Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 19421, for Benjamin Parkhurst, Vermont
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(8-1776)

SERVICE
Vt.

NUMBER
S. 19421

Parkhurst, Benjamin

carded
CONTENTS
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Vermont 30.774
Benjamin Parkhurst

Windsor Co. in the State of Vermont
who was a Private in the company commanded
by Captain Bush of the Ret. commanded
by Col. Olcutt in the Vert.
[illegible] for 12 months,

Inscribed on the Roll of Vemont
the rate of 40 Dollars - Cents per annum, 
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 26th day of July
1836 and sent to How. H.
Everett, Windsor, Vt.

Arrears to t he 4th of March '36              200.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept. '36.   20.00
                                                                     220.00

{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 28 • 1836}

Recorded by D. Brown  Clerk,
Book E. 2. Vol. 3.  Page 93
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B Parkhurst

Hon H Everett
Esqr
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WAR DEPARTMENT.

Pension Office,

Sir,

The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, showing the Service of B Parkhurst

Period when the service was rendered.  Duration of the claimant's service.  Rank of the claimant.  Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.  Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.  Proof by which the declaration is supported.
                                                                     Years. Months. Days.
Feby 1777                                                    -          1             -                                Private                           Genl St Claire & Col Peter Olcutt}                                                 88 Years old Royalton Vt}                                                                      Elias Sterns
Aug. 1777                                                    -          2             -                                Do                                  Genl Joseph Marsh                                                                         Do                                                                                                            D. Havens & E. Stevens
1779                                                             1          -             -                                Do                                  Elias Stevens                                                                                    Do                                                                                                            Do - Do
1780                                                             1          3             -                               Do                                  Capt Benjamin                                                                                  Do                                                                                                            Capt Buyann
                                                                     -          1              -                                                                      Col. House 
                                                                     1          4              -   


I am, respectfully
Your obedient servant,

J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

The following regulations have been adopted:

This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.

Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.

As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION.

In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.

State, Territory, or District of County of } ss/

On this.   day of    personally appeared (a)

A B. a resident (b) of    in the count of     State, Territory or District 
of    aged (c)   years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)    served in the    (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:

[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

Hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of Agency in the state of

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.        A. B.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.

I     of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of     for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of     & c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.

Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:

(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the    C.D. 
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with

, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be     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.

Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

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 A.B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I,     Clerk of the Court of     do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of    for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this    day of    & c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

[hand written at bottom of page]

When the actual [illegible] performed by the claimant shall be verified in detail with the particulars, a decision cannot be recognized that the claimant was in [illegible]
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alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. {To a Soldier} Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
{To an Officer} Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.

The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject

Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may more
required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.

No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter 



[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance. 

[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.

[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. 

[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.

[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. 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 fall lowing 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 --- year --- months, and --- days, I served as a --- , For --- months and --- days, I served as a --- ; and for such service I claim a pension."

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.

[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.

[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.

[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.

[i]The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he 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.

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 paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers 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.

Proof of Service.

[j] 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 claimant's 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.

[ ] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.

[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.

[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.

[m] The answer to an interrogatories may also written and sent to the War Department, with the declaration:

[hand written text at bottom of page]

[illegible] to formed [illegible]  before the last dated it [illegible] herrin the year under Cap Reves
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32653

Benjamin Parkhurst
Rei [illegible] 36

Return to [illegible] Billings Register Ret
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STATE OF VERMONT
WINDOWR COUNTY, SS.}

On this 15th day of January A.D. 1834 personally appeared in open Court before the Judge of the Probate Court of Hartford District now sitting, Benjamin Parkhurst - a resident of the county of Windsor and State of Vermont, aged Eighty Eight - years, who being first 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 7, 1832.

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

In the year 1777 in the month of February, the Militia from Royalton Vermont were called for under a requisition of the State of New York and I voluntierd as private at Royalton also and repaired to Norwich and Joined Company under command of Captain Bush and marched to Charlestown, so. 4 so calld. Their company was called out by order of Col Peter Olcutt, but marched from Charleston to Ticondaroga and on our arrival there we was first under the command of Genl. St Clair. From Ticondaroga we marched to Mount Indeipendance were I remained until dismissed and returned home having served one month.

