Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19783, Thomas Higgins, New York
Page 1

(8-1776)
SERVICE New York
Higgins, Thomas 
NUMBER W. 19783
Abigail
CONTENTS
Page 2

20.586
New York
Thomas Higgins
of Chenango in the State of New York
who was a Private in the Comp commanded
by Captain Varner of the Regt commanded
by Col. Va Cortland in the New York
line for 9 months
on Rolls--
Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 30 Dollars ---Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of Sep.
1833 -- and sent to J.B. Prindle Norwich
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. '33 $75
Sem-anl. allowance ending 4 Ma. '24 [$]15 
$90
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Go C Stiles [signature] Clerk,
Book E Vol. 4, Page 9 [?]
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[left side of the document]
Let to Hon Wm Duer
Jan 18, 49
Reported
Jany 13/49
[right side of the document]
2999
New York Albany
Abigail Higgins
widow of Thomas Higgins
NY
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
30 Dollars---
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Jany, 1849.
and sent to Hon W. Duer
Hof R
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 84 Vol.4.
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10,069
Abigail Higgins
Application for 
Pension
aomd
9/30 mopri
Roswell Judson [crossed out] agent
[crossed out] Sherburne, Chenango County (NY) [crossed out] Please communicate with me 
Hon. S. M Purdy
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State of New York Chenango County Surrogates Offices:}
At a Surrogates Court held at the office of the Surrogate in the town of 
Sherburne in said County on the 25th day of March 1843 before Roswell Judson Surrogate-
Personally appeared Abigail Higgins widow of Thomas Higgins late of the town of Sherburne
aforesaid deceased, and after being first duly sworn doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress passed July 7. 1838
That she was married to the said to the said Thomas Higgins at Stillwater in the County of Saratoga and State
of New York on the 21. day of March 1781 by a minister of the gospel by the name of Powers, that she
is or will be 78. years of age the 21. day of May next that her age or time of her birth is recorded in her Bible
produced in court and also the time of her marriage to the said Thomas Higgins deceased which memorandums were made in said Bible soon after her marriage, that she does not recollect whether any person is now living who was at or attended her said wedding or marriage, That the said Thomas Higgins deceased drew a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 as she is informed & believes for services rendered in the war of the revolution, that the said deceased did not render any service in the war after their said marriage, that the certificate of her said deceased husband is lost that she has looked & searched for said paper and is unable to find it. That said Thomas Higgins died at Sherburne in said County of Chenango the 7th day of April 1842, and she refers to the evidence of said pension of said deceased to the records
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at the Pension Office at Washington, that she hereby relinquishes all and every claim to all and any pension except the present and declares that her name is not on the roll of any agency of any State---sworn before me March 25. 1843
Abigail X Higgins [X her mark]
[Roswell Judson] Surrogate
State of New York Chenango County Surrogates Office ss. }
I Roswell Judson Surrogate of said County do hereby certify, that the foregoing examination was taken by me as Surrogate as aforesaid and was carefully read over to the said Abigail Higgins who subscribed the same after being first duly sworn as stated in said examination, and I further certify, that the reason why the said Abigail Higgins made her mark was as she stated because she could not write her name, and from my acquaintance with her and her infirmness I am fully satisfied such was the fact: And I further certify that from an examination of the family Bible produced in Court by the said Abigail Higgins, I found entries therein under the title Births and Marriages (apparently written many years ago) memorandums of which the following are copies
" Thomas Higgins was born April 24. 1755
"Abigail Higgins was born May 21.1765
Births Children [Children is crossed out]
" Rhoda Higgins was born Dec. 17. 1782
"John Higgins was born Aug. 29. 1787
" Thomas Higgins was born May 1. 1789
"Ann Higgins was born March 4. 1794
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"Seth Higgins was born March 6. 1796
"Polly Higgins was born Oct. 28. 1798
"Anna Higgins was born July 18. 1801
"Willian Higgins was born July 27. 1804
"Hiram Higgins was born Nov. 10. 1806
"Amy Higgins was born May 20. 1808
Marriages
"Thomas Higgins was married to Abigail
"Marshall March 21. 1781"
Note the word "Children" [see previous page]
erased by me
R. Judson [signature] 
Surrogate
Given under my hand and official
Seal at Sherburne the 25. day of March 1843 --
Roswell Judson [signature]
Surrogate
[seal affixed]
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N0.18281
Thomas Higgins Chenango County
New York
Admitted
Private 9 months
[Boat Suria not Moved]
P B Prindle Norwich Chenango County
New York
Math [?]
Page 9

