Abigail (Wooden) Haxton (abt. 1735 - bef. 1789)

Born about 1735 in Mount Washington, Berkshire, Massachusetts Bay Colony

Ancestors

Descendants

Died before 1789 before about age 54 in Cambridge, Washington, New York, United States

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Biography

Abigail was born in 1735. She passed away before 1789.

Woodin Family of Mt Washington, MA

Posted 14 Jan 2012 by mapv69

Woodin's of Mt Washington, MA. Members of the Woodin family were inhabitants of Mount Washington prior to its incorporation and during the Revolutionary War and the name can be found there in records post dating the Civil War. The Woodin family of Mount Washington is a frustratingly elusive family to genealogy research. The amount of information that can be found regarding the Woodin’s equals just as many questions that are left behind. Records of the Woodin family that span well over a century in the area dictate close relation however it is difficult to define clear relationships and lineages.

The Woodin families of Mount Washington appear to be descended of one or more of the Woodin brothers who immigrated to America in the early 1700’s from the Isle of Wight, England who first settled in Old Lyme, CT. In A New Land for Timothy, Timothy Woodin b. 1695, according to the Institute of American Genealogy in Chicago, immigrated to America circa 1722 with four brothers; Peter, John, Reuben and Amsdon. It is said that Timothy Woodin, “first settled in Lyme, Conn., later in Berkshire County, Mass., whence he removed to New York” and it is assumed the same for his brothers as little if anything is known about them. The three eldest ancestors of the Woodin family found in historical records to be inhabitants of or to have connection with Mount Washington are John Woodin assumed to be born 1728 or before, Peter Woodin b. 1732 and Abigail (Woodin) Haxton b. 1735. It is possible that John, Peter and Abigail were siblings however documentation is lacking. If further information be unearthed, some of the information to follow may alter.

The Woodin name prominently appears on Taughkanic Mountain prior to and circa the Revolutionary War. The earliest land deed found thus far regarding the Woodin’s is dated 11 Dec 1767 when “Peter Wodden of Takanik Mountain” purchased land lying there from Abraham Van Deusen that Mr. Van Deusen had originally purchased from the Native Indians in 1757. In a land deed dated 31 Dec 1772 Peter Woodin purchased 50 Acres on “Tonick Mountain” of Thomas Cade, another original purchaser of the Indians 1757 that was bounded on the west by land owned by John Woodin. The same day Peter Woodin sold a portion of his purchase to Samuel Dibble of the mountain. The following year 04 Nov 1773 Abner Woodin called “of Sheffield” purchased land on Taughkanic Mountain from Elisha Sheldon. A month later 8 Dec 1773 Peter Woodin of Taughkanic Mountain purchased another tract of land from Samuel Dibble. In January 1774 John Woodin, Peter Woodin and Abner Woodin were signers of a petition to incorporate Taughkanic Mountain as a town. In 1774 Andrew Haxton, husband of Abigail Woodin, became a land owner at Taughkanic Mountain and also purchased land to the east in Sheffield. On a map dated February 1774 lot 14 was owned by Abner Woodin, bounded north by lot 47 owned by Andrew Haxton. Andrew Haxton’s lot was bounded west by the ministry lot #4, which was bounded on the north by lot #22 owned by Peter Woodin, bounded north with lot #24 containing 100 acres total co-owned by Peter Woodin and John Woodin.

In January 1775 Andrew Haxton and Peter Woodin served on a Coroner’s jury at which time Andrew Haxton was called “of Sheffield.” In August 1776 John Woodin, Amos Woodin and Peter Woodin were signers of another attempt to procure an act of incorporation. At the first recorded meeting in the second proprietor’s book held 05 Nov 1778 “Capt. John King and Peter Woodin were chosen as a committee to receive the money from the proprietors and apply it to the General Court to secure the lands to the proprietors.” At a meeting held 01 Mar 1779 “Charles Patterson, Capt. John King, William Campbell and Sgt. John Woodin were chosen a committee to take care of the minister and school lots.” On 10 Feb 1780 Abner Woodin sold land in Mount Washington lying north of John Woodin’s house to Amos Woodin, both men being called “of Mount Washington.” Abner Woodin on 12 Oct 1781 as the administrator of John Woodin’s estate, sold land in Mount Washington belonging to the estate to Samuel Dibble, bounded by land set off to widow Mary Woodin. Circa 1781 a forge was constructed at the outlet of South Pond on Mt. Riga that was operated by Abner Woodin and Peter Woodin later succeeded by Daniel Ball and for many years the forge was known as Ball’s Forge. Andrew Haxton acted as tax collector 01 Jul 1782.

