Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 1360, Adoniram Benton, Conn. Continental
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Conn          Benton, Adoniram         W1360
Continental            Betsy              B.L.Wt.19808-160-55
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8085
New Hampshire

Adoniram Benton  

_______ in the state of N. Hampshire
who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Sheldon of the Connecticut line, for the term of Two years.

Inscribed on the Roll of New Hampshire at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 6th of April 1818.

Certificate of Pension issued the 23 of March 1819 and sent to Nahum Parker Fritz William N. Hampshire.

Arrears to 4th of March 1819              87.69
Semi-anl.  all'ce ending 4 Sept.1819   48.
                                                           _______
                                                          $135.69

Revolutionary claim
Act 18th March, 1818

Continued

(Side Note)
Notification sent  September 9th 1820 to James A Parker ________  , New Hampshire
Page 3

3463
Adoniram,  Benton

NH
Act June 9  ______________

Allow 2 P for
Sheldon Dragony
on sale $100
__________


Hon H. Hubbard
Charlestown   NH


Adam Benton

______________
Page 4

Declaration,
 In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832,
State of New Hampshire,
County of Cheshire  ss.

On this Seventh day of May 1839 personally appeared in open Court, Adoniram Benton,  Before me Fredrick Vose, Judge of probate in 
________________ county
now sitting, P. Adoniram Benton a resident of Perry in the county of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire aged twenty seven years
who, being first 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 7th, 1832
That he was a soldier in the Revolutionary war - and was three years from January 1, 1781 to the time of his discharge which he thinks was in December 1783 being little left than three years -in _______   _________ __________ Company of  ________ in _________ Sheldons Connecticut Regiment - a private soldier
That he is now on the pension list roll of the New Hampshire agency receiving a person of ninety six dollars a year - at which rate he has been paid to March 4, 1839
That he made his declaration in ______ county of Cheshire when he was allowed his pension.

He herby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.  Except at _________  Adoniram Benton

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Before Frederick Vose, Judge of Probate
Page 5

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states..
Frederick Vose, Judge of Probate

I, Elijah Sawyer, Register of the Court of Probate do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court in the matter of the application of Adoniram  Benton for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this Seventh day of March in the year of our Lord on thousand eight hundred thirty nine.

Elijah Sawyer, Reg.
Page 6

Adoniram Benton

_________

Sept. 1819


Amos A. Parker, Agt

Keerie, New Hampshire
Page 7

State of New Hampshire
Cheshire County SS.  Court of Common Pleas
On this fourth day of July 1820 peronsonally appeard in open court before the Justices of said Court of the common law, having a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, and keeping a record of its proceedings, Adoniram Benton aged, fifty seven years resident in Surry in said county who being first duly sworn, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows: He enlisted January 1777 for three years as a private under Capt. Ichabod Hinkleys company of light house in Col. Charles Webbs Regiment Connecticut line of troops and served until Dec. 15 1779 when I was discharged - I then again enlisted January 1st 1780 for three years more under Capt. Genamius under Col Aisha Sheldons Regt. I served as a private soldier until June 12, 1783 when I had a furlow and was not afterward call'd for - but was regularly discharged on the 15th of Dec. following with the other troops by a public declaration.
The date of my original declaration in order to obtain a pension is the sixth day of April 1818.  The number of my pension certificate is 8085 And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States of the 18th day of March 1818:  that I ahve not, since that time, by gift, sale , or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war,"  passed on the 18th day of March 1818, and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.  I am a farmer by occupation and enjoy health as well as men generally of my age - my family consists of five besides my self who are dependent on me for their support- my wife Betsey Benton aged 47 years who is generally very much out of health - not able to labour but little - my daughter Sarah aged eleven years - my son Hiram aged nine years - my son Franklin aged three years and an infant daughter aged five months old named Ruth. - All of which, children are as healthy and as capable as children generally are of their age. 
Adoniram Benton

Sworn to and declared at ______ in said County, on the fourth day of July 1820  before Vose, Judge of Said Court.

