Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14288, Benjamin Bennett, Continental Mass.
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(8--1776)
SERVICE Continental Mass. Bennett, Benjamin Elizabeth
NUMBER W.14288
CONTENTS [section empty]
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[left side of page] 10th: April 1846. Refd to agt:--

[right side of page, printed form with hand written responses] 
4206 Massachusetts.
================= 
Elizabeth Bennett, deceased. widow of Benjamin Bennett, Mass who was a private & fifer, in the Massachusetts line. Increased from $24.21 per ann.
================= 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 62 Dollars 62 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. & Ending on the 21st. May, 1845.
================= 
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 day of April, 1846, and sent to Jacob Wales, Fitzwilliam, N. Hampshire.
================= 
[Act of March 3, 1843.] [square brackets in original]  & 17 June, 1844
Recorded in Book A.  Vol. 2   Page 26.
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows" 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
On this ninth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before Ira Barton Judge of the Court of Probate within and for said County of Worcester, the Widow Elizabeth Bennett a resident of Royalston in said County aged seventy seven 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 passed July 7th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows:" 1st that she is the Widow of Benjamin Bennett late of Fitzwilliam in the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire Deceased, who was a Private Soldier in the Revolutionary war and served in said war according to the best information she has of his services eighteen months in all he always told her he was waiter for Coln Nixon She therefore thinks he was in the first eight months service and was waiter to Coln Nixon at that time. She also thinks her husband was out about a year near the time Burgoyne was taken, but she cannot state his services more particularly. He went into the service from the town of Walling
She further states that her maden [maiden] name was Elizabeth Knight and that she was married to the said Benjamin Bennett the seventh day of December seventeen hundred and eighty in the town of Lancaster in said County of Worcester by the Revd. Timothy Harrington then a minister in said Lancaster. She further says at the time she married she was a resident of said Lancaster and her
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husband the said Benjamin, a resident of said Fitzwilliam and that soon after she married she moved to said Fitzwilliam at which place she has resided until within about six years time which time she had resided in said Royalston, she further declares that her husband the said Benjamin Bennett deceased in the Town of Watersford in the State of Vermont the fifth day of November 1823 at the time of his death he was with his son by the name of Joseph Bennett then residing in said Watersford, and that she has remained his Widow ever since. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but that the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four.  She further says she has no documentary evidence of her said husbands service but respectfully refers to the rools [rolls] in the War department for the same. Elizabeth her X mark Bennett

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above stated. Before me, Ira Barton, Judg [Judge] of of [word repeated in original] the Court of Probate for said County of Worcester [signature] 

I further certify that the foregoing Declaration was taken in open court, at a Court of Probate holden for that purpose at Winchester in said County. Ira Barton [signature]
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Town of Lancaster, Worcester County. 
"Marriage consummated by the Revd. Timothy Harrington. December seventh one thousand Seven hundred and Eighty. Benjamin Bennett of Fitzwilliam. N.H. and Elizabeth Knight of Lancaster." 
I John G. Thurston, Clerk of the Town of Lancaster hereby certify, that the above is a true Copy of the record, with the exception of the date, which is expressed in fair legible figures, on the record, as follows. "1780 Decr. 7th Benjamin Bennett of Fitzwilliam N.H. & Elizabeth Knight, of Lancaster" 

I John G. Thurston, of Lancaster above named, depose and say, that I hold the office of Clerk in the Town, County, and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town of Lancaster, with the exception above named, as certified by me. John G. Thurston, Clerk of the Town of Lancaster [signature] July 31, 1838} [date underlined] 