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 complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Thomas Higgins Chenango County New York
[column]
Period when the service was rendered.
Enlisted April 1777
Enlisted 1778
[column]
Duration of the claimant's service.
[columns]
Years. Months. Days.
 - x      9             -
 -        9             -
[column]
Rank of the claimant.
Private
[column]
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.
Cap Varner
{ Josiah Smith was Serg x }
[column]
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.
Genl Washington
Col Van Courtlandt
[column]
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
[no entry]
[column]
Country through which he marched.
Was engaged in Castings upon the [river name illegible] River carrying provisions &c from Still Water Fall to Fort Miller - was also getting wood &c. 
2d Marched to Pough Keepsie to Valley Forge
[column]
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.
77 years Still Water Saratoga Coty New York
[column]
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.
None of any kind, except his own Statement and the Courts opinion
x Service in Transport boats not under military enlistment & therefore not provided for by the act -
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2
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, musicians 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) before A.B. a resident (b) of ---in the county of ---and 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 provion made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) ---, with ---and served in the ---(e) regiment of the ---line, under the following named officers:
[document uses brackets for the following]
[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 enered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [hand pointing right] 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.]
He 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 the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[document uses brackets following]
[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 ---and C. D. residing in (the same) 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 day and year aforesaid.
[document uses brackets following]
[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. 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 applicacation [typo] 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 il [typo] 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 events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal [document typo] means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, of 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. {[italics] To a Soldier. [end italics] {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
{[italics] To an Officer. [end italics] 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 he 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, what 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 enquiry 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 make the declaration before 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 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 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 the 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 of 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 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."
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 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 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.
[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 this 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. 
[hand pointing right image] The notes from [a] to [i] are 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 answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 12

Thomas Higgins
Pension Application
[half blacked out] months services
18281
[word blacked out] Pension Certificate
[partial black out] allowed to 
P. B. Prindle
Norwich
Chenango Co.
N. Y.
On Tolls of N. York
line - 9 mo in '78
Page 13

Amended Declaration
State of New York
Chenango County ss:
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, Thomas Higgins of the town of Sherburne
 in said County to me known who being duly sworn saith that the following answered to the interrogatories prescribed by the War department are true 
Viz:
1. He was born in Eastham (Cape Cod) in the State of Massachusetts: on the 24th day of April 1755 - 
2. He has a record of his age in his family Bible at his residence in Sherburne Chenango County N. Y.
3- Resided at Still Water Saratoga Co. N. Y. the first time --- And at new Concord, Columbia County N. Y. the last time -- since the war he has resided at Northumberland Saratoga Co ---Stillwater--- and at Sherburne his present residence where he has lived thirty years past---
4- volunteered each time
5- Saw Col. Van Courtlandt and Genl. Washington at Valley Forge ---there were other regiments with him but cant state the nos. or names of officers and he has stated the general circumstances of his services as [illegible] as he can remember ---
6 - Received (he thinks but is not positive), written discharge each time --- which he has lost if he ever recd any---
7- The names Rev. Daniel Hascall, of Hamilton---Rev. Isaac N Sprague; Rev. Lyman S. Rexford, Deacon Tinker; Joseph Guthrie, Milo Hunt, Mills Landon and Cyrus Dow Justices of the Peace: Hary N Fare Post Master all of Sherburne who can testify to his
Page 14

