Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 13578, for Benoni Johnson, Connecticut
Page 1

(3-1776)
Conn
SERVICE

CONTENTS
Johnson, Benoni
NUMBER
S. 13578
carded
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2125
Connecticut
Benoni Johnson
of Hawinton in the State of Connt
who was a Private in the Company commanded
Captain Griswold of the Rgt commanded
Col Beche in the Connt
State Troops
for 1 year
by
---
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut 
at the rate of 40 Dollars - Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of Nov 1832 and sent to ┃
O.J. Seymour Litchfield
Arrears to 4th of Sep. 1832 $60
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 1833 20
$80
Recorded by E.D. Bullock Clerk
Book D
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.

Vol. 3
Page 49
Letter to Pen Agt
23 Oct 1847
Duplicate
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1732 )
Brief in the case of Benoni Johnson
of Harwinton in the state of Connt
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Open Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 70 year
-
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period.
Summer In 1779
fall of 80
April - 1780-
---
Duration of Service.
Years, months,
1
2
9
---
Days.
Rank.
As a
Names of General and Field Officers
under whom he served.
Gen.
Col Phelps drafted
Capt Griswold, Co. do
Capt P. Curtis Co
do
Coll Beche's state
5. In what battles was he engaged? Several slight skirmishes
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Harwinton
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by
incidental evidence, or by the rolls? by Witnesses, & the traditionary evidence
of others one a Clergyman-- all certified to be credible
persons
8. are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?
The Affids of the witnesses in support of his statement not attached according to the regulation
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned
E. Stephens Examining Clerk
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Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.

State of Connecticut, County of Litchfield, Court of Probate for the District of Litchfield.

On this 10th  day of August 1832, personally appeared in open court before the Hon. Court of Probate for the District of and in the County of Litchfield, now sitting Benoni Johnson, a resident of Harwinton in said District and County, aged 70 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832, that he entered the service of the United States under the following officers and served as herein stated.

I was born in Hamden Ct., May 23, 1762. I resided in Hamden 10 years and then removed to Harwinton Ct. I resided in Harwinton when I entered the service of the United States at the times hereinafter specified. Since the Revolutionary War I have resided in Harwinton and there I still live.

In the summer of 1779, but the precise time I cannot remember. I was drafted for one month to go to Horseneck (or Greenwich as it is now called.) The company to which I was attached was commanded by Capt. Phelps. The other commissioned officers were Lieut. Bancroft and Ensign Kettle. We were in Col. Phelps Regiment but were not all embodied together. We were stationed at Horseneck all the time. We kept guard at Byram’s Bridge, there were no other companies precisely there, although other companies of the same Regiment were near there. We were discharged after a month’s service.

In the fall of 1779 I was drafted for two months. I do not remember the precise time when I was drafted but I well remember that I was in the service in October of that year. I was in Capt. Griswold’s Company and the
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other officers of that Company were Lieut Gibbs and Ensign
Jesse Woodruff. We did not join any Regt and I do not
know to what Regt we were attached. We were stationed
all the time at a part of Norwalk then called Middlesex. We were
the only company there and kept guard. I remember that
Norwalk was at that time in ruins from the fire.