Worcester Ss. July 31, 1838 Personally appeared the above named John G Thurston and made oath that the foregoing certificate by him subscribed is just and true.-- Before me, Nathaniel Chandler Jus. Peace
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Judge [in bottom right corner of page]
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th of July 1838, March 3d. 1843, & June 17th 1844. 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Worcester County Ss}
On this twenty second day of September one thousand eight hundred and forty five personally appeared before me Mark Whitcomb a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Josiah Bennett a resident of [said -- crossed out] Royalston [in said County -- inserted] aged forty six years who being duly sworn doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order [to obtain -- inserted] the benefits of the provisions made by the acts of Congress passed July 7th 1838, March 3d 1843. & June 17th 1844. 
That he is the Son of Elizabeth Bennett late of said Royalston deceased. That the said Elizabeth died in said Royalston at his house the 21st. day of May 1845 six days after making a Declaration before Stephen Batchellor Esq of services rendered in the war of the Revolution by his Father Benjamin Bennett deceased. by which she obtained a certificate of said services from the Secretary [of -- inserted] Mass. which will accompany this declaration that his mother the said Elizabeth was a Pensioner under the acts above mentioned for the sum of twenty four dollars and 21 or 22 cents per year
That he now makes this declaration in his own behalf and in behalf of his two Brothers and two Sisters viz, Betsey Jacobs of Royalston aforesaid. Polly Johnson of Williston in the State of Vermont. John
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Bennett & Benjamin Bennett both now of Boston in said State of Massachusetts, the only surviving Children of the said Elizabeth. In order to obtain an increase of their mother the said Elizabeths Pension under said acts by reason of the proof of said services as set forth by said Secretary. and that the increase of said Pensions under said acts may be made payable to them the said Josiah Bennett. Betsey Jacobs. Polly Johnson John Bennett & Benjamin Bennett the only surviving Children of the said Elizabeth Bennett decd. as before stated Josiah Bennett [signature] 

Subscribed and sworn to the day & year before written Before me Mark Whitcomb Justice of the Peace [signature]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts -- 
Worcester Ss. I, Jos. G. Kendall Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within & for the County Worcester, certify that Mark Whitcomb above named is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County, duly qualified, & that the signature of his name [with me -- crossed out] above written, appears to be in his own hand writing --
In witness whereof I have hereto set my name & affixed the seal of said Court at Worcester this twenty sixth day of September A.D. 1845  Jos. G. Kendall Clerk [signature]
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[printed form with no hand written responses]
Payment to be made at by Agent for paying pensioners in the Agency of

Payable on the 4th March and 4th September in each year.

Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book.  Vol.  Page. by Clerk.
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[printed form with hand written responses] 
WAR DEPARTMENT. Five years' Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the acts of July 7, 1838, 30 March 1843 & 17 June, 1844 } Elizabeth Bennett, decd. who was the widow of Benjamin Bennett, who was a private and fifer, was [word crossed out] entitled to a pension at the rate of $62.62 per ann: comg: on the 4 March 1836 [widow of -- crossed out] and ending on the 4 March, 1841; and to the same annul amt, comg. on the 4 March 1843, and endg: on the 21st. [who was a -- crossed out] May, 1845, the day of her death; which will be paid upon the production of the proper voucher to Josiah, [and died on the -- crossed out] Benjamin, and John Bennett, [children of -- crossed out] Betsy Jacobs and Polly Johnson, only surviving children of Elizabeth Bennett, deceased; after [is entitled to receive five years pension at the rate of -- crossed out] having deducted the amt. already paid. This pension is [dollars and cents per annum, commencing on the -- crossed out] increased from $24.21, per annum. [and in case of the death or marriage of said widow before the expiration of said five years, the pension will cease on the day of such marriage or death. -- crossed out] 

Payment to be made [made -- crossed out] at Boston, -- Massachusetts}

Given at the War Office of the United States, this --- 8th: ---  day of April, one thousand eight hundred and forty Six. Secretary of War. Examined and Countersigned.} Commissioner of Pensions.
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[printed form with hand written responses]
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. Worchester, SS.
I, Charles G. Prentiss, Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court, that Elizabeth Bennett was a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of about twenty four Dollars per annum; was a resident of the County of Worcester, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and died in Royalston in said County, in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty-five on the twenty first day of May; that she left five Children only. viz. Josiah Bennett, Betsey Jacobs, Polly Johnson, Benjamin Bennett and John Bennett. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Worcester, this twenty fifth day of September, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty-five. Charles G. Prentiss [signature] Register.
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Mr. Jacob Wales 
Fitzwilliam New Hampshire

