Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 226, Benjamin Hardison, Mass.
Page 1

Service Mass
Hardison, Benjamin  W. 226
  Jane  BL. W/t. 79518 - 160 - 55
Page 2

6521
New York Albany
_____________________________________________
Jane Hardison,
widow of 
Benjamin Hardison
Colo Phinney Mass
who served in the Revolutionary 
war as a private
____________________________________________________Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 26 dollars 67
cents per annum to commence
on the 3d February 1853
___________________________________________________
Certificate of Pension issued 
12th day of Jany 1859
and sent to
Charles Richardson, 
Amherst N.H
_______________________________________________
widow lives in Upper Canada
recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 18 Vol. H

(hand written on right side of document)
1839 May 29 Charles Richardson Amherst N.H.

1859 June 27 Duplicate sent to Chas Richardson, Amherst N.H
F.N. Blake June 19 1865

1870 Oct 8 David Hardison 
(That as pension was unclaimed for 3 years, name was dropped under sec. 3 Act of July 27/68, and as right to apply for restoration is a personal one therefore no arrears are due & payable to any person)
Page 3

245507 Act Nov 3/53
May 17 (?)

Jane Widow of Benjamin Hardison
Priv

Jane Hadison
widow
Benjamin Hardison 
prv

Col Ethan Allen
(?)

Revolutionary  1775
A.D. 16oa c Mch 30"/58
BOYA.
Shecl. B

Vol H page 78

Charles Richardson 
Amherst, N. H.

on right side of document

Let: Ch Richardson Oct 4/56
" -------------------" Aug 18/57
"--------------------"Sept 15/57
Et Butts
Page 4

Declaration of
Jane Hardison for
Pension



Charles Richardson Esq
Amhurst - N.H
Attorney
Page 5

Province of Upper Canada
County of Welland } In open Court

Present Harvey W. Price Judge of the County court of the County Welland.
On this sixth day of September A.D. 1856 Before the court personally appeared Jane Hardison age seventy four years a resident of the town of Bertie in the County of Welland and Province aforesaid, Who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by Congress passed on 3rd February 1853 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war that she is the widow of Benjamin Hardison deceased who was a private in the company commanded by Samuel Noyes in Col Edmund Phhinney's Regiment of 8 months wen, That his name is found on the Cont roll dated at Cambridge Fort No 2 Oct 27,1775 as  a private from Berwick ~

That she believes her said husband served under Col Allen, That he was at the taking of Montreal & Ticonderoga and also another tour of twelve or eighteen months.

Sher further states that she was married to said Benjamin Hardison in Fort Erie in the Province aforesaid on the twenty first day of January A.D. 1800 by one John Warren a Justice of the Peace, and that her name before her marriage was Jane Warren. 

That her husband died at Bertie Township in the county of Welland  in
Page 6

continued 

the Province aforesaid on the twenty sixth day of July A.D. 1823, that she was not married to him prior to the second day of January eighteen hundred but at the tie before state, That there is no public or private record of her marriage and further she declares that she is now a widow and has remained such since the death of her husband the said Benjamin Hardison

She hereby appoints Charles Richardson Esq of Amherst New Hampshire her true and lawful Attorney with power of substitution to prosecute this her claim for a pension to receive the certificate when issued and to do all other things and acts necessary and proper in the premises

Jane Hardison (her signature)
witness David Hardison (his signature)

Sworn to and subscribe before me on the day and year first before written, and I hereby certify that I know the deponent Jane Hardison and believe her to be as above stated and that she is of the age above stated and further that I am not interested in this her claim as her attorney or otherwise.

Witness my hand seal of the said court now in session this sixth day of September A. D. 1856

(signature)
J
Page 7

Province of Upper Canada 
County of Willand ss 

On this sixth day of September A.D. 1856 personally appeared before me the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county David Hardison and Martha Anne Stanton wo are credible witnesses and who being by me duly sworn depose and say that they are each well acquainted with Mrs. Jane Hardison an applicant for a pension, that they have known her for nine years last past, That they were acquainted with Benjamin Hardison her late husband, having known him for (?0 nine years previous to his death that they the said Benjamin Hardison lived together as husband and wife and were reported so to be; That deponents never heard the fact of their marriage disputed or questioned.

That said Benjamin Hardison died on the 26th day of July A.D. 1823; and the said Jane Hardison has been since that day and still is reported to be his widow., which the deponents believe to be the fact that her said husband was the identical man mentioned in her declaration for a pension and further that they were present and saw Jane Hardison execute the foregoing affidavit by signing & making oath to the foregoing affidavit in due form of law and that the deponents. do resident in the County aforesaid

Witness David Hardison
H.W. Price, Marth Ann Stanton
Subscribed and sworn to before me this sixth day of September A.D. 1856
HW Price Justice of the Peace
Page 8

Canada 
County of Welland ss
Court:

I Lorenzo Dulmage Raymond of the town of Merrittsville in the County of Welland Clerk of the aforesaid County do hereby certify that Hervey W. Price whose name is subscribed to the written depositions is the Judge of the County Court aforesaid County of Welland - That he is a Justice of the Peace for said County and is Chairman of the (?) sessions aforesaid County - 

In witness where of I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal as such Clerk of the Peace this ninth day of September in the year aforesaid 1856

Lorenzo D. H. Raymond
Clk of the Peace

Office of the Cler5k of the Peace
Merrittsville Co, of Welland
Page 9

Canada 
County of Welland
ss vzt


I Lorenzo Raymond of Merrittsville County of Welland and Provence of Canada Esquire Clerk of the Peace for said County and clerk of the Court of quarter session do hereby certify that James Cummings whose name is subscribed herein is a Justice of the Peace duly commissioned in and for said County that he is acting as such and that his name herein written is in his own proper handwriting In testimony whereof I have her to subscribed my named and set the seal of said Court this thirteenth day of April A.D. 1857

Lorenzo  Raymond 
Jt. Peace3 Welland


You are respectfully referred to the declaration of the within named Jane Hardison for County land under the act of March 3d 1855 . No 245.507 upon which a warrant dated April 1, 1858. No 79,518 was issued for further evidence to support the within claim - let the certificate be payable at Concord New Hampshire

Chas Richardson
her Attorney
Page 10

Application of 
Jane Hardison widow
of Benjamin Hardison a
soldier of the Revolutionary
War - under the act of March 3d 1855 - 
for Bounty land

