Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8487, Benjamin Flinn, New Jersey

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(illegible) letter 25 June 1836
To New R inf John
.do [1836] 5 July
1888 July 19 - (illegible)ary – history — Prior

 5750
	5
28750

	N	O	T	E

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Ctf 25782
Ohio Agency
Benjamin Flinn

Pensioned			$115.oo
As Pri  and Sergt

Cert. Issued Jany 6,1834

Act June 7,1832

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23604 [ or 23004 ]

Benjamin Flinn

Declaration for a pension

to

The United States

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State of Ohio
Hamilton County SS

On this 22nd day of February, 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Hamilton and State of Ohio, now sitting Benjamin Flinn, a resident in Colerain Township in the said County and State, aged 70 years. The 11th day of this present month, 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 past June 7th, 1832.

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. 

“I went from my residence in Basking Ridge, Somerset County, New Jersey to Woodbridge, Middlesex County in said State of New Jersey and there volunteered in Captain Matthew Freeman’s

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Company of Minute Men this was in the month of March 1781 that the term from which he then volunteered was twelve months — that there was no regiment in which said Company was attached, or at least none which is now recollected by said applicant — that in two or three months after he had joined said Company, Captain Freeman resigned and was succeeded by Captain (but until then Lieutenant) Asher Fitzrandolph — that upon said Fitzrandolph taking the command of said Company, about the 1st June 1781, the said applicant was appointed an orderly Sergeant in said Company and continued an orderly Sergeant until the end of the war and the return of peace — that the duties which devolved upon said Company were those of guarding the lines, going out in scouting parties and frequently crossing to Staten Island to take British prisoners, and they did take

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several of them almost every time of going there —  that he does not recollect that any regular officers were ever with said Company in the service  —  that during said period, he however recollects that in one of their excursions to Staten Island, they were joined by Capt Shaler of N. Jersey Militia with part of his Company —  that said Company to which said applicant was attached was engaged during said period of 12 months in several skirmishes with the enemy. The first near Woodbridge, in which the British party were driven to Staten Island; —  the next at a place called “Blazing Star“, where the British were repulsed and some cattle taken by them and the Refugees with them were retaken and the Marauders driven to Staten island; —  the said applicant was also in the skirmishes at Amboy and on Raritan River, as also on Staten Island, that on one occasion the British drove

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the Company of Minute Men above referred to; —  that during this term of twelve months, the said applicant was taken prisoner by a party of enemy, at the said “Blazing Star“ and remained with the them a prisoner three weeks and four days, when he was exchanged — that he immediately resumed his duties in said Company to which he belonged, and after the twelve months expired he again volunteered in the same Company of Captain Fitzrandolph and continued to perform similar duties to those before stated until the return of peace; — making nearly three years from the time of his first volunteering as before stated — that after the capture of Lord Cornwallis in October 1781 — The enemy relaxed the vigor with which they had previously carried on the war — and consequently the duties which devolved on said “Minute Men“ were not so arduous as they were before that period. But it was not until the fall

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of 1783 that peace was entirely restored; — that the said applicant was then permitted at said town of Woodbridge, New Jersey to return home and resume his usual occupation. —

That he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person except Joseph Coddington of Warren County, Ohio, now in Court, who served with him the whole time above mentioned, whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service.

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.

Benjamin Flinn

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.

Daniel Gano Clerk

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We, William Burkart, clergyman, residing in the said County of Hamilton and said State of Ohio, and Joseph Coddington, residing in the County of Warren in the said State last named, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Flinn who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; —  that we believe him to be 70 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 the said Joseph Coddington further states that he personally knows that Flinn’s statement is entirely correct, he having served with the said Flinn during the terms mentioned in his said declaration, and known him ever since he was a boy.

William Burke [Burkart]
Joseph Coddington

Sworn to and subscribed in open Court, July 23, 1833

Daniel Gano Clerk of the said Court 
do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matters

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and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named Affiant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states; —  And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that William Burke [Burkart ] who has signed the proceeding certificate is a clergyman, resident in said County of Hamilton and State of Ohio, and that Joseph Coddington, who has also signed the same is a resident in the County of Warren. (but formerly in said County of Hamilton) and said said State of Ohio, and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.

Daniel Gano Clerk

The interrogatories put to the said applicant by the said Court and his answers to the same are as follows; —  
1st : Where and in what year were you born?
Answer — “I was born in Middlesex County and State of New Jersey on the 11th day of February 1763“

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2nd : Have you any record of your age and if so where is it? Answer “I have no knowledge of any record of my age; — but was told by my father in his lifetime, and by a sister much older than myself, that I was born as I have stated above”—
3rd : Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live?—
Answer — “I was living at Basking Ridge, Somerset County, New Jersey when called into service; and remain there until one year after the Revolutionary War, when I removed into Essex County in said State of New Jersey. I there lived until the year 1790 and then removed to Hamilton County, Ohio, where I have lived ever since except a mere temporary visit to Indiana and other places“

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4th : How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? —  And if a substitute, for whom?
Answer — I volunteered and served as a volunteer “Minute Man“ as stated in my declaration; —  and never was drafted or a substitute. —  
5th : 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 service. —  
Answer — “I know of no regular officers who were with the troops where I served; nor do I know of any Continental Regiments being with me where I served; but recollect seeing Generals Washington and Lee, the former passing near Morristown, New Jersey and the latter when he was taken prisoner at Mrs. White’s Tavern at Basking Ridge, Somerset County in said State.”

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6th : Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? — 
Answer — “I never received a written discharge; — but was permitted to return home when my terms respectively had expired.“
7th : 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.
Answer — “I am known in my present neighborhood and have been known for a number of years by General Findley, (now in Congress), Peter Mills of Cincinnati, William Ruffin and Robert Lytle, Esquire, (also in Washington) member of Congress-elect. And numerous others who would vouch for my character for veracity and answer that they believed that I had been

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a soldier of the Revolution. —  But I merely refer to General Finley and Robert T Lytle Esquire as they are now within the distance which puts it in the power of the War Department to consult them upon the subject — 

Benjamin Flinn

Sworn to and subscribed
before me in open Court
February 23, 1833

Daniel Gano Clerk

I, Daniel Gano, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Hamilton and State of Ohio, do hereby certify that the foregoing contain the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Flinn for a pension —  in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 23rd day of February 1833.

