Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 44,895, Benjamin Hall, Continental N.H.
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(3-1776)
SERVICE|[blank]|NUMBER|
Continental|Hall, Benjamin|S. 44,895|
N.H.
CONTENTS
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[verso]
Let John S. Shew Aug't 10/50
Dropt 14 May 1821, & letter written to pen'r & agent
Notif'n sent Dec'r 13, 1820 to John L. Lobdell J
Johnstown NYk

[recto]
2953.
New York
Benjamin Hall Ensign New Hampshire line Capt Woodbury In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of twenty Dollars per month, to commence on the 6th of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 of Septem'r 18 and sent to James Hildreth esqr Johnstown Montg'y N York
Arrears to 4th of Septem'r 1818} 99.33
4 mo 29/30
Semi-anl all'ce ending 4 March 1819 120.
$219.33
Stark {Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818.}
One year
Johnstown Montg'y Co
Cont'd
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Benjamin Hall - Certificate No 2953 - 
25 July '18
Johnstown Montgomery Co. 
Con
Con
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State of New York
Montgomery County}
PRESENT the Honorable Aaron Harring Esq'r first Judge and others ['ss.' crossed out] Be it Remembered, That on the Eighteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty personally appeared in the Court of common please of the County aforesaid in open court, the said court being a court of record for the County aforesaid having the power of tine and imprisonment and civil process of unlimited Jurisdiction Benjamin Hall aged twenty eight years, resident in Johnstown in the County aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the revolutionary war as follows: On the first day of January one thousand seven hundred and seventy six, he engaged as an Ensign in the Continental army and absolutely received a commission as such on that Day in Captain Elisha Woodbury's company. And Colonel Stark's Regiment and New Hampshire line. And that he continued in said company and Regiment until on or about the twentieth day of February one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven. When his term of service expired making rising of one year intermission that during said term of service he was not in any engagement, that when the retreat from Canada took place in that year he was sick and of course not with them that he has already been placed on the pension list of the 18th March 1818, and has received pay up to the fourth of March last on which I have maintained myself and family - 
and that his original declaration is dated the sixth day of April one thousand eight hundred and Eighteen and that his pension certificate is No. 2,953
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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," passed on the 18th day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen: 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, to wit: Inventory of Property owned by me the said Benjamin Hall viz One Cow. four sheep. and six Dollars in cash yearly from James Hall for which I hold his obligation - I am by occupation a farmer but am not able to follow the same in consequence of Rheumatism and other bodily complaints, from age and fatigue. I have had a wife to support untill the third day of October instant when she died that she has been under the Doctors care more than seven years, and that he has no other or further property than what is above stated
But it is to be understood that in consideration of seventy acres of land and the appurtenances thereunto belonging, which I conveyed to my son James Hall he has stipulated with me to maintain me and his mother which said mother is now dead the above mentioned sick woman is my second wife, during our lives 
/s/X his mark Benjamin Hall
Sworn to and declared this 18th day of October 1820 in open Court - 
/s/Jno McCarthy Clerk
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I, John McCarthy Clerk of the Court of Common pleas for Montgomery County in the state of New York - Do hereby certify, That the foregoing declaration and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the records 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 Eighteen Dollars. 
[court seal affixed] In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, this Eighteenth day of October 1825 - 
/s/Jno McCarthy
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[typewritten letter]
July 1, 1937
xxxxxx
BA-J/REL
Daniel Rhoads-W.1485 [margin note: own]
and Benjamin Hall W. 44895

