Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 18578, William Benedict, Conn.
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(3-1776) SERVICE Conn. Benedict, William Ruth NUMBER W. 18578 CONTENTS
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20643 New York
William Benedict of Gennessee in the State of New York who was a private in the Comp. commanded by Captain Hickcox of the Regt. commanded by Col. Chandler in the Connt line for Full term
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 80 Dollars __ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of Sep. 1833 and sent to T Fitch Clk Genesee Co.
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. ‘31 $200 Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 M ‘34 [$] 40 [equals] $240
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.  Recorded by So. C. Stiles Clerk, Book E. Vol. 4 Page 48
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Admd 24 mo pri 80$
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Declaration of William Benedict under the Pension law of June 7, 1832 State of New York Genesee County ss:
On this seventeenth day of October A. D. 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the aforesaid County now sitting, William Benedict, a resident of the Town of Alexander in said County and State aforesaid, aged Seventy four years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order the to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That he was born at Danbury in the State of  Connecticut on the Sixteenth day of November in the year 1751. That he first entered the service of the United States as a Minuit Man in the Town of Danbury and State of Connecticut in the Summer of the year 1775, and was drilled three days in a week by order of Gen. Washington under Capt. Hickox, and Sergeant Pay, for the time of two months, and received pay as a Malitia [Militia] Man.
That in January in the year 1776, he of enlisted under Capt. Noble Benedict of Danbury in the State of Connecticut, in Col. Chandlers Regiment and under Gen. Waterbury, and was marched direct to the City of New York, where he staid [stayed] two months, and was then discharged. While there, he was stationed at the Barracks, and was engaged in building a Fort, and in demolishing an old fortification.
That in the fall of the same year, he was on duty two months at Fairfield in the State of Connecticut, under Capt. Pardy of New Fairfield in the same State. That he was stationed there with others to guard the place against the expected attacks of the British.
That in the spring of the year 1777, he enlisted from Danbury in the State of Connecticut under Capt. Hickcox of that town, and was
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to Peekskill in the State of New York, and was stationed there and in the vicinity, during the whole season, generally engaged in watching the movements of the British on the North River, Gen. Putnam had the general command, the Adjutant of the Regiment to which he belonged was Lemuel Benedict, does not recollect any other officers, was out this year something more than six months.
That in the fall of the year 1778, Capt Ezra Starr of Danbury in the State of Connecticut received orders from Gen. Washington to raise about 80 men, for the purpose of seizing and taking from the town of Redding adjoining, from 70 to 80 tories, and carry them to the a remote town called Mansfield, that he was one of the men who assisted Capt Starr in this expedition, and that he was out about one month.
That in the July of the year 1779, enlisted from Danbury under Capt. Smith of Brookfield, and was marched to Peekskill in the State of New York, made a short halt, and was then marched to the Red Mills, situated on what was then called Livingston Manor, to act as a guard to protect the Mills against the Tories, served two months and was then discharged.
That in the fall of 1780, he enlisted under Capt. D. Umpstead of Richfield, and Lieut Ellmer of Danbury in the State of Connecticut, was marched to Stratford, thence to Bridgeport, halted a few days, and then marched to Norwalk, and staid [stayed] the balance of the time. That he was out this year three months, and that this was only a Capt’s Company.
That in the year 1781, he went out as a substitute for Jonathan Griffin, of Danbury in the State of Connecticut, for a nine months tour. Was marched to Horseneck
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while stationed there, joined a company of Volunteers in July and marched to Middlesex, and staid [stayed] about one month, while there, was engaged in a skirmish with the tories, when on a sergeant’s guard, one was killed and two wounded. Then returned to Horseneck, and its vicinity, and staid till his time had expired, when he was discharged.
That he does not recollect the names of any of his Officers except Gen. Swift, Col Canfield of New Milford, Gen. Putnam, Capt. [illegible], and one Sergeant McCoy a British deserter.
That he has no documentary evidence, and that he knows of no one whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service, that about fourteen years ago, he came into the town where he now resides, was living at Danbury in the State of Connecticut when called into service, Has lived since the revolutionary war in Winchester in the same State, about Eight years. In New Malbury [Marlborough?] in Berkshire County and State of Massachusetts about twenty nine years, and about fourteen years in the Town of Alexander and County of Genesee in the State of New York, and never received a written discharge.
That there is no clergyman in his neighborhood who is acquainted with him. That Eliphalet Peck and Sarah Wood Charles Williams live in his neighborhood and are acquainted with him, and can testify as to character for veracity, and their belief in his services as a soldier of the Revolution.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