Revolutionary War Military Records found for the Woodin family are as follows: (Note: spellings are as they appear in the records)WOODEN, Abner Tauconnuck Mountain (Mt. Washington). Corporal, Capt. John Holmes's co., Col. John Fellows’ regt., which marched April 21, 1775, in response to the alarm of April 19, 1775; service, 17 days. WOODEN, Amos Lieut. John Dibell's detachment, Col. Ashley's (Berkshire Co.) regt.; entered service July 8, 1777; discharged July 27, 1777; service, 15 days. WOODEN, John Lieut. John Dibell's detachment, Col. Ashley's (Berkshire Co.) regt.; entered service July 8, 1777; discharged July 21, 1777; service, 13 days; also, Capt. John King's co., Col. Ashley's (Berkshire Co.) regt.; entered service July 21, 1777; discharged Aug. 15, 1777; service, 25 days.WOODEN, Peter 2d Lieutenant, 14th co., Col John Ashley, Jr's (1st Berkshire Co.) regt. of Mass. militia; list of officers; commissioned June 5, 1779; also, 2nd Lieutenant, Capt. Jacob Cook's (14th) co., 1st Berkshire Co., regt. of Mass. militia; list of officers (year not given).WOODIN, Abner, Sheffield. Corporal, Capt. William Beacon’s (Bacon’s) co., Col. John Fellows’ regt.; muster roll dated Aug 1, 1775; enlisted May 8, 1775; service, 3 mos. 1 day also, company return dated Dorchester, Oct 6, 1775.WOODIN, Peter Lieutenant, Capt. John King’s detachment, Col. John Ashley’s regt.; entered service Oct 23 1780; discharged Oct 25 1780; service, 2 days; detachment marched from Mt. Washington towards Bennington to guard frontiers on an alarm.WOODING, Amos Private, Capt. John King’s co., Col. Hopkins’s (Berkshire Co.,) regt.; entered service July 15, 1776; discharged July 31, 1776; service 16 days; mileage out and home (180 miles) allowed: company marched by order of Brig. Gen. Fellows. In attempt to not confuse the reader concerning information found regarding the members of the Woodin family of Mount Washington, they are spoken of below individually as the records dictate. *******

PETER WOODIN – There is more than one Peter Woodin known to have inhabited or to have connection to Mount Washington, which makes it difficult to decifer of which Peter Woodin certain records are pertaining to. They are; Lieut. Peter Woodin 1761-1854, his father Peter Woodin Sr. 1732-1789 and Rev. Peter Woodin 1748-1815 who is thought to be a son of John Woodin born before 1728 and here will be deciphered as such to avoid confusion amongst the three.

According to a land deed dated 11 Dec 1767, a Peter Woodin “of Takonick Mountain” purchased land lying there from Abraham Van Deusen, showing this Peter Woodin to be an inhabitant prior to the purchase of land. According to DAR records Lieut. Peter Woodin 1761-1854 was born at Mount Washington (Taughkanic Mountain) in 1761 and was a son of Peter Woodin Sr. 1732-1789 and his wife Achsah whose maiden name is unknown and is said to have been born at “Taconic, MA.” In the DAR records it is noted of Peter Woodin Sr that, “(he) served as a private in Col. Samuel Canfield’s regiment, Connecticut militia. He was born and died in Killingworth, Conn.” It is thought that the “Peter Wodden of Taconick Mountain” who purchased land lying there in 1767 in Peter Woodin Sr. who originated from Killingworth (Lyme), CT, father of Lieut. Peter Woodin 1761-1854. How long Peter Woodin Sr. remained at Taughkanic Mountain is questionable. If he indeed served as a private in the Revolutionary War from Connecticut, during that time frame, he apparently returned to Killingworth, CT while his son remained at Taughkanic Mountain.

Peter Woodin 1761-1854 first served as a 2nd Lieutenant under Capt. John King in the 14th Co., Col. Ashley’s First Berkshire County regiment of Massachusetts militia commissioned as an officer 05 Jun 1779. He also served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the same Regiment under Capt. Jacob Cook (no year given). He again served as a Lieutenant in Capt John King’s detachment of Col. John Ashley’s regiment 23 Oct 1780 to 25 Oct 1780 that marched from Mount Washington towards Bennington to guard frontiers on an alarm. Lieut Peter Woodin was the father of two children with his wife Ruth Curtis born 06 Dec 1751 in Vermont a daughter of Josiah Curtis and Mary Kilborn. His wife predeceased him 1832 in Danbury, VT and he later moved to Swartz Creek, MI where he died 14 Apr 1854 and was buried in the Swartz Creek Cemetery. (Photo 2003: Grave of Lieut. Peter Woodin 1761-1854, Swartz Creek Cemetery, source: www.missar.org).

Rev. Peter Woodin 1748-1815 is more commonly found as being of Green River (Hillsdale), Columbia Co., NY. An historic inquiry to the DAR by “L.A.W.L” requested the following: “Woodin-Dibble – I would like particulars of Peter Woodin, b. April 1, 1748 – where? He lived at Green River, Columbia Co., NY. He married Hannah Dibble b. Nov 28, 1749, who died Sept. 30, 1831. He died Dec. 24, 1815. He served in Rev. War with his neighbor, James Shephard. A Granddaughter says she often heard her grandfather tell of the time, when short of rations, that Gen. Washington gave them some crackers. Any information of Peter Woodin or his wife, Hannah Dibble, will be appreciated –“ a Laura Renker posted the following unsourced information regarding this Peter Woodin on rootsweb.com; “Harriett (Dibble) Woodin Note: They lived for many years at Mt. Washington, Mass. where most of their children were born. From Peter and Harriet are descended also many ministers; Methodist, Baptist and Congregationalists. Simon F. Woodin, a missionary for many years in Foochow, China, was a descendant of Peter Woodin. Peter Woodin Note: Peter was a minister of note and founded many churches.” This researcher seemingly had the first name of Peter Woodin’s wife incorrect as “Harriett” as a “Hannah Woodin of Hillsdale” left a last will and testament found in Columbia County, NY where Hillsdale (Green River) is located which collaborates with the inquiry made previously years before with the DAR. Rev. Peter Woodin and Hannah Dibble appear to be the parents of Daniel Woodin born circa 1772 in Mount Washington who married Thankful Graves 1772-1851. In the 1800 US Census Peter Woodin 1748-1815 resided next to who appears to be his son Daniel Woodin in Hillsdale. Daniel Woodin died 1807 and when the 1810 Census was taken Rev. Peter Woodin resided next to his widowed daughter-in-law in Hillsdale. In Williams College and Foreign Missions Simon Foster Woodin 1833-1896 was born in Green River, NY and is documented to be a grandson of Daniel Woodin 1772-1807 as such, “Simeon Foster Woodin, son of George C. and Phebe (Fster) Woodin, and grandson of Daniel and Thankful (Graves) Woodin, and of Parla and Phebe (Wells) Foster, was born at Green River, in the town of Hillsdale, Columbia County, New York, Mary 11, 1833. The family is descended from Timothy Woodin, who emigrated from the Isle of Wight, it is believed, and settled in New England. The father of Simeon F. Woodin was a farmer.”

