief, as deponent understood, that they were going to take up quarters there, whereas they re-crossed the river in the night time into the Jerseys and travelled all night in a direct course for Philadelphia. Deponent was part of the time on horse back and part of the time in a wagon. Deponent said husband was still serving as one of the Commissary's guards. A man by the name of
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Burke was hung about this time for ^alleged treason ^but more especially for insulting adjutant Wendell the prosecutor against Burk as deponent understood and believed at the time. There was so much opposition to the execution of Burk that it was deferred some time and he was finally executed in a different place from what was originally intended. 

In their march for Phila. they were under Command of Generals Washington and Clinton, Col. Van Schaick, Capt. Gregg, Captain Parson, Lt. Forman, ^ Sergeant Lamberson, Insign Clinton, one of the general's sons. They continued their march to Philadelphia, deponent on horse back through the streets, and arrived at a place towards the Schuylkill where the british had burnt some houses where they encamped for the afternoon and night. Being out of bread deponent was employed in baking the afternoon and evening. Deponent recollects no females but Sergeant Lambersons and Lt. Forman's wives and a colored woman by the name of Letta. The [quaker?] ladies who came round, urged deponent to stay, but her said husband said "no he could not leave her behind." Accordingly next day they continued their march from day to day till they arrived at Baltimore where deponent and her said husband and
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the forces under command of Gen.'l Clinton, Capt. Gregg and several other officers all of whom she does not recollect embarked on board a vessel and sailed down the Chesapeake. There were several vessels along and deponent was in the foremost. Gen.'l Washington was not in the vessel with deponent and she does not know where he was till he arrived at Yorktown where she again saw him. He might have embarked at another place, but deponent is confident she embarked at Baltimore and that Gen.'l Clinton was in the same vessel with her. Some of the troops went down by land. They continued sail until they had got up the St. James river as far as the tide would carry them, about 12 miles from the mouth and then landed and the tide being spent, they had a fine time catching sea lobsters which they ate. They however marched immediately for a place called Williamsburg, as she thinks deponent alternately on horse back and on foot. There arrived, they remained two days till the army all came in by land, and then marched for Yorktown, or Little York as it was then called. The York troops were posted at the right - the Connecticut troops next and the French to the left. In about one day ^ or less than a day they reached the place of encampment about one mile from
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Yorktown - Deponent was on foot, and
the other females above named, and her
said husbands still on the Commisary's
guard - Deponent's attention was arrested
by the appearance of a Large plain
between them and Yorktown and an
entrenchment thrown up . She also
saw a number of dead negroes lying
round their encampments whom she
understood the british had driven
out of the town and left to starve
or were first starved and then
thrown out. Deponent took her stand
just back of the American tents say about a mile from the town and busied herself washing, mending and
cooking for the soldiers, in which she
was assisted by the other females, 
xxxx some men washed their own
clothing.  She heard the sound of
the artillery for a number of days
and the last night the americans
threw up entrenchments it was a 
misty, foggy night, rather wet but
not rainy. Every soldiers threw up 
for himself as she understands and
she afterwards saw and went into
the entrenchments. Deponent's said
husband was there throwing up
entrenchments and deponent cooked
and carried in beef and bread, and
coffee, (in a gallon pot) to the soldiers
in the entrenchments. On one occasion when deponent was thus employed carrying in provisions, she met
Gen. Washington, who asked if she
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"was not afraid of the Cannon balls"
She replied "no, the bullets would
not cheat the gallows - that it wants 
not do for the men to fight and
starve too". They dug entrenchments
nearer and nearer to Yorktown every night or two till
the last - While digging that, the enemy
fired very heavy till about nine 
o clock next morning - then stopped - 
and the drums from the enemy
beat excessively - Deponent was a little
way off in Col. Van Schaick                                  or the officers marque
and a number of officers were present
among whom was Captain Gregg, 
who, on account of infirmities did not go out much to do duty -
the drums continued beating, and all
at once the officers hurra'd and
swung their hats, and deponent asked
them "what is the matter now" -
one of them replied "are not you 
soldier enough to know what xxxx
xxxxxx it means", deponent replied
"no"- They then replied "the British
have surrendered" Deponent, having
provisions ready, carried the same
down to the entrenchments that
