Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 4958, Benjamin Hickok, Vt.
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Vt. Hickok, Benjamin Rebecca  R.4958
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W 1923
Rebecca Hickok 
Declaration
Widow of Benjamin
Vermont act July 4, 1836
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State of Vermont}
Rutland County}
On this 5th day of April in the year of our
Lord, one thousand eight hundred & thirty seven personally
appeared before the Hon Almon Warner Judge of the Probate Court within and for the district of Fair haven in said County, and within the Probate District aforesaid Rebecca Hickok, aged 91 years, who being first duly sworn according to law both on her oath made the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of
Congress aforesaid July 1938.
That she is the widow of Benjamin Hickok late
of Fair haven aforesaid deceased, who was a captain in the service of the United States as follows. On the 1st day of May 1776 by order of Genrl.  St. Clair he took command of a company of men & cut and made a road from
Fort Ticondenoga to Hubbaston in Vermont & remained in that service seven months, and returned home to his family the first of December-Issac Barrett was his
Col and Abraham Salisbury was Lieutenant,
In the month of April  I think the first part of
the month, when the American Troops returned from Canada in 1777. Orders came for drafting troops, my husband the said Benjamin volunteered, and was immediately elected Captain, and by order of Col
Seth Warner marched to Union River & remained these on duty with his company until the first of July of the same year, when he returned home to his family
in Hubbaston. On the 6th day of the same month the said Benjamin & has declared with our children were taken prisoners by an advance party of the British Army
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under command of Capt Sherwood, who belonged to Genrl, Frasies Brigdell. On the same day we were retaken by a party of American troops under the command of Genrl. St Clair, and stationed for a short time at the
unison in Castleton. Soon after he received orders from Col. Warner to notify & warn off the inhabitants near the enemy lines. He went to Bennington about the time the battle was fought at that place by Gust Sturk. On his reaching that place he was sent on an
express to Massachusetts, by order of Col. Warner [Sam] after his return he moved his family to Sheffield Massachusetts, & from thence to Norwalk Cont and was there & participated in the engagement at
that place, at the time it was burnt by the enemy that he served during the year 1777 as a captain in all six months. That she has no documents of evidence except two receipt for soldiers pay which accompany this declarations.
She further declares that she was married to
the said Benjamin Hickok on the 31st day of March 1762 that her husband the aforesaid Benjamin Herkok died on the 21st day of March 1825 & that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will now fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed,
her Rebecce {X marks} Hickok
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me: and I do hereby certify that by reason of bodily infirmity, the said Rebeca Hickok the applicant is personally unable to attest in Court to make her aforesaid
declaration - And I do further certify that the said Rebecca Hickok is a person of credibility
Almon Warner Judge
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State of Vermont}
Rutland County ⎬
I Selah H Merrill Clerk of the Probate
Court in and for the District of Fairhaven in said
County of Rutland do hereby certify that the
Honorable Almon Warner is Judge of said 
Probate Court as above, and that the foregoing
signature purporting to be his is genuine-And I
do hereby further certify that the said Probate
Court is a Court of Record. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed this seal of said court in Castleton in said probate District duly subscribed my name this 3rd day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred thirty seven
S.H. Merrill
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State of Vermont}
Rutland County}
Js-Declaration for Arrears of Pension due the heirs of Benjamin Hickok & his surviving widow who also died 7th day of April 1842-- for which said Rebeca Hickok applied after the Decease of her said Husband Capt Benjamin Hickok who died 21st day of March 1825 as will be
seen & found by the Old Papers & Declaration
made & sent to the Pension Office at the City of
Washington on file in said Pension Office-
On the sixth day of August A.D. 1850 personally
appeared before me Alouson Allen a Justice
of the Peace in & for said County Elias
Hickok a Resident of the Town of Fair Haven in said County of Rutland aforesaid being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his Oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the
Arrears of Pension due him and the heirs of
Benjamin Hickok and his deceased widow
Rebecca for Services rendered by said Capt Hickok as a Captain & our officer in said State of Vermont in the War of the Revolution -that
he the said Declarant Elias Hickok is I on to said
Benjamin & Rebecca Hickok aforesaid and is
now upwards of 69 years old and that the surviving children of said Benjamin and Rebeca Hickok are the following to will-Benjamin Hickok
Junior who is upwards of 84 years old and
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Polly Gibbs who is upwards of 65 years old those three are the only surviving children now living of said Capt Benjamin Hickok & his wife Rebecca aforesaid and that his said Father Benjamin Hickok was a captain in the war of the Revolution as this Declarant remembers of-having seen his commission after Peace and has always been told by his said Father & others that his said Father served as a Captain & raised a company and was out in during the year 1776 with his company in the service of the United States so ordered out by Col Warren & Col Barrett from New Hampshire & Massa
chusetts, cut and open a Military Road 1776
Exempt  by for the use of said Army through Rutland Hubbarston & to Ticonderoga which services as this Declarant was informed was at least Ten months as it was a wilderness County of many miles to suffer the hardships of complaining out day & night & chopping & opening said road for our Army and in the year of 1777 previous to Burgoyne no crossing over- his said Father Capt Hickok aforesaid was commanded to go to Onion River to take charge
of the Fort there with his company- as this Declaration was informed by his said Father while living the past became very dangerous at this time and we under the command of Capt Fasseth- who left and Deserted his post and went to the main Army- when his said Father was dispatched and sent of to said Onion River & help on the station there for at least three months and commanded his company & the station of said Fort as Captain and that his said
Father was taken Prisoner by the British
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 a short time previous to the Capture of Burgoyne his property was all consumed and burnt to ashes and Horses & cattle all carried off by The Tories and the British, and as this Declarant was informed that his said Father absconded and ran away & made his escape from the enemy after about six weeks capture & returned to Casleton and that he had just returned at the time of the Battle of Bennington- That he
was then sent of as an Exempt to rally the Troops in the State of Massachusetts which he did day and night as this Declarant was informed through the State of Massachusetts to rally out troops to meet the enemy which was effected through the efforts of his said Father as serving as the Exempt on this occasion and that his said Father Capt Benjamin Hickok served as a Captain on other occasions & can't & during the war of the Revolution on many occasions this Declarant cannot now relate and that his said Father & Mother Rebecca was married previous to the war of the Revolution which was all sent in to the Pension Office in proof & is on file as his said Father died on the 21st day of March 1825-and left his said Mother widow to survive him she made out a Declaration for her claim & Pension
& sent it to the Pension office & Testimony with it as this Declarant believes about the year 1838
and his said Mother Rebecca aforesaid Died on
the 7th day of April 1842 at & in said County
of Rutland aforesaid and she left three
Children to survive her as afore-stated this
Declarant Benjamin Hickok Jr and Polly Gibbs
who are still living as aforesaid and this Delara
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ant does now apply as the heir of said Benjamin
& Rebeca Hickok & refers to the Original Declaration & on file at the Pension Office in the City of Washington and the Testimony sent in at different times to will of Elias Hall of Benjamin Hickok Jr & of Samuel Stock
and others sent in after the death of his said Mother Rebecca & is at the Pension office as Declarant Father & Mother aforesaid was married previous to the war of the Revolution will bring his case under the first acts & under the Act of July 4th 1836 & 3 March 1837 and all other acts as passed by Congress for the benefit of the children and the heirs of those who have served & have claims for Revolutionary services as aforesaid Declarant respectfully refers to all the papers of his respected Mother aforenamed now on file at the Pension office

