Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 11,855, Benjamin Williams, Conn.
Page 1

(3--1776)

SERVICE
Conn.

Williams, Benjamin

NUMBER
S. 11.855.

carded.
-----------------------------------------------------
CONTENTS
Page 2

9044 Connecticut 
Benjamin Williams of Sterling in the State of Connt who was a Pri [private] in the Conn commanded by Captain Sage of the Reg commanded Col Russell in the Connt time for 11 mo
Inscribed on the Roll of Connt at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, [to] commerce on the 4th day of March, 1831. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 20th day of March 1833 and sent William Dyer, Plainfield, Cot 
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $113.32 
Semi-anl. allowance ending Sept 4.33 " 28.44 
$141.76 
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.} 
Recorded by E D Bullock Clerk 
Book E Vol. 3 Page 45 

Having been erroneously reported as $33.66. It was again reported on 21 Aug ‘33 at the proper rate viz 36.66.
Page 3

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passer June 7, 1832. 
STATE OF CONNECTICUT,
COUNTY OF WINDHAM,
}SS
Plainfield August 3rd 1832
On this 3rd day of August A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the County Court of the County of Windham aforesaid, now sitting, Benjamin Williams, a resident of the town of Sterling in the County of Windham, and State of Connecticut, aged 73 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 named officers, and served as herein stated: 
1st Term of service 
That in the month of July 1776 he resided in the town of Sterling in the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut at which time he enlisted into a Company under the command of Capt John Dixon of said Sterling for the term of Seven months and marched to New London and there took passage for for New York and joined a regiment under the command of Colonel Comfort Sage & Lieutenant Colonel Russel [Russell] in a Brigade commanded by General Wadsworth, after remaining at New York a short time the army retreated towards Kingsbridge, the next Saturday after the retreat he was sent to Norwalk in Connecticut to take care of the sick, among which was his brother, after remaining about six weeks at Norwalk during which time his brother died, he returned to his regiment on the north river and served seven months was verbally discharged on the 25th of Dec 1776. 
Second time of service - he volunteered at said Sterling about the middle of January 1778 and marched to Providence in Rhode Island under Capt. Branch of said Plainfield and served under General Spencer two month and was verbally discharged 
Third term of service - he volunteered under Capt Butler of Killingly in said  Windham County and Lieutenant Prince of Plainfield on the 1st of July 1778 org and marched to Westhaven in Connecticut where he was under the command of Major Backus of said Plainfield, after remaining at Westhaven about three weeks he marched to Rhode Island and was under General Sullivan when he retreated from Rhode Island and that he served two months and was dismissed at Providence Rhode Island having in all served Eleven months 
The first term of service for seven months he can prove by David Reynolds of said Plainfield & Oliver Spalding of Killingly
The second term of service for two months he can prove by Daniel Fairman of Killingly in said Windham County & by no other person 
The third term of service of two months he cannot prove by any persons he knows of no man living who was in service at that time & place by whom he can prove it -- he can now prove it by Benadam Gallup of Sterling and by no other person
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He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. 
The following interrogatories were by said Court propounded to said applicant, viz:--
1. Where and in what year were you born? I was born in the town of Voluntown in the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut in the year 1759
2. Have you any record of your age; and if so, where is it? I have no record of my age unless there is a record of my birth in the town records in said town of Voluntown
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the revolutionary war, and where do you now live? I was living in the town of Sterling where I have lived since the war
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom? I first enlisted for Seven months, afterwards volunteered to prevent being drafted for four months was afterwards drafted for one month
5. State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served; such continental and militia regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service. Capt John Dixon, Colonel Sage, Lieut Colonel Russel, General Wadsworth
6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service; and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? I never received a written discharge
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief in your services as a soldier of the revolution. Nathaniel Cole & Pierce Parkhurst
Benjamin Williams
Page 5

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section 
MMHF
September 15, 1924
Mrs. W. T. Scott 
Willrose Farm, Chrisman, 
Illinois 
Madam: 
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 11855 it appears that Benjamin Williams was born in Voluntown, Windham County, Connecticut in 1759. 
While living in Sterling, Windham County, Connecticut he enlisted in May 1776 and served as a private in Captain John Dixon's Company, Colonel Comfort Sage's with Connecticut Regiment and was discharged in December 1776. 

Soldier said July, but said he served 7 mos & was disc. in Dec. The affid. of a soldier with him said end of May & both disc. in Dec. after serving 7 mos. So I used May.

