Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19627, Benoni Whitman, New York R.I.
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(3-1776) 

SERVICE 
New York 

Whitman, Benoni 
Esther 

NUMBER 
W. 19627 

CONTENTS
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8.744  New York  8443
Benoni Whitman of Stephentown in the State of New York who was a Private in the Compy commanded by Captain Carr of the Regt. commanded by Col. Craig in the R. Island line for 16 months – 

Inscribed on the Roll of New York the rate of 53 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of April 1833 and N. Howard Stephentown 
Arrears to the 4th of Mar ‘33 $106.66 
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep ‘33 26.66 
$133.32 

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.} 
Recorded by Geo. C. Stiles Clerk 
Book E  Vol. 4.  Page 35 

See let. to J Lawrence July 30, ‘33
See let. to N Howard July 30, ‘33
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State of New York 
County of Rensselaer ss } On this fifth day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Judge of the "Troy Mayors Court” now sitting Benoni Whitman a resident of Stephentown in the County of Rensselaer and State of New York aged Seventy Six years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. 
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated, that he enlisted in the company commanded by Captain Caleb Carr, of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Crairy under Brigadier General Cornwall in the month of June 1777. and left the same March 16th 1778, that he enlisted in the years service at that time, and soon afterwards was drafted in the militia service under Capt Samuel Wilbur and was stationed along the shores in the State of Rhodeisland the time was - Four months in which he was engaged in the Militia service, but does not recollect the time of his entering the service, some time afterwards, the time he does not now recollect, he enlisted under Caption Turner and went to what was called the German Flatts (at the time Schoharrie was burnt) in the State of New York & remained there and in Schenectady three months, defending those places against the Indians, at the time of his first enlistment he resided in the Town of Situate County of Providence and State of Rhodeisland & remained in the State of Rhodeisland about all the time of his service at that time, and at the time of his being drafted he also resided in the Town of Situate County of Providence and State of Rhodeisland and at the time he enlisted under Captain Turner he resided in Stephentown (then) County of Albany & State of New York where he now resides, that he knows of no person who can testify to his service, whose testimony he can procure except the following and every had [illegible] written discharge from the service & living documentary evidence  he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State or (if any) only on that of the agency of the State of New York 
[signed] Benoni Whitman X his mark
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Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid 
[signed] Archibald Bull Clerk 

I Edwards A. Beach a Clergyman residing in the Town of Stephentown County of Rensselaer & State of New York hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Benoni Whitman who is named in the above declaration that I believe him to be seventy six years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that I concur in that opinion 
[signed] Edwards A. Beach Pastor of the Presbyterian Church Stephentown 
Sworn & subscribed this 4th day of September 1832 before me 
[signed] Nathan Howard Justice Peace 

I Nathan Howard residing in the Town of Stephentown County of Rensselaer & State of New York hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Benoni Whitman who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that believe him to be Seventy six years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that I concur in that opinion 
[signed] Nathan Haward 
Sworn & subscribed this fifth day of September 1832 in open court 
[signed] Archibald Bull Clerk 

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 Edwards A Beach who has signed the proceeding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the Town of Stephentown
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County of Rensselaer and State of New York and that Nathan Howard who has also signed the like certificate is a resident of the same place and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit 

I Archibald Bull Clerk of the Troy Mayors Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benoni Whitman for a pension. 
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this fifth day of September 1832 
[signed] Archibald Bull Clerk 

State of New St 
County of Rensselaer ss. } I Archibald Bull Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Nathan Howard Esqr. before whom the preceeding certificate of Edwards A. Beach purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe the signature “Nathan Howard" thereto subscribed to be genuine 
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this fifth day of September 1832 
[signed] Archibald Bull Clerk 

State of New York
County of Rensselaer ss. }  George Whitman of the Town of Stephentown County of Rensselaer and State of New York being duly sworn says that he is a brother of the above named Benoni Whitman the applicant that he resided with his brother aforesaid at their fathers in the Town of Situate County of Providence and State of Rhode Island that he well recollects the time that his brother
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enlisted in the years service, being June 1777, and that he knows that his brother returned home in a military dress the next spring and further says not 
[signed] George Whitman
Sworn & subscribed this 5th day of September 1832 before me in open Court 
[signed] Archibald Bull Clerk 

State of New York 
County of Rensselaer ss. }  On the 23 day of January 1833 personally appeared before me Nathan Howard a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County Benoni Whitman the above named applicant for a Pension who being duly sworn deposeth and saith in answer to the objections contained in a Brief from the War Department Pension Office and in addition to the preceding Declaration by him made 
First that he was born in the Town of Warwick & State of Rhodeisland in the year 1756 
2d does not know of any record of his age 
5th knows of none except those mentioned in his declaration 
6th never hand a discharge in writing to his recollection 
7th Nathan Howard Edwards A. Beach Jesse Bennett & Adin Swan who can testify to my character for veracity and their belief of my services as a soldier of the Revolution 
4 quere cannot recollect the periods any more distinctly than stated in his declaration 
[signed] Benoni Whitman X his mark
Sworn & subscribed this 23d day of January 1833 before me 
[signed] Nathan Howard Justice of the Peace 

State of New York 
Rensselaer County ss  I hereby certify that Nathan Howard Esq. before whom the above affidavit & amended declaration purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in & for said County and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his signature thereto subscribed is genuine.  In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 6 day of February 1833 
[signed] Henry R Bristol Clerk 
Per N. Howard Junr Deputy
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New York. 7966. 
Esther Whitman, decd. widow of Benoni Whitman who was a Private in the R. Island Line 
Husbd. died 29th July 1839.

 Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 35 Dollars -- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. & end 16th Feby. 1846, where she died 

Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of Sept. 1846. and sent to Niel Pease, Esq. Lenox Mass.
{Acts of March 3, 1843. and June 17, 1844.}

Recorded in Book A. Vol. 2.  Page 90. 

Payable to children

Spencer & Samuel Whitman, Sally Carr, Rebecca Youghgah, Ann Swann and Susan Atwell, only children.
Reps. 
2 cetfs. 1838 1843 & 1844.
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+ + No 7301. 
Esther Whitman
Benoni  N.Y. 
act 7 July 38 
m 83 d 39

11471
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State of New York 
Rensselaer County ss. Esther Whitman of the town of Stephentown County and State aforesaid, being duly sworn testified that she was seventy two years of age on the 16th day of November last that she was married to Benoni Whitman on the 27th day of November 1783 by Mr. Grant a Justice of the Peace in New Lebanon County of Columbia and State aforesaid that said Benoni Whitman died on the 29th day of July 1839 and that this deponent is now the Widow of Said Benoni Whitman and resides in Stephentown aforesaid - that she was never married to any other person other than said Benoni Whitman, that said Benoni Whitman her husband aforesaid was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States under the Act of June 7, 1832 & that his Pension Certificate was dated the 11th day of April 1833. that said Certificate was given up by this deponent after the death of said Benoni Whitman when she drew the balance of his Pension that she does not recollect any thing in particular in regard to her husbands service, but refers to his declaration on file in the War Department for the services of said Benoni Whitman that this deponent claims a pension as the widow of said Benoni Whitman under the act of July 4th 1836 and the amendments thereto - that she this deponent has made enquiry for the persons who now present at her marriage but has been unable to find any one who is living - that she does not know of any person by whom she can prove her marriage nor does not know of any Record
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evidence of her marriage - she has understood and believes that Mr. Grant the Justice of the Peace has been dead a number of years, the person by whom they were married - that she has had twelve children by the said Benoni Whitman nine of whom are now living, but most of them reside at a distance from this deponent - that she has three daughters now residing in Stephentown aforesaid and one son who now resides with her the names of her daughters now residing in Stephentown are Sally Carr, Anna Swan, Susanna Atwater and Huldah Whitman – the name of her son now residing with her is Spencer Whitman - that this deponent has resided in Stephentown fifty eight years last past - and was most of the old residents in said town 
[signed] Wsther Whitman X her mark
Subscribed & Sworn before me this 11th day of July 1840. 
[signed] Nathan Howard Com. &c.
I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named the Esther Whitman and have been for more than 40 years She is a credible person & her declaration above entitled to full credit & belief 
[signed] Nathan Howard Com. &c.

State of New York 
Rensselaer County ss. }  Eunice Tyler of Stephentown County and State aforesaid being duly sworn saith that she is Eighty years of age that she has lived a near neighbour to Benoni Whitman and Esther his wife above named for fifty six or fifty seven years and that said Benoni Whitman and Esther Whitman have lived together as man & wife for about fifty six years, and raised a large
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family of children, and that she never heard it doubted but what they were lawfully married - that she did not see them married but has no doubt of the fact that said Benoni Whitman (now deceased) above mentioned was the brother of this deponent 
[signed] Eunice Tyler + her mark
Subscribed & Sworn before me this 11th day of July 1840. 
[signed] Nathan Howard Com. &c.
I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Eunice Tyler and that her testimony is entitled to full Credit
[signed] Nathan Howard Com. Ec.