Daniel Gano Clerk

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Hamilton County, Ohio
Court of Common Pleas SS

On the 9th day of August 1830, personally appeared in open Court being a Court of record, both of Civil and Criminal jurisdiction, and one which keeps a record of its proceedings, for the said County of Hamilton, Benjamin Flinn, resident in said County of Hamilton, aged 67 years next February, who being first duly sworn, according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision of the Acts of Congress of 18 March 1818 and the 1st of May 1820, that he, the said Benjamin Flinn enlisted for the term of one year on the [blank] day of April in the year 1781, in the State of New Jersey in a town called Woodbridge, four miles from Amboy in the Company commanded by Captain Matthew Freeman, and afterwards commanded by Captain Asher Fitzrandolph in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Heard, and subsequently thereto commanded by Colonel Potter in the New Jersey line on the Continental establishment – that he continued to serve in the said Corps until the [blank] day of April 1782 when his year’s enlistment had expired when he voluntarily remained on the lines until after the Proclamation of Peace, in the year 1783 that at this latter period he received an honorable discharge which was lost or destroyed about the year 1790 where he removed to the State of Ohio; — that during the period while he was an enlisted soldier, he was taken prisoner by the British and remained a prisoner three weeks and four days when he was discharged by the then Captain Fitzrandolph, giving three men for him. — that he was discharged at the said town of Woodbridge, at the time above mentioned — that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension except the present — that his name is not on the pension roll of any State whatever —   that he did once apply before for a pension, but owing to his papers having been erroneously drawn and certified he was disappointed and did not succeed: the said Flinn also states that after said Captain Fitzrandolph assumed the command of said Company, he was promoted to the Rank

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of a Sergeant and remained a Sergeant until discharged —

And in pursuance of the Act of 1st May 1820, I do hereby solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818. And that I have not since that time by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of the Act of Congress entitled An Act to Provide for Certain Persons Engaged in the Land or Naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War, passed on the 18th day of March 1818, and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, in a property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed. Three cows, for which I am in debt, about $12 for their keeping, was valued exclusive of the charge for keeping, (illegible) about $12, the undivided half of three sows and 14 shoats, my interest $8.25, a small amount in accounts on insolvent persons, who have generally run away worth nothing $00. 00  — amount total $20.25 — I am by occupation a farmer but from age and advanced Chronic Rheumatism, I have been unable of labor for several years —  I have no wife or children, neither have I ever had any —  I board with a family, in no wise connected with me by relationship, and I am poor and unable to support myself—
And I do hereby declare that since the 18th day of March 1818 the following changes have been made in my property —  no change has been made except that of selling 34 acres of land, which I then owned, the amount received for it was $320, which has been expended long since, in paying my debts, a good part of which was aforesaid land, and yet are for land, and in my report  $320 —

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[folder]

Benjamin Flinn
Declaration
.to
The United States

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Three Mares, two of which were stolen and never regained, and the third sold to one Philip Gooding who died insolvent and never paid me —  one horse strayed or stolen, but I admittedly succeeded in obtaining $64 from the township, the trustees of which had deemed the value from the man who pretended to have taken him up as a stray —  this sum expenditure also in my support —  $384.00

Signed this 9th day of August 1830

Benjamin Flinn

Signed and sworn to
before me in open Court,
this 9th of August 1830

Daniel Gano Clerk

The State of Ohio
Hamilton County SS

I, Daniel Gano, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that it appears to the satisfaction of said Court by the oath of Hezekiah Braberry, Senior and Joseph Coddington, that the said Benjamin Flinn, did serve in the Revolutionary War, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the Common enemy for the term of one year under an engagement, on the Continental establishment; I also certify that the foregoing oath (or affirmation) and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the records of the said Court and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property, exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is Twenty dollars and twenty five cents.

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In Testamentary whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, at Cincinnati, this 14th day of August Anno Domini 1830

Daniel Gano Clerk

State of Ohio
Hamilton County SS
I, George P Tanner, Presiding Judge of this Winter Circuit of the Court of Common Pleas for the State of Ohio, certify the Daniel Gano, Esquire is Clerk of this said Court for this County aforesaid and his certificate is in (illegible) form (illegible)  and (illegible)  said (illegible) my Term at Cincinnati this 14 August 1830

George P Tanner

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Pg 20

INVALID
8487
Rev War
Benjamin Flinn
Sergeant Rev War
Act: June 17th 1832
Vol.1 Page 127

1905 July 24. Adj Gen New Jersey inf
no claims for
Hezekiah Broadberry
Joseph Coddington
Daniel Shuemaker
witnesses in this claim
AW

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[folder]

21420

Benj Flinn
Act 18 March 1818
Ohio
Rejected. See letter
To H. P. Gaine(s)
Aug 24, 1830
AW 32-25782

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1828 papers
To be filed with
Ad  O W Inv

File #8487

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Benjamin Flinn – Sergt.
N Jersey line

Ohio

Im  [or In ]  File No 8487

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The State of Ohio
Seventh Judicial Circuit SS
I, George J Smith Presiding Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the Seventh Judicial Circuit in the State of Ohio, (in which Circuit the County of Butler is included) do certify that the foregoing attestation of John Reily, Esq Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Butler aforesaid and to which this certificate is attached is in due form of law given under my hand and seal this 27th day of November A. D. 1830

George J Smith Presiding Judge {seal}
CCP Seventh Circuit Ohio

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State of Ohio 
Warren County SS
Before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Warren aforesaid State personally came Joseph Coddington who being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that he is well acquainted with Benjamin Flinn for nearly Fifty years and he further states that said Benjamin Flinn enlisted in the Continental line of the Revolutionary Army in the spring of the year 1781 in the Company commanded by Matthew Freeman and afterwards commanded by Captain or Lieutenant Asher Fitz Randolph. And said Benjamin Flinn continued in the service of the Revolution until the close of the Revolutionary war at which time he was a Sergeant in said Company; — said Benjamin Flinn was honorable discharged after peace had been proclaimed. This deponent was a private in the Company of said Randolph and served with said Benjamin Flinn in the Company and said Flinn received no pay to my knowledge. We were stationed on the lines allmost dayly in sight of the British and they were dayly harassing us and we them. Some could get one night’s sleep. We had either to be on sentinel on patrolling the lines. Said Flinn and one Johnson one night went over to Staten Island and took Colonel Billop a prisoner whom had a regiment of men mostly by Refugees near where he lay and further the deponent saith not.

Joseph Coddington

Sworn and subscribed before me
this Twenty Eighth day of October in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred Twenty-Eight

William W Kirkwood JP

The above named Wm W. Kirkwood is an acting Justice as above stated.

