Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18355, Benjamin Winchester, Vt.
Page 1

[form #] 3-1776
SERVICE
Vt.   Winchester, Benjamin  W18355
Ruth   
NUMBER B.L.W. 7441-160-55

CONTENTS
[blank lines]
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4145
Vermont [illegible Montfoh? ]
Ruth Winchester widow of Benjamin Vt. who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private 

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

Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of Mch 1849 and sent to Hon Wm Henry M.C.
[crossed out text: "pensioner versus" illegible]
[illegible initials]

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 103 Vol. 3.
Page 3

62 904 Act April 3/55
April 15/55
Ruth Winchester widow of Benjamin Winchester
Private [illegible] Hutchins Co Vt State Troops
Revolutionary Pension 

[handwritten across the other text] 7441 [illegible] Oct 9/15

[illegible] 48-no4145

Boynton
D. 160 ac's Oct 6/55
Dodge

S.G. Mead for Ruth Winchester
Brattleborough Vermont

[handwritten initials] Ra W.
Page 4

I Anna Newton of Brattleboro in the County of Windham and State of Vermont of the age of eighty-three years do testify and say that I well remember that in the year A.D. 1780 (I well remember the time by the birth of one of my children) that my brother Benjamin Winchester then being in Montboro in said County comed at our house in Brattleboro with several others of my [illegible] and same time in the month of April in said year (I remember it was before ground hall Settler) on their way to Brattleboro to pass Musters and returned the next day & likewise [illegible] at our house and as I understood had enlisted for eight or nine months, I in a few days often went to my fathers in Service Montboro and assisted to make clothes for my brother to wear, I remember particularly making a rifle for him. He immediately left and went into the Service some where in the western part of the State of Vermont. Do not remember the officers, I should think he left about the first of May.  I well remember that he returned some time in the month of October next following before his time was out, sick with the fever & ague. I well remember that he was in Service afterward but else not remember the particulars.  I also remember that my Brother Benjamin as [illegible]
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Same time but in the fall of 1785 went to Guilford in said County to be manservice to Ruth Muth then of said Guilford and as I understood were manservice by John Shephardson Esq. I know that they even often hired together as man and wife until his death--I also testify that Ruth Winchester now of Halifax in said county is the widow of the said Benjamin Winchester and has not intermarried since the death of said Benjamin Winchester.
[signature] Anna Newton

State of Vermont  
Marlboro District  [illegible] 
On this 5th day of April A.D. 1839, personally appeared before the Probate Court for the District of Marlboro Anna Newton a credible person who subscribed and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition 
Before Dana Hyde Judge
Page 6

State of Vermont, Windham County,
Probate District of Marlboro SS
I Samuel Elliot Clerk & Register of
said Court hereby certify that the Hon
Dana Hyde whose official signature
is annexed to the foregoing is Judge
of said Court; and that his said signa
ture is genuine
In testimony whereof I set my hand
& affix the seal of said Court, this
5th day of April A D 1839
Samuel Elliot, Clerk & Regr
Page 7

61 904
Wm Winchester
Page 8

State of Vermont ⎬ SS
County of Windham
On this 7th day of April A.D. 1855 Personally
appeared before a Justice of the Peace
within & for said County Ruth Winchester
Aged 92 years a resident of Vernon in the
State of Vermont who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow
Benjamin Winchester deceased, who was
private soldier in the Army of the Revolution
& a Revolutionary Pensioner
She further states that she is now a Pensioner of the [ ] or the Widow of said Benjamin - that the number of her pension [ ] is 4145
& dated March 7. 1849
That she was married to said Benjamin & that said Benjamin died as stated in the proof the
[ ] the Pension Department & [ ] on file in said Department
She makes the Declaration for the purpose of obtaining the [ ] to which she may be
entitled under the "act approved March 3. 1855
and she further declares that she is now a
Widow
Ruth Winchester
her mark
Page 9

We Samuel Ayers & Samuel F Ayers Residents of Vernon in the State of Vermont upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration, was signed and [ ] by Ruth Winchester in our presence & that we know she is the identical person she represents hereby to be that the
is now a widow
Samuel Ayers
Samuel F Ayers

The foregoing Declaration & Affidant were Sworn to & subscribed before me on the day & year above written & I certify that I know the [ ] to be credible persons that the claimant
is the person she represents herself to be an
that I have no interest in this claim
L G Mead Justice Peace
Page 10