State of New York
Rensselaer County ss }  Sally Carr of Stephentown County & State aforesaid being duly sworn saith that she is fifty six years of age that she is the daughter of Benoni Whitman and Esther Whitman and has frequently heard them both say that they were Married by Esqr. Grant of New Lebanon which Town joins the Town of Stephentown aforesaid This deponent has always resided in this Town of Stephentown That she attended the funeral of her Father Benoni Whitman that her Mother was there recognized as the Widow of said Whitman & this deponent was with other children were addressed as the children of the said Benoni Whitman Deceased That she never heard it disputed by what Benoni Whitman & Esther Whitman were Lawful husband & wife until his decease which took place nearly a year ago that she Esther Whitman is now the widow of the said Benoni Whitman
[signed] Sally Carr X her mark
Subscribed & sworn been on this 20th day of July 1840 
[signed] Nathan Howard Com. &c.
I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Sally Carr and know her to be the [illegible] daughter of Benoni Whitman and her testimony is entitled to credit & belief in all senses 
[signed] Nathan Howard Com. &c.
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STATE OF NEW-YORK, 
Rensselaer County Clerk's Office, } ss.
I, LELAND CRANDALL, Clerk of the County of Rensselaer, do hereby Certify that Nathan Howard Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the annexed Affidavits & certificates was, at the time the same bears date respectively one of the Commissioner of Deeds in and for said County: And further, that I am acquainted with the handwriting of said Commissioner and verily believe the above signature to be genuine. 
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said County, this thirty first day of July 1840 
[signed] Leland Crandall Clerk.
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State of New York 
Rensselaer County } ss
I Benjamin Gardner of the Town of Stephentown County aforesaid being duly sworn before Joseph Tayer Esqr. a Justice of the peace of the County aforesaid, deposed and says that he is of the age of Seventy three years and say that he has been well acquainted with Benoni Whitman & his wife for the term of sixty years and I moved from Rhode Island with my Father when I was about fourteen years of age which is about sixty years ago & settled within about half mile from them at which place I have always lived untill the present time, and the said Benoni Whitman & his wife lived here at that time and they lived together as man & wife untill the time of his death and they raised a large and numerous family of children & I never heard it questioned but that they were lawfully Married and further this deponent saith not 
[signed] Benjamin Gardner
Subscribed and sworn this third day of September 1846 before me 
[signed] Joseph Tayer Justice Peace 
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Benjamin Gardner and know him to be of good moral character and a credible witness 
[signed] Joseph Tayer Justice Peace
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STATE OF NEW-YORK, 
RENSSELAER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss. I, AMBROSE H. SHELDON, Clerk of said County, do hereby Certify, that Joseph Tayer before whom the annexed Affidavit was made and whose name is thereunto subscribed, was at the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and duly authorized by law to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice and verily believe that his signature to the said Affidavit is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County, this fifth day of September 1846 
[signed] A. H. Sheldon Clerk.
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STATE OF NEW-YORK, 
RENSSELAER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss. I, AMBROSE H. SHELDON, Clerk of said County, do hereby Certify, that Joseph Tayer before whom the annexed Affidavit was made and whose name is thereunto subscribed, was at the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and duly authorized by law to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice and verily believe that his signature to the said Affidavit is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County, this fifth day of September 1846 
[signed] A. H. Sheldon Clerk.
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Rensselaer County ss 
I Oliver Chapman of the Town of Stephentown & County aforesaid & State of New York being duly sworn before Joseph Tayer Esqr a Justice of the Peace of the County aforesaid deposeth and says that he is Eighty two years of age and says that I have been well acquainted with Benoni Whitman & his wife for the term of fifty six or seven years I moved from East hadam [Haddam] in Connecticut fifty Eight years ago last May & came into this Town & I purchased a farm near the said Whitman within half a mile of him & I have lived by him ever since that time untill his death. and that is the reason why I am so well acquainted with him & his family, & this as I stated in my former depposition in the immediate neighborhood for the term of fifty three or four years. & they lived together as man & wife all this time, and raised a large family of children & I have never heard it doubted but that they were Lawfully Married & further this deponent saith not 
[signed] Oliver Chapman
Subscribed & Sworn this 3s day of September 1846 before me
[signed] Joseph Tayer Justice Peace 
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with above named Oliver Chapman and know him be a person of good moral character & consider him a credible witness 
[signed] Joseph Tayer Justice Peace
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State of New York 
Rensselaer County } ss
I Eber Holden of the Town of Stephentown & County aforesaid & State of New York being duly Sworn before Joseph Tayer Esqr a Justice of the peace of said County deposed & say that I am fifty four years of age & that I have been well acquainted with Benoni Whitman late of the Town of Stephentown deceased & Esther Whitman his Widow now deceased for several years before his death the said Benoni Witman died on the twentieth day of July Eighteen hundred & thirty nine, & the said Esther Whitman his widow died on the sixteenth day of February Eighteen hundred & forty six. I was not present at the death of the said Benoni but was present and attended the funeral of the said Benoni Whitman & I was present at the death & funeral of Esther Whitman the widow of the said Benoni Whitman. I have lived within twenty rods of them for the term of twenty three or four years 
I was well acquainted with them all the time 
[signed] Eber Holden
Subscribed & Sworn this third day of September 1846 before me 
[signed] Joseph Tayer Justice Peace 
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Eber Holden & I believe him to be a credible witness 
[signed] Joseph Tayer Justice Peace
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A Gardner
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I Alexander Gardner of Stephentown in the County of Rensselaer and State of New York, depose and say that I have held this Office of Town Clerk in the County Town and State aforesaid for over two years and I held a Book of Records of said town I have examined said [book] and find no Record of Marriages contained therein I further say that I find in said Book the Register of Births of Benoni Whitman and Esther Whitman his Wife in words and figures as follows 
Sally Whitman Daughter of Benoni Whitman and Esther Whitman was born April 30th 1784 
Mary Whitman the Daughter of Benoni Whitman and Esther Whitman was born August 1st 1785 
Anna Whitman the Daughter of Benoni Whitman and Esther his wife was born October 28th 1787 
Samuel Whitman the Son of Benoni Whitman & Esther his wife was born December 4th 1789 
Ruth Whitman the Daughter of Benoni Whitman and Esther Whitman was born February 24th 1791 
Huldah Whitman the Daughter of Benoni Whitman and Esther Whitman was born April 1st 1794 
Jeremiah Whitman the son of Benoni Whitman & Esther Whitman his wife was born May 23rd 1796 
Rebecca Whitman the Daughter of Benoni Whitman & Esther his wife was born June - 1798 
Spencer Whitman the son of Benoni Whitman & Esther his Wife was born July 26th 1804 
Susan Whitman the Daughter of Benoni Whitman & Esther Whitman was born July 26th 1806 
[signed] Alexander Gardner Town Clerk
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I hereby certify that the within named Alexander Gardner is at this time Clerk of the Town of Stephentown & that he this day came before me the undersigned Justice and duly made oath to the within record & that it is a true copy of a Record in his office at this time 
