Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2,792, Thomas Hawkins, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Hawkins Thomas Nancy
N. 2792
CONTENTS

1978 Pennsylvania Thomas Hawkins
Eaton in the State of Pennsylvania who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Watkins of the Regt. commanded by Col. M c Laughlin the N. Y. militia for 2 years
Entered on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of 80 Dollars in Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 th day of November 1832 and sent to Pensioner J Eaton Wilkesbarre P. L. P. A.
Arrears to 14th of Sept. 1832 120.00 Pension allowance ending 4 th March 1833 40.00 $160.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. Mansfield Clerk, Book L Vol. 6 Page 61

Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 th April 1838 from 4. Sept 1840 to 4. March 1841. A/c Notified 7 th Decr 1841.
Let to N. L. Maxwell, March 20 th 1843.
let to H. M. Read Jan 15 1844
" to N. S. Mayhill Sept 21. '44

Philadelphia 6161. Pennsylvania
Nancy Hawkins widow of Thomas Hawkins who was a Res N.Y. in the Rev War 18. mos
2 nd June 1842 died
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 60 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of Sept 1844 and sent to
W. S. Maxwell Wilkes-Barre Penn
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 109

up
certificate issued under act 7- July 38 & the joint resolution 23d Jan'y: 1845 - in the 19th. Sept. 1845 -
Paid at Treasury, under act 5. Apr. 1838, from 4th March 1844 to 4th Sept 1844. Agent notified 16 April, 1845.
Letter to Mr. M. Pratt. 1. Aug 1845.

Suzanne Caillouy's
Before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County of Suzanne personally Came Ebenezer Stephens and after being Duly sworn according to law doth Depose and say that he is thirty three years of age, that he knows Thomas Hawkins the applicant herein named, that he knew said Thomas Hawkins in the year (between 1781, at a place called Peapack in the state of New York that said Hawkins was a Soldier in the service of his Country as he believes that Defendant lived near by at that time and heard said Hawkins say he was enlisted for Nine months Defendant has no reason to believe but that the said Hawkins served the full term of Nine months during that Campaign, that Defendant has been acquainted with the said Thomas Hawkins to the present time has often heard him speak of his services in the Army of the War of the Revolution and has never heard any thing to the Contrary - and further saith not
Sworn and subscribed before me on the 30 day of August 1832 -
Ebenezer Stephens
Caleb Roberts Justice of the Peace
I Caleb Roberts a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Suzanne do, Certify that the above Deposition of Ebenezer Stephens is known to be an act of truth and veracity and that Confidance may be placed in him as such - Witness my hand and seal at Nicholson the 30 day of August 1832 Caleb Roberts

Luzerne County Pa
I Isaac Bowman Recorder of Deeds in and for said County
Do certify that Caleb Roberts Esq r whose name is subscribed to the within Instrument of writing was at that time and is now an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Luzerne and State of Pennsylvania and full faith and credit may be given to all his acts and deeds as such —
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at Wilkesbarre this fifth day of September Anno Domini 1882
Isaac Bowman —

Suyama County ss
Before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally came Elisha Harding aged Sixty Nine Years and after being duly sworn doth depose and say that he knows Thomas Hawkins the applicant herein named, that deponent was first acquainted with said Thomas Hawkins in or about the year 1785, in the County of Orange State of N.Y. Deponent then understood that said Thomas Hawkins had been a Soldier in the War of the Revolution and has always since understood that that said Thomas Hawkins had served in the Army of the Revolutionary War knows not what length of time - knows that the said Thomas Hawkins had a Son who enlisted in the service of his Country early in the late War left his parents and home for the Northern frontiers and has since never returned - and further saith not
Sworn and subscribed before on the 28 th day of August 1832
E. Harding Jr. J.P.
Elisha Harding

Luzerne County ss
Before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County Personally Came George Miller Aged Sixty Nine Years and being duly sworn by me according to law doth depose and say that he deponent has known Thomas Hawk - since forty years that he was reputed to have been a soldier in the War of the Revolution - and further saith not
Sworn & subscribed before me the 29 th day of August 1832
George Miller
E. Harding Jr. J.P.
State of Pennsylvania Luzerne County ss
I Isaac Brownan Recorder of said Mortgages etc in and for said County hereby certify that Elisha Harding Jr was a Justice of the peace in and for said County of Luzerne at the above date and that his name then subscribed appears to me to be his usual sign- -ature. I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office and subscribed my name at Wilkesbarre this fifth day of September One Thousand Eight Hun- -dred and thirty two

