Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 18319, Benjamin Wells, Vt.
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Vt.  Wells Benjamin W18319
Rachel
[Contents Blank]
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20859
New York
Benjamin Wells
[illegible] in the State of New York who was a private in the [illegible] commanded by Captain ----- ---- of the [illegible] commanded by Col Marner in the New Your line for 7 months and 4 days---- --- Vt.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 23 dollars 77 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of Oct 1833 and due to H. Cook jr.
Cooperstown NY
Arrears to the 4th of 33 $59.42
Semi-anl. allowance ending [illegible] 11.88
$71.30
Revolutionary Claim
for June 7, 1832
Recorded by Gale Stele Clerk
Book E Vol 4 Page 401
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3306
Albany New York
Rachel Wells
Widow of Benjamin Wells
who died on the 6th of November 1833
in Olsego County. in the State of New York
who was a private in the Comp [ ] commanded by Captain N. H. of the Regt. commanded by Col Marner in the NY 6
Line for 7 months & 4 days Vt.
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany, NY
at the rate of 23 dollars 77 cents per annum to commence on the 6th of November 1833
Certificate of Pension issued the 4th day of May 1840 and sent Chester Jarris Cooperstown NY
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1840 $142.62
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept 40 11.88
154.50
Revolutionary Claim
Act July 4 1836
Section the 3
Recorded by DHL Addison Clerk,
Book A Vol. 2 Page 214
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4900
In the matter of the application of Rachel Walls for a Pension 
iin ACT 4 July '36
M 73 ___ 32-
admo___
7 mo. 4 or ____
$23.77
(Chartu Marriag???)
______ pension
Orange County 
N.W
Died 6 Nov. '38
Pen:Com:7 Nov '38
Chester Farris 
Coopershr____
N.Y
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State of New York
Otsego County p'

I JesseRose Cluk of Said County do Hereby certify that Hiram Ki__ne Esquire before whom the Annexed affidavit respectively of Rachel Wells & Anna Matthewson purports to have been Sworn was on the day of the date though a Judge of the Otsego County Court duiy Commisioned & Sworn and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said judge and verify his signatures attached to the certificates of Said Affadavits and the annexed certificates of infirmity & credibility are genuine are genuine 
 : Witness my hand & seal of office this 
             31.st day of December 1839
    Jesse Rose Cluk
State of New York : I Jepe Rose Cluk of said 
Otsego County___: C__ty do Hereby certify that Chester Jarvis Esquire before whom the annexed affidavit of John R Bowdish purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date  thereof a Justice of the peace in & for Said County duly Elected & sworn & further that I am well 
acquainted with the hand writing of said justice and verily believe his signature all affixed to the certificate thereof and to the annexed certificate of credibility is genuine 
Witness my hand & seal of office this
31.st day of December 1837
Jepe [Jesse] Rose Cluk [Oluk]
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State of New York
Otsego County
On this 13th day July 1839, personally appeared before the Hon. Hiram [Kinnee] a Judge of the Otsego Common [Pleas], It being a court of Record, Rachel Wells  [  ] resident of the Town of [Battermuts] , in said County 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 4 1836 :
that she is the widow of Benjamin Wells who was a private Soldier in the War of the Revolution, and a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death by virtue of the act of Congress passed the 7th June 1832.  That her husband the said Benjamin Wells served a number of Different Tours of Service in the war of the revolution but from the laps of time, and, the consequent loss of memory this deponent cannot state the time or  length
of each term of service nor the officers he [served] under ; reference being [ had to  his evidence] now on  file in the pension office for a more particular description  thereof,
She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Wells on the (29) Twentyninth day of March, One thousand and Seven Hundred and Seventy Three (1773) in the Town of [Greenwick] State of Rode Island by Jedediah Ellsworth Esq a Justice of the Peace; that her Sister Rosanna Whitford who now resided in the State of Ohio was present at the wedding, that she knows of no documentary Evidence of her marriage except the family Record hereto attached, that said record was entered in the family Bible in the month of February 1805 by John R. Bowdish who then taught School in the neighborhood that he drew if from an old Bible
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which this deponent supposes is last that the said
Record is correct
that her husband the aforesaid Benjamin Mills died
at the residence of his son Timothy Wells in the town of
Bucklyville, Wayne County State of Ohio, on the Sixth
day of November 1834  that he formerly resided
in there of Laura Otsego County & State of New York
and that she has remained his widow ever since that period
as will more fully appear by reference to the proof [illegible]
annexed
Sworn to and subscribed,
on the day and year above     Rachell Wells
Written Before
Hiram Kinne Judge of Otsego County Court
Otsego Comm. Pleas

