Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14237, Benoni Baker, Mass Navy.
Page 1

SERVICE: Mass Navy.
Baker, Benoni (Abigail)
NUMBER: W. 14237
Page 2

4837 
Massachusetts 
Benoni Baker 
of Worcester in the State of Mass 
who was a Seaman &c [or 2d?] in the Dear Frigate commanded 
by Captain Nicholson of the [blank] commanded 
by [blank] in the [blank] 
line for Seaman 5 Mos
Pri. 6 "

Inscribed on the Roll of Mass. 
at the rate of 40 Dollars -- Cents per annum, 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 28th day of Jany 
1833 and Sent to Hon J. Davis  H. of Reps 

Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 $60-- 
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 33. 20--
[=] $80.00

{Revolutionary Claim,} 
{Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by J F[H?] McBlair Clerk, 
Book D Vol. Vol. 2[?] Page 75.
Page 3

DECLARATION, in order to secure the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832. 
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
COUNTY OF WORCESTER, ss. 
ON this 14th day of August in the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court, before Nathaniel Paine Judge of the Court of Probate now sitting Benon Baker a resident of Stirling in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged sixty nine 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 7th 1832. 
THAT he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. 
I was born in that part of Eastham which is now called Orleans on Cape Cod in the County of Barnstable in 1763 & I suppose the record of my birth is there. In 1780 I happened to be in Boston and was seised by a press gang and carried on board the Dean Frigate that lay there in Nantucket roads commanded by Captain Samuel Nicholson. The Trumbull Frigate then lay alongside the Dean and the Mars a 24 gun ship also. John Nicholson commanded the Trumbull and his lieutenant was Nicholas Nicholson, and the commander of the Mars was Captain Samson. The Mars was bound for France as a letter of marque. This was between the 10 & 20th of July. We sailed then to Philadelphia and lay at Anchor at Chester below the City where the necessary crew were supplied by imprisonment or enlistment. We then sailed on a Course off the West India Islands to take the Jamaica Fleet of the enemy. About the middle of November was returned to Philadelphia and anchored at Chester again. We lay there till the 3d day of December 1780 when I left the ship and returned home to Eastham. 
In 1781 June 4th I enlisted at Eastham into the Revolutionary service for six months. I was attached to Captain Elihu Giffords Company. I marched to Portsmouth on Rhode Island and was stationed with our company at Butts Hill. The company belonged to the Regiment commanded by Lieut. Colonel Claggert or Claggan I served then till Dec 27 1781 when I was discharged but the written discharge which I then received I have long since lost. 
I removed to West Boylston from the Cape in 1814 and have lived in Stirling ten years. 
The only proof I offer of my service of the deposition of David Taylor that accompanies this & refer to the records at the War Department as to my naval service hoping that my name in found upon the rolls 
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. 
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
[Signed] Benoni Baker
Before [Signed] Nathl. Paine, Judge of Probate
for the County of Worcester
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13.33
- 1 
We Peter Ozgood a Clergyman residing in the town of Sterling and Joseph Pearson residing in Sterling hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benoni Baker who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be sixty nine years of age, that he is reputed a believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and we concur in that opinion.
[Signed] Peter Ozgood
[Signed] Joseph Pearson
Worcester ss.}
Augt. 17 1832} The above named Peter Ozgood and Joseph Pearson, in my presence subscribed and made oath to the above affidavit. I certify that said Pearson is a person of truth.
[Signed] Alexr Dustin Justice of the Peace.

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interogatories [sic] prescribed by the War Department, that the above mentioned applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that Peter Osgood who signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the Town of Stirling and that Joseph Pearson who has also signed the same is a resident in the Town of Stirling and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
[Signed] Nathl. Paine Judge of Probate for the County of Worcester 


I Theophilus Wheeler Reg'r, Clerk of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester  do hereby certify the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benoni Baker for a pension and that Alexander Dustin [who] signed the above certificate of Osgood & Pearson's Oath is a Justice in and for the County of Worcester entitled to full credit.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of the said Probate Court this 14th day of September in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty two 
[Signed] Theophs. Wheeler Reg'r of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester in Massachusetts 
[SEAL]

Crosswise:
Benoni Baker's
Application
12.089
Page 5

12,089
Benoni Baker

M.C.E.
Seaman 5 months
Private 6 Do.
[=] 11

Adm.

$40--

Hon. J. Davis
HR
Page 6

12,089
BRIEF in the case of Benoni Baker
of Worcester in the State of Mass.
(Act 7th June, 1832.) 