[signed] Joseph Tayer Justice peace
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Alexander Gardner & know him to be a credible witness 
[signed] Joseph Tayer Justice Peace
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State of Rhode Island 
County of Providence 
I Benjamin Cowell of the City of Providence in said State do on oath certify that I have in my possession an original Pay Abstract of a company of Militia commanded by Samuel Wilbur of Situate in said County during the war of the Revolution which was put into my hands by his son about three years ago. The Abstractor Roll is headed thus. "April 6 AD 1777 Capt Samuel Wilburs Abstract" - and I further certify that on said Abstract is borne the name of "Benony Whitman" as a private and as having served thirty one days up to said time when it appears he was discharged 
Providence Aug 29 1846 [signed] Benja Cowell 
Providence ss. Providence August 29th 1846. Personally appeared the above named Benjamin Cowell before me, and on oath testified to the truth of the above by him subscribed and I further certify the said Benjamin Cowell is a credible witness 
[signed] Franklin Greene Justice Peace
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State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations 
Providence ss }
I, Albert G. Greene Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Providence, in the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Franklin Greene who has signed the aforegoing certificate, is a Justice of the Peace within and for said City of Providence, duly elected. 
In attestation whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and have affixed the seal of said County this 29th day of August, A.D. 1846 
[signed] Albert G. Green, Clerk.
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State of New York 
County of Rensselaer ss:  On this Second day of February one thousand eight hundred and forty six before me Jeremiah Romeyn a Judge of Rensselaer County Courts of the degree of Counsellor at law in the Supreme Court of said State personally came Ester Whitman a resident of Stephentown in the County of Rensselaer and State of New York aforesaid aged seventy eight years who being first duly sworn according to law, on her oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7, 1838, entitled an act Granting half pay and pensions to certain widows. That she is the widow of Benoni Whitman late of said Stephentown deceased who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the time of his death at the rate of fifty three Dollars and twenty one cents per annum, and served as is particularly set forth in the proofs transmitted to the Pension office with his Declaration on which his pension certificate was issued and to which she refers. She further declares that she was married to the said Benoni Whitman on the twenty seventh day of November one thousand seven hundred and eighty three, and that she has caused search to be made of the Record in New Lebanon in the State of New York where she was married and is unable to find any record thereof, and the Justice of the peace who solemnized the marriage is dead and all persons who were present at the time of the marriage are also dead or gone to parts unknown to her at this time. That her husband the aforesaid Benoni Whitman died on the thirtieth day of July, one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place prior to the first day of January one thousand seven hundred and ninety four viz at the time above stated.
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And she further declares that she has not intermarried since the decease of her aforesaid husband Benoni Whitman but still continues his widow. 
[signed] Ester Whitman X her mark
Sworn and subscribed before me the Second day of February 1846.
[signed] J. Romeyn Judge Renss Co Courts & Counsellor in Sup Court
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State of New York 
Rensselaer County ss: On this Eleventh day of June in the year one thousand Eight hundred and forty six before me Jeremiah Romeyn a Judge of Rensselaer County Courts of the degree of Counseller in the Supreme Court of said State in and for said County of Rensselaer Personally appeared Spencer Whitman resident of Stephentown in said County aged forty one years, who being duly sworn according to Law, on his oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain for himself and the other children of Esther Whitman deceased, the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838, entitled an act granting half pay and Pensions to certain widows. That he the said Spencer Whitman and Sally Carr wife Joshua Carr both of said Stephentown Rensselaer County; Samuel Whitman of Stillwater in the County of Saratoga Anna Swan wife of Lot Swan of Lanesborough Berkshire County Massachusetts, Susan Atwell wife of Marcus Atwell of Pittsfield Berkshire County Massachusetts, Rebecca Youghgah wife of John Youghgah of Rome Oneida County, New York are the only children and heirs at Law of the said Esther Whitman late of said Stephentown deceased, who died on the sixteenth day of February one thousand eight hundred and forty six, and who was the widow of Benoni Whitman late of said Stephentown deceased, who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and who died on the thirtieth day of July one thousand Eight hundred thirty nine and was a revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the time of his death at the rate of fifty three dollars and twenty one cents per annum, and of the dates of his services this declarant refers to his Declaration on file in the War Department to which this Declarant refers for the particulars of the services (with the accompanying proofs) of the said Benoni Whitman deceased, the said Spencer Whitman further declares that according to the best of his knowledge information and belief the said
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Esther Whitmer deceased, was married on or about the twenty seventh day of November one thousand Seven hundred and Eighty three, that her said husband the said Benoni Whitman deceased died on the thirtieth day of July one thousand Eight hundred and twenty nine; That the said Esther Whitman was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but Viz at the time above stated, the said Esther Whitman did not intermarry after the death of the said Benoni, but continued a widow to the time of her death, as aforesaid, and was entitled to a pension by the force of the act aforesaid 
[signed] Spencer Whitman
Subscribed and sworn this 11th day of June 1846 before me 
[signed] J Romeyn Judge Renss. Co. Courts Counsellor in Sup. Court
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State of New York 
Rensselaer County ss. I Jeremiah Romeyn a Judge of Rensselaer County Courts of the degree of Counsellor at law in the Supreme Court of said state hereby certify that it has been made to appear to my satisfaction by the Affidavit of Spencer Whitman hereto attached that Esther Whitman late of Stephentown in said County at the time of her death on the sixteenth day of February 1846, left the following children then living vis: the said Spencer Whitman and Sally Carr the wife Joshua Carr of said Stephentown, Samuel Whitman of Stillwater in the County of Saratoga and Rebecca Youghgah wife of John Youghgah Rome Oneida County all in said State of New York  Anna Swan wife of Lot Swan of Lanesborough in the County of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Susan Atwell wife of Marcus Atwell of Pittsfield in said County of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts. And that said persons are the only children and heirs at law of the said Esther Whitman deceased. The words of John Youghgah of being interlined. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my hand at the City of Troy in the County of Rensselaer and state of New York aforesaid this Eleventh day of June 1846
[signed] J Romeyn Judge Rensselaer County & counsellor Sup Court
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Esther Whitman
her Declaration made August 1st
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I Benjamin Cowell of the City of Providence in the State of Rhode Island do certify that I have in my possession a list of the officers & soldiers belonging to Col Archibald Crarys Regiment of Rhode Island State Troops a regiment raised during the war of the Revolution who were allowed depreciation of pay as reported to be due by a Committee, in October 1785 of the General Assembly of said State. And I further certify that the said Roll is borne the name of “Benoni Whitman” as a private & the sum of £12.14.0 reported to be due him for depreciation pursuant to the Report aforesaid 
Providence October 18 1845 
[signed] Benja Cowell 