He enlisted in the middle of January 1778 and served two months as a private in Captain Branch's Company, Colonel Johnson's Connecticut Regiment. 
He enlisted July 1, 1778 and served two months as a private in Captain Cutler's Company, under Major Backus and was in Sullivan's Rhode Island Expedition.
He was allowed pension on his application execute
Page 6

executed  August 3, 1832 while a resident of Sterling, Connecticut. 
It is not stated whether he ever married. 
The above noted is the only soldier named Benjamin Williams of Connecticut found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau. 
Respectfully, 

Acting Commissioner. 

Date of death not on 
AB
Page 7

Benjamin Williams 
No 2 
No 2942 
Return to be made to Wm Dyer Esq Moosup Post office 
Plainfield, Connecticut
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Benjamin Williams 
Supplementary Declaration 
for the purpose of obtaining a Pension
206
Page 9

Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year aforesaid, before the County Court for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut. 
Allen Armin Bolles Clerk 
We Nathaniel Cole a clergyman, residing in the town of Plainfield in said Windham County, and Pierce Parkhurst residing in (the same,) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Williams who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration, that we believe him to be 73 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. 
Nathaniel Cole 
Pierce Parkhurst 
Sworn, and subscribed, on the day and year aforesaid, before the County Court for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut. 
Allen Armin Bolles Clerk 
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Nathaniel Cole, who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in the said town of Plainfield and that Pierce Parkhurst, who signed the same is a resident in the said town of Plainfield and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
Allen Armin Bolles Clerk 
I Armin Bolles Clerk of the County Court for the County of Windham, in the State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Williams for a pension. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this 3rd day of August A.D. 1832 
Armin Bolles Clerk
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Supplementary Declaration of Benjamin Williams in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832- 
State of Connecticut County of Windham 
ss Brooklyn December 19th 1832 
On this 19th day of December A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open County Court now sitting at Brooklyn in the County of Windham aforesaid Benjamin Williams a resident of the town of Sterling in said County aged 73 years in addition to his former declaration further states - 
1st That in his first term of seven months as stated in his declaration the regimental Officers were Colonel Comfort Sage Lieutenant Colonel Russel but he does not recollect the name of the Major, he thinks Lieut Col Russel was lame in consequence of a wound received in the French war- which service he can prove by David Reynolds and by Oliver Spalding and by no other person within his knowledge - 
2nd That the second term of service he was under the command of Colonel Johnson and he thinks Major Clarke he does not recollect that there was any Lieutenant Colonel there being but few Companies together at Providence in the State
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in the State of Rhode Island to guard the town, which service he can prove by Daniel Fairman and by no other man within his knowledge 
3rd The third term of service he does not recollect that there was any other regimental officers except Major Bachus of Plainfield in said Windham County untill they arrived at Newport as there were but few troops at West Haven and that he cannot recollect the other officer if there were others after he arrived at Newport Rhode Island and that he stated in his former declaration that he knew of no person by whom he could prove the last mentioned service he has now ascertained that he can now prove the last mentioned service by Benadam Gallop and by no other person to his knowledge 
That his said Declaration is as near as his memory will enable him to state, as by reason of old age and consequent loss of memory he cannot recollect all the officers for all the particulars that transpired so many years past, and that he served Eleven months in the several terms of service 
Benjamin Williams
Page 12

I Armin Bolles Clerk of the County Court for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the proceedings before the said Court in the matter of application of Benjamin Williams for a Pension Sworn to and subscribed this 19th day of December A.D. 1832 before the County Court for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 19th day of December A.D. 1836 
Armin Bolles Clerk
Page 13

Oliver Spaldings 
Deposition 
Proving the service 
of Benjamin Williams f
or seven months in 1776 - 
1st Term of service
Page 14

I Oliver Spalding of Killingly in the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut aged 81 years do depose and say that I was well acquainted with Benjamin Williams from childhood till May 1776 when I entered the service of the United States in a company under the command of Captain Crosby and served seven months from said May till the 25th of December in said year of 1776 and that said Benjamin Williams entered the service of the United States in a company commanded by Capt John Dixon in said month of May and served in said Dixon's Company for the term of seven months, during said seven months I know that he was on duty and served the whole time, from the circumstance that the third Company to which said Benjamin Williams belonged was posted next to the fifth Company to which I belonged and seeing him frequently during said term of seven months- and further the deponet saith not. Dated at Plainfield the 26th day of December 1832 
Oliver Spaulding 
Windham County in the 
State of Connecticut }ss Plainfield December 26th 1832 
Personally appeared Oliver Spalding subscribe to the above and foregoing deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me. I certify that the said Oliver Spalding who signed the above deposition in my presence and made oath as aforesaid is a respectable and credible witness and entitled to full credit 
Daniel Wheeler Justice of the Peace
Page 15