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? A Court 
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? 
3. How old is he? 69 
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
Period | Duration of Service | Rank | Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
July '80 to Dec. '80 | 5 mo.	| Seaman | Dean Frigate - Capt Nicholson
June 81 to Dec 81 | 6 mo. | Soldier | Capt. Gifford - Lt. Col. Clagett or Claggan
5. In what battles was he engaged? None mentioned
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Orleans 
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? 1 living Witness 
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Right

[x] Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
[Signed] Wm C. Easton 
Examining Clerk. 
21 Jany 33
Page 7

Left side:
Massachusetts, 2,579 
Abigail Baker
widow of Benoni Baker 
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7th June '32 
and who died on the 12 [?] May 1838 
of Worcester in the State of Massachusetts 
who was a Pri & Seamn in the Frigt. Dean commanded 
by Captain Nicholson [stricken - "of the -- commanded by -- in the -- line]
Mass. for 9 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts 
at the rate of 34 Dollars 13 Cents per annum, 
to commence on the 27 May 1838 

Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of Apl '39 
and sent to C. G. Prentiss 
Worcester Mass 

Arrears to the 4th of March $28.29
Semi-annual allowance ending [blank]  17.06
[=] $45.35
{Act July 7, 1838.}
Recorded by R Burdine Clerk, 
Book A Vol. 1 [?] Page 72 

Right side:
Dead 
Paid at the Treasury under the 
Act of the 6th April 1838 from 4th 
March to 30th June 1840. Agent 
Notified 23 Decr 1842. 

Let. S.L. Loomis, July 26, 1855. 
see his letter in
claim of Wm Baker, W. 14253
Page 8

Copy of the Record 

Benoni Baker and Abigail Snow were married by the Rev. Mr. Bascom September nineteenth one thousand seven hundred and eighty three. 
I certify that the above is a true copy of the record with exception of the date which is expressed in the record in fair legible figures as follows Sept 19th 1783. 
[Signed] Barna S Snow Town Clerk of the town of Orleans 

I Barna S. Snow above named depose & say that I hold the office of town clerk of Orleans forme[r]ly part of Eastham in the County of Barnstable & Commonwealth of Mass. and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town with the exception above named as certified by me. 
[Signed] Barna S. Snow Town Clerk 
Barnstable ss. Orleans Sept 1st 1838 Subscribed & sworn to this day before 
[Signed] John Doane} Jus. Peace
Page 9

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester ss. Stirling October 12, 1838
Mr. Benoni Baker died May first one thousand eight hundred & thirty eight. Aged seventy three.
I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the record of the said town of Stirling with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in legible [stricken] figures as follows -
"Mr. Benoni Baker died May 1, 1838 Aged 73" T.H. Flood [?] Town Clerk.

I T.H. Flood [?] above named depose & Say: That I hold the office of Town Clerk in the County, town and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town with the exception above named as certified by me.
[Signed] T.H. Flood Clerk of the said town of Stirling
Sworn before me
[illegible signature] Justice of Peace
Page 10

Blank page?
Page 11

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
County of Worcester ss. on this thirteenth day of October in the year eighteen hundred and thirty eight, personally appeared before Jno Barton Judge of the Court of Probate for said County, Abigail Baker a resident of Stirling in said County aged seventy two years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions 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 Benoni Baker late of said Stirling deceased who was a Soldier in the Army of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States, under the Act of 1832 Her said husband belonged to the town of Orleans in the County of Barnstable in said State when he
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went into the service, and he belonged to the same town, and they removed from that town to said Stirling about twenty five years ago. She knew her said husband as a neighbor when he went into the service but it is impossible for her to particularise [sic] his services. For the evidence of them she refers to the rolls in the War department and to the papers filed in the case of her said husband.
She further declares that her said husband Benoni Baker and herself were married to each other at said Orleans by the Rev. Mr. Darwin [?], on the nineteenth day of September in the year seventeen hundred and eighty three; that her husband the aforesaid Benoni Baker died at said Sterling on the first day of May in the year eighteen hundred and thirty eight, and that she has never [?] been married since his death. That she was not married to him previous
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to his leaving the service but that the marriage took place prior to the first day of January in the year seventeen hundred and ninety five [?] to wit at that time above stated.
Abigail (X her mark) Baker
Sworn to and subscribed that day and year above written
Before me
[Signed] Jno Barton Judge of the Court of Probate for said County of Worcester
Page 14

I Charles Goodenow of Stirling in the County of Worcester do depose and say that my wife Molly [?] Goodenow is the daughter of Benoni Baker and Abigal Baker his widow. My father Baker died on the first day of May in the year eighteen hundred and thirty eight and my said mother in law Abigail Baker now resides in said Stirling and has never been married since his death
[Signed] Charles Goodenow 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Worcester ss. Act 18, 1838, Sworn to by said Charles Goodenow who is a man of truth The word Goodenow was stricken out before signing &c. Before me 
[Signed] Jno Barton J. Probate fr. said County
Page 15

AWF/HMM

March 25, 1930.

