Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 38816, Benjamin Harris, Mass.
Page 1

8-1776
Service Number
Mass. Harris, Benjamin S38816
Page 2

8,700
Rhode Island
---
Benjamin Harris
of North Providence in the state of Rhode Island 
who was a Private in the regiment commanded by 
Colonel Wigglesworth of of the Massachusetts
line, for the term of 3 years
to 80

Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 28th of April 1818

Certificate of Pension issued the 31st of March 1819
and sent to Benjamin Cowell Esquire
Providence
Rhode Island

Arrears to 4th of Mar 1819 100mo 2/20 4/31 81.83
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 6 Sep 1819 48.
129.83

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

Registration filed Jany 3d 1820
Benjamin Cowell Esq
Provident
Rhode Island
Page 3

Benj'n Harris
Private-

Judges certificate as to
claimants indigent
circumstances wanting

Col. Wigglesworth
Mass'ts Reg't

1777-3 years-

20 April 1818
proof of poverty &service
Certified
Page 4

District of Rhode Island &c.ss

On this 28th day of April AD 1818 before me the
subscriber, Judge of the District Court of
the United States for the said District person
ally appeared Benjamin Harris aged about
sixty five years, resident in North Providence
in the said District, who being by me first duly
sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath,
make the following declaration, in order to obtain
the provision made by the late act of Congress,
entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged
in the land & naval service of the United 
States," That he, the said Benjamin Harris
enlisted in the year 1777 ^in Watertown in the State of
Massachusetts in the company commanded by
Captain Thomas Wellington of Col. Wigglesworth's 
Regiment and Gen. Glovers Brigade,
in which said Company John Fowle was
a Lieutenant, the said Brigade being of the
Massachusetts Line; that he continued to
serve in the said corps, or in the service of
the United States until the first day of January
1780, when he was discharged from service
at the Highlands in the State of New York
that he was in the battles of the Capture of
the British army under Gen. Burgoyne
of Monmouth & of Rhode Island
Page 5

that he also enlisted in said Watertown at the commencement of the year 1776 in the company commanded by the said Captain
Thomas Wellington who then belonged to
Col. Whitcomb's Regiment in the
Massachusetts
Line and that he continued to serve in the
said Regiment, or in the service of the United States
until the latter and of December in the
said year 1776 when he was discharged from the
service at Ticonderoga in the State of New York
and afterwards reenlisted as above stated
and that he is in reduced circumstances, &
stands in need of the assistance of his country
for support; and that he has lost his discharge 
and has no evidence, other than the accompanying 
papers, now in his power of his
said services
Benjamin 

Sworn to and declared before me the day and
year aforesaid

I David Howell Judge & as aforesaid, 
do certify that it appears to my
satisfaction, that the said Benjamin Harris
did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in
the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine month
Page 6

on the continental establishment; and I
now transmit the proceedings and testimony
taken and had before me, to the Secretary for
the Department of War, pursuant to the
directions of the aforementioned act of Congress

David Howell

the signature of the Judge and the
seal of the U.S. District Court on
hereto affixed
Witness
Benjamin Cowell
clk

Rhode Island District. 22 March 1819
Hon. Levy [illegible] It has been made
to appear to my Satisfaction that Benjamin
Harris is a poor man and that he served in
the revolutionary ^[illegible]  as he has testified.
Harris
David Howell
District Judge
Page 7

Benjamin Harris
8,700
31 March 1819

Sept 1819

Continue
Page 8

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 

RHODE-ISLAND DISTRICT.

Providence, sc.        District Court, Special  Term, Fifth of June   A.D.  1820 

On this Fifth day of June  1920, personally appeared in open Court, being a 

Court of Record within and for said District  Benjmn  Harris 

aged 67 years, residing in the town of South Providence in said District who being 

first duly sworn according to law, doth on his 
oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows:  

That he served as a Private in Col.  Migglesworth Regiment of the 

Massachusetts Line, three years and upwards

that he made a previous declaration on the twenty eighth day of April 1818 , and that 

he has received a certificate for a pension, being NO. 8700  And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident

citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and  

that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part

thereof, with intent thereby to so diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled

``An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the revolutionary war,''  passed on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen: that I 

have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me;  nor have

I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed. 

Benjmn  Harris

A SCHEDULE of Property and Income (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) of Benjmn Harris

Said Benjamin declares that he has no property of any description whatever, 

and no income except his pension,  hitherto received, and from which he

expects there is a balance in the hands of his guardian, of about 

one hundred Dollars

And this declaration further says that he is a Labourer, but 

is often very sick, and unable to do any kind of work, and 

should his pension be taken away, he would be compelled 

to depend on charity for subsistence. 

Benjamin Harris
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Revy 38816 INVALID. - 
File No. 38 ,816 
Benjamin Harris 
Pri Rev War
Act: 18" March 18" 

Index: - Vol. 3 Page 211 
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 10

I John Towle of Watertown in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman do testify & say that according to my best recollection & belief - and I do verily believe, that Benja in Harris was a soldier or private in the revolutionary army in the company of which I was a Lieutenant and Thomas Willington was Captain, in Col Wigglesworth Regiment and Genl Glovers Brigade 

that he served from the year 1777 to the year 1780, when according to my best knowledge & belief he was regularly discharged & further say not 
John Towle 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Middlesex SS 
Watertown April 22 1818 
Personally appeared Capt John Towle, and made oath that the foregoing by him subscribed is true 
Before me Tyler Bigelow Justice of the Peace
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We the subscribers Inhabitants of the Town of North Providence in the  State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations of Lawful age do testify and say that we for a long time have been acquainted with Benjamin Harris of North Providence aforesaid and know him to be a very poor person having nothing but what he obtains by his daily labor and we believe him to be one of those subjects which the Land Granting pensions to certain soldiers of the revolutionary army contemplated - 
John Lowden
[illegible] in town of North Providence 
March 17th 1819  
Ephraim Miller 
Pardon Jenks 
Niles Manchester 

