Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 19498, Benjamin Gilbert, Continental Mass.
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE | | NUMBER
Continental | Gilbert, Benjamin | W19498
Mass. | Mary S. | {BL. WA. 796-200-Lieut.
 | | Issued Feb. 5, 1794
 | | No papers.
[double line]
CONTENTS
Page 2

4,233
New-York.
[double line]
Benjamin Gilbert, lieut.
Massachusetts line-4
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
[double line]
Inscribed on the Roll of New-York,
at the rate of 20 [illegible fraction] Dollars per month, to commence on
the 2d. of April, 1818.
[double line]
Certificate of Pension issued the 17. of Sept. 1818
and sent to the care of James S:
Campbell, Esq; Otego, N.Y.
[double line]
Arrears to 4th of Sept: 1818...$102.0
Semi-anl. all's ending 4. March...120.-
1819..}$:222.
5 mo:3/30
[on 2 lines] {Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818.}
8 years
Putnam
Middlefield Otego Co
Page 3

[Document is dark and contains tears and rips throughout. It appears that some things have been taped, obscuring parts of content.]
[on left side, rotated 90°] Reg [illegible] mar 55 - 169915
[on left page] 1837 [illegible] [illegible] To Joe C Gilbert
Reported
Ethan D. Gott
Feb. 8°,49,
SS Ely, Mcd [illegible, obscured]
John C. Gilbert
Aug 28 1857
[on right page] [missing] 605. no 605
[missing] R. Albany
[double line]
[missing] ry Gilbert
[obscured]
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Lieut thesign
[double line]
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
280 Dollars -
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.
[double line]
Certificate of Pension issued the
1. day of July 1848.
and sent to
Mortimer Gilbert
Middlefield
ny.
[double line]
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2,1848, Page 75, Vol. 4
Page 4

Genealogy of the Gilbert and Cornwall families
Page 5

State of New York Otsego County}
I, Jesse Rose clerk of said County do hereby certify that Charlie Jarvis Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit of Daniel Gilbert [illegible] it hase been sworn was on the day of the [illegible] of the sworn a justice of the peace in [illegible] [illegible] said County duly elected & qualified And further that I am well acquainted with the [illegible] [illegible] said Justice and verily believe his [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] the [illegible] affidavit the annexed certificate of Credibility to be his genuine handwriting and Signatures
[illegible] my hand seal of office the 25th day of Oct. 1838
Jesse Rose clk
Page 6

Sworn before me
October 9.th 1838
Chester Jarvis Justice
I the said Justice do further Certify that I am well acquainted with the said Daniel Gilbert and that he is a person of Good character for truth and verasity and his Statement is entitled to Credit. October 9. 1838.
Chester Jarvis Justice
Page 7

the Journal [illegible] at this time he cannot say whether he held a commission] higher than Ensign but thinks he was a Lieutenant, that also in said Journal I find Receipts enterd for monies Rev, on account of a pension from the United States. that the said Mary S. Gilbert Is a person of Good character for truth and veracity and his Statement is entitled to credit. and further Saith not.
Subscribed and Daniel Gilbert
Page 8

Further the said Benjamin Gilbert died on the Eighteenth day of January Eighteen Hundred and Fourty Seven, that his widow the said Mary S. Gilbert still remains the widow of the said Benjamin Gilbert Deceased and resides in the town Middlefield aforesaid, that the said Benjamin kept a daily Journal from the time he Entered the army until a short time before his death, by which I find that he was an officer in the S.d army of the United States, not having
Page 9

State of New York
Otsego County p: Daniel Gilbert of the town of Middlefield being duly sworn deposeth and says that that he is aged fifty one years, that he is the son of Benjamin Gilbert (now deceased) that this Book contains the family Record of the said Benjamin Gilbert and is mostly entered in his own hand writing, that on the back of this leaf is the Event of the Marriage of the said Benjamin Gilbert to Mary S. Cornwall in his own proper hand writing, that said record has been in possession of the Family since 1814 as under stand I believe true. that my
Page 10

My wife [underlined] Mary Starr Cornwell was born 13 Jany 1766 -
[line]
we were married on Jany 16th - 1786
her native place Danbury in the State of Connecticut
[line]
Her Grandfathers Name John Cornwell
[line]
Her Fathers Name John Cornwell
born 1st April 1729
died 17th Jany 1792
[line]
Her Mother Hannah was born December 22d 17
died
Page 11

My Daughter Rebecca was born Sep 19th - - 1795
Died March 25th 1826
Her little Daughter Died the 27 1826
My Daughter Polly was born May 11th of 1797
Married March the 31 1834
My son was born August the 2 1834
My Daughter Esther was born Sep 15th - - 1800
died 5th August 1804
My Daughter Bitsey was born July 10th 1803 a twin
[line]
Her Sister never Named born July 10th 1803 died 23 day of July 1803
[line]
My daughter Esther was born October 22d - 1805 - -
Died May 12th 1828
wife of Dunham Spalding
Page 12

A Little son of Sister Esther
Died February 11th 1826
Philip Edward son of Esther Spalding Died October 16th 1828
Page 13

My half sister Elizabeth Gilbert was born May 18th 1774
died March. 29th 1801
[line]
My half Brother Joseph Gilbert was born Jany 25th 1776
[line]
Died January 21st 1826

My Grand Mother Esther Gilbert died June 20th 1780 aged 84 x rising
[line]
My mother Lucy Gilbert died April 22d 1772 aged 41 years x rising
[line]
Elizabeth Gilbert my mother in Law died Feby 14th 1777 aged 40 years and rising
[line]
Page 14