Otsego County ss
I. Hiram Kinne a Judge of Otsego
Com. Pleas and the person before whom the above deposition
was made & sworn to, do further certify from personal observation that by
reason of advanced age and bodily infirmity the [illegible]
Rachel Wells was unable to attend Court to make
this her declaration, and further that I am a acquainted
with her and that she sustains a good character
for truth and veracity and her statement is
entitled to credit. dated July 13th 1839.
Hiram Kinne Judge
of Otsego County Court
N03 from personal observation, interwritten by me
Hiram Kinne Judge
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the State of Ohio
Wayne County    ⎬Be it known, that before me Lorenzo D.
Odell a justice of the Peace in and for said
County Personally appeared Rosanna Whitford of lawful age
and deposeth and saith that she was well acquainted with Rachel
and Benjamin Wells, and was present and saw the said Rachel
Hall and Benjamin Wells married by Jedidiah Ellsworth Esqr
on the twenty ninth day of March in the year of our Lord
One thousand seven hundred and seventy three in the
town of Greenwich in the State of Rhode Island and
further this deponant saith that the said Benjamin Wells
was a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death
that he died at Blackleysville in said County of Wayne
on the 6 day of November A.D. 1834
Sworn and subscribed to
before me this 16th day of      Rosanna X Whitford her mark
Sept AD 1837
L. Odell Just. Peace

I certify that I am well acquainted with Rosanne Whitford
who signed the above deposition & that she is a person of good
character for truth and veracity and that her statement
is entitled to credit
Lorenzo D Odell Justice of the Peace
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FAMILY RECORD.
MARRIAGES.
Benjamin Wells and
Rachel Hall was
Married March the 
29th 1773
Charles Matthewson and
Anna Wells was
Married December the
18th 1799
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FAMILY RECORD.
BIRTHS.
Benjamin Wells was
Born Novm 28th 1750
Rachel Wells was Born
May the 4th 1753
Benjamin Wells Jr Born
Feb 16th 1774
William Wells Born Oct
the 20th 1776
Timothy Wills Oct the 9th
1778 Rachel Wells Born
to 16th 1780. Anna
Wells Born June the 19th 
1784 Justus Wells Born
May the 10th 1787
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State of Ohio
Wayne County⎬

