Individual Details

Silas would not likely have appeared in a census prior to 1820 - he would have been only about age 20 in 1810 and a male of his age does appear in the household of Samuel Hoskins of Cayuga Co, NY. However, no Silas Hoskins (any spelling) appears anywhere in 1820, except for a Silas Haskins in Cortland Co, NY who was over age 45.

Unindexed Bounty Land Warrant Application Files, 1812-1855
A Silas Hoskins served as a Private in the NY Militia, Capt. Samuel Brown, Gen. Sweetwort, 1812
Warrant #55-181326

NOT Silas:
Vigo County, Indiana Deed Records: Book 1, 1816-1821; Immogene B. Hannan Brown, 197?
[deeds are from assorted deed books, arranged by date of deed, not recording date]
7 February 1818; Bk 1, p.66 From Silas Hopkins of Niagara Co, NY to William Merritt of Niagara Co, NY. (no wife signed) Sec 23, twp 11, R 9
Note: The county history book indicates this may have been a deed of mortgage and also gives the name as Silas "Hoskins" - it isn't.
After finding the above deed abstract, I checked Niagara Co NY and found in Lewiston a Silas. His surname was indexed as Hopkins, and it does appear that was the name - other Hopkins families were there. Silas had male child under age 10, but he is over 45 as is a spouse. This man appears to be the Silas Hopkins in the above deed, not Silas Hoskins and he never came to Vigo Co.

In 1821, both Silas Hoskins and Eliza Hoskins had letters reported at the Post Office.
Indiana Centinel, Vol. 4, No. 38, published at Vincennes, Knox Co, IN, Monday, January 13, 1821. Letters remaining in the Post Office at Terre-Haute, the quarter ending on the first of January, 1821 - if not claimed before the first of April, will be sent to the General Post Office as dead letters. List included Eliza Hoskins. Is Eliza a clue to a first wife? She appears again in the April newspapers - letters remaining as of 1st day of April and will be sent to General P.O. on the 1st of July. She doesn't appear again and this could have been the same letter, never claims.

14 March 1825. Silas married Amanda Allen. Charles B. Modesitt was the officiator. He was a physician, businessman and early settler in Vigo Co.

Silas and his future brothers-in-law were very active in the Masons:
90 Years of Masonry, Terre Haute Lodge No. 19; By Curtis Gilbert 1911
12-6-1821 – Silas Hoskins passed to the degree of Fellowcraft (2nd)
1-23-1822 – Silas Hoskins raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason (3rd)
12-26-1822 – Silas Hoskins Elected to the office of Junior Deacon
12-11-1823 – Silas Hoskins Elected to the office of Senior Deacon
12-20-1825 – Henry Allen initiated to the degree of Entered Apprentice (1st)
Note that this was the first son of a member that petitioned TH Lodge No. 19
2-1826 – (Exact date not yet found) Henry Allen initiated to the Degree of Entered
Apprentice (1st) Note: found in Lodge minute books - the date was 12-22-1825.
2-16-1826 – Henry Allen Raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason (3rd)
4-20-1826 – Ira Allen raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason (3rd)
9-8-1827 – Silas Hoskins and one other placed on a committee for find a location for a
“Masonic Hall” in Terre Haute (no relation to current structure)
5-9-1828 – Henry Allen elected to the office of Worshipful Master of TH Lodge No. 19

Jordan Bayles, member of the Lodge, transcribed further notes from the minutes that add to the above re Silas Hoskins:
11-11-1821 Silas Hoskins, Entered Apprentice (1st Degree). Tyler, pro tem (the Tyler was the guardian to the entrace of the Lodge)
12-20-1821 Silas Hoskins took FC (Fellowcraft – 2nd Degree)
12-27-1821 Silas Hoskins, Junior Deacon, pro tem
9-29-1825 Silas Hokins loaned Lodge $1 for Grand Lodge Dues
2-16-1826 Peter Allen, Sr Deacon. Silas Hoskins, Jr Deacon. Petition of Ira Allen for 1st Degree. Henry Allen, MM
12-15-1831 Elections. Henry Allen, MM. Silas Hoskins, SW (Senior Warden)
9-18-1833 Silas Hoskins, SW; Henry Allen, Sect (last mention of him in the lodge minutes)
Note: This was about the time the Lodge had considerable difficulties and was basically disbanded for about ten years.