Obviously Lieut. Peter Woodin 1761-1854 and Rev. Peter Woodin 1748-1815 are not the same person and records show that Lieut. Peter Woodin was the son of Peter Woodin Sr., therefore, it is assumed, that Rev. Peter Woodin 1748-1815 is the son of John Woodin of Mount Washington. The existence of his wife Hannah (Dibble) Woodin 1749-1831, due to her maiden name, raises curiosity as to who her parents were as no documentation has been found. Being that her husband Rev. Peter Woodin 1748-1815 appears to have been of Mount Washington at one time, and according to a fellow researcher they “lived for many years at Mt. Washington, Mass., where most of their children were born” if she herself had a connection to Mount Washington prior to her marriage, she can only be an unidentified daughter of John Dibble Sr. 1702-1773 who was an original purchaser of land from the Stockbridge Indians in 1757 and was buried in the Old Burial Ground in Mount Washington. Only four of his children are documented and the date of her birth fits within the dates of his known children born between 1731 and 1754. *******

JOHN WOODIN - John Woodin (circa 1728-bef 12 Oct 1781) was a signer of the petitions to incorporate Taughkanic Mountain as a town in January 1774 and August 1776. On a map dated February 1774 John Woodin was a joint owner of lot 24 with Peter Woodin containing a total of 100 acres which was bounded by the south with lot 22 also owned by Peter Woodin. In the summer of 1777 John Woodin and Amos Woodin entered into service in the Revolutionary War in Lieut. John Dibble’s detachment, Col. John Ashley’s Berkshire County regiment. John Woodin then served under Capt. John King in Col. Ashley’s Berkshire County regiment enlisting 21 Jul 1777 and was discharged after 25 days of service 15 Aug 1777. At a proprietor’s meeting held 01 Mar 1779 at the vacant house of Samuel Dibble “Charles Patterson, Capt. John King, William Campbell and Sgt. John Woodin were chosen a committee to take care of the minister and school lots.” John Woodin died prior to 12 Oct 1781 when a land deed of that date recorded Abner Woodin 1750-1786 acting as administrator of his estate who sold a portion of John’s land lying in Mount Washington to Samuel Dibble of the mountain. The land sold was bounded by land “set off to widow Mary Woodin.” Nothing more is known about John Woodin’s wife Mary.

John Woodin died before the 1790 US Census was taken therefore it is difficult to determine how many children he may have had, and due to the lack of vital records, their identity. Because of the land deed dated 10 Oct 1781 when Abner Woodin acted as the administrator of the estate of John Woodin, he is assumed to be his son. Further, in the Revolutionary War pension file of Abner Woodin, his widow stated that he was born,“in the east part of said state (Connecticut)” where John Woodin may have originated in Killingworth (Lyme), CT as did Peter Woodin Sr. 1732-1789,and “– that she first saw her husband after the battle (Bunker Hill 1775) at Mount Washington where his father resided.” Peter Woodin Sr 1732-1789 is presumed to have left the mountain prior to or during the Revolutionary War, father of Lieut. Peter Woodin 1761-1854, therefore Rev. Peter Woodin 1748-1815 who is more commonly known as of Green River (Hillsdale), Columbia Co., NY is thought to be another son of John Woodin. A Solomon Woodin was listed as a head of household in Mount Washington in 1790. When the 1800 Census was taken Solomon Woodin (age 25-44) lived near Andrew Haxton and a John Woodin (age 16-25) who was also listed as a head of household. It is possible that John Woodin of Mount Washington in 1800 is a sibling of Solomon Woodin, and possibly the two were additional sons of John Woodin (Sr.) In 1810 Solomon Woodin continued to reside in Mount Washington, as did John Woodin (Jr.) and in that year appears an Ebenezer Woodin listed as a head of household in the Census, the same age range as John Woodin (Jr.), who could be yet another son of John Woodin (Sr.) The Woodin name is absent from the 1820 Census in Mount Washington however in 1830 a “Mrs. Woodin” (age of 50-60) was listed as a head of household in the Census residing with a lone female (age of 15-20). Because John Woodin is thought to be the father of Abner Woodin 1750-1786 and Rev. Peter Woodin 1748-1815, he is believed to have been born circa 1728 or earlier. Due to the lack of vital records it is difficult to prove any of the above theories, however John Woodin (Sr.) of Mount Washington during the Revolutionary War seems to be the only logical choice as being the father of the above Woodin’s found to be resident’s of Mount Washington in later years after his death in 1781.*******

