Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R 718, Benjamin Bell, Penn.
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(3-1776)
SERVICE
Penn. [Pennsylvania]
Bell, Benjamin

NUMBER
R718
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State of Indiana
Johnson County

On the 13th day of November one thousand eight hundred and forty three before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said county personally appeared - Nathaniel Bell a resident of said county who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath depose and say that he is eighty six years of age.  That his brother Benjamin Bell who he understands is about to apply for a pension for military service in the Revolution, did serve as a private soldier in said Revolution.  He thinks it was in the year seventeen hundred and eighty but it might have been the year after his said brother the said Benjamin Bell served six months as a spy against the Indians in and about the county of Washington Pennsylvania.  That this deponent served said six months with him and knows most positively of his having served.  That four persons were engaged as spies as aforesaid by a Col. Crooks of the said county of Washington and that the whole four including this affiant and his brother Benjamin.  That they were promised with ammunition by Col. Crooks and they spent the summer (having entered the...
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service in the spring) in watching the movement of the Indians and giving information to the different forts, block houses and settlements in that section of the country.  That he knows of the said Benjamin having served one month as a volunteer under Capt. Archie in the year following that in which he acted as a spy and also of his performing one months service as a volunteer in the same year under Capt. Walverton all in the said county of Washington.  He has understood that said Benjamin performed other tours of duty.  That he has personal knowledge of his having performed eight months service as aforesaid, but no more.  That he is some years older than said Benjamin.  That this affiant was a sergeant and private in the war of the revolution and is positive as to the military services of said Benjamin in the manor aforesaid.
Nathanial Bell [signature]

Subscribed and sworn to this 13th day of November A.D. 1843
Robert W McKinney [signature]
J.P.
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I certify that Nathanial Bell who has this day taken, sworn to and subscribed before me to the foregoing deposition is a person of undoubted veracity and credibility which I certify from my own personal knowledge. Given under my hand this 13th day of November A.D. 1843.
Robert W. McKinney J.P [signature]


State of Indiana
Johnson County

I David Allen, clerk of the Circuit Court in and for the county and state aforesaid, do certify that Robert W. McKinney whose official signature appears to the foregoing deposition of Nathanial Bell is a Justice of the Peace duly commissioned and qualified as such and that the several foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the official seal of said court this 13th day of November A.D. 1843.
David Allen, clerk [signature]
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35683.
Benjamin Bell
Ind [Indiana]
Act of June 32
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---
State of Indiana 
Clay County
On this 18th day of October one thousand and eight hundred and forty three, personally appeared in open court before the circuit
Court in and for the County and State aforesaid now sitting Benjamin Bell resident of said County and State, aged
Eighty one 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 entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
That he was a private in the war of the Revolution -
That his first term of service was performed under the following circumstances. In the year seventeen hundred and Eighty Colonel Crooks of Washington County Pennsylvania where to the said Bell then resided called upon this Declarant in relation to a tour
of duty as a spy- that he volunteered upon the request of said Crooks to serve as a spy in Company with three other men one of whom was his brother, for the term of
six months, - that we started on our duty as spies in the spring of Seventeen hundred and Eighty as he believes though it might have been a year latter [sic], - that our duty was
pointed out to us by Col Crooks, which was to act as a spy between the different forts and Settlements to watch the frontiers to advise the settlers and the forts of the
approaches of the Indians. That we performed this said service for six months. said Crooks furnishing us and his forts with ammunition
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and provisions when the same was needed-
that in the year following the one in
which he served as a spy he was drafted
in the militia for one month and performed the service under Capt Greg or Craig in Col Wallace Regiment - that in the same year which he thinks was in
seventeen hundred and eighty one, he was again drafted for one month under Capt Wolverton and in Col Wallace's Regiment, - that in the year following
to wit as he believes in 1782 he again volunteered for a period of three months in the company commanded by Capt Wolverton and in Col Williamson's Regiment -that in these expeditions he rendezvous at some the small forts generally at Fort Jackson and marched in companies of about thirty or forty out fifteen or
twenty miles to the frontier - there back to forts and remained till relieved by other Companies for the purpose of protecting the inhabited portions of the country against the depredations of the Indians - he
recollects that in the year that he went out
for six months as a spy as aforesaid that the
Tories and Indians made an attack
on Fort Wheeling which lasted three
days and succeeded in the [illegible] of the
enemy, that the forts in the neighborhood
where he served were Jackson Fort,  McFarlane Fort, and Fort Wheeling. That he had Record of his age to wit in the family
Bible of his father but that it was destroyed
in the burning of the house of his brother
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Nathanial about thirty years ago.

