Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 5170, Benjamin Garrison, Penn.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE                                            NUMBER

Penn            Garrison, Benjamin     S5170

                                         Carded
----------------------------------------------
CONTENTS

15 lines, 2 columns all blank
Page 2

31.339
Pittsburg Penn [raised a]
==============================
Benjamin Garrison
of Washington Co in the State of Penn [raised a] who was a Matross in the Company commanded by Captain Von Heirs of the Regt commanded by ------in the Penn[raised a] line for 2 years
==============================
Inscribed on the Roll of Pittsburg Pa at the rate of 100 dollars ----cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
==============================
Certificate of Pension issued the 3.d day of Feby 1838 and sent Hon Jas Buchanan Senate U. States
==============================
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1837          $650.00
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 mon 38    50.00
                                                                     
$700.00 [double underlined]

{Revolutionary Claim}
{Act June 7, 1832      }

Recorded by DD Addison
Book E2 Vol 5 Page 13(last number cut off )
Page 3

33.267
Benjamin Garrison
Pennsylvania

Admitted as Private Revy 2 yrs
$100
Capt Von Heirs troop

Hon James Buchanan
S. U.S
Page 4

Declaration of Benjamin Garrison in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.

State of Pennsylvania}
Washington County  }  Ss
On this 2 day of October 1835 personally appeared before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas now sitting Benjamin Garrison a resident of Carrel [Carroll] Township Washington County Pennsylvania aged Seventy seven years past. 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 the 4th June 1832.  that in the month of December 1776 he enlisted in Pottsgrove Pennsylvania in the Army of the United States to serve for three years as Trumpeter, in Captain George Von Hains troop of Dragoons, enlisted and raised in Pottsgrove and neighbourhood [sic] of which troop George Struhan was first lieutenant. When this troop of [illegible] was raised and when I enlisted in it, I understood and it was so answered by the officers that we should be attached to and act as guard to the Commander in Chief, accordingly during all time of service, with the exception of a short period we were stationed at Oaktown in the summer of 1777, I considered that we were under the immediate command of General Washington.  Sometime in spring of 1777 our troop was marched from Pottsgrove to Chester and on to Wilmington and from Wilmington through Newport to Christian Ridge where we remained a short time, part of the troop occasionally being out through the country as scouts from there we were marched to Elkton where we remained stationed until the landing of the British army at the head of Elk under General Howe. During our stay at Elkton part of our troops were continually and through the county as scouts. Immediately after the landing of the enemy our troops had a skirmish with a party of the enemy at Mays Mills four miles from Elkton we killed a few of the enemy and returned to Newark without any loss on our part. next day we returned towards the enemy. we had also another skirmish with an advanced party of the enemy at Coates bridge, after that we
Page 5

joined the army under General Washington and was with our troop in the battle of Brandywine, and we continued in the army under the immediate command of General Washington during all my service afterwards acting by and under his command as guards and accordingly we were not in the Battle of Germantown but stationed near to where the battle was fought. During the time the army lay at White Marsh and Valley forge part of an troop were frequently sent out upon scouting parties
     I was present and engaged with our troop in the battle of Monmouth, upon which occasion I got a severe cut of a broad sword on my right wrist and right foot availing myself of my trumpet to parry the blow aimed at my right shoulder in which proved initially in all human probability was the means of saving my life, after the battle of Monmouth I went on with our troops with General Washington into the State of New York, on another I followed the army after a confinement of eight weeks, in consequence of my wound, in the neighbourhood [sic] of Monmouth. Late in the fall of 1779 the army returned from the State of New York into the Jerseys and upon the arrival of the army under Genl Washington at Morristown our term having expired our troop was discharged upon which occasion I received from Captain Van Hain a written discharge which I gave to my father when I returned home the last of December 1779 and which got lost or destroyed as I have never seen it since.
In the spring of 1780 I engaged with William Norris of New Castle to go to France as a hand on board of the black snake privateer for the purpose of bringing supplies for the use of the army of the United States, we were captured on the French coast by a British Man of War under the command of Captain Angus and carried into England where I remained a prisoner for nine months, when I was exchanged and sent to France and from there sent in a ship to South Carolina. 
I was born in Pottsgrove Montgomery County Pennsylvania on the 15 day of May 1738. The record of my age in my father's handwriting which he made in his family Bible I have now in my possession. I was living in Pottsgrove when I entered the service of the United States in 1776, and I continued
Page 6

to reside there until 1784, when I moved to Northumberland County Pennsylvania, where I lived until 1823, when I moved to Muskingum county Ohio, where I continued to live until March 1832, when I moved to Washington County Pennsylvania where I have resided ever since and where I now reside. I hereby relinquish every claim to a pension whatever or annuity except the present, and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of any agency of any state. Having as I have stated served three years from December 1776 until December 1779 as a trumpeter of Dragoons and for such service I claim a pension
Benjamin Garrison X his mark

Sworn and subscribed }
the day and year aforesaid}
Thomas Officer Prothy [signature]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states.