ABIGAIL WOODIN - Abigail Woodin (circa 1735-bef 23 Apr 1789) circa 1756/57 married Andrew Haxton born circa 1733 in North Kingstown, RI a son of Benjamin Haxton b. 1705 and Anne Smith b. 1707. Andrew’s father was mariner who quit the sea and moved his family to Coxsackie, Greene County, NY. Shortly after the move Benjamin Haxton was killed by Indians while repairing the roof of his mill. The Haxton family, it is assumed with the exception of Andrew, then moved to Beekman, NY. Abigail Woodin and her husband were the parents of ten children born 1762 - 1777 recorded as being born at Taughkanic Mountain in the Haxton Genealogy. On a map dated February 1774 Andrew Haxton was the owner of lot 47 at Taughkanic Mountain bounded on the south by lot 14 owned by Abner Woodin, bounded to the west by the ministry lot 4. Said lot was bounded on the north by lot 22 owned by Peter Woodin, which was bounded on the north by lot 24 co-owned by Peter Woodin and John Woodin. In January 1775 Andrew Haxton and Peter Woodin served on a Coroner’s jury at which time Andrew Haxton was called “of Sheffield.” Andrew Haxton acted as tax collector 01 Jul 1782. Abigail Woodin died prior to 23 Apr 1789 when Andrew Haxton married as his second wife Elizabeth Watrous b. 1742 in Killingworth, CT and with her had only one son. Elizabeth Watrous was previously married John Lee Sherman 31 Mar 1763 in Salisbury, CT.

When the 1790 US Census was taken and again in 1800 Andrew Haxton was listed as a head of household in Mount Washington where he presumably died prior to 01 Sept 1801. His only son by his second wife Elizabeth was appointed administrator of his estate and the inventory was taken by John Dibble, Daniel Lord and Frederick Cline of Mount Washington. While Abigail and Andrew’s children were growing up at Taughkanic Mountain it was the height of the Shaker movement and when Mother Ann Lee held meetings at the home of Benjamin Osborne. Their daughter Anna joined the Shakers and never married. Their daughter Abigail married David Osborne, a son of Benjamin Osborne, and it is believed they too joined the Shakers. After the Revolutionary War son Jeremiah Haxton married Elizabeth King and daughter Edith Haxton married George H King, children of Capt. John King. Jeremiah Haxton lived his life in Mount Washington and is buried there in the Mount Washington Cemetery steps away from his father-in-law Capt. John King. *******

ABNER WOODIN – Abner Woodin (1750-1786) was one of the signers of a petition to incorporate Taughkanic Mountain as a town in January 1774 and is thought to be a son of John Woodin, a fellow signer of the same petition and also a signer of a repeat petition dated August 1776. Abner Woodin was a soldier during the Revolutionary War serving from Mount Washington and is one of the few soldiers of which a pension file can be found in the National Archives and contains the most valuable information regarding the details of his life and military service. Hannah Smith was born 16 June 1755 in Stamford, CT a daughter of Daniel Smith 1725-bef 1793 and Deborah Webb b. 1727. In 1772 Hannah’s oldest sister Sarah Smith 1749-1826 moved from New Fairfield, CT to Taughkanic Mountain with her husband Elnathan Hall 1747-1784 in the company of his sister Martha Hall 1751-1839 and her husband Charles Patterson 1745-1837. Circa 1777 Hannah moved to Taughkanic Mountain to reside with her sister Sarah and married Abner Woodin 10 Jun 1777 in New Fairfield, CT.

Abner Woodin and his wife Hannah Smith were the parents of only two children; Rachel Woodin born 1778 and Greaty Woodin born 29 Dec 1783. After the war and due to financial hardship and to avoid being imprisoned for his debts Abner Woodin went to North Carolina to work as a mill wright where he died 15 Oct 1786 at the age of 36. His widow Hannah appears to have remained on the mountain with her young daughters. While a widow and after the death of her father Hannah’s mother married 14 Apr 1793 in New Fairfield, CT as his second wife Rev. Simon Dakin 1721-1803 which caused Hannah to inherit many step-siblings of which several resided or owned land in Mount Washington. Hannah married 24 Aug 1803 as her second husband Asa Holmes whose first wife had died at the age of 22 in 1782. Asa Holmes was born 22 Mar 1754 in Salisbury, CT a son of Capt. John Holmes 1729-aft 1783 and Rachel Fellows b. 1732 and a nephew of Brigadier General John Fellows 1735-1808. Asa Holmes like his father and uncle was a soldier during the Revolutionary War and was acquainted with Abner Woodin before and during the war who served under the command of Asa’s father Capt. John Holmes and uncle Brig. General John Fellows.