Charles Richardson Attorney
Amhurst, N. H.
Page 11

State of (crossed out)
Province of Upper Canada
County of Welland } ss
On this fourth day of FebruaryA.D. one thousand  eight hundred and fifty six personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County aforesaid Jane Hardison aged seventy four years a resident of Fort Erie in the Provinc3 of Upper Canada who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Benjamin Hardison deceased who was a private in the war of the revolution that he served under Col Ethan Allen and was at the taking of Montreal. That it is believed when under the command of Major Sherburne  & while on a march to the relief of the garrison at the Cedars he with the remainder of the company were taken prisoners by the Indians that he the said Benjamin Hardison was carried prisoner into Canada where was sold by the Indians to a British officer That he also served in Capt Samuel Noyes Company , Col Edmund Phinney"s Regt of 8 months ne. his name is also on the (?) dated Cambridge Fort No 2 Oct 27 1775 as a private from Berwick as is shown by the annexed certificate  & as will appear by reference to the rolls. that she is unable to give any account of the discharge received by him. that she has never before applied or received a warrant for County land under this or any other act of Congress.

She further states that she was married to the said Benjamin Hardison in Fort Erie on the Twenty first day of January A.D. 1800 by one John Waren Justice of the Peace and that her name before said marriage was Jane Warre that her said husband died a Berties Township on the twenty sixth day of July A.D. 1823 and that she is still a widow.

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "Act granting bounty land to certain officers and soldiers who were engaged in the military service of the United States" passed March 3d 1855 and that she prays that the certificate thereof will be sent for her to Charles Richardson Amherst, New . Hampshire
Jane Hardison (her signature)

Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year above written, - and I hereby certify that I have no interest in the result of this application

James Stanton Justice of the Peace for the County of Welland
Page 12

State of (crossed out)

County of Welland Town of Chassaud

(a) I officiated at the interment of Benjamin Hardison
Page 13

State of (crossed out)
Province of Upper Canada
Town of Fort Erie
County of Wellend

Personally came the Rev. Elliot Grasett and Alex. Douglas W, before me, residents of the Town of Fort Erie aforesaid persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit,  and who being duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Jane Hardison Widow, sign her name & acknowledged the foregoing declaration; and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant that she is the identical person that she presents herself to be; and that they deponents do reside in the Town of Fort Erie aforesaid and that they are disinterested. and that she is now a widow and has been since the death of said Hardison

Elliot Grasett
Rector of Fort Erie
Alexander Douglas J.P.

Sworn to and subscribed before me, this fourth day of February 1856

James Stanton JP} Justice for the Peace for the County of Welland
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245 - 507
Page 15

Know all men by there presence, that I Jane Hardison of the County of Wellend in the Province of Upper Canada, hereby constitute and appoint Charles Richardson Esq of Amherst in the County of Hillsborough and State of New Hampshir4e, my true and lawful agent & attorney to prosecute my claim  for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or an increase of Pension that may be due and I authorize my said agent to examine all the papers & documents in relation to said claim on file in the departments of at Washington City or elsewhere to file addition evidence or arguments and to receive a certificate which may be found for said claim, to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purpose herein upheld and to do all things that I might or could do, w3ere3 I personally present.  Herby notifying and confirming all that my said attorney or agent shall lawfully do in the premises 
Witness my hand and Seal this fourth day of February 1856

Jane Hardison (her signature)

Signed & sealed in the presence of
 Alexander Douglas
Elliot Grasett


Providence of Canada 
County of Wellend} ss

On this fourth day of February 1856 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County aforesaid personally appeared Jane Hardison and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her for act and deed for the purposes thereof mentioned

James Stanton
Justice of the Peace
for the County of Wellend


(written perpendicular on the left side of document)
The Power of Attorney is attached to these papers by mistakes
Page 16

State of Maine County of York Town of Berwick

(a)   Berwick Town records page  521
Thomas Hardison & Mary his wife their children's birth

Benjamin Hardison born April 2d 1757 (April second seventeen hundred & fifty seven)

I CERTIFY that the above is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures, as follows:
"April 2d 1757
& I certify that on a search of the town Records of the Town of Berwick no other record of the name of Benjamin Hardison could be found 
Oliver Worster} Town Clerk of Town of Berwick.


I Olver Worster above named depose and  say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the town, county, and State aforesaid; and that the above is a true copy from the records of said town, with the exception above named as certified by me.

Oliver Worster } Town Clerk of Town  of Berwick
State of New Hampshire County of Stafford
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me this nineteenth day of November A.D. 1856

Nath Weles Justice of the Peace

(a) Here fill in an exact transcript of the record, except that, Instead of copying the figures, the date must be written out in full.

(b) Here give the date exactly as it is in the record.
Page 17

The State of New Hampshire
Hillsborough County ss
Office of the Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County July 28, 1857, 
I hereby certify that the date of the attention within Nath Wells was a Justice the Peace & Court throughout the State duly commissioned & constituted and to his acts and attendance as such full faith and credit are and ought to be given both in and out of court and that I believe his signature within is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas at the date above written

Perly Dodge Clerk (his signature)
Page 18

Canada
County of Wellend
ss viz

I Lorenzo D. Raymond of Merrittville in the county of Wellend in the Province of Canada Esquire, Clerk of the Peace for the said County and Clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions.

Do hereby certify that Richard Graham before who the annexed affidavits of John Hardison, Mary Jane Rice, and David Hardison are sworn is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned and sworn and that the name "Rich" Graham subscribed to said affidavits is in the hand writing of said Richard Graham.

In testimony where of affixed my official seal this sixth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven.

Lorenzo D. Raymond
Clerk of the Peace
Coy. of Wellend
Page 19

Province of Canada
 County of Welland
To Wit,  Personally appeared before me Richard Graham of fort Erie one of her majesty Justices of the Peace for said County John Hardison son of the late Benjamin Hardison of Fort Erie in said County who maketh oath and saith that he is fifty two years old, that his father had on the twenty sixth  day of July one Thousand eight hundred and twenty three, that deponent at that time asked his mother his fathers age and that his mother explain that he was sixty six years old on the second day of April next preceding his death. The question having been put for the purpose of (illegible) deponent for the stated that he has a recollection of his mother's saying on another occasion many years ago that deponent Jr and fathers name on his fathers side was Thomas Hardison and deponents older brother who died in the year 1844 (Thomas Hardison Junior) was named after his grandfather. He also states that his mothers told him that his deponents sister Mary, wife of Kennith Reid was named after her grandmother, wife of Thomas Hardison first named above--deponent states that the fact of his mothers not being able to recollect all the circumstances with sufficient positiveness for satisfactory evidence above named is attributable to the partial failure of her mental faculties, caused by her extreme age, her being now 75 or 76 years old and very feeble, deponent states that he is aware of his father having resided at one time at Little Wingham, that his mother has applied to the government of the United States for a pension and land bounty for the services of her husband in the army during the American Revolution and that he has heard his father say that he was from the town of Berwick in Maine and was born there.
                                                        John Hardison (signature)
Sworn before me at Fort Erie in the County of Welland,
Province of Canada this Second day of Nov 1857
Richard Graham, 