My Eldest Son Daniel Gilbert was born March 19th 1787

My Second Son John Gilbert was born Sept. 3d - 1788

My Eldest daughter Lucy Gilbert was born the 2d May 1790

My Daughter Hannah was born December 9th - 1791

[line crossed out] My Daughter Rebeccah was born
My Son Benjamin Gilbert was born the 24th of October 1793
he was Married november the 28 1827
he Died in September the 30 1835
Page 15

Genealogy, Births and Deaths of the Gilbert Family, entered by Benjamin Gilbert of Middlefield in the County of Otsego, son of Daniel Gilbert of the Town of Brookfield in the State of Masachusetts, on the 23d day March 1814 from his fathers entries in his Bible
[line]
My Great Great Grand fathers Name was Humphrey Gilbert
[line]
My Great Grand Fathers Name was John Gilbert
[line]
My Grand Fathers Name was Benjamin Gilbert born the first of February 1691
[line]
My Father name Daniel Gilbert Born 15 February  1729 and died 2d April 1824
Page 16

I Benjamin Gilbert was born 31st May 1755
[line]
[inserted in different handwriting] and died January 19th 1828 9 Oct. A.M.
My Sister Lucy Gilbert was born 17th March 1758
[line]
My Sister Marcy Gilbert was born June 11th - 1760
[line]
My Sister Esther Gilbert was born June 13th 1762
[line]
She died Feby 29th 1800
[line]
My Sister Mary Gilbert was born November 6th 1764
[line]
My Brother Humphrey Gilbert was born August 16th 1767
[appears to be added at a later date in the same handwriting] he died the 18th Feby - 1816
[line]
My Sister Hannah Gilbert was born April 21st, 1772 a twin
[line]
My Sister Abigal Gilbert was born April 21st 1772 a twin
Page 17

Benj. Gilbert
Mary [illegible] Stewart
To [lighter] Concel
[lighter, crossed out] The Judge's
[lighter, crossed out] certificaters
[lighter, crossed out] wanting
The certificate now added
Page 18

I certify that on the 19th of April 1775 in the evening I marched for Lexington, and entered into Captain Peter Harwoods Company in Colonel Leonards, Regiment and served in said Regiment during the Whole Campaign of 1775
That in January 1776 I inlisted in Captain Peter Harwoods' Company in Colonel Learnards Regiment and served in said Regiment the whole Company of 1776
That in January 1777 I enlisted into Captain Daniel Shays Company as a Serjent in the 5th Masachusets Regiment Commanded by Rufus Putnam Colonel and Served in Said Regiment as a Serjent during the Campaign of 1777-1778 and parts of the Campaign of 1779 when on the 26th day of November 1779 I was appointed by the lord of Ware at Boston as an Ensign in Colonel Rufus Putnams Regiment, and was Commisioned on the 27th day of August 1781 an Ensign in the fith Masachusets Regiment in the Army of the United States by Thomas McKean President of Congres, That on the 17th day of April 1782 I was Commisioned a Lieutinant in the Masachusetts Line in the Army of the United States by Elias Boudinot Esq. to President of Congres, and that I continued as a Lieutenant in Said Army until the the Close of the year 1783 when the army was disbanded, then from the 19th day of April 1775 to the Close of the year 1783 I constantly continued to be mustered to duty and receive pay according to the different situation in which the regulation of the Army placed me, and that I now reside in the Town of Middlefield County of Otsego and State of New York and have resided in the Said Town upwards of thirty four years, and Am at this date upwards of Sixty two years of Age Benjamin Gilbert
Page 19

Sworn & Subscribed April 2d 1818 Before me James S.Campbell one of the Judges of the Court of Common pleas in & for the County of Otsego in the State of New York
Page 20

Otsego [illegible]
personally appeared before me James Campbell Esq one of the Judges of the court of Common pleas of the County of Otsego in the State of New York Benjamin Gilbert the subscribed to the foregoing cartificate and to me well known, and made Solemn oath to the foregoing affidavit, and at the time of making said affidavit he produced to me in confirmation of said affidavit, a warrant or quarter masters [illegible] dated the Second day of may 1777 signed Rufus Putnam Col of the 5th Masachusets Regiment, and also a warrant or [illegible] Major of the 5th Masachusetts Regiment signed Rufus Putnam Col of said Regt, and also a commision as Ensign in the 5th Masachusetts dated at Boston November the 26th 1779 and signed Gen Powel President, and also a commision as Ensign in the 5th Masachusetts Regiment dated august 27th 1781 and signed by Thomas McKean President, and also a commision as Lieutenant in the Masachusetts line in the Army of the United States dated November 5th 1782 signed Elias Boudnot President of the Congress of the United States
James S. Campbell
Page 21

To the Honorable John G. Calhoun Secretary at War
Sir
Whereas the Honorable the Congress of the United States, did in March 1818 pass an act for providing for certain persons engaged in the land and navil service in the United States in the revolutionary Warr.
And whereas it is enacted that the persons applying for the benifit of said Act shall make an affidavit of his services, and such other evidence as may be in his power, and shall relinquish his claim to every pension heretofore allowed him by the laws of the United States
I do therefore apply to you as Secretary of Warr requesting you to put my name on the pension list of the united States, and I hereby relinquish all claim I have to every pension heretofore allowed me by the laws of the United States. and the declarations made to entitle me to the provision of this act and duly sworn to and acknowledged are hereunto annexed
Your Obedient Servant
Benjamin Gilbert
Page 22

[A stamp or seal appears centered at the top of the page. It is illegible, except for an O or 0.]
CLERK's OFFICE, Otsego County, } ss.
I, GEORGE MORRELL, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Otsego, in the State of New-York, hereby Certify, that [handwritten] James S Campbell now is, and for one year past, has been, one of the Judges of the said Court; and that the signature to the foregoing Certificate and papers, is his proper hand writing.
[An indecipherable seal or stamp, rhombus-shaped with a circle inside, on the left side of the page here.] In testimony wherof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court, this [handwritten] 24th day of [handwritten] April 1818. [handwritten signature] W W Webb Dept Car
Page 23