Abner Woodin’s widow Hannah was under the impression that she was not entitled to a pension from his service during the Revolutionary War due to her second marriage, was ultimately convinced otherwise by acquaintances and filed for pension 11 Mar 1843 at the age of 87 days before her death in Erie County, NY. In the application for pension on her oath, Hannah (Smith) Woodin Holmes, the “former widow” of Abner Woodin gave testimony that she married Abner Woodin born 27 Jul 1750 “in the east part of said state (Connecticut).” She gave account that they were married 10 Jun 1777 in New Fairfield, CT and that she, “first seen Mr. Woodin about (1775) two years previous to her marriage.” She then continued to give the following declaration concerning her late husband’s military service – “that he volunteered or enlisted about that time (1775)– recollects it was about the time of the battle of Lexington – thinks he did not get there till after the battle – thinks he enlisted during the war – is certain he was at the battle of Bunker Hill as he said after that frequently heard him speak of many particulars relating to the battle, does not recollect who his captain was, recollects his speaking of (SEN?) Putnam being then – that she first saw her husband after the battle at Mount Washington where his father resided – after that he went to Canada and Quebec under Gen. Arnold – thinks he was a Sergeant in that campaign – returned from Canada thinks in February – was employed for a time in enlisting troops – was after that on Long Island – was in the battle there which was in August – was in the boats that left the island – was in New York till the army __tnated – was then seriously injured by a cannon shot which passed so near his head that he was knocked down and stunned – was passed over first for dead but was afterward picked up by his comrades and carried off – and was soon after taken home to Mount Washington – from the effects of heat and the injury in his head he was unfit for duty and unable to labor for a whole year after – says she has frequently heard her husband relate all the particulars as to the battles and campaigns when he was in the army – recollects of his telling of the hardships of the march to Quebec, of their sufferings from cold and hunger and of the same when at Quebec – of the manner of the attack & upon that plan and of Montgomery, being killed – heard him say he was a very fine man and good officer – of a sleigh breaking through the ice on the return from Canada and a boy who was a drummer being around – a woman who was also in the sleigh came very near drowning but got out – but soon after died with the cold – the night they left long island her husband was on guard – the British guard were so near that they could hear them when they came round to relieve – heard him particularly speak of General Sulla(ven?) Sterling and Arnold, being there of the exceptional heat and then suffering for want of water and how many died of heat and drinking cold water – that at the moment the ball passed him he had turned partly round, that the motion saved his life as the ball passed directly where he stood before he turned – all the above and very many more particulars she has frequently heard her husband relate. That the __set winter she went to live with her sister who resided at Mount Washington and in the same neighborhood of her husband – that she very frequently saw him – that he had then not recovered his health and was unable to labor – that his sickness was the effect of having been melted and the injury in his head by the ball which was on his right side – when he was hurt his first thought was his ear was gone – that after she went to live with her sister at Mount Washington she frequently heard them and all the neighbors talk of her husband being in the army and the cause of his sickness which was being melted as they called it and the hurt in his head – Says she was married to Mr. Woodin the June following – that the same summer or the next (she thinks) her husband was paid for his services in continental money – that he kept the money a considerable time that it continued to depreciate in value and at last he turned it in for a horse which was all he received for it – That after was and about nine years after she was married her husband went to North Carolina to work as a mill wright where he died October 16, 1786 – by him she had two daughters – the youngest with whom she now resides was about four years old at the death of her father - says she has no brothers or sisters now living nor does she know of any one now living who ever saw her husband in the army – a Mr. Matthew Lindsley (who was a pensioner) was knowing to his being in the army – but he died about four years since – says she and Mr. Lindsley were brought up in the same neighborhood – that their father’s farms joined or cornered together – they have resided in the same vicinity most of the time since – that he died in the same town where this deponent now resides – that Mr. Lindsley was well acquainted with her first husband and know of his being in the army and he often told her she aught to have a pension – but she could not on account of her second marriage – says she was married to Asa Holmes August 24, 1803 that he died Dec 24, 1824 – that Mr. Holmes was several years employed a part of the time in scouting parties in the revolutionary war – that he was with the militia at New York after the battle of Long Island and remained there till it was evacuated by the American army – that he was acquainted with her first husband and frequently saw him while the army was at New York says that they were well acquainted before either of them went into the army – has frequently heard Mr. Holmes speak of being with and seeing her first husband when the army lay in New York – says she had a family register in her bible in which her birth and that of her first husband and their marriage was registered – that some 16 or 17 years since the bible had become shatt___ and the leaves so loose that she thought the record would be lost – and that her grandson by her request copied it into an old count-book with a parchment cover which belonged to her father. Which book is now in her possession – that the register as taken is a true copy of the original as registered in the bible.” Unable to appear in court due to bodily infirmity, Hannah Holmes signed the declaration unable to write, with her mark. Greaty (Woodin) Wilder in May of 1843 gave her own testimony regarding her father in the application for pension as follows: “that she is the daughter of Abner Woodin and Hannah Woodin his wife – now widow Hannah Holmes – that she was born in Kinderhook in the State of New York December 29, 1783 – that when she was about three years of age her father left and went to the southern states – she can only recollect having seen him and that not very continually – she recollects very distinctly when the intelligence was received of the death of her father – how her mother felt and the effect it had upon her – the intelligence was received by letter which had been mis-directed which delayed its arrival – says she was then about four years and a half of age – she says that from her early childhood she has always understood from her mother that her father served during the Revolutionary War and has frequently heard her speak of the battles he was in, and of his being injured in his head by a cannon shot and many other particulars – Has frequently heard her mother speak of her father having received pay for his services in continental money – that he kept it a long time hoping it would be better – but at last was obliged to put it off for a trifle – that in consequence of this and other matters his circumstances became embarrassed and he was obliged to leave the county and his family to avoid being imprisoned for debt. Says she knows of no one now living who ever saw her father in the army – has heard Matthew Lindsley often speak of her father being in the army, always understood he had seen him there or knew of his being there – Mr. Lindsley also served in the army and received a pension and that he died about four years since – this deponent has been acquainted with Mr. Lindsley since she was a child and most of the time they have lived in the same vicinity – and has frequently heard him speak of her fathers military service – has always understood that her mother and Mr. Lindsley were children together and brought up in the same neighborhood – and that most of the time since they have resided nearly in the same vicinity and that he died in the same town where this deponent now resides – says that Mr Holmes, her mother second husband died December 1822 that she has since lived a widow and most of the time has lived with this deponent. And this deponent further says –that about sixteen or seventeen years since she required her son Asa Holmes (son by a former husband) to make a family record – that the record was made in an old account book which formerly belonged to her grandfather – that her mother was present at the time – that after the record was written her mother wished to have her family record made in the same place – that her mother said that the record in her bible would soon be lost as the bible had become old – and she wished it written in that book to preserve it – says she saw her son make the record as her mother directed him – thinks the old bible was not present but her mother gave it from recollection – says she had frequently seen the record in the bible and is confident that the record in the count book is the same in substance thought that in the bible was made more formal by her son being then about 16 years of age – that her mother gave her bible to one of her grandsons who has since gone to Illinois – thinks it most likely that the record is now lost – says that her mothers name before she was married was Hannah Smith.” The same day Asa Holmes, a son of Greaty (Woodin) Wilder “by a former husband” issued the following statement to confirm the statements of his mother and grandmother; “that he is the son of Greaty Wilder and made the family record mentioned in the preceeding affidavit – that Hannah Holmes is his grandmother and that he wrote it as she curated him – thinks it was seventeen years ago this summer – that the piece containing the record has been cut from the book in which he wrote it and is _____ ____ and he has written his name upon the back of it In addition, on the same day, Clarissa L Dayton, daughter of family friend Matthew Lindsley deposed and said, “that she is the daughter of Matthew Lindsley the person mentioned in the preceeding affidavit of Greaty Wilder – that she was forty one years of age in January last. That with the exception of about three years she has always lived in or with her father’s family – that she has always been acquainted with the widow Hannah Holmes and with the exception of a few years has lived in the same vicinity – that from the time she was a child she has frequently heard her father speak of the widow Holmes’ first husband (Abner Woodin) serving in the revolutionary war – always understood that he knew of Mr Woodin being in the army – has frequently heard him speak of it. Has heard him say that Mrs. Holmes ought to have a pension – that all that prevented her having one was her second marriage – that she and her friends were all poor – that if she could have a pension it would give her a comfortable support – that all she got by marrying Captain Holmes was trouble and a drunken husband and had lost what little she had, and that it was a great pity she ever had him – that she has frequently heard her father make remarks of this kind – has always understood that her father and widow Holmes were brought up in the same neighborhood and that in their younger days they resided in the same vicinity – and have done so most of the time since – says her father died four years ago in April last.”