He recollects the following to the Constitutional Army to wit Col. Crooks and the officer already named.  That he was born in Berkley county Virginia in the year seventeen hundred and sixty two.  That his father removed with his family to Pennsylvania while this declarant was a small boy.  That he subsequently moved to Ohio and has residence and now lives resides in Clay County Indiana where has lived five years past and that he resided for twenty years in the adjoining county of Putnam in the state of Indiana.  That his reasons for making application for a pension at this date are that several years ago he made application and placed the said with the proof of service in the hand of Mr. Kenord or Cenord a member of Congress for the district in Indiana in which this city of Indianapolis was the seat of government was & is located. That said member was killed as he understands and verily believes by the following [crossed out] blowing up of a steam boat at or near Cincinnati on his way to Washington City.  That he has made repeated enquiries [sic] since that event, but has not been able to obtain any information in relation to his papers.  That he is unable to give any particular events that took place in the place or neighborhood of service, no important events took place.  That he had a discharge signed by his respective for the tours of duty performed as aforesaid but that they are lost.  He has no documentary evidence of his services whatsoever and knows of no person living
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by whom he can prove it except by his brother Nathaniel, a resident of Johnson County, Indiana, and that he, the said Nathaniel, knows of only a part of the services performed by this declarant and as set forth in this declaration, that after the Revolution, he was a Captain and Major in said County of Washington,
Pennsylvania. He says he can give the names
of a William Wyatt [crossed out] John Case, Clergyman and Mr. John Congell, who can certify to his character for veracity and their belief that he was a soldier of the Revolution. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Benjamin Bell [signed]
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court the} day and year aforesaid}
C. C. Modesitt
Clerk

We, John Case, a clergyman residing in the County of Owen and state of Indiana, and John Congill, residing in the County of Putnam, hereby certify that we are well-acquainted with Benjamin Bell who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be eighty-one years of age: that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have
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been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
John Case
John Congill
Sworn and subscribed the day and year} aforesaid in open Court}
C. C. Modesitt Clerk}
---
And the said do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the Interrogations prescribed by the War Department, that the above-named applicant was a soldier of the Revolution and served as he stated. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that he who has signed the preceding certificate reside in the County of and State of Indiana and that
John Cowell, who has also signed the same, is a resident in the County and is a credible person and that their statements are entitled to credit.
W.P. Bryan
President of the Circuit

J.G. Cromwell
As Judge for
Clay Circuit Court
-
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February 20, 1940
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Dr. Hermon P. Williams
Box 123
Etna, New York

Benjamin Bell
R. 718
BA-J/MLB

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of Benjamin Bell who served on the western frontier of Pennsylvania in the Revolutionary War, afterwards moved to Putnam County, Indiana, and who, you state, died in Boone County, Iowa, where he lies buried. You desire to know the fee required for this information.

The record follows of Benjamin Bell as found in the papers of pension claim, R. 718, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.  No charge is made for this report.

Benjamin Bell was born in Berkley County, Virginia (later West Virginia), in 1762; the names of his parents were not given.

When a small boy, Benjamin Bell moved with his father to Pennsylvania; he subsequently moved to Ohio, then to Putnam County, Indiana, where he lived twenty years, and about 1836 moved to Clay County, that state.

While a resident of Clay County, Indiana, the soldier applied for pension October 18, 1843, and alleged that he was in an attack on Fort Wheeling, dates of this service and names of officers not given; that while residing in Washington County, Pennsylvania, he volunteered in the spring of 1780 and served at various times until sometime in 1782, amounting to eleven months in all, as a spy under Captains Archie, Craig or Gregg, Wolverton, and colonels Crooks, Wallace and Williamson in the Pennsylvania troops, and was engaged in guarding the frontiers of Pennsylvania against Indian depredations.

His claim was not allowed as he did not prove that he rendered at least six months' service in a regularly organized military corps, which was the requirement of the pension law.
Page 12

No reference was made in the claim of Benjamin Bell to wife or children, nor is the date of his death shown.