[signed] William Benedict
Subscribed & sworn to the day & year aforesaid in open Court Timothy Fitch Clerk
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We, Eliphalet Peck and Charles Williams, residing in the town of Alexander, County of Genesee and State of New York, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Benedict, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be about Seventy Four 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.
[signed] Eliphalet Peck, Charles his-X-mark Williams
Sworn and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open Court Timothy Fitch Clerk
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 Eliphalet Peck & Charles Williams, residing the Town of Alexander, who have signed the preceding certificate, are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
[signed] Isaac Wilson, Robert Earle Jr, William Mitchell
I, Timothy Fitch, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Genesee County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Benedict for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 17th day of October 1832 Timothy Fitch Clerk
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State of New York Genesee County Ss
Eliphalet Peck, being duly sworn deposes and says, that he is of the age of Seventy four years, that he now resides in the Town of Alexander, that he is acquainted with William Benedict, the person mentioned in the above and foregoing application,
that in the beginning of the Year 1776, he enlisted in the same Company with the said William, from the Town of Danbury in the State of Connecticut, and that he was out with him two months, that in the Year 1781, as he thinks, but is not certain, he was out with the said William for nine months, and that he knows that the said William served nine months at that time, And further says not. According to his best recollection he has no doubt of the length but cannot say positively.
[signed] Eliphalet Peck
State of New York Genesee County ss: Be it remembered that on this 4th day of June One thousand Eight hundred and thirty three, personally came before me, the under named Justice, Eliphalet Peck, to me known to be the person who subscribed the the foregoing affidavit, and makes solemn oath to the truth of the matters therein contained. And I hereby by certify that I am acquainted with said Peck, and that he sustains a fair character for truth and veracity. James R. Jackman J P.
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State of New York Genese County SS
Personally appeared before me, the under signed, a Justice of the Peace for said County, William Benedict, 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 time of his service; but according to the best of his recollection, he did not serve less than the period mentioned below, in the following grades: for two years and three months as a private, and for such service I claim pension. And he further says that he has no record of his age.
[signed] William Benedict
Subscribed and Sworn this 4 day of June 1833 before me James R. Jackman J. P.
State of New York Genesee County ss,
I, Timothy Fitch, Clerk of said County, certify that James R. Jackman, before whom the foregoing affidavits purport to have been taken and made, was was on the day of taking the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice, and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavits to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and seal of Office at Batavia this twelfth day of June AD. 1833 Timothy Fitch Clerk By B. Pringle Dep Clk
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No 18283 William Benedict Genesee County New York
Timothy Fitch Clk. Genesee County New York Watts
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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, showing the Service of William Benedict Genesee County New York
Period when the Service was rendered | Entered  Decemr. 1775 | Enlisted 1776 | Fall 1776 | Enlisted Spring 1777 | Fall 1778 | Enlisted 1779 | Enlisted Fall 1780 | Sub 1781
Duration of the claimant's service. | Yeaars. | time not stated | Months. | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 9 | Days. | 7
Rank of the claimant. | private | private | private | private | private | private | private | private
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. | Cap Hickcox | Cap Noble Benedict | Cap Pardy | Cap Hickcox | Cap Starr | Cap Smith | Cap Umpstead
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. | Genl Washington | Col Chandler | Genl Putnam | Genl Swift | Col Caufield | Genl Putnam
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
Country through which he marched. | Was drilled by order of Genl Washington & recd pay | Marched to New York at Fairfield Connecticut Marched to Fishkill N.Y. | taking & carrying tories to Mansfield | Marched to Peekskill N.Y. to Red Mills | Marched to Stratford to Bridgeport to Norwich | Marched to Horse Neck to Middlesex
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. | 74 years Danbury Connecticut
Evidence by which the declaration is supported. | Traditionary witnesses certified credible & one living Witness, not Sworn or certified credible. No minister acquainted with him to certify for him, papers not properly attached
I am, respectfully Your obedient servant, J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
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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 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, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record in the County where such 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. 
State, Territory, or District of _____}
County of _____________________} ss.