In 1780 in the month of April I enlisted for nine months
into Capt Peter Curtis' Company (of Farmington) in Col Beralkel
Beebe's Regt Connecticut State troops. Abner Wilson of
Harwinton was Lieut, and Lewis of Southington was
Ensign of said company. Major Shipman and Adjutant Bull
were officers in Col Beebe's Regt Our company was
formed in Southington Ct, and from that place we
marched through New Haven and Fairfield to Horseneck
where our Regt was formed and stationed Col. Wells
Regt was also stationed there at that time, the Regts lay
separate but near each other. I was there during the whole period of
my enlistment. We were employed in keeping guard,
and were sent out occasionally in small scouting
parties, we had several slight skirmishes, but no general
action. Our Regt was sent for by Col Arnold to march
to West Point. We marched as far as the corner of
Bedford where we heard of Major Andre's
Capture, and we returned. I remember that Capt Burnell's
Company was in our Regt I had no written discharge
from the service
have no documentary evidence of my service but sent
herewith the affidavits of John Trisbie, John Colt and Ebenezer
Miller to Substantiate my own statement
I am known to the Rev George E Pierce, William Abernathy
and others in said Harwinton who can testify to my character
for veracity and to their belief of my services &c.
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I hereby declare that my name is not on the pension roll
of the agency of any State, and I do hereby relinquish any
claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present
Sworn to and subscribed
Benoni
Johnson
Sworn to and subscribed 
the day and year aforesaid
before
Frederick Wolroth
Judge
of Probate
District of Litchfield, County
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We George E Pierce a clergyman residing in the town of
Harwinton in Litchfield County Court
and Wm C Abernathy
residing in the same town of Harwinton hereby
certify that we are well acquainted with
Benoni Johnson who has subscribed and sworn to the above
declaration, that we believe him to be 70 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. The said Johnson is a gentleman of good character
upon whose statement reliance may safely be placed

sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
George E Pierce
William Abernethy
before me Fredrick Wolcott, Judge of the probation Litchfield District Conn.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after
the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogations
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 George E. Pierce who has signed the
preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in Harwinton
Conn
and that William C. Abernethy
who has also signed the same is a resident in Harwinton
and is a credible person, and that their statement is
entitled to credit. Frederick Wolcort, Jusdge of
Probate Litchfield
District Court.
I Phinehas Miner Clerk of the Court of Probate for the
District of Litchfield in the County of Litchfield do
hereby certify that the foregoing contain the
original proceedings of the said Court in the
matter of the application of Benoni Johnson for
a pension. In testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my hand &
the seal of said Court this 13th
day of Augt 1832
Phinehas Miner Clerk
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Rev. War Section,
Record Division.
Hon. C. F. Reavis,
House of Representatives.
March 2, 1933.
In re: Benoni Johnson War of Revolution.
Survivor File 13,578.
You are advised that from the papers in the above
noted claim for pension that Benoni Johnson was born
at Hamden, Conn. May 23, 1762, and while living at Harwinton
, Conn. enlisted and served in the Conn. Troops
as a private, during the summer of 1779, for one month
in Capt. Josiah Phelps' Company, Col. Noah Phelps' Re-
giment: in the fall of 1779, for two months in Capt.
Griswold's Company; and from April 1780, for nine
months in Capt. Peter Curtiss' Company, Col. Bezaleel
Beebe's Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
August 10, 1832, while living in Harwinton,
Conn. There is no data on file as to his family.
Very respectfully,
Washington --- 
Commissioner.
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13,578
INVALID.
File No. 3575
Rev War
Benoni Johnson
Priv. Rev. War
---
Act: June 7 1832
Index: -- Vol. 1 Page 197
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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1893
Hist to
Mrs. Winshik see
Gen Howley
1922. Mar. 2. Hist. to Hon C.F. Reaves
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admitted
year private
$40
Sent OL Legmon
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1732
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 Johnson which require further
proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
If the applicant
---
did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason as
signed for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?
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 amount of pension
he is entitled?
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
VII.
Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of
June 7, 1832?
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?
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?
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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?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtain
ing it?
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?
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?
And is the official character and signature of the magistrate certified by the proper officer under his
seal of office?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, of of such an age,
as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? no
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And,
if not, which of them is not so answered?
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."
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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.
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To the Hon
(Pension paper)
The Secretary of War
Washington City

