Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16728, for Josiah Skinner, New York
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE: New York
Skinner, Josiah
Elizabeth
NUMBER: W16728
CONTENTS: [blank]
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1177
New York

Josiah Skinner
of Rensselaerville in the State of New York, who was a Lieut. in the Company commanded b Captain Cannon of the Regt. commanded by Col. Waterman [illegible] in the New York line for Two Years.

Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 320. Dollars per an: to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 2g. day of October 1832 and sent to I B. Moore

arrears to 4th of Sept. 1832. $480.00
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Mar '33 160.00
[Total] $640.00

{Revolutionary Claim, act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Geo C. Shile, Clerk
Book D Vol. 5 Page 14[illegible]
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Josiah Skinner
Pensioned Officer, July 21. 1832
No. 461
Page 4

State of New York, Albany County, SS
On this 12th day of July 1832 personally appears before J. B. Moore a Judge of the County courts of the County of Albany and State aforesaid Josiah Skinner a resident of the town of Rensselaerville in the County of Albany and State of New York aged 77 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 dated June 7. 1832.
That he entered the Service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. That in the month of June 1775 at new Lebanon in the county of Columbia and State of New York where he then resided he enlisted in Capt Baldwins Company in the Second Battalion of New York State Troops, and immediately marched with the said company, after serving joined the forces under Genl Montgomery went into Canada and continued there untill in the winter when he returned home to New Lebanon aforesaid. In the Spring of the next year he joined Capt Nehemiah Fitch's Company of New York militia for three months and went to Johnstown in New York and kept the garrison. After the expiration of this term and in the years 1777. He again enlisted in Capt Fitch's Company in Col. Watermans regiment as he now thinks at New Lebanon, and marched directly from there to Fort George and then returned to fort Edward and then retreated with the Army down to Stillwater and was actually and actively engaged in the battles immediately preceeding the surrender of Genl. Burgoyne and his army. After the surrender of Burgoyne
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he with others marched down to the city of Albany for the purpose of joining the Southern Army (as was said) where he was taken sick and was carried home to New Lebanon the place of his residence aforesaid. In the Spring of the next year he again entered the service and went to Fishkill in the county of Dutchess N. York and performed the duties of Quartermaster under Colos Waterman and Staats and after serving out the time re enlisted for which he believes was for three months, he returned home. The next season he next in Capt. Fitch's Company up the Mohawk river and through the woods to Niagara and underwent the most severe hardships and privations in pursuing the Indians. After this campaign he returned home to New Lebanon. In the months of April 1781 he received a warrant from Governor George Clinton to enlist a certain quota of men for three years levies, and having enlisted his number of men required, was ordered to take them with other levies and march to Schoharie where he joined Colonel Marinus Willetts regiment. He then served as a Lieutenant in Capt Hales Company in Colonel Willets regiment until some time in December and was engaged in a battle with the Indians during this time at the head of the Delaware where his waiter John Sacket was killed. He then received orders from Colo Willet to attend a meeting at Johnstown (New York) for to make arrangements for the three years officers and prepare for winter quarters. At this meeting he was arranged as first Lieutenant in Capt James Cannons Company
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and Colonel Marinus Willets regiment. That in the Spring he received his commission in the said company as first Lieutenant and served as such in the said company commanded by the said Capt cannon and in Colonel Willets regiment untill the close of the Revolutionary War. After obtaining his commission he having no place to keep it, he handed it to Capt Common for safe keeping and has never seen it since, after the war was over he sent a man to Capt Common to get his commission, but it could not be obtained as Capt Cannon has become insane and could give no account of it.
That he does not recollect the particular place he was in at the close of the war at the time he was discharged, but thinks it was at some place on the Mohawk river. He further states that he is very infirm and has a hard fever sore on one of his legs and is also very poor, that he lives about 25 miles from Albany where the Courts of Record are held and that from bodily infirmity he is wholly unable to attend a court at that distance. That he has documentary evidence and affidavit in relation to his service which together with other papers are now at the city of Washington, and as he understands & believes are in the War Department. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any state. 
[signed] Josiah Skinner
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me.
[signed] J. B. Moore, Judge of Albany County
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And I the said Judge do hereby declare my opinion, that the within named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he stated.
[signed] J. B. Moore Judge of Albany County Courts

State of New York
City & County of Albany
Clerks office [illegible]. I Conrad A. Ten Eyck clerk of the city and county of Albany do certify that J. B. Moore before whom the within declaration was sworn and who has made the above certificate is a Judge of the county courts of the county of Albany, and that he signature "J. B. Moore" to the within declaration and to the above certificate in his genuine signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand now affixed the Seal of the said courts this 16th day of July 1832.
[signed] C. A. Ten Eyck Clerk

Pension Office July 21. 1832
No. 461
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Albany 1059

Elizabeth Skinner
widow of Josiah Skinner
 who died on the 27. Nov. 1835 of Albany Co. in the State of N. York who was a Lieut. in the [blank space] commanded by Captain [blank] of the Regt. commanded by Colo. Waterman in the N. York line for 2 years.
N. Y.

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 320 Dollars per annum to commence on the 28 Nov. day of 1835.


Certificate of Pension issued the 24th day of June 1837 and sent to Samuel Jenkins Albany

Arrears to the 4th of March '37. 401.77
Semi-anl. allowance ending 6. Sep '37 160.00
[Total] $561.77

{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 -}
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk,
Book [illegible] Vol. 1 Page 138

Letter to D. G. Skinner 5 June 1841.
Dead
Taken to Hon W. M. Oliver & 3rd Auditor 25 Aug 1842.
Dead
Paid at the Treasury under the act of April 6th 1838 from 4th March to Aug 28th 1840. Agent notified Aug 31st 1842

[illegible] D. G. skinner
Oct. 23. 1849
Page 9

1887. 3. Dec.
In the matter of the application of Elizabeth Widow of Josiah Skinner for a Pension under the Act of July 4. 1836.

Declaration etc

Admitted
Lieut 2 years - $320.00
pension to commence 28th November 1835.

Samuel Jenkins Esq
Albany New York

["Hn G. Y. Lansing" crossed through]
[initialed] H K
Page 10

State of New York, County of Albany} ss
On this sixth day of December in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty five, personally appeared before the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the said County, Elizabeth Skinner, a resident of the town of Bern in said county, aged seventy eight years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the pension made by the Act of Congress passed July 4, 1836; ----------
That she is the widow of Josiah Skinner, who was a Lieutenant in the Army of the United States during the Revolutionary War, and was at the time of his death a Pensioner of the United States, at the rate of three hundred & twenty Dollars per annum under the Act of June 7. 1832.
She further declares that she was married to the said Josiah Skinner on the fourth day of March in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven. That her Husband the aforesaid Josiah Skinner died on the 27th day of November 1835; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period & will now appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
She further declares that at the time of her said marriage she saw her said Husband resided in New Lebanon in the county of Columbia, in State of New York and that the marriage ceremony was performed before Elder Rathburn, who was then a Minister or Preacher of the Baptist denomination. That, as she has been informed, & believes, the said Rathburn, is now dead, and has been dead many years - and she does not know of any record of this said marriage. That her name previous to her said marriage was Elizabeth Green[?]. She further declares that she does not
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know of any person now living who was present at her said marriage. That she has had thirteen children by her said Husband, of whom seven are now living. That her oldest child, a daughter named Diann, now dead, was born on the 28th day of July 1779. That she is unable to write her name bearing to the infirmities of age.
Elizabeth ["X her mark"] Skinner
Sworn to and subscribed, (by making her mark) this 6th day of December 1836 before me.
[signed] J. McNiles, a Judge of Albany County Courts