Dec 1st 1828

John Woods

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The State of Ohio
Butler County SS
Before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Butler aforesaid personally came Hezekiah Broadberry who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he was very acquainted with Benjamin Flinn of Hamilton County, Ohio. And he further states that said Benjamin Flinn enlisted in the Army of the Revolution in the spring of the year 1781 in the Company commanded by Matthew Freeman and afterwards commanded by Captain or Lieutenant Asher Fitzrandolph and said Flinn continued in service until the close of the Revolutionary War at which time he was a Sergeant in the Company of Asher Randolph. Said Flinn was honorable discharged after peace had been

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proclaimed. This deponent was a private in the Company of said Randolph and served with said Flinn during the time he was in the Army of the Revolution. This deponent enlisted in said Company about two weeks before said Flinn enlisted.

Hezekiah Broadberry, Senior

Sworn and subscribed
before me this 20th October 1828
James O’Connor JP

The above named James O’Connor is an acting Justice in said County of Butler as above stated.

Dec 1st 1828

John Woods

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[folder]

A Dickens Esq

Treasury Dept

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[folder]

Pension Case of
Benj. Flinn.

See what time will be allowed

Ohio

.from 1781 private
& Sergt. 2 yr

Pr.  3 m  —  $ 10.
Sergt 21.    $ 105. —  
                  $ 115. —  


Hon R. M. Johnson

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War Department
Pension Office
December 6, 1833

Sir,
The papers in support of the claim of Benjamin Flinn have been examined and are again returned, there is full proof of his service. The objection to the admission of the claim is on account of the length of the services for which he claims. He entered the service as a Minute Man. That description of troops were not in actual service during the whole time for which they are engaged. They remained at their own homes pursuing their actual usual occupations, excepting when the enemy were in their neighborhood. They then turned out and when the enemy retreated they are again returned to their homes. The applicant should amend his statement and show how long he was in actual service during each year and the partial value of his services when in the field.
I have the honor to be
very respectfully your obedient servant

JL Edwards

Honorable RM Johnson
House of Representatives

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Washington
Dec 6th 1828

Dear Sir,
I enclose the declaration of Benjamin Flinn and depositions to prove his service in the war of the Revolution for the purpose of obtaining for him the pension allowed by the Act of May last.

Very respectfully your obedient servant,

John Woods

A. Dickens, Esq
Treasury Dept

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Hamilton County
City of Cincinnati, Ohio SS

This day Benjamin Flinn whose declaration and vouchers are hereto attached, appeared before me, H P Gaines, a notary public in and for said City of Cincinnati and County of Hamilton, and made oath in due form of law to the following statement in explanation of his former statement and their accompanying vouchers; —  that he was a volunteer Militia Man first for one year. From March 1780 or 1781 (but he cannot well recollect which, he not then being able to read or write, or recollect dates expressed in letters or figures) - and served out said one year; —  he then volunteered a second time for one year —and served out that time also;— and thirdly, he volunteered for a third term

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of one year and served out said terms; —  that his services were continual; — and left him no time to follow his usual occupation; —  and from what he understood from Lieutenant Fitzrandolph (then acting as Captain) “General Washington required his Company to be continually upon the alert and on duty; —that the British fleet lay at Sandy Hook”;— and boats loaded with marauders were frequently sent to the Jersey shore; —  and hence the necessity for constant duty and unremitted watchfulness on the part of said volunteers of whose body he was in he was one for the said terms of 1•2•&3years;— as no other objections is made to his former statement than that of uncertainty in regard to time, he hopes that he has now removed that objections; —  and whether the said volunteers were technically “Minute Men”; — or more properly “New Jersey volunteers“

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or “twelve months men”; he will not pretend to decide; —  but so it is he well knows that he performed the services as stated in his declaration; — viz. A first, second and third term of twelve months at each term; — and finally he states that if there be any apparent inconsistency in his former statement or in those of his witnesses. — (some of them stating that he had enlisted instead of volunteering;) Such discrepancy is attributable to the great time which has intervened and his extreme youth and consequent ignorance at the time said services were rendered. — His statements, as well as those of others for Flinn are substantially correct. —

Benjamin Flinn

Subscribed and sworn to this
25 December 1833

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Note — said Affiant was an orderly Sergeant in said service, in the War of the Revolution for the whole of said three years except from March to sometime in June of the 1 year; —  or in other words he was a private for about three months and an orderly Sergeant for two years and nine months; —  and that full period of active and continual duty. —  

Sworn to and subscribed
before me this 25 December 1833
H P Gaines
Notary Public
Cincinnati, Ohio

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[folder]

Benjamin Flinn’s

Amended Declaration
To procure a pension

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Cincinnati the 14 August 1833

I have been acquainted with Benjamin Flinn about 14 years and during that period heard many reports about him, and about his being in the Army. I know nothing of the fact myself, but that often heard and in fact it is generally understood that Flinn was more or less in the Revolutionary war and in the last war – that he was in the campaign of Arthur St. Clair at the time of his defeat by the Indians—
Benjamin Flinn is now an old man and very feeble, in fact entirely unable to obtain his support by labor – he is without family or family relations and seems to be alone in the present world. He has applied for a pension but has failed in some way of obtaining it – whether justly or unjustly I am unable to say. There can be but little doubt that many a person probably less deserving has obtained one —

Thomas L Strait
Esquire

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Cincinnati the 14 August 1833

I have been acquainted with Benjamin Flinn about 14 years and during that period heard many reports about him, and about his being in the Army. I know nothing of the fact myself, but that often heard and in fact it is generally understood that Flinn was more or less in the Revolutionary war and in the last war – that he was in the campaign of Arthur St. Clair at the time of his defeat by the Indians—
Benjamin Flinn is now an old man and very feeble, in fact entirely unable to obtain his support by labor – he is without family or family relations and seems to be alone in the present world. He has applied for a pension but has failed in some way of obtaining it – whether justly or unjustly I am unable to say. There can be but little doubt that many a person probably less deserving has obtained one —

Thomas L Strait
Esquire

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[folder]

Benj Flinn
.to
Affidavit to procure a pension
The United States

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2nd. John Shanklin, husband of the said Lydia Shanklin, states as follows: —  that he has known the said Benjamin Flinn for more than thirty years; and has during that time, understood from his neighbors and said County of Hamilton as well as from himself that he was in the Army of the Revolution; —  and that the brother of his wife who was a native of Essex County (New Jersey) as also Captain John Ludlow from Morris County in said State of New Jersey (both now dead) told said Affiant that said Benjamin Flinn was a soldier in the War of the Revolution and an orderly Sergeant and that he served in the New Jersey militia as a Minute Man from 1 to 3 years — 
and that said John Ludlow stated that he had been in a battle or skirmish with the British with the said Flinn; — and said Affiant knows the respectability of the said persons who thus informed him as well as the general expressed belief of the neighbors generally verily believes that said Flinn did serve

