Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18584, John Benson, Penn.
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(S-1776)
SERVICE NUMBER
Penn. Benson, John W. 18584
Elizabeth

CONTENTS
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Reported 
payable to Jesse Benson Robert Benson Alsey Benson Sarah Griffith only children [unclear] living -- let to Pagt[unclear] 4'49
10446
North- Carolina
Elizabeth Benson (died?)
Widow of John Benson Penn
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818 and who died on the 16th Nov(ember) 1828 of Goolford in the state of N.C. who was a Private in the navy commanded by Captain ---- of the Regs commanded by Col. Ewen in the Revolution for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of N.C. at the rate of 80 Dollars -- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836 and ending 9th August 1838 when she [unclear]. --
Certificate of Pension issues the 20th day of Sept. 1848, and send to Ven. 
S.Ue. Sheffand
Salem, N.C. 
Total amount, $
[Act July 7, 1838]
Recorded by TH. Sumfain Clerk, Book D Vol. 1. page 285
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[unclear] sent to Gov. [Men.. unclear text] July 1821
Greensboro N. C. 
16.569 R
North Carolina
John Benson
of Guilairing in the state of N. Carolina who was a private in the reginment commanded E, Colonel River of the Penn. W line, for the term of 1777 to 1783
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence the 29 of October 1819
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 of March and 1820 Lefeatte Hon The Lettle, House Refs
Arrers to 4th of March 1820 33,80
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Sept 1890 68
4. M 1/31
$81,00
{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818.}

[unclear]
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John Benson
Declaration
Admitted on Role
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State of North Carolina
Guilford County
Superior Court of Law
Fall Term A D 1819.
This 29th day of October in the year of our Lord 1819 came John Benson aged about eight {eighty?} years before me Joseph John Daniel one of the Judges of the Superior Court of Law in and for the State aforesaid for the purpose of making the Declaration necessary to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress entitled an act making provision for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval service of the United States during the Revolutionary War, who being by me first duly sworn declareth and saith that he enlisted in the Continental service of the Pennsylvania line of infantry in Philadelphia in the year 1775 under a Capt. John Alexander belonging to the Regiment of Colonel William Ervin attached to the command of Gen'l Anthony Wayne that in 1777 he was at the battles of Germanton and Brandy wine in 1778 at the Battle of Monmouth in the State of Newjersy {New Jersey} that he was with Gen'l Wayne at the taking of Stony Point and at the Capture of Lord Cornwallis in 1781 that he was marched from thence to South Carolina and stationed on John's Island where he remained untill the year 1783 when he was regularly discharged that his discharge has since been destroyed by fire.  The said John Benson further states That he is now entirely blind and without any property from which he might derive a support - but has had to claim the aid of the public and is now maintained by the County of Guilford in which he resides and that he needs and requires the assistance of his
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Government
John Benson {X is his mark}
Sworn to and subscribed before me at Guilford this 29th Octo. 1819.
J. J. Daniel {initials illegible}

I Joseph John Daniel Judge as aforesaid do certify that I believe the said John Benson hath performed the service stated on the foregoing declaration and that he is entitled to a pension from his government.  {illegible} under my hand and and seal Guilford this 29th day of Octo. 1819
I furthermore state that he stands in need of the assistance of his country for support and maintenance
J J Daniel {initials illegible}

State of North Carolina 
Guilford County
David Worth and Jehu Beeson make oath that they have long been acquainted with John Benson who has made the foregoing Declaration in order to obtain a pension under the act of Congress that he is a man of good moral Character That they believe the statement made by him to be true & that from his old age poverty and blindness he stands in need of the assistance of his government for support.
David Worth
Jehu Beeson
Sworn to and subscribed before me at Guilford this 29th Octo. 1819
J J Daniel {initials illegible}
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State of North Carolina}
Guilford County}

I Joseph John Daniel Judge of aforesaid do certify that the said David Worth and Jehn Beeson are credible and respectable witnesses and believe their moral alligators made by them to be true.

