Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 7810, Benjamin Ward, Conn.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE     Conn.

Ward, Benjamin

NUMBER     S.7810

carded
CONTENTS
Page 2

22.685. 
Ohio Pittsburgh 

Benjamin Ward 
of Ashtabula in the State of Ohio who was a Pte & Sergt in the Co by Caption Shepley of the Rgt by Col McClellan in the Connt. line for two years. 

9 mos  Pte   Infy.  ________ 30. 
3   do  Sergt. do   _________15. 
1 year Pte Artilley _________50.    $95. 

Inscribed on the Roll of Ohio Pittsb.g. at the rate of 95 Dollars 00. Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 3rd. day of Decr 1833 and sent to Luther Spelman Wayne. Ashtabula Co. Ohio. 

Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 1833, ------  237.50. Semi-anl. allowance ending 4. Mar 34-- 47.50. $285.00.  

{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832 } 

Recorded by Wm R. Palmer, Clerk, 
Book  6    Vol. 8.   Page 132. 

let 3d Jany 1840 Hon. J. R. Giddings 
Letter to G. F. Lewis Apl. 17. 50 - 
C.S. Simons Feby 13 1856 
Same March 22 1856 

He died April 14 - 1850
Agency Bork
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Benjamin Ward
Page 4

Deposition of Simon Fobes Esqr formily of the Town of Somers Tolland County and State of Connecticut Aged 76 
I Simon Fobes Depose and say that I was then in April 1780 a Lieut in the Mattross Company at New London Commanded by Adam Shapley Esqr & then enlisting men for said Company and did enlist Benjamin Ward aged 17 for one year and he the sd Benj Ward did serve the year faithfully in the Revolutionary War and further the deponant Saith that I was knowing to the Said Benjamin Ward in the summer of 1782 that he went to serve a campaign in the Continental Army and also knowing to his returne at the usual time that the Army went to winter quarters and further the Deponant saith not.    Simon  X  Fobes  his mark

State of Ohio Ashtabula County ss. } 
Wayne July 2th 1832 }I
Sworn to and Set his mark before me Joshua Fobes Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Ashtabula the day and year above written   Joshua Fobes  Justice of the Peace 

Deposition of Capt Joel Pease formily of Somers Tolland County and State of Connecticut Aged 71 / 
I Joel Pease depose and say that Benjamin Ward with myself about the first of April in the year of 1780 did enlist under Lieut Simon Fobes then belonging to the Mattross Company Commanded by Capt A Shapley for one year and then the Sd. Benj Ward did Serve his time out in the Revolutionary War and further the deponant Saith that in the year of 1782 I was in the Continental Army and did see the Sd. Benjamin Ward frequently and that the Said Benjamin Ward doing military duty, do not recolect to what Company the sd Benj Ward did belong to at that time, also was knowing that the soldiers in that Campaign enlisted for 9 months and that I am satisfied that the said Benj Ward by who I see and heard did enlist and did serve the nine monts, and further the deponent Saith not 
(Signed)           Joel Pease
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The State of Ohio 
Ashtabula County SS } 
I Saml. Hendry Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County of Ashtabula do hereby certify that Joshua Fobes whose name appears Subscribed to the certificate of the Affidavits of Joel Pease and Simon Fobes, on this Sheet, in his own proper hand writing was on the fifth day of July AD. 1832, a Justice of the Peace of said County duly commissioned and sworn agreeably to the Laws of the State of Ohio, and that to his acts as such full faith and credit are due 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court at Jefferson the seventh day of August AD. 1832 Saml. Hendry Clk
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State of Ohio Ashtabula County SS. 
Wayne July the 5th 1832 
Personally came Joel Pease before me Joshua Fobes justice of the Peace in and for Ashtabula County and took Solemn Oath that the facts contained in the Deposition within to which he did Subscribe his mane are respectively true as therein [crossed out 'contained'] setforth 
Before me    Joshua Fobes justice of the Peace 

I Joshua Fobes a justice of the Peace before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken do certify that Joel Pease [crossed out 'is a credible witness']  & and Simon Fobes are credible witnesses & that their statements are entitled to full credit 
Joshua Fobes justice of the Peace
Page 7