[round postal stamp on left side of center of page: Worcester JAN 19]
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Town Clerks Office Worcester Jany 17, 1846
Mr. J. Wales. 
Sir
Your letter of the 17th inst, has been received, but I cannot find anything upon the records of this town respecting Mr. Bennett, of whom you made enquiries. -- There are no records of taxes in this town prior to 1790 nor have I ever been able to find any persons named as soldiers in the revolutionary war -- there are various notes respecting soldiers, but no persons named as being soldiers.
Yours Respectfully, J. A. Hamilton Town Clerk [signature]
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Hon. J. L. Edwards Comr. of Pensions
Washington
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Fitz William Sep. 29 - 1845
Hon J. L. Edwards Comr. of Pensions
Sir enclosed is the [further -- inserted] declaration of the Widow Elizabeth Bennett late of Royalston decd. by which she obtained further proof of services rendered by her late Husband Benjamin Bennett in the war of the Revolution, as by the certificate of the Secretary of Mass. and the old Lady having died since making said Declaration, I concluded to forward you the declaration of her Son Josiah Bennett made in his own behalf and in behalf of his two brothers & two Sisters (Viz) Betsey Jacobs Polly Johnson, John Bennett & Benjamin Bennett, the only surviving Children of the said Elizabeth, also the Probate Register certificate of the same, in order that the certificate for the increase of the old Ladys [Lady's] Pensions under the several acts set forth in said declarations may issue payable to the Children of said decd. which I trust you will act on as soon as possable [possible] and make return to me at Fitz William, Newhampshire. 
Yours truly Jacob Wales [signature]
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Hon J. L. Edwards Comm. of Pensions
Washington
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FitzWilliam N.H. Jany 20th 1846
Hon. J.L. Edwards Comr. of Pensions
Sir in answer to yours of the 30th of October last respecting the application of the Widow Elizabeth Bennett for an increase of her Pension, in which you expressed some dought [doubt] as to the identity of her late Husband Benjamin Bennett named in the certificate of the Secretary of Mass. being the identical Benjm. Bennett who originated from Sudbury and served from that town the first eight months in 1775, and you suggested to me that possibly some evidence from the records in Worcester might be obtained showing, that Bennett removed from Sudbury to Worcester after his first eight months service. I have written to the Town Clerks of Sudbury & Worcester and have recd. answers from both which I herewith forward you. I have no duplicates of the old Ladies papers but if I remember right when she made her first declaration she could not tell mutch [much] about her husbands services, only that he always told her he served about eighteen months in all. I think she stated he was Waiter to Coln. Nixon and that she believed he was in the first eight months, and that he originated from Sudbury and resided there at the time he went into the service, and after she obtained her pension for the service rendered in 1775, she was not satisfied and was always making inquiry of people whom she thought could
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give her any information as to her husbands services the names of his Officers &c. that he was under the residue of his service, but could get no sure information untill a short time before she died. She then told me a Son of hers who had been living in Vermont for a long time had told her what officers her husband was under two tours that he was out and that he went from Worcester. I then made a Declaration which she signed before Stephen Batchellor Esq, setting forth the the [word repeated in original] services, the names of the officers as the said her Son told her and forwarded the same to the Secretary of Mass, and obtained his certificate accordingly. I have since receiving your letter conversed with her Son Josiah Bennett of Royalston where the old Lady resided with at the time she died, and he stated to me that his Father always told him that his Grandfather's name was Josiah Bennett, and that he named him after his Grandfather, he further stated that his Father always told him his Grand father died in Sudbury, he further told me he had heard his father say that he had one Brother by the name of Levi Bennet who was a Hatter by occupation and carryed on that business in Worcester in the time of the War and that he worked there with him some portion of the time, now I have not the least dought [doubt] as to the equity of the old Ladies claim for the 11 m & 9 days service as set forth in her last declaration, nither [neither] can I see why her claim is
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not legally made out she gives the names of the officers the different tours &c. and so it proves by the Secretarys certificate. I trust therefore you will be satisfied that the services were rendered as she set forth and allow an increase for the 11 M 9 Ds and issue the certificate to the Children as set forth in the application. You will act on the case as soon as convenient and make return to me at FitzWilliam N. H.  Jacob Wales [signature]
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Sudbury MS 5 Jan 5
Jacob Wales Esq.
FitzWilliam N.H.
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Sudbury January 2d 1846
Dear Sir Your letters of the 10th Nov and 8th of Dec. was Rec'd.
I regret very much that I did not answer your first letter amediately [immediately] my reasons [not doing -- crossed out] are these --- at the time I Recd your letter the old records of the town were loaned (by a vote of the town) to an individual in an adjoining town who is engaged in writing a History of the town, and as I was expecting that they would be returned soon I delayed writing -- the records are now in my possession I have examined the books since I have had them, but have not yet found the name of Benjamin Bennett -- I have applied to the assessors but they have not tax [books -- inserted] as far back as 1800 --  I find the old Musterroll of 1776 - but it seems he had left before that date -- I also find amongst some old papers a detached leaf of a tax Book dated 1779 a tax set to "the Heirs of Josiah Bennett"  provably [probably] Benj. Father --- It is posible that I shall be able to find somthing in referans [reference] to the case in question that will be of service to you If I can I will do it with pleasure. I shall look farther. there is no person it town at present by the name of Bennett but I find upon enquiry that the older Inhabitants recollect people by that name --- there is in Framingham (which lays South of this) several Family of that name.
Yours very Respectfully E. Stone Town Clerk of Sudbury [signature] 