Subscribed and sworn to before} Elias Hickok
me day & date first above written 
and I certify I am well acquainted}
with Elias Hickok the above Declarant
son of Capt Benjamin Hickok he is a
man of truth & of good moral
standing & I have full confidence
in the above Declaration

Alonson Allen Justice of the Peace
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STATE OF VERMONT,
County Clerk's Office,     Rutland, .....S. S.

I, Frederick W. Hopkins, Clerk of the
County Court for the County of Rutland, being a
court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that

Aleinson Allen Esquire,
was, at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is, a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission is dated the thirtieth day of November, Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and forty nine and expires the thirtieth day of November next:     : that his signature to the foregoing jurat according to the laws of this State, and are in due form.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, at Rutland, this seventh day of August Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty

F. W. Hophins, Clerk.
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information as contained in his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
R74952 Benjamin [illegible]
Dates of enlistment or appointment. Length of service. Rank. Officers Under Who Service was Rendered. State.
Captain. Colonel

May 1, 1776. 7 most in command of a company of men making a road from Ft. Ticonderoga to [illegible] Vt.

April 1777. July 1, 1777 Capt. - Seth Warner (Colonel)

The soldier wife and children were captured by British July 6, 1777 and [illegible] the same day.

Battles engaged in Norwalk,  Conn while a resident of that place.

Residence of soldier at enlistment [illegible] Rutland Co., Vt.

Date of application for pension, April 5, 1837

Residence at date of application Rutland Co., Vt.

Age at date of application 91 years.

Remarks [illegible] Mar 31, 1762, Rebecca Gregory . He died 1825 at Fairhaven, Rutland Co., Vt. She died April 7, 1842. Child Benjamin, Elias and Polly Gibbs. Widow's claim [illegible] ground that [illegilble] did not under 6 mos [illegible].

Very respectfully,

[illegible] and Mrs Ella
Paulson Ave, Passaic, NJ Nov
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Benjamin Hickok (Vt.)
R. 4958
A receipt signed
Abraham Solbury, Lieut
dated March 29, 1783
and
an order for leaft Hickok
to send a due bill, signed
Tho. Ashley, dated Soultry
April 16, 1783
have been removed
from this claim to 
be sent to the War Dept.