I Thomas Officer Prothonotary of the Court of Common  Pleas in and for the county of Washington do hereby certify that the foregoing contained the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Garrison for a pension.  In Testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 2d day of October 1835
Thomas Officer Prothy [signature]
[seal]
Page 7

Rev War [written on left-hand margin]

5170
INVALID.
---------   [initialed on right-hand side]
No. 5170
Benjamin Garrison
Pri Rev War
------------------------
Act:  June 7th 1832
Index:--Vol. M, Page 136

[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 8

[page is very faded]

Washington Feb. 1838

My dear Sir-

Please to examine the enclosed papers and if you do not find them sufficient ^ with the other documents upon which to grant a pension, then return them to me.  I trust that upon a re examination of the same you will grant the pension.  There seems to be no doubt of the service of Mr. Garrison.  He now receives a small pension from Penn[raised a]

Vry  respectfully
James Buchanan

J. L. Edwards Esq
Page 9

Woodstock NY}
Nov 27 1836   }

FREE

Hon James M. H. Beale
Mount Jackson
Shenandoah Co Va
Page 10

       Woodstock Nov 25th
Dear Sir
     Your letter post-marked 17th Nov was placed in my hand last week upon my return from ?Bandy- and the letter enclosed therein and now returned was placed in the hands of Capt. Effinger to obtain all the information he would give on the subject [inserted: himself]: After keeping the letter until this evening for the purpose of refreshing his recollection— he is now able to say- that he was acquainted with a man named Garrison (Christian name not recollected) who served with him during a part of the revolutionary war (in 1777, 8, &9) in Capt Van Herrs[sic] troop of dragoons: during the latter part of which time Garrison was trumpeter for the troop. He says that Capt. Van Herrs[sic] name was not George as Mr. Garrison supposes: the company was enlisted in Berks Co Pa: in conclusion Capt. E. says he has no doubt that this man Garrison is the individual he once knew.
     Capt. E. manifests some reluctance to furnish his affidavit on the subject.
     Yr. mo. obt. sert.
          G. B. Samuels
Page 11

          Washington, Penna, feb.y 10th 1837

     Sir

       About two months ago I received the deposition of Fred.k Kahlhapfer[sic] of Columbia County Penna in relation to the claim of Benjamin Garrison. It appears that this witness and the applicant were well acquainted prior to and during the Revolutionary war. Being anxious to obtain, if possible, a more full Statement ? to my correspondent who has now sent me another paper, which are both herewith transmitted. The Statements of this witness would Seem to accord with the records of the War Office. From the great age of the applicant and from disease his memory is greatly impaired and fully accounted for his error as to the date [inserted: (if it is an error)] of his alleged Services that he did serve, however the friend he alleges under Capt. Von Heer this witness appears to prove
     In settling any claim if you ever do, which I presumed you necessarily must, exercise discretionary power I would pin hope this case would be one
          I am very Respectfully
               Your obt. Svt.
                       David Acheson
Page 12

James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 13

               Washington, Penna, Decr 5th 1836
     Sir

          Herewith I enclose you a letter which I have received by this mornings mail, enclosed in a letter from the Hon. James M H Beale of Virginia, in relation to the Services of Benjm. Garrison during the Revolutionary war. Mr. Muhlenberg some time ago informed me of a Mr. Effinger who was a resident of the same county in which Mr. Beale resided and who had been a Soldier in Captain Von Heers troop of Dragoons during the Revolutionary war, and who could probably prove Garrisons Services; accordingly, I addressed a caller to Mr. Beale, informing him of the situation of claim of Benjamin Garrison and requesting him to obtain if possible the testimony of Effinger in relation to his Knowledge of Garrison Serving under Captain Von Heer. I am happy to know that the Statements made in the enclosed letter fully sustained the claim. Garrison alleges that he Served three years 1777, 1778 & 1779 and that some time after the battle of Brandywine and prior to the battle of Monmouth he Served as trumpeter and Effinger recollections exactly correspond with this. If you wish, Mr. Beale can Satisfy you in relation to the Standing of the writer of the enclosed letter. May I now request your decision of this Case, the situation of the applicant, his extreme old age, make it,m indeed, very desirable that he should, if he be entitled, receive a pension and so on as it may be convenient. I am very Respectfully
   James L. Edwards Esqr.       Your obt. Sert.
Commissioner of Pensions.       David Acheson
      Washington City
Page 14

               Washington, Penna, October 17th 1836

Sir

          I enclose you a Certificate of Robert Moore Esqr in relation to the claim of Benjm Garrison. This certificate will, I presume, satisfy you, as Benjamin Garrison alleges that Captain Van Herr[sic for Von Heer] was in the Service of the United States in the year 1777. Whether under State or United States authority is immaterial, and of which the applicant has no knowledge.
This good old Soldier will I now hope be gratified by being duly recognised, as he ought to be, and provided for as becomes a faithful Soldier of the Revolution. If I did not consider his claim a strictly Just one, I never should have undertaken to be its advocate, for I never have and I never will, knowingly undertake or be the advocate of any claim that I do not believe to be Just.  The claim of Benjamin Garrison is I conceive fully proved and by testimony of the highest order. First by his own declaration, Secondly, by Joseph Garrison, a man of good character and of undoubtedly veracity, who proves that the original discharge of the applicant, for his alleged Services, was in existence, and in his possession, so late as 1798.  This fact, established, is of itself sufficient, and it would be so considered in a Court of Justice, to settle his claim, and thirdly, by William Hall, who is a very compentent[sic] witness, for he was a [underlined: Musician] also, and Served in the army at the same time, he was, moreover, personally acquainted with the applicant.  The character of this witness for moral & honest integrity and veracity stands as high [inserted:as] any man in his station in this county, such I know to be the opinion of his neighbors and which the department shall as made fully sensible of, if it has any doubts on the subject, when his own claim is again brought forward.  In addition to all this testimony, Permit
Page 15