State of Rhode Island 
County of Providence } ss
In Providence on the 18th day of October 1845 Personally appeared before me the above named Benjamin Cowell and made oath of the above affidavit by him signed: and I further certify said Cowell is a credible witness in the premises before me 
[signed] Franklin Greene Jus. Peace
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State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations 
Secretary’s Office Oct 18. 1845. 
I certify, that there are no Rolls of Crary's Regiment in this office: 
I further certify, that at the date of his official Certificate annexed, the said Franklin Greene was a Justice of the Peace within the City of Providence duly elected and commissioned as appears of record in this office 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State at Providence, the day and year above written 
[signed] Henry Bowen Secry State
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Albany Certificate
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In pursuance of a law passed the 27th of April, 1781, entitled “An act for the settlement of the pay of the Levies and Militia, for their service in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned,” the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five per cent per annum, viz:
24th Oct 1781  |  Benoni Whiteman pri  |  £1.7.4

State of New-York, 
COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, Albany, Sep. 26th 1845.
I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book No. 8 now remaining in this office, and that the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following officers, viz:
1st under Capt Ichabod Turner in col. Killian Van Rensselaer Regt.

[signed] Philip Phelps Dep Compr
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Rensselaer County ss. 
Oliver Chapman of Stephentown County aforesaid & State of New York being duly sworn before John L. Shelden Justice Peace of said County deposeth & says that he is Eighty one years of age and says that I have been well acquainted with Benoni Whitman & his wife for the term of Fifty one or two years I lived a near neighbour to them until the death of said Benoni Whitman which took place some five or six years ago they lived together as man and wife up to the death of the said Benoni Whitman and also raised a large & numerous family and have never heard it disputed or questioned but that they were lawfully married and further this deponant saith not
[signed] Oliver Chapman
subscribed & Sworn this 30th day of July 1845 before me 
[signed] John L. Shelden Justice Peace
I hereby certify that I am well aquainted with the above named Oliver Chapman and know him to be a person of good moral character and consider him a credible witness 
Stephentown July 30, 1845 
[signed] John L. Shelden Justice Peace
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STATE OF NEW-YORK, 
RENSSELER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss
I, AMBROSE H. SHELDON, Clerk of said County, hereby Certify, that John L Sheldon before whom the annexed deposition was made. and whose name is thereunto subscribed was at the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and duly authorized by law to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said deposition and verily believe that his signature to the said Deposition is genuine. 
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County, this thirty first day of July 1845 
[signed] A. H. Sheldon Clerk
Page 35

Rensselaer County ss. 
Sally Carr of Stephen town County aforesaid and State of New York being duly sworn before John L Shelden Justice Peace of said County deposeth & says that she is fifty years old and further deposeth and says that she is reputed take the oldest child of Benoni & Esther Whitman they had twelve children and my Father died in July 1839 and left my Mother a Widow who now lives in said Town as such. I also have often herd my Father & Mother boath say that they were married by a Justice of the Peace by the name of Grant - living at that time at a place now called New Lebanon - and further this deponent saith not – 
[signed] Sally Carr X her mark
Subscribed & sworn this 30th day of July 1845 before me 
[signed] John L. Shelden Justice Peace 

I hereby Certify that I am well aquainted with the above named Sally Carr & know her to be a person good moral character and consider her a credible witness –
Stephentown July 30. 1845 
[signed] John L. Shelden Justice Peace
Page 36

I Spencer Whitman of Stephentown in the County of Rensselaer and State of New York Viz, aged forty one years do testify and say that I am the son of Benoni Whitman late of said Stephentown, deceased, and Esther Whitman his widow. - That the said Benoni who was my father died at said Stephentown on the thirtieth day of July Eighteen hundred and thirty one, and the said Esther has not since married but still continues the the Widow of said Benoni Whitman deceased,-- I was present at his death and Funeral 
[signed] Spencer Whitman
Subscribed and sworn before me the 27th day of July A.D.1845
[signed] Joseph Tayer Justice of the peace 
and I hereby certify that the above named Spencer Whitman to be a credible witness 
[signed] Joseph Tayer Justice peace
Page 37

STATE OF NEW-YORK. 
RENSSELEAR COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.  
I, AMBROSE H. SHELDON, Clerk of said County do hereby Certify, that Joseph Tayer before whom the annexed deposition was made and whose name is thereunto subscribed, was at the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and duly authorized by law to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said deposition Justice and verily believe that his signature to the said Deposition is genuine. 
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County, this thirty first day of July 1845 
[signed] A. H. Sheldon Clerk.
Page 38

