Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21,240, William Haskins, Mass.
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SERVICE:  Mass. | Haskins, William Susanna | NUMBER: W.21,240
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[Left side]
12393
Massachusetts

William Haskins of Essex in the State of Mass who was a Sergent in the Company commanded by Captain Rowe of the Regt. commanded by Col Bridges in the Massachusetts line for 9 months Sergeant.

This certificate is issued in liew of the one dated Oct. 30th 1832 {Cancelled}

Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts it the rat of 215 Dollars 00 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.

Certificate of Pension ifsued the 1st day of June 1833 and lent William Ferson Lancaster Mass

Arrears to the 4th of Mach 1833 $90.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 21 Sept.  22.50
$112.50

{Revelutionaly Claim, Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by D.D. Addison Clerk, 
Book [Illegable} Vol. 2.16 Page 9.8

[Left Page]
Cet 12 May 1831
Wm Ferson

45
22.50
1,750
Page 3

[Left Page]
See letter to P. Agt June 7, 1837
Report to Agent {Damaged and illegible} as payment of pension {damaged and illegible} to him 8 January 1837.

[Right Page]
Massachusetts 915
Susanna Haskins
widow of William Haskins
Mass
who died on this 28th February 1823.
of Essex Co in the State of Massachusetts
who was Sergeant in the company (? spelling) comanded by Captian Rowe of the Regt commanded by Col. Bridges in the Massachusetts Avail time for 9 months.

Inscribed on the Roll of Masschusetts at the rate fo 45 Dollars 00 Cents per annum. to commence on the 28th Feb 1833

Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of May 1837 and sent to Mrs. Berson of Gloucester.

Arrears to the 4th of Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept. 1837  $22.50

{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836 Section 3}

Recorded by Wm S Allison Clerk, 
Book       Voll. D1   Page 52
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[Right Page]
William Haskins 2291
Page 5

We Daniel B. Tarr, aged 78 years, and Jabez Tarr, aged 74 years, both of  Gloucester, State of Massachusetts, on oath testify, that we are well acquainted with William Haskins, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, and to our knowledge he served in Capt John Rowe's company in 1775 as he states, having served in the same company the same year; and that William Haskins, now present, is the identical person who served as above 
{signatures]
Daniel B Tarr
Jabez Tarr

I David Jewett, a Clergyman residing in sd. Gloucester, hereby certify, that I am well acquainted with William Haskins, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that I believe him to be 87 years of age; that he is reputed & believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution; and that I concur in that opinion 
David Jewett {signature]

sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
D.A. White Judge of probate {signature]

And the Court 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 David Jewett, who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in said Gloucester; and that Daniel B. Tarr and Jabez Tarr who have also signed the same, are residents in said Gloucester are credible persons; and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them, that the above named applicant is unable to attend in Court by reason of bodily infirmity 
D.A White Judge of Probate {signature]

I Nathaniel Lord, junior, Register of the Court of Probate, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Haskins for a Pension 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this fourteenth day of August, Eighteen hundred and thirty two. 
Nathl Lord, Jr. {signature]

[seal]
Page 6

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Essex, ss.

On this eleventh day of August, 1832, personally appeared before the Hon. Daniel A. White, Judge of Probate of Wills, & for the County of Essex in the State of Massachusetts, William Haskins, aged Eighty seven years (being unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity) who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on 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. 

That previous to the battle of Lexington he belonged to a company of minute men, who kept a night guard at different exposed places on the sea coast. Immediately after that battle said company chose officers and enlisted men; and he believes he enlisted on or about the 20th day of May 1775 as a Sergeant in Capt John Rowes Company in Col. Eben Bridges Regt of class State troops - marched to Mystic & remained there untill 16th June in the evening and went on to Breeds Hill, worked all night at building the fort - part of their company manned the lines on our left wing by Mystic river at the Rail fence - retreated to Mystic about 6 p.m. Marched soon after to Cambridge remained in tents untill cold weather, when they took up their quarter in the College until about the 20th day Dec. 1775 when his time expired and received no written discharge, having served eight months: and that he served one month longer by the request of Gen Washington making in all nine months 

That he hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of the agency of any State. 

That he was born in St Marys County in the State of Maryland on the 17th day of June, 1745; and has no record of his age That he lived in said Gloucester when called into the service, that he has lived there since the Revolutionary war; and he now lives there. 

That he entered the service by voluntary enlistment and has no documentary evidence as required by the War Department. 