In the year 1777 the 3d day of August one half of the Militia in two Regiments tow wit i had of Col Jos. Marsh and Col Peter Olcutts were  called for from t his vicinity. I was drafted as private as one and repaired to Norwich and was attached to the Company commanded by Capt Timothy Bush. and the Regiment was commanded by Col Joseph Marsh, we then marched to Charleston so 4 there to Manchester, there to Pacolett where General Lincoln came and took the general command. At this place, five hundred volunteers were called for to proceede to Lake George landing under Col Brown to retake some 170 or 200 of our men, which were taken by Gen Burgorine at about the time of Hubbardton Battle. I volunteered for one and on our arrival at said landing we suceeded in retaking our prisoners and took a considerable number of the enemy. We stayed about a week at the landing & then returned to Pawlett where we meet Col Peter Olcutt with the other half of said two Regiments, come to relieve us and were then dismised and returned home t he first of October and I served this tour two months.

In the year 1779 the town of Royalton being the frontier settlement, and the state of Vermont, their contending for its own preservation as a State and also against the enemy, to wit, against New York, New Hampshire and the British in Canada something must be done for our Safety. 

Previous to this time we had been claimed by New York and sd state in 1776 the latter part of the year. sent there companies to protect us and they remained with us until the last of 1777 when they were taken from us and left us exposed to internal and external enemies. We had revolted from New York and disclaimed belonging to New Hampshire and their was no proper head to our civil & Military affairs. At this time as I said before "Something must be done" and accordingly the towns
Page 9

of Royalton, Sharon & Norwich now in Vermont agreed and meet to raise one Company of Infantry for one year to guard and protect our frontier. On the first of March 1779 said company was raised and Elias Stevens appointed Captain James Smalley of Norwich first Lieu and Joel Marsh of Sharon. 2 Lieut. I volunteered in said company as private for t he tearm of One year. and I was held and continued on duty in the field night and day scouting and patrolling were even ordered by my said officers which was in the town of Royalton, Bethel, Stockbridge, Royalton Shron and Randloph until the year of my enlistment expired having done actual duty firstly for one year

In t he year 1780. in. t he Spring I assisted in building fort fortitude at Bethel two weeks and in Acloten following the Indians came & burned Royalton & destroyed my property at which time I was on duty two weeks. which makes one month this year. I served in all 16. months.

I was born at Plainfield Ct. Dec. 10th 1745. were I lived until 1773 when I removed to Royalton Vt where I lived at the time of the Revolution and where I have lived ever since. 

I know of no evidince to substantiate my claim but that which goes with this declaration vis Elias Stevens & Danl. Havens. I have no documentary evidence that I know of, to substantiate my claim. if I ever had they are lost. I have no discharge if I ever had one it is lost. The record of my age is in t he town records Plainfield Ct. and I have one in my bible. Revd. Asahed C. Washburn and Oel Billings Esq will certify as to characterfor truth and verasity and the general beleif in the neighborhood of my service.

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his hame is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.

Sworn to and subscribed the
day and year aforesaid}

Benjamin Parkhurst

Edwin Hutchinson Register

We, A.C. Washburn a Clergyman residing in Royalton, Vermont, and Oel Billings residing in the same place, hereby certify,, that we are well acquainted with Benjm. Parkhurst who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; t hat we believe him to be 88 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, n the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.

Sworn and subscribed the
day and year aforesaid,} 

A.C. Washburn
Oel Billings
Edwin Hutchinson Register

And the said Coourt 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 t hat A. C. Washburn who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in Royalton, Vermont, and that Oel Billings who has also signed. the same, is a resident in the same Royalton and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

Edwin Hutchinson, Register

I, Edwin Hutchinson, Register of the Court of Probate for the District of Hartford do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains t he original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benj'a. Parkhurst for a Pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 15th day of January A.D. 1834

Edwin Hutchinson, Register
Page 10

I Benjamin Parkhurst of Royalton in the County of Windsor and state of Vermont aged Eighty Nine years. testify and say: in addition to my former declaration made January 15th 1834. That I served in the Revolutionary war in the several years. at the sworn periods, the length of times, and under the several officers as in stated in said declaration. I further say I was with in t he fields or Garrison all t he time during said periods and that no part of my service which I have stated was done under an Enlistment or of volunteering as a minute man. That the service I did under the command of Captain Stevens was actual service in 1779 during the whole year. and not a part of the sd time & said company was served by compotent authority, to wit, by the people of their towns, as named in my declarations, for the common defence of the Country Viz the vicinity of Royalton

I further say that I endured great hardships during our struggle for independence, and not only so that in 1780 the Indians came and destroyed my little property, burned all my beds & furniture, killed my cattle and left in in want and distress and now for all this I claim a pensionand furt her say not. I cannot be more particular in detail of the service.  