morning and four of the soldiers
who she was in the habit of cooking for ate their breakfasts -
Deponent stood on one side of the road
and the American officers upon the 
other side, when the British officers
came out of the town and gave up
to the American officers and Soldiers
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thinks were returned again, and
the British officers rode right
before the army who xxxxx marched into
        and playing
beating^ a melancholy tune their drums
covered with black hokss and their
fifes with black ribbands tied around
them - into an old field and there
grounded their arms and there
returned into town again to await
their destiny - Deponent recollects
seeing a great many Americans officers some on horse back and some
on foot but can not call them
all by name - Washington, LaFayette
and Clinton were among the number-
The British General at the head of
the army was a large portly man, 
full face, and the tears rolled down
his cheeks as he passed along -
She does not recollect his name -
But it was not Cornwallis - She
saw the later afterwards and noticed
his being a man of distinctive
appearance and having Gray eyes - 
On going into town she noticed two
dead negroes lying by the musket
house. She had the curiosity to 
go into a large building that stood
near by - and there she noticed the
Captives ___ smashed  to pieces and
China dishes and other were strewed
around upon the floors and among
the rest a pewter cover to a hot
basin that had a handle on it _
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she picked it up supposing it to belong to the British but the Governor came in and claimed it as his but said he would have the name of giving it away as it was the last one out of 12 that he could see and accordingly presented it to deponent and she afterwards brot it home with her to Orange County and sold it for old pewter which she has a hundred times regretted 
After two or three days deponent and her husband Captain Gregg and others who were sick or complaining embarked on board a vessel from Yorktown not the same they came down in and set sail up the Chesapeake bay and continued to the head of Elk where they landed the main body of the army remained behind but came on soon afterwards  Deponent and her husband proceed with the Commissary; teams from the head of Elk leaving Philadelphia to the right and continued day after day till they arrived at Pompton Plains in New Jersey - Deponent does not recollect the County. They were joined by the main body of the army under Gen Clinton's command and they sat down for with quarters - Deponent and her husband lived a part of the time in a tent
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made of logs but covered with cloth and a part of the time at a W. Manuels near Pompton meeting house. She busied herself during the winter in cooking and serving as usual. Her said husband was on duty among the rest of the army, and held the station of Corporal from the time he left West-Point. In the opening of spring they marched to West-Point and remained there during the summer. her husband still with her-- In the fall they came up a little back of New Burgh to a place called New Windsor and put up huts on Ellis's lands and again sat down for winter quarters her said husband still along and on duty- The York troops and Connecticut troops were there. In the following spring or autumn they were all discharged. Deponent and her husband remained in New Windsor, in a log house built by the army until the spring following. Some of the soldiers boarded at their house and worked among the farmers as did her said husband also.
Deponent and her husband spent certainly more than three years in the service for she recollects a part of one winter at West Point and the whole of another winter there, another winter at Pompton Plains,
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and another at New Windsor.
And her husband was the whole time under the commanded Capt. Gregg as an enlisted soldier holding the station of Corporal to the best of her knowledge- 
In the winter before the army were disbanded, at New Windsor, on the 20th by the February, deponent had a child name of Phebe Osborn of which the said Aaron Osborn was the father -
A year and five months afterward on the 9th day of August at the same place she had another child by the name of Aaron Osborn Junior of whom the said husband was the father -  She said Phebe Osborn afterwards married a man by the name of William Rockwell and moved into the Town of Dryden, Tompkins Co. N.Y. where he died, say ten or twelve years ago, but her said daughter yet lives near the same place in the West side of Ithaca in the town of Enfield -
Her son Aaron Osborne Jr. lived in Blooming grove Orange Co N.Y. had fits and was crazy and became a town charge and finally died at the age of about 20 years -
About three months after the birth of her last child, Aaron Osborn Junior, she last saw her said husband who then left her at New Windsor and never returned -
He had been about at intervals before this
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from deponent and at one time deponent understood he was married again to a girl by the name of Polly Sloat above New Burgh about 15 or 16 miles - Deponent got a horse and rode up to inquire into the truth of the story - She arrived at the girl's father's and there found her said husband & Polly Sloat and her parents.
