Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 787, Elijah Benton, Conn. Continental
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(3 - 1776) 
SERVICE 
Conn 
Continental. 
Benton, Elijah 
or Elisha 
Sarah 
NUMBER 
R 787
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10.912   R
New Hampshire || 
Elijah or Elisha Benton 
of Stewartstown in the State of N Hampe who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Sherman of the Connecticut line, for the term of 3 years ||
Inscribed on the Roll of New Hampshire at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 5th of June 1818 ||
certificate of Pension issued the 21 of May 1819 and sent to Samuel O Pearson, Lancaster Coos County NJC ||
Arrears to 4th of Mar 1819 8 mo 26/30 4/31 = 71.96
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Sept 1819. 48.||
$119.96 
||

{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818.} Continued. 


Notification sent to John Willson Esqr 19, Sep 1820
Lancaster NH.
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Elijah Benton 
application 
June 5th 1818- 


Admitted.
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State of New Hampshire
Coos, ss. On this 5th day of June A.D. 1818 before me the subscriber, one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas for the second District, in said State, personally appears Elijah Benton resident in Stewartstown in said county of Coos, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late 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 :- as hereto annexed -
I, Elijah Boston formerly of Tolland in the county of Tolland and State of Connecticut now resident citizen of Stewartstown in the County of Coos and state of New Hampshire on oath testify and declare that I have served as a soldier in the the army of the United States in the Revolutionary war on the Continental establishment more than nine months in the following manner that is to say- In the year 1778 (I think) I enlisted as a private soldier into the Company commanded by Captain Prior, and the Regiment, by Col Andrew Ward for the term of one year, and served the term out- 
I was discharged at Morristown in the State of New Jersey soon after I was discharged I enlisted again for the term of three years under Captain Schabod Hinkley, and with him I joined the Regiment at Peekskill in the State of New York Commanded by Col. Sherman, which term I faithfully served out and was discharged at Springfield-  In about one month after I was discharged at East Windsor in the state of Connecticut I enlisted during the war, and served in Captain Hollobert, and Captain King's Companies and Col. Sheldon's Regiment till the close of the war - 
when I was regimental discharged 
I further testify and declare that I am now nearly sixty years of age, and by reason of my current circumstances in life as to property, am in need of assistance from my country for support- 
Stewartstown June 5th. 1818- 
Elijah Benton
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I Joseph Loomis of Colebrook in the county of Coos and State of New Hampshire of of Lawful age do testify and say - that I am well acquainted with Elijah Benton of Stewartstown in sd County of Coos that I am knowing that sd Benton served more than one year as a Soldier in the Revolutionary War at one & the sametime in the 2 Regiment of Lt Dragoons Commanded to Col Shelden in the 4th Troop commanded by Capt Holibed part of sd time after his death by Lieut King --- that said Benton's circumstances as to property are and have been poor and Indigent, and that he stands in need of assistance from his country for support -  Lancaster 2d Sept 1818 
Joseph Loomis 

State of New Hampshire Coos ss.
I hereby certify that the above named Joseph Loomis on this second day of September A.D. 1818 appeared before me William Lovejoy one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County of Coos and made solemn oath that the above Deposition by him subscribed is true. I further certify that the said Joseph Loomis as is considered an honest and credible person 
Wm Lovejoy a Justice of the Court of Common for the County of Coos
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that he is reduced in his circumstances and absolutely needs the assistance of his country for support, and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services. Sworn to and declared before me the day and year above said. 
Wm Lovejoy
 I, WILLIAM LOVEJOY, one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas for the second District in the State aforesaid, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Elijah Benton did serve in the revolutionary war against the common enemy, the full term of nine months as [illegible] at are prior as he has stated in his declaration aforesaid, and that he is reduced in his circumstances, and absolutely needs the affistance of his country for his support. --And I do now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the before mentioned acts of Congress. 
I also further certify that I am acquainted with Elijah Boston the applicant afforesaid and know he is in reduced circumstances and absolutely stands in need of the assistance of his country for support and also certify that the Court of which I am a Justice is a Court of Record 
Wm Lovejoy 

State of New-Hampshire- Coos ss.
I John Willson Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that William Lovejoy before whom the above declaration was made was at the date thereof and is now a Justice of said Court, that the above signature is in his own proper hand writing, and that to his acts and attestations as Justice as aforesaid, full faith and credit is and ought to be given.- In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the sum Seal of said Court at Lancaster this 24th day of December A.D. 1818. John Willson Clerk
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Copy
Elisha of Benton's 
Declaration & Schedule 
July 1820 
10.912 

Con.
Sept. 1819
Page 8

Coos- ss - State of New Hampshire 
At the Court of Common Pleas holden at Lancaster within and for said County of Coos being a Court of Record by Law established on the second day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty 
Present the Honorable 
William Lovejoy 
John Pencaster Jr. } Esquires, Associate Justices 
Personally appeared in open Court Elisha Benton aged sixty years resident in Stewartstown in said County of Coos who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows one year under Lieutenant Chapman and was honorably discharged at Morristown also under Capt. Ichabod Hinkley in Col. Webb's Regiment & General Huntington's Brigade three years & was discharged at Springfield in the State of New Jersey and the remainder of the war under Major Tallmadge in Capt Halliburt's Company afterwards commanded by Capt Capt King in the Regiment commanded by Col. Shelden that his original declaration is dated on the 5th day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & eighteen that he has received a pension and his pension certificate is numbered 10.912 and I do further solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March A.D 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 thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring my
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within the provision of an act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war passed on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities contracted to or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed that I am by occupation a Husbandman but a very infirm and unable to pursue it - that my family consist of the following members namely my 
Wife Sally aged 42 years 
Children 
Joel aged- 15 years 
Elijah - 13 years
Lewis - 11 years 
James - 9 years  
Jeremiah 7 years 
Betsy - 4 years
Hiram - 2 years
and  that they are unable by their personal labour to support themselves and that I need the assistance of my Country for support 
Lancaster July 11th 1820 
Elisha [x] Benton
Seth Cushman
John Willson 