Mrs. F. J. Hall
2715 Washington Avenue
Racine, Wisconsin

Dear Madam:
The data furnished herein relative to Daniel Rhoads were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W.1485, based upon his service in the Revolution.
Daniel Rhoads was born October 5, 1755.
He enlisted in June, 1775, in Bedford, Pennsylvania, and served as a private in Captain Robert Cluggage's Company, Colonel Thompson's Pennsylvania Regiment until June, 1776.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 1, 1818, while a resident of Knox County, Indiana. In 1821, he resided in Vigo County, Indiana.
He died April 8, 1838, in Edgar County, Illinois.
The soldier married February 10, 1777, Eva Foust, aged fifteen years and three months. She died January 15, 1792.
He married March 15, 1794, in Nelson County, Kentucky, Elizabeth Newman, who was born March 20, 1773.
Elizabeth Rhoads, soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed March 9, 1846, at which time she resided in Edgar County, Illinois.
The soldier had the following children by his first wife:
David Rhoads.... born November 20, 1778.
Elizabeth Rhoads.... " February - , 1779.
Rachel Rhoads.... " November 25, 1780.
Susana Rhoads.... " August 16, 1783.
Jacob Rhoads.... " May 10, 1786.
Catharine & Sarah Rhoads.... " April 6, 1789.
Hanah Rhoads.... " November 13, 1791, died May 8 --
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[typewritten letter continued]
Daniel Rhoads had the following children by his second wife:
Thomas Rhoads.... born July 13, 1796(?)
Jonathan Rhoads....  "  September 3, 1798.
Joseph Rhoads....  "  January 17, 1801.
Isaac Rhoads....  "  February 3, 1803.
John Rhoads....  "    "  7, 1807.
Newman Rhoads....  "  October 3, 1811, in 1846, a resident of Edgar County, Illinois
George Rhoads....  "  December 11, 1814. 
● ● ● ● ● ●
Benjamin Hall
S. 44895
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.44895, based upon the military service in that war of Benjamin Hall.
The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of Benjamin Hall are not shown.
Benjamin Hall was commissioned January 1, 1776, ensign and served as such officer in Captain Elisha Woodbury's Company, Colonel John Stark's New Hampshire Regiment; he left the service February 20, 1777; he stated that subsequently he served as an officer until the close of the war but gave no further data in regard to those services. The place of his residence at time of entering the service was not given.
Benjamin Hall was allowed pension on his application executed April 6, 1818, while living in Johnstown, Montgomery County, New York.
On October 18, 1820, he stated that he was aged seventy-eight years and that his wife died October 3, 1820, she being his second wife. He did not give the name of either wife and no data concerning them.
Soldier died December 24, 1830, place not stated.
In 1849, three children of Benjamin Hall were living, only name given is son James Hall.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
-2-
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[handwritten letter]
Pension Office [margin note: 214]
Aug't 10th 1850

Sir, 
In reply to your letter ['of the' crossed out] in the case of Benjamin Hall dec'd on roll New York agency under Act March 18, 1818, I have to state that his pension was improperly continued under Act May 1, 1820, it appearing that his sone was under an obligation to support him during life in consequence of his having conveyed 70 acres of land to him. The case having been subsequently reviewed, the pension was discontinued.
The pension for the time that he was discontinued to the date of his death in 1830 cannot therefore be paid to his children unless by special act of Congress. 
There is no legal claim under act 15th May 1828, the service having terminated in 1777. 

John J. Shew Esq
Broadalbin Fulton Co. N.Y.
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[handwritten letter]
Broadalbin, Fulton Co. N.Y.
February 19th 1849 