character for truth and veracity and their belief in his services as a soldier of the Revolutionary Army---
He says that owing to his 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 persons mentioned below and in the following grades - Viz
9 months
For nine months I served as a private in Capt. Varners company---in a Regiment under a Col. whose name I cant recollect but he was a German--- In my declaration I have stated that this was in the "United States Army" I now say that I cannot remember whether it was in the Continental Army, or in the New York State Troops or Militia ---I always considered myself under military enlistment and liable to turn out at any time into the ranks and fight, but it may not be so ---I drew rations & 13 dollars per month for wages---
9 months
for nine months I served as a private in [Capt. -word crossed out] the Continental Army in Col. Van Courtlandts Regiment as stated in my declaration ---and for the above periods of time (making one year and six months) I claim a pension --- but if the Department determine that the nine months spent in boating is not within the law, I then claim a pension for but the last nine months
I further say that I know of no witness whose testimony I can procure to any of my services ---my recollection is not very
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strong and I cannot remember the names of those who served with me as I could before my memory failed --- and he says that during the term above specified I was not employed in any civil pursuit And further say not
Sworn and subscribed before me this 31st May 1833 Thomas Higgins [signature]
Milo Hunt [signature] Justice of the Peace
Clergymans Certificate
Lyman S. Rexford a Clergyman residing in the village of Sherburne in said County and Phinchas Graves residing in the same town, certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas Higgins who has signed and sworn to the preceding supplemental declaration and also to the annexed or accompanying declaration: and that [he - word if crossed out] we believe him to be 78 years of age --- and that he is refuted and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution and that  we concur in that opinion and that we have never heard any doubts expressed as to his having been such soldier --- We also certify that he has been for a great number of years past a Deacon of the Baptist Church in this town and that his character for truth and veracity is unblemished ---
Sworn before me, this 31st May 1833
Lyman S. Rexford [signature]
Phinehas Graves [signature]
Milo Hunt [signature] Justice of the Peace
Chenango County ss: I certify that I am acquainted with Lyman S Rexford and Phinehas Graves
Page 16

who have signed and sworn to the preceding certificate: And that the former is a Presbyterian Clergyman And the latter a credible person both resident in the said town And their statement is entitled to full credit
Dated May 31. 1833
Milo Hunt [signature] Justice of the Peace
State of New York
Chenango County ss:
I Jarvis K. Pike, Clerk of the said County do certify that Milo Hint before whom the within affidavit of Thomas Higgins and also before whom the within Certificates of Lyman S. Rexford and Phinehas Graves purport to have been sworn and whose name is signed to the preceding Certificate of credibility & was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said several affidavits and the said Certificates to be each his genuine hand writing and signature
Witness my hand and Seal of office this 1st June 1833
P. B. Prindle [signature] Dep Clerk
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Declaration in Order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of 7th June 1832
On this Eleventh day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Common Pleas of said County being a Court of Record now sitting at Norwich in said County
Present 
Hon. John Tracy
Nathan Taylor
Levi Bigelow
Charles York
Hezekiah Reed
Judges
Thomas Higgins of a resident of Sherburne, Chenango County N.Y aged Seventy Seven years of age upon the 24th day of April last (having been born in 1755) 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 1777 in the month of April, for nine months ---at Still Water Saratoga County N.Y. with Captain John Varner, = the name of the Colonel of the Regiment - he does not remember nor the [no] of the Regiment -- He cannot now recollect the names of any of the Company officers - He was engaged during the season
[faint seal on the bottom left corner]
Page 18

