Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 16152, Simeon Hicks, Mass. N.H. Vt.
Page 1

Service
Mass.
N.H.
Vt.

Hicks, Simeon

Number
S.16152

Carded
Page 2

17.623
Vermont

Simeon Hicks
[Illegible] of Bennington in the State of Vermont
who was a private in the company commanded
by Captain Bowe of the [blank] commanded by
[blank] on the [Illegible] & NH & Vt. line for [Illegible] 10 days.

Transcribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 54 Dollars 44 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4h day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 31 day of August 1833 and sent to
Mr. Hannah, Bennington.

[Illegible] to the 4th of March 1833 - $108.88
Semi-anl. allowance ending [Illegible]      27.22
                                                            $136.10

{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by W. L. Williams, Clerk,
Book & Vol. 3  Page 69
Page 3

State of VERMONT,
County of Bennington. } ss.

On this 18th day of June A.D. 1833 personally appeared
in open court, before the Hon. the Court Probate for the District of Bennington, now sitting, Simeon Hicks a resident of Bennington 
in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont aged 77 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, that in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.  That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.

That on the day of the Battle of Lexington, he enlisted at Reho..[Illegible], Ms. for nine months as stated in his following declaration, served 9 months time out, was [Illegible] and honorably discharged as [Illegible] about the 20th day of January.

In February 1776 he again enlisted as stated in his former declaration for 2 more months, served one month to two months in the fall of 1776.  He again enlisted for 2 months as stated in former declaration and served the time out, & fifteen days more {Illegible] 1777.  [Illegible] service as a substitute for his brother Asa Hicks, served a twenty days, [Illegible] everything but death with lungs and fatigue, was dismissed as stated by my former declaration.

In July, 1777, he enlisted as stated in his former declaration, for two months, and served his time faithfully out, and was honorably dismissed and went hence.
In September 1780, there was an alarm and the declarant volunteered at Guilford, Vermont, under Capt. Broad and marched to Charleston, N.H. then called No. 4, thence to Springfield, Vt. thence to Manchester not being wanted, returned home, having served in all ten days.
Page 4

The declarant further states that he has made diligent search for Reuben Parker by whom he expected to prove a part of his service, but has not been able to find him nor does he know of any person living by whom he can make any further proof.

The declarant further deposits and saith, that by reason of old age, and the consequences of memory, he cannot swear [Illegible] positively as to the [Illegible] his service; but believes his service was not less than sixteen months and ten days as a private and for such service he claims pension.
That he did field and garrison duty and [Illegible] time and [Illegible] which then service was performed, he was employed in any service pursuit.
Page 5

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.

In answer to the interrogatories propounded by the Court the applicant declares,
1st.  That he was born at Rehoboth, Ms., Aug 22, 1755
2d.  That he has a record of his age in the Town Clerk's Office in Sunderland, Vt.
3d.  That he lived in Rehoboth, Ms. when called into service,
in February 1777, removed to Richmond, N.H.
in February 1779, removed to Guilford, Vermont
in March 1783, removed to Sunderland, Vermont
4th.  That he was a volunteer
5th.  That among the regular officers who were with the troops where he served he recollects Gen. Sullivan, Gen. See, Gen. Stark, Col. Daggett of [Illegible], Ms., Capt Payne.
6th. That survivor received a written discharge,
7th.  That he is known to Rev. Isaiah Matteson, residing in Shaftsbury and Anthony J. Haswell residing in Bennington who can testify as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution.

Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
[signed] William Haskell, Register
[signed] Simeon Hicks.

We, Isaiah Matteson, a clergyman residing in the town of Shaftsbury and Anthony J. Haswell residing in Bennington hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Simeon Hicks who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 77 years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we [agree] in that opinion.
[signed] Isiah Matteson
[signed] Anthony J. Haswell

Sworn, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
[signed] William Haswell, Register

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department in the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.  And therefore further certifies, that it appears to [Illegible] that Rev. Isaiah Matteson who has signed the preceding certificate, is a [Illegible] Clergyman resident in the town of Shaftsbury and that Anthony J. Haswell has also signed the [Illegible], is a resident in the town of Bennington and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
[signed]  William Haswell, Register

I, William Haswell, Register of the Court of Probate for the district of Bennington, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Simeon Hicks for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 18th day of June A.D. 1833
[signed]  William Haswell
Page 6

February 6, 1935.