I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Elizabeth Skinner and have known her formerly as the wife and now the widow of the within named Josiah Skinner for about twenty years. And that I have no doubt that the facts [illegible] in her preceeding declaration are true.
I also certify that the said Elizabeth is very infirm & unable to attend court, and that I have therefore attended at her [illegible] house in Bern, and taken her said declaration as above.
Witness my hand this 6th day of December 1836.
[signed] John Nibs, a Judge of Albany County Courts
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Albany County SS
Daniel Lownsbury of Bern in the County of Albany being duly sworn says that he this deponent was well acquainted with Josiah Skinner a United States pensioner late of Bern deceased, and had been for thirty six years last part previous to his death which happened about November 1835 to the best of his this deponents recollection - that he knows Elizabeth Skinner who made her mark as her signature to the foregoing statement & that she lived with the said Josiah Skinner from the time this deponent first knew him until his death as his lawful wife & that she is now reputed to be & as this deponent believes is his widow - that this deponent lives within twenty or thirty rods of her residence & believes her statement to be true. 
[signed] Daniel Lownsbury
Sworn & subscribed this 6th day of December 1836 before me.
[signed] John Niles, a Judge of Albany County Courts
Albany County SS
Thankful Preston of Westerlo in the County of Albany being duly sworn days - that she this deponent was well acquainted with Josiah Skinner a United States pensioner late of Bern deceased and had been for about sixty years last part previous to his death which happened about November 1835 to the best of her this deponents recollection. That she knows Elizabeth Skinner who made her mark as signature to the foregoing declaration. That she knew her in New Lebanon previous to her marriage to Josiah Skinner which marriage was reputed to have taken place about the year 1777 according to the best of this deponents recollection and that she lived with the said Josiah Skinner from the time of said marriage until his death as his lawful wife & that she is now reputed to be & as this deponent believes is his widow. That this deponent lives within about two miles of her residence and believes her statement to be true.
Thankful ["X - her mark"] Preston
Sworn & subscribed this 6 day of December 1836 before me.
[signed] John Niles, a Judge of Albany County Courts
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I certify that I am well acquainted with the within named Daniel Lounsbury and Thankful Preston, and that they are credible [illegible]. I also certify that the said Thankful and mark with her name, owing to the infirmities of old age, she being about eighty years of age. Stated this 6th day of December 1836.
[signed] John Niles, a Judge of Albany County Courts

State of New York, County of Albany} SS
I Conrad A. Ten Eyck Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that John Niles Esq before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been sworn and who has subscribed the foregoing certificate of credibility was on the day of the date of the same one of the Judges of the Albany County courts and that his name subscribed to each is his proper hand writing and signature.
In Testimony where of I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of the said county this 21st day of December 1836.
[signed] C. A. Ten Eyck, Clerk
Page 14

FAMILY RECORD.
BIRTHS

Josiah Skinner July 25th 1754
Elizabeth, his wife august 5th 1758
Children of the above
Dinah Skinner, New Lebanon July 28th 1780
Sarah Skinner, same place March 20th 1781
Elisabeth Skinner, same place December 3rd 1782
Elizabeth, same place October 21st 1784
Joseph, same place November 24th 1786
Deborah, Rensselaerville August 31st 1788
Phila, same place May 1st 1790
Joshua Green, same place December 28th 1791
Esthe,r same place February 22nd 1794
Daniel Green, same place Gebruary 1st 1796
Abigail & Ruth, twins, same place July 30th 1797
Chester Clark, same place December 28th 1799
Page 15

FAMILY RECORD.
MARRIAGES.

Josiah Skinner to Elizabeth Green, March 4th 1777

Chester C. Skinner to Jane Sutherland, July 24th 1820
To Mary Gardner 2 [illegible] 18[illegible]
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TREASURY DEPARTMENT, SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
August 27th, 1842.

Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Five of the seven children of Elizabeth Skinner, deceased, late a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany, N.Y. Agency, at the rate of Three hundred & twenty Dollars and --- Cents per annum, under the law of the 4th July 1886, has been paid at this department, from the 4th of March, to the 28th August 1840.
Respectfully, yours,
Albion K. Parris, Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 17

No. 461.
Brief in the case of Josiah Skinner

admitted Lt. for 2 years.
$320
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No. 461
BRIEF in the case of Josiah Skinner of Rensselairville Albany Cy. in the State of New York
(Act 7 June, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Before a Judge.
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? Judge certifies that applicant resides 25 miles from Court & cannot attend from bodily infirmity.
3. How old is he? Seventy Seven years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period. | Duration of Service, Years, Months, Days. | Rank. | Names of General and Field Officer under whom he served.
Enlisted in June 1775 | about 6 months | private | Capt. Baldwin, Coy. 2nd Batalion of New York State [illegible]
Enlisted in spring 1776 | 3 months | private | Capt Nehemiah Fitch, Comy of New York Militia
Enlisted in Spring of 1771 | until after the surrender of Burgoyne & [illegible] he returned home sick | private | Capt Fitch's compy. Col Waterman's Regt
Enlisted in Spring 1775 | 3 months | Lieutenant | Col. Waterman & [illegible] Regtz
Enlisted April 1781 | 8 months | Lieutenant | Capt. Cole's compy Col. M[illegible] [illegible] Regt
Enlisted in 1782 | until close of the war | 1st Lieut. | Capt. Cannon's compy Col [illegible]

5. In what battles was he engaged? In the battles immediately before the surrender of Gen'l Burgoyne, and in 1781 with the Indians at the head of the Delaware, where he servant John Jacket was killed.
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? at New Lebanon, Columbia County New York.
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by rolls? By documentary proof, said to be placed in file in the department of War, by W Hubbard, Chairman of the Pension Committee
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? His commission is absent which he says on oath was given himself to Capt Cannon, & that could never after be found. The Judge verifying the truth of his statement eliminates all other claims as a pensioner.
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned. 
Chas. G. Wilett, Examining Clerk.
Page 19

[initialed] Y.L.W.
Rev. War Section.

July 31, 1915.
Josiah Skinner
W.16728

Mrs. Hazel S. Paulger,
205 Park Place, Montgomery, Ala.

Madam:
In reply to your letter dated the 20th instant, you are advised that it appears from the papers in the claim of Josiah Skinner, W. File No. 16,728, Rev. War, that he was born July 25, 1754, and while a resident of New Lebanon, Columbia County, New York, enlisted there in June 1775, as a Private in Captain Baldwin's company, Colonel Yates' regiment, was in the siege of St. Johns, served until December 1775.
In the spring of 1776, he enlisted in captain Nehemiah Fitch's company; served four months.
In 1777, enlisted in captain Fitch's company, Colonel Waterman's regiment, was in the battles immediately preceding the surrender of Burgoyne and served three months.
In the Spring of 1778, he served as Quartermaster in Colonels Staats and Waterman's regiment; three months.
The next season he again joined captain Fitch's company, and went up the Mohawk river in pursuit of Indians and was in an engagement with Indians at the head of the Delaware; served two months.
April 28, 1781, he was appointed Lieutenant under Captains
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Hale and James Cannon in Colonel Marinus Willetts' regiment, and served to the close of the war. He was allowed pension on an application executed April 20, 1818, while a resident of Rensselaerville, Albany County, New York.
He married March 4, 1777, Elizabeth daughter of Joshua Green; she was born August 5, 1758. He died November 27, 1835, and his widow Elizabeth was allowed pension on an application executed December 6, 1836, while a resident of Berne, New York. She died August 26, 1840. their children were:
Dinah, born New Lebanon, July 28, 1779.
Sarah, born New Lebanon, March 29, 1781.
Elizabeth, born New Lebanon, December 3, 1782.
Elizabeth, born New Lebanon, October 21, 1784.
Joseph, born New Lebanon, November 24, 1786.
Deborah, born Rensselaerville, August 31, 1788.
Phila, born Rensselaerville, May 1, 1790.
Joshua Green, born Rensselaerville, December 28, 1791.
Esther, born Rensselaerville, February 22, 1794.
Daniel Green, born Rensselaerville, February 1, 1796.
Abigail & Ruth, twins, born Rensselaerville, July 30, 1797.
Chester Clark, born Rensselaerville, December 28, 1799.
Chester Clark married July 24, 1820, Jane Sutherland and April 18, 1835, Mary Gardner.
Very respectfully,
[signed] GM Saltzgaling
Commissioner.