I, Salma Hale, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, for the County of Cheshire, do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the shedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said court;' and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property in the aforesaid schedule, is twenty five dollars and eighty cents.  
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand an affixed the seal of the said Court on this 14th day of July A.D. 1820
S. Hale
Page 8

SCHEDULE,
Of the whole estate (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) and income of Adoniran Benton of Surry in the County of Cheshire and State of Newhampshire, Applicant for Pension under the act of Congress of May 1st, 1820.
One hog- one cow-one chest-one old brass kettle- two old axes and one chain
Suny July 3, 1820
Adoni Benton
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1413
New Hampshire Concord
Betsey Benton
widow of Adoniram Benton
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a pri of dragoons
Connecticut Line.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 100 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February 1833.
Certificate of Pension issued
the 19th day of Augt/ 53
and sent to G. F. Starkweather
Keene
N.H

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3/53 Page 13 Vol. A
1832
Page 10

Betsey Benton widow
of Adoniram, claim
under act of Feby 3, 1853



care of G. F. Starkweather
Keene N. Hampshire
Page 11

State of New Hampshire, county of Cheshire ss.} On this sixteenth day of March in the year eighteen hundred and fifty three personally appeared before me the Judge of the Court of Probate in and for the County of Cheshire aforesaid, Betsey Benton a resident of Surry in said County and State, aged eighty years, who being duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed February 3, 1853, that she is the widow of Adoniram Benton who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, that at his death he was in receipt of a pension from the United States at the rate of ninety six dollars per annum, payable at the Concord New Hampshire Agency.
She further swears that she was married to the said Adoniram Benton on the fifth day of June in the year eighteen hundred and sixteen, in the town of Surry in said State, that her name before her said marriage was Betsey Griffin, that her husband said Adoniram Benton died in said Surry on the twenty ninth day of August AD 1842, that she was married at the time above stated and was a widow at the passage of the act and is still a widow, and has never before made application for pension.
Betsey Benton her mark X
witness Mary J Benton
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year first above written and I certify that from old age and bodily infirmity said Betsey Benton is unable to appear in open Court. word "twenty" interlined before signing
Larkin Baker Judge of Probate
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State of New Hampshire, Cheshire County ss.
I George W. Sturtevant Clerk of the Court of Probate, being a Court of Record, in and for said County in the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Larkin Baker, before whom the foregoing and accompanying proceedings were had, was at the time of execution, both a Justice of the Peace and Judge of the Court of Probate in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that the foregoing and accompanying signatures purporting to be his, are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office & subscribed my name this twenty third day of March in the year 1853.
Geo. W. Sturtevant Register of Probate
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State of New Hampshire, Cheshire County ss.
Adoniram Benton of Keene and Betsey Griffin of Surry, were joined in marriage June fifth in the year eighteen hundred and sixteen.
By Perly Howe Clerk
I certify that the above is true copy of the Record with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows, June 5th 1816.
Eliphalet Dort Town Clerk 

I Eliphalet Dort above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in Surry in the County and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town of Surry with the exception above named as certified by me.
Eliphalet Dort Town Clerk

Subscribed and sworn before me this twelfth day of March AD 1853 and I certify that said Dort is personally known to me as a credible witness.
George F. Starkweather, Justice of the Peace
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State of New Hampshire, Cheshire County ss.
I George W. Sturtevant aforesaid Clerk of the Court of Probate in and for the County aforesaid do further certify that George F. Starkweather before whom the within affidavit of Eliphalet Dort town clerk of Surry, was executed was at the date thereof & still is a duly qualified & commissioned Justice of the Peace in and for said County & entitled to full faith and credit. I have also affixed my seal of office and subscribed  my name to this on the same day March 23d 1853.
Geo. W. Sturtevant Register of Probate
Page 15

We Elijah Holbrook and Franklin B. Benton of Surry on Cheshire County N. H. depose and say that Betsey Benton who is applying for pension under the act of Feb. 3, 1853, is the lawful widow of Adoriram Benton a Revolutionary Pensioner deceased, that she is not intermarried and was a widow at the passage of said act, and that said Adoriram Benton died in the year AD 1842 as stated by the widow.
Elijah Holbrook
Franklin B. Benton

Sworn to and subscribed before me March 16, 1853 and I certify that said affiants are credible witnesses and that I am not interested in the result of this case.
Larkin Baker Justice of the Peace & Judge of Probate