In 1843, Benjamin Bell's brother, Nathanial Bell, aged eighty six years, was living in Johnson County, Indiana, and stated that he served six months with Benjamin in the Revolutionary War.  No further family data were given.

Very truly yours,

A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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1923, March 19 - Photostat copies of 9 pages mailed to Mrs. Kate S. Curry   EWF
1933 April 26 - Hist. to W.F. Hathaway   MLB
1933 Oct 11 - Hist. to Mrs. Scott C. Hanna  CG
1933 Dec 11 - Hist. to Mrs Russell Wm Magna, upon request of Mrs. Scott C. Hanna, and Mrs Hanna so addressed   MLB
1935 Feb 1 - Mrs. Ross G. Moore, for further info  MNT
1940, Dec 26 - Hist. to Dr. Herman Porter & Williams MLB
 
Ex'r.
INVALID.
REJECTED
Benjamin Bell
Service: Printed List of 1852 shows cause of rejection, as follows: "Claims as Indian spy on
listed the frontiers of Pennsylvania
Discharged: No proof of service, 18__
Application filed:___, 18 ___
Alleges: ___
Re-enlisted: ___
Attorney: ___
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No 35683
Benjamin Bell
Indiana
718
Act June 1832

(Addl text struck thru)
Page 15

Miss Kate S. Curry
1020 Monroe St. N.W.
Washington D.C.

wants
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M 233
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
MAR 10 1923 
Chief of Rev. War Section
Sir:
I have this day received from Miss Kate S. Curry 
Cash $1.60requesting copies as per letter herewith.

Where's this set of photos. Need it included with pages of Benj. Bell's affidavit.
Oct. 18, 1843, reverse sheets on behalf of his bro. Nathaniel Bell in R.724. That has been removed and put in proper claim of N.B.  R.724

Very respectfully,
C.J. Randall
Chief of Division
Page 17

Mrs., Jos. Matters
1105 10th St. South
Fargo North Dakt.

(MF 42)
Date  March 15 1923
Name  Benjamin Bell
No. R 718
Rev. War

Photographic copies wanted of 3 pieces, consisting of 9 pages.
Remarks: _______
Exr.  A.W. Ford
Chief (lined out)   Div.
7873
Law Clerk.
Social No. __________
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Marshall Co.  25 Nov. 1803
Dear Sir:
 I now have the honor enclose to you a deposition in support of the claim of Benjamin Bell of Clay County, IND. Please submit it with his declaration to the Commissioner of Pension. You will do me the favor to transmit the seal to the commissioner or the certificate of allowance to
him, as they will be replaced by the errand.
Very Respectfully
for the state
W. Munly

Hon J.W. Davis
Page 19

Seal
Hon. J.W. Davis 
Jnle for Inv.
Washington City 
DC
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Marshall 21 18 November

Dr. Sir
As Mr. Bell whose application I have the honor to enclose resides in your State (Clay Co) and I am not as well acquainted with the members from that Jrs Dict.  I have to request that you might present in your own name the declaration enclosed to the Pension office when allowed if at all. Please send his life rate of allowance.

Very respectfully,
?
W. Munly

Hon. J. W. Davis
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Marshall 21 18 November

Dr. Sir
As Mr. Bell whose application I have the honor to enclose resides in your State (Clay Co) and I am not as well acquainted with the members from that Jrs Dict. I have to request that you might present in your own name the declaration enclosed to the Pension office when allowed if at all. Please send his life rate of allowance.

Very respectfully,
?
W. Munly

Hon. J. W. Davis
Page 22

H.H. Sylvester Esq
Washington City D.C.

for Hon. C.B. Licklin
Page 23

Marshall Ill.
9 . June 44
Dr Sir
I would write for the
proceedings of Congress that  some considerable
changes will be made in the Pensions.
So our member will he very having [illegible]
the time of adjournment when the Bills
will pay may I request of you the favor
furnish me [illegible]  Mr. Lichlin or g mail 
it Mr. F [illegible] have left, the forms
& Instructions prescribed by the Pension
office under the new Acts.
It will be of importance to me to obtain
information of the changes immediately.
Very Resp
[illegible] Munley

H. H. Sylvester Esq
will you do me the favor to enquire at
the office the situation of the claims of
Nathaniel & Benjamin Bell of Ind. under the
Act of 7 Jun 1832 filed in the
fall of 1843 inform me  of the same
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Oct. 3 1933
Mrs. Scott C. Hanna
3421 Irving Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota

A.D. Hiller
Veterans Administration
Washington D.C.