On this ______ day  of ______ personally appeared (a) before __________ of 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 provion (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 enered (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 Stat, 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. 
I _______________ of the Court of __________ do hereby certify (h) hat 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 _____ &c. 

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 _______ and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with ___________, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _________ 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 day 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 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 it 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 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 service of each person
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                                                                        3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts state I 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 propand 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, were 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 who 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 he 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 the 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 Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such a 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 an 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. 
_______________________________________

[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 [illegible]
[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. 
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[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 be 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 not 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 a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.
  It is important in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three 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 highly objectionable. 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 the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, h was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[j]. The law makes the relinquishments indispensable.
[g]. The opinion of the Court in always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal 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 contain the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached hereunto 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.

[j] In 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 for in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature  of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule is note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] The traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
{[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
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State of New York Genesee County, Town of Alexander ss:
On this 31st day of December in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight, personally appeared before John Chatfield, one of the Judges of Genesee County Courts, Ruth Benedict, a resident of the town of Alexander, in the County of Genesee and State aforesaid, aged Eighty six years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7, 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"
That she is the widow of William Benedict, late of the town of Alexander in the said County, who was a Revolutionary soldier in the service of the United States, and served more than two years as a private, but the particulars of his service she cannot recollect or state, as she knew nothing of them at the time, and only by conversations with her late husband.
That her husband was a Pensioner under the act of Congress of the 7th April 1832, and received a Pension until the time of his death, of Eighty Dollars per annum, and the proof of his service is on file in the Pension Department.
She further declares that she was married to the said William Benedict on the seventh day of February in the year one thousand seven hundred and Eighty one, in the town of New Milford, Fairfield County, Ct. by the Rev Brooks, whose christian name she cannot recollect, and who is now dead: That she has no Record of her marriage, and believes that there is no Record of her marriage in existence. That Eliphalet Peck and Abigail, his wife, now residents of the town of Alexander, were both present at the marriage of this Deponent to the said
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William Benedict, whose affidavits are hereunto annexed: That her said husband, the said William Benedict, died on the fourth day of February, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty six; That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz, at the time above stated.
[signed] Ruth her-X-mark Benedict
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year afore written before me, John Chatfield Judge of Genesee County Courts
I certify that the said Ruth Benedict made the foregoing declaration before me at her place of residence in Alexander, being unable to appear before a Court of Record on account of extreme old age, and that she made her mark as above and stated that she never learned to write, and could not write her name. John Chatfield Judge of Genesee County Courts
State of New York Genesee County ss.
On this 31st December 1838, before me personally appeared, Eliphalet Peck and Ruth Abigail his wife, and being sworn do depose and say, the said Eliphalet Peck says that he is aged eighty years, and the said Abigail Peck says she is aged seventy eight years, and they both say that they were married on the first day of March in the year seventeen hundred and eighty. John Chatfield Judge of Genesee County Courts
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one. That these Deponents lived in the same neighborhood with Widow Ruth Benedict, and her late husband William Benedict, of Alexander aforesaid, and were well acquainted and intimate with them since childhood. That these Deponents were present at the marriage of the said Widow Ruth Benedict to the said William Benedict, deceased, which was legally solemnized by the Rev. Brooks, in the town of New Milford, Fairfield County, Ct.
That these Deponents well recollect the time of the marriage, from the fact of these Deponents being married a short time afterwards. That the said Widow Ruth Benedict was married as aforesaid to the said William Benedict, on the seventh day of February in the year seventeen hundred and eighty one.
And these Deponents further say that there was no Record of marriages kept in the said town at the time aforesaid, and these Deponent believe that there is no Record of said marriage. And these Deponents further say that they have been acquainted with the said Ruth Benedict since the death of her said husband, and that the said Ruth Benedict has not intermarried since the death of her husband, and still remains a Widow, and further these Deponents say not.
[signed] Eliphalet Peck, Abigail her-X-mark Peck
Sworn and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me by the said Eliphalet Peck and Abigail Peck, the said Abigail Peck making her mark, not being able write on account of old age, John Chatfield Judge of Genesee County Courts
And I certify that the said Eliphalet Peck and Abigail Peck are known to me and credible witnesses, of sound mind, and memory, John Chatfield Judge of Genesee County Courts
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State of New York Genesee County ss:
On this 31st Decr. 1838, personally appeared before me, Elijah Benajah Benedict, who being sworn according to law, deposes and says
that he resides in Alexander in the said County, and is the son of William Benedict, deceased, and Ruth Benedict, his present widow, and is aged 46 years. That his said mother, Ruth Benedict, has lived with him since the death of her husband, and has not intermarried but remains a widow.
That the said William Benedict was a Pensioner of the United States, under the act of 7th April 1832, and and received of a Pension of $80 per annum until the time of his death, and further this Deponent saith not.
[signed] Benaiah Benedict
Sworn and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me, John Chatfield Judge of Genesee County Courts
And I certify that the said Benajah Benedict is known to me, and is a credible witness, and that his statement is entitled to credit. John Chatfield Judge of Genesee County Courts
State of New York Genesee County ss:
I, Horace M. Soper, Clerk of said County, certify that John Chatfield was a Judge of Genesee County Courts at the time of taking the foregoing declaration and affidavits, and that the signatures subscribed to the foregoing certificates are his hand writing.
Witness my hand and official Seal this 1st June 1839 H. M. Soper Clerk
5545 Ruth Benedict N.Y.
Act July 7, 1838 Married Feb 1781 Husband died Feb 4, 1836
Widow Ruth Benedict Declaration & affidavits
H. M. Soper, Ag Batavia N. Y.
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Revolutionary War. Records Section 
    3-525


DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Washington, D.C.

H.F. 18578


In replay to your request ______ , received _______ for a statement of the military history of William Benedict a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

Date of Enlistment or Appointment/ Length of Service/ Rank/ Officers under whom service was Rendered/ State

Summer 1775/ 2 months/ Pvt/ Capt.Richard or Hickard(?)/ Conn.
Page 19

*Left side transcribed as written*

1914 July 31, Hist. to Mrs. Lora A.W. Underhill E.L.M

1920 Feb'y 6 Hist. to Mrs. Julia B. Parker


*Right side transcribed as written*

Rev'y Widow, &c.  18578

File No. 18578
Ruth Benedict
Widow of W'm Benedict
Priv. Rev. War

Act: Mar. 4rd 1843
Index:- Vol. A, Page 53

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 20

*left side transcribed as written*

8312
Albany

New York

Ruth Benedict widow of William Benedict who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 4 Feby. 1836 of Genesee Co. in the State of NY who was a Pri. in the Compy. commanded by Captain Hilcox of the Reg. commanded by Col. Chandler in the Conn. line for ______

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 30 Dollars 77 cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of April 1844 and sent to Heman Blodgett, Alexander N.Y

Total Amount $ 153.85

[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by F. S. Swann Clerk,
Book D. Vol. 1 Page 149


*right side transcribed as written*

Reso. 16 Apt. 44
Page 21

*left side transcribed as written*

5462

New York Albany

Ruth Benedict
Widow of Wm Benedict
Conn
who was a Private 
in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of $30 -- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of May, 1844 and sent to 

Heman Blodgett 
Alexander Genesee Co. N. York

[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1  Page 259


*right side transcribed as written*

[illegible]

Letter to Hom. Albert Smith
16 January 1845
Page 22

Wm Benedict
Page 23

State of Connecticut
Comptroller's Office
Hartford 25th Dec. 1843

I certify on application for evidence in behalf of William Benedict, alleged to have been a soldier of the revolution under Capt. Hickox in 1775 two months and  Capt. Noble Benedict, Col. Chandler 2 Mons in 1776. Capt Pardy 2 months in the fall of that year. Capt Hickox in the Spring of 1777 six months. Capt. Ezra Starr in 1778. Capt. Smith two months in 1779. Capt. Olmstead three months in 1780 that I find with our Pay Roll containing his name. In 1779 then is filed, armory the Pay Roll papers a "Pay Roll for  [illegible] [illegible], Capt. David Hickock's Company 16th Reg't, Commanded by Nehemiah Beardsley Esq. Col. On an expedition to Fairfield, Danbury 9th July 1779" 
On this Pay Roll, or abstract, then is the following entry "William Benedict 1 Horn, 50 miles travel. NY 10"

There was several Cap't Smiths in the service. 
Capt. David Olmstead, of Bubi's Regt. rendered his amount, Jan 20th 1781, for AD 1839..11.16 I find no Pay Roll of either of said companies nor any mention of William Benedict except on above. Gideon Willis Comptroller