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as above stated. —

John hisXmark Shanklin

Subscribed and sworn to
18 November 1833

H P Gaines —

3rd. Alexander Martin states that he was acquainted with the said Benjamin Flinn for more than 50 years back and indeed before the Revolutionary War began. —  and that he was a soldier of the Revolution; — that he either volunteered or enlisted early in 1780, or 1781;— and while in service, was stationed at Woodbridge, New Jersey; —  that this Affiant who had been drawing a pension for some time, under the Act of Congress on 7th of June 1832 is a native of Morris County New Jersey; —  and from his knowledge of said Flinn, and from his having seen him from time to time, while he was in the United States service of the War of the Revolution at Woodbridge and other places on the line;— and he has no doubt of his services, as he, the said Flinn, has stated in his declaration which has been read to him that said Affiant;— and he understood at all times while said Flinn was in service that he was an orderly Sergeant except for a short time after he entered into said service. —

Alexander Martin

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Signed and subscribed and sworn to before me
this 18th November 1833

H P Gaines
Cincinnati



Hamilton County and State of Ohio
I, H P Gaines, a notary public, in and for said City of Cincinnati and County of Hamilton do hereby certify that Lydia Shanklin, John Shanklin and Alexander Martin came before me on this day at my office in said city and made the respective statements as above mentioned; —  and respectively subscribe the names in my presence and were by me duly sworn to the truth of the same.

In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my notarial seal at the said City of Cincinnati this 18th day of November 1833

H P Gaines

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City of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio SS
The affidavits of Lydia Shanklin, wife of John Shanklin, of Sycamore Township, Hamilton County, Ohio and also of Alexander Martin of Columbia Township in the said County and State, all of them being of full and lawful ages, and entitled to credit as well as [illegible] as on ordinary occasions; the said witnesses being first duly sworn according to law; —  do on their oath respectively before me, H P Gaines, a notary public, in and for the City of Cincinnati and State aforesaid states as follows; Viz;—

1st. — The said Lydia Shanklin states that she knew Benjamin Flinn (who is now the applicant from said County of Hamilton, to the United States for a pension for Revolutionary services) for nearly 60 years past; —  and well knows that said Flinn ran away from one Peter Davison to whom he had been a bound apprentice, —  and either enlisted

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or volunteered in Captain Asher Fitzrandolph‘s Company, in Middlesex County, New Jersey for one year; —  in this, as well as she can now recollect, was in the month of March 1780 or 1781; —  and, at the expiration of said year he again volunteered for a second year and served out  his full period above named. As she understood generally at that time, and she believes from the time of his absence from the neighborhood and his being with the New Jersey Troops at Woodbridge and said County of Middlesex; —  she also states that she well recollects that said Flinn was called by others in the neighborhood and (also by himself) an orderly Sergeant during his whole service, above stated except for a short time after he first joined the Armys. — she also states that said Flinn has for a long time been much affected with the rheumatism; —  and is very poor and unable to procure a support by labor.

Lydia Shanklin

Signed and sworn
to this 18th November 1833 before me

H P Gaines notary public

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State of Ohio
Butler County SS
Before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Butler personally appeared William McDonald a resident of the County aforesaid who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he has been acquainted with Benjamin Flinn for a long time and have heard him state about his Revolutionary services and his statements to me was about the same I see stated in the affidavits that the said Flinn has in his paperwork and I have also understood from himself and others that he was in General St. Claire’s expedition against the Indians at the time of St. Claire’s defeat and in the late war he volunteered his services and went to Fort Wayne and went from there with the Army under General Harrison to the Indian towns on the Wabash River in Company with deponent and further states that the said Flinn at that time was over forty five years of age and when we started from Fort Wayne we expected to have a hard battle with the Indians at or near their towns and deponent further states that he believes that Benjamin Flinn was and is a true friend to his country and a good soldier and I left him in the Army. —  —  

William McDonald

Sworn to and subscribed
before me this Sixth day of November 1830

William Hunter JP

I do hereby certify that I have been acquainted with William McDonald for several years past and I believe him to be a man of truth and veracity.

William Hunter JP

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Butler County
State of Ohio

This day, Matthew Hueston, a resident in the County and State aforesaid appeared before me, Andrew Lester a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, being a man of respectability and truth deposeth and saith that he has been acquainted with Benjamin Flinn about eighteen years and well knows that he appears to be a friend to his country and that in 1812 was out with the Army as a Bullock driver for General Harrison’s Army and was a faithful and trusty hand and a good soldier and deponent further states that said Flinn left Fort Wayne with the Kentucky Militia going on an expedition against the Indian Towns after he was out of age —

Matthew Hueston

Signed and sworn to,
before me 22 day of October 1830

Andrew Lester JP

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We the undersigned citizens of the Counties of Hamilton and Butler and Warren as designated against our names respectfully, do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joseph Coddington who’s affidavit is attach to and accompanies the petition of Benjamin Flinn to Congress to pass a special Act in his favor for a pension —  and well know that the said Joseph Coddington is generally reputed to be a man of respectability for truth and veracity.

October 29, 1830   signed
Peter Voorhis Warren
Joseph Cox Butler
William Parrish Butler
William Hunter B.. Cty
James Fugate W.. Cty  	[or Geugate sp?]
Gilbert Barton W. Cty
Jonathan Holcomb W Cty
James M Cowen W Cty    [or McOwen sp?]
William Coie W Cty		[or Corie sp?]
J A Holcomb W Cty

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With the undersigned citizens of the Counties of Hamilton and Butler as designated against our names respectfully are generally acquainted with Daniel Shoemaker whose affidavit is used by Benjamin Flinn as an accompanying voucher with his petition to Congress for the passage of an Act allowing him a pension; and know that the said Shoemaker is reputed to be a good man of respectability and truth. —

Given under our hands
this 29th of October 1830

RB Millikin of Butler
John Reily of Hamilton
      other County of Butler
Matthew Hueston of Butler	
Joseph Cox do
Dan Caldwell do

Page 49

We the undersigned citizens of the Counties of Hamilton and Butler, in the State of Ohio, do hereby certify that we have long known Benjamin Flinn a resident of Hamilton aforesaid and Hezekiah Broadberry a resident of Butler County aforesaid whose affidavit accompanies said Flinn‘s petition to Congress for a pension and well know that the said Flinn and Broadberry who are reputed to be two old Revolutionary soldiers are also reputed to be men of truth and veracity and we hereby designate our acquaintance with them respectively by signing our names for said Flinn on the left, and Broadberry on the right.

