Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 19415, for Josiah Osgood, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
born. Continental
Osgood, Josiah
S. 19415-
CONTENTS
carded

Certificate sent Apr. 11. 1836 Set. toll in Bridges, 16 Aug. 38.
30.526 Vermont
Josiah Osgood
Franklin Co. in the State of Vermont
was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Curtis of the Regiment commanded by Col Enos in the Connecticut Militia for Six months.
Incribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 20 Dollars . . . Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30. day of March 1836 . . . and sent to the Hon B. Swift.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1836. $100.00 Pensions allowance ending 4 Sept. 1836. 20.00
120.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { due June 7, 1832. }
Recorded, by Abel Adams Clerk, Book C 2 Vol. 3 Page 9 

I John Osgood of Berlin in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut, aged Seventy One years, do depose and say - That I am the brother of Josiah Osgood for many of this place at the time it was part of the Town of Farmington in this County - and who now resides in the Town of Fairfield in the County of Franklin in the State of Vermont; that I well recollect said Josiah from the period of my early boyhood, and well recollect him and in the Revolutionary War, and the services he performed for his Country. I well remember that in the summer of 1778 the said Josiah served in the Militia that was draughted and went on to New York; that he and the Company to which he belonged marched from this vicinity sometime before harvest, and that while he was at New York in the service of his Country, he was taken sick, that my father in the fall went to New York and brought him home, and Josiah remained sick for several months; it is my belief that on this tour Josiah must have been in the service at least two months, I think more. I well remember that early in the year following, 1779, the said Josiah went in the Company of Captain Bray to the State of New York and as well as I can recollect was gone two months; did immediately after his return, he enlisted for

Eight months under Captain Peter Curtis, and went to the sea-board and to the State of New York. I well recollect that they were called eight months men, and that the said Josiah did not return until sometime in the winter following. I also remember distinctly of his enlisting into the teaming service in the year 1778, under Captain Kilborn, for the period of one year; and that he left the service a little while before the year was completed because of lameness. — John Osgood Berlin August 15. 1835
State of Connecticut } ss. Berlin August 15 th A 1835. Hartford County, }
Be it remembered that on the day aforesaid, John Osgood, who hath subscribed the foregoing Deposition, and who is well known to me the subscriber, to be a gentleman of great respectibility, of good moral character, and a credible person, appeared before me, and after being examined cautioned to speak the whole truth, made solemn oath to the truth of the same Deposition, before me —
Sara E. Smith Justice of the Peace

Josiah Osgood's Declaration 32.667
Capt. Philip C. Enos born Mitchell
adm d 6 mo pri 20 d
Hon B Swift Senate U.S.

Declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
State of Vermont } On this 20. day of December  January , Georgia (Dishill p) } 1835. Personally appeared in open court before the Court of Probate now sitting Josiah Osgood a resident of Fairfile in the county of Franklin & State aforesaid aged seventy five years who being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States and served as here in after stated.
At Farmington in the State of Connecticut in the month of July 1776. he volunteered for two months and march d to New Haven, and from thence by water to the city of New York, where he stayed until it was evacuated by the Americans. Left the city and march d to Kingsbridge, where he stayed until September. Served under Capt. Lankton Lieut. Hatch & Ensign Francis in the Regt commanded by Col. Gay & Col. Hart. That according to the best of his recollection he was discharged in Sept having served two months —
That again about the last of February or first of March 1777. he enlisted for two months and served at Horse Neck under Capt. Barnes in Col. Meads Regt. (he believes) Col. Mead was taken prisoner during this campaign by a party of Cow Boys. The applicant says that a part of the time which he

17 served at Horse-Heck. he was under the command of Capt Murray who had the command a a reconnoitering party scouting upon the enemys lines. that according to the best of his recollection he was dism d about the first of June after having served two months. As soon as his time expired he again enlisted for six months & served under Capt Peter Curtis Lieut Nathan Churchill and believes the other Lieuts name was Bag and Ensign Galer, in the Regt commanded by Col Coss and Lieut Col Smith, march d from Horse-Heck to East Chester where they had a skirmish with the enemy and then retreated back to Horse-Heck. where they stay d a short time, and from thence to Frederickburgh. where they stayed a few days and were employed in casting Musket Balls. The lead from which 2 d balls were cast was a lead Horse brought from the Grand Battery in New-York, as the applicant was informed. From Frederickburgh they march d to Pekskeel at the time the British came up the River which was about the time of the surrender of Gen Burgoyne. From Pekskeel, they returned to Frederickburgh, and from thence to a place call d Crompond and from thence to White Plains (then under the command of Col Smith) arrived there in the afternoon, where they stayed until nearly night and then march d to Frays Point. On their march d they examined every House, and took a number of prisoners. At Frays Point they took three Sloops that lay at the wharf and about forty prisoners. While they were on board of the Sloops they heard of the British Bugle, from which they concluded that they were discovered by the enemy. They then set