D [illegible]

Aug 29, 1911
Sent to War Dept. Jan 16, 1913
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1905 Nov 15 history to Mrs. E.A.E Robde

[letter in will 7.25994 Ethan [illegible]]

1908 Aug 3
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July 6, 1837.

Sir:
I have examined the claim of Mrs. Rebecca Hickok, widow of Benjamin Hickok late of Vermont, deceased, and have placed the papers upon our files.  The declarant claims for six months' service of her late husband as a Captain.  The only part of his alleged service that could be allowed by the Department if fully established by proof is that performed between the months of April and July 1777 at Onion River and subsequently a few days at Bennington.  The making of the road from Fort Ticonderoga to Hubbardton and the time employed while on express to Massachusetts and Connecticut cannot be considered as military service.
As six months' service is the minimum for what a pension is allowed under the law, and as Captain Hickok's service falls short of
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--2--
that amount, the claim of the widow is disallowed.
Almon Warner, Esq.,
East poultney, Vt.
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Ch - Benjamin 71 in 1839
Matthew 73 " "
Elias 69 " 1842
Polly Gibbs
The last three surviving widow -

___________

1779 - in action at the
burning of Norwalk Conn
where he then resided

This claim was never allowed
for the reason that claimant
failed to furnish proof of
six months service in a
military capacity as required
by law
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Our certain knowledge the pensioner, ________________
[Here state the full name of pensioner]

living on the _______ day of _______, 190_, and resided (or

______________________________________
[Here state place of residence or name of institution in which confined and its location]

hat our means of knowledge of the facts is our personal acquaintance with the pensioner by

________________________________________
[Here state whether neighbors of the pensioner, or officers or attendants at the institution in which the pensioner is confined.]

that to the best of our knowledge and belief the pensioner did not serve in the Army, Na
Corps of the United States during any part of the period for which pension is claimed as
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3--871.
_____________
RECORD DIVISION.

Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.

______________

Briefed by L.D.L.
                  -------------------

Claim No. ________________

Certificate No. ___________________

Claimant ___________________

Soldier Benjamin Hickok
             -----------------------------
Service__________________________

Additional Service Rev. War
                                -------------------------

No _________ claim, State records_______, 190_

No claim, combination records_____, 190_

REMARKS:

No such claim, except
Rej. #4958
Continental VT Service

_____________________
Chief Division
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POSTAL CARD
THE SPACE BELOW IS FOR THE ADDRESS ONLY.

Pension Bureau
Washington
D.C.
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HW

RECORD
JUL
29
1908
DIVISION

Belleville N.J. July 27 1908
Greylock [illegible] 
Will you please send me the military record of my grandfather, Capt. Benj. Hickok, who served in the Revolutionary War.
Yours very truly
Harrison T. Hickok
Record Div

PENSION
U. JUL S.
28
1908
OFFICE
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N 1923
Rebecca Hickok do
VT
Sent to Almon Warner, 11 July '37
"" Hon Wm Slade, 11 Decm 38
"" Sarsie 1 April 40
"" Elias Hickock 24 No 40
"" Same 5 July 41
"" Hon H. Waldo Augt 19/50
Elias Hickock Dec 1st /15
Act 4 July 1836
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V1923
Rebecca Hickok
Widow of Benjamin [illegible]
Vermont
Rejected, [illegible] Almon Warner. July 6. 1837 did not serve 6 mos [illegible] Hon W. Slade Dec 11 1838 - papers returned same 1 Apr 1840, Elias Hickok 24 Nov 40 same 5 Jany 1841
Act 4 July 1836
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Reply to Hon H. Walden

Hon H. Walden
H.R.
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State of Vermont.
Secretary of State's Office
Montpelier February 12th 1850

I hereby certify that on the record in this Office of the Journals of the General Assembly of this State, under date of February 15th 1782, is the following record of the action of said Assembly vis: 
"The Committee to whom was referred the petition of Gideon Brownson and Ebenezer Allen brought in their report, which was read. and thereupon Resolved, That the Committee of Pay Table be and they are hereby directed to adjust the accounts of Capt Gideon Brownson, Capt Ebenezer Allen, and Capt Benjamin Hickok for the companies that were raised by them in 1776 by order of the Convention of the New Hampshire Grants, and to give orders on the Treasury for what shall be found due to the officers and soldiers of said companies: provided they give satisfactory evidence to the Committee of Pay Table that they have never been paid for their services from the United States."
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I further certify that I have searched for the said petition and report, but the same are not in this Office.

In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of this office this 12th day of February A.D. 1850.

Ferrand F. Merrill
Secretary of State

I further certify that the rolls and files pertaining to the first part of the Revolutionary War are incomplete in this Office, and more particularly for the years prior to the organization of the State Government of Vermont in 1778.
Given under my hand and said seal this 12th day of February AD 1850.
F. F. Merrill
Secretary of State
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A Pay Roll of Capt Benjamin Hickok's Company in the service of the State of Vermont, under command of Capt Gideon Brownson, June 29. 1776."
Names|| Commencement of Pay|| Days Service|| Miles|| Total||
Capt. Benjamin Hickok|| 1776 July 1 ||28||16||9.12.0
Lt. Abraham Salisbury||""||28||12||6.3.1
Ensign Peleg Sunderland||""||28|| || 5.19.4
Sergt Caleb Smith||""||28||28||2.13.9
"" Elisha Allen||""||28||21||2.11.1
"" James Westcot||""||28||12||2.8.9
"" Isaac Ashley||""||28||21||2.11.9
Capt. Eben Welton||""||28||28||2.13.4
Andrew Potter||""||28||12||2.1.4
Benjamin Whitman||""||28||12||2.1.4
Obadiah Edmonds||""||28||12||2.1.4
Zedediah Green||""||28||12||2.1.4
Jabez Weaver||""||28||12||2.1.4
David Place||""||28||12||2.1.4
John Smith||""||28||12||2.1.4
Charles Button||""||28||12||2.1.4
Jedidiah Jackson||""||28||12||2.1.4
John Clark||""||28||12||2.1.4
Stephen Clark||""||28||12||2.1.4
Jobe Cole||""||28||28||2.6.8
David Warren|""||28||28||2.6.8
William Faleigh (or Fahigh)|""||28||21||2.4.4
John Owen|""||28||21||2.4.4
Eli Cogsel|""||28||16||2.2.8
Daniel Colver|""||28||16||2.2.8
Heber Griswold|""||28||16||2.2.8
John Moulton|""||28||16||2.2.8
[British pound sign] 75.6.6
Benjamin Hickok
(over)
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March 12, 1783. Then the above payroll [illegible]
to before me.

