Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 675, for Benjamin Lewis, Connecticut
Page 1

SERVICE.  
Conn.
Continental

Lewis, Benjamin Polly

NUMBER
W675
B.L. Wt 6291-160-55
Page 2

Vol L. Page 49
47.485 Act Mar 3/53
Rec Apl 9/53
Polly Lewis
Widow of Benjamin Lewis (private)
Capt Hogan Private
Col Sheldon in Sheldon’s [Dragoons]
To 1780
Prisoner Rolls
War Revolution
Wt [warrant] No 6291 issued Sept 17/55
No Feby 53 – no 1965
Boynton
Adm: 160 acres Sept 12 / 55
Dodge
Rev Pri
Theodore Dickins
Newark
Wayne Co 
N. York
Page 3

Jas Chadderdon
Nov 25 1854
--
1865
New York Albany
Polly Lewis
widow of Benjamin Lewis
who served in the Revolutionary war,
as a private of Dragoons
Increased from $96-
--
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
100 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, 
to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
--
Certificate of Pension issued the
9th day of Jany 1854
and sent to
W. G. Wade Rose N. Y.
--
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 78 Vol. A

32
Page 4

Let to R. T. Shaw July 1. 1835 
Let to same Aug 1. 1835 
Let to  same & Pen. Agt. Sept.1. 1835} 
Continued  Notification sent to [unreadable] Esqr. Oxford, New York 29th July 1820-
13.121 4   
New York  
Benjamin Lewis of Oxford in the State of New York was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Sheldon of the Connecticut line, for the term of three years 1777.  
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 23rd of April 1818  
Certificate of Pension issued the 29th of June 18 and sent to Isaac Sherwood Esq Oxford Chen’go. New York  
Arrears to 4th of Mar, 1819.    83.16 
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Sep 1819.   48.00 
10 mo. 8/30 4/31. $131.16 
{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818.} 
Continued under law 1st May 1820
Page 5

Let to R. T. Shaw July 1. 1835 
Let to same Aug 1. 1835 
Let to  same & Pen. Agt. Sept.1. 1835} 
Continued  Notification sent to [unreadable] Esqr. Oxford, New York 29th July 1820-
13.121 4   
New York  
Benjamin Lewis of Oxford in the State of New York was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Sheldon of the Connecticut line, for the term of three years 1777.  
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 23rd of April 1818  
Certificate of Pension issued the 29th of June 18 and sent to Isaac Sherwood Esq Oxford Chen’go. New York  
Arrears to 4th of Mar, 1819.    83.16 
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Sep 1819.   48.00 
10 mo. 8/30 4/31. $131.16 
{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818.} 
Continued under law 1st May 1820
Page 6

State of New York
County of Wayne} ss 
On this the 31st day March A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me justice of the peace within and fir the county and State aforesaid Polly Lewis aged 75 years a resident of [unreadable] in the State of New York first being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Benjamin Lewis deceased who was a Private soldier in the Company Commanded by Capt Hogan in a regiment  of Cavalry commanded by Colonel Sheldon in the revolutionary war.  And she further states that she now in the receipt of a pension 
of one Hundred Dollars per year and that the proof of the service of her husband and of their marriage is on file in the pension office as she has been informed & believes.  And also the [unreadable] her name before she was married.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land which she may be permitted under the Act approved March 3 1855.
Witness John N. Harden     Polly Lewis x her mark
We Theodore Dickinson and F. N. Sheffield residents of [unreadable] in the State of New York upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and subscribed by Polly Lewis in our presence.  And that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.  And we further state that we have been acquainted with the above   named Polly Lewis
Page 7

47.485 
for a number of years last part and that we know that she is a widow at this time
Theodore Dickinson
F. N. Sheffield 
The  the foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; 
State of New York, 
Wayne County Clerk’s Office}  ss  I, Clerk of the County Court, in and for the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that John N. Harder whose genuine signature appears to the annexed Jurat &c is and was at the time of signing the same, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County and State aforesaid; duly elected and sworn, that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit; and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of record, having general jurisdiction. 
Given under my Hand and Seal of Office (the seal of said Court and County,) at Lyons, this 2 day of April 1853. 
Saxon B. Gavitt  Clerk
Page 8

47.485 
for a number of years last part and that we know that she is a widow at this time
Theodore Dickinson
F. N. Sheffield 
The  the foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me 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.
John N Harder J. P.
Page 9

Polly Lewis widow of Benjamin
Act 3d Feb 1853
Benj’n Lewis Pens’d $96 per annum N.Y. died 1838 Married 1313
W. G. Wade
Attorney
Present
Page 10