State of Vermont,
WINDHAM SS
I, ROYALL TYLER, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached do certify that Larkin G. Mead
was at the date of the paper writings to which this attached and now is a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, within and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the certificate thereon written is genuine that the said paper writings are executed
according to the laws of this State,
and are in due form and that as such Officer he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgements of Deeds, take Depositions, administer Oaths & c. 
[ ] Whereof I have set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at
Page 11

State of Vermont,
WINDHAM, SS.
I, ROYALL TYLER, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal as hereto attached do certify that Larkin G. Mead
was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached and now is a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, within and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the certificate thereon written is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed
according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer Oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at
Brattleborough, this 9th day of April
Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five
Royall Tyler Clerk
Page 12

5283
5283
Ruth Winchester
for Benjamin -
Act 7 July 38
M 85. d 32-
80 Secy 6
82 - witness. 7
13.
---
Admd
14 mo/ adk pre
47.78

no deduction
Chipman Swain
Brattleboro 
VT
Page 13

State of Vermont, Marlboro Probate District ss
On this 5th day of April A.D. 1839. personally ap
peared before the Probate Court for the District of Marlboro in the County of Windham Ruth Winchester resident of Halifax in said Windham County aged seventy four (74) 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 Winchester late of Halifax in said County, who was a private in the army of the revolution, and served as she thinks fourteen or fifteen months viz. He enlisted in the spring of the year 1780 and served as she thinks six months in the County of Rutland Vermont - That he en-listed in the month of March in 1782 at Marlboro in said Windham County, into Capt. Waters Company
of infantry in the Regiment commanded by Col. Bronson and Maj Boyden and served therein 8 months in Castleton Vermont
she further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Winchester on the 27th day of October A.D. 1785 - that her husband the said Wincheter died in the month of June 1832; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the 1st of January seventeen
hundred and ninety four viz at the time above
Stated
Ruth of Winchester
her mark
Witness John Hamilton [ ]
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before Dana Hyde Judge

State of Vermont, Windham County
Probate District of Marlboro SS.
I Samuel Elliot Clerk & Register of said Court
hereby certify, that the Hon Dana Hyde, who has subscribed the foregoing, is Judge of said Court, and that his said signature is genuine - In testimony where of I hereunto set my name & affix the seal of said Court at Brattleboro, this 5th day of April AD 1829
Samuel Elliot Clerk & Register.
Page 14

Thaddeus Miller
Deposition
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State of Vermont
Windham County Court Clerk's Office
New [ ] April 23. 1839-
Marshall Miller, Clerk of said County Court, do hereby certify, that Lafayette Clark and
Ebenezer Tucker are Justices of the Peace, within and for said County duly commissioned and qualified, and that their signatures within
written are genuine
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of the said County Court, this day and year above written -
Attest Marshall Miller, Clerk
⎬
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I certify that there on the Records of Births
in [ ] in the County of Windham State of
Vermont the following Record
For Benjamin Winchester and Ruth his wife
seventeen hundred eighty five Dec. fifth Anson Born Seventeen hundred Eighty eight Jan  fifteenth Walter Born Seventeen hundred ninety one with Calvin Born
Seventeen hundred ninety one Sept twenty first Rolander Born Seventeen hundred ninety three Augt fourteenth Mirion Born
Seventeen hundred ninety five Oct twenty fourth Freeman Born
I certify that the above is a true copy of the
Record with the exception of the dates which
are expressed on the Record in fair legible figures as followes (1785 Dec. 5th) (1788 Jan 7 15th) 1790 Jany 50) 
(1791 Sept 21st) 1793 Augst 14) 1795 Oct 24th
Jesse Cone Town Clerk
I Jesse Cone above named depose and 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
Jesse Cone Clerk of said town

April 19th 1839 Sworn to before me Ebenezer Tucker Justice of Peace
Page 17

State of Vermont
Windham County Court Clerk's Office
New [ ] April 23 D. 1839-
Marshall Miller, Clerk of said
County Court, do hereby certify,
that Lafayette Clark and
Ebenzer Tucker are Justices of the
Peace, within and for said County
duly commissioned and qualified,
and that their signature within
written are genuine
In testimony whereof I hereunto
set my hand and affix the seal
of the said County Court, the day
and year above written -
Attest Marshall Miller, Clerk
Page 18