me to remind you of Dr. Beales statement in relation to the effect and appearance of the wound which the applicant alleges to have received at the battle of Monmouth. After an elapse of near Sixty years, it is surprising, indeed, that this old and worthy Soldiers claim should finally be so satisfactorily & clearly proved. May I therefore hope that you will so consider it and grant him a pension accordingly.
               I am very Respectfully
                     Your obt. Sert.
                      David Acheson

PS. I have done everything in my power in order to obtain information in relation to this claim. Twelve years ago he had a brother living in Kentucky, ten miles South of Cincinnati; I engaged Dr. Woodward of Cincinnati to go into Kentucky and take his testimony, he could have proved Benjm. Garrisons Services The Dr. found that he had gone from there. I addressed letters to Col. McKinny of Northumberland county & Dr. McDowell of Danville, the latter attended Garrsion during his illness before his removal from Northumberland county, both these persons are dead and each of them it is believed knew of the applicant being in the army. Robert Woods Esqr. of this county resided for some time past in Pottstown Montgomery County and in all that section of Country adjoining Pottsgrove he could find only one solitary individual living, who had Served under Captain Van Hair[sic for Von Heer] Philip Neiman, and he did not recollect Garrison. A letter from the Hon. H.A. Muhlenberg is enclosed, and as yet I have received no answer from Honbl. James MH Beale, from which I presume no favorable information can be obtained. Being anxious to obtain for this old man Garrison [inserted: before he should dies] for he is 98 years of age, [inserted: a pension] I hastened before I was quite ready, [underlined: Halls]. own appli[cut off] as he is a witness, in favour of the claim, in order that you might see the attitu[cut off] in ?haste to you
                           
James L. Edwards Esquire             DA
     Commissioner of Pensions       ——
          Washington City
Page 16














[cut off: nation]

[cut off: de] in which he stood and accordingly Judge of his credibility &c application was made at Harrisburgh[sic] and was informed that their rolls of the soldiers were using partial and imperfect, and that copies of all they had had been sent to the war office Washington City.
Page 17

                       Washington September 29th 1836

Sir


                I enclose you an additional explanatory Statement made by Benjamin Garrison, also, the deposition of William Hall. I am happy that I have it in my power now to send you such testimony as must, I think, satisfy you of the Justice of this good old Soldiers claim, and grant him a pension for three years Service.
              I am very Respectfully 
                  Your obt Sert
                   David Acheson
Page 18

1837
David Acheson Esquire
Washington
Pennsylvania
READING Pa.
AUG 4
Page 19

Reading Penna August 4th 1837

David Acheson Esq
Dear Sir first of all I must apologise in my not having complied earlier in regard of your request in the case of Benjamin Garrison owing to this I must State that I have been from my home on business Several Months, and under these Circumstances I was the only object that caused the delay of answering your request first I inform you that Andrew Fox & David Fox of Reading and a Certain Mr Eppert, these 3 persons were members of Captain Bartholomew Von Heers Troop of Light Dragoons
Sire the have all Died, deceased I was well acquainted with the above mentioned A Fox & David I procured their US Pensions in a Conversation with Said Foxes the both Stated to me that Capt Von Heer served the US as Capt in the Revolutionary War a long time prior before his commission was issued I can not Say the time or how long a time he served before the Commission was issued, Mr Kerlin who you have mentioned inyour I was fully acquainted and Resided near Reading Pena he manufactured sickles & Gun barrels he has deceased many years and only Left a few children which have been after the Close of the war many years after the Close of Said War so that I can not obtain any information from them I do expect in September next to be in the City of Phila wen I shall make all the enquirey possible at Pottsgrove in Compliance of your request & make enquires perhaps Mr Gavret black smith or some of his friends may
Page 20

know so far as to thro light on the Subject should the Mr Garret Smith aforesaid yet Survive he may in all probability know the year of his Enlistment & if in case he is Deceased I will do all in my power in order to assist the applicant it would give me pleasure to hear that Mr Garrison had received a Pension as the applicants are generally poor I will now state that I am anxious to do all in my powere & if I can hear anything, which may have a tendency on the Subject I will cheerfully Inform you I feel confident that all the members who had enlisted in Reading & within the County of Berks of Vonheers Dragons which were residents as aforesaid have Deceased Mr The Graeff was also a member he is also Deceased - It will give me the greatest pleasure if I can obtain information Such as is useful in the case: I will ashuredly write to you again if you see proper you may state To J.L.Edwards Comm of Pensions That I stated in a Letter to you that the Foxes aforesaid had on a Certain Time mentioned that Von Heear was a Captain in Actual Sevice before he was commissoined; again I have not the least doubt that the applicatn Garrison is far advanced in years when it is reasonable to know that memoreys are weak & gone & perhaps he may have made and error in his declaration - as to the year of Eblistment I believe Von Heer Enlisted at Reading 1780 or 81 it will give me pleasure if I can Obtain the informaiotn defined
Respectfully your obedient
[Signed] Samuel Levan
Page 21

