Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6436, Benjamin Wells, Privateer Of Penn. Md. Enlistment
Page 1

[illegible] [(?-1776)]
SERVICE
Privateer of Penn } (Md.) enlistment

Wells, Benjamin
Mary

NUMBER
W.6436
BL Wt 31 766-160-55.

CONTENTS
Page 2

199.483. Act[illegible]
June. 28/11

Mary Williams
of. Benjamin. Wells.
drawn Pension Marine

Revol. War. Pensioner
Ohio  [illegible] 53-505

av: 16 [illegible] from . 26/56
Boynton

Miller & Brown  Present  

[diagonally across page from top]
No 31766 is [illegible]

[bottom of right hand page]
[illegible][?Val] W. 1=94
Page 3

702
Ohio
Benjamin Wells of Brown in the state of Ohio_ who was a Marine in the Privateer [crossed out: commanded by Captain]y [illegible] [?Hyder ???] [illegible] [crossed out: command by] commanded by Capt [crossed out:  line for] Barney for 6 months from. 1778-
Navy

Inscribed on the Toll of Ohio -- at the rate of 20 _Dollars [crossed out: Cents] per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of Octr. __ and sent to N. Beasby. Decator. Ohio

Arrears to 4th Sept. 1832. --  30.00
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 March"33  10.00
[total] $40.00

{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832 }
Book D.  Vol. 10.  page 53
Page 4

war,as a Marine Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 dollars 00 cents per annum,to commence on the 3rd February 1853 Certificate of Pension issued the 26th day of May 1853 and sent to Pensioner, Care, Marshall & White Georgetown,Ohio
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under  [a] July 26,1832,Page 170 Vol.A
Feb. 3, 1853
1832
Page 5

Benjamin Wells
Ohio
$20.00
Page 6

Brief in the case of Benjamin Wells
of Brown County in the State of Ohio (Act 7 June, 1832)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? in open Court before the judges of Court of Common Pleas
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? disability in one of his hands from a wound in action.
3. How old is he? (77) seventy seven
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period Duration of Service Rank Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
In 1778 or 9 6 months Marine
Joshua Barney Captain in Privateer [  ] 
5.  In what battles was he engaged?  with the General Monk 18 Gun ship
6. Where did he reside in Kent Co. Md when he entered the service? Enlisted in Philadelphia, Pa
7.  Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  traditionary evidence
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? evidence of two credible witnesses ( not clergymen)
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.  Wm S Allison Examining Clerk Charles Little
Page 7

Mrs Well papers
for pension
[illegible ?Ol]
Page 8

State of Ohio Brown County, S.S.
On this twenty third day of March One
thousand Eight hundred and fifty three, personally
appeared in the Court of Common Pleas
within and for the County of Brown and
State of Ohio, in open Court Mary
Wells
a resident of the Township of Franklin in the
County of Brown and State of Ohio, aged
seventy seven years who being duly sworn
according to law, doth on her oath make the
following declaration, in order a obtain
the benefit of the act of Congress passed
July 29th A.D. 1848. February 28 A.D. 1848.
March 3d A.D. 1843 Section, and June 17
1844 section 1 & 2 & July 4th 1836, in virtue
of the act passed February 3d A.D. 1853; that
he is the widow of Benjamin Wells who was
Pensioner in his lifetime at the rate
of lines six dollars per year; that
he resided at the time of his death in Franklin
Township Brown County Ohio, and
that his pension was payable in Cincinnati
Ohio
the further declares that she was
married to the said Benjamin Wells on the sec
and day of August in the year Eighteen hundred
and five as will appear by the certificate hereto
attached; that her husband, the aforesaid
Benjamin Wells, died on or about the twelfth
May A.D. 1842, the exact day not re
collected by this affiant; that she was
married to him at the time above
stated. She further swears that the
was ever since the death of the said
Benjamin Wells in and now is
is widow, and that the name
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made application for a pension, and that her name before marriage was Mary Altz.
[signature]  Mary her x mark Wells
Sworn to and subscribed }
in open Court This }
day of March A.D. 1853 }
[signature] Gideon Dunham  clerk