I Eunice Tyler of the Town of Stephentown in the County of Rensselaer & State of New York Widow of the age of Eighty six year on oath deposed & said that I have lived in this Town Sixty three or four years & soon after coming here I became acquainted with Benoni Whitman and Hester Bennett & have been acquainted with for the space of sixty three or four years & in about three or four years after I became acquainted with them the report was that they went to New Lebanon to be Married & I have often heard them say that Esquire Grant of Canaan (now) New Lebanon married them and I have heard them say that they came to my Fathers house & took supper but I was absent from home that time & they have lived together from that time untill his death & I have never heard it questioned but they were married at that time they have lived together & raised a large family of children 
in presence of  Eunice Tyler X her mark
Subscribed & Sworn before me this 30th day of July 1845
[signed] Joseph Tayer, Justice peace

County of Rensselaer } ss  I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Eunice Tyler & do believe her to be a credible witness 
[signed] Joseph Tayer Justice peace
Page 39

12918,
Ester Whitman dcd 
widow of Benoni 
NY 
act 7 July 1838 
Married 1783 
husband died 29 July 39 
widow died 16 Feby 1846 
9 mo Col Crary 
15 day Cap Turner 
1 mo Cap Wilber 
10 [months] 15 day
Page 40

I P.B. Bline Town Clerk of the Town of Canaan County of Columbia State of New York Hereby certify that I have a Book of the Town Records of said Town which I have examined thouroughly and cannot find Recorded theirin the mariage of Benoni Whitman and Esther Bennett 
Dated Canaan June 16th 1846 
[signed] P. B. Bline Town Clerk
Subscribed & Sworn this 20th day of June 1846
[signed] John C Clarke Justice of the peace
Page 41

STATE OF NEW-YORK. 
COUNTY OF COLUMBIA } ss.
I, John I Traver, CLERK of the County of Columbia, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for said County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That John C. Clarke whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument or affidavit and thereon written, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County aforesaid, duly sworn and authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of such Justice, and verily believe that the signature to the said proof or acknowledgment is genuine. 
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the County and Court aforesaid, this 8th day of July 1846
[signed]  J. I. Traver Clerk.
Page 42

Payment to be made Albany by T. W. Olcott Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of New York Payable on the 4th March and 4th September in each year – 
Recorded in the Pension Office in Book D. Vol. 1 Page  by 
D. H. Wood Clerk 

Duplicate.
Page 43

WAR DEPARTMENT. 
WIDOW'S PENSION 
I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838, Esther Whitman, decd. late of N. York widow of Benoni Whitman, who was a Private in the R. Island Line and died on the 29th day of July 1839 - is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Thirty Five dollars and -- cents per annum, commencing on the 29th July 1839  and terminating on the 4th of March 1841 unless the Pensioner married or died before the above mentioned date; in which can the pension is not payable after the time of such marriage or death, payable to Spencer & Samuel Whitman, Sally Carr, Rebecca Youghgah, Ann Swan and Susan Atwell, only surviving children Given at the War Office of the United States, this 30th day of September one thousand eight hundred and Forty Six 
Secretary of War

Examined and countersigned 
Commissioner of Pensions

Duplicate
Page 44

8744 
Benoni Whitman 
admd 
16 mo pri
$53.33   p-60
9 mo. Crary 
15 d Turner

13 Sep 32
14 Nov 32

Nathan Howell
Pe A
Stephentown NY
Page 45

Brief in the case of Benoni Whitman of Stephentown in the State of N York
(Act 7th June, 1832.) 
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Open court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? 
3. How old is he? Seventy six years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 

[BEGIN TABLE]
Period.   |   Duration of Service. Years, Months, Days.  |  Rank.  As a  |  Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.    |
enlisted In 1777 June |  9 Months  |    |  Gen. Cornwall Capt Caleb Carr Col Crary  |
to 4 March 1778  |  4 Months  |    |  Capt Saml Wibur  |
drafted afterward  |  3 Months  |    |  Capt Turner  |
[END OF TABLE]

5. In what battles was he engaged? none stated
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Situate R.I last lived at Stephentown
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary incidental evidence, or by the rolls? [answer illegible]
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned
[name or signature illegible]  Examining Clerk.
Page 46

September 12, 1938 
BA-J/AWF 
Benoni Whitman 
W. 19627 
Mr. Robert R. Phillips 
Nassau 
New York 
Dear Madam: 
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to the following soldiers of the Revolutionary War: 
Benoni Whitman, served from Rhode Island, and later lived in Stephentown, New York; 
George Whitman, brother of the above named Benoni Whitman;
Samuel Whitman, lived in his later years in Canaan, Columbia County, New York. 
Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War data and the limited trained clerical force available for furnishing such information, it is not possible to comply in full with each request which requires so much time and research. 
You are furnished the Revolutionary War record of Benoni Whitman, as found in papers on file in claim for pension, W. 19627, based upon his service in that war. 
Benoni Whitman was born in the year 1756 in Warwick, Rhode Island. The names of his parents were not stated. 
While residing in Scituate, Providence County, Rhode Island, with his father, Benoni Whitman enlisted sometime in June, 1777, served as a private in Captain Caleb Carr's company, Colonel Crary's Rhode Island regiment, and was discharged March 18, 1778. He
Page 47

