Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5684, for Benjamin Rexford, Connecticut
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SERVICE   Conn.
Rexford, Benjamin
Mary Jane
NUMBER  W. 5684
B. L. Wt. 34529-160-55
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Vermont. 9292. 
Benjamin Rexford 
of Atley [Hatley] in the Lower Canada who was a private in the company commanded  by Captain Leavenworth of the Regt commanded by Gnl Parsons in the Continental & Conn  line for & 3 years.   
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont the rate of 80. Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of April 1833 and sent to Timothy Hinman, Derby Vt.  
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833  160.00 
Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept 1833 40.00  
$200.00 
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }  
Recorded by Francis F. Francioni Clerk 
Book  E. Vol. 3 Page 87.
Paid at the Treasury under the Act 6 April 1838 from 4 March to 26 May 1839.   Agt notified 30 Oct 1844 
Let. to C.C. Burch 22 Dec 1833
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State of Vermont 
Orleans County}  ss On this 31 day of July 1832 personally before the Hon. Probate Court within and for the County of Orleans Benjamin Rexford a resident of Hatley in the Province of Lower Canada aged 71 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 1832.   That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the month of May in the year 1777 in Capt Leavenworth’s Company in Col. Meigs Regiment in Gen Parsons Brigade in the Connecticut line for the term of three years and served out said three years inlistment and was honourably discharged near Morristown in the State of New Jersey in the month of May 1780.  He states that he was born in the Town of Wallingford in the parish of Meridien in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut.  He joined the recruits at New Haven and marched to Peekskill in the State of New York and there staid in that vicinity until after the fort Clinton and Montgomery were taken by the British.  That he was one of those that was selected from the Regiment and Joined Scott’s Infantry 1778 and was most of the time engaged in scouting in the State of New York and New Jersey and cannot distinctly remember the line of march which he made so as to give it in a detailed order.  Drew a  discharge from Major Gray, but have lost the same.   And I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declare that my name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any State.   
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid.   
Benjamin Rexford 
I Amasa Merriman of Stansted in the Province of Lower Canada aged sixty five years formerly of Wallingford in the State of Connecticut do hereby certify that I was a schoolfellow in my youth with the above named Benjamin Rexford that the year 1777 he enlisted in the army of the United States and I understood at the time
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at home a number of times during the above named period of three years [unreadable] in his soldiers [unreadable] & was said on furlough and that I have no doubt he served as he States in his aforesaid declaration.   
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid 
Amasa Merriman 
And the said Court hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter that the above named applicant was Revolutionary soldier and served as he states.   And the Court further certify that it appears in them that Amasa Merriman who has signed the preceding certificate is a resident in Stanstead and is a credible person and that his testimony is entitled to credit.   
I John H. Kimball Register of the Probate Court for the district of Orleans aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Rexford for pension.   
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 31st day of July A.D. 1832.   
John H. Kimball
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1854 Sept. 12 Lett to Jonth’n Barnes 
1854 Sept 19 Cir to P. Agt [pension agent] 
1854 Oct 3  Transferred from Illinois to Connecticut from 4. March ’54 Notn to Jonth’n Barnes 
1853 Sept 13 Cir to P. Agt   
1853 Sept 18 Transferred from Conn to Ills fr 4 March 1855 Notn to pens. [note to pensioner]  
Chas N Holden  Aug 1 1856 – 
James E. Stewart, May 5, 1857 
C. N. Holden July 15 / 57
Hon. J. F. Farnesworth [unreadable]
Let Claimant Oct 26 ‘61
198356
4 amd with orig
Aug 1853 C.S.P.
3486 Illinois
Mary Jane Rexford
widow of Benjamin Rexford
Conn
who served in the Revolutionary war as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate  80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853 
Certificate of Pension issued and sent to Calvin C. Burt 98 Randolph St. Chicago Ills
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 194 Vol. A
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State of Connecticut, 
County of Middlesex} ss. City of Middletown 
On this 26th 1833, personally appeared before me, a Notary Public duly & officially appointed & qualified and by law authorized to administer oaths in said County and State, William Keeling, who is well known to me and who is a credible witness, and who being by me duly sworn, deposes and says, that he is well acquainted with Mrs. Mary Jane Rexford, an applicant for a pension; that he has known her for 38  years last past, that he was acquainted with Benjamin Rexford her late husband having known him for Six years previous to his death, that he was present at the marriage of the said Mary Jane Rexford and her late husband Benjamin Rexford and was a witness to such ceremony, that a Mrs. Mary Squires was also a witness to the same; that such marriage was performed on the 29th day of October, 1833, at Hatley, Charleston, Canada East; that he resided at the same place at the time of such marriage and continued to reside in the same place with the said Mary Jane Rexford and Benjamin Rexford for several years after their marriage; that they the said Mary Jane
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Rexford and Benjamin Rexford lived together as husband and wife, and were reputed to be; that this deponent never heard the fact of their marriage disputed or questioned; that the said Benjamin Rexford is reputed to have died on the twenty ninth day of May, 1839, of which he at the time was informed and believes to be the fact, and the said Mary Jane Rexford has been since that day and still is reputed to be his widow which deponent believes to be the fact, that she has never married since her said husbands death and is still his widow; that her said husband was the identical man mentioned as a soldier of the Revolutionary War in her declaration for the purpose of obtaining the pension which she may be entitled to as such widow; that the said Mary Jane Rexford is the identical person who was married to the said Benjamin Rexford, a Revolutionary soldier as mentioned in her said declaration; and that this deponent is disinterested in such claim. 