Given under my hand and seal in Guilford This 29th day of October 1879
JJ Daniel JLHE
~~~~~~
Counter Signed
Thos Caldwell
Seal is not legible
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John Benson Affidavit -- Guilferd [unclear] les Law
The number of John Bensons pension [unclear] is sixteen thousand five Hundred and forty nine (16.549)
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State of North Carolina
Guilford County } Superior Court of Law
October Term A.D.1820

On this twenty fifth day of October A.D. Eighteen Hundred and twenty personally appeared in open Court being a Court of Record for the County & State aforesaid John Benson aged Eighty years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his Oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision by the Acts of Congress of the Eighteenth of March Eighteen Hundred and Eighteen and the first of March Eighteen Hundred and twenty = That he the said John Benson enlisted for the term of during the Ware – on the [blank] day of November or December In the year Seventeen and Seventy Seven in the State of Pennsylvania in the Company commanded by Capt John Alexander in the Seventh Regiment of Infantry.

In the line of the State of Pennsylvania on the Continental Establishment that he continued to serve in the Corps untill [until] the [blank] day of May – In the year Seventeen Hundred and Eighty two when he was discharged from the said service in Charlestown in the State of South Carolina – That he was in the Battles of Iron-Hill, Brandywine, a skirmish at White Horse, at Peola Works, Chestnut Hill, Germantown, Monmouth in New Jersey, Stony Point, James’s River, and at York-Town Virginia, and that he has no tother evidence now in his power of his said services except what is herein set forth –

And the said John Benson being duly sworn doth on his Oath declare that he served in the [“state” crossed out] Revolutionary War as follows In the Regiment of the [cross out] Inf Seventh Regiment of Infantry in the commanded by Capt John Alexander, in the Pennsylvania line.
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And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the Eighteenth day of March in the year Eighteen Hundred and Eighteen 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 to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of the 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 eighteenth day of March in the year Eighteen Hundred and eighteen and that 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 is contained in this schedule hereunto annexed and by me subscribed – 

Schedule
One old shirt 
One small pot 
One small Grid Iron 
One skillet
One fire shovel
One knife & fork
One spoon
One chair
Valued by the Court at $1.65 Cents

My trade is that of a Blacksmith. I am entirely blind and have been so for a number of years, am altogether unable to work or in any other way to conduce the [illegible] to my own support. I have been on the Parish of said County for four years together with my wife, who constitutes my whole family, and is sixty seven years old and entirely unable to work perfect cripple.

Sworn to and declared, on the twenty fifth of October In the year of Our Lord One thousand Eight Hundred and twenty

His Mark – X  
John Benson
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North Carolina
I Thomas Caldwell black of the Lafeuo Court of Law for the bounty of Guilford and state aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the Sehedale thereto Anneseed are (taly?) copied from the Record of said (leaire?) -- And I also further certify that it is the (ojinion?) of said leavie that the total amount in (clalve?) of the (Fersferty esehetieted?) in the aforesaid schedule is one dollar fourty five cents there being no deduction for debts due -- 
In testimony (caheceof?) Thaw Leneunts set my Land and affixed the Seal of said leaut at office on the twenty fifth day of October In the year of Our Lord One thousand Eight Hundred and twenty.

Given at office 25th of Oct. AD 1820

Ths (Thomas) Caldwell C.C.S.

H.B. I further testify that John Benson above named is a resident of Guilford County and state of N Carolina, and that he yet continues to be supported by the Parish of the County -- Ths (Thomas) Caldwell
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No 02091
Elizabeth Benson
dec'd
N. C.
act 7 July 38
m 85 d 28
{illegible} 9 Aug 1838
adm. {illegible} $805 pn am
{illegible} 4 March 1836 to 9 Aug 1838 the day of her death payable to Jesse Benson, Robert Benson, Sarah Griffith and Alsey Benson, only surviving children of Elizabeth Benson dec'd
Hon A. H. Sheppard
Salem N. C
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Guilford Co.
John Bensons heirs

H H Sylvester
Return to be made to 
James A Craig
Ruffins Mills
orange Co.
N. Carolina
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838. entitled an act granting half pay and pension to certain widows.
State of North Carolina Guilford County -Court of Pleas & quarter Sessions Nov. Term 1845.