Schedule
Containing the whole estate and income of Elisha Benton of Stewartstown in the county of Coos & state of New Hampshire ([illegible] clothing & bedding excepted) exhibited to the Court of Common now holden at Lancaster within and for the count of Coos aforesaid the 2nd day of July A.D. 1820 and annexed to his oath viz.
one hog -- $3.00
one ox -- 1.00
1 Hoe -- .54
one cart -- 2.50
1 pot -- 1.00
1 dish kettle -- 1.00
6 plates -- .62
6 tea cups & service -- .62
6 table spoons -- .30
4 chairs -- 1.00
1 Washtub -- .50
2 Barrels -- 1.00
1 Spider -- .44
2 old pails -- .50
1 new table -- .50
6 knives & forks -- .67
||
$14.75

Seth Cushman
John Willson
Elisha [x] Benton
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Sworn to and declared on the 11th day of July A.D. 1820 before the Justices aforesaid 
Attest John Willson Clerk 

I John Willson Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the said County of Coos do hereby certify that the foregoing Oath and the schedule thereto 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 fourteen dollars seventy five cents--- In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court on this 11th day of July A.D. 1820 - 
John Willson Clerk
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No 12278
Sarah Bruton 
Widow of Elijah 
NH
Act 7 July 1838  

787

12.278

Oct. 27 1848
Page 12

I James M. Rix Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for the County of Coos, State of New Hampshire, do hereby certify that Joshua Marshall is Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for said County as within and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine. 
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this ninth day of October A.D. 1845. 
James M. Rix Clerk
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State of Newhampshire 
Coos County ss ⎬ Be it Remembered that on this 8th day of October A.D. 1845, personally appeared before me Joshua Marshall a Justice of the Court of Common pleas in and for said Coos County Sarah Benton a residents of Colebrook in said County aged Seventy two years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following decleration in order to obtain 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" Also an act passed March 3d 1843, That she is the Widow of Elijah Benton who was a private and served in the War of the Revolution from the State of Connecticut, the particulers relative to his service. she is not able to state only she reccollects of hearing him say that he done service under Capt. Halburt, 
The further declares that she was married to the said Elijah Benton on the 20th of October 1793 in Stewartstown Newhampshire by Esquire Brainard a Justice of the Peace 
That her husband the aforesaid Elijah Benton
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died on the 14th day of August 1841. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794 (viz) at the time above stated 
Sarah [his X mark] Benton
Attest {  Lois Benton, Annyanette J Benton

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written before Joshua Marshall Judge of C.C. Pleas 

State of Newhampshire 
Coos County ss}. Colebrook Oct 8th 1845  I certify that the above named Sarah Benton is reputed to be a person of truth, and that owing to ill health she is not able to appear in open Court- --- 

Joshua Marshall { Judge of the Court of Common Pleas -
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Power of Attorney 
Examination of 
Revolutionary papers 
Elisha Benton 
New Hampshire 
act 1818 
filed 29 March 1832 


State of New Hampshire
County of Coos }
I hereby certify James Washburn Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit and acknowledgement was made and who has thereunto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing Justice of the Peace in and for the county
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State of New Hamphire 
County of Coos }
Came before me Hiram Benton & made oath in due form of Law and says he is the Son of Elisha Benton who was a Revolutionary pensioner under the act of 1818 that he died the 17th August 1841 & that his mother Sally Benton died January AD 1846 both died at Stewartstown & that they were married in 1793 & furthermore he by these presents constitute and appoints H E Hassler of Washington City DC as his true and lawful attorney for the purpose of ascertaining and prosecuting to collection any claim for arrears of pension or any pension due & left undrawn by said parents 
Hiram Benton
acknowledged sworn to & subscribed this 22 day of January A.D. 1852 
James Washburn{ Justice of the Peace 

State of New Hampshire 
County of Coos⎬ this 22 day of January 1852 Personally appeared before me James Washburn a Justice of the Peace Howard Blodgett & Margaret Willard who being duly sworn according to Law State that they are disinterested  witnesses and that they said Hiram Benton who said the aforesaid affidavit is the son of Elisha & Sally Benton & that they have known him for thirty five years as such 
Howard Blodgett 
Margaret Willard
Sworn to Signed before me the day & year first above written & I further more certify that the same are credible witnesses 
James Washburn Justice of the Peace
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State of New Hampshire
 County of Coos }
 I hereby Certify James Washburn Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit and acknowledgment was made and who has there unto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly Command & Sworn in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Coos County Court this 18th day of March ["January" crossed-out] one thousand Eight hundred and fifty two  
James M Rix Clerk
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In reply to your request of ___, received ___for a statement of the military history of Elijah Benton a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's ) application for pension on file in this Bureau. 
R. File 787 ||

lee Comm book p. 100 & 161 & 281 Our

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment. | Length of Service. | Rank. | Officers Under Whom Service was Rendered. Captain. Colonel. | State. |

1778?, 1 year, disch. at Morristown}, Priv., Capt. Prior, Col. Andrew Ward, Conn.
soon after above 3 years, disch. at Springfield}, Capt. Ichabod Hinckley, Col. Webb
1 mo. after above, he call for "during the war" until to its close, Capt. George Hurlbut, Capt. King}, Col. Sheldon, 2nd Cont'l. Light Drag.