DECLARATION. 
In order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by Act of Congress of the 3d February 1853.
State of New York 
County of Wayne }  On this fifth day of March 1853 personally appeared Polly Lewis [1]  before the [2] subscriber a county judge [3]  a resident of Newark in the County of Wayne and State of New York aged seventy three 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 Act of Congress passed 3d of February, 1853, entitled "An Act to continue half pay to certain widows and orphans,"  That she is the widow of [4]  Benjamin Lewis who was a [5] soldier of the Revolution who drew a pension of ninety six dollars a year said Benjamin Lewis lived in Smithville Chenango Co  when first pensioned.   
She further declares that she was married to the said [6] Benjamin Lewis second day of Febry one thousand eight hundred and thirteen, in the county of Is at the house of Simon Shutts in the  State of New York on the you by 21 who was a Justice at the peace and who resided in the town of Mariland in said County of Otsego in the State of New York, by Esquire Coleyrovo who was a Justice of the Peace and who resided in the town of - that deponent's name before her marriage was Polly Palmer,  that her said husband Benjamin Lewis died in the town of Arcadia and State of New York on the first day of December 1838.  The only evidence she knows of her marriage to said Benjamin Lewis is [7] the said Simon Shutter and [unreadable] at whose house deponent was Married in Mariland Otsego County New York.   Polly Lewis  
Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year above written Leander S. Ketchum Court [unreadable] 
STATE OF NEW-YORK, 
Wayne County Clerk's Office,} ss.  I, SAXON B. GAVITT, Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State above mentioned, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that Leander S. Ketchum whose genuine signature appears to the annexed jurat was at the then the same Justice of the Peace in and for the county and state aforesaid, duly elected and sworn; that all his official acts, as such, are entitled to full faith and credit; and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of Record, having general jurisdiction, a clerk and seal.  
 In Testimony Where have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal, the seal of Court and County, at Lyons. 
S. B. Gavitt  CLERK.
Page 11

DECLARATION. 
In order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by Act of Congress of the 3d February 1853.
State of New York 
County of Wayne }  On this fifth day of March 1853 personally appeared Polly Lewis [1]  before the [2] subscriber a county judge [3]  a resident of Newark in the County of Wayne and State of New York aged seventy three 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 Act of Congress passed 3d of February, 1853, entitled "An Act to continue half pay to certain widows and orphans,"  That she is the widow of [4]  Benjamin Lewis who was a [5] soldier of the Revolution who drew a pension of ninety six dollars a year said Benjamin Lewis lived in Smithville Chenango Co  when first pensioned.   
She further declares that she was married to the said [6] Benjamin Lewis second day of Febry one thousand eight hundred and thirteen, in the county of Is at the house of Simon Shutts in the  State of New York on the you by 21 who was a Justice at the peace and who resided in the town of Mariland in said County of Otsego in the State of New York, by Esquire Coleyrovo who was a Justice of the Peace and who resided in the town of - that deponent's name before her marriage was Polly Palmer,  that her said husband Benjamin Lewis died in the town of Arcadia and State of New York on the first day of December 1838.  The only evidence she knows of her marriage to said Benjamin Lewis is [7] the said Simon Shutter and [unreadable] at whose house deponent was Married in Mariland Otsego County New York.   Polly Lewis  
Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year above written 
Leander S. Ketchum County Judge of Wayne County
I certify that on account of the infirmities of age and ill health Polly Lewis, above named, is unable to appear at Court. 
Leander S. Kitchen County Judge 
for executing the above declaration. If executed before a Court, at No. 1 write in open court, at 2, District, Surrogates [unreadable]   as is the case - If executed before a Judge, as it may be if the claimant is unable to attend Court, at No. 1, leave [unreadable]  subscriber, Judge of county or other court. At the name of the claimant, at 4 and 6 name of claimant's late husband [unreadable]    of claimant's late husband and his residence when pensioned -- if never pensioned, describe the service for[unreadable] pension. At 7 add such facts as the claimant is able to give respecting her marriage if she has a certificate or [unreadable]   family Bible or elsewhere, it must be attached the old original document itself to the above declaration; and a whose handwriting the record is and the length of time it has been in use. The other blanks are to be filled as [unreadable] If the claimant is unable to write, the Judge must so certify,.
Page 12