Sir,
It is alleged that Benjamin Hall of Montgomery County in this State was a pensioner of the United States under the Act of 18th March 1818, that he was pensioned for services rendered during the revolutionary War as an ensign, in the State of New Hampshire.
That his original papers were prepared by the Honorable Aaron Haring or some other person in Johnstown, and after the claim was allowed, and the certificate of pension was received by the said Benjamin Hall from the War Department he entrusted General Richard Dodge with his power of Attorney to get his money for him in New York. After receiving his pension money a few times, a disagreement arose between them as to the amount of money which said Dodge ought to pay over to him, and then the said Hall told Dodge that he would not entrust him with his power of Attorney again. Dodge then told Hall, "that if he would not, it would be the last pension money that he would ever draw"; - and sure enough it was the last he ever received, except the semiannual stipend then pending, Before another six months passed away, the said Benjamin Hall received a letter from the Department of War, "that he had been informed that he had a son who was to support him". For this reason, and for this alone we suppose that he as suspended. About the year 1806, (as I was informed,) such an arrangement was made, which was long previous to the 18th March 1818. If it was not the design of Congress to grant pensions in such cases, I have nothing more to say on this subject. Why did not Gen'l Dodge make this known to the Department before the time of their disagreement? Why was not every applicant required to state in his declaration, and prove that his son or sons had not agreed to support him? If it had been, very few and only very few would have been pensioned. Said Benjamin Hall died 14th December 1830. He left no widow. Now Sir, if the above statement be true. if, on an examination of the claim now on file you find the above statement to be true, it would seem to me that his surviving children three are entitled to the pension from the time of his suspension until the day he died. If, however I have been incorrectly informed, and that he was suspended for reasons never assigned to me, it would be to me a source of great satisfaction to know the grounds of his suspension. If Gen'l Dodge, under the  influence of malice or revenge, by a false representation was influential in having him suspended, it will be no more than justice to his three surviving children to allow to them the amount due at the time of his death. By a careful examination of this communication, and then examine
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[handwritten letter continued]
the paper which caused his suspension, and if it shall be decided that his suspicion was wrong, I will then proceed, (at the request of his three surviving children,) to prepare their declaration in due form of law, and requisite accompanying papers, and forward them according to former usages. 
If I were not known at the pension office, I would not venture this frankness with you, without a power of Attorney for me to act for them.
The claim is entirely new and expected to me. James Hall, one of the surviving children, called upon me (an entire stranger,) yesterday and related the foregoing narrative, and requested me to act as their Agent in this matter.
It is not my design nor intentions to trouble the department with unnecessary communications at any time. - This James Hall, is now himself quite advanced in age and appears to be a very candid and steady reputable man. I asked him to assign some reason why his father did not attend to it immediately, and if possible be restored. His reply was that his father was then far advanced in life, and if the War Department was designed to strike him off, he would not trouble himself any more about it, but would have it for his surviving children. 
Such a reply to his communication as your better judgment shall dictate will be most thankfully received. 
Respectfully &c. 
/s/John S. Shew
Col. James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions}
N.B. If he was in the Continental line, and his enlistment was for and during the war, and if he continued in the service until the close of the war; then he was entitled to a pension from the 3d day of  March 1826 to the day of his death under the Act of 15th May 1828. If we fail in the foregoing, we propose this for your consideration.
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[addressed envelope]
[postmark: JOHNSTOWN N.Y. NOV 23] FREE
[margin notes: N. Yk. 475 Rec. 28 Nov. 1820 EH]
Hon. John C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
City of Washington
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[handwritten letter]
Johnstown 22d November 1820