Witness Charles Whittlesey 
William Keeling 
Subscribed, and sworn to before me, the day and year first above written, and I certify that I am not interested herein. Witness my hand & official seal 
Charles Whittlesey Notary Public
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State of Illinois 
Winnebago County} ss  
On this 28th day of December A.D. 1853 personally appeared before me, a Notary Public in and for said County and State Mrs. Mary Squires, who is well known to me, and who is a credible witness, and who being by me duly sworn, deposes and says, that she is well acquainted with Mrs. Mary Jane Rexford, an applicant for a pension; that she has known her for thirty years last past that she was acquainted with Benjamin Rexford her late husband having known him for about six years previous to his death, that she was present at the marriage of the said Mary Jane Rexford and her late husband Benjamin Rexford and was a witness to such ceremony, that a Mr. William Keeling was also a witness to the same, that such marriage was performed on the 29th day of October, 1833, at Hatley, Charleston, Canada East: that she resided at the same place at the time of such marriage and continued and to reside in the same place with the said Mary Jane Rexford and Benjamin Rexford for several years after their marriage;  that they the said Mary Jane Rexford and Benjamin Rexford lived together as husband
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and wife and were reputed so to be, that this deponent never heard the fact of their marriage disputed or questioned; that the said Benjamin Rexford is reputed to have died on the twenty ninth day of May, 1857, of which she at the time was informed, and believes to be the fact; and the said Mary Jane Rexford has been since that day, and still is reputed to be his widow which deponent believes to be the fact; that she has 1 never married since her said husband death and still is his widow; that her said husband was the identical man mentioned as a soldier of the Revolutionary War in her declaration for the purpose of obtaining the pension which she may be entitled to as such widow; that the said Mary Jane Rexford is the identical person who was married to the said Benjamin Rexford a Revolutionary soldier as mentioned in her said declaration; and that this deponent is disinterested in such claim. 
Mary Squire 
Subscribed, and sworn to, before me, the day and year first above written, and I certify that I am not interested herein. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Notarial Seal 
William Lathrop Notary
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State of Illinois
Cook County }  ss. On this twentieth day of December, A.D. 1853, personally appeared before me, a Notary Public in and for the County and State aforesaid duly authorized to administer oaths, Mrs. Helena L'Hommedieu resident of the County of Cook, and State of Illinois to me well known as a credible witness, and who being by me first duly sworn, does on her oath state that she is well acquainted with Mrs. Mary Jane Rexford, the above named applicant for a pension; that she has known her for thirty years last past, that she the said deponent is not interested in the claim; that she has knowledge of, and is familiar with the Family Record of the said Mrs. Mary Jane Rexford; that she knows that the Holy Bible containing such Record was very old and very much worn; that it was lost, or destroyed some fourteen years ago, that her the said deponent was allowed to take and use the same at School and while so used this deponent discovered the said Family Record therein was Scribbled upon, obliterated and to
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that she has not seen, nor been able to find the said book since that time; that the said Family Record was a memorandum of Marriages, Births, and Deaths, and does not distinctly recollect the particulars of said Record. 
Witness George A. Halberts
Wm. H. Adams
Helena L'Hommedieu x her mark
Subscribed and sworn to the day and year first above written before me, and I certify that I am in no manner interested.   
Wm H. Adams Notary Public
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State of Illinois County of Cook }  ss 
On this twentieth day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty three personally appeared before the Circuit Court held in and for said county, in open Court, Mrs. Mary Jane Rexford, a resident of Chicago, in the County and State aforesaid, aged seventy three years, who being first duly sworn according to law does on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the law of the United States, passed the third of February 1853, granting pensions to the widows of persons who served in the Revolutionary War of the United States: That she is the widow of Benjamin Rexford who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution of the United States with Great Britain and was a Pensioner for his services in the same; that he had a pension of eighty dollars a year and drew the same at Darby Centre in the State of Vermont, that she refers in this her application for a pension to the affidavit and papers on which said pension was granted to her said husband; She further declares that she was married to the
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said Benjamin Rexford on the twenty with day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three; that her said husband died on the twenty ninth day of May, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine; that she was not married to him prior to the second day of January eighteen hundred but at the time above stated; that there is a public record of the marriage, and also the circumstantial evidence of cohabitation as husband and wife, and she further declares that she is now a widow; and further directs attention to the accompanying sworn Certificate of her marriage.  