My dear Mr. Hiller,

  We have record of a revolutionary ancestor Benjamin Bell who served from Washington Co. Pa. and applied for a pension when living in Clay Co. Indiana (he also lived in Putnam Co.).  This record has been in the D.A.R. for years and re-
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the winter that others filing
one that will give his age
otherwise than over records
Will you kindly refer to
your records for this soldiers
pension and also please
advice me where  this pension clared
and I can forward
same to the D.A.R.
Benjamin Bell & his brother Nathaniel
Bell served together from Washington
Co. Pa. & both applied for pension when
residing in Indiana, Nathaniel
Bell in Johnson Co. and Benj. Bell
applied Oct 18. 1843 Clay Co & such a sworn 
statement to Pension Dept. as they are waiting to hear from me -may I hear from you
at your earliest convenience Yours Eloniel W. Harris
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Dec. 5. 1933

Mrs. Scott C. Hanna
3421 Irving Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Veterans Administration
Washington D.C.

My dear Mr. Hiller,

Would it be possible for you to mail immediately to Mr. Russell Wm. Magna, President General of the H.S.D.A.R, a copy of the Pension application of the Rev. soldier Benjamin Bell who was a resident of Clay Co.
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Indiana where he applied mentioning that I requested you to send the copy.
Thanking you,
Sincerely
Elouise W. Hanna

The reference is Benjamin Bell.
R. 718
BA-J/MLB

Mrs Magna may need this record to show that their file is in error.
Page 28

Brown Hotel
Dec 2nd 43

Sir
I this evening received the enclosed papers in addition to those sent you on yesterday relating to the claim of Benjamin Bell of Ind. to a pension.
Very respectfully
???
Jno W. Davis

Hon J.L. Edwards
Govt. of Pensions
Page 29

Brown Hotel
Nov 28 1843

Sir
Permit me to ask your attention to the enclosed application for a pension and to hope it well receive your early attention.  Please direct your answer to me at this house.

I have the honor to be very ?
Your obedient,
Jno W. Davis
Page 30

Pen(sion) Off(ice)
May 31, 44

Sir,

    I have the honor to inform you that the claim of Benjamin Bell which appears to have been (illegible) for the first time has been examined & disallowed.  He sets forth that he & his brother Matthew (who is asserting a similar claim) with two other were employed by Col. Snook, on the frontiers of Pa. as Indian spies for 6 mos. in 1789.  The Dept. is not aware that the (illegible) of Pa. organized under the denomination of spies military companies of as than a (illegible) guard under the obligation of soldiers in actual service.  If there be any such authority in the militia cos. commanding (illegible) it must be shown.  The vigilance & patrol duty of settlers afford no grounds for a pension.  It must be service in a regular organized military corps, appointed, disciplined subsisted and paid as soldiers.  The other service in the militia was not 5 mos. even if it were admitted that he rendered 2 mos duty, in one form (next page)
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which is not consistent with the laws that limited the militia tours to 2 months.  It is very clear that he is not entitled to a pension. 

                                     
                                    sent of 2nd
                                    index Act 7 June 1832
 
Hon. G. W. Davis
31 May 44
Page 32

June 25 1844
N B Bell

Hon. J L Edwards
Comm Pen
Page 33

June 22 1844

Sir

Will you give me a reply to the enclosed letter respecting the claim of Nathl & Benj Bell of Ind.

I am respectfully
H.H. Sylvester
Page 34

H.H. Sylvester
Oct 1 '44
Page 35

Pension Office
Oct 1st 44

Sir.
The enclosed copies of letters addressed to the Honorable G.W. Davis and A.S. White, 30 May 44, respecting the claims of Nathaniel Bell and Benjamin Bell claiming pensions under the Act of June 1832 will show the present state of those claims and are sent in answer to your letter of the 22nd of June 1844.

H.H. Sylvester Esq.
Clanton 
NH

Nos. 34. 871 & 35 683
Act of June 7 32
Page 36

State of Iowa
Office of the Adjutant General
Des Moines

April 17, 1933

Division of Graves Registration

Bureau of Pensions,
Washington D.C.