Skinner - 2 -
Page 21

Clarence St., Topeka Kans, mel, in Clarence & 6th St., [illegible]

Rev WIDOW, etc.
File No. 16728
Elizabeth Skinner
Widow of 
Josiah skinner
Lieut. Rev. War

Act July 4th 36
Index: Vol. M, Page 216
(Arrangement of 1870.)

Nov. 9/95 [illegible] to Skinner, 123 E, 6th 
Feb. 17/96 letter D. Skinner, 123 Topeka, Kan
1815 July 31 Hist to Mrs. Hazel S. Paulger. 
[initialed] I.L.M.
Page 22

12 G. SAIN.
1853-1893
CLARENCE SKINNER.

Merchants Transfer and Storage Company.

Freights, Safes, and Household Goods
Move, Packed, Stored or Shipped.

SKIN & SKINNER,
Topeka, Kansas
Office 128 East Sixth St.
Telephone 16,
Barn 1301 Quincy St.
Page 23

To what time was Elizabeth Skinner, act 1836. Albany Roll, cast pair?
[signed] J. L. Edwards
Mch. 8. '41

Died 28th Augt 1840
2 children paid & 5 unpaid
[initialed] JH
Page 24

[top line cut off & illegible]
I have the [illegible]

[signed] Hon. J. R. Poinsett
Sec. of War
Page 25

New York
_________________
Elizabeth Skinner
widow of Josiah skinner
Suspended
Let Hon G. Y. Lansing.
Jan 6. 1836.
Let to L[illegible] Jurkins. Apl 26. 37
Page 26

Albany Agency Act of June 7. 1832
Josiah Skinner a pensioner at the rate of $320.00 per ann. to a [illegible] paid
[signed] V Lace

John Harry Esq
Died 27th Nov 1835 paid to that period
[initialed] J H
Page 27

[stamped] J. S. PENSION OFFICE
NOV 1 1895
Page 28

S,
Judge [illegible] [illegible]son

[illegible] Oct. 28. 95
U.S. Court of Pensions
[illegible]
Dear Sir Would you kindly [illegible] me what the records show of the Revolutionary Soldier Josiah Skinner born in the town of Sharon. (supposed to be born July 25 1754. Married in North Kingston (RI.) settled in New Lebanon at least 6 years 1779 to 1786) and in Rensselaerville NY. from 1788 to 1835. Tradition says he drew a pension for seven or several
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years for meritorious service. Also that he [illegible] home at the close of the war all his pay in "Continental money" some of which I now have in my possession.
This was my Gr. Grand Father and at the suggestion of Mr Geo D. Hale seer of the "Sons of the Revolution" his city I write this letter hoping I am not asking too many nor improper question.
Resp'y yr Clarence D Skinner
123 Er 6" Topeka Ks
Page 30

3

That reminds me of another of this line about whom I would wish to enquire.
His Son Daniel Skinner born Rensselaerville May 1796 served either in Mexican war or "Creek war"  "alias "Florida War" or both. We have the coat of an Indian Chief conquered in that struggle.
Can you learn anything concerning his record?
Truly yours a Geneologist
[signed] C. D. Skinner
Page 31

State of New York, Albany County} SS
Chester C. Skinner of the Town of Bern in said County, being duly sworn, saith that he is a son of the within named Josiah & Elizabeth Skinner & is thirty seven years of age. That this Deponent has lately been to the Towns of Pittsfield & Canaan, and inquired for the Records of marriages in these places during & before the Revolutionary War, & could not find any records of marriages in the Town of Pittsfield during that period and only three in the Town of Canaan.
This Deponent further saith that the within is a true copy of this Record of Marriages, birth, in this family of his father & mother - the original of which record is found in the family bible, when such record has existed in since this Deponent was a child & as far back as he can remember.
This Deponent further saith that the entries, in said original record are in the hand writing of his father, the said Josiah Skinner.
[signed] Chester C. Skinner
Sworn to & subscribed this 7th day of February 1837 before me.
[signed] S. Jenkins Court of Deeds.
I certify that the above Chester C. skinner is a credible witness.
[signed] S. Jenkins Court of Deeds
Page 32

Josiah Skinner was born in Sharon July 25th 1754
Elizabeth Green was born North Kingston August 5th 1758
Were Married March 4th 1777
Children of the Above
Diana was born New Lebanon July 28th 1779
Sarah was born New Lebanon March 29th 1781
Elsabeth was born New Lebanon December 3rd 1782
Elizabeth was born New Lebanon October 21st 1784
Joseph was born New Lebanon November 24th 1786
Deborah was born Rensselaerville August 31st 1788
Phila was born Rensselaerville May 1st 1790
Joshua was born Rensselaerville December 28 1791
Esther was born Rensselaerville February 22nd 1794
Daniel was born Rensselaerville February 1st 1796
Abigail & Ruth twins was born Rensselaerville July 30th 1797
Chester was born Rensselaerville December 28th 1799
I certify the above to be a true coppy of the Original Family record of [illegible] off by me this 6th day of February 1837
[signed] Chester C. Skinner
Page 33

J. S. Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 34

Hon J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions
My father was an officer of the Revolutionary War of the N. York State Troops & a pensioner of the U.S. from 1831 as appears from the Records in the P. Office over which you preside & my mother after his decease. He was also entitled to Bounty lands & money from the State of N.Y. which has never been rec'd. I desire to be informed whether the evidence is in the pension office in the shape of reports from the said State of N.Y. & if so, wherein they were desired to enable me to procure it & thereby obtain justice from the state whose officer - he was in that behalf Josiah Skinner of the N.Y. line under Gen Gates - Arnold & Scuyler+ a Lieu - Gen. Marinus Willet at Lieutenant Skinner - applied to the State Legislature for pay & lands but died without obtaining it. The attention of the Hon. Commissioner to this matter will be gratefully acknowledged by D[illegible].
Your very obt humble servt.
[signed] Daniel G. Skinner
Washington City D.C.
Oct. 16th 1849
Page 35

Albany, May 13. 1837.

James L. Edwards Esquire,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Sir,
I herewith transcribe the original record of marriage as an affidavit of C. C. Skinner, in the case of Elizabeth widow of Josiah Skinner, as suggested in your letter of the 24th [illegible].
Whilst I admit the correctness of the principle that a copy of a private record cannot legally be received in evidence when the original can be here, permit me to remark that this rule applied to the present & similar cases is a very inconvenient one in as much as it requires the mutilation & separation of ancient family records, which some persons argue with an absurd superstition, veneration, as they are generally contained in the family Bible, and on which of this hand writing of deceased friends.
There is also an important difference in the operation of this rule between your office and Courts of Record; in which latter this seems is merely exhibited and then returned to the owner, wherein, if filed in your office, I presume that
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as against rule you do such allow them to be returned.
In this case I am specifically requested to ask you to return both this record, herewith such, if consistent with your regulations.
I am, Sir,
Very Respectfully
Your obt. servt.
Samuel Jenkins
Page 37