Daniel Fairman 
Deposition 
Proving the service of 
Benjamin Williams 
for two months
in the year 1778 
2nd Term of service
Page 16

I Daniel Fairman of Killingly in the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut aged 73 years do testify and say that I served as a soldier during the revolutionary war in the year 1778 in a company with Benjamin Williams at Providence in the State of Rhode Island for the term of two months from the latter part of February to about the first of April and I now positively recollect that the aforesaid Benjamin Williams served during said term of two months in a Company commanded by Captain Branch of Plainfield Connecticut and Lieutenant Burgess of Canterbury and Ensign Luckeman of Voluntown Connecticut, and further the deponent saith not - Dated at Plainfield the 26th day of December 1832
Daniel Fairman 
Windham County in the State of Connecticut } ss Plainfield December 26th 1832
Personally appeared Daniel Fairman subscribed to the above and foregoing deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me. I certify that the said Oliver Spalding who signed the above deposition and made oath as aforesaid is a respectable and credible witness and entitled to full credit
Daniel Wheeler Justice of the Peace
Page 17

I Armin Bolles Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Windham in the Stall of Connecticut do hereby certify that Daniel Wheeler Esq before whom the written affidavit was made is duly enrolled as a Justice of the Peace in and for said Windham County, that the within signature of his name is in his hand writing and that full faith and credit ought to be given to his acts as such 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Brooklyn in said County this 28th day of December A.D. 1832 
Armin Bolles Clerk
Page 18

The Deposition of 
David Reynolds for 
Benjn Williams
Proving the service of seven months in 1776
1st Term of service
Page 19

I David Reynolds of Plainfield in the county of Windham & State of Connecticut aged 74 do depose & say that I was well acquainted with Benjamin Williams & that he served with me as a soldier in Captain John Dixon’s Company in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Comfort Sage and said Williams served as a Soldier with me in said company the term of seven months being the term of our enlistment in the year 1776 
David Reynolds 
Windham County Ss Plainfield August AD 1832 
Personally appeared David Reynolds signed to the foregoing deposition & made solemn oath to the truth of the same 
Before me John Dunlop Justice of Peace I hereby certify that the above named David Reynolds is a respectable & creditable witness 
John Dunlop Justice of the Peace
Page 20

I Armin Bolles Clerk of the County Court in and for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut do hereby certify that John Dunlap Esq before whom the within affidavit was made is duly enrolled as a Justice of the Peace in and for said Windham County that the within signature of his name is in his hand writing and that full faith and credit ought to be given to his acts as such.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 8th day of August AD 1832 
Armin Bolles Clerk
Page 21

The Deposition 
of Benadam Gallup
Proving the service 
of Benjamin Williams 
for two months in 1779 
3rd Term of service
Page 22

I Benadam Gallup of Sterling in the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut aged 72 years Do depose and say that in the year 1779 I was in the United States Service in the Revolutionary war in a company under the command of Capt Cutler of Killingly in said County for the space of two months and that during said term of service, which was at West Haven Connecticut and on the Island of Rhode Island in the State of Rhode Island Benjamin Williams served in the same Company with me the full term of two months And further the deponent saith not- Dated at Sterling in the County of Windham the 27th day of December 1832- 
Benadam Gallup 
Windham County in the State of Connecticut }ss Sterling December 27th 1832 Personally appeared Benadam Gallup signer to the above and foregoing deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me I hereby certify that Benadam Gallup who signed the above deposition in my presence and made oath as aforesaid is a credible and respectable witness and is entitled to full credit 
John Gallup Justice of the peace
Page 23

I Armin Bolles Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Windham in the State of Connection do hereby certify that John Gallup Esq before whom the within affidavit was made, is duly enrolled as a Justice of the Peace in and for said Windham County, that the signature purporting to be his appears to me to be genuine and full faith and credit ought to be given to his acts as such -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court at Brooklyn in said County this 28th day of December A.D. 1832 
Armin Bolles Clerk
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Hon Lewis Cass Secretary of Pension Office Washington
Page 25

Benjamin Williams
Page 26

Plainfield Decr [December] 28th 1832 
Hon Lewis Cass 
Sir 
Herewith I enclose the application of Benjamin Williams, it having been once returned with objections. I return likewise the objections believing that there can be no further objection to said William's pension for Eleven months, as the whole term of service is now proved by (as I believe unimpeachable witnesses), and I have to say that there is not a shadow of doubt in my mind but that said Williams rendered all the service set forth.