That Daniel B. Tarr, sergeant, and Jabez Tarr, private, in & Capt John Rowe's company will testify to their positive known - edge of his service therein; and the Rev'd David Jewett will certify to his character for veracity and belief of his being a soldier of the Revolution. 
William Haskins [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid 
D.A White Judge of Probate [signature]
Page 7

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex, ss.

On this sixth day of February 1837, personally appeared before Hon. David Cummins, one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas for said County, Susanna Haskins, a resident of Gloucester in the County Essex and State of Massachusetts, aged ninety years, (being unable to attend Court by reason of bodily infirmity) who being first sworn according 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.   That she is the widow of William Haskins, who was a Sergeant in Capt. John Rowe's Company in Col. Eben. Bridges Regiment of Massachusetts Infantry and served therein nine months the years 1775 and 1776*

That he received a Pension Certificate under the Act of 7 June 1832 N0. 1239 dated October 30, 1832, which has been surrendered.

That said Haskins resided in Gloucester  aforesaid when he entered service and continued to reside there until his death

She further declares that she was married to the said William Haskins the Rev. Ebenezer Cleaveland on the fourteenth day of April in the year Seventeen hundred and sixty seven; that her husband the aforesaid William Haskins died at said Gloucester on the twenty eighth day of February in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty three;  and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereunto annexed.
Susanna Haskins her X mark

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me; the said Susanna Haskins, by reason of her advanced age and bodily infirmity being unable to attend Court
David Cummins Jr J P. [signature]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex ss:
I John Prince Clerk of the Judicial Courts within & for the County of Essex certify that the Hon. David Cummins is a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for said  Commonwealth and that his signatures on the annexed papers are genuine.

Witness my hand and the seal of said Court at Salem this seventh day of February A.D. 1837.
John Prince Clerk [signature]

*Daniel B. Tarr was a Sergeant in John Rowes Company in Col. Bridges Regiment; had a pension granted 31 Oct. 1832 per certificate No 1290 for $4.6   The above William Haskins enlisted at the same time with sd. Tarr; served
in the same capacity and the same period of time; and is not said Haskins entitled to more compensation than $30?  Will not the rolls now in the War Office confirm this statement for the widow?
William Ferson, Noty of Public  [signature]

[seal]
Page 8

We William Whipple and Josiah Haskell, of Gloucester in the State of
Massachusetts, of lawful age, on oath testify, that we were well
acquainted with William Haskins within named, deceased, that he
died on the 28th day of February, Eighteen hundred & thirty three.
That he left a widow named Susanna, living in our immediate
neighborhood, who, to our knowledge, has remained a widow since
the period of her husbands death and has not since intermarried
Jonah Haskell
William Whipple

Married Mr. William Haskins to Miss Susannah
Grover. April 14th 1767
I certify on oath that the foregoing is a true copy 
from the records of the 5th church of Gloucester kept
by the Rev. Ebenezer Cleaveland, deceased, former Pastor
of said Church.
Wakefield Gale Pastor
of the 5th Chh. in Gloucester
Gloucester, Sandy Bay,
February 3, 1837

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex ss

On this sixth day of February, 1837 personally came
Josiah Haskell and William Whipple above named
who subscribed and made oath to the truth of the
foregoing deposition; both of whom are known to me
as credible witnesses.

I further certify, that the above named
Wakefield Gale is known to me as the Pastor of the 5th Church
of Gloucester, having the custody of the records of said Chh.
that full credit should be given to his acts; and that the
above is his genuine signature

In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed my Notarial
seal at Gloucester the day and year
last above written
William Ferson Noty Public
Page 9

James L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.l.
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[Left page]
1261
admitted
9 mo Payt  $45
married 14 April 1767
Died 28 Feb. 1833
Wm Ferson
Gloucester
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex ss. May 17th, 1837 Personally came Wakefield Gale
before named, who made oath to the truth of the foregoing certificate
by him subscribed; and I certify that he is a credible witness
before me
William Ferson, Notary Public
Page 12

Gloucester Ms. 19, 1837
J.L. Edwards, Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Sirs,
I return Susanna Haskins paper authenticated
as directed by your letter of the 12th instant
Respectfully your observed,
William Ferson
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No 2291
Wm Harkins of Gloucester Mass
Prorate
9 months
$30-
Adml
JLE
Wm Ferson E
Gloucester Mass
Page 14

