Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 379, for Benjamin Lentz, North Carolina
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(3-1776)
SERVICE
N.C.
S.C.
Lentz, Benjamin
Rosena
NUMBER
W. 379
CONTENTS
[blank]
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3565
West Tennessee
==============================
Rosena Lentz
widow of Benjamin Lentz
who was a private
in the N. Carolina Line
==============================
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 66 Dollars 67 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
==============================
Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of Dec'r. 1843 and sent to Claimant Shelbyville Tennessee
==============================
[Act of March 3, 1843,]
Recorded in Book A
Vol.1 Page 220

Date of death not on A. B.
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7595
West Tennessee
==============================
Benjamin Lentz
of Bedford in the State of W. Tenn. who was a private in the company commanded, by Captain Phifer of the Reg't commanded by Col. Alexander in the N. C. line for 20 months
==============================
Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee at the rate of 66 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
==============================
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 day of May 1833 and sent to J. McKisick Shelbyville
===============================
Arrears to the 4th of March 133.32
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept. 33.33=
$166.65

{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Daniel Boyd Clerk, 
Book E. Vol. 7 Page 87
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6034
Rosena Lentz
Tennessee
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State of Tennessee}
Bedford County} To wit:
On this twenty second day of August eighteen hundred and thirty nine, personally appeared before the Circuit Court sitting for said County of  Bedford, at the Court house in Shelbyville, the Hon. Samuel Anderson judge &c presiding, Rosena Lentz a resident of said Bedford County aged about seventy two years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7. 1838, entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows. "That she is the widow of Benjamin Lentz, who was a soldier (perhaps a private) of the Revolutionary War. That he has proved his services - and the proof she believes is now on file in the Pension Office at Washington City.  That under that proof he (in his lifetime obtained a pension of    dollars per annum - perhaps per act of June 7. 1832. that after his death, she obtained a balance of pension, and up to the period of his death, and his pension certificate was then deposited at the agency for paying pensions in Nashville, Tennessee. She has no copy of the certificate, no can she say exactly the amount he drew - it was sixty or seventy dollars per annum.
She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Lentz on the     day of     in the year seventeen hundred and eighty seven; that her husband the aforesaid Benjamin Lentz died on the seventh day of July eighteen hundred and thirty
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Three; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four. She has no documentory or record evidence to prove her marriage but the same took place at the time above stated.
[Signature]
Rosean Lentz X her mark

Subscribed & sworn to in open Court at the date above written.
In testimony where of, I John T. Neil clerk of said Court have hereunto set my hand and affixed my private seal, having no seal of office, at office, this 22nd day of August A.D. 1839.
[Signature]
John T. Neil Clerk
of Bedford Circuit Court, Tennessee
[Seal]

State of Tennessee
 - To wit

I, Samuel Anderson, one of the Judges of the State of Tennessee, presiding in & for the County of Bedford, do certify that John T. Neil, who has made the above certificate is and was at the date of making the same clerk of our said court for said County, duly elected and qualified, and that said certificate is in due form of Law. Given under my hand and seal this 22nd day of August 1839
[Signature]
S. Anderson [seal]
June &c
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Shelbyville Tennessee

To wit,

I Hervey M. Watterson Representative in Congress (clerk) for the ninth Congressional district in the state of  Tennessee do hereby certify that John T. Neil who has made the foregoing certificate to the declaration of Rosena Lentz is and was at the date of attesting the same the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Bedford County & State of Tennessee duly elected and qualified, and that the signature thereto purporting to be his is genuine.
Given under my hand this 22 day of August A.D. 1839.
[Signature]
A. M. Watterson
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State of Tennessee SS.