P.O.
Aug 27. '32
Page 16

To the Hon
Litchfield (Connt) Augt 16. 1832
the Secretary of War
Sir Enclosed is the application
of Mr Benoni Johnson of Harwinton for a pension
He wishes you to send your answer to me
.
your obt Servt
O. S. Seymour
.
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Litchfield County Torrington July 30th 1832
of Ebenezar Millen of Torrington in the County of
Litchfield and State of
Connecticut being of the age
of Sixty Eight years being duly sworn says that he was with
Benoni Johnson of Harwinton who enlisted in the war of the
Revolution during the term of nine months in the State
served at Horseneck under the following offices viz) Col
Baralee Burke of Litchfield May Shipman of
Saybrook adjustant Bull place not known
Capt Peter
Curtis of Farmington Lee Abner Wilson of Harwinton
Ensign Lewis of Southington and that he enlisted in
the year of 1780 the 1 of April and discharged
the first of January 1781 & also state that I was in the
Regiment with the said Benoni Johnson when we
were sent for by Gen Arnold to go to Westport
we were presented by Andre being taken and the
Company to which the said Benona Johnson
belonged had a number of skirmishes with the
law Boys so called
Ebenezer Miller
of
Litchfield County of Tarrington July 30th 1832
personally appeared the above named Ebenezor Miller
to me personally known as a credible witness and
made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit
by him subscribed before me
BeriMui Hudson Justice of Peace
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I John Colt of Harwinton County
Litchfield and State of Connecticut
at the age of Seventy years being duly sworn
do testify and say that I am well acquainted with Benoni Johnson of Harwinton
in Litchfield County, and that I served
with him in the war of the Revolution
and that he was draughted for the term of
two months commencing according to the best of
my recollection the latter part of September
and discharged in the month of November
1779. under the following Officers (viz) Capt Shubal Griswold of Harrington Lieut Gibbs
of Litchfield, Ensign Jesse Woodruff
of Harrington and that sd term of service was
performed at Norwalk in this state and
that this was a company dedicated and
stationed as a part of the town called
Middlesex
John Cott

State of Connecticut
Litchfield County
Harrington August 1st 1852
Personally
appeared the above named
John Colt to me personally known of
credible witness, and made solemn
oath to the truth of the above affidavit
by him subscribed.-
Before me Joel G. Candel Justice of peace
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Litchfield County ss Harwinton July 31 1834
I John Frisbie of Harwinton, County
of Litchfield and State of Connecticut of the
age of 70 years being duly sworn do
testify and say, that Said well acquainted with
Benoni Johnson of Harwinton in said County
and that the said Johnson was draughted in
the militia of this State and that I was with
him in the Revolutionary
war on a tour of one month commencing on the
Sixth day of June and terminating on
the second day of July 1777
and that said term
of service was performed at Horseneck, in a
Regiment commanded by Col Phelps. Lindbury of Litchfield and
Adams of Litchfield. And company commanded by Capt Josiah Phelps
Harwinton. Lieut. Bancroft of Farrington, Ensign Kettle of Garden being the Commissioned
officers of said company
John
Frisbie


State of Connecticut
Litchfield County Court July 31. 1832
Personally appeared the above named John
Frisbie to me personally known as a creditable
witness and made solemn oath to the truth
of the above affidavit by him subscribed
Before me
Jas G. Candel Justice of Peace
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State of Connecticut
County of Litchfield Augt 16. 1832

Frederick Wolcott Clerk of the County Court of aforesaid Litchfield Co. do hereby certify that Barrilla Hudson before whom the afore
deposition of Ebenezer Miller appears to have been taken was
the 30th of July 1832 a Justice of the Peace duly appointed &
authorized to administer oaths & that his signature to said
davit is genuine-
-
also that Joel G Candel
fore whom the foregoing depositions of John Colt & John Frisbee appear
to have been taken was on the 1st of Augt &
on the 31st of July, a Justice of the peace duly appointed
& authorized to administer oaths & that his signatures
to said affidavits are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & the seal of said
Court this 16th day of Augt 1832
Frederick Wolcott Clerk
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C. F. REAVIS
IST DIST, NEBRASKA
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
House of Representatives U.S.
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
Washington, D. C.
Feb. 28, 1922.
Will you kindly advise me concerning the
military record in the Revolutionary War of Benoni
Johnson of Harwington, Conn. I understand that the
pension records of 1840 show him a pensioner
at the age of 73 years.
F. D. ENFIELD
SECRETARY
Sincerely yours,
C.F Revis
1922