Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5819, Benjamin Belden, Conn.
Page 1

Conn.         Belden, Benjamin W.   5819
                                  Sylvia
Page 3

340
Ohio: Pittsburg.
Sylvia Belden
widow of Benjn. Belden
Conn
Who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
43. Dollars 33.
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848

Certificate of Pension issued the
20. day of June 1848.
and sent to
James Hathaway
Chardon
Geauga Co. Ohio

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 333 Vol. 4

[next page] 
Reports
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29.314.
Benjamin Belden
Ohio

Adm 1. year & 1 Month

R. P. Spalding
Warren
Trumbull Co
Ohio
Page 5

WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office,
25 Jany 1834

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 Benjamin Belden

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.  
2 Months. 
Rank Private
Field officers Cap. Wells, Co Chester

1776.
1 year.  Rank p
Field officer Cap. Wright

1776
2 months. Rank p
Field officer Lieut Pomroy

1779
9 months.  Rank p
Field officers Cap Bissell, Col Wells.

Age at present
76 years
Place of abode when entered
Weathersfield conn

Proof
[illegible] &
a living witness
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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 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 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. 
_______________________________________

[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 Ohio
Trumbull County

On this nineteenth day of 
December in the year One thousand eight hundred
and thirty three, personally appeared before the
Honorable Matthew Birchard Esquire  President
Judge of the third Judicial Circuit of the Court
of Common Pleas of the State of Ohio, at Vienna
in the County of Trumbull aforesaid, and within
the bounds of said third judicial Circuit, Benjamin
Belden a resident of the Township of Vienna in the
County of Trumbull and State of Ohio aforesaid, aged 
Seventy Six years, who being first duly sworn according
to law, doth, on his oath, make the following
declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the
Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under
the following named Officers, and served as herein stated.

I was born at Weathersfield in Hartford County in
the State of Connecticut on the 25th day of October in
the year One thousand seven hundred and fifty seven,
as I have been informed by my parents.  I have no
record of my age at the present time:  I once read such
a record in an old Bible, but it was destroyed by my
children, at school -- In the year 1776 I was drafted in
the Militia, at Weathersfield in Connecticut, where I then
lived, to go to New York.  I served as a private on this
tour, in a Company Commanded by Captain Chester Wells,
for the term of Two Months.  We went on to Long Island
where I think we were under Command of Col. John Chester.
I was in the last boat that left the Island, or, at any rate
one of the last, when the army of Genl. Washington Crossed
over to New York.  Previous to the Battle of Long Island my
company had been stationed at the City of N. York and I
was on the Island but a short time.  At this time I saw
Page 9

the Commander in Chief and Genl. Lee frequently. I received
my discharge at New York.  I do not recollect who gave
it.  I have lost all the discharges I ever received. My next
tour of service, if I recollect right, was as follows:  I
was drafted in the Militia and marched to Peekskill
on the North River, where, I think, we were under the
command of Genl. Putnam.  On account of old age
and many bodily infirmities, my memory is extremely
imperfect and in fact almost destroyed.  I do not remember
the year; but, I think, I am correct in saying that my
Captain at this time was Elijah Wright of Weathersfield
and I served at this time, according to the best of my
recollection and belief, One year, all the time as a 
private.  We were stationed at different places during
the time, up and down the Hudson River but the
longest at Peekskill.  In one of our marches we fell
in with a body of our own troops who took us for
the enemy and fired upon us.  When we hastily retreated,
at which Genl. Putnam was much chagrined and
swore at us roundly for our cowardice as he called it.
I think we were discharged at Peekskill at the close of one
years service.  The British Shipping were then in the River
and and object was to prevent them from landing.
I was again drafted in the Militia at Weathersfield and
served two months, I think under Lieutenant Pomeroy, as
a private.  Was stationed at Horseneck.  Genl. Putnam
was there.  I cannot give the year.