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of an act of Congress passed 7th June 1832.
On this 13th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty-two. Personally appeared in open Court before the worshipful John L.  Neill, Samuel Phillips & Jno B. Armstrong Gentlemen justices of the court of pleas and Quarter Sessions for the county of Bedford in the State aforesaid now sitting; Benjamin Lentz a resident of said county aged seventy seven years Eight months and seven days. Who being first sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of an act of Congress passed 7th June 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein stated; To wit, That he entered the service of the United States in the county of Mecklenburg County and State of North Carolina some time he thinks in the month of July or the first of August 1776 as a substitute for his Father John Lentz who was drafted in said county; and was placed in Captain John Phifers Company who was attached to a Regiment under the command of Col. Adam Alexander and he thinks a Col. Smith and was marched to a place called pleasant gardin at a Col. McDowell’s in Burke  County N. Carolina, where they joined Gen'l Rutherford, and from that place he was marched up the Catawba waters and across the mountain to the
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head waters of Wattawga [Watauga] River in the Cherokee nation to an Indian Town where he says General Rutherford remained some days waiting for General Williamson from  South Carolina, who came in and passed Gen'l Rutherford, and he was told had an ingagement with the Hastate Cherokees the next day at the Vally  Towns and was marched from that to he thinks across French broad river to Wattawga [Watauga] Town, and from that to another Town the name of which he does not recollect; where he says the army divided and the company that he was attached marched to what was then called the Overhill Town, he says he was marched back again to the main army - Deponent states that the Americans were ingaged in several small skirmishes with the Indians, but none of much magnitude, he said he was there with the main Army marched back to Mecklenburg County and w2as discharged after serving a tower of five months or there abouts, in writing by his Coll. and Countersigned by his Captain on the last day of the year; for he recollects he fired his gun with others at Captain Phifer’s on the same evening New Years Eve on his way home, a practice very common in that country particularly with the Germans. Deponent further states that he afterward intered the service of the United States again as a substitute for one John Simmon in Roan [Rowan] County N. Carolina and was placed in a company under the command of Captain James Barr, who was attached to a Regiment of Nine Month men under the command of Col. McDowal; and was mustered
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into Service at Graham's Crossroads about the first of September in the year 1778 or 79 but is not certain which and was marched from there to a little Town called at that time Purysburg in the state of South Carolina on Broad river and from that to Bacon's bridge on Ashley river in the last mentioned state where he joined the main Army under the command of Gen'l Benjamin Lincoln; and he thinks Gen'l Butler commanded the Brigade he was attached to, and from there he was marched to Stono river where the Americans attacked the British commanded he thinks by Lord Rodden where Gen'l.. Lincoln lost thirty six killed and ninety and upwards wounded; he himself said deponent secured a wound in his left leg, he thinks by a Buckshot; and that Gen'l. Lincoln retreated from that place about fifteen miles to an encampment he previously erected on Mansford Creek where he remained for some time and from there he says he was marched about twenty miles to a Mt. Lashings or Lassings [Mt. Lassen] where he says his term of nine months expired and he was discharged by Gen'l. Lincoln, he recollects his discharge was a printed discharge and with Red Ink Deponent further states that he entered the service of the United States again as a substitute in Lancaster County and state of South Carolina some time about the first of August 1780 in the voom [vom] and stead of one Thomas Glaze and was placed in captain John Walkers company and mustered in to service at a place called Stewarts old fields in Fairfield County in the last mentioned State on the 12th day of Aug't. 1780 and was marched under the command of Gen'l
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Samuel Lacy to Camden and from there on within 18 miles of Georgetown where information was received that the British had left that place, he says he was then marched in to North Carolina to a Mr. Clayton's Plantation on Cape Fear River and joined Gen'l. Rutherford with his troops he says he was marched in a few days after to Wilmington N. Carolina, but the British had left there, he says he saw three of their vessels before them were out of sight; and was marched back to Clayton's and from there to Gen'l.  Caulstans [Coulston’s] where he was mustered out of Service the 12th day of February 1781 and in about four or five days after he says he rec'd a discharge in writing signed by Gen'l. Rutherford at Salisbury in Roan [Rowan] County N. Carolina making in all a term of Service of twenty one months. -
Deponent further states that he has no documentary evidence whatever and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure, except what he can prove by George Smith; who can testify as to his services - And that he hereby relinquishes all and every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of any agency in the United States. - 