On this the 25th day of November 1845 personally appeared before the Court of Pleas & quarter sessions for said County & State now sitting. Jesse Benson a resident of said County & State, aged Fifty-seven years who being first duly sworn according to Law maketh oath that he is a son of the late Pensioner John Benson Dec, whose heirs are now applying for the pension that was due there decd mother.
the Declarant States that said John Benson was a Pennsylvania Continental Soldier in the war of the Revolution. And was placed on the N. Carolina Pension role for Guilford County sometime in the Spring of 1820, at $96 per annum - that said pensioners died on the 26th day of November 1828. leaving a widow surviving who died on the 9th day of August eighteen hundred and thirty-eight. leaving the following four children surviving her to wit; the Declarant, Jesse Benson, Sarah, who intermarried with James Griffith, Alesey Benson, and Robert Benson all of lawful age.
The Declarant in behalf of himself and the other heirs at said of John
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Benson & Elizabeth Benson, further sets forth that to the best of his understanding and belief the aforesaid John Benson & Elizabeth were married in the Year of seventeen hundred & eighty four - and that they did live together as husband & wife till the death of the aforesaid John Benson.
In further proof of the said marriage this Declarant sends his own family record, there being no other.
Sworn to & Subscribed on the day and date first above written in open Court 
[signed] John M Logan C.C.C.
[signed] John Benson 

I John M Logan Clerk of the Court of Pleas & quarter sessions for Guilford county. Certify that it has been shown to the satisfaction of said Court now sitting - that the aforesaid Jesse Benson is a man of truth.
That John Benson (Pensioner) died on the 26th day of November 1828
That Elizabeth Benson died on the 9th day of August 1838, leaving surviving her four children to wit: Jesse Benson, Sarah who enter married with James Griffeth, Alesey Benson & Robert Benson all of lawful age.
Wherefore the Court ordered the Clerk to certify the same to the war Department
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of our said Court Nov. 24th 1843.
[signed] John M Logan C.C.C
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Jesse Benson was born 23rd of 12 mo 1785
Hannah Benson his wife was born 7th day of 5 mo 1787
Eliza C Benson their Daughter was born the 13th 12 mo. 1811
Talton Benson their Son was born 22nd of 5 mo. 1814
John M Benson their Son was born the 8th of 2 mo 1817
Sarah Benson their Daughter was born the 22nd of June 1819
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Eliza Benson her book
Eliza Benson was born December the 13th 1811
price fifty cents
The English reader
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Widow, &c.
File No. 18,584
Elizabeth Benson 
Widow of John Benson
Priv Rev. War
Act:  July 7th 1835
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 83
[Arrangement of 1870.]

No. 12091
Elizabeth Benson dec'd
N C
Set to H H Sylvester Aug't 11 1845
Set to E F. Brown Jan'y 22 '46
act 7 July 1838
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Widow, &c. 
File No. 18,584 
Elizabeth Benson  Widow of John Benson Priv Rev. War 
Act: July 7th 1835 
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 83 
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Set to Hon A. H. Sheppard Jan'y 22. 48
Set to same July 29. '48
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Dec 5. 1845
Elizabeth Benson

Proof of Marriage & Death of the Widow, & heirship of Surviving children.
Adalter can Elizabeth Benson dcd
See letter from Pension Office to H.H. Sylvester, Aug. 11. 1845.

The claim is now in charge of 
E.F. Brown Agent
Wash. D.C.
4.Dec.1845.
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Mch 18/48
Ralph Gowell
heirs of Elizabeth Benson

{written upside down}
5
Ralph Gowell Esq
Hillsboro N. C.
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State of North Carolina
Guilford County
Be it remembered that at a Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions begun and held for the County of Guilford, at the Court house in the Town of Greensboro on the third Monday of February 1848 during The 21st day of said month.
Present Esqrs.
John M. Morehead, Jed H Lindsay, Francis L Simpson, William Cobb, Peter Adams
Satisfactory evidence was this day furnished the Court that Elizabeth Benson Deceased, late of the County of Guilford, has left the following children who are now living, and all of lawful age, to wit:  Jesse Benson, Robert Benson, Sarah Benson Alsey Benson, and that Sarah has intermarried with James Griffith.
I, John M. Logan Clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarter Session for the Court of Guilford, State of North Carolina, do hereby certify, that foregoing appears of Record in my Office
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of our said Court at Office in Greensboro This 29th day of February A D 1848.
John M. Logan c.c.c.
By R. N McCulloch D. C.