Jacob Wales Esq. Fitzwilliam N H.
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385 Elizh Bennett Massts Act 7th July 38
-----
Admd. 7 mo. 8 days priv
-----
$24.21 per an
-----
Jacob Wales Esqr Fitz William N Hamp
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Hon J L Edwards Comr of Pensions Washington
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Fitzwilliam Newhampshire Octr 16 1843
Hon J L Edwards Comr of Pensions
Sir enclosed is the application of the Widow Elizabeth Bennett for a Pension under the act of March 3d. 1843, She having applied under the act of 1838 for five years pension

I think I shall be able to forward you further proof of her husbands services before you grant her a certificate under her application for five years under the act of 1838, if so I trust you will forward her certificate for all I do prove. Yours truly Jacob Wales [signature]
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[round black stamp in upper right of page -- unreadable] 

Dec 2nd 44 Eliz. Bennett NH. in June 4602 Mass NU 43 FREE 

[written vertically from top towards bottom of page in center of page] Hon J.L. Edwards. Comr. of Pensions Washington
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Fitzwilliam Newhampshire Nov 27th 1844
Hon J. L. Edwards Comr. of Pensions
Sir some time last Spring I wrote you inquiring of a further declaration of the Widow Elizabeth Bennett together with the certificate of the Secretary of  Mass had been received at your office, and on the 28th day of June last I received your answer saying that you had received the papers and the case would be taken up in turn, and after waiting this length of time I trust you will excuse me for addressing you again on the subject. you will find by referring to the papers that the widow states that her husband Benjn Bennett was in Coln Smiths Regiment and gives her reason why she thinks so. She thinks it was in the year 1776 but she is not sure but it might in some other year you will also find that the secretory certifies that there is no rolls of Con Smith for that year in his office if you find Bennetts name in Col Smiths Regt. I think you will find him in Capt Maijors Comy for Jonas Bemis was in his Comy and the widow as you will see states they were out together should you find his services you will increase her Pension accordingly and make return to me at Fitzwilliam N.H.
Yours Respectfully Jacob Wales [signature]
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I Josiah Bennett of Royalston in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged thirty eight years, depose and say that I am Son of Benjamin Bennett late of Fitzwilliam in the County of Cheshire and State of Newhampshire Deceased. I further say that my Father the said Benjamin Bennett Deceased in the month of November eighteen  hundred and twenty three in the Town of Watersford and State of Vermont at my Brother Joseph Bennetts at which place [my -- crossed out] [he was -- inserted] their at on a visit. I further say that my Mother and widow of my Father, whose name is Elizabeth Bennett now resides in said Royalston and has remained the widow ever since the death of my Father the said Benjamin Bennett Josiah Bennett [signature] 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester County Ss August 9th 1838
Subscribed and sworn to before me the day and year above Written Jacob Wales Justice of the Peace [signature] 