My last tour of service was Nine Months when I
enlisted into a Company of Connecticut State Troops under 
the command of Captain Ozias Bissell in Colonel Wells'
Regiment.  We were raised to guard the Connecticut Sea
Coast and made our head quarters at New London.
I was a private and served the Nine Months and was
discharged at New London in 1780 as I think.  The Connecticut
rolls will shew the time.  Since the Revolutionary War
I have lived in Connecticut, in Hartford & Litchfield.
Page 10

Counties, until the last five years, during which i
have lived in Vienna, Turnbull County, Ohio where I now
live.  I lived in Weathersfield, Conn, during the whole war.
I have no documentary evidence other than a Certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut and a Deposition of 
Roger Clark, who was in the State Troops with me.  I know
of no other proof of service that I can obtain unless it
be Theodore Wolcott who was in the nine months State
service with me in 1779. & 1780.  I do not think that my
present neighbours can testify as to any reputation, in this
neighborhood, of my having been a Revolutionary Soldier, as I 
have lived here but five years and very little has been said upon
that subject by me or my family:  but the Rev. W. Birge and
W. Isaac Powers Jr., two of my neighbors, will certify, I think
with regard to my character for veracity.  I hereby relinquish
every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present,
and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the
agency of any State.

Sworn to and Subscribed 
Benjamin Belden 
the day & year aforesaid.
M Birchard Pres Judge
We, Chester Birge, a Clergyman residing in Vienna in
Turnbull County, Ohio, and Isaac Powers Junr. residing
in the same place, hereby certify that we are well acquainted
with Benjamin Belden who has subscribed, in our presence, 
and sworn to the above Declaration; that we believe him
to be Seventy Six years of age, a person of strict truth &
veracity and we have no hesitation in saying that we
place implicit confidence in the statement made by
him as aforesaid touching his Revolutionary Services.

Sworn & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Chester Birge
Isaac Powers 2nd

M Birchard  Pres & Judge
I, Matthew Birchard President Judge of the 3d Judicial
Circuit of the Court of Common Pleas in the State of Ohio,
do herby declare my opinion, after the investigation
Page 11

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 
I further certify, that it appears to me that the Rev. Chester
Birge, who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman
resident in Vienna, Trumbull County & State of Ohio
and that Isaac Powers 2nd, who has also signed the same, is
a resident in the same Township of Vienna and is a credible
person and that their statement is entitled to credit.  And
I further certify that, in my opinion, the applicant, Benjm. 
Belden, cannot attend the Court to make his declaration
therein, by reason of bodily infirmity.  In testimony
whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year
as aforesaid.

M Birchard   Prest. Judge
3rd Circuit. O.C.P.

29.314
State of Ohio
Turnbull County p  
J. George Parsons, Clerk of the Court
of Common Pleas of said County of
Turnbull, do hereby certify that Matthew
Birchard Esquire, whose signature, in
his own proper hand writing is annexed
to the foregoing affidavits & certificate
is now, and was at the time of making the same, President
Judge of the third Judicial Circuit of the Court of Common
Pleas in the State of Ohio (which said 3d Circuit includes said
County of Turnbull) duly Commissioned & qualified to act,
agreeably to the laws of the State of Ohio.  In testimony
whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said
Court this twentieth day of December in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty three.

George Parsons Clerk
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9048
Page 13

Declaration
State of Ohio
Arhlahula County

On this twenty seventh
day of June in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and forty three
personally appeared before me Van R 
Humphrey President Judge of the third 
judicial circuit of the state of Ohio including
County of Arhlahula Sylva Belden the wife
of Benjamin Belden deceased a resident of
Cherry Valley township County and 
state of aforesaid aged seventy eight years
and eight months 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
ace of Congress passed July 7th AD
1838 entitled an act granting half pay
and pensions to certain widow.

That she is the widow of the said
Benjamin Belden who was a revolutionary
pensioner as will appear by the evidence
name on file in the pension office

And the said Sylva Belden
further declares that she was married to
the said Benjamin in the month of January
(A & D 1785) seventeen hundred and eighty five
and that the said Sylva and the said
Benjamin Belden were legally married.