The sworn under Capt. Noble Benedict I am told has then [illegible]
Page 24

Comptrollers Office
Hartford March 13th 1841

I certify that on application for evidence of the services of William Benedict who claims service in the Revolutionary War under Cap. Hickok 2 Mo. in 1775 under Cap. Noble Benedict 2 Mo in 1776 and Cap. Prudy 2 Mo in the fall of the same year Regimented officers not given, Cap. [illegible] in the Spring of 1777 Regimental officers not given, 6 moO. Cap Ezra Starr in 1778 Length of service not given. Cap. Smith in 1779  Mo. Cap. Olmstead in 1780 3 Mo and Nine months in 1781  others name not known.   that I have examined the Books of Payroll [illegible] in this office and find  "A Pay Roll of Cap. Noble Benedict Co. in the Regiment of [unknown] of the United Colonies under the Command of Col.  David Waterbury, [illegible] in the [illegible] of Connecticut commencing on the day in which they entered service and ending with time of their dismission(?) including time for the discharge to go home 6 to 5 Regt. from May to [illegible]. Noble Benedict Captain David Hickok Ensign. William Benedict was with Command start May 12th at the time of discharge July 17 having saved to [unknown] Sixty seven days that no PayRolls for the above named officers appears [unknown] to 1775 that on Pay Table Book is that following Accounts,

Capt. Noble Benedict, DC
1776 To Order or Ten' of as his Comp.  L580.00 
July 19           
                 over
Page 25

That nothing appears on the Books remaining in this office when to Confirm or discredit the alleged service under Cap. Hickock in the Spring of 1777 or Cap. Ezra Starr in 1778. Cap. Smith in 1779, Cap. David Olmstead is appears , he as in Service in 1780 or 1781 at Grenwich his Account settled June 20, 1781 Amount L 1839.11.10. 

Henry Kilbourn Comp.
Page 26

5545 
Widow Benedict
certificate is to ______



H 16 Soper
agent 
Batavia
N.Y.


*Right side*
[illegible]
April 70
Page 27

[unknown- maybe 11 3/4]

H. M Soper Esq.
Batavia
Genesee Co.
N.Y
Page 28

This may certify all whom it may concern & I do hereby depose & say that having been nearly twenty years pastor of the Congregational Church in Brookfield Fairfield County in the state of Connecticut that during this period no record of marriages [unknown] than the year eighteen hundred has been known to exist. If one was [illegible] they Wm. Bradms who was pastor of this church for the forty year preceding or the civil offices of the town may an believed to be entirely lost. Brookfield April 18, 1840

Abner Brundage

State of Connecticut}
County of Fairfield    }s.  Brookfield April 13th 1840 Personally appeared before me the subscribing authority Rev. Abner Brundage and made solemn affirmation to the truth of the foregoing affidavit and I certify that the s'd Abner Brundage sustains a good character for truth and is a credible witness.

Bryant Smith Justice of the Peace


State of Connecticut}
Fairfield County        }Ss  I Thomas Robinson Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Fairfield in State do hereby certify that Bryant Smith Esq. is now & since the 20th day of June last part has been a Justice of the Peace for s'd County duly commission & acting or such & duly authorized to ademnities outly and take acknowledgment of deed that his commission is dated the 29th day of May 1899 & will expire with the 19th of June AD 1860 & that his above signature thus [illegible] to be his. in his genuine aforesaid signature. Even and in my hand the seal of County Court in Fairfield this 14th day of April 1840 Thomas Robinson Clerk
Page 29

Bethel April 17th 1840
Dear Sir I received your letter the 12th instant requesting me to procure an affidavit of the successor of the Rev Mr Brooks. You will see by the affidavit of Mr Brundage that there is no record of Mr Brooks to be found, there is no papers of his to be found in the town. If the affidavit of Mr Brundage is not correct, you will please write to me again and I will attend to it immediately. You will please direct your letters to Bethel Fairfield Co. Ct., as your letters lay in the Office at Stanford untill it was avertised. I am Yours Very truly John Benedict
Page 30

Comptrollers Office Hartford Jany 25 1840
I certify that on application for evidence of the services of William Benedict, I have examined the Books & papers remaining in this Office relating to the Revolutionary War, and find on a "Pay Roll of Cap Noble Benedict Company in the Regiment of Forces of the United Colonies under the command of Col David Waterbury raised in the Colony of Connecticut, Commencing on the day in which they enlisted & entered said service and ending with the Time of their discharge, including Time for to get home. 8th Co. 5th Regt, from May to Decr 1775 William Benedict entered service May 12 Time of discharge July 17, having served 67 days / Sixty Seven days / “ Henry Kilbourn Comp
Page 31

