Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21307, Benjamin Henshaw, Conn.
Page 1

(8-1776)

SERVICE
Conn.

Henshaw, Benjamin
Elsa or Sarah

NUMBER
W.21307

CONTENTS
Page 2

M W A 1828. 
2304 R 
Connecticut

Benjamin Henshaw of Middletown in the State of Cont who was a Lieutenant in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Bradley of the Cont line, for the term of two years to 78

Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence on the 1 of April 1818

Certificate of Pension issued the 7 of Sept 181- and sent to Josiah Meige Esq City of Washington

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1818.               102.66
Semi anl. all'ce ending 4 March 1819.     120
			                                             --------
                                                                                            $222.66
{Revolutionary claim Act 18th March, 1 ---}

not entitled - Reinstated
Page 3


Celt. See Oct 7 1830 to W. G. Williams

Reinstated July 19. 1821, and sent to 
pensioner. Middletown, Cont
Page 4


Cell. See Oct. 7. 1830 to W. G. Williams

Reinstated July 19. 1821, and sent to 
pensioner. Middletown, Cont.
Page 5

1.0.950.

Connecticut

Elsa or Sarah Henshaw
Conn
Widow of Benjamin
who was a pensioner under the Act of ---
and who died on the ---
of --- in the State of ---
who was a Lieut in the ---
commanded by Captain --- Reg’t commanded by Col. Bradley of the 
the Conn [strikethrough] line for [strikethrough] U. S. Army

Inscribed on the Roll of  Conn at the rate of 320 Dollars
[strikethrough] cents [strikethough] per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of July 1850 and sent to J. G. Berrett
Present

Total amount, $ ---

Act July 7, 1838.
Recorded by H E Robinson, Clerk
Book D Vol. 1 Page 91.
Page 6

No 86
Benj Henshaw

Middletown
2,304
Rec'd 7 Sept 1818

not entitled
Page 7

State and District of Connecticut, ss.

On this 20th day of June 1820 personally appeared in open Court, before the adj. County Court holden at Middletown within and for the County of Middlesex in said State, on the 20th day of June 1820, the same being a court of record, proceeding according to the course of common law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a record of its proceedings, and having power of fine and imprisonment, Benjamin Henshaw aged 66 years, resident in the town of Middletown in said State, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he served in the revolutionary war, as follows: That he the said Benjamin Henshaw[strikethrough] enlisted for the term [strikethrough] received a commission as Ensign dated on the 10th day of June in the year 1776 and [strikethrough] is [strikethrough] a Commission as a [strikethrough] in the State of [strikethrough] Lieutenant in February 1777 in the company commanded by Captain Abner Prior [strikethrough] Preston [strikethrough] the first in the regiment commanded by Colonel Andrew Ward & the second in the[strikethrough] line of the State of [strikethrough] regiment of Col. P. B. Bradley both in the line of the State of Connecticut on the continental establishment: That he continued to serve in the said Corps & in other corps until sometime in the Spring of 1778 when he was discharged from said service in Valey Forge in the State of --- That he made a declaration to obtain a pension under the law of the 18th of March 1818, as nearly as he can recollect, having no minutes, on the 1st day of April 1818; and had transmitted to him a Certificate for a pension from the Secretary for the Department of War, No. 2:304.  

And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled, "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War;" and that I have not, nor has any person, in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts of debts due to me, nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed.

I do further solemnly swear, that I was in the battles [strikethrough] at [strikethrough] with the Indians near St. Johns under Captain Wm Douglass in Gen'l Woosters regiment in the first Detachment under Gen'l Montgomery in the 7 months service On board the Gundelow under Capt. Douglass when he cannonaded fort St. John at the taking of that fort and Laprarie Longale & Montreal under Gen'l Montgomery. that I was wounded in my right leg at the storming of bomb fort--That after I received my Commission as Ensign I was at the battles of Trenton & Samp or Spanktown where I commanded the advanced guards, and finally that I was In the service continually from the first alarm at Lexington untill I resigned & was discharged as above stated 
That I am by occupation a Cooper
Page 8

That the number of my family residing with me is Three, and their names and ages are as follows:
Sarah My Wife aged 57 years
Mrs. Loomis her sister 50 years
Wm Loomis son of Mrs. Loomis 11

That my Wife is feeble and incapable of working unless in a slight degree that Mrs. Loomis is & for more than one year has been very sick and consumptive and that my infirmities are such that without my pension I should not be able to support myself & those dependent on me unless relieved by charity

Benjamin Henshaw


Sworn to and declared on the 21 day of June 1820, before the Court of Common Pleas for W F. Ca
Jno Fisk Clk of the Ct.
Page 9

SCHEDULE annexed to the Declaration and Oath above made and taken before the Court aforesaid

One Farm at New Hartford assessed at $300.
By the United States assessor Chauncey Seymour Esq.
Under a Mortgage of $500
Equity of Redemption therein $0
One half of a house 1/8th of an acre of land owned by my Wife $150    -     $40.00
1 Cow $20 pig $[strikethrough] Sold chairs old Tables [strikethrough].    -          24
2 large Silver Spoons $1.50 6 small spoon $1.                        -                                                       3.25
6 Old common chairs .25 Each    1.--
1 Brass kettle $3 One Iron small dish kettle $0.20                   -                          3.20
1 Small Spider $0.30 Tea Kettle 25/00                                           -                                                       1.55
2 Old looking glasses $0.75 1 Tea Pot $0.12                                  -                                                       0.87
1 Sett of Tea Cups $0.15 two pewter plates $0.37                          -                   0.52
6 Old blue edged plates $0.25 Two old axes $0.25                         -                    0.50
Two hoes $0.50 Three tin pans $0.24                                              -                                                       1.04
Two old pails $0.50 Two old tubs at $0.50                                    -                                                       1.00
Two old Razors $0.25 Six old barrels $0.75                              -                                                        1.00
One pair shovel & tongs $0.30 1 pr Hand Irons $1                      -                              1.30

Benj’a Henshaw                             89.53
Page 10

I John Fisk Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing Oath and Schedule annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court. And I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is Eighty Nine dollars and Fifty three cents.