STATE OF OHIO. }
Ashtabula County, } SS. 
On this third day of August AD 1832 personally appeared [crossed out 'in open court,'] before me Luther Spellman a judge of --- the court of Common Pleas for said now sitting, County Benjn. Ward a resident of Wayne in the county of Ashtabula and state of Ohio, aged 69 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. 
That the year before New London in the State of Connecticut [illegible writing] year.  In the  month as April. he enlisted into the service of the United States, [illegible writing] by Capt Aaron Shapley in the regiment commanded by Colonel Ledge [illegible writing] that he enlisted at Summons in the County of Tolland in the State of Connecticut [illegible writing] New London where he Served the whole period of his enlistment, and was discharged that [illegible writing] the year    in the month of soon after New London was burned he was drafted in the Militia [illegible word] state as a Sergeant in the regiment Commanded by Col McClain, but he is now unable to recollect the names of the Company officers That he continued to serve in said company for about three [illegible word(s)] half of which last mentioned time was spent at New London where he was discharged that he had no documentary evidence or living witnesses to said last mentioned service that the he can now obtain. That in the month of April 1781 he again enlisted in the company commanded by Capt Levi Pease in the regiment commanded by Colonel Levi Pease a cousin of Said Capt Pease. That he enlisted at Summons aforesaid for the [crossed out 'Tour'] period of Eight months. That he marched to white plains, and was at horse neck & break neck during said Tour. [crossed out 'when'] and continued to serve for said Eight months when he was discharged at White plains.  That he has now no documentary evidence or living witnesses of the last mentioned service ---  That in April 1782 at Summons aforesaid he again enlisted in the company commanded by Capt Stillwell in the regiment commanded by Colonel Grovenor in the Connecticut line for nine months that he marched to white plains and was discharged at [crossed out ' white'] West Point in the State of New York. That of the first & last mentioned tours of service he has no documentary evidence or living witnesses in his knowledge except the affidavit of Joel Pease & Simon Fobes which he hereto attached.
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, [crossed out 'or (if any) only on that of the agency of the state of']

SWORN to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. Luther Spelman    Benjamin Ward 

WE Elias Marse ___ a clergyman, residing in the Town Williamsfield in Sd County and Nathl. Coleman Jr residing in Wayne in Said County hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Ward who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 69 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. 
Elias Marse
Nathaniel Coleman 
SWORN, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. Luther Spelman 

AND for the said Luther Spellman a Judge as aforesaid - [crossed out 'court'] do hereby declare [crossed out 'their'] my 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 [crossed out 'the court'] I further certify, that it appears to [crossed out 'them'] me that Elias Marse who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in [crossed out 'the'] Williamsfield and that Nathl. Coleman Jr Esqr who has also signed the same, is a resident in the township of Wayne and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.  I further certify that from bodily infirmity the said Benjamin Ward is unable to attend Court 
Luther Spelman
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The State of Ohio 
Ashtabula County SS }  I Saml. Hendry Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the Said County of Ashtabula do hereby certify that Luther Spellman whose name appears subscribed in his own proper hand writing to the within certificates and before whom the within affidavit was taken was on the third day of August AD. 1832 one of the Associate Judges of said County of Ashtabula, duly commissioned and sworn agreeably to the laws of the State of Ohio and that to his acts as such full faith and credit are due __ 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Said Court at Jefferson the seventh day of August AD 1832. 
Saml. Hendry  Clerk
I also certify that
Page 9

