Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26364, Benoni Hunt, Mass.
Page 1

(3--1776)
SERVICE | NUMBER
Mass | Hunt, Benoni | W. 26364
Reeves, Lydia | B.L. Wt. 83522_160_55
Former Widow
CONTENTS
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Act March 3/55 
[right side] Jn S. Hodsdon June, 30/58 [written over illegible text]
" " " July, 28/58
" " " Aug, 16/58
290.047 
Lydia Reeves May 8/58 

Lydia Reeves [crossed out "wid of"]
for. wid. of
Benoni Hunt  priv 
Benoni Hunt
Capt Nash Infant Ward Cobb
JW Barker
1776 - 81
[diagonal in background]
83.522 [illegible]

Rev: War
DW: 160 Ac Aug: 28/58
B D Y-tch
HeCl. B
[right side] Vol H2. page 152
Jn S Hodsdon
Bangor Maine
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p. 494
Maine,
Lydia Reeves, formerly widow of
Mr Benoni Hunt, who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private,
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 27 dollars 77 cents per annum, to commence on the 
[3rd February , 1853 redacted] 6th.
March 1853.

Certificate of Pension issued 26th
day of Nov. 1858
and sent to 
John L Hodsdon, 
Bangor, ME.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under
February 3, 1853, Page 168. Vol. 1?
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State of Maine.
PENOBSCOT, SS.

I, NATHAN WESTON, Jr., CLERK OF ALL THE JUDICIAL COURTS in said County,
certify that the Police Court for the City of Bangor in said County of Penobscot is a Court of record, having a Recorder and a Seal, that the Hon. Spencer A. Pratt is the Judge of said Court duly elected, commissioned & qualified, and Alpheus Lyon Esquire is the Recorder of said Court, duly appointed and commissioned by the executive of the State of Maine, and that the signatures to the
foregoing instrument purporting to be the said Spencer A. Pratt, and Alpheus ["Esquire" crossed out] Lyons are genuine. 
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the
Seal of the SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT for said State, this
twenty fourth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty eight.
Nathan Weston Jr.
Clerk
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Benoni Hunt's Widow appl. for pension: Revolutionary Service ~

John L. Hodsdon 
agent
Bangor, Maine
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State of Maine
Penobscot ls. On this 23rd day of September
A.D. 1858. Personally appeared before the
Hon. Spencer A. Pratt. Judge of the Police
court for the City of Bangor in said county
the same being a court of record & having 
a Recorder duly appointed & commissioned
by the Governor of this State Lydia Reeves
a resident of Bradford in said county & State,
aged eighty three years, who being first duly
sworn doth on oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the arrears of
pension due to her former husband Benoni
Hunt. under the act passed June 7 1832
and the pension due to herself under the
act passed 2 February 1848. And your
Declarant states that she was formerly the
Widow of Benoni Hunt, who was a soldier
of the Revolution and who served as she
beleives as follows. viz. In Captain Nash's
Company. Col. Lovell 4 days from March
4 1776 to take possession of Dorchester Heights as private from Weymouth. In same Company and Regiment from March 10 1776.  2 days - Captain Jo. Trinfant, Col. Josiah Whiting's Regiment from July 22 to Dec 31 1776.
5 months 13 days as private from Weymouth
Service in defense of the Sea coast. - Capt.
Sam Ward's Company Col. Symmes Detacht.
of guards doing duty in and about Boston
from March 9 to April 26, 1778 1 month
19 days as private. Capt. Ed Cobb's Company Col. Eliphatet Carey's Regiment from
July 30, 1780 11 days as private. Capt. William
Barker's Company Col. Thomas Cotton's Regiment
from March 27 1781 25 days as private.
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making service in said Revolutionary war
for a period of 8 months & 14 days
at least, & possibly more, as may appear
from the Rolls & Records of Revolutionary
Service & from copies & abstracts therefrom
on file in the Pension Bureau at 
Washington, reference thereto being had for
a more full & particular description
of said service. That her Husband
said Benoni Hunt was born as she
believes, in the Town of Weymouth in
the State of Massachusetts, and was
a resident of said Town of Weymouth,
at the time he entered the service.
She further states that she was born
in the town of Jefferson in the State of
Maine, & was married to the said
Benoni Hunt in the town of Jefferson
in the State of Maine, in the month
of November 1797, and that her name
before marriage was Lydia Rogers
and that her husband died at Orono Maine,
on the 28 of January A.D. 1838. She further
declares that after the death of her husband
aforesaid, to wit in the month of August or
September 1841 she intermarried with one
James Reeves with whom she lived in
wedlock till the 6th day of March 1853,
when he died, and that she is now a
widow. She further declares that she has made
application for Bounty Land under the act of
March 3, 1855 & that she has received a
Warrant No 83522, as will appear by the records of the pension office.
She therefore claims this
pension that was due her husband
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the said Benoni Hunt, from March 4 1831
to the 28 of January 1838 when he died,
and the pension due her from 4th day of March 1848. for & during life or widowhood, under the act of February 2, 1848,
and that she has continued a widow ever since the death of said Reeves.
Lydia   her mark    Reeves
attest   Larson Butler
            Sophia Butler
We Larson Butler & Sophia Butler,
residents of Bradford in the State of Maine upon our oaths declare, that the foregoing declaration was signed & acknowledged by Lydia Reeves in our presence, &
we know her to be the Widow of James Reeves & have no doubt from her age & appearance that she is the widow of Benoni Hunt deceased, a Revolution army soldier, such being the reputation throughout
the whole community, & her own declarations of the fact, ever since we knew her, some  18 years, & we have no interest in any claim she may have for a pension on account of said Benoni Hunt's Revolutionary services.   Said Lydia Reeves is now a widow & has been ever since the death of said James Reeves in March 1853
Larson Butler
Sophia Butler
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court
on the day & year first herein before written before me & I certify, that I believe from the age & appearance & conversations of declarant, that she is the identical person she
represents herself to be & the Widow of Benoni Hunt a Revolutionary soldier & that the
above identifying witnesses are persons of good reputations for truth & veracity, & fully entitled to credit & I further certify, that I have no interest in
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said widow's claim for pension or half pay on account of the Revolutionary service of her said husband Benoni Hunt, and am not concerned in the prosecution of the same.

Spencer A. Pratt
Judge of the Police Court for the City of Bar [missing text] Bangor

Benoni Hunt's Widow ap'pt for Pension: Revolutionary Service ~

John L Hodsdon Agent
Bangor, Maine

I Alpheus Lyon Recorder of the Police Court for the City of Bangor, in the County of Penobscot & State of Maine, duly appointed & commissioned as such by the Executives of this State, hereby certify, that said Police Court is a Court of Record of his seal of a Recorder & that the Hon. Spencer A. Pratt is the Judge of said Police Court, duly elected, commissioned & qualified, & the foregoing signature from purporting to be his is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed this seal of said Court this
23d day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & fifty eight.