In the presence of Ward L. D. Hoard
G. A. Hulbert
Mary Jane Rexford x her mark  
Subscribed and sworn to in open Court on the day and year first above written, before me, Clerk of said Court. 
In testimony whereof I Louis D Hoard Clerk of the Cook County Circuit Court have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at Chicago this 20th day of December A.D. 1853. 
Louis D. Hoard Clerk
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195.356 Act Mar 3 / 55
July 28 / 55
Mary Jane Rexford 
widow of Benjamin Rexford 
Pri
Rev War
No. 34529 issued July 14 / 56
Ills July 53 – 3486
Ad: 160 acres July 9 / 56
Boynton
Miller & Miller 
Rockford Ill
Vol R. = 39
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195.356
Mary Jane Rexford app for 160 acres
please forward Warrant
Miller & Miller
Rockford Ill.
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DECLARATION 
STATE OF ILLINOIS, 
COUNTY OF WINNEBAGO,} SS  
On this twenty first day of July A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, personally appeared before me, Thomas J Rudd a Notary Public within and for the county and State aforesaid Mary Jane Rexford aged Seventy four years, a resident of Rockford, Winnebago County Councilion in the State of Illinois formerly of Middletown, Connecticut who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the Widow of the identical Benjamin Rexford who was a private in the company commanded by Captain (Name at Washington with all of Mr. Rexford’s papers)
* The widow does not remember the captain’s name, No. of the Regiment or colonel, as all the papers are now in the Archives at Washington - together with Mr. Rexford’s pension papers.
For the term of an unlimited period & was honorably discharged.
She further states that she was married to the said Benjamin Rexford on the 29th day of October of 1833, by one Rev. Mr. Jackson an Episcopal Minister which Marriage Certificate is now at Washington that her name before her marriage was Mary Jane Keeling; that her said husband died at Hatley Canada 29th day of May 1839 and that she is now a widow. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 5th 1855. 
Attest Thomas J. Rudd  
Mary Jane Rexford x her mark 
We, Daniel Squires and William J. Cole residents of Rockford, Winnebago County in the State of Illinois upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Mary Jane Rexford in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents himself to be, and that we are disinterested.  
Daniel Squire 
Wm J. Cole 
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me, a Notary Public on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim. 
I further certify that I am acquainted with Mary Jane Rexford, that she is poor & needy, has come to Rockford to spend the remainder of her days here with her daughter, all the further proof is at Washington -  her marriage Certificate, together with all of B. Rexford’s papers sent at the time of his getting his Pension, & also her pension.  
 Thomas J. Rudd 
Notary Public
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No. 4262
Benj’n Rexford of Lower Canada 
Appln from Vermont
Vermont Agency
Private 3 years $80
Timothy Hinman
Derby Vt.
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BRIEF in the case of Benjamin Rexford of Hatley in the Province of Lower Canada
(Act 7th June, 1832.) 
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?   Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? 
3. How old is he?  71
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
Period.  May 1777   Duration of Service.  3 Years  Rank.  Private  Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Capt Leavenworth, Col. Meigs, Genl Parsons
Continental
5. In what battles was he engaged?  skirmishes
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?   New Haven County Connecticut
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  living
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?  Correct
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above 
J. S. Wilson  Examining Clerk
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24.529
60 acres
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P. Office
14 August 1832
City
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Derby August 11 1832 
Sir; Enclosed herein is the application of Benjamin Rexford for a pension. All communications concerning the same and requested to be directed to him at "Derby Orleans County Vermont” to the care of the subscriber.   
Respectfully yours 
Timothy Hinman
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Pension Office Jan 15/54.
26 May 39
Sir 
Please report time of last payment to or death of within named pensioner & if arrears to whom paid.   
Respectfully 
S. Cole 
for Commr
F. Burt Esq 
3 Aud [auditor] 
Present 
Benjamin Rexford Act 1832 $80 per annum, 
died 26 May 1839 paid 
F. Burt Auditor
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Revy WIDOW, &c. 
File No.  5684  
Jane Rexford  
Widow. 
Benj Rexford 
Pvt. Rev. War 
Act: Feby 3 / 53 
Index: --Vol. M, Page 154 
[Arrangement of 1870.] 