State of Pennsylvania }
Washington County } Ss

         Personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said county Benjamin Garrison a resident of Carrol[sic] township and an applicant for a Pension from the United States who being duly Sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following amended declaration in addition to his former Statement, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That Captain Van Hairs[sic] troop of Dragoons, to which I belonged, were under the immediate command of Genl. Washington acting as guards to him upon all occasions, we were not attached to any other troop, hence, we had no Superior Officer to our Captain but the commander in chief during all my time of Service of three years in said troop from December 1776 until December 1779
 It was not in the general engagement at Monmouth but immediately before the battle or about the time of its commencement I got wounded. Our troop always in waiting upon was ordered by Gen. Washington to reconnoitre or observe Some movements of the enemy. Capt. Van Hair[sic] in performing this duty with his troop, in passing through a cave suddenly met and encountered a detachment of the enemys Horse, our troop wheeled and retreated and returned to head quarters and it was at the moment of meeting the enemy, or rather the moment after the manoever[sic] of wheeling, being necessarily as trumpeter, thrown in the rear of my troop, I got wounded by the cut of a Horsemans sword as I have heretofore stated. In the spring of 1780 I engaged with my uncle William Norris of New Castle as a hand to go to France on board a vessel under Captain Charles Ellis, the vessel had been a Privateer and was called the black Snake, but upon this occasion She was engaged by the Government and Sent to France for supplies for the army, accordingly, I sailed in her as a hand under Captain Ellis, she was therefore a public vessel, in the Service of the United States, prior to my sailing I visited my Father living in Cecil County Maryland, and left with him my discharge which I had received from Captain Van Hair[sic] together with some clothing, in consequence of the capture of our vessel by the enemy and my long detention in England as a prisoner I did not get back to the end of the war after my return to the United States. I went to Northumberland county, Penna.
Page 22

taking with me my discharge and clothing which I had left in charge of my father. The circumstance mentioned by my son Joseph, of keeping my discharge and some other papers in an old black breast Stock I had forgotten, I now as well remember that it was a Stock which I had worn when in the army and that I had afterwards used it as a purse to keep money in &c. and in which I kept my discharge. I have no recollection of seeing my discharge or the Stock in which I kept it for many years. It has been my fortune during my long residence in Northumberland County to live always upon rented land, hence, I had often to move my family and it is highly probable that the discharge may have been lost or destroyed when moving from one place to another. I have Served three years under Captain Van Hair[sic] and two years on board of a public vessel including my captivity and consequent detention and have been permitted to arrive at an age that but few of the human family attain to; the effects of old age however and bodily infirmity now press hard upon me totally unable to work or support myself, and withal in my reduced and necessitous circumstances. Besides the Officers of my own company I was acquainted with Colonel Bland, Colonel Baylor, Major Lee and Major ?Jameson [paper torn] of the Cavalry, but to the best of [inserted:my] Knowledge I do not recoll [paper torn here] of our troop ever being attached to or placed under the  co [paper torn] of either of these officers.

                              Benjamin his X mark Garrison

Sworn and Subscribed }                       
before me this 24th day of}
September 1836    }
Thomas Carson    }
Page 23

                    Free
                       H A Muhlenberg


           [Stamped: FREE]

      David Acheson Esqr

[Round stamp with 
     READING
        AUG
        29
        Pa.                      ]
 
                    Washington
                               Penna-
Page 24

Reading Aug 29, 1836
Dear Sir
Yours of the 22d Inst was recd by due course of mail.
I cannot hear of any one, who belonged to Van Herr's Troop and is still living, in this neighbourhood. There were three
or four alive in this place a few years age but they have all gone to their long home. One of them David Fox, might probably have given the desired information as he was himself a trumpeter.
There is a person by the name of Effinger who belonged to Van Herr's troop and resided a year ago somewhere near Winchester Virginia, in the district represented by Hon'ble
James M H Beale, who resides at Mount Jackson, Shenandoah Co.  He is probably still living & by writing to Col Beale you may perhaps get the information your
seek.
I am
very respectfully Your Ob Serv't
Hen A Muhlenberg
Page 25

                         Washington Aug 5th 1836
     Sir


                 I enclose you the deposition of Benjamin Garrison giving his reasons why he did not apply for a pension under the act of March 18. 1818, together with certain testimony in favour of his claim. I am very Respectfully,
                      your obt. Sert.
                           David Acheson
Page 26