Benjamin Ward

27. 065
Page 10

The State of Ohio }
Ashtabula County ss }   On this 24th day of August 1833 personally  appeared before me Luther Spelman one of the Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for said County Benjamin Ward aged Seventy years and five months 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 7th 1832. That he was born in the town of Somers in Connecticut in 1763, the record of his age is there, that in April 1780 he enlisted for one year into a matross company commanded by Captain Adam Shapley, Lieutenants Simon Forbes and Jabez Stow, was stationed in Fort Trumbull one year as a private and received a discharge from Capt. Shapley at the end of 1 year service. But in the course of the year assisted to take a schooner loaded with Brittish goods-- That in August 1781, he substituted in the Militia three month for his brother John Ward and served as Sergeant 3 months at New London in the Regiment commanded by Col. McClellan. The Captains name not recollected. That previous to this last 3 months service he was 4 months in the French service while the French were assisting America under Captain Levi Pease & the Regt was commanded by Col. Levi Pease another officer and was at Wry. -- Breakneck. -- Chester, -- Horse Neck, -- Crumpond &c. [et cetera] had a written discharge from Captain Pease which is lost.-- That in 1782 he enlisted for 9 months under Captain Stillwell in the first Connecticut Regiment which was commanded by Col. Grover, & Maj: Clift -- was stationed at Planks Point, was at West Point, New Windsor and New Burgh and many other places not now recollected on account of infirmities and old age --- He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to any pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State __ He further saith that he removed from Somers Connecticut to Wayne Ashtabula County Ohio in 1814 where he now resides-  Benjamin Ward

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me Luther Spelman } Associate Judge
Page 11

We Robert Allen a Clergyman residing in the township of Wayne Ashtabula County and State of Ohio and Oshea Fobes residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Ward who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Seventy years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood whence he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion- 
Robt Allen Minister of Gospel 
Oshea Foles 
Sworn and subscribed the day and year above written
Luther Spelman

And I lather Spelman Judge of said court do hereby declare it my 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 a sergeant 3 months, and served as he states - And I further certify that to my certain knowledge Robert Allen who has signed the preceeding certificate is a Clergyman resident in Wayne Ashtabula County and that Oshea Fobes who has also signed the same is a resident of the same Township and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit. I further certify that the applicant had his papers made out more than a year ago and that I believe they were mailed for the war department and by some reason were miscarried and lost -- further more that the said Benjamin Ward is unable to attend Court on account of bodily infirmity Luther Spelman Associate Judge 

The State of Ohio }
Ashtabula County ss. }   Personally appeared before me the undersigned an associate Judge of the court of Common pleas Benjamin Ward who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he served one year in the State troops-- Commandant Col. Ledyard a private. Likewise in 1781 he served three months under Col McClelland a Sergeant-- But in the same year and previous to the last mentioned he served four months a private in the french artillery. In 1782 he enlisted in April for 9 months a private and was discharged in January following at West point-- making in all two years and four months for which I claim a pension. He has no documentary evidences or living witnesses except Simon Fobes and Joel Pease within his knowledge
Benjamin Ward
 Sworn and subscribed to before me this 8th day of November 1833. --  Luther Spelman } Associate Judge Com. Pleas --
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The State of Ohio 
Ashtabula County ss } 
I Saml Hendry Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County of Ashtabula do hereby certify that Luther Spelman Esquire whose name appears affixed in his own proper hand writing (which is to me well known) to the declaration and certificates foregoing and attached, is and has been since the first day of January 1833 One of the Associate Judges of the said Court of Common Pleas of Ashtabula County duly Commissioned and Sworn agreeably to the Laws of the State of Ohio - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court at Jefferson the 28th day of August AD 1833- Saml. Hendry  Clk.P.T.
Page 13

Benjamin Ward

[writing vertically oriented going from top to bottom of left lower corner of page, as follows:]  
f     Com. Pleas ---
Page 14

The State of Ohio }
Ashtabula County ss. }   On the 24th day of August 1833 personally appeared before me Luther Spelman One of the Judges of the Court of Common pleas for said County Joel Pease being of the age of Seventy two years and nine months, Who being first duly sworn according to law deposeth and Saith that he the deponent was enlisted in a Matross company in the town of [crossed out 'Somers'] New London which was commanded by Adam Shapley in 1780 and that Benjamin Ward of [crossed out 'the said'] Somers enlisted in the same company and served for one year. That in the campaign of 1782 The said Benjamin served nine months, and that he the deponent frequently saw him during that campaign either at Tarrytown, Tapan, New Burgh, or West point and further more this deponent saith not - Joel Pease Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written- Luther Spelman } Associate Judge 