Battles engage in, [checkmark]
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Tolland, Conn.
Date of application for pension, June 5, 1818.
Residence at date of application, Stewartstown, Coos Co., N.H.
Age at date of application, nearly 66 yrs.
Remarks:  m. Oct. 20, 1793 Sarah Sellingham at Stewartstown where he died Aug. 14 or 17, 1841 & where she died in Jany. 1846. In 1845 she was 72 yrs. of age & res. of Colebrook, N.H. Child'rn. referred to in 1820:  Joel at 15, Elijah 13, Lewis 11, James 9, Jeremiah 7, Betsy 4, and Hiram 2 yrs.
Page 19

March 1881 pv 3 yrs
East Windsor Farmer

12.278 Oct. 27. 1848 
Sarah Benton 
July  7, 1838. -
was not a pensioner

Glover  Oct 20
Page 20

40

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
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Glover, Orleans County V.T.
October 10th 1845
Sir 
Enclosed are the papers of the widow Elijah Benton, claiming a pension for services rendered by her husband the late Elijah Benton, 
If Satisfactory please forward me his certificate 
Respectfully your Obt. Servt.
L.D. Kimberly

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 22

12278
Sarah Benton 
N.H. Benton
 to S.D. Kimball 26. Nov. 1865 
Hon. J. Dillingham Jr.
June 15 1846
John Bedell, July 14, '46 
G Hon. P. Dillingham 
Sept 9th 1846

Act 7 July 1838
Page 23

Elijah Benton
(Rec.)


C Slons
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POWER OF ATTORNEY. 
STATE OF New Hampshire
COUNTY OF Coos  }ss:
Be it known that before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared * Hiram H Benton a resident of Compton in the county of Sherbrooke, Canada East, who being first duly sworn according to law, states that he is ** the son of Elijah Benton who died in the county of Coos and State of N.H. who was a revolutionary *** soldier and that he believes the United States are still indebted, under existing laws, for the pension that was due under the application heretofore made, and that he is directly interested as a claimant in the pension for which application was heretofore made as aforesaid, and constitutes and appoints Alfred F. Works of New Haven CT his true and lawful attorney, with irrevocable power to examine into, investigate, and establish the claim for said pension, and do all acts necessary thereto. 
In witness whereof, he has on this 13th day of January 1853, hereunto signed his name, and affixed his seal Witness: Andrew Blodgett  Hiram H. Benton SEAL. 
Signed, sealed, acknowledged, and sworn to before me, on this 13th day of January 1853.
D. Allen Rogers, Justice of the Peace J.P. ||
STATE of New Hampshire COUNTY of Coos} to wit:
I, James M Rix Clerk of the Common Pleas Court of the county Coos and State of N.H. aforesaid, do hereby certify, That D. Allen Rogers before whom the foregoing power of attorney was acknowledged and affidavit made, was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature above written is genuine. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court this eighteenth day of January 1853.
James M Rix Clerk. |
*Here, if the soldier or officer is living, insert his name; if he is dead, and the widow is living, insert her name; if both dead, insert one of the living children's names; if the children are all dead, and either of them survived the former unsuccessful applicant, insert the name of the administrator of that former applicant. 
**Here, if the soldier or officer is living, insert his name again; if the widow is living, insert the words, “widow of," and the name of her husband; if both dead, insert the words, “son or daughter of and name of the former unsuccessful applicant. 
***Here insert the word "soldier," or "officer," whichever he was. 
NOTE. -- When a female is the person who executes this paper, please put the letter s before the word he in every place where it Occurs.
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State of New hampshire
Coos County ss ⎬ I Naomi Hilliard of Stewartstown in the County of Coos aforesaid aged 76 years depose and say that I formerly Resided in Tolland Connecticut
in the Revolutionary war and was then acquainted with a young man by the name of Elijah Benton who was a soldier in sd. war. My father was his guardian the first of his service he being under age at the time - after he returned from his first enlistment he enlisted again to Col. Shelden Regiment after the close of the War the aforesaid Elijah Benton Moved from Connecticut to this town where he married Sarah Sellingham as I have understood. I moved into this Town to 46 years last February and the aforesaid Benton was then living with the aforesaid Sarah Sellingham as Husband and wife and had several children I have lived Neighbor to them for the last 40 years prior to the death of the aforesaid Benton which took place in August 1841. And I know that the aforesaid Elijah Benton was the same individual that serve as a Soldier in the War of the Revolution from the State of Connecticut. and that his widow now resides in Colebrook.
Naomi Hilliard
Coos County ss}  At Stewartstown in said Coos County this 8th day of October 1845 Personally appeared Naomi Hilliard signing of the above affidavit and made oath to the truth of the same  before me And I further certify that deponent is a credible witness and very intelligent for person of her age.
Joshua Marshall Justice of the Peace 
the word formerly was erased and  the word was absent before signing. 
Joshua Marshall Justice of Peace
Page 26