Certificate of Compt. of State of Ct. in case of Widow Benedict
Page 32

State of New York County of Genesee SS:
On this 29th day of April 1844 personally appeared before me the subscriber, a Justice of the peace of said County of Genesee, Ruth Benedict, a resident of the town of Alexander in the County of Genesee, aged Ninety one 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 day of March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war.
That she is the widow of William Benedict, who was a Private in the army of the Revolution, and the annual amount of the pension which she is entitled to receive, not yet received, under the act of July 7th 1838, is thirty dollars and seventy seven cents. She further declares that she is still a widow.
[signed] Ruth her-X-mark Benedict
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me, and certify that I personally know the said Ruth Benedict, and further that she made her mark to the above declaration, she not being able to write her name. James R Jackman Justice of the peace
Page 33

State of New York Genesee County SS
I hereby certify that James R Jackman is a Justice as above, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 30th day of April in the year 1844 M. G. Soper Dep Clerk of the Court of Comn Pleas for said County
Page 34

Date of service / Captain Under whom. Colonel under whom/ -/ Time of Services

William Benedict
 1775/ Hickox/ -/-/ 2 mo's
 1776/ Noble Benedict/ Col. Chandler/ -/2 mo
1776/ Purdy/-/-/2 mo's
1777/Hickox/-/- 6 mo's/ Benedict to. P. 12y
1778/ Ezra Starr/-/-/-
1779/ Smith/-/-/2 mo's
1780/ D. Olmsted/-/-/ 3 mo's
1781/ Do/-/-/9 mo's

1st   Statement of Comptroller of Connecticut
1st "I find no pay roll of within of Said Companies"

2nd "There were several Capt. Smith in the Service"

3rd "In 1779 there is filed among the Pay Table papers a Pay Roll for [illegible] Naval Capt. David Hickox Company 16th Reg't Commanded by Nehemiah Beardsley Esq. Col. on an expedition to Fairfield Danbury 9th July 1779 on this Pay Roll or abstract there is the following only -William Benedict 1 Horse 50 miles travel $7.10*

4th Cap't David Olmsted of Bubies Reg't rendered his account June 20, 1781 for L 1839.11.10

5th. The services under Capt. Noble Benedict I am said has been certified

*$25.00 Would this sum have been paid for horse travel alone- merily to have gone there  back: Is it not evidence that not only the horse but the Wm. Benedict himself was there and refer to his service in 1777 6 mo's [the services- crossed out]
Page 35

It appears by the best evidence which can be procured by Benedict own oath and corroborative testimony from the Comptroller of Connecticut that W'm Benedict did serve under the several Captains alleged by him except Capt. Starr. ves.

Under Capt. Hickox   N. Beardsley Col. 1775 2 months

Under Capt. N. Benedict   Chandler Col.  1776 2 mon 7 days admitted

Under Capt. Hickox    N. Beadsley Col. 1777 6 months

Under Capt. Smith   ------ Col. 1779  2 months

Under Capt. D. Olmsted.  Bubies Reg't   1780.  3 months

Under Capt. ________    _______ 1781  9 months

   24=7 


In 1777 was said to be the [illegible] with [illegible] accept who the [illegible] at Danbury which [illegible] district rode, he worked and then commanded to finished [illegible] that he was and paid for horse here and  also shows that Capt. Olmsted [illegible] paid for  his service by his company in [illegible] length & know their office to be no pay roll on file showing Benedict's service
Page 36

A. Brundage
Widow Ruth Benedict
Certificate
Page 37

I Abner Brundage of the County of Brooksfield, Litchfield County and State of Connecticut, having [illegible] our fifty years of age, and having been [illegible] [illegible] loss portray in the church is. this place no [illegible] certify that no public record of marriages has been [illegible] or now [illegible] this town of an [illegible] man eighteen hundred and twelve and [illegible] Mon this [illegible] 26 [illegible] saith not. 
Abner Brundage


State of Connecticut}
[stamp covering]     County}
[stamp covering] District of Danbury}

I Gilead G. Taylor Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Danbury within and for said County and Stat do hereby certify that the above named Deponent appeared before this Court in Open Court on the 4rd day of December 1838 and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed and that the said deponent is well known to this court as a man of good character and a credible witness. 
  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 3rd day of December 1838. 
Gilead G. Taylor, Clerk

I Edward Taylor of Danbury in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut Judge of probate within and 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, and was Clerk at the state there of, duly appointed and sworn, that the signature subscribed to said certificate and purporting to be his is in the proper handwriting of the said Gilead G. Taylor and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts as such Clerk, and that the seal impressed when said certificate is the seal of said Court of Probate. In testimony when of I have hereunto set my hand at Danbury aforesaid the 3rd day of December 1838. 
Edward Taylor Judge
Page 38