[unreadable] Oct 21 Hist to Mrs. F. H. Hosmer Letter see W. 24336 Ebenezer Newman
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Chicago Illinois 
December 3rd 1853 
Dear Sir
You will confer a great favor on me and at the same time do an act of kindness  and humanity toward a poor widow to wit Mrs Jane Rexford wife of Benjamin Rexford a Revolutionary Soldier who drew a pension and died in 1839 and on which there was due to him at the time of his death one years pay.  Now the wishes to know of the money has ever been paid and of so to whom and wither their is evidence in your office or within your Knowledge showing that she to wit one aforesaid is his Lawful widow and also what proof you require.  Also your forms for application for Pension.  She ought to have a pension, she is over 70 years old and poor almost suffering for means of subsistence, also in feeble State of Health.  Now Sir if you will give me what Information you can for her you will place me under obligation which will gratefully remembered and reciprocated at my earliest opportunity. Please answer by return mail and much oblige yours &c 
Calvin C. Burt
Atty for Widow
Pension Office Washington D.C
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Chas N. Holden Chicago 23/57 
Asks whether by any decision of the U.S. Court, or by late act of Congress widows of Rev. Soldiers are entitled to back pay from 1848 to March 3/53.   
Respectfully referred to the Comm of Pensions for answer 
Dept War 
June 27 / 57
Moses Kelly Ch Clerk
Rec’d 29 June ’57 Mr Pritchard
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Chicago June 2d 1857 
Hon Jacob Thompson 
Secretary of the Interior 
Washington DC 
I wish to enquire whether or not by some late decision of the U.S. Court or of a late act of Congress widows of Revolutionary Pensioners are entitled to back pensions from March 1848 to March 1833 five years.  Mary Jane Rexford Widow of Benjamin Rexford a Pensioner now of this city has been informed by man who lives by such matters that she is entitled to such back pay & that it would amount to $200.  If any is her due I suppose it is $400 being her pension of 80$  per annum for 5 yrs. And she has called upon the undersigned & requested that I would enquire at your office for the facts in her case & what form she will have to follow to get the amount. Any information you may be pleased to give shall be turned to her benefit without any compensation or fee on my part.  She is very old & needful living alone in a small room upon barely what sustain life.  
I am sir your Obt Servt
Charles N. Holden 
C. N. HOLDEN. 
CITY TREASURER: 
OFFICE OVER BANK OF COMMERCE 
N. W. corner Lake and Clark Streets, 
Chicago, Illinois.
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Chicago June 2d 1857 
Hon Jacob Thompson 
Secretary of the Interior 
Washington DC 
I wish to enquire whether or not by some late decision of the U.S. Court or of a late act of Congress widows of Revolutionary Pensioners are entitled to back pensions from March 1848 to March 1833 five years.  Mary Jane Rexford Widow of Benjamin Rexford a Pensioner now of this city has been informed by man who lives by such matters that she is entitled to such back pay & that it would amount to $200.  If any is her due I suppose it is $400 being her pension of 80$  per annum for 5 yrs. And she has called upon the undersigned & requested that I would enquire at your office for the facts in her case & what form she will have to follow to get the amount. Any information you may be pleased to give shall be turned to her benefit without any compensation or fee on my part.  She is very old & needful living alone in a small room upon barely what sustain life.  
I am sir your Obt Servt
Charles N. Holden 
C. N. HOLDEN. 
CITY TREASURER: 
OFFICE OVER BANK OF COMMERCE 
N. W. corner Lake and Clark Streets, 
Chicago, Illinois.
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Chicago Illinois 
December 16th 1853 
Dear Sir:
Yours of the 12th instant is at hand,  in reply would say Mr. Benj Rexford was formerly of Connecticut and resided for a time in Hatley Canada last, he was married to Miss Mary Jane Keeling on the 9th day of October 1835 drew his pension at Derby Center Pension Agnes in the state of Vermont.  I have a certified copy of the Parish Record and the affidavit of two credible witnesses to prove her Identity.  He died in May 29th 1839 and drew his pension of 40 Dollars (half year) in March previous.   I wish to know if you have any Records that will aid her claim and what proof your will require and if you have printed forms you will oblige her and confer a favor on me by enclosing some to me.  Hoping to hear from you soon.   I am 
Respectfully &c  
Calvin C. Burt Att for Widow Rexford
To L. P. Waldo Esq 
Comr of Pension &c 
Washington DC
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Mary Jane Rexford
Widow Benjamin
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Treasury Department 
Third Auditors Office April 29. 1837 
Sir
I return the papers received from you on yesterday & have to inform you that the pension of Benjamin Rexford I dec’d has been paid in full to the 26th of May 1839, the date of his death.   
If his widow has any claim for pension in her own right, application should be made at the Pension office.   
Very Respectfully Yr Obt Sevt 
Robt J. Atkinson 
J E Stewart Esqr Washington
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Chicago July 17. 1856 
Dear Sir 
Enclosed please find a Power of atty from May Jane Rexford to obtain for her her back pension from 1848 to 1853 under the 2d Sec of the Act of 1853, passed Feby 3.  She was married to Benjamin Rexford in 1832 or 33. and as his widow is a Pensioner from your Department since 1853, the facts in her case are in your office I presume, and also in the office of the Commissioner of the Interior.  She having heretofore applied from Rockford Winnebago Co. Ills. for her Land Warrant. Will you please inform me what other evidence you require if any in her case and through what source & when she can receive her back pension as above and oblige your obt servant 
Charles N. Holden
Hon Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C. 