Hannah (Smith) Woodin Holmes died in Erie, NY March 1843 without her application for pension being resolved. In 1852 an agent was hired to pursue the pension “for the children.” In 1854 the Pension Office officially denied any pension for the service of Abner Woodin with the following statement, “Agreeably the request in your letter of the 2nd instant, I have examined the papers in the case of Mathew Lindsley, and do not find that they corroborate the statements of Hannah Holmes, who applies for pension as the widow of AbnerWoodin – Lindsley did not enter the service until February 1777 after Woodin is alleged to have left it - It is proper to add that Mrs. Holmes’ own declaration shows that her husband could not have performed the service certified by the Secretary of State of Massachusetts and filed as proof in her case. She states distinctly that her husband was at the battle of Quebec when Montgomery was killed – who fell on the 31st Dec 1775 – the certificate money that the soldier named in it was at Dorchester on the 19th of that month – he could not have been at the battle of Quebec.” In short, Hannah (Smith) Woodin Holmes 1755-183 was politely called a liar.

Revolutionary War Records for Glover’s Regiment, Mass., in fact list Abner Woodin on a receipt roll of non-commissioned officers and soldiers in Capt. William Bacon’s Company who received one pound five shillings back in full for a coat allowed by the province. The roll was dated Dorchester, MA 19 Dec 1775 which on the surface confirms the above statement that Abner Woodin, “could not have been at the battle of Quebec.”. However, in the pension file of Peter Eastman dated 1833, a private from Egremont in Berkshire County, he gave testimony that, “…on the first of September 1775 – he was in (enlisted?) in a company of militia commanded by Captain Fosbury of Col Ashley’s Regt – and that on the first of December 1775 this deponent was marched as a private soldier in said regiment; that said company was in the campaign against Quebec – under the command of General Montgomery; that he continued in said company in said service – till the first of July 1776 – and was discharged from said company at Albany in New York. That the said company marched ___ ___ - that its rout lay through Albany, Crown Point, Montreal – that said company arrived at Quebec after the death of Montgomery – that they lay near Quebec – the first of January 1776 that at the time the army left the neighborhood of Quebec – this deponent ____ the small pox; and was on the ____ of Orleans (VT); and was brought in the hospital establishment at Albany, sick with the small pox – that Michael Loomis, Agremont (Egremont) Lieut., Josiah Nash of Barrington (Great Barrington) 2nd Lieut; and Sergeant Woodin of Mount Washington – were attached to the said company in said campaign.” Further, with the mileage between Dorchester, MA and Quebec being approximately 300 miles, with a good horse, Abner Woodin would have been able to reach Quebec within the time frame given by his widow and fellow comrade, contrary to the war departments opinion hence the pension of Abner Woodin was unjustifiably denied to his family.