Tims. Brownson, Asst.

Pay Table Office, Sunderland March 12, 1783. The within Pay Roll examined and approved, the Treasurer
is directed to pay the same to Capt. Benjamin Hickok, it being seventy five pounds six shillings and six pence.

Tims. Brownson
John Strong         Committee

Treasurer's Office. Sunderland march 13, 1783. Received of Ira Allen Esq. Treasurer, the contents of the above order being seventy five pounds six shillings and six pence 
lawful money.

Benjamin Hickok

State of Vermont
Secretary of States Office
Montpelier February 12th, 1850

I hereby certify that the foregoing is a correct copy of an original Pay Roll of Capt. Benjamin Hickok's company
on file in this office with the order and receipts written 
thereupon.

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand
and affix the seal of this office this 12th
day of February A.D. 1850

Ferrand F. Merrill
Secretary of State
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Reply from Washington
Elias Hickok
Page 29

Pension Office,
Oct. 16th. 1849.
Sir
In reply to your letters of the 12th instant I have to state, that before the case of Elias Hickok can be taken up, it should be shown from what state he made his application, and under what act.
In the case of Isaac Cummings, a report will be made so soon as the original papers, which have been misplaced, are found.
I have the honor to be 
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servant,
JLEdwards

Hon. J.J. Slingerland,
Albany,
N.York.
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in answer to the within it was concluded that a
new supplemental Declaration from the heirs was wanted as the old Lady was not living which is attached to this - 
There has been two definite Depositions
sent to the Department from Lieut Elias Hall stating the facts and his knowledge of those facts that said Benjamin Hicks served in the spring & summer &
of 1775 as a Captain with his company opening the long
Military Road Expressly for the use of the Army from
Rutland to Hubbardton & to Ticonderoga to transport Provisions & [?] for the Army
he states the length of time and he gives abrief Deposition of the three months
service at Onion River in 1777 in the spring of
the year his Character & Reputation
and his
powers of mind was to his last-- I must send
out some time for the future a paper of
an article from his pen astonishing at his
age as writer-- showing his great powers of
mind at his advanced age
a Deposition from Samuel Stark was 
also sent in an old Revolutioner who was bred & Born in VT & served at Castleton and was
acquainted with Capt. Benj. Hickel & his
services and the Deposition of Bayani
Hickok Jr. see his advanced age, who was
with his Father apart of the time in opining
the Road & known to his Services at Onion
River &c & those three Depositions sent in
after the death of the widow of said Capt.
Benj Hickok are to the point- I hold the Copies
of some of them-- they are at the Department
the within reply was in answer to Elias Hickok
& those three Depositions above named have
the goodness to find these Depositions & reply toHon A. Walden -- the rolls I have & number his Company
although the rolls of the State of Vermont are imperfect
we find the Roll of his company and negletec
payment made to
him-- no doubt for services rendered
long before he received his pay, and if those services
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Please to reply to Hon H. Walden
⎬
had been paid by the State the probability is
that there would not have been a trace of a
Record of the services of this Brave Patriot
but as I understand the records in my opinion
Capt Benjamin Hickok had recd his pay in
full from the State- all but those services on
Record and here was an application for a
portion of his services left unpaid by the
State a demand neglected by the State
he brought up-- as we see by the Records
& see his pay this shows conclusively
& proves a part of his services and
that he was a captain & had been on
duty & rec There neglected pay and thus from
such Officers & men as Lieut Elias Hall
and this corroborating & stating facts of
services & all making definite proof
I have attached also the Records of
the Sect of State under seal &c what
Testimony was sent in with the Declaration
of the widow I have no account of the
Department has the advantage of all this
Testimony as the Old Capt lost all he had
in the war of the Revolution plundered by
the Indians & Tories & died poor and
left his family poor may the Lord bless
the heirs with what is justly due them &
no more the prayer of their Agent
Jacob Slingerland
Hon J. L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
feel in ill health not fit for business-- having
had along fit of fever, may the Lord bless you all with health &c
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Benjamin Hickok
Affidavit
Page 33

State of Vermont
Rutland County ss
I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of the
County Court for the County
of Rutland Certify that Harvey
Howard is a Justice of the
peace for said County and
that I believe his 
to the within Certificates
are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal of said
Court at Rutland this 17th day
of April 1837
R. Pierpoint
Page 34