2 – 
served four months in Captain Samuel Wilbur's Rhode Island company, guarding the shores, dates of this service not given. 
Benoni Whitman moved to Stephentown, New York, and served three months as private in Captain Ichabod Turner's company, Colonel Van Rensselaer's New York regiment. He stated that this service was at the time of the burning of the town Schoharie. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 5, 1832, then a resident of Stephentown, New York. He died there July 29 or 30, 1839. 
Benoni Whitman married November 27, 1783 in New Lebanon, Columbia County, New York, Esther (Hester) Bennett. She was born December 16, 1767, place not shown, nor were the names of her parents given. 
Pension was allowed on her application executed July 11, 1840, at which time she was living in Stephentown. She died there February 16, 1846. 
They had twelve children, the following are the names found in the claim: 
Sally born April 30, 1784
Mary born August 1, 1785
Ann or Anna born October28, 1787
Samuel born December 4, 1789
Ruth born February 24, 1791
Huldah born April 1, 1794
Jeremiah born May 23, 1796
Rebecca born June [illegible] 1798
Spencer born July 26, 1804
Susan born July 26, 1806
The following children survived their mother, Esther Whitman:
Sally Carr, wife of Joshua Carr of Stephentown, New York ; Spencer Whitman of Stephentown, New York; Samuel
Page 48

3 – 
Whitman of Stillwater, Saratoga County, New York; Anna Swan, wife of Lot Swan of Lanesborough, Berkshire County, Massachusetts; Susan Atwell, wife of Marcus Atwell of Pittsfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts; Rebecca Youghgah, wife of John Youghgah of Rome, Oneida County, New York. 
George Whitman, brother of the soldier, Benoni Whitman, was a resident of Stephentown, New York, in 1832, and his sister, Eunice Tyler, was about eighty years old in 1840, then a resident of said Stephentown. 
The papers on file in this claim contain no further discernible data in regard to family. 
Very truly yours 
A. D. HILLER 
Executive Assistant 
to the Administrator
Page 49

Revy WIDOW, &c. 
File No. 19687 
Esther Whitman Widow of Benoni Whitman 
Priv. Rev. War 
Act: Mar 3d 1833 
Index: -- Vol. M  Page 333 
{Arrangement of 1870.}

1938 Sept 12 hist to Robert R Phillips  [initials]
1939 Jan 26. Robt. R. Phillips adv. further in regard to affidavits, family etc.; fur. also hist. of George Whitman  [initials]
Page 50

Benoni Whitman N.Y. act 7 July 1832. $53.33 p an
To what time was he last paid
GCA

Pension Office 
Sept 26. 1846 Died 29th July 1839 paid 4th qr 1839 to that date
Page 51

12017
New York 
Esther Whitman, decd. Widow of Benoni Whitman who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832, and who died on the 29th July 1839 - of Rensselaer in the State of N. York who was a Pri in the Co. commanded by Captain Carr of the Regt. commanded by Col Craig [sic] in the R. I. line for 10 mo 15 dy 

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany, N.Y. at the rate of 35 Dollars -- Cents per annum, to commence on the 29th July 1839 

Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of Sept 1846 and Niel Peare Lenox Massachusetts 

Total amount $
{Act July 7, 1838.} 
Recorded by D H Wood Clerk, 
Book D Vol. 4 Page 533


Payable to childrn.
Page 52

8443
8.144 New York 
Benoni Whitman of Stephentown in the State of N. York who was a Private in the Compy commanded by Captain Carr of the Regt. commanded by Col Craig in the R. Island line for 7 months – 

Inscribed on the Roll of N. York at the rate of 23 Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of April 1833 and sent to N. Howard Stephentown 

Arrears to the 4th of March ’33  $46.66 
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4th [illegible] ’33  11.66 
[totals] $58.32 
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Geo. Stiles Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 4. Page 35
Page 53

[Crossed out: Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.]
11471 
P.O.
Esther Whitman 
Service: 
[stamped] REJECTED
Enlisted:  , 18 .
Discharged:  , 18 .
Application filed:  , 18 .
Alleges:
Page 54

V  No 12918 
Ester Whitman dcd 
NY 
Let to Niel Pease 
Augt 21 ‘46 

act 7 July 1838.
Page 55

A  7307. 
N.Y. 
Rejected 
See let to Nathan Howard Sept. 4. 1840. 
Act 7 July 38
Page 56

January 26, 1939
Benoni Whitman, W. 19627 
George Whitman, W. 19619 
BA-J/MMHF:MLB 
Mr. Robert R. Phillips 
Nassau 
New York 
Dear Sir: 
Reference is made to your letter in which you state that you have been informed that, after the death of Benoni Whitman (W. 19627) whose record was furnished you September 12, 1938, his widow and his brother, George, made depositions giving much family data, and you desire to know where you can obtain copies or abstracts of that material.
In the claim for pension cited above, there is no affidavit on file which was made by Benoni Whitman's brother George, after the death of said Benoni. The affidavit in that claim, which was made by George Whitman, was in support of Benoni's claim for pension in 1832, and pertained to the service of Benoni and not to his family. When the record of Benoni was furnished you, all papers in the claims for pension of that soldier and his widow were examined very carefully and the family data found therein were incorporated in that report. 
It is noted that, at the time you requested the record of Benoni Whitman, you requested that of his brother George, also, which was not furnished at that time because of the great demand for large numbers of records received each day. 
In the effort to aid you further in your research, the record of George Whitman (W. 19619) is furnished you herewith. 
Very truly yours 
A. D. HILLER 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 57

BA J/AWF
Benoni Whitman 
W. 19627 
Nassau NY
Sept 29 1938 

[stamp]
RECEIVED SEP 30 1938 MAIL SUB-DIV. VETS ADM. READER # 14

Veterans Adm. 
Wash. D C 
Gentlemen,
Relative to the above Benoni Whitman I have been informed that, after his death a deposition was made by his widow and by his brother George, concerning his pension, and giving considerable information about the family. 
Can you advise where copies or abstracts of this material can be obtained? 
Yours truly 
[signed] Robert R Phillips
Page 58