Benja. Parkhurst

State of Vermont
Windsor County ss}

Royalton Sept 17. 1834

Personally appeared Benjamin Parkhurst of Royalton aforesaid and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing depositions by herein subscribed 

Before me Oel Billings Justice of the Peace

that Benja. Parkhurst afsd is of undoubted for truth and verasity

Oel Billings Justice of the Peace
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I Daniel Havens of Royalton in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont aged Eighty one years testify and say that I am well acquainted with Benjamin Parkhurst of Royalton aforesaid who is now present at my giving this deposition and have known him for Sixty years past. and was personally knowing that said Parkhurst on the first of August 1777 was Drafted with me in the Company Commanded by Capt Timothy Bush. Lieut Chamberlain 2d Lieut John Barnes in Col Jos. Marsh Regiment and Marched to Norwich, Charlestown NH, Manchester to Pawlett to Lake George landing where we took some prisoners and retook some of our men and after a while we returned to Pawlett and were dismissed having served two months together.

I further testify and say that in February 1779 I volunteered into the employ of Infantry commanded by Cap Elias Stevens. Lieut James Smalleu, 2d Lieut Joel Marsh for the term of one year and I was personally knowing that Benja. Parkhurst of said served with me in said company and was on actual duty through the year together when we were dismissed or discharged. all this time we were scouting & patrolling in the towns on white now and [illegible] Granden and further say not. Jany. 11. 1834

Daniel Havens

Attn Simeon Parkhurst

State of Vermont
Windsor County ss.}

Royalton January 11.th 1834

[right hand corner of page is missing - purposeful line breaks indicate where text is missing]

Then personally appeared Daniel
afsd and made solemn oat h to the tru
by him subscribed
before Oel Billing

I further testify that Dan. Havens
for truth and vrasity and in a credib

Oel Billings
Page 12

I Elias Stevens of Royalton in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont aged Seventy Nine years testify and say that I am well acquainted with Benjamin Parkhurst of Royalton aforesaid who is now present at my giving this deposition and was personally knowing that said Parkhurst in February 1777 served in the Revolutionary war with me in the Company Commanded by Capt. Bush. Col. Peter Olcutt for the term of One month and Marched to Ticonderoga and mount Independence and Served our time out together and said Parkhurst was discharged or dismissed having served his month out and returned home - 

I also further testify and say that I served two months with said Parkhurs in the year 1777 in the company commanded by Capt Timothy Bush Lieut Chamberlain and 2nd Lieut John Barnes in Col Joseph Marsh Regiment and we marched from Royalton to Norwich there to Chamberlain Manchester & Pawlett and was one of the five hundred men who with said Parkhurst was detached and Col Brown to March to Lake George landing and retake some of our prisoners and we did duty together for two months. the aforesaid when said Parkhurst was dismissed and returned home and I remained in service.

I further testify and say that in March 1779 said Benjamin Parkhurst volunteered in my Company at Royalton afsd for the term of One ear. I was Captain James Smalley Lieut and James Marsh was Second Lieut. Said Parkhurst did his duty faithfully for the term of one year in scouting as I should order by night and day on the white River and its branches into the towns of Bethel Stockbridge [illegible] & Royalton until said term expired when I discharged him and further say not. Jany. 11. 1834

Attn Simon Parkhurst [checkmark] Elias Stevens

State of Vermont
Windsor County ss} Royalton Jany. 11. 1834 Then personally appeared Elias Stevens afsd and made solemn oat h to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed

Before Oel  Billings Justice of the Peace

I further certify that Elias Stevens afsd is of good and undoubted Character for truth and veracity and is a credible witness

Oel Billings Justice of the Peace
Page 13

Elias Stevens &
Daniel Haven,s
Deposition
for
Benj. Parkhurst,s
case
Page 14

State of Vermont
Windsor County ss}

I Benjamin Swan Clerk of Windsor County Do hereby certify that Oel Billings is a Justice of the Peace in & for said county duly commissioned, and that his Signatures to the foregoing two affidavits are genuine - 

In Testimony whereof I hereto affix the Seal of said Court & Subscribe my name this 15th day of January 1834

Benj. Swan

[flourish]
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HR No 498

24th CONGRESS,
1st Session.

[ Rep. No. 498. ]

Ho. OF REPS.

BENJAMIN PARKHURST AND DANIEL HAVENS.
[To accompany bill H.R.No. 498.]

MARCH 25, 1836.