Fee: 25-cents
Page 27

State of Pennsylvania
Washington County Ss
Before the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid, personally appeared William Hall, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath depose and make the following statement in addition to his former deposition in relation to the claim of Benjamin Garrison for a pension from the United States. That the said Benjamin Garrison was to my knowledge a Soldier and Dragoon in Captain Van Heems Company of Dragoons in the Army of the United States during the Revolutionary War. That he was wounded as he states at the battle of Monmouth June 28th 1778, I know to be true for I saw him with his wounds dressed by a surgeon, the next day after the battle, Scars and marks still remain upon his right wrist and right foot where he had been wounded which I have lately examined and I know to be the effect of said wounds, From a general conversation which I have lately had with the said Benjamin Garrison in relation to his services during the Revolutionary war and of the incidents which occured in the Army under Gen Washington during the years 1777 1778 1779 my memory has become much refreshed, I am therefore now enabled fully to declare which I do in the most solemn manner, that it is my firm belief that the said Benjamin Garrison did serve as he has stated. I do positively swear that the said Benjamin Garrison, now a resident of Carrol township in Washington County Pennsylvania, is the identical Benjamin Garrison who I saw wounded as I have stated the day after the battle of Monmouth and who to my knowledge continued in the Army long afterwards under Captain Van Heer, at least during the entire period of the years 1778 1779.
[signed] William Hall x his mark
Sworn and subscribed before me one of the Justices of the peace in and for the County of Washington State of Pennsylvania 
[signed] James Lee Jan 13th 1838 
[handdrawn seal]
Page 28

I do hereby certify that William Hall who has sworn to and subscribed the above statement is a resident of Cross Creek township Washington County Pennsylvania that he is a man of good character and undoubted veracity who's statement is entitled to credit. He is moreover a man of intelligence and considering his great age of good memory. Given under my hand this 15th day of January 1838
[signed] James Lee
[handdrawn seal]

Washington County Ss
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
I John Urie Prothonotary of the Court of Common pleas in and for said County do hereby Certify that James Lee Esq before whom the above proceeding were had was at the time and now is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County and Commissioned and to whose official acts full faith and credit is and ought to be given and further the signature of Lee Esq appears to be genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court at Washington this the Eighteenth day of January one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.
[signed] John Urie Prothy
Page 29

State of Pennsylvania }
Columbia County      } Ss

                    Before the undersigned a Justice of the peace in And for said County Personally Appeard[sic] Frederick Kahlhoffer aged seventy six years past formerly a resident of Berks County Pennsylvania now A Resident of Cattawissa Township Columbia County, who being first Duly sworn According to law doth on his oath depose and say that sixty years ago and upwards prior to and during the Revolutionary War he was well Acquainted with Benjamin Garrison this Deponent And the said Benjamin Garrison worked together in the same shop with Mr. Garrett at the blacksmithing in Montgomery County Penna prior to the Enlistment of the said Benjamin Garrison in Captain Von Heers Company of Dragoons said deponent further says that he was well Acquainted with Captain Von Heer who Raised a Company of Dragoons during the Revolutionary war many of them of and near Reading. This deponent further states that he had personal Knowledge that the said Benjamin Garrison did enlist And serve under the said Captain Von Heer during the Revolutionary war. I Cannot however positively state when or the lenth[sic] of time that he enlisted for but I do Know it was for a considerable period so long that I was impressed with an idea that it would continue probably to the end of the war. This deponent further says that after the Revolutionary war he has frequently seen the said Benjamin Garrison that he bore the Charactor of an honest and sober man. That the said Benjamin Garrison did to my Knowledge enlist with and serve under the said Captain Von Heer During the Revolutionary war. and that he served the period of his said enlistment And was discharged accordingly I do believe the period which he served I Should think must have been for at least three years of this however I am not positive
                   [illegible signature]

Sworn and subscribed
this 31st day of January
1837 before me
   Stephen Baldy J.G.
Page 30

State of Pennsylvania 
Columbia County  Ss
      & State

[marks of a seal with rays]

I James Donaldson Prothonotary of the Court
of Common Pleas in & for the County of  
         Columbia
aforesaid do hereby Certify that Stephen
Baldy before whom the foregoing 
         procedings[sic]
were had is an Acting Justice of the Peace in
and for said County duly Commissioned and
qualified and that the foregoing Signature
purporting to be his is genuine In witness
whereof I have hereunto affixed my Seal of
Office and Subscribed my name this first
day February A.D. Eighteen hundred and thirty
Seven
               James Donaldson Prothy
            per James Donaldson Junr ClK
Page 31