2 Plea
Order to Obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 1832
State of Pennsylvania County of Luzerne
On this fifth day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court before the judges of the Court of Common Pleas now sitting Thomas Hawkins a resident of Calmar Township in the County of Luzerne and State of Pennsylvania aged twenty four years of who first being duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 one thousand eight hundred and thirty two. That he entered the service of the United under the following named Officers and served as herein stated. The first two weeks I was a substitute in the Militia of the New York Troops in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six in the month of June (does not recollect the day) was mustered at Wallkill (at which place I was residing) Orange County State of New York. Colonel McLaughlin Captain Silas. Ithaca and Johnson Serjeant John. H. Lane. we march d from Wallkill to New Windsor Orange County on the North River where we took passage in a Sloop and went to Fort Clinton on the River below West-point where we remained the term of two weeks and was regularly discharged (does not recollect the day that he was discharged) but was in the year 1776. I then was a substitute for my master. Samuel Nickham to whom I was an apprentice. In about a month after he came back from Fort Clinton. My master was again drafted in Militia and I stood for my master. Samuel Nickham which time I was a resident of Wallkill Orange County State New York. This was in the same year he went to Fort Clinton. He thinks the month of July the day he does not recollect. we were mustered again at Wallkill march d to New Windsor and then went on board a Sloop sailed down the River to Fort Constitution where we were stationed. for one week and then was regularly discharged. Our Officers for this one weeks service were Colonel McLaughlin Captain Watkins Serjeant James Crawford. it is so long since that he has forgotten the names of his other officers. He then enlisted at Newburgh in Orange County. State of New York for the term of five months. in the month of July. (does not recollect the day) in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six. This enlistment was made on his return home from his last tour while a substitute for Samuel Nickham. He then got a furlough for ten days and went home which was at Wallkill Orange County. at the end of the ten days I returned to Newburgh. There

took passage in a Sloop and went to New York where I joined my Co. under Colonel McLaughlin, Captain Jackson Serjeant Stillhouse. does not recollect the names of his other Field and Company Officers. We lay in New York until drove out by the British when we marched to White Plains. was there a short time when the battle of White Plains took place and was in said battle. He recollects that General Clinton commanded his brigade and after hard fighting we drove them and the day was ours. Shortly afterwards we marched to Peekskill where we remained until regularly discharged. The day and month of this discharge he has forgotten, his discharge having been burnt. but recollects it was late in the season of Seventy six. In the month of April (does not remember) one thousand seven hundred and eighty he enlisted at Wallkill Orange County State New York in the New York State troops for the term of nine months. Under Captain Burnett, Col. Wassinfelt Major De Witt Lieutenant John English 1 st Serjeant John Draper. The Company that was at Poughkeepsie in Orange County took up on March against the Indians and Tories to Esopus thence to Saugerties where we remained some time. from thence to Mombaccus where we were stationed. we had no engagements during these nine months but some light skirmishes with the Indians and Tories. He then received a regular discharge from his Colonel at Mombaccus he thinks in January one thousand seven hundred and eighty one. He was then a resident of Wallkill Orange County State of New York. The next Spring he thinks in April in the year 1781 he enlisted at Mamakating, Ulster County State of New York under Captain Starr Westfall for the term of nine months. Our Officers were Colonel Mispel Lieutenant John Spaulding Major Thomas De Witt Lieutenant John English (his sign name forgotten) Serjeant Draper. We remained at Mamakating, Mamakating Pack where we were stationed to defend the Country against the Indians and Tories. we were in no battles during this term but was constantly on scouting parties. at the expiration of said nine months. in January 1782 he was regularly discharged at Poughkeepsie Ulster County State New York. He was then a resident of Wallkill Orange County State of New York. His discharges he has lost, and have been burnt, were burnt at the time when his house was burnt in the year 1800. He knows of no living Witnesses in this County the nearest if any are living is one hundred and thirty miles from his place of residence. He has forgotten the Continental officers with whom he was in company with at any period. Immediately after the war he resided five or six years at Shawangunk Ulster County State of New York from there came to Middletown Orange County State of New York where he resided two years. from there he moved to Luzerne County State of

Pennsylvania where he has resided ever since and where he now resides, excepting three or four years he lived in Bradford County State of Pennsylvania (at a place called Mysock). He was born at Ringwood State of New Jersey cannot tell the year. He has no record of his age. He is known to Elisha Standing, George Miller, Ebenezer Stephens and Elisha Standing Jr who reside in his neighborhood and vicinity.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares his name is not on the Pensions Roll of the Agency of any State
In witness whereof the undersigned has hereunto set his hand and the same is attested by me H. Pettibone Pro.
Thomas Hawkins mark
We Elisha Standing residing in the township of Calton County of Lawrence and State of Pennsylvania and George Standing residing in the township of Brooklyn County of Susquehanna and State of Pennsylvania hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas Hawkins who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy four years of age, that he is reputed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion
In witness whereof the undersigned has hereunto set his hand and the same is attested by me H. Pettibone Pro.
Elisha Standing George Standing
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories of the court as prescribed by the War Department that the above named application was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears to them that Elisha Standing Esq. who has signed the preceding certificate is a resident of Calton Lawrence County and State of Pennsylvania and that George Standing who has also signed the same is a resident of Brooklyn in the County of Susquehanna and State of Pennsylvania and are both credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit

I Henry Patterson Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Luzerne and State of Pennsylvania do here by certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court in the matter of the Application of Thomas Hawkins for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office at Wilkesbarre This fifth day of September One Thousand Eight hundred and thirty two
Henry Patterson Prok.
3416
Thomas Hawkins