The State of Ohio }
Ashtabula County ss. }   On the 24th day of August 1833, personally appeared before me Luther Spelman one of the Judges of the court of Common Pleas for said County Simon Fobes aged Seventy seven years and four months who being first duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that he the said deponent was in the year 1780 a Lieutenant appointed by the Governor of the State of Connecticut and commissioned as such in a Matross company commanded by Adam Shapley Esqr and in April (the same year) Benjamin Ward enlisted as a soldier in said company for one year and served faithfully for the said time-- And also that he was knowing to the said Benjamin engaging and going into the continental army for one campaign in 1782 and served until the troops went to winter quarters and then to his returning home to the town of Somers in Connecticut where we both resided. The deponent further states that knew the said Benjamin to go out to assist the French previous [crossed out 'subsequent'] to the last mentioned campaign while the French were engaged in the American service but for what length of time time he is unable to state and further he saith not --
Simon  X  Fobes his mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written, Luther Spelman } Associate Judge
Page 15

The State of Ohio }
Ashtabula County ss. }  I Luther Spelman do hereby certify that I have been personally and intimately acquainted for more than ten years with Lieutenant Simon Fobes and Joel Pease (both pensioners) who have appeared living witnesses in behalf of the within claimant Benjamin Ward for services rendered the United States by said Claimant as is by them stated - and I know them to be men whose general character stands high for veracity and truth and furthermore believe their statement is entitled to credit- 
Given under my hand at Wayne November 8th 1833- Luther Spelman } Associate Judge Com. pleas --


[writing oriented vertically going from bottom to top of lower left corner of page, as follows:] Ward
Page 16

WAR DEPARTMENT, 
Pension Office, 
24th Sep. 1833 
Sir :
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.  

A Statement, showing the service of Benjamin Ward 
[Column headings for the table of service, as follows:]
Period when the service was rendered. 
Duration of the claimant's service. 
Rank of the claimant. 
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Cap. 
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.  
Proof by which the declaration is supported. 

Period       April 1776
Duration    1. year
Rank  Pri
Names of Field officers      Cap. Shapley   Col Ledyard
Age at present, and place of abode     69 years  Tolland Conn
Proof   Tradtionary and living witnesses ---

Period       April 1776
Duration    3 months
Rank  Serg.
Names of Field officers      Col McClarin
Age at present, and place of abode     69 years  Tolland Conn
Proof   Tradtionary and living witnesses ---

Period       April 1781
Duration    8 months
Rank  Pri
Names of Field officers      Cap. Pease   Col Pease
Proof   living witnesses not certified to be credible

Period       April 1782
Duration    9 months
Rank  Pri
Names of Field officers      Col Grosvenor
Proof   See note f.




I am, respectfully, 
Your obedient servant, 
J. L. EDWARDS, 
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 17

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832. 
The following regulations have been adopted: This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c, Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. 
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law: 1. The Regular Troops. 
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service. 
4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record, DECLARATION. 
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. 
State, Terriory, or Disco ss 
On this day of County of of A B. a resident (b) of personally appeared (a) before aged ( in the county of and State, Territory or District 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 June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) served in the (e) regiment of the with and line, under the following named officers: 
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched . This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] 

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court,] 
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of & c. 

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia. except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: (k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with and C. D. residing in (the same subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be who has 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. Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid. [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] 
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 A.B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
I Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of & c. 
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission ; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least ne credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. 
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his-
Page 18

22. 685
27. 065

Benj Ward

Ohio

190
  47. 50
--------
237. 50

[crossed out 'Returned for']

Adm. 2 years  Viz

1. yr for Artillery
3 Months Serg  infantry
9      "        private    do



Luther Spelman
Wayne
Ashtabula Coty
Ohio
Page 19

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office, 
29th October 1833 
Sir :
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim. 

A Statement, shewing the Service of Benjamin Ward

[Column headings of tabular service record, are as follows:]

Period when the service was rendered. 
Duration of the claimant's service. 
Rank of the claimant. 
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. 
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.  
Proof by which the declaration is supported. 