I Benjamin Hickok of Benson in the County of Rutland of State of Vermont aged Seventy one being duly sworn do depose testify and say
my Father Benjamin Hickok late of Fairhaven Vermont was as near as I can recollect chosen a captain in the service of
the United States in the Spring of
1776 at Pittsford or
Sudbury Vermont and served in that capacity (I think)
first one campaign with a company of men on Onion River
and an other campaign in the year 1777
with a company of men in cutting and clearing a Military road through from Mount Independence on the east side of Lake Champlain opposite Fort Ticonderoga
to Hubbardton the then place of his residence
That he was taken prison with his family at
Hubbardton on the 6th of July by the advance party of British and Indians and was retaken the same day by a party of Americans and continued in the service of the
United States and was sent by order of Col. Seth Warner
on an express into Massachusetts immediately preceding
the Battle of Bennington-- After this he removed
his family to first to Sheffield Massachusetts thereto
Norwalk Connecticut and was in the action against the British when they landed and burnt that town
After this he removed to Castleton Vt. in the year 1780 and lived near the garison  then kept in said Castleton two or three years from thence to Hubbardton and from thence to Fairhaven where he died on the 21st day
March 1825.
I further say that my Mother Rebecca Hickok has ever since remained a widow
And further this deponent saith not
Benjamin his X mark Hickok
sworn and subscribed before me Fairhaven this 31st day of March 1837
Harvey Howard Justice Peace ┃

I do hereby certify that from my personal knowledge that the said Benjamin Hickok is a credible man whose character cannot be impeached. 
Fairhaven March 31, 1837
Harvey Howard Justice Peace
Page 35

[No Discernable Text]
Page 36

State of Vermont
Rutland County
the
say that
said
I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of the 
County Court for
the County
of Rutland Certify
that James Flagg was on the 4th Feb 1837
a Justice of the peace for said
County, and that I believe his
Signatures to the within
Certificates are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal
of said Court at Rutland this 17th
day of April AD 1837

R. Pierpoint
Page 37

I James Whelpley of Hubbardton in the County of
Kirtland and State of Vermont of lawful age being
duly sworn do depose testify and say that from
Infancancy I have been acquainted with Capt
Benjamin Hickock lived in that part of Norfolk
in the State of Connecticut now called Wilton
a near neighbour Capt Hickok was married to
Rebecca Gregory also a near
neighbour by Wm Gaylard then Minister and pastor of the pre
Church in that place-- same time in on or about the year
1761 or 2 I was present at the marraige lived in that
place a near neighbour till the year 1774 or 5 when he moved to Hubbardton in Vermont from there to
Fairhaven in the County of Rutland & State of Vermont where he died in or about the year 1825 and left his wife Rebecca a Widow who is now living in sd. Fairhaven
and has never been married to any other Person
I came to this place (to wit) Hubbardton in the year 1787
he was then called Capt, Hickok- and I have
had the impression that he the sd Benjamin Hickok did service in the capacity of Capt in the Revolutionary war
James Whelpley

Sworn and subscribed this 4th day of February AD. 1837
Before me James Flagg Justice of the Peace

I certify that James Whelpley who signed
the above deposition is well known to me and
is a man of good character and credibility
James Flagg Justice Peace
Page 38

Mathew Hickok
Affidavit
Page 39

I Mathew Wickok of Madison township in the county (illegible) and the State of Ohio of the age of seventy three years (73) being duly sworn according to law do depose and say that Benjamin Wickok late of Fairhaven township in the county of Rutland Vermont during the Revolutionary War between the United States and Great Britain lived in the town of Hubbardton Rutland Co Vermont that he was in the service of the United States in the year 1776 under the order (I think) of General St Clair was employed byt the Commander at Ticonderoga to look out a road from Mount Independence on Lake Champlain through the woods to Hubbardton and the charge of a detachment of men from the Army in cutting and cleaning out (?) road for the passage of troops and provisions to the Army and did not return till after harvest that he went into the service of the United States early in the Spring and was not at home to do very (illegible) labor that season according to my recollection. He must been with the Army six months or more that season.

That in the Spring of the year 1777 when the American Army retreated from Canada orders came for drafting troops Benjamin Wickok was one that turned out and rendezvous at Broons (?) Camp (then so called) in Sudbury (?) where he was chosen Captain and was stationed at the mouth of Onion River in Vermont and remain there until the American Forces evacuated their fort on Lake Champlain and retreated from Ticonderoga. He then came home to his family in Hubberton that was about wheat harvest time when the British and Indians advanced to Hubbardton and took my father Fenjamin Wickok and others with their families prisoners - and was retaken by a portion of the American Army that relocated through Hubbardton--that after that my father went to Bennington war them just as that battle was commencing and was sent off on ex(illegible) by order of Col. Warner and returned at the time the British prisoners were paraded to march to Masachusetts.  After that time my father moved his family to Sheffield (illegible) Co map and soon after to Norwalk Connecticut and was there and in the action against the British at the time they landed and burnt that(illegible) that at the time my father joined the American Arty I was about thirteen
Page 40

years of age & the time the American Army retreated from Lake Champlain I was fourteen years of age
That Rebecca Hickok now of Fairhaven Vermont is my Mother That she & Benjamin Hickok my father lived together at that time & afterwards until his Death