State of Pennsylvania
Columbia County
Before the undersigned a Justice of the the peace in and for said County personnally appeared Frederick Kohlhoffer aged seventy six years formly a resident of Berks County Pennsylvania & now a resident of Catawissa Township Columbia County.  Who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his Oath Depose and say that during the Revolutionary war and prior thereto he was well acquainted with Benjamin Garrison that Deponent [illegible] said Garrison work together in the same shop with Mr Garrett at the Blacksmithing he thinks it was in the year 1779 said Garritt lived near Pottgrove [Pottsgrove] in Montgomery County Said Deponent says that he was well acquainted with Captian Van Hair who raised a company of Dragoons during the revolutionary war many of them of lived near Reading Deponent says that he knew that Benjamin Garrison enlisted under said
Capt Van Hair and believes that he served out his time for which he had inserted which he thinks was for during the war. Deponent further says that he has frequently seen said Garrison since he was Discharged and that said Garrison bore the Carachter of an honest and sober man
[illegible signature]
Sworn and subscribed
this 29th day of Oct 1836
before me
Stephen Baldy J.P.
I do hereby certify that Frederick Kohlhoffer who has sworn and subscribed the above Deposition is a resident of Catawissa Township Columbia County Pa that I believe him to be seventy six years of age that he is a man of Carachter whose statement is entitled to Credit given under my hand and seal at Catawissa this 29th day of October 1836
Stephen Baldy J.P.
[Seal]
Page 32

State of Pennsylvania
Columbia County ss
[seal]
I James Donaldson Prothonotary of the
Court of ^Common Pleas of Columbia County aforesaid do certify that Stephen Baldy before
whom the within acknowledgement was
taken was & still is an acting Justice of the
Peace in & for the County aforesaid duly
Commissioned as such & to all whose official
acts as such due faith and credit is and
ought to be given as well in Courts of Justice
as elsewhere. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of the
of the said Court at Danville this fifth
day of December A.D. Eighteen hundred and
thirty six
for
James Donaldson Prothonotary
James Donaldson Jun'r Clk
Page 33

State of Pennsylvania  }
Washington County   }  Ss       Before the undersigned a Justice of th Peace in and for said county personally appeared William Hall, aged Eighty years past, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, depose and say. That during the Revolutionary war I was well acquainted with Benjamin Garrison, now a resident of Carrol[sic] township in said County, and an applicant for a pension from the United States. The said Benjamin Garrison was to my knowledge a trooper and a trumpeter in Captain Van Hairs[sic] troop of Dragoons, principally raised in Berks and Montgomery Counties Pennsylvania , I was acquainted Captain Van Hair[sic] and in the winter or 1776-1777 he made many enlistments in Reading. Benjamin Garrison claims for three years Services, from December 1776 until December 1770 from my knowledge of him [inserted: and] of his Services, I believe that he did actually Serve that period. I have no doubt of the fact, my personal knowledge of his Services, however, commences about the beginning of September 1777 and ends in the Winter, Month of January or february 1779. The first time I recollect of seeing him in the army was immediately before the battle of Brandywine, he together with Captain Van Hairs[sic] troop joined the main army under General Washington; afterwards I often saw him during all my time of Service in the regular army and he continued in Captain Van Hairs[sic] company of. Dragoons. At the battle of Monmouth, June 28th 1778, I know that he got wounded, as he states, I saw him immediately after the battle, I think the next day after the battle, it could not have been long after it, for at the time I saw him, a Surgeon was dressing his wounds and it was believed, at the time, that his trumpet was the means of saving his life, by which he parried the blow aimed at his Shoulder. When I left the army in the winter of 1779, the Said Benjamin Garrison was still in the army under Captain Van Hair[sic], and that he continued in it until his term of enlistment, which I understood was for three years, was up. I have no doubt and I know from the nature of things that he must necessarily have Served a considerable time
Page 34

under Captain Van Horn in the army of the United States before he did, with his troop, Join the main army under General Washington, in September 1777. I have no doubt therefore but what the said Benjamin Garrison
did serve as he states, from December 1776 until December 1779, as a Dragoon and trumpeter in Captain Van Hair's
troop during the Revolutionary war
William Hall O his mark
Sworn and subscribed
before me this 28th day of September 1836
Geo Elliott Justice of Peace
I do hereby certify, That I am well acquainted with William Hall who has sworn to and
Subscribed the above deposition. I believe him to be Eighty years of age, that he is a man of good character and veracity whose statement is entitled to credit. It is moreover the
general belief, in the neighbourhood, where he resides that he was a soldier, a Drummer, in the army of the United States during the Revolutionary war, and in this opinion I fully
concur. Given under my hand this 28th day of September 1836.
Geo Elliott
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Washington County SS
I George Weir Acheson Prothonotary of
the court of Common Pleas for said County
Do hereby certify that Thomas Carson and
George Elliott Esquires before whom the foregoing proceedings were had, was at the
time Justices of the peace in and for said
County duly commissioned and that
full faith and credit is and ought to be given to all their official acts, and that the signatures purporting to be theirs I believe to be genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
affixed the seal of the said Court, at Washington the
28th day of September A Domini 1836.
Cert 25 cts pd
Geo Weir Acheson Pro
Page 35