That her husband the said Benjamin
Belden did leave the service before the close
of the war and that the marriage did
take place subsequent to the close of 
war. She further declares distinctly that
she was not married to the said
Benjamin Belden prior to his leaving
the service but the marriage took place
previous to the first of January
Page 14

seventeen hundred seventy four (illegible) at 
the time above stated
Sylva Belden
her X mark

Sworn to & subscribed on the
day & Year above written
before me
Van R Humphrey
Prest. Judge, 3d. Cirt - Ohio

State of Ohio
Arhlahula County p.

J.A.C. Hubbard Clerk of the
Court of Common Pleas within the
County and State aforesaid, do certify
that at the date of the foregoing
declaration, Van R Humphrey was 
President Judge of said Court, that
the same was sworn to before
him in open Court and that the signature
to the above certificate purporting to be his,
is genuine.

Given under my hand and the seal
of said Court this 16th day of May AD 1846

A.C. Hubbard Clerk
Page 17

1934 May 24.  Hist. to Mrs.
R. Winnagle: A.D. Y.

Revy WIDOW, &c.
_________________
File No. 5819
Sylvia Belden
Wid
Benjn. Belden
Pvt. Rev:War
____________________
Act: Feby. 2[illegible]18
Index:--Vol. A., Page 49
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 18

Ohio   10,036
___________________
Sylvia Belden

Widow of Benjamin Belden,
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 5th. Feb. 1839,
of Ashtabula Co. in the State of Ohio
who was a Private in the company
commanded by Captain Wells of the
regt. commanded by Col Chester, in
the Connt. -- line for 13 months
_______________________
Inscribed on the Roll of Pittsburgh
at the rate of 43 Dollars.  33
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th
day of March, 1836.
___________________________

Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of
May 1846, and sent to Hon J. R.
Giddings, House of Representatives
________________________________

Total amount, $
[Act July 7, 1838.]
& 23 Jany. 1845
Recorded by D Brown   Clerk,
Book D.   Vol.  1.  Page 388
Page 19

1832
7767
Ohio, Pittsburgh Agency
________________________
Sylvia Belden
widow of Benjamin Belden
who was a Private
in the Revolution,
__________________________
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
43 Dollars 33
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
______________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the
30th day of May, 1866.
and sent to Hon. J. R. Giddings
House of Representatives
_____________________________-_
[Acts of March 3, 1843.]
& June 17, 1844.
Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 2.    Page 201

Repd.
Page 20

V     No 9348
Sylvia Belden
Ohio
---------
Suspended

Set to A. P. Ferry Sep. 21 1843
Elliott S Hathaway   17. May 1845
Same  Dec 8. '45
Same  May 6th. 46

Act July 7th  38
Page 21

No 9348
Sylvia Belden
Widow of Benjamin
.8651
548
O
Act of July 1838 and
23 January 1845

[illegible.] 13 mo pen
$43.33 per annum

pen. 4 March 1836 to 4 March
1841
Admo. Acts 3 March 1843
and 17 June 1844
$43.33 per ann

Hon J. R. Giddings
House of Reps
Page 22

The State of Ohio
                                } p.
Ashtabula County

On this 1st day of July, A.D. 1845.
Personally appeared before me S. S. Johnson
a Justice of the peace in and for said County   Sylva Belden aged Eighty
years who is a resident of Cherry Valley in the County and State aforesaid,
Being by me first duly sworn according to law doth on her said
Oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the
acts of Congress passed July 7th 1838 March 3d 1843 June 17th 1844
and the Resolution of Congress passed January 23d. 1845.  That she
is the widow of Benjamin Belden who was a Revolutionary pensioner
at the rate of $43, or there abouts per annum and that her said
husband died in said Cherry Valley on the 5th day of February 1839
aged 81 years when he died, that she was married to the said Benjamin
in the Town of Burlington Hartford County and State of Connecticut
January 1785 by a Clergyman named Jonathan Miller and that
she has sent to said Burlington for Record proof of her marriage
to said Benjamin but has failed to obtain it on account of the
marriage Records kept by said Jonathan Miller being burned
That she has often heard her said husband relate his Revolutionary
service but being feeble in body and mind does not remember particulars,
that her said husband claimed after his pension was granted
that he was not [illegible] for all his service in the Revolution,
that she made a Declaration for a pension soon after her
said husband died under the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838
that was sent to the pension office together with her proofs by A. R. Ferry
Esq which was made before the 30th of April 1844 and she supposed 
it was on file in the pension office before the 23rd day of January 1845
if said Declaration is not on file in the pension office she does not know where
or what has become of it; that she has not  [illegible} married but continues
the widow of the said Bejamin Belden that she refers to the annexed 
proofs and prays that a pension may be granted her
nder each of said acts.  that her name was Sylva
Culver before she was married to said Benjamin and that she
resided in said Burlington before married.