Benjamin Gilbert
Morse & Stewart
Assents
connected.
Certificate of Judge now added
Adm
Page 24

State of New York, Otsego County, } SS.
BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the [handwritten] second day of [handwritten] April 181[handwritten]8 the above named [handwritten] Benjamin Gilbert came before me,  [handwritten] James L. Campbell one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Otsego and State of New-York, and made oath that the facts stated in the foregoing Petition and Declaration are true :—And I the said Judge, pursuant to the directions of the Act of Congress, entitled " An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, during the Revolutionary War," do certify to the Secretary of War, that it has appeared to my satisfaction that the said [handwritten] Benjamin served in the Revolutionary War against the common enemy, for the term mentioned in the said Petition and Declaration hereunto annexed :—And in pursuance of the directions of said Act, I do hereby certify to the Hon. the Secretary of War, that the testimony of [blank space] as detailed in his affidavit hereunto annexed, was taken before me, and that I am satisfied that the application of the said [handwritten] Benjamin is fair and [italic] bona fide in all respects, and that he, by reason of his reduced circumstances, is [something is inked out] in need of assistance from his country for support.
[indented and signed] James S. Campbell
Page 25

Roseboom Otsego County S.N.Y. Feby the 13th 1858
Sir Mary S. Gilbert a revolutionary pensioner died on the 28th Aug't, A.D. 1857 and Daniel Gilbert was appointed Administrator to settle her debts Credits and effects, He has applied to the pension office for her arrears of pension and received $135,53. The heirs were eight in number and named as follows viz, Daniel Gilbert John C Gilbert Lucy B Starr - Hannah K Ely Benj [superscript] n Gilbert Polly Higley Elizabeth North and Esther Spalding, Benj[superscript]n Gilbert and his wife are dead leaving an Only son named Benj[superscript]n D Gilbert so also is Spalding and his wife leaving an Only son names Starr G Spalding now (Daniel Gilbert) the administrator says he must pay it over to the living heirs six in number and not give her two Grand Children any part of it we contend that her two Grand children are living heirs and Ought to share one eighth each of the arrears of her pension, will the Comm[superscript]s of Pensions direct us which of the two ways it must be done. He also charges $10. for his services for Obtaining the arrears of pension, by charging four fold for proveing her death and Getting the Certificate of the Judge and and Clerk besides postage he says he paid on letters too and from the pension Office which are always marked free please inform us and direct to Roseboom as above and Oblige us
[indent] John C Gilbert for himself and other heirs
To the Comm[superscript]s of Pensions
Cty of Washington D.C.
Page 26

State of New York
Otsego County Js: On the Ninth day October 1838 personally appeared Before the Court of Common Pleas in and for Said County (It being a court of record) now Letting:—Mary S. Gilbert a resident of the town of Middlefield in Said County of Otsego, aged Seventy two years, who being first duly Sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following decleration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, pased July 7th 1838, Entitled, "An act granting half pay and pensions to Certain widows".
That she is the widow of Benjamin Gilbert who was a Lieut. or Ensign (this deponent does not recollect which) in the army of the Revolution, and a pensioner of the United States under the act of 1818, and was struck off the roll of the pension list on account of his having property. She further declares that She was married to the Said Benjamin Gilbert on the Sixteenth day of January Seventeen Hundred and Eighty Six, at the Town of Danbury County of Fairfield and State of Conneticutt, by the Rev[superscript]d. W. Peck (there) Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of the place, that the aforeSaid Benjamin Gilbert died on the Eighteenth day of January Eighteen Hundred and Twenty Seven; that she was not married to him prior to him leaving the Service, but the marriage took place prior to the first day of January, Seventeen Hundred and ninety four, viz. at the time above Stated, that she knows of no record of her marriage, Except one drawed off by her said husband from the Family Bible of Daniel Gilbert (on the the 23[superscript]rd day of March 1814) who was the father of the said Benjamin Gilbert, that she was the daughter of John Cornwall, who resided in Danbury aforesaid. 
Sworn to, and subscribed, on the day and Year above written Before me in open Court} [to the left in a differetnt handwriting] Mary S. Gilber
Jesse Rise Clk
Page 27

Widow File 19498.
Rev. War.
[centered] L.M.H. [justified right] February 12, 1906.
Mr. Shepard D. Gilbort,
[indent] Post Office Box 31, Salem,
[double indent] Massachusetts.
Sir:-
[indent] In response to your letter dated February 2, 1906 and received in this Bureau February 3, 1906 you are advised that the papers in the above noted claim show that Benjamin Gilbert was born May 31, 1755 at Brookfield, Massachusetts, He enlisted April 19, 1775 and served during 1775 and 1776 as Private in Capt. Peter Harwoods Co., Col. Learned's Mass Regt. He served as Sergeant in Capt. Daniel Shay's Co., Col. Rufus Putnam's 5th Mass. Regt. from January 1777 to November 26, 1779 when he was commissioned Ensign in said regiment. He was appointed a Lieutenant in the Mass. Line April 17, 1782 and served until the close of 1783. [handwritten] /
[indent] [handwritten] / His pension was allowed on an application executed April 2, 1818 at which time he resided in Middlefield, N.Y. [handwritten] /
[indent] [handwritten] / He married Mary Starr Cornwall, January 16, 1786 at Danbury, Connecticut. [handwritten] / Her pension was allowed on an application executed April 9, 1838, at which time she resided in Middletown, New York.She was born January 13, 1766 at Danbury Conn. and died August 28, 1857.
Page 28

[indent] Names and dates of births of their children are as follows:
[indent] Daniel, born Mar. 19, 1787.
[indent] John C., born Sep. 3, 1788.
[indent] Lucy B. born May 2, 1790, married ** Starr.
[indent] Hannah K, born Dec. 9, 1791, married ** Ely
[indent] Benjamin, born Oct. 24, 1793, died Sep. 30, 1835. [handwritten] mar. Nov
[indent] Rebecca , born Sep. 19, 1795. [handwritten] died Mch. 25, 1826
[indent] Polly, born May 11, 1797, married [something handwritten illegible] ** Wigley.
[indent] Esther, born Sep. 15, 1800, died August 5, 1804.
[indent] Elizabeth, born July 10, 1803, married ** North.
[indent] Esther, born Oct. 22, 1805, died May 12, 1828, married
[indented to line up with married on preceding line] Dunham Spalding.