Sir
Enclosed are the papers of Benjamin Hall an applicant under the Act of 1st May 1820 - 
Yours &c. 
/s/John L. Lobdell Agent for applicant
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[addressed envelope]
[postmark: JOHNSTOWN N.Y. APR 7] FREE
[margin note: Mr. Boyd Admitted]
The Hobl. The Secretary of War
City of Washington
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State of New York,
Montgomery County ss, Benjamin Hall of the Town of Johnstown County and State aforesaid being duly sworn says that he served in the Revolutionary War as an Ensign, in Captain Woodbury's Company Colonel Stark's Regiment of Infantry raised in New Hampshire, from the first of January in the year 1776 until the month of March 1777 when that term of service expired;  and that he served as an officer in subsequent Campaigns during the said war; that he received an honorable discharge on the dismissal of Colonel Stark's Regiment in New Jersey in the Spring of the  year 1777. and this deponent further says that by reason of his reduced circumstances he needs the assistance of his Country for support, and that he received no pension at present from the United States. 
/s/X his mark Benjamin Hall
Sworn and subscribed before me, this 6th day of April 1818. 
/s/James Hildreth one of the judges of the Court of Common pleas for Montgomery County and State of New York -
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Montgomery ss
I James Hildreth one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Montgomery, State of New York do certify that upon an examination in pursuance of the Law 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 passed the 18th day of March 1818 I do find that Benjamin Hall, of the Town and County aforesaid, served as an Ensign in the revolutionary war from the first of January 1776 until the spring of the year 1777 when he was honorably discharged, and that the said Benjamin Hall, agreeably to the provisions of said act, is entitled to a pension of Twenty Dollars per Month. 
Given under my hand this 6th day of April in the year 1848. 
/s/James Hildreth
State of New York,
Montgomery County ss, I John McCarthy Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Montgomery State of New York do hereby certify that James Hildreth the above signed is one of the Judges of the said Court, and was, at the time of taking the annexed affidavit and examination Dated April 6th 1818
/s/Jno. McCarthy
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IN CONGRESS.
The DELEGATES of the UNITED COLONIES of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of New-Castle, Kent, and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina, and Georgia, to Benjamin Hall 
Gentleman - 
WE reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valous, Conduct, and Fidelity, DO by these Presents, constitute and appoint you to be Ensign in the Reg't of Foot commanded by Colo. John Stark Esqr in the Army of the United Colonies raised for the defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile Invasion thereof. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of Ensign by doing and performing all Manner of Things thereunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your Command, to be obedient to your Orders as Ensign And you are to observe and follow such Orders and Directions from Time to Time, as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United Colonies, or Committee of Congress, for that Purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief for the Time being of the Army of the United Colonies, or any other your Superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in Pursuance of the Trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in Force until revoked by this or a future Congress. 
January 1st 1776 By Order of the Congress
/s/John Hancock PRESIDENT. 
Attest /s/Chas Thomson Jun'r
[margin note: 44895]
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[handwritten letter]
July 1, 1937
xxxxxx
BA-J/MMHF/eel

Mrs. F. J. Hall
2715 Washington Avenue
Racine, Wisconsin

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Jacob Baker, John Rowland, Benjamin Hall, Wright Redding, Isaac Tyson and Daniel Rhoads.
Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War data and the limited trained clerical force available for furnishing such information, it is impossible to comply in full with each request pertaining to soldiers of that war. The records of Benjamin Hall and Daniel Rhoads are furnished you herewith.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
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[verso]
44895
Revy INVALID.
File No. 44,895
Benjamin Hall 
Ensign Rev. War
Act: 18" March 1818
Index: - Vol. 3, Page 13
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[recto] 
Feby. 5/98. History to Mrs. Lois B. Hall, 481 East Main st. Meriden Conn
1937-July 1 - Hist to Mrs. F. J. Hall. Letter in case of Daniel Rhoads - W.1485 - EL
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O.W.& N. DIV. [initials: LWB]
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS. 
Washington. D.C. June 19 1897
Respectfully returned to the writer, who is requested to furnish, for purposes of identification, as much, as possible of the information called for below. 
/s/HD Chief Evans SP
['Wm Lockson' crossed out] Commissioner. 
Full name of soldier: Benjamin Hall
Place of residence before service: (Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Wallingford N. Haven Co., Conn. 
Place of residence after service: (Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Wallingford  "  "  [margin note: not W  "  )
Date of death (as near as possible):
Born 1857 his last child born 1803
Christian name of widow: Lydia Cook
Did either he or his widow receive a pension? 
[blank] [margin note: 44895 - ?]
Remarks: Would like to know if this Benjamin Hall was the Ben Hall in Co. Capt James Peck of Wallingford or in Revolutionary Service
Your name and address;
Mrs. Lois B. Hall.
481 E. Main St.
Meriden Conn. 
2338b2m