Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 2182, Benjamin Drake, New York
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New York  Drake, Benjamin  S.2182
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Ohio 13.106
Pittsburg(sic)
Benjamin Drake
of Huron in the State of Ohio who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Boyd of the Regt. commanded by Col. Drake in the New York Militia for 2 years.
Inscribed on the Roll of Ohio at the rate of 80 dollars __ cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of pension issued the 13th day of May and sent L. B. Sturgis
1833 Norwalk Ohio
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1833             $160.00
Semi-anl allowance ending 4 Sep. 33'      40.00
                                                              $200.00

{ Revolutionary claim, Act &, 1832.}
Recorded by Geo. B. Whiting clerk, Book E vol. 8 Page 119
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No. 5274
Benjamin Drake 
Pension papers
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State of Ohio Huron County  Norwalk 27th July AD 1832
On this 27th day of July personally appeared in open court before the Supreme Court for said of Ohio within and for said county of Huron now sitting Benjamin Drake resident of Oxford in said county aged Sixty six years of age born at Peekskill in Westchester county state of New York who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That he entered into the service of the United States as a volunteer in the year AD 1779 in the fall of that year in the militia of said state of New York in a company commanded by Captain Ebenezer Boyd in a regiment commanded by Colonel Samuel Drake, David Ferris was Lieutenant in his company served a considerable time to guard fat cattle for the use of the army ws stationed at Peekskill and neighborhood from fall of the year 1779 to the next fall in and assisted in forwarding cattle from Peekskill and that vicinity to the army His father lived about three miles from Poughkeepsie and kept a great victually hours for the American Army where has seen General Washington. That in the fall of the year AD 1780 he was enrolled in the militia guard in Patrols. He then served in that country and vicinity until the peace between the United States and Great Britian during his service he was always under arms and fully equipped he was enrolled to do duty by rotation and duly performed it the country being frequently infested by Cowboys and the lower refugees. that he served in the whole more than two years was well acquainted with and served most of the time with the same officers. He knew Colonel Shephard from Connecticut a man of very grey hairs. Lieutenant Colonel Sprout was of the same regiment with Colonel Shephard was also acquainted with Philip VanCortlandt who was a Colonel of a regiment who was frequently stationed where he was. he knew a Captain Scott who commanded a company and a Captain Cherry in the Continental Line. He has no record of his age has no documentary evidence of his service He knows of no person living who can testify  or expecting his services in said War. He was at Tarrow town (Tarrytown) when Major Andree was taken as a Spye (sic) by John Paulding, Isaac VanWort, and Abraham Williams who were neighbors of his and was intimately acquainted with them and they were his particular friends. He saw Daniel Sprang an American of Westchester county a Spye hung at Peekskill. He also saw Edmond Palmer another American Spye hung on gallows hill who first joined the British and came out as a Spye General McDougal then commanded at Peekskill
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when Fort Montgomery was taken which he thinks was in 1777 he was at Peekskill he was there when Stoney Point was taken by General Wayne the time he saw General Washington at his Father's house was at the time the American and French Army moved from Peekskill to the White Plains who marched from thence across the North river on their way to York Town in Virginia. His fathers name was Jeremiah Drake.
Benj'n Drake 
sworn and subscribed and sworn the day and year aforesaid 
Attest D. Gibbs clerk Sup Ct.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension annuity whatever except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state
Benj'n Drake
sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Attest D. Gibbs clerk Sup'e Ct. 
We Joshua Phillips a clergyman residing in the township of Berlin and Micah Skinner residing in Ridgefield in said county hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Drake who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be sixty six 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 and we also consider him as a man of truth and veracity.
Joshua Phillips Micah Skinner
sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Attest D. Gibbs clerk Sup'r Ct.
And the said court to hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after the putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department. That the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears to them that Joshua Phillips who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in the township of Berlin in said county of Huron and that Micah Stinson who has also signed the same is a resident in the town of Ridgefield in said county of Huron and is a credible person and that  their statement is entitled to credit
Attest D. Gibbs clerk Superior Court
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I D.Gibbs clerk of the Supreme court of Huron County Ohio. do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Drake for a pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 6th day of August AD 1832
D. Gibbs clerk Supreme Court
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Benjamin Drake's 
Answers to brief objections
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Benjamin Drake
Secretary at War Objections
He has not mentioned the period or periods he served
Answer: Entered the service as volunteer in 1779 in fall of the year in militia of N York stationed at Peekskill  and from fall of 1779 to fall of 1780 again enrolled in militia guards or patrols served until the peace. always under arms and equipped. enrolled to do duty by rotation and duly performed it. served more in the whole than 2 years.