October 29, 1830—

Vouchers for Flinn
James Comstock of Butler Cty
Andrew Lester 		of  do
Dan Millikin   Butler Cty
Matthew Hueston   do
Dan Caldwell
Elnathan Kemper Hamilton Cty

Vouchers for Broadberry
James Comstock of Butler Cty
Andrew Lester     of     do
Dan Millikin    Butler Cty
Matthew Hueston   Do
Dan Caldwell Butler Cty

Page 50

State of Ohio SS

This day Hezekiah Broadbury age 78 years a resident of Butler County and State of Ohio a witness entitled to full credit being a respectable citizen and of undoubted veracity appeared before me Andrew Lester a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid and being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he has been acquainted with Benjamin Flinn about 50 years and well knows that the said Benjamin Flinn enlisted in the War of the Revolution early in the spring of 1781 in a Company commanded by Captain Matthew Freeman then stationed at Woodbridge in New Jersey – deponent states that said Benjamin Flinn came into headquarters at Woodbridge having a recommendation from some of the Continental officers (as he first went there to enlist) which he presented to said deponent who went with him to Asher Fitzrandolph he being Lieutenant and handed the same to him and he enlisted him for one year and he receive the bounty and was sworn in according to law and went into the service. — Captain Freeman shortly afterwards became sickly and resigned his commission, then his Lieutenant

Page 51

Asher Fitzrandolph received a commission from General Washington (which this Deponent has) and became Captain in the place of Freeman — and this deponent well knows that General Washington ordered their Company to be made up and stationed at Woodbridge by enlistment for one year. Deponent further states that shortly after the said Flinn enlisted he was appointed orderly Sergeant in said Company. General Washington ordered this Company to be stationed between the British and American armies to guard the lines between Woodbridge and Staten Island. This duty was considered highly dangerous and subjected to continual active duties in keeping guard and patrolling the lines as there was continually runners passing between the British and Tories and frequent skirmishing with The British and Refugees, killing, wounding and taking prisoners on both sides. Deponent further states that said Flinn, being Sergeant, often took Deponent and others to go over the British lines to Staten Island and took prisoners and sometimes had a hard skirmishing and some killed and wounded on both sides and that deponent and Flinn often took letters from runners between the British and Tories running from and to Staten Island and New York —

Page 52

which letters Captain Fitzrandolph sent immediately to General Washington. Deponent further saith that said Flinn being out on a scout one night, deponent and two others were with him, when they came up with a party of British and Refugees who had been over on the American side plundering and taking off cattle and sheep, horses and etc. — and that they fired on them and pursued them to their boats and while they were endeavoring to get off the cattle, sheep etc. We crawled through the grass until we came within eighty yards of them and there kept up a continual fire on both sides until we killed and wounded nineteen of them without any of us being injured. We lay in the small hollow and all their fire went over us — being soon reinforced we rushed down upon them and re-took seven horses and twenty-six cattle and the sheep made their escape and ran off home. We took one prisoner who stated that in the skirmish we had killed and wounded nineteen of them and that they were carried aboard one of the boats as soon as possible. Deponent further saith that said Flinn took with him one Johnson, a brave and enterprising man,

Page 53

and went over on Staten Island and took prisoner one Colonel Billop who had a regiment of British and Refugees lying near him. He brought him over to Woodbridge. Deponent states that he heard their Captain caution said Flinn about going so far over the British lines as he considered such daring enterprises as the above highly dangerous as he considered the said Flinn and Johnson to be two of his bravest and enterprising men. Deponent knows that said Flinn was an excellent marksman and always chose such men to go with him on every enterprise and shortly after Flinn and another soldier were taken prisoner by a decoy and lost a British officer’s fowling piece worth $40 in specie. And while a prisoner, was offered high bounties to enlist in the British service but in about three weeks and four days he was exchanged by giving three British prisoners in exchange for him and while a prisoner persuaded two British soldiers to come over to the American side which they did and proved true to the American cause until the end of the war. And deponent heard them make the statement of the bounty being offered to the said Flinn.

Page 54

Deponent further well knows that before one year of enlistment expired that Captain Fitzrandolph received a letter from General Washington directing him to try to prevail with us to continue on the lines which deponent and said Flinn did and continued in the service together until the end of the war. And further knows that said Benjamin Flinn received an honorable discharge from Captain Fitzrandolph which deponent has often seen and that they never received any pay or clothing nor small rations. Deponent further states that he has been acquainted with said Flinn from 1781 until 1790, that said Flinn then went to the State of Ohio and that in 1794 deponent move to Ohio also and has known the said Flinn ever since and others been in Company with him and believes that he is entitled to full credit in his statements about being out in General St. Clair's Army at the time of his defeat in 1791. And in other campaigns and scouting parties after the Indians in that war and of losing several good horses as I have often heard him state and often heard others state the same. And Deponent well knows that said Flinn was out in the late war against the British and Indians.

Page 55

And that said Flinn was out with General Harrison in the late Indian war. And that he was off the muster roll several years. And he believes that said Flinn is and always was a trusty friend to his country and that he was a brave and active soldier. And this deponent well knows that the said Benjamin Flinn through misfortune is a very poor man and it is now afflicted with chronic rheumatism and other complaints which render him unable to labor and is now destitute of the means of support in his declining age. And he the deponent believes that if ever a man was entitled to aid from his country, he believes that the said Flinn to be such. And that he believes his country should aid him with the pension.

Hezekiah Broadbury Senior
[his own signature]

Signed and sworn to before me this 7 day of October 1830

Andrew Lester JP

Page 56

The State of Ohio
Butler County SS
This day Joseph Coddington a resident of Warren County, State of Ohio and a witness entitled to full credit being a man of respectability and truth appeared before me a Justice of the Peace and in and for Butler County and State of Ohio and being duly sworn he deposeth and saith that in addition to what he deposed before Andrew Lester Esquire on the 18th day of October 1830 with regard to Benjamin Flinn serving in the Revolutionary War deponent distinctly recollects that the said Flinn was promoted to the office of orderly Sergeant - that deponent was one of reinforcement that is mentioned in Hezekiah Broadberry’s deposition who retook the twenty-six cattle seven horses and that the prisoners acknowledged that was taken at the time in deponent hearing that Flinn and his party killed and wounded nineteen of the British, before the reinforcement came to their assistance. Deponent further saith that said Benjamin Flinn and a certain Johnson one night went far over the British lines in Staten Island and took one Colonel Billop prisoner and brought him to headquarters in Woodbridge, who had a regiment of men near him at the time. Deponent further said that he heard said Flinn's Captain caution him against being so daring, bold and venturesome. Deponent further saith that said Flinn was a good marksman, good active soldier and a friend of his country and that the said Flinn was taken prisoner by the British by decoy and took

Page 57

from him at the time British officers fowling piece and his accoutrements worth $40 in specie that while a prisoner the British tried to enlist him in their Army and offered him a high bounty. While a prisoner the said Flinn persuaded two British soldiers to desert and come over to the American side which they did and fought for The Americans the balance of the war. That the said Flinn was exchanged by his Captain giving three British prisoners for him. That deponent well knows he and said Flinn continued in the service after the time that their enlistment had expired, through the persuasion of General Washington by letter to their Captain Asher Fitzrandolph to the end of the war. Deponent further says that the said Flinn was honorably discharged by his Captain but did not receive any pay, clothing nor small rations. 