According to Abner Woodin’s widow he was born 27 Jul 1750 “in the east part of said state (Connecticut)” and “– that she first saw her husband after the Battle (Bunker Hill 1775) at Mount Washington where his father resided.” In 1775 the most senior member of the Woodin family that resided at Taughkanic Mountain was John Woodin. Abner Woodin at the age of 23 in Nov 1773 and then of Sheffield purchased his first tract of land “lying on Tackanock Mountain” from Elisha Sheldon of Salisbury, CT. After his marriage and the birth of his older daughter on 10 Feb 1780 “Abner Woodin of Mount Washington” sold land in Mount Washington he purchased from Peter Woodin to Amos Woodin. Abner Woodin 12 Oct 1781 then of Salisbury, CT as “Administrator of the Estate of John Woodin late of Mount Washington dec’d” sold to Samuel Dibble of Mount Washington “a certain farm & privilege of water course or stream & mills thereon, lying in Mount Washington aforesaid, containing about thirty six acres” with the first bounds in the north east corner of lands set off to the widow Mary Woodin.” In consideration of the above information is thought that Abner Woodin was a son of John Woodin and his wife Mary whose maiden name is not known. *******

AMOS WOODIN - Amos Woodin (1753-1842) clearly holds intimate relation to the Woodin’s of Mount Washington however his exact relationship is not clearly defined. In A New Land for Timothy, he is noted as a son of Timothy Woodin b. 1695 an immigrant from the Isle of Wight, England. This is conflicting information as Timothy Woodin’s wife (undocumented) widow Marie Parcout b. 1710 died 1751 in New Rochelle, NY, before the birth of Amos. Timothy Woodin b. 1695 appears on the tax rolls of Dutchess County in 1753 in Beekman according to A New Land for Timothy and in the Revolutionary War Pension file of Amos Woodin he gave testimony that he was born 29 Mar 1753 in Oswego, Dutchess County, NY. In his pension records Amos Woodin mentions his birth record originating from his father however unfortunately does not state who his father was. Military records show Amos Woodin served as a Private in Capt. John King’s company, Col. Hopkins’ Berkshire County regiment entering service 15 Jul 1776 and discharged after 16 days 31 Jul 1776. The mileage out and home allowed was 180 miles. The company marched by order of Brig. General Fellows. He again entered into service 08 Jul 1777 in Lieut. John Dibble’s detachment, Col. Ashley’’s Berkshire Co., Regiment and was discharged after 15 days of service 27 Jul 1777. He served along side John Woodin (Sr.) however in Amos’ pension file makes no mention of him.

Prior to his service in the Revolutionary War Amos Woodin married 19 Jan 1775 in Columbia County, NY, Mary Wilsey (Witlsey) who was born 19 Mar 1760 a daughter of Jeremiah Wilsey b. 1718 and Mary Smith. Amos Woodin and his wife were the parents of twelve children born 1777-1808 with their older children born in Mount Washington/Sheffield, MA and the younger children born in New York State. According to his Revolutionary War Pension file Amos Woodin, “lived when he entered the service in the town of Sheffield in the County of Berkshire & State of Massachusetts, the next year after the war ceased he removed from Sheffield to Albany County in the state of new york from thence he removed to Cobleskill in the county of Schoharie & state last aforementioned & from thence to Milford in the County of Otsego in the state last aforesaid and from thence to Gorham, Ontario County & from thence to Perrinton in the county of Monroe & State of New York where he now lives (1833).” Amos Woodin and his wife were the parents of twelve children born between 1777 and 1808 with their three oldest children being born at Mount Washington/Sheffield. (Photo: Source: : http://www.victorny.org/, Home of Amos Woodin 1753-1842, 454 Fishers Rd, Victor, NY)