Declaration of Nancy Hawkins in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress granting pensions to certain widows.
State of Pennsylvania Wyoming County — S s .
On this Second day of December Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty two personally appeared before me, John K. Cunningham, President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the County of Luzerne (which said Court has jurisdiction, etc., in the said County of Wyoming as appears by the late laws of said States, creating said Wyoming County out of the said County of Luzerne.) Nancy Hawkins a resident of Dalton Township in the County of Wyoming aforesaid, aged eighty four years, who being first duly sworn according to law with her oath, makes the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress granting pensions to certain widows —
That she is the widow of Thomas Hawkins who was a private in the Army of the Revolution and who, by virtue of the certificate granted to him by the Secretary of War, dated the fifteenth day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty six, and by John Dobb Acting Secretary of War transmitted on the back of its docket (N o . 1978) drew a pension of eighty dollars per annum, in conformity with the laws of the United States of the 1 st of June 1832.
She further declares that she was married the first day of January in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight; that her husband the aforesaid Thomas Hawkins, died in Dalton Township in the County of Wyoming, State of Pennsylvania on the Second day of June Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty two; and that

she has remained his widow ever since, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof herein to be read, and that she knows of no record of her marriage Subscribed And Sworn to this Second day of December 1842, Nancy H. Hawkins Mrs. N. Hawkins To the Judge
Also at the same time and place, appeared before me John H. Cunningham, President Judge as aforesaid, George Miller, of Salem Township aforesaid, aged about, nine years and upwards, who being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and says that he has resided in said township & in the adjoining township of Salem about fifty one years, and that for more than forty years last past, he has well known Thomas Hawkins & Nancy his wife mentioned in the foregoing affidavit, and that when he first knew them they were reported to be man & wife, were living together as such, and then had a family of children some of whom were, apparently, eleven or twelve years of age or more. Subscribed & sworn to before me George Miller on this second day of December 1842 John H. Cunningham President Judge
Also at the same time and place, appeared before me John H. Cunningham, President Judge as aforesaid, Benjamin Hawkins of Salem Township aforesaid, who being duly sworn according to law says that he is fifty four years of age and upwards, and that he has known the said Thomas Hawkins, and Nancy his wife, mentioned in the foregoing affidavit for about

Fifty years, and that as long ago as that they were living together as man & wife, some reports in their neighborhood as an oak; & were then living a number of children, the oldest appearing then to be about or just a year of age. And he further says that he has been well acquainted with the family ever since; & to his certain knowledge the said Thomas died on the second day of June 1842; and his widow the said Mary has not since remarried & still remains his widow;—
Subscribed & sworn to this 28 th day of March 1842 Mary T. Hawkins Thos. J. ...
Also at the same time & place personally appeared before me John K. Garrison Probate Judge as aforesaid, Mary Standing of Boston in the life of her husband, who being duly sworn according to law says that she was born on the 29 th day of July A.D. 1779, that she is the daughter of the deceased Mary & Thomas Hawkins; that ever since she was born her mother has been living together as man & wife, & was united together; & that she has always been told by her said mother that she was married as stated in her affidavit preceding; and she further says that that her said father, Thomas Hawkins died on the 2 nd day of June 1842, & that her said mother still remains his widow not having since been married.
Sworn & subscribed this 28 th day of March A.D. 1842 Mary T. Hawkins John K. Garrison } Probate Judge

I hereby certify that within named Nancy Hawkins does so inform that she is unable to attend Court, residing as she does near twenty miles from the County Seat.
M c Donough Pro: Pres. Ct. of Common Pleas Luzerne Co
State of Pennsylvania Luzerne county ss.
I, Andrew Bedford,
Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County, do hereby certify that John A. Bonyngham above named is the President Judge of said Court, which by the laws of Pennsylvania has jurisdiction in the County of Wyoming, lately erected out of the said County of Luzerne; and that his name above written, is of his own proper hand writing which is well known to the subscriber.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this thirty first day of January Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty three.
A. Bedford Prothonotary
Ms. 29 106
No 8616
10768 Nancy Hawkins Pa
Act 7 July 3 8. interleaves 18mo
ad 18mo in 60 end in acts of March 43 417 June 44
6467 ad 1843

No 9146
Pennyworth
Private & year's rent
$80. per annum.
to Plaintiff
Eaton Lumber Co.
Omaha.

BRIEF in the case of Thomas Hawkins of Eaton  County of Luzerne in the State of Pennsylvania  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 74.  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days. As a Gen.     In 1776 As a Subaltern 14 Capt Tiffey, Col M c Laughlin   " " " " do 1 month Wadkins atts   " " " " as 7 Burnett Col Misenfelt   " " " " 5 Private Jackson as   Apl 1780 " 9 as Wetfall as   Apl 1781 " 9 as   24. 21  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? White Plains  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Wallkill, Orange County New York.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living & traditional  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? - Defective Not attached together properly. 
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
James Michener Examining Clerk.

Pennsylvania
Nancy Hawkins, widow of Thomas Hawkins who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832, and who died on the 2 d June, 1842, of Wyoming (in the State of Penn: who was a private in the Company: commanded by Captain Watkins of the Regt: commanded by Col: McLaughlin in the N. York line for 18 months.
Inscribed on the Roll of Philadelphia at the rate of 60 — Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th : day of Sept: 1845 and sent to Mrs. F. Christy, Huron, N. Y.
Total amount, $ 300.00
[Act July 7, 1838.]
of Resolution 23 Jan'y 45. Recorded by Wm. Stevenson Clerk. Book D Vol. 1 — Page 221.