Deponent was kindly treated by the inmates of the house but ascertained for a truth that her husband was married to said girl - After remaining over night deponent determined to return home and abandon her said husband forever as she found he had conducted in such a way as to have no hope of reclaiming him-
About two weeks afterwards her said husband came to see deponent in New Windsor and offered to take deponent and her children to the northward, but deponent declined going under a firm belief that he would conduct no better, and her said husband, the same night, absconded with two others crossed the river at New Burgh, and she never saw him afterwards - This was about year and half after his discharge Deponent heard of him afterwards up the Mohawk river, and that he had married again - Deponent, after hearing of this second unlawful marriage of her said husband, married, herself, to John Benjamin of Blooming grove Orange Co. N.Y. whose name she now bears - About twenty years ago deponent heard that her said husband Osborn died up the
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Mohawk and she has no reason to believe to the contrary to this day - Deponent often saw the discharge of her said husband Osborn, and understood that he drew a bounty in lands in the lake County beyond Ithaca, but her husband informed her that he sold his discharge and land together in New Burgh to a merchant residing there whose name she can not recollect- Her son in law said Roquel on hearing of the death of Osborn went out to see the claim and returned saying that it was a very handsome lot - But said Roquel being now dead she can give no further information concerning it - Deponent was informed more than forty years ago and believes that said Polly Sloat Osborn's second wife above mentioned died dead drunk the liquor running out of her mouth after she was dead - Osborn's third wife she knows nothing about -
After deponent was thus left by Osborn she removed from New Windsor to Bloominggrove Orange Co. N.Y. about fifty years ago where she had been born so that up and having married Mr. Benjamin as above stated she continued to reside there perhaps thirty five years when she & her husband Benjamin removed to Pleasant Mount Wayne Co Penna and there she has resided to this day  - Her said husband John Benjamin died there ten year ago
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last April from which time the has continued to be and is now a widow -
-
Deponent deems it proper further to say that she was informed by her said husband, Benjamin, that he was out in the militia for more than two years during the revolutionary war that he was at Fort Montgomery and at West Point, but deponent was not then acquainted with him and therefore knows nothing of his services, but from him 
Deponent further declares that she was married to the said Aaron Osborn in January 1780; that her husband the aforesaid Aaron Osborn died as she has been informed and believes as before stated twenty years ago or thereabouts; that she was married to the said John Benjamin in April the thinks in the year 1787 who died in April 1827; and that she was a widow on the 4th of July 1836 and still remains a widow as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed-
Deponent further says that she has no documentary evidence in support of her claim, and that she knows of no living witness to either of her marriages or to the service of her said husband Aaron Osborn
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she is confident that her witnesses are all dead who could speak to the fact of her marriage with Osborn -
Deponent one had a certificate of her marriage to said Osborn but has long since burnt it - She knows of no other documentary or record proof of her marriage and is quite confident there is in such proof in existence.
Sarah Benjamin  X her mark
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Wayne County ss David M. Mapes of Honesdale in said County being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is of the age of fifty three years and upwards - that he has been acquainted with Sarah Benjamin the above named applicant for more than thirty years - that his first acquaintance with her commenced in Orange County N.Y. Deponent has from his first acquaintance with her repeatedly heard her narrate the events of the revolution which fell under her observation but they made but a faint impression on his memory - He can not therefore undertake to tell any considerable portion of those narratives. He recollects distinctly of her speaking of her marriage to Aaron Osborn and of he being with him at the taking of Cornwallis.- He thinks also the mentioned being at Albany N.Y.  Deponent never heard a doubt expressed as to her marriage with said Osborn. Deponent has been intimately acquainted with her son Aaron Osborn Junior and her daughter Phebe Osborn who intermarried with William Roquel for above thirty years. They have always been reputed to be the children of said Aaron Osborn - She said Aaron died about 7 years ago- - and the said Phebe was living when deponent last heard from her near Ithaca N Y. say about 6 miles west of
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Ithaca –
David M. Mapes