N.B. her husband died in 1839 & his pension was stopped untill 1853 the above law gives her pay from 1848 - is there no law giving her a pension or back pay from the death of her husband in 1839 to 1848?   
Respectfully
C.N.H.
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Mary Jane Rexford
Rockford Illinois
Transferred to Ill when Cir Ans'd
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To the Department of the Interior 
Pension Office 
Your petitioner Mary Jane Rexford pension Willow of Benjaman Rexford a revolutionary Pentioner, who was first inscribed on the Pention Roll of Illinois and was at her request transferred from Illinois to Connecticut Hartford which transfer took effect the 4 March 1834.  She is now permanently located in this State, and respectfully requests that she may be transferred to the State of Illinois.  Your immediate attention to this petition is asked by your Petitioner.  
 Rockford September 4. 1853 Very Respectfully Yours 
Mary Jane x her mark
Page 34

Pension Agency Hartford Sept 14. 1855 
Sir
In answer to your enquiry as to what time Mary Jane Rexford a pensioner on the roll of this Agency under the act of 3 February 1853 at $80 per annum was last paid I have to inform you she has been paid to the 4th day of March 1855.   
I am Respectfully your Obedient serv 
Seth Belden Agent 
By Henry Fowler 
J Minot Esq. 
Commissioner of Pensions Washington
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United States Pension Agency 
Springfield Ids. Sept 26th 1854 
Hon L.P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington 
Sir 
In reply to yours of the 18th Mary Jane Rexford Widow of Benjamin a pensioner now on the roll of this Agency under the act of February 3d 1853 at Eighty dollars per annum has been paid to 4 March 1854  
Very Respectfully Your obedient Servant 
Isaac Bluman Pension Agent
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House of Representations 
Washington Feb 26 1859 
Geo C. Whiting Esq 
Dear Sir – 
Will you have the kindness to give me the information asked for in the inclosed letters.   
Please return me the letter of Mr Holden.   
An early answer will oblige Yours Truly 
J. F. Farnsworth
Page 37

Middletown, Connecticut 
September 16th 1854. 
Sir
I herewith transmit the application of Mary Jane Rexford to be transferred to the Agency of Connecticut.   
Very respectfully 
Your Obedient Servant 
Jonathan Barnes
Hon Loren P. Waldo 
Commissioner of Pensions
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[stamp] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
OCT 25 [unreadable]
PENSION OFFICE
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Chicago Illinois October 21 / [unreadable]  
To His Honor Commissioner of Pensions Office Washington DC 
Sir
The undersigned the Widow of Benjamin Rexford Pensioner who died on May 9, 1839 and who belonged to the Connecticut Regiment serving in the Revolutionary war against England respectfully asks your Honor for information how she shall apply for back pay due, she not having received Pension until 1853 from above date, the time of his death, being in all about 14 years.   
She trust his honor the commissioner will send to her the desired information to her residence in this City as directed underneath with any forms that may be required and kindly oblige his obedient servant.  Mary Jane Rexford (Widow ) 
To Mary Jane Rexford 
Chicago Post office Illinois
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REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION 3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Washington D. C. , 19 -
W. F. 5684
In reply to your request of – received – for a statement of the military history of    Benjamin Rexford  a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow’s) application for pension on file in this bureau.  
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT     May 1777  LENGTH OF SERVICE 3 years, discharged beg May 1780 RANK.  pvt  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  Captain Leavenworth, Colonel Meigs   STATE.  Conn
Battles engaged in,  none stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment,  enlisted in New Haven Co, Conn.
Date of application for pension,  July 31, 1832. His cl was al [claim was allowed]
Residence at date of application,    Hatley Province of Lower Canada
Age at date of application,  71 years, born at Wallingford Parish of Meridan New Haven Co, Conn. Died May 26 or 29 1839 at Georgeville  Hatley Borough of Canada
Remarks  He married Oct 9 or 29 1833 at Hatley Charleston Canada East Mary Jane Keeling.  She was al. [allowed] pension on an app. ex [application executed] Dec 20 1853 while a res. [resident] of Chicago Ills., aged 73 years.  In 1854 she moved to Middletown Conn to live with William Keeling a son of her first husband d. he was then 40 years old. In 1855 she was living at Rockford, Winnebago Co, Ills with her daughter whose name is not stated.
Very respectfully
Commissioner
1829 as date of marriage is not noted as all “evidence on file” contradicts that date.
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Rexford
Page 42

Brief in the case of Mary Jane Rexford Widow of Benjamin 
Cook County and State of Illinois  
Act of February 3, 1853 
Claim, (“original,” or for increase.) 