Alpheus Lyon [signature]
Recorder of Police Court Bangor
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Benoni Hunt [upside down]

STATE OF MAINE
Court do hereby declare their opinion after the [missing text] ...atories prescribed by the War Department that [missing text] ...oldier, and served as he states.

And the Court [missing text] [illegible] who has sign... [missing text] in the [illegible] and that the same [illegible] a resident of the [illegible] and that their statement is entitled to credit.
William G. [missing text] [signature]

STATE OF MAINE
--I, Alexander [illegible] hereby certify that the [missing text] ...thin proceedings was had, is Judge of [missing text] so certify that the within contains the original [missing text] application of Benoni Hunt.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto said Court this twentieth [missing text] A.D. 183[illegible 2?]
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State of Maine Penobscot -ss
On this sixteenth day October, A.D. 1832 personally appeared Benoni Hunt before  Wm. D. Williamson, Judge of Probate of said State, Benoni Hunt a resident of Orono in the County of Penobscot and State of Maine, aged [illegible] 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 provision made by the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.  That he enlisted in the Army of Unites States, in the year 1775 with Captain Joseph Trufant and served in Col [blank} regiment of Massachusetts line or troops under the following named officers  Trufant Captain and whose name of the Colonel he has forgotten.  He enlisted with the Spirit of 1776 for six months was stationed at Nantasket near Boston and after serving his time out was properly discharged.
The year that was ended in the Spring, he entered the [illegible] service with Major M. Coggshell, and served 6 months lacking ten days. 
while under Captain Trufant he was engaged in erecting forts in Nantasket near Boston - another service was the time above mentioned  built while he was then-
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And to the interrogatories propounded under the instructions of the war department, he answers: He was born at Randolph, MA when he presented the record of his age to be in the year 1751.  He in each instance was enlisted and at the exhaustion of the term of service was verbally discharged. He know of [illegible]  being who proved his service and he has [illegible] depositions as proof of his character and of the general belief of his Revolutionary service. Weymouth was his home at the time of his Revolutionary service. He now resides in Orono. He does not recollect the name of Colonel who commanded while he resided at Nantasket. He was engaged in building the fort while stationed there.  There were twelve companies he things stationed there. While there they took one British merchant vessel and carried him into Boston.  He was engaged in no battles.  Then was a  general officer stationed there.- He brings the certificates of Rev. Mr. Fisher & Mr. Treat & Benn  with to their belief of his service.
He hereby 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 any agency in any State. Benoni Hunt [signature]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open Court. William D. Williamson, Judge of Probate County of Penobscot.
And the said Judge does hereby declare his opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. William D Williamson Judge as aforesaid.
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We, Josiah Fisher a clergyman, residing in the town of Orono in the county of Penobscot and Nathanial Treat & John Bennoch jr  residing in the same town, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Benoni Hunt, who has subscribed and swore the annexed declaration; that we believe him to be 70 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Josiah Fisher [signature] Nathaniel Treat [signature] John Bennoch [signature]  [illegible] of Orono
State of Maine
Penobscot ss swore and subscribed this fifteenth of the November A.D. 1832

Before me, Jeremiah Perley Justice of the Peace
Proposed I, Alexander Savage Register of Probate certify that Jeremiah Perley is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Penobscot that [illegible] is his genuine signature.  In his hearing of which I have affixed my name with [illegible] of this court the 4th day of April 1833.  Alexander Savage [signature]
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(3 - 1776)
Service Number
Mass Hunt, Benoni W26364
Reeves, Lydia BLWt83522-160-55
Former Widow

Contents
State of Maine
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Josiah Fisher who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman resident in the Town of Orono Maine and that Nath. Treat and
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Benoni Hunt
Penobscot Co
Maine
Refi[unintelligible)
Allen & Appleton
Banger
Penobscot Co
Maine
Page 16

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office
183

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, shewing the Service of Benoni Hunt, Penobscot Co
Maine

Period when the service was rendered. 
Duration of the claimant's service 
Years. Months. Days. 
Rank of the claimant.
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
Proof by which the declaration is supported.
1776 " 6 months " Priv Col. 71 years Traditionary
Cap. Trufant. Weymouth
178 " 5 months 25 days Wagoner Maj. Coggswell with Mass.

I am , respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia" and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular
places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service,
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1.
The Regular Troops.
2.
The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
Sate, Territory, or District of } 88.
County of
On this day of personally appeared (a) before
A. B. a resident (b) of 
in the county of
and State, Territory or District of
aged (c) 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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , 
with and served in the (e) regiment of the  line, under the following named officers: 

[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under
more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states.
of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia.
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
and C.D. residing in (the same)
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
who has
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,
Clerk of the Court of
do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this
day of
& c,
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services
of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case.The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his Case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
To an Officer. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what  has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[footnote] a. The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance,
[footnote] b.The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[footnote] c. The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[footnote] d. The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[footnote] e. Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection, he served lot less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:-- For ____ year ____months, and ____ days, I served as a _____.  For ____months, and ____ days, I served as an ____; and for such service, For 
served as and --- days, I served as a
and for such service I claim a pension."
is to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law
the pension to be in according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about here or four months,
is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years
in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is
ignation it must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement
the particular place or places where in service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent in
thority; that he was either in the field or in garrison and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil
pursuit.
┃ The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
opinion of the Court is always required.
The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
The Clerk must affix his seal, and it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no pubseal
of office, the certificate of a member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the
papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
in every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains
the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must
pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses
who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well
the regiment and to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witand
the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
easily applies to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in
not replies to continental troops only.
witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Joseph Rowe
Page 19