I James M Rix, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Coos, State of New Hampshire, do hereby certify that Joshua Marshall is a Justice of Peace, as within and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this ninth day of October A.D. 1845. 
James M Rix Clerk.
Page 27

State of Newhampshire 
County of Coos ss. }. I Annyanette Benton of Colebrook in the County of Coos aforesaid of lawful age depose and say that I am daughter in case of Elijah Benton and Sarah Benton, that I was present when my father Elisha Benton died his death took place August 14th 1841. and further the deponent saith not. 
Annyanette J Benton

Sworn and Subscribed at Colebrook in said Coos County this 8th day of October 1845 before me 
Joshua Marshall Justice Peace
I further certify that the above named Annyanette Benton is a person of truth 
Joshua Marshall Justice of the Peace 

I James M Rix, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for the County of Coos State of New Hampshire, do hereby certify that Joshua Marshall is a Justice of Peace, within and for said County as above and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine 
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this ninth day of October, A.D. 1845 
James M Rix Clerk
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I John Hughs of Canaan in the County of Essex and State of Vermont, of Lawful age depose and say that I lived in this town in the year 1790 and have resided in this town most of the time since, that period I was first Constable in this town in the year 1793 but the town records were burnt a number of years since and I am not able to turn to the date to refresh my memory but am perfectly confident I am not mistaken - I recollect in June of that year I recd a writ to serve on a man by the name of Chamberlain & his hired man receipted the proper, and his name was Elijah Benton, I recollect that Elijah Benton was reputed to be married  the next fall to Sarah Sellingham I was not to the wedding but have been well acquainted with them from that time until his death which I think has been about 40 years and know that they lived as man and wife and have raised a large family of children and I would further say that they lived with me in my house while he was building his house which was in the year 1797, and they had several children, I have been comparing these ages with some of mine whose ages I recorded in my family Bible at that time and am perfectly satisfied they were married as early as 1793 as I have above stated, they had 3 children when they lived in my house in 1797 - 
John Hughs
Sworn to and subscribed at Canaan this 4th day of June 1845 before me- 
Harvey Hinman 
Justice of the Peace-
Page 29

I certify that the within named John Hughs signer of the within named affidavit personally appeared and made oath to the truth of the same before me, and I would further say that I am personally acquainted the aforesaid John Hughs and know him to be a man of truth. 
Harvey Hinman 
Justice of the Peace 

State of Vermont 
Essex County ss }  I Isaac Cummings Clerk of the County Court in and for the County of Essex aforesaid do hereby certify that Harvey Hinman is an acting Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Essex duly Commissioned & qualified that his commission bears date the 31st day October 1844 and will expire the 30th day of November 1845 that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the seal of said Court at Guildhall in said County this 5th day of June AD 1845
Isaac Cummings Clerk
Page 30

I Benjamin Drew Town Clerk of the Town of Stewartstown in the County of Coos and State of Newhampshire certify that there is not to be found in my office any record of the marriage of Elijah Benton and Sarah Selingham, and I further certify that this Town was not incorporated untill the 19th December 1799 and that prior to that period there was no records kept. 
Benjamin Drew 
Town Clerk of the Town  
of Stewartstown - }
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 6th day of June 1845 
Barzilla Brainard 
Justice of the Peace- 

State of New Hampshire Coos County ss 
I James M Rix Clerk of the County Court in and for the County of Coos aforesaid do hereby certify that Barzilla Brainard is an acting Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Coos duly commissioned & qualified and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the seal of said Court at Lancaster in said County this 6th day of June 1845, James M Rix Clerk
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I James Hicks of Barnston in the County of Stanstead and District of St Francis in the Province of Canada Depose and say, that my age is 71 years, That I was present at the marriage of Elijah Benton and Sarah Sellingham, and that they were married at her Fathers house in the Town of Stewartstown County of Coos and State of Newhampshire by Esquire - Brainard a Justice of the Peace, in the month of October A.D. 1793. I then lived near them for several years both before and after their marriage, & this after, I removed from that place into Canada. I was often at their house so that I continue my acquaintance to the present time- I remember the time of their marriage by my own age as I was nineteen years old the 1st of June previous and I will remember that the snow fell for the first time that fall the right that they were married. I also remember the time of their marriage by the time of my own marriage which was three years after the 5th of-
Page 32

the next January and I was then in my twenty third year, and I am now seventy years old James Hicks 

State of Vermont
Orleans County ss⎬ Personally appeared at Derby in said Orleans County James Hicks the above deponant and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth- 
September 23 1845, before me - 
S.D. Kimball 
Justice of the Peace 
I hereby certify that the above named James Hicks is a credible witness and man of very good memory for a man of his age - 
Attest S.D. Kimball 
Justice of the Peace
Page 33