State of New York, Columbia County} SS
In this 30th day of January 1887. personally came before me John Bull Jun'r. a Judge of County Courts in & for said County. Richard Treat, Eliab Harlaw, Gethro Turner, Gideon Kibbee, Desire Sanford, and Sarah Hawkins, who being visually affirmed do depose and say. And the said Richard for himself says that he was well aquainted with Josiah Skinner and this deponent further says that his aquaintence with said Skinner was commenced when he this deponent was about fourteen years old & that they were and remained intimately aquainted untill the close of the Revolutionary war, including twenty years or more, that within the time of  said twenty years said Skinner married Elizabeth Green that this deponent lived in the same neighbourhood, before & after their marriage & was frequently at the home of said Skinner after his marriage, & this deponent has not any the  least doubt of the marriage of the said Josiah Skinner & Elizabeth Green nor did he ever hear anything to the contrary & had there been any doubt on the subject it must have come to the knowledge of this deponent that said Skinner & his were respectable persons & of good repute & this deponent further said that he was seventy nine years old on the fourteenth day of last March & further the said Treat saith not.
Richard Treat
Said Treats name was subscribed by me at his request he being nearly blind
[signed] John Bull Jun'r. 
Judge of County Courts
Affirmed the day & year first above written before me
[signed] John Bull Jun'r.
Judge of County Courts
Page 38

And the said Eliab Harlow for himself says, that he became aquainted with Josiah Skinner when he this deponent was about seven or eight years old, that when this deponent was about twelve years old Joshua Green the Father of Elizabeth Green, and his family came into the neighbourhood where he this deponent & Josiah Skinner resided that about two years after Elizabeth Green came into the neighbourhood when he this deponent, & said Josiah Skinner resided. They the said Josiah Skinner & Elizabeth Green were married & went to keeping house, that he this deponent verryly believes, & has no doubt the said Josiah & Elizabeth were married, & had there been any doubt on the subject it have come to his, this deponents knowledge, and this deponent further says that he was seventy four years old the tenth day of May last, & further this deponent sayeth not.
[signed] Eliab Harlow
Subscribed & affirmed the day and year first above written before me
[signed] John Bull Jun'r.
Judge of County Courts.
And the said Gethro Turner for himself says, that he became aquainted with Josiah Skinner when he this deponent was about fourteen years old that they the said Josiah Skinner and Elizabeth were married, & kept house together, that he this deponent has no doubt the said Josiah & Elizabeth had been married & had there been any doubt on the subject it would have come to the knowledge of this deponent, that the said Josiah & his wife Elizabeth were respectable people, & of good repute, & this deponent further says that he was twenty two years old the first day of September last, & further this deponent sayeth not.
[signed] Gethro Turner
Subscribed & Affirmed this day & year first above written before me
[signed] John Bull Jun'r. Judge of County Courts.
Page 39

And the said Gideon Kibbee for himself says that he became aquainted with the said Josiah Skinner and his wife Elizabeth when he this deponent was about nine years old that he was frequently at said Skinners house during six or seven years after he this deponent first became aquainted with his family. That he has no doubt the said Josiah & Elizabeth were married, & had there been any doubt on the subject it would have come to the knowledge of this deponent, that said Josiah & his wife Elizabeth were respected & of good repute in the neighbourhood where they & this deponent resided & further this deponent says that he was sixty five years old the eighth day of May last and further this deponent saith not.
[signed] Gideon Kibbee
Subscribed & Affirmed the day & year first above written before me
John Bull Jun'r. Judge of county Courts.
And the said Desire Sanford for herself says, that she became aquainted with Josiah Skinner, & Elizabeth Green about two years before they were married, that they resided in the same neighbourhood with this deponent before, & after they were married about fourteen or fifteen years that this deponent believes said Josiah & Elizabeth were married with as much confidence as she could, had this deponent seen their married, & had there been any the least doubt on the subject it must have come to the knowledge of this deponent, that the said Josiah & his wife Elizabeth were persons much respected, & of good repute in the neighbourhood where they & this deponent resided, & further this deponent says that she was seventy six years old the twenty fifth day of December last, and further this deponent sayeth not.
Desire Sanford
At the request of Desire Sanford I subscribed her name before she made affirmation
John Bull Jun'r. Judge of County Courts
Subscribed & affirmed the day & year first above written before me
John Bull Jun'r.
Judge of County Courts
Page 40

And the said Sarah Hawkins for herself says that she can remember Josiah Skinner & his wife Elizabeth since she the deponent can remember anything, that Josiah Skinners family and the family of this deponent were near & intimate neighbours, & a part of the time lived in the same house, & the intimacy continued about fourteen years, when Josiah Skinner moved away from the neighbourhood where this deponents family resided. And this deponent further says that had there been any doubt about the marriage of said Josiah & his wife. This deponent is confident she should have heard of it at the time and remembered it, and this deponent further says that she was sixty one years old the seventh day of April last, and further this deponent saith.
[signed] Sarah Hawkins
Subscribed & Affirmed the day & year first above written before me
[signed] John Bull Jun'r.
Judge of County Courts.
I certify that Richard Treat, Eliab Harlow, Gethro Turner, Gideon Kibbee, Desire Sanford and Sarah Hawkins reside in the Town of New Lebanon in said county & are all of them members of the society called Shakers that I have been aquainted with the society more than thirty years, that they are as a society of good moral caracter & that full faith and credit may be given to their Affirmation.
[signed] John Bull Jun'r
Judge of County Courts

State of New York, Columbia County} SS
I James Stovin Clerk of said County do hereby certify that John Bull Jun'r. before whom the several foregoing affidavits purport to have been sworn was at the dates of the same a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County, & that I am well acquainted with his hand writing & verely believe the signature "John Bull Jun" to be his proper hand writing & signature. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & approved Seal of said County this 31 January 1836
[signed] James Stovin
Clk
Page 41

State of New York, Albany County} ss: 
I Conrad A. Ten Eyck Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Lemuel Jenkins before whom the proceeding affidavit and certificate of credibility was sworn and subscribed was on the day of the date of the same one of the Commissions of Deeds etc in and for said County. And that his name subscribed to the same is his proper hand writing & signature. 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name & affixed the seal of the said County the 8th day of February 1837.
[signed] C. A. Ten Eyck
Clerk
Page 42

[poor quality copy with three smudge lines running vertically down the page obliterating some of the text]

AP 3

By his Excellency GEORGE CLI[illegible]TON, Esquire, Governer New-York, etc. etc. etc.