Benj. Lewis
Declaration
Smithville, Chenango Cy
$175
13121 
29 June 1819
Page 13

State of New York
Chenango County } ss 
On the 13th day of June 1820 personally appeared in open Court being a Court of record for the said County solemnly adjudged to be such by the tribunals of the several states Benjamin Lewis aged sixty years resident in the town of Smithville in said County of Chenango who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he served in the revolutionary war as follows a in Col Sheldons Regiment and Captain Hogelans Company of Dragoons that his former declaration was dated on the 23 day of April 1818 and that his certificate of pension is No. 13.121 or 13.129.  And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war passed on the 18 March 1818 and I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities contracts or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed viz 
one horse $36.00, 1 Cow $14.50, 1 Cow $18,   $68.50 
1 Swine $3, 1 dish Kettle $1.50, 5 common Chairs $2.50,   7.00 
1 ax $1.50, 1 Scythe $1.25,    2.75   
$78.25 
I owe the following debts viz  
To Gaylord Cummings for horse   $24
To Doct Charles Joslyn             3  
To Doct Levi Farr                     5.64 
To Doct Lot Harrington            7.00
To Mygatt & Hyde                    2.50
To Nicholas Powell                   6.00 
$48.14 
That my family consists of a wife & five children,  my wife is 39 years of age is confined with sickness has been for a long time,  oldest child 9 years old badly wounded by a cut in his foot, 2d child 8 years old, 3d child 5 years old,
Page 14

State of New York
Chenango County } ss 
On the 13th day of June 1820 personally appeared in open Court being a Court of record for the said County solemnly adjudged to be such by the tribunals of the several states Benjamin Lewis aged sixty years resident in the town of Smithville in said County of Chenango who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he served in the revolutionary war as follows a in Col Sheldons Regiment and Captain Hooglands Company of Dragoons that his former declaration was dated on the 23 day of April 1818 and that his certificate of pension is No. 13.121 or 13.129.  And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war passed on the 18 March 1818 and I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities contracts or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed viz 
one horse $36.00, 1 Cow $14.50, 1 Cow $18,   $68.50 
1 Swine $3, 1 dish Kettle $1.50, 5 common Chairs $2.50,   7.00 
1 ax $1.50, 1 Scythe $1.25,    2.75   
$78.25 
I owe the following debts viz  
To Gaylord Cummings for horse   $24
To Doct Charles Joslyn             3  
To Doct Levi Farr                     5.64 
To Doct Lot Harrington            7.00
To Mygatt & Hyde                    2.50
To Nicholas Powell                   6.00 
$48.14 
That my family consists of a wife & five children,  my wife is 39 years of age is confined with sickness has been for a long time,  oldest child 9 years old badly wounded by a cut in his foot, 2d child 8 years old, 3d child 5 years old,
Page 15

4th Child 2 year old & 5th child an infant.   
That I am by profession a farmer and in point of health enjoy as good as most men of my age.
Benjamin Lewis
Sworn to & declared or the 13th day of June 1820  before us Tracy Casper, M. Rown & David Bullaspt Esq Judges of said Court  
Chenango County Clerks office }  ss I Nathan Chamberlin Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Chenango do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and schedule thereto annexed one truly copied from the records of this Court and I do further certify that it is the opinion of said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibit in the aforesaid schedule is Seventy Eight Dollars twenty five cents.   
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my and affixed the seal of said Court this 1 day of July 1820 
N. Chamberlin Clerk 
Benj Lewis
Declaration
Smithville, Chenango Cy. 
$1.75
13121 or 13129
29 June 1819
Page 16

Declaration of Benjamin Lewis a Soldier
For the Hon the Secretary of War
Private
Col. Sheldon’s Regiment
1777 – 3 years
23 Apl 1818
Correct by Roll
The judges certificate of indigent circumstances mentioned 19 April 1819
Admitted
Oxford
Page 17

State of New York 
Chenango County ss } On this 23rd day of April 1818 before me the subscriber one of the Judges of Chenango Common Pleas personally appears Benjamin Lewis aged fifty Eight years resident of German in the County of Chenango in the state aforesaid who being by me first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision of the late act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war,  that he the said Benjamin Lewis enlisted in the year 1775 in Connecticut under Captain Porter in the regiment commanded by Gen. Wooster he thinks in the month of May for nine months against Canada under Genl Montgomery, the he again enlisted in the spring of 1777 into Capt Stoddards Company in Col Sheldons regiment of horse and served in that regiment as a private three years,  that he then hired a man to serve in his place during the remainder of the war and entered into the privateering service that an honorable discharge was promised him by Col. Sheldon and was after his departure delivered to his brother but which is now lost,  said discharge was given at Simsbury Turkey Hills in Connecticut.  That he was in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth and several other slight engagements and shirmishes that he is now in reduced circumstances and needs the assistance of his country for support and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services. Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid 
Benja Lewis
Charles Josslyn Judge
Chenango Com Pleas
Page 18