He has not mentioned the precise time and 
Sec the above and his additional affidavit to be sent according to the form sent to me.
Interest 1- have not shown where you was born
born at Peekskill Westchester county state of NY see declaration
Inter: 2 Has not said anything of the record of his age   2- declares he has no record of his age, see declaration
Inter 6: Has not said anything about his discharge  Ans: has no documentary evidence of his service. see his declaration
Inter 7: you have not stated the names of persons in your neighborhood who can testify to your character and belief of your services
Ans: 7th Joshua Philips clergyman and Micah Skinner here testified respecting character and their opinion of Revolutionary services see their certificate on the pension papers.
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August 8, 1932
BA_J/EEL
Mr. Victor M. Drake
1544 Second Avenue
New York, New York
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Benjamin and William Drake, soldiers of the Revolutionary War.
Their histories follow:
Benjamin Drake
S.2182
The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, S. 2182, based upon the military service of Benjamin Drake in that war.
 Benjamin Drake, the son of Jeremiah, was born April 18, 1766, at Peekskill, Westchester County, New York. During the Revolutionary War, his father lived about three miles from Peekskill.
Benjamin Drake volunteered in Peekskill, New York, about the middle of September, 1779, and served until the middle of November, 1780, as a private in Captain Ebenezer Boyd's company, Colonel Samuel Drake's ( no relationship to soldier shown) New York regiment, was stationed in Peekskill and in that neighborhood and assisted in guarding cattle and sending them to the army; after the termination of the above service,  he immediately re-enlisted and served at different times until the close of the war as a militia guard and patrol under the same officers, entire length of his service more than two years.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 27, 1832, while residing in Oxford, Huron county, Ohio.
There are no data as to his family.
The foregoing is the history of the only soldier named Benjamin Drake that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this office.
Date of death not on AB
could not find Oxford in Huron Co. Ohio
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[ left]
Apl -1-19-ap
F.N. Chapman Chicago Ill.
July 9, 1912 History to Mrs. Geo. W. Smith
1915 Jan 7 History to Miss Clara E. Wolcott  FW
1932 Aug 8 Hist. to Mr. Victor M. Drake EEL
1940 Mar. 5 Hist to Ruth M Potter CC
letter in James Drake W 7043

[right side]
2182
Rev War
INVALID
File No. 2182
Benjamin Drake
Privt Rev War

Act: June 7 1832
Index: - Vol. A, Page 112
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Benj'n Drake of Ohio
Hon. Lewis Cass
Secretary at War
City of Washington
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Norwalk H. CJ Ohio 12th Dec, 1832
Hon. Secretary at War
Sir, I have your letter of the 4th instant enclosing the pension papers which I forwarded to you sometime since. viz. those of Lambert Schaefer, Allen Watsons, Benjamin Drake, Joseph Ransom, Conrad Nessle and Timothy Fort with your Brief objection as to the defects in the papers.
 I presume with a personal conversation with you I should at once know precisely your ideas but it is more difficult to understand them by written correspondence many of them I think I correctly understand.
I wish to submit to you a few questions
1- will a supplementary declaration on the same original papers sent you when there is room, answer?
2nd- As the characters of the applicants and their witnesses clergymen and the general procedings have been examined by a court record in open court will out. what has now be supplementary answer by being examined and authenticated before  an associate judge of a court of record as for instance before Timothy Baker an associate judge of the court of Common pleas in this county.
We have no court of probate except the common pleas, and as his official character has been certified by the clerk under his seal of office on several papers heretofore sent to you with the expense of another seal be necessary.
The reasons of asking these questions are that the supreme court will not sit here until next August and we don't know when the court of Common pleas until it shall be fixed by a legislative act for that purpose. And besides I am perfectly confident the business will be done with  more care and correctness than it can be done before any regular open court engaged as they must be most of their legion with their ordinary business and as an additional reason. If there poor miserable applicants are entitled to relief on account of their extreme old age and poverty they want it as soon as possible.
I have enclosed a speciman of your objections and their answers some of which I think appear from their former declarations, which I wish you to inspect and return to me with your remarks.