State of Ohio Brown Cunty, S.S.
this day personally appeared in open Court Thompson Lindsey, a credible witness who being duly sworn according to law Makes Solen oath that he was well acquainted with Benjamin Wells a Revolutionary Pensioner, in his lifetime; that said Benjamin Wells lived and died in Franklin Township Brown County Ohio; That Said Benjamin Wells died in the month of February one thousand Eight hundred and fifty two, according to the recollection of this affiant, who was present at his funeral; that Mary Wells above named is his widow and has never been married since the death of the said Benjamin Wells.
[signature] Thompson Lindsey
Sworn to & subscribed in open Court this 23rd day of March A.D. 1853.
[signature crossed out 'Thompson Lindsey']
[signature] Gideon Dunham  Clerk B.C.P.
Page 10

George Town, Brown County Ohio
Dear Sir:
March 23d 1853
Enclosed to send
the application of Mrs. Mary M
for a Pension & for back pension
money due her husband at time
of his death.
Be so good as to
acknowledge receipt of this per your
earliest convenience-
Respectfully
Yours
Marshall White
Address
Mary Wells, Care of
Marshall White
Kingstown Ohio
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 11

State of Ohio  County of Brown } SS.

On this 14th day of June one thousand eight hundred and fifty five, personally appeared, before me a notary pubublic within and for the County and State aforesaid Mary Wells a resident of Franklin Township in the State of Ohio, aged [blank] years, who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Benjamin Wells deceased, who was a marine in the revolutionary war.  That her said husband drew a pension under the Act of Congress confirmed
[see footnote mark begin] and that she now draws a pension [see footnote  mark end] [footnote on following page]
 June 7th. 1832.  She further declares that she cannot recollect the vessel in which her said husband served. the commanders name, how long her husband continued in the Service nor when he was discharged; all of which will however appear reference to the records being had; as also her marriage with the said Benjamin Wells.   She also declares that her name before her marriage was Mary Altz; that her said husband died in Franklin Township Brown County Ohio on the 10th or 11th of February A.D. [word crossed out] one thousand eight hundred and forty three, and that she is now a widow

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3rd, 1855"

She hereby constitutes Miller and Brown of Washington D. C., her attorneys. to prosecute her claim and procure her warrant,

Hereby authorizing them to obtain from the war department or elsewhere any and all such copies of records or any other evidence which may
Page 12

be necessary to establish her claim and revoking and countermanding all other authority that may have been heretofore given for said purpose.

She also declares that she has not received a warrant for bounty land, under this or any other act of Congress, nor made any other application therefor.
[signature]  Mary her x mark Wells

[footnote mark (from previous page) explanation] The interleniation on the 1st page was made at request of declarant & with consent of witnesses.

We, James Brady and Henry Wells residents of Franklin Township in the State of Ohio upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Mary Wells in our presence; and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, and that we have no intrest in this claim
[signatures]
James Brady [circular seal hand drawn containing] Seal
Henry Wells[circular seal hand drawn containing] Seal

We, Jesse Lindsey and Luther Reed residents of Franklin Township upon our oaths declare that we were personally aqquainted with the said Mary Wells and her late husband Benjamin Wells in the life time of her said Husband that the said Benjamin Wells and Mary Wells lived together as husband and wife, and were so regarded and respected by all their neighbors; that they know that the said Benjamin Wells is dead; that the said Mary Wells is now a widow and
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that they have no interest in this claim.
[signatures]
Jesse Lindsey
Luther Reed

The foregoing declaration and affidavits were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, that I believe the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
[signature]
John Lafabre Jr
Notary Public B.C.O.

I certify that the following copy of Mary Wells pension certificate is a true copy and that it belongs to the identical Mary Wells who makes the foregoing declaration. June 22nd A.D. 1855
[signature]
John Lefabre Jr
Notary Public  B.C.O.
Page 14

[written in right margin vertically]  179.423

(Copy of Certificate)
I certify that in conformity with the 2d Section of the act of February 3, 1853, Mary Wells widow of Benjamin Wells who was a Marine in the revolutionary war is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Twenty dollars per annum, commencing on the 3rd of February 1853 and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
[seal] Seal
Given at the Department of the Interior this twenty Sixth day, of May one thousand eight hundred and fifty three.
[signature]  
K. W. Clellam
Secretary of the Interior

Examined and Countersigned
[signature]
L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions

State of Ohio County of Brown } SS.
I hereby certify that John Lafabre Jr before whom the foregoing declaration and affidavits were made, is and was, at the time of taking the same an acting Notary Public within and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature to the foregoing [word scratched out] is genuine;
[scratched out 1 1/2 lines]
In testimony whereof I have herto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office, this 22d day of June A.D. 1855, 
[signature] Henry [illegible] [?McKibben]  Clerk B.C.P.
Page 15

No. 1186
Benjamin Wells
application for a Pension
Page 16

State of Ohio  Brown County } SS
Court of Commonpleas July tem 1832 on this [blank] day of July 1832  Personally appeared in opin Court before the judges of the Court aforesaid now sitting Benjamin Wells a resident of the State of Ohio and County of Brown aged Seventy Seven years the 25 day of April last 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, Pass 7th June 1832

That he was born in the State of Maryland in the County of Kent in [illegible] 25 day of April 1755 as Stated to me by my father, he resided at the Same Place when he entered into the Services of the United States  that he enlisted in Philadelphia in the year 1778 or 1779 [rest of line scratched out ''to the best of his recollections under Capt"] Joshua Barney. (Since Camadore Barney) as a marine for three months on Board the Privateer Hideralla, and received Eight Dollars which he Subscribed his enistment. and served on board that ship for three month under sd Capt Barney during which time they had a Severe engagement with the Copper bottomed Ship [illegible] [?Genelmunk] and Captture his after action of two hours and a half-  During the fight he got [illegible] the act of Boarding the munk a Severe wound a brass his right hand which has so fare lingered his therein.  that it disfigured his hand, and is much of a loss in labour. the munk Carried 18 guns and Hideralla 16 guns we then returnd to Philladelphia, and Repared both the Hideralla and Genelmunk. [scratched out rest of line] then Capt Barney left the Hideralla took Cammand of the Genelmunk and Capt Star, who was the first mate on Boad the Hideralla [illegible] took cammand of the Hideralla [illegible]
Page 17

[two lines scratched out]
for the balance of the the time. and the Hideralla Put to sea again and remained out untill her time of three months was expired and they returnd to Phelladelphia. and Capt John Camp took Camand of the Hideralla for another cruse and this deponant, entered the Service as a marine under Capt Camp on Board the Hideralla for another three months Cruse his Compliment of men and officers was 130. and they Put to Sea again and while out took a sloop and two Schuners [?Schooners] merchant men and Braught them into Philladelphia. they were the Vessels that the [illegible] had taken from the Americans and we ci up with them on the Coasts and retook them, after bringing them to Philladelpha. we Put to Sea again, and remained out the balance of the three months, and then returnd into Port at Philladelphia, having served Six months that when he left Maryland he moved to Virginia into [illegible] County [illegible] Virginia he moved to Brown County Ohio where he Resides at this time, that he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no Person whose Testimony he can Recuse, who can testafy to his Services

That he hereby relinquishes every Clame whatever to a Pension or annuety except the Preset, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roal of the agency of any State
[signature]  Benjamin his x mark Wells

Sworn to and Subscribed, the day and year aforesaid
[signature]  James Finley clerk

we Robert G Miller and Joseph Slabeltan residents in the County of Brown and State of Ohio hereby testefy that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Wells who has Subscribed and Sworn to the above Declaratian, that we belive him to be about Seventy Seven years of age. that hi is reputed
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and beloved . in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a marine solder on board of ship, in the revolution and that we concur in that opinion
[signatures]
Robt. G. Miller
Joseph Stableton

Sworn and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[signature] James Finley  clerk B C P

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the inturagatories prescribed by the war Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier in the marine [illegible] and served as he States, and the Court further certifies. that it appears to them that Robert G Miller and Joseph Stableton who has signed the Preceeding Certificate resides in the County of Brown aforesaid is Credible Persons, and that their Statement is entitled to Credit

I James Finley clerk of the court of common pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Wells for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 20th day of July A.D. 1832
[signature] James Finley clerk B.C.P.
[seal affixed next to signature]
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February 6, 1940
Mrs. Sadie Hadson
801 North Jefferson,
Marshall, Missouri.
BA-J/CC  [hand written] ow--
Benjamin Wells
W.6436

Dear Manam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin Wells of Maryland.