Proof exhibited, (if original.) Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. 
Husband a pensioner under act of June 1832 at $80 per annum is paid to his death May 26th 1839.   
Allowed $80 per annum to commence February 3/53 
(If for increase.) Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what? 
Marriage proved by William Keeling & Mary Squier residents of Middles Co. Connt certified to be credible.  
Death of pensioner proved by Auditors report 
Identity & Widowhood proved by witnesses 
Name and residence of Agent 
Calvin C Burt 
98 Randolph St. 
Chicago Ills, 
Examining Clerk.
J. D. Gray
Page 43

GIDEON PRINTER  
TREASURY DEPARTMENT 
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, 
July 17 1843 
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States”, and the 3d section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The widow of Benjamin Rexford Pensioner on the Roll of the Burlington, Agency, at the rate of Eighty Dollars Cents per annum, under the law of the June has been paid at this Department, from the 4 of March, to the 26th May 1839 
Respectfully, yours, 
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.
Page 44

Middletown, County Sept. 8, 1854 
Sir
Mrs. Mary Jane Rexford, a pensioner under the 2d Section of the act of February 3d 1853, intends to make Middletown Conn the place of her future residence, and wished to be transferred from the Agency at Springfield Illinois to that at Hartford Conn. Her certificate is dated January 21st 1854, and is numbered 3486. Please to inform me what is necessary to be done on her part to effect the transfer, 
Very respectfully 
Your Obt Sert. Jonathan Barnes
Hon L. P. Waldo Comr of Pensions
Page 45

Know all men by these Presents that I Mary Jane Rexford of Winnebago Co Illinois widow of Benjamin Rexford deceased and a pensioner of the United States under the second section of the act of Congress of 3d February 1853 do hereby constitute and appoint Charles N. Holden of Chicago Illinois my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name and behalf to prosecute in the United States Court of claims and before Congress and the Department of the interior my claim for arrears of pension under the act aforesaid from the 4th day of March 1848 to the 3d day of Feby 1855 this power of Attorney to be invocable for the term of one year from date.   
Witness my hand and seal this 17th day of July 1836 
Mary Jane Rexford x her mark [seal]
Executed in presence of 
James Woodbury 
Wm P. Gray
State of Illinois }  ss on this 17th day of July 1856 before me a 
SS. CERTIFICATE OF MAGISTRACY
STATE OF ILLINOIS, 
COOK COUNTY, }  I, CHARLES B. FARWELL, Clerk of the County Court of said County, do hereby certify, that W. P. Gray Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace in said County duly commissioned, sworn and acting as such, and authorized to take the same; and further, that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe that the signature to the said proof or acknowledgment is genuine; and further, that the annexed instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of the State of Illinois. 
IN TEMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court, at the City of Chicago, in said County, this 17th day of July A. D. 1856
C. B. Farwell
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Know all men by these Presents that I Mary Jane Rexford of Winnebago Co Illinois widow of Benjamin Rexford deceased and a pensioner of the United States under the second section of the act of Congress of 3d February 1853 do hereby constitute and appoint Charles N. Holden of Chicago Illinois my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name and behalf to prosecute in the United States Court of claims and before Congress and the Department of the interior my claim for arrears of pension under the act aforesaid from the 4th day of March 1848 to the 3d day of Feby 1855 this power of Attorney to be invocable for the term of one year from date.   
Witness my hand and seal this 17th day of July 1836 
Mary Jane Rexford x her mark [seal]
Executed in presence of 
James Woodbury 
Wm P. Gray
State of Illinois }  ss on this 17th day of July 1856 before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally came the above named Mary Jane Rexford and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her own act and deed.
Wm. P. Gray [seal]
Justice Peace
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State of Illinois County of Winnebago ss 
On this fifth day of September AD 1855 personally appeared before me a Notary Public of said County & State Anson S Miller & H D. Adams who being duly sworn by me, depose and say that they are acquainted with Mary Jane Rexford widow of the late Benjamin Rexford a revolutionary pensioner - that said Mary Jane Rexford now resides in the City of Rockford in County of Winnebago Illinois and on the 4th day of September instant Appeared before James G Manlove Esq Justice of the peace of said City of Rockford and made out her application for drawing her pension at Springfield in the State of Illinois.   
Anson S. Miller
H. D. Adams
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 5th day of September AD 1855. 