I John Sloane, Clerk of the Court of
Common Pleas of Wayne County Ohio, do
hereby certify, that Lorenzo D. Odell before
whom the foregoing proceedings were had,
was on the day of the date thereof an acting
Justice of the peace within and for said county
duly commissioned and qualified, and that all his official acts
entitled to full faith and credit
Witness whereof, I have hereunto at my
seal of said court, at Wooster this 19th
day of October AD 1837
J Sloane
Clerk
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State of New York
[Otugo] County  [ Sg John R. Bowdich ]of
New Lisbon in Said county aged 53
years being duly sworn according to law
doth depose and say that he was well
acquainted with Benjamin Wells and Rachel
Wells his wife, that this deposant taught a
school in the neighborhood of the said Benjamin Wells requested this deposant
to transcribe his family Record from an old
and much decayed Bible, that agreeable
to said Record into a new Bible, that agreeable
of said request, this desponent did transcribe said Record into a new Bible. That the leaf of the said Bible containing said Record As 
hereunto attached, and is in the hand writing of this desposant and is a correct transcript of the record in the old Bible as aforesaid, that this despondent has been well aquainted with the said Benjamin & Rachel Wells for many years, that this desposant has frequently heard his Father ( Asa Bowdich) and the said Benjamin Wells converce upon the war of the Revolution, that this deponant understood they were both in the service together, this deponant  has  heard them speak of being in the Monmouth battle together.
That the father of this deponant is Mr Bowdick died in 1812. This deponant further says that he has been informed and believes that the said Benjamin Wells is now dead, that he died at the Residence of his Son in the State of Ohio. And that he was a Pensioner of the United States at the time of his death.
That the said Rachel Wells now remains the widow of the said Benjamin Wells and resides with her daughter Anna Mathewson in the town of Butternuts in this county. This deposant further
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Saith that the said Rachel Wells is a person of Good Character for truth and veracity and her statement is Entitled to full credit.
And further saith not.
John R. [Bowdish]
Subscribed & Sworn
Before me. December 26th
1839
Chester Farais Justice of the Peace
State of New York
Otsego County  : I the Said Justice Before
Whom the above affidavit was taken do further
certify that I am well acquainted with the said
John R. Bowdich that he is a person of Good
Character for truth and verocity and his statement is entitled to credit.  December 26 1839
Chester Jaries Justice
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State of New York,
Otsego County    ⎬ Anna Mathews a resident
of the Town of [illegible] County of Otsego & State of
New York, aged fifty five years being duly sworn
according to law doth depose and say that she (the
deponent) is daughter of Rachel Wells who is the wife
of Benjamin Wells (now deceased) that the said Benjamin 
Wells died in the State of Ohio on the Sixth
day of November (1834) one thousand Eight Hundred
and Thirty four, at the Residence of his son Timothy
Wells as this deponent was informed and verily
believes true. That the said Rachel Wells has
lived in the family of this deponent ever since
the death of her husband the said Benjamin Wells
that the said Benjamin Wells was a pensioner of the
United States at the time of his death, that the
Rachel Wells was remained the widow of the
said Benjamin Wells and unmarried.
that the said Rachel Wells is a person of Good
character for truth and veracity and her statement
is entitled to credit
and further saith not
Subscribed and sworn
Before me July 13th 1839         Anne Matthewson
Hiram Kinne     Judge one of the County County
Com. Pleas

I, Hiram Kinne the Judge before whom the above
affidavit was taken do further certify that I
her acquainted with the said Anna Matthewson and
that she sustains a good character for truth
and veracity and her statement is entitled to
Credit. dated July 13th 1839.
Hiram Kinne
Judge &c
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State of New York
Otsego County SS On this 15th day of
October in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred & thirty two personally
appeared in open court before this court of
Common Pleas now sitting in the
Village of Cooperstown within & for the County of
Otsego: Benjamin Wells a resident of the Town of
Laurens in the County of Otsego & State of New York
aged 82 years last Nove who being first duly sworn
according to law doth on his oath make the
following declaration in order to obtain the him
benefit of the provision made by the act of 
Congress passed June 7 - 1832-