N o 8616. Nancy Hawkins Pa
Suspended
Ld. to V. L. Maxwell 20. March '43. " " " " " 3 May 43
Act 4 th July '38

IV
5854
Nancy Hawkins
Pa
7 July 1838
let to U.S. Mar. 22
" " same 18 Nov. 1843.
" " Nov. 73. S. B. Bicknell
" " U.S. Nov. 73. 7844

Mch 11/48
M m Pratt for Nancy Hawkins

Tunkhannock Myoming 60 Pa March - 9. 1848 -
Dear Sir.
I write you for information in regard to the proper manner to proceed to receive the amount remaining due to Nancy Hawkins Pensioner. She was in the annual receipt of $60. She died on the Feb'y 5. 1848 - and has children living -
Will you be good enough to send me the proper directions so that the amount due may be obtained? What is the necessary proof?
Can any one of the children draw the Pension?
Must the proof be read in open Court? -
By your giving me the neces- sary directions in regard you will confer a favor -
Yours Respectfully,
Jno M. Piat
James B. Edwards. Nancy Hawkins

In the matter of the application of Nancy Dawson for a pension under the act of Congress of July, 1838
I, John M. Cunningham President Judge of the Thirteenth Judicial District of Pennsylvania and of the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County do certify that on the second day of December one thousand eight hundred and sixty two, the said Nancy Dawson, applicant, and Ebenezer Miller, Benjamin Harding and Mary Harding witnesses were duly sworn before me in the above matter as appear by the certificate, on their respective depositions and that they are persons of good repute for truth and veracity, and that I think their statements entitled to belief - I state also that the said several individuals are personally known to me - Witness my hand this twenty fourth day of March one thousand eight hundred and sixty three
John M. Cunningham Pres. Judge
State of Pennsylvania Luzerne County - § 55:
I Andrew Bedford, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County, do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with above named John M. Cunningham, and his handwriting; that he is the President Judge of said Court; & that the above certificate, together with his signature is all his own proper hand writing, as witness my hand, and the seal of said Court this twenty fourth day of March Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and sixty three.
A. Bedford Prothonotary

J. L. Edwards, Esqr Dear Sir,
Wilkes-Barre Pa. May 26-1843
Upon receiving your note of the 3 d Inst. herewith enclosed, I addressed a letter to the Comptroller of the State of N. York, of which the following is a copy:
"Wilkes-Barre May 8 th 1843.
"Dear Sir,
I have rec d . a letter from the War Department in relation to the claim of Nancy Hawkins for a pension on account of the services of her late husband Thomas Hawkins, in which the Commissioner of Pensions says, among other things:
"As the regulations require the best attainable evidence, his alleged services in Weissenfels and Wilts. Regiments of the New York levies should be established by the Rolls in the Comptroller's Office at Albany, which have been discovered since the adjustment of her husband's claim."
Of course, I am not informed by the above how his services are to be established by those records in your Office - whether by Certified copies, or by extracts made from those records; or simply by your letter directed to the Secretary at War informing him of what you learn from your records as to Hawkins' services. I suppose, however, that from past experience, &c. you know perfectly well what the Pension Commissioner wants on such occasions, and will be able to furnish it from the suggestions given in the above extract from his letter.

The Soldier's name was Thomas Hawkins. I do not know what your fees are on such occasions but send you the enclosed, which, though but little to receive is much for the old lady to spare from her all but destitute condition. Please to address whatever you can furnish to me at this place. Very Respectfully &c D. L. McCall
Having dispatched the foregoing letter to the Comptroller of N. York; I went to the Wyoming County Court, to take Mrs Hawkins' declaration anew. She was brought to the County Town in a Sled ; and was so unwell from the ride that we could not then get her into court: so the judge went to her lodging to take her declaration. Her memory was so defective, that I had no confidence in her being able to distinguish with correctness between Captains, Colonels, and Generals; nor between those under whom her husband Served , and those about whom she had only heard him talk . That is, I saw she recollected names of Officers, but from her appearance & manner, her memory is evidently so much impaired, that I could not believe she knew whether they were Generals, Captains, or Colonels; nor whether her husband served under them all , or had only talked about them; and when I pressed her upon these two points she was evidently uncertain, and acknowledged her want of recollection, though she appeared honest in the statements of her belief.
When I returned home, I found that the

enclosed letter from Albany had arrived, but had been sent to me at Dunkhamock. I left there however, for my home before it had arrived, so that it came back to me at Milner-Barnes, by mail, as you may see by the post marks.
I send it to you with its enclosure.
At Dunkhamock we found a witness - Mr Van Slyk - whose testimony confirms Mr Hawkins as to her marriage, though he was not present at her wedding his testimony is very much in point.
I hope the enclosed documents will be satisfactory to you.
Very Respectfully,
Your Obt Servt
D. L. Moxwell
J. L. Edwards, Esq. Commissioner of Pensions