Interrogatories by the Court.
1st Where & in what year were you born?  
Ans. I was born in Fairfield County in the State of South Carolina on the 6th day of March in the year 1755. agreeable to my grandfather's Record.
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State of Tennessee}
Bedford County} November term 1832.
This day George Smith Sen'r. a resident of sd. county personally appeared in open court and after being duly sworn according to Law deposeth and saith that he is well acquainted with Benjamin Lentz who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration, both in the state of North Carolina and in his present neighbourhood in the State of Tennessee for many years; and that he knew said Lentz to be and was himself a soldier in the war of the Revolution; he says became acquainted with said Lentz at a Mr. Clayton's not far from Wilmington on  Cape Fear River and that said Lentz was in a company commanded by a Capt. Walker. He also states that said Lentz is reputed and believed to have been a Soldier of the Revolution in the neighbour, where he now resides, and that he believes him to be the age he states he is - Sworn to in open court this 10th day of Nov. 1832 - 
[Signatures]
George Smith
Jas. McKisick Clk

We William Jenkins a clergyman residing in  Bedford County in the State of Tennessee; and Benjamin Strickler residing in the same, do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Lentz Sen'r. who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be seventy years Eight months and seven days of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he now resides to have been
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a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion; sworn to and subscribed in open court this 13th day of November 1832.
[Signatures]
William Jenkins
Benjamin Strickler
Jas. McKisick Clk

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 and after receiving the affidavit of George Smith who appears to be of sufficient age to know and states that the said applicant was a soldier of the Revolution and served as he states; and that William Jinkins who has signed and qualified to the foregoing certificate is a clergyman of good standing in the Lutheran church; and resident of the county of Bedfored and State aforesaid; and that Benjamin Stricklen who also signed and was qualified to the same is at this time a respectable merchant and citizen of this county; and a credible person and that his statements are entitled to full faith and credit don in open court this 13th November 1832.
[Signatures]
J. L. Neill
John. B. Armstrong
Samuel Phillips

I James McKisick clerk of the Court of Pleas & quarter sessions for Bedford County in the state of Tennessee do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application [covered] service for a Pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office at office in Shelbyville 28th Dec'r 1832.
[Signature]
Jas. McKisick Clk
[Seal]

Benjin Lentz 21914
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Int. 2nd Have you any record of your age and if so, where is it? 
Ans. I have a record of my age at my house in this county taken from my Grandfather's family record.

Int. 3rd Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, & where do you now live. 
Ans. I was a citizen of Mecklenburg County in the State of North Carolina when I first entered the service, and the last time I was a citizen of Lancaster  County South Carolina; and \mustered into service at Stewarts old field in Fairfield County S. C. after the close of the war I settled in Roan [Rowan] County  N. Carolina where I lived until the year 1815 when I removed to Bedford County Tennessee where I have lived ever since and where I now live/

Int. 4th How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute. And if a substitute for whom?
Ans. I was a Substitute all the time I was in service; first for my Father; second for John Simmon; and the last time for Thomas Glaze.

Int. 5th State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops when you served, such continental & militia regiments as you can recollect, & the general circumstances of your service
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Ans. I recopllect Gen'l. Benjin Lincoln at the Battle of STono and I think Col. Clark was a Regular officer; the Reg't. of State troops that I was in was 19th Reg't. and in the 6th Brigade; I do not recollect the names or number of any Continental or Militia Reg't whatever at this time except those I was in

Int. 6th Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so by whom was it given & what has become of it?
Ans. I received three discharges in writing; one signed by Gen'l Lincoln and wrote with red Ink; and I think two of my discharges were thrown into the fire about the time I started to move to the county and one I brought with me but cannot find it among my papers and do not know what has become of it

State the names of persons, to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood & who can testify as to your character for veracity & their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution?
The Rev. William Jinkins; Mr. Geo. Smith; Michael Fisher Esq'r. and Benjin. Stricklen.