I Naomi Hilliard of Stewartstown in the County of Coos and State of Newhampshire aged 76 years, depose and say 
that I lived in Tolland Connecticut in the time of the War of the Revolution, that I was well acquainted with a young man by the name of Elijah Benton-- my father was his guardian and the said Benton was bound out to Joseph West, and worked on a farm, and I should think the said Elijah Benton was abt 5 feet and 9 or 10 inches in height, had blue eyes and light brown hair, and after he bore whiskers they were of a sandy colour  -
The first time Benton enlisted into the Army of the Revolution. I think he was abt 17 years of age he enlisted from Tolland Cont and was absent some 3 years. When he returned to my fathers who lived in Windsor Goshen. now Ellington. where he remained for 1 or 2 years when he enlisted into Capt John Webbs Comp in Sheldens Regiment then called Sheldens light horse-- after this he did not return to my fathers. I came to this town 46 years last spring and the aforesaid Elijah Benton was then living here with the Widow Sarah Benton as man & wife and I was well acquainted with them from that time until his death which took place in the Summer of 1841 and know that this was the same Elijah Benton. that served in the War of the Revolution as I have above stated-- 
Naomi Hilliard 

State of Newhampshire Coos County ss
Page 34

At Stewartstown on this 14th day of January AD. 1846 personally appeared the aforesaid Naomi Hilliard signer of the above affidavit and made oath to the truth of the same before me. And I further certify that I am personally acquainted with deponent and that she is a person of truth and is very intelligent for one of her age  - 
Barzilla Brainard Justice of the Peace 

State of New Hampshire Coos County ss 
Lancaster Jany 15th 1846 
I James M Rix Clerk of the Court of the Court of the County of Coos do hereby that Barzilla Brainard whose name is affixed to the above certificate is an acting Justice of the Peace for said County of Coos, am acquainted with his hand writing and know his signature to the above certificate to be genuine
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this fifth the day of January 1846 
James M Rix Clerk
Page 35

I Joseph Loomis of Colebrook in the County of Coos and State of Newhampshire aged 80 years depose and say. That I was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, That I was belonged to the Regiment of light dragoons commanded by Col. Sheldon which was attached to the Connecticut line. I was acquainted with and messed with a man by the name of Elijah Benton his occupation before entering the army was a farmer, full middling thick set, abt 5 feet 9 or 10 inches in height, litish Brown hair and blue eyes. Benton was discharged the same time that I was which I think was  in 1783 in the month of June, 
I came to this Town in the year 1800. Benton was there living in Stewartstown adjoining this, with a woman by the name of Sarah as husband & wife & continued to live with her up to his death in 1841. and raised up a large family of children - and I have not the least doubt but they were legally married at the time the Widow represented in her declaration. And I know that the aforesaid Elijah Benton was the same individual that served in the war of the Revolution as above stated and left Sarah Benton his widow 
Joseph Loomis
State of Newhampshire 
Coos County ss} At Colebrook in said County on this 14th day of Jany 1846 Personally appeared Joseph Loomis Signer of the above affidavit & made oath to the truth of the same before me ---
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And I further certify that I am personally acquainted with deponant that he has held the office of assistant Judge of the Court of Common pleas in this County for many years & is a person of strict integrity- Barzilla Brainard Justice of the Peace- 

State of New Hampshire Coos ss.
Lancaster Jany 15th 1846 I James M Rix Clerk of the Court of the County of Coos do hereby certify that Barzilla Brainard whose name is affixed to the above certificate is an acting Justice of the Peace for said County of Coos, am acquainted with his hand writing and know his signature to the above certificate to be genuine 
In witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this fifteenth day of January 1846 
James M Rix Clerk
Page 37

State of Vermont 
Orleans County ss} I Isaac Thurber of Tingwick we the County of Drummond and Province of Canada East aged 77 years say that I formerly lived in the Town of Colebrook in the State of Newhampshire that I was well acquainted with Elijah Benton and Sarah Sellingham of Stewartstown adjoining Colebrook. My wife died in May 1793 and in the fall of that year it was said that the aforesaid Benton was married to Sarah Sellingham I did not see them married. I lived neighbor to them at the time & know that they lived as husband & wife in the fall of 1793, and previous to January 1794. I am not mistaken in the year it being the year that my first Wife died - and the said Sarah Sellingham worked for me a few weeks abt. the time my wife died and I was at her fathers house just before it was said she was married to the sd Benton and saw her making her wedding dress and I would further say that I have Record proof of the year that my wife died which agrees with my memory relative to the above facts 
Isaac Thurber

Orleans County's}  At Derby in said Orleans County on this 2d day of May AD. 1846 Personally appeared Isaac Thurber and Signed
Page 38

Signed and made oath to the truth of the above or within affidavit, and I further certify that deponent is an intelligent man, and is reputed to a man of undoubted truth and veracity 
Attest S.D. Kimball Justice Peace 
the age was [illegible] before signing attest
S. D. Kimball Justice Peace 

State Vermont
Orleans County ss} I Henry M Bates Clerk of Orleans County Court do hereby certify that Sylvester D Kimball of Barton is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Allians duly qualified - and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is true and genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this eighth day of May AD 1846
Henry M Bates Clerk
Page 39

I Drusilla Thurber of Tinwick in the Province of Canada East aged 74 years depose and say that I formerly resided in Colebrook in the State of New Hampshire that I was intimately acquainted with a girl by the name of Sarah Sellingham I resided within a few rods of her Father who I think resided in the Edge of Stewartstown in the State of New Hampshire. That in the month of October 1793 I attended the wedding of Sarah Sellingham who was married to a man by the name of Elijah Benton a man who I was well aquainted with
In the Summer of 1793 I worked for one Chamberlin that the aforesaid Benton worked for said Chamberlin at the same time and was then courting the said Sarah Sellingham - I am not mistaken in the year of the above marriage, as I was married in the spring of 1794 and know that I attended their wedding the fall previous as I have above stated.- 
I further depose and say that I have frequently heard the said Benton say that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary War from the State of Connecticut 
Drusilla Thurber