That he entered into the Army of the Revolution
in the Spring of 1776- a Soldier & send in the
following manner & for the following terms
to wit---
That he voluntered a join a company of Militia
at Shaftsbury - the County of Bennington in the
State of Vermont on the 15th day of June 1776
said company was commanded by Lieutenant
Galusha (or a captain) and marched to Mount
Independence on Lake Champlain in Vermont
and there were attached to the troops under Col
Warner and reman there about six weeks during
which time he was engaged the greater part of the
time in scouting. Then left that year & returned home
with said corps (they being dismissed) and returned home
in [illegible] on duty & marching in all seven weeks
---
That about the 10th day of May in the year 1777 he again
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volunteered at Bennington in Vermont & joined
a company of Militia commanded by Capt Samuel
Robinson said Corps are attached to a Regiment
of Vermont Militia commanded by Col Herrick
that in a few days he marched with said corps to Mass
and Chester in Vermont and staid there about a week
then marched to Saratoga in New York remaining
there a few days again marched to Bennington
in Vermont was there is engaged in the Battle at that
place under Gen. Stark, about the 16th of August
1777 and was wounded by a ball in the
fighting and have after this battle again marched
with Regiment under Col Herrick to Stillwater
in New York and encamped there and was in the
Battle at that place when Burgoyne Surrendered
and was in a few days after the the Battle about the
20th of October 1777 discharged & went home
to Shaftsbury in Vermont, and that he was out
on this tour on duty marching in going & returning
not less then five & a half months in all and that
he man reared a written discharge
and that he has no documentary evidence of his
service nor does he know any person by whom
he saw for the same

and that he hereby relinquishes every claim in a
pension or annuity except the present and
declares that his name is not on the pension
rolls of any agency of any State
He was born in Hopkinton State of
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on the 28th day of November 1750 has a
Record of his age in the Family Bible of
his Father which is transacted in his
Bible - lived in R. I. till he was about
24 or 25 then moved to Shaftsbury in Vermont
& lived there till after Benjamin [illegible]
taken in Oct. 1777 - and then moved his
his family to Petersburgh Penfield Co N.Y.
and lived there till 1791, and then he moved to
Laurens Otsego Co. where he has since resided

He refers evidence of his good character
to David Harrison, Gen Croft & Judge Reynolds
Mr Whitford & Judge [illegible]
Sworn & subscribed the 15th day
of October 1832, in open court            Benjamin X Wells  his mark
Horace Lathrop Clerk

We Soloman Harrison residing in the Town of
Laurens in the County of Otsego & State of
New York and William Barnard residing in
Milford in said County and State hereby
certify that we are acquainted with
Benjamin Wells who has subscribed and
Sworn to the above declaration that we belive
him to be 82 - years of age that he is
reputed and believed in the neighbourhood
where he resides to have been a soldier
of the revolution and that we concur
that opinion
Sworn and Subscribed     Salmon Harrison
the day & year aforesaid      William Barnard
Horace Lathrop, Clerk,
[remainder is Xed out]
And the said Court do herby declare that
opinion that the above named applicant
was of revolution by her and served
as he State
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and the court hereby declare their opinion
after the instigation of the matter & 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 certify that it appears to them
that Doctor Soloman Harrison is a resident of the
Town of Laurens in Otsego County & State of
N.Y. and that William Barnard is a resident
of the Town of Milford in said County
State, and are credible person & entitled
to Credit
J. O. Mann
E Foote                            Judges
Seth Chase

I Horace Lathrop Clerk of the Court of
Common Pleas in & for the County of
Otsego certify that the foregoing 
contains the original proceedings in the
matter of the application of Benjamin
Wills for a pension
In testimony whereof I have here
unto set my hand & seal of office
this 19th day of October 1832
Horace Lathrop Clerk

Benjamin Wells
Mr. Coon
[illegible]
Cooperstown Ny
Admitted
Private 4 mos & 11 days
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REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.     8 -- 595

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C. -------19---
In reply to your request of ------ received -------
for a statement of the military history of Benjamin Wells
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. W 18319
DATES OF             LENGTH OF  RANK   OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.   STATE.
ENLISTMENT OR   SERVICE.                        CAPTAIN.                        COLONEL.
APPOINTMENT.
June 15, 1776     6 weeks           Pvt.         Lieut Galusha.                     Warner                               Vt
May 10, 1777     OCT20 1777                Samuel Robinson               Samuel Herrick