Mr. Arthur Hicks Wills | BA-J / ILL
1514 West Short Street| Simeon Hicks
Independence, Missouri. | S. 16152

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Simeon Hicks, your ancestor. 

The record of Simeon Hicks is given herein as found in papers on file in pension claim, S. 16152, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War. 

Simeon Hicks was born August 22, 1755, in Rehoboth, Massachusetts, and resided there during the early years of the Revolutionary War; the names of his parents are not given. 

From the spring of 1774, he belonged to Captain Abdiel Bliss' company of minute men in Rehoboth and drilled regularly; he was called into service the day after the battle of Lexington, served as a private in Captain Levi Bowen's company of Massachusetts militia at Roxbury, and was discharged at the expiration of service of nine months. After his return to Rehoboth, he enlisted February 1, 1776 and served almost two months as private in Captain John Pain's company, Colonel French's Massachusetts regiment; he enlisted in the fall of that year, served as private in Captain Abdiel Bliss' Massachusetts company about a fortnight, then enlisted at Bristol, Rhode Island, and served two months as private in Captain Israel Hicks' company, Colonel Daggott's Massachusetts regiment; (no relationship between Israel Hicks and Simeon Hicks was stated). Said Simeon Hicks moved in February, 1777, from Rehoboth, to Richmond, New Hampshire, where he enlisted late in May 1777, and served twenty days in Captain Constant Barney's company under Colonel Samuel Ashley in the New Hampshire troops; this service was rendered as substitute for his brother, Asa Hicks. Simeon Hicks enlisted July 1, 1777, served as private in
Page 7

Captain Hammond's company, marched to Bennington, Vermont, served under Colonels Nichols and Herrick, was in the battle of Bennington and assisted in taking a number of prisoners, length of this service two months. He moved in February 1779, to Guilford, Vermont, and in September 1780, served ten days as private in Captain Broad's company on the alarm at that place. 

Simeon Hicks lived in Guilford, Vermont, between two and three years, then moved to Arlington, Bennington County, Vermont, thence in March 1783, to Sunderland, in said Bennington County. 

He was allowed pension on his application executed August 13, 1833, at which time he resided in Sunderland, Vermont. He had resided there since 1783. 

The soldier died January 24, 1855. 

There is no reference to wife or children of the soldier. 

Very truly yours, 

A. D. Hiller, 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator. 

2.
Page 8

[Left side of form]

16.152
INVALID.
File No. 16,152
Simeon Hicks
Pri Rev War

Act:  June 7th 32
Index:-Vol. 1, Page 174

[Arrangement of 1870.]

[Right side of form]

1894 Oct 30 Hist. to R.B. Gatusha, St Paul, Minn.

Mr. 4/98 Mrs. Levi H. Armig,
Ft Edward, N.Y.

1935 - Feb 6 - Hist. to Arthur Hist Mills-
Page 9

[Hand written]

I Ruben Barner of Arlington in the County of Bennington in the State of Vermont of lawful age do depose testify and say that I was born in the year 1768 in the town of Richmond & State of New Hampshire & there well knew Simeon Hicks now of Sunderland in said County of Bennington that in the Spring and Sumer of the year 1777 said Simeon enlisted under my father Constant Barner of said Richmond.  Then a secretary offfices at law Richmond and was absent part of the Season as was said in the Service of His country that I recollect seeing said Hicks [Illegible], he marched for Bennington & that my [Illegible] other Jeffrey A Barney was in the same Company master at the same time for Bennington.  

That I have frequently heard from my said brother as well as said Hicks that he said Hicks was in Bennington Battle.  I further say that I have been well acquainted with said Hicks from my childhoods & for the last fifty years have been within one half mile of hims.  I further say of Common reputation that said Simeon was engaged in the service of his Country at and about Boston before & at the time of ands after the Battle of Bunker Hill.  & that I have heards the truth & such reputation called in question & furthermore that his reputation of said Hicks as to veracity is, wherever his is known, above suspicion and further say not.