State of Vermont
Orleans County ss⎬ On this 8th day of July 1846 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Drusilla Thurber the above deponent and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by her subscribed before me and I also certify that the said deponant is a very active & intelligent person for one of her age and has the reputation of being a person of truth & veracity which I fully believe- 
Horace Pierce Justice Peace
Page 40

I Isaac Thurber of Tingwick in the province of Canada East aged 78 years depose and say that I formerly resided Colebrook in the State of New Hampshire. that I was well acquainted with a man by the name of Elijah Benton who resided in the Town of Stewartstown adjoining said Colebrook 
in the spring of 1793 I buried my first wife that then was a girl worked at my house at that time by the name of Sarah Sellingham that in the fall of 1793 being the same year my wife died the aforesaid Elijah Benton was reputed to have married the aforesaid Sarah Sellingham at her fathers. I was not present at the wedding, but know that they lived together as husband & wife from that time while I remained a neighbor to them, which was several years. I know it to be the same year which my wife died that they were reputed to have been married from the fact that I have a Record of in my Bills of the death of my wife, which I agrees with my recollection relative to the time of said marriage 
Isaac Thurber

State of Vermont 
Orleans County ss } On this 8th day of July 1846 Before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared the Isaac Thurber the above deponent and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed. I also certify that the said deponent has the reputation of being a person of truth & veracity -
Horace Pierce Justice Peace
Page 41

I Josiah King of Tingwick in the Province of Canada East Aged 77 years depose and say that in the year AD 1793. I resided in the town of Stewartstown in the State of New Hampshire, that I was acquainted with Elijah Benton who resided in said town, that said Benton came to said town with a man by the name of Chamberlin. I resided very near said Benton and frequently heard him speak of being a Soldier in the Revolutionary war (and from the my acquaintance  with him I have no doubt but he was) In the fall of seventeen hundred ninety three Elijah Benton was married to Sarah Sellingham by Esquire, Brainard of said Stewartstown I was present at the wedding and saw them married. one reason why I so well recollect it is that we had a Ring of Writting and I was left the "standing man. I am not mistaken in the year for I visited my friends in Saco in the State of Maine and returned from there in the month of October of said year, & had not been at home more than two or three days before I attended the wedding as above stated. It could not have been later in the season then October for I had not finished digging my potatoes which I afterwards did do. I lived a neighbor to said Benton & wife for several years after he was married. They were very respectable inhabitants, and further the deponent saith not- 
Josiah King 

State of Vermont 
Orleans County ss } On this 8th day of July 1846 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Josiah King the above deponant and made oath to the truth of the forgoing affidavit by him subscribed. And I also certify that the said deponant is an active person for one of his age and has the reputation of being a person of truth and veracity, which I fully believe Horace Pierce Justin Peace
Page 42

State of Vermont 
Orleans County ss }
 I Henry M Bates Clerk of Orleans County Court do hereby certify that Horace Pierce of Barton is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Orleans duly qualified and that the foregoing Signature purporting to be his is true and genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 31st day of July AD 1846 
Henry M Bates Clerk ===
Page 43

State of Vermont 
Orleans County s.s. } I Drusilla Thurber of Tingwick in the County of Drummond and Province of Canada East aged 74 years depose and say that I formerly lived in Stewartstown in Coos County and State of Newhampshire- That I resided within a few rods of Mr. Sellinghams I was intimately acquainted with his daughter Sarah - She was married the fall that I was 21 years old to Elijah Benton It was sometime in the month of October 1793 --- they were married by a Justice of the Peace by the name of Brainard, I was present at the wedding and and saw them married and know that it was in the fall of 1793 as I have above stated -
Drusilla Thurber

Orleans County ss } At Derby in said County of Orleans on this 2nd day of May 1846 Personally appeared before me, Drusilla Thurber and signed and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit and I further certify that deponant is very intelligent  and is reputed to be a person of truth 
Attest S.D. Kimball, 
Justice Peace 
===
Page 44

State of Vermont 
Orleans County S.S. } I Josiah King of Tingwick in County of Drummond and Province of Canada East aged 77 years depose and say- That in the year AD. 1793 I resided in Stewartstown Newhampshire, that in the fall of that year I went to Saco in the State of Maine on a visit to see my friends-- I returned home in the month of October the same year immediately after my return I was invited to and did attend the wedding of Elijah Benton and Sarah Sellingham - they were married by Esq Brainard of said Stewartstown I saw them married, and know that it was in the fall of 1793 and I am very confident that it was in October of that year for we had not finished our harvesting at the time & there was not any snow at the time or not enough to prevent digging potatoes-- I lived within abt., one hundred rods of the aforesaid Benton & wife for 3 or 4 years after they were married, and by comparing my age-- with the year that my 2nd child was born which was the year that I was 24 years old and the year 1793 I know that I am not mistaken in the time they were married as I have above stated- 
Josiah King 
Orleans County ss } At Derby in said Orleans County on this & 2d day of May 1846 Personally appeared Josiah King 
and
Page 45

Signed and made oath to the within affidavit before me - And I further certify that deponant is remarkably active and inteligent for a person of his age and is reputed to be a person of truth.
Attest S.D. Randall 
Justice Peace }
===