Gentlemen:

Information is desired of the service of Benjamin Bell who served in the War of the Revolution 1778 to 1783 with the Associate Militia of Washington County Pennsylvania, then a part of Virginia and later West Virginia.  We are told that he made application for pension October 18, 1843 in Clay County Indiana.

All information your record shows will be appreciated.
Yours truly,
W.F. Hathaway (signature)
W.F. Hathaway, Director,
Graves Registration Division
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Ross G. Moore  Judge

Emma Scott   Clerk

County Court of Custer County

Broken Bow, Nebraska
Jan. 25. 1935

Seal

Veterans Administration
Washington

Dear Sir:
I have before me a copy of the record of Benjamin Bell, Revolutionary soldier, obtained from papers on file in pension claim R. 718.  The date of his birth is given as 1762; is this correct?  Would there be a possibility of an error because it was not plainly written in the original?

On this same copy (our reports all say he re?, but do not say he applied for pension, so I only reported from Benjamin's claim) it states that Nathaniel Bell, older brother of Benjamin, 86 years old in 1843 applied for a pension; does Nathanial allege that he is the older brother in his application?

I have a record of the service of Benjamin Bell in the Whiskey Rebellion at which time he was first a Captain then a Major and would now like to ask if you can give me his record during the War of 1812 which would I think be from Ohio, probably Butler County.

I should also like to have the Revolutionary Record of Nathaniel Bell Sr. father of Benjamin which would no doubt be from Washington County Pa. and to ask if you have the Revolutionary record of any soldier named Enoch from Pa.  Do not know first name.

Address;  Mrs. Ross G. Moore
Broken Bow, Neb.
Page 38

The California Society of the Sons of the American Revolution

OFFICERS:
Col. George H. Canfield, President
G. Kimball Dyer, Vice-President
Charles W. Gardner, Vice-President
Jason A. Neilson, Vice-President
Peter M. Weddell, Vice-President
Frank J. Sheehan, Secretary
Orville R. Vaughn
Major Leon French, Registrar
Charles E. Hancock, Historian
Rev. Frank S. Brush, Chaplain

BOARD OF MANAGERS:
Walter W. Bradley
Henry C. Gardiner
Louis Wm. Jenkins
Martyn F. Warner
(Past State Presidents and active Chapter Presidents are members of the Board of managers ex-officio)

NATIONAL TRUSTEE:
Major Leon French
640 State Building,
San Francisco

CHAPTERS AND CHAPTER OFFICERS:

ALAMEDA COUNTY CHAPTER
Martyn F. Warner, President
1042 Oxford St., Berkley
George R. Babcock, Secretary
429 Staten Ave., Oakland

AUBURN CHAPTER
Albert P. Clark, President
211 Vernon St., Roseville
Hugh T. Dyer, Secretary
Auburn

LOS ANGELES CHAPTER
Orra E. Monnette, President
Bank of America Bldg., Los Angeles
Capt. Raymond A. Nelson, Secretary
1204 Chapman Bldg., Los Angeles

SACRAMENTO CHAPTER
Dr. H. H. Look, President
401 K. St., Sacramento
Wayland Maxey, Secretary
422 State Office Bldg., Sacramento

SAN DIEGO CHAPTER
Lt. Comdr. E.E. Scranton, President
1815 Alta Mira Place, San Diego
Hon. Allen H. Wright, Secretary
2335 Fourth Ave., San Diego

SAN FRANCISCO CHAPTER
Supervisor E.J. Spaulding, President
1251 Francisco St., San Francisco
Jack D. Thruston, Secretary
24 California St., San Francisco

SAN JOSE CHAPTER
Rev. Roger Darling, President
172 W. San Carlos St., San Jose
Charles B. Gleason, Secretary
456 So. Second St., San Jose

Seal
Office and Library
Veterans' Memorial Building
San Francisco, Calif.
Telephone: Hemlock 3292
February 7, 1934.

Veterans' Administration,
Revolutionary war Section,
Washington, D.C.

Attention: A.D. Hiller

Gentlemen:

Thank you very much for your prompt reply to our letter of January 29th, in which we asked for a copy of the rejected pension of Benjamin Bell -- R. 718.