That the last summer my father Benjamin Hickok was in the Army That is in 1777 he bore the rank of Captain and did the duties as such in the Army - And further this Deponent [illegible] not

Mathew Hickok

Sworn to [illegible] before me March 4th 1887 Lester Brooks Justice I do hereby certify that from my personal knowledge that the Mathew Hickok is a man of good moral character whose interests cannot be influenced
[illegible] March 4th 1887 Lester Brooks Justice of the Peace
Page 41

Eleazer Lyman
Affidavit

Eleazer Lyman 
Affidavit
Page 42

I Elias Lyman of Castleton in the County of
Rutland
and State of Vermont of lawful age being
duly sworn depon testify and say that in the
year 1781 I was stationed at the fort in the town of Castleton
aforesaid, and was then acquainted with
Benjamin Hicok then residing near said
fort, that this said Hicok was then called a
Captain and was understood to have been a Captain in the service of the United States in the revolutionary War.
that in the year 1812 I became acquainted with
the said Hicok, in the town of Castleton
aforesaid and knew him personally from
that year till his death which came in the
year 1825.
that the widow of the said Hicok now resides in Fairhaven about three miles from my present residence,
that the said Hicok at the date
first mentioned was reputed an active
officer in the service of this country.
I further say that I am acquainted with Benjamin and Matthew son of the first mentioned Benjamin Hicok, and that they are persons of and
Character for truth and veracity, and further
say not.
Eleazer Lyman
Subscribed and sworn to
20. February
1837 before me
S. H. Merrill Justice Peace
I further certify that the above named Eleazer Lyman is well known to me and is a credible person. 
S.H. Merrill Justice Peace
Page 43

State of Vermont
Rutland County
 
J Roland Pierpoints Clerk of
the County Court for the
County of Rutland certify
that Selah H. Merrill [illegible] on
the 20th day of Feb 1807 as
Justice of the peace for this
county and that his signature
to the within certificates are
genuine


In testimony whereof I have hereunto [illegible]
may hear and affixed the seal of the 
court at Rutland this 17th day of
April 1837

R. Pierpoints
Page 44

Elias Halls Affidavits
Page 45

I Elias Hall of Castleton Rutland County and State of Vermont aged Eighty two years on oath depose testify and say that from the year 1775 to to 1825 was acquainted with Capt. Benj. Hikok who resided in Hubbarton Castleton and Fairhaven in said County and who died in the year 1825 at said Fairhaven.

In the year 1776 I was informed and it was generally man that said Benjamin Hikok received the appointment of Captain and took the command and charge of a company of troops in the service of the United States and marched from the time of Pittsford in said County to Onion river-- and further I say not 

Elias Hall 

State of Vermont 
Rutland County Castleton February 27 1837
Then personally appeared Elias Hall and made oath to the truth of the facts set forth in the above deposition by him subscribed 

Before me 
B J Langdon Justice Peace

I certify that Elias Hall who signed the above deposition is well known to me and is a man of good character and credibility

B J  Langdon Justice Peace
Page 46

State of Vermont 
Rutland County 
I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of the County Court for the County of Rutland certify that Benj. F. Langdon was on the 27th Feby 1837 a Justice of the peace for said County, and that his Signature to the within Certifiant are genuine 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said at Rutland this 17th day of April AD. 1837 

R. Pierpoint
Page 47

War Department 
Pension Office
December 11, 1838. 
Sir,
In reply to your letter upon the subject of the claim of Mrs Rebeca Hickock, I have to state that her claim was disallowed, on the ground that her husband, the late Benjamin Hickok did not perform six months military service during the revolution. A copy of my letter on this subject to Mr Almon Warner you will find enclosed herewith. Since the date of that letter it has been ascertained that there are many rolls of the Vermont militia service in the office of the Treasury of the State; and it may be well for the claimant to make application there for proof of her husband’s service. The papers are returned to you agreeably to your request;-- please to acknowledge the receipt of them. I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully,
Your obt Servt
J L Edwards
 Hon William Slade 
House of Representatives.
Page 48

(Copy)
War Department 
Pension Office 
July 6 1837. 
Sir,
I have examined the claim of Mrs Rebecca widow of Benjn Hickok, late of Vermont, deceasd, and have placed her papers upon our files. The declarant claims for six months service of her late husband as a captain The only part of the alleged service that could be allowed by the Department, if fully estate established by proof, is that performed between the month of April and July 1777 at Onion River, and subsequent by a few days at Bennington. The making of the road from Ticonderoga to Hubbardton, and the time employed while on express to Mass and Connt. cannot be considered as military service 

As six months service is the minimum for which a pension is allowed under the law, and as Capt Hickok's service falls short of that amount the claim of his widow is disallowed.