State of Vermont 
Orleans County ss } I Henry M Bates Clerk of Orleans County Court do hereby certify that Sylvester H. Kimball of Barton is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Orleans -  duly qualified and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is true and genuine
Is testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this Eighth day of May AD 1846 
Henry M Bates Clerk
===
Page 46

Colebrook April 28 1846 

Brother John
I do not know but in my last letter I told you I saw Mrs Benton but I should have said Mr Benton her son I did not consider that the old lady had recently died which may alter the case very much-- She died last Jany with a cancer I believe. the Information I read was from her son Hiram Benton who had charge of her while living- I have seen him and procured on the slip you sent me the best information he could give without the papers that Kimball has in his hands-- he says that Kimball has in his hands - he says that Kimball has taken the  Dep of the living witness in Canada James Hicks and that is all yet. The Bible fell into the hands of his brother and the children have destroyed the most of it by piecemeals and only apart of the records are left and the leaf torn lengthwise -  If you think this worth looking I will aid all I can. I have seen James Eames and gave him your letter he says he will give a thorough search for them and write you- I forward a tax for Lydia Monday will you please to look to it-- and favor me with a line to Barton for I shall be looking for one while there from some of you-- I remain your Brother 
H Bedel
Page 47

I Barzilla Brainard of Stewartstown, in the county of Coos & state of New Hampshire, aged sixty years, do testify and say that I have lived in Stewartstown aforesaid fifty four years, that I was acquainted with Elijah Benton late of said Stewartstown deceased forty four years ago, & from that time until his death, have heard him tell of being in the army of the Revolution when I was a boy, have heard him state how the enemies were situated & relate counts of the War with a great deal of animation [illegible] , and so much at times that he almost wanted to act it all over again.
When I was a boy he frequently attracted my attention with his narrations of the Revolution while he, as he said was in the army, and the boys would gather around him to hear him & see him in his attempts to act it out, as he imitated the counts of the Revolution.
 He was married to Sarah Sellingham when I was a boy as I then understood, with whom he lived until his death. That his said wife had seven children who lived to grow to manhood or to be men and women & one that died young. One of his sons lived with me for several years.
The said Elijah Benton died five years ago this summer & left the said Sarah a widow in Stewartstown aforesaid. I understood that my uncle Daniel Brainard a Baptist minister, married the said Elijah Benton to the said Sarah Sellingham & I have no doubt of that fact, but I cannot state the year when the marriage took place.
Barzilla Brainard
Page 48

State of New Hampshire Coos ss. July 11th 1846 When the within affidavit was sworn to & subscribed before me & I further certify that the within named Barzilla Brainard is a respectable magistrate in Stewartstown, a credible witness when testimony may be relied on.
Joshua Marshall Justice of the Peace

I James M. Rix, clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for the County of Coos, State of New Hampshire, do hereby certify that Joshua Marshall is a Justice of Peace, within and for said county as above and within, and that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine. 
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand an affixed the seal of said Court, this sixteenth day of July, A.D. 1846.
James M. Rix, Clerk.
Page 49

Comptrollers office, Connecticut 
Hartford August 23, 1845 }

On application for evidence of the service of Elijah Benton in the war of the Revolution, I have examined the records of settlements made with the Connecticut line of the Continental Army, and find under head of Settlement with the 2d Regiment of Light Dragoons Elisha Sheldon Esq Col for the year 1781 the name of Elijah Benton who is stated to have commenced March 3d 1781 and to have served to December 31 of the same year, nine months and 28 days -

A Carrington Comptroller
Page 50

Comptrollers Office, Connecticut Hartford Sept 13. 1845 } 
On application for evidence of the service of Elijah Benton in the war of the revolution I certified, August 23 that said Benton's name appeared in Col. Sheldons Regt and that he was credited for service from March 3 to December 31- nine months and Twenty eight days, since making that certificate I find in this office a paper headed "Roll and muster of the fourth Troop 2d Regt Light Dragoons commanded by Col Elisha Sheldon" George Hurlbut Capt, which roll contains the name of Elijah Benton, the entry is as follows 
Rank private, name, Elijah Benton, Term of enlistment 14 mo. 4.D. Mustered, Elijah Benton, May 6.82. Time and last master or inlistment. To which roll are the following certificates. 
I certify the above roll to be the true state of said Troop this first day of January 1783 
Signed by James Dole Lt. 2 Rg. L. D. 
I certify the above muster to be true in all its contents. Inspection of December 1782 
Signed by W Barber Major & apt Inspector of Northern Army 
The foregoing are correct extracts 
A Carrington Comptroller
Page 51

Bath N.H. April 24th 1846 
Sir I am desired by the Widow Benton of Colebrook in the County of Coos N.H. to enquire into the standing of her application for a pension -
Her late Husband Elisha Benton late of Colebrook deceased drew a pension in his life time - Since his decease F. W. Kimball of Barton in the County of Orleans Vt.  (the Same Kimball who has been engaged in the cases of Mrs Aspenwall & Mrs Bliss of Bradford County of Orange Vt. about which I wrote you on the 13th Inst.) came to her and engaged to get her pension for ½ of what he could get, that she has heard nothing from him for some time past and knows nothing about the progress of her case  - 
Could any information as to this matter be given me under these circumstances, an early answer would be gratefully received  - 