Yours respectfully  Wm [William} Dyer
Page 27

Benjamin Williams 

admit 
New private 
$36.66 

Wm Dyer 
Plainfield
Ct

Page 85.
Page 28

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Benjamin Williams which require further proof or explanation. 
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
II. [illegible] where he resides?
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?
V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout [amount] of pension he is entitled?
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
not regimental officers 
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to another 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?
Page 29

2

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not [illegible] 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?
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been 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, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
age [illegible] not been in [illegible]
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
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."
Page 30

3

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. 

QUERE XIV. Proof of Service. 
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which be belonged. The magistrate who may administure [illegible] 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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Rev War

11.855 
INVALID
File No. 11.855 
Benjamin Williams 
Priv Rev War 

Act: June 7th, 1832 
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 412 

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 32

Oct. 14 ‘96. 
Sald. pensioned to Mr. J. E. Prion Moosup, Conn. 

Dec 8 ‘96 Statement to J E Prion Moosup Conn

Aug. 31 ‘03 Copy to J H Bruton [illegible] Rev. office for some lady in Conn CMB

May 16, 1906 History to Hon. J.W. Higgins Ho. Rep. SE 

1906 June 2 - letter to Hon. E. W. Higgins Ho Rep.

1924 Sept. 15 – Hist. To Mrs. W. F. Scott. Her letter in claim of Moses Moss S30598. MMS8F
Page 33

O. W. and N. Division. 3 -- 525.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
Bureau of Pensions, 
Washington, D. C.

SS6. Surv. File 11855 Rev. War.

In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Benjamin Williams, a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) [crossed out] application for pension on file in this Bureau. 
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED | STATE
CAPTAIN. | COLONEL.
July 1776 | 7 mos. |   | John Dixon | Comfort Sage | Conn.
Middle of Jany 1778 | 2 “ |   | Branch | Johnson | “
July 1, 1778 | 2 “ |   | Cutler | Major Backus | “
Sullivans Expedition

Battles engaged in, none mention
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Sterling, Windham Co. Conn.
Date of application for pension,  Aug 3, 1832 - claim allowed
Residence at date of application, Sterling, Conn.
Age at date of application, B. Voluntown, Conn. 1759 
Remarks.  [none]
Very respectfully, 
Commissioner. 
2058153 m11-05
Page 34

FIFTY - NINTH CONGRESS
EDWARD L HAMILTON, MICH. CHAIRMAN 
ABRAHAM L. BRICK, IND. 
ADIN B. CAPRON, R. I.
GEORGE N. SOUTHWICK, N. Y. 
LLEWELLYN POWERS, ME. 
JAMES McKINNEY, ILL. 
RALPH D COLE, OHIO 
EDWIN W. HIGGINS, CONN. 
JOHN M REYNOLDS, PA. 
FRANK B. KLEPPER, MO. 
JOHN A. MOON, TENN.
CHARLES C. REID, ARK. 
JAMES T. LLOYD, MO. 
JACK BEALL, TEX.
EDWIN Y. WESS, N. C. 
AUGUSTUS O. STANLEY, KY. 
BIRD S. McGUIRE, OKLA.
MARCUS A SMITH, ARIZ. 
WILLIAM H. ANDREWS, N. MEX. 
JONAH K KALANIANAOLE, HAWAII. 
T. C. HANCE, CLERK. 
Committee on the Territories, 
House of Representatives U. S. 
Washington, D. C. 
May 29, 1906. 
X
Hon. V. Warner, 
Commissioner, 
Pension Bureau, 
Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir: 
Under date of the 20th instant, I believe, at my request, you advised me of the military record of one Benjamin Williams, late of the Revolutionary war, who was a pensioner. Now, I would like to find out if possible the date of his death or the date when his pension was discontinued. 
Kindly advise. 
Respectfully, 
Edwin W. Higgins
FIRST DEPUTY COMMISSIONER JUNE 1 1906 U. S. PENSION OFFICE.
O. W. & N. DIV JUN 1 1906 FILES
Page 35