IN TESTIMONY whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this 21st day of June 1820.

Jno Fisk Clerk of fd Court
Page 11

I Benjamin Henshaw of New Hartford in the County of Litchfield & State of Connecticut depose & declare that in the month of January 1776 I received the appointment of Ensign in Capt Abner Prior's Company in the Regiment commanded by Col. Andrew Ward in the Connecticut line--That I then entered the Service of my country in the Revolutionary [strikethrough] Army [strikethrough] War against the common enemy & was commissioned by John Hansach then president of Congress That I continued in the said Service in that Regiment until about the last of the year 1776. The term of one year and that on about the first of January 1777 I received the appointment of Lieutenant in the Company commanded by Capt Abner Prior in the Regiment Commanded by Col Phill7ip B. Bradley that I then entered the Service of my Country in the same war against the common enemy and was commissioned by the [?] of Congress that I continued in the said Service from that time until Sometime in the year 1778 when I resigned my commission on the ground of my being superseded which resignation was accepted by the commander in chief [strikethrough] I am [strikethrough] I further declare that I am in the Sixty fifth year of my age and from my Reduced Circumstances
Page 12

Stand in Need of the Assistance of my Country for my Support--and I further declare that during the time of my Service aforesaid I placed my commission in the hand of the said Col Bradley for the purpose of his establishing the rank of the officers of his said Regiment and that I have never [?] them since.
Benjamin Henshaw

I hereby Certify that I was well acquainted with the aforesaid Benjamin Henshaw in the Revolutionary War and was [?] to his Service in the Office of Lieutenant about term of Two years and the occasion of his Resignation was in Consequence of his being Superseded in Rank and I further Certify that I now live in the Town of New Hartford & State of Connecticut in the same Town with said Henshaw & know that he is in reduced Circumstances & Stands in need of the assistance of his Country for his Support
Jn Meigs

State of Connecticut Litchfield County April 1st day AD 1818 Personally appeared Benjamin Henshaw signer of the first aforesaid affidavit & made Solemn Oath to the truth of the same before me
Augustus Pettibone Chief Judge
of Litchfield County Court--

Benj. Henshaw
Page 13

State of Connecticut Litchfield County ss.

I Augustus Pettibone Esq. Chief Judge of the County Court for said Litchfield County do hereby certify the foregoing affidavit was regularly taken before me and by the evidence exhibited it appears to my satisfaction that the said Benj'n Hanshaw served in the revolutionary war against the Common Enemy in the manner and during the terms as stated in his aforesaid affidavit--that by reason of his reduced circumstances in life he is in need of assistance from his Country for Support

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Caused the seal of the Court which is a Court of record to be affixed this __ Day of April Anno Domini 1818

Augustus Pettibone Chief Judge

To the Hon. John C. Calhoun Secretary of War--

[Seal]
Page 14

7144

Elsa Henshaw

Hon. Jos. Trumbull
Page 15

State of Connecticut
County of Hartford
ss.

On this 15th day of June in the year One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Hartford within the County of Hartford Elsa Henshaw a resident of the Town of Hartford in the County aforesaid aged Sixty Six years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress dated July 7th 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows":
That she is the widow of Benjamin Henshaw late of Middletown in the County of Middlesex in the State of Connecticut, but who is now deceased, and who was a Lieutenant in the Connecticut line in the Army of the American Revolution, and who, the said Benjamin, was a pensioner and was first placed on the pension roll the Seventh day of September in the year One thousand Eight Hundred and Eighteen and who was dropped from the pension Roll under the Act of Congress of May 1st 1820 but was reinstated the 19th day of February AD 1821 in proof of which she the said Elsa Henshaw refers to files, papers and records in the Pension Office at Wash
Page 16

ington, as well as for the proof of the service of the said Benjamin Henshaw and his rank in said Army 

She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Henshaw on the eighteenth day of August in the year Seventeen Hundred and Ninety one, that her husband, the aforesaid Benjamin Henshaw died on the Seventeenth day of May in the year Eighteen Hundred and Twenty Eight: That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen Hundred and Ninety four, viz at the time above stated--

The word "five" eighth line from the top of the first page erased & the word "six" substituted before signing
 my ----- Elsa Henshaw

Subscribed and sworn to this 15th day of June AD 1840 before me
Seth Terry Judge--
Page 17

"Benjamin Henshaw Jun'r and Elsa Wheeler were joined in marriage by the Rev'd Mr. Jonathan Marsh, at New Hartford, August Eighteenth, seventeen Hundred and ninety one, in the afternoon, at the House of his Father Mr Benjamin Henshaw"

I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair, legible figures as follows, viz--"August 18th 1791"