Memorandum for
Albert Smith
Page 39

Widow Ruth Benedict of William Benedict Alexander

Her husband made a declaration and obtained a Pension under of Act of 1832. W. Benajah Benedict of Alexander, wishes to obtain a copy, if possible, of his Declaration under that Act. [unknown] the Department will be unwilling to give a copy, but will permit you to examine it and take a memorandum of his service as be claimed. particularly the town of service and Name of officers,
If Mr. Smith will obtain the above and write to Mr. Benajah Benedict Alexander he will much oblige.
                          His Friend
                          H.U. Soper


P.S. he will please enquire whether any thing has been done on the application of the widow within a few months.
Page 40

Washington Jany 8, 1845

Sir,

I enclose you an afft of the service of the late William Benedict, during the year 1776 on the application of Mrs. Ruth Benedict for an increase of her Pension, she is at present only allowed for two months and seven days for that  year. The affs. appears to be full and duly authenticated and I hope with the other papers will satisfy you  that Mrs. Benedict is entitled to an increase of her Pension.
            I have the honor to be
                my respectfully
                your obt. servant
                 Albert Smith


Hon. J.L. Edward 
  Comr. of Pensions
Page 41

*upside down text transcribed as written*
Ruth Benedict
Act 1838


  $30:77 her an. 


Heman Blodgett
        Alexander
           N.York



Hon. J.L. Edwards
Com'r of Pensions 
Present
Page 42

Washington Apr. 16, 1844

Hon. J.L. Edwards

 Your letter to me of the 15th insh  admits of 9 months 7 days services in the Revolution of W'm Benedict for whose services Mrs. Ruth Benedict claim say as the widow of said William Benedict. The amt. due for said services are hereby accepted reserving the right to make further proof in the premies. 
            Respectfully your
             Obt. servant
            Heman Blodgett
Page 43

33

Heman Blodgett Esq.
Alexander
Genesee Co.
N.Y.
Page 44

Albany   Feby 29/44

Heman Blodgett Esq. 
   Sir

If I can at any time be of service to Mrs. Benedict in obtaining her pension it will give me pleasure. 
 The enclosed certificate of the Comptroller of Comptroller shows all the service which appears before the books in his office except a tour of service under Capt. Noble Benedict allowed by the Commissioner of Pensions If Shows also that Capt. David Ostead (Olmstead) was paid for service, although there are no Pay rolls of his company in file. 
   Such being the care a Pension might to be allowed without subjecting the widow to futher trouble or delay. 

         I am very Respectfully
          Your Obt. Servant
         W'm B. Pierce
Page 45

Im. [illegible]

R. Benedict


*Sideways text transcribed as written*

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Comissioner of Pensions
Porsark
Page 46

Washington April 15, 1844

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions

Sir, 
The [illegible] [illegible] of Heman Blodgett Esq. has some [illegible] at your office. 
Mr B. is a constituent of mine, and you will much oblige both him and me by allowing him an early he owing, as he remains but a [illegible] in the city. 
I have the honor to be your Ob't Serv't
Albert Smith
Page 47

Batavia March 19, 1844
Genesee County, New York

Dear Sir,
  In pursuance of your letter of the 13th May last. I now enclose to you a further certificate for the Comptr'r Of the State of Ct. in the case of the application of widow Ruth Benedict, which I think you will find full enough to entitle her case to a further consideration. 

     I am yours,
  with much esteem.
  H.U. Soper


J.L. Edwards Esq. 
Comm. of Pensions
Page 48

5545



Hon. A.M. Gates
H.R.


*sideways text transcribed as written*

Hon. J.L Edwards
Court of Pensions
Washington
Page 49

Batavia May 7. 1840
Genesee County. N.Y.

Sir 
I now send you enclosed further proof in the case of Widow Ruth Benedict in answer to you communication of the 17th September last, which I trust will be found satisfactory and render the communication prompt. 

  The old lady will hardly survive to enjoy the fruits of the pension unless she receives it soon.

        I am Yours,
         Very truly,
               H. U. Soper 



Hon. J.L. Edwards}
Com'r of Pensions}
Page 50

May 16. 1840

to


note- addition was 
put to the letter of 
the 13th unit to the Hon
S.M. Gates, and
sent to him on the
16 May 1840
Page 51

Wash'n  May 14/40

Sir
When your suggestion I left in your office this morning, your letter to me dated as I think the 12th [unknown], stating what further Certificates were necessary from the Compt'r of Conn, in the Case of Ruth Benedict for the purpose of having the names of the officers under whom her husband served sent to me, with that letter- This evening  I am in receipt of your letter giving the names of the officers, but you have retained the previous letter, so that I am yet unable to send to the agent. Will you please return me the letter left with you this morning. 
 