Brief in the case of William Haskins of the County
of Essex in the State of Massachusetts
(Act 7 June, 1832)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court of a Judge? Judge

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

3. How old is he? 87 years -

4. State his service, as dirrected in the for annexed.
Period  |  Duration of Service.  | Rank.  |  Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
  |  Years,   Months,   Days,  | As a  |  Gen.
In 1775 Apr 20th  |  -  8  -  | Sergt  |  Col Eben Bridges
  |  -  1 -  |   |  Capt. John Rowe
  | Stayed one month longer at request of Genl Washington  |  |  

5. In what battles was he engaged? None - 

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Gloucester

 7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  living witnesses

8. Are the papers defectivve as to form or authentication?  and if so, in what respect?  Regular

* Certify that the foregoing statement and the ansers agree with the evidence in this case above mentioned.

Levin Belt
Examining Clerk.
Page 15

L.W.B.
W. 21240.

This Bureau can furish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.

Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutional War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on filed in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertianing to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of manuy of the original States.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D.S.,

O.W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.

June 1, 1897

Sir: -

Replying to your request for information concerning Samuel Pierce and William Haskins, soldiers of the Revolutionary war, you are advised that a very careful search has been made and from the data given the name of Samuel Pierce has not been found upon the Revolutionary war pension records of file in the Bureau.

William Haskins made an application for pension on August 11, 1832 at which time he was 87 years of age and residing at Gloucester, Mass., an d his pension was allowed for nine months' actual service as a sergeant in the Mass. troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Rowe and Col. Bridges.  He enlisted at Gloucester, Mass. His widow, Susanna, made application and received a pension for the service of her husband as above set forth.

Very respectfully, 
Commissioner.

Mr. L.R. Pierce,
Station "E", Worcester, Mass.
Page 16

In reply to your request of (blank), received (blank) for a statement of the military history of William Haskins a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will find below the desired information as contained in his and/or his widows application for pension on file in the Bureau. 
W.21240. 
Dates of enlistment or appointment - April 20, 1775 
Length of Service - 9 Months 
Rank - Sergent 
Captain - John Rowe 
Colon - Elen Bridges 
State - Mass. 
Battles engaged in (blank) 
Residence of soldier at enlistment - Gloucester, Mass. 
Date of application for pension - August 11, 1832 "his I was al." (sic) 
Residence at date of application - Gloucester, East Co. Mass. 
Age at date of application - B. June 17, 1745 in St Mary's Co, Maryland 
Remarks: He married April 14, 1767, at Gloucester Mass. Susanna Groves. He died February 28, 1833 at Gloucester Mass, and she was (sic) pension on her (sic) February 6, 1837 while a resident of Gloucester Mass, aged 90 years. 

Respectfully, Commissioner.
Page 17

Rev Sec

Rockport, Mass., May 4, 1918.

Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C. 

Will you kindly give me the records of the service of the folling(sp) during the Revolutionary War, with any remarks made for the same?. The names Henry White and William Haskins both of Cape Ann, Gloucester, Massachusetts. Perhaps I should add that a part of the time it was Capt. Henry White.

Respectfully,
(Miss) Annie E. Rowe, (Annie E Rowe)
6 Beach St. Rockport, Massachusetts.

PENSIONS OFFICE
U.S.
MAY 7 1918
Page 18

Worcester May 15th 1897     PH
Dear Sir
Can you give me the record of service of William
Haskins of Taunton Mass. who served in the Sullivan expedition on Rhode Island during the Revolution also of Samuel Pierce of R.I.
Respectfully yours,
L. R. Pierce [signature]

Stature E
Worcester Mass.
Page 19

[top left corner] 
tory to Station E - Mass. 

[middle]
Rev 21-240 
Widow, &c. 
File no. 21240 
Susanna Haskins widow of William Haskins Sergt Rev War

Act : July 4th 36 
Index - Vol. A Page 315
[Arrangement of 1870]

(top right corner]
June 1 1894. His 
Mr. L. R. Pierce 
Worcester Mass (crossed out)

1918, May 11. History To 
Annie E. Rowe Ltr.
Page 20

Commonwealth Bank, 
Pension Office 
Boston, 3rd June 1837 

Be pleased to inform me if Susanna Haskins named in the enclosed letter is to be paid from the 4th of March 1831. 

I am, very respectfully your Obt. Svt.
John K Simpson [signature] President [illegible] Agt.

