Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8,016, Benedict Alford, Conn. Mass. Vt.
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Conn. Alford, Benedict S. 8.016
Mass.
Vt.
CONTENTS carded.
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19,935
Declaration in the case of Benedict Alford 
Orleans County Pensioner New York
Wm Hughes Esq
Ridgway, N.Y.
March 31. 1826
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State of New York
Orleans County ss } 
On this 22nd Day of February 1826 personally appeared in open court it being the Court of Common pleas in and for the county of Orleans Benedict Alford resident in Said County aged Sixtynine Years (69 Who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions made by the Act of congress of the 18th March 1818 and the 1st May 1820. that he the Said Benedict Alford enlisted early in the Spring in the year 1776 in the Company commanded Co'l Samuel Safford in the line of the State of Vermont on the revolutionary continental establishment that he continued to Serve in the Said corps until sometime in the month of December 1776 When he was discharged from the Service in Sudbury in the State of Vermont
In the year 1777 he enlisted again in the company commanded by Col. Samuel Herick (Herrick) in Bennington in the State of Vermont and continued to serve in said Corps until December 1777 when he was again discharged in Pawlet in the State of Vermont
That he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension Except the present that his name never has been placed on the pension list and that he never before exhibited a Schedule of his property because he had always been informed that he could not obtain a pension until he produced his original Discharges which he was unable to do on account of their being burnt up when his house was burnt on the 6th of March 1801
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And in pursuance of the Act of the 1st of May 1820 I do solemnly Swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18 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 & 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 on trust for me any property or Securities contracts, or Debts to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me Subscribed
An Inventory of the Estate of Benedict Alford of the town of Ridgeway aged 69 years. Family consists of a Wife 67 years of age and now verry Deaf So much So that He cannot hear when Spoken to One Daughter with two small children without a father and one motherless grand child. His occupation is a farmer. 
Real estate none
One Cow worth 12.00
four Choats or pigs Worth 8.00
one five pail Kettle " 2.00
one Iron pott " 1.00
one two quart kettle " .50
one Tea Kettle " 1.0
Ten Knives & forks " .50
five old Iron Spoons " .25
four old chairs " 1.00
One chest " .75
five Small earthen bowls " .25
twenty two earthen plates Great & Small " 1.00
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Six cups & Saucers Worth .20
One Creamer " .06
One tea pot 1.00
One Spinning Wheel 1.25
One Real 1.00
One Ax .50
One hoe .25
One old Scythe .25
One old Shovel .25
One Hay fork .38
Three Old pails .37
One Churn .50
Two Trays .50
One pair of Andirons 1.50
Bedding an clothing none more than for necessary use [blank]
137.16

I do hereby certify that the above is a true & Just inventory of my property now on hand 
/s/Benedict Alford
Witness /s/Wm. Hughes
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Debts which the Said Benedict Alford is now owing February 1826
To Doct N Werks $7.80
Murdock & Perry 10.00
Isaac A Bullard 1.25
Turner & Pennile 4.00
$25.05

I do hereby certify that the above is the amount of the Debts that I am this Day owing Ridgeway February 1836.
/s/Benedict Alford
Witness /s/Wm Hughes

State of New York
Orleans County ss
I Orson Nichoson, Clerk of the county of Orleans do hereby certify that it appears to the Satisfaction of the Said court that the Said Benedict Alford Did Serve in the revolutionary War's as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy for the term of nine months under one engagement on the continently establishment I also certify that the foregoing oath and the Schedule thereto annexed are truly coppied from the records of our 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 37.['16' crossed out] Dollars and 10 cents.
[county seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Said County on this 22nd day of February AD 1826
/s/Orson Nichoson Clk
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[verso]
Benedict Alfords Papers for a Pension

[recto]
Benedict Alford
March 31. 1830
ref'd by reco. the Com. on Mil. Pensions - 

not authenticated

Tracy
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Territory of Michigan
County of Monroe ss George Alford of the Township of Monroe, County & Territory aforesaid of lawful age being duly cautioned & sworn according to law, deposeth & saith - that in the years 1776 & 1777 his Brother Benedict Alford now of Ridgway, Town, County of Orleans, & State of New York, was a private soldier in the war of the Revolution at least six months in each of the aforesaid years - that he served in a company of Rangers commanded by Capt Jonathan Fasset, whose residence was in the Town of Pittsford in Vermont, with whom this deponent was well acquainted, that subsequently he served in Capt Sawyer's Company belonging to Col Samuel Herrick's regiment of rangers - and this deponent further says that during the year 1778 the said Benedict was in the service ['about' crossed out] six months or about that time - that when not serving as a soldier in the army the aforesaid Benedict resided within two miles of Rutland Fort near the Western boundary line of the State of Vermont - that during his residence there he was much harassed and troubled by the Indians and further this Deponent sayeth not - /s/George Alford
Sworn to & subscribed before me the undersigned one of the Judges of the Michigan Territory & of the Supreme Court thereof at Monroe in the said Territory of Michigan this thirtieth day of Sep'r AD 1829
/s/Wm Woodbridge
[seal affixed]
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Benedict Alfords Papers for a Pension