Joseph Coddington
[his own signature]

Sworn to and subscribe before me
the 17th day of November 1830

William Parrish JP

The State of Ohio
Butler County SS

John Reily, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County aforesaid certify that Andrew Lester, William Parrish, William Hunter Esquire before whom was several depositions of Daniel Shoemaker, Hez Broadberry, J. Coddington, M. Hueston, William McDonald, hereunto stated or prepared, were taken severally and respectively at the times of the taking. Thereof Justices duly assigned to keep the peace in the said County of Butler.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Official seal at Hamilton
This Twentieth day of November One Thousand Eight Hundred Thirty

John Reily

Page 58

Butler County
State of Ohio SS

This day Daniel Shoemaker aged between 64 and 65 years - a resident in the County and State aforesaid and Riley Township a witness entitled to full credit being a man of respectability and truth, appeared before me Andrew Lester a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and Hanover Township —  and he being duly sworn he deposeth and saith that he has been acquainted with Benjamin Flinn for more than fifty years and well knows that he said Benjamin Flinn enlisted in the War of the Revolution in Woodbridge, New Jersey. This deponent then lived only about half a mile from the said Benjamin and also knows that the said Benjamin went to the Continental Army first to enlist the Continental troops then lay near where we lived, and some of the Continental officers said that they wanted all the men that they could get but at that time they wanted men the most to go on the lines between Woodbridge and Staten Island —  and they recommended the said Flinn to go there and enlist as General Washington had ordered a Company to be made up and to be stationed at Woodbridge in New Jersey —  Matthew Freeman was their Captain and Asher Fitzrandolph was their Lieutenant  — shortly afterwards General Washington ordered out the said Company to guard the lines between the American and British armies. This duty was considered highly dangerous and subject to continual active duties in keeping guard, patrolling the lines, scouting and skirmishing with the British — insomuch that the utmost exertion were constantly required — passing their time either on guard or in patrolling the lines.

Page 59

It was in the spring of 1781 that the said Flinn enlisted and his term of enlistment was for one year but he continued in the services until after the proclamation of Peace. The Captain who commanded said Company was first Matthew Freeman who became sick when his Lieutenant Asher Fitzrandolph assumed the command until the close of the war —  this deponent also states that said Benjamin Flinn was appointed to Sergeant soon after his enlistment —  and at the end of the war received an honorable discharge from said Captain Fitzrandolph which this deponent has seen —  this deponent further states that he removed to Ohio a short time before the said Flinn in the year 1788 or 1789 and that said Flinn came to Ohio in the year 1790 and that he has known him ever since and been frequently in Company with him and well knows that said Flinn was in many campaigns against the Indians. He was out in 1790 and lost a horse. And in General St. Claire’s Army at the time of their defeat in 1791 and there lost a horse, saddle and bridal worth about $100 —  also said Flinn was in General Wilkinson’s Army and for about four years was continually campaigning or in scouting parties after the Indians in the war, and lost several horses, all very valuable —  this deponent further states that in the late war with the British the said Flinn turned out as a volunteer in General Harrison‘s Army after he was out of age and marched with him to Fort Wayne and the Indian towns on the Wabash river and in this campaign lost two horses worth about $180. This deponent further states that he is well acquainted with said Flinn and believes that he is entitled to full credit in his statements — and finally this deponent well knows that said Flinn is now afflicted with tetters, rheumatism and other complaints.

Page 60

And through misfortunes, is very poor and unable to labor. And from his active service for his country, in his youth and mature manhood, continued until age and infirmity began to obtain the ascendency — he, this deponent, believes that he ought to be aided by his country with a pension.

Signed
Daniel Schumaker

Signed and sworn to
before me October 12, 1830

Andrew Lester JP

Butler County
State of Ohio SS

This day Joseph Coddington aged between 68 and 69, a resident in Warren County, State of Ohio, a witness entitled to for credit being a man of respectability and truth appeared before me Andrew Lester a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Butler and State of Ohio and being duly sworn he deposeth and saith that he has been acquainted with Benjamin Flinn for about 50 years —  and well knows that the said Flinn enlisted in the war of the Revolution early in the spring for the term of one year in 1781. This deponent then being enlisted in the Army a few days previous in Woodbridge, New Jersey, and says that the said Flinn came into Woodbridge having a recommendation from some of the Continental officers which he presented to or had presented to Asher Fitzrandolph who was then Lieutenant but afterwards became Captain in the place of Captain Freeman.

Page 61

This deponent further states that the said Flinn was appointed orderly Sergeant in the Company under Captain Fitzrandolph. This Company was stationed between Woodbridge and Staten Island to guard the lines — this duty was considered highly dangerous and subject to continual active service — in keeping sentry and patrolling the lines and skirmishing with the British and Refugees and the at utmost exertions were constantly required. They were continually harassing us, and we them, and making prisoners on both sides —  this deponent well knows that the said Flinn was taken prisoner by the British and Refugees and that Captain Fitzrandolph gave three men in exchange for him because he returned him a brave soldier —  deponent also states that he has been out on scouts with said Flinn over the British lines and took several prisoners and that said Flinn was an enterprising man and a brave and trusty soldier and that they served in the war together until the end of the time of their enlistment and still continued in The Army together until the proclamation of Peace —   deponent further saith knows that said Flinn received an honorable discharge from Captain Fitzrandolph at the close of the war and further knows that they received no pay for all their services —  and finally this deponent well knows that said Flinn is now afflicted with tetters, rheumatism and other complaints and is very poor and unable to labor and for his active service for the country this deponent believes that he ought to be aided by his country with a pension signed.

Joseph Coddington

Signed and sworn to
before me
this 18th day of October 1830

Andrew Lester JP

Page 62

[folder]

Benj Flinn
To
Petition
The Congress of
The United States

John J Lytle        do
David E. Wade Cincinnati
James Cobb        do
John L Wallace    do
James Ferguson   do
Joseph Hunts       do
Thomas Morehead do
Harvey Meeker Cincinnati
John B Enniss        do

Page 63

To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States

The petition of Benjamin Flinn of the County of Hamilton in the State of Ohio respectfully represents to your honorable body that in the spring of the year 1781, he had enlisted as a soldier in a Company at Woodbridge in the State of New Jersey, then commanded by Captain Matthew Freeman, who being taken sick and resigning shortly after, the Lieutenant Asher Fitzrandolph assumed the command as Captain and continued in the command of said Company until the proclamation of Peace, to which time your petitioner continued in the service, although his term of enlistment was for one year only; — that while in said Company during the term of his enlistment, he was appointed a Sergeant and served in that character until his discharge with the exception of about three weeks and four days, during which he was a prisoner with the British, and was liberated from them by an exchange;— that the Company to which your petitioner was attached was employed specifically

Page 64

in guarding the lines between the British and American armies and engaged in frequent skirmishes and subjected to the utmost hardship and the severest privations, saying nothing of the extreme danger of a service of that particular character; —  that besides the services aforesaid in the War of the Revolution, your petitioner was afterwards a soldier in the Indian campaigns in the year 1790 and 1791; —  was with General St. Clair at the time of his defeat in the last named wars and there lost a horse, saddle and bridal, worth about $100; —  that he was also a soldier in General Wilkinson’s Army and in the various campaigns against the Indians; lost several other horses that in the late war with the British, he, your petitioner, was a volunteer with General Harrison at Fort Wayne and the Indian Town’s on the Wabash; that your petitioner is now poor, old and infirm, and afflicted with tetters and chronic rheumatism, which entirely incapacitates him for labor; and he has no family or connections on whom to depend for aid in his declining life, and therefore implores that your honorable body will pass a special Act for his relief allowing him a pension in common with those old soldiers of the Revolution,

Page 65

who have been more successful in their applications at the War Department, to which your petitioner has also applied, but his application unheeded (upon the ground as has been stated by some of the officers of that Department that the Company to which your petitioner was attached was not in the “Continental Line”; —  hence his appeal to your honorable body to pass as special act for his relief, which, if done, your petitioner will ever pray for.

Signed —
Benjamin Flinn

Signed and sworn to
before me a Justice of the Peace
in and for the County of Butler
this 13th day of November 1830

Andrew Lester JP

We the undersigned citizens of the Counties of Hamilton and Butler in the State of Ohio, have been long acquainted with the above named Benjamin Flinn and do hereby state that it is our belief that his said petition is true; and therefore, we unhesitantly unite with him in petitioning that he may have the relief prayed for.

H P Gaines of Cincinnati

Page 66

M. Agney
T K Este
J S Ross of Cincinnati
Thomas Butler Cin’A
WH Harrison
Geo P Tanner
Wm Sythe of Cincinnati		[or could be Lytle ]
Isaac Buvact of Cincinnati	[ Murray ]
William Ruffin Cincinnati
Peter Mills Cincinnati
D H Hawes of Cincinnati		
Joseph Woolly of Cincinnati
Samuel Ayres of Cincinnati
Wright Smith Cinc
J Wolfe Cincinnati
Elmor Williams   Ct
Samuel Borden Cincinnati
Robert T Lytle do
John J Lytle do
David E Wade of Cincinnati
James Cobb do
John L Wallace do
James Ferguson do
Jesse Hunt do
Thomas Morehead do
Henry Meeker Cincinnati
John B Enness (illegible)
B Storer Cincinnati
Charles Lory do

(illegible ?E Motitekess?)
M Barnes
Samuel (illegible) Foote Cincinnati
Thomas Strait Cincinnati
James Hunt
W Barr
James W. McBride of Butler County
Wm Murray do do
Caleb D Camp do
R B Millikin do
John Sutherland do
Elnathan Kemper Hamilton County

Page 67

[folder]

Benjamin Flinn
Declaration for a 
Petition enclosed
{time stamp}

The Honorable John H. Eaton
Secretary of War
Washington D. C.
Rejected Aug 26.1830

Pension Office
August 23 1830

Page 68

Cincinnati, Ohio
August 15, 1830 —

Sir
I send you enclosed the decoration of Benjamin Flinn, an old soldier of the Revolution with the expectation that you will order a certificate to be sent on in time to entitle him to receive the first annual installment on this fourth of next month —  

I was present and heard the statement of the two witnesses named in the clerks certificate, and they fully support the declaration in every particular. Please order the certificate of Flinn’s being on the pension roll to be enclosed to me as his agent without any delay, or at least in time for him to procure $48 on 4 September.

I am respectfully yours
H P Gaines

Page 69

The State of Ohio Hamilton County SS

Personally came before me, one of the acting Justices of the peace within and for said County the undersigned Stephen Flinn being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that Benjamin Flinn was bound to Peter Davison in the State of New Jersey in the time of the Revolutionary War. Said Davison came to the Father of the said Benjamin Flinn and stated that Benjamin had enlisted and left him, the Peter Davison, and he did not expect that he would return to serve him any longer and requested that the said Benjamin’s father would make him a recompense once for what time he was absent and he, the said Benjamin, was afterwards taken a prisoner by the British and came to his father’s house on patrol for a few days, after a short time, was exchanged and returned to the Army again. And further this deponent saith not.

Stephen Flin

Sworn on and subscribe
before me this 16th day of October 1828

William Baxter JP

I believe the above signed William Baxter to be in acting justice as stated
December 8, 1828 —

John Woods

Page 70

For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of the Act entitled “An Act for the Relief of Certain Surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution“ approved on 15 May 1828. I, Benjamin Flinn , of Hamilton County Ohio do hereby declare that I enlisted in the Continental line of the Army of the Revolution in the spring of the year 1781 in the Company commanded by Captain Matthew Freeman and afterwards commanded by Captain or Lieutenant Asher Fitzrandolph and continued in it’s service until its termination; in which period I was a Sergeant in the Company of Captain Asher Fitzrandolph in the Jersey line. And I also declare that I was entitled to receive certificates for the reward of $80 to which I was entitled under a resolve of Congress passed 15 May 1778. And I further declare that I was not on 15 May 1828 on the pension list of the United States. Witness my hand this 21st day of October in the year 1828

Benjamin Flinn

Before me James O’Connor, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Butler in the State of

Page 71

Ohio, personally appeared this day Joseph Coddington and Isaac Colby of said County who did severally make oath that Benjamin Flinn by whom the foregoing declaration was signed and subscribed is generally represented and believe to have been a soldier in the Army of the Revolution in manner as therein stated.

Joseph Coddington
Isaac Colby

Sworn and subscribed
before me this
11th day of November 1828

James O’Connor JP

The said James O’Connor whose name is affixed to the declaration and affidavit above stated is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Butler, Ohio.