State of Pennsylvania 
Wayne County SS. In testimony that the foregoing depositions were duly sworn and subscribed in open Court in the Court of Common pleas of Wayne County sitting at Bethany in in said County on the 22nd day of November A.D. 1837 and in testimony that the foregoing affiants Sarah Benjamin, Calvely Freeman, Rodney B. Freeman and David M. Mapes are credible Witnesses we have hereunto set our hands and caused the seal of said Court to be affixed the day and year aforesaid 
Attest Paul Preston David Scott as James Manning 

V2992 Sarah Benjamin
Pennsylvania

[illegible] to and after has Cap. Gregg
3 [illegible]
Col. Clinton
[illegible]
$88
Hon. D. D. Wagener
HR
Osborn, Aaron
N.Y. W4558
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Wayne County Ss Calvely Freeman of Mount Pleasant in said County aged forty five years or thereabouts being duly sworn doth depose and say that in the winter of 1826 and 1827 Mrs Sarah Benjamin the above named applicant resides at the house of this deponent in then Scott township in said County, that during those winter he heard her repeat her revolutionary stories very frequently. Among the events which the named she mentioned that she was married to Aaron Osborn during the revolutionary war at what particular time deponent does not recollect She also mentioned being with him in the service at West Point and that she went with him from there to Yorktown and was with her said husband at the taking of Cornwallis, and that her said husband remained with her and in the service till the war closed & that she mentioned the name of Captain Gregg as the commanding officer of the Company in which her husband was enlisted  He also recollects her mentioning the story about Captain Gregg being scalped by the indians and of his say relieving him and that he after showed her his head where he had been scalped- Deponent never heard a suggestion to the Contrary of her aforesaid statements to him and were entertained a doubt as to the correctness Deponent has seen her
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son Aaron Osborne Junr. and always understood and believed that he was the son of said husband - He has also heard of her daughter Phebe but never saw her -
Calvely Freeman
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State of Pennsylvania
Wayne County ss  Rodney B.Freeman of Bethany in said County aged thirty two years and upwards being duly sworn doth depose and say that he has been well acquainted with the above named Sarah Benjamin for more than ten years that about seven years ago he and the said Sarah dwelt in the same house together in Mount Pleasant township in this County in about 6 months - that during that period she was [illegible] in the habit of detailing the events of the revolution in which she had participated- Deponent not being very familiar with those events was not so deeply impressed with her narrations as he probably otherwise would have been -. But out of the many and repeated occurrences to which she alluded he recollects the following: - that she was married during the revlutionary war to one Aaron Osborn, that she and said Osborn were with the army at West Point and served under Captain Gregg who had been scalped by the indians - that she and her said husband were at the siege of Yorktown - that while there employed in carrying provisions to the soldiers during the heat of the engagement Gen. Washington asked her if “she was not afraid of the bullets” to which she replied “the bullets would never cheat the gallows.” That her said husband left her soon after the close of the war at New Windson, and went
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upon the Mohawk river and died there a number of years ago – 
Deponent has heard her relate many other events in which she participated but they made so little impression in his memory to he cannot at this distance of time detail them Deponent saw  her son Aaron Osbon Junior at Mt Pleasant perhaps eleven or twelve years ago. He also saw him about 6 or 7 years ago and heard of his death soon after –
Deponent further says that said Aaron Osborn Junior is and always has been reputed since deponent’s first acquaintance with him as the son of said Sarah Benjamin by her said husband Aaron Osborn - and he never heard a doubt expressed or suggestion to the contrary

R. B. Freeman
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L. P. Waldo Esq.
Com. of Pensions
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Honesdale, Wayne Co. Pa 
June 25. 1855
L. P. Waldo Esq. 
Dear Sir. 
Enclosed herewith is the Declaration of Mrs. Sarah Benjamin who is only 109 or 110 years of age, and who wishes to get a Bounty Land Warrant for 160 acres of U.S. land. In Fowlers’ & Wells American Phrenological Journal Vol. XX No.5  you may see a correct likeness and account of the old lady. Any communications relative to this matter may be addressed to me at this place, Yours Respectfully, 
Marshal Wheeler
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175 954
Page 30

State of Pennsylvania
County of Wayne SS 
On the twentyeth day of June A.D. One thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid Sarah Benjamin aged One hundred and nine years, a resident of Mount Pleasant Township Wayne County in the State of Pennsylvania who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Aaron Osborn deceased who was a Corporal in revolutionary war
She further states that she was married to the said Osborn in Albany N.Y. during the Revolutionary war and that her name before her said Marrage was Sarah Read, She further states that she is now a pensioner of the United States and holds the certificate of J. R. Poinsett Secretary of War certifying the same dated the 13th day of February 1838 recorded in the Pension Office in Book A. Vol 2 Page 137 by D. D. Addison Clerk and that (she supposes) the original record of her marrage etc. together with the requisit proofs of her said husband death are now in the actual possession of the department of the Interior 
She also declares that she has never applied for nor received under any Act of Congress any bounty land Warrant 
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be intitled under the act approved March 3. 1855 
[signed] Sarah Benjamin    X her mark

Witness Calvery Freeman
John Dennis
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We Calvely Freeman and John Dennis residents of Mount Pleasant Township in the State of Pennsylvania upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Sarah Benjamin in our presance, and that we believe from the appearance and Statements of the applicant that she is the identicle person she represents herself to be 
Calvely Freeman 
John Dennis
The foregoing declaration and affidavit was sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons that the claiment is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim
Sidney Freeman J. P. 

State of Pennsylvania
County of Wayne ss 
Calvely Freeman and John Dennis both of the Township of Mount Pleasant County and State aforesaid being duly sworn do depose and say that Sara Benjamin is the identical person she represents herself to be in the foregoing declaration and that she was on and before the 3d day of March 1855 and still continues to be the widow of John Benjamin 
Calvely Freeman
John Dennis

Sworn to and Subscribed this 20th day of June 1855 before me
Sidney Freeman J. P.