[signed] Reuben Barner

State of Vermont
Bennington County } ss
Personally appeared the above named Reuben Barney & made solemn oath that the facts set forth in the above affidavit by him subscription are true.
Manchester August 10, 1832 Before John Aiken Just of the Peace.
Page 10

[Hand Written]

State of Vermont - To all to whom presents shall come Greeting -

I certify that John Aiken, J.P., where signature appears to the foregoing Deposition is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Bennington, duly empowered and qualified to administer Oaths & Certify that his signature as such, is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Our said County Court for the County of Bennington at Manchester, this 13th day of August A.D. 1832.  JOP the Independence of the United States the Fifty Seventh ~

[signed] Henry Robinson Clerk of the County & Sup. Courts

[signed]  Reuben Barney
Affidavit on the Application
of Simeon Hicks

State of Vermont
Bennington Probate District for }
I, William Haswell, Register of the Court of Probate for the District of Bennington, certify that I am personally acquainted with Reuben Barney, the signer of the within deposition; he is a credible person, and his statement is entitled to credit.  In testimony whereoff I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at Bennington, this 18th day of August A.D. 1832.
[signed]  William Haswell

[along left edge]  6498. Simeon Hicks
Page 11

[Hand Written]

State of Vermont}
Bennington County}
On this 13th day of August A.D. 1832 Personally appeared in open court before the Hon. the Probate Court for the District of Manchester in the County of Bennington aforesaid now sitting at Manchester within and for said District Simeon Hicks, a resident of Sunderlands in the County of Bennington aforesaid aged Seventy Seven years, who have first duly sworn according to law: doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 1832.

That he was born in the town of Rehoboth in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts the 11 day of August AD 1755, where he continued to reside till he was 21 years of age when he removed to Richmond in the State of New Hampshire when he resided two years and then removed into Guilford in the State of Vermont.  Where he resided three years, & then removed into Arlington where he resided about two years and then removed into Sunderland aforesaid where he has ever since resided and now resides.

That he entered into the Service of the United States in the War of the Revolution under the following named officers and served as herein states.

That on this day of the Lexington Battle AD 1775, at Rehoboth in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts he entered in the Massachusetts Militia, under Samuel Poff, Captain, and immediately after marched from Rehoboth to Roxbury, and served during this Campaign nine months that during the period of his enlistment at Roxbury, Dorchester, Cambden & Nanter Hill that Levi Bowen of Rehoboth aforesaid commanded the Company to which he belonged that he does not recollect the names of the Colonels.  Gen Putnam commanded the Brigade that he assisted in building the Roxbury Fort & the forts at Lechman's Point, Prospect Hill & Cobble Hill, and also assisted in making the Redoubt between Dorchester neck & Heights, and at Roxbury that the day of Bun...

[page ends]
Page 12

ker Hill battle he was at Dorchester with the Company which he belonged, employed [illegible], the breastworks the expiration of his aforesaid term of service he was dismissed + went home to Rehoboth.
That in a few days after his said return home. About the first of February AD 1776 at Rehoboth aforesaid. He enlisted again for two months. Under Capt. John Pain + Lieut. Samuel Carpenter. and immediately marched to Winter Hill. Finch Col. Brigade commanded by Gen Sullivan. that after drilling a few weeks at Winter Hill the troops were moved to Dorchester Heights. That he said Simeon assisted in building the fortifications on the Heights. That he assisted in filling [illegible] and Barrels with sand to roll upon the British should they attempt to ascend. that he was present during the attack of the British upon the forts + says then embarked aboard their shipping + saw their ships sail out of the harbour. that he remained at Dorchester ten or twelve days as he now thinks, after the British evacuated Boston. + was then dismissed about five or six days before the time of his enlistment expired + went home.
Said Simeon further declares that on the same day that the British attacked Bristol in the State of Rhode Island in the fall of the year 1776. He volunteered under Capt. Abdiel Bliss at Rehoboth aforesaid + marched down to Bristol + was there a [illegible] in the service + then enlisted at Bristol for a term of two months. Captain Ismail Hicks of Rehoboth Col. Daggett of [illegible] that he assisted in making the entrenchment below Bristol + then served out the period of his enlistment + was then dismissed and went home.
Said Simeon further declares + says that in the latter part of May AD. 1777 at Richmond in the State of New Hampshire. This [illegible] do the service as a substitute for his Brother, Asa Hicks + immediately marched from Richmond under Capt
Page 13