Commissioner's Records Vol. 1, Part A 1818-1828 WPA Transcribed; no index
21 May 1822 - Silas Hoskins Supervisor of 16th road Dist. 1st occurrence in records.
23 May 1825 Lenus Mitchel Jr. appt Constable of Otter Creek Twp; securities Mark Williams & Silas Hoskins. Long list of those empaneled: Ira Allen,John Britton, Silas Hoskins, grand jurors - John Britton appears to be the only one whose name was drawn.
Jan 1826. Brittain M. Harrison & Silas Hoskins appt Constables for Harrison Twp.
8 Jan 1826 Silas Hoskins offers Samuel McQuilken & Peter Allen, securities, for position as Constable.
2 May 1826 Silas Hoskins allowed $2.67 for services as Constable
3 Jul 1826 Silas Hoskins allowed $10.60 for services as Constable
7 Nov 1826 Silas Hoskins allowed $15.37 1/2 for guarding Chas. B. Mansfield a prisoner. Allowed $4.15 for guarding & dieting prisoner Hall.
Nov Session 1827. Enoch Dole tavern license; bond with William Taylor & Silas Hoskins, securities. Silas Hoskins allowed $350.00 in part payment for building of jail.
5 Feb 1828. Silas Hoskins allowed 170.25 part payment for building of Jail; allowed $2.12 1/2 for bedding furnished for Jail.

The Vigo County Public Library in Terre Haute has an Index to account books that belonged to Curtis Gilbert - they do not have the books. The first ledger is from 1818-1835. Silas Hoskins made a purchase 17 Jan 1827.

2 Sep 1828
Vigo County, IN Deed Book 3, p.113
Know all men by these presents that Jacob Madeira of the City of Cincinnati and State of Ohio
for and in consideration of the sum of sixteen dollars & fifty cents lawful money of the United States to him in hand well and truly paid by Silas Hoskins of the County of Vigo in the State of Indiana the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, hath grated bargained, sold, aliened, released, and forever quit claimed, and by these presents doth grant bargain sell alien release & forever quit claim unto the said Silas Hoskins and his heirs and assigns forever, all that certain Lot or parcell of Ground situated and lying in the Town of Terre Haute in the State of Indiana described as follows to wit: On lot number one hundred & fifty six, as laid out & delineated as the general plat of said Town, being part of the same property which was conveyed by Jonas S. Sheets by deed bearing date twenty third day of March eighteen hundred and twenty four to the above named grantor in trust for divers persons therein named which said deed is recorded in the proper office for recording of deeds in and for the County of Vigo and State of Indiana aforesaid in Book Vol. 2, Page 133, reference being thereunto had will more fully appear, and all the estate, right, title interest claim & demand both in law and equity of him the said Jacob Madeira, Trustee as aforesaid of in and to the said premises and every part thereof together with all and singular the privileges and appurtances to the same belonging or in any wise appertaining and the rest issues and profits thereof. To have and to hold the premises hereby bargained & sold or meant or intended so to be with the appurtenances to the only proper use and behoof of the said Silas Hoskins and his heirs & assigns forever. And the said Jacob Madeira Trustee as aforesaid for his heirs executors & administrators doth covenant promise and agree to and with the said Silas Hoskins and his heirs executors administrators & assigns that he the said Jacob Maderia and his heirs executors & administrators, will forever warrant and forever defend the aforesaid premises with their appurtenances and every part and parcel thereof unto the said Silas Hoskins & his heirs and assigns against all persons claiming or to claim by from or under him or his heirs or assigns. In testimony whereof the said Jacob Madeira hath hereunto set his hand & seal this second day of September one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight.
J. Madeira
As Trustee & in no other Capacity
Signed Sealed Acknowledge
in the presence of
R. W. Lawrence
J. Foster
The State of Ohio, Hamilton County cfs
Before me James Foster, a Justice of the Peace within & for said County personally appeared Jacob Madeira the above named grantor & acknowledged the above deed of conveyance to be his voluntary act & deed for the uses & purposes therein mentioned. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this second day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight.
James Foster, Just. Peace
Recorded Apr 13, 1829.