Asa Goodwin Town Clerk

I Asa Goodwin of New Hartford in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut depose & say that that I hold the Office of Town clerk in the Town, County, & State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of said New Hartford with the exception above named as certified by me--
Asa Goodwin, Clerk of the Town of New Hartford Litchfield County New Hartford May 5th 1840
Sworn before me
Roger H. Mills Justice of the Peace
Page 18

I, Edith Crosby of Hartford, in the County of Hartford, State of Connecticut, of lawful age, having been duly cautioned and sworn according to law, do on oath testify and say, that I am the daughter of Benjamin Henshaw, late of Middletown in the County of Middlesex, in said State of Connecticut, but now deceased and who was a Revolutionary Pensioner, and Elsa Henshaw his, the said Benjamin's, widow. That the said Benjamin Henshaw my father died on the Seventeenth day of May in the year Eighteen Hundred and twenty Eight. That my mother the said Elsa Henshaw now resides in said Hartford. that she has not been married since the decease of my father, the said Benjamin Henshaw, and that she now is the widow of the said Benjamin Henshaw

Edith Crosby

Sworn and Subscribed the 15th day of June AD 1840 before me, and I further certify and say that the above Edith Crosby signer of the foregoing deposition is well known to me, and that her character is good, and that she is entitled to full credit
Attest R.G. Drake Justice of the Peace
Page 19

I Ephraim G. Crosby of Hartford in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut of lawful age, having been duly cautioned and sworn according to law do on oath testify and say that I am the husband of Edith Crosby, who is the daughter of Benjamin Henshaw late of Middletown in the County of Middlesex, but now deceased, and Elsa Henshaw, now the widow of the said Benjamin Henshaw, That the said Benjamin Henshaw died on the Seventeenth day of May in the year Eighteen Hundred and twenty Eight, that the said Elsa Henshaw now resides in said Town of Hartford, that she has not been married since decease of her said husband Benjamin Henshaw and that she is now the widow of the said Benjamin Henshaw

Ephraim G Crosby

Sworn to and subscribed this 15th day of June AD 1840 before me, and I further certify that the above deponent Ephraim G. Crosby is well known to me, that his character is good, and his statements entitled to full credit.

Attest R.G. Drake Justice of the Peace
Page 20

State of Connecticut

I Seth Terry Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Hartford in said State hereby certify that the within and foregoing contain the proceedings before said Court in the matter of the application of Elsa Henshaw for a Pension. That the above Deponent Ephraim G. Crosby is personally known to me, & his testimony is entitled to full credit. I am not acquainted with the other Deponents & know nothing unfavorable to their reputations or credibility The within named Roger H. Mills & R. G. Drake Esquires whose names are within written & subscribed as Justices of the Peace are in fact such, & duly qualified to administer oaths within said Counties of Litchfield & Hartford, respectively--


In witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed my seal of office this 15th day of June AD 1840

Seth Terry, Judge

[Seal]
Page 21

Rev
WIDOW, &c

File No. 21307

Elsa or Sarah Henshaw
wid of Benjamin Henshaw
Lieut Rev war

Act: July 7th '38

Index:--Vol. A, Page 327

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 22

June 7 1902
Chas C Adam
Cornwall, CT
Page 23

2d Feburary 1848

Honorable 
James L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions


July 22/ [?]


James G Berret
Present
Page 24

Pensioner 
written to 
May 23. 1821
for
date of Mortgage.

See date of Mortgage
need. 16 July 1826
Page 25

Elsa Henshaw
Connt

See let. to Hon Jos Trumbull
June 25 1840

act 7 July 38

let Wm J Dixon June 3 
[?] & commutation
Page 26

File March 1819.

1st Schedule. A farm valued at $300--under a Mortgage of $500--1/2 of a House & 1/8 acre of land and personal property valued at $89.53

 Inform W.M. that the date of the Mortgage must be given. since he was [?] from Rde,

all his property has been taken by Creditors aforesaid for Debt, and liberty to try taking the poor pensioners oath.

Hon. J. O. Moseley H.
Page 27

(2304)
Connecticut

Benjn. Henshaw
Lieutentant,
Connecticut Line 4
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War

Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of twenty Dollars per month, to commence on the first of April 1818.

Certificate of Pension issued the 7th day of Sept. 1818 and sent to Josiah Meigs Esq. City of Washington.

Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1818                 $102.66
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4th Mar. 1819    120.00
                                                                 $222.66

Pension written May 23. 1821. First date of Mortgage

(Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818)
2 years
Page 28

Stricken off under act 1 May 1810 [illegible]
12 July 1820 to John Fisk, Middletown, Cont
Page 29

To John Meigs of the town of New Hartford and County of Litchfield an Indifferent Person to Serve & Return 
GREETING.