In his pension file Amos Woodin gave the following testimony regarding his service during the Revolutionary War, “… he entered the service of the United States in the Militia of Massachusetts in June 1776, that he left the service sometime in August of the same year that he was in the service at this time about one month & a half that after he enlisted he resided in the town of Sheffield in the county of Berkshire & State of Massachusetts that he was a volunteer, that he enlisted as a minute man, that he belonged to a company commanded by Captain John King and General Meeks was commander of the brigade to which his company was attached. That he marked with his company from Sheffield aforesaid to Peekskill that he spent the whole of said time at Peekskill his principal duty was to guard the river to prevent the enemies from landing. That he again entered the service of the united states as a volunteer about the middle of June 1777 and marched from Sheffield to Livingston Manor in Albany county now Columbia County & State of New York, he belonged to Captain John Hollenbeck’s company, his principal duty was to take up Tories & send them off to the camp _other pl___ed during this campaign, that he was out on this expecting about two weeks. He was then discharged & returned home that he again entered the service on or about the first of July 1777 that he was in captain Nathan Benjamin’s company, that he marched with his company from Sheffield aforesaid where he then resided to Albany from thence to Saratoga & remained there one night & then returned home the length of the march is one hundred & twenty five miles he thinks, he spent about two weeks on this march, he remained at home about three days, that he was then ordered out again with the last mentioned company which was attached to Colonel Ashley’s regiment, that he marched with his company & regiment from Sheffield aforesaid to Saratoga in the State of New York & from thence to Lake George, the object of this expedition was to oppose the march of Burgoyne, that a few days previous to the battle of Burgoyne he was called out to march up the Hudson River about sixty miles to a ascertain whether a report that came into the camp as to ___ Indians being in that vicinity was true. That the battle of Burgoyne was fought while he was on this expedition that he then marched home to Sheffield that he was in the service at this time about six weeks making about two months in both of these marched having left the service about the first of September 1777.

That he further states that during all the time aforesaid & during the remaining part of the year 1777 & nearly all of the year 1778 he stood as a minute man and was frequently called out by his officers (that Nathan Benjamin was his Captain during the greater part of the time) on scouting parties of some 2,3,4 & 6 days at a time and that he verifly believes that he was in the actual service of his country (from about the 15th day of August 1777 until the latter part of the year 1778) when he was discharged as such minute man & returned home, as many as two months in the whole, that when on these scouting parties he marched to Livingston Manor aforesaid, two or three times as he believes and marched to several other places adjoining Sheffield aforesaid that during all the time mentioned in this declaration as having served in the company commanded by Captain Benjamin he served as a Sergeant that he served in the whole according to his best recollection & believe six months. That he has no documentary evidence that he knows of, only one person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service and whose affidavit is hereto attached -

Joseph Rowley Oct 1833, friend of Amos Woodin, provided the following testimony in support of Amos Woodin’s application for pension, “Joseph Rowley of Pittsford in the county of Monroe being duly sworn makes oath & says that he is aged eighty one years, that he is a revolutionary pensioner of the united states under the act of the 7th of june 1833, that he is now well acquainted with Amos Wooden that the first time that he saw him was in the army of the revolution near Fort Edward, that this deponent was in the revolutionary army in the year 1777 that during the summer of said year he was in a company commanded by captain wood attached to Colonel Ashley’s regiment, that Colonel Ashley’s regiment was encamped near Fort Edward & that said regiment was called out on an alarm to oppose the march of the Indians and Tories, and that at this time, this deponent well recollects of seeing the said Amos Wooden, doing duty in a company commanded by captain Benjamin attached to Colonel Ashley’s regiment and from the fact of seeing the said Amos Wooden doing duty as a soldier in said regiment at that time & knowing him to be a many ____ & ___ this deponent has no doubt but that the said Amos Wooden served six months as set forth in his declaration.”

After settling at Victor, NY Amos’ wife Mary predeceased him 05 Sep 1841. He himself died a little over a year later 19 Oct 1842. Both Amos and his wife were buried in the Bushnells Basin Cemetery aka Ketchum Road Cemetery, Perinton, NY. Source: Victor Herald, Victor, NY sometime in May 1977. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/ontario/Newsitems/newstown/newsvictor1952.htm "Fishers Hero Honored on Memorial Day - A special Memorial Day service took place at the gravesite of Amos WOODIN, a soldier of the American Revolution, in Bushnell Basin Cemetery. Members of the Fairport American Legion and Leion Auxiliary, the Bushnell's Basin Boy Scouts with Perinton Supervisor Lake Edwards, Perinton Historian Mrs. Charles BUTLER, the Daughters of the American Revolution and others, along with Mr. and Mrs. Arthur WOODIN and daughters of Brighton and Mr. and Mrs. George WOODIN of Weidman, Michigan descendants also participated.

The obituary of the soldier from the Rochester Republican, of November 3, 1842 read as follows: " At Victor, Fisher Road, Fishers, Ontario County on the 19th of October last, Amos WOODIN at the advanced aged of 90 years. He was a native of Mass., took an active part in the war of the Revolution and is at length gathered to his fathers full of years. He served his country faithfully in the times that tried men's souls; witnessed the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga; was in several engagements with the enemy and received as he deserved in common with the warm and true hearted patriots of that day, the gratitude of a free people. As a man and a citizen he was upright, honest, industrious and virtuous; and he has left behind him a name which is as precious ointment. He was above all a Christian, a soldier of the Cross and died in the faith, and has gone to his reward. Having outlived his General, and weary of this present life, and longing for a better, he welcomed the approach of death and "Like a shock of corn fully ripe," was gathered to his rest. The Court Martial then in session, paid a becoming respect to the memory of a solder and patriot of a bygone age, by adjourning to attend his funeral, and commit his body to the dust. Soon indeed, will the last of that Nobel school of patriots have gone beyond the reach of a nation's gratitude and who will take their place."

- MAPV 2012

Woodin Family of Mt Washington, MA

mapv69 originally shared this on 14 Jan 2012

Sources

• Haxton genealogy and allied lines, Mayes, C. Vale (Charles Vale), 1906-; Clark, Bertha