in boating upon the North River in Batteaux & carrying provisions Beef and flour from [Fort crossed out] Still Water falls to Fort Miller after the River froze up. They were engaged in getting wood at Colemans Patent and bringing it up to Albany on the ice - he was discharged at Albany about the first of January, after his nine months had expired, by the Captain he thinks and returned to his friends to Still Water.
In the next Spring, 1778, the time of the month he does not remember nor the month itself he again enlisted at [Still Water crossed out] New Concord [Saratoga County crossed out] Columbia County New York in the Continental Army in a Company whose Captain or other commissioned officers he does not recollect; but thinks Josiah Smith was a Sergeant for nine months -- The Col of the Regiment was Col. Van Courtlandt -- they marched to Poughkeepsie -- & then crossed the River --they marched from there thro New Jersey and through the Moravian town of Valley Forge and there joined the army under General Washington -- was taken sick there and carried to the Stone Church Hospital where he lay at the time of the Monmouth Battle -- not long after the battle he marched with a Company sent to [Mumbockus?] (as twas called) to guard the Frontiers from invasions of tories & Indians He was at [Mumbockus] till his time was expired which was in the winter and he was then and there discharged and returned home to New Concord=
He resided at New Concord,  in what he understands is now Columbia County, N.Y.
[upper right corner - part of seal from previous scanned document?]
Page 19

at the last time he entered the service and the first time he entered he was on a visit to his friends at Still Water Saratoga County N. Y. 
His services were in the New York line -- He cannot now from decay of memory and from never having supposed it would be of any benefit to him, to give all the particulars of his services in the War or the counties he marched thro" -- He has stated as fully as he can now remember
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State
Thomas Higgins [signature]
Sworn to and subscribes 
the day and year aforesaid
P B Prindle [signature] Dep. Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare their Opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states
Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Chenango Co N.Y.
Herb' Read [signature]
Charles York [signature]
Levi Bigelow [signature]
State of New York Chenango County ss:
I Jarvis K. Pike Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of the said Court in the matter of the application of Thomas Higgins for a pension in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and seal of office this Eleventh day of October 1832
P. B. Prindle [signature] Dep. Clerk
[seal at bottom left on the document]
Page 20

(698)
FAMILY RECORD.
BIRTHS. 
Rhoda Higgins was Born Tuesday December 17 1782
John Higgins was Born Saturday August 29 1787
Eliza Higgins was Born Friday June the 14 1786
Sally Higgins was Born Monday October the 13 1787
Thomas Higgins was Born morning May the 1 1789
John Higgins was Born Monday February the 20 1792
Anna Higgins was Born Sunday March the 4 1794 
Seth Higgins was Born Sunday March the 6 1796
Polly Higgins was Born Sunday October the 28 1798
Anna Higgins was Born Saturday July the 18 1801
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(677)
FAMILY RECORD.
MARRIAGES.
Thomas Higgins, was Born, April, th, 24 1755
Abigail, Higgins, was Born, May, th 21 1765
Thomas Higgins was Married to Abigail Mershal [Marshal] March th 21 1781
Rhoda Higgins was Married October 16 th 1789
Eliza Higgins was Married January, th 2 1800
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(679)
FAMILY RECORD.
BIRTHS.
William Higgins was Born Friday July th 27th 1804
Hiram Marshal Higgins was Born November the 10 1806
Amy Higgins was Born Sunday May th 20 1808
DEATHS.
John Died December th 13th 1786
Ama Died November 9th 1804
[note - some numbers are difficult to determine]
[note -' John' death year is prior to birth years of both John Higgins in document number 20]
Page 23

(680)
FAMILY RECORD.
DEATHS.
Enoch Higgins Died November the 30 1804
Sarah Higgins Died January the 2 1816
Page 24

Abigail Higgins appu
Chas E. Jenkins Albany NY agent
by S. M. Purdy
Hm S. M. Purdy
No 2
Page 25

