Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 2269, John Harkness, Mass

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Harkness John
S 2269
CONTENTS
Carded

5661
Pennsylvania
John Harkness
of the State of Penn a who was a Private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Thompson of the Reg t commanded by Col Porter in the Camp a line for the New Penn a — $46.66
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of 46 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 th day of Feb. 1833 and sent to Hon. J. Ford Hous. Reps.
Arrears to 14th of Sept. 1832 — $69.99 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Mo in 1833 — 23.33 $93.32
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Vincent Luce Clerk Book 2 Vol. 6 Page 62
See letter April 1. 1853 to Phil. Agt. G. W. Lambert
Date of death not on file

John Hartness Declaration 10,096.
$46 = 66 per ann
Hon. Jas Ford H R

State of Pennsylvania Bradford County
On this tenth day of September Anno Domini 1882. Personally appeared in open court before the Court of Common Pleas now sitting, John Barkness, a resident of Spring- field, County and State, aforesaid aged sev- enty two years, who being duly sworn, ac- cording to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832. That he entered the service of the U- nited States, under the command of Col. Porter, Adjutant - White, in the company of Captain John Thomson, as a private. General - Kellogg, as he thinks, being the commanding officer, who be- ing a man in feeble health he did not often see. The names of the other com- pany and field officers he cannot at this day recollect. That the day of his entering was the Sunday in August im- mediately previous or next after the battle of Bennington. Entered at the town of Pelham Hampshire County Massachusetts, as a volunteer. Was there marched through Hoosac to Bennington, where his company arrived Tuesday after the Battle had been fought. Does not recollect whether it was fought on the Monday or Saturday previous to his arrival. But thinks it was not on Sunday. From there was marched to Tally's Mills, east of Stillwater where he was quartered some time. From there marched to Tiptonville on the Brattenkill near its mouth where they built a breast-work. There marched across the Hudson River to General Schuyler's estate; where the regiment entrenched one day. There passed Schuy- ler's mill stream on their way to Still- water, but were countermanded to their last encampment. While lying there

a Major Porten of the continental line as he thinks came the same night and or- dered them to extinguish their fires, the neighbourhood being occupied by their enemy. This order being repeated by their own officers they extinguished their fires and retired to the adjoining wood. The next day they recrossed the Hudson, and on the same day the British took possession of General Schenck's house. The command of Col. Porter was then divided and one body sent to take poss- ession of Fort Edward where encountered as he thinks by the enemy, and the other party of which he formed one sent down the river to intercept the British Boats. His party the same night returned to Sift's Mills, and after the capitulation of Burgoyne returned home, two months from the time he went out. The above term of service was two months. He arrived at home in October 1777.
In the year 1778. He enlisted for six months in the beginning of the summer or late in the spring. in the company com- manded by Lieutenant Matson, of towards General Matson of the Massa- chusetts Militia and Member of Congress. In the Massachusetts state troops. Regiment commanded by Colonel Wade - Major Wilson and he thinks Lieut. Colonel Wood. Lieutenant Matson's company or party of towards joined Captain Smith's com- pany. He with his party was marched to Providence Rhode Island and from thence were crossed over to Rhode Island where they joined the above mention- ed regiment. General Sullivan was the commanding officer. He was station- ed on Bulls' Hill a few days and from thence marched towards New Port and was stationed near that place. Lay close by General Green's regiment of Blacks so called. Did duty there until the night before the Battle, when they

retreated to Bulls' Hill. Was on camp guard the day before the Battle of New Port on Rhode Island. Was guard of the baggage during that night and after the Battle was sent off the Island was on guard over the ammunition wagons. He Joined his regiment, which he understood had not been called on the lines during the battle. In consequence of this the regiment was the last to leave the island on the retreat. Crossed the at Howland's ferry to Main Land, and then went with his regiment to East Greenwich Rhode Island. There encamped. Thinks it was here Lieutenant Maloon's party joined Capt. Sams's company, first. Say there until late in the fall, when he was taken sick of a fever, and put into the hospital. By the consent of his officers as he was informed he was conveyed home in a horse litter, by his friends. He was supposed to be on the point of death, and had no regular discharge. His term of service was so nearly expired, that James Harkness, who enlisted at the same time and place and for the same term, was permitted to go home with him to attend upon him. Said James Harkness now resides in some one of the western states if living. He was about on the close of service six months. Enlisted at Pelham as before. Cannot recollect the names of any other officers.
In the year 1780. he enlisted for six months to fill out the continental companies the three years' men's term having expired. Was ordered to Springfield Massachusetts. Enlisted at Pelham again. After a short time a continental field officer by the name of Penhallow, marched him and his companions to Tottoway, New Jersey. There he was placed in Independent Company then later commanded by Capt. Maywell or Mayfield, who had just been promoted, Col. Bailey's regiment. Does not recollect the other