I Charles Joslyn one of the Judges of Chenango com pleas do certify that I am satisfied that the said Benj’n Lewis did serve in the revolutionary war against the common enemy as stated in the preceding declaration and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me to the Secretary for the Department of war pursuant to the directions the aforementioned act of Congress  
Charles Joslyn one of the Judges of Chenango Com Pleas
Declaration of Benjamin Lewis a soldier
For the Hon the Secretary of War
Private
Col Sheldon’s Regiment
1777  - 3 years
23 Apl 1818
Correct by Roll
The Judges certificate of indigent circumstances mentioned 19 April 1819
Admitted
Oxford
State of New York 
Clerks Office Chenango County }  I hereby certify that the within  named Charles Joslyn Esquire was at the time the within Affidavit was made before him a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County and that the within signature is his hand writing
Page 19

Chenango County ss this 19th day of May 1819 Personally appeared before me Andrew Commons [Cumins] & Jonathan Strait of the town of German in the County of Chenango and being by me duly sworn saith that they are aquainted with Benjamin Lewis and have been for all most two years past and further state that the said Benjamin Lewis is an indigent person and have no real property or personal except one Cow and that he owes for and no other way to support himself only by his Labor 
Andrew Cumins 
Jonathan Strait 
Sworn this 19th day of May 1819 Before me 
Isaac Sherwood one of the Judges of Chenango Common Pleas 
I Isaac Sherwood one of the Judges of Court of Chenango Common Pleas in the State of New York do certify that I am acquainted with above witnesses and believe them to be men of truth and to be believed on their oath 
Dated at Oxford this 18th day of May 1819  
Isaac Sherwood Judge
Page 20

State of New York  
Chenango County Clerks Office } I hereby Certify that  Isaac Sherwood Esqr . before whom the  within affidavit appears to have been taken was at the time of taking the same a Judge of the Court of Com. Pleas in and for the County aforesaid duly authorized & commissioned to take the same and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily of believe the signature of the said Judge [unreadable] his own proper hand writing 
Witness the seal of the Court of Com Pleas this 1st day of June 1819 -  
P W Latham Dep Clerk
Page 21

OWN  
AWF 
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section. 
Mrs. Charles Bullock 
Box 186 
Thomaston, Connecticut.
Dear Madam: You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 675, that Benjamin Lewis enlisted in the state of Connecticut, place not designated, in May 1775, and served nine months in Captain Porter's Company, Colonel Wooster's Connecticut Regiment, and was in the expedition to Canada under General Montgomery. He inlisted in the spring of 1777 and served three years as a private in Captains Stoddard's and Hoogland's Companies, Colonel Sheldon's Regiment of Dragoons, and was in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth, 
He also stated that he served on board a privateer, no particulars given. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 23, 1818, at which time he was living in German, Chenango County, New York , and was aged fifty-eight years. 
In 1835 he was living in Dryden, New York. 
He died December 1, 1838, in Arcadia, Wayne County, New York, 
The soldier married February 2, 1813 in Maryland, Otsego County, New York, Polly. She stated that her name before marriage was Polly Palmer; a witness testified that it was Polly Case. There is no explanation given for the use of both these surnames. 
The widow, Polly, was allowed pension on her application executed March 5, 1853, at which time she was seventy-three years of age, and was living in Newark, Wayne County, New York.
Page 22

In 1820, the soldier referred to his children, aged nine, eight, five and two years, and an infant, no names stated. 
Very truly yours  
E. W. MORGAN 
Acting Commissioner
-2-
Page 23

Let to W. G. Wade, 28" Sept / 53  
Let to W. G. Wade 8” Dec / 53  
1965
New York Albany 
Polly Lewis widow of Benjamin who served in the Revolutionary war , as a private 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February 1853  
Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day of Sept / 53 and sent to W G. Wade Rose N.Y.  
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act Feby 3d / 53  Page 78 Vol A.
1818
Page 24

33, 196 
New York, Albany 
Benjamin Lewis dec’d, 
of the State of N. York who was a private & Dragoon  in the  -  commanded by Captain - of the  -  commanded by - in the Revolution for two years.  
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany the rate of 100 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831 & End 1st December 1838 
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of Jany 1854 and sent to W. G. Wade Rose N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of -
Semi-annual allowance ending – 
Deducting former payments under act of 1818, at $96 per annum   
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.} 
Recorded by H. R. Weightman Clerk 
Book C.2 Vol. 4, Page 43
Page 25