By authority of the State of Connecticut, you are hereby commanded to summon or give notice to William G. Williams Esq. & Jerusha McNary of New Hartford in the County of Litchfield on the 7th day of September To appear (if they see cause) before Seth Paddock Esq., a justice of the peace for the County of Middlesex, or some other property authority, at the common gaol in Middletown in said County, a One o'clock Afternoon, then and there to shew reason, (if any there be,) by the oath provided by Law for poor imprisoned debtors should not be administered to Benjamin Henshaw of Middletown now confined in said gaol. (for debt only as it is said,) on an Execution in favor of Williams & [said] McNary against the said Henshaw. Hereof fail not, but make service of this Citation, by leaving a true and attested Copy thereof with the said Williams & McNary or at their usual place of abode, at least four days before the said Seventh day of September 1820 and legal return make.
Dated at Middletown, this twenty-fifth day of August A.D. 1820

To any Indifferent Person to serve or return,
Page 30

New Hartford
August 30th 1820
then I left at the usual place of abode of the within Named William G. Williams Esq. & Jurusha McNary a true & Attested Copy of the Original Citation
Jn Meigs an indifferent person

Litchfield County for New Hartford August 30th 1820 Personally Appeared John Meig & made Solemn Oath that he had made Service of the within Citation Agreeable to his Endorsement thereon Before me Middleton gaol 7 September 1820
Isaac Kellogg Just Peace
then I administered the oath provided by law for poor imprisoned Debtors to the within named Benjamin Henshaw
Seth Paddock Just Peace
Page 31

7144

Elsa, or Sarah Henshaw widow of Benjamin Henshaw widow of Benjamin Connecticut Act 7 July 1838

Married 1791
Husband died 1825

Adm 2 yrs Sent
$320 per annum
Commg 4 March 1836 & 
Ending 4 Mch 1841
payable to John G. Crosby administrator for the estate of Elsa Henshaw dec. for the benefit of Edith Crosby. Wm Henshaw & Eliza Henshaw, only surviving children 
Allowed by Commr
Page 32

I Morgan Goodwin of West Hartford in the county of Hartford & State of Connecticut aged fifty three years depose testify & say that I was personally acquainted with Benjamin Henshaw who died at Middletown in the county of Middlesex & state of Connecticut and who was pensioned for Revolutionary services as a Lieutenant & was acquainted with his wife Elsa Henshaw who survived him and died at West Hartford May 15 1842 I knew them both when they lived together as man & wife at New Hartford & the same Elsa Henshaw who has been an applicant since for a pension & died as aforesaid was the identical wife of said Benjamin that it is said she was some times called Sarah & Elsa are considered by some the same that latter being an abbreviation of the former & if she was ever called by any other name than Elsa it was from the fact that the two names are synonimous and her husband some times called her by the familiar name of Sarah but that the aforesaid Elsa was the identical wife & latterly his widow
Witness Morgan Goodwin 
State of Connecticut 
Hartford County ss: On this nineteenth day of July AD 1850
Page 33

Personally appeared Morgan Goodwin above named and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed
Before me Elihu Barber Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Morgan Goodwin the deponent and that he sustains a good character for truth and veracity.
Elihu Barber Justice of the Peace.

State of Connecticut
County of Hartford
ss.
I Chauncey Howard, Clerk of the County Court within and for said County, do hereby certify that Elihu Barber is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County duly commissioned and qualified by Law to administer oaths, and that full faith and credit is due to his official acts as such Justice of the Peace and that I fully believe the signatures above written to be in his genuine hand writing.--

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County Court at Hartford in said County, this 19th day of July AD 1850
Chauncey Howard
Clerk of the County Court
[SEAL]
Page 34

State of Connecticut
Hartford County ss.

On this nineteenth day of April A.D. 1850 Before Hon. Henry Perkins Judge of the Probate Court for the Hartford District in said State being a Court of Record in open Court personally appeared John G. Crosby a resident of Hartford in the county of Hartford & State of Connecticut aged twenty six years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the Acts of Congress passed July 7 1838 3rd March 1843 Joint Resolutions of 23rd January 1845 & 1 July 1848 that he is the administrator of Elsa Henshaw late of West Hartford in the county of Hartford in said State deceased, who was widow of Benjamin Henshaw who served in the Revolutionary war with Great Britain as a Lieutenant and who was a pensioner of United States for Revolutionary services and died at Middletown, Connecticut on the 17th day of May AD 1828, that the said Elsa died on the fifteenth day of May in the year eighteen hundred & forty two having previous to her death applied for a pension for the Revolutionary services of her late husband and that Edith Crosby, William Henshaw and Eliza Henshaw are the children
Page 35

and only surviving children of said Benjamin Henshaw & Elsa Henshaw and that the said John G. Crosby as administrator aforesaid claims to prosecute the claim of said Elsa Henshaw for her said pension & in behalf of said shildren
John G. Crosby
Witness Isaac C Perkins

Subscribed and sworn to on the day & year first above written
Before me
Henry Perkins
Judge of Probate 
District of Hartford
Page 36

State of Connecticut
District of Hartford} July 19th 1850

I Isaac C Perkins, Clerk of the Court of Probate within and for said District of Hartford, duly appointed & sworn hereby certify that Henry Perkins, Esquire of said Hartford is Judge of the Court of Probate within and for said District of Hartford duly appointed, commissioned and sworn and that the signature of said Judge attached to the declaration of John G Crosby on the other side written was subscribed by him in my presence.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court on the day and year just above written.
Isaac C Perkins Clerk
Page 37

State of Connecticut
District of Hartford
Probate Office } July 19, 1850

I Isaac C Perkins, Clerk
Clerk of the Court of Probate within and for the District of Hartford, hereby certify that at a Court of Probate holden at Hartford within and for said District on the 19th day of July AD 1850. John G Crosby of said Hartford was duly appointed administrator on the Estate of Elsa Henshaw late of said Hartford, deceased & [illegible] Bonds according to law.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court on the day & year just above written.
Isaac C Perkins Clerk
Page 38

State of Conn New Hartford April 30th 18[?]