John Hardison (signature)
Page 20

Province of Canada
County Wellend ss viz

Personally appeared before me Richard Graham Esquire one of the Majesty's Justices of the Peace and for said County. Mary Jane Reid, wife of Kenneth Reid and daughter of the late Benjamin Hardison of Fort Erie in said County who maketh oath and saith that her mother has frequently told her several years ago that she was named after her two grandmothers on her father's and mother's side they both being named "Mary" Deponent further states that her mother has applied to the Government of the United States for a Pension and Bounty lands for the service of her (mother's) husband in the Army of the United States during the Revolutionary War

Mary Jane Reid (her signature)

Sworn before me at Fort Erie 
in the County of Wellend the 
Second day of November 1854
Rich Graham J.P. (his signature)
Page 21

Province of Canada
County of Wellend ss viz

Personally appears before me Richard Graham Esquire one for Her Majesty Justice of the Peace in and for said county - David Hardison son of Benjamin Hardison late of Fort Erie deceased who maketh oath and saith that his deponent's father"s | father was named Thomas Hardison- and that an older brother of deponent, Thomas Hardison who died in the year of 1844 was named after his grandfather Thomas Hardison first named above - and that his deponent has always understood that his father came from the town of Berwick now in Maine - - Deponent further states that his mother is very aged and informed and that her recollection is greatly impaired which is the reason that she cannot ever remember many circumstances with which she was familiar in former years and is unable to state with accuracy many things which might be useful to her in identifying her husband clearly and to the satisfaction of the American Government in comparison with her present application for a Pension for her husband's services in the American Army during the Revolution

Sworn before at Fort Erie the David Hardison County of Wellend this Second
day of November 1854
Rich Graham J.P (his signature)
Page 22

Province of Canada
County of Wellend
ss viz

Personally appeared before me James Stanton one of Her Majesty's Justices of the Peace in and for said County, Jane Hardison of said County widow who market oath and saith that she is the person of that name who has made applicant to the Government of the United States for a Pension and Bounty land as the widow of Benjamin Hardison deceased a soldier in the Army of the said United States during the Revolutionary War - and that in addition to the testimony hereunto  given by her in support of her claim say she distinctly remembers hearing the said Benjamin Hardison repeatedly stated that the Christian name of his mother was Mary - but that the name of his father she cannot state so positively but is under the impression that it was Thomas. She further saith that the said Benjamin Hardison was born on the second day of April about the year One thousand seven Hundred and fifty seven
Jane Hardison (her signature)
Sworn before me at 
Fort Erie in the County
of Wellen this twenty ninth
day of August A.D. 1857

James Stanton
Justice of the Peace
for said County
Page 23

Canada
County of Welland
ss viz

I Lorenzo D. Raymond of Merritsville in the County of Welland and Province of Canada Clerk of the Peace for said County Do hereby Certify That James Stanton who name is subscribed to the annex affidavit made by Hames Hardison is a Justice of the Peace duly commissioned in and for said County and acting as such and that the name "James Stanton" is in the proper hand writing of said Justice 
In testimony whereof  I have her to subscribe my name and affixed my official seal this thirty first day of August A.D. 1857
Lorenzo D. Raymond (his signature)
Clerk of the Peace Coy. Welland
Page 24

Postmark: Amherst, NH Jul 29   FREE

Benj, Hardison dues N. Hem (hand written notation)

Hon. George C. Whiting
Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington D.C.

Additional evidence,
Bounty Land Claim
Act March 3rd 1855 No 245.507
Page 25

Post mark Amherst NH Sep 7 FREE

(handwritten notation)
Benjamin Hardison 
245.507

Hon. George C. Whiting
Comm. of Pensions
Washington Center
D.C.


Addition evidence
Bounty land
Page 26

Post mark Amherst NH mar 24            FREE

Jane Hardison
wid. Benjamin   (hand written notation)

Hon. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.



Additional Evidence in the claim
for bounty land no 245.507
under the act of March 3d 1855
Page 27

Post mark Amherst NH May 14             FREE

Hon. Josiah Minot
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.




(noted: 245.507)
Page 28

245.507
Jane Hardison wid of
Benj. Hardison decd


ad. ev.

Boynton
Aug 13
Page 29

79.518

160 acres








(appears to be written on a book cover
Page 30

Amherst, New Hampshire
March 24, 1858

Hon Comm of Pensions

Dear Sir
I hereto it enclosed forward you some additional evidence in the case of the claim of Jane Hardison widow of Benjamin Hardison under the act of March 3d 1855 - N0 245.507 in your last letter the request was to furnish evidence that  Benjamin Hardison was the son of Thomas & Mary Hardison who formely resided in Berwick Maine. I think I have furnished such evidence which I hope will be satisfactory and I think the testimony of Richard Yeaton
Page 31

(continued from slide 29)

and Elizabeth Yeaton shows pretty conclusively that he did render service in the Revolutionary War for which she claims as mentioned in the certificate of the Secretary of the State of Massachusetts - I hope the evidence will be satisfactory and that you will forward the warrant at your earliest convenience

Very Respectfully
Charles Richardson (his signature)
Page 32

Province of Canada
County of Welland ss

On this seventh day of June A.D. 1859 .before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said county. Personally came Jane Hardison who in her oaths declares that she is the same person to whom a pension certificate was issued for the service of her late husband Benjamin Hardison (in the Revolutionary War) which said was under the signature and seal of the Secretary of the Interior an payable at the Pension office at Albany, New York and sent to her Authorized Attorney Charles Richardson Esq at Amherst New Hampshire about January 1859 and as she learns and verily believes was lost at said Amhurst  aforesaid about the time of its receipt and that diligent search has been made for the same and it cannot be found.