In reply to your request of  - received -  a statement of the military history of Benjamin Lewis 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. W. File 675
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. May 75  LENGTH OF SERVICE. 9 months expedition to Canada under Porter General Mont [Montgomery] Colonel Wooster STATE 1st Conn.  
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. Spring 77. LENGTH OF SERVICE. 3 years RANK.   Pri.  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  Captain Stoddard, Captain Hoogland, Colonel Sheldon  STATE Dragoons
Battles engaged in, Brandy [Brandywine], German [Germantown],  Mon [Monmouth].  
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Enl in Conn.
Date of application for pension, Apl 23, 1818 1835 res Dryden N.Y.
Residence at date of application, German, Chenango, NY
Age at date of application, 58 yrs.  died Dec. 1, 1838 Acadia, Wayne Co. NY
Remarks: 1820, wife 39 [years], children 9, 8, 5, 2 years & an infant, names not stated
His wid [widow] was penioned Mch 5 1853 at 73 yrs & a res [resident] of Newark, Wayne Co, NY; she stated that her name before marriage was Polly Palmer witnesses testified that it was Polly Case,  Mar. [married]  Feb 2. 1813 in Maryland Otsego Co. N.Y.
Page 26

IN REPLY REFER TO 3-2562  
Rev. and 1812 Wars Section. AWF/MLB  
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS WASHINGTON  July 1. 1930.
Mrs. Charles Bullock. 
Thomaston. Box 186 
Connecticut  
Dear Madam: 
I advise you that the data furnished by you are not sufficient to enable this bureau to make intelligent reply to the queries contained in your letter.
Please fill out such of the blank spaces below, as the information in your possession will permit, and return to this bureau.
First name of widow Mary Howe 
Full name of soldier, Benjamin Lewis 
Residence of soldier at enlistment   do not know 
Residence of soldier after service do not know 
Name of state from which he enlisted Possibly New York  
Approximate date of birth June 24, 1755 New Hartford Conn 
Approximate date of death   October 29, 1831. at Horrich Fairfield NY 
Kindly return attached letter with your reply. 
Respectfully,  
E. W. MORGAN  
Acting Commissioner
[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE JUL 26 1930
He was born at Farmington Conn.  He was supporsed to have been a Sergeant in Colonel Meigs regiment.  He was at New York when that city was taken by the British. He was at New Haven and White Plains and afterwards went to Canada under Gen Montgomery.   I want proof of the above 
Mrs C.A. Bullock
Page 27

TYC
U.S. Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington D.C. 
My dear sir
I much desire a copy of the pension papers of Benjamin Lewis a private in the War of the Revolution. & was a Connecticut Pensioner -I am told under the act of 1818  residing in some part of the State of New York. I desire  this record to complete a line in the society of the DAR. Thanking you for all your trouble & am sincerely Yours 
(Miss) Florence Jack Camden 
Oneida County New York
yours July 26 1907
[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE  F JUL 27 1907
[stamp] O.W.&N. DIV. FILES JUL 30 1907
Page 28

O.W. & N.
GEO. A. DAVIS 
FRUITS - GREEN AND DRIED. MEXICO, N.Y. 
STRAWBERRY HILL. 
Mexico, N.Y. June 23 1903 
Mr.  Pension Department 
Washington D C 
Dear Sir: Your favor of 
Will you send me the Revolutionary War Record of James Mosher of Westchester Co New York and of Benjamin Lewis Cheshire Conn 
Yours truly Mrs Geo A Davis  
Mexico, Oswego Co New York
[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE  A JUN 26 1905 
[stamp] U.S.P.B. OLD WAR & NAVY FILES JUN 27 1905
Page 29

Rome NY
July 11 1905  
Com of Pension 
Washington on Sir D.C. 
Will you Please inform me whether the name of Benj Lewis is on the List of Rev. Soldiers receiving a pension from the state of New York. Also where it was sent etc.
Page 30

2 
If there is any expense, please inform me.
Sincerely yours
Josephine Lewis 
315 N. James St
Rome NY
Page 31

Hillsdale, Nov. 27, 1901 
Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington, D.C. 
Do the records show where this man lived at the time be applied for a pension, Benjamin Lewis, private, enlisted March 3rd 1777, from Litchfield, Conn, farmer, stature 5 ft. 7½ in, complexion dark, eyes dark, hair sandy, discharged June 1st 1780. This Benjamin Lewis served in the Third troop of Col Sheldons Light Dragoons Revolutionary War.
Mrs F. A. Hodges 
39 Howell St. 
Hillsdale, Michigan
Page 32

Decr 21 1901 Mrs. F. A. Hodges Hillsdale Mich 
Apr 21 - 1902 Elizabeth Moore Bridgeport Conn 
July 3, 1905 History to Mrs. Geo. A. Davis, Mexico, NY. from card.  
July 26, 1905 Hist. to Josephine Lewis Rome, N.Y.
1907 July 31, Hist to Florence J. Peck 
1930 Aug 4 hist to Mrs. Charles [unreadable] AWF 
Revy War   WIDOW, &c. 
File No. 675 
Polly Lewis 
Widow Benjamin Lewis 
Pri Rev War 
Act: Feb. 3, 1853 
Index: A Vol. 4 , Page 426  
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 33