The information which you give is greatly appreciated.
Very truly yours,
L. Matthews
Executive Secretary
Page 39

The California Society of the Sons of the American Revolution

OFFICERS:
Col. George H. Canfield, President
G. Kimball Dyer, Vice-President
Charles W. Gardner, Vice-President
Jason A. Neilson, Vice-President
Peter M. Weddell, Vice-President
Frank J. Sheehan, Secretary
Orville R. Vaughn
Major Leon French, Registrar
Charles E. Hancock, Historian
Rev. Frank S. Brush, Chaplain

BOARD OF MANAGERS:
Walter W. Bradley
Henry C. Gardiner
Louis Wm. Jenkins
Martyn F. Warner
(Past State Presidents and active Chapter Presidents are members of the Board of managers ex-officio)

NATIONAL TRUSTEE:
Major Leon French
640 State Building,
San Francisco

CHAPTERS AND CHAPTER OFFICERS:

ALAMEDA COUNTY CHAPTER
Martyn F. Warner, President
1042 Oxford St., Berkley
George R. Babcock, Secretary
429 Staten Ave., Oakland

AUBURN CHAPTER
Albert P. Clark, President
211 Vernon St., Roseville
Hugh T. Dyer, Secretary
Auburn

LOS ANGELES CHAPTER
Orra E. Monnette, President
Bank of America Bldg., Los Angeles
Capt. Raymond A. Nelson, Secretary
1204 Chapman Bldg., Los Angeles

SACRAMENTO CHAPTER
Dr. H. H. Look, President
401 K. St., Sacramento
Wayland Maxey, Secretary
422 State Office Bldg., Sacramento

SAN DIEGO CHAPTER
Lt. Comdr. E.E. Scranton, President
1815 Alta Mira Place, San Diego
Hon. Allen H. Wright, Secretary
2335 Fourth Ave., San Diego

SAN FRANCISCO CHAPTER
Supervisor E.J. Spaulding, President
1251 Francisco St., San Francisco
Jack D. Thruston, Secretary
24 California St., San Francisco

SAN JOSE CHAPTER
Rev. Roger Darling, President
172 W. San Carlos St., San Jose
Charles B. Gleason, Secretary
456 So. Second St., San Jose

Seal
Office and Library
Veterans' Memorial Building
San Francisco, Calif.
Telephone: Hemlock 3292
January 29, 1934.

Veterans' Administration,
Revolutionary war Section,
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:

We have been advised that it would be possible for us to obtain from your department an official copy of Benjamin Bell's rejected RF718.

We shall greatly appreciate it if you will send us such a copy. 

Very truly yours,
Miss L. Matthews
Executive Secretary
Page 40

THE CHURCH AT ETNA
Hermon Porter Williams, Th.D.
Box 123
Etna, N.Y.

1/26/40

Veterans Administration,
Washington D.C.

Request is made for an abstract of the application for pension of Benjamin Bell, who served on the western frontier of Pennsylvania during the Revolutionary War and afterwards.  Subsequently he removed to Putnam County, Indiana.  He died in Boone County Iowa, where he lies buried.

Such fees as are required for this information will be forwarded on advise.

Yours very truly,
Hermon Williams
Page 41

February 1, 1935
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Benjamin Bell, R. 718
Enoch Enochs, R.3357

BA-J/MMHF: MLB

Mrs. Ross G. Moore
Broken Bow
Nebraska

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you refer to Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 718, based upon service of Benjamin Bell, in that war, to know whether the date of his birth given as the year 1762, in a report you have, is correct, whether his brother, Nathaniel, stated he was an older brother, whether this office has a record of a Benjamin Bell, who served in the War of 1812, or a Nathaniel Bell, Senior, father of above-named Benjamin, also, the record of any soldier with surname Enoch of Pennsylvania.

Benjamin Bell in his claim for pension, H.718, stated that he was born in 1762.  Nathaniel Bell made an affidavit in 1843 in support of his (Benjamin's) claim for pension and stated that he was a brother of Benjamin Bell and was "some years older than said Benjamin".  Nathaniel gave his own age in 1843, as eighty-six years.