I the above named Justice of the Peace do certify that I and personally acquainted with the above named Calvely Freeman and John Dennis and that they are credible and respectable witnesses, Dated at Mount Pleasant in said County of Wayne June 20th 1855 
Sidney Freeman Justice of the peace
Page 32

State of Pennsylvania
County of Wayne  ss
I, John Mc Intosh Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas and Clerk of the several other Courts of Record in and for said County of Wayne, do certify that Sidney Freeman, Esquire, was at the date of the foregoing certificates and now is a Justice of the Peace as above and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my Seal of Office and subscribed my name this twenty third day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and fifty five.
John McIntosh
Prothonotary and Clerk of said several Courts.
Page 33

Deposition of
Geo. Thompson


Hon. D.D. Wagener
H R
Page 34

State of New York
Orange County ss
George Thompson of Bloominggrove in said County and seventy seven years and two months being duly sworn doth depose and say that about fifty years ago or more, Sarah Benjamin formerly Sarah Osborn came directly from the Camp Ground to Bloomingrove where deponent there resided and where he has continued to reside ever since - That the said Sarah there had two children, Aaron Osborn Junr. and Phebe Osborn the latter of whom the said Sarah brought with her when she first came -  That the said Sarah was then generally known recognized and reputed as the wife of Aaron Osborn, who it was understood, had left her -  That the said Sarah remained in this town a number of years say between ten and twenty years, and was always known and reputed as the wife of said Osborn, and, until she married Benjamin, was familiarly called among her acquaintance, "Widow Osborn” and the said children were generally known and reputed as the lawful children of said Aaron and Sarah, and deponent never heard or suspected the contrary - That one of said children, Phebe Osborn was bound to deponent at about six years of age, and remained till she was eighteen, and shortly after, married a man by the name of Roquel and moved away - That said Sarah always sustained a good character while she remained in this neighborhood- 
George Thompson 
Sworn subscribed the second day of February 1838 before me and I hereby certify that I have been personally acquainted with the above named George Thompson for Twenty years past  That he is a man of undoubted veracity & that
Page 35

full faith & credit is due to his affidavit & that by reason of bodily infirmity he is unable to attend in open court 
H W Elliott first Judge of Orange Com. pleas it being a court of Record 

State of New York 
Orange County  Ss  I Lebbeus L Vail, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the County of Orange, Do Certify that Horace W Elliott before [illegible] the above affidavit of George Thompson was subscribed and sworn, was at the time of taking the same, First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Orange, and duly authorized to take affidavits and administer Oaths; And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge, and that the Signature "H.W. Elliott" affixed to the above affidavit is genuine 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court of Common Pleas this Second day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight 
Lebbeus L Vail Clerk 
By Levi L. Lockwood Dep. Clk
Page 36

Aaron Osborn
Oath
On roll
Admitted
Page 37

State of New York 
Montgomery County SS
On this 18th day of May 1818 before me the Subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common pleas in and for the County of Montgomery personally appear Aaron Osburn aged Seventy four years resident in the Town of Amsterdam in said County who being by me first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declarations in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war - That the said Aaron Osburn enlisted in the town of Peramus [Paramus] State of New Jersey was formerly from Goshen in the State of New York in the Company commanded by Capt, James Greggs in a Regiment commanded by Colonel Gansevoort then called the 3d New York Regt and that he enlisted for during the war and continued to serve in said Corps for about two years and was then transferred to another Regiment commanded by Colonel Goose Van Schaick of Albany and served under said Vanschaick untill the close of the war on the Month of June in the year Eighty three when he was discharged from said service in New Burgh in the State of New York and that from
Page 38

the commencement of his said herein untill the time of his discharge was six years and Six months which time this deponant served in the cause of his country faithfully this deponant saith he enlisted as a Drummer and was afterwards advanced to a Corporal and so discharged that he was in the battles of fort Stanwiks [Stanwix] at Peekskill at Paramus at the Battles fought in General Sullivans Campain at the taking of Cornwallace &c and that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support and that he has no other evidence now in his [illegible] of his said service 
[signed] Aaron Osborn
Sworn to and declared before me the day and year aforesaid – Bennedict Arnold Judge 
Benedict Arnold one of the Judges of Court of Common pleas in and for the County of Montgomery do certify that it appears any satisfaction that the said Aaron
Page 39

Osburn did serve in the Revolutionary war as stated in the preceding declaration against the Common enemy and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had thereon before me to the Secretary for the department of war pursuant to the direction of the aforementioned act of Congress 
Benedict Arnold 
Judge
[illegible] 18th May 1818 
I do further certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Aaron Osburn and know that he is in very reduced circumstances and needs the assistance of his Country for support  Given under my hand at [illegible] this 18th Day of May 1818
Benedict Arnold
Judge of C. Pleas 
State of New York
Montgomery County  Ss  I John McCarthy Clerk of the Court of common pleas for the said County do certify that Benedict Arnold whose name appears Signed to the above Certificates and before whom the foregoing declaration appears to have been made and sworn to was one of the Judges of the Court of Common pleas in and for the said County on the 18th day of May 1818. In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Court the 3d day of August 1818
J. McCarthy
Page 40

Rev Wars Section. 

Oct. 31, 1925.
W. 4558

Sarah H. Burtiss, 
1636 Miller St. 
Utica, N. Y. 