No. 47485 
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855. 
Received Apr. 9, 1845  
Benjamin Lewis 
Rev 
Warrant No. 6291-160-55 
Theodore Dickinson Newark Wayne Co N.Y.
Page 34

Pension Office
10" Sept. 1853, 
Sir
Please certify the time to which the within named pensioner was paid or the date of his death. 
Very Respectfully 
J Cole
For the Commissioner  
Benjamin Lewis Act 1818 $8 p.m. - Died 1st Decr 1838, Paid to his death. 
F Burk Auditor. 
Francis Burt Esqr Third Auditor, Treasury
Page 35

6291
160 acres
Page 36

To what time, and date, was Benjamin Lewis, (N. York, act March 1818) last paid?  
Respectfully J L Edwards 
Paid to 4 Sept Sept. 1. 1834
Accts for 2d [unreadable] not sent in [unreadable]
Page 37

Rose New York  
June 27th 1833, 
Sir
I enclose herewith the application of Polly Lewis claiming a pension under act of Feby 8 1853, 
I am Resptly, Your Obt Sert 
W G. Wade 
L P Waldo Com of Pension
Page 38

New York 
Act 3 February 1853  
Polly Lewis widow of Benjamin priv Dragoons 
Adm at $100 per annum from 3. Feb 1853  
former payments, if any, at $96 per annum to be deducted- 
Albany 
W. G. Wade Rose NY
Page 39

Rose New York, 
September 22d 1853 
Sir
I have rec’d the pension issued to Polly Lewis widow of Benjamin under 2d Section of the act of Congress of 3d February 1853, allowing a pension of $96 per annum, it is claimed by the widow that her late husband served as a dragoon, for 3 years,  if such is shown to be the facts in his papers, the pension certf should have been for $100 per annum.  
I am Respectfully Your Obt Sert 
W G Wade, 
Hon L P Waldo Com of Pensions,
Ans’d
Page 40

Pn Office
Benj Lewis
Sept 28 – 53
B. L. not a dragoon
Polly Lewis
Pens’d Act 3 Feb / 53
Page 41

Pension Office Sept 28, 1853 
Sir
In reply to your letter of the 22d you are informed that Benjamin Lewis, was pensioned as a private under the Act of 18th March 1818, at the rate of $96. per annum.  His papers do not show service as a Dragoon.  
Very Respectfully 
L.P. Waldo
Commissioner
W. G. Wade,. Rose N. Y.
Page 42

Lewis
Page 43

Brief in the case of Polly Lewis widow of Benjamin 
Wayne County and State of N. York 
act 3d February, 1853. 
Claim (“original," ) 
Proof exhibited, (if original.) 
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. 
Husband was a pensioner, under the Act. of 18" March 1818. & Cont’d [continued] 
Parole proof of Marriage 
(If for increase.) Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what? 
W. G. Wade Esqr Rose N.Y.
Name and residence of Agent 
S. C. Boynton 
Examining Clerk.
Page 44

New York 
No 38.683 
Act 7 June 1832  
Benjamin Lewis dec’d Private Dragoons 
Admd [admitted]   $100 per annum, from 4 March 1831 to 1 December 1838 when he died - former payments at $96 per annum under act 18. March 1818 to be deducted; payable to his Widow Polly Lewis Albany 
W G. Wade Rose N.Y.
Page 45

Rose New York Jany 27 1854 
Sir
I herewith return the certificate Polly Lewis for correction, in compliance with yours of the 8th ult.  
Very Respectfully Your Obt Servt  
W G Wade 
L.P Waldo Esq Com pension
Page 46

Lewis
Page 47

Brief in the case of Benjamin Lewis decd & Polly his widow 
County and State of New York 
act 7 June 1832 & 3 Feb 1853 
Claim, (original " or " for increase.) 
Proof exhibited, (if original) 
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
(If for increase.) 
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
The husband admd [admitted]  a pensioner at $96 per annum under act 18 March 1818 - Having been private of Dragoons he was entitled under act of June 1832 to $100 per annum.  His widow is entitled to a certificate for the difference to the time of his death Commencing from 4 March 1831.   She having been admd under act of 1853, to his former rate of pension $96 per annum, is also entitled in her own right to the same increased rate, under that act, from Feb 1853 
Name and residence of Agent
W. G. Wade Rose NY 
McRae Examining Clerk 
By direction of Chief Clerk
Page 48

June 29
Benj Lewis
N York
27 June 19
R. T. Shaw PM
W. Dryden
FREE
Hon James l. Edwards
Commr Pensions
Washington City D.C.
Page 49