State of New York
Chenango County SS:
On this twenty fifth day of December in the year One thousand Eight hundred & forty three personally appeared before me, Roswell Judson, First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Chenango (the same being a Court of New York Abigail Higgins, a resident of the town of Sherburne in said County aged seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7. 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" That she is the widow of Thomas Higgins, who was a soldier in the revolutionary Army, and a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 1832, at $30 per annum. She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas Higgins on the twenty first day of March in the year One thousand Seven hundred & Eighty one that her husband the aforesaid Thomas Higgins died on the seventh day of April in the year One thousand Eight hundred and forty two-that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz, at the time above stated - she further declares that her Surname previous to her marriage was Abigail Marshal & that she was married in the town of Saratoga in the State of New York but that she knows of no church or town record of her marriage being in Existence - That the annexed leaf or memorandum is one cut out of her family Bible, and is in the handwriting of John Smith and was made by him more than twenty five years ago, and contains a true record of the time of her marriage - Subscribed & sworn before me on the day & year first above written} Abigail x Higgins [x] her mark
Roswell Judson [signature] First Judge of Chenango County Courts
Page 26

I hereby certify that the withinnamed declarant Abigail Higgins is aged and infirm and in my opinion unable to attend Court which is held at a distance from her residence and she is unable to withstand the rigors of the season, and she made her mark because (as she stated) she was unable to write her name ---
Roswell Judson [signature] First Judge of Chenango County Courts 
State of New York County of Chenango SS: 
Hiram Higgins being duly sworn, deposes & says that he is aged thirty seven years, that he is the son of the withinnamed declarant Abigail Higgins, that his father Thomas Higgins died on the seventh --- day of April --- Eighteen hundred & forty two and that his mother the aforesaid Abigail Higgins has remained a widow ever since the death of the said Thomas Higgins.
This deponent further saith that the annexed leaf or memorandum is one cut out of a family Bible belonging to his mother and is in the handwriting of John Smith ---and was made twenty five years ago 
Hiram Higgins [signature]
Sworn & Subscribed this 25th
day of December 1843 before me
Roswell Judson [signature]
First Judge of Chenango County Courts
I certify that the abovenamed deponent is a credible witness --
Roswell Judson [signature]
First Judge of Chenango County Courts
State of New York
Chenango County SS: I John Latham Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Roswell Judson before whom the foregoing declaration & affidavit was made & whose signature is attached to the Jurats of the same & who signed the certificates attached to each was on the day of the dates thereof a First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Chenango County duly appointed & qualified & that his signatures above & within are genuine -- In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed my seal of office this 26th day of December 1843--
John Latham [signature] Clerk
Page 27

December 18, 1936.
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Mrs. C. F. Campbell
101 Ninth Avenue S. E. ,
Aberdeen, South Dakota
BA-J/ady
W.19783
Thomas Higgins

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter relative to Thomas Higgins, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.

The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim,
W.19783, based upon his military service in that war.

Thomas Higgins was born April 24, 1755, in Eastham, Massachusetts. The names of his parents are not stated.

While a resident of Stillwater, Saratoga County, New York, Thomas Higgins served nine months from April 1777 under Captain John Varner, boating upon the North River and carrying beef, flour and provisions from Stillwater Falls to Fort Miller; after the river froze up he was engaged in getting wood at Coeymans [should read Colemans] Patent and bringing it up to Albany on the ice. While a resident of New Concord, Columbia County, New York, he enlisted in the spring of 1778 and served nine months as private in Colonel Van Cortland's [alternate spelling - Courtlandt] New York Regiment.

After the Revolutionary War he lived in Northumberland, Stillwater, and Sherburne, New York.

He was allowed pension on his application executed October 11, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Sherburne, Chenango County, New York, where he had lived thirty years.
 
He died April 7, 1842, in Sherburne, New York.

Soldier married March 21, 1781, in Stillwater, New York, or in Saratoga, New York, Abigail Mershal, or Marshall. She was born May 21, 1765, place and the names of her parents are not stated.
Page 28

Soldier's widow, Abigail Higgins, was allowed pension on her application executed March 25, 1843, at which time she was a resident of Sherburne, New York.
The following data are given from the family record:
Thomas Higgins born April 24,1755.
Abigail Higgins      "    May 21,1765.
Rhoda Higgins       "    December 17,1782.
John Higgins          "     August 29,1787.
Eliza Higgins           "    June 14,1786.
Sally Higgins           "    October 13,1787.
Thomas Higgins      "    May 1,1789.
John Higgins           "    February 20,1792.
Anna Higgins           "   March 4,1794.
Seth Higgins            "   March 6,1796.
Polly Higgins            "   October 28,1798
Anna Higgins           "   July 18,1801
William Higgins       "    July 27,1804.
Hiram Mershal Higgins "  November 10,1806.
Amy Higgins            "    May 20,1808.