Certificate
Page 36

I do hereby certify. That during
my residence (Nov.1835) in Pottstown Montgomery County Penna in conversation which I had with Philip Neiman an old Soldier and a resident of Chester County Penna in relation to his services as a soldier of the army of the revolution, he stated that he had enlisted and served under Captain Van Heers who had raised and commanded a
company of Cavalry from Pennsylvania. that
during his service which he said was for __ he
was not engaged in any battle, and that
his term of service expired sometime previous
to the battle of Brandywine, (in the summer of 1777) that other enlistments of a later date than his ^were made but he did not remember him. I know the said Philip Neiman to be a very respectable and intelligent man, and of the truth of the statement which he gave to me, the substance of which I have stated above
I have no doubt. He stated also, that
he was at present, and had for some time
been a pensioner of the U. States,
R Woods
Washington
Oct 17. 1835
Affirmed and subscribed before me a
Justice of the peace in and for the County
of Washington, this 17th day
AD 1835.
of October
John Wilson J. P.
I do hereby certify that Robert Woods who has affirmed to and subscribed the above certificate is now a resident of the borough of Washington Penna. He is a man of good character and veracity whoes statement is entitled to credit Given under my hand this 17th day of October 1836
John Wilson J. P.
Page 37

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Washington County ss
I, Geo Weir Acheson, Prothonotary of the
Court of Common Pleas for said County, do hereby certify that John Wilson before whom the foregoing proceedings were had, was at the time and now is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned, and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to all his official acts, and further that his signature thereto is genuine. In testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, at Washington, the 17th day of Oct 1836
Geo Weir Acheson, Pro.
Page 38

State of Pennsylvania
Washington County
Personally appeared before the undersigned, a Justice of the peace in and for said County, Benjamin Garrison who being duly sworn, doth depose and make the following statement in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That about the time or soon after the passage of the act of Congress of March 18
1818 making provision for the soldiers of the Revolution, before I had any knowledge of such an act or its provisions, I was attacked with a long sickness affecting both my body and mind especially my nervous system, which rendered me incapable for a long time of attending to any business on making any statement in relation to my services as a soldier of the Revolution, moreover by the loss of my youngest Son Jacob, who died in 1820 in the 21st year of his age after a short illness, my malady was increased and I thus continued in a very infirm State, both in body and mind for many years, totally incapable of doing any business, and in consequence of my continuance in this infirm state. I was induced in 1823 to more to the State of Ohio to my son living in Muskingum
County, in hopes that by the change, my health would again be restored, and although my health did improve during my residence in Ohio, yet it was not restored to its former state untill after my removal to and settlement
in Washington County Penna, moreover during my residence in Ohio, which was in a remote part of Muskingum County, I had no oppertunity nor to my knowledge did I ever happen to meet with any person competent to inform or direct me how to apply for a pension, had I been competent to give a statement, or had my mind been directed to the subject, which
Page 39

was not. since my settlement in this County
I have been made acquainted with the provision made for soldiers of the Revolution and have made an application accordingly
Sworn to and subscribed
this 3 day of August 1836
Benjamin Garison X his mark
J Gordon
mark
State of Pennsylvania
Washington County SS personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Joseph Garrison of Carroll township in said County aged fifty years and upwards who being duly sworn doth depose and say that above forty years ago
and at different periods prior to the removal of my Father the above named Benjamin Garrison from Northumberland County Penna to the State of Ohio I have examined the marks
or scars upon his right foot and right wrist who declare then as he does now that he received them in consequence of a wound from the cut of a broad sword at the Battle of Monmouth. Moreover, I did at sundry times during my residence with my said father examine and read his discharge which was signed by Captain George Van Hair and which he had received for three years service as a
Soldier in Captain Van Hairs troop of Dragoons, during the Revolutionary war, the last time I saw this discharge was about the time I was bound out to Abraham & Isaac Mc Kinney of Northumberland
County Penna about thirty eight years ago, my said fathers trooper regimentals which he wore during his service or which he had when he was discharged I have also after seen my father kept his discharge with some other papers in an old black belost Stack open at one end.
Joseph Garrison
Sworn and subscribed this 4th Augt 1806
JGorden
I do hereby certify that Joseph Garison who has sworn to and subscribed the above statement is a man of veracity whoes statement is entitled to credit Given under my hand this 4 Augt 1836
JGordon
Page 40

The undersigned having carefully examined the right wrist and right foot of Benjamin Garrison of Carrol Township Washington County Pennsylvania (reputed to be a soldier of the Army of the United States during the Revolutionary war) now an applicant for a pension from the United States, do hereby certify that there are upon the outer side of this right wrist and upon the upper and outer side of this right foot a mark or scar, evidently the effect of a wound inflicted, long since, by a sharp instrument upon both members and probably at the same time - That these scars were occasioned, as he states, but the cut of a broad sword which he received at the battle of Monmouth I think highly probable From the position of the scars I think it highly probable that the wounds were inflicted on both members at the same time with one blow and in the manner which he states viz by the stroke of a broad sword parried from the body outward.
[signed] Robert F. Biddle
Sworn and Subscribed before me this 4 Augt 1836
[signed] Gordon 

I do certify that Dr Robt F Biddle who has sworn to and Subscribed his name to the above statement is a phisician and surgant respectable in his profession Given under my hand this 4th day of Augt 1836
[signed] Gordon

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Washington County Ss
I George Weir Acheson Prothonotary of the court of common Pleas for said county do hereby Certify that James Gordon Esquire before whom the foregoing proceedings were had, was at the time, a justice of the peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to all his official acts. And that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, I believe to be genuine,
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court, at Washington, the 5th day of August A. Domini 1836.
[signed] Geo. Weir Acheson Prothy.
Cert. 25 cents paid.
Page 41