I remain Very Respectfully Your Obed. Servt.
John Bedell

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Washinton D.C. }
Page 52

Bath N.H. May 1. 1846 
Sir - 
From the enclosed letter it will appear that I have in my letter to you of 24th April in the case of Widow Benton, inadvertently stated the request as coming from her instead of her son which it seems is the fact  - 
Which mistake I trust this letter will satisfactorily explain  - 
I remain Very Respectfully Your Obed Sert John Bedell

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Washington City
D.C. }
Page 53

Waterbury 12th Aug. 1846 
Sir 
I herewith inclose new & definite testimony in the case of Widow Sarah Benton, who is an applicant for a pension.
The testimony is taken by Col H. Pearce of Barton Vt. who lives near the Canada line & has a good general acquaintance with the witnesses. The Col. is a man of high character & standing. 
The witnesses too, were raised in the Granite State & are not spoiled by their residence in Canada. You may rely fully on the testimony in my judgment 

Yours Respectfully 
P. Dillingham Jr

Hon J L Edwards 
Com of Pensions }
Page 54

Elijah Benton
Elisha Benton

His first application his signature Elijah written apparently by himself under act 1818, but the certificate jacket is Elisha
After this comes the schedule statement & his signature by X is Elisha & he names his wife Sarah & a son Hiram 2 years old who appears among the papers of the Soldier & the widow Sarah
The widows & soldiers papers give substantially the same location of enlistment & that he was in Sheldon's dragoons
The widow states Elijah died Augt. 14 1841 - which date of death is recorded against the name of Elisha on office books
Both names represent the same origin in Cont., same military service, the same residence in N.H. & same date of his death. The soldier name, his wife Sally & Sarah applies as his widow
It strikes me that the original record be amended & the soldier's case consolidated with rejected widow.
JN Prior


OK
Page 55

House of Rep. 30 May 1846

Sir
I herewith send you additional testimony in case of Widow Sarah Benton's application for a pension under the Act of July 7, 1838.
On the inside of this sheet is Mr. Kimball's letter to peruse. The fact, those stated, that at the time of the marriage, the town was unorganized, is true, and forcludes the possibility that any record of the marriage ever existed.
When this case is examined please communicate the result to me and oblige

Yours Truly
P. Dellingham Jr.

J.L. Edwards 
Com. of Pensions
Page 56

Barton Vermont May 10th 1846 -
Dr.Sir, 
In October last I forwarded to the Pension office the claim of Widow Sarah Benton of Colebed N.H. who is entitled to a Pension under the act of July 7th 1838 for services rendered in the War of the Revolution by her late Husband Elijah Benton (deceased) under date of November 26, 1845, I rece. a letter from the Comm of Pensions. requiring a description of the Person of Elijah Benton - 
I herewith enclose Judges Loomis, & Mrs. Hilliard's testimony relative to that requirement. I had is necessary to substantiate the Marriage forwarded 2 affidavits to prove their Marriage but the Commissioner Mr. Edwards says in his letter under date of November 26 - 1845 that their marriage (which took place October 20th 1793) approaches so near the 1st of January (1794) that record proof is necessary to substantiate the marriage - 

That -
Page 57

that is impossible in this case the Town was not organized when they were married and there is no record to be found which fact I showed in the previous testimony-- I herewith enclose 3 - additional affidavits which substantiate their marriage beyond any doubt and agreeable to Rule [illegible] of the regulations under the act of 1838 the affidavit I herewith enclose are from very respectable intelligent witnesses-- Will you have the goodness to present the enclosed testimony to the Pension Office and if necessary to urge the claim, and you shall be rewarded for your trouble- 
I am with Respect your 
Friends & Obt. Servt --- --- 
L.D. Kimball 

Hon Paul Dillingham 
M.C. Washington 
DC }
Page 58

Dec 14 '98
CR Benton
LaCrosse
Wisconsin
1911 May 27 Hist. to Mrs.
Henry E Fowler c


_____ Ex'r.      INVALID

No.

[crossed out] Acts of July 14, 1862 and March 3, 1873

REJECTED

787

P.O. Sarah Benton
Widow of Elijah (or Elisha)
Service:  Benton

Enlisted:  , 18  .
Discharged:  , 18  .

Application filed:  , 18  .

Alleges:

Re-enlisted:

Attorney:
P.O.
Page 59

La Crosse, Wis.
Dec 2, 1898 
Hon. Commr of Pensions 
Washington
Dear Sir,
Would you kindly inform me if the name Elijah Benton appears on the pension roll or if pension was allowed because of his service in the War of the Revolution. The Elijah Benton I am looking up is said to have lived in Tolland County, Connecticut 
Yours truly 
C.R. Benton

[stamp]
PENSION
US
Dec 7 1898
OFFICE.
Page 60

L.W.B.
R. 787.
This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services. Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department . Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States. 
O. W. & N. DIV. 
REVOLUTIONARY.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS, 
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
December 14, 1898.

Sir: -- 
In response to your recent communication you are advised that Elijah Benton made an application for pension on June 5th, 1818, at which time he was 58 years of age and residing at Stewartstown, New Hampshire, and his pension was allowed for three years' actual service as a private in the Conn. troops, Revolutionary war. He enlisted at Tolland, Conn., and served under Capt. Prior and Col. Ward.

Very respectfully, 
Mr. C. R. Benton, 
LaCrosse, Wisconsin.

 Commissioner.