290.087
Widow of 
Benoni Hunt
Revolutionary Soldier
app. for Bounty Land
act. March 3,155

John L. Hodsdon
Agent
Bangor,
Maine
Page 20

State of Maine
County of Penobscot
On this tenth day of April A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty eight personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid Lydia Reeves aged eighty-two years, a resident of Bradford in the State of Maine, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Benoni Hunt deceased who was a Private in the company commanded by Capts. Thomas Nash, Joseph Trufant, Samuel Ward, Edward Cobb, William Barker that her husband enlisted at Weymouth, Massachusetts on or about March A.D. 1776 for the term of till discharged and continued in actual service in said War for the term of about 9 months and was honorably discharged on or about  25th day of April A.D. 1781 as will appear by the accompanying certificate from the Secretary of State's office of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
She further states she was married to the said Benoni Hunt in Jefferson on the day of [blank] November, 1797 by one Samuel Nicholson and that her name before her said marriage was Lydia Rogers that her said husband died at home on the [blank] day of  January A.D. 185[blank] and that she is still a widow. that no record of the marriage can be found.
She further declares that neither she, nor her husband have received Bounty Land under the act of Congress passed on the 3rd day of March 1855 nor at any other time no made any application therefore.
And I hereby constitute and appoint John L. Hodson my attorney for me, and in my name to demand and receive from the Secretary of the Interior, a warrant for the quantity of land due me as aforesaid, and I fully authorize and empower him to constitute and appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purpose therein expressed.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled, under the act of Congress passed March 3rd, 1855 granting Bounty Lands to certain officers and soldiers, and their heirs or widows, who have been engaged in the Military service of the Unites States.
WITNESS  Lydia (her mark X) Reeves

Vernon B. Reed Ezra [illegible]
Subscribed and sworn to, before me, the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I believe the said Lydia Reeves to be the widow of the soldier above named, and that she appears to be of the age written above, and that I have no interest in the result of this application and no concern in the prosecution of it.  Jeremiah Page [signature] Justice of the Peace.
Page 21

We Theodore Briswell & Elenor Briswell
in the State of Maine, on oath depose and say that we are well acquainted with Lydia Reeves
 that she is well known to us as the widow of Benoni Hunt  and that she is the same person who executed the foregoing declaration in my presence that she married Reeves but is Dead and she is now a widow

We also depose the we well knew her and the said Benoni Hunt during the lifetime of the latter and know that they lived together many years in the relation of husband and wife, were so universally reputed, and no one ever disputed their marriage to our knowledge. but, we know of no public or private record of said marriage.

We also know from personal recollection and from many facts and circumstances that the said Benoni Hunt died on the [blank] day of January the day of which we are not positive but well recall the time of his death.
Theordore Brisell & Eleanor Brisell

STATE OF MAINE, County of [illegible] ss. The 10 1838
Subscribed and Sworn to before me, and I certify that the said [illegible]
are well known to me and entitled to credit. Also that I have no interest in the result of the claim aforesaid, and no concern in the prosecution of it.
Jeremiah Page Justice of the Peace

STATE OF MAINE, County of Penobscot, ss.
I, NATHAN WESTON, Jr., Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County, certify that Jeremiah Page Esquire, is and was, at the date of his certificate hereunto annexed, an acting JUSTICE OF THE PEACE in and for said County, that he is was then duly qualified to act as such ; and that the signatures purporting to be his, are genuine.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed the seal of the SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT for said State, this first day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty- eight
Nathan Weston Jr, Clerk.
Page 22




No. 290107
Lydia Reeves
Rev. Claim
Add'l. evidence

No. 290047
Lydia Reeves
Husband
Benoni Hunt

[Postmarked envelope]
Bangor  Aug. 25 Me.

Hon. G. C. Whiting
Com. Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 23

No 290.047. 
[BANGOR AUG 4 Me [stamped in middle]]
[FREE [stamped in upper right corner]]
B. Hunts Widow
add'l evidence
Boynton
Hon G. C. Whitney
Com. Pensions,
Washington D.C
Page 24

290047
Widow of Benoni Hunt
add'l evidence
Stamped" Bangor Jun 7 Me
FREE
Hon. G. C. Whiting
Com. Pension
Washington
Page 25

BANGOR May 3 Me FREE
290047
Hon. G. C. Whiting
Com. Pension
Washington D.C.
Page 26




                                     v

                                 83,522



                              160 acres






(note: hand written on what appears to 
          be a book's cover)
Page 27

Rev. Case 290.047
evidence to
go with her
appn for 
Bounty Land
Widow of
Benoni Hunt
John L. Hodsdon
Agent
Bangor
Me
Page 28

Orono April 30th 1858
Mr. Hodsdon -
Dear Sir,
Agreeable with
your request - I examined the rec-
ords but could not find the name
you spoke of - The records of Orono
were all destroyed by fire in 1840.
perhaps it might have been on them,
Respectfully Yours
P. G. Colburn
Clerk of Orono
Page 29

290.047
Benoni Hunt's
Widow
add
Revolutionary
claim.

John L. Dodsdon
Agent
Bangor
Maine
Page 30

Bangor August 2" 58
Hon. G. C. Whiting
Com. Pensions

Claim for B. Land
290.047 Widow/ of Benoni Hunt
In ys. of 28". [illegible] you require proof that claimant is the widow of a Benoni Hunt who applied for Revolutionary pension in 1833, 
In making this requisition, I have denied it. Possible that you may have overlooked that portion of the testimony of several applicants who declare that her husband was the only Benoni Hunt who has ever lived in Orono, is the only man of that name who ever lived there. The certificates furnished by she from Sec'y of Com. of Massachusetts I supposed was sufficient as to  some 9 mo. Rev. Service
If you must insist upon, then
Page 31

Requirement in ys of 28 met, 
will you please inform she whose name appears as agent in the paper filed in 1833, for a pension.

Hunt being so long deceased, I can not well imagine that any but testimony of inferential character such as has already been [illegible] and forwarded, can be accumulated upon that point & I did congratulate myself, that in that respect, my numerous journies to Orono Bradford & Charleston had resulted fortunately for this old woman, altho' at a very heavy expense to myself.
If you can upon reviewing the testimony relieve me in relation to its requirement aforesaid. I trust you will
Yrs 
John L. Hodsdon
Page 32

SERVICE
NUMBER

MASS
HUNT, BENONI
W26364
REEVES, LYDIA
B.L.Mt 83522-16-55
Former widow

CONTENT
Page 33

(3-1776)

Service  Number
Mass,  Hunt, Benoni  W.26364
Reeves, Lydia B.L.Wt. 83522-160-55
Former widow
Contents (gathered from Ancestry.com)

In 290.047 Benoni Hunt's Widow
Pension Bureau requires "proof that he is the identical Benoni Hunt who applied for a pension in 1833 from Orono, Penobscot Maine.
Hatch & Harriman who knew Hunt and wife since 1798 up to his death testifys that he moved to Orono 8 or 10 years after he came to Bangor from Pittstown.  Treat, Kelly, Dudley, William all together, show him to be a resident in Orono since 1817 up to his death Spring of 1838. If all concur that he is the only Benoni Hunt that ever lived in Orono within that period.
Evidence is required which will "satisfactorily establish the marriage of claimant of Benoni Hunt" . Also date of his death.  Hatch and Harriman, Dudley and Kelley of his cohabitation Treat specifically of Kelly and of Dudley of his death.
It is necessary that the claimant file proof of her second
Page 34

(3-1776)