That said Jane Hardison prays that a duplicate certificate of Pension may be issued and sent or her to her said Attorney Charles Richardson Esq. at Amherst, New Hampshire

Jane Hadison (her signature)
Sworn to and subscribed before me this seventh day of June A.D.1859

Rich Graham JP
Justice of the Peace Court of Wellend
Page 33

Providence of Canada
County of Wellend ss

On this seventh day of June A.D. 1859 before me the subscriber , a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly authorized to administer oaths personally came Kenneth Mac Kenzie aged 51 years and Jacob Troup age 59 years who I know to be residents of the county and province aforesaid and Person whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit and who being duly sworn say that they were present and saw Jane Hardison execute the foregoing affidavit by signing her name to the foregoing declaration and making oath then to in due form of law. and that they swear that they are acquainted with said Jane Hardison now present and that she is the identical person she represents herself to be and further that they the deponents do reside in the county aforesaid 

Kenneth Mac Kenzie (his signature)
Jacob Troup (his signature)

Wilson Lennox (his signature)

Sworn to and subscribed before me
this seventh day for June A.D.1859
and I certify that I have no interest in this case as Attorney or otherwise
Rich Grahman JP(his signature)
Justice of the Peace
County of Welland
Page 34

Canada
County of Welland
ss viz

I Lorenzo D. Clerk of the Peace in and for the County of Welland do hereby certify that Richard Graham whose name is subscribed to the ___to the annexed affidavit in the proper hand writing of the said Richard Graham is a Justice of the Peace duly qualified and appointed in and for said county

In testimony wereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed my official seal this eighth day of June in the year of our Lord 1859
Lorenzo D. Raymonde
Clk of the Peace
Goy Welland
Page 35

PENSION DEFICE
MAY 18
1859







(Post mark/stamp only)
Page 36

State of New Hampshire
County of Hillsborough ss

On this 14th day of May D.D. 1859 before me the subscriber a  Justice of the Peace in and for said county of Hillsborough - Personally appeared Charles Richardson Esquire of Amherst in said County ~ who on his oath declares that he agent and Attorney for Mrs. Jane Hardison of the town of Fort Erie~ County of Welland in the Province of Upper Canada and that he forwarded to the Pension office the declaration of said Hane Hardison for a pension for the Revolutionary Service of her late husband Benjamin Hardison deceased - together with a certificate of the State of Mass of the service found on the Revolutionary Rolls in that State and the affidavits of various persons as to Identity & c. and upon the papers above referred to a pension certificate of 26.67 per annum under the 2d section of the act of Congress passed Feb3 ed 1853  commencing on the 3d of February 1853 and date somewhere about the first of January 1859 and as computed by the department amounting to$148.91 on the 4th day of September 1858
Page 37

(continuing from slide 36)

was issued to the said Jane Hardison and forwarded to and received by the said Charles Richardson as her attorney. and by him examined and the pension never applied for - as he was at the time endeavoring to procure an increase of said pension for further service and also the captivity of said Benjamin by the Indians  that he has never to his knowledge parted with said certificate - but that the same has  been in some unaccountable manner lost. that he has made a diligent search for it but has been unable to find it  
That said Charles Richardson request the commissioner of issues another certificate to said Jane Hardison and forward the same to said Richardson at Amherst New Hampshire 

Charles Richardson (his signature)

Sworn to and subscribed before
me this 14th day of May A.D.
1859


STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
HILLSBOROUGH SS
I EDWARD S. CUTTER Clerk of the Court of Commons Pleas within and for said County hereby certify that 
David Russell esq before who the annexed affidavit was sworn to and ---made and who has thereunto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn and duly authorized to administer oaths and take acknowledge of deed &c. and 
that his signature thereunto is genuine
IN TESTIMONY WHERE OF I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of said Court this 16th day of May A.D. 1859

E. S. Cutter Clerk
Page 38

State of New Hampshire
County of Hillsborough
Town of Amherst ss

On this 14th day of May A.D. 1859 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly authorized to administer oaths, personally appeared Charles C. Champrey aged 56 years and William F. Russell - aged 20 years whom I know to be residents of the county and state aforesaid and person whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit and who being duly sworn say that they were [reset and saw Charles Richards execute the foregoing affidavit by signing  his name to the foregoing declaration and making oath in due form of law and they swear that they are acquainted with Charles Richardson  now present and that he is the identical person he represents himself to be and further that they the deponents do reside in the county aforesaid 


Witness
Charles C. Champrey (his signature)
Wm F. Russell (his signature)


Sworn to and subscribed before 
me this 14th day of May A.D. 1859 and I certify that I have no interest in this case attorney or otherwise
David Russell Justice of Peace
Page 39

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Secretary's Office, Boston
December 1, 1858

I HEREBY CERTIFY That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution which remains in the Department it appears that the name of Benjamin Hardison is borne on a return of Capt . Samuel Noye's company, Col Edmund Phinney's Regiment of 8 months men; also on bout Roll dated Cambridge, Fort No 2, Oct 27, 1775, as private for Berwick .

I further certify that a certificate of the foregoing evidence of service was issued from this officer on the 12th day of May 1856

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.

Oliver Warner
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 40

Amherst, New Hampshire
July 10, 1858

Hon Geo C. Whiting
Court of Pensions

In answering your letter of the instance relative to the claim of Mrs. Jane Hardison widow of Benjamin Hardison for a pension. I would say that Mrs. Hardison applied for a pension under the 2d section of the act of Feb 3d 1853, she being the widow of a Revolutionary soldier - and not under the 1st section of the act as the tenor of your letter and the forms enclosed unto indicate that you so understood it which probably accounts for the loss of her declaration which I sent to your office on the 7th day of April last, being in another department .