I also enquire if it
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necessary for me to return to you your brief objection which I have in the cases of Michael Macon and Phineas Swartz this I have some not knowing you reserved copies of them 
I regret the trouble I give you
I have the honor to be respectfully your Ob. Serv't
Lewis B Sturgis
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Benjamin Drake
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State of Ohio Huron County ss Norwalk
On the 19th of March AD 1833 personally appeared before me Timothy Baker one of the associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said county Benjamin Drake resident of Oxford in said county who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following supplement declaration in addition to his former declaration made before the Supreme Court for said State held at said Norwalk on the 27th July AD 1832.
That the term of his services mentioned in his former declaration from the fall of the year in 1779 to the next fall was from the beginning of September 1779 to about the middle of November 1780 That his father lived about three miles from Peekskill instead of Poughkeepsie as mentioned by his mistake in his former declaration That after said November 1780 he was enrolled as mentioned in his former declaration in the militia guard and patrols from which time he served to the time of the peace at least two years. That he served for said last term mostly with and under the same officers with whom and under whom he served from 1779 to 1780 the there were frequent changes as to non commissioned officers. That he was born at said Peekskill Westchester county state of New York on the 18th of April AD 1766
He finds he has made a mistake in stating in his former declaration that he had no record of his age. He now finds he has one at home and he knows that the time of his birth and his present age is as is mentioned above.  
That he never received.
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a discharge from the service as it was not common to give discharged from the militia.
He now mentions the names of George Sheffield and Asa Jacobs neighbor of his who are acquainted with him and who can testify to his reputation that he was a revolutionary soldier and that he is a man of truth and veracity.
The declarant also says that during his service aforesaid he served out provisions three miles from said Peekskill for three months to Colonel Scamwell flying detachment the declarant then serving in the militia a Lieutenant Dayo Continantal officer then serving under said Colonel Scamwell assisted in weighing out provisions The declarant has been informed those said Colonel Scamwell was afterwards taken prisoner in one of the southern states either North or South Carolina by the British and while a prisoner was shot.
And the said declarant who being first duly sworn deposeth and saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot sear 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 before and in the following grade for two years and six months I served as a private soldier and for such services I claim a pension.
Benj'n Drake
sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me 
sworn and subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid
Timothy Baker Judge of Huron Common Pleas
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state of Ohio Huron County ss Norwalk 19 March 1833
We the undersigned George Sheffield and Asa Jacobs do certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Drake of Oxford in said county that we are his neighbors and that it is the general reputation in the neighborhood that the said Drake was a Revolutionary soldier and that he is a man of truth and veracity
Geo Sheffield
Asa Jacobs
sworn and subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid and I also certify that Asa Jacobs and George Sheffield are credible persons
Timothy Baker
Judge of Huron Common Pleas
I David Gibbs clerk of the court of Common Pleas within and for the county of Huron in the state of Ohio do certify that the honorable Timothy Baker is one of the associate judges of said court of Common Pleas and that the several signatures on these papers purporting to be her are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office in said Norwalk the 19th of March AD 1833
D. Gibbs clerk H.C.P.
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Benjamin Drake 
Brief objections
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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Benjamin Drake which require further proof or explanation.
I- does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes
II. - Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?  No
V. Has he mentioned 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?  No
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? No
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes
VIII. Has the court given their opinion? yes
IX. Has the clerk given his certificate? yes
X. Is the clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes
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 XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? 
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
traditionary evidence
XIV. If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 12.67  not answered
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
" Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A.B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For____ year_____months and _____days, I served as a _____. For ____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
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It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the 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 his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants 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.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
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F.N. Chapman
552 E. 65th St
Chicago
Chapman Carson Pirie Scott & Co.
Dry Goods
Adams and Franklin Streets
Cable Pirie

Chicago Mch 14 1901
Pension Dept.
Washington D.C.
Gentlemen:
Benjamin Drake was a pensioner of the War of the Revolution, but the papers have been lost. Can you inform me how I shall proceed to obtain copies of these papers; or can you give me the dates- He was born April 18- 1766 and enlisted when fourteen years of age. He was born in New York state at Schenectady. I think, when the Indian War broke out he moved to Erie, Pa., and was contractor for the army until the war was over. He died December 22, 1844.