Signed in presence of
James Hathaway
S.S. Johnson

Sylva Belden
her X mark

Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year above written 
and I hereby Certify that from personal knowledge that
the said Sylva Belden is a person of truth and probity
and from bodily infirmity unable to attend Court

S. S. Johnson   Justice of the Peace
Page 23

The State of Ohio
                                } p.
Ashtabula County

Deposition of John Griffis resident of [illegible]
in the County of Trumbull and State of Ohio,
taken before me S. S. Johnson a Justice of 
the peace in and for said County of Ashtabula and State of Ohio
taken this the 1st day of July A.D. 1845.  Being by me first duly
sworn according to law doth on his said Oath depose and say,
that he is aged 70 year and he was well acquainted with
Benjamin Belden and Sylva Belden wife of said Benjamin, and that
said Benjamin was a Revolutionary pensioner and died in Cherry
Valley in the County of said Ashtabula and State of Ohio February 5th
1839 that he became acquainted with the said Benjamin when he
the said Griffis was sixteen years of age and was familiarly acquainted
with said Benjamin and Sylva his wife up to the death of said
Benjamin and that the said Sylva now resides in said Cherry Valley
and remains the widow of the said Benjamin Belden that when
he first became acquainted with said Benjamin the said Griffis
resided in Burlington and the said Benjamin resided in Weathersfield
in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut and
that he has often heard the said Benjamin relate circumstances
that took place in the Revolutionary war heard him say
that in some skirmish he was in, that the Captain that he was
under ordered his men to give ground and that Gen Putnam
rode up to his Captain and reprimanded him for giving ground
and struck him with his sword saying that he would learn him
to run, said Benjamin was always reputed by his neighbors to
be a person of trust and probity and that he the said Griffis
had no doubt but what the said Benjamin served more
than one year in the Revolutionary war he was always 
reputed to have been a Revolutionary Soldier by his neighbors
and his statement was not doubted, and that he resided in said
Butlington in the year 1791 and that the said Benjamin and Sylva was then living together as husband and wife and that he has
no doubt but what they were previous to that time legally married
They had some family at that time and further saith not.

John Griffis

Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year above written
and I hereby Certify from common report that the said
John Griffis is a person of truth and probity.
S.S. Johnson   Justice of the Peace
Page 24

The State of Ohio
                               } p.
Ashtabula County

Deposition of Elizabeth Griffis who is a resident 
of [illegible] Turnbull County and State of Ohio

Taken before me S.S. Johnson -- a Justice of the Peace
in and for the County of Ashtabula and State of 
Ohio, taken in Cherry Valley in said Ashtabula County this the
first day of July A.D. 1845.  Being by me duly sworn according
to law doth on her said Oath depose and say that
she is aged seventy one years old last December and is a
sister of widow Sylva Belden now residing in Cherry Valley
in the County of Ashtabula in the State of Ohio.  That her said
sister is the widow of Benjamin Belden who was a Revolutionary
pensioner and died in said Cherry Valley February 5th
1839.  That she was present at the marriage of said Benjamin
Belden and her said sister Sylva which took place in Hartford
County State of Connecticut in the Town now called Butlington
when she the said Elizabeth was about eleven years old and
that her said sister now remains the widow of said Benjamin
Belden and further that her maiden name was Elizabeth 
Culver and further saith not.