Benedict Alford
March 31. 1830
ref'd by reco. the Com. on Mil. Pensions -

not authenticated

Tracy

I certify that I am acquainted with the hand writing and signature of the Hon. Wm. Woodbridge whose name appears to the attached to the within instrument, and believe his signature to be genuine, and the seal to be that of a Court of Record of the Territory of Michigan - 
/s/Lucius Lyon
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Benedict Alford
22627
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State of New York,
Orleans County ss: } On this 22d day of January, 1833, personally appeared in open Court, before the Honourable Judges of of the Court of Common Pleas for said County, now sitting Benedict Alford, a Resident of the Town of Ridgeway, in said County of Orleans, aged seventy five years; who being first sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress, passed June 7, 1832. - That, according to the best of his belief, he was born in Windsor, in the State of Connecticut, in the year 1757, that if any record of his age exists, it is, at St Albans in the State of Vermont - That about the first of February, 1776, he enlisted at Windsor, under apt. A. Prior, to serve for six months; but does not remember of what line nor Corps, nor who were the Field Officers - after remaining two months in said Company, at Windsor, he procured a Substitute, (viz Shubael Barber), who was accepted and (as this Deponent believes), served during the remainder of the time - This Deponent then removed to Rutland, in Vermont, and in June next following, enlisted into a Company of Volunteers under Capt. Jonathan Fasset of Pittsford, Vermont to served during the Campaign - There were two other Companies in this Battalion, commanded by Capts Matthew Lyon, and John Fasset the whole said to belong to a Regiment commanded by Col. Samuel Safford - He served in said Detachment - six months, in the States of Vermont and New York, under Gen'l Gates, until discharged in December - was at Ticonderoga when our fleet was destroyed; was in some skirmishes, but in no important engagements - In 1777, he was two months from the 1st. of April in Capt. Simeon Wright's Company, in Col. James Mead's Regt. of Militia, at Rutland; at the expiration of which time, he enlisted into Capt. Jesse Sawyer's Company of Col. Herricks Rangers, to service for six months - was in the north part of Vermont at the evacuation of Ticonderoga, was in several engagements at Lake George Landing, Mount hope, &c. at the battle of Bennington under Gen'l Stark, and continued to serve under Col Herrick, in different parts of Vermont until discharged at Pawlet, in December - At Skenesborough saw Gen'l Lincoln - Soon after being discharged as above stated, this Deponent volunteered, and took command of a Detachment of Vermont Militia, to guard and escort a party of Prisoners from Bennington, Vermont, to Hartford, Connecticut, which service he performed, was absent on duty i the latter State three months, and in March 1778, was discharged, and returned to Rutland - From April 1778, he served during the remainder of the year as a minute man, in and near the Town of Rutland, with the Garrison under command of Col. Thomas Sawyer of the Vermont Militia, with Col. Sawyers command; and a part of Col. Warner's Regt. under Capt. Bronson of the Continental Line - Having served six months, he was discharged - In 1780, this Deponent having removed from Rutland to Willliamstown in Massachusetts, volunteered to go with a Company of Militia under Capt Samuel Clark to the neighborhood of New York; but before reaching the place of destination, counter orders were received, and the Detachment was disbanded in one month after this Deponent commenced his tour of duty - In October of the same year, he again volunteered into the Militia under Capt. N. Smedley, to go to Castleton in
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Vermont, where, after one month's service, he was again discharged - In the above detailed two years and three months service, this Deponent acted during six months as a Sergeant, and the remainder of the several terms as a Private Soldier - This Deponent never had any written discharge, nor other documentary evidence of his services, and knows of no person who can testify to any part thereof, besides George Alford, whose affadavit is hereunto annexed - He further testifies that he contained to reside in Williamstown until 1783, and has since lived two years in Rutland, 3 years in Burlington, 7 years in Ferrisburgh, 6 years in Georgia (all in the State of Vermont,) 14 years in Willsborough, 2 years in Cayuga County, and 15 years in Ridgeway, in the State of New York - He further deposes that he is known to William E. Warner, a Minister of the Gospel, and to Samuel Tappan, one of the Judges of this Court, who he believes will testify to his veracity, and the general opinion of his Revolutionary Services - and he hereby relinquishes every claim to ay Pension or Annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State - and further saith not
/s/Benedict Alford
Subscribed & sworn this 22d day of January 1833 in open Court 
Before me /s/A. B. Mills Clerk
We William E Warner, a Minister of the Gospel in the County of Orleans and Samuel Tappan of said County, one of the Judges of the Court thereof, do hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Benedict Alford, who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration - that we believe him to be seventy five years of age - that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood in which he resides, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution - and that we concur in that opinion - 
/s/Wm P. Warner
/s/Sam'l Tappan
Subscribed & Sworn this 22d day of January 1833 in open Court
Before me /s/AB Mills Clerk

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the  interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named Applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states - and the
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Court further certify, that William E. Warner, a Minister of the Gospel, and Samuel Tappan, one of the Judges of this Court, are Residents of said County, ['and having signed the annexed certificate' crossed out] and credible persons; and having signed the annexed Certificates, their statement is entitled to credit
/s/Abm. Canton }
/s/William James }
/s/Sam'l Tappan } Judges of Orleans County Common Pleas

I Abraham B. Mills, Clerk of the Court of the County of Orleans, in the State of New York, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court of  Common Pleas of said County, on the application of Benedict Alford for a pension 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and Seal of office, this 22d day of January, one thousand eight hundred and thirty three - Part of a line erased before signing - 
/s/A.B. Mills Clerk
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[verso]
['Albany' crossed out] O. Pittsburgh
30,811
Benedict Alford of Orleans Co. in the State of N. York was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Prior of the Regt commanded by Col. Safford in the Vert.* line for 18 months
Vt, Conn, and Mass
Records completed Sept. [illegible]
______
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 60 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
______
Certificate of Pension issued the 20th day of June 1836 and sent to Hon. G. [illegible]
H.R.
______
Arrears to the 4th of March '36.  300.[illegible]
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep. '36.  33.[illegible]
$330. [illegible]
{Revolutionary Claim, Act ['June 7, 1832' crossed out] May 14. 1836.}
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk,
Book E.2, Vol. 4 Page 1

[recto]
['Let to S. Tappan, Nov 3 1835
Lett. Hon. E. Whittlesay, Jany 27 37 - (Tra)' crossed out]
Transf'd to O. Pittsburgh fr. 4th Sep'r '36 - Feby 23. '37 - 
Pen. Agt. Apl. 21, 1837. (order to pay. notification corrected)
['Let A. H. Thrasher, June 21 50
B. Alford, Oct: 26"/59' crossed out]
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23d CONGRESS, 1st Session, HO. OF REPS.
[Rep. No. 177.]

BENEDICT ALFORD.
[To accompany bill H. R. No. 196.]
JANUARY 15, 1834.

Mr. WARDWELL, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, made the following 
REPORT:
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to which was referred the petition of Benedict Alford, report:
That the petitioner has lately made application to the War Department, under the act of June 7, 1832, for a pension. This claim was suspended, and ultimately rejected. The objections to its allowance were: 1st, that he had not in his declaration, mentioned, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine what amount of pension he was entitled to receive; 2d. that he had not given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations. These were the only objections to his claim.
The petitioner, in his declaration, deposes "that, about the 1st of February, 1776, he enlisted under Captain A. Prior, to serve for six months, but does not remember in what line or corps, nor who were the field officers; that after remaining two months in said company, he procured a substitute, who was accepted, and (as applicant believes) served the residue of the term; that, in June next following, (1776,) he enlisted into a company of volunteers under Captain Jonathan Farret, of Pittsford, Vermont, to serve during the campaign; that there were two other companies in this battalion, commanded by Captains Matthew Lyon and John Farret, the whole said to belong to a regiment commanded by Colonel Samuel Safford; and that he served in said detachment six months, and was discharged. In 1777, he was two months from the 1st of April, in Captain Simeon Wright's company, in Colonel James Mead's regiment of militia, at the expiration of which time he enlisted into Captain Jesse Sawyer's company, of Colonel Herrick's rangers, to serve for six months, and continued to serve therein until discharged in December; that he afterwards volunteered and took command of a detachment of militia to guard and escort prisoners from Bennington to Hartford, and was on duty three months. From April, 1778, he served during the remainder of the year as a minute man, in and near the town of Rutland, with the garrison under the command of Colonel Thomas Sawyer, of the Vermont militia, and a part of Colonel Warner's regiment, under Captain Bronson, of the
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2 [Rep. No. 177]
continental line; that, having served six months, he was discharged. In 1780 he volunteered to go with a company of militia under Captain Samuel Clark, from Williamstown (Mass.) to the neighborhood of New York; that he served one month, and was discharged. In October, of the same year, he again volunteered under Captain N. Smedley, to go to Castleton,
(Vermont,) and was discharged after one month's service; that, during the terms of service above, he acted as a sergeant six months, and the remainder of the time as a private."
The committee have extracted from the petitioner's declaration only that portion which relates to the periods of service and the names of the officers under whom he served. The petitioner is now upwards of seventy-five years of age. It ought not to be expected of him now to remember so as to state more particularly the periods of his service, or the names of the officers under whom he served.
In an additional affidavit annexed to the declaration of the petitioner, he defines more particularly the commencement and termination of each period of his service. One period of service, in this affidavit, is stated to be one month less than in the declaration. In all other particulars there is no material departure from the original declaration.
In addition to the foregoing, and the usual traditionary evidence of his services, the petitioner has produced to the committee an affidavit made by George Alford, a brother of the petitioner, proving about 18 months' service in the years 1776, 1777, and 1778.
The committee are of the opinion that the petitioner is entitled to relief, and report a bill accordingly for 18 months service as a private soldier.
Page 17

Benedict Alford
Alb'y to Ohio. P.
 - found out of place - over the way Feby 23d '37
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The State of Ohio
Geauga County } ss On this fourteenth day of February A.D. 1837. before me the subscriber, a Justice of the peace in and for the said County of Geauga, personally appeared Benedict Alford, who on his oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Captain Jonathan Fassett in the regiment comanded by Colonel Samuel Safford of the Vermont six month troops in the service of the United States; That his name was placed on the Pension roll of the State of New York from whence he has lately removed; that he intends to remain and wishes his pension to be there payable in future, the following are his reasons for removing from Orleans County in the State of New York to Troy, Geauga County, State of Ohio where he now resides, viz. that his son, with whom he resides & upon whom he depends for a home, had determined to 
remove & wished him to accompany him 
/s/Benedict Alford
Sworn & Subscribed to before me the day & year afforesaid 
/s/Thomas Metcalf Justice of the Peace
I, Benedict Alvord Jun'r, of lawful age, being duly sworn do on my said oath declare that Benedict Alford who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing affidavit, is the identical person therein described 
/s/Benedict Alford Jun'r
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 14th
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Alvord Jun - whom, from personal acquaintance, I hereby certify to be a person of truth & veracity & whose statement in the foregoing deposition may be relied on as true
/s/Thomas Metcalf J. P. } a Justice of the Peace for the county of Geauga in the State of Ohio
['Benedict Alford jun' crossed out]
The State of Ohio
Geauga County ss } I. D. D. Aiken, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County do hereby certify that Thomas Metcalf Esq. before whom the foregoing oath and acknowledgement appear to have been taken on the day of the date hereof, is a Justice of the peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn: and further, that I am well acquainted with the Hand-writing of the said Justice and do verily believe the foregoing signatures, purporting to be his are true and genuine. 
[court seal affixed] In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court at Chardon this 14th ay of February A.D. 1837 - 
/s/D. D. Aiken, Clerk
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Direct returns (as early as possible) to Edwin F. Phelps. Chardon, Geauga Co - Ohio
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Feb 15 1850
Rec'd of Mr. Alford 
Mr Ames

J. L. Edwards Com. Pens.
Washington D C
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[handwritten letter]
Chardon
Geauga Co Ohio } Chardon Feb 7" 1850

Dear Sir
I am Solicitor by Mr Benedict Alford to inquire of you if his mother was at her death entitled to a Stipend. Mrs. Alford was the wife of Benedict Alford a revolutionary Soldier who died AD 1838 & was in the receipt of a pension at his death  of I think ninety Six dollars per year - 
He was married to Mrs Alford the mother of the present applicant prior to 1790 & She Survived him near a year & was Supported by this applicant - he wishes to be informed if he can as heir procure the amount if anything due his mother at her death - he is a poor uninformed man & has but recently been informed; that he probably could procure Something due his mother & for this reason be has not applied before - An early answer would much oblige - 
Yours Truly
/s/A H Thrasher
J L Edwards Esq }
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[typewritten letter]
March 3, 1939.
xxxxxxxxxx
BA-J/CC
Benedict Alford
S.8016

Mrs. Fred G. Deal,
Old Post Road
LaGrange, Indiana.

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Benedict Alford, who served from Vermont as private under Captain Simeon Wright, and that
of Paul Michael of Harrison County, Virginia.
There is no claim for pension on file based upon service in the Revolutionary War of a Paul Michael. The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in pension claim S.8016, based upon service in the Revolutionary War of Benedict Alford.
Benedict Alford was born in the year 1757, in Windsor, Connecticut, names of his parents are not shown.
While residing in Windsor, Connecticut, Benedict Alford enlisted February 1, 1776, served two months as private in Captain A. Prior's company, he then moved to Rutland, Vermont and served as sergeant and private in the Vermont troops as follows; enlisted June 1, 1776, served six months in Captain Jonathan Fassett's company, Colonel Samuel Safford's regiment, enlisted April 1, 1777, served two months in Captain Simeon Wright's company, Colonel James Mead's regiment, enlisted June 1, 1777, served six months in Captain Jesse Sawyer's company, Colonel Samuel Herrick's regiment and was at the
evacuation of Ticonderoga, the battles of Mount Hope, Bennington and Lake George Landing; enlisted in December 1777, served two or three months as sergeant of a detachment of militia guarding prisoners; enlisted in April 1778, served six months in Captain Simeon Wright's company, Colonel Thomas Sawyer's regiment. In 1780, he moved to Williamstown, Massachusetts and served one month in Captain Samuel Clark's Massachusetts company, and enlisted in October 1780, served one month in Captain N. Smedley's Massachusetts company.
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[typewritten letter]
Benedict Alford, the soldier, lived in Williamstown, Massachusetts until 1783, after which he lived two years in Rutland, three years, in Burlington, seven years in Ferrisburg, [margin note: ck on orig.] six years in Georgia, all in the State of Vermont, fourteen years in Willsborough, two years in Cayuga County, State of New York, and in 1833, had lived fifteen years in Ridgeway, Orleans County, New York.
Benedict Alford applied for pension in 1833. He was granted a pension of $60.00 per annum on Certificate No. 30811 which was issued June 20, 1836. In February 1837, he had moved with his son from Orleans County, New York to Troy, Geauga County, Ohio. Benedict Alford, Jr., was then (February 1837) in said Troy. Benedict, Senior, died in 1838, and his widow died about
one year later. Their son, Benedict, had cared for them for thirty years. The widow did not apply for pension. Benedict Alford, Junior, was living in Troy, Ohio in 1859, then aged seventy-three years; he then referred to his two brothers, one of whom went to Missouri, the other to Lower Canada, neither of whom he had heard from for forty or fifty years; he did not give their names. His mother and father married prior to 1790. In 1826, the soldier's wife was aged sixty-nine years. The soldier's daughter and her two fatherless children, and a motherless grandchild were all living with him at that time.
In 1826, George Alford, brother of Benedict, the soldier, was a resident of Monroe, Monroe County, Territory of Michigan. There are no further family data.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
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[verso]
1906 Oct. 6 - History to S. M. Alvord - c
1909, Feb. 26. Hist. to Allie L. Barr A.E.P.
1916 Apl. 17. Hist. to Mrs. B. F. Maywood. 
1923 Aug. 2, Hist to Mrs. M. C. Wilson AW
1923 Oct. 10. Hist. to Mrs. W. M. Jones 
1923 Dec. 15. Hist & cost of copies to A. S. Alford (see his letter re claim of Alexander Alford. also see cor. with Hon F. H. Gillett in that claim) aw
1939 Mar 10 Hist to Mrs. Fred G. Deal cc

[recto]
8016
Rev War INVALID.
File No. 8016
Benedict Alford
Priv. Rev. War
Act: June 7th 1832
Index: - Vol. 1st, Page 6
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 26

Ex'r. INVALID.
['Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1878' crossed out]
[margin note: W.D.G. Oct. 6, 06]
REJECTED
Benedict ['Alfred' crossed out] Alford
Page 27

[addressed envelope]
Due -1 
Pension Office, OFFICIAL BUSINESS
[postmark: WASHINGTON CITY, D.C. OCT 29 [illegible]]
[postmark: P. O. DEPARTMENT DEAD LETTER OFFICE JUN 5 1860]
Benedict Alford, Esq.,
Wellsville, Ohio.
[margin notes: Return letter benedict Alford Ohio - a, 1832 see letter in case - if correct
Page 28

[addressed envelope]
[margin notes: [illegible] Jan 25. Mr. Burdine]
J. L. Edwards
Com of Pension
Washington - 
[margin note: Hon E Whittlesey HR]
Page 29

Benedict Alford, Pai. $60. Per  Ann. 7: June '32 - Alby. roll -
Page 30

6971
Benedict Alford 
[margin note: 2+6+2+6+3+1+1=21+6=27]
Page 31

6971
BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Benedict Alford which require further proof or explanation. 
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? It does
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? He did
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? [blank] 
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? He has
V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? He has not
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? He has not
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the other under the Act of June 7, 1832? He has
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? It has
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? He has
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? It is, & is so distinguishable.
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2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? ['no clergyman's evidence' crossed out]
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? There is 
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? No ['He relied upon a witness whose affidavit is not produced' crossed out]
 XIV. +If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?
['an affidavit alluded to, but does not appear' crossed out] XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? [blank] 
XVI. ↕Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? They are
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? No's 5 & 7 are not
 
EXPLANATORY NOTES. 
*QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For ______year______months, and______days______, I served as a______; and for such service I claim a pension.”
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3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. 
+QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of  his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
↕QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Page 34

Benedict Alford
Page 35

[handwritten letter]
Ridgeway March 18. 1820

To the Hon. Edward Barbour
Sir
Enclosed I forward you the declaration of Benedict Alford to be placed on the Pension List. Should you wish for any more proof respecting his present situation in Life it will be forwarded. - 
Respectfully Your obt Servant 
/s/Wm Hughes
Page 36

[handwritten letter]
Copy
War Dept. Pension Office
May 8, 1826

Wm. Hughes, Esqr.
Ridgeway, New York

Sir - The claim of Benedict Alford to a pension on account of service set forth in his declaration not having been on the Continental establishment. Colonels Safford and Herrick were not officers of the Continental Troops, and the law of the 18th of March 1818, under which he claims, provides for those only who served in the Continental Establishment. His declaration will remain on our files agreeably to the regulations of this department. 
J.L.E.
{By MMHF Mch 10, 1939}
Page 37

[handwritten letter]
War Department 
Pension Office
April 3d 1834

Sir
Agreeably to your request to be informed "of the objections to placing Benedict Alford and Robert Brush on the pension list under the Act of 7 June 1832" I have the honor to state, that upon and examination of the papers of Robert Brush, it appears that they were returned, 1st for a specification of each term of service - 2d, to obtain the proper authentication of a part of the testimony.
It is proper to remark that the character of a pro rata pension imposes upon the Dept the duty of ascertaining the exact amount of actual military service, for which a claim is asserted, and consequently requires a statement of each term of service which enters into the computation - To allow a claimant to allege an agregate of service without stating the terms of which it is composed would be to transfer the duty imposed by the act upon the Dept. to the claimants themselves. - 
The report of the committee of the House of Representatives correctly states the objections to the claim of Benedict Alford upon its first examination - and the extract from the claimant's narrative
Page 38

[handwritten letter]
narrative of service incorporated into the report shews that his several terms of service are not set fourth with the precision required by the regulations adopted by the Dept. for the execution of the Act of 7 June 1832 & submitted to the senate before they were promulgated. The testimony of the claimants brother which is added to the papers during their investigation before Congress, could not avail him in this office, as the credibility of the Deponent is not certified. The papers of the above claimants & the printed Bill & reports upon their respective claims are herewith returned.
I have the honor to be very respectfully your ob't serv't
/s/J. L. Edwards

Hon G. Tomlinson
Ch'n of Committee
Revo'y Pensions
Page 39

Albany Agency
[roll 1832]
act 14 May 1836
$60 per ann: from 4th March 1831 - 
[illegible] June 18.
from G. Hard desk
Hon. G. Hard H.R.
J. L. Edwards Esq
Washington D.C.
3
Page 40

House. Rep. June 18" 1836

Dear Sir
AS the bill granting pensions to Benedict Alford, & has become a Law - Can you & will you send me his certificate if it be in order. As I am very much engaged I have not enquired to learn whether this is the time to ask this certificate - 
Your &c 
/s/Gideon Hard

J L Edwards Esqr -
Page 41

Sam'l Tappan
Nov 5. 1836
GC
Record V 36 page 307
Page 42

[handwritten letterd]
War Dept. Pension Office
Nov 5. 1836.

Sir, 
In answer to your letter of the 22d ulto. I have to inform you that the number of Benedict Alford's pension Certificate is 30,811.

Sam'l Tappan, Esq
Post Master, Yates, N York
Page 43

Benedict Alford
N. YR to O. P.
Page 44

[handwritten letter]
Washington Jany 24th 1837

Sir
The inclosed letters were received This evening with a request, that I place them min your hands. When you shall have made a decision in the case to which they relate, you will be pleased to give me notice of it. 
Very Respectfully Yours
/s/E Whittlesey
 J L Edwards Esq
Com on Pension
Page 45

Hon E. Whittlesey
Jany 27 '37
G.C.
Record V 36 page 489
Page 46

[handwritten letter]
War Dept. Pension Office,
Jany 26th '37

Sir, 
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours of 24th inst. enclosing the papers relative top the transfer of Benedict Alford, and to state that the negotiations required the application to be made agreeably to the accompanying printed sheet of institutions, by which it will be perceived that several ['materials' crossed out] alterations, & additions to his present statement are necessary. 

Hon E. Whittlesey, House of Reps.
Page 47

[handwritten letter]
Merchants & Manufact's Ba
Pittsburgh April 13 1837

Sir
I have the honor of transmitting Voucher in case of Benedict Alford Pensioner under the Act 7 June 1832 at Sixty Dollars per annum according to the enclosed directions we received from You in Feby last, but the Copy of the Pensioner's Certificate in the enclosed Voucher differs from your instructions, being in conformity with the Law of 14 May 1836 instead of Act 7 June 1832. The attorney who returned the Voucher received a decisive answer that the Copy of the Pensioners Certificate agrees with the original from Washington, not Knowing how to act, please give us instructions respecting it. 
I also enclose Vouchers in case of Wm Roberts dec'd who was last paid up the the 4 March 1833 and disc'd 18th July 1833 & remain
Very Respectfully Your obt Svt
/s/Fred M. Kahl for M. Tiernan P. A. 

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Comm. of Pensions
Washington City
Page 48

A H. Thrasher
June 21/50
Page 49

[handwritten letter]
508
Pension Office, 
June 21 1850

Sir
In reply to your letter of inquiry, you are informed, that of Mrs Alford was not married until 1790, and did not become widow until after the year 1838, there is ['not' crossed out] no law in existence under which the children, in her right, can claim arrears of pension - and children of Revolutionary Soldiers have no claim to pension, in their own right. They merely become the recipients of what was due to a parent at his or her death. 
A. H. Thrasher, Esq
Chardon, Geauga Co Ohio.
Page 50

[handwritten letter]
Troy geauga co Ohio oct. 17th 1859
Dear sir I wish to address a [illegible] to ask you if it would be [illegible] with your feelings and the Laws of my country to assist me a Little in my old age and infirmities to a Little of the money that my father ought to have had while he was Living he was a soldier in the war of the revolution he served 2 years and five months at Different times and was paid of in continental money he had his discharge I have seen it and it signed by gen washington he never Drew any Land he came to Live with me in 1816 and lived with me untill he died. he aplied for a pension when the act first came out and the man made an error in the writing and told him he could not altar it and he never applied again untill 1832 and had no trouble in getting it he had drew a Little over three years before he died 
I had them boath to maintain over 30 years I have been troubles with the asthma fifty years I have had to Labour hard to suport my one family and his and I cannot labor at all and if I do not get help I shall have to be suported by the county now sir if it would be consistent with your feelings and and with the terms of government it would Lay me under grate obligation to you sir from your kindness if you cannot Let me have the [illegible] Land they have the one giveing men in neighbourhood Land warrants that was only out over two weeks and necessary at that I have done all in my power to help to suport government as I close this and remain your most obedient humble servant 
/s/Benedict Alford
Page 51

[handwritten letter]
PS I have his pension papers all but his certificate that was sent to washington when I knew what was due him he died I never had any of his money he drew it in york state and divided it among his grandchildren only got home with about $30 now I Leave it all in your hand to do by me as well as you can I have been a temperate man I have never spent my earnings in drinking or gambling I am member of the church and intend to go through the world shall not be the [illegible]
perhaps you would ask the question whether I have any Brothers I had two one was in [illegible] the other in Lawn trimming, have no seen or heard from them in 40 or 50 years so I conclude I am the only one Left and I am 73 years old
Page 52

[handwritten letter]
Pension Office, 
Oct'r 26. 1859.

Sir, 
In reply to your letter of the 17th inst., you are informed that Benedict Alford was pensioned at the rate of $60. per annum. There is not anything due his heirs under existing pension laws.
If he has a child living who was a minor on the 3d March 1835, such child is entitled to bounty land, - otherwise not. The Act of 3d March 1855 grants land only to such children as were minors at the date of its passage. 
Very respectfully. &c. 
[illegible signature]
Commissioner. 

Benedict Alford, Esq., 
Wellsville, Ohio. }
Page 53

B. Alford Oct 26
Page 54

[handwritten letter]
Pension Office.
Oct'r 26" 1859.

Sir.
In reply to your letter of the 17" Instant. You are informed that Benedict Alford was pensioner at the rate of $60/ per annum.
There is not anything due his heirs under existing pension laws. 
If he has a child living, who was a minor on the 3d March 1855, such child is entitled to bounty land, otherwise not. The act of 3d March 1855, Grants land only to such children as were minors at the date of its passage. 
 
Benedict Alford Esqr
['Troy' crossed out] Wellsville.
['Geauga Co. Ohio.' crossed out] Ohio,
Page 55

State of New York
Orleans County ss } Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in & for the county of Orleans Benedict Alford who being duly sworn deposeth & says that he has made application for a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 and that his declaration for that purpose is hereunto annexed. that the whole of his services as a Soldier of the Revolution was in the Militia or State Troops of either ['Connecticut' crossed out] New York or Vermont & mostly in Vermont that during the time he was in service as a Soldier of the Revolution as stated & set forth in said declaration he served in & with an embodied Corps Raised by authority and that he was not during such service engaged in any civil employment or pursuit. 
That the time he served under Captain A Prior be remained in Windsor and that during the two months he so served Capt Prior & his company were the only Troops there that this service commenced on the first of February 1776. and ended the first of April 1776 That his next service was under Captain Jonathan Fassett of the Vermont Troops that he enlisted the first of June 1776 for six months & that he served during the six months under said Fassett in Col Saffords Regiment untill the month of December 1776. that the next time he served was in Capt Simeon Wrights Company in Col James Meads Regiment of Militia that he enlisted on first April 1777 in Wrights Company & served Two months and that during that Time he was out on active duty on scouts & keeping guard that in the first of June 1777 he enlisted into Capt Jesse Sawyers Company of Colonel Herricks Rangers for six months & that he served six months in said company & was discharged in December 1777: that in the latter part of december 1777 he volunteered to go as an escort to guard prisoners from Bennington to Hartford Connecticut that he went as such escort or guard & was absent at this time Two months in actual service
That he at that time acted as Sergeant and had a Sergeants guard under his command & was the highest officer that went to guard the prisoners that he got home in February 1778 - That in April 1778 he enlisted as a minute man under Simeon Wright Capt in Colonel Thomas Sawyers Regiment of Vermont Militia for six months & served during that time & was discharged in October 1778. that in 1781 in June he was called out with the Militia of Williamstown Massachusetts under Capt S Clark and standed & marched toward New York but was ordered to return before arriving was in service at this Time about one month that in the month of October 1781 he was called out again under Capt N Smedley to go to Castleton in Vermont were he marched & remained in service at this Time one month. that from old age and consequent loss of memory he cannot
Page 56

he cannot swear positively to the length of his services but that according to the best of his Recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below & in the following grades - For Six Months he served as a Sergeant for Twenty months on one year & eight months Served as a private Soldier and that for such service I claim a pension except that I ask no pay as a sergeant but only for the whole Time I served to wit Two years & Two months I claim a pension as a private Soldier of the Revolution 
/s/Benedict Alford
Sworn & Subscribed this 18th day of June 1833 before me 
/s/A. Hyde Cole Justice of the peace of Barre Orleans County N. Y.
State of New York
Orleans County Clerks Office } I Abraham B. Mills Clerk of the County of Orleans do hereby Certify that A. Hyde Cole before whom the above affidavit purports to have been sworn - was at the Date of the same a Justice of the Peace in & for the said County duly qualified according to Law And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe his name subscribed to the above jurat is genuine - 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County this 18th day of June 1833. 
/s/A.B. Mills Clerk
Page 57

[verso]
Petition of Benedict Alford of N. Y. praying a pension for revolutionary service 
Mr. Pierson
78
To be referred to the Comm. on Rev. pensions - 

[recto]
Benedict Alford
Dec'r 11. 1833
Rep'd to Com'r Rev. Pensions
Jan. 15-1834 - Bill reported No 196
Rqs'd under act of 32
Thursday
Pension, Rev Pensions
Page 58

To the Honourable Senate and House of Representatives of the United States, in Congress assembled - 
The petition and memorial of Benedict Alford, of the County of Orleans, State of New York, humbly showeth - that your Petitioner is seventy six years of age - that from the year 1776 to 1778, inclusive, he served, at different times, in the War of the Revolution, either as a Private Soldier, or Non Commissioned Officer: that the several terms of his service amounted to between two and three years, mostly in the Militia and State Troops in Vermont and New York, as, by the annexed affadavits, more fully appears - that he has made repeated applications to the War Department for a pension, pursuant to the several Acts of Congress upon the subject; but without success: and supposing his case more particularly embraced by the provisions of the Act of June 7, 1832, he renewed his application with increased confidence: but that his claims, after a full investigation, have been finally rejected by that Department - This rejection, your Petitioner is informed rests upon two circumstances - the absence of his name from the Rolls of the Army of the Revolution, and his failure to procure two living Witnesses of his services. - This last species of testimony, your Petitioner has for years fought in vain to procure; but knows of one person, only, in existence, who can substantiate any part of his claims; and the affadavit of that Witness has been transmitted to the War Department, and is hereunto appended. - In these circumstances, your Petitioner, hastening to the grave under the accumulating load of misery, produced ['produced' crossed out] by age, infirmity, and poverty, has no resource on which to rely for the scanty comforts which his few remaining days may require, but in the compassion of your honourable Body. - He therefore, respectfully and earnestly solicits such relief, as Congress, in its wisdom and justice, may deem adequate to his services and his wants. 
And, as duty bound, will ever pray - 
/s/Benedict Alford
December 2. 1833
Page 59

Joint  Resolution No. 2. 
Benedict Alford
Page 60

24th CONGRESS
1st SESSION. 
H. R. 2. 
JANUARY 13, 1836.
Read the first time. 
Mr. LAY, moved the following joint resolution:
JOINT RESOLUTION
To place the name of Benedict Alford on the pension list. 
1. Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of 2 the United States of America in Congress assembled, That 3 the Secretary of War be, and is hereby, required to place the 4 name of Benedict Alford on the list of revolutionary pensioners, 5 at the rate of sixty dollars per annum, agreeable to the provisions 6 of the act approved by the President, on the thirtieth day of 7 June, eighteen hundred and thirty-four.
Page 61

State of New York
County of Orleans ss } I do hereby certify, that Benedict Alford of said County, an applicant for a Pension on account of Revolutionary services, has this day produced before me satisfactory proof that his Brother George Alford, whose affadavit accompanies the application of  said Benedict, is a credible person is and has been for several years, Keeper of a Toll Bridge, a situation of trust and responsibility, and is a member, in regular standing, of a Baptist Church - that he resides in the Village of Monroe, Monroe County, and Territory of Michigan - 
Said proof consists of the statements (under oath, duly administered by me) of three or more  Witnesses, to me known to be of lawful age - and reputed veracity, two of whom, at least, are disinterested in the matter relevant.
Given under my hand this 31st day of December, 1833 - 
/s/Sam'l Tappan Judge of Orleans County Courts -
Page 62

[verso]
Petitioner of Benedict Alford praying to be placed on the pension Roll as a revolutionary Pensioner - 
Dec 11th 1833
✓
G Hard N. Y. 
65. Rev. Pens

[recto]
Benedict Alford
Dec'r 16. 1835 Ref'd to Com. on Rev. Pensions
Jan. 13. 1836 Joint Resolution, [illegible] No. 2. 
Hard - Rev Pens.
Page 63

To the Honourable Senate, and House of Representatives, of the United States, in Congress assembled - 
The petition and memorial of Benedict Alford, of the County of Orleans, State of New York, respectfully represents - that your Memorialist has, from time to time, petitioned the War Department, or one or the other branch of the National Legislature, for some remuneration for services performed by him in the War of the Revolution - services rendered during six different years of our struggle for Independence. - services duly authenticated, the evidences of which are in the archives of your Honourable Body - 
During the first Sessions of the last Congress, an Act was passed by the House of Representatives, granting relief to your memorialist, which was approved by the President, and was published as a Law of the United States, without having been acted upon by the Senate - 
This error was made the subject of a special communication from the President to the Senate at the last session, which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, at so late a period, as to prevent them from reporting thereon - 
Thus your memorialist, at the age of fourscore broken down by poverty and infirmity, find himself still a suppliant for a pittance to sustain his few remaining days:  - a pittance for which, notwithstanding the obvious justice and validity of his claim, he has been, for twelve successive years, an unsuccessful applicant to the constituted authorities of his Country - 
Your Petitioner therefore, once more humbly sues for relief - And as in duty bound, will ever pray - 
/s/Benedict Alford
Page 64

[addressed envelope]
Yates N.Y. Oct 22
S. Tappan P.M.
free
[margin note: Oct 29 Benedict Alford NY roll]
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 65

[handwritten letter]
Yates Orleans Co. N.Y.
October 22d 1836 - 

Sir, 
I have the honour to request from your office the number of the Pension Certificate issued to Benedict Alford, a Revolutionary Pensioner, dated June 20. 1836. - The reason of this application is, that Mr Alford constituted me his Agent for obtaining, and afterwards for receiving his pension; and has now gone to some part of Ohio, to me unknown, and will probably be absent several months - In copying his certificate, (which he has since taken with him,) I omitted the number, not knowing it to be necessary: and the knowledge of that fact is indispensible to complete the object of my agency - 
Had no fraud ever been committed under respectable names, I should not deem it necessary to state, that the many years during which my name has been known at the War Department, together with my standing in society, as Postmaster of this place, Judge of a Court of Law, &c. ought to be a warrant that my present application is not for any improper purpose - Let me beg of you, Sir, for the sake of an old Veteran, suffering in poverty, at the age of fourscore, to grant me the requisite facility for obtaining for him he bounty of his Country, by replying to this letter without any delay - 
Yours respectfully - 
/s/Sam'l Tappan
Mr. Edwards
Page 66

[postcard front]
[logo: bald eagle encircled: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]
[postage: profile portrait of William McKinley encircled: POSTAGE ONE CENT. 1843-MCKINLEY-1901]
[postmark: HARTFORD CONN SEP 11 AM]
[postmark: WASHINGTON D.C. REC'D 1906 SEPT 26 12 PM]
[receipt stamp: STATION A]
[receipt stamp: O. W. & N. DIV. SEP 27 1906]
THE SPACE ABOVE IS RESERVED FOR POSTMARK
POSTAL CARD
THE SPACE BELOW IS FOR THE ADDRESS ONLY. 
Pension Bureau.
Office of Records.
Washington, D.C. 
[receipt stamp: U. S. PENSION OFFICE. A SEP 27 1906]
[annotated: OW&N wm]
Page 67

[postcard back]
254 Ashley St. Hartford, Conn Sept. 25, '06
Gentlemen:
Would you kindly give me the record of service in the Revolution of Benedict Alford who enlisted in 1776 from Windsor, Conn a private in Capt. Prior's Co. He reenlisted from Vt. I think and later resided in Geauga Co. Ohio. where he died in 1838. 
Should like all supplementary facts on record. I desire above for a historical work. 
Respectfully,
/s/S. M. Alvord.
Page 68

[handwritten letter]
8016
Pension Dept.
Washington D.C.
[margin note: Rev]
[receipt stamp: U. S. PENSION OFFICE A FEB 15 1909]
Gentlemen: - 
Will you be so kind as to assist me in finding out how Col. Benedict Alford assisted in establishing American Independence during the War of the Revolution.
He died in Geauga Co. Ohio about 1840, and was a revolutionary soldier from Conn. and Vermont. 
He was my great, great
Page 69

[handwritten letter]
grandfather, and my object in inquiring is to prove my eligibility to the society called the "Daughters of the American Revolution."
In giving my reference I shall have to know the volume and page of the document or authority upon which the record is found. 
Thanking you in advance
I am sincerely a patriot
/s/Allie L. Barr
1819 Isabella st
Sioux City, Ia. 
[receipt stamp: RECORD DIVISION FEB 15 1909]
Page 70

[handwritten letter]
[margin note: One 2¢ stamped envelope rec'd stamp'd env retd - w Rev Sec H]
April 7, 1916. [margin note: OK RWS]

Chief of Pension Bureau,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir: - 
I desire some information concerning Benedict Alford, a soldier, who served in the revolutionary war, and drew a pension for service, in Simeon Wright's regiment of militia. 
Please send me information
Page 71

[handwritten letter]
concerning his age, service, and death. 
I enclose addressed envelope for reply, and will be greatly obliged for the information. 
Very truly yours, 
/s/Harriet S. Maywood
(Mrs. B. F. Maywood) Kenosha, Wis
[receipt stamp: U. S. PENSION OFFICE A APR 10. 1916]
Page 72

[typewritten letter]
[letterhead: INDIANA SOCIETY Daughters of the American Revolution [DAR logo]]
VICE-PRES. GEN. FOR INDIANA 
MRS. HENRY A. BECK INDIANAPOLIS
HONORARY VICE-PRES. GEN. 
MRS. JOHN N. CAREY INDIANAPOLIS
STATE VICE-REGENT 
MRS CHARLES W. ROSS CRAWFORDSVILLE
STATE RECORDING SECRETARY
MRS. ROSCOE O'BYRNE BROOKVILLE
STATE CORRESPONDING SECRETARY
MRS. SUE R. WALLIS BEDFORD
STATE HISTORIAN
MRS. HARVEY MORRIS SALEM
STATE REGISTRAR
MRS. THEODORE CRAVEN INDIANAPOLIS
STATE LIBRARIAN 
MISS CAROLYN FORD MADISON
STATE CHAPLAIN
MRS. FRANKFELTER HUNTINGTON
STATE DIRECTORS
MRS. C. Q. ERISMAN LAFAYETTE
MISS JULIA LANDERS INDIANAPOLIS
MRS. CHAS. HARTLEY NEW ALBANY
STATE REGENT
MRS. HENRY B. WILSON DELPHI Ind - 

June 27, 1923. 

Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions, 
Washington, D. C. 

Gentlemen:
Will you have the kindness to tell me if Benedic Alford was a pensioner of the Revolutionary War. Any data concerning him will be greatly appreciated. We have been informed that he enlisted from Vermont and died in Ohio in 1829. 
If there is a charge for his pension record, send bill and I will remit.
Respectfully, 
/s/Mindwell C. Wilson
Mindwell Crampton Wilson. (Mrs HB)
[receipt stamp: U. S. PENSION OFFICE D JUNE 28 1923]
Page 73

[handwritten letter]
Ft. Wayne, Indiana
August 26, 1923.

Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:
Will you please send me the service record of Benedict Alford, who was born in Simsbury, Conn. and served in the Revolutionary War. 
And greatly oblige, 
/s/Mrs. Wm L. Jones
2503 West Drive - Fr. Wayne, Indiana
[receipt stamp: U. S. PENSION OFFICE AUG 27 1923]
Page 74

[handwritten letter]
[letterhead: Mrs. Fred G. Deal Old Post Road LaGrange, Indiana]
January 20, 1939

Veterans Administration.
Washington D. C. 

Dear Sirs - 
I should like pension records and any information on Benedict Alford [margin note: this is only one] private in Rev. war he served under Capt. Simeon Wright - from Vermont.
Also records of Paul O Michael of Harrison County Virginia, Believed to have been either soldier or sailor in Revolutionary war - 
Sincerely yours
/s/Carlie Deal (Mrs Fred Deal)
[receipt stamp: RECEIVED JAN 23 1939 MAIL SUB-DIV VETS ADM READER #8]
Page 75

[typewritten letter]
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section

December 15, 1923

Mr. A. S. Alford
425 Sumner Ave., 
Springfield, Mass.

Sir: 
In response to your letter of the twelfth instant, addressed to the Honorable Frederick H. Gillett, which was forwarded by him to this Bureau for a reply, I have to advise you that you were furnished on the fourteenth, inst., with the history of the only Revolutionary War soldier, named Alexander Alford, found on the records of this Bureau. He is the pensioner of Chittenden County, Vermont, who was placed on the pension roll June 11, 1819, and the age, eighty-one years, as reported on the list of pensioners printed in 1835, is a typographical error. He stated that he was about sixty-seven years old, in his
application executed April 10, 1818.
If you wish photostat copies of his and his widow's application for pension, the same will be furnished you under the provisions of the Act of August 24, 1912, at the rate of fifteen cents a page, with twenty-five cents extra for certification, if that is desired. The number of pages
Page 76

[typewritten letter]
to be copied is six.
The Revolutionary War records fail to afford any information in regard to a Daniel Sherwin who married Susannah Proctor. The only Revolutionary War soldier found, is a Daniel Sherwin of Townsend, Massachusetts, who was born in 1757, married Abigail Manning in 1780, died in 1834, and she survived him. If you desire his record, please so state.
You are herewith furnished the history of the only Revolutionary War soldier named Benedict Alford, found on the records. His widow did not apply for pension.
From the papers in the pension claim S.8016, it appears that Benedict Alford was born in 1757, at Windsor, Connecticut, and while living there, enlisted February 1, 1776 and served two months as a private in Captain A. Prior's Company.
He then moved to Rutland, Vermont and served as a private and Sergeant in the Vermont Troops as follows:
From June 1, 1776 for six months in Captain Jonathan Fassett's Company, Colonel Samuel Safford's Regiment.
From April 1, 1777 for two months in Captain Simeon Wright's Company, Colonel James Mead's Regiment.
From June 1, 1777 for six months in Captain Jesse Sawyer's Company, Colonel Samuel Herrick's Regiment, and was in the battles at Mount Hope, Bennington and Lake
Page 77

[typewritten letter]
George Landing.
From December 1777 for two or three months as Sergeant of a detachment of militia guarding prisoners.
From April 1778 for six months in Captain Simeon Wright's Company, Colonel Thomas Sawyer's Regiment.
In 1780 he moved to Williamstown, Massachusetts, and served one month in Captain Samuel Clark's Massachusetts Company.
From October 1780 he served one month in Captain N. Smedley's Massachusetts Company.
He was a resident of Ridgeway, Orleans County, New York, in 1826 and then referred to his wife, aged sixty-nine years, his widowed daughter and her two children and a motherless grandchild; their names are not stated.
[margin note: In 1836 he had already gone to Ohio] In 1837 he moved to Troy, Geauga County, Ohio, with his son, Benedict, who in 1859 was seventy-three years old, and stated that he had two brothers, but did not give their names.
The soldier, Benedict Alford, was allowed a pension of sixty dollars per annum, on a certificate which issued June 20, 1836. He died in 1838 and his wife died about a year later. She did not apply for pension.
If you desire photostat copies of the original papers in this claim, the number of pages to be copied is fourteen.
Page 78

[typewritten letter]
The proper amount should be forwarded to this Bureau by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior.
Respectfully, 
[blank]
Commissioner.