I hereby certify that I have been acquainted with the above named Josiah Bennett for at least fifteen years and he is reputed and believed to be a person of truth and [unreadable] veracity. Jacob Wales Justice of the Peace [signature]
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I Jesse Forristall of Fitzwilliam in the County of Cheshire and State of Newhampshire aged fifty six years, depose and say that I was well aquainted with Benjamin Bennett late of Fitzwillian Deceased the said Benjamin died in the Town of Watersford in the State of Vermont the fifth or sixth day of November 1823 the said Benjamin was with a Son of his at said Watersford by the name Joseph Bennett I was up there at that time and saw him two or three days before he died [and I remained in said town of Watersford untill he did die -- inserted] I further say that I am well aquainted Elisabeth Bennett the widow of the said Benjamin who now resides in the Town of Royalston in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts and has for a number of years past and prior to her removing to Royalton aforesaid she resided in said Fitzwilliam where I first become  aquainted with her I further say that the said Elizabeth has remained a widow ever since the death of the said
Benjamin  Jesse Forristall [signature] 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worster County ss Royalston August 8 - 1838 subscribed and sworn to before me the day and year above written Jacob Wales Justice of the Peace [signature] 
I further certify that I have been aquainted with the above named Jesse Forristall for more the twenty years and he is a man of truth and veracity Jacob Wales Justice of the Peace [signature] 
Hereby certify that the words (and I remained in said town of Watersford untill he did die) were interlined before signed and sworn to Jacob Wales Justice of the Peace [signature]
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4086 E. Bennett 
$24:21 per an

4206 60
Jacob Wales Fitzwilliam N. H.
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Declaration 
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 3d. of March 1843.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester County Ss
On this Seventh day of October one thousand eight hundred and forty three personally appeared before me Timothy Lewis Esquire one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County the Widow Elizabeth Bennett a resident of Royalston in said County aged Eighty three years who being first duly sworn doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed March 3d. 1843 granting further Pensions to widows for one year who are intitled to a Pension for five years under the act of July 7th. 1838. That she is the widow of Benjamin Bennett late of Waterford in the State Vermont deceased. --- who was a Soldier in the War of the Revolution and in right of whose services she made application for a Pension for five years under said act of 1838 but has not yet obtained a certificate. that she has not intermarried
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[printed form with hand written responses] 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
======== 
Secretary's Office, Boston October 12th. 1843
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation, Timothy Lewis was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Worcester, in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written. 
Jno A Bolles [signature] Secretary of the Commonwealth.

[partial circular stamp visible in bottom left corner of page]
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but still remains the Widow of the said Benjamin Bennett and for the evidence of her claim she respectfully refurs to the evidence filed with her application for a Pension for five years under said act of 1838. now at the Pension office.
Elizabeth her X mark Bennett