Jame Hathaway
                            } attest
S. S. Johnson

Elizabeth Griffis
her X mark

Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year above
written and I hereby Certify from Common report that
the said Elizabeth Griffis is a person of truth and probity

S.S. Johnson  a Justice of the Peace
Page 25

The State of Ohio
                               }p.
Ashtabula County

Deposition of Orren Belden a resident of Cherry
Valley in said County taken before me  S. S.
Johnson   a Justice of the lpeace in and for the County and
State of aforesaid this the first day of July A.D. 1845. in the Town
of said Cherry Valley. Being by me first duly sworn according to
law doth on his said Oath depose and say that he is a son 
of Benjamin & Sylva Belden and that he is aged fifty three
years last September and that he is the second child of his
said Father & Mother and that his said Father was a Revolutionary
Soldier and Pensioner at the rate of a little over forty
three dollars per annum and that his said Father died in
said Cherry Valley February 5th 1839, and that his said
Mother now resides in said Cherry Valley and remains the
widow of his said Father, that he has heard his said Father
relate his Revolutionary service and that he has no doubt
but what his said Father served all the time that his
said Father alleged that he served when he made his
Declaration for a pension and further saith not.

Orren Belden

Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year
above written and I hereby Certify from personal
knowledge that the above named Orren Belden is a 
person of truth and probity.


S. S. Johnson Justice of the Peace
Page 26

The State of Ohio
[seal]
Asht

I A.C. Hubbard Clerk of the Court
of Common Pleas, in and for said County
do by these presents certify and make
known aht S.S. Johnson, Esquire,
made the within certificate, and before
whom the within and foregoing affidavits 
were taken and who has [illegible] in
his own proper hand writing subscribed
his name, was at said time, and now is, a Justice of the Peace
in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified
and that to all whose official acts as such, full faith and
credit is and ought to be given throughout the United States
and Elsewhere.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed the seal of said Court at Jefferson this 28th day of October
A.D. 1845

A. C. Hubbard   Clerk
Page 27

State of Connecticut
Comptrollers Office
Hartford  9 Oct. 1845.

I certify, that on application for evidence of the service of
Benjamin Belden, in the War of the Revolution, I have examined the documents 
remaining in this Office relating to that War, and find a paper headed -- 
"Muster Roll of Captain Noadiah Hooker's Company in Colonel Erastus
"Wolcotts' Regiment," wherein the name of Benjamin Belden is entered, who is
stated to have enlisted January 26. 1776.  No mention is made of the time
of his discharge.  But a Certificate of Cap. Hooker, attached to the "Marching
Roll," is dated -- "Roxbury Camp March 28. 1776."

Also, there is in a "Pay Table" book an account with Col. Chester's
Regiment headed

"Col. John Chesters Regiment raised in June 1776, marched in July to Camp at
"New York" -- wherein is entered the amounts of the several Pay Rolls of the
companies' comparing the regiment -- among which is is that of Captain Chester Wells
amounting to L567.2.10 -- which includes the pay for the 1st month only, as
is mentioned in his accot. und?  By which it appears that subsequent payments
were made by the Colonel.  The length of the service has not been acertained --
Nor has any Pay Roll of Captain Wells company for that year
been found.

It also appears by the "Pay Table" accounts that Captain
Ozias Bissel served in Enos' regiment in 1778-9, rendering a Pay Roll to 
the amount of L1828.4.6 --  And that he rendered a Pay Roll to the amot.
of L1995.5.11 for service in Wells' Regiment in 1780.  No pay roll of his
company for those years has been found.
Page 30

Chardon Geauga Co, Ohio
May 6th 1848.

Sir

I herewith transmit to your office the pension
application of Mrs. Sylvia Belden made under the
act of Congress passed February 2d 1845.

Very Respectfully your
Most O.B.G. Servent.

James Hathaway
Page 32

Chardon Geauga Co. Ohio
February 4th. 1846.

Dear Sir

In compliance with the requirement in your letter
of Dec. 5th. '45 concerning the Claim of Mrs Sylvia Belden,
we herewith send the Depositions of F. C. Webster & W. S. Duning
as Mrs Sylvia Belden Stated in the Declaration that she made on
the 1st day of July last, that if her former Declaration was
not in the pension office she did not know where it was, therefore
we thought another statement from her would be unnecessary
we have used out best efforts to find Mrs Belden's Declaration that 
was returned to A. P. Farry Esqr but without success.