Sworn to in open court the day and year aforesaid. -
[Signatures]
Ben Lentz
Jas. McKisick  Clk
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[written in German]
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[written in German]
___________________________________________________
1) Catharine Lentz daughter of Benj. Lintz was born 11th Feb. 1788.
2) Elizabeth was born 7th March 1790
3) George was born 2nd December 1792
4) Margaret was born 4th September 1795
5) Annamaria was born 9th December 1797
6) Benjamin was born 2nd February 1800
Henry was born 26th March 1802
John was born 9th December 1804
Rosanna was born 8th December 1807
Valentine was born 11th November 1810

The above translation made by Daniel L. Barringer August 22. 1859 - 
[Signature]
H. Yoakum
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21964
Bejni. Lentz Sr.



from 1778 private
 20 monts.
$66.66/100


Jas. McKisick CC
Bedford Co. T
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183

Sir:

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

[Headings]

Period when the service was rendered. | Duration of the claimant's service. | Names and rank of the Field officer under who he served. | Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. | Proof by which the declaration is supported.

Sub '78 | 5 mos. or thereabouts| pri. | Capt. Phifer | Col. Alexander &  Col. Smith| Stono. | N. C. Ind. Ter. | 77.8.7 Mecklenburg N. C.| Trad'y. and a witness

Sub. 12 Aug. '80| 9 mos.| Pri| Capt. Barr & Capt. Walker| Col. McDowell| Stono | [blank]| Rowan N.C. |

Sub. 12 July 81| 6 mos.| Pri.| Capt. Walker | [blank] | [blank] | Lancaster S. C. |

"In all 21 mos." - it is but 20.

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,

J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers, all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians [musicians] or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State Territory, or District of }
County of  } ss.
On this     day of     personally appeared (a) before    A. B. a resident (b) of    
in the county of     and State, Territory or District of    aged (c)     years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)    , with
and      served in the     (e) regiment of the
     line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. [hand pointing right] This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.   A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.  I     of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of    for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of     & 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    , 
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 days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,    Clerk of the Court of
do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of     
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this   day of    & c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alledged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full acount of the services of each person
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3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his Case. 
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia. 
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it? 
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live? 4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom? 
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services 
6. {To a Soldier. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? 
{To an Officer. {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what Office has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. 
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates. 
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. 
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. 
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. 
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure , taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. 
_________________________________________________
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which the low the rule laid down for his guidance. 
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should not do so, he must answers of 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 he Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case  where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: 
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A.B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but , according to the best of his recollection, he served 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 with a 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, he was not employed in any civil pursuit. 
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. 
[g] The opinion of the court is 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 contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[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 forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who 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.
[hand pointed right] 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] This 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.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 the low the rule laid down for his guidance. [b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should not do so, he must answers of 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 he Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case  where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: " Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A.B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but , according to the best of his recollection, he served 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 with a 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, he was not employed in any civil pursuit. 
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. [g] The opinion of the court is 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 contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[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 forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who 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.
[hand pointed right] 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] This 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.

[Signature]
W. L. Williams C. Clk
Page 22

March 3, 1938
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

BA-J/EEL
Benjamin Lentz-W. 379

Mr. Edward Lance
Sparta
Tennessee

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of a number of soldiers with the surname Lance, Lantz of Lents, namely Bostian, David, John, Michael, Dewalt, Benjamin, Henry and Peter, all of Rowan County, North Carolina.
Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War data and the limited trained clerical force available for furnishing such information, it is impossible to comply in full with each request
pertaining to soldiers of that war. You are furnished herein the record of Benjamin Lents, the data for which were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W.379, based upon his military service in the Revolutionary War.
Benjamin Lentz, the son of John, was born March 6, 1755, in Fairfield County, South Carolina. The name of his mother is not
given.
While residing in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, Benjamin Lentx enlisted in July or August, 1776, served as a substitute for his father, as a private in Captain John Phifer's Company, under Colonels Adam Alexander and Smith in the North Carolina troops,
went on an expedition against the Cherokee Indians, was in several small engagements with the savages and served five months; he enlisted in Rowan County, North Carolina, in September, 1778, served as a private in Captain James Barr's Company, Colonel McDowell's North Carolina Regiment, was in the battle of Stono, where he received
a wound in his left leg from a buckshot and served nine months; he enlisted in Lancaster County, South Carolina, about August 1, 1780, served in Captain John Walker's South Carolina
Company and was discharged February 12, 1781.
After the close of the war, he settled in Rowan County, North