I Larkin Baker Judge of Probate for the County of Cheshire do certify that Betsey Benton is a respectable inhabitant of this County and is in my belief the same person she represents herself to be in the foregoing declaration.
Larkin Baker Judge of Probate
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156599 Act Mar 3/56
June 2/55
Betsey wid Adoniram Benton
Betsey Benton
widow
Adomiran Benton
Pri. of Dragoons
Pensioner
Col. Sheldon's
Ct. line

Revolutionary War
ad: 160 acres Apl. 3d 1856
NH Feby 53

F A Faulkner
Keene 
NH
Vol. b1- $9.00

no 19808 iss Apl 7/56
Page 17

151599
Application of
Betsey Benton
for Bounty Land
under Act March 3, 1855
Page 18

The State of New Hampshire
County of Cheshire ss.} On this twenty eighth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, Betsey Benton aged eighty three years a resident of Keene in said County who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Adoniram Benton late of Surry in said County deceased who was a private of dragoons in the Revolutionary war between the United States and Great Britain in the company commanded by Captain Jeronimous Hoglins in the Regiment of Connecticut troops commanded by Colonel Elisha Sheldon and continued in actual service in said war for the term of one year and were as she is informed and believes but she cannot now state particulars as to the time of his enlistment, the term of his service or the manner of his discharge.
She further states that she was married to the said Adomiram Benton on the fifth day of June AD 1816 by the Reverend Perley Howe at Surry aforesaid that her names before her said marriage was Betsey Griffin, that her said husband died at Surry aforesaid on the twenty ninth day of August AD 1842 and that she has ever since remained and still is a widow.
She further states that her said husband was at the time his decease a Pensioner of the
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United States on the Roll of the New Hampshire Agency under the Act of March 18, 1818, and that she is now a pensioner of the United States on the Roll of the same Agency under the Act of February 3d 1853 holding a pension certificate recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under the Act February 3d 1853 Pahe 13 Vol. A and that for further and more full and particular information respecting her said husbands military service their marriage and his death she here refers to the evidence now on file in the Pension Office on which said pensions were granted.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the Act approved March 3, 1855, hereby declaring that neither her said husband to the best of her knowledge information or belief nor herself have ever received or applied for any Bounty Land under this or any other Act of Congress.
Betsey Benton her mark X
witness Franklin B Benton
Mary J Benton

We Franklin B. Benton and May J. Benton residents of Keene in the State of New Hampshire upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by the above named Betsey Benton in our presence; and that we believe from the appearance and
Page 20

statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be; We further state that we have been acquainted with the said Betsey Benton ever since the decease of the said Adoniram and know that ever since said deceased she has remained and still is a widow.
Franklin B Benton
Mary J Benton

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written, and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim.
Francis A Faulkner
Justice of the Peace

State of New Hampshire
County of Cheshire ss.} I Leonard Bisco, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, of said State, for said County, do hereby certify that Francis A. Faulkner Esq. before whom the foregoing declaration and affidavit were made, was, at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace within ad for said County, duly authorized by the laws of said State to take depositions and administer oaths and that his signature thereto is genuine.
In witness whereof I have herewith set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this twenty ninth day of May AD 1855.
Leonard Bisco, Clerk
Page 21

Adoniram Benton's
Furlough
3d Troop




Adoniram Benton
Conn.
W P 1360
[unk]
Page 22

By his Excellency
George Washington Esq Genl & Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States
Permission is hereby granted to Adoniram Benton private in the 2d Regiment of Light Dragoons to be absent on furlough until the 1st day of Augt next, at which time he is to return to the Army and report himself to the Commanding Officer at West Point

the bottom half's left third and right third of page is missing
shall sooner by defe
home further enter

Given at 
this 12th of

in the
of the Reg     G.