WIDOW, &c.
18355
No. 18355
Ruth Winchester
Widow of
Benjamin Winchester 
Priv Rev War
Act: Feb 2d 48
Index: -- Vol. M, Page 343
[ Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 19

No. 62904
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received April 12, 1855
Benj Winchester
Rev War
Tarrant 7441-160-55
Ruth Winchester
Brattleborough
Vt.
Page 20

Vermont 2047 Montpelier 
Ruth Winchester
widow of Benjamin Winchester
was a Private
in the Vermont line
for 13 months
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
43 Dollars 33
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
22 day of Sept 1843
and sent to
Joseph Steen
Brattleborough VT
 [Act of March 3, 1843. ]
Recorded in Book A
Vol 1 Page 32
Recd Sept 22
Page 21

See letter to Chipman Swain
Nov. 12. 1839-- to
4482
Vermont
Ruth Winchester
widow of Benjamin Winchester
who was a pension under the Act of Congress
and who died on the [ ] June 1832
of Windham in the State of Vermont
who was a private in the [ ] commanded
by Captain Boyden of the [ ] commanded
by Col Brown in the Vermont line
14 month 11 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont
the rate of 47 Dollars 78 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 31 day of October 1839 [ ] and  [ ] Brattleboro VT
---
Arrears to the forth of Sep 1839 $167.23
Semi-an allowance ending 4 Mar 40 23.89
$191.12

{ Act July 7 1838.}
Recorded by
D McCurdy, Clerk,
Book A. Vol. 2. Page 61.
Page 22

Vermont 4482
Ruth Winchester
widow of Benjamin Winchester
who was a pension under the Act of
and who died on the June 1832
of Windham in the State of Vermont
who was a private in the company commanded
by Captain Waters of the Regiment commanded
by Col Bronson in the Vermont line
13 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont
the rate of 43 Dollars & 33 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of December 1839 and [ ] to Hon H Hall H. R.
---
Arrears to the forth of Sep 1839 $151.65
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar 1840 21.66
$173.31
{ Act July 7 1838.}
Recorded by Wm W Edwards, Clerk,
Book A. Vol. 2. Page 61.

See letter to Chipman Swain Esq
N Brattleboro Nov 7 1840
Page 23

Oct 80
S. Fish Hetcher
[ ] Waters Bronson
Castleton
3 mos
10 
8 mo
Page 24

5283
Sez Chipman Swain
July 22 39
Act of July 3
Page 25

7441
[ ]
Page 26

Payment to be made
at Montpelier
by A. Clarke
Agent for paying pension
ers, in the Agency of
Vermont
Payable on the 4th March and 4th September in each year.
Recorded in the Pension
Office, in Book A. Vol. 2
Page by
D McCurdy Clerk
Hon. H. Hall H.R.

Issue New Certificate for 13 mo pre $43.33
Page 27

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Five years' Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838. Ruth Winchester of Vermont is a,
widow of Benjamin Winchester deceased
who was a private in the Revolutionary War
and died on the [ ] day of June 1832
is entitled to receive five years pension at the rate of Forty seven dollars and seventy eight cents per annum, commencing on the
fourth day of March, 1836; and in case of the death or marriage of said widow before the expiration of said five years, the pension
will cease on the day of such marriage or death
Given at the War Office of the United States this thirtieth day of October one thousand
eight hundred and thirty nine
J R Ponnett
Examined and
Countersigned. }
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Secretary of War.
Cancelled
Page 28

Saturday, Feb 25, 1782
Resolved, That there be raised for the ending campaign for new officers included for the defence of this state; and that non-commissioned officers and privates be raised and paid by the different towns, agreeable to their list returned last October, and that the commissioned officers receive their pay out of this state'streasury; and that the Governor and Council bevand they are hereby requested to write to General Washington and desire him to furnish 200 arms and sufficient quantity of ammunition for the use of this State.