Period when service was rendered.   1780
Duration of claimant's service.    1. year
Rank of the claimant.   pri   Artillery
Names and rank of Field officers.    Cap. Shapley
Age at present and place of abode.  70 years   Connecticut
Proof . . . .   Tradtionary and living Witnesses    Living Witnesses [crossed out 'not'] Certified to be credible

Period when service was rendered.   1781.
Duration of claimant's service.    3 months
Rank of the claimant.   Serg.
Names and rank of Field officers.    Col. McClellan
Age at present and place of abode.  70 years   Connecticut
Proof . . . .   Tradtionary and living Witnesses    Living Witnesses [crossed out 'not'] Certified to be credible

Period when service was rendered.   1782
Duration of claimant's service.    9 months
Rank of the claimant.   pri  
Names and rank of Field officers.    Cap. Stillwell    
Col. Grover 
Age at present and place of abode.  70 years   Connecticut
Proof . . . .   Tradtionary and living Witnesses    Living Witnesses [crossed out 'not'] Certified to be credible

I am, respectfully, 
Your obedient servant, 
J. L. EDWARDS, 
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 20

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832. 
The following regulations have been adopted: This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c, Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. 
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law: 
1. The Regular Troops.  
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service. 
4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record. 

DECLARATION. 
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. On this Sate, Territor day of County of of A. personally appeared (a) before aged (c) in the county of and State, Territory or District 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 June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) served in the (e) regiment of the with and line, under the following named officers: 
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] 

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B. 

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] 

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of & c. 

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Milita and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: (k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with and C. D. residing in (the same) subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be who has 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. Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] 
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 A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
I, Clerk of the Court of contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of do hereby certify that the foregoing for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of & c. 

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission ; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. 
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
Page 21

3 
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected . All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. 
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia. 
1. Where and in what year were you born? 
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it? 
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war , and where do you now live? 4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom? 
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 services. 6.  {To a Soldier {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given , and what has become of it?   { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
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 of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. 
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates. 
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. 
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. 
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. 
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure , taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. 
[ a ]  The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance. 
[ b ]  The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule. 
[ c ]  The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. 
[ d ]  The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. 
[ e ]  Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so to what amount of pension he is entitled. 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 and for such service I claim a pension." 
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each 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 four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority ; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit. 
[ f ]  The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. 
[ g ]  The opinion of the Court is always required. 
[ h ]  The Clerk must give his certificate in every case. 
[ I ]  The Clerk must fix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no pubseal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers. 

Mode of authenticating papers. 
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends 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. 

Proof of Service. 
[ j ]  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 claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from [ a ] to [ I ] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [ j ] applies to continental troops only. 
[ k ]  This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. 
[ l ]  If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. 
[ m ]  The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration
Page 22

April 7, 1938

Benjamin Ward
S.  7810
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. Ella S. Crocker 
131 Center Street 
Fredonia, New York 

Dear Madam: 

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin Ward, who was pensioned while living in Wayne, Ashtabula County, Ohio. 

The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, S. 7810, based upon the military service of Benjamin Ward in the War of the Revolution. 

Benjamin Ward was born in the year 1763 in Somers, Tolland County, Connecticut. The names of his parents were not given. 

While residing in said Somers, Benjamin Ward enlisted sometime in April, 1780, served one year as private in Captain Adam Shapley's company of artillery, stationed at Fort Trumbull under Colonel Ledyard. He enlisted sometime in April, 1781, served about four months in Captain Levi Pease's company, Colonel Pease's Connecticut regiment. He served from sometime in August, 1781, three months as substitute for his brother, John Ward, as sergeant in Colonel McClellan's Connecticut regiment. He enlisted sometime in April, 1782, served nine months in Captain Stillwell's company, Colonel Grosvenor's 1st Connecticut regiment. 

Benjamin Ward moved in 1814 from Somers,
Page 23

Connecticut to Wayne, Ashtabula County, Ohio. 

The soldier, Benjamin Ward, was allowed pension on his application executed August 3, 1832, then a resident of Wayne, Ohio. He died April 14, 1850. 

The papers on file in this claim contain no reference to wife or children of Benjamin Ward. 