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{written in margin} John Bensons Heirs
State of North Carolina
Guilford County
On this 17th day of October 1845.  Personally appeared before the undersigned One of the acting Justices of the Peace in & for said County Hannah Benson a resident of said County & State aged Fifty-Eight years the 7th day of May last and made Oath in due form of law, That She was well acquainted with John Benson Dec'd who was a United States Pensioner at Ninety six Dollars per annum, and who Resided in Guilford County N. Carolina and died on the Twenty-sixth day of November Eighteen hundred & Twenty-Eight, and left a Widow Elizabeth Benson heir surviving who did not afterwards marry, but remained his widow til her death, and she well Remembers that said Elizabeth Benson widow of the said John Benson, did die on the ninth day of August Eighteen hundred and Thirty-Eight, that she died on the day of our August Election held for the Purpose of Electing members to the General Assembly of N. C. that the said Elizabeth Benson left the four following Children her survivors Viz:  Jesse Benson; Sarah who intermarried with James Griffith; Alse Benson; & Robert Benson; all of Lawful age and the only surviving Children & Heirs at law of the said John & Elizabeth Benson Dec'd; that she does know from her Personal acquaintance with the said John & Elizabeth Benson the said Elizabeth Benson to have been the widow of the Identical John Benson who was a Pensioner as above Stated; that she knew the said John & Elizabeth living together as Husband & wife near forty five years passed; and she never heard any thing but what said Elizabeth Benson was the said John Bensons lawful wife; and she has no doubt of it; and she has often heard her Mother and the said Elizabeth Benson say there was only one days difference between her age and Sarah Benson (now Sarah Griffith) who was the second child of the said John & Elizabeth Benson; and she was fifty Eight years of age the 7th day of May last which she has a Record of;
Sarah Benson {seal}
qualified & Subscribed to before me this 17th october 1845
Jehu C. Lamb J. P

I J. C. Lamb do hereby certify that Hannah Benson the above deponent is a woman of truth & respectability given under my hand october 17th 1845  Jehu C Lamb J P {seal}
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State of North Carolina
Guilford County
On this Seventeenth Day of october Eighteen hundred & forty five personly appeard before me J. C Lamb one of the acting Justices of the piece in & for s'd County John gordon who being first Duly Sworn according to law, Doth on oath make the following Statements (Viz) that he was such acquainted with John Benson, dec'd, pensioner of the United States who lived in guilford county North Carolina & who Died on 26th Day of November Eighteen hundred & twenty Eight & left a widow Elizabeth Benson heir surviving who Did not afterward marry, but remaind his widow until her Death, with whom he was also acquainted & who Died on the 9th Day of August 1838, Eighteen hundred & thirty Eight, & left surviving her the following four children Jesse Benson; Sarah, who intermarried with James Griffith; Alsa Benson & Robert Benson, the only surviving children & heirs at law of the s'd John & Elizabeth Benson, Dec'd, & of lawful age.  that from his personal acquaintance with the s'd John & Elizabeth Benson he Does know that the s'd Elizabeth Benson was the Identical widow of the s'd John Benson who was a pensioner as above stated.  & this Deponent sayeth further that he new the s'd John & Elizabeth Benson before they were married & after til their Death, that they were married Shortly after the revolutionary war, & this Deponent Saith that he himself is in his seventy fourth years of age & he remembers when he was nineteen years of age he comenst {commenced?} working at the Sadlers trade, & that he wel recolects John & Elizabeth Benson living together as husband & wife previous to his commensing the Sadler trade, & they so continued to live until their Death & he has no Doubt but they were lawfully married for general reputation forbids any such an Idea & from his long & intimate acquaintance with Jesse Benson their oldest Son he believes him to be in his sixtieth year of age
qualified to & Subscribed this 17th Day of october 1845 before me
John Gordon {seal}
Jehu C Lamb J P {seal}
I Jehu C. Lamb Do hereby certify I have known John gordon from my infancy & known him to have him a respectable man & a man of undoubted varacity & truth.
October 17th 1845     Jehu C. Lamb J P
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State of North Carolina
Guilford County
october 17th 1845 personly appeared before me Jehu C. Lamb an acting Justice of the piece in & for s'd county of Guilford Sarrah Griffith & made oath in Due form of law that She is the second Child of John Benson, Dec'd, who was a United States pensioner at Ninty six Dollars per annum, & Elizabeth Benson who was the wife of the s'd John Benson pensioner as aforesaid that She does know her mother the s'd Elizabeth Benson Did Die on the Ninth day of August in the year Eighteen hundred & thirty Eight, that her Death took place on the day of our Election which was held on the Ninth Day of August 1838 for the purpose of Electing representitives to the Legislatar of North Carolina & she also remembers of writing a letter to her relations in the State of Tennessee informing them of the death of her mother the s'd Elizabeth Benson, that her mother the s'd Elisabeth Benson was not a member of any church nor was there any physitian attended a her Just previous to her Death, therefore the clergiman or doctors lack Do not Show anything relating to her Death, nor is her mothers Death registered any where to her knowledge.  affirmed to & subscribed this 17th of October 1845 before me
Sarah Griffith {seal}
Jehu C. Lamb J P 
I hereby certify that Sarah Griffith is a respectable woman & a woman of undoubted truth & varasity  October 17th day 1845
Jehu C. Lamb J P

State of North Carolina
Guilford County
october the 17th 1845 personally appeared before me Jehu C. Lamb an acting Justice of the piece in & for s'd County Cuthbert Hiatt, aged sixty six years a resident of s'd County & after being Duly sworn according to law saith that he was wel acquainted with John Benson, Dec'd, Pensioner of the united States who resided in guilford County N. Ca. & Died on twenty sixth of November Eighteen hundred & twenty Eight & left him surviving a widow Elizabeth Benson who Died on the Ninth Day of Agust eighteen hundred & thirty Eight with whom he was acquainted & who left her surviving the following Children vis, Jesse Benson Sarah who intermarried with James Griffith, Alsa Benson & Robert Benson the only surviving children & heirs at law of the s'd John & Elizabeth Benson, Dec'd; that he knew the s'd John & Elizabeth Benson from the time he was not more than five years of age until their Death & that he remembers when he was quite a small boy the s'd Elizabeth Benson lived at his fathers & he wel recolects tho not more than five or six years of age of the s'd John
Page 26

Benson coming to his fathers to see the [illegible] Elizabeth Benson and as he understood it was to court her. And he remembers of the [illegible] John Benson's coming and taking the [illegible] Elizabeth Benson from his fathers to get married. And he afterwards understood that they were married. And he has no kind of doubt that they were lawfully married and never heard otherwise.  And he has no doubt but does believe that the [illegible] John and Elizabeth Benson were married sixty years ago that he was born in the year seventeen hundred and seventy nine which he has registered and he does know that the [illegible] John and Elizabeth Bensons did live together as husband and wife several years previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred and [illegible] four because in that year he was fifteen years old. And when the [illegible] John and Elizabeth Benson were married he was a very small boy and could not have been mor than five or six years of age.
Sworn to and [illegible] this October 17th 1845 before me John C. Lamb [illegible] 
Cuthbert Hiatt [illegible] 
I hereby certify that Cuthbert Hiatt is well known to me and that he is a man of undoubtful truth and veracity October 17th 1845 John C. Lamb [illegible] 
State of North Carolina Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions
[illegible] County Nov Tern 18[illegible] 
Guilford County
I John [illegible]  Logan Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter sessions for Guilford County do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence was this day furnished said court that Elizabeth Benson deceased of said County whose heirs are now applying for a pension was the widow of the late John Benson of said County who was an United States Pensioner at $96.00 per annum and that said John Benson did die in the year 1828 leaving the aforesaid Elizabeth his widow who did not afterwards marry but remained the widow of the said John Benson till her death.
Satisfactory evidence was also furnished said court that said John Benson and Elizabeth were married previous to the 1st of January one thousand seven hundred and ninety four. Satisfactory evidence was also further shown said Court that said Elizabeth did die on the 9th day of August 1838. And that at her death she left but four children surviving her to wit, John Benson and Sarah Benson who intermarried with James Griffith, Alse Benson and Robert Benson all of lawful age. I also certify that after a careful search of the file of marriage bonds in this office I cannot find that of John Benson. I further certify that John C. Lamb is a magistrate as above that the [illegible] signature purporting to be his are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of our said court at office this 22nd day of November 1845
John M. Logan ccc
Page 27

The 8th month the 9th 1838
James Griffith
4 yds domestic 18 3/4 per yd  .75 cts
Received the above in full of James Griffith Some time Since the above date 12th mo - 27th day 1847
the above accounts copied from my day book as above & Set forth 
Duly affirmed to before me this the 12th mo - 27th day 1847
David Beard {illegible}
J. C Lamb J Peace

State of North Carolina
Guilford county
This day personally came before me J. C. Lamb one of the acting Justices of the piece in & for s'd county & state afores'd, Meriam Beard of s'd county aged forty two years and made affirmation in due form of law that the above account of Seventy five cents against James Griffith of S'd county was contracted with her for a winding Sheet for the burrying of Elizabeth Benson who died on the morning of the Ninth of the Eighth month (1838) one thousand Eight hundred and thirty Eight & that I said Meriam Beard have known the Said Elizabeth Benson for some twenty five years, and that she was the widow of John Benson, dec'd, of s'd county who was a pensioner of the united States -- John & Elizabeth Benson afores'd were both well known to this affiant as they lived for several years on one of her fathers plantations -- and this affiant further states that s'd John and Elizabeth were lawfully married as she has understood & believes and they lived together as husband & wife until the death of the s'd John Benson pensioner
Miriam Beard.
Qualified & Subscribed to before me this the 27th day of December 1847
J. C. Lamb J Piece

I the said Justice do hereby Certify that I am personally acquainted with the above affiants David Beard & Meriam Beard that they are highly respectable citizens and their statements are entitled to full & ample credit
J. C. Lamb J Piece
Page 28

State of North Carolina
Guilford County
I John M Logan, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for the County of Guilford, do hereby certify that J. C. Lamb, whose name appears to the foregoing, is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County, that his signature is genuine, and that full faith and credit are due all his Official acts as such.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of our said Court at office this 30th day of Dec. 1847.
John M Logan C G C
by R N McCulloch D. C.
Page 29

The 8th month 9th 1838
James Griffith
4 yds domestic 18 3/4 per yd. 75 cts
Received the above in full of James Griffith some time Since the above date 8th month 23rd 1848
The above account is coppied from my day Book as Above set forth & which I affirm is a true coppy from my day book as above set forth
David Beard jr
Duly affirmed to before me this 8th month 23d day 1848
J. C. Lamb J P

State of North Carolina
Guilford County
This day personally came before me J. C. Lamb one of the acting Justices of the piece in & for s'd county & state afores'd Miriam Beard of s'd county aged 42 years & made affirmation in due form of law, that the above account of seventy five cents against James Griffith of s'd county, was contracted with her for a winding sheet for the burying of Elizabeth Benson, who died on the morning of the Ninth of the Eighth month, 1838, one thousand Eight hundred & thirty Eight, & that s'd Miriam Beard have known the s'd Elizabeth Benson for some twenty five years & that she was the widow of John Benson, Dec'd, of s'd county who was a pensioner of the united States -- John & Elizabeth Benson afores'd were both wel known to this affiant as they lived for several years on one of her fathers plantations, & this affiant further states that s'd John & Elizabeth Benson were lawfully married as she has understood & believes and they lived together as man & wife until the Death of the s'd John Benson pensioner
Miriam Beard
quallified & subscribed to before me this the 23rd of August 1848
J. C. Lamb J P

I the s'd Justice do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above affiants David Beard & Miriam Beard that they are highly respectable citizens & their statements are untiled to full & ample credit
J C Lamb J Piece
Page 30

State of North Carolina
Guilford County
I John M Logan Clerk of the Court of Pleas and greater [illegible] for the County of Guilford and state afore said, do hereby certify that John Lamb whose name appear to the foregoing, is over acting Justice of the Peace in and for the said Count, that his signature is genuine, and that full faith and credit are due all his official acts as such. 
The testimony where I have here unto let my hand, and affixed the seal of our said Court, at office, in Greenboro, this 25th of Aug 1848.
John M Logan ccc
By RA McCulloch []
Page 31

{postmark} Greensboro N. C. {month illegible} 9      FREE
Dr James A Craig P. M.
Ruffins Mills N. C.
Page 32

State of North Carolina
Guilford County
Be it remembered that at a Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions begun and held for The County of Guilford at the Court House in the Town of Greensboro on the Third Monday of February A D 1848. being The 21st day of said Month.  Present on the Bench J. M Morehead, Peter Adams Jed H Lindsay F. L. Simpson & William Cobb Esqs who composed said Court.  The following Record was made which is in the words & figures following to wit:
"Satisfactory evidence was This day furnished the Court That Elizabeth Benson Deceased, late of the County of Guilford has left the following Children who are now living, and all of lawful age to wit.  Jesse Benson, Robert Benson, Sarah Benson, & Alsey Benson, and that Sarah has intermarried with James Griffith."

State of North Carolina
Guilford County
I, John M. Logan Clerk of The Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for the County of Guilford and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of Record made and had at February Term 1848. of our said Court.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of our said Court at Office in Greensbor This 8th day of August A D 1848.
John M. Logan c.c.c
Page 33

Ruffins Mills, N.C.
May 26
Fri
On official Business
Comm of Pensions, 
Pension Office, 
Washington City. 
DC
Page 34

Ruffins Mills, N Carolina
August 26 1848
Sir:
In the case of the kins of Mrs. Elizabeth Benson, of Guilford County, for a pension, further proof was required to show how many children Elizabeth Benson left surviving her, this proof was had at the last May Court of pleas and quarter [illegible] for Guilford County, and duly forwarded by me to Hon. A.H.Sheppard of H Representatives, but who has since informed me that he is unable to find it. At the request of the heirs I wrote for a copy of said record. and General Logan, the Clerk, has furnished me with another copy, which I herewith enclose. 
I am, Sir, Very Respectfully, 
[Zo Ob Serv]
James A Craig
Page 35

Pension Office
July 27th, 1848
Sir,
I have the honor to return, herewith, Mr. Craig's letter and to inform you that the certificate of the County giving the money of the children of Elizabeth Benson, deceased, referred to in his communication has not been received. Until it is produced, a pension certificate is not issued in her case.
The additional evidence in the case of Martha Alexander, widow of Joseph Alexander, filed sometime since by T.L. Smith, Esq., is satisfactory to establish her marriage, but the proof of her husband's service is wholly deficient.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your obedient servant
JL Edwards

Hon. AH Sheppard
House of representatives
Page 36

Free
A H Sheppard
Doctor James A Craig
Ruffins Mills
Orange Cy N. C.
Page 37

Ho. Rep. June 30, 1848
Dear Sir,
I regret that I have kept no note of her memory papers sent to you to the pension bureau. Some I remember. I can say that all were amiably forwarded.
In relation to the claim on account of Elizabeth Benson, my recollection as to infer from my mind - is that the bureau required evidence as to the identity of those who were her kin or next-of-kin, and that only was required to obtain the amount due - this is suppose has been attended to by you - but no allowance of the claim has come to my knowledge - I regret that Mr. Wright's will with many others have been again denied for lacking the additional proof required.
Yours
A.H. Sheppard
Page 38

House of Rep., July 12, 1848
J.L. Edwards esq.
Sir,
I enclose an affidavit within to be used as evidence to establish the claim of a pension or arrears of pension on account of Elizabeth Benson,
I am respectfully yours,
A.H Shepperd.
Page 39

March 18, 1848
Ho. J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 40

Ruffins Mills, N.C.
31 Aug 1848.
Sir,
A few days ago, I forwarded you, at the request
of the heirs, a transcript of Record of Guilford County Court showing the number and names of each of the Living children of Elizabeth Benson, deceased of Guilford County.
By this morning mail I received an affidavit, setting forth the date of the widow's death, all of which had been previously obtained and forwarded to the care of Hon A.H. Sheppard, who informed me that the papers sent him, had been lost or misplaced. So he was unable to find them.
I hope these will safely reach you and be found satisfactory.
Any communication on this claim, please address to me at this post office.
I remain, Sir
Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant
James A. Craig

J L Edwards Esq
Washington D. C.
Page 41

Ruffins Mills, N.C.
31 Aug 1848.
Sir,
A few days ago, I forwarded you, at the request
of the heirs, a transcript of Record of Guilford County Court showing the number and names of each of the Living children of Elizabeth Benson, deceased of Guilford County.
By this morning mail I received an affidavit, setting forth the date of the widow's death, all of which had been previously obtained and forwarded to the care of Hon A.H. Sheppard, who informed me that the papers sent him, had been lost or misplaced. So he was unable to find them.
I hope these will safely reach you and be found satisfactory.
Any communication on this claim, please address to me at this post office.
I remain, Sir
Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant
James A. Craig

J L Edwards Esq
Washington D. C.




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Page 42

August 31, 48
Heir of Elizabeth Benson
James A. Craig

Commissioner of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington City, D.C.