"Resolved, That a committee of ten to join a committee from the Council be appointed to report their opinion what number of commissioned officers ought to be appointed to command the troopsto be raised as foresaid, and bring in a monuination of such officers to be appointed - except the field officers which are to be appointed by ballot"
"Tuesday, Feb 26 1782
"Agreeable to order of the day, proceeded to choose a Major to command the troops to be raised the ensuing campaign.
"The ballots being taken.
Major Gigeon Brownson was elected"
Page 29

State of Vermont
Secretary's Office
Montpelier, 16th Sept. 1839.
I Chauncey L. Knapp, Secretary of said State
do hereby certify that the foregoing are true
extracts from the Journals of the General as
sembly of said State for the year 1782.
I further certify that there are on file
in this office sundry receipts and vouchers
by which it appears that officers in the
Battalion of Maj. Gideon Brownson were
paid from the treasury of this State for
military services performed in the year 1782.
I further certify that many of the
pay rolls and vouchers orignally depointed
in this office, containing evidence
of military services in the revolutionary war are not to be found, and that no pay roll of any company belonging to Maj.
Gideon Brownson's Battalion is now on
file in this office
Given under my hand and official seal
this 16th day of September, A.D. 1839
Chauncey L Knapp, Secretary of State
Page 30

Vt
Ruth Winchester
[ ]
Hon J L Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC
31 Nov 4 1840
Page 31

Brattleboro VT Oct 30th 1840
Dear Sir
In the case of Ruth Winchester
a pensioner under the act of July 7th 38
if my minutes are correct it was stated
in her declaration that her husband
Benjamin Winchester Died June 6th 1832
I got the testimony of his death ex Mr
Joseph Wiches whose officiant you have in
your office-- I have made a declaration
for her a pension under the 2d section of the act of July 4th 1830 but on examination I find by Mr Wiches that the true day of his death was
the 16th day of June 1832 instead of the 6th and Mr W. Says that he intended to have stated it in his affidavit if he did not Mr Winchester
was a pauper of the town of Halifax and died
at his house and he knows by his works the mis
take may have been made by me & his expiration be the 16th. The [ ] is whether she
is entitled to a pension for the time her
husband [ ] often the 4th of March 1831 and if so under what act
Very Respectfully x
Chipman Swain
J L Edwards Esq
[ ] of pensions
Page 32

State of Vermont
Secretary's Office
Montpelier, Sept. 17, 1839
I Chauncey L. Knapp, Secretary of said State,
do hereby certify that there is on file in this of
fice a paper, purporting to be a "Pay Roll of
William Hutchins Company in Maj Eben Allins
Detachment, in the service of the State of Vermont 1781." I further certify that the name of
Benjamin Winchester, a private appears upon
said pay roll, with an allowance of six months
service annexed. I further certify that the
said pay roll appears to have been duly
approved by the Committee of Pay Table, and
paid from the Treasury of this State
Given under my hand and seal of office
at Montpelier, this the 17th day of
September, A.D. 1839
Chauncey L. Knapp
Secretary of State.
Page 33

2375
Ruth Winchester
Declaration
$43.33 per ann
Joseph Steen
Brattleboro
VT
Page 34

State of Vermont
Windham County } SS
On this 3d day of June in the year AD 1843. Personally appeared before me Joseph Steen
a Justice of the Peace within and for the County; Ruth Winchester a resident of Vernon in said County aged 79 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made
by the act of Congress passed on the 3d day of March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary War- That she is the Widow Benjamin Winchester, who was a private in the Vermont Militia of the revolutionary army. That she
as his widow drew a pension, under the act of July 7th 1838 referance being had to her declaration and proof under said act - That she as a widow drew at the rate of (46.67) forty six dollars sixty seven cents per annum
she further declares that she is still a widow-
Ruth Winchester her mark
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year last above written
I also certify that the above named Ruth Winchester, is personally known to me - Before me Joseph Steen, Justice of the peace
Page 35

State of Vermont
Windham County Court Clerk's Office
[ ] June 17th 1AD 843
I Marshall Miller, Clerk of said
Court, certify, that Joseph Steen
is a Justice of the Peace within
and for said County, duly commissioned
and qualified, that his commission
[ ] date November 9th AD. 1842
& will expire on the 30th day of
November AD. 1843 and that his
signature within written is genuine
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand
& affix the seal of said Court, the day & year [ ] above written
Atten Marshall Miller, Clerk
Page 36

Fayettville
VT Sept 18
Pension Department
Mr Cole VT RW 2047
J. L. Edwards, Esqr
Commission of Pensions
Washington City
Page 37

VT
Ruth & Sarah Winchester
Brattleboro VT
Hon [ ]
Brattleboro VT Revolutionary [ ] 1839
[ ] the certificate
Page 38