[indent] The following grandchildren are referred to.

[indent] Philip Edward, died Oct 16, 1828 (child of Esther Spalding)
[indent] Benjamin D. [handwritten] living in 1858 (child of Benj. Gilbert)
[indent] Starr G. Spalding

[indent] The following ancestorsof the soldier are referred to.

Father, Daniel Gilbert, born Feb. 15, 1729, died Apr. 2, 1824.
Mother, Lucy Gilbert, born about 1731, died Apr. 22, 1772.
Grandfather Benjamin Gilbert born Feb. 1, 1691. 
Grandmother Esther Gilbert, born about 1696, died June 20, 1780.
Great grandfather John Gilbert.
Great great Grandfather, Humphrey Gilbert.

[indent] The following ancestors of the widow are referred to.

[indent] Father, John Cornwall, born April 1, 1729, died Jan. 17, 1792.
[indent] Mother, Hannah Cornwall, born Dec. 22, 17—.
[indent] Grandfather, John Cornwall

[double indent] Very respectfully,


[triple indent] Commissioner.
Page 29

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 19498
Mary Gilbert
Wid of Benjamin Gilbert
Ensq.- Rev. [illegible]
Act: Feb 2nd ./48
Index: - Vol. A, Page 273
[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 30

Feby. 19 1897 - History to Mr. 
W. Caryl - Ely -
Niagra Falls, NY-
1906 Feb 4_History to Shepard D. Gilbert. [illegible]
Page 31

Albany 2169
Mary Gilbert
widow of Benjamin Gilbert
who was a pensioner under the Act of March 1818 and who died on the 18 January 1821
of Otsego Co. in the State of N. York
who was an Ensign in the company commanded
by Captain Shay of the [illegible] commanded
by Col. Putnam in the [illegible] line for 2 years
Inscribed on the roll of Albany
at the rate of 240 dollars -----Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of March 1839 and sent to Hon. J. H. Pr[illegible], Cooperstown, N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of March '39 720.00
Semi=annual allowance ending 4 Se[illegible" 120.00
========
$840.00
========
{Act July 7, 1838}
Recorded by D. Br[illegible] Clerk, Book A. Vol. 2 Page 79
Page 32

Increase 
Mary Gilbert
widow of Benjamin 
NY
act 7 July 1838
Adm
12 mo. Lieut. $160.00
12" Ensign 120.00
-----------
$280.00
deducting what has been paid at the rate of $240 per annum
Admr acts 3 March 1843
and 17 June 1844
$280.00 per annum
deducting what has been paid at th rate of $240 per annum
Adnil Ely Watertown W.
Page 33

New York 2169
Mary Gilbert
Widow of Benjamin Gilbert
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818
and who dies on the 18 Jany. 1829
of Ostego Co. in the State of N. York
who was a Lieut & Ensign in the Compnay commanded by Captain Shay of the Regt. commanded by Col. Putnam in the Mens line for 12 mo Lieut and 12 mo. Ensign
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 280 Dollars - Cents per annum, to comment on the 4th day of March, 1836
Inc from $240.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of March 1847 and sent to [illegible] Ely, Watertown, N.Y.
Total amount, $ 
[Act July 7, 1838]
Recorded by D.A. Woods, Clerk, 
Book D. Vol. [illlegible] Page 159.
Page 34

Letter to Adriel, Ely Dec 7, '46
3170 
Albany
Mary Gilbert
widow of Benjamin Gilbert
who was an Ensign 
in the Mass Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 240 Dollars ---
Cents per annum, to comment on the 4th day of March, 1843
Certificate of Pension issued on the 4th day of December 1843 and send to H. Scott
Cooperstown
N. York
[Act of March 3, 1843]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1. Page 121
Page 35

W. Y. Albany. 3176
Mary Gilbert
widow of Benjamin
who was a Lieut & Ensign
in the Mass Line
Husb. died 18 Jany 1827
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 280 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. 
Inc. from $240.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15th day of March 1847 and sent to Adriel Ely, Esq. 
Watertown, N.Y..
[Acts of March 3, 1843, and June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 76
2 Certfs. 1838, 1843 &c. 
Reg.
Page 36

Mary Gilbert
widow of Benjamin. Albany N.Y. Act 38, 43 & 44 $240.00/anm.
To what time was she last paid?
Pension Office
March 12, 1847
G.C.A.
Paid to 4th Sept. 1846
BLB
Page 37

Benjamin Gilbert [writing too faint to read]
Pay 178 wk 3 Sinfus(?) Represent to 1st Augs 1780 - 22.40
Pay 193 Wk 3 dos. (?)Regt. to 1st Jnuy 1783 240.00
Pay 196 Wk 3 to 4 Nov 1783 500.
500
573.30
_______
1573.30
 
Returned as the [illegible] if the war enabled to personaly serve as Lieutenant

Appointed Lieutenant 17 April 1780
per his declaration act 18 March 1818
Dr. Crump says 12 hr at last should be allow
assemble(?)
Page 38

I Davies Staw of Danbury in the County of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut Clerk of said Town of Danbury do certify that I have examined the Records of said town and do not find the Marriage or Benjamin Gilbert & Mary J. Cornwall recorded - 
Davies Staw Town Clerk of Danbury
Danbury Sept. 29, 1838
Page 39

Service
Continental Mass
Gilbert, Benjamin
Mary S.