Company, Ashley of Winchester Col. through Keene + Charlestown New Hampshire + Springfield Vermont + on to Clarenden where said detachment was notified they were not wanted in that discution[discussion], + immediately began to return. + got back as far as Keene when their orders were countermanded + they marched back through Clarenden through Rutland + to Col. Meads on the west side of Otter Creek when the public stores were kept, that they have learnt of the surrender of Ticonderoga + met the American forces on this [illegible]that the Americans were commanded by Gen. St. Clair and that rear guard by Col. Warner whose regiment was very much cut to pieces, that he remained here a few days + was then dismissed + went home, having been out on service 20 days. 
Said Simeon further says that about the first of July AD 1777 he enlisted at said Richmond Hammond, Captain Ingals, 1st Lieut, Stearns 2d Lieut, Eaton Ensign, + marched from Richmond , through Charlestown New Hampshire them through Manchester Vermont to Bennington - part of the time under the command of Co. Nichols + part of the time under the command of Col. Herrick, that he was engaged in the Bennington Battle, under Major Peabody in the Contre commanded by Gen Sharpe - the right wing being commanded by Col. Nichols + the left by Col. Herrick, that he was engaged against the long breastwork and was again engaged against the tories at New Barr., that he saw Simion Benjamin Ingals, + Gen. Fuller took nine Hessian privates + one Major prisoners, that for a short time after the prisoners were[illegible] off for Bennington the British were reinforced and the Battle was renewed. The British commenced by a [illegible] from their field peers, which did little or no execution [illegible] Americans reserved their [illegible] till they were within four or five [illegible]. Col. Warner's Regt. which arrived after the first Battle, was the right flank guard in the Second Battle, was once surrounded + taken + immediately retaken. The British were fully routed: that after concession [illegible] few days after the Battle near Bennington his said
Page 14

Simeon, with the rest of the company to which he was attached was marched to the water, + then to Saratoga where he remained a few days, till the erm of his enlistment, which was two months, expired, when he was dismissed + went home.
Said Simeon further states that in the spring of the year 1774, + immediately after the destruction of the [illegible] at Boston. He enlisted at Rehoboth [illegible] as a minute man for one year + drilled regularly every Saturday during the year, but was not called out into actual service till after the battle of Lexington as above set forth, company of Minute Men, commanded by Abdiel Bliss of said Rehoboth.
Said Simeon further declares that he has a record of his age in the town clerk's office in said town of Sunderland. I know not that he has any other records, that he never received any written discharge from any of his said services, + has not documentary evidence whatsoever, relative to the same, that he knows of no person living, who is personally acquainted with his said services except the Campaign of 1777 which he believes he might prove by Reuben Parker late of Hartford in the State of New York, but now residing in some place to said Simeon unknown who was present with him with said company that Timothy Brownson Esquire & Abner Hill of said Sunderland as well acquainted with him, the said Simeon + can well testify as to his character for veracity, + as to his reputation as being a soldier of the Revolution.
Said Simeon hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension r annuity except the present + declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State whatsoever.
Simeon [illegible] the day + year aforesaid.
/s/Simeon Hicks
Attest. Henry Robinson Register
Attest. Henry Robinson
Page 15

6498
Simeon Hicks
Adm@
16 mos 10 days
53.33
1.10
______
Wm. Haswell
['L Aiken' crossed out]
Bennington Vt
Page 16

WAR DEPARTMENT, Pension Office.
May 14 - 1833

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim. 
___________
A Statement, showing the Service of 
____________
[column headings: Period when the service was rendered.|Duration of the claimant's service.(Years.|Months.|Days.|)|Rank of the claimant.|Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.|Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.|Proof by which the declaration is supported.|
[columns are blank]
I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant, 
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
Mr. Simeon Hicks
Page 17