Madam: 
I have to advise you that from the records of this Bureau, it appears that Aaron Osborn, or Osburn of Goshen, New York, enlisted, date not stated and served as a Drummer in Captain James Gregg's Company, Colonel Gansevort's New York Regiment, he was transferred to and served as a Corporal in Colonel Goose Van Schaick's New York Regiment. He was at the battles at Peekskill, Fort Stanwix, those during General Sullivan's Campaign and at Paramus and also was at the Siege of Yorktown. He was discharged in June 1783, having served six years and six months. 

He was allowed pension on his application executed May 18, 1818, while living in Amsterdam, Montgomery Co., New York, aged seventy-four years and he died June 27, 1819. 

On November 22, 1837, Sarah Benjamin of Pleasant Mount, Wayne County, Pennsylvania, applied for pension on account of the services of said Aaron Osborn and her
Page 41

claim was allowed. 

She stated that she was born at Bloomingrove, Orange County, New York and that she was eighty-one years old on November 17, 1837, that she married Aaron Osborn in January 1780, in Albany, New York and that her name before said marriage was Sarah Read, but did not state whether she was Miss or Mrs. Read) 

After her marriage, she accompanied Aaron Osborn during his services in the army and the winter before the army was disbanded, on February 22, at New Windsor, New York, was born their daughter Phebe, who married William Rockwell, or Roquel) and that a year and five months later, on August 9, at the same place, was born their son Aaron, who died about 1830. About three months after the birth of said Aaron, her husband left her and never returned. [She believed that he died up the Mohawk, crossed out] [note indicates corrected before mailing original letter] About twenty years before 1837, she heard that he died up the Mohawk.

She stated that she married in April 1787, John Benjamin of Bloomingrove, New York, who died in April 1827. It is not stated whether they had children. 

She also stated that John Benjamin was out in the militia for more than two years during the Revolution,
Page 42

but gave no details of his services, nor does it appear that pension was ever claimed on account of his services, or on account of the services of a William Read who died of wounds received while serving in the Revolution. 

Herewith is returned your dollar bill, as no fee is charged for this service. 

Respectfully, 

WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.


Letter sent by registered mail
Page 43

This was consolidated with his widow's claim on 43760 Oct. 31 1925 
INVALID.
File No. 43. 760
Aaron Osburn 
Corp Rev War
Act: 18 March 18 
Index:  Vol. 3, Page 373  [Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 44

11. 1897 - History Mrs. James C. Burns Monmouth, Ills 
1925 Oct, 31 Hist to Sarah I Burtiss & one dollar returned to her by registered Mail AW 
1925 Nov 6, Hist to Mrs M. W. Jarvis AW 
1925 Nov. Sarah Burtiss ntfd. of cost of copies

Revy WIDOW, &c. --- - File No. 4558 
Sarah Benjamin
Wid.
Aaron Osborn
Corpl. N.Y. line 
Act: July 4th /36, Sec. 3, Mech, 3/37 
Index: -- Vol. M, Page 103 
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 45

30 622

[illegible]
Page 46

Augt 7: 52
Rel: to claim of Sarah Benjamin widow of Aaron Osborn
Jonathan Miller
Pleasant Mount
Pa

To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City LC
Page 47

Sarah Benjamin
Pennsylvania
Suspended
See letter 13th Dec
'37 16, D.D. Wagener
do. 16 Dec '37
Page 48

3-2233
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
113
Finance Division
Oct. 28, 1925.
Chief Rev. Sec. Division.
I have this day received
from Sarah J. Burtis
Cash No.
for $1.00 requesting
photostat copy
as per letter herewith.
Oct 31 25
One dollar returned & Finance DW so notf.  
AW
Chief Rev & 1812 Sect.

O. J. Randall
Chief Finance Div.
H. C. L.
Page 49

1852 July 17 
Peasant Mount

Dear Sir 

Yours of June 11 I have recd Stating that I Must State the name the Pensioner his Name is Sarah Benjamin and that she draws his pension under the act of 4 of July 1836 and the law of March 3. 1837 the 3 Set of the United States of 4 July 1836 and the law of March 3d 1837 She was formerly widow of Aron Osborn Dec who was a Corporal in the war of the Revolution is entitled to Eighty Eight Dollars per annum the papers is Dated the 13 day of Febuary 1838 for which she draws the person and that she know Resides with me in this place and if there is any Law that bin pased that she can [illegible] she wants to bee enformed and how to proceede to get it his age is 106 years Old  She is in need of it that if there can bee any got for her [illegible] from you will bee gratefull [illegible] your Letter to me 
Yours

Jonathan Miller
Page 50

J. L. Edwards Esq
my Dear Sir
I enclose you the application here of Mrs. Benjamin for a Pension I hope the papers may be satisfactory and a pension awarded [illegible] your prompt attention will oblige 
Yours 
David D Wagener 
Tuesday Morning
Dec 12 1837
Page 51

From
David D. Wagener

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Pa.