Thomas J. Rudd Notary Public 
I certify that I know the said Mary Jane Rexford and believe her to be the identical person she represents herself to be, the widow of Benjamin Rexford decd late a revolutionary pensioner I know her to be a resident of Rockford aforesaid 
Thomas J. Rudd
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Chicago Illinois 
January 10th 1854 
Respected Sir 
Enclosed please find the papers of Mrs Mary Jane Rexford Widow of Benj Rexford deceased late a Pensioner &c permit me to call your Especial attention to this case as it is one of great importance to this poor Lady who is very poor and much needs the help of the department it is with great truth and expense that I have been able (and that too at my own expense) to find sufficient evidence to bring her case within the rules of your department.  As she is now over 73 years old and fact passing away perhaps this will be the only draft the will ever be able to make on U.S. for money for I doubt were much whether she lives till spring and unless she receives the money soon it will do her no good.   I do really hope therefore that you will use every endeavor to hasten on her claim to allowance and forward to me draft to money order for all monies that she may be entitled to and her certificate of Pension for which I will return such vouchers as you may divest hoping to hear from you soon.  I am yours 
Calvin C Burt Atty for Widow
I also enclose power of attorney for me to Act for her 
Yours &c Calvin C. Burt
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Attorney, hereby authorizing him to prosecute this my claim to a pension and to receive the certificate to be issued thereon.   
Dated this 20th day of December A.D. 1853. 
Mary Jane Rexford x her mark
Witness George A. Hubbert 
L.A. Doolittle 
Revolution and any and all money which I may be entitled to from the due amount unpaid  portion of my Husbands pension to wit the Pension of Benjamin Rexford deceased who died May 29th 1839 at Georgeville, Hatley Burrough and to Receipt for the same and to obtain for me my pension certificates [unreadable]  to me from the Pension office and to do generally all other acts and things whatsoever touching the premises and an Attorney or Attornies under him for the purpose aforesaid to make and at his pleasure to revoke hereby confirming all and whatsoever my said said Attorney shall in my name legally do or cause to be done in and
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Know all men by these presents that I Mary Jane Rexford of the city of Chicago in the County of Cook and State of Illinois do appoint Calvin C. Burt Esq Atty at Law & of the same place my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name place and stead to demand receive and Recover from the government of the United States any and all money or monies due and owing to me or all moneys which I may now or hereafter be entitled to be or under any of the act of Congress granting pensions to the widows of soldiers of the Revolution and any and all money which I may be entitled to from the due and unpaid portion of my Husbands pension to wit the Pension of Benjamin Rexford deceased who died May 29th 1839 at Georgeville, Hatley Burrough and to Receipt for the same and to obtain for me my pension certificate should any be granted to me from the Pension office and to do generally all other acts and things whatsoever touching the premises and an attorney or Attornies under him for the purpose aforesaid to make and at his pleasure to revoke hereby confirming all and whatsoever my said said Attorney shall in my name legally do or cause to be done in and
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about the premises.   In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 6th day of December AD1853 
Mary Jane Rexford x her mark [seal]
In Wm. H. Adams
George L. Hubbert
Acknowledged and subscribed before me a Notary Public in and for the County of Cook and state of Illinois the 6th day of December AD 1853 and hereby certify that I explained and made known the contents of the above power of Attorney to Mrs Mary Jane Rexford widow of the said Benjamin Rexford before signing and that she acknowledged that she executed the same freely.  Given under my hand and Notorial seal at the City of Chicago in said County and state  the day and year above written.   
Wm H. Adams Notary Public for Cook County Illinois
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Application for a transfer 
State of Connecticut. 
County of Middlesex } ss. Middletown On this fifteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty four, before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Middlesex, personally appeared Mary Jane Rexford, who, on her oath, declares that she is the widow of Benjamin Rexford who was a private in the revolutionary war; that her name was placed on the pension Roll of the State of Illinois whence she has lately removed; that she is a pensioner under the 2d section of the act of February 3d 1853; that her certificate is for eighty dollars per annum, is dated January 21st 1854, and is numbered 3486; that she now resides in Middletown in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, where she intends to remain, and wishes her pension to be there payable in future. The following are her reasons for removing from Illinois to Connecticut, namely, that being advanced in age and of infirm health, she desires to reside in the family of William Keeling of said Middletown, her son by her first husband, and to receive from them that care and attention, which her increasing infirmities demand. 
Mary Jane Rexford x her mark 
Sworn and subscribed to before me the day and year aforesaid 
Jonathan Barnes 
Justice of the Peace
In presence of William Keeling
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State of Connecticut 
County of Middlesex}  ss. Middletown. 
I William Keeling of said Middletown, being duly sworn, depose and say that I am forty years of age and a resident of said Middletown, that Mary Jane Rexford, who has taken and subscribed the oath on the preceeding page, is my mother, and is the identical person described in the foregoing affidavit, and that the facts therein stated are true; and further I say not. 