2 REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832. 
The following regulations have been adopted: This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line,' State troops," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits et the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law: 
1. The Regular Troops. 
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service. 
4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record. 
DECLARATION, 
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. 
State, Territory, or District of} County of} ss. 
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank] A. B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank] years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank], with [blank] and served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers : 
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service ; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers ;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] 
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of [blank] 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [blank] A. B. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] 
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. I [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of [blank] &c. 

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: (k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank] , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] 
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a RevoIutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal [blank] of office, this [blank] day of [blank]&c. 
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. It such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration,(l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
Page 18

3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be
attempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute: And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6.{To a Soldier. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
{To an Officer.{Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons-one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the, declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties. which the Court is herein requested to perform;
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he most assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making au affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith. that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below. and in the following grades:- For ____ year ____months, and ____days, I served as a ____ . For ____ months and ____days, I served as a ____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held; as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers, the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or place where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f]The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion or the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if he has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

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

Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
> The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 19

[date stamped]
U.S.P.B.
OLD WAR & NAVY.
OCT 28 1898
FILES.

[postmark]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE.
H
OCT 26 1898
Page 20

To Com. of Pensions   [illegible initials]
Washington D.C.

Can you give me any records of Revolutionary 
soldier, Simeon Hicks, who was a Mass. soldier
but while drawing a pension lived in [deleted]
Shaftesbury [/deleted ] ^Sunderland ^ Vt. 
where he died in 1855. I believe that the name
was spelled [underlined] Hix [/underlined] in his 
papers.

Yours very truly - 
Mrs. Levi H. Wing 
Ft. Edward N.Y.
Page 21

Independence, Missouri, February 13, 1935.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

My dear sir:

A few days ago I wrote you relative to information concerning a great-great grandfather, one SIMEON HICKS, a patriot in the 
revolutionary war.

I now find it necessary to obtain information concerning a son of this man, one TRUMAN B. HICKS, who, if my present information is correct, was a surgeon and an adjutant in the war of 1812.

Was he a penioner of the nation in your department? Can you give me any information concerning not only the above matter, but concerning his progenitors, his descendants, his marriage and place, the dates and places of his birth and death.

All possible information concerning this man is needed, and I will be greatly favored if you will furnish all within your power.  I therefore thank you in advance for the kindness asked. 

Yours very truly, 
Arthur H. Mills.
Arthur Hicks Mills.

1514 West Short street,
Independence, Missouri.
Page 22

[receipt stamp] RECEIVED FEB 9 1935
MAIL SVS-DIV.
VETS ADM.
[illegible] 75

Independence, Missouri, Feb. 7, 1935

Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington, D. C. 

My dear Sir;

I am seeking all possible information concerning my great-great grandfather, one Simeon Hicks, [annotated: He has had this only one/See his letter Feb. 13] who served this nation in the Revolutionary War. Can you kindly furnish any?
In order to facilitate your efforts will give you such information as I now have.
[underlined: From the War Department:] He joined the Continental Army at Bennington and Stillwater, July 23, 1777, becoming a private in Captain Samuel Wright's company, Colonel Nichol's regiment and General Stark's brigade. He was discharged September 24, 1777, with travel pay from Winchester to Charleston No. 4.
[underlined: From the Mss. & History Div., N. Y. State Library:] he is here reported to have had and served several enlistments. Born at Hobarth, Mass., _____1755; died at Sunderland, Vt., ____1855. He was the lst survivor of the Battle of Bennington. His wife was Barbara Barney.
I particularly need information as to the following:
1. What is known of his ancestry?
2. Have you [underlined: exact] dates of his birth and death?
3. Have you information concerning his wife? Or his descendants?
4. Was he a pensioner of the nation? (The N. Y. state library informs me that he was placed on the pension rolls of Vermont in 1831 for services in the Massachusetts militia).
It is very important that I obtain all that can be known concerning this old patriot, and I express in advance my appreciation of whatever you may be able to furnish me.
Yours very truly, 
/s/Arthur H. Mills.
Arthur Hicks Mills.