Eaton Augt. 5 th 1863
V. S. Maxwell Esq. Sir. in answer to your enquiry for widow of Nancy Hawkins Marriage with Thos. Hawkins no record of their Marriage is known to me have been preserved by any branch of the family the Oldest Son and Oldest Daughter both over Sixty, knows not that there was a record kept of their Marriage the Old lady has two other Sons William & Albert living in Wap- sy Township Bradford Co. Saml. Hawkins another Son at the age of 21 Enlisted in U.S. Service at the Commence- ment of the late War marched to the lines and never returned (supposed to have been killed in Battle) I have been acquainted with the family more than forty years they were poor illiterate and obscure family not caring much for the past nor thinking for the future the Old lady is blind & destitute
Yours Very
Respectfully E. Harding
P.S. the Oldest Son & Daughter mentioned above both live in this Town

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefits of the resolution of Congress of the 23 d January 1845.
Whereas the act of the 30 th of April, 1844, prohibited me from drawing a pension for the same period during which my husband was a pensioner, I now make the following statement under oath, to obtain the benefits of the resolution above mentioned. I am the widow of Thomas Hawkins who was a private in the war of the Revolution, I have drawn a pension at the rate of 12 dollars per annum from the 4 th of September 1843, and now ask for the amount due me from the fourth day of March 1836 to the 4 th day of September 1843 — when my former pension commenced. I made my declaration before the 30 th of April, 1844, and it was filed in the Pension Office before the 23 d of January, 1845.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, on this 16 th day of September in the year 1845 at C. F. —
L. M. [Signature] Justice of the Peace
I certify that the declarant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit. [Signature] Justice of the Peace

No. Sept. 24. 1845.
Nancy Hawkins Widow of Tho. Hawkins.
Resolution 23. Jan. 7. 1845.
Brown & Thayer Agents. Washington } 23. Sep. 1845. }

I James Brown Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for Wyoming County do hereby certify that John Holland Esq. — who has signed the foregoing is a Justice of the Peace for the county of Wyoming — in the State of Pennsylvania and that the above is his signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office, this Tenth — day of September at Sunbury — in the State of Pennsylvania in the Year of AD 1825 —
James Brown Clerk —
By AR Brown OC —

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the Resolution of Congress of the 23 d of January 1845.
Where as the act of the 30 th of April 1844 prohibited me from drawing a Pension - for the same period during which my husband was a pensioner - I now make the following statement under oath. in order to obtain the benefits of the Resolution above mentioned - I am the widow of Thomas Hawkins who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States. and who died on the first day of June 1842 Eighteen hundred and forty two - That I have drawn a Pension under the act of March 3 1843 - of about sixty Dollars per annum (but cannot now state the exact amount) commencing on the 4 th day of March 1843 - and now ask for the amount due me from the fourth day of March 1836. to the 4 th day of March 1841 - Not having drawn a pension for that time.
Sworn to and subscribed before me This 7 th day of July - 1845 } Nancy X Hawkins Mark Jesse Harding Clerk
I certify that the declarant is personally known to me and that she is the same individual that she represents herself in the foregoing affidavit Jesse Harding Clerk
I James Brown The clerk of the County of Wyoming do hereby certify that Miss Harding who has signed the foregoing is a sister of the Petitioner for the County of Wyoming in the state of Pennsylvania and that the above is his signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name. and affixed my seal of office. This 8 th day of July 1845. at Sunbeamock, in the state of Pennsylvania James Brown Prothonotary By J. N. Brown
Answer to John H. Carter. Warren Wayne Co. NY

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
January 7 th 1846.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, Nancy Hawkins a Pensioner on the Roll of the Philadelphia, Pa. Agency, at the rate of Sixty Dollars and Cents per annum, under the law of the 17 th June 1844, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March 1844, to the 4 th Sept. 1844.
Respectfully, yours,
Charles B. Lawrence
Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

Revolutionary Claims
John L. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions Washington Offis: Columbus
55245-
Nov 3-
Mar 20'44
Col Mls

Wilkes-Barre Pa. March 14-1844
J. L. Edwards, Esquire
Dear Sir, — Enclosed is a communication which came to me through the politeness of Mr. Bidwell the Member of Congress for this district.
I have by me a copy of her, (Nancy Hawkins') declaration forwarded in the case, and all the testimony relating thereto. Upon examining it, and not doubting but the declaration and evidence will be the same, if taken again; and you being already satisfied as to her right to receive a pension under the act of 1838; I am induced to inquire of you whether anything more will be required of her than to execute a formal writing, claiming her pension under the act of 1838, upon the declaration and evidence already filed in your department.
I would not myself trouble you with this inquiry, but I cannot myself see how anything more can possibly be useful; and as she is so infirm, suffers so much by even a short journey, and myself & part of her witnesses are so far from her, I beg earnestly in her behalf, that as little of exertion & expense will be required of her as possible. She resides 28 miles from me, and yet I must go and attend to drawing up the same writings again, if required. It is my intent to do so; but she can ill spare the cost from her destitution.
I remain very Respectfully
Your Obl. Servt.
D. L. Maswell
Atty for Nancy Hawkins