[note - Could not identify any officers except Col. McHenry
Page 23

Carolina, where he lived until 1815, then moved to Bedford County, Tennessee, where he was living when he was allowed pension on his application executed November 13, 1832.
Benjamin Lentz died July 7 or 3, 1833, place not stated.
The soldier married in 1787, in Rowan County, North Carolina, Rosena, date and place of her birth and names of her parents not shown. Neither had been previously married.
Soldier's widow, Rosena, was allowed pension on her application executed August 22, 1839, at which time she was aged about seventy-two years and resided in Bedford County, Tennessee.
The following names of children are given.

Catharine Lentz born February 11, 1788.
Elizabeth Lentz born March 7, 1790.
George Lentz born December 2, 1792,
Margaret Lentz born September 4, 1795, deceased in 1839.
Anna Maria Lentz born December 9, 1797, deceased in 1839
Benjamin Lentz born February 2, 1800, in 1829, living in Bedford County, Tennessee.
Henry Lentz born March 26, 1802.
John Lentz born December 9, 1804.
Rosanna Lentz December 8, 1807.
Valentine Lentz November 11, 1810.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Rosena Lentz, widow of Benjamin Lentz (W.379), you should address The Comptroller General, General
Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Rosena Lentz, widow of Benjamin Lentz, Certificate No. 3565, issued December 9, 1843, rate $66.67 per annum, commenced March 4,
1843, Act of March 3, 1843, West Tennessee Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
 -2-
Page 24

February 15, 1939

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Jacob Lans, S. 22350
Benjamin Lentz, W. 379
Henry Lentz, S. 31815
BA-J/MMHF:MLB

My dear Mr. McReynolds:

Reference is made to your letter of February 9, in behalf of  Mr. Edward Lance, of Sparta, Tennessee, whose letter you enclosed.
Mr. Lance states that he understands that copies of papers in Revolutionary War claims for pension are furnished Congressmen
without charge and if true, he desires copies of the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claims for pension based upon service
of Jacob Lans (S. 22350), Benjamin Lentz (W. 379) and Henry Lentz ( S. 31815).
Some one misinformed, has given Mr. Lance an erroneous impression in the procedure of obtaining the photostatic copies which he desires.
The records show that all papers in the claims cited above have been examined carefully for Mr. Lance and such data as were found
therein in regard to services, residences, ages, family, etc., were incorporated in three separate official reports for him.
Photostatic copies of those papers will be furnished him, however, the cost of which will be approximately $13.00. If he decides to
order them, a more detailed statement will be made in regard to cost, form of remittance, etc.
Mr. Lance's letter is returned herewith.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 25

Sparta, Tenn.
Feb. 12, 1938

Veterans' Administration
Washington D. C.

Gentlemen:

Please check your Revolutionary Pension files to see whether any of the following were pensioned for Revolutionary service: (family
name Lance, Lantz, or Lentz) Bostian, John, Michael, Dewalt, Benjamin, and Henry.* These men all lived in Rowan County, North Carolina
at some time or other between 1793 and 1800.
If there are pension claims on file for the service of any of these, please send me the principal family and military date recorded in their respective claims.
Yours truly,
 [Signature]
Edward Lance
*also please look for David Lance ( Lantz of Lentz) and Peter Lance.
(Lantz of Lentz ).
Page 26

1938 - Mar. 2 Hist. to Edward Lance ES
1939 - Feb. 15 - Hon. Sam D. McReynolds inf. on behalf of Edward Lance, rel. to photos - MHF - His let in Henry Lentz - S. 31815.