Sir, 
I have just received from Judge Pettibone at Litchfield the necessary claims on my Country Authenticated & have the Honor to Transmit them to your care. Also Herewith (at the request of my particular Friend Mr Henshaw) the necessary document in his favor transmitted to your care. I have the Honor to Subscribe Myself-
Your Most
Obd't Ser't 
Jn Meigs

Honorable M Calhoun
Page 39

Edith Crosby
Wm Henshaw
Eliza Henshaw

John G Crosby
ad on the Estate
Page 40

Washington 22 Jul, 1850

Hon:
J. L. Edwards
Sir
I Herewith enclose the application of John G Crosby adm of Elsa Henshaw, claiming access of Pension due at the time of her death.
With great respect
Your obt sevt
James G Berret
Page 41

State of Connecticut
District of Hartford
Probate Court } July 19, 1850

Be it remembered that it has been satisfactorily proved in open court being a court of record, that Benjamin Henshaw late of Middletown in the County of Middlesex and State aforesaid who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, died at said Middletown on the 17th day of May AD 1828. Leaving a widow by the name of Elsa Henshaw who remained his widow till the fifteenth day of May AD 1842 when she died and that Edith Crosby, William Henshaw and Elsa Henshaw are the children and only surviving children of said Benjamin Henshaw and Elsa Henshaw.
In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said court this 19th day of July AD 1850.
Henry Perkins
Judge
Page 42

Connecticut Roll, Act 18 March 1818.
Benjamin Henshaw, Lieut. $20 per month.
To what time last paid? To his death - May 17/28.
It is also desirable to have the name of his widow to whom it was paid, as there is some discrepancy between his Declaration and the widows: He gives his wife's name as Sarah: she claims in person under the name of Elsa. Will you look at the vouchers?
The payment was made to an admin and no amount [?] as it was not then necessary of a widow.
To 3’d Auditor's Office

2’d & 3’d qrs 1828 Connecticut [?] Act 1818
Page 43



rec'd Dec 4. 1823

[?]

Recd 4. Dec: 1823

New Hartford  Free
Nov 29

Hon. Secretary of War
Washington City

Mr. Edwards
Page 44

New Hartford Nov 29, 1823

Hon, Secretary of War,
Sir,
Having been informed that some persons were taking measures to obtain a new Certificate for Benjamin Henshaw, a Revol'y Pensioner, & suspecting that misrepresentations may be made to you upon the subject, I have thought proper, with the advice of my friends, to inform you that Mr. Henshaw's certificate is not lost nor unlawfully withheld from him. Mr. Henshaw is my father in law, & has for some time lived with me. When he came to live with me he delivered me his certificate for my security for the expense of his maintenance. But some persons wishing to get hold of his pension have enticed him away & are endeavoring to prevent my get [tear in the page] pay for his support.
I am respectfully, your obedt servt
Ephraim G Crosby
Page 45

Litchfield County for New Hartford July 4th AD 1821
Personally appeared Asa Goodwin Esquire & made solemn oath that the copy of a mortgage deed from Benjamin Henshaw to Daniel Henshaw dated the 17th day of April AD 1802 & certified by him is a true copy of that. It was recorded in the town clerk's office at New Hartford, April 29th AD 1802, & that he is town clerk of New Hartford in the County of Litchfield & State of Connecticut. That there has been no deed releasing the mortgage & that from the records it appears that the mortgage is now in full [?] & hereby certify that the above named Asa Goodwin is a man of fair character for truth & worth of credit.
Andrew Abernathy, Justice of the Peace
Page 46

I Frederick Wolcott, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within the County of Litchfield in the State of Connecticut, certify that Andrew Abernathy Esq was on the fourth day of [illegible] July & now is a Justice of the Peace within said County legally commissioned & qualified, that his name subscribed to the within instrument is his hand writing & that the Seal hereto affixed is the Seal of said Court Litchfield (Conn) July 9th 1821.
Frederick Wolcott, Clerk
Page 47

I Seth Paddock of Middletown in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut a Justice of the Peace for said county, depose & say that at the common court in Middletown in said Middlesex County on the seventh day of September 1820 I administered to Benjamin Henshaw, the oath provided by law, for poor imprisoned debtors, then confined in said gaol for debt only, on an execution in favor of William G Williams Esq and Jerusha McNary of new Hartford in the county of Litchfield & State of Connecticut, against the said Benjamin Henshaw.
I further depose that the said Henshaw is far advanced in age and debilitated and unable to perform much labor, that being one of the select men of said town, I know that within a short time since he hath applied to the town of Middletown for relief and that they have supplied him with wood, flour & meat, for the support of himself & family and further the deponent saith not. 
Seth Paddock


State of Connecticut, Middlesex County, for Middletown Nov 25, 1820.
Before me Matthew T Russell of said Middletown, a Justice of the Peace for & in said county of Middlesex, appeared personally Harvey Treadway, john Bell & Seth Paddock Esq, all of said Middletown, and, severally subscribed their receiving affidavit, and severally, made solemn oath that the facts contained and rel forth in their respective affidavits, are true; and, I further certify, that the said Harvey Treadway, John Bell, & Seth Paddock Esq, are men of truth and veracity, and, respectable citizens of the Town of Middletown.

Matthew T Russell
Justice Peace

A.