FIFTY-NINTH CONGRESS. 
[Joseph] W. FORDNEY, MICH., CHAIRMAN. 
[Ernest] F. ACHESON, PA. 
[Edwin] W. HIGGINS, CONN. 
CHOICE B. RANDELL, TEX. 
LEMUEL P. PADGETT, TENN. 
WILLIAM C. ADAMSON, GA. 
Committee on Expenditures in the Navy Department, 
House of Representatives U. S., 
Washington, D. C. 
May 15th, 1906. 
X 
Hon. V. Warner, 
Commissioner, 
Pension Bureau, 
Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir: 
Kindly give me the service record in the War of the Revolution of Benjamin Williams, who enlisted from Voluntown, Windham County, Connecticut,- and was a pensioner. 
Thanking you in advance, I remain, 
Yours respectfully, 
Edwin W. Higgins 
FIRST DEPUTY COMMISSIONER MAY 16 1906 U. S. PENSION OFFICE
Page 36

9044
W 
U. S. Army & Navy Survivors’ OCT 5 1896 DIVISION 
Moosep. Conn. Sept 30th 1896 
Gentlemen 
Per advice of Jonathan Trumbull of Norwich Conn. I write to ask if you can give an abstract of the services of Benjamin Williams who served in the Revolutionary War from Voluntown, Conn and was a pensioner in the town of Sterling, Conn? Sterling was set off from Voluntown in 1808, I think. Also the same in regard to William Williams of Voluntown. If you can it will greatly oblige Yours truly 
J. E. Price 
U. S. PENSION OFFICE OCT 2 1896
Page 37

O. W. & N. Div. 
I 11855 
L. W. B.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS, 
WASHINGTON, D. C., 
October 14, 1896. 
Sir 
Replying to your request for information concerning the military record of Benjamin Williams, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you are advised that he made application for pension August 3, 1832, at which time he was 73 years of age and residing at Plainfield, Conn., and his pension was allowed for eleven months actual service as a private in the Conn. troops, Revolutionary War; a part of the time he served under Capt. John Dixon and Col. Russell. He enlisted at Sterling, Conn. 
Very respectfully, 

Commissioner. 

Mr. J. E. Prior, 
Moosup, Conn.
Page 38

O. W. & N. Div. 
I 11, 355 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS, 
WASHINGTON, D. C., 
December 8, 1896. 
Sir: 
Replying to your communication of recent date, herewith returned, in which you request further information concerning Benjamin Williams, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you are advised that for information relative to the date of his death, application should be made to the Hon. Auditor for the Interior Department, Treasury Department, this city, giving the soldier's full name and military record as furnished in this Bureau's communication of October 14th, together with the following data:- Certificate number, 9044, Act of June 7, 1832, Connecticut Agency. 
Very respectfully, 

Commissioner. 

Mr. J. E. Prior, 
Moosup, Conn.
Page 39

COPY. 
L. M. H.
May 17, 1906. 
Hon. Edwin W. Higgins, 
House of Representatives, 
Washington, D. C. 
My dear Mr. Higgins: -- 
In response to your letter of the 15th instant received on the 16th, I have the honor to advise you that it appears from the papers in claim, Survivor's File No. 11,855, that Benjamin Williams was born at Voluntown, Connecticut, in 1759 and resided at Sterling, Windham Co., Connecticut, when he enlisted in July 1776, and served seven months in Captain John Dixon 's company, Colonel Comfort Sage's regiment of Connecticut troops; that he enlisted about the middle of January 1778 and served two months under Captain Branch, Colonel Johnson; from July 1, 1778, two months under Captain Cutler, Major Backus, and was in General Sullivan's expedition to Rhode Island. 
He was allowed pension on an application executed August 3, 1832, at which time he was still a resident of Sterling, Connecticut. 

Very respectfully, 

Commissioner.
Page 40

COPY. 
L. M. H.
June 2, 1906. 
Hon. Edwin W. Higgins, 
House of Representatives, 
Washington, D. C. 
My dear Mr. Higgins:-- 
In reply to your letter dated the 29th ultimo, and received on the 31st, concerning Benjamin Williams a pensioner of the Revolutionary War, I have the honor to advise you that the date of his death is not shown in the papers on file in this Bureau. For date of the last payment of pension apply to the Auditor for the Interior Department, Treasury Department, citing the following data. "Certificate No. 9044, issued March 20, 1833, act of June 7, 1832, Connecticut Agency". 

Very respectfully, 

Commissioner.
Page 41

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES 
Form VAM-51
12-9-41 
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives 
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD* 
NAME Williams, Benjamin GRADE Private LINE  Maryland
WARRENT NUMBER 11816 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED October 6, 1794 to Henry Purdy, assignee 
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.