379
Rev'y
WIDOW, &c.
_____________
File No. 
Rosannah Lentz
Widow
Benjamin Lentz
Pri. N.C. Line Rev. War.
______________
Act. March 3, 1843.
Index:-Vol. A, Page 426

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 27

6034
Rosena Lentz
Tennessee

admitted
Per ann. $66.66/100
Cap. Phifer Col. Alexander N.C.

died 7 July 1833

Act 7 July 1838

H. Yoakum
Murfreesboro
Tenn
Page 28

Murfreesboro Tenn.
August 24. 1839

Hon. James L. Edwards

Enclosed I transmit to your department the papers of Resena Lentz upon her application for a pension under the act of 1838.
They consist of her declaration duly certified. The pension certificate therein alluded to is no doubt in your dept. the deposition of Benj. Lentz. her son verifying an old German record setting forth the ages of their children from which it will appear that the eldest was born in 1788; the deposition of Hannah Ernhart who proves the actual marriage: & also the deposition of George Ernhart who proves that filed by circumstantial evidence.
You will perceive the time of oath of Benj. Lentz cannot be ascertained to a day. The declarant fixing it on the 7th of July 1833 & her son fixing it on the 7th or 8th of July 1833.
I will be pleased if you can give me a decision on this case and some
Page 29

others I have before you, previous to the first day of October next, when I should be at Nashville.
I have the honor
to be sir
Your Obt. Servt
[Signature]
H. Yoakum
Page 30

State of Tennessee
Bedford County before me Joseph Anderson an acting Justice of the peace for Bedford County this day personally appeared Hannah Ernhart of the said county & State aforesaid aged about sixty seven years who after being first duly sworn deposeth & saith that she was well acquainted with Benjamin Lentz a revolutionary soldier late deceased & his wife Rosena Lentz now resident in Bedford County. She saw them married said marriage occurred in Roan County State of North Carolina in the fawl of seventeen hundred & Eighty seven She has known them ever since both in north carolina & Tennessee her husband Benjamin Lentz died in Bedford Count in the year Eighteen hundred & thirty three; they lived together as husband & wife from the day of their marriage till his death & raised a large & respectable family. Rosena Lentz was the only wife the said Benjamin Lentz ever had; they were married according to the old Sworn rules without License by the Rev. Watchfrock.
[Signature]
Hannah Ernhart
X her mark

Subscribed & Sworn to before me this 23rd day of August 1839; and I do certify that said Hannah Ernhart is a person worthy of credit & that by reason of her infirmities & old age she unable to appear in open court.
[Signature]
Joseph Anderson 
Justice of the Peace


Subscribed & Sworn to before me this 23rd day of August 1839; and I do certify that said Hannah Ernhart is a person worthy of credit & that by reason of her infirmities & old age she unable to appear in open court.
[Signature]
Joseph Anderson 
Justice of the Peace
Page 31

State of Tennessee} To Wit
Bedford County} I William D. Orr Clerk of the county court of Bedfored County aforesaid, do certify that Joseph Anderson who has attested the foregoing depositions of George Ernhart & Hannah Everhart; is and was at the time of attesting the same a Justice of the Peace for our said county duly elected and qualified and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at office this Twenty third day of August A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty nine.
[Signature]
William D. Orr, Clerk
of Bedford County Court

[Seal]

State of Tennessee}
Bedford County} I William Galbreath Chairman of the Bedford County court, do certify that William D. Orr, who has made the foregoing certificate, is and was at the time of making the same, clerk of our said court duly elected and qualified, that said certificate is in due form of Law & sealed with our county seal. Given under my hand and seal. August 23rd, 1839
[Signature]
W. Galbreath [seal]
Chairman of County Court
Page 32

Deposition of George and Hannah Everhart