Subscribed and sworn to the day and year before written. Before me Timothy Lewis } [signature] Justice of a Peace
I further certify that the above named Elizabeth Bennett is a person of truth and veracity  Timothy Lewis [signature]
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I Josiah Bennett of Royalston in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts aged forty four years,  Depose and say that I am Son of Elizabeth Bennett who signed the foregoing declaration and that Benjamin Bennett named in the foregoing declaration was my Father and he died Waterford in the State of Vermont -- 
I further say that my mother has resided with me for the most part of the time since the death of my Father and that she has never intermarried but still remains his Widow. I further say that she imployed Jacob Wales as her Agent in the year 1838 to git her Pension for five years under the act of 1838, and that she has not yet received her certificate Josiah Bennett [signature] 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester County ss October 7th. 1843
Subscribed and sworn to the day and year last above written. Before me Timothy Lewis } [signature] Justice of a peace
I further certify that the above named Josiah Bennett is a person of truth and veracity. Timothy Lewis [signature]
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Hon J.L. Edwards Comr. of Pensions Washington
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Fitz William July 17, 1843
Hon J L. Edwards Pension Comr.
Sir Enclosed is the application of Elizabeth Bennett Widow of Benjamin Bennett deceased, for a Pension under the act of 1838. You will see that the same application was filed in your office the 18th day of Augt 1838 with quite a number more by me, and was afterwards returned by you for a further certificate from Judge Barton and you stated at the same time that the Widow must give the names of some of the officers that her husband was under and as she was unable to do it and as I was unable to make proof of his services by living witnesses I did not return her application after getting a further certificate from the Judge with the others, but have kept it untill this time the old Lady knowing that her husband was out thinks it very hard that she cannot obtain her Pension 
You will see that she stated among other things that her husband was waiter to Coln. Nixon and she therefore thought he was in the first eight months service I have procured the certificate of the Secretary of Mass. that he finds him on the Rolls of the first eight months inlistment as inlisted May 23d and was returned as
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a member of Capt. Moors Comy & Coln Nixons Regt. Septr 30th 1775 and no dout [doubt] he served his eight months out as that inlistment is will known to be for eight and I have understood that those rolls were very indefinate as to the exact term of service, and that you always allowed the applicant for eight months who inlisted at that time unless the contrary appeared from the Rolls, and an other circumstance which satisfied me that he served his eight months is his time would been out the 23d. of Jany 1776 which would give him seven days to go home to Sudbury if he wished to see his friends and the month of February following you find he served in Capt Woods Company in Coln Baldwins Regt making in all nine months, the old widow says he [unreadable] only told her he was out about 18 months in all but as she is unable to give the names of his officers she must be satisfied with the nine months which I persume [presume] you will be willing to allow although she is very much out of health and wholly  destitute of any Property and stands in need of all that she is entitled to. 
Respectfully Yours ot Jacob Wales [signature] 
N.B. I trust you will attend to this case as soon as it arrives as the old Lady has been kept out of the money a long time  Jacob Wales [signature]
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[bottom half of a state crest/seal in upper left corner of page] [printed form with hand written responses]
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
---------- 
Secretary's Office, Boston; Sept 16. 1845.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Benjamin Bennet is borne upon a Pay Roll of Capt Edmund Hodge's Company, Col Josiah Whitney's regt. as a Fifer from May 5 to July 5. 1777. 2 months & 9 days including allowance of travel. Upon a List of men in Conl  Denneys regt. mustered for 9 months in the Contl Army enlisted in Worcester, 9th of May, the year not upon the roll. And the above is all the evidence of Service identified as that of the individual named in the annexed application.
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[printed form with hand written signature] 
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written. John G. Palfrey [signature] Secretary of the Commonwealth.
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[printed form with hand written responses] 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 
Secretary's Office, Boston September 16. 1845
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Stephen Batcheller was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Worcester, in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court. 
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written. John G. Palfrey [signature] Secretary of the Commonwealth.
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Whereas I Elizabeth Bennett of Royalston in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts Widow of Benjamin Bennett late of Concord in the State of Vermont deceased, that Whereas my Husband the said Benjamin was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution, and whereas I have hereto fore made two or three declarations which have been forwarded to the Pension office at Washington setting forth at each time as well as I was then capible [capable] of doing, my said husbands services and whereas I have only obtained a Pension on account of my said husbands services for the sum of $24. 21 or 22 per annum and whereas I have lately learned from a Son of mine in the State of Vermont that my husband the said Benjamin served in the year 1777 as fifer two months or about that time under Capt Hodges also served about nine months under Capt Whitney as my said Son thinks in in [word repeated in original] 1777, 1778 or 1779 but that he is not sure as to the year, but that he went out at that time from the town of Worcester Mass where he was then living and whereas I have only been allowed for about seven months service which was rendered by my husband in the year 1775. I therefore make this declaration in order to obtain an increase of my Pension under the acts of July 7th 1838 & March the 3d 1843 & June 17th 1844. for the amount which will be due me on account of said two above named Tours of service, and that my Son thinks he was out an other tour of a number
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of months but cannot tell who he was under but that he was at Fishkill New York at one time when he was out. Therefore know all men by these present that I the aforesaid Elizabeth Bennett do hereby constitute and appoint Jacob Wales my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to receive from the Hon. John G.  Palfrey Secretary of said Massachusetts, who now has the old Muster Rolls in his possession the evidence of the before named service rendered by my said husband, in order that I may be allowed an increase of my Pension for the same under said acts of Congress passed July 7th 1838, March 3d 1843 & June 17th 1844. Elizabeth Bennett her mark X 

Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of Stephen Batchellor [signature] Betsey A Bennett [signature]