I am respectfully
your obt servt.
(Signed) J. L. Edwards 

Alman Warner Esqr 
East Poultney 
Vermont
Page 49

Certificate of the
Secy. of the State of Vt.
Page 50

Pay Table Office
April 1st 1780.
A return of the Pay Table Orders on the Treasurer, issued from the 13th of Februart 1782 to the 1st day of April 1780 inclusive.
Ceritifed
Timo. Brownson,}
John Strong,}   Court

To Ira Allen Esq.
Treasurer

Pay Table Office.

1782 x x x x x x x x x x x x
March 12 An order on the Treasurer in favor of Capt. Benjamin Hickok, 75:6:6
Page 51

State of Vermont
Secretary of States Office
Montpelier, 12th Aug 1839
I Chauncey L. Knapp, Secretary of said State do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy of the caption of a paper originally filed in the office of the Treasurer of this State, together with a true extract from the Schedule of Orders thereunto annexed.
,
Given under my hand and seal of office at Montpelier, this the 12th day of August, A.D.
1839.
Chauncey L. Knapp
Secretary of State
Page 52

Rutland 9 Jany 1840 

Dear sir,
The inclosed certificate from the Secretary of Vermont was obtained by me at the time of its date, on the request of Judge Warner, then of East Poultney but who has since removed his residence to Castleton. It had been mislaid in my office, and, but for that cause, would have been delivered to him before this day. Being in Castleton a day or two since, he desired me to forward it directly to you, and to state, that probably no further testimony can be gleaned, from that office, relative to the revolutionary services of Capt. Benjamin Hickok. How that may be, I am unable to State, positively; only, that by Mr. Knapp's permission, I examined with him, during the space of about three days, among the revolutionary war papers, remaining in his office, for proof of service in this and other cases, but without being able to discover any other evidence in this particular case. I state, further, at Judge Warner's request, that there is remaining in the Secretary of State's Office a considerable quantity of documents relating to military services in the war of the revolution, consisting of a great number of Pay Rolls of single companies, and of detachments of less corps, many of them much mutilated, parts of them being entirely lost. I suppose the inference from this state of the papers would be, that during the early and itenerant condition of the Public Offices in this State, many of their papers were lost, and all of them more or less injured and defaced. 

It is a fact, which I believe is well known to you, that the Committee of Pay Table was the Board to whom all Pay Rolls and other military expenses of the war was submitted, and, without whose order, none were paid by the Treasurer. The order
Page 53

order in question seems to recognise Benjamin Hickok as a Captain, and its amount, too, estimating a Captain's pay at 12 pounds per month, tally very nearly with that part of Mrs. Hickok's declaration which, as I am informed, claims about 7 months since in 1776, and perhaps, was drawn for that identical service. However as I know nothing more about the case I have nothing further to remark, only, that the decision in the case should be a communicated to Judge Warner.
I am very respectfully 
Your obt. Servant
Jeft. Gove 
Hon. William Slade 
Member of Congress 
City of Washington
Page 54

December 8. 1838
Sir
Rebecca Hickock of Fairhaven, Rutland Co. Vt.
has made application for a pension under the
act of 4th July 1836, and her papers are
as I am informed in your office. I am
requested to look into her case, and for
that purpose have to request that you
will send me the papers, together with
a statement of the grounds on which the
claim has been rejected.
Respectfully
Your obedient servant
William Slade
J. L. Edwards Esq
Page 55

J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions 
Dear Sir 
In behalf of Widow Rebecca Hickoky my Mother of Fairhaven Vermont I address you in the first place not having a satisfactory Answer from her agent and not knowing why her Pension Is not granted I have thought fit to rite you respecting it notwithstanding I have been told by some that I should not Reson an answer that there is a great degree of corruption in that Department as well as all the others which I do not believe to be true.
I am a man of humble circumstances in life of the age of sixty years And now sir having learned the story of my Fathers services from my [illegible]. I believe my mothers claim to be as just an one as ever presented to you the many frauds commited in the department no wonder it should the particular when I hear men saying corruption that and [illegible] their support from the hand of those I believe to be there friends I feel to shudder. I wanted not this thinking to flatter or beg but having confidence in you that justice will be done & I shall receive an answer if you should think proper to take note of [illegible] this since & inquire to know whether I am a man of truth or not I [illegible] I can find sufficient proff at the poor.
 In [illegible] with the above request you will confer a favor to me in In behalf of my Mother 
I am sir yours Respectfully Elias Hickok
Fairhaver Nov 17th 1840 
Hon. James L. Edwards 
Commisioner of Pensions
Page 56

1 May
x 76 as Capt made road from Old To
to Hubbarton, in Vt. 
x Apl. 77 Marched to Onion River [illegible] of
Seth Warner, rem. there till July
. Made prison 6 Jul 77
x was at Be. Bat.
. Express to Mass & Cont.
. served in all as Capt. 6 mo.

July 3
[illegible] Hickok
Vt. cl '36
file with her
papers
No 1923
[illegible]
Page 57

Chonchie

July 3
[illegible] Hickok
Vt cl '36
file with her
papers
No 1923
[illegible] 16 May

(Vertical)
E Poultney Vt
June 29

J L Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 58

Fr Claim wid of Rebecca or 
Capt. Benjamin Hickok
or of heirs of either on file
from Vt?