William Keeling
Sworn to and subscribed this 15th day of September A.D. 1854, before me, 
Jonathan Barnes Justice of the Peace 
I further certify that the said William Keeling is personally known to me, and is a Credible witness 
Jonathan Barnes Justice of the Peace, 
State of Connecticut 
County of Middlesex } ss I Arthur B. Calef Clerk of the County Court in & for Middlesex County the same being a Court of Record do hereby certify that Jonathan Barnes Esq whose known by me to be his genuine hand writing is affixed to the three foregoing
Page 54

certificates is and since the Fourth day of July A.D. 1859 has been a Justice of the Peace duly elected and qualified as by the proper return and certificate on file in my office. And as such Justice of the Peace he is by law authorized to administer oaths and take acknowledgment of Deeds. 
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County Court at Middletown in said County this 18th day of September A.D. 1834. 
Arthur B Calef Clerk of Co. Ct.
Page 55

Pension Claim
Mary Jane Rexford
Widow of Benjamin Rexford
Revolutionary Pensioner
Filed by James E. Stewart
Washington DC
Page 56

Washington D.C.
Apl / 57
J. E. Stewart
Rec’d Apl 28th / 57
& answered on 29th
Mr. Randall
Page 57

State of Illinois, Cook County
On this 22nd day of April A.D. 1857 before me, an acting Notary Public, duly commissioned and qualified, personally came Mrs. Mary Jane Rexford, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is seventy seven years old that she is a resident of said County and State, and that she is the Widow to of Benjamin Rexford, who was a Private in the Revolutionary war, That he died at Hatley, Upper Canada on the 28th day of May A.D. 1839. That she has Received Land Warrant No. 34,529 under act of March 3d 1855 issued on the 14th day of July, A.D. 1856, to which she would refer the Department, for proof of identity, marriage, the death of the said Benjamin Rexford, and her present widowhood, She further declares that her said husband, Benjamin Rexford was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the rate of Eighty Dollars per year, at the time of his to death, on the 29" day of May, A.D. 1839 She makes this declaration to obtain the Back pension to which she is entitled, the same being from the date of the last payment to him
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the said Rexford, mailed by the Agent for paying Pensions at Derby, Orleans County, in the State Vermont, up to the Third 3d day of February, A.D. 1853 at the rate of Eighty Dollars per annum. The declares that she is now a widow, that is unmarried, James E. Stewart at Washington D.C. is of hereby authorized & sent this my claim, and received the Pension Certificate issued thereon.  
Mary Jane Rexford x her mark
Mr.  Jas. McMaster and E. H. Cummings, residents of Chicago, in the State of Illinois, upon our oaths declare that we saw Mary Jane Rexford sign and acknowledge the above to be her declaration, and we further declare that we know her to be the person she represents herself to be and that we have no interest in this claim.  
Jas McMaster [seal]  
E. H. Cummings [seal] 
State of Illinois, Cook County ss 
The above declaration and affidavits, were sworn to and subscribed before me the day and first above written, and I do hereby certify that I know the affiants, and believe them credible persons, that she is the person she represents herself to be, that her Pension certificate shown to me, and issued the 21st day of January 1854  and the
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that I know the affiants, and believe them credible persons, that she is the person she represents herself to be, that her Pension certificate shown to me, and issued the 21st day of January 1854  and the Land Warrant No. 3529 act of March 3 1855 issued on the 14th day of July, 1856 Signed by J. Minot, Commissioner, I believe to be genuine and that I have no interest in this claim.   
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my Notarial seal this 22nd day of April, A.D. 1857,  
L.F. Bingham, Notary Public
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[stamp] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR MAR 8 1862 PENSION OFFICE
Widows Application for Increase of Pension to $96 per year by Mary Jane Rexford now a Pensioner at $80 per year, Act of Feb. 3, 1853, 
Commencing Feb. 3, 1853, and for arrears of increase in Feb. 3 1853 
Also for Pension from date of her husband's death, May 29, 1837, to Feb. 3, 1853 under various acts, 
In behalf of a poor widow pensioner relic of a Revolutionary Pensioner 
Forwarded by 
J. W. Boyden Pension Agent Chicago Ills
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Application for Increase and arrears of Pension
State  of Illinois, 
County of Cook, }   On this 4th day of March A.D. 1863, I, Mary Jane Rexford, Pensioner under the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853 at $80 per annum, as widow of Benjamin Rexford who was a Revolutionary Pensioner, respectfully request that my pension from May 29, 1839, the date of my said husband's death may be allowed me at the rate of $96 per annum and that the last mentioned rate may be allowed me from and after this date, with all arrears of pension at that date, since May 29. 1839.   
I respectfully refer for evidence of my husband's revolutionary services to the evidence on file, upon which his pension was allowed him until his death, May 29, 1839.   
And for evidence of my marriage in the year 1829 to said Benjamin Rexford I refer to evidence on file, upon which my present $80 pension was allowed.   
Mary Jane Rexford 
Subscribed and sworn to by Mary Jane Rexford who is personally known to me to be the identical Pensioner, now inscribed on the roll of the Chicago Illinois Pension agency. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and Notarial Seal.  
James W. Boyden, Notary Public. 
And agent for paying pensions