Brattleboro VT
{ } 
Hon J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
DC
VT Ruth & Sarah Winchester
Page 39

Brattleboro VT November 5th 1839
Sir I have read the pension Certificate of Sarah
Winchester & Ruth Winchester that of Sarah
Winchester widow of Asa Winchester I suspect there is a mistake in the service proved was in 1781 in Capt Fish Company pay for 145 days Service at any time and (if I remember) L.G. 9 [ ] which would make about 8 months service the other service in 1782 as passed by Thad Miller was for 8 months making 16 months 2 days in the whole which would entitle the widow to $53.33 per annum, the certificate
is sent only for $43.33 per annum will year have
the goodness to review the testimony and if it should be increased please inform me
that of Ruth Winchester widow of Benjamin Win
Chester is $1.12 per annum larger than was expected the proof was the Secretary of States Certificate for pay for 6 months service in the year-- 80 in Capt Hutchins to [ ] 8 months in the year-- 82 proved by Thad Miller 14 month in the whole-- the certificate is $47.78 per annum
we have even do not complain of that but of course are willing to  take it as it is
Respectfully XC
Chipman Swain
Hon J L Edwards
Commissioner of pensions
Page 40

I Joseph Wiches of Halifax in the County of
Windham and State of Vermont of lawful age
testify and say that Benjamin Winchester late
of Halifax afsd died at my house sometime
in the fore part of June, the particular day
I cannot now remember, in the year 1832.
Joseph Wicher
State of Vermont Maralboro SS
On this 5th day of April 1839, personally appeared before the Probate Court for the District of Marlboro Joseph Wiches a credible person and subscribed and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition
Before Dana Hyde Judge
State of Vermont Windham County
Probate District of Marlboro SS
I Samuel Elliott Clerk & Register of
said Court, Certify that the Hon Dana
Hyde whose signature is annexed to
the foregoing, is Judge of said Court, and
that his signature thereto is genuine
is genuine
In witness whereof I hereunto
subscribe my name & affix the
seal of said Court, this 5th day of
April AD 1839
Samuel Elliot Clerk & Regr.
Page 41

STATE OF VERMONT,
Windham COUNTY....SS
On this 15th day of September A.D. 1848, before Gorge Erk
a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized by the laws of the State to administer oaths, personally appeared Ruth Winchester a resident of Vernon in said County, aged 84 years who being first duly
sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to
obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed the second day
of February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary
War; that she is the widow of Benjamin Winchester who was a Private in the Revolutionary War - and that she
Received a pension under the act of Congress ofJune 17th 1844 at the rate of $43.33 per annum and for a more full discription of the service of my late Husband Benjamin Winchester reference can be had to documents now in the pension
office
Witness
Samuel Ayers 
Freeman Ayers
Ruth Winchester
her mark
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year last above written, before me.
George Eck- JUSTICE PEACE
I also certify that the declarant is personally known to me, and is the same individual
the represents herself to be. George C
JUSTICE PEACE.
I Marshall Miller Clerk of the County Court in and for said County,
do hereby certify that George Erk -- is a Justice of the Peace in and for
said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signatures above written are
genuine.
in testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court, this
fifteenth day of September in the year AD 1848
Marshall Miller, Clerk.
Page 42

Ruth Winchester
Page 43

STATE OF VERMONT,
Windham County SS
On this twenty four day of August A.D. 1848, before Sanford Plumb a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized by the
laws of the State to administer oaths, personally appeared Ruth Winchester a resident of Guilford in said County, aged 84 years who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed the second day of February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War; that she is the widow of Benjamin Winchester who was a
Private in Captain Hutchinsons Company
in the year 1780 and in Captain Waters Com
pany in the year 1782 of the Vermont Militia
and the annual pension I received under the
act of Congress of June 17th 1844 is forty
three Dollars and thirty four cents

She further declares, that she is still a widow.
in the presence of S Plumb
Ruth Winchester
her Mark
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year last above written, before me.
Sanford Plumb Justice Peace
I also certify that the declarant is personally known to me, and is the same individual
she represents herself to be Sanford Plumb Justice Peace
I Marshal Miller, Clerk of the County Court in and for said County,
do hereby certify that Sanford Plumb is a Justice of the Peace in and for
said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature, above written is are
genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court, this 2
day of October in the year A.D. 1848 
Attest Marshall Miller Clk