B__
Page 59

Poultney     Rutland Vermont
Oct 6th 1865
Commisioner of }
Revolutionary Claims }
Dear Sir 
I take the liberty of addressing you on the claim of Widow Rebecca Hickok of Fairhaven Rutland Co. Vt. in behalf of her heirs, and his Capt Benjamin Hickok died 1823, having served [illegible] years in the service of the Government; in behalf of Elias Hickok, living aged 85. Son of Benjamin Hickok and Rebecca Hickok, 18 years ago the Comissioner of claims wrote in reply to the applications of said Elias Hickok, and Mary Hickold Gibbs, the only living heirs of said claimant that the claim was just, and by examination of claims & proof now in the Pension Bureau of Washington and has been for many years, and at one time it was about to be recognized and settled But it was in the hands of a certain Slingerland of New York State
Page 60

who made no good use of his trust of
the claim
Now Sir, I C L Babcock of Poultney Vermont,
Grand Son of said Elias Hickok
Hickok ask your co opperation and wright of office to assert these legal aged Heirs of that just claim to push even at this late day a Settlement of a Revolautionary claim. The
only reason that it never was canceled
in my opinion is becaus the business
was not put in to responsible parties
hands who would follow it up. Now I
appeal to you directly. And caus this
claim to be investigated, and there
aged relies of said claim in their destitution to be provided for even at this
late day for the loss of Property. And the
neglect of Gov. to pay Capt Benjmin Hickok for
his services as a Captain in Said Sevarim
I am personally unaquainted with
the claim except I have been knowing to the
proof of said claim, and the need of its being
Satisfied. Now Sir there is Sufficient
evidence in the Pension office of such
claims to warrant the settlement of said
claim as for last act of Congress, and as a
representive of Revolutionary Claims
Page 61

and of recent claims of the part war I appeal to you, and pray that you may give this feeble appeal either by your usual attention or to turn it over to parties who will press the claim until it is satisfied; and the affidavits and Proofs have been sent to your office many years ago, and if no Such can be found now  and no one can be found to enter in to the duty of making this claim come to justice, if this is of no use, or the claim cannot ever be allowed. be so kind as to State the facts to Mr Elias Hickok of Poultney Vt in whose behalf this is written. 

Witness his hand this Sixth day off October 1863 per S. S. Babcock.
Elias Hickok 

We refer to an old resident of Fairhaven or Poultney, To Senator Foot of Vt. or any evidence that is needed in the case can be sent an application to Elias Hickok Poultney Vt formerly of Fairhaven Vt
Page 62

H. of Rep. March 24. 1840 

Sir
I return the papers of Mrs. Hickock, with additional papers consisting of the certificate of the Secretary of the State of Vermont,  and Col. Gove letter. 

I have once had the custody of the papers belonging to the office of the Secretary of that State, and I know tha,t owing to the itinerary of the Seat of government for some thirty years, many papers belonging to the offices of the Secy of State & Treasurer were lost, & mutilated. The absence of evidence among the rolls cannot be taken as furnishing scarce the slightest presumption again a claim of service 

It is very manifest that Mr Hickok was out with his company during parts of the year 1776 & 1777. The certificate of pay would cover more than 6 months. I submit whither, under these circumstances it would not be perfectly safe to allow a pension
Page 63

for six months.

If you should not allow a pension for
six months, you will please return to me the
papers, that I may present them unto congress,
as soon as practicable.
Very respectfully your
William Slade

J L Edwards
Page 64

East Poultney June 28, 1837
Sir
Your circular addressed to Mrs Rebecca Hickok was put into my hand at her request. It is her wish in case any further correspondence
becomes necessary in relation to her claim
that all letters may be addressed to me
at East Poultney Vermont as she resides at a
considerable distance from a Post Office

Respectfully your s(ervan)t
Almon Warner

J.L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 65

Hon. James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington 
Fairhaven Vt.
Dec. 24
S Free

Benjamin Hickok
Page 66

Fairhaven
December 21st 1840 
Sir
In reply to your letter date of Nov 24. 1840 I will state to you the facts as I understand them relative to Benjamin Hickok services for which the order was claimed.
In the first place, in 1776 it was found necessary by the commanding General of Ticonderaoga that there should be a communication opened into the country for the purpose of conveying provisions for the Army. And other necessary uses for the same . Therefore it was ordered by the aforesaid Commanding Office there should be a Road cut and laid from Humbenfore To Toconderoga this country being then a wilderness and only five families From Hubbardton to Ticonderoga accordingly. The detachment of men was [illegible] from Col. Seth Warners Regiment to perform the service likewise it. [illegible] that same man that was the best acquainted with the country. That the command of then Benjamin Hickok was selected & commissioned for the service with the addition of the service of a few men who volunteered for a few days to show to you for what purpose the above order [illegible] to [illegible] said it was hard for the aforesd Benj Hickock personal services on this Road with exception of those few volunteers services which amounted to fifteen or twenty pounds.

The above I believe to be a true statement of facts relative To Capt Benjamin Hickok services in the revolution for 1776, If the above should give sufficient light on the subject to require Testimony whether I have told you the truth or not I will try to [illegible] them

I am Respectfully 
your obt servt 
Elias Hickock 

Hon James L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions Washington