Service  Number
Mass, Hunt, Benoni  W.26364
Reeves, Lydia  B.L.Wt. 83522-160-55
Former Widow
(contents from Ancestry.com)
marriage, her second husband's death & of her present widowhood.
Graham Davis who married them testifies that she is now a widow.
Mary & Jane speak of Reeve's death.
Page 35

290.047 
Rev. lease 
Benoni Hunt,
Widow
to accompany her
[illegible] for [illegible]
Land
John L. Modsdon
Agent
Bangor
Maine
Page 36

Bangor May 1st 1858
Hon. G. C. Whiting Com. Pensions
In the accompanying case of Benoni Hunt's widow for Bounty Land for his service in the Revolutionary War. I have no doubt you will regard the past testimony as to cohabitation admissible in lieu of Record Proof of Marriage, it being shown by the statement of the Town Clerk of the Town of Jefferson that no such record exists. As to the death of Hunt the same reasoning holds good in every particular.
Resp. yrs. John L. Hodsdon
Page 37

Rev base
Widow of 
Benoni Hunt

Evidence 
with app for 
B Land

John L Hodsdon
Agent
Bangor
Page 38

(from Ancestry.com)

Jefferson, March 16th 1858
Dear Sirs
I have just received you of the 11th in relation to the marriage of Benoni Hunt. The reason I have not written you before is because I could procure no information nor evidence of the marriage neither. By records or by living witnesses.  There is no records of  [illegible] on this town. This town was incorporated in 1807.  It was formerly a plantation with what is now Whitefield. The old records were in Whitefield, but no record of the marriage. 
Samuel Nichols Esq. [illegible] resided in Newcastle.  If I can get any information or evidence of said marriage I will inform you immediately.
I did not neglect to answer your first  on the account of a fee.  If I can render you any assistance in relation to the matter I will  gladly do it.
Respectfully Yours,
S.J. Bond  Town Mgr of Jefferson

John L. Hodson Esq.
Page 39

No. 290.047
Lydia Reeves
Rev claim,
added evidence

John L Hodson
Agent
Bangor
Maine

John L Hodson [written vertically]
Page 40

Bangor August 26, 1858
Hon. G. C. Whiting

Yrs of the 16 in relation to app Bounty Land N. 290.047 Lydia Reeves widow of Benoni Hunt a soldier of the Revolution

In yours of 28 in relation to this claim you say. "I do not deny that Benoni Hunt was her husband or that she is a widow but provide evidence to identify"

In yours of the 16 you say " If you prove (that this applicant for a pension (Benoni Hunt of Orono in 1833) was Lydia Reeves husband then will be no question about the allowance of her claim."

The two depositions of Gilman H Harriman, & those of Silas Hutch + James Dudley prove cohabitation for 40 years at least, of this applicant Benoni Hunt who was old enough to be a Revolutionary soldier, who always declared that he was a Revolutionary soldier, who was believed to be a Revolutionary soldier, & who was living in Orono in 1833 and died there in 1838, & who is shown by the testimony of WIlliam J Hilliard Nathaniel Treat
Page 41

J Dudley John Keller all residents of Orono up to the date of Hunts death to now except Williarm to be the only Benoni Hunt that ever lived there or that they ever heard of. Williarm and Treat were long town officers and must from the practice of their official duties, necessarily, have known the names of every man in town. If the practice of law for 20 years has enabled me to estimate correctly, the force of human testimony, I should say without hesitation that this evidence is more conclusive upon the point made, as to identify than would be the positive testimony of any one or even two witnesses.  Circumstantial evidence is invariably regarded so far as I can understand legal witnessing of a higher order of testimony than that of a positive character. Circumstances cannot lie.  While men may and do. Now is it within the range of possibility that there could have been two Benoni Hunts in Orono in 1833, both Revolutionary soldiers or claiming to be such, both old enough to be such, and both believed to be such, yet the town officers nor any one else ever heard of but one. It
Page 42

would be a libel upon your good sense for me to attempt to demonstrate the sufficiency of the testimony in relation to identity.  A letter from the town clerk of the town where the marriage took place accompanied the original application and states that name of magistrate whom appl [applicant] says performed ceremony was a Samuel Nichols in that vicinity years ago. but that there are no town records of so ancient a date, as the alleged marriage.

Proof of cohabitations then, is admissible. 
In relation to family, John Kelley mentions a daughter who is if living would now be between 50 or 60 years old, but I cannot ascertain anything in relation to her, whether living or not. Applicant resides some ten miles from here consequently I cannot communicate with her except at great expense.

I do indulge the hope that you will review the testimony referred to at as early a day as may be possible, consistently with your other engagements, and if you cannot coincide with my views that the case is sufficiently established you will afford me the benefit of the opinions of the lack of the interview
Page 43

upon the whole testimony & arguments. I have ever entertained the impression that your department in adjudicating upon Reeves claims was inclined to adopt more liberal rules as to the reception of testimony touching matters that the lapse of time rendered it impossible to prove otherwise than by reputation, than in cases occuring some 30 years later and consequently more susceptible of Reeves on positive proof.

How ever that may be, I am happy to say that your administration of these affairs of your Bureau are invariably characterized, by an evident desire to afford all just claimants the full benefits of the gratuities so generously provided by our government.
[illegible]
John L Hodsdon

No.290.047
Lydia Reeves
Rev. claim
addl [additional] evidence

John L Hodsdon
Agent
Bangor
Maine
Page 44

WIDOW, &c.
File No. 26.364
Lydia Reeves
Widow of Benoni Hunt 
Ben Rev
Act Feb. 3d 1853 
Index: Vol
Page 157
Arrangement of 1870.
Page 45

Rejected Maine
 Letter 24  Sept 1835 application
1833 to Mssr Allen and Appleton
Page 46

290047
Page 47

Lydia Reeves
formerly widow of Benoni Hunt
admitted act Feb 3/53
at rate of $27.77per annum for
8 months and 10 days service as private
commencing on the 6th of
March 1853, the date
of death of her last husband

Pay widow
State amount owes
on the 4th  September
last
Certificate to
John L. Hodsdon
E
Bangor
Maine
Page 48

No. 7,13
Lydia Reeves
formerly widow of Benoni Hunt Maine
John L Hodsdon Nov 5 1858
Act Feby 3,1853
Page 49

Lydia Reeves
Widow
of Benoni Hunt
Rev Soldier
appt for pension
John Hodsdon
agent
Bangor Maine
Page 50

Bangor Oct 8 [crossed out] Nov 8/58

Hon. G. C. Whiting
Com. Pensions.

The application of Lydia Reeves, Widow of Benoni Hunt, for pensions for his Revolutionary Service, was forwarded [to] department last September.