Fred J Whiting
Adjt
Page 23

Adoniram Benton
Declaration
Private
Connecticut Regt of Drags
1781- 2 years

I Salma Hale Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Cheshire hereby certify that the Hon [unk] Parker whose proper hand is within subscribed to one of the Justices of said Court duly commissioned and that no particular impression is used as a seal by said Court.
In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed a seal in form as used by said Court this 25th day of June AD 1818.
S. Hale
Page 24

I Adoniram Benton of Keene in the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire, testify & declare that I inlisted as a soldier in the Revolutionary Army on the Continental establishment on the first day of January anno domini one thousand seven hundred and eighty one and served in the third troop in the second Regiment Light Dragoons in the Connecticut line from the time I inlisted until the twelfth day of June anno domini one thousand seven hundred and eighty three at which time I had permission to be absent on furlough till the first day of August following but was discharged by Proclamation and that from my reduced circumstances I stand in need of assistance from my country for support.
Adoniram Benton

State of New Hampshire
Cheshire ss.} Be it remembered that on this sixth day of April AD 1818 pursuant to a law of the United States entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war made and passed the 18th of March 1818 personally appeared before me the subscriber Judge of Cheshire Court of Common Pleas for the County of Cheshire aforesaid the above named Adoniram Benton and after due examination and caution to testify and declare the whole truth he maketh oath to the declaration aforesaid and subscribes the same in my presence and on examination duly made by me the said Judge it appeareth to my satisfaction that the said declaration is true.
Nahum Parker
I Nahum Parker Judge as aforesaid certify that the said Benton produced his furlough or discharged at the time of making his declaration which is hereunto annexed except some part which is lost.
Nahum Parker
Page 25

Rev. WIDOW, &c.
File No. 1360
Betsey Benton
widow
Adoniram Benton
Pri. Rev. War
Act: Feb 3, 1853
Index:- Vol. A,  Page 48
[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 26

31647
New Hampshire
Adoniram Benton
of Cheshire Co in the State of N.H.
who was a private in the comp commanded
by Captain           of the Regt commanded
by Col Sheldon in the Connecticut line for 2 years- a Dragoon

Inscribed on the Roll of Concord
at the rate of 100 Dollars --- Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 22 day of Augt
1839 & sent to Hon H Hubbard, Charleston, N. H.

Arrears to the 4th Mar 1839  $800.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept 39 50.00
                                         ---------------------
                                             $850.00
Deduct difference Act 1818, from 4 Mar 1821.
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by D Mc Curdy Clerk
Book E  Vol. 1  Page 74


see letters Oct 8 1839 to P. Agt. & H. H. Sylvester
Page 27

No 778
Betsey Benton
widow of Adoniram
N. H.
Let. to G. H. Starkweather
1 June 1853

act Feby 3rd 1853
Page 28

June 20, 1853
Addl. evi. in case
Betsey Benton
widow pf Adoniram
Presumed Co be from
N. H.
Act 3d Feby 1853
Rev:

G. F. Starkweather
Keene
N. H.



DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Pension Office, Official Business
Page 29

FREE
Hon. L. P. Waldo
Comr of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Page 30

FREE

Hon. Loran P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.
Page 31

FREE

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D. C.
Page 32

Pri: act /53 N. H.
Boynton



19.808
Rev Army
Page 33

156599
Page 34

Keene May 30, 1855
Hon L P Waldo
Comr of Pensions
Dear Sir,
Enclosed you will find the application of Mrs Betsey Benton for Bounty Land under Act approved March 3, 1855.
When the warrant is issued, it may be sent to me.
Very respectfully yours,
F. A. Faulkner
Page 35

April 2, 1853
Appl. of Betsey
Benton, widow of
Adoniram
Cheshire
N. H.

Act 3 Feby 1853
$100.00 per annum
commencing 3d Feby 1853

Revy:

G. F. Starkweather
Keene
N. H.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Pension Office, Official Business
Page 36

Adoniram Benton
Enrold
Page 37

WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office
August 23, 1839

Sir:
Be pleased to inscribe on your roll the name of Adoniram Benton a Revolutionary Pensioner, at the rate of 100 dollars and --- cents per annum; commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, under the act of June 7, 1832, and pay his pension up to the time of the last semi=annual payment; if he should be still living; and, if not, you will pay the money due up to the day of his death.
Pensions under the above act are to be paid immediately on the production of the proper vouchers.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
J L Edwards