Dear Sir
You will do a favour to a Vetson [veteran]  of the Revolution (Benjamin Lewis served under Capt. Hogan and Col Sheldon of the Draggoons or Light horse Conn St - his name is on the Roll of said company or regt at Washington) By forwarding a new pention paper or giveing directions what course to persue relative to the Papers which he had he deposited them with David Hanmer and he drew it for him 3½ years and undertook to have him he says this Last March and he wished me to draw it for him informing me that he was in want of Provisions to subsist on and that Hanmer was shaving him &c.   I drew a order for the Pention Papers on Hanmer and sent for it he would not let it go with out paying him $10 & have &c. I then notified the man said Lewis he then applied To an attorney, he advised him to prosecute him the said Hanmer, he Did so (he went to Hanmer and Demanded his papers) and Hanmer non suited him, he then called on the sheriff and he proceeded with a writ of Replery But could not find the Papers and Hanmer swears defiance, the Poor old Vetson of the Revolution has been living on the charity of the Publick here since last March in consequence of Hanmers detaining his pention Papers, his money has not been Drawned yet,  the old man called on me this Day and Beged me to write you for Relief
H C Dryden June 18, 1835 
I have done so and am your Obt Servt 
R. T. Shaw 
P.S. You will please write me soon and I will obey your directions in behalf of the old man 
Yours R.T. Shaw 
The above is a true statement and I will make a Mr. Show an agent for me. Your obedient svt 
H. R. Draysen  June 8. 1845 Benj Lewis
Page 50

Washington Dec 7th 1853 
Sir
I return the report forwarded from your Office on the 28 Sept last, in the claim of Polly Lewis - widow of Benjamin - pensioned act 3d Feby 1853, New York -  claiming an increase of pension for the services of her late husband, as a Dragon, and request an adjustment of her claim in accordance with the evidence in the papers filed, which clearly show, that Benjamin Lewis was pensioned for 3 years service in Col Sheldons Regt of Dragoons, and it is noted upon his declaration that the Rolls corroborate his statements.  The enclosed report to the contrary notwithstanding. 
Very Respectfly Your Obt. Svt. 
W. G. Wade
Hon L P Waldo Comr of Pensions
Page 51

Sept 58. Resided in Arcadia New York, for 17 years, previously in Dryden Tompkins Co. NY 
Polly Lewis 
$96 New York Wayne Co. 
Payment to be  made at Albany 
T. W. Olcott 
 Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of New York 
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March 
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page 78 Vol. A 
H. R. Weightman  Clerk
Page 52

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
WIDOW'S PENSION. 
I certify that in conformity with the 2d section of the act of Feb May 3, 1853 
Polly Lewis 
widow of Benjamin Lewis who was a private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Ninety Six dollars per annum, commencing on the 3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.  
Given at the Department of the Interior this Sixteenth day of September one thousand eight hundred and fifty three 
R. McClellan  
Secretary of the Interior.
 Examined and Countersigned. 
L.P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 53

P.S. you will please forward the check to me as his agent
at Dryden  July 17, 1833
Yours Truly 
R. T. Shaw
Page 54

State of New York 
Tompkins County, } ss. August the 14th day of 1835. 
Conformably to the Regulations of the War Department of the 27th of October, 1832, I Parley Whitmore a commissioner of deeds  in the county above named, do hereby certify, that I have the most satisfactory evidence, viz*: 
that I am personally acquainted with the aforementioned Benjamin Lewis and have been acquainted with him for term of thirteen years - and-  
that the said Benjamin Lewis who this day appeared before me to take the oath of identity, is the identical pensioner he declares himself to be in the annexed affidavit, and I am also satisfied that the statement made by him in relation to the pension certificate is true. 
Given under my hand, at Dryden in the County aforesaid the day and year above written. 
Parley Whitmore  Commissioner of deeds 
State of New York 
Tompkins County ss  
I, Arthur Johnson Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Tompkins county, certify, that Parley Whitmore is a Commissioner of Deeds duly authorized to administer oaths of said County and that the foregoing certificate, purporting to be his, is genuine. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of office, and subscribed my name. this fifteenth day of August in the year eighteen hundred and thirty five 
[SEAL OF THE COURT]   
A.S. Johnson Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Tompkins County 
Here state what the evidence is whether personal knowledge, or the affidavits of respectable persons, giving their names. 
The oath may be made before any officer duly authorized to administer oaths.
Page 55