The data which follow were obtained from papers in pension and bounty land claims of file under W.6436, based upon service of Benjamin Wells in the Revolutionary War.

Benjamin Wells was born April 25, 1755, in Kent County, Maryland.  Names of his parents are not shown.

While a resident of Kent County, Maryland, Benjamin Wells enlisted in Philadelphia, served three months as a marine on the privateer "Hyder Ally", Captains Joshua Barney and Starr, was in a severe engagement with ship "General Monk" where Captain Barney took command of the "General Monk" and Captain Starr of the "Hyder Ally", which put to see again and Benjamin Wells remained on board until the expiration of his service of three months,  [insertion begins] as above, [insertion end] when he returned to Philadelphia; he reenlisted on board the "Hyder Ally", Captain John Camp, served three months as a marine, captured a sloop and two schooners which had been taken from the Americans and brought them in to Philadelphia.  He was wounded in his right hand during the engagement with the "General Monk".

[handwritten in margin] next time 
[handwritten below paragraph with arrow up to be inserted at place shown inserted in paragraph] as above, 

[right margin notation by above paragraph]
See [illegible] Vol 2 page 645

He moved from Maryland to Kanawha County, Virginia, then to Brown County, Ohio, where he was residing when allowed pension on his application executed July 20, 1832.

He died about February 12, 1842 or February 10, or 11, 1843, at his residence in Franklin Township, Brown County, Ohio.
Page 20

Benjamin Wells married August 2, 1805, in Kanawha County, Virginia, Mary Altz, or Alce.  Date and place of her birth and names of her parents are not shown.

Benjamin Wells' widow, Mary, was allowed pension on her application executed March 23, 1853, at which time she was aged seventy-seven years and a resident of Franklin Township, Brown County, Ohio.

June 14, 1855, Mary Wells applied for the bounty land which was due on account of the service of her husband, Benjamin Wells, in the Revolutionary War.  On this application she was granted bounty land Warrant No.31766, for one hundred sixty acres, under the Act of March 3, 1855.

No reference was made to children.

In 1855, one Henry Wells was living in Franklin Township, Ohio, relationship to soldier not stated.

No further family data are shown.

For information in regard to the location of the land cited above, you should address the Commissioner of the General Land Office, Interior Department, this city, and furnish the warrant number, the acreage, and the act under which the warrant was issued.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of Mary Wells, widow of Benjamin Wells, you should address the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city and cite the following data:
Marry Wells, widow of Benjamin Wells,
Certificate #505
Issued May 26, 1853
Rate $20.00 per annum
Commenced February 3, 1853
Act of February 3, 1853
Ohio, Cincinnati, Agency.

Very truly yours
A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
Page 21

[page number] 20
Georgetown [illegible] Co  Ohio
July 20. 1853.
Marshall D White
Rel to the Pension
of Mary widow of
Benjamin Wells.
Cole

Respectfully referred to
The Commissioner of Pensions
Dept: [illegible] }
July 20/'33 }
[signature]
GeoCWhiting
Chf:Clk:  

[lightly written left of signature] ack [illegible]
[illegible]

[lightly written left margin turned 90 degrees]
Washington D. C.
Page 22

Georgetown, Brown Co. Ohio
July 20 1853.
Dear Sir:
We received some weeks ago a certificate for a Pension in form of Mary Wells, widow of Benjamin Wells, a revolutionary soldier, which will be found evidence in the Pension Office, underact of Feb, 3. 1853 Page 170 Vol. 8.  The certificate is only for $20 per year.  We write this to inquire if the Department is not laboring under some mistake in the matter. We understand from [illegible] [illegible] that Benj. Wells Served Seven years in the revolutionary war.  Would not that entitle his widow to mare that $20 per year.  We understand that the act of Feb. 3. 1853, said widows married subsequent to Jany 1. 1800 all the rights and privileges of those married at an earlier date.  Will you be so good as to give this matter an investigation, as the widow is very poor and needy and will be but slightly benefited by so small a sum as the one granted, as it would [illegible] her half the amount granted to [illegible] is from Cincinnati.