27 Jan 1829. Peter and Mary Allen gave to Amanda and her two children then born - Peter and Clarissa - 60 acres of land.

The recording date of Maderia's deed reflects that Silas and Amanda had just sold the above city lot for a profit.
Deed Book 3, p.209
This Indenture made this the eleventh day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand and eight hundred & twenty nine between Silas Hoskins, Amanda his wife of the County of Vigo & State of Indiana of the first part & Ransom Miller of the County & state aforesaid of the second part witnesseth that the said party of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of thirty five dollars lawful money of the United States to him in hand paid by the said party of the second pa-
rt the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged do by these presents grant bargain sell & convey unto the said party of the second part and to his heirs and assigns forever the following described tract or lot of land situated lying and being in the town of Terre Haute in the count of Vigo State of Indiana known and designated on the plot of said town as lot No. one hundred & fifty six together with all & singular the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining. to have & to hold the same unto the said party of the second part & to his heirs and assigns, to their only proper use & behoof forever & the said party of the first part for himself & his heirs executors & administrators do warrant grant promise & agree to & with the said party of the second his heirs executors administrators & assigns that he is lawfully seised of the premises above conveyed as of a sure perfect & indefeasible estate of inheritance in fee simple and that the said land is free from all incumbrances and the above bargained premises is in the quiet & peaceable possession of the said party of the second part his heirs & assigns against the lawful claims & demand of all persons and the said party of the first part his heirs & assigns will forever warrant and defend. In testimony whereof the said party of the first part hath hereunto set their hands and seals the day & year above written.
Silas Hoskins
Amanda Hoskins
p.210
Recorded December the 18th 1829. A True Record. C. Gilbert, Recorder


During the time, Silas and Amanda bought and sold the city lot - he was surely having money difficulties.
Circuit Court Order Books. Vol. 2, 1825-1831 PART A
Oct Term 1825 Richard McJanson as trustee of Jacob & Leroy, Insolvent Debtors vs. Silas Hoskins. debt. Defendant came not. Plaintiff recover $104, debt + $36.92 damages and costs.
Quilla Punlenry vs. William Paddock, Debt. Silas "Haskins" on jury. Found for pltf.
Hirman M. Currey vs. Joseph Mar, Thomas M. currey. Silas Hoskings on jury. For pltff.
Nathaniel Huntington vs. Silas Hoskins. Covenant. Defendant makes default. $103.56 in damages plus cost.
15 Feb 1826 - Silas pd Nathaniel Huntington
11 Apr 1826 - Silas Hoskins on jury.
PART B
Judgment Oct Term 1827 Nathaniel Huntington vs. Silas Hoskins. On 17th Jan 1827 paid $2.50 in part of sd Judgment
Vacation 1827 Richard McJanson, Trustee of Jacobs & Terry vs. Silas Hoskins. Judgment Oct Term 1825. On 7th Nov 1827, Silas Hoskins file a receipt of the plaintiffs attorney for $161.42 in full of the principal, interest & attorney's fees. He paid the clerk's fees $3.85.
PART C
Apr Term 1829 Alvah Hotchkiss vs. Silas Hoskins. Case. Both appeared by attornies; cause continued at cost of Plaintiff.
May Term 1830 Alvah Hotchkiss vs. Silas Hoskins. Case. Jury finds for plaintiff $154.43 in damages & costs. Appeal, same term. Plaintiff to pay cost of continance.
Nov Term 1830 Alvah Hotchkiss vs. Silas Hoskins. continued.
May Term 1831 Hotchkiss vs. Hoskins. continued
Nov Term 1831. Carlton Belt, Myron H.Allen, Silas Hoskins, on jury State vs. Japtha Baker for petit Larceny. Found not guilty.
Nov Term 1831. Hotchkiss vs. Silas Hoskins. Appeal. The plaintiff is deceased. Proceedings stayed.

Commissioner's Records 1829 – 1837 PART A
Nov Session 1829 Silas Hopkins paid $12.37 1/2 for services in building the Jail on completion of same.