In order to obtain the name and address of the person paid the last payment of this pension, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D. C. , and furnish the following data- 

Benjamin Ward 
Certificate # 32685 
Issued December 3, 1833 
Rate $95.00 per annum 
Commenced March 4, 1831 
Act of June 7, 1832 
Ohio, Pittsburgh, Agency. 

Very truly yours 

A. D. HILLER 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 24

War Department 
Revolutionary Claim 
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June 1832 Benjamin -Ward of the State of Ohio who was a Private and Seargeant in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Ninety five dollars per annum, during his natural life commencing on the 4th of March 1831 and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every Year 
Given at the War office of the United States this third day of December one Thousand eight Hundred and Thirty three 
Lews Cap 
Secretary of War 
Examined and Countersigned J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions 
No. 22.685

State of Ohio } 
Ashtabula Co ss }   I Lovel E Parker a Justice of the Peace in and for said County do hereby certify the above to be a true Copy of a Pension certificate this day exibited to me by Benjamin Ward of Wayne Ashtabula County Ohio.  Given under my hand this 23rd day of February AD 1850
Lovel E Parker { Justice of the peace
Page 25

The State of Ohio }
Ashtabula County  ss }  I. Abner Kellogg Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Lovel E. Parker is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 19th day of April AD 1848 and will expire on the 18th day of April AD. 1851 and that his Signature within written is genuine 
Given under my hand and the Seal of Said Court this 26.th day of Feby. AD. 1850 
Abner Kellogg Clerk
Page 26

Jefferson O. March 23/56 
Yours in Reply to the application of the Administrator of Benjamin Ward for an increase of Pension I have recd bearing date Feby 13, 1836 in which you say that "Benjamin Ward was pensioned for 3 mos sence as Sergeant 12 most as a private of Artillery, and 9. mos as private of Infantry."  If he had served two years as a private - he would have been entitled to $96.00 per year if I interpret the law aright- How can his rate of pension be diminised by his having served 3 mos of that time as a Sergeant ?  As private he was entitled to $96 00 and he received but $95.00 per annum __ May I ask the favor to have the subject reconsidered? Was he not entitled to any additional pay in consideration of his having served some part of the time as an officer? And if not why may I ask did he not receive $96, instead of $95. ___ 
Very Respectfully 
C.S. Simonds
Page 27

Washington City 
Jany 21. 1840 

Sir
Mr Benjn Ward a pensioner of the U States wishes me to enquire whether he did not make sufficient proof of his [crossed out 'being'] having served as a Sergeant in the Army of the Revolution. If so he thinks he should draw a larger pension then he does -- I regret to trouble you Sir but the old man is anxious I should make the enquiry. 
Yours with much respect 
M Gridley
Page 28

Detroit, Michigan. 
March 26th 1850. 

Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Sir :
Please to inform me of was Pensioner, to whom a Pension Certificate was issued (of which the within is a Copy) was entitled to Bounty Land for his Revolutionary services. I have troubled your Office to some extent lately with these requests, but do not see any means of obviating the same, as they are sent to me, by the parties, and they are anxious to ascertain if their are entitled.  I should suppose that perhaps they only come from a different channel, by this way or that they would come to you through the applicants themselves if not through me. 
I am Sir
Very Respectfully yours 
G. F. Lewis 
Mr. Douglas Payne.
Page 29

MRS. ELLA STONE CROCKER  
131 CENTER STREET 
FREDONIA N. Y. Mch 16 1938 

Veterans Admin
Washington D.C 

My dear Mr Hiller- 
Will you kindly give me Benjamin Wards data. He was a pensioner from Wayne, Ashtabula Co. Ohio.   He died Apr 24 - 1850 age 86 yrs. 1 mo 8 days.  I would like his service and family data 
I have written you before for data for my self but this is for Mrs Prof. Tallman of Fredonia - Kindly send answer to me as I am working on her WaR papers- 
Sincerely 
Ella S Crocker
Page 30

[round date and time-received stamp with click face printed around inner edge of stamp with an arrow pointing to about 11:30, with the following printing in the middle of the stamp, as follows:]  RECEIVED   MAR 19 1938  MAIL SUB.DIV.   VETS.  ADM.  [blurred, indistinct word] 5
Page 31

N 1810
Rev War
INVALID.