(bottom left corner)
J. L. Edwards Esqr
Comr of Pensions 
Washington 
D.C.
Page 21

1239. 
Massachusetts 
William Haskins 
of Essex in the state of Mass. who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Rowe of the Regt command by Col Bridges in the Mass. line for 9 months in 1775. 

Included on the Roll of Mass. at the rate of 30 dollars -- cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of pension issued the 30th day of October 1832 and sent [to] William Ferson Glousester NH

Assets to 4th of September 1832 --- $45 - 
Semi=and allowance ending 4 march 33 --- 15 
=$60

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by J H McBlair - Clerk, 
Book D. Volume 2 Page 58. 

[Top Right Corner]
Sent letter Dec 1832 to Mr. Ferson
Page 22

William Haskins Mass: Act 7 June 1832 
To what time paid? And at what rate? 

Pen. Office   May 12 1839 


[noted beneath]
Died 28 Feb 1833 paid to that payee at the rate of $45 per annum. 
JH
Page 23

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Secretary's Office Nov 21 1832.

I hereby certify, that, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution which remain in this Department, it appears that  William Haskins served as a Sergeant in the company commanded by Capt. John Row [Rowe] in Col Eben [Ebenezer] Bridges regiment from May 29 to Aug 1, 1775, and was paid for two months & eight days service. 
There are no other Rolls of said John Row's Company than the one describing the above service - Said Haskins is slated in the Roll to belong to Cape Ann. 
Edward D Bangs Secy [signature]
Page 24

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

COUNTY OF ESSEX, SS. PROBATE OFFICE. 
[seal]
I, Nathaniel Lord junior, register of probate for said county, hereby certify, that  
On the second day of April, A.D. 1833, it was made to appear, that Susanna Haskins was the widow of William Haskins, late of Gloucester in said county, mariner, deceased, intestate, a pensioner of the United States, who died on the twenty eighth day of February, 1833; as appears by the records in said office. 
Given under my hand and seal of office, this thirtieth day of January, A. D. 1837. 
Nath. Lord jr. [signature]
Page 25

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

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes

III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason
assigned for his not doing so?
[blank]

IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes

V. *Has he mentioned 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? Yes, [something crossed out]

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
yes -

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of
June 7, 1832? yes

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes

X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguish
ed from any other seal? yes.
Page 26

2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
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
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? yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: 
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For -- year -- months, and -- days, I served as a --. For  -- months and -- days, I served as a --; and for such service I claim a pension."
Page 27

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.

QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the affidavits must be properly authenticated, as above directed.

QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly
attached to the certificate.
Page 28

James L. Edwards, Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Page 29

Gloucester, Ms. February 13th. 1837.
James L. Edwards, Esquire,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Sir,
Herewith I enclose three applications of widows
for pensions agreeably to the provisions of the Act of
4 July, 1836.
Patience Fears, claims 4 mo. 23 days in 1775 pay of a private
---- 15 mo in 1776 and 1777----- same
Susanna Haskins, claims for a Sergeants pay mo. in 1775-6

The rolls transmitted from Massachusetts show that he is entitled to a greater sum than $30, formerly granted; and application would have been made to the War Department to review and correct the amount, if Wm. Haskins had lived.

Hannah Marchant, claims a Sergeants pay 10 mo. in 1775-6
a First Lieutenants pay 3 mo. in 1778
service of 1777 uncertain, unless found on the rolls
I am respectfully
Your Obedt Servt
William Ferson [signature]
Page 30

James L. Edwards Esqr
Pension Office,
Washington
Page 31


Gloucester, Ms. Novr. 21st, 1832
Hon. Lewis Cass
Secretary of War.

Sir,
Enclosed is the certificate of William Haskins returned for the purpose of having $6 per annum added thereto, he having proved by evidences of the same Company in which he served, that he was a Sergeant.  I also forward the additional evidence
of the fact, of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
With due respect
I am your obedt Servt
William Ferson [signature]
Page 32

Payments to be made at Boston Mass by the Payee J H McBlair  Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Mass




Recorded by  J H McBlair
Clerk, in Book D. Vol. 2 nd page 58.
Page 33

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.

I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States
of the 7th June, 1832, William Haskins of the State of Massachusetts who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Thirty dollars and ____cents per annum,  during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
{seal]
Given at the War Office of the United States this Thirtieth
day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Lew Cass {signature]
Secretary of War


Examined and Countersigned.}
J. L. Edwards [signature]