Number
W 19498
B.L.MA 796_200.Lieut. Issued Feb. 5, 1794
No papers.
Page 40

137

5170 Davis
4781 F[?]
_____
 389

5281  Dr D [?]
4644 Roges
_____
 637

5264  [?]
4689 [?]
_____
 575 --

Mop[?] 5295
Lucy     4798
___________
               497

Goden 5465
Fish -   4732
___________
               733

Collins 5072
Anez.   4789
___________
                283
Lynde  5246
             4716
___________
                530

Mopez 4716
Salesby  753
___________
              5469
____________

Bradly. 738 -

5281
5264
5170
_______
15715
14114

4644
4689
4781
_______
14114

3/1601
______
     533

 92
137
___
229
Page 41

Watertown  Jeff. County. New York Nov. 20, 1846

Sir
I enclose herewith this application under oath of Mary Gilbert, widow of Benjamin Gilbert, for certificate of pension
She received a letter from Duval informing her that her husband was a lieutenant at the close of the war, entitled to half pay & c of a pension of $320 per annum & c- Mrs. Gilbert is an acquaintance of mine and desired me to look into the matter
This explanation is made to show why Mrs. G. asks for more pension - the letter she has received makes her to believe she is entitled to more & she will not be satisfied until she knows the results of this application - You will find that Benjamin Gilbert was pensioned in 1818 & is put down on the list as Lieutenant, how long he served as such I do not know if to the conclusion of Peace in Duval says the probability is that Mrs G's pension is too small
Page 42

If Mrs Gilbert is not in the receipt of  as great a pension as she is entitled to I will thank you to send me the Certificate for him - I  would be much obliged to you for this information whether Benjamin Gilbert was in Commission or not at the conclusion of Pension -
Very Respectfully
[??] Ob Yours
Adriel Ely

J. L. Edwards Esq
 Comm of Pensions
[???]
Page 43

[???] Sect  $160
[???] [??].     120
                    _______
                    $280
Page 44

Watertown Jeff. Co N.Y. July 5.1867

Col J. L. Edwards.
 
Sir in the case of Mary Gilbert widow of Benjamin Gilbert, you stated in your letter of the 7th [?] that there was evidence in your office that he was a lieutenant at the conclusion of the war, but that you had no means of ascertaining the date of his appointment to this rank - you will perceive by the certificate of the State of Mass. herewith, that such evidence can not be found in his office - Benjamin Gilbert, then a resident of Otsego County State of New York, was, under the provisions of the act of 18th March 1818, placed on the Pension Roll on the 17th Sept. 1818 as a Lieut. at $240 per annum the  pension commencing on the 2nd April 1818.  It appears to me that evidence must have been furnished to establish at least 9 months service as Lieut.  Under these circumstances I must by the [having?] a copy of that part of Benjamin Gilberts declaration which notes the history of his services & also a copy of the evidence establishing his right to a pension as a lieutenant

Respectfully yr ob. sert.

Adriel Ely
Page 45

appointed Lieutenant 
17 April1782. See his 
declaration. act 18 March 1818.
Page 46

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Secretary's Office, Boston:
January 29 1847.

I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Benjamin Gilbert is borne upon a list of Officers in the 3rd Massachusetts's regt as a Lieutenant no services named and said list is not dated.

The time of his appointment and service as a Lieutenant cannot be ascertained from Military records in the office.
Page 47

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case. 
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date about written.
John G. Pulfrey
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 48


Watertown N.Y-
Dec. 28 1846

Sir

Mrs Mary Gilbert, whose attorney I am, an applicant for a pension, is informed by the Commissions of Pensions that there is evidence in the pension office that her husband Benjamin Gilbert was a Lieutenant at the conclusion of the war but the date of appointment to this rank she has no means of ascertaining   If Mrs Gilbert can furnish proof from the [?] of Massachusetts of the date of her husband's commission as a Lieutenant, or can show the amount of service rendered in that capacity her pension will be allowed -

The object of this communication is to ascertain at what period of the war Benjamin Gilbert who was a Lieutenant in the Mass. Cont line was commissioned or at what pension his pay commenced as lieutenant.  

Very Respectfully
Yr Ob Sevet
Adriel Ely

Hon J. G. Palfrey
Secy of State
Boston
Page 49

2861
In the matter of Mary S. Gilbert, application for a Pension 
2169 [written along the side]

38

C. Janis Agt.

Cooperstown Otsego Co. N.Y.

Admitted
Ensign 2 years 

Hon J.H. Prentiss
Cooperstown N.Y.
[illegible]
Page 50

Otsego Common Pleas 
————-
In the matter of Mary S. Gilbert an applicant for a Pension 
—————
Certificate
Page 51