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and Pensions to certain widows"
State of Pennsylvania } Wyoming County } ss
On this first day of April 1844 personally appeared before the subscriber one of the justices of the Peace in and for the County of Wyoming aforesaid, Nancy Hawkins a resident of Eaton Township in the County of Wyoming aged eighty six last March, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7 th 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and Pensions to certain widows:" That she is the widow of Thomas Hawkins who was a private in the Revolutionary Army of the United States and who served under Cols John Spaulding, Weisenfels, and Willets as she hereby believes and under Capt Burnet and Capt DeWitt, as she thinks, and who received a pension from the United States by a certificate of the Secretary of War, dated the 14 th day of November 1832 numbered 1978. — She further declares, that she was married to the said Thomas Hawkins on the first day of January in the year seventeen hundred and seventy eight; that her husband the aforesaid Thomas Hawkins died on the second day of June 1842 at Eaton Township aforesaid, and that her marriage with him took place previous to the first of January AD 1794 and at the time above stated.
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
J. P. Harding
Witnesses.
J. Harding J. P. Harding
Nancy her Hawkins mark

State of Pennsylvania } ss Wyoming County }
I, James Brown Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for Susque County, do certify that Iss. Harding is a Justice of the Peace in and for Susque County as appears of Record, and that his name subscribed to the foregoing Affidavit, is his own genuine signature, his hand writing being known to me.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said Court this the 1 st day of April A.D. one thousand eight hundred and forty four.
James Brown Prothonotary By A. B. Brown J.P.
107/18

Sept. 8. 1842
Added to case of
Nancy Hawkins

Wilkes Barre Pa. Sept 4-1843
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comr d of Pensions
Dear Sir,
As the Attorney of Nancy Hawkins, an Applicant at your Office for a pension, I return herewith your directions of the 22 d of July 43. and a letter to me from E. Harding Esq. dated August 5 th 1843.
Esq d Harding is one of the most respectable Gentlemen in Wyoming County, (formerly Luzerne.) There are none more so for integrity.
He kindly consented to undertake the inquiry, which you accompanying note suggests, and his letter is the result.
M rs Hawkins family seems to me, from other sources of information, to have been one of the most improvident, careless, illiterate and ignorant.
The old Lady is now in extreme want; & I trust that you will not feel it your duty to withhold her pension for the omission to supply what it appears never existed. I would respectfully suggest that she has already made out a far stronger case than others have, who have obtained pensions, & whose testimony appears have passed through my hands.
This is not said in complaint, for I know perfectly well the impossibility that you should recollect the particulars of the numerous cases

which have passed under your review for adjudication; and for that reason, I would respectfully, (for the purpose of saving you labor) condense in a short statement the facts of this case, bearing upon the only question open.
You have noted the fact of her marriage on the first of January 1778. proved.
1. By her own oath, clear and distinct as to the fact in question.
2. The oath of Geo. Miller that he has known the Applicant and Thomas Hawkins, for forty years & upwards to live together as man & wife.
3. The oath of Benjamin Harding that he has known them for fifty years, living together as man & wife; that they were then raising a number of children - the eldest appearing to be fifteen or sixteen years of age, which well confirms her own testimony, as at the time of taking the testimony was near sixty five years after her marriage.
4. The oath of her daughter, swearing that she was born on the 29 th of Jany. 1779; that as far as she can remember, her father & mother lived together as man & wife; & that her mother always told her that she was married on Newyears day 1778.
5. The oath of Walter Vautyle, stating that he was living with his uncle at different times, with by whom Nancy Hawkins also was brought up; that he was not present at her wedding but that he heard of it at the time, saw them at his uncle's after the wedding, living together as man & wife, &

that from his recollection of the circumstances, he has no doubt but she was married as she states. This is most important corroborating testimony, & after the lapse of 65 years seems entirely conclusive, when taken in connection with the foregoing.
We could not find a jury of our country who would not so consider it, though thousands of dollars should depend upon the question, & Congress must have known perfectly well, that living witnesses cannot, in nine cases out of ten be procured after this length of time; and that there are thousands of cases where no records have been kept.
I trust therefore, that after learning that no further testimony can be obtained, & reviewing the facts in the case you will yourself be convinced of the propriety of granting her pension. Her husband was undeniably a soldier of the revolution; she has raised a large family of children some of them sixty years old, and deserves a living from her country.
I remain very respectfully,
Yours
V. L. Maxwell
Atty for Nancy Hawkins.

Revolutionary Claims of me
Von: James M Pater Secretary at War Washington Dis: Columbia
Nancy Hawkins.