Battles engaged in, Bennington where wounded in the leg, Stillwater
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Shaftsbury, Bennington Co. Vt.
Date of application for pension, Oct. 15. 1832. His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Laurens, Otsego Co N.Y.
Age at date of application, born in Hopkinton, R. J. Nov 28 1750
Remarks: He married in Greenwich RI  Mch 29 1773. Rachel Hall, born May 4 1753, he died in
Blackleyville Wayne Co. Ohio Nov 14 and she was allowed pension on an application executed
July 13. 1839 while a resident of Butternuts, Otsego Co. N.Y. Children: Benjamin, Feb 16. 1774 William
b. Oct20 1776, Timothy b. Oct 9, 1778, Rachel b. Oct 16. 1780, Anna b. June 19. 1784 Mar, Charles
Matthewson Dec. 18, 1799, Justus b. May 10, 1787.
Respectfully,
---
Commissioner.
Soldier only claimed the two services as above have not used those services found in secretarys Report
on this they were rendered by he above [illegible]
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Rachel Wells
NY
Suspended
see let to Chester Jarvis
March 3rd 1840
Act 4 July 36
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State of Vermont 
Secretary of States Office
(Not familiar with name) March 27, 1840
I hereby certify that there is on file in this office a paper (purporting?) to be a Pay Roll of Capt. Joseph Stafford Company raised for three weeks to guard the inhabitants of White (Lareak?) commencing the 9 August and ending the 9 Sept. (...) 1781; on (to [w]hich) roll in the list of privates in the name of "Benjamin Wells" with an allowance for 21 days service. 
Alas a Pay Roll of Capt. Samuel Robinson Company in (Colo?) Samuel Herrick Regiment of Milita that went to (Ruttand on Otter Creek?) in the service of the United States of America to guard the frontier under the immediate command of (Lient?) Colo. (Eleanor?) Walbridge June 15th 1778; on which roll is the name of "Benjamin Wells" with an allowance for 25 days service as (a private;?) commencing June 16th and ending July 10th. 
Alas a "Pay Roll of Capt (Elenezer?) (Affins?) Company in Col. Samuel Herrick's Regiment of (Rengerts?) raised by the State of Vermont for the...

P.S. If I was familiar with military lingo and these names, I would be able to transcribe better.
Page 22

defence of the United States; on which roll is
the name of "Benajah Wells with an allowance as a
private for 145 days service, commencing
July 15th and ending December 6th On the back of
said Roll is written a receipt for the pay for service
in Capt Ebenezer Allen's Company of Rangers in the
year 1777, and among the subscribing names is the
following signature, namely: Benajah X  Wells his mark

Also a paper purporting to be ""A Pay Roll of
Capt Samuel Robinson's Company of Militia under the
command of Lieut Col. Ebenezer Walbridge
for twenty days service commencing 15th June 1778
ended 10th July 1778 both days included, on which
Roll is the name of "Benja Welb" with an allowance
as a private for 5 days service

I further certify that said Pay Rolls appear
to have been duly examined and approved by the
proper officers and paid accordingly
Given under my hand and the seal
of this office this 27th day of March
A.D. 1840. Ferrand F. Merrill
Deputy Secretary of State
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23. 776
142: (42?)
120.
23

3.33
(+)2.67(=)
6.00
(Or ...an?)
V


He's doing math.
Page 24

Benjamin Wells NY albany act 7 June 32 when last pd?
2 apr '40 Died 6 nov 1833 up to that [illegible] HH
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Sept. 16-1920
Westfield, N.Y.
Pension Department 
Washington DC
Dear Sirs will you please give me what you find recorded on military service and family records of the following Revolutionary War pensions of Otsego Co. N.Y.
Benjamin Wells
Ebenezer  Houghton
Most truly yours
H.W. Wells
c/o Lamb & Cowen
Westfield, New York
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one 2cent stamp used       W Rev sec
Stmpd envl. retd-W

Detroit, Oct. 27, 1915
Pension Office
United States
I am desirous of obtaining information
concerning Benjamin Wells, revolutionary pensioner.