Mrs. Frank L. Cobb 
175 Main Street 
Hingham Centre 
Massachusetts. 

Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 14237, it appears that Benoni Baker was born in that part of Eastham which was later Orleans, Barnstable County, Massachusetts. 
While a resident of Eastham, Massachusetts, he enlisted on board the frigate "Dean", Captain Samuel Nicholson, in Boston, between July 10 and 20, 1780, was on a cruise to the West Indies and served until December 3, 1780. 
He enlisted June 4, 1781, served as a private in Captain Elihu Gifford's Company, Lieutenant Colonel Claghorn's Massachusetts Regiment, and was discharged December 27, 1781. 
In 1814 he moved from Cape Cod to Boylston, thence to Sterling, Worcester County, Massachusetts, where he was allowed pension on his application executed August 14, 1832. 
He died May 1, 1838 in Sterling, Massachusetts; and it is stated that the records of that town are as follows: "Mr. Benoni Baker died May 1, 1838 aged seventy-three years." 
Soldier married September 19, 1783, in Orleans, Massachusetts , Abigail Snow. She was allowed pension on her application executed October 13, 1838 while a resident of Sterling, Massachusetts , aged seventy-two years. She died June 30, 1840, place not stated. 
Their daughter Mony? (Morry or Mary, not clearly written) married Charles Goodnow and they were living in Sterling in 1840. 
Very truly yours, 
E. W. MORGAN 
Acting Commissioner.
Page 16

Left side:
1927-Aug-6- Hist to Hon. Henry A Elliot MMHF
1930-Mch-26- "  "  Mrs. Frank L Cobb copied

Right side:
Mass
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 14237
Abigail Baker
widow of
Benoni Baler
Pri & Sergt Rev War
Act: July 17th '38
Index:- Vol. A, Page 34
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 17

34.13
- 5.84
[=] 28.29

2.92
  x2
[=] 5.84

2.00
Page 18

Benoni Baker Mass. act 7 June 32 when last pd?  G.M.C.

27 Apl 39-
pd to 4 March 1838
JH
Page 19

Barnstable Co.
Page 20

I David Taylor of Orleans in the county of Barnstable and State of Massachusetts, and Sixty nine years old; do testify and say that Benoni Baker a Revolutionary soldier belonged to the town of Eastham (now Orleans) and enlisted at the same time with myself into the army for the term of six months, it being in June A.D. 1781 we left home together, & continued together in the same company under Capt Elihu Gifford, in the Regiment of which Col Claggon, was Lieut Colonel we were stationed at the town of Portsmouth in the State of Rhode Island and on the twenty seventh day of Dec[e]mber A.D. 1781, we received together a written, and honourable discharge, (which is now lost) and returned together to our native town 
[Signed] David Taylor 
Barnstable ss. on this thirtieth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two the above named David Taylor ^ a man of Truth Subscribed and made oath to the above declaration before me 
[Signed] William Myrick Justice of Peace 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Barnstable ss. 
[SEAL]
I Abner Davis, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court - being a Court of record in the County of Barnstable do hereby certify that William Myrick Esqr. before whom the above deposition was executed is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Barnstable. And that I believe his name thereto subscribed to be his true & proper signature. I testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this fourth day of Sept A.D. 1832. 
[Signed] Abner Davis, Clerk.
Page 21

12,089
Benoni Baker

Mr Davis
Page 22

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Benoni Baker which require further proof or explanation. 
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? 
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes 
*V. Has he mentioned 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 amout of pension he is entitled? yes
 VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?  yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes
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2 
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?  yes 
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?  [N/A]
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? [N/A]
+XIV. If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? yes
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? yes 
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes 
++XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes 
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes 

EXPLANATORY NOTES. 
*QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: 
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served 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."
Page 24

3 
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the 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. 
+QUERE XIV. Proof of Service. 
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 forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which be 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. 
++QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers. 
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.
Page 25

Hon J.L.  Edwards
Page 26

Worcester (Mass) Oct. 15, 1838.