File No.   1810
Benjamin Ward
Sergt.  Rev.  War

Act :  June 7th  1832

Index :-- Vol.  1st,  Page 392

[Arrangement of 1870.]


[written vertically on left side of page going from top to bottom of page, as follows:]
1927 - August. 30 - Hist to Edith Saunders auf.
1938 - April. 7 -            "    "  Ella S. Crocker  auf.
Page 32

Aus. 8/30/27 

Walsenburg, Colo. 
June 25, 1927. 

U.S. Dept. of Int. 
Bureau of Pensions, 
Washington --

Gentlemen:- 
Please may I have Revolutionary War record & name of widow of Benjamin Ward - born Feb. 29, 1752 at Union, Conn. -
on "Pay Roll of the eight months men who served in the 1st. Conn. Reg - in the year 1782-" enlisted May 18 - 
discharged Jan 1 -    -- 7 mo. 13 days 
wages 49:50 
Pension file no. S7810 in Draper's Compilation of Conn. Pensioners - 
Very respectfully, 
Edith Saunders 
302 Kansas Ave. 
Walsenburg,
Colo.
Page 33

Walsenburg, Colo. 
Aug. 5th. 1927 

Dept. of Interior, Bureau of Pensions- Revolutionary War Dept 
Gentlemen:- 
Benjamin Ward - Rev. War Veteran was allowed pension Dec. 1833. Will you kindly see by the pension records the name of his widow & the date of his death, - file no 7810 - 
Very sincerely, 
Edith Saunders 
302 Kansas Ave. 
Walsenburg, Colo.
He substituted for his brother, John Ward, Aug. 1781- in Militia - Please may I have the Rev. War Record of this John Ward ?
Page 34

Please -- I need the name of his widow & date of his death --

Edith Saunders --  302 Kansas Ave.
Walsenburg,  Colo.

as the information in your possession will permit and return to this Bureau.

1st name of widow
xxxxxxxxx

Name of soldier  Benjamin [crossed out 'Abijah'] Ward

xxxx address of soldier at enlistment

xxxxxx

xxxxxx

State where enlisted    Conn.

Date of birth     1763 - in Somers, Conn.

Date of death

If unable to furnish company and regiment give names of commanding officers.

In April.1780 - enlisted - Mattross Co - under Capt. Adam Shapley
1781 - sergeant - New London Reg. Col. McClellan
1782 - 1st. Conn. Regt.   Col. (McClellan) Col S. Groves

Return attached letter with reply.
E. W. Morgan
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.

6 - 246
Page 35

Edith Saunders
302 Kansas Ave.
Walsenburg,
Colorado.


[very faint typewriting on document that is not readable]

[round date-received stamp with printing on inside of stamp, as follows:]  U.S. PENSION OFFICE   F   AUG  29  1927
Page 36

Rev. and 1812 
Wars Section.                                      awf

August 30, 1927

Edith Saunders 
302 Kansas Ave 
Walsenburg, Colo. 

Madam: 

I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 7810, it appears that Benjamin Ward was born in 1763 at Somers, Connecticut. 

While residing at said Somers, he enlisted and served with the Connecticut Troops, as follows- From April 1780, one year as a private in Captain Adam Shapley's Company of Artillery, Colonel Ledyard's Regiment; from April 1781, four months as private in Captain Levi Pease's Company, Colonel Pease's Regiment; from August 1781 (substitute for his brother, John ), three months as sergeant in Colonel McClelland's Regiment; and from April 1782, nine months as private in Captain Stillwell's Company, Colonel Grover or Grosvenor's Regiment. 

He was allowed pension on his application
Page 37

executed August 3, 1832, while a resident of Wayne, Ashtabula County, Ohio, having moved there in 1814. 

He died April 14, 1850. Agency Book

It is not stated whether soldier was married. 

Respectfully, 

E. W. MORGAN 
Acting Commissioner.