To the Agent for paying Pensioners
at Concord N. H.
Page 38

additional proof in
case of widow of
Adoniram Benton
claim to pension



By G. F. Starkweather
Keene New Hamp.
Page 39

State of New Hampshire, County of Cheshire,
Town of Surry
Adoniram Benton of Keene and Betsey Griffin of Surry were joined in marriage June fifth eighteen hundred and sixteen.
by Perley Howe Clerk

I certify that the above is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows, June 5th 1816.
Eliphalet Dort- Town Clerk

I Eliphalet Dort testify and say that I hold the Office of Town Clerk in the town of Surry aforesaid and that the foregoing is a true extract from the records of said town with the exception above named as certified by me.
Eliphalet Dort Clerk aforesaid

Cheshire ss. Sworn to and subscribed before me this fifteenth day of June 1853 and I certify that said Dort is a credible witness. I am disinterested.
Nathan D Reed Justice of the Peace
Page 40

We Asa Wilcox and Eliphalet Dort of Surry in the County of Cheshire & State of New Hampshire, testify and say that we were knew Adoniram Benton who was a Revolutionary pensioner of this town & State.
We further certify that Betsey Benton who is making an effort to obtain pension is the identical widow of said Adoniram has ever since his death remained his widow and is still a widow. We are disinterested witnesses.
Asa Wilcox
Eliphalet Dort
Sworn to and subscribed before me this fifteenth day of June 1853, and I certify that said affiants are credible witnesses & am also disinterested.
Cheshire ss. Nathan D Reed Justice of the Peace

State of New Hampshire
Cheshire County ss.} I Leonard Bisco Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature, of said State, for said County, do hereby certify that Nathan D. Reed before whom the foregoing affidavits of Eliphalet Dort and of Asa Wilcox and said Dort were made, was, at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace for said County, duly authorized to take depositions and administer oaths and that his signatures to said affidavits are in my belief genuine. Witness
Page 41

my hand and the seal of said Court this sixteenth day of June AD 1853.
Leonard Bisco, Clerk
Page 42

We Aaron Hall and Timothy Hall depose and say that we are well acquainted with Adoniram Benton of Surry in the County of Cheshire New Hampshire. That he is a Revolutionary pensioner under the act of 1818 & is now living at said Surry.
Aaron Hall
Timothy Hall

Cheshire ss. May 21, 1839
Subscribed & sworn to befor e me
Thomas M Edwards
Jus Peace
I certify that the above deponents are credible persons.
W M Edwards
Jus Peace
Page 43

State of New Hampshire
Cheshire County ss.
I Henry Coolidge Clerk of the Superior Court of Judication in and for the county and State aforesaid certify that Thomas M Edwards is a Justice of the Peace in said County of Cheshire duly commissioned and qualified and that his signature within written is genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal at Keene this twenty first day of May AD 1839.
H Coolidge Clerk
Page 44

Oct. 21, '39


James L Edwards Esq
Com. of Pension
Washington City
Page 45

Pension Agency Concord NH
Oct. 15, 1839
J. L. Edwards Esq/
Sir,
The error in relation to Adoniram Benton had been pointed out to me by Mr. Thomas M. Edwards, at Keene, who engaged to remit the over payment at once to the Bank where the money was paid. He has not yet done it, but probably will do it. The error was in the report from your Office, to comply with which, as you will perceive, the whole amount must be paid. If the money shall not be refunded in the course of two weeks, I will notify you of the omission.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
Ham Hill

NB I return the report which I hope may be corrected and returned.
Page 46

Keene, N. H. March 28, 1853
Hon. L. P. Waldo
Dear Sir, I send herewith six application for pension under the act of Feb. 3d 1853. In some instances I may have been more particular than the rules require.
I would be obliged for such instructions from your Department as may be useful touching this class of cases.
I also enclose application for increase in case of David Pearson, Invalid, at his request.
Yours truly,
G. F. Starkweather
Page 47

Brief in the case of Betsey Benton, widow of Adoniram
Cheshire County and State of New Hampshire
act 3d Feby: 1853

Claim ("original")

Proof exhibited, (if original)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If wither, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner, under the Act of 7 June 1832.
Record Evidence of marriage.

(If for increase)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?


S. C. Boynton
Examining Clerk

G. F. Starkweather Esq.
Keene, N. H.
Names and residence of Agent