At a Court of Common Pleas held at the Court House in Cooperstown within & for the County of Otsego on Tuesday the 9th day of Oct 1838 Present Hon Jabez D Hammond first Judge Elisha Foote James C. Walworth Seth Chase & Hiram Kinne }Judges 
In the matter of Mary S. Gilbert an applicant for a Pension } Mary S. Gilbert of Middlefield in the County of Otsego and State of New York appeared was sworn & examined on Oath in open court testified and proved to the Satisfaction of the Court that she is aged Seventy two (72) years that she is the widow of Benjamin Gilbert who was an officer in the Revolutionary army, and a Pensioner under the act of 1818, a short time but afterwards Struck off the Pension Roll on account of his property that she was married to the said Benjamin Gilbert on the 16th day of January 1786, at Danbury County of Fairfield Connecticut by the Rev Mr Joseph Peck that the said Benjamin Gilbert Died at Middlefield aforesaid on the 18th day of January 1827 that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the Service but previous to the first day of January 1794 and that she still remains his widow 
State of New York Otsego County SS⎬ I Jesse Rose Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County. it being a Court of Record do certify that the foregoing contains in Substance the Testimony of the said Mary S. Gilbert as given by her and taken down by me at the time in open court and which the said Court adjudged to be satisfactory evidence of the facts therein Stated and that the same has been compared with and is truly copied from the Records of said Court.
Witness my hand and seal of office this 20th day of October AD 1838. 
Jesse Rose Clk
Page 52

Three [written on the side]
[circular stamp]

2844 August/43 
Cls March 30/43.
N. Y.
M. Gilbert 
E. Wilbur


J L Edward’s Esq
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington City
Page 53

Cooperstown  August 7th 1843 

Dear Sir 
I forward herewith the declarations of Mary Gilbert and Elizabeth Wilbur for the purpose of obtaining a pension under the act of 1843. You will please [illegible. tho initon] certificates to me and oblige 
Very Respectfully Yours 
H Scott

P L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 54

2844
M. Gilbert $240 per an
H. Scott 
Cooperstown
N. Y.
Page 55

STATE OF NEW-YORK, County of Otsego } ss. On this thirty first day of July in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty - three before the subscriber, Joseph W. Reynolds a Justice of the peace of the town of Middlefield in said County personally appeared Mary Gilbert a resident of the town of Middlefield in said county, aged Seventy Seven years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3d of March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war: 
That she is the widow of Benjamin Gilbert who served both as an Ensign & Lieutenant in the Revolutionary War the Captain & Colonel under whom he served not known but refers you to papers on file in the Pension Office for particulars 
She further declares that she was a Pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress, passed July 7, 1838, and that the annual amount of the pension which she received under the said act was Two hundred and forty dollars 
She further declares that she is still a widow. Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written.} Joseph W Reynolds Justice of the Peace + Mary Gilbert 
I Certify that the above declarant is personally known to me. 
Joseph W Reynolds 
Justice of the of the peace 
STATE OF NEW-YORK, County of Otsego } ss.
I, Samuel Russell clerk of said county, do hereby certify that Joseph W. Reynolds was on the day of the date of the above jurat and certificate, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county, duly appointed and qualified, and that the signature above, purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name, this Seventh day of August 1843. 
Samuel Russell Clerk
Page 56

State of New York Otsego County Ss
H. I Mary Gilbert a resident of the Town of Middlefield in the County of Otsego State of New York aged Eighty years and upwards, being duly sworn according to Law, depose and say, that I am the Widow of Benjamin Gilbert, who was a Lieutenant, in the war of the Revolution and was pensioned under the law of March 1818 and suspended by the Act of May 1st 1820 and died at his residence in the Town of Middlefield aforesaid on the 18" day of January 1827: That this deponent was pensioned under the Act of July 1838 at the rate of two hundred and forty Dollars per annum, and by the Acts of March 3d 1843 and June 17th 1844 am now in the receipt of the same amount of pension. This deponent further says, that she has been informed and believes it to be true, that her late husband the said Benjamin Gilbert as a Lieutenant in the Continental Army, in the Massachusetts Line and served to the end of the war, and more then two years as Lieutenant, and that consequently, she is entitled to a greater pension than she now received. This deponent, therefore [cutoff and blocked by the following paper]

STATE OF NEW YORK, Otsego County Clerk's Office, ss. } I Geo. Wilson Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that Joseph H Reynolds Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the annexed Affidavit was on the date of the same a Justice of the peace in and for said County, and duly authorised by law to take the same and further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and verily believe his signature to the said Affidavit is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County, the 29 of October A.D. 1846 Geo. B. Wilson Clerk.
Page 57

State of New York 
Otsego County Ss.
I Mary Gilbert a resident of the Town of Middlefield in the County of Otsego State of New York aged Eighty years and upwards, being duly sworn according to Law, depose and say, that I am the Widow of Benjamin Gilbert, who was a Lieutenant, in the war of the Revolution and was pensioned under the law of March 1818 and suspended by the Act of May 15th 1820 and died at his residence in the Term of Middlefield aforesaid on the 18 day of January 1827: That this deponent was pensioned under the Act of July 1838 at the rate of two hundred and forty Dollars per annum, and by the Acts of March 3d 1843 and June 17 1844 and now, in the receipt of the same amount of pension. 

This deponent further says, that she has been informed and believes it to be true, that her late husband the said Benjamin Gilbert was a Lieutenant in the Continental Army, in the Massachusetts Line and served to the end of the war, and more than two years as Lieutenant, and that consequently, she is entitled to a greater pension than she now receives. This deponent, therefore prays the Commissioner of Pensions, to examine into the claim, and communicate the result of such examination to Adriel Ely Esq of Watertown in the County of Jefferson and State of New York who is my Attorney in this matter- Sworn and Subscribed this 27th day of October 1846 }Mary Gilbert 
Before me—-Joseph W. Reynolds Justice of the Peace
Page 58