field or company officers. But thinks Major Maugwell or Mayfield above named was of that regiment. His regiment was reviewed there by General Washington. In the fall the regiment went to West Point to winter quarters. His regiment lay over at that place, some time, the barracks being filled, until some being discharged there was room for their ad- mittance. Was honorably discharged there in January, 1781. He has lost his discharge and other written proof owing to the lapse of time.
His whole term of service amounted to fourteen months .
He thinks at 5000 miles there were only two regiments. Never joined the continental army at that time. Saw no continental officer, during the first term except Major Ashmun.
On Rhode Island they recently saw Gen. Green. called Colonel Commandant from the fact of retaining the inunediate of his Black Regiment. although he be- lieves he was then Brigadier General.
Was born in the year of our Lord 1760 Has no record of his age.
He hereby relinquishes every claim except the present, whatever to a pension or annuity, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agri- cultural or any other department.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. John Hankins
John Hankness E. S. Goodrich, dp
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the inter- rogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and the court further certifies that it appears to them that William Franklin who has signed the certificate

hereunto annexed is a clergyman resi- dent in the town of Smithfield County of Bradford, Penn. and that Reuben Wilber who has also signed the same is a resident of Troy county & state of aforesaid and is a credible person and their statement is entitled to credit.
I Francis R. Bull, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Brad- ford County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original pro- ceedings of the court aforesaid in the matter of the application of John Harkness for a pension. And I further certify that Conklin Baker whose signature is attached to the certificate of Reuben Wilber and William Frankland accompanying the within and fore- going declaration of John Harkness.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and official seal.
J. P. Bull
Prothonotary

VEI
RATION
WASHINGTON
October 21, 1932
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
John Harkness-S.2269 BA-J/HEL
Honorable Louis T. McFadden House of Representatives Washington, D.C.
My dear Mr. McFadden:
Reference is made to your letter, addressed to Mr. E.W.Morgan, Director of Pensions, in which you request information in regard to John Harkness, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.2269, based upon the military service of John Harkness in that war.
John Harkness was born in 1760, exact date and place not stated.
He volunteered at Pelham, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, and served as a private with the Massachusetts Troops as follows: from August, 1777, two months in Captain John Thompson's Company, Colonel Porter's Regiment; from early in the summer of 1778, six months under Lieutenant Mattoon and Captain Lamb, Colonel Wade's Regiment and was in General Sullivan's Rhode Island expedition; from sometime in 1780, exact date not shown, six months under Lieutenant Taylor, Colonel Bailey's Regiment and was discharged in January, 1781.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 10, 1822, while residing in Springfield, Bradford County, Pennsylvania.
It is not stated that soldier was ever married.
One James Harkness is referred to as having served with the soldier; no relationship was shown.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.
Date of death not on AB

Rev. War Section.
VERANS ADMINISTF
February 26, 1921.
Hon. Louis T. McFadden, House of Representatives.
My dear Mr. McFadden:
In response to your letter of the 24" instant requesting information for Mr. J. D. Tracy, Columbia Cross Roads, Pennsylvania, I have the honor to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. File No. 2,269 it appears that John Harkness was born in 1760, exact date and place are not stated.
He enlisted at Pelham, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, in August 1777, the Sunday after the battle of Bennington and served two months as Private in Captain John Thompson's Company, Colonel Porter's Regiment.
He enlisted in the spring of 1778 and served six months in Captain Lamb's Company, Colonel Wade's Regiment and was in General Sullivan's Rhode Island Expedition.
He enlisted in 1780, served six months in Lieutenant Taylor's Company, Colonel Burley's Regiment and was discharged in January 1781.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 10, 1832, while living in Springfield,

Bradford County, Pennsylvania.
There is no data on file as to his family.
Very truly yours,
H. A. Royse.
Acting Commissioner.