B. 46.
Page 48

I Harvey Treadway of Middletown in the county of Middlesex and State of Connecticut keeper of the common goal in Middletown in said county, depose and say that Benjamin Henshaw of said Middletown was confined in said goal from the twenty fifth day of August AD 1820 to the seventh day of September 1820 on an execution for debt only in favor of William G Williams Esq and Jerosha McNary of New Hartford in the county of Litchfield and state of Connecticut against the said Henshaw. I further depose that in my presence at said goal on the seventh day of September AD 1820 the oath provided by law for poor imprisoned debtors was administered to the said Henshaw by Seth Paddock Esq a Justice of the Peace for said county of Middlesex. And further the deponent saith not.
Harvey Treadway

1820 Nov 25

I John Bill of Middletown in the county of Middlesex & State of Connecticut of lawful age depose & say that I am well acquainted with Mr. Benjamin Henshaw of said Middletown, and know him to be a poor man, and, in destitute circumstances. And that [strikethrough] he is not and that [strikethrough] he is not able to furnish himself and family with the necessities of life, that he is far advanced in age and infirm & debilitated, & not able to perform much bodily labor. That being one of the Select-men of said Town, I know that within a short time since, he hath applied to said Town for Relief and that they have furnished him with wood, meat & flour, for his families support. And, further the deponent saith not.
John Bell

1820 Nov 25
Page 49

Horourable J. C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
Washington

[written on the side]
J. L. Edwards
Recs 16 July 1821
Page 50

Middletown June 30th 1821
Sir
Enclosed is the copy of the mortgage authenticated, I trust, in a legal manner, with the affidavit of Roger Mills, Esq.
If any further testimony is wanted, relative to the mortgaged land, or to the indiginence of my circumstances, I am ready to procure & transmit it. My poverty and entire destitution of property are well known, & any degree of testimony I can furnish on the above subjects.
I am
with great respect,
Your very, humble Servant,
Benjamin Henshaw
Page 51

House of Rep May 28, 1846

Dear Sir:
Enclosed is the letter of Samuel H. Parsons Esq. any information you can give respecting its subject matter will oblige.
Your obedient Servant,
Jas Dixon

J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Page 52

Hartford June 16, 1840

Dear Sir
We have taken the liberty to send you the enclosed papers in the matter of Abel Griswold and Elsa Henshaw on applications for Pensions, and would request you if you can conveniently, to give a little personal attendance to them. The paper in the case of Griswold should have been sent long since, but by some unaccountable circumstances they have not been forwarded. He made application about a year and an half since & a return was made to us, requiring the proof which we now forward.
In the case of Mrs. Henshaw, an old lady who now lives in New Hartford, we have sent no testimony of her husband's service, but as he was a pensioner, have referred to papers in the pension office. We will thank you to see what term of service was proved in his case, & if not difficult to enable his widow to draw a full pension, vis 2 years to look at the records of service of the Conn Line now at Washing [page ended]
Page 53

ton, & see if service can be proved.
We are sorry to trouble you in these matters, but when you send by mail there are not infrequently long & tedious delays to the applicants, which, we are told, where personal application is made are usually avoided.
With great respect
Your Obt Servt
Chapman & Drake


Hon. Joseph Trumbull
Washington
Page 54

Middletown 23 October 1820

Honoured & Dear Sir
I beg your Attention to the petition & prayers of a poor and [illegible] revolutionary Soldier One that is worn down by misfortunes fortigues wounds and Infirmities of Old Age being poor & needy & nothing to support myself on nor those dependent on me I wish your Honour Could see fit that you would inform what way I Shall pursue to gain my former pension that is Strech out of list by mistake in my Schedule. I can, procure the Clerk of the Town to ascertain the Mistake and the Select Men of the Town and Judges of the County Court to Ascertain my Necessity and Indigent Circumstances and Need the Assistance of my Country for Support my property is taken by my Creditor myself Imprisoned in Goal and have availed myself of the poor mans Oath my property that I once owned in New Hartford was given up as early as the first of March 1818 the property that my wife owns was set off to three Sisters  the whole amount was $150 her part $50 which taken by Creditors these facts can all be proved. I pity you under your painful & ardent Task in your department with the utmost Between your petitioner prays for your long life & prosperity & happiness & remains your most obedient humble servant.
Benjamin Henshaw

To his Honour John C. Calhoun formerly a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary Service
Page 55

Roger Mills Esgn of New Hartford in the county of Litchfield and state of Connecticut of lawful age being duly sworn deposes and says that on the 17th day of April 1802 he was attorney to Daniel Henshaw then of the city & county of Albany in the State of New York who is the same Daniel Henshaw mentioned in a mortgage deed from Benjamin Henshaw to him becoming date the said 17th day of April and this deponent has ever since that time been the only attorney of the said Daniel in this part of the country and has transacted considerable business for him since above date.  And this deponent says that as attorney to the son Daniel he took the said Mortgage Deed, and that no part of the mortgage money to his knowledge has ever been paid, and that this deponent on the 29th day of April 1802, pensioner said deed to be recorded in the town clerk office in said Town of New Hartford and that the said Daniel Henshaw not long after said deed was executed moved from said city of Albany to Middlebury in the State of
Page 56

Vermont where he has ever since lived and that this deponent is well acquainted with the land mortgages and knows its value and that it is not worth more than five hundred dollars and not enough to pay the amount of the debt for which it is mortgaged. And this deponent says that he has been well-acquainted with the said Benjamin Henshaw for many years and knows he has been emburdened with debt & unable to pay the mortgage and verily believes it has not been paid in any part and that the mortgaged land since the spring of the year 1818 has been [illegible] to Theodore Combs & others who are now in possession of it to pay their debts and that I have but little probability of its accomplishing that object. And that the said Benjamin is a very poor man unable to pay [crossed out "any"] his debts or support himself. And further this deponent says not.
Roger Mills
Litchfield county [illegible] on July 7th 1821 personally appeared Roger Mills Esq & made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him [illegible] before me. And I hereby certify that the above named Roger Mills is a man of fair character for truth & worthy of credit. 
Andrew Abernathy Justice of the Peace
Page 57