I hope her declaration will be found and that I shall not be subjected to the expense and delay of procuring another and  also procuring duplicates of the certificates and affidavits on file with her declaration for Bounty Land for proof of service identity lc when they can be so easily referred to by the departments and when
Page 41

(continued from slide 40)

it has so long been the practice of the office is to do. The applicant resides in Canada near Buffalo N. York ~ several of the affiants also reside in Canada the remainder in Massachusetts, Main, and New Hampshire None of them within seventy five miles of this place, most of them much farther (several hundreds)

The evidence of service, marriage, death, identity &c &c is on file in the pension office with her declaration for bounty land under the act of March 1855 No. 245.507, to which I would respectfully refer in this case of her application for a pension. and upon which evidence a bounty land warrant was issued to her a few months since
Page 42

Amherst New Hampshire
Dec 6 1858

Hon Comm of Pensions 
Washington City

Dear Sir
I here with enclose the certificate of the Secy of the State of Massachusetts as to the service of Benjamin Hardison in the Revolutionary War ~ In the case of the application of Jane Hardison, widow of said Benjamin Hardison for a pension under the act of February 3d 1853 as desired in your letter of the 22d of July last the certificate is a duplication of said Jane for bounty land said application being dated Feb 4th 1856 ~ on which application a bounty lands said application being dated Feb 4th 1856 ~ on which application a bounty land warrant was issued the declaration for bounty land under the act for March 3d 1855 was No.245.507 and with that is filed proof of  marriage, death, Identity Lc, sufficient as you indicate in your letter for July 22d to warrant the issuing of a pension to the amount of the service shown in the certificate the duplicate of which is enclosed. since which time we have found evidence of other service thus
Page 43

that named in the enclosed certificate. It was a petition of said Hardison & reports of both houses of Congress, and the passage of an act of Congress for his relief for being made a prisoner in Canada and detained among the Indians allowing them pay to 3d Nov. 1783. Amt. I refer to the following

House list private claims 1st to 31st Congress
____________________________________________________________________


Hardison, Benja   Compensation for services rend & injury rec'd in 
                            the Rev. war     Congress 1  Session 2

                                   Relation & Rept.         Sec. of War
Page of Journal               206                            250
What Committee           Claims
No. or date of report             July 16 1790 favorable
No. of bill                                               88

How disposed of by House of Representatives---passed
How disposed of by (illegible) ----passed with amendment
Date of Act of Congress---approved August 11, 1790
_____________________________________________________________________
(note: above taken from a hand made chart)

United State Statutes at Large vol 6 private laws page 4 chap. 44, act for Relief of disabled soldiers and seamen lately in the service of the United States & of certain other persons.
                                    Sec. 4 "and be it further enacted that the 
Comm  of Army           commissioner of army accounts to be 
accts to settle               authorised & directed to settly the accounts
pay of ceertain              of James Derry & Benja hardison who were
officers &c                     made prisoners in Canada in May 1776 & 
                                      forcibly detained in captivity among the 
                                      Indians & that we give certificates for the
                                      ballance of their pay respectively to the 3d
                                      of Nov. 1788.
                                                          Approved August 11, 1790
Page 44

You will see by reference to his petition and the
action theron that he was in the service (to) or underpay
to Nov 3d 1783, and you will find that he served several
years more than enough to entitle the widow to
a full pension if not during the whole time from
his captivity in May 1776 to that time.

You will observe the several of the witnesses 
mention the fact of his having been taken by the Indians
and in Captivity a long time before we were able or
did find any record evidence of that fact and
the widow in her declaration for bounty land
making the same statement of his being in captivity
awhile with the Indians and then sold to a British
officer.

I hope you will find by an examination
of the books refered to and is petition (illegible) that he
is the identical Benja Hardison in for whose service
I send you a certificate enclosed - I desire
her Pension Certificate to be made payable
at Concord N. Hampshire.

Very Respectfully yours
Charles Richardson
Page 45

Left side of Page

Fort Erie, Canada
July 22. 1870,

David Hardison

Relative to the back pension due his mother June Hardison at the time of her death.

N. 222. July 25/70
Pension off. 

(partial stamp/seal)
  Department of the            
   Pension Office
   Jul 25

Right side of Page

Return Hardison
for further information
Page 46

Fort Erie, County Wellend
Canada
22 July 1870

Honrable Bontwell
Washington

Sir 
I have the honor to address you in reply to a letter addressed to the Postmaster at Point Abino=
enquiring about Jane Hardison, Widow of Benjamin Hardison who served in the American Army in 1775 or 1776 Benjamin Hardison was my father was made a prisoner by the Canadian Indians and was then held in Captivity for about 7 years who was brought into Canada and sold for 63 ____________for all this my mother enjoyed for the few years of her life $26 and Cents per year, which obtained for her through Charles Richardson her Pension agent of Amherst New Hampshire. He 'however applied for back money,  that my mother never received it I present it has not yet been allowed, my mother is now numbered among the dead, since June 5th 1866, I am however told
Page 47

(continued from slide 46)

told that her Pension for the year 1816 will be paid up to her day of decease also as money she may have been entitled to for which application had been made prior to her decease and I have no doubt the War Department will do every Justice to the heirs of one who served his Country faithfully in the time of need which none other than a Soldier can so well appreciate & thoroughly understand

I have the honor to be sir
Your obl sub
David Hardison
Page 48

[this document is divided into two columns and on the left side are what appear to be upside down calculations that have bled through from the front  side.  the right hand column contains :

Jane Hardison wid: [widow] of Benjamin Hardison    (illegible)
1853, 2d (illegible) for the #26.67/100  per an. 
[annum] 


Admit Act 3d Feb: 1853.  (illegible) for  #26.67/100 pper an. [annum] com;
date (illegible) of said act

cer: to 
Chas. Richardson,
Amherst, N.H.
Page 49

Pension Office
July 19th, 1858
sir,
In Answer to your letter of the 10th Instant, I have the honor
Page 50

Brief in the case of Jan Hardison widow for Benjamin .
Welland County and Province of Upper Canada
Act 3rd Fe3b 1853
_____________________________________________
Claim (original )
Proof exhibited (if original)
Is it documentary traditionary or supported by rolls? If either state the substance.

Husband served eight months in the Mass Militia from the town of Berwick as appears from the certificate of the Secretary of the State of Mass & the Certificate of the town Clerk of Berwick together with the affidavit of three aged persons who knew the soldier during the war. the town clerk certified that but one person of the name Benjamin Hardison ever resided in said town or was in service from said town. Several witnesses are testifying to the same thing. The marriages only established by record & spoken proof. Soldier died in 1823 as appears from record evidence & credible oral proof.

Widowhood & entity is satisfactorily established
Bounty Land warrant

Charles Richardson Esqr
Name of resident Agent
Amherst, N. H.

S.C.Boynton
Examining Clerk,
Page 51

Brief in the case of Jane Hardison widow of Benjaminn Wellend County and Provice3 of Canada
Act 3 February 1838
____________________________________________________Claim for New Pension Certificate

Proof Exhibited

That the original is lost and cannot be found.

Name and residence of Agent
Charles Richardson Esqr
Amherst, N. H.

Examining Clerk
A. G. Forster
Page 52

[round stamp]
PENSION OFFICE 
           MAY
             18
        1858
Page 53

Amherst, New Hampshire
May 16th 1859
to Hon Geo C Whiting 
Court of Pensions}

Dear Sir  I herewithin enclose my affidavit in relation to the case of Mrs. Hardison's Pension Certificate and the request for a duplicate -  I hope that I have conformed to the rules and requirements of your office and that you forward the duplicate to me as early as convenient - the certificate sent to me lost and I believe can never be found.

Respectfully yours
Charles Richardson
Page 54

[there is a round stamp that says:]

Pension Office
        Jun 
         18
       1859
Page 55

Amherst New Hampshire
June III 1859

Hon Geo. C. Whiting 
Court of Pensions }

Sir, after weeks since I sent you my affidavit of the loss of the Pension Certificate of Mrs. Jane Hardison widow of Benjamin Hardison under the Act of February 1856 (Revolutionary) in answer to which I was informed that Mrs. Hardison herself must make the request for a duplicate - and I herewith enclose her declaration affidavit & request for a new pension certificate - which with  the papers filed by me in the case & forsaid and sent. I Hope will be satisfactory & that you will forward it as early as convenient to my  address

Respectfully yours
Charles Richardson
Page 56

F.N.Blake
W.S. Consol
Fort Erie C.W.
June 12, 1864 
=========================
Relation to back pension
due and unpaid to Mrs
Jane Hardison , wid
q Benj Hardison dec
for service in the Revolutionary War

Respectfully refer to the Commission of Pensions for immediate attention and the (?)
so informed. Feo C whiting
Debt (?)
June 16, 1865

whiting
Page 57

CONSULATE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Fort Erie, C.W. 12 June 1865

Hon James Haslar
Sect Interior

Sir 
Mrs. Jane Hardison widow of Benjamin Hardison a revolutionary soldier residing in this place and much in need of the small amount awarded her by the U.S. in consideration of her husband's service desires me to write the Dpt. in reference to back pension now due and which she has not received since 1862.

You will (?) or great favor upon a worthy old lady now 84 years old by referring
Page 58

the communication to the sub dept to which is belongs and speedy attention to it.

She fears some one may have drawn the pension without her knowledge. She gave a power of attorney to her son David Hardison but he denies ever receiving the 

I remain 
Your fe
F. N. Blake
M. S. Consul
Page 59

Cornelius glen
17" dept: 6,4 P. Atty
Geo. Harding & Rich Graham.
before Rich Graham J.P.
Prov. Can: Co. of Willam
from 4" sept; 63 to 4" Sept 64
(illegible) Dept: 28-64 # 26,61                         [The above information is lightly crosshatched over]
[the following was written in a different hand.]
    Mem; from 3d (illegible) Off. (illegible) 19"65
Pension was paid from 4" dept: 63 to 4" dept: 64. to cornelius Glesner who was appointed by Mrs. Hardison as her Atty:   See Power of Atty. (illegible) by pensioner 17" dept. 64 before Richard graham, J. P. of Co. of Wellam in (illegible) of (illegible) & witness by the J. P. Geo. Harding.  Glen rec'd :from (illegible) to #26, (illegible) Dept: 28"1864.
(signature)  (illegible)
Page 60

Amherst New Hampshire
April 6, 1858

Hon Comm of Pension

Dear Sir
I herewith enclose the declaration of Jane Hardison widow of Benjamin Hardison for a pension under the act of Feb 3, 1853 and refer you to the evidence on file with her declaration for bounty land under the act of March 3, 1855 - to support the claim - think it must be satisfactory - the claim is numbered 245,507 No. of warrant issued 79.507

You will please make the certificate payable at Concord, N.H. the declaration was made at the same time
Page 61

she made her declaration for Bounty Land in 1856, but she is still living at Fort Erie, Canada, her former residence. You will please forward to me the certificate as early as convenient and much obliged

Truly yours
Charles Richardson
Page 62

By a ref: to Pri: act of Congress of 11 Aug 1790
Vol. 6 U>S>S> page 4. Chapt. 44 it would seem that Hardison was allowed pay to 1783 since time he was a prisoner. The is by little doubt that he was claimant His: if so ought not her pension be increased?
Jany 9/59

The ro: filed in b. Sv: case ayz is conclusion in ref: to this case
Page 63

N. 7055
Jane Hardison
wid og
Ben 
Canada
C. Richardson JP 22/100

act/53
Page 64

226
WIDOW &C
File No: 226
Jane Hardison
Widow
Benjamin Hardison 
Pri Rev War
Act: Feb 3d 1853
Index: - Vol A Page 300

Arrangement of 1870
Page 65

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Secretary's Office, Boston
May 12th 1856

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 Benjamin Hardison is borne on Return of Capt Samuel Noyes Command - Col Edmund Phinney's Regt of 8 months men. name borne on Court Rolls dated Cambridge Fort No. 2. Oct 27, 1775, as private from Berwick

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth the date above written

F. De. Witt 
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 66

State of New Hampshire
County of Hillsborough - Town of Amherst 

The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the rolls in his office of the service of Benjamin Hardison, in the war of the Revolution - It's believed that he was a native of Berwick in Massachusetts, That he enlisted when about sixteen years of age into what company or Regiment is now unknown, he was in the Battle of Bunker Hill,, Ticonderoga and other lesser engagements served in Canada was taken a prisoner near a place called the Cedars above Montreal and sold to a British officer, Is supposed to have served at one time under Col Ethan Allen in Canada - My Jane Hardison the widow of Benjamin desires this examination, not having been married to him until the year 1800 is unable to give a more particular account of his service - witness my hand and seal the 12 day of May 1756
Jane Hardison 
By her Attorney 
Charles Richardson 
Seal
Page 67

STATE OF MAINE
________________________
SAMUEL WELLS
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MAINE
TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS 
Greeting
KNOW YE, That Charles E. Norton of South Berwick in the County of York Esquire whose name is borne upon the paper hereunto annexed, was at the date of his within attestation a Justice of the Peace and of the Quorum  and Notary Public within and for our said County of York duly appointed commissioned and qualified Samuel Wells
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 caused the Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed.
GIVEN under my hand at AUGUSTA this seventeenth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred, and fifty-six and in the Eighty first year of the Independence 

BY THE GOVERNOR 

C. R. Ayers
Secretary of State

(Seal appears midway on left in document)
Page 68

I Nathaniel Hardison of South Berwick in the County of York of State of Maine aged sixty six years depose & say that Benjamin Hardison who served in the Revolutionary War was cousin to my father that I have heard my Father say that he had seen & talked with Benjamin Hardison & that Benjamin aforesaid served in the Revolutionary War was taken prisoner by the Indians was some of time with General Sullivan was a while at Fort Anne while prisoner by the Indians was sold by the Indians to the British that I have never heard of any other Benjamin Hardison belong to Berwick & do not believe there ever was any other Benjamin Hardison belong here. Said Hardison after war  lived at Little Niagra Upper Canada. Where I have seen his residence.

Stephen Hardison my second cousin who was in the Revolutionary War told me that he was in the same company with Benjamin Hardison aforesaid that he was taken prisoner at the same time by the Indians & served out his captivity with Indians as long as Benjamin Hardison did

Nathal Hardison (his signature)

State of Maine County of York
Subscribed & sworn to before me this nineteenth day of November 1856 & I certify that the said Hardison is a credible person & to be believed under oath 
Charles E. Norton 
Justice of the Peace and Notary Public
Page 69

Canada

County of Elgin I Henry Warren of the Township of Malahide in the County of Elgin and Province of Canada Esquire make oath - and say -

1st. That I was present at the marriage ceremony of Jane Warren when she joined in matrimony to Benjamin Hardison late of the township Bertie in the County of Welland an Province aforesaid from there now deceased.

2d. That said marriage ceremony took place on or about the twenty first day of January in the of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and was performed by one John Warren senior late of the said township of Bertie Esquire who was the Father of the said Jane Warren and who at the same time was legally acting in the capacity of Magistrate for the Niagara District (now the County of Warren) aforesaid according to mew statistics of said Province made and provided.

3d. That I was personally acquainted with the said Benjamin Hardison and knew him intimately for upwards of forty years from frequent conversations with him and other concurrent circumstances I say that he said Benjamin Hardison served as a Soldier in the Army of the United states of America during the American Resolution - and that he was taken prisoner and brought into the Lower Province of Canada by the British forces - and that he came from the state of Massachusetts or thereabouts

Henry Warren

Sworn before me at the town of P. Tjomas in the County of Elgin this 30th day of March A.D. 1854
Hy Hamiliton 
a commission for taking affidavits in the (?)
in and for the County of Elgin in the Province of Canada
Page 70

Upper Canada
County of Elgin
Tomit I Peter Murtagh of the town of St. Thomas in the County of Elgin and Province of Canada -  Clerk of the County Court of the County of Elgin (being a court of Record) Do certify that Henry Hamilton of said town of Thomas Esquire is a Commissioner duly an  authorized by Royal Commission for taking affidavits and administering on this and that Ulm Province formerly (Upper Canada) and that his commission extends and is intended to be used by him the county of Elgin aforesaid

As witness set my hand and Seal of office this thirty-first day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred  and fifty -seven

Peter Murtagh
Clerk of the County 
Court in and for the county of 
Elgin
Page 71

THE STATE OF NEW -HAMPSHIRE
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY ss

Office of the Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County. March 24th 1858

I hereby Certify that at the date of the attestation hereto annexed John C. Hill was a Justice of Peace in and for the County of Strafford.

in the said State, duly commissioned and constituted and to his acts and  attestations as such full faith and credit are and ought to be given both in and out of Court and that I believe the signature of said Justice to be genuine. And I further certify that this annexed depontions  are made executed and acknowledged in accordance with the Laws of the State of New Hampshire.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of the Court of Common Please at the above written

Perley Dodge Clerk

Seal appearing on the left lower side of document
Page 72

Additional evidence In the case of the claim of Jane Hardison widow of Benjamin Hardison N0: 245.507 Act March 3d 1855 - Revolutionary Service
Page 73

I Richard Yeaton of Somersworth in the county of Stafford and state of New Hampshire depose that I am eighty nine years and eight months old that I was born in said Somersworth and went into the Bewick now Maine when I was a small boy and resided in said Berwick for more than sixty years. That I well knew Benjamin Hardison wo was some eight or ten years older than myself - Benjamin Hardison was the son of Thomas and Mary Hardison, I recollect them well. she  in those days was called Molly I recollect the time of the death of both Thomas & Mary or Molly who both died at said Berwick .

Benjamin Hardison to son of Thomas and Mary went into the Revolutionary war as I always understood and as I understood at the time, my father and two brothers served in said war and one of my brothers went into the service about the same time that Benjamin Hardison went. Hardison settled in Canada after the war. I recollect distinctly the last time came to this section of the country and that he helped his mother of left her money. I lived within five miles of Thomas Hardison for more than thirty years and sometimes nearer and I have called at his house more than once
Page 74

probably every time, as they lived upon the street road to our main market at South Berwick. I did not serve in the Revolutionary war but I know as well as I know anything that I did not see that Benjamin Hardison the son of Thomas and Mary Hardison who formerly resided in Berwick Maine did serve in the Revolutionary war and that he afterwards settled in Canada near Buffalo New York and I am confident that there was no other Benjamin Hardison ever near that period who resided or born in said Berwick Main at the time constituted a part of the state of Massachusetts

Richard Yeaton (his signature)

Strafford p
state of New Hampshire March 23d 1858 - personally appeared before me Richar Yeaton to me well known as a person who is particularly active in body and mind, who on his oath deposing that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true and I further certify that I have no recurring interest in the application of Mrs. Hardison.

John C. Hill Justice of the Peace
Page 75

I Elizabeth Yeaton wife of Richard Yeaton aged Eighty six years depose that I lived nearly twenty years within one and a half miles of Mary or as she was called Molly Hardison. she was the widow of Thomas Hardison and they lived in Berwick Maine. They had a son by the name of Benjamin Hardison who many years since came from the west I think Canada to see his mother and It was under stood that he left her money  I was well acquainted in the family and knew their relatives. I knew Nathum Hardison a brother of Benjamin Hardison who afterwards moved to the easterly part of Maine and I believe he is since deceased.

I have often heard of Benjamin Hardison being in the Revolutionary war and that he was taken by the Indians. 
 I have often heard Stephen Hardison a cousin of Benjamin Hardison say that he was in the Revolutionary war and was taken by the Indians and that Benjamin Hardison was with him and taken at the same
Page 76

time. I was at the funeral of Mary or Molly Hardison something like forty years ago. I never knew any other man by the name of Benjamin Hardison but the one of who I before mentioned who was the son of Thomas and Mary Hardison

Elizabeth Yeaton ( her signature)
State of New Hampshire
County of Strafford ss  March 23d 1858
Personally appears before me - Elizabeth Yeaton to me well known as a person entitled to credit as a witness who on her oath deposes that the foregoing affidavit by her subscribed is true and I further depose that I have no interest in the result of Mrs. Hardison's  application

John C. Hill Justice of the Peace
Page 77

I, Timothy Hoyt of Fort Erie in the County of Wellend in the Province of Canada, aged sixty-four years depose that I have resided at Fort Erie for forty-one year's last past. That I was intimately acquainted with Benjamin Hardison who resided here when I first arrived to this place  & until his death which took place in the year 1823

That I have had frequent conversations with him with regard to his service in the Revolutionary War. He was taken  prisoner by the Indians near Nerer River Point in the State of New York that he deserved several Campaigns and I distinctly recollect his naming General Sullivan as the Commander a part of time. He told me that he enlisted at Berwick Massachusetts now in the State of Maine and that his Father there resided there.

That I formerly resided in the State of New Hampshire and near to said Berwick and distinctly recollect of his describing  many places and things in that vicinity with which I was perfectly familiar and knew that he must have been well acquainted there

I have been acquainted with the wife and widow of said Benjamin Hardison whose name is Jane for forty one years She has resided at the place since the deal said
Page 78

said Benjamin Hardison and it identical  Jane Hardison who has made application for a bounty land warrant and also for a Pension for the service of said Benjamin Hardison , that she remained a widow since his death

Sworn before me at the Village of Fort Eri in the County of Wellend Province of Canada this 11th day of July 1857
Timothy Hoylt  



Rich Graham JP
in and for the County of Wellend

I Richard Graham of Fort Erie in said County of Wellend Esquire the same who attests in above affidavit do certify that said Timothy Hoyt the deponent who made the foregoing affidavit is well known to me is a Resident of the village of Fort Erie and very respectable citizen has  a very retentive memory and his statements are suitable to credence.
Fort Erie 11th July 1857
Rich Graham JP

Canada
County of Wellend 

I Lorenzo D. Raymond of the Town of Merrittsville in the County of Welland and Province of Canada, Clerk of the Peace for said County. Do hereby certify that the above named Richard Graham is a duly commissioned Justice of the Peace acting as such and said forsaid Court and the signature to  the above certificate is the handwriting of the said Richard Graham

In testimony whereof I have there to subscribe my name and set my official seal this 13th day of July 1857
Lorenzo D. Raymond 
Clerk of the Peache
Page 79

Evidence in support of 
the claim of Jane Hardison 
widow of Benjamin

(written perpendicular)
Hon. Comm of Pensions
Page 80

Amherst New Hampshire
July 28th 1857

Hon Comm of Pensions 
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir
I enclose affidavits of Nath Hardison, Oliver Worster,   of Berwick Main, Henry Warren, and Timothy Hoyt in support of the claim of Jane Hardison widow of Benjamin for Bounty land  under the act of March 3d 1855. These with the papers and evidence already on file  I hope will entirely satisfactory and that you will forward at your earliest convenience a warrant to my address at this place.

Very Respectfully Yours
Charles Richardson
Page 81

245 307
Page 82

Amherst N. H. May 15./56
Dear Sir

I enclosed the papers and declaration of widow and declaration of widow Jane Hardison for bounty Land for the Revolutionary  service of her husband Benjamin Hardison under the Act of March 3d 1855,

Please return the warrant to me when issued 
Truly Yours
 Charles Richardson
The Power of Attorney was attached by mistake having reference only to a pension
Hon J. Minot No
Comm of Pensions
Page 83

Amherst New Hampshire
September 7th 1857

The Comm of Pensions

Sir  I herewith enclose the affidavit of Mrs. Jane Hardison relating to the names of the father & Mother of Benjamin Hardison her husband to be filed with her declaration for bounty land under the act of March 3rd, 1855, No 245.507 it being the only evidence which I could find I hope it may be satisfactory.

Respectfully Yours
Charles Richardson
Page 84

245.507 March 3, 1855
March 17, 1856
-------------------------------------
Jane Hardison widow of 
Benjamin Hardison - private
---------------------------------------
Revolutionary War 1775
-----------------------------------
Original brief enclosed


(written diagonally )
No, 79,518 Issued April /58
Page 85

Oct Mar 55
--------------------------------
245.507
Jane Hardison
widow of 
Benjamin Hardison
Revolution

Chas Richardson
Amherst N.H.

(written diagonally)
79.578 Issd 1 Aprl 58
Page 86

Canada
United Counties of
Lincoln and Welland
             To wit              I do hereby certify that James Stanton of Fort Erie Lejune, In the County of  Welland one of the United Counties of Lincoln and Welland and Province aforesaid is one of Her Majestrys Justices of the Peace for said United Counties and performs the duty of said office by Royal Commission.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the County Court at the town of Niagra this 7th day of February 1856

Johnson Clench
Clerk of the County Court
United Counties of Lincoln & Welland
Page 87

Canada
United Counties of Lincoln
and Welland
To Wit           I do hereby certify that I James cummings of Chippawa Lejune, in the County of Welland one of the United Counties of Lincoln and Welland and (illegible) aforesaid & one of Her Majestys Justices of the Peace for said United Counties and performs the duty of said office by Royal Commission

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the County Court at the Town of Niagra this 7th dayy of February 1856

Johnson Clench
Clerk of the County Court
United Counties of Lincoln and Welland
Page 88

i certify that the within is a true copy of an affidavit exhibited to me this fourth day of February 1856 at the Town of  (illegible), County of  (illegible)
James Stanton  (illegible)
County of (illegible)
Page 89

Upper Canada
Niagara District 
ss viz. 

Before me James Cummings Esquire, a Commissioner for taking affidavits in the Ontario bench personally came and appeared Lydia Macklem widow of the late James Macklem late of Chippawa  Esquire deceased who maketh oath and saith that she was present at the Marriage Ceremony of Jane Warren where she was joined in matrimony to Benjamin Hardison late of Bertie in said District Gratham  took place on or about the Twenty first day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight Hundred and was performed the said Jane Warren's late father John Warren Senior late of Bertie aforesaid  Esquire there a magistrate for the Niagara District aforesaid and at this Deponent had every reason to believe according to the Statute in such cases made and provided

(Signed) Lydia Macklem

Sworn before me at Chippawa
this fifth day of February 
on this year of our Lord 1841
James Cummings
A Court for taking affts
in the Ontario Bench
Page 90

continued

I certify that the within is a true copy of an affidavit exhibited to me this fourth day of February 1856 at the Town of Fort Erie, County of Welland

James Stanton JP
County of Welland