LOUIS T. MCFADDEN FIFTEENTH DISTRICT PENNSYLVANIA
CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WASHINGTON, D. C.
October 18, 1932
Mr. E. W. Morgan, Director of Pensions, Veterans Administration, Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. Morgan:
Recently I requested the Adjutant General of the Army to furnish me with the Revolutionary War Record of John Harkness, of Pelham, Mass.
He has advised me in letter of October 17 that his records show that John Harkness, private, Lieutenant Colonel Badlam's Company, 2nd Massachusetts Regiment commanded by Colonel John Bailey, was enlisted September 26, 1780, for six months; that his name is last borne on the roll dated October 14, 1780; that the date of his discharge has not been found of record, and suggests that I may get more information from you.
I will appreciate anything you can give me as to this record.
Sincerely yours,

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Washington, D.C.
February 25, 1921
Mr. Speaker, I have the honor to submit the following report of the Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred the bill (H. R. 1234) to provide for a reduction of the internal revenue taxes on tobacco and cigars, and for other purposes.
RECORDS FEB 25 1921 Pension

SIXTY-SIXTH CONGRESS.
LOUIS T. MC FADDEN, PA., CHAIRMAN. PORTER H. DALE, VT. ROSEBO G. MC GULLOCH, OHIO. EDWARD J. KING, ILL. FRANK D. SCOTT, MICH. ADOLPHUS P. NELSON, WIS. JAMES G. STRONG, KANS. L. S. EDHOLS, W. VA. EDWARD S. BROOKS, PA. WILLIAM H. HILL, N. Y. ROBERT LUOE, MASS. CLARK BURDICK, R. I.  MICHAEL F. PHELAN, MASS. JOE H. EAGLE, TEX. OTIS WINGO, ARK. HENRY B. STEAGALL, ALA. JAMES A. HAMILL, N. J. AUGUSTINE LONERGAN, CONN. CHARLES H. BRAND, GA. W. F. STEVENSON, S. C.
FREDERIC H. BLACKFORD, CLERK.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
COMMITTEE ON BANKING AND CURRENCY
WASHINGTON
February 24, 1921.
Hon. F. D. Byington, Commissioner of Pensions.
My dear Sir:
I am in receipt of a letter from Mr. J. D. Tracy, Columbia Cross Roads, Pennsylvania, requesting the war record of John Harkness, who was born at Pelham, Mass., June 16, 1760.
Mrs. Tracy desires to join the Daughters of the American Revolution and desires the above information in order to complete her application.
Kindly furnish me the above data at your earliest convenience, and greatly oblige
Very truly yours,
L. T. McFadden

5661 — John Harkness 1677 Wid of Simon King 9740 Benjamin McAffe 11178 William Salisbury

R A. C. FANNING TOWANDA, PENNSYLVANIA PRESIDENT JUDGE 42 ND JUD. DIST.
July 27, 1903.
Hon. Eugene F. Ware,
Washington, D.C.
My dear Sir:-
The following named soldiers were residing in Springfield Township, Bradford County, Pennsylvania in 1840 and drawing pensions.
Simeon King
Benjamin McAfee
William Salisbury
John Harkness
For the purpose of record am desirous of obtaining the record of service of these men and whatever of interest may appear in connection therewith. Shall greatly appreciate any information you can give me.
Very respectfully yours,
H. C. Fanning

1921 Feb 26 Hist. to Hon. Louis J. McFadden 1932 - Oct 21 - Hist. to Hon. Louis J. McFadden Esq.
Rev. Mar
2269 INVALID.
File No. 2269
John Harkness
Print Rev War
Act: June 7, 1832
Index: — Vol. A , Page 157
[Arrangement of 1870.]

State of Pennsylvania. } County of Bradford } ss.
On the twenty fourth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two forasmuch as come before the subscriber a justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid the Rev. William Franklin of the Town of Smithfield, County aforesaid, a presbyterian clergyman and Reuben Wilber Esquire, Senator in the Legislature of Pennsylvania who being duly sworn depose and say that they are personally and well acquainted with John Harkness of the Town of Springfield County and State aforesaid, now an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of June 7 th 1832. That they believe him to be seventy two years of age - that he is reputed and believed in

the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the revo- lution and that we concur in that opinion, and furthermore that they know of no other person of that name, who is reported or believed to have been a soldier of the revolution.
Sworn and subscribed before me this day and year first as we mentioned.
Conklin Kaken J.P.
Reuben Hiler William Franklin