This is a matter of considerable importance and any in-
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formation you may be able to give me will be greatly appreciated.
Are not the old Revolutionary pension rewards on file?
An early reply will be greatly appreciated.
very truly yours, F.N. Chapman
552 East 65th Street, Chicago
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WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERES ASSOCIATION Founded by the DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
West 160th St, near Amsterdam Ave.
New York City
Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir, will you kindly advise me if in your office you have any record of one Benjamin Drake of Eastchester, New York.
who served in the Revolutionary War. I find him on committee of safety 1775 and 1777. He and his brothers did actual service.
Then what record have you of Benjamin Drake whom I find among the enlisted men of Orange Co. New York militia 4th Regiment as
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there two places Eastchester and Orange Co. New York and on opposite banks of the Hudson River, I am wondering if the two Benjamin Drakes may not be the same man. However I will thank you for any data you may have as to Benjamin Drake of New York State during the Revolutionary War, especially of Westchester and Orange Counties., New York, where I find them mentioned and of which family and county histories and records refer.
very respectfully
Emma A.F. Smith ( Mrs. Geo. W)
149 Madison Ave
New York City
July 4th 1912
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Veterans Administration
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Rev. and 1812 wars section
Commissioner of Pensions 
Dear Sir: I would like to have a transcript of the pension case of William Drake Jr, private in the Orange County, New York militia third regiment in the American Revolutions.
Sincerely 
Victor M. Drake
1544 Second Ave
New York City
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Dickens, Iowa
January 1, 1915
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions.
Revolutionary War Records Section
Dear Sir:
Will you please send me a statement of the military history of Benjamin Drake a soldier of the Revolutionary War, who enlisted from the state of New York as far as I can ascertain.
Thanking you, I am 
Clara E. Wolcott
Address
Miss Clara E. Wolcott
Dickens Clay Co. Iowa
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March 5, 1940
BA-J/CC
Benjamin Drake
S.2182
James Drake W. 7043
Ruth M. Potter
Lake Mills, Wisconsin
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin Drake, born 1734 and who lived in Orange County, New York in 1779, and that of James Drake of Tioga County, New York, who was pensioned June 8, 1833.
The pension record based upon service in the Revolutionary War of a Benjamin Drake, and that of James Drake, are furnished you herewith.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
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March 5, 1940
BA-J/CC
Benjamin Drake
S.2182
Ruth M. Potter Lake Mills, Wisconsin
Dear Madam:
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, S.2182, based upon service of Benjamin Drake in the Revolutionary War. This is the only Revolutionary War pension claim found based upon service of a Benjamin Drake.
Benjamin Drake, the son of Jeremiah, was born April 18, 1766, in Peekskill, Westchester County, New York. During the Revolutionary War, his father lived about three miles from Peekskill. The name of his mother is not shown.
Benjamin Drake volunteered in Peekskill, New York, early in September, 1779, and served until the middle of November, 1780 as a private in Captain Ebenezer Boyd's company, Colonel Samuel Drake's (no relationship to soldier shown) New York regiment, was stationed in Peekskill and in that neighborhood and assisted in guarding cattle and sending them to the army; after the termination of the above service, he immediately reenlisted and served at different times until the close of the war as a militia guard and patrol under the same officers, entire length of his service more than two years.
The soldier was allowed pension on his application executed July 27, 1832, at which time he was residing in Oxford, Huron County, Ohio.
No further family data are shown.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death
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of Benjamin Drake, you should address the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Benjamin Drake
Certificate #13106
Issued May 13, 1833
Rate $80.00 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Ohio (Pittsburg) Agency.
very truly yours,
A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
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In reply to your request of____, received ____ for a statement of the military history of Benjamin Drake a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his application for pension on file in this bureau. S. 2182

Dates of enlistment: early in Sept, 1779 for 2 and half years as a private under Captain Ebenezer Boyd and Colonel Drake in N.Y.
Battles engaged in, check
Residence of soldier at enlistment, 
Date of application for pension, July 27 1832. His cl. was al.

Residence at date of application, Oxford, Huron Co, Ohio
Age at date of Application, B Apr, 18, 1766 Peekskill, Westchester Co, Ohio
Remarks: During soldier's service, his father lived about three miles from Peekskill, N.Y.
There is no other date as to family
The above is the only Benjamin Drake of New York found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
very respectfully, Commissioner.