Please advise me of the progress made in the case.

[illegible closing]
John L. Hodsdon
Page 51

Rev. Pension
Benoni Hunt's
Widow
Proof of death of 
2nd Husband

John L. Hodsdon
agent
Bangor, Me
Page 52

On this ninth day of September A.D. 1858, personally appeared Mary Speed and Jane Speed before me a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Penobscot and made oath that they were both well acquainted with James Reeves late husband of Lydia Reeves formerly widow of Benoni Hunt. We further state that James died in our house in Charleston on the 6th day of March A.D. 1853, we were with him when he died and also attended his funeral, we also state that since Reeves was a pauper of the Town of Bradford at the time of his death. We further state that his widow is now alive and a pauper in Bradford.
Mary Speed
Jane Speed

Penobscot ss, personally appeared the above named Mary speed and June Speed and subscribed and swore to the above certif =

STATE OF MAINE.
PENOBSCOT, ss, 
I, NATHAN WESTON. Jr., CLERK OF ALL THE JUDICIAL COURTS, in said County, certify that
Jeramiah Page
[illegible] and was at the date of his Certificate an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly committed and qualified to act as such, and that the signature to the paper annexed, purporting to be his, is genuine.
[illegible] he is duly authorized and empowered, but the laws of said State, to take acknowledgements of Deeds, [illegible] and Powers of Attorney.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT for said State this tenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty eight.
Matthew Weston Jr. Clerk.
Page 53

On this ninth day of September A.D. 1858, 
personally appeared Mary Speed and Jane Speed before me a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Penobscot and made oath that they were both well acquainted with James Reeves late husband of Lydia Reeves formerly widow of Benoni Hunt. We further state that James died in our house in Charleston on the 6th day of March A.D. 1853, we were with him when he died and who attended his funeral. We also state that said Reeves was a pauper of the Town of Bradford at the time of his Death. We further state that his widow is now alive & a pauper in Bradford. 
Mary Speed
Jane Speed 

Penobscot SS: personally appeared the above named Mary Speed & Jane Speed & subscribed & swore to the above certificate the day & year above written Before me Jeremiah Page Justice of the Peace

I hereby state that I am well acquainted with the above named Deponents & that they are of good reputation for truth and veracity & are fully entitled to full belief. I further state that I have no interest in any claim for Bounty Land of Widow Reeves or anything else & am unconcerned in prosecuting the same.  Jeremiah Page Justice of the Peace
Page 54

Rev. Pension
Benoni Hunt's 
Widow
Proof of 2 husband's
Death
Abstract of amt
of service
8 mo, 14 days

John L. Hodsdon
agent
Bangor, Maine
Page 55

Bangor, MA in 1858

Hon. G. C. Whiting
Com. Pensions

Herewith please find
testimony establishing the exact
day of death of Benoni Hunts
widow's 2nd husband.
No Record of it is
to be found.
The Record evidence of
Hunt's service as furnished by me
from Massachusetts' Rolls shows
8 months & 14 days service.

Capt Nash - March 4 '76 - 4 days
                    March 10 '76 - 2 days
Capt. Trufant - July to Dec '76. 5 mo 13 days
Capt. Ward  - March - Apr  '78 1 mo 14 days
Capt. Cobb - July '8-  - 11 days
Capt. Barker  March '81  25 days
                                           __________________
                                                 8 mo. 14 days

Rev. appl      John L. Hodsdon
Page 56

Bangor Sep 24 1838
Hon G. C. Whiting
the accompanying app of 
Lydia Reeves widow of Rev soldier
Benoni Hunt will I trust receive 
the early attention of J Department
She is very old, infirm & needy.
Bo. land Warrant No. 82522 his
recently issued her from [illegible] Dept.
I presume you offered this appn all 
the aid that may be rendered by the 
papers on file in the Bounty Land
cases & will appraise me of your 
rules in these cases. 
Resp
John L. Hodsdon
Page 57

Brief in the case of Lydia Reeves, formerly widow of Benoni Hunt
Penobscot County and State of Maine
act February 3, 1853

Claim "original"
Proof exhibited (if original)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. 
Claimant's husband applied in 1834, for pension under Act of June 7 1832, but the [illegible] evidence then furnished showed a service of only 5 months and 9 days. The Certificate of the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts now produced shown a service of 8 months and ten days.
Marriage of Claimant to Said Hunt (date not satisfactorily established) identity, and present widowhood proved by several credible witnesses--who also prove his death in 1838 -- her marriage to James Reeves and his death on the 6th March 1853. Claimant has received Land    Allowance accordingly. 
John L. Hodsdon, Esq
Name and residence of Agent Bangor Maine
R Geddes Examining Clerk
Page 58

Rev. Case
Benoni
290,047
Widow
Evidence annexed
of her approval
Bounty Land
John L.Hodsdon
Agent
Bangor
Maine
Page 59

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office, Boston,
February 15th, 1858
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 Benoni Hunt is borne on pay roll of Capt. Thomas Nash's Comp. Col. Solomon Lovell's Regt. from March 4th 1776 to take possession of Dorchester Heights, 4 days, as private from Weymouth.
Also on pay roll of Capt. Thos. Nash's Comp. Col. Lovell's Regt. from March 10, 1776, 2 days, as private, from Weymouth. Also on pay roll of Capt. Joseph Trufant's Comp. Col. Josiah Whitney's Regt. from July 22nd to Dec 31st 1776, 5 mos. 13 days as private from Weymouth. Service in the defense of the Sea Coast. Also on pay roll of Capt. Samuel Ward's Comp. Col. Symmes Detachment of guards
Page 60

Feb, 11
doing duty in and about 
Boston from March 9th to April 26th 1778. 1 month 19 days as private.
Also on pay roll of Capt. Edward Cobb's Comp. Col. Eliphalet Carey's Regt. from July 30, 1780. 11 days, as private.