Nassau N. Y., Aug 9 1938 
Veterans Administration 
Washington D. C. 
Gentlemen: 
Will you kindly furnish me with whatever information you may have concerning the following Revolutionary soldiers? 
Benoni Whitman, served from Kent, R.I., later moving to Stephentown, Albany (now Rensselaer) County, N. Y. 
George Whitman, brother of above. 
Samuel Whitman, who lived in his later years, at least, in Canaan, Columbia Co. NY. May have married Huldah [blank]. Had son John Whitman, who moved to Lyons, Wayne Co., NY. 
This name may have been spelled Wightman or Weightman. 
Thanking you for this and past courtesies, 
I remain, yours truly, 
[signed] Robert R Phillips
Robert R. Phillips 
Send 1


[stamp]
RECEIVED AUG 10 1938 MAIL SUB-DIV. VETS ADM. READER # 16
Page 59

Benoni Whitman
[crossed out: admd  7 mo.]

P.60
Page 60

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Benoni Whitman which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? 
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Not distinctly
V. *Has he mentioned 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? 
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? 
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes
VII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes
Page 61

2 
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? 
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? yes
ALTERNATE XIV. If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? 
And is the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? yes

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? 
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? [illegible]
EXPLANATORY NOTES. 
*QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For___ year ___ months, and ___ days, I served as a ___ For ___ months and ___ days, I served as a ___ and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 62

3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. 
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service 
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants 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.
QUERE XVI. 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 paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Page 63

No. 12918 {9065 1232. 
Esther Whitman decd  widow of Benoni 
NY 
Act 7 July 1838 
Admd. 10 mo 15 days for $35.00 per ann.
Commencing from 29 July 1837 to 4 March 1841. Payable to Spencer Whitman, Sally Carr Samuel Whitman, Rebecca Youghgah, Ann Swan and Susan Atwell surviving children of Esther Whitman decd 

Admd acts 3 March 1843 and 17 Jun 1844 $35.00 per ann
From 4 March 1843 to 16th February 1846, the day of her death payable to the children above named 
Niel Pease
S [illegible, Stephentown?]
Page 64

Payments to be made at New York by Pres: N.Y. Pn. Bk. Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of New York 

Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E. Vol. 4 Page 35 by Geo. Stiles Clerk.
Page 65

WAR DEPARTMENT. 
Revolutionary Claim. 
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Benoni Whitman of the State of New York who was a Private in the Revolutionary Army is entitled to receive Twenty three dollars and Thirty three cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year 
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 11th day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty three 
[signed] Lew Cass
Secretary of War.

Examined and Countersigned. 
[signed] J L Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 66

Payment to be made at   
by  
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of 
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March 
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book   Vol.   Page   
Clerk.
Page 67

WAR DEPARTMENT. 
WIDOW'S PENSION. 
I certify that in conformity with the act of March 3. 1848 and 7th June 1844
Esther Whitman, decd, late of N. York widow of Benoni Whitman who was a Private in the N. Jersey Line and died on the 29th day of July 1839 is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Thirty Five dollars and __ cents per annum, commencing on the 4th March 1843, and terminating on the 16th Feby 1846, when she died. Payable to Spencer & Samuel Whitman, Sally Carr Rebecca Youghgah, Ann Swan, and Susan Atwell, only children. 
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 30th day of Septr. one thousand eight hundred and Forty Six.

Secretary of War

Examined and Countersigned. 
Commissioner of Pensions 

Duplicate
Page 68

Sept 15, 1846 
Adal to case 
Esther Whitman 

20 ¢
J.L. Edwards Esq 
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington City D.C.
Page 69

Lenox Sept 12, 1846, 
J. L. Edwards Esq. 
Sir 
I send you the Certificate of Benjamin Cowell Esq of Rhode Island of Benoni Whitman and the Deposition of two Gardners & of Oliver Chapman & Eber Holden
Respectfully yours 
Niel Pease
Page 70

12.918 Jly 13, 1846
Be P.
Esther Whitman, dec
Jy 7, 1838.

30
J.L. Edwards Esq 
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington City D.C.
Page 71

Lenox July 9th 1846. 
J.L. Edwards Esq. 
Sir
I send you the Declaration of Esther Whitman since making her Declaration she is Dead & her Son Spencer Whitman another one which I enclose to you with hers & the proof of his service & as to her Marriage  I have searched in all parts for some record & it all together probable that there is none in existence therefore I have taken of several of her old neighbours stating the fact they have lived together as man & wife,
Page 72

Aug 6 1840 
No 7301, 
N York 
July 7 1838 
Esther Whitman

Stephentown N.Y.
Aug 1.

Free 
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 73

Stephentown Aug 1, 1840 
Sir
I inclose the application of Mrs. Esther Whitman to obtain a pension on the services of her husband Benoni Whitman There is no record of their Marriage and Esqr. Grant of New Lebanon who married them kept no record of Marriages. Esqr. Grant died some 35 or 40 years ago I have had occasion to enquire of one of his sons Joseph Grant who is now living & he informed me that his Father kept no records of his Marriages I was acquainted with Esqr. Grant more than 50 years ago he being a cousin to my Mother who had a sister living within 100 rods of Esqr. Grant, about six miles from where I now reside. I was the agent to procure the Pension of Benoni Whitman and am well acquainted with all the family and I have no doubt of the correctness of the inclosed Aplication 
Yours very Respectfully 
[signed] Nathan Howard

Com. Pensions
Washington D.C.