Mr. JANES, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, made the following

REPORT

The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to which was referred a resolution instructing said committee to inquire into the expediency of placing the names of James Cummings, Benjamin Parkhurst, Daniel Havens and Ebenezer Dewey on the roll of revolutionary pensioners, submit the following report in respect to Benjamin Parkhurst and Daniel Havens:

The said Benjamin declares in his statement under oath, that in the month of February, 1777, the "militia of Royalton, Vermont, were called for under a requisition of the State of New York;" that he volunteered as a private soldier in a company commanded by Captain Bush, and marched to Charleston, No. 4, in New Hampshire, and from there to Ticonderoga, and served one month. That in the fall of the same year, he was drafted into the military service of his country, and attached to a company commanded by Captain Timothy Bush, in Colonel Joseph Marsh's regiment; that he marched to Charleston, No. 4, in New Hampshire, and from there to Lake George, in New York, and served two months. That in the spring of 1779, the towns of Royalton, Sharon and Norwich in the State of Vermont, raised a "company of infantry for one year, to guard and protect the frontier," and appointed Elias Stearns, captain, and James Smalley and Joel Marsh, lieutenants; that he, the said Benjamin Parkhurst, volunteered into the said company as a private soldier, and served out the full term, scouting and patrolling, as ordered by his officers, in the towns of Royalton, Bethel, Stockbridge, Rochester, Sharon and Randolph, and was in actual duty the whole time. That in the spring of 1780, he assisted two weeks in building a fort at Bethel, Vermont, and that in the fall of the same year, when the Indians burned Royalton and destroyed his property, he was called out and served two weeks, amounting in the whole, as above detailed, to sixteen months' service in the war of the revolution.

Captain Elias Stearns testifies that he served in the same company with the said Benjamin the month in the spring of 1777.

Said Stearns and Daniel Havens both testify, that they served with the said Benjamin the two months in the fall of 1777; they both testify likewise, to the years' service in 1779; the said Stearns commanding the company, and the said Havens being a private soldier in the same.

Blair & Rives, printers
Page 16

2

[ Rep. No. 498. ]

The said Daniel Havens, in his declaration under oath states that in the spring of 1777, he served in the war of the revolution two month as a private soldier in a company of militia, commanded by Captain Timothy Bush, in Colonel Joseph Marsh's regiment of Vermont militia; that he was marched from Royalton to Charleston, No. 4, in New Hampshire, and from there to Lake George, in New York; that in the summer of 1778, he served one month in scouting, and assisted in taking a British spy and tory by the name of Airs, and marched him to Windsor, and delivered him to Captain Benjamin. That in 1779, he served one year in the company
commanded by Captain Stearns, as set forth in the case of Benjamin Parkhurst; and that in 1780, he volunteered as a private soldier in a company commanded by Joseph Parkhurst, in Colonel Marsh's regiment, for the purpose of scouting and patrolling in Royalton and the towns adjacent; that in July of that year, when the Indians came to Barnard, he was called out and pursued after them to Bethel, Stockbridge and Rochester; that he assisted in building the fort at Bethel; and in October of that year, when the Indians burned Royalton, and destroyed his property, he again was ordered into service. He estimates actual duty in the whole of that year at two months, making an aggregate amount of seventeen months' service during the war of the revolution.

The two months' service of the said Daniel Havens in the spring of 1777, and also the years' service in 1779, is proved by the affidavits of Captain Elias Stearns and Benjamin Parkhurst, and Captain Stearns testifies that he was knowing to said Daniel doing military duty in 1780, in building the fort at Bethel, and in pursuing the Indians at the time they were at Barnard, and the time they burned Royalton, in the whole as he should think, to the amount of two months.

The commissioner of Pensions rejected both of the claims the twelve months' service in 1779, according to his determination, not coming within the purview of the act of June 7, 1832, and the balance being below the minimum provisions of said act.

The committee are of opinion that the proof of at least twelve months' actual service is fully proved in each case, and that both Benjamin Parkhurst and Daniel Havens are justly entitled to a pension as of twelve months' service, and to that effect report a bill.
Page 17

Bill for R. M.
March 4, 1836
Page 18

Benj. Parkhurst

In Feb. 1777 Served
1 Month / [illegible] by Capt. Stearns - SEE Dep.

In 1777 commencing 3 Aug. Served
2 months / [illegible] by Capt. Stearns & Danl. Havens - SEE Dep.

In 1779 commencing 1 March, Served
12 / [illegible] by Capt. Stearns & Danl. Havens - SEE Dep.