State of New York
Otsego County, ss.
On the nineteenth day of June 1848 personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace of the County of aforesaid Mary Gilbert a resident of Middlefield in the County of Otsego aged Eighty Two years who bring forth duly sworn according to law doeth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 2nd of February 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war.  That she is the widow of Benjamin Gilbert who was a Lieutenant and Ensign in the Massachusetts line of the revolutionary army and was inscribed on the pension roll at the rate of Two Hundred and Eighty dollars per annum.  She further declares that she is a widow.
Mary Gilbert
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before 
Jospeh W. Reynolds Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named declarant is personally known to me
State of New-York, Otsego County, ss.
I, Charles McLean, Clerk of said county, do hereby certify, that Joseph W. Reynolds the person subscribing the foregoing and annexed affidavit and certificate and before whom the same was taken, was, on the 19th day of June 1848 therein mentioned, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Otsego, and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Joseph W. Reynolds and verily believe that the name subscribed to the said affidavit is his proper and genuine signature.  
In Testimony Wherof, I have caused the seal of the said County to be hereunto affixed this 20th day of Juen A.D., 1848.
Char. McLean Clerk.
Page 59

State of New York
Otsego County, ss.
On the nineteenth day of June 1848 personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace of the County aforesaid Mary Gilbert a resident of Middlefield in the County of Otsego aged Eighty Two years who being first duly sworn according to law doeth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefots of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 2nd February 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war.  That she is  the widow of Benjamin Gilbert who was a Lieutenant and Ensign in the Massachusetts line of the revolutionary army and was inscribed on the pension roll at the rate of Two Hundred and Eighty Dollars per annum.  She further declares that she is still a widow.
Mary Gilbert
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before Joseph W. Reynolds, Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named declarant is personally known to me and is the identical person who drew a pension under the act of 3rd March 1843 and 17th June 1844.
Joseph W. Reynolds Justice of the Peace
Page 60

In the name of God Amen, this 15th day of November AD 1786 —
I John Cornell of Danbury in the State of Connecticut, being advanced in years and at this time in a poor State of health, knowing it is appointed unto all men once for to die and not knowing how soon my departure out of time may be, do in the fear of God make and ordain this my last will & Testament. And first and principally I give and recommend my precious and immortal soul to God who gave it, hoping for eternal life through Jesus Christ my only Saviour & Advocate 
My Body I resign at death to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executors hereafter named not doubting but by the power of Almighty God I shall again receive the same - And as touching such worldly estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life I give and dispose of the same in the following manner + form viz. My will and pleasure is that all my just debts and funeral charges should be paid in convenient time after my decease by my Executors aforesaid -
In primes - I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Hannah the whole of all my household furniture of every kind as Beds Beding Linen Woolin, Pewter Brass {illegible} and two years provision of all kinds for my said wife, and also one third part of all the rest of my moveable estate of what nature or kind forever to her dispose forever, and also to my said wife I give the me and improvement of one third part of all my lands & real estate during her life - 
Items, I give and bequeath to my Daughter

 I give and bequeath to my Daughter Mary Starr the wife of Benjamin Gilbert
Page 61

the sum of three pounds lawful money to make to make her equal with her other sisters 
Item I give and bequeath to my Daughter Sarah + [illegible] to each of them the sum of thirty pounds lawful money to make them equal with what I have heretofore given to their other sisters 
Item I give all the rest of my estate both real and personal of what nature or kind soever to my beloved children namely John Cornell, Francis Cornell & Nathan Cornell, my sons, and Abiah, Betty, Hannah Lucy, Mary Starr, Sarah & [illegible] my Daughter to be equally divided among them without any regard to age or sex or any thing I have given either of them yet nevertheless my will is that, that part of my estate that I have given to my son John Connell in case he shall not return in person to receive his portion as bequeathed to him, that then that part I give to his wife Mary of this Town, and his children that he had by her to be divided among them. the said Mary to have the use and improvement of one third part thereof during her life, and the remainder to be divided among his three sons namely Joshua Starr Cornell, Wheeler Cornell and John Cornell in the following proportions, the said John Cornell to have the one half thereof by reason of his lameness the other two, namely Joshua Stan & Wheeler to share equally - 
And lastly, I appoint my two sons Francis Cornell and Nathan Cornell to be Executors in this my last will & Testament hereby revoking and making null & void all other wills + Testaments by me heretofore had or made holding and establishing, this & this only
Page 62

to be my last will and Testament 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day & date first above written John Cornell  LF [circled]
Signed sealed published +[ illegible ] in presence of 
Alexander Stuart 
David Hoyt 
Ezekiel Wildman 

A true Record of the original Test Joseph P. Cook Jun. Clerk 
State of Connecticut 
County of Fairfield 
Probate District of Danbury }SS
 I Gilead G. Taylor Clerk of the Court of Probate within & for the District of Danbury within and for said County and State, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the last will and Testament of John Cornell late of Danbury in said District deceased as recorded in the records of the said Court 
In testimony whereof I have set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 29th day of September 1838 
Gilead G Taylor Clerk
I Edward Taylor of Danbury in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, Judge of Probate within & for the District of Danbury in said County and State do hereby certify to all whom it may concern that Gilead G. Taylor who hath signed the foregoing certificate is Clerk of the said Court of Probate, & was Clerk at the date thereof, duly appointed & sworn; that the signature subscribed to said certificate is in the proper hand writing of the said Gilead G Taylor, and that full faith and credit
Page 63

and due to his official acts as such Clerk and that the seal impressed upon the said certificate is the seal of said Court of Probate - 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand at Danbury aforesaid the 29th day of September 1838 
Edward Taylor Judge
Page 64