To Josiah skinner, Gent

Pursu[illegible] [illegible]he Authority in me vested, by an Act of the Iillegible]iflature, entitled, "An Act [illegible] Regimen [illegible] Defence of this State, on Bounties of unappropriated [illegible]ds:
I DO [illegible] Presents, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Council of Appointm[illegible] a [illegible] in one or the saidn Regi[illegible], hereby authori[illegible] the said Scr[illegible] for the Term of three Years; and, as an Encouragement, to offer [illegible] every other [illegible]nty on the Part of this State, a Right, of five Hundred Acres of an [illegible] within this [illegible]te the Lands belonging to the Oneida or Tuscarora [illegible]dians excepted, [illegible] elect, to be [illegible]ted to him or his legal Representative, on the Exp[illegible]ion of the said [illegible]sion or Disc[illegible]e from the said Service, which-ever may first hap[illegible], without Fee [illegible] reserved.--Th[illegible] Land so to be granted, is to be laid out as nearly i[illegible] a Square as the n[illegible] Lands will ad[illegible]t--An actual Settlement and Improvement of th[illegible] Lands, is to be [illegible] next after the [illegible]xpiration of the War--If any Number of Persons, [illegible] titled to sixty [illegible] one Location [illegible]he Land by them located, is to be laid out in a [illegible]ship of seven [illegible] to them acc[illegible]ing to their respective Rights therein--the remaining [illegible] Right is to be [illegible] of the Gosp[illegible] and the remaining three Hundred and sixty Aces, for the Use of a [illegible] running the [illegible] Lines of such Township, will be defrayed by the State. --- The Office[illegible] allowed the following Proportion of the Lands above-mentioned, viz. A Lieutenant [illegible] four Rights [illegible] Captain and Surgeon, each three Rights; and a Lieutenant, Ensign [illegible] two Rights. [illegible]hese Corps are to be armed, accoutred, clothed, paid and subsisted a[illegible] be subject to [illegible]e Rules and Articles of War, established for the Regulation of the A[illegible] and to be under the Command of the Commander in Chief of their Army; but not [illegible] without the Consent of the Person administering the Government thereof.---Any Pers[illegible] Man for this [illegible]ervice, may take a TRansfer of his Right; and any Person who deli[illegible] male Slave, [illegible]serve in either of these Corps, will be entitled to the Bounty; and th[illegible] from the Service, is declared to be a free Man, and the Master or [illegible]refs discharged from his future Maintenance. The [illegible]ld Officers (tho' appointed) are not to be commissioned until two Thirds of the Regiment shall be raised and [illegible]ftered. Jacob [illegible]ing Esquire at Albany [illegible] [illegible]ster the M[illegible], and grant the Cer[illegible] which will entitle them to the Bounty, [illegible] inlist none but such as are able bodied Men, for active Service. 
[illegible]pinion I entertain of your Zeal and Patriotism, it is expected your exertion[illegible] will be equal [illegible] Necessity of the Service; and that your Complement of Men, will be speedily ready to take the [illegible]
Given at Poughkeepsie, this 28th Day of April [illegible]
[signature illegible]

[illegible]ncy's Command,
[illegible] Benson, Secr'y
Page 43

Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C.,
November 9, 1895.

O. W. & N. Div.
F. S. 
M. E. C.

Sir:
In response to your request for the military record of Josiah Skinner, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you will find enclosed an official statement containing the desired information.
The muster and pay rolls of the Mexican and Indian wars are on file in the War department.
Very respectfully,
[unsigned]
Commissioner.

Mr. Clarence Skinner,
123 E. 6th St.,
Topeka, Kans.
Page 44

O. W. & N. Division.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions, 
Washington, D. C.,
November 9, 1895.

F. S. 
M.B.C.

Sir:
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of --- Josiah Skinner --- 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.

Date of Enlistment or Appointment. | Length of Service. | Rank. | Officer Under Whom Service was Rendered. | State.
June 1775 | 6 mos. | Pvt. | Captain Baldwin; Colonel Yates | N.Y.
Spr. 1776 | 4 mos. | Pvt. | Captain Nehemiah Fitch; Colonel - Not stated | N.Y.
1777 | 3 mos. | Pvt. | Captain Nehemiah Fitch; Colonel Waterman | N.Y.
1778 | 3 mos. | Quartermaster | Captain [blank]; Colonels Staats & Waterman | N.Y.
1779 | 2 mos. | Pvt. | Captain Nehemiah Fitch; Colonel - Not stated | N.Y.
Apr. 1781 to close of war | Lt. | Captain Hales & Cannon | Colonel M. Willett | N.Y.

Battles engaged in, Surrender of Burgoyne, Skirmishes with Indians.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, New Lebanon, N. Y.
Date of application for pension, April 20, 1818.
Residence at date of application, Rensselaerville, N. Y.
Age at date of application, Born July 25, 1754.
Remarks: Married Elizabeth Green (born Aug. 5, 1758) March 4, 1777, and died Nov. 27, 1835.

Very respectfully,
[unsigned]
Commissioner

Mr. Clarence Skinner,
123 E. 6th St.,
Topeka, Kans.

870blm
Page 45

July 20 1915
Rev. Sec
Department of Interior Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Please give me some information on Josiah Skinner Colonial Lieutenant of the Revolution. born 1754 died 1835. I want to if possible join the daughters of the American Revolution or the Colonial Dames. I am a great, great grand daughter and my grand father was a name sake of the Revolutionary soldier Josiah Skinner.
If you can not give me
Page 46

any information please write me where I can get it.
Thanking you in advance
Truly, 
[signed] Hazel S. Paulger
205 Park Place
Montgomery Ala.

P.S. You may refer to C. D. Skinner's letter of Feb 17 1896) O.W. and W. Div. F. S
[illegible]. E. C. 
I. I. Murphy acting Commissioner

[stamped] U. S. PENSION OFFICE. JUL 23 1915
Page 47

Josiah Skinner
petition for Pension
as an offficer -
Feb. 27. 1832
Ref'd to form [illegible] Rev. Pensions

S[illegible]ing 17: Rev. Pens.
Page 48

Albany County} SS
Affidavit
James Sacket being duly Sworn Saith that he has been intimately acquainted with Lieut. Josiah Skinner, who signed the foregoing Declaration, knows him to be a good citizen in very low circumstances and from information has no doubt of his having served as by was stated, that he has lived near him between twenty and thirty years, that he the said deponent has now in his possession the affidavits of Col John McKinstry, Major Elijah Scott, Adjutant Garret Staats, C Sellis, A Fonda, Peter Becker, John P. Becker, Cornelius Van Dyck  all of which testify of the faithful service of Lieut Skinner and further saith not.
[signed] James Sackett
Sworn this 20th day of April 1818 be[illegible]
[signed] Sam'l Haring
Judge of Albay Com Pleas
Page 49

State of New York, Schoharie County}ss
Hans A Becker of the Town of Middleburgh in the County of Schoharie of the age of fifty six years being duly sworn deponeth & saith that he was well aquainted with Josiah Skinner of Rensselaerville County of Albany during the American war with Great Britain commonly called the Revolutionary war and hath been well aquainted with him ever since said war that he this deponent served as an Ensign in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Marinus Willet and that said Josiah Skinner served also in said Regiment as a Lieutenant that this deponent is perfectly satisfied that said Josiah Skinner did serve as a Lieutenant in said Regiment for this period of at least nine months successively and further this deponent saith not.
[signed] Hans A Becker
Sworn to this 22 day of September 1818 before me
[signed] Joseph Borst one of the Judges of Schoharie Common Pleas
Page 50

Memorial of Josiah Skinner an Officer in the Army of the Revolution praying for relief.
Willets Reg. not on the Continental Establishment.
Inadmissible
Page 51

Memorial of Josiah Skinner an Officer in the Army of the Revolution praying for relief.
Willets Reg. not on the Continental Establishment.
Inadmissible

In the County of Albany and verily believes that he is the same identical person who acted and served as a Lieutenant during said war in so much that this deponent does not entertain the least doubt of that fact.
[signed] John Hager
[illegible] sworn Albany, [illegible] before sworn to}
Sworn to this 22 day of September 1818 before me
[signed] Joseph Borst one of the Judges of Schoharie Common Pleas & County of Schoharie
Page 52

Affidavit of John McKinstrey in favor of Josiah Skinner a petitioner for Bounty lands
M. Assembly
March 21. 1808
Ref. Com of Claims
M Gold
[illegible]amer the S[illegible]
Page 53

Daniel Green being duly sworn for & that he has been well acquainted with Josiah Skinner about thirty years now past and was knowing to his inlisting men in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty one in the three years service in Col. Willets Regiment in the line of the State of Newyork and saw him when he was going and return to and from the Place where he was stationed with troops under his Command and verily believes that the said Josiah did actually serve in the war until the close thereof.
[signed] Daniel Green
Sworn before me this 8th day of February 1807
[signed] Stoddard Smith one of the Masters in Clemency bar the State of Newyork
Page 54