1514 West Short st.
Independence, Missouri.
Page 23

[stamp] RECIEVED JAN 25 1935 [/stamp]

Independence, Missouri, January 23, 1935. 

The Veterans Administration, 
Washington, D. C. 

Gentlemen: 

I am very anxious to obtain all the information [handwritten] only one [/handwritten] possible concerning my great-great grandfather, one Simeon Hicks, who, so far as can be ascertained, lived in New Hampshire, or possibly Vermont. 

From the Adjutant General's office, War Department, we learn that he served in the Revolutionary War, as a private in Captain Samuel Wrights's company, Colonel Nichol's regiments and General Stark's brigade, joining the Continental Army at Bennington and Stillwater, July 23, 1777. He was discharged September 24, 1777, and was given travel pay from Winchester to Charleston, No. 4, which seems to indicate that the latter place may have been his home. 

The War Department has suggested that you may be able to furnish further information concerning this old patriot, as their records are far from complete. 

What I would particularly like to find out is: 

(1) Place and date of birth; 
(2) Date of Marriage or marriages, and to whom; 
(3) The issues of said union or unions;
(4) Date and place of death;
(5) Present place of interment. 
(6) All further information concerning him. 

Whatever information can be had is distinctly needed at this time. And I anticipate the efforts you will have to make and take this opportunity of expressing appreciation and thanking you in advance. 

Yours very truly, 
[signature of Arthur H. Mills. ]

Arthur Hicks Mills. 

1514 West Short st., 
Independence, Missouri.
Page 24

Simeon Hicks
Declaration for Pension
_____
No. 6478.
Page 25

Mr. Abner Hill and Timothy Brownson, residents of the Town of Sunderland in the County of Bennington + State of Vermont do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Simeon Hicks [illegible] Sunderland, who has subscribed + sworn to the foregoing declaration + believe him to be seventy-seven years of age, that the said Simeon has always been reputed + believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, + that we fully concur in that opinion -
Subscribed & sworn to the day + year aforesaid - 
Attest. Henry Robinson Register
/s/Abner Hill
/s/Tim'y Brownson
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter + after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier + Served as he states; and the Court further certifies that Abner Hill + Timothy Brownson who have signed the same, are Residents in the Town of Sunderland, + are credible persons + that their statement is entitled to credit - 
/s/Myron Clark Judge of Probate Court -
Page 26

I Henry Robinson Register of the Probate Court, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Simeon Hicks for a Pension - 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name + affixed the Seal of our said Probate Court, at Manchester this 13th day of August AD. 1832 - + of the Independence of the United States the Fifty Seventh - 
/s/Henry Robinson Register
Page 27

I Simeon Hicks of Sunderland in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont aged 95 years depose and say that I am a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States upon the Vermont Pension Rolls under the act of June 7 1832 at the rate of $54.44 that he considers himself entitled to a larger amount than $54.44, that he believes that he was not allowed for some of the service which he performed, a part of which was under Capt Israel Hicks at Rhode Island, that he believes his name was spelled Hix at some times; that he ask a reexamination of his case under the agency of Col H H Sylvester - Simeon Hicks his mark X ["his" is written above the X which is between the names Simeon and Hicks and "mark" which is written below the X]. Sworn to and Subscribed this 15th day of July 1850 Before me Hary Gray Justice of the Peace
Page 28

State of Vermont. Secretary of State Office. Montpelier Oct. 2nd 1850. I certify that Harry Gray whose name is subscribed in his own proper hand writing to the foregoing certificate is and was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Bennington duly elected and qualified and that to his official acts & attestations as such full faith and credit are, and ought to be given. In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of this Office, at Montpelier this 2nd day of October A.D. 1850. Ferrand F. Merrill Secretary of State [Slight impression of partial seal lower left side of paper]