Respectfully your O.B. Servants
Elliott S. Hathaway

Hon J. L. Edwards Comm of Pensions
Washington City D.C
Page 34

Chardon Geauga County, Ohio
November, 3d. 1845

Dear Sir

We herewith send to your Office the Declaration
and proofs of Widow Sylva Belden praying that a 
pension may be granted her under the acts of Congress
passed July 7. 1838, March 3d. 1843 & June 17th. 1844. on
account of the Revolutionary service of her husband
Benjamin Belden deceased.  When acted upon please to
make returns to us.  Respectfully your [illegible] Servants

Elliott Hathaway

Hon J. L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Washington City D.C.
Page 37

James L. Edwards Esq.
Commr. of Pensions
Washington.
Page 38

Warren, Trumbull County     Ohio
April 16. 1834

J. L. Edwards Esq

Sir

It is out of the power
of Mr. Belden, as it at length appears, to furnish
evidence respecting his 2nd tour of Service.
It was however as he states in his Declaration,
in the Connect. Militia and I think they were 
at one period of the war called into Service
for One year.  Lt. Ramsay, in his History, informs
us:  Be this as it may, however, it is a well
known fact that Militiamen as well as the 
soldiers of the line frequently extended their
term of Service after the period had expired
for which they were drafted or enlisted.
Mr. Belden submits his claim, once more, for
your consideration and with all due respect:
and wishes, if the claim for the years Service
be rejected, that a certificate may [illegible] for
this balance of his term.

Respectfully your Obedt. Servt.
R. P. Spalding
Page 40

Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio
21. December 1833.

J. L. Edwards Esq

Sir,

I, herewith transmit for the
action of your Department the original application
of Benjamin Belden for a pension under the
Act of June 7. 1832.  The Declaration is accompanied
by the deposition of Roger Clark, as to a part of
his Services, and a Certificate under the hand
of the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut.
The applicant is very feeble and his recollection
as to circumstances, dates & very imperfect, but
there can be no doubt as it regards his moral
honesty.

Very respectfully
Your humble servt.
R. P Spalding
Page 41

Deposition of
Roger Clark.
Page 42

Connecticut, Hartford county, [illegible] Hartford
September 19th 1833

Personally appeared before me, one
of the Justices of the peace within and for said
County, Roger Clark of Weathersfield in said
County, aged Seventy four years, to me personally known to be a credible
witness & solemnly swore that in the summer
of 1779, the precise day he does not now recollect,
he enlisted into a company, whereof Ozias
Bissell was Captain, John Francis L. and
[illegible] Thrall was Ens.  The regiment was
commanded by Col. Levi Wells that the Regt
served at various places on the Sea Coast
or at New London  Lyme, Saybrook  New 
Haven & Stratford in said State.  He then
was well acquainted with Benjamin Belden
there of said Weathersfield, & now living, as
informed, in the State of Ohio.  He
entered into Capt. Bissell s company, whether
before of after the said Clark did, the
[illegible] does not now remember, that said
Belden served with him, or in the same company
& said Belden with the company were discharged in March
1780; being retained in service until the
expiration of the term of their enlistment.

Sworn to before me
Elisha Phelps Justice of peace
Page 43

I, THOMAS DAY, Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and
Keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to
whom it doth or may concern
That Elisha Phelps Esquire, before whom
the foregoing Affidavit of Roger Clark
was taken, is, and at the time of such caption, was, a Justice of the
Peace within and for the County of Hartford
in said State, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified, having full
power and authority, by the laws of said State, to administer oaths
to witnesses and to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and
to give certificates thereof; that I verily believe the foregoing signature
purporting to be his, is genuine; and that full credence is due
to his official acts and attestations.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal
of said State, at the city of Hartford, in said State, the nineteenth
day of September in the year of our Lord, one thousand,
eight hundred and thirty-three.

Thomas Day