Daniel Green in favour of Josiah Skinner
9th. Feb'y. 1804
Page 55

The petition of Josiah Skinner with papers relating to the same.
Page 56

No. 4
Be it remembered that on the 31st day of January in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and three John Preston to me personally known came before me Abraham Archer Esquire one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Albany and after being duly sworn deponed and said
That in or about the year 1784 he this deponent was at the dwelling house of Lieutenant Josiah Skinner of Kings district and saw the said Josiah Skinner confined to his house by reason of a wound on one of his legs. That this deponent was occasionally in that neighbourhood for two or three years thereafter and the common report was that the aforesaid Josiah Skinner was confined by reason of the aforementioned wound.
That for twelve years last part this deponent has resided within about four and an half miles from the said Josiah Skinner was knowing to the continuance of the above wound to this day of this deposition and that he the said Josiah Skinner has heretofore for several years been busy in the time of the sitting of the Legislature in attempting to procure some Relief by way of Bounty Lands for Service done in the American War. And further this deponent saith not
[signed] John Preston
Sworn and subscribed the day & year first above written before me
[signed] A H [illegible]
Page 57

John Preston's Affidavit for the Relief of Josiah Skinner
31 Jany 1803
Page 58

[left upper corner of page bent obscuring 1st word of document]

[illegible]er Grant of Canaan in the County of Columbia Esqr. being duly sworn deposeth and saith, That he this deponent is well acquainted with Josiah Skinner. That the said Josiah at the commencement of the late War in 1775 was & still is an inhabitant resident of the State of New York. That in 1775 he resided in Lebanon, then in the County of Albany now County of Columbia, & that he at present resides in the town of Renselaerville. That the said Josiah skinner entered the service as a Soldier in the commencement oof the war. That afterwards the said Josiah Skinner was appointed a Lieutenant in Col. Willett's regiment. that this deponent well remembers that the said Josiah Skinner enlisted a number of men in the deponents neighborhood & that he left home with men in order to join the regiment. That he this deponent did at that time understand & believe it to be true that the said Josiah did serve as a Lieutenant for the remainder of the War.
[signed] Eleazer Grant
Sworn before me this 10 March 1804
[signed] Stoddard Smith one of the Masters in Clemency [illegible]
Page 59

[illegible] 1808. 307

Petition of Josiah Skinner, praying for a Grant of Bounty Lands

In Assembly March 11. 1817.

Ref'd to Claims Committee

bounty lands special case.
Page 60

Petition of Josiah Skinner, praying for a Grant of Bounty Lands

In Assembly March 11. 1817.

Ref'd to Claims Committee

bounty lands special case.


The Petition of Josiah Skinner for Bounty Lands.
In Assembly Feb. 4 1818
Ref'd to the Coun. of Claims

Skinners Papers
Page 61

Albany County} ss
John McKinstrey of the town of Livingstone in the County of Columbia after being duly sworn deposeth and saith
That in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty one the deponent was personally acquainted with Josiah Skinner, then of Kings district in this State, and that the said Skinner had a Lieutenants warrant for the purpose of raising soldiers for three years upon bounties of unappreciated lands, and this deponent further saith that the said Skinner did by virtue of the said warrant inlist as near as he this deponent can recollect, his full Compliment of men and that in or about the first of June in the year aforesaid did actually join the regiment of Colonel Willett
Page 62

Willett, and this deponent further saith that he was with the said Skinner for some time after he joined the said deponent, and that he the said Skinner acted in the capacity of and was recognized as a Lieutenant until he was discharged - and this deponent further saith that he was acquainted with the said Skinner from the commencement of the war, that he was with him at Fishkill, in the year seventy nine and in several excursions, and believes he was a faithful soldier, and this deponent further saith that he hath lately seen the said Josiah skinner, who informed him that he now lives in the town of Renselaerville in the County of Albany which this deponent believes to be true, and further this deponent saith not.
[signed] John McKinstry
Sworn & subscribed me this 15th March 1808.
[signed] Apollos Moore J [illegible]
Page 63

No 6
Albany Feb 8th 1803
This may certify that tot eh best of my knowledge recollection and belief Mr. Josiah Skiner served as a Lieut. in Coln'l Willets reg't. of the three years Levies in the North Line
[signed] Gerrit Staats
Lieut. 3 New York Reg.
Page 64

No. 8
Albany 31st Jan. 1803
Be it remembered that on the day and year above written Ezekiel Scott to me personally known came before me Sam'l Jones Esq. one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Albany & State of New York and after being duly sworn deposed and said that a certain Mr. Skiner according to common report was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the three Levies under Coln'l Willet and that J Skiner enlisted his compliment of men accordingly and that to the best of his recollection and belief Josiah Skiner of Renselaer Ville & County of Albany & State of New York is the person above mentioned & intended to be described
[signed] Ezekiel Scottt
Sworn and Subscribed before me the day and year first above writen}
[signed] Sam'l. Jones J. Peace
Page 65

E. Scotts affidavit for the relief of Josiah Skiner
Page 66

No. 10
Be it remembered that on the second day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and three Peter Becker, Hans P. Becker and Cornelius Van Dycke to me personally known came before me and after being duly sworn deponed and said that they were well acquainted with Lieutenant Josiah Skinner that he served in the late war between the United States and Great Britain that they except Peter Becker were in a battle with him near the close of the war at the head of the Delaware that they were knowing to his servants being killed in said action which circumstance makes them recollect more particular respecting Lieutenant Skinners services and that in their belief (as before mentioned) he served with fidelity & punctuality did honour to his Commission and is worthy of the Patronage of his Country. And further sayeth not.
[signed] Peter Becker, Cornelius Van Dycke, John P. Becker
Sworn and Subscribed before me the day and year first above written}
Page 67

I do hereby certify that on the second day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and three came before me Jonathan Danforth one of the Judges of the court of Common Pleas held in and for the county of Schoharie. Peter Becker, John P. Becker and Cornelius van Dyke persons well known to me after being duly sworn deposed and said that the contents of the within affidavitt according to their best recollection and belief is just and true further these deponents saith not.
Sworn at Middleburgh on the day and year above mentioned.
[signed] Jonathan Danforth
Page 68

No. 6
Albany Feb. 2nd 1803
This may certify that to the best of my knowledge recollection and belief Mr. Josiah Skiner served as a Lieut. in Coln'l Willets ref't. of the three years levies in the North Line
[signed] Gerrit Staats
Lieut. 3 New York Reg.
Page 69

No. 7
Schenectady February 1st 1803. This is to certify that I have been well acquainted with Mr. Josiah Skinner and have known him as a Sub[illegible] officer in Col. Willetts Regiment of New York State Troops and Levies.
[signed] Telles A Fonda
I was Lieut and a [illegible] of said Regiment
Page 70

No. 8
Albany 31st Jan. 1803
Be it remembered that on the day and year above written Ezekiel Scott Esq. to me personally known came before me Sam'l. Jones Esq. one of the Justices of the peace in and for the county of Albany & State of New York and after being duly sworn deponed and said That a certain Mr. Skiner according to common report was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the three years Levies under Coln'l Willet and that J Skiner enlisted his compliment of men accordingly and that to the best of his recollection and belief Josiah Skiner of Renselaer Ville & county of Albany & State of New York is the person above mentioned or intended to be described.
[signed] Ezekiel Scott
Sworn and Subscribed before me the day and year first above written}
[signed] Sam'l. Jones J. Peace
Page 71

E. Scotts affidavit for the relief of Josiah Skiner
Page 72

No. 10
Be it remembered that on the second day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and tree Peter Becker, Hans P Becker and Cornelius Van Dycke to me personally known came before me and after being duly sworn deponed and said that they were well acquainted with Lieutenant Josiah skinner that he  served in the late war between the United States and Great Britain that they except Peter Becker were in a battle with him near the close of the war at the head of the Delaware that they knowing to his servants being killed in said action which circumstance makes them recollect more particular respecting Lieutenant Skinners services and that in their belief )as before mentioned) he served with fidelity & punctuality did honour to his commission and is worthy of the Patronage of his Country. And further sayeth not.
[signed] Peter Becker, Cornelius Van Dycke & John P. Becker
Sworn and Subscribed before me the day and year first above written}
Page 73

I do hereby certify that on the second day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and three came before me Jonathan Danforth one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas held in and for the county of Schoharie Peter Becker, John P. Becker and Cornelius Van Dycke persons well known to me after being duly sworn deposed and said that the contents of the within affidavitt according to their best recollection and belief is just and true further these deponents saith not.
Sworn at Middleburgh on the day and year above mentioned.
[signed] Jonathan Danforth
Page 74

[pre-printed page with picture of American eagle sitting with wings spread atop a cannon and surrounded by flags and a striped shield]

DECLARATION.
State of New York, Albany County}ss
Pursuant to an Act of the Congress of the United States of America, passed March 18th, 1818, to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval service of the said United States, in the Revolutionary War, I Josiah Skinner aged 64, 25th July next of the Town of Rensselaerville in the County of Albany and State of New York aforesaid, DO HEREBY make the following solemn declaration under oath, before, the Hon., Samuel Haring esquire, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the county of Albany and State aforesaid, in the terms following, to wit:--I do solemnly and sincerely swear and declare, that by reason of my reduced circumstances in life, I am in need of assistance from my country for support. I do further declare, that I served in the War of the Revolution, against the common Enemy, in the capacity of a First Lieutenant and that I served in the said War until the end thereof that I belonged to Captain James Canons Company, in Colonel Marinus Willetts Regiment, in the New York line. That I entered the said service on or about the middle of June in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six if I mistake not and was discharged on the first of November one thousand seven hundred and eighty three, that I left the said service by reason of the conclusion of the war. Previous to my commission I served near four years, was at the taking of John Burgoyn, again[illegible] Re[illegible] had a battle at the 
Delaware and [illegible] and received my discharge at Johnstown N. York from Col. Wilet. My commission [illegible]. But the appointment I transmit is the true one [illegible] which I [illegible] three years in the Continental army. And I do further declare, that in addition to my former Declaration, and pursuant to the restrictions of the aforesaid Act, I do hereby freely relinquish every claim I have to any and every Pension which might or has been allowed me by the said United States previous to the passing of this act.
IN WITNESS whereof, I have subscribed this Declaration, in presence of the Judge above mentioned, at Albany in the State of New York, this 20th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
[signed] Josiah skinner
Sworn this 20th day of April 1818 before me}
[signed] Sam'l. Haring
Judge of Albany Com. Pleas

Judge's Certificate.
State of New York, City and county of Albany.}ss
I Samuel Haring Esquire, a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Albany and State of New York, (the said Court being a court of Record within the said State) do hereby CERTIFY, to the Honorable the Secretary of War of the United States, agreeably to the provisions of an act of the Congress of the said United States, passed March 18th, 1818, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," that the said Josiah skinner named in the foregoing Declaration, personally appeared before me the said Judge, on this 20th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
Page 75

and in my presence subscribed the same Declaration; and at the same time, in due form of law, took an Oath before me, on the holy evangelists of Almighty God, that the said Declaration was true. And I having examined the said Josiah skinner, touching the matters in the said Declaration contained, and having also taken the Deposition of James Sackett [illegible] is [illegible] the commission, a Legislative Member which accompanies this Certificate and the said declaration, and being satisfied that the facts stated therein are true, and the only evidence in the power of the said Josiah skinner to produce, I do further Certify, that it appears to my entire satisfaction, that the said Josiah did actually serve in the Revolutionary War aforesaid, against the common Enemy, in the manner and for the time by him stated in his said Declaration, and that the said Declaration is in other respects true. All which proceedings had before me, and the testimony produced in the case, I do certify and transmit to the Honorable the Secretary of the department of War, according to the direction of the Act of congress aforesaid.
IN TESTIMONY whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, at Albany in the State of New Yrok, this 20th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
[signed] Sam'l. Haring

Clerks Office County of Albany}ss
I hereby certify that Samuel Haring is a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Albany, and that the signatures attached to these instruments are in his [illegible] proper hand writing & I am witness whereof & have affixed the seal of said Court this 20 April 1818.
[signed] O Merchant Dep Clk
Page 76

Memorial of Josiah Skinner of the Town of Renselaerville in the County of Albany and State of New York.
To the Senate and house of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled.
Your memorialist beg leave to represent that he is late a Soldier of the Revolutionary Army, that, as will be seen by his affidavit here to annexed he entered the service of the United States at the commencement of the Revolutionary War and continued in such service during nearly the whole time untill the close of it, that during that eventful period he stood in the defence of his country and some part of the time held an important office in Colonel Willetts Regiment, your memorialist would further beg leave to represent that at the time he received the appointment of Lieutenant in the Army aforesaid, it was represented to your memorialist that if he would accept of that appointment and raise his quota of men he would be entitled to a portion of the County Lands appropriated by Law for that purpose, but your memorialist would state that he has never to this day received one acre of land or one cent of money as an equivalent for the sacrifice or time health and property, cheerfully bestowed in the Service of his Country, and further that he has been deprived of the scanty benefits of the law of March 18. 1818 because as is stated Colonel Willets regiment did not belong to the Continental establishment, your memorialist therefore, owing to his extreme poverty, is under the lamentable necessity of applying to your honorable body for the passage of a law appropriating to him a small share of the immense funds of the Government, in order he may be saved from the mortifying and degrading alternative of seeking sustenance for himself and his aged wife at a County Poor House where your memorialist as in duty bound will ever [illegible]
[signed] Josiah Skinner
Renselaerville Oct. 18. 1830
Page 77

State of New York, Albany County}ss
Josiah Skinner of the Town of Renselaerville in the county and State aforesaid late a revolutionary soldier aged seventy six years being duly sworn deposes and says that he this deponent as near as he can recollect entered the Service of the United States in the American Revolution in the Spring of the year 1775 and enlisted in Captain Baldwins Company at New Lebanon in (as it was then called Kings district) in the State of New York, for the term of six months and was attached to Col. Yates regiment that he this deponent joined the Army at Fort George and continued at that place untill the arrival of Genl. Montgomery then proceeded with him to Canada that he continued in Canada doing the duty of soldier untill the month of December and then returned home; that in the spring of the next year he this deponent enlisted in Capt Fitch's Company at New Lebanon aforesaid for the term of four months, and marched to Johnstown in the State aforesaid, and continued at that place untill the expiration of the said term, that early in the next season he this deponent again enlisted in Capt Fitch's company for the term of three months and proceeded to Fort George, shortly after he, together with the company returned back as far as Fort Eastan and joined the Army then under the command of Genl. Schuyler, that he continued in the Army and assisted in the taking of Genl. Burgoyne, and was in the memorable battles of Tuesday and Friday, on that occasion after the surrender of Burgoyne he thus
Page 78