Hon. D. D. Wagener
HR
Page 52

J L Edwards E 
My Dear Sir
In the enclosed in addition to former Documents, in the case of Mrs Benjamin – Mr. Kellogg’s character is unimpeachable, and every reliance can be placed upon what he says - as the paper was sent me. I deemed is due to myself to forward it to you 
Your Respectfully 
David D Wagener
Hom of NY
Dec 15 1837


War Dept
Page 53

In at Feb 12

From David D Wagener

J. L. Edwards  Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
DC

Hon D D Wagener
HR
Page 54

J L Edwards

My Dear Sir

I hope the enclosed will be satisfactory in the case of Sarah Osborn, the widow of an old Soldier. Your prompt attention will oblige

Yours Very Respectfully

D. D. Wagener
Saturday Morning
Feb 9, 1838
Page 55

BOARD OF EDUCATION. 
MRS. JENNIE LOGUE CAMPBELL, President. 
J. W. SIPHER, Esq., Secretary 
MRS. MARY B. PATTERSON, 
REV. AMOS H. DEAN, D. D. 
J. R. ENERSOLE, M. D. 
JAMES C. BURNS, Supt. 
Monmouth, Ill. March 1, 1897.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington, D.C. 
Do the records of your office show that Mrs. Sarah Benjamin of Mount Pleasant, Wayne Co., Pennsylvania, ever received a pension? Her maiden name was Sarah Matthews. Her first husband, William Reed, a Revolutionary soldier. Her second husband, Aaron Osborn, was also a soldier of the Revolution. Both of these men were from Goshen, Orange Co. New York, which was also her native place. She was married third time to John Benjamin. We understand here, that
Page 56

BOARD OF EDUCATION.
MRS. JENNIE LOGUE CAMPBELL, President.
J. W. SIPHER, Esq., Secretary
MRS. MARY B. PATTERSON,
REV. AMOS H. DEAN, D. D.
J. R. ENERSOLE, M. D.
JAMES C. BURNS, Supt.
Monmouth, Ill. 

she was pensioned, and that this pension was because of her own personal service during the war. We have much evidence that such was the case but desire that if it is possible, the records of the pension department confirm the testimony. she died in 1861, aged 16 years
Very truly,
Mrs. James C. Burns,
1864 East Boston Ave.,
Monmouth,
Illinois.
Page 57

Rev & 1812 War Section. 
W. File 4558

1638 Miller St 
Utica, N.Y 
Nov. 28, 1925. 

Dept. of Interior 
Bureau of Pensions 
Washington 
Gentlemen: 
About a month ago you were kind enough to give me certain information concerning Sarah Benjamin of Pleasant Mount, Wayne Co. Pa.
In one sentence you state that after her
Page 58

marriage she accompanied Aaron Osborn during his services in the army and the winter before the army disbanded on Febr. 22 at New Windsor, N.Y. was born their daughter Phebe, etc. 
Would it be possible for you to give me a certified copy from your dept. that Sarah Benjamin actually accompanied her husband Aaron Osborn during his services in the army? 
I need this data if it is possible to obtain
Page 59

It, within the next week. 
Thanking you for this and past favors.
I remain 
Yours truly 
Sarah J. Burtiss
Page 60

I consulted Mr. Gaubin, Chief Clerk about having photostat copies made of this woman’s declaration and the said yes to let them have the photostats as it was historical matter only 
AW Dec 1.1/2V

Send copies of her application which equals16 pages
Page 61

Norfolk, Nebr. 
Oct. 30, 1925 

Pension office, 
Dept of Interior, 
Washington, D.C. 

Gentlemen,

I should like to join the D.A.R. and am asking you for help. 

I am enclosing two articles copied from a Wayne County paper of Pennsylvania which were sent to my grandfather Melville D. Barnes some time ago 

I understand --- great great (I don’t
Page 62

know how for back) grandmother Sara Benjamin secured a pension according to the census of 184 of the Mt Pleasant Township of Wayne County, Penna. I wish you would send me the information contained on her pension and what other information you have.

I will appreciate it very much. 
Very truly yours 
(Mrs) Myrtle Woods Jarvis 

(Mrs) Myrtle Woods Jarvis 
200 E Braash Ave. 
Norfolk, Nebr.
Page 63

[Stamped]  FINANCE DIVISION 
OCT 28 1925
BUREAU OF PENSIONS 

1638 Miller St 
Utica, N. Y. 
Oct. 24, 1925.

Bureau of Pensions 
Washington, D. C. 