1830 Census, Vigo Co IN, p.75
Silas Hoskins, 1m -5 (Peter), 1m 5-10, 1m 30-40 (Silas). 2f -5 (Ann Eliza & Clarissa), 1f 5-10, 1f 10-15 (Mary Rowena?), 1f 20-30 (Amanda).
Amanda Allen Hoskins was age 23 in 1830. It appears that she was possibly a second wife for Silas who was several years older; since they married in 1825, most of the children in the household could not be hers - likely only three, two females (Clarissa and Ann Eliza if the enumerator came after May of 1830), one male (Peter) were under age five. The female who was age 10-15, is of the right age to be Mary Rowena Hoskins, wife of Amanda's brother, Peter B.
The following Martha could be the daughter age 5-10 who is in the following records, born 1823, if so, her birth place is likely an error. However, she consistently states Kentucky making me think she may not be a child of Silas.
Martha Jane Hoskins married Artemus Gilbert, 3 Oct 1848, T.W. Denmon, B.P.
1850, Posey Twp, Clay Co, IN, Hh 108
Artemus Gilbert, age 40, b. KY
Martha J., age 27, b. KY
female, months is blotted out - could be zero, b. IN
Not found in 1860
1870, Posey Twp, Clay Co, IN, Hh 293
Artemas Gilbert, 60, farmer, b. KY
Martha J., 46, b. KY
Maria L., 19
Mary E. 6
1880 Census. Posey, Clay, IN, Hh 221
Artemas Gilbert, 70, farmer
Martha J., 56, wife, general disability, b. KY, father b. TN, mother b. KY
Mary E., 16, dau
Hh 222
M.L. Geiger, dau, 29
Harly V., 8, gson
Dolly, 5, gdau



Historically Speaking, Dorothy J. Clark; Whipporwill Publications; Evansville, Indiana, 1981
p.185. In 1831, two lots were bought at the northwest corner of 5th and Walnut Streets for the Terre Haute School House. A four-room brick school was built. Shares in the venture were $5 each - Silas Hopkins purchased two shares.

List of persons who voted at an election in Harrison Township, held at the Vigo County Court House, Terre Haute, 1 Feb 1832, includes: Silas Hoskins, Curtiss Gilbert, Peter Allen (probably Sr because Peter Jr was not quite 21), Myron Allen, Henry Allen, Ira Allen.

Historical Industrial Edition of the Terre Haute Express, October 1900, p.9, col. 2-3
Express Extracts
Wabash Courier, Vol. 1, 1832:
Doct. S. Patrick: Sir - In behalf of the Riflemen and Volunteers who rendezvoused at Fort Harrison on the 1st instant, for the purpose of moving on to the frontiers, in defense of our country against the depradations of the hostile savages, I return my sincere thanks for the manifestation of your kindness on our return.
June 14
S. Hoskins, Commandant

Commissioner's Records 1829 – 1837 PART A
Jan Session 1832 Carlton Belt pd $4.50 & Silas Hoskins pd $4.50 for services as petit jurors, last term of Court
Mar Session 1832 Silas Hoskings & others present petition for Vacation of a road commencing SE corner S1 6T 12R running across the prairie.
Apr Session 1832 Silas Hoskins, JP for Harrison Twp. - signed $1 fine against John Sutton for contempt of court. State of IN against John Crawford for A&B on body of David Smith, $1 fine pd, signed S. Hoskins, JP

Circuit Court Orders 1832-1837 Vol. 3 PART A
May Term 1832 John F. Cruft for use & benefit of Dewits Griffin Tothers, assignees of said Cruft vs. Silas Hoskins. Def by Elisha M. Huntington his attorney. Defendant acknowledges debt of $81.26 and $16. 43 in damages. plus costs $3.64.

Commissioner's Records 1829 – 1837 PART B
Jan 1833 Silas Hoskins $8.67 for support of criminals.
30 Apr 1833 Silas Hoskins $25.37 1/2 for services as jailer.
Sept 1833 Silas Hoskins $27.31 for expenses incurred by him as jailer in support of prisoners. Silas Hoskins authorized to have public well dug on sidewalk at the SE corner of the jail lot provided digging, walling & completely same shall to exceed $40.
Oct 1833 Silas Hoskins $23.59 for support of prisoners confined to jail
Jan 1834 Silas Hoskins $60 well dug near the County jail
Apr 1834 Silas Hoskins allowed $18.44 for repairing & altering the bar arrangement of the Court Room


Probate Court records of Vigo Co. Nov Term 1832. p.318 Administration on the estate of Robert B. Angevine deceased, granted to Silas Hoskins. This Administration involved several court suits for debts against the estate; the plaintiffs won in all cases. Angevine seems to have been either building a house or in the building trade. Named in the debt to Thomas Parson were costs for windows made, window framing, lumber, etc. James Trabus sued for the cost of iron, nails. Reuben Newton sued for blacksmith items such as mending a chain, sharpening various tools, a iron wedge, a mattock, etc - but Angevine also had sold planking, weather boarding, etc. to Newton. Armistead Steward sued for $45 for lathing & plastering by the job. Brittain M. Harrison, brother-in-law of Silas Hoskins, must have been a grocer; his list of items included coffee, sugar, molasses, cheese, mackerel, rice, spices, eggs. Suits are listed in 1st Complete Probate Book, Nov 1832, p.225-228.