fire to the sloops and retreating. They were pursued by the enemy. But the darkness of the night covered their retreat. They continued their march to Horse Neck where they were stationed until about the first of December when his time expired, and he was discharged, having served six months. As soon as this campaign ended, he enlisted for one year, as a teamster, and served under Capt. Josiah Kilborn and Major Shannett (a Frenchman) and a part of the time under Col. Udney Hay. Served in company with Thomas Gridley, Theodore Tuttle, Abraham Inackimbrush, Stephen Allis, Ashkill Hollister, and Edward Couch who were fellow teamsters with him. Was employed most of the time drawing timber for to build Fort Put, a part of the time in the Jerseys and at Pechkill, and was dismissed at Fishkill in October two months before his time expired, having served as a teamster ten months according to the best of his recollection.
The applicant states that he has no documentary evidence whatever and knows of no person by whom he can prove his alleged service.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of the army of any State. Sworn to & subscribed } Josiah X Osgood the day & year aforesaid } mark attest J. Allen Parker

Interrogatories
I was born in Middletown in the State of Connecticut on the 23 d day of September 1759.
I have a record of my age in my Father's family Bible, the record was made by my father.
I lived in Farmington at the commencement of the Revolutionary War, where I made it my home until the year 1779 or 80, and then removed to Solington, from thence to Husbands, and from thence to Fairfield, where I have lived forty years.
I was called into service as stated in my declaration. While I was in service I became acquainted with the following named officers, viz Capt Peter Curtis, & Timothy Larkton, Lieut. Hotchkiss & Nathaniel Churchill. Ensign Gailor, Col Ennis, Lieut Col Smith, Gens. McDugal & Deavenport, Col Mead, Capt Burns, Capt. Morrey, Capt. Josiah Willborn, Col Hay and Maj. Mansfield.
one at New York and one at Horseneck I received two written discharges at the close of these first  either  encounters of my campaigns to my recollection —
I am acquainted with the following named persons residing in Fairfield who can testify as to my character for veracity and their belief of my services as a soldier of the Revolution. Col. Bradley Barlow Benjamin Wooster Joseph Soule Joab Smith Martin Prindle Esquires Col. Aaron Durr.

We Col. Bradley Barlow & Joseph Soule Esq residing in the town of Fairfield hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Josiah Osgood who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration; that we believe him to be seventy five years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the revolu- tion and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn, and subscribed } Bradley Barlow the day & year aforesaid } Joseph Soule
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Depart- ment, 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 Col Bradley Barlow who has signed the preceding certificate is a Post Master and is a resident of Fairfield and that Joseph Soule Esq who has also signed the same is a resident of said Fairfield Town clerk of said Town and one of Justices of the Peace for said county and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit. Joel Barber's Judge of Probate.
I J. Allen Barber clerk of the court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Josiah Osgood for a

Pension - In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal of said Court This 20 th day January A. D. 1835
J. Allen Barber Clerk

Rev. Wm
19.415
INVALID.
File No. 19.415
James Capone 1000 Main St.
Act: June 7th 89
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 374
[Arrangement of 1870.]