Dear Sirs:- 

As I am joining the “Daughters of the American Revolution” I would like the confirmation of the pension record of Sarah Benjamin.
She was born in 1744 in Goshen, N.Y. and died at Mount Pleasant, Pa. in 1858. Her first husband, William Read, a
Page 64

soldier of the Revolution died of a wound received while serving in Va. 
Her second husband, Aaron Osborne of Goshen, N. Y. was also a soldier in the same war and was accompanied part of the time by his wife. She was at the siege of Yorktown, like an angel of Mercy, carrying water to the thirsty and relieving the suffering.
Some time after the war her second husband died and later she married her third husband
Page 65

John Benjamin who came with her to Mount Pleasant in 1822 and died in 1827. As her record reads she was amply pensioned by the government.
I need to have the fact verified that she was a pensioner of the Revolutionary War.
Enclosed please find $1.00 to pay for same and if it is not enough let me know.
Please reply as soon as you can. 
Thanking you, I remain,
Yours truly,

Sarah J. Burtiss
Page 66

P.D. Murphy 
Pension Department, 
Washington, D.C. 
Dear Sir,-
Is there any record of either a special or regular pension having been granted a woman whose maiden name was Sarah Matthews.  She was three times married, her first two husbands both serving in the War of the Revolution. The name of the second was Osborn; while the third was Benjamin. She may have received her pension as Sarah Matthews Osborn, or Sarah Benjamin. Washington himself recognized her worth on more than one occasion, and we have the tradition that she
Page 67

received pension for personal service and bravery. She lived to great age, 116 yrs dying in 1860 in the village that had for many years here her home; - Mt. Pleasant, Wayne Co. Pennsylvania.
If the records can furnish any information, kindly send copy &c
Yours truly 
Mrs. James C. Burns 
Monmouth,
Illinois.

Feb. 6 1897.
We know that for years before her death she received a pension, as her grandson, now 91 years of age, filled her vouchers for her. But we would like to know the occasion of the pension, whether because of her own, or husband’s service.
Page 68

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section. 

Dec. 2, 1925.

Sarah I. Burtiss, 
1638 Miller St. 
Utica, N. Y. 
Madam: 

I have to advise you, that if you wish photostat copies of the declaration for pension of Sarah Benjamin on account of the Revolutionary War services of her husband Aaron Osborn, W. 4558, the same will be furnished you at the rate of fifteen cents a page, with twenty-five cents extra for certification, if that is desired. 
The number of pages to be copied is sixteen. 
The proper amount should be forwarded to this Bureau by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior. 

Respectfully, 

WINFIELD SCOTT, 
Commissioner. 

Copy her declaration only, dated Nov. 20. 1837. 

I consulted Mr. Gaubin, Chief Clerk before, writing the above and be said yes to let them have photostat copies if they wished them, as it is now historical matter only  AW.
Page 69

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
W. 4558 

November 6, 1925..

Mrs. M. W. Jarvis, 
200 E. Braash Ave.
Norfolk, Nebr. 

Madam: 

I have to advise you, that from the records of this Bureau it appears that Aaron Osborn, or Osburn of Goshen, New York, enlisted, date not stated and served as a Drummer in Captain James Gregg's Company, Colonel Gansevort's New York Regiment, he was transferred to and served as a Corporal in Colonel Goose Van Schaick's New York Regiment. He was at the battles at Peekskill, Fort Stanwix, those during General Sullivan's Campaign and at Paramus and also at the Siege of Yorktown. He was discharged in June 1783, having served six years and six months. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 18, 1818, while living in Amsterdam, Montgomery Co., New York, aged seventy-four years and he died June 27, 1819. 
On November 22, 1837, Sarah Benjamin of Pleasant Mount, Wayne County, Pennsylvania, applied for pension on account of the services of said Aaron Osborn and her
Page 70

claim was allowed.
She stated that she was born at Bloomingrove,
Orange County, New York, and that she was eighty-one years old on November 17, 1837, that she married Aaron Osborn in January 1780, at Albany, New York and that her name before said marriage was Sarah Read, ( but did
not state whether she was Miss or Mrs. Read.)
After her marriage she accompanied Aaron Osborn during his services in the army and the winter before the army was disbanded, on February 22, at New Windsor, New York, was born their daughter Phebe (who married
William Rockwell of Roquel ) and that a year and five months later, on August 9, at the same place, was born their son Aaron, who died about 1830. About three months after the birth of said Aaron, her husband left her and never returned. About twenty years before 1837, she heard that he died up the Mohawk.
She stated that she married in April 1787, John
Benjamin of Bloomingrove, New York, who died in April 1827. It is not stated whether they had children.
She also stated that John Benjamin was out in the militia for more than two years during the Revolution.
Page 71

but gave no details of his services, nor does it appear that pension was ever claimed on account of his services, or on account of the services of a William Read, who died of wounds received while serving in the Revolution.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner.