Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 5245, Benoni Hoskins, Mass. Vt.
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Service
Mass.   Vt.

Hoskins, Benoni

Number  R 5245
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Artemas V Bentley
Benoni Hoskins
N Y
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State of New York, Madison County

Be it known that on this 20th day of October 1852 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the county, and state aforesaid, personally appeared Leander Haskins of Lincklaw county of Chenango and state of New York and made oath in due form of law that that he is a son of the late Benoni Haskins who was an officer in the War of the Revolution.

That he has lately been informed, that said pension ought to be allowed that he is directly interested in said claim as such child.  That he makes this affidavit, to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my said agent or attorney may use in prosecuting said claim.
(signed) Leander Haskins
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me,  Artemas V. Bentley, Justice
I Artemas V. Bentley, Justice of the Peace, in and for said county of Madison, do hereby certify that Leander Haskins who executed the foregoing papers, is a reputable resident of the county of Chenango and is I believe directly interested in said claim as therein set forth.
(signed)  Artemas V. Bently, Justice
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Known all Men by these Presents, That I Leander Haskins
of Licklain, Chenango County New York do hereby constitute
and appoint Thomas Lumpkin of Washington District of Columbia
my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to prosecute the claim of
Benoni Harkin who was an officer in the war of
the Revolution
and I hereby authorize my said agent and attorney to examine all the papers and documents
in relation to said claim on file in the Departments at Washington City, or else
where additional evidence or arguments, and to receive the certificate that may be issued
for said claim, to appoint one or more substitute for the purpose herein expressed, to
do all things that I might or could do were I personally present; hereby ratifying and
confirming all that my said agent and attorney shall lawfully do in the premises.
And I do hereby revoke all other agents and attorneys heretofore appointed by me.
Witness my hand and seal this 20th day of October 1852 Signed and delivered
in presence of A.W. Bentley
Leander Harkins
State of Gru-Park,
Madison County
BE IT KNOWN that on the 20th day of October
 a Justice of the peace in and for said county, duly authorized by law to
administer oaths, personally appeared Leander Harkins
above
named, and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his act and deed.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last
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Benoni Haskins
Pension Papers
of further proof is required address
E. C. Reed
Homer, Cortland
N Y at present
of the House of Rep
Washington Dec. 1832
House of Reps
Jan 25, 1833
Statement made by Mr
Reeds papers returned to
Pension Office
Hon. S. G. Hathaway
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passes Jan 7, 1832

State of New York
Cortland County
On this 27th day of September 1832 personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Cortland and State of New York now sitting Benoni Hoskins a resident of the town of Buxton in the county and state aforesaid aged 86 years last May who being duly sworn according to law doth depose on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 1832.

That he entered the service of the United States under the following officers and served as herein states.

He was born in the town of Harwinton, County of Lichfield, State of Connecticut in the year 1746 and when he was about 23 years old he moved to Great Barrington, County of Berkshire in the State of Massachusetts, lived there till the year 1780 then he moved to East Borough in Vermont, now Hampton, in the State of New York.  Came into N.Y. when the two States settled the line.  In the year 1787 he moved to eastern Washington County N.Y.   From there he moved to Sangerfield in Oneida County N.Y.   From there he moved to Otsego in Otsego County N.Y.  From there he moved to Lakins, Onondaga County, N.Y. and when Cortland County he was set off in full into that County and this town called Trenton where he has ever since resided.   Has a record of his age at home and his account back
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white he was living int he town of Alford which was set off from great Barrington aforesaid in the month of April the 25th day he volunteered to go Lexington under Captain John Hurlbut. Colonel John Fallows commanded the regiment went to Roxbury near Boston staid till tenth day of June when he was dismissed and went home saw Putnam & Ward.  Generals there Saw Colonel Tuppos and his
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and west of Colonel John Ashley was along and had
command of the regiment went to Bennington 
did not arrive till just as they got through the battle
Spent the night in getting in the wounded and
and injured the next day saw General
Starks there was out to guard the prisoners 
over the mountain was going two weeks acted
as sergeant., returned home in the month of September
of same year he was called out under same captain
and Colonel to join General Gates army went 
on the 15th day of same month joined his 
army at Bramas highth in Stillwater was there 
till Burgoin surrendered the 17th od October. then escorted the
prisoners to Berkshire County got home the 25 
day of October was a Sergent and did orderly 
duty the year 1780 he moved as aforesaid to East borough 
New Hampton in the spring of the year of 1781 he was
elected Ensign and was commissioned as such 
was the commission at home and was called 
out to go to Kingsborough now Whitehall under Captain
was Samuel Hide Colonel Walbridge commanded 
there the months and returned home having
in distressed on the first day of December in the
year 81 & 82 he and his men were under was
most of the time standing entry and scouting
on the borders and should say he was actually
engage a great part of the time and can safely
say about half of the time but cannot define
the service due ammunition from Skenesborough
same times, they scouted as far as Ticonderoga
he has no documentary evidence of his service
but his commission and he is personally known
to William Andrews and Grander Huskins his son
who can testify to his age and reputation
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soldier he has the affidavit of Stephen Couch
Gideon Bray of & Uxton and Salines: hereunto
annexed: The clergyman of Taxton he is told is unable
to attend Court his commission was signed by Tho. Chittenden
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension
or annuity except the present & declares that his name
is not on any pension Roll of any agency of any State
and subscribed the
and year aforesaid
Samuel Hotchkiss W. Clerk
Benoni Hoskins
t of New York
and County W. William Andrews of Homer and Leander
Harkins of Grinten in the County aforesaid do hereby
certify that we are well acquainted with Bennie
Haskins who has subscribed and sworn to the above
declaration: that we believe him to be 86 years
of age that he is reputed and believed in the
neighborhood where he resides to have been a
soldier of the revolution & that we concur in 
that opinion
and subscribed the
and year aforesaid
William Andreas
Hotchkiss & Clerk
Leander Haskins
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion
after the investigation of the matter, and after putting
the 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 Andrews
who signed the above certificate
of Honor and Leander
and Gideon but who signed the annexed affidavit
are credible persons and that their statement is
entitled to credilliam Mallery
Reynolds
Garon Brown
Judges of
Cortland
Oliver Kingman
County Courts
of New
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River Kingman
Such of to
the town of Grinston in said County
To
Jan.
and Gideon Bibe,
of the town of
Fabius and County of Onondaga
hereby certify that we are acquainted with
Benona Harkins of the town of
Texton and County of
Cortland that
we believe him to be eighty six years
of age that he is reputed and believed
in the neighborhood when he resides
to have been
a soldier of the revolution,
 and that he Conce in that opinion
Sworn to subscribe the 25th
Stephen Couch
day of Apr 1832 before me
Gideon Beebethe
Brown Porter
hereby certify that I am acquainted with the
above named deponents and believe they are credible
persons & their statement entitled to credit her Brown
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I Samuel Hotchkiss Clerk of the Court of Common leas in and for
the County of Cortland do hereby certify that the foregoing contains
ginal proceedings
in the matter of the application
of Benoni Harkins for a pension
Witness my hand & seal of office this 3 day
5
of October AD 1832
Samuel Hotchkiss D. Clerk
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His Excellency
---
THOMAS CHITTENDEN, Esquire,
Captain General, Governor, and Commander in Chief in and over
the State of VERMONT,
To Benoni Hoskins, Gent.
. being elected Ensign of Capt. Lemuel Hidislom of Militia in Eastborough
Regiment of the Militia of this State; reposing special Trust and Confidence in your
Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, I do by these Presents, in the name of the
Freemen of this State, authorize and impower you to take charge of said Company
as their sign
You are therefore carefully diligently to discharge
the Duty of Ensign of
said Company by doing and performing
all Manner of Things thereunto belonging. And I do strictly charge and require all
Officers and Soldiers under our command, to be obedient to your Orders as ensign
of said Company and you are to observe and obey such Orders and Directions
from Time to Time, as you shall receive from me the Governor of this State for the Time
being, or any other your superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, and the Laws of this State.
Given under my Hand, and the Seal of this State, in Council, this 26th
day of May in the year of the red residence of this State
By his Excellency's Command
Secretary.
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Rejected
5245.
Benoni Hosking
Service;
Enlisted:
Discharged:
Application filed:
Alleges:
Re-enlisted:
Attorney:
P. O.
Recognized.
Cert. of Dis. Searched for
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New York
Benoni Hoskins
Revoy
Suspended
see let to Hon J. G. Hathaway
Apr 12 1834
Act 7 June 32
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Sir
War Department
Pension Office
Febry 6th 1833.
I have the honor to acknowledge your letter
of 27 ult, in which the objections to the cases of Johnson Bing
ham and Benoni Haskins as indicated by the printed briefs
respectively accompanying their papers are attempted to be obviated
The objections to the claim of Johnson Bingham can only be
cured by his own affidavit, setting forth in precise and definite
language, the date of his enlistment and furlough. The act provides
for actual service only.
With respect to the claim of Benoni Haskins for service
as an Ensign, it is indispensable that he should state
upon oath, the period, term, and occasion of his service
in that grade; and (lest he should include the performance
of patrol or guard duty in his computation) he is required
to allege that such terms were performed in the field
or garrison, in an embodied corps, called out and command
ed by competent (ic: Superior military, authority. The Depart
is entitled to a detail of all the items of service upon which
a claim is founded, and therefore reject any aggregate
allegation of them. I have the honor herewith to return the papers
in the above cases
I have the honor to be
Hon E. C. Reed
House Representatives
Very Respectfully
Gr. Obt. Servt.
J L Edwards
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Benoni Hoskins
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The objections to these papers will appear 
from Edward and letter accompanying the papers of
Johnson Bingham 
Benoni Haskins affidavit to obviate those objections is
herewith enclosed. Hon S. G. Hathaway of the
House of Reps is perfectly acquainted with the
handwriting of Augustus Donnelly who took Haskins affidavit
and can certify it if necessary-
Edward C. Reed
Mr. Homer Cortland Co N.Y.
Apl 3. 1834.
Petitioner swears to 2 years' service
under this commission. The objection to this 
service I suppose is intended by
Mr. Edwards
that he was not in any embodied corps. by competent
authority. It will be recollected the Vermont troops did
not submit to the authority of congress-- They obeyed their
own state Authority only Hoskins was commissioned
and acted under and by order of the Gov. of Vermont - The rules
applicable to the other State troops will not apply to Vermont
as follows
It would be right in this case to allow Hoskins a pension as Private for 6 months
Sergeant 3 months 18 days
Ensign for 14 months 12 days
The petitioners' papers were prepared in my office under my directions
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House of Rep
Jany 26, 1833
In the matter of Benoni Haskins.
It is objected that the precise length of time he is not 
definitely stated
1st Service from 23 Apl 1775 Sergeant
to 10th June following as
1. Mo. 170
2d Service from 1 June 1776 to 1st Dec
following as a Private
6. Mo.
3d Service in July 1777 as a Sergeant
5th
7 days
4th Service at the Battle of Bennington 
as a Sergeant
14 days
service from 15th Sept 1777 to 25th
Services as Ensign
2nd 1. Mo 10 days
Oct following as a Sergeant-
Total
Jno 18
Date of Commission 26 May 1781 from the Gov.
of Vermont-
Petitioner swears to 2 years' service
under this commission. The objection to this 
service I suppose is intended by
Wm Edwards
that he was not in an embodied corps by comported authority
. It will be recollected the Vermont troops did
not submit to the authority of congress-- They obeyed their
own State authorities on by Harkins was commissioned
acted under & by order of the Gov. of Vermont  The rules
applicable to the other State troops will not apply to Vermont
It would be right in this case to allow Haskins a pension
as follows
as a
Private for 6 months
Sergeant
3 months
18 days
Ensign
14 months
12 days
24 Mo. total
The petitioners' papers were prepared in my office under my directions
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are now precisely in the same condition they were
in when they were presented to Cortland County Pleas
Court and passed upon by the court nothing having been
added to or subtracted therefrom
J. L. Edwards Esqr
E. C. Reed
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BRIEF  objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negaive in red ink, will appl to the claim of Benoni Hoskins - which require further proof or explanation.  
I.     Does the delcaraion show where the applicant resides?  Yes
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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 revolu-tionary service? Yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtain-ing it? Yes
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? --
XIV. If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? Yes
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? Yes
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? Yes
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? answered
-
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 of 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 recol- lection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For __ year __ __ months and __ days, I served as a __. For __ months and __ days, I served as a __ __; and for such service I claim a pension."
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3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the 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 [italics] about three or four months [end italics] is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
QUERE XIV. [italics] Proof of Service. [end italics]
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 adminis- ter 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. [italics] Mode of authenticating papers. [end italics]
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being im- properly attached to the certificate.
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State of New York
and County ss, Benoni Hoskins of the town of Buxton in
the County of Cortland being duly sworn says that he showed
months as Ensign and was commissioned as such as will
appear by the commission attached to the papers heretofore
presented to the Court of Common Pleas and forwarded to the
pension office in the year 1781, at Skunsborough now
White Hall under the officers designated in his said declare
 hereunto annexed more received any written discharge
In the year 1781 after the term of 3 months above mentioned
expired he did service as ensign in the Militia, under the
said Commission in the first part of December he thinks and
believes the eighth day of December 1781 under Captain Lemuel
Hide and one Hopkins Colonel, his Christian name he
has forgotten, he lived at Black Creek now called Hebron
now in the State of New York went down the East side
of Lake Champlain opposite to Ticonderoga
Colonel did not go with him. but Hide had the orders
from Hopkins and the applicant had the command
of the party was absent one week as he recollects & believes
In February in the year 1782 he believes the 15th day of February
he was called out by orders from his superior officers last
above mentioned and ordered to Skinsborough went an
snow shoes at Skunsborough had orders from one
Levi Stockwell who had the command of the garrison
to go along the shore of Lake Champlain as for
as crown point was gone two weeks as near as he
can recollect which he believes is correct, and 
had the command of the party as Ensign
the applicant cannot state the particulars of his service after
this except as hereafter mentioned he was as the case of
the whole company subject to be called out at any moment
and he being granted with the service and the country was
always called upon to turn out when any of the company
were called out and he was a part of the time the last part
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of the time and according to his recollection in the year
1782 they got their ammunition from fort Castleton having received before that ammunition at Skeensborough
he was on duty most of the spring summer and Autumn of
the year 1782 and was an actual duty under his 
said concession called out by orders from his Captain & under the
command of the said Colonel Hopkins, from he thinks
the first of May 1782, which he believes to be the day his service
commenced that year and was out till the end of the year 1782
and only had liberty to be at home a day or two at a time,
during the whole time. Sometimes was sent to East Bay and
to Skeensborough, and after went down as law as old
Ticonderoga but is unable to state have many 
times He was under the direction and command of the Commander
of the garrison at Skeensborough whose name was Levi
Stockwell who was either a captain or major. he was a major during a part of the war but don't recollect what
time he was raised to that grade. And where he thought the applicant & his new could be spared the said
Stockwell would give leave for them to go 
home. he served according to his best recollections and belief eight
months in the year 1782 after the first of May 
being out only by leave of absence from the Superior officers
who commanded at Skeensborough
the summer of 1783 he commenced service 
again, as an Ensign under his commission aforesaid on or
before the first of May but will say the first day 
of May and continued about the same kind of service as the year previous till the middle of September, perhaps after 1
but he will say until the fifteenth of September 
and he was under the direction & contract of the said Major 
Levi Stockwell who commanded at Skunsborough but
does not recollect to say certain that he was 
under Stockwell command in 1783 for part of the time and he believes  
the last part of the time was under the
command of Brunson who was a colonel
and commanded at fort Castleton in 83. according to
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to his best recollection his leave of absence in 83
would be more frequent and for a longer time
than in 82. sometimes extending to four or five
days his service amounted this year to four months
and fifteen days including the time he was out 
on leave of absence. This leave of absence were never
written Parals but verbal or oral only
he did not think of this service in 83 till after 
his declaration was made out. The main object 
of his duty was to keep watch of the movements of the
British on the lake and was often sent down
the lake from the garrison to make discovers 
as above stated, he got his ammunition at Castleton
in 83. Increase M. Hooker of Truxton was in
service after when applicant was and was
knowing to a part of it if not to all his service
subscribed & sworn before
this 28 Feb 1833
Benoni Hoskins
Augustus Donnelly
a Justice of the Peace of
the Town of Roser
Cortland County State of
New York
Justin of the peace and that I will be acquainted 
with this handwriting and have no doubt
signed the above
S. G. Hatheway M