State of Connecticut ss Tolland September 24th 1818 personally appeared before me the subscriber/Chief Judge of the county court for the county of Tolland in Connecticut, Elijah Chapman of Tolland in the said state who being by me first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare and say that he has been well acquainted with Benjamin Henshaw of New Hartford in said state and that the said Elijah Chapman received a 2nd Lieutenants commission in the year 1776 which was dated the 10th day of June in said year & signed by John Hancock then President of the Congress of the United States and that the said Benjamin Henshaw then of Middletown, Connecticut, held on Ensigns Commission leaving equal date with the deponents and that the deponent and the said Henshaw both served as substitutions in a regiment commanded by Col. Andrew Ward in Capt Abnor Priors Company until some time in February 1777 when they were both sent from New Jersey home on the recruiting service in the year 1777 the deponent & the said Henshaw both served as [illegible] in a regiment commanded by Col. Philip B Bradley of Connecticut & that the said Henshaw continued in the service of the United States in the said Wards & Bradleys regiments they both of regiments being on the continental establishment from the 10th day of June 1776 until sometime in the year 1778 when he was honorable discharged from the army.
Sworn the day & year above written before me.
Sylvester Gilbert Judge as aforesaid

I hereby certify that the above named Gen Elijah Chapman is well known to me and is a gentleman of good moral character.
Sylvester Gilbert Judge of County Court
Page 58

I Elisha Stearns of Tolland in Tolland County Clerk of Tolland County Court State of Con, do hereby certify that that the section named Sylvester Gilbert Esq is Judge of said Court. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said court this 25th day of Sept AD 1818.
[illegible]
E. Stearns Clerk
Page 59

Benjamin Henshaw to Daniel Henshaw. Revd for Record April 29th 1802.
To all people to whom this [illegible] for all some; Greetings.
I know ye that Benjamin Henshaw of New Hartford in the County of Litchfield & State  of Connecticut for the consideration of five hundred dollars received to my full satisfaction of Daniel Henshaw of the City & County of Albany in the State of New York-do give, [illegible], bargain, sell and confirm unto the [illegible] Daniel Henshaw, his heirs & assigns forever the following pieces of land [list of illegible names with the words nephew and nieces] bordered East on halfway, being the old Greene Woods road, North, West & south for lands belonging to Seth Spencer Esq. an old house & barn standing on the [illegible] containing about five or six acres land. One other piece containing two acre res & twenty five [illegible] bounded west on highway, North on [illegible] Spencers land, East lastly on Eliphalez Austin partly on Benjamin [illegible] land, fourth on Jared Thomas land_ One piece containing twelve acres lands laid outt o David Ensign deceased, south on undivided lands. and one other piece containing about fifteen acres, two roads & twenty [illegible], bounded North on Asher Bulls land,  South on Jarid Duncans [?] land, East on highway West on the heirs of Israel Newton deceased, said pieces being the same lands as deeded to me.... by Dawson Andrews this day __ To have & to hold the above granted &bargained premises wit the appearances [?] there of and him the said Daniel Henshaw and to his heirs and assigns forever to his & their own [illegible] use & last of and also I the said Benjamin do for myself, my heirs and executors [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] with the Jarid Daniel & with his heirs & assigns, that at & untill the unsealing of these present I am well seized of the premises as good indefensible estate infer [illegible] & have good right to bargain & tell the same in [illegible] form as is above written, and that the same is free of all encumbrances __whatsoever-- and furthermore and I the said Benjamin Henshaw do by these present bind myself & my heirs forever to warrant and defend the above granted & bargained premises to him the said Daniel & his Heirs & assigns against all claims & demands whatsoever _ In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal the 17th Day of April Anno Domino 1802
Benjamin Henshaw

Signed Sealed & Delivered
in presence of
Roger Mills

Litchfield County Js New Hartford 17th April 
Personally approved Benjamin Henshaw

Seth Spencer
Page 60

Signer and [illegible] of the foregoing information [illegible] to be his free act & deed before me.
Seth Spencer Just Peace

The condition of the within deed is just that if the said Benjamin Henshaw shall well & truly [illegible] to the land Daniel Henshaw five hundred dollars within six years from the 28th day of February last past & such other advances as the said Daniel may have made [illegible] the 25th Day of February 1798 or shall hereafter be made to the said Benjamin Henshaw with the interest that has earned since the 28th February 1798 or said sums & that shall hereafter arise thereon, then this deed to be anull & void & of no effect otherwise to remain in full force and [illegible]
Roger Mills atty for the said Daniel Henshaw
New Hartford April 17th 1802

Seth Spencer
Denison Andruss

The foregoing deed is a true copy, as appears of record certified by Asa Goodwin, Town Clerk.
New Hartford July 4th 1824
Page 61