Fees .- 25 cents

Hn. J. Buchanan
Senate US
Page 42

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled. The petition of Benjamin Garrison, a resident of Washington County Pennsylvania humbly
showeth, That your petitioner entered into the service of the United States during the Revolutionary war and served as herein stated in December 1776, he enlisted in Pottsgrove 
Pennsylvania for three years, in an Independent Company of Dragoons under the command of Captain Van Heer, of which troop George Steuban was first Lieutenant, during
part of which period he served as trumptor, & other and later enlistments were made principally in Reading Pa. I was with the troop engaged in the battle of Brandywine but not
engaged in the battle of Germantown our troop being stationed near to where the action was fought. I was also engaged with the troop in the battle of Monmouth, where I got wounded, it was not however in the main engagement but immediately proceeding or about its commencement that I got wounded,
our troop was ordered by General Washington to reconnoiter and observe some movements of the enemy, and in performing this duty in passing through a lane we suddenly met and encountered a detachment of the enemys Horse, and it was upon that occasion I got wounded, receiving as I did a severe cent of a Horsemans sword, on my right wrist
and right foot, availing myself of my trumpet to parry the blow aimed at my right shoulder, providentially was the means of saving my life. I continued in the Army under Captain Van Heer during the years 1778 and 1779
until my three years had expired when was discharged.
In 1783 I moved to land settled in Northumberland County Penna
and I well remember at that time and for many years afterwards that I had in my possession the discharge which I had received from Captain Van Heer, which discharge & with some other papers I kept in an old black velvet stock open at one end, and which I had originally worn in the Army, but had for
many years afterwards used as a purse my said discharge however has long since been lost or destroyed. I have thus served the United States for three years during the Revolutionary war
and have now arrived at an age that but few of the human family attain to, old age bodily infirmity now prosses hard upon
me and withal in very hand and necessitous circumstances.
Page 43

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

For proof of my service as a Soldier of the Revolution I beg leave to refer to evidence on file in the War Office of the United States, and I pray your honourable body to grant me the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 by directing that my name be placed on the pension rool agreeably to said act and your petitioner as is duty bound will ever pray.  

Sworn to and Subscribed this 6th day of January 1838 before me      }                   his 
Geo. Passmore       }   Benjamin    X   Garrison
Justice of the peace                    mark

Washington County    SS
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania    

[A round, illegible seal]

I John Urie Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for Said County Do hereby Certify that George Passmore Esq before whom the above procedings were had was at the time and now is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County Duly commissioned and to whose official acts full faith & Credit is and ought to be given, and further the signature of Geo Passmore appears to be genuine

In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the Seal of Said Court at Washington this the eighteenth day of January one thousand Eight hundred and thirty Eight  

John Urie Prothy
Page 44

Certificate of the [[llegible] by the State of Penna in favour  Wm Hall & Benjm Garison

David Hobson

Wm. Al.
Page 45

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

An act for the relief of William Hall and others Soldiers of the revolutionary war.

Sect. I.  Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the Same.  That the State Treasurer is herby authorized and required to pay to William Hall and Benjamin Garison of Washington County, John Shields of Indiana County, Jacob Deilcord of Lehigh County, Samuel Reed of Perry County, Peter Schlosserr of Adams County, Michael Waugh of Westmoreland County, Michael McGirk of York County Philip Kreimer of Schuylkill County Jacob Blackford of Fayette county, Barnabas Hart of Lancaster county Soldiers of the Revolutionary war or their respective orders forty dollars to each Immediately and an annuity of forty dollars to each during life payable half yearly to commence on the first day of January one thousand eight hundred and thirty Seven.  

Provided that Col George Miller be appointed be appointed a trustee to take charge of the pension hereby granted to the foregoing Jacob Dilcord and to make such disposition therof as his comfort and welfare may require.

Section II___   That the State treasurer is hereby authorized and required to pay to Peter Witmyer of Lebanon county and John Unangat of Northampton county or their respective orders forty dollars to each immediately as a gratuity in full for their revolutionary services the foregoing pensions and gratuities to be paid in conformity to the existing laws.
Page 46

ommonwealth of Pennsylvania Ss
I L L Minor clerk of the Senate of the Commonwealth aforesaid, do hereby certify that the within is a true copy of a Bill No 205 on the Senate file of the Session of 1836.7 as the same has been passed by the Senate and House of Representatives of Said Commonwealth, and has been passed by the Senate and House of Representatives of Said Common wealth, and has been passed into a law having been approved and Signed by the Governor - 
Given under my hand and the Seal of the Senate this 14th day of February AD 1837
[signed] L L Minor Clerk of Senate
[signed] seal affixed
Page 47

[An index card, preprinted, with individual information handwritten]

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5-41

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

Division of Veterans’ Administration Archives

NAME                             Garrison, Bennet

GRADE                           Private

LINE                                New Jersey

WARRANT NUMBER   8349

ACREAGE                      100

ISSUED                          June 2, 1797
      to Jonathan Wayman, assignee

__________

* The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of “Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800” which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates.  Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800.  Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.