State of New York 
Tompkins county } ss  BE IT KNOWN, that before me, Parley Whitmore a commissioner of deeds in and for the county aforesaid, personally appeared Benjamin Lewisand made oath in due form of law, that he is the identical Benjamin Lewis named in an original pension certificate, now illegally withheld by David Hanmer of the Town of Ithaca in the County of Tompkins and State aforesaid that this deponent further says upon his oath that he let the said David have his (the said Benjamin Lewis) have his pension certificate for safe keeping from time to time of drawing the amount as it became due and that Hanmer had been the said Lewis attorney for several years viz two or three, and that said David Hanmer, now refuses to give up and has at different times refused him the said Benjamin Lewis viz the said pension certificate and that he the said David Hanmer now at this date withholds the Same.  
[Here state the facts respecting the detention of the pension certificate.] 
that he is entitled to a pension of eight dollars per month, on account of wounds and disabilities received, or of services rendered to the United States, during the War; that he served in Captain Hoogland Company company of Dragoons in the Colonel Sheldons regiment; that he now resides in the Town of Dryden and has resided there for the space of thirteen years past; and that previous thereto, he resided in the Town of Smithfield Chenango County and State of New York.  
Benja Lewis
Sworn and subscribed this 14th day of August 1855 before me, 
Parley Whitmore Commissioner of deeds  
J.P.
Note. -- The above deposition must be signed by the deponent. This blank must be filled with the amount to which the Pensioner is now entitled, which, in some cases, varies from that in the original certificate. 
The oath may be administered by any officer properly qualified to take affidavits. 
the word August written on an erasure before executed- Parley Whitmore Commissioner of deeds
Page 56

State of New York
County of Otsego } ss 
John Shults Esq of the town of Maryland, in said County, aged 49 years & upwards, being first duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that he is a son of Simon Shutts of the town and County aforesaid, and who has been a resident thereof for 49 years past, that this deponent has been personally acquainted with Polly Lewis, who he understands is applying for a pension as widow of Benjamin Lewis, late a United States pensioner & that deponent was present at the marriage of said Benjamin Lewis and Polly whose name before marriage was Polly Case and saw them married in the latter part of the year 1812, or the begining of the year 1813, it was soon after the commencement of the war of 1812. they were married at the house of deponents father said Simon Shutts, by Andrew Colegrove Esq Justice of the peace, that said Benjamin Lewis, several years after their marriage & probably about the year 1820, became a pensioner of the United States, he resided several years in Tompkins Co. and removed to Wayne Co previous to his death which deponent understood took place about is the year 1838, and left said Polly Lewis his widow who has not since intermarried 
Lewis to the County of Chenango that afterward they removed from thence to Tompkins Co. that deponent has been at their house in Tompkins Co. and that they lived together as man & wife 
deponent further says that he is informed & believes
Page 57

but still resides in Wayne Co NY.  Deponent has examined town Clerks Book, & found on records of Marriage in them and has also enquired of the family of the said Andrew Colgrove and could not learn anything about said record.  
John Shutt 
Sworn and subscribed before me this 16th day of May 1833
A Wilcox 
I certify that the above named John Shutts is a credible witness 
A. Wilcox J. P.  
that the said Polly & Benjamin have since removed to the County of Wayne & that said Benjamin is now dead & has left the said Polly a Widow.
Page 58

Otsego County 
Town of Maryland ss}  Simon Shutts of Maryland in said County being duly sworn deposes and says that he is about seventy the years of age that he is informed and believes that Polly Lewis has made application for a pension, that he has been a resident of said town about 49 years last past, that the said Polly formerly lived in said town.   
Deponent further says that he is or was personally acquainted with the said Polly. That deponent is informed and believes that the said Pally intermarried with one Benjamin Lewis at the house of deponent in said town on or about the years 1812 or 1813, that said Polly previous to such marriage passed and was known by the name of Polly Case.  
Deponent further says that some few years subsequent to such intermarriage he removed the said Polly & Benjamin Lewis to the County of Chenango that afterward they removed from thence to Tompkins Co. that deponent has been at their house in Tompkins Co. and that they lived together as man & wife.  Deponent further says that he is informed & believes
Page 59

that the said Polly & Benjamin have since removed to County of Wayne & that said Benjamin is now dead & has left the said Polly a Widow. 
Subscribed & sworn before me this 16th day of May 1853 
Simon Shutts
A. Wilcox Justice of the Peace 
I do hereby certify that the above named Simon Shutts is a creditable Witness   A. Wilcox
STATE OF NEW YORK 
OTSEGO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. } ss I, WILLIAM C. FIELDS, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that A. Wilcox Esquire, was, on the day of May 1853 a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Otsego, My authorized to act as such, and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal of the said County, at Cooperstown, this 18th day of May 1853 
William C Fields Clerk
Page 60

that the said Polly & Benjamin have since removed to County of Wayne & that said Benjamin is now dead & has left the said Polly a Widow. 
Subscribed & sworn before me this 16th day of May 1853 
Simon Shutts
A. Wilcox Justice of the Peace 
I do hereby certify that the above named Simon Shutts is a creditable Witness   
A. Wilcox Justice of the Peace