The Wabash Courier, Terre Haute, 17 Oct 1833
To all whome it my concern.
Taken Notice,
That I shall apply to the Vigo Circuit Court at the next November term thereof, to appoint Commissioners to assign to me Dower, of in and to Inlot number 164, and the improvements thereon, situated in the town of Terre Haute, County of Vigo, and State of Indiana, and to which my husband Robert B. Angevine, deceased, had an equitable title.
Rebecca Angevine,
Widow of Robt. B. Angevine

Amanda's petition for divorce in 1838, states that Silas abandoned her and had been gone since about September 15th, 1834. The following record would seem to confirm his departure.
Commissioner's Records 1829 – 1837 PART B
1834 Sept Session Election held in Harrison twp on Sat 27th Sep instant for election of JP in place of Silas Hoskins resigned.

Probate "Complete Records, Book 1" Feb Term 1837. Final Settlement of the Angevine estate. Henry Allen, Silas Hoskins, and Solomon Allen had bought a number of items at the estate sale; B. M. Harrison purchased a clock. There was a sale of the land for debts. Wife of Angevine was Rebecca; sons Edward & Robert. In Feb of 1835, the letter of administration granted Silas Hoskins was revoked & given to Henry Allen who filed his bond with John H. Watson security. Claims against the estate for debts were made by John H. Watson & Henry Allen, John Britton, Britton M. Harrison, Silas Hoskins. Henry Allen made final settlement Feb 24th, 1837.
No Angevine was found in Vigo Co IN in either 1830, 1840, or 1850
Robert B. Angeline (sic) was in the 1830 census, Newburgh, Cuyahoga, OH with 1 male under 5, 1 male 15-20, and 1m 20-30. 1 female age 20-30.
A Robert B. Angevine married Ellen Clark, 17 Aug 1855, Tippecanoe, IN - not found in later census records.
1860 Census. Indianapolis, Ward 1, Marion Co, IN, Hh 443 - Rebecca Angevine, age 52, washer woman, b. NY. Edward, 28, paper hanger, b. OH (he would have been about 3 in 1837). George Irick, 23, sign painter, Samuel Irick 16. Daniel Irick, 14. Henry Irick, 12. All born Ohio

Amanda Hoskins is listed as head of household in 1840, although a man of Silas's age still seems to be present. She had sued for divorce in 1838. Or is this some sort of farm worker in the household? None of the possible older children of Silas were with Amanda in 1840.
Vigo Co, p.384
Amanda Hoskins.
1m 5-10 (Edward), 2m 10-15 (Francis & Peter), 1m 40-50. 1f 5-10 (Eliza), 1f 10-15 (Clarissa), 1f 30-40 [Amanda]

Birth	Bet 1790 and 1800
Birth	17 Oct 1791	Granville, Washington County, New York
Marriage	14 Mar 1825	Vigo County, Indiana - Amanda Allen
Divorce	26 Dec 1838	Vigo County, Indiana - Amanda Allen
Death	Aft 1840
Marriage		ELIZA [Hoskins]

Spouse	Amanda Allen (1807 - 1866)
Child	Peter Allen Hoskins (1826 - 1885)
Child	Clarissa S. Hoskins (1827 - 1851)
Child	Ann Eliza Hoskins (1830 - 1896)
Child	Francis M. Hoskins (1832 - 1863)
Child	Edward H. Hoskins (1835 - 1854)

Spouse	ELIZA [Hoskins] ( - 1825)
Child	MARY ROWENA HOSKINS (1815 - 1885)

Father	SAMUEL Hoskins (1753 - 1825)
Mother	LYDIA Presbrey (1753 - 1823)
Sibling	Melinda Hoskins (1777 - 1780)
Sibling	Lydia Hoskins (1780 - 1848)
Sibling	Melinda Hoskins (1782 - 1855)
Sibling	Joshua Hoskins (1784 - 1842)
Sibling	Samuel Hoskins (1787 - 1831)
Sibling	David Hoskins (1789 - 1816)
Sibling	Anna Hoskins (1793 - 1799)
Sibling	Leonard Hoskins (1797 - 1865)