December 6, 1828

John Woods

Page 72

[the actual form of:]
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS
_____

Under the Act, entitled “An Act for the Relief of Certain Surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution,“ approved on 15th May 1828.
______
TREASURY DEPARTMENT
3rd January 1829

The annex paper, relating to the claim of Benjamin Flinn under the above mentioned Act, is respectfully referred to the secretary of war, with a request that he will be Pleased to cause me to be informed whether it appears by any records in the war department, that the claimant has received, or is entitled to receive, the bounty and land granted by Congress for service in the Continental line of the Army of the Revolution.
R Rush
The Hon. the Secretary of War.

[handwritten]
War department: Bounty land office
It does not appear by the records of this office that Benjamin Flinn of the New Jersey line was received or is entitled to bounty land of the United States

Robert Taylor
7 January 1829

Page 73

[folder]

Benj Flinn

Page 74

The within named A. F. Darr is an acting Justice of the Peace in the County of Butler, Ohio December 6, 1828.

John Woods

Page 75

The State of Ohio
Butler County SS

Before me A. F. Darr a Justice of the Peace within and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Daniel Shoemaker, who being duly sworn according to the law deposeth and saith that he is well acquainted with Benjamin Flinn for upwards of fifty years, and further states that said Benjamin Flinn enlisted in the Continental line of the Revolutionary Army in the spring of 1781 in the Company commanded by Captain Matthew Freeman, and served in the Army until peace was declared; and said deponent also understood that said Benjamin Flinn served as Sergeant in said Company and received an honorable discharge and never received any pay and that said Benjamin Flinn always, since, he came to the western country, served in all campaigns whenever an opportunity offered and particularly in St. Claire’s defeat, and also in the last war to the Northward under General Harrison since he has been out by age. And further the deponent saith not.

Daniel Shewmaker

Sworn and subscribed to,
before me this 23rd day October 1828

A F Darr JP

Page 76

[the actual form :]
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS
_____

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
6 Dec 1828

Benjamin Flinn of [blank] in the County of Hamilton in the State of Ohio has applied to the Secretary of the Treasury for the benefits of the Act, entitled “An Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the Revolution,“ approved on 15th of May 1828. He states that he enlisted in the Continental line of the Army of the Revolution, for and during the war, and continued until its termination, at which period he was a Sergeant in Captain [blank]‘s Company, in the [blank] regiment of the New Jersey line; and that he received a certificate for the reward of eighty dollars, provided by the resolve of the 15th of May, 1778; and further, that he was not on the 15th day of May, 1828, on the pension list of the United States, and that he has received as a pensioner since 3d of March, 1826, nothing.

The third auditor is requested to report how far the several statements are corroborated by the records of his office.

By order of the Secretary
F A Dickens
______
TREASURY DEPARTMENT
Third Auditor’s office 10th December 1828
It further appears that Benjamin Flinn is not now on the pension list of any agency and has not been so since the 3 March 1826.

[handwritten : ]
The name of Benjamin Flinn cannot be found among those of the New Jersey line. To whom certificates for the gratuity of Eighty Dollars were assigned—
Peter Hagner Aud

Page 77

1905 July 24 Adj. Gen N.J. us claim
3-595.
O. W. and N. Division.
Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions.

Searched by F.F.N.
Claim No.
Certificate No.
Claimant
Soldier Daniel Shoemaker
Service N.J. Rev. War
Additional Service
Remarks No Rev Inv or Wid. Admt or Rej. claim.
July 13, 1905




6091b10m11-02 Chief of Division.

Page 78

1905, July 24.  Adj. Gen. N.J. usfd

3-595.
O.W. and N. Division.
Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions.
Searched by F.F.N.
Claim No.
Claimant
Soldier Hezekiah Broadbury
Service N.J. Rev.
Additional service
Remarks No Rev Inv or We'd Admt or Rej. claim.
July 15, 1905





6091b10m11-02 Chief of Division.

Page 79

1905 July 24 Adj. Gen. N.J. info
no claim   3-595.

O.W. AND N. DIVISION.

Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.

Searched by F.F.N.

Claim No.
Certificate No.
Claimant
Soldier Joseph Coddington
Service N.J. Rev. War,

Additional Service

Remarks No Rev Inv or Wid Admt or Rej. claim
July 15, 1905

Chief of Division.
6091b10m11-02

Page 80

[folder]

Does not state he was a soldier himself — 
neighbor of Benj Flinn
knew of his enl
Saw his disch

Daniel Scheumaker


Joseph Coddington
resident of Warren Co Ohio33 28also

signs Broadberry
Bradbury 
res of Butler Co Ohio30  28

Daniel Scheumaker 
resident of Butler Co Ohio  1828 1830

Page 81

State of New Jersey,
Office of Adjutant General

{file date stamp}

{file date stamp}


GW
Trenton, July 13, 1905.

The Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, DC

Sir:
The Revolutionary pension case of Benjamin Flinn, Invalid number 8487, contains affidavits of the following witnesses, who allege they served with the claimant in the New Jersey State Troops during the years 1781 and 1782, and in 1830 they resided as follows:

Daniel Shoemaker, Warren County, Ohio
Joseph Coddington, Butler County, Ohio
Hezekiah Bradberry, Hamilton County, Ohio

Inasmuch as we have obtained no pension transcripts for the services of these witnesses, I desire to inquire whether they appear of record in your office as having drawn pensions for the services mentioned. If so, will you kindly furnish me with the number of their claims so that Mr. Godfrey, when he is in Washington, may examine and obtain transcripts of the same!?

I would thank you for an early reply.

Very respectfully

R Weber Breintnall
Adjutant-General.

Page 82

O. W. & N.			AW

July 24,1905.

Benj Flinn
Inv. File 8487
Rev. War.

Sir:
In response to your letter dated July 13, 1905, and received July 14, 1905, you are advised that the records on file in this Bureau fail to show the receipt of claims for pension in the names of Hezekiah Broadberry and Joseph Coddington who testified in the above-noted claim.

Daniel Schuemaker, in his affidavits in said claim does not state that he was a soldier, nor in a claim for pension found in his name.

Very respectfully, 

Commissioner.

The Adjutant General of New Jersey,
Trenton, N.J.

Page 83

[card]	

NAME 				Flinn, Benjamin 	83
AGENCY OF PAYMENT 	Cincinnati, Ohio

DATE OF ACT 			1832
DATE OF PAYMENT 		1st qr 1836
DATE OF DEATH 		[blank]

*LAST* FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER RECEIVED FROM THE GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

GSA DC 79-7035
FORM.
GSA DEC 69. 7068