Pennsylvania, Wilkes-Barre April 3-1843
J. L. Edwards Esq Comm r of Pensions,
Dear Sir,
Since the act of your letter of the 20 th ult, which I return herewith, I have procured and forwarded with the Certificate of Judge Congyngton as to the credibility of the witnesses in the case of Nancy Hawkins' Application for a pension, which supplies one defect in her papers pointed out by your letter.
I was aware of the first defect mentioned in your letter, and it occurred in consequence of my being called upon unexpectedly to prepare the papers, when I was some 18 or twenty miles from home & had not the necessary forms with me for a guide.
I was not certain at the moment, under which act her case would entitle her to receive a pension; and although I thought the act of 1838 would apply to her case, yet I could not give its date, style, &c. from recollection; besides, I could not think it a fatal defect, as I supposed if her case fell within the requisitions of that act you would give her a pension under it; or if within the

requirements of an earlier act, that one would afford her the benefit of that. I thought the only risk she was running by not mentioning the particular act of Congress under which she claimed her pension, was, that in case she proved herself entitled to receive a pension under either of two acts, you would apply that act to her case which should be most unfavorable to her, & the most favorable to the government. I still hope you will take this view of the matter & not put me to much trouble, (as she lives 20 miles distant,) to cause a defeat, certainly a noble, which will benefit the government when accomplished.
I should have been more particular in relation to the record of her marriage, but, if I recollect aright, she told me that she had none in her bible & knew of none having been kept. This I imagine is stated in her declaration, & of course she could account for the absence of a record in no other way, unless she had known it to have existed.
In relation to the character of the judge certifying as to the credibility of the witnesses; and as to my own character, if that can have any weight with you, I would refer to the present Secretary of War who is acquainted with us both - more particularly with Judge Cuyngsham.
If there is anything further wanting in order

to entitle the old lady to a pension, I will do all I can to supply it, if this is not satisfactory. Still I know not at present, that anything more can be done for her here.
Very respectfully
Your Oble Servt
V. L. Maxwell
but
14

In pursuance of a law passed the 27th of April, 1784, entitled "An act for the settlement of the pay of the Levies and Militia, for their services in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned," the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five per cent per annum, viz :
  30 th Nov r 1780 Thomas Hawkins Private £ 16 19 6   20 th Dec r 1781 do do 20 17 6       Book No. 1201- 3- 18 18- 
STATE OF NEW-YORK, COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, Albany, May 17 th 1843. }
I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book No. 2, now remaining in this office, and that the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following officers, viz :
  First—under Capt.  Abraham Westfall  in  Col.  Albert Powning  Regt.    Second, " "  Henry Powning  "  "  do  "    Third, " "   "  "   "    Fourth, " "   "  "   "    Fifth, " "   "  "   "    Sixth, " "   "  "   "    Seventh, " "   "  "   "    Eighth, " "   "  "   "    Ninth, " "   "  "   "    Tenth, " "   "  "   "  
Philip Schuyler Comptroller

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
December 1 st , 1841.
Sir:
Under the date of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Thomas Hawkins — a Pensioner on the Roll of the Philadelphia Agency, at the rate of Eighty Dollars and Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 1 st of Sept. 1840, to the 1 st March 1841.
Respectfully, yours,
William L. Parris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

Jan 9. 1844.
Mr Hawkins
ack ack
Arrian Island
Nov 1978
Alt Head H.R.
W. H. Langton

Washington 8th Jan. 1844
Dear Sir,
Will you be so good as to inform me whether Thomas Hawkins who died in Augt 1842 was not a pensioner under the act of 1832 or some other act of Congress. and whether there is not withdrawn money due to his heirs. His heirs think he was entitled to land also, Please inform me if it be so.
Respectfully yours &c
AH Read
J. L. Edwards Esq

State of Pennsylvania Wyoming County - § 55:
On this twenty fourth day of May A.D. 1843, personally appeared before Me, William Joseph, President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for Said County, Nancy Hawkins a resident of Eaton Township in Said County, of Wyoming, State of Pennsylvania aged eighty five years last March, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath Make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Provision made by the Act of Congress passed July the 4 th 1836:
That she is the widow of Thomas Hawkins who was a private in the revolutionary Army of the United States; that as to his services and many other matters her recollection is very uncertain and indistinct, but she thinks he served under General James Clinton; and at different times under Cols: John Spaulding, McLaughlin or some such name, and Cols: Weisfelft and Willits; and under Captain Burnett, and, she thinks, under a Capt: De Witt -
She cannot state when he first went into the service; nor the time he left it, but says he was in the service at different times, and was gone sometimes three, four, and five months. He was part of the time at Pien Park, on the frontiers of Orange County, New York; and at was stationed also some of the time at Esopus on the North River. She thinks he was in no battle, except skirmishes with the Indians, being much of the time employed in scouting parties, as a guards on the frontiers against the Indians. She thinks he resided in Orange County New York at the time of his services or the most of them; and that he enlisted or volunteered his services - certainly a part of the time he was out.