State of Massachusetts Worcester County ss
May 15 1845 Personally appeared the before named Elizabeth Bennett and signed the foregoing declaration and power of attorney and acknowledged the same to be her free act and deed. Before me Stephen Batchellor Jus Piece [signature]
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[printed form with hand written responses] 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Secretary's Office. July 12 1843
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Benjan Bennett is borne upon the Eight months rolls, as a private [in -- crossed out] from Sudbury in the Company of Capt David Moore in Col Nixons [7 mo 8- -- inserted in left margin] Regiment, [and -- crossed out] he enlisted May 23, and is returned as a member of said Company Sept. 30. 1775.
The name of Benjan Bennett is also borne upon the pay rolls of Capt Jno Wood in Col Baldwins regiment for the month of Feb 1776.
There are no other rolls in this office that show further service with regard to said Bennett
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this

[round seal affixed in upper left corner of page]
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[printed form with hand written signature] 
Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone: and that said application and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances which tend to satisfy me of the identity of the party described in the application with the individual who rendered the service.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Jno. A. Bolles [signature] Secretary of the Commonwealth.
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[in top right corner of page] Benjn Bennett 38 

[in right center of page] Jacob Wales Fitzwilliam N.H.
Page 45

Whereas I Elizabeth Bennett of Royalston in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts and widow of Benjamin Bennett of Fitzwilliam in the County of Cheshire and State of New hampshire Deceased who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution and according to the best knowledge I have of his services, was out a number of Towers [tours] and about one and a half years in all I have frequently heard him say that he was Waiter for Coln. Nixon more or less of the time he was out, but am unable to say what years he was out of for certinty [certainty] where he served but I think he was in the first eight months service as he frequently told me he was in the Bunker Hill Battle I have frequently heard him speak of being at Ticonderoga and if I remember right he told me he was at the surrender of Burgoine but I am unable to give the names of any of his officers except Capt Isaac Davis who was killed at Concord Bridge but I am not sure that he was under him, my husband the said Benjamin originated from Sudbury Mass, and I think resided at that place when he went into the service but I am not sure but he might reside in Acton, and whereas I did in 1838 imploy Jacob Wales to assist me to obtain a Pension and he did not obtain it for the want of satisfactory evidence of my said Husbands services
Page 46

Therefore know all men by these Presents that I the aforesaid Elizabeth Bennett do hereby constitute and appoint Jacob Wales aforesaid my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to obtain from the Secretary of said Commonwealth and from the Muster Rolls now in his possession the evidence of my said husbands services in order to enable me to obtain a Pension which is due me in right of my said husband. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this first day of July 1843  Elizabeth her X mark Bennett 

Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of us}  Mark Whitcomb [signature] Josiah Bennett [signature] 

Be it known that on the day and year above written personally appeared the above named Elizabeth Bennett and signed the foregoing statement and Power of Attorney and acknowledged the same to be her free act and deed. Before me Mark Whitcomb Justice of the Peace [signature]
Page 47

Sept 19 1843 MA 
[round postal stamp under hand written date: Fitzwillam MS SEP 15]

Eliz Bennett. FREE 

[written vertically from top towards bottom of page] 
Hon J.L. Edwards Comr. of Pensions Washington
Page 48

Fitz william Septr. 14 1843
Hon J L Edwards Comr. of Pensions
Sir Yours of the 8th inst. was received this morning in which you say the widow Elizabeth Bennett cannot be allowed for the months service in Coln Baldwins Regt in 1776 unless it can be shown that her Husband was the Benjamin Burnett who served as an artificer I know of no [of no -- words repeated in original] way that I can do that, unless a further certificate from the Secretary of Mass. would do it, but I have no dout [doubt] but that he was the same Bennett and if you cannot allow it the widow must be satisfied with the seven months and eight [word crossed out] days and you will forward her certificate for that amount for five years she then will apply for the extension of one year under the act of March 3d 1843.
I am very Respectfully your obt Servant Jacob Wales [signature]
Page 49

[printed form with hand written responses]
Revy WIDOW, &c.
----- 
[written vertically from bottom towards top of page: Admt]
File No. 14288. Elizabeth Bennett 
Widow of Benjamin Bennett Pri Rev War
-----
Act: March 3d. 43 & June 17th. 44
Index:-- Vol. A, Page 51
[Arrangement of 1870.] [square brackets in original]
Page 50