Is she not entitled to back pay on pension money.  We had before [illegible] she was entitled to receive under the act of July 29. 1848, by virtue of the act of Feb. 1853, an amount equal to the Pension of his [illegible], to commence on the 11th of March 1848, and continue [illegible] life or widowhood -- also, one years pension under the act of March 3d, 1843, section 1, and four years under the act of June 17 1844, section 100.  We hope the department
Page 23

will give Mrs. Wells' claim and investigation as to her right to a larger pension than $20 per year, as also her right to back pension money under the acts referred to as well as any others applicable to her case.

Be so good as to respond this at your earliest convenience & oblige a helpless and needy old lady.

Very Respectfully Yours, 
[signature] Marshall D White

Hon. H. McClelland,
Secy of the Interior
Washington D.C.

20
Page 24

Mary widow of
Benjamin Wells
Brown C, O,
Marine Service
Act of 1832
[illegible light writing]
[illegible light writing]
Ad 53-20505 [or Ad-no 505]
July 25 [or 23]
Page 25

Commonwealth of Virginia
County of Kanawha ScT.
I Alexander W. Quarrier Clerk of the County Court of said County of Kanawah, hereby certify to all whom it may concern, - That William Williams (at that time) a person duly authorised to solemnize the rites of matrimony in said County - hath made return to my office, - as required by law - that on the 2nd day of August 1805 he solemnized the rites of Matrimony between Benjamin Wells and Mary Altz - or Alce_

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 20th day of April 1852 and in the 76th year of our foundation
[signature]
A. W. Quarrier Clk
Page 26

Brief in the case of Mary Wells, Wido or Benjamin, Brown County of State of Ohio, act 3d of February 1853

Claim, ("original," [3 words crossed out]")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner, under act of 7 of June, 1832.  
Marriage proved by Record evidence of the same.

(if for increase.) Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?
Mrs: Mary Wells,
Care of Marshall & White,
Georgetown, Brown Co: Ohio.
Namd and residence of Agent

S. C. Boynton,  Examining Clerk.
Page 27

1905. Nov 23 - history to
B. B. Wells M.12.H.
1925 Nov 30. Hist. to Mrs Arthur Brown. as.
1926 - Sept.18 - Hist. to Mrs O.E. Hallaway Her letter is cl of Benj Sultan - S16266_MNH
1940 - Feb 6 - Hist to 
Mrs Sadie Hadson [illegible]

Revy WIDOW, & c.
File No. 6436
Mary Wells
Wid.
Benjm, Wells
Marine Rev. Wa
Act: Feby, 3rd 53, 1832
Index: -- Vol. [illegible], Page 319
[arrangement of 1870]
Page 28

[handwritten to top of page] MMHF
[typed]
Rev.&1812 Wars Section

September 18, 1926
Mrs. O.E. Holloway
Knightstown, Indiana
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 6436 it appears that Benjamin Wells was born April 25, 1755 in Kent County, Maryland.

While a resident of Kent County, Maryland he enlisted at Philadelphia and served six months as a Marine on the Privateer " Hyder ['Alt' scratched out] [handwritten 'Ally'] Ally" commanded successively by Captains Joshua Barney, Starr, and John Camp.  He was wounded in the right hand during a severe engagement with the ship " General Monk ".

He was allowed pension on his application executed July 20, 1832 while living in Brown County, Ohio.  He died in February [hand inserted 'Feb 12'] Feb 12 1842 or [hand inserted 'Feb 10 o 11 1843'] Feb 10 o 11, 1843 1843 at his residence in Franklin Township,Brown County, Ohio.

He married Kanawha County, Virginia, August 211805, Mary Altz, or Alce.  She was allowed pension on her application executed March 23, 1853 while living in Franklin Town-
Page 29

ship, Brown County, Ohio aged seventy-seven years.

Respectfully, 
[no hand signature]
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner
[initials near signature block] B L
Page 30

[hand written upper right corner] AW

IN REPLY REFER TO 3-1865
Rev . & 1812 Wars Section.

UNITED STATES  
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS 
WASHINGTON

November 30, 1925.
Mrs. Arthur Brown,  Ipava, Ills.
Madam:
I have to advise you, that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 6436, it appears that Benjamin Wells was born April 25, 1755, in Kent County, Maryland and while living in that county, he enlisted at Philadelphia and served six months as a Marine on the Privateer " Hyder Ali " commanded successively by Captains Joshua Barney, Starr and John Camp.  He was wounded in the right had during a severe engagement with the ship " General Monk "

He was allowed pension on his application executed July 20, 1832, while living in Brown County, Ohio, and he died at his residence in Franklin Township, said county, in February 1842, or 1843.