State of New York 
Dutchess County ⎬ Ss.
Hannah Hoyt of the town of Washington in said State and County being duly sworn before me the undersigned Justice of the Peace of the County aforesaid deposeth and saith she is eighty five years of age, that she was present at the marriage of Benjamin Gilbert to Mary S Cornwell which said marriage ceremony was performed by Joseph Peck then Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of the town of Danbury in the County of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut, that said Peck has been dead many years that said marriage was solemnized at Danbury aforesaid about the sixteenth day of January in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty six and --- that the said Benjamin Gilberts native place was reputed to be at Brookfield in the State of Massachusetts and that after said marriage the said Benjamin Gilbert removed with his said wife to a place called Cevy Valley in the State of New York which place as she has since understood has been called the town of Middlefield in the County of Otsego and State aforesaid 
Hannah (her X mark )Hoyt
I certify that the above affidavit was by me drawn from a statement made by the above named Hannah Hoyt and that after it was drawn it was distinctly read to her and that she is a person of good character for truth or veracity and that I believe her statement is entitled to credit and that it was Subscribed and sworn to by her before me the 27th day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight 
George Hammond Justice of the Peace
Page 65

State of New York
Dutchess County ss.
Daniel W. Beadle Clerk of the said county do certify that George Hammond Esq. before whom the within affidavit purports to have been subscribed and sworn was at this date of the same one of the Justices of the peace in and for the said County duly elected and qualified.  And that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that his name is subscribed to the Certificate of Attestation of the said affidavit is his genuine signature
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County this Second day of October A. D. One thousand Eight hundred thirty eight
Daniel W. Beadle clerk
Page 66

Roseboom March the 10th 1857 -
Sir Mary Shaw Gilbert widow of Lient Benj Gilbert of the N.Y. Continental line of the revolutionary army, a pensioner for many years, on the 9th of July last past became deranged and continues so to this date She has a Grandson who has procured her pension up to the 4th of September last and it has slipped away by gifts to one and another until little or nothing is left, her relations request me to make the following enquiries of the Pension department for their future guidance. how they may proceed to draw her pension in future, as she does not know enough to be sworn 2 by the amount of all the pension drawn up to the 4th of March last, as they have strong reasons to believe that her grandson has considerable of her money in his hands which he has not accounted for up to the date of her derangement, and which she now stands in need of for her support, Idly if the pension department can appoint an agent or guardian to see to the faithful application of future moneys drawn and to settle with her grandson for monies now in his hands, or such other cause as the department, may deem proper in the premises, if he can appoint a Guardian 
Over
Page 67

they will name one of ability who is not connected with the family as a relation and who is of good character and forward the name authenticities to the department they likewise would to have you send the forms and law under which she draws her pension, it would be a satisfaction to her heirs and a guide to direct them in drawing future pensions 
Yours resply John C. Gilbert 
To the Comm of Pensions 
City of Washington, D.C.
N.B. Some of the charges of her Grandson to meet her pension claim is $10 per Year for getting her pension and the distance he has to go is six miles to Otsego County Bank and other charges in proportion
 I direct your reply to me at Roseboom Otsego County State of N.Y. -
Page 68

S. S. Ely New York 
Feb. 15. 1858, --- announcing the death of a pensioned widow - Mary C. Gilbert, and desiring information as to the proper disposition of the unpaid pension.
—-
 Respectfully referred to the Coms. of Pensions Dep. Int. Feb 17 1858 } Moses Kelly 
Rec’d 16 Feb. 58 
M. Rhett
Page 69

35 William S. N.Y 
July 15, 1858 
Dr Sir-
A Mary C Gilbert a pensioned widow, died last fall, leaving her surviving six children, besides grandchildren by two of her deceased children - 
An administrator has been appointed of her estate & he has obtained the pension unpaid to the widow
Page 70

at the time of her death. I wish to inquire 1st Whether the grandchildren share in the money, they taking the same portion that would belong to their parents if living, or whether it is divided among the six living children to the exclusion of the grandchildren? 2nd whether the administrator has a
Page 71

right to appropriate or retain the money for any purpose whatever, & whether the whole of it is not immediately payable to the heirs?
Very Respectfully Yrs
S.S. Ely
Hon. Thompson 
Secy of the Interior
Page 72

Note: The widow & children of this soldier applied for bounty land and based their claim upon service Lient Benj. Gilbert of the New York line and received warrant No. 1533 for 200 acres, to which they there not entitled. See note in that claim.

Whenever any one calls for the record of either Benj. Gilbert they must have both 

May 24-- 1932 
[illegible]
 Benjamin Gilbert N. 19498
Page 73

ELY, Dudley & Cohn,
Counsellors at Law,

W. CARYL ELY. FRANK A DUDLEY. MORRIS COHN, JR.
FREDRICK CHORMANN.  HARRY HIGHLAND

45 Falls Street.
Niagara Falls, N.Y.  Feby.6, 1897
Commissioner of Pensions, Pension Dept. , 
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:-

Will you kindly forward me a certified copy of widow's pension certificate granted to
widow of Lieut.Benjamin Gilbert, 1st. Reg. N.Y.line, in Revolutionary War?

Your compliance with above request, will oblige,

Yours very truly,
W. Caryl Ely
Page 74

SHEPARD DEVEREUX GILBERT, 
P. O. Box 31, SALEM, MASS. 
FEB 5 1906  [stamped]
February 2, 1906.
Pension Bureau, 
Washington, 
Dear Sirs: - 
In a work entitled "Memorials of the Society of the Cincinnati of Massachusetts" by Francis S. Drake, Boston, 1873, is a biographical sketch of BENJAMIN GILBERT, of Brookfield, Mass, born May 31, 1755,
 It says of him that he was ensign in Putnam's (5th) reg. ; commissioned lieut. 17 April 1782. Subsequently joined the New York Society, and was living in New York, with a government pension in 1820. Left a widow, Ruth, who was living in 1840. 
If the request is a proper one, I wish to ascertain from the records of the Pension Office, whether a Benjamin Gilbert, who had been an officer in a Massachusetts regiment during the War of the Revolution, received a pension and in what part of the State of New York it was paid. 
Yours Respectfully, 
Shepard S. Gilbert 
U. S. PENSION OFFICE Feb 3 1906 [in circular stamp]