  I am Sir, Very Respectfully 
Your Mo. Obt. Serv't 
S.M. Gates

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Compt.
Page 52


Mr. Benajah Benedict
Alexandria
Genesee Co.
N.York
Page 53

Elind Taylor of Danbury in the County of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut, aged Eighty seven years, being duly sworn, doth depose & say, that I well knew and was acquainted with William Benedict, be the before and during the Revolutionary War. I knew him from a boy and he was of the same age with my son, then being but a four days difference between the dates of our birth. 
 The said William Benedict was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War and I had knowledge of his service as [illegible].
We lived in the same neighborhood in said Danbury in the Spring of 1776, and together & on the same day enlisted in a Company of Connecticut State Troops, as Private Soldier commanded by Captain Gaylon Hubbell, in the Regiment of Colonel Enos S. Hillman & Peter Penfield was Lieutenant and Benjamin Hickok Ensign of said Company. We enlisted as aforesaid in the latter part of the month of April, or early in May 1776 for the term of Eight Months, We both served the full term of eight months in said Company & was discharged, on
Page 54

the last of December of or the 10th of January following. We were mess-mates during the Campaign and served in New York on Long Island, and were in the latter of White Plains and was discharged at or near Fishhill the last of Decemeber 1776, or the 10th of January 1777, as above stated.
Soon after and about the year 1781 the said William Benedict married Ruth Peck, who if havin gis now his widow, and soon after the war they [illegible] and out of the state.
Elind Taylor


State of Connecticut
Probate District of Danbury S.S.
on this 26th day of November 1844 before the Court of Probate within and for said District in said State at Danbury in said District th said Court being a Court of Record, personally appeared Elind Taylor well known to the court have as a person a good character for with & subscribed the foregoing deposition and being duly sworn made solemn oath that the s'd Deposition contains the truth, the whole truth & nothing but the truth. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court the day and year.
Frederick S. Blackman Clerk
Page 55

Bethel  November 28. 1844

Dear Cousin
I was very sorry that you could not come to Danbury when you got so near as Winchester but as Providence ordered it another ways we must submit I have seen Uncle Benjamin and Aunt Savy since I received your letter and they are smart for old people  friends in this part of the Country and all well.
You will be that I have enabled to get one Deposition I can not find any other as yet. If I can find any more I will send them on to you as quick as I can. 

[illegible] your lives should be spared & hope w had be permitted to see each other again. You will please give my love to all our friends in your part of the Country yours with esteem.

John Benedict
Page 56

24 [illegible] Chapters F. H.E 
January 20, 1920
  Rev. War


To Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C. 

Will you kindly give me what information you can relative to the military standing of William Benedict Born 1758 resided in New Marlboro- Mass- removed to Alexandria in 1818 and died this Feb. 4, 1836 a 
Revolutionary Pensioner
Mrs. Julia Benedict Porter
1010 Mitchell St. Petoskey- Mich
Page 57

*Stamp*

Pension 
D
JUL
25
1914
US Office
Page 58

Koran C. Small. President                     Alfred Willis Small. Treasurer
15 Beacon Street                                          28 School Street
Boston Mass.                                                   Boston, Mass. 

Mrs. L.A.W. Underhill Secretary.        Miss Beulah Small, Historian
80 Humphrey Street                                    Auburn, Maine
Swampcost Mass. 


                                      The Smalls of America
                                    An Association of Kinship
 
                                           Massachusetts
           
                                                                                             July 24, 1914

Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions- 
                                                            Gentlemen-

I desire the records of the pension of William Benedict, said to have been a Revolutionary soldier. He was born in 1758, married Ruth Peck before 1775, lived at New Marlboro, Massachusetts, in 1818 removed to Alexandria (probably Virginia) and died February 4, 1836. His widow Ruth died October 1, 1846. Their Children were: Noah, Thomas, Israel, Betsey (Married John Gibson, Benajah and Rebecca (married Sherman King).

Thanking you in advance for the copy of his pensions which I would be pleased o receive. at your earliest convenience. 

Very truly yours
(Mrs.) Lora A.W. Underhill