He married in Kanawha County, Virginia, August 2, 1805, Mary Altz, or Alce.  She was allowed pension on her application executed March 23, 1853, while living in Franklin Township, Brown County, Ohio, aged seventy-seven years.

The above noted, is the only Benjamin Wells of Maryland, found on the Revolutionary War Records of this Bureau

[Handwritten vertically in left margin]
As the engagement with the "Gen Monk' took place in 1782 and he was in service only six months I omitted enlistment as of 1778 or 1779.
Page 31

SHC

Jan. 20- 1940
Veterans Administration
Washington D. C.
[hand notation "1 2 0 0 [illegible]"]

Dear Sirs-
Please send me any information your records may contain in regard to Benjamin [underlined] Wells [end underline] who served as a Soldier of Maryland in the Revolutionary War.

Thanking you kindly for any help you may be able to give me  I am,
Yours truly
(Mrs) Sadie C Handsan
801 N. Jefferson
Marshall Mo.

[Circular stamp containing]
[numbers 1 thru 12 around outside edge]
RECEIVE  JAN 23 1940
MAIL SUB-D
Reader No 
VETS ADM
[end circular stamp]
Page 32

Ipava, Ills., Nov. 24, 1925
To the Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sirs:
About five weeks ago I wrote you concerning the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin Wells of Baltimore County, Maryland, and of Charles Wells of Ohio County, Viriginia, and [ note inserted here different handwriting] ans Nov 24. [illegible] [end note] not having had any reply to my inquiry, I am writing to you calling your attention to the matter.  I am anxious to have this information as soon as possible.
Thanking you for your kindness,
I am 
Yours Respectfully
(Mrs. Arthur) Winifred D. Brown.

[circular stamp containing]
U. S. PENSIONS OFFICE 
NOV 27 1920
[end circular stamp]
Page 33

[note at upper left corner] O. W. x h
[note at upper right corner] R

Indianapolis 
Indiana
Nov 12" 1905
To the Hon. Commisioner of Pensions Washington D. C. information wanted--
My Granfather Benjamin Wells served 7 years in Navy in war for Independance was wounded in action.. he never made any Application for pension= in 1847 their came a Pension Atty - an Agent telling his widow Mary Wells- My Grandmother that - she was Entitled to a Pension and a large Arrearage [?acreage] or back pay he got Discharge papers and all the Evidence Needed - She got 8 per month and Land warent. for 160 acres - the Agent Never Returned any papers or back Pension he was never heard of by any of us from that day to this - Now is Their any record of his Service  he was a Marylander by Brith - though what State he Entered the Navy from I have no knowlege I think the Revolutionary Record will give the information the date of Mary .Wells Application for Pension is on Record in your Office from Brown County Ohio 1847  would there be any record of Payment of back pension to Said Agent that Made out her claim for which She was Granted a pension I have been told that under the Law at that -time the agent , or Pension Atty--could Draw the Money for the Applicant if so is their any record [scratched out word] of Same or File in your Office  could I get the Discharge duplicated it may be on file Somewhere about Pension office
Please pardon me for Intruding on good Nature - hoping that this will reach you at a time you can give the Same your best Attention
Excuse poor writing and Grammer -- I am 71 years of Age - B T. Wells  1638 College Ave  Indianapolis Indiana
Page 34

[circular stamp containing]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE.
A NOV 14 1905
[END STAMP]

[rectangular stamp containing] 
[illegible] & NAVY
NOV 13 1905 
FILES
[in corners]
U  S. P. B. 
[end stamp]
Page 35

Pension Office,
23d. May. 1853.
Ohio. Roo. act. 7" June, 1832
Benjamin Wells. pri $. 20.00 Per Annum
To what time paid?

[answer to question]
Paid to 4h Sept 1839.
F. Burt
3d Auditor.
[end answer]

S. C Boynton,

Maj. Rogan. }
3d Auditors Office }
Page 36

No_1934
Mary Wells  wid of Benjamin.

act. 3d. Feby: 1853
Let. to Marshall & White
19" Aug. 53 Georgetown Oh.