Sir,
I sent the application of Abigail Baker.
Please to send her Certificate to
Your Obt. Servant
[Signed] Chas. G. Prentiss

Hon. J.L. Edwards.
Page 27

2612
Abigail Baker

M. 83 d. 38 [very faintly]

vol. [volunteered? 2.?2.] on from 19 July
to 27 Nov. 81 -  4 mo 9 ds
5 mo Seaman.

admd
4 mo 9 ds pri 14.13
5 " Seaman 20.--
[=] $34.13
died 1 May 38
pen: com: 2 May '38

[Very faintly]
Chas. G Prentiss
Worcester
Mass.
Page 28

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 
Worcester ss.
[Ribboned SEAL]
I, Charles G. Prentiss, Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester do certify that Jno Burton is the Judge of said Court, duly Commissioned and qualified such that his signatures the papers hereto annexed and true and genuine. 
I further certify that Moses Thomas is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly Commissioned and qualified and that his signature to one of the papers hereto annexed is true and genuine.
In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand and affix the Seal of said County this fifteenth day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight. 
[Signed] Chas. C. Prentiss, Register
Page 29

TREASURY DEPARTMENT 
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE. 
Decr 3d 1842. 

Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States, and the 3d section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The Adm'or of Abigail Baker, decd, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Massachusetts Agency, at the rate of Thirty four Dollars and 13 Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 July 1838 has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March to the 30th June 1840. 
Respectfully, yours,
[Signed] Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.

To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.
Page 30

STATE OF VERMONT 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
MONTPELIER 

Barnet, Vt.
Aug. 1, 1927 
Com of Pensions, Rev and 1812 Wars. 

Dear Com:- Will you please give me any and all information your bureau contains concerning one Benoni Baker enlisted Eastham Mass 1781 to serve in R. I. He died at Sterling, Mass, May. 1 1838. His widow was Abigail (Snow) Baker b. Dec 28, 1766. d. 1840. Record does not state where. 
Was a pension granted to him or to his widow after his demise ?
I am anxious to know date and place of his birth, and date and place of her death, perhaps your records may reveal these items, thank you. 
Respectfully 
Henry A. Elliot M.D.
Page 31

Stamp Enclosed

MRS. FRANK L. COBB 
175 MAIN STREET 
HINGHAM CENTRE 
MASSACHUSETTS 
January 25, 1930

U.S. Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.
[Receipt Stamp: U.S. Pension Bureau JAN 28 1930]
Dear Sirs:- 
I am seeking information in regard to a certain Benoni Baker, who enlisted from Eastham, Massachusetts for six months in the Continental Army in 1780. He arrived in Springfield, Mass. July 18, 1780 under command of Capt Joseph Brown & was discharged July 26, 1780 on account of his extreme youth. 
Can you tell me if he or any
Page 32

member of his family applied or received a pension for this same Benoni Baker's services in the Revolutionary War. I am seeking the dates of the birth, marriage & death of this Benoni Baker of Eastham, Mass. & also those of his wife Abigail Chase.
I should appreciate very much any information you may be able to give me
Very truly yours
[Signed] Ellen Baker Cobb
Page 33

August 1, 1827 
Honorable Henry A. Elliot, M. D. 
Barnet, Vermont. 

My dear Dr. Elliot: 
In response to your letter of the 1st instant, I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 14237 it appears that Benoni Baker was born in 1763 in that part of Eastham, which was later Orleans, Barnstable County, Massachusetts. 
While a resident of Eastham, Massachusetts he entered on board the frigate "Dean", Captain Samuel Nicholson, in Boston, between July 10, and 20, 1780, was on a cruise to the West Indies and served until December 2, 1780. 
He enlisted June 4, 1781, served as a private in Captain Elihu Gifford's Company, Lieutenant Colonel Claghorn's Massachusetts Regiment and was discharged December 27, 1781. 
In 1814 he moved from Cape Cod to Boylston, thence to Sterling, Worcester County, Massachusetts where he was allowed pension on his application executed August 14, 1832. He died May 1, 1838 in Sterling, Massachusetts, and it is stated that the records of that town are as follows: "Mr. Benoni Baker died May 1, 1838 aged seventy-three years." 
Soldier married September 19, 1783, in Orleans, Massachusetts
Page 34

Massachusetts, Abigail Snow. She was allowed pension on her application executed October 13, 1838 while a resident of Sterling, Massachusetts, aged seventy-two years. She died June 20, 1840, place not stated. 
Their daughter Mony? (or Morry, or Mary, not clearly written) married Charles Goodenow and they were living in Sterling in 1840. 
Very truly yours, 
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.