Providence ss North Providence March 17th 1819- 
Then the above Named Pardon Jinks Ephraim Miller and Niles Manchester Personally Appeared and made oath to the truth of the above Deposition by them Subscribed before Me
Stephen Jinks Justice Peace
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Georged 12797 
Benjamin Harris of Walton in the State of Georgia who was a pri in the company commanded by Captain Rhodes of the Regt commanded by Col. Little in the No Car: line for 17 months 

Inscribed on the Roll of Georgia at the rate of 56 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of May'33  and sent V. Haralson Monroe C.H. Ga 

Arrears to the 4th of March '33 - 113.32 Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept " - 28.33 
========
$141.65 
========

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by Wm Miller Clerk
Book E.  Vol. 4 Page 92
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4734
Georgia
Bethana Harris 
widow of Benjamin Harris NC who served in the Revolutionary war , as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 56 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of Apl 1849 and sent to W W. Nowell 
Monroe Geo. 

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 210 Vol. 3
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Duplicate 
3 Mo 
3 
FREE
[postmark: MONROE SEP 5]
To the Honorable Secretary of War or Secretary of Treasury of U States Washington City D.C.
Page 15

State of Georgia Walton County }
The declaration of Benjamin Harriss a revolutionary soldier at September called Term 1832 of Walton Inferior Court in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed the 7th June 1832.  On this the third day of September Eighteen hundred & thirty two personally appeared before the honourable Inferior Court of said County of Walton being a Court of Record Benjamin Harriss a resident in said County of Walton & State of Georgia aged Seventy one years & seven months, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed the Seventh of June Eighteen hundred & thirty two. 

That he was drafted in the Continental Army of the United States in the year Seventeen hundred & eighty two or three on the first day of August in one of the years aforesaid under Captain Rhodes, and served in the Regiment known & distinguished as the North Carolina Regiment of Eighteen months men under the following named Officers Colonel Little, being principled in command when this deponent entered the service Major Blount, Captain Rhodes. And the said Benjamin declares that Hardy Holmes was first Lieutenant & one Mr. Clark second and Joseph Hirley. Orderly Seargeant Thomas Pender Sergant.  And the said Benjamin was sometime after he entered the service appointed & acted as Sergeant & Lindsey, was one of the Corporals. And the said Benjamin declares that Captain Coleman. Capt Hall, Capt William Little, Capt Hadley, & Captain Rayford also belonged to the same Regiment. 

And the said Benjamin further declares that he left the service about the first of July Seventeen hundred & eighty three or four at Hadleys point in sight of Charleston South Carolina it being eleven months from the time this deponent entered the service until he was discharged by Colonel Little. This deponent further state that he was drafted for a tour of eighteen months, but on the first of July after peace was declared and after the vessels had arrived to remove a part of the army. this deponent was legally Honourably discharged by the hands of Col Little which discharged the said Benjamin cannot annext hereto the same haveing been many years since handed by this deponent to Lieutenant Ivy one of  the Continental officers for the purpose of makeing a settlement between this deponent & the United States for Revolutionary services which discharge was never returned to this deponent, but in the place of which a check was given to  this deponent in the United States for Ninety six dollars and some Cents for the Eleven months services which Check is not in this deponents possession Custody
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And the said Benjamin further declares that at the time he was drafted & entered the Continental Service he resided in the County of Duplin North Carolina, and that he was not engaged any special battles during his continental services And the said Bejamin faruther declares that during which term of service as a continental Soldier he marched through the following sections of the Country. From the Court house in Duplin County North Carolina where this deponent entered the service, he was marched to a place called the Cross Roads in said County from thence to Willmingtown New Hanover County N.C. from thence crossing Cape fear river in N. C. thence crossing Wakaman Blash Santee Cooper and Ashley rivers in South Carolina from thence to Ashley Hill.  The Headquarters of the Army when Col Leits Regiment (of which this deponent was a member) united with Major General Greens Army. And this deponant was then under the command of Major General Green & Brigadier General Guess. then the whole army marched down of St James Island near Carleston S.C. where we remained until the declaration of peace between his Britannic Magesty & the United States was made known to the Army. which consisted of the North Carolina or Col Lettles Regiment the Maryland Pennsylvania Regiment enlisted during the war then Artillery; where we remained after the declaration of Peace until the vessels, came in to receive the Northern regiments of which was the first of July Seventeen hundred & eighty three or eighty four when Col Leitles regiment was marched from St James Island to Hadley Point where this deponent was lawfully & honourably discharged by Col Leitle in sight of Charleston South Carolina as aforesaid 

And this deponent further declares that he served five months of the time he was a member of the Continental line as Sargeant and six as a private making his whole term of Service Eleven months 

And the said Benjamin further declares that he was born on the twenty ninth (29) of January in the year 1761 

And the said Benjamin also deposith & declares that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or any annuity except the present & except the claim accompanying this for millitia Service. And he declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of any agency in any State.
 Sworn to and subscribed in open Court the day & year aforesaid Benjamin Harris
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And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. 
P. Whatley J.JC. 
Robt M Echols. JJC
T. Pittman JJ
Egbert