Increase Elizabeth Bennett dcd
Widow of Benjamin Mass
Act 7 July 1838 Admd
16 mo. 8ds pri $54.21
2 " 7" fifer 8.41
-----
$62.62

from 4 March 1836 to 4 March 1841. payable to Josiah [checkmark] Bennett Betsy [checkmark] Jacobs, Polly [checkmark] Johnson Benjamin [checkmark] Bennett, and John [checkmark] Bennett only surviving Children of Elizabeth Bennett dcd deducting what has been paid at the rate of $24.21 per ann for the same time. 
[unreadable] acts 3 March 1843, and 17 June 1844, -- from 4 March 1843 to 21st May 1845. the day of her death, payable to Children deducting what has been paid
Jacob Wales, Fitzwilliam N.H.
Page 51

[large check mark in top left corner of page]
No 385 Elizabeth Bennett Massts
-----
Suspended
-----
Let to Jacob Waly Sep 8 1843 [check mark]
Act July 7th '38

Let. to Jacob Wales. Dec. 16th 1844
Let. to Same Oct 30 '45
Page 52

Massachusetts 4206
____________________
Elizabeth Bennett
widow of Benjamin Bennett
who was a Private
in the Massachusetts line
for  7 mo 8 days
____________________
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
Twenty four Dollars 21 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
____________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of January 1844 and sent to 
Jacob Wales
Fitzwilliam,
N. Hampshire
_____________________
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1  Page 60
Page 53

[printed form with hand written responses] 7780. [underlined] 
Massachusetts.
=============== 
Elizabeth Bennett, deceased, Widow of Benjamin Bennett, who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 5th. November, 1823 of Worcester in the State of Masstts: who was a priv: & fifer in the compy: --- commanded by Captain Wood -- of the Regt: commanded by Col. Baldwin in the Massachusetts line for 18 mos: 17 days
Increased from $24.21 per ann: --
=============== 
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 62 Dollars 62 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
=============== 
Certificate of Pension issued the 8th: day of April, 1846 -- and sent to Jacob Wales, Fitzwilliam, N. Hampshire ---
================ 
Total amount, $313.10
amt pd to be deducted-- 
[Act July 7, 1838.] [square brackets in original] 
Recorded by Will Stewart [signature] Clerk, Book D  Vol. 1  Page 53.
Page 54

7780
Massachusetts
__________________________
Elizabeth Bennett widow of Benjamin Bennett who was a pensioner under the Act of _______ and who died on the 5th Nov 1823
of Worcester in the State of N. Hampshire
who was a Private in the Company
commanded by Captain Wood of the
Regt commanded Col Baldwin in 
the Mass. line for 7 mo & 8 days
_____________________________________
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass
at the rate of 24 Dollars 21 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
______________________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of
Oct. 1843 and Sent to Jacob Wales,
Fitzwilliam, NH
______________________________________
Total amount,  $121.05
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Tho Lumpkin, Clerk,
Book A  Vol. 1  Page 74
Page 55

[in top left corner of page] 385 Elizabeth Bennett Massachusetts, act 7th July '38 

[in bottom left corner of page] Jacob Wales Ba [rest of word missing from torn page] 

[written vertically in right margin from top of page towards bottom of page] 
Bullard Coln Jno Pierce Sept 1777
Page 56

[printed form with hand written responses] 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
-----
By His Excellency EDWARD EVERETT, Governor and Commander in Chief in and over said Commonwealth,
To all whom it may concern: Know ye, That Ira Barton Esqr is Judge of Probate and Nathaniel Chandler and Jacob Wales Esqrs are Justices of the Peace, all for the County of Worcester, in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned, and that to their Acts and Attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court; that the within Attestation is in due form, and by the proper Officer.

In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the Public Seal of the Commonwealth to be hereunto affixed, this Ninth day of August, A. D. 1838, and in the sixty third Year of the Independence of the United States of America.

By His Excellency the Governor. John P. Bigelow [signature] Secretary of the Commonwealth.

[round seal attached to top left corner of page and signature of Edward Everett written under it]