In 1780 Says he Served 
1 month, no proof -
Page 19

Rev War
19.421
INVALID

File No. 19.421
Benjamin Parkhurst
Pri Rev War

Act: June 28- 36-

Idex :––Vol. 2, Page 312

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 20

June 6/93 Hist. [illegible] H. A. Brooks
103 Orchard St. N. Sommerville, 
Mass. 

GS
Page 21

Vermont

[New Hampshire - stricken]

B Parkhurst
Rejected 

Set 1st Oct 1834 to
Hon. H. Everett

 [illegible] & March 1835
Hon H J James 18 Jany 1836
Page 22

[handwritten letters over printed text]

Brown, Durrell & Co.,
Importers and Manufacturers,
Kingston St. cor. Essex

Boston, May 21 1895

Hon. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington - D. C. 

Dear Sir

Will you find by [illegible] here at your earliest convenience - a copy of the Pension record of Benj. Parkhurst of Royalton, Vermont -  Who was a volunteer in the Revolutionary Army & who died at Royalton in December 1842.

Yours respect - 
H. A. Brooks
103 Orchard St.
West Somerville, Mass.
Page 23

HR. 498

Benjamin Parkhurst

[stricken text: and Daniel Havens]

Benjamin Parkhurst

Act 28 June 1836
$40 per anm: f'm 4 Mar
1831 - Vt. Revo: Roll.

Hn H. Everett
Windsor
Vt.

(For certified copy of Sp. act.
See Danl. Havens's papers)

Com: on Pensions

Ent?
Page 24

Sept 21.

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Coms of Pensions
Washington City
 D., C.

[written faintly behind above text: 
Parkhurst
Havens
[illegible]]
Page 25

Woodstock. Windsor County Sept. 15,1836

Hon. J. L. Edwards

Sir

The necessary papers for drawing the pensions of Banj. Parkhurst, Daniel Havens and Ebenezar Dewey of Royalton in said County of Windsor have been duly made out, and forwarded to Windsor Bank for payment, and have been returned unpaid, for the reason that their names are not found upon their schedule.

They draw under a special act of last session of Congress and their certificates are dated 26. of July 1836.

Please give an order for drawing the amt

Yours Respectfully

Oel Billings
Page 26

Jonas Cummings, Benjamin
Blackhurst Daniel Haum
and Ebenezer Dewey

Revo. Pen.

Feby 3d. 1836.

Mr. James
Page 27

24th Congress
1st, Session

Congress of t he United States
In the House of Representatives

February 3d 1836

On motion of Mr. James.

Resolved, That the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, be instructed to enquire into the expediency of placing the names of Jonas Cummings, Benjamin Parkhurst, Daniel Havens, and Ebenezer Dewey on t he Roll of Revolutionary Pensions.

Attest

W.F. Franklin, Clerk
Page 28

Mar 2

J. L. Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions

Hn. H Everett
Page 29

Washington 28th 1835

Sir

I have made inquiry for the Pension paper in t he Case of Benja. Parkhurst & Daniel Havens, refered to in [illegible] of the 14 Days. They are not with the agent nor any my papers -  I think they must be in your office and request further [illegible] may be focused

Your ob Serv
Horace Everett

J L Edwards &
Com. of Pensions}
Page 30

O. W. & N. Division.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., June 8, 1895.

Sir:
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of + BENJAMIN PAPKHURST + a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.      LENGTH OF SERVICE.      RANK.      OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.      STATE.
                                                                                                                                                CAPTAIN.                COLONEL.                                               
Feb., 1777                                                                 1 mo.                                   Pri.            Bush                       Gener St Clair                                          Vt.
Aug., 1777                                                                 2 mo.                                  "                Timothy Bush        Joseph Marsh                                          "
----   1779                                                                 12 mo.                                "                Elias Stevens         None                                                         "

In the year 1730 he served two weeks at Bethel and was engaged in building the fort; also served two years at the time Royalton was burned.

Battles engaged in, None
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Royalton, Vt.
Date of application for pension, January 15, 1834
Residence at date of application, Royalton, Vt.
Age at date of application, Born, Plainfield, Conn., Dec. 10, 1745.

Remarks:
Mr. H. A. Brooks,
#103 Orchard St.,
W. Somerville, Mass.

Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 31

Benj. Parkhurst,
Supplemental declaration
Page 32

[torn section of a page; incomplete information]

Havens of Royalton
the of the foregoing deposition
Justice of the Peace

afor is of good character
witness

Justice of the Peace