There is no claim for pension on file based upon service of a Nathaniel Bell, in the Revolutionary War, who could have been the father of Benjamin Bell, R.718.  The War of 1812 records have been searched and no record found of a Benjamin Bell who served in the Ohio Troops.  The Revolutionary War record of one soldier only, with surname Enochs, of Pennsylvania, has been found; it is that of Enoch Enochs.  His record is given herein as found in pension claim, R.3357, based upon service in that war.

Enoch Enochs was born September 29, 1750, in Hampshire County, Virginia, names of parents not given.

He alleged that while living at Enochs' Garrison, Washington County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted June 1, 1774, and served four months as ensign in Captain Henry Enochs' company, on Ten Mile Creek, Western Pennsylvania.  On April 1, 1775, he became captain of a volunteer company under Colonel Dorsey Penticost and said company...
Page 42

went to Pittsburgh.  He returned that summer and then served as captain under Colonel Henry Enochs at Enochs' Fort until June, 1777, was engaged in guarding the frontiers.  Having moved to Virginia, he served three months as private in the summer of 1785, under Captain George Bell and Colonel Nevil, was engaged in guarding surveyors on the line between Virginia and Pennsylvania.  In 1792 he was an armorer for two months under Captain Paul and in 1793 he was an armorer for none months under Colonel Sauls.

Enoch Enochs applied for pension November 28, 1834, while living in Union Township, Monroe Count, Ohio, but his claim was not allowed as service rendered in guarding the frontiers during the Revolution did not come within the provisions of the pension laws, nor did the services rendered before and after the Revolution give him a pensionable status.

In 1834 he was living with his son-in-law, Joseph Archer, whose wife's name is not given, nor is the name of the soldier's wife given.

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator

-2-
Page 43

February 5, 1934
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Benjamin Bell
R. 718
BA-J/MLB

Miss L. Matthews
Office and Library
Veterans' Memorial Building
San Francisco, California

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which your request the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin Bell, R. 718.

A very careful examination of this Revolutionary War claim, based upon service of Benjamin Bell, has been made and the following data found.  These official reports have been accepted by various patriotic and historical authorities as authentic.

Benjamin Bell was born in Berkeley County, Virginia (later West Virginia). in 1762; the names of his parents are not stated.

When a small boy, he moved with his father to Pennsylvania; he subsequently moved to Ohio, then to Putnam County, Indiana, where he lived for twenty years, and about 1836 moved to Clay County, Indiana.

Benjamin Bell applied for pension October 18, 1843, while residing in Clay County, Indiana, and alleged that he was in an attack on Fort Wheeling, dates of this service and names of officers not given; that while residing in Washington County, Pennsylvania, he volunteered in the spring of 1780 and served at various times until sometime in 1782, amounting to eleven months in all, as a spy under Captains Archie, Craig, or Gregg, Wolverton, and Colonels Crooks, Wallace, and Williamson in the Pennsylvania troops, and was engaged in guarding the frontiers of Pennsylvania against Indian depredations.

His claim was not allowed as he did not prove that he rendered at least six months' service in a regularly organized military corps, which was the requirement of the pension law.
Page 44

There was no reference in the claim of Benjamin Bell to wife of children, nor is the date of death shown.

In 1843, soldier's brother, Nathaniel Bell, aged eighty-six years, was living in Johnson County, Indiana, and stated that he served six months with his brother, Benjamin, in the Revolutionary War.

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator

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Page 45

December 11, 1935
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Benjamin Bell
R. 718
BA-J/MLB

Mrs. Scott Hanna
3421 Irving Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter of December 5, in which you request that the record of Benjamin Bell, R. 718, Revolutionary War soldier, be sent to Mrs. Russell William Magna, Present General, N.S.D.A.R.

The record of that soldier has been mailed to Mrs. Magna on this date, and the additional information that it was furnished upon your request.

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator
Page 46

December 11, 1935
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Benjamin Bell
R. 718
BA-J/MLB

Mrs. Russell William Magna
Memorial Continental Hall
Washington, D.C.

Dear Madam:

Upon request of Mrs. Scott C. Hanna, 3421 Irving Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota, the record of Benjamin Bell is furnished you herein as found in pension claim, R. 718, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

Benjamin Bell was born in Berkeley County, Virginia (later West Virginia). in 1762; the names of his parents are not stated.

When a small boy, he moved with his father to Pennsylvania; he subsequently moved to Ohio, then to Putnam County, Indiana, where he lived for twenty years, and about 1836 moved to Clay County, Indiana.