30526 ad no VERMONT Josiah Osgood
let to Mr. Bridges 15 Oct 1835

76. Lantison Col. Gay & Hail Mar. 77 Barnes Mead love after Budelp Enos. Kilborn Teamster
New York Smith brother 2 sons mi home neck brother Vinfield 2. " Peekskill brother Woodruf 6. " "
10 - Teamster

I Nathaniel Penfield of Berlin in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut aged Seventy four years, do depose and say, That I am well acquainted with Josiah Osgood formerly of Farmington in said Hartford County, now of Fairfield in the County of Franklin in the State of Vermont, and knew him in the Revolutionary War, — That early in the month of March A.D. 1777, we were draughted together in the Company commanded by Captain Bray, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Hooker, that we marched to Peekskill, and were there under General M c Dougall, and remained there long enough to make our term of duty two months, when Mr Osgood and myself together with the rest of the company were dismissed — Berlin August 10. 1835 ✓ Nath l Penfield
State of Connecticut Hartford County ss. Berlin August 10. 1835
Be it remembered that on the day aforesaid, Nathaniel Penfield, who hath subscribed the foregoing Deposition, and who is well known to me the subscriber, to be a man of good moral character, and a

credible person, appeared before me, and after being examined and cautioned to speak the whole truth, made solemn oath to the truth of the same Deposition, before me.
Sara L. Smith Justice of the Peace

H. A. Wams Sept 26th 1835
Hon S. S. Edwards
Sir
In answer to yours of the 28th of Feby, 1835, addressed to the Hon B. Swift, U. S. Senator, respecting the claim of Josiah Osgood I have to say, that the objections raised against the claim may be in a measure done away by a simple statement of facts, within my knowledge. In your letter above referred to, you say -
" Unless Josiah Osgood will furnish direct " evidence of his services, his claim cannot, in " view of the delay, which has occurred, and the " search made among the Connecticut records, " before making his declaration be admitted. The " papers are returned &c.
In regard to the delay I believe at the time I sent the declaration (which I think I directed to Mr Swift) I accompanied the same with a letter stating the reasons why the applicant had so long delayed making his application. however as I am not positive that I did make a statement to that effect, and if I did it might not have passed in to your hands, I will here briefly state the reasons.
At the time others applied for a pension, Mr Osgood's health was such that he was not able to appear before a court of record, to make his declaration, and his

mind was such that he was for the most part of the time incapable of relating the particulars of his service. After a lapse of nearly two years, he had so far recovered that he was able to ride he called on me, I shall say in April or May, 1834, and made enquiry respecting the probability of his obtaining a pension and briefly stated the service by him rendered in the Revolutionary war, which I took down, not however with a view of making his declaration at that time, for he was too feeble to be interrogated.
In June he again called, and I then took down his story, which he related, relative to his Revolutionary services, which I found accorded with the minutes which I had before taken.
After taking down the history of the applicant I told him that it was my opinion that evidence of his alleged services might be obtained from the records of Connecticut. He requested me to write, & according on the 12 th of June, 1834, I wrote B. Phelps Esq. Comptroller of the state of Conn to examine the records and send me a certificate if any evidence was found. About this time Mr Phelps was removed from office, & had left Hartford, and did not receive my communication in due time. I again wrote him on the 17 th July following, and in August I received from him the enclosed certificate, accompanied by a letter stating his reasons for not returning an answer sooner.
No alteration was made in the declaration on account

of the receipt of the certificate from M. Phelps
In December I drew the declaration, and was governed solely by the minute which I had previously taken in June.
When the declaration was completed, the applicant was examined by the Court in my hearing & he stated precisely the same as on the two former times, when interrogated by me.
In addition to the certificate of M. Phelps, I send you form affidavit in support of the applicant's claim which, I wish you to examine and return me an answer.
Very respectfully Your obedt servt Wm Bridges
Hon J. S. Edwards Comm r of Pensions

FREE.
Than Benjamin Swift U.S. Senator Washington City

St. Albans March 17 th 1836
Hon. B. Swift
Permit me to call your attention to the declaration of Mr. Josiah Osgood. It would seem by the Hon. S. S. Edwards letter of the 15 th October, 35, that the Department do not feel themselves authorized to allow Mr. Osgood, from the evidence educed, a pension for more than six months. It is very true that Mr. Osgood's declaration does not accord in every particular with the evidence produced in support of his claim, yet I think some little allowance ought to be made, considering the lapse of time, & the infirmity of old age, still I would not wish the Department to depart from their settled rules in granting pensions, for a latitudinous construction would open the doors of the Treasury to all willing to fabricate declarations. In Mr. Osgood's declaration, he states that in July 76 he volunteered & served in Col. Gays Regt two months. Mr. Edwards says that Col. Gays Regt was not called out until the first of Augt, 76. It is true as I have before remarked, that Mr. Osgood says in his declaration that he entered the service in July. But when he was first examined he was not positive whither it was in July or first of Augt. But concluded it was in July, for he well recollected that it was very warm weather and in May time . Mr. Osgood was

examined at three different times.
The first time it was not with a view of making his declaration, but merely to ascertain whether there was a probability that he had rendered sufficient service to entitle him to a Pension. At that time I only took minutes as he related the particulars of his service. He then stated (as my minutes show) July or 1 st of August (and that he believed he served three months, but not certain and in making his declaration he thought best to say two months, for he was positive he had served in that campaign that length of time. The old gentleman was extremely cautious in stating; He also observed when speaking of his six months service that it was rather his impression that he served eight months, but was not positive and therefore would say six months. This was my advice to him as well as that of the Court, (Judge Barker) and I have not the least doubt but that he served in Col Gays Regt as by him stated in his declaration. I will name an incidence which may throw some light upon the subject. The old gentleman says that Col Gay died at N. York during the campaign of two months in 76. This fact may be known to the Department by some record or document, and if so would satisfy them that H Osgood did serve as by him before stated. If you have time I wish you to examine the

The evidence sent by me in support of Mr. Osgood's claim, now in the War Office. I believe there are four depositions, taken in Connecticut; from which it appears that the old gentleman did actually in some in the year 76, two months, and in 77 six or eight.
These depositions were made without any previous consultation. The deponents have not seen Mr. Osgood in twenty years, and their statements accord with the old gentleman's declaration as near as could be expected after the lapse of so many years. Upon a re-examination of the old gentleman's papers, should the Department think proper to allow Mr. Osgood more than six months they will issue a certificate accordingly. It is the wish of Mr. Osgood that whatever they allow, that a certificate may be forwarded. What I have said respecting the declaration of Mr. Osgood I do not expect will be considered as evidence, but under all the circumstances I thought proper to state to you the facts relative to the manner in which the declaration was made, the Department can consider it as they think proper. The old gentleman is so broken down with age and infirmity that I am very much surprised that he was able to state as correctly as he did respecting his Revolutionary services. Please have the goodness to call on and write me. Wm. Bridges

St. Albans June 28 th 1838 Hon J. L. Edwards
Sir
Some time in the year 1835, the declaration of Josiah Osgood was forwarded to the Pension Office claiming a Pension for services rendered in the army of the United States in the Revolutionary war as a Soldier and Teamster.
The Department allowed the applicant a Pension for six months service as a private of Infantry, But rejected his alleged service as a teamster on account of there not being evidence sufficient to substantiate his claim.
I herewith transmit the evidence of Asahel Hollister in support of the claim aforesaid
It appears from the testimony of the deponent that he was in service with the applicant Osgood and I think that the applicant mentions the name of the of the deponent Hollister in his declaration. It also  will appears from the evidence of John Osgood, now on file in your office that the applicant was engaged in the teaming service
Very Respectfully Your obed Servt W. Bridges
Hon J. L. Edwards Comm r of Pensions

Josiah Osgood
St. Mar. 28.
Rev. B. Swift Senah Tis.
Col. J. L. Edwards Comt. of Pioneers War Dept.

Senate Chamber March 28. 1836.
Sir,
I take the liberty to enclose for your examination, a letter from Judge Dridges, relative to the case of Mr Osgood, and to ask your particular attention to the same.
I am acquainted with Mr Osgood, & know him to be very infirm, but I consider him a man of strict integrity.
Please return me the letter as soon as convenient with your decision on the law.
With great respect Your obedt. Servt.
(J. Swift)

I Nodiah Woodruff, of Farmington in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut, aged Seventy four years, do depose and say, That in the Spring of 1777 I enlisted for the period of eight months, in a company commanded by Captain Peter Curtis, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Roger Enos of the Connecticut State troops. Josiah Osgood, then of said Farmington, now of Fairfield in the County of Franklin in the State of Vermont, who is well known to me, and I was well acquainted with, him in the Revolutionary war, was with me in the same Company and served with me. Our Regiment was stationed on the sea-board of Connecticut, and our company was located at Norwalk until some time in July, when the Regiment assembled at Horse-neck and marched to Crumpond, and from thence afterwards to Peekskill, and remained there with the regular Army until after the Capture of Burgoyne, when we were ordered down to the Eastern lines in West-Chester county, where we served until our time expired was in January 1778. — I do not recollect with certainty whether the said Josiah Osgood enlisted when I did, but I know he did not leave the Regiment until I did — And it is my firm belief that said Osgood enlisted when I did, and served the whole eight months — Nodiah Woodruff Berlin August 10. 1835

State of Connecticut Hartford County,
ss Berlin August 10 th A.D. 1835.
Be it remembered, that on the day aforesaid, Noodiah Woodruff Esquire, who hath subscribed the foregoing deposition, and who is well known to me the subscriber to be a gentleman of great respectability, of good moral character, and a credible person, appeared before me, and after being examined and cautioned to speak the whole truth, made solemn oath to the truth of the same deposition before me.
Ira E. Smith Justice of the Peace
I Philo A. Goodwin Clerk of the County Court for the County of Hartford, in the State of Connecticut certify that Ira E. Smith is a Magistrate as above. & That the foregoing signature purpor- ting to be his is genuine. In tes- timony whereof I have hereunto affix- ed my seal of Office, and subscribed my name this 19 th day of August A.D. 1835 —
Philo A. Goodwin Clerk of the County Court —

I Lemuel Smith of Berlin in the County of Hartford a State of Connecticut, aged seventy six years, do depose and say - That I am well acquainted with Josiah Osgood, formerly of Farmington in said County, now of Fairfield in the County of Franklin & State of Vermont, and know him in the Revolutionary War. That in the fore part of July A D 1776, I was ordered out as one of the Connecticut Militia, and said Osgood was with me, and we went to New York in the Company commanded by Lieutenant Lankton, & Ensign Francis, in a Battalion commanded by Major Strong - We were first stationed at New York, and afterwards at Valentines Hill near Kings-bridge, where I remained until I was discharged in October following. I well recollect the said Josiah Osgood was with me in the same Company, and served with me in it, at least two months, I think more, when he was sick and went home -  Berlin August 10. 1835  ✓ Lem l Smith

State of Connecticut } ss. Berlin August 10 th A D 1835 Hartford County }
Be it remem em bered, that on the day aforesaid, Lemuel Smith, who hath subscribed the foregoing Deposition, and who is well known to me the subscriber, to be a man of high integrity, of good moral character, and a credible person, appeared before me, and after being examined and cautioned to speak the whole truth, made solemn oath to the truth of the same Deposition, before me -
Ira C. Smith Justice of the Peace

The records of the State of Connecticut show that the legislature in June 1776 ordered six battalions to be raised, & to serve until the 25 th Dec r 1776. Fisher Gay was appointed Col. Seth Hall 2 d Col. & Benedam Galt Major of the second battalion. M ajrs  God Stanley  Gillet  Rogers  Goodwin  Brodley  Wadsworth  Moseley & Scamies Captains. This battalion was in service, but no roll of it has been found.
In May 1776 Fisher Gay was appointed Col. of the 15 th Reg t Con. Militia & Seth Hall 2 d Col. & that Simeon Strong was a Major of said Reg t .
By the journal of the Council of Safety under date Aug. 11 th 1776 it appears that orders were given to the 1-2-4-6-9-10-13-15-16-17-18-19-22 & 23 reg ts to march to New York. The books of the Pay Table show that the 15 th Reg t of militia served at that place under command of Major Simeon Strong . No roll of this reg t has been found.
(Col. Gay's State regiment, & the militia reg t of which he was Col. were probably in service at & near New York at the same time, but not for the same periods.)
There is charged to the United States upon the books of the Pay Table under date February 21 st 1778, viz, "To order on Treasurer" "P Col. John M c Leod for sundry services done" "by regiment of militia do S. 585, 19, 0 x ." Also

"In order on Treas r G ol John Mead for "one sundry payrolls for his reg t guarding "the sea coast to £1378, 9, 9½: that no rolls of these regiments have been found."
The records of the State show that the Genl Assembly in May 1777 ordered two regiments battalions to be raised, to serve until the 1 st January 1778; appointed Roger Enos, & John Ely Colonels of them Beth Smith & James Arnold S t Cols & Elias Beall & John Davenport Majors, & Peter Barley one of the Captains.
It appears by the books of the Paytable that these battalions were in service the amount of pay rolls being charged to the United States. That no roll of them has been found, or evidence showing how long they actually served.
No evidence of their service has been found.
Hartf Aug 12 1834
I certify to the truth of Josiah Osborn forgoing D. Phelps ex. Compt r