State and District of Connecticut, ss.
On this 22nd day of Nov 1820 personally appeared in open Court, before [crossed out "the"] a special County Court holden at Middletown within and for the County of Middlesex in said State, on the 22nd day of Nov 1820, the same being a court of record, proceeding according to the course of common law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a record of its proceedings, and having power of find and imprisonment, Benjamin Henshaw aged sixty six years, resident in the town of Middletown in said State, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he served in the revolutionary, as follows: That he the said Benj Henshaw entered [crossed out "enlisted for"] the [crossed out "term"] army as an Ensign in June 1776 & went on the recruiting service until the fall of the year 1776 when [crossed out "on the" "day of"] I joined the army at Continental Town in the State of New Jersey in the company commanded by Captain Abner Prior in the regiment commanded by Colonel Andrew Ward in the line of the State of Connecticut on the continental establishment: That he continued to serve in the said corp [crossed out "until"] as Ensign & as a Lieutenant until the Spring of 1778 when he [crossed out "was discharged"] retired from the said service in Valley Forge in the State of Pennsylvania. That he made a declaration to obtain a pension under the law of the 18th of March 1818, as nearly as he can recollect, having no minutes, on the 1st day of April 1818; and had transmitted to him a Certificate of a pension from the Secretary for the Department of War,
No. 2304. & for more minute information he refers to his former statement now on file in the War Office.
And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled, "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War;" and that I have not, nor has any person, in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts due to me, nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed.
I do further solemnly swear, that I was in the battles [crossed out "of"] at the Northward under Gen Montgomery when a sergeant in the six months service at Trenton Sparktown & in many skirmishes.

That I am by occupation a cooper. That I am now dependent on the town for support that they have supplied me with bread, wood & meat & that I am an object of charity.
Page 62

That the number of my family residing with me is three, and their names and ages are as follows:
Sarah my wife aged 59 years & her sister Patience Loomis aged 53 years very infirm. William Loomis her son aged 11 years. I further swear that since my pension has been suspended my creditors have put me in gaol for debt from which I was liberated by taking the poor prisoners oath & that I now have no property to support myself except the few articles of furniture that the law allows & that from being deprived of the pension I have come on the town in which I have a settlement for assistance being too lame & feeble & unable to live by my industry.
Benj. Henshaw
Page 63

SCHEDULE annexed to the Declaration and Oath above made and taken before the Court aforesaid.

1 pig...............................................................4-
6 old chairs common at 25 cts each 1.50
1 old large silv spoons ............................2.
6 small [illegible]old & worn out .........1.
1 small Iron D ...............................................   .20
1 small spider.30 hand irons 1................  1. 30
1 old looking glass .75 & old tea pot .12    .87
1 set old tea cups .15 2 pewter plates .37    .52
6 old crockery plates .25  2 old axes .25       .50
1 Hoe .40  3 old tin pans .24              .64
1 old pail .25   2 old tubs .50             .75
2 old razors .25  six old [illegible]. .75   1.00
_____________________________________________
Benj. Henshaw  $15.33     

We the subscribers have examined the property of Household furniture& found that what property is not given up to the creditors of Benj. Henshaw stand as they are now in the foregoing schedule.
Willm Sumner
Josiah Pryor
Page 64

I Jno Fisk Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas following aforesaid do hereby certify, that the foregoing Oath and Schedule annexed, are truly copied from the record of said Court. And I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value, of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule, is Fifteen dollars and thirty three cents. & I further certify [crossed out "IN TESTIMONY whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court on this"]
That Matthew .T. Russell Esq was on the 25 Nov 1820 & now is a Justice Peace within & for said Midt County as Court on file in my office & that his name subscribed to the certificate enclosed with this mark A. is his proper hand writing & signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of said court this 2nd day of Dec  A.D. 1820.
Jno. Fisk Clk
Page 65

Middletown 24 May 1821

Benj. Henshaw
a revolutionary soldier
for the Dept of War
Pension Office

The Honorable William Sirt Attorney for General Washing City on public Service

[stamped] FREE

[stamped] MIDDLETWON CON.
May 26
Page 66

Middletown 24th May 1821
Honoured & Dear sir
I Req your Friendship attention Assistance & Council to a Revolutionary Veteran worn out who has spent his youthful days in the service of his Country in the Cause of freedom virtue & justice & worn out with poverty infirmities old age & wounds a [illegible] in both legs & swore commission before the Declaration of Our Independence signed by John Hancock then President of the United States I had a Lieutenant  commission in February 1777. I have had all the hard fortune that over fell to the log to a poor mortal. I have been a subject in gaol and availed myself of the poor mans Oath that I could not pay $87. Except what the Laws allows a poor man which is trying. I now live in a hired room not able to labour. I am now as tenant to the alms house. I have been this six months. I have no support only from friends & the Town. The doings of the Court & the town & gaoler are in the Hands of the Secretary of War with the Oaths of two very reputable Select Men & leader of this city all with the signature & seal of the courts with seals I hope you will be [illegible] in motives of benevolence & humanity to lend your aid in helping one who is poor and in distress in order that I can procure the continuance of my pension. I was struck off the pension roll by mistake (see my schedule) I hope my Dear Sir that you by your humanity will listen to the prayers and petition of your unfortunate sufferer who will ever pray for your health happiness & prosperity that you may enjoy all the blessings this life affords. I am well acquainted with the M. Meigs both the post master General & the commissioner of the land office. Please to answer this & direct me what way I must pursue. I am Dear & Honored Sir with much Respect & Due [illegible] was your most Obedient & humble Servant & well wisher.
Benjamin Henshaw

The Honourable William Wirt Attorney General

[written sideways in light print]
3029.97
300
1000
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4329.97
200
_____________________
4529.97
600
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5129.97