Benjamin Bell applied for pension October 18, 1843, while residing in Clay County, Indiana, and alleged that he was in an attack on Fort Wheeling, dates of this service and names of officers not given; that while residing in Washington County, Pennsylvania, he volunteered in the spring of 1780 and served at various times until sometime in 1782, amounting to eleven months in all, as a spy under Captains Archie, Craig, or Gregg, Wolverton, and Colonels Crooks, Wallace, and Williamson in the Pennsylvania troops, and was engaged in guarding the frontiers of Pennsylvania against Indian depredations.

His claim was not allowed as he did not prove that he rendered at least six months' service in a regularly organized military corps, which was the requirement of the pension law.

There was no reference in the claim of Benjamin Bell to wife or children, nor is the date of his death shown.
Page 47

In 1843, soldier's older brother, Nathaniel Bell, aged eighty-six years, was living in Johnson County, Indiana, and stated that he served six months with his brother Benjamin in the Revolutionary War.

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller 
Assistant to Administrator


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Page 48

October 11, 1935
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Benjamin Bell
R. 718
BA-J/MLB

Mrs. Scott C. Hanna
3421 Irving Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter of October 3, in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin Bell, who served from Pennsylvania and applied for pension while residing in Clay County, Indiana.

Benjamin Bell was born in Berkeley County, Virginia (later West Virginia). in 1762; the names of his parents are not stated.

When a small boy, he moved with his father to Pennsylvania; he subsequently moved to Ohio, then to Putnam County, Indiana, where he lived for twenty years, and about 1836 moved to Clay County, Indiana.

Benjamin Bell applied for pension October 18, 1843, while residing in Clay County, Indiana, and alleged that he was in an attack on Fort Wheeling, dates of this service and names of officers not given; that while residing in Washington County, Pennsylvania, he volunteered in the spring of 1780 and served at various times until sometime in 1782, amounting to eleven months in all, as a spy under Captains Archie, Craig, or Gregg, Wolverton, and Colonels Crooks, Wallace, and Williamson in the Pennsylvania troops, and was engaged in guarding the frontiers of Pennsylvania against Indian depredations.

His claim was not allowed as he did not prove that he rendered at least six months' service in a regularly organized military corps, which was the requirement of the pension law.

There was no reference in the claim of Benjamin Bell to wife or children, nor is the date of his death shown.

In 1843, soldier's older brother, Nathaniel Bell, aged eighty six years, was living in Johnson County, Indiana, and ...
Page 49

stated that he served six months with his brother Benjamin in the revolutionary War.

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator

-2-
Page 50

April 26, 1933
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Benjamin Bell
R. 718
BA-J/MLB

Mr. W.F. Hathaway
Office of the Adjutant General
Des Moines, Iowa

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter of April 17, in which you request the record of Benjamin Bell, a soldier of the Revolutionary War who applied for pension October 18,1843.

The data contained herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, R. 718, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Benjamin Bell.

He was born in Berkeley County, Virginia (later West Virginia). in 1762; the names of his parents are not stated.

When a small boy, he moved with his father to Pennsylvania; he subsequently moved to Ohio, then to Putnam County, Indiana, where he lived for twenty years, and about 1836 moved to Clay County, Indiana.

Benjamin Bell applied for pension October 18, 1843, while residing in Clay County, Indiana, and alleged that he was in an attack on Fort Wheeling, dates of this service and names of officers not given; that while residing in Washington County, Pennsylvania, he volunteered in the spring of 1780 and served at various times until sometime in 1782, amounting to eleven months in all, as a spy under Captains Archie, Craig, or Gregg, Wolverton, and Colonels Crooks, Wallace, and Williamson in the Pennsylvania troops, and was engaged in guarding the frontiers of Pennsylvania against Indian depredations.

His claim was not allowed as he did not prove that he rendered at least six months' service in a regularly organized military corps, which was the requirement of the pension law.
Page 51

There was no reference in the claim of Benjamin Bell to wife or children.

In 1843, soldier's older brother, Nathaniel Bell, aged eighty-six years, was living in Johnson County, Indiana, and stated that he served six months with his brother Benjamin in the Revolutionary War.

Very truly yours

A.. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator