Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20,711, Joel Benton, Conn. Vt.
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(3-1776)
[column headings: SERVICE|[blank]|NUMBER|]
Conn.|Benton, Joel|W. 20,711|
Vt.|Elizabeth|[blank]|
[end of columns]
CONTENTS
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[verso]
Dead
Letter to John Kimball & 3d Auditor 28 Sep 1840
Paid at Treasury under the Act of the 6th April 1838 from 4 March 1839 to 29. April 1839 Agent notified 13 Oct 1840
Dead 
Letter to J. H. Kimball 23. June 1840

[recto]
Vermont 9599
Joel Benton of Orleans in the State of Vermont who was a pri: in the company commanded by Captain Grant of the Reg't commanded by Col. White in the R. Island line for 1 year 11 mos & 21 days - 
______
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 79 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 
______
Certificate pf Pension issued the 1st day of June and sent to J. H. Kimball Irasburgh Vt.
_______
Arrears to the 4th of March '33  158
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept " 39.50
$197.50
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Wm. Miller Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 3. Page 52
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22476
Joel Benton V't
Admit as a private for 1 yr 11 mo. and 21 days - $79.00
Bundle 20
6 mo No 2.
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WAR DEPARTMENT, Pension Office,
[blank] 183[blank]
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 show 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 complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim. 
A Statement, showing the Service of Joel Benton Vt.
[column headings: Period when the service was rendered|Duration of the claimant's service.(Years.|Months.|Days.)|Rank of the claimant.|Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.|Names and Rank of the General and Field Officers|Battles in which the applicant was engaged.|Country through which he marched.|Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.|Evidence by which the declaration is supported.|]
enlisted|([blank]|3|[blank])|Cpn Grant|Col forgotten|[blank]|Marched to Providence R.I.|71 - born|in Ct.|
State troops March 1778}|(1|[blank]|[blank])| " |Cpt Robinson|Col Eno (Enos)|[blank]|White Plains NYork|entered these|no liv'g in Barton Vt.|]
1780|([blank]|[blank]|21)| " |[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|
Apl 1781-enlis'd|([blank]|8|[blank]| " |Cpn Seely['Col White' crossed out]|Col White|[blank]|Vermont|[blank]|two last towns of service is proved by a surviving witness - certificate of two Citizens-no Clergyman nor reason why|
[end of columns]
I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
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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 et 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, musicians 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, Territory, or District of} County of} ss. 
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank] A. B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank] 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) [blank], with [blank] and served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] 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 [blank] 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [blank] 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. 
I [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of [blank] &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 [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank], who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] 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 investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a RevoIutionary 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 [blank] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal [blank] of office, this [blank] day of [blank]&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 alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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3
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 enquiry 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 most 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 definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making au affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith. that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below. and in the following grades:- For ____ year ____months, and ____days, I served as a ____ . For ____ months and ____days, I served as a ____; and for such service I claim a pension."
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 service. The use of the phrase about three or 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 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 place 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 or the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if he has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no seal 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 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 the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well 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 [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.
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"Joel Benton Married to Elizabeth Sergent February tenth seventeen hundred and Eighty five,
"Town Clerk's Office Norwich Vt August 16, 1843
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the original record as recorded in this office excepting the dates which is expressed in fair legible figures as follows,("February 10th 1785")
/s/W E. Lewis Town Clerk
I William E. Lewis depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk of the Town of Norwich in the county of Windsor & State of Vermont and that the above is a true copy of the record with the exception above mentioned.
/s/W. E. Lewis
Subscribed & sworn this 16th day of August AD. 1843 
Before me /s/I.R.A. DAVIS Justice Peace
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State of Vermont
Secretary of State's Office
Montpelier August 19. 1843
I certify that Ira Davis Esq'r whose name is subscribed in his proper hand writing to the foregoing certificate, is, and was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Windsor, duly appointed and qualified, and that to his official acts and attestations as such full faith and credit are and ought to be given. 
[official seal affixed] In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of this Office this 19th day of August AD 1843. 
/s/Ferrand F. Merrill
Deputy Secretary of State
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Joel Benton's Declaration
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State of Vermont
Orleans District ss} At a Probate Court holden at Barton within and for the District of Orleans aforesaid on this 23d day of October 1832 personally appeared in open Court Joel Benton a Resident of Barton in the county and district of Orleans aforesaid aged seventy one years who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress passed June 7, 1832 - that I enlisted as a private in in the State of Connecticut where I Then resided for three months was mustered and joined my company at Providence in the State of Rhodeisland & served said term of three months in a company commanded by Capt Roswell Grant of Windsor Conn't in a Regt of Conn State troops as I believe the name of the col. of the Reg't I do not remember - 
We served until the term of my enlistment expired at Providence where I was dismissed but had no written discharge - the first of March 1781 - I was guested in a private house with sixteen of my company near Providence Bridge; during the time of being stationed at Providence a soldier belonging to one of the other companies was shot by a sentinel ['belong' crossed out] whose home was in Ashby - 
In the month of March 1778 and soon after my return from Providence I enlisted again for one year and served in a company ['commande' crossed out] commanded by Capt Elijah Robinson in col Roger Enos' or Eno's Regiment in the Conn State Troops
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I joined my company at Windsor in ['in New' crossed out] the State of Conn from thence we were marched to White Plains in the State of New York from thence we marched ['by Horse Neck' crossed out] to West Point where we were stationed the most of the summer and fall until Winter set in when we were marched to Horse neck where we were remained until I was dismissed in the month of March 1779 went without writing - when we left White Plains as mentioned above Gen Washington's army marched in General Washing(ton) was at West Point ['which' crossed out] in the Summer When we were stationed there, and viewed ['and' crossed out] a fort built by our Regiment called Fort Pitt. after I suppose Gen Putnam in the month of October 1880 I went ['to this' crossed out] from Norwich Vermont ['Vermont' crossed out] where I then lived to Royalton in the burning of that place by the Indians and was from thence Horse necks - when we arrived at Royalton we choose Major John House of Hanover our commander during by absence and after we had pursued the Indians from Royalton we went to Strafford and built a Fort for the Protection of the inhabitants
About the last of March of the first of April 1781 I enlisted again as a private in the Vermont State troops for eight and served in a company commanded by Captain Abner Seely in Col. Benjamin Waite's Reg't we were stationed at Corinth Vermont where we built a Fort at this time I was often out on Scouts - The officers of our company were first Lieut Smalley 2d Lieut or ensign Phippany(?) - I was born in Tolland Conn. the last day of  September 1761- where I resided until I removed to Norwich Vt during the Revolutionary War - from thence I removed to Barton my present residence where I have resided thirty three years -
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And I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a Pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any state - 
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid - 
/s/Joel Benton
We John Adams and Jonathan Allyn both residents of Barton in the county of Orleans aforesaid do hereby certify that we have been acquainted with Joel Benton who has subscribed and sworn the above declaration for more than twenty years and that he has the reputation in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a Soldier in the Revolutionary War - and that we concur in that opinion and we further certify that the said applicant is a credible person and that his Statement would not be doubted by his acquaintance - and the said Adams do also certify that I have been acquainted whith Col John Sargent in respect whose Certificate dated Sept 25 - 1832 is hereto received, more than forty years and that the said Sargent is a credible witness
Subscribed and Sworn to - 
/s/John Adams 
/s/Jonathan Allyn
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 John Adams and Jonathan Allyn Esqs who have signed the above certificate are residents in said town of Barton and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit
I John H. Kimball Register of the Probate Court for the district of Orleans aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Joel Benton for a pension - 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office This 23d day of October 1832 - 
/s/John H. Kimball Register -
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[verso]
8627.
Vermont
Elizabeth Benton, dec'd widow of Joel Benton R.I. who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 29d ['May' crossed out] April 1839 in Orleans Dis't in the State of Vermont who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Grant of the Reg't commanded by Col White in the R. Island line for 15 mo. 22 dys
______
Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier at the rate of 52 Dollars 42 Cents per annum, to commence on the ['4th day of March, 1836' crossed out] 29th Apl 1839. & terminate on the 26th May, 1839. the day of her death. 
______
Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of August, 1844 and sent to J. H. Kimball Barton, Vermont
______
Total Amount, $[blank]
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Tho Lumpkin Clerk,
Book D Vol. 1. Page 123. 

[recto]
Reported S. D. Glover, April 1845. 
Payable to Lucy Sturtevant, Alexander Benton, Semour (Seymour) Benton, Royal Benton, Lorana Wayward and Leonard Benton, only surviving children of Elizabeth Benton dec'd
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9507
Elizabeth Benton Vt. 
Act July 7th 38.
husband died May 26th '39.
Page 15

State of Vermont
Orleans District ss} At a Probate Court holden Irasburgh in and for the district of Orleans on the 29th day of June Ad 1843
Present Geo Nye Judge
Personally appeared Alexander Benton Administrator of Elizabeth Benton late of Barton in said district deceased and made the Declaration following in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed July 7. 1838. and all any subsequent act of Congress which may be applicable in the case. And the said Alexander Benton being sworn declares as follows viz. That the said Elizabeth Benton was the Widow of Joel Benton who was a Pensioner of the United States, under the act of 7 of June 1832 at the rate of seventy nine dollars per annum: and that the said Joel Benton died on the 29 day of April 1839: and that the said Elizabeth Benton Widow of Joel Benton aforesaid died on the 26 day  of May 1839. And the said Alexander Benton claims a Pension for and as Administrator of the said Elizabeth Benton to which she would be entitled under the aforesaid acts. 
And the Declarant declares that the said Elizabeth & Joel Benton were joined in marriage in the year 1785 as ['af' crossed out] he believes: that the marriage was not previous to the service of the said Joel Benton but previous to the first of January 1794. to wit in the year as aforesaid: and that the Pension Certificate of the said Joel Benton was returned to the Department at the time of receiveing the arrears due from the 4 of March 1839. to the day of the said Joel Benton's decease. And the heirs of the said Elizabeth Benton for which the said Administrator claims the Pension are, as follows viz. Lucy Sturdevant, Alexander 
[margin note: The word April written on erasure before signing. also the word "May" 
/s/Geo. Nye Judge
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Benton, Semour (Seymour) Benton. Royal Benton. Lorance Hayward & Leonard Benton, as per the Certificate of the Court will further appear
/s/Alexander Benton
Sworn to and subscribed in open court this 29 day of June AD 1843 - 
/s/Geo Nye Judge
State of Vermont
Orleans District ss } Be it known that the Court aforesaid after carefully enquiring of the Declarant, of the facts set forth Do hereby Certify their opinion: that the said Elizabeth Benton was the Widow of Joel Benton and that they were joined in marriage as he the said Alexander Benton hath declared and that the said Joel Benton died on the 29th day of April 1839. and the said Elizabeth Benton on the 26 day of May 1839. as alleged in the foregoing Declaration
/s/Geo Nye Judge of Probate 
State of Vermont
Orleans District ss} Registers Office Irasburgh June 29. 1843 - 
I Henry M Bates Register of the Probate Court for the District of Orleans Hereby Certify that the foregoing is the original proceedings had in the Probate Court in the matter of the declaration of Alex'r Benton for a Pension for the benefit of the heirs of Elizabeth Benton. 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court & subscribed my name on the day & year last above written
/s/H M Bates Register
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Joel Benton 22476
Page 18

I Royal Benton a resident of Barton in Orleans County aforesaid aged thirty eight years do hereby certify that I have from my early years often heard my father, Joel Benton, who has made the declaration hereto annexed, related many circumstances of his being out in the War of the Revolution - and that more than twenty ago and when I was quite a small boy and since I have heard him relate the Story of a private's being shot by a sentinel on Providence Bridge when he was stationed ['there' crossed out] no reason why I Remember this was that the soldier shot my Father ['for' crossed out] Still was one [illegible] & the conduct of some ['others' crossed out] of the other Soldiers who ['he' crossed out] belonged to the Regiment - I have also heard him state that himself and a part of his company were quartered at a Widow woman's house near Providence Bridge - All these stories and many more. 
I have often heard him relate more than fifteen years ago - I further certify that as near as I can remember twenty six or seven years ago the last Summer the Hon. Elijah Robinson of Weathersfield in this State came to our house and was then stated to have been a captain in the Revolutionary War and that my was & others served as a private under him - and from their conversation I no doubt ['this was the' crossed out] it was so - 
Subscribed & Sworn to this 1st day of February 1833 - 
/s/Royal Benton
Page 19

I John H. Kimball Register of the Probate Court for the district of Orleans in the State of Vermont do hereby certify that at a Probate Court holden at Barton in the District of Orleans aforesaid ['do hereby certify that at a Probate Court' crossed out] on this 1st day of February 1833 personally appeared Royal Benton a Resident in said town of Barton and made Solemn oath on the truth of the within certificate - And I further certify that it appeared the said Court that the Said Royal Benton is a credible witness - 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 1st day of February 1833
/s/John H. Kimball Register
Page 20

Declaration,
In order to obtain the benefits of the resolution of Congress of the 23d January 1845. - Whereas the Act of the 30th of April 1844, prohibited me (as administrator of the Estate of Elizabeth Benton deceased) from drawing a pension for the same period dureing which dureing which the deceased's husband was a pensioner. I now make the following statement under oath to obtain the benefits of the resolution above mentioned. I am the administrator of Elizabeth Benton, deceased who was the Widow of Joel Benton who was a private in the revolutionary war - I have drawn a pension, payable to Lucy Sturtevant, Alexander Benton, Semour (Seymour) Benton, Royal Benton, Lorana Howard, I Leonard Benton, only surviveing children of Elizabeth Benton, deceased, at the rate of Fifty two dollars, & forty two cents per annum, from the 29th of April 1839 the day of his death. and terminated on the 26th May 1839, the day of her death. I now ask for what the amount due me from the 4th March 1836 to the 29th April 1839, when my former pension commenced. 
/s/Alexander Benton 
administrator of Elizabeth Benton. 
Sworn to and subscribed before me on this 19th day of February 1845. 
/s/S. D. Kimball Justice of the Peace.
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I certify that the declarant is personally known to me, and that he is the same individual he represents himself to be in the foregoing affidavit.
/s/S. D. Kimball Justice of the Peace }
State of Vermont
Orleans County Clerks Office February 19 1845
I Henry M. Bates Clerk of Orleans County Court do hereby certify that Sylvester D. Kimball who has signed the foregoing is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Orleans in the State of Vermont And that the above is his Signature
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my Seal of Office this 29 of February at Irasburgh in the State of Vermont
/s/Henry M. Bates Clerk
Page 22

State of Vermont
Orleans District ss} At a Probate Court holden at Irasburgh in and for the District of Orleans on the 29th day of June AD 1843 - 
Satisfactory evidence was adduced. that Joel Benton late a Pensioner of the United States died at Barton on the 29th day of April 1839: and that he left a Widow by the name of Elizabeth Benton who died on the 26. day of May 1839: And that Alexander Benton has been duly appointed Administrator on the estate of said Elizabeth Benton and given bonds to administer said estate according to law - And that Lucy Sturtevant, Alexander Benton, Semour (Seymour) Benton, Royal Benton, Lorana Hayward & Leonard Benton are the heirs and only heirs of the said Joel and Elizabeth Benton deceased
[court seal affixed] In witness whereof I have caused the seal of said Probate Court to be hereto affixed together with my official signature this 29th day of June AD 1843
/s/Geo Nye Judge
Page 23

TREASURY DEPARTMENT, Second Comptroller's Office,
Oct 6. 1840. 

Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Joel Benton late a Pensioner on the Roll of the Vermont Agency, at the rate of Seventy nine Dollars ['and [blank] Cents' crossed out] per annum, under the law of the 7 of June 1832 has been paid at this Department, from the fourth of March 1839 to the 29th of April 1839. 
Respectfully yours, 
/s/J. Seaver
acting Comptroller. 
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.
Page 24

Payment to be made at Montpelier by Thos Reed Agent for paying pensioners, in the Agency of Vermont
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book D Volume 1 Page 123. by Thos. Lumpkin, Clerk.
Page 25

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim. 
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7th July, 1838, Elizabeth Benton, deceased, widow of Joel Benton, who was a private in the Revolution and entitled to receive a pension of Fifty two dollars and forty two cents per annum, commencing on the 29th April, 1839, the day of his death, and terminate on the 26th May, 1839, the day of her death, which is payable, upon the production of the proper vouchers, to Lucy Sturdevant, Alexander Benton, Semour (Seymour) Benton, Royal Benton, Lorana Hayward, and Leonard Benton only surviving children of Elizabeth Bento, dec'd.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 30th day of August one thousand eight hundred and forty=four. 
Secretary of War. 
Examined and Countersigned.} Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 26

State of Vermont
[official seal affixed] 
Secretary of State's Office
Montpelier February 2d 1844
I hereby certify that there is on file in this Office a paper purporting to be a "True List of (the names and sums of) Capt Abner Seelye's Pay Roll of himself and Company in the service of the State of Vermont from the beginning of the campaign 1781 to the 30th of June in said year inclusive, taken from the original;" On which Roll is the name of "Joel Benton", with an allowance for service as a private of £2.9.4.
Also, "A Pay Roll of Capt Abner Seelye's Company in Col. Benj. Wait's Battalion in the service of the State of Vermont from the 1set day of July 1781 to the 30th day of November 1781, inclusive;" On which Roll is the name of "Joel Benton", with an allowance for 147 days service as a private, commencing July 1st and ending November 24th. 
Also, A Pay Roll of Capt. Timothy Bush's Company under the direction of Col. Peter Olcott at the time the enemy came to Royalton Oct. 16. 1780"; on which Roll is the name of "Joel Benton", with an allowance for three days service as a private.
Also, "A Pay Roll of Capt. Timothy Bush's Company of Militia employed in guarding and scouting at Strafford at the time of the alarm at  Newbury, under the direction of Col. Peter Olcott, Oct. 19. 1780"; on which Roll is the name of "Joel Benton," with an allowance for six days service as a private.
In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand and affix the seal of this Office this 2d day of February A.D. 1844
/s/Ferrand F. Merrill
Deputy Secretary of State
Page 27

I John Sargent of Rupert in the County of Bennington aged 71 Years do testify and say, that I am personaly acquainted with Joel Benton of Barton County of Orleans and State of Vermont. that in the Year 1781 the said Joel Benton belonged to Capt Abner Seely's (Seeley or Seelye) Company and attached to the same Reg't to which I belonged namely Col. Benjamin Wait's Reg't of Vermont State troops. that according to the best of my remembrance he enlisted for 8 months that he was doing duty in said Company when I left the Reg't which was on the 10th day of October of the same Year. that I have always understood that he served in said Company until it was discharged about the first of December following - that he was Stationed during his enlistment at Corinth in this State. and that also in the month of October 1780 at the time Royalton was burnt by the enemy he was engaged in an expedition against the enemy about three weeks - 
/s/John Sargent
Page 28

State of Vermont
Bennington County } Dorset Sept. 25 1832
personally appeared John Sargent and made solemn oath that the within affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth before me 
/s/Darius Moore Justice peace
State of Vermont
Bennington County} Clerks office Manchester Sept 26. 1832
I hereby certify that Darius Moore of Dorset in the County of Bennington is a Justice of the peace within & for said County of Bennington - duly qualified by Law to act as such, & that his signature, I believe to be genuine - 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I Henry Robinson Clerk of the County Court in & for the County of Bennington, have hereunto subscribed my name & have affixed the seal of our s'd Court at Manchester this 26th day of Sept AD 1832 - 
/s/Henry Robinson Clerk
Page 29

9507.
Elizabeth Benton Vt
suspended
Let to John Kimball Oct 18 '43
Act July 7th '38
Page 30

[addressed envelope]
[margin notes: 9507 Aug 28/43 Eliz. Benton, dec July 7, 1838. Vt. K Joel]
FREE
James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department Washington
Page 31

[handwritten letter]
Concord N.H. August 23d 1843
James L. Edwards
Sir enclosed is the papers of Elizabeth Benton by her son Alexander Benton Administrator - you will please direct to me at Barton Vermont - 
Respectfully Yours
/s/John Kimball
Page 32

9507.
Elizabeth Benton Dec'd Vt
Act 7th July 38
ad'd 15 m. 22ds priv
$52.42 per an. to commence ['May' crossed out] 24 April '39 and end May 26th '39 day of husband's death - Certification of Lucy Sturdevant, Alexander Benton, Semor (Seymour) Benton, Royal Benton, Lozana (Lorana) ['Benton' crossed out] Hayward & Leonard Benton
['John' crossed out] F. W. Kimball Esq
Barton Vt.
Page 33

[addressed envelope]
[margin notes: Feby 27 1844 Vt. evidence Joel Benton's services]
Barton Vt
free
Col. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 34

[handwritten letter]
Barton Vt. Feb. 20, 1844

Col J. L. Edwards 
Dr Sir
Enclosed is the certificate of the secretary of the state of Vt. showing the service of Joel Benton. 
also the certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut showing the allowance to Capt. Oliver Grant for services of his company and in which company it is supposed that Joel Benton served
also six month service is refered to which you informed me by letter was allowed in Capt Robinson's Company Connecticut - 
Respectfully Yours
/s/John Kimball By F. W. Kimball
P.S. My Father's health is very feeble, he has been confined to his house this three months 
Sends his respects & highest esteem to Col. Edwards - 
Yours &c. /s/F. W. Kimball
Page 35

State of Vermont, Orleans County, Glover Feby 20, 1845. 
Sir,
Enclosed is the declaration of Alex'r Benton administrator of Elizabeth Benton, to obtain the arrears of Pension, belonging to the heirs of Elizabeth Benton (deceased) agreeable to be a resolution explanatory of "An act making appropriations for payment of Revolutionary Pensioners &c" pass'd, Jan'y 23d 1845. The Certifficate rec'd is recorded in Book D. vol. Page 1 by 123.
/s/Tho. Lumpkin Clerk. 
I thought it necessary to obtain the Judge's Certifficate, that Alex'r Benton is Administrator as you all ready have it, sent with the original papers by John Kimball (deceased)
Please forward it to me as soon as convenient - 
Very Respectfully Your Obt Servt
/s/S. D. Kimball
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comm'r of Pensions
Washington D.C. }
Page 36

[addressed envelope]
[postmark: HARTFORD Ct. FEB 13]
free
John Kimball Esqr
Barton Vermont
Page 37

[handwritten letter]
State of Connecticut
Comptroller's Office
Hartford 13" Feby 1844
On application for evidence of the service of Joel Barton in the war of the revolution alleged to have served under Capt Grant, I have examined the Pay Rolls in this office but do not find Capt Oliver Grant, who was a Captain in Ely's Regt, which was named in 1776 - December, and served until March 1777. 
On the 27" of March 1777 there is charged Col John Ely to order on Treasurer ['Cash advanced' crossed out] in form of Capt Grant £719.2.9 And on the same day Capt Oliver Grant Ely's Regt is down on the Ledger - he sending an amt of £172. - 
I do not find the sum of Joel Benton.
Certified /s/Gideon Welles Compt'r.
Page 38

[handwritten letter]
Sir
I send herewith a certificate of the service of Capt Oliver Grant a jr sergent is given of the 8th 
/s/Gideon Welles
The usual fee is two dollars. In this case one is sufficient
Page 39

Rev WIDOW, &c. [initials: own]
File No. 20,711
Elizabeth Benton Widow of Joel Benton Priv. Rev. War
Act: July 7" 1838
Index: - Vol. A, Page 321
[Arrangement of 1870.]