Also on pay roll of Capt. William Barker's Comp. Col. Theophilus Cotton's Regt. from March 27th 1781. 25 days as private.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Oliver Warner
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 61

Bangor. Feb. 9 1858

[Illegible]

The widow of Benoni Hunt, a soldier, or teamster, in the Revolutionary War, who resided near Boston is anxious to know if any record evidence of his service is to be found from the Rolls on Records & from De- partment &  if years what?
If Hunts name is found, you will of course furnish such details, as are shown in order to enable the Widow to make application.
I enclose $1 fees of search
Resp. yrs
John L. Hodsdon
The Hon. Secretary of
the Com. of Mass,
Boston.
Page 62

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office, June 5th, 1833.
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 Benoni Hunt, as a Private, is found on a Muster Roll of Col. Josiah Whitney, having enlisted July 22, 1776, and serving to August 1, 1776 where he is allowed 9 days service.  0 mo. 9d.
Benoni Hunt's name is further found on a pay roll of Capt. Joseph Trufant's Company and  Col Whitney's regiment from the 1st day of August, 1776 to the first day of December, 1776 where he is allowed 4 months service    4mo.
Benoni Hunt's name is further found on another roll of the same import with the last, under the same officers from December 1, 1776 to January 1, 1777 where he is allowed one month's service .  1 mo.   _________________
                                                   5 mo. 9 days

Exd                           Edward Bangs, Esq.
Page 63

Act [Illegible] 55
290.047  May 8 '58

Lydia Reeves
for wid of Benoni Hunt [Illegible]

Capt, Nath, Ward, 
Cob[ ]. Maj. Barker [Illegible]

Rev Mar

John L Hodsdon
Banger Maine
Page 64

No. 290.047
Additional Evidence
Benoni Hunt,
Widow.
Acts. March 5. 1855
& May 14' 1854

John L. Hodsdon
August
Bangor
Maine
Page 65

STATE OF MAINE

PENOBSCOT, ss.
I, NATHAN WESTON, Jr., CLERK OF ALL THE JUDICIAL COURTS, in said County, certify that
Jeremiah Page, H. P. Haynes & Thomas H. Garnsey
Esquires are and were at the date of Certification are acting Justices of the Peace, in and for said County, duly com-missioned and qualified to act as such, and that the signatures to the paper annexed, purporting to be  genuine, and that they are duly authorized and empowered, by the laws of said State, to take acknowledgements of Deeds, Assign-[covered by ribbon]ts and Powers of Attorney.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT for said State this Sixth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight

Nathan Weston Jr   Clerk.


with that said Benoni Hunt was known and reputed to be a Revolutionary Soldier. Said Hunt was in the habit of working in a saw mill owned by Mr. Simon Harriman of place in said Pittston called Pin-Hook. The town of Jefferson is next to said Pittston, said Benoni Hunt came from Pittston by Bangor about the year 1800. - said Hunt was living with a woman from the time he first knew him to his death with a woman known as his wife, who always said her maiden name was Lydia Rogers.
Said Hunt used to talk a great deal, about his services in the Revolution was lame in one of his legs, from an injury he said he received in the service. [illegible] father built a saw mill at Bangor soon after he moved here & is said Hunt had
Page 66

Silas Hatch of Bangor in the county of Penobscot in the state of Maine aged 70 years on oath testifies & says that he was born in the town of Pittston in the county of Kennebec in the State of Maine, & came to the city of Bangor to reside in 1798. He knew Benoni Hunt of Pittston aforesaid when he said Hatch was a small boy & he recollects well that said Benoni Hunt known & reputed to be a Revolutionary soldier. Said Hunt was in the habit of working in a saw mill owned by Mr. Simon Harriman at a place in said Pittston called Pin-Hook , the town of Jefferson is next but one to said Pittston. Said Benoni Hunt came from Pittston to Bangor about the year 1800 - Said Hunt was living with a woman from the time he first knew him up to his death with a woman known & (reputed?) as his wife, who always said her maiden name was Lydia Rogers.
Said Hunt used to talk a great deal about his services in the Revolution & was lame in one of his legs from an injury he said he received in the services [illegible] father built a saw mill at Bangor soon after he moved here & he said Hunt had
Page 67

been accustomed to work in a saw mill at Pin Hook in Kennebec County. A small house was built for him in Bangor & he moved here & worked in said mill some eight or ten years.
Said Hunt moved from Bangor to Orono about 7 miles from Bangor & died there about the year A.D. 1839. Deponent frequently saw him after he went to Orono to live and said Hunt was on intimate terms with Deponent's Father's family on account of having been so long in their employ. Deponent distinctly recollects the fact of said Hunt's death about the time aforesaid although not present at the death and funeral and saw said Hunt's wife who was the same Lydia Rogers frequently, after said Hunt's death but has not seen her for some years. I have no interest in said Widow's claim for pension or, Bounty Land.
Silas Hatch
State of Maine
County of Penobscot
Bangor June 3, 1858
Page 68

subscribed & sworn to this day before me & I certify that said Silas Hatch is well known to me to be a man of respectability and good reputation for truth and veracity and trust & be about the age by him stated. Said Hatch's
Father was reported to be one of the earliest settlers of Bangor and built the Hatch house, so called a well known public house now occupied in this city- as such-  Said Deponent  
is the brother of Nathaniel Hatch being of the city of Washington & I  have no interest in any claim of said Benoni Hunt's widow for pension or Bounty Land and am not concerned in its prosecutions.
Thomas H. Gurnsey   
Justice of the Peace
Page 69

Gilman Harriman of Bangor in the County
of Penobscot and State of Maine, aged 68
years on oath deposes & says, that he was
born in the Town of Pittston, Kennebec County
Maine, & came with his father's family
to Bangor to reside about the year A.D. 1800. When a little boy Deponent  knew a man at work in a saw mill 
for his, Deponent's father, named Benoni Hunt at a place called Pin Hook in said Pittston & recollects that said Hunt was called a Revolutionary Soldier. Said Hunt lived in Pittston with a woman much younger than himself whom he called his wife & she was
reputed as such both there & after they came to Bangor. He said her maiden name
was Lydia Rogers. Said Hunt & wife came
from Pittston to Bangor, in the year 1800. I believe in the same vessel with his (Deponent's) father's family including himself & said Hunt went to work for old Mr. Isaac Hatch who moved from Pittston to Bangor a year or two prior to said Hunts coming & continued at work for said Hatch in a saw mill principally for ten years or thereabouts. 
During all that time said
Page 70

Hunt's wife resided with him & they lived & cohabitated together as husband and wife, as long as I continued to know them. A year or two, more or less, after said Benoni Hunt and wife moved to Bangor, a man named Rodger’s, a seafaring man, a Brother of this Hunt, came into the port of Bangor in a vessel occasionally. While on shore made it his home at his sisters house, Benoni Hunt's, in said Bangor.
 Said Benoni Hunt & wife, moved from Bangor to Orono after living in Bangor some ten years & said Hunt was reputed to have died in said Orono about the year A.D. 1829.  
Said Hunt was lame in one of his legs and he always said it arose from an injury he received while in the War of the Revolution. 
I have no interest whatever in claim of said Benoni Hunt's Widow in Bounty  Land or pension, on account of said husband’s Revolutionary Service. 
Gilman Harriman
State of Maine, County of Penobscot, Bangor
June 3, 1858
Page 71

Subscribed & sworn to this day before me, and I certify that said Gilman Harriman is well known to me to be a gentleman of good character & the highest reputation for truth & veracity & one of the earliest settlers in this City of Bangor, & is of the age by him stated.  Said Harriman has held public offices of honor and trust and was highly esteemed therein. And I have no interest in any claim of the within named Benoni Hunt's widow for Bounty Land or pension and am not concerned in the prosecution thereof.

Thomas A. Gurnsey } Justice of the Peace
Page 72

service  number

Mass.  Mount Benoni  W.26346
Reeves, Lydia  .B. L. Mt. 83522-160-55
Former widow

James Dudley  of Orono in the County of Penobscot in State of Maine. [Illegible] says that he is  76 years of age  He knew Benoni Hunt, when both said Hunt & himself lived in Pittston prior to the year A.D. 1800. said Benoni  Hunt's wife was much younger than himself. Her name was  Lydia Rogers,  he knew some of their family - had the impression that Hunt married her in Jefferson or Whitefield.  Said Hunt used to talk about his services in the
Revolutionary War as a soldier, While in Pittston said Hunt walked in a sawmill for Mr. Harriman & Mr. Hatch after, about the time Hatch &  Harriman removed with their families
from Pittston to Bangor Hunt & wife also came. He said Dudley at this same time moved here from Pittston about the year 1814. Hunt worked in Bangor some years in Isaac Hatch's saw mill & after that moved to Orono He died in Orono about A.D. 1836.  Said Hunt dies a pauper in the poor house in Orono.  For some time prior to this
Page 73

death Hunt was boarded at his (Dudley's) in Orono by the overseers of the poor of Orono & the expenses paid by them to him said Dudley. Said Benoni Hunt's wife was as much as 20 years younger than he was. He was the only Benoni Hunt that ever lived in Orono  since Deponent lived in Orono which is from year 1820 to this time June 28, 1858 & the only Benoni Hunt Deponent ever knew.  I know said Hunt is dead and died at or about the time aforesaid as well as I know anything that I did not see. After said Hunt dies his widow went to Charleston or Bradford to live. I have never heard of her death. I have no interest in said widow's claim for Bounty Land or anything else.  I have heard that said widow married a Reeves.   James Dudley
State of Maine
County of Penobscot   June 28, 1858
Subscribed & sworn to this day before me & I certify that Said James Dudley is well known to me & is a man of good reputation

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for both veracity & fully entitled to credit and I further certify that he appears to be of the age by him stated. I have no interest whatever in any claim of the aforesaid Benoni Hunt's Widow for Bounty Land or anything else and I am not concerned in its prosecution

H. P. Haynes  Justice of the Peace
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Service                      Number
Mass, Hunt, Benoni  W.26364
Reeves, Lydia            B.L.Wt.83522_160_55
Former widow

I John Kelly of Orono in the County of Penobscot and the State of Maine aged 69 years (not 70)  on oath say that I was well acquainted with Benoni Hunt of Orono who died at the poor in the said town about 18 or 20 years ago at quite an advanced age say 75 years more or less. Hunt had a wife & daughter and the wife was much younger than Hunt.  40 years ago last August I am quite sure it was, I bought Hunt's betterments on a piece of land in Orono which I occupy now. That year that I agreed with him for the betterments  was the first that I saw him. I should think that then his daughter was 10 or 12 years old. Hunt was always a poor man during the 20 years or thereabouts that I knew him. I boarded Hunt & his wife  about a year under contract  with the town of Orono & that town, Orono, paid me therefor. This was 2 or 3 years before his death. Hunt was reputed to have been a Revolutionary soldier.  I have not seen or known his wife since his death. His daughter is said to be married-but I do not know who she married or where she lives,
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Hunt told me that he served in the Revolution & that he had worked in Kennebec for Mr. Harriman and Mr. Hatch and in Bangor for Mr. Hatch.  I knew from what I had heard Mr. Harriman say that his story was true. Hunt was living in Orono Penobscot County Maine in 1833.  I can safely say, that there was no other Benoni Hunt in Orono & has not been for 40 years. I have no interest in said Benoni Hunt's widow's or child's claim for Bounty Land or anything else on account of his Revolutionary services. 
John Kelley

State of Maine
County of Penobscot
Bangor June 10 1858
Subscribed and sworn to this day before me,
I certify that said John Kelley is well known to me to be a man of respectability and good reputation for truth & veracity and of the age by him stated & I further certify that I have no interest in any claim for Bounty Land of pensions arising out of said Hunt's Revolutionary services & am not concerned in the persecution thereof. 
H. P. Haynes  |  Justice of the Peace
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(3 -- 1776)
Service
Mass 
Hunt, Benoni
Number W26364
Reeves, Lydia
Number B.L.Wt 83522-160-55
Former widow

I William T Hilliard of Bangor in the County of Penobscot & State of Maine on oath say that I formerly resided in Orono Maine & was for some years one of the town officers there, had charge of the poor. I well recollect a very infirm old man, named Benoni Hunt & his wife some twenty years or more younger than himself being paupers in said Orono, not less than 20 years ago.  I know that he died there.  I do not hesitate to say that no man named Benoni Hunt except this individual  above named can have been a resident of Orono  during the past 30 years. I have no interest in any claim of said Hunt's widow's claim for Bounty Land or any thing else.  Wm. T Hilliard (signature)
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State of Maine
County of Penobscot
Bangor
June 23 1858.  Subscribed and sworn to this day I certify that the said within named William T Hilliard is a gentleman of the highest respectability and great repute- known for truth & veracity and fully entitle to credit,  I further certify that I have no interest in the claim of the within named Benoni Hunt's widow for Bounty Land or anything else. I am not concerned in prosecuting the same. 

H. P. Haynes  |  Justice of the Peace

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(3-1776)
SERVICE  NUMBER
Mass.  Hunt, Benoni  W. 2664
           Reeves, Lydia  B. L. Wt. 83522-160-55
Former widow
I Gorham Davis of Bangor in the County of  Penobscot and the State of Maine aged 52 years on oath say that I formerly resided in the town of Bradford, Maine.  In August or September A.D. 1841 I married James Reeves & Lydia Hunt, reputed at the widow of Benoni Hunt, Reeves died in the town of Charleston adjoining the said Bradford, in the fall of 1852 or Spring of 1853.  I am positive that he was a pauper chargeable upon said town of Bradford at the time of his death, as was also his wife & she has been since said James & Lydia  Reeves
from the date of their intermarriage  by me as aforesaid until his death as above lived together as husband & wife.  Said Lydia is now living as a widow & is supported by the town of Bradford. I resided in Bradford about 20 years was a longtime one of the Selectmen  overseer of poor town clerk.  I moved here to Bangor a year ago last March. I have no interest in said widow's claim for Bounty Land or anything else.  Gorham Davis (signature)

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Massachusetts  Hount, Benoni   W.26364  
Reeves, Lydia   B.L.Wt 83522-160-55
Former Widow

State of Maine
County of Penobscot
 Bangor June 23, 1858
Subscribed and sworn on this day  before me & I certify that the within name Gorham Davis is a gentleman of good reputation for truth & veracity & fully entitled to credit said Gorham Davis is Chairman of the County Commissioners  for the County of Penobscot and has been for about 2 years & I further certify that I have no interest in Lydia Reeves' claim for Bounty Land or pension . I am not concerned in its prosecution.
H. P. Haynes  |  Justice of the Peace
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On this Twenty Fourth day of June
A 1858 personally appeared Mary Speed and Jane Speed before me a justice of the Peace in and for the count of Penobscot and made oath that they where both well acquainted with James Reeves late husband of Lydia Reeves formally Widower of Benoni Hunt We further state that James Reeves Died in our House in Charleston on the 6th day of March In 1853 we there with him. When he Died I also Attended his Funeral. We also State that Said Reeves was a pauper of the Town of Bradford at the time of his Death we Further state that his Widow is now alive and a pauper in Bradford. 
Mary Speed
Jane Speed
Penobscot to personally apace the a bove name Mary Speed and Jane Speed and Subscribed and sworn to the above certification the day and year above written.
Before me Jeremiah Page {justice of the Peace} I here state that I am well acquainted with the above named Dependents and that they are of good reputation for truth and {Unknown} and are fully Entitled to full belief I further state That I here no interest in any claim for Bounty Land of Lydia Reeves or anything Else and am not Concern in prosecuting the land Jeremiah Page {Justice of the Peace}
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Service Number
Mass; Hunt, Benoni; W26364
Reeves, Lydia BLWt8352216055
Former widow

I Nathaniel Treat of Orono in the County of Penobscot & State of Maine age 59 years on oath say that I knew very well an old man named Benoni Hunt from about A.D. 1829 up to the time of his death in the Spring of A.D. 1838.  I was one of the Selectmen Assessors of Overseers of the poor of said Orono during several of the above years,  & also after Hunt's death.  I have now before me  a portion of the Records of town  orders, drawn by the Selectmen of Orono, for payment  of money from the Treasury of said town, in liquidation of debts against said town: the following are in the handwriting of John  Hutchinson one of the selectmen of said Orono at the time and are as follows, Hunt being supported by said Orono.    " No. 18  Amount $3. To Whom Given Jacob Strout    What Account: for burying Mr. Hunt Date June 28,1838"
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No.  87
Amount $3.50.
To whom given:
Daniel Hain,
What account :
For making coffin for M. Hunt,
Date: Jan. 12, 1839.

Said Hunt  was a pauper in said  Orono
The Date named is the day of issuing the order. The financial year with town affairs closes in March & orders for demands against the town accruing  during the year immediately preceeding that month are made & delivered claimants on presentation of their accounts in payment of taxes dur from individuals having such claims & when goods are issued for such claims. They are delivered the collector.  Hain might have paid his tax or a part of it with said claim for making Hunt's coffin six or eight months previous to issued above order. Said account being returned by collector when he made a payment to Treasurer, at date of order.  When a poor man who has not much tax
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(3-1776)

SERVICE                               NUMBER

Mass.        Hunt, Benoni            W. 26364  
                 Reeves, Lydia      B.L.Wt. 83522-160-55
                Former Widow

CONTENTS
to pay performs a job of labor for the town it is customary for him to obtain an order upon the Treasurer therefore as soon thereafter as may be convenient.
For the year 1839 I was chosen Chairman of the Board of Selectmen assessors of Overseers of the poor of Orono there being great dissatisfaction with the preceeding officers of the town.  I made an examination of all the accounts allowed & paid by them & the accounts from which the two forgoing orders were given and I am enabled to say  from recollection that these were for digging the grave & making the coffin of Benoni Hunt aforesaid. Hunt must have been 70 or 75 years old at least when he died.  His wife was much younger than himself and then had the care of him- as much as 20 years younger. than him.   He is the only Benoni Hunt that I have ever known in said Orono & I have lived there since June 1828.  I have no interest in any claim of said Hunt's widow for Bounty Land or any thing else.  Nath Treat (signature)

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State of Maine 
County of Penobscot

Bangor  July 6 1838.

Subscribed and sworn to this day before me &  I certify that said Nathaniel Treat well known to be a man of good reputation for truth & veracity and fully entitled to credit. I further certify that I have no interest in Benoni Hunt's widow's claim for Bounty Land or any thing else.  I am not concerned in the prosecution thereof


H. P. Haynes Justice of the Peace
Page 86

I Gilmore Harriman of Bangor in the
County of Penobscot & State of Maine on truth say that I have this day, June 22 1857 before me Lydia Reeves formerly Lydia Hunt. & before her 
marriage Lydia Reeves. She was in the town of Bradford in said county & state at the dwelling house of Sanson Butter where she is kept at the expense of the town of Bradford.  She is the identical woman whom I knew from the first, some 60 years ago as the wife of Benoni Hunt. 
      I went from Bangor to said Bradford this morning, about 21 miles, on purpose to see such Lydia & ascertain if she was the identical woman whom I knew in Pittston and Bangor when the wife of Benoni Hunt, and she is the same. None other and is in tolerable health. Though she complains of trouble in her head. 
    She informed me that her husband, Benoni Hunt, died in the poor house in Orono 21 years ago & then 28th of January last year that she was married to James Reeves in Bradford aforesaid the 4th of September 17 years ago next fall.

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that said Reeves died in Charleston, a town adjoining Bradford,  5 years ago last March.  That Esquire Gorham Davis then of Bradford but now of Bangor married her and Reeves. That Hunt was 22 years older than she was & that she was about 20 years old when she married Hunt. That she was married in the town of Jefferson Maine to said Hunt. That Esquire Samuel Nichols married them. That Samuel Waters was Town Clerk published them and that her maiden name was Lydia Rogers. That she heard Hunt talk about being in the Revolutionary War a great deal "so much"  that she "got sick of it" & "it went in one ear and out the other." I have no interest in said Lydia Reeve's claim for Bounty Land or pension. 
Gilman Harriman (signature)
State of Maine, County of Penobscot, Bangor  June 22, 1858 Subscribed & sworn to this day  before me and I certify that  said Gilman Harriman is a man of 

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good reputation for truth and veracity and is fully entitled to belief, and I further certify that I have no interest in the within named Lydia Reeves claim for Bounty Land or any thing else and am not concerned in its prosecution.
H. P. Haynes | Justice of the Peace