Pension roll reads
Otsego Co. N.Y. Benjamin Wells, private 23.77
New York Militia,
Oct. 9, 1833
Mch. 4, 1831, age 84

Can you give me record of death (date and place )
and to whom the pension was assigned at his
death
Will remit charges for the above information
as soon as notified as to amount.
Sincerely yours,
Mrs. W. B. Denton
811 Third Ave
Detroit, Mich

[stamp]
US PENSION OFFICE
D OCT 29 1915
Page 27

Hon JL Edwards
Com of Pensions
Washington
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Cooperstown April 3rd 1840
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Dear Sir, agreeable to a favor of the 3rd ult.
in the case of Wd. Rachel Wells for a Pension, the widows
certificate is all the proof in the office of the Secretary of
State Yet the name does not exactly [illegible],
I am of the opinion (as the Secretary with me) that it is
intended for the same man, the Secretary also
alledges that the Pay Rolls &c are very imperfect
and incomplete, It appears that Mr Wells was an
illiterate man, and could not write, therefore it is
not singular that the mistake occured and the
name of Benajah instead of Benj be used
I trust and hope you will consider the evidence
satisfactory the 5 months in 1777 compends,
the 7 weeks under Lieut Galusha is not stated
although several other terms or mentioned of
a shorter duration, but from the laps of time
that has intervened it cannot be expected that a
count date can be made from recollection in all
Cases
respectfully yours
Chester Jarvis
Page 29

Merchs & Farmers Bank
Albany Pension Agency
Novr 14, 1835.

James L. Edwards Esquire
Commiss of Pensions
Sir
I enclose the vouchers presented
at this Agency on behalf of the Widow of Benjamin Wells
died having doubts whither the proof of his death as set
forth in the Clerk's certificate is sufficient, as it is stated to
be forwarded on the information & belief of the Witness
Be pleased to favor me with your instructions in regard
to it.
Very Respectfully
Your obt Sevt
Tho M. Olcott
Page 30

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Washington.
Page 31

Cooperstown Jany 11, 1840
Hon J. L. Edwards
Com of Pensions

.
Dear Sir, herewith I send you
the application of Rachel Wells Widow of Benjn
Wells for a Pension Your early attention
to the subject is earnestly solicited.
Respectfully Yours
Chester Jarvis
Page 32

Benj Wells
Page 33

Otsego County New York
Personally appeared before me Benajah Davis one
of the Justices of the peace said County Caleb
Wells of the town of Sidney County of Delaware
and State aforesaid and made oath to the follow
facts that Benjamin Wells then of the State of
Vermont was a soldier of that State and under
and in Col Warner Regment met the enemy
at Crown Point and so on till the Benington
Battle and was at Saratoga at the taking of
Burgoyne at Bennington was wounded by a
ball shot through his leg and was unable
to do my kind of Business Doctor William
was bound to take his leg off but at
last got well with out amputation
but since that time has been a [illegible
Man and is 83 years old and lives at the
in the town of Laurens Otsego County
Sworn and Subscribed              Caleb Wells
before me this 8th October 1832
Benajah Davis  Justice Peace

I certify that Caleb
Wells who has made the above affidavit is a man of Good
Moral character and that his statements are entitled
to credit-  Benajah Davis Justice of the peace

State of New York
Otsego County
I  Horace Lathrop Clerk of the said County
do certify that Benajah Davis before whom the
preceding affidavit purports to have been sworn was
at the date of the same one of the Justices of the peace
in for said County that I am acquainted with his
hand writing & verily believe his name subscribed to the
said affidavit to be his proper hand writing & signature
Witness my hand & seal of office this 19th day of
Horace Lathrop
By Thos K Cory Deputy
Page 34

Rev WIDOW, &c.

File No. 18,319
Rachel Wells
Widow of benjamin Wells
Pri Rev War
Act July 4th 36
Index: Vol M Page 322
[arrangement of 1870]
15 nov 3 Hist to Mrs. 
H.B. Benton  MBH
20 Oct 25 Hist to H.W. Wells