Thomas Higgins married Abigil Mershal March 21,1781.
Rhoda Higgins married October 16,1789.
Eliza Higgins married January 3,1800.

John                 died December 13,1786.
Anna                died November 9,1804.
Enoch Higgins died November 30,1804.
Sarah Higgins  died January 2,1816.

Very truly yours
A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Date of widow's death not on A.B.
[Note: Mershal alternative spelling Marshal]
[Note: John death year does not fit with the birth year of either John Higgins]
Page 29

1936 Dec. 18. Hist. to Mrs. C. F. Campbell. A. D. Y.
Rey WIDOW, &c.
File No. 19.783
Abigail Higgins
Wid' of
Thomas Higgins
Priv Rev War
Act: Febry, 2nd '/48
Index: ---Vol. A. Page 336
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 30

Mrs. Colin F. Campbell
101 Ninth Ave. , S. E.
Aberdeen, SO. DAK.
[postage stamp]
numbers 1-12 around the periphery
RECEIVED
DEC 7 1936
other marks are illegible
[letter]
Dec. 4, 1936
Veteran's Administration,
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen,
Will you please send me the service and pension record of Thomas Higgins?
He served in the American Revolution in the New York Continental and received his pension in Chenango Co.
Respectfully yours.
Mrs. C.F. Campbell.
Page 31

[left side of the document]
4938
New York, Albany
Abigail Higgins
widow of Thomas Higgins
who was a Private
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
30 Dollars---
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of march, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 
15 day of Feb 1844
and sent to C.E. Jenkins Albany N. York
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 1  Page 100.
[right side of document]
Refd.
Letter to J. Foote July 12/48
Page 32

[check mark]
8045
New York Alby
Abigail Higgins
widow of Thomas Higgins
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 7th of April 1842
of Chenango in the State of N York
who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Varner of the Regt commanded by Col. Van Cortland in
the N York line for 9 months
Inscribed on the Roll of N York
at the rate of 30 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of 
March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29th day of 
Jan [?] 1844 and sent to Honble
S M Purdy H of Representatives
Total amount, $150.00
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by F H Davidge Clerk,
Book D Vol 1 Page 161
Page 33

10,069
Abigail Higgins
NY
let - to - R. Judson July 20, 1843
Act 7 July 1838
Page 34

Honbl J.L. Edwards Esq
War Department
Pension office
Washington D.C
Page 35

D[F]
Hamilton Madison Count
NY Oct 10 1848
Inclosed is the afft. of widow Higgins and which please issue a certificate & enclose to me at your earliest convenience & you will oblige your [illegible[ list
John Foot
J L Edwards Esq
Page 36

State of New York
Madison County ss. On the Ninth day of October 1848 personally appeared before me Thomas H Greenly a Justice of the Peace in & for said County Abigail Higgins a Resident of Sherburne in the County of Chenango & State aforesaid aged Eighty three years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed on the 2nd day of February 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the  Revolutionary war -- that she is the widow of Thomas Higgins decd who served in the army of the Revolution & at the time of his death resided in Sherburne aforesaid But what rank he held or in what Regiment or Caps he served She is unable to state as she has no documents in her possession from which she can ascertain the facts in relation thereto and she refers to the papers on file at the war department for information in this Respect -- She further declares that she is the identical person who drew a pension of thirty dollars per annum under the act of the 17th of June 1844 on account of the Revolutionary services of her husband the said Thomas Higgins decd who was a pensioner of the United Stated at the time of his death She further declares that she is still a widow
Sworn & subscribed to this 9th day of October 1848 before me} Abigail Higgins
 [signature]
Thos H Greenly [signature] Justice
I certify that the above declarant is personally known to me & that she is the identical person who drew a pension as by her above in her affidavit Stated & that the word "by" was included in the said affidavit before signing & word "duly" written in the margin before signing
Thomas H Greenly [signature] Justice
Page 37