deponent with others was marched down to the city of Albany on their way as was said to the Southern Army but this deponent from unusual hardship and fatigue was taken sick and unable to go any farther and was carried home to his residence at New Lebanon, where he remained untill the next Spring, on the recovery of his health he this deponent the next season again entered the service for the term of three months and was attached to a regiment commanded by Col's. Staats & Waterman and during this time performed the duty of Quarter Master of the said regiment, after the expiration of this last mentioned term he this deponent returned home. The next season this deponent again joined Capt Fitch's Company and went up the Mohawk river and through the woods towards Niagara in pursuit of the Indians and continued in the campaign as near as he can recollect about two months during which time he suffered the most severe hardships and privations and then returned home. The next Spring, in the month of April 1781 as near as this deponent can recollect he received a warrant from his Excellency George Clinton Esq. appointing him a Lieutenant in Colonel Marinus Willets regiment, that in pursuance of this appointment he raised his quota of men and joined the regiment at Johnstown in the State of New York and was attached to a company commanded by Captain Cannon, that he this deponent continued in the said regiment doing duty as a Lieutenant in the service of the United States about three years and untill the close of the Revolutionary War and was honorably discharged. And this deponent on his oath aforesaid further says that during the whole of the Revolutionary War
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from the commencement untill the end of it, not a year elapsed, but what he was engaged more or less in the service of his country, and on some occasions suffered the most extreme hardships, privations and dangers, and that he was at all times as the affidavits hereto annexed will abundantly show a faithful and honest soldier. And this deponent further says that he made application to the Government for a pension under the act of March 18. 1818, and made a declaration which was sworn to by this deponent before Samuel Haring Esq. a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the county of Albany on the 20th day of April 1818, that his application was rejected at the War department for the reasons, as was alledged, that Col. Willets regiment did not belong to the Continental establishment, and this deponent on his oath aforesaid further says that he has applied to the Legislature of this State for a share of Bounty lands which he this deponent believes he is justly entitled to but has never received any, that a committee of the house of assembly on the 24. Feby 1818 reported (which where is hereto annexed) that he was justly entitled to one thousand acres and brought in a bill for that purpose, which however never became a law, and this deponent further says that he is wholly unable to support himself by labour in consequence of old age and disease that for a great number of years past he has been afflicted with a fever sore on his leg, which almost entirely cripples him and further that he has a wife who is also unable to labor and cannot support herself being 72 years of age. And this deponent further says that he has no property of any description whatsoever and both he and his wife are wholly and entirely dependant on their children and the Hon. Stephen Van Renselaer for their daily support, and further that was
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if not for the assistance rendered him by his children (who however are illy able to support him & his wife) he this deponent and his wife must have long since been supposed as town paupers. And this deponent further says that he received a Lieutenants commission in Col. Willets regiment, which he is unable to produce, it having been lost many years since, but that the affidavits hereto annexed will conclusively show his service as Lieutenant as aforesaid; and this deponent further says that in addition to the battles and engagements heretofore mentioned and many others not herein enumerated, he was in a severe engagement with the Indians at the head of the Delaware at which time his waiter John Sackett was killed, and further says not.
[signed] Josiah Skinner
Sworn & Subscribed this 18th day of October 1830 before me
[signed]A. B. Moore Judge of Albany County Courts
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State of New York, Albany County}ss
Henry Stone Esq. of the town of Renselaerville in the County and State aforesaid Attorney & Counsellor at Law being duly sworn makes oath that he well knows Josiah Skinner of the said town the soldier in the annexed affidavits mentioned, and has been well acquainted with him for a number of years past. And this deponent further says that he verrily believes the facts and circumstances mentioned in the affidavit of the Josiah Skinner to be substantially true, that he has always understood & believes that the said soldier did perform the services during the Revolutionary War as is set forth in his said affidavit. And this deponent on his oath aforesaid further says that he well knows that the said Josiah Skinner has no property and that his wholly unable to support himself by labour, and further that was it not for the assistance rendered the said Skinner by his children and the Hon. Stephen Van Renselaer, he and his wife would have to be supported by the publick.
[signed] Henry Stone
Sworn & Subscribed this 18th day of October 1830 before me
[signed] I. B. Moore Judge of Albany County Courts
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State of New York, Albany County}ss
Asa Colvard Esquire Sheriff of the city and county of Albany being duly sworn makes oath and says, that he well knows Josiah skinner of the town of Reneslaerville in said county, late a revolutionary soldier, and has known him for a great number of years past that he this deponent has had accasion to examine the Affidavits and papers in relation to the services of the said Skinner in the Army of the Revolution and verrily believes he did perform the services mentioned in his affidavit hereto annexed. And this deponent further says that he well knows that the said Josiah Skinner is wholly unable to support himself by labour that he is a verry aged man and has a verry bad fever sore on one of his legs, and further that the said Skinner has no property to contribute to the support of himself & wife, but is wholly dependant on the assistance of his children and the munificence of the Hon. Stephen Van Renselaer for his daily sustenance and further saith not.
[signed] Asa Colvard
Sworn & Subscribed this 18th day of October 1830 before me
[signed] I. B. Moore Judge of Albany County Courts
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State of New York, Albany County}ss
Rufus Watson of the town of Renselaerville in the county of Albany and state aforesaid being duly sworn deposes and says, that he well knows Josiah Skinner of the town & county aforesaid late a soldier in the revolutionary War, there he this deponent has always understood and believes that the said Josiah Skinner the soldier aforesaid did serve in the Army of the revolution as is stated by him in his affidavit and the other affidavits hereto annexed. And this deponent further says that he is well acquainted with the situation of the soldier aforesaid and knows that he is entirely unable to support himself by labour that he is quite an aged man and is almost entirely crippled by disease. And this deponent further says that he the said soldier has no property, that would contribute to his support and that he verily believes that the said soldier must before this time have been supported by the public as a pauper was it not for the assistance rendered to him by his children and the liberality of the Hon. Stephen Van Renselaer and further says not.
[signed] Rufus Watson
Sworn & Subscribed this 18th day of October 1830 before me
[signed] I. b. Moore Judge of Albany County Courts
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Official signature of the Magistrate. --> L. Jenkins Court of Deeds

State of New York, County of Albany}ss.
I Conrad A. Ten Eyck Clerk of the County Court, of the County and State aforesaid, do herby certify that Lamuel Jenkins is a Commissioner in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified; that his Commission is dated on the 18th day of February 1831. and will expire on the 17 day of February 1839. and that his signature above written is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County, the 13th day of May 1831.
[signed] C. A. Ten Eyck Clerk.
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State of New York, Albany County}ss
Chester C. Skinner of the Town of Bern, in said County, being duly sworn, deposeth that the cover to which this deposition is amended is the cover of an old family Bible, which belongs to this Deponent's Father, Josiah Skinner, in his life time, and now belongs to his widow Elizabeth Skinner, the mother of this deponent. That this deponent remembers the said Bible ever since he was a child. This Deponent saith that on the cover to which this definition is annexed, is recorded in the hand writing of this deponent's father, his marriage with the said Elizabeth, and also the birth, of all their children.
That said record has, by length of time & frequent use, became so worn as was to be nearly in quite illegible. But that about nine years ago, the said record was copied by Judge Joseph B. Moore, now deceased, upon a leaf of another Bible belonging to this Deponent; that said copy was made in the presence of this deponent & he knows it to be a true copy of the original record having compared said copy with the original at the time his copy was made by Judge Moore; and which said copy is hereto annexed. this deponent, however, further deposes, that the date "March 4th 1777" and the date of this deponents second marriage, on said leaf hereto annexed, are not in the hand writing of Judge Moore. But that the said date "March 4th 1777" is written in the hand writing of his Father or of this Deponents, and was written down, at or about the time when said copy
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was made by Judge Moore, and this Deponent has no doubt from information received from his Father that the said date is the true date of his marriage to his said Mother. And this deponent knows that said date has been so written down for at least nine years and was so written either by his Father, or by himself as information received from his Father at that time; and this deponent believes that the reason why it was not written by Judge Moore was because the said date in the original record had become illegible, & it was necessary on that account to obtain the required information as to this date of his Father's marriage from himself.
[signed] Chester C. Skinner
Sworn to & subscribed this 12th day of May 1837 before me.
[signed] S. Jenkins Court of Deeds
I certify that the above Deponent is a credible witness.
[signed] S. Jenkins Court of Deeds
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June 4 1841
[stamped] MAY 28 [illegible]
N[illegible]

Free

James S Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City