She also says that for his services the Revolutionary War he drew a pension by a certificate of the Secretary at War dated the 14 th day of November 1832 Numbered 1978 on the back of the Seal
She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas Hawkins on the first day of January A.D. 1778. she thinks in the Town of Wallkill, Orange County New York State, by a justice of the peace by the name of Jonathan Smith; that she does not know whether he kept any record of her Marriage; that he gave her no certificate of it; nor did she or her husband keep any record of it, for she and her husband could not write; nor does she know of any living witnesses of her Marriage.
She further says that her said husband Thomas Hawkins died in Salem Township in the County of Wyoming and State of Pennsylvania on the second day of June one thousand eight hundred and forty two; and that she has remained his widow ever since; as will more fully appear by the evidence already furnished the department in connection with her former declaration.
Sworn to and subscribed on this twenty fourth day of May A.D. 1843.
Nancy X Hawkins Mark
William Joseph Pugh Judge
Wyoming County } State of Pennsylvania } ss.
On this twenty fourth day of May A.D. 1843, Personally appeared before me, William Joseph, President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for said County, Walter Van Tyle, a resident of Salem Township, in said County, aged seventy six years on the first day of March last - who being first duly sworn according

to law on his oath says that he is well acquainted with Nancy Hawkins the foregoing named Applicant for a pension; that she was brought up by his uncle William Biddle of Wallkill, Orange County, New York; that he also lived with his said Uncle a Summer Season before the Marriage of the said Nancy, and occasionally afterwards; that he was not present at her wedding as she was not married at his uncles; but he recollects well of her Marriage to the said Thomas Hawkins being talked of in the family; and of the said Hawkins and the said Nancy coming here after they were Married; and of their living together as man and wife; so that from his own knowledge and what he heard at the time, he has not the least doubt of her Marriage having taken place as she states, though he was not present at the wedding. He further says that he was also acquainted with the said Jonathan Smith referred to in Mrs Hawkins declaration, and that he was for many years an acting justice of the peace.
Subscribed & sworn to This 24 th day of May 1823
Walter Vantyle
Mississippi Dist Judge
And I, the said William Gist, judge as aforesaid, do certify that the said Nancy Hawkins is too infirm, and too much affected by age or disease to be brought into court; and further, that from what I have learned of the reputation of the above named Walter Vantyle, for truth and veracity, I believe his statement above to be entitled to full credit.
Mississippi Dist Judge

5854
Nancy Hawkins Ga
Act 4 July '36
servin before 78. 3.19 Certf: Compter 14.11 18 mo =

I James Brown, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Wyoming in the State of Pennsylvania, do hereby certify that the William named William Lipp, is the President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas aforesaid; that his hand writing is well known to me, and that his signature affixed to the several affidavits, or depositions, and to his certificate following them are his true and genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal atunk- tamont, the Twelfth day of May Anno Domini, One Thousand eight hundred and forty three James Brown Pro

Thomas Hawkins, Penna. Ill, ad June 7. 1832, at $80 per annum.
Be pleased to say to what time paid
Remain of fin Jan 12. 1844
Disb 2 d June 1842, Paid to Day of his death.
B. B.

6854
Passion Office
pa
July 4 1836
Nancy Hawkins
perhaps no already.
May 31 '43

Pension Office, May 3 d 1842.
Sir,
In the Case of Nancy Hawkins, the Certificate of the Judge enclosed in yours of 3 d Ult o . has been filed. Her Claim should be asserted agreeably to the regulations forwarded to you. She should state all she may know of his service particularly that rendered after the date of her marriage and as the regulations require the best attainable evidence, his alleged service in Misenfelt's and Miltell's Regiment of the New York Series should be established by the rolls in the Comptroller's Office at Albany which have been discovered since the adjustment of her husband's Claim.
I am very respectfully, Your obedient Servant, J. L. Edwards
V. L. Masenville Esq. Millsboro Pa

M. 29.
Rev W D & Feb 1/43.
Wilkes Barre Pa.
Jan 27. 1843.
H. L. Maxwell
Inclau petition of Nancy Hawkins for a pension.
32
Hon. John C. Spencer Secretary of War, Washington D.C. Columbia Pa July 7. 1838 Nancy Hawkins
Assistant Clerk

Wilkes-Barre July 27-1843-
Dear Sir,
Any communication in relation to the enclosed application for a pension, may be made to me, - address Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pa.
Very Respectfully yours
W. L. Moxon
Atty for Nancy Hawkins

37 74 19
96 30 76 30 39 43 74
Tunkliannock Pa May 25.
Hom d 18 36
[Large decorative flourish signature]
L. M. Naylor Esq. Tunkliannock Wilkes Barre Pa.

Comptroller's Office Albany May 17 th 1843
Sir I transmit enclosed a certificate in relation to the services of Thomas Hawkins during the Revolutionary period. The amount rendered to pay fees & expenses $1.00 retaining $1.00 for the search.
I am very respectfully Yr. Ob't Serv't Philip Phelps Deputy Comptroller
V. L. Maxwelle Esq. Weekes, Bane Pa.

Wilkes-Barre Pa. April 2 o - 1874
Jno. L. Edwards Esq r
Dear Sir,
Enclosed is the "Affidavit" of Mrs Hawkins, requested by your last communication. I am Much Oblized, indeed, by your favorable indulgence. It has saved Myself trouble and the Old Lady expense she could illly have spared.
You can transmit her certificate to me at the above named place, as I shall have to draw her papers for procuring the money.
I remain very Respectfully Your Ob t . Serv t : D. L. Mansfield

Pay  WIDOW, &c.  see
File No. 2792
Mary Hawkins Widow
Thomas Hawkins Br. Rev. War
Act: March 3, 1843
Index:—Vol. Q , Page 302
[Arrangement of 1870.]