State of New York
Madison County Clerk's Office SS:
I A. Scott Sloan clerk of said County do hereby certify that Thos. H. Greenly before whom the within declaration purports to be taken & whose name is signed to the Jurat thereof and to the certificate, was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in & for said County duly elected & authorized by the laws of said State to take the same and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe the signatures of said Justice to be genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & official Seal the 10th day of October 1848
A. Scott Sloan Clerk for Wm A Holmes Dep (Clk Absent)
Page 38

July
2 Feb 1848
Smith
NY
Abigail Higgins
Clerk Certif 
wanting
Letter to J Foot
July 12. 48
Page 39

J L Edwards Esq Pension Office
Hamilton Madison County NY June 31 [30?] 1848
D Sir
Inclosed I send the afft. of widow Abigail Higgins for the purpose of having her Pension continued and if the paper is found sufficient. Please send a certificate But should the voucher be found deficient please note wherein & if convenient send me a form for the application. My copy of the act was sent and lost so that I had nothing to guide me in the matter I would like to get another copy of the act I have heretofore been favored with copies of merited instruction of the Secy of War entered in her several acts of Congress of 1843 & 1844 & I would like to be in the last
I am [?] most Respectfully
Your [?] Ser
John Foot
Page 40

Washington Jan 16
Sir.
I have recd from you a pension certificate for Abigail Higgins widow of Thomas Higgins but I have no memorandum by which I can tell to whom to forward it
Will you have the kindness to inform me from whom you recd the papers & when or give me the residence of the widow or any other clue to relieve me?
Respectfully your servant
N Dellis [signature]
Page 41

Washington Jan 10 48
Sir.
I am requested by a Constituent to enquire whether the application of Abigail Higgins of Sherburne Chenango Cou for a pension -- forwarded in Oct last -- has been received & if so whether any decision has yet been made in the call
I am respectfully
N. Dellis [signature]
Page 42

5331 Feby 13 1844
NY
Abigail Higgins
3 March 1843
$30 per an
C.E. Jenkins [signature]
Albany N.Y.
James L. Edwards Esq [signature]
Comm of Pensions
War Dept
Washington
Page 43

Albany Feby 10 1844
James L Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions
Sir.
Enclosed I send the application of Mrs Abigail Higgins under the Act of 3 Mch 1843
Respectfully 
yr obt Servt [your obedient servant]
Chas E Jenkins
Page 44

5331
Page 45

STATE OF NEW YORK, County of Chenango} SS.
On this 8th day of February in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty-four before the subscriber, a Justice of the peace in & for the County aforesaid personally appeared Abigail Higgins a resident of the town of Sherburne in said county, aged seventy seven years who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3d of March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary
war:
That she is the widow of Thomas Higgins who was a private in the army of the revolution and a pension under Act of 7 June 1832 at $30 per annum and for proof of the regiments in which he served she refers to the papers sent on by him when he applied for his pension under said act
She further declares that she is still a widow. 
Abigail x Higgins her mark [x]
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written.}
Ira P Barnes [signature] Justice of the Peace.
I Certify that the above declarant is personally known to me.
Ira P Barnes [signature] Justice of the Peace
STATE OF NEW YORK, County of Chenango} SS.
I, John Latham clerk of said county, do hereby certify that Ira P. Barnes was on the day of the date of the above jurat and certificate, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county, duly appointed and qualified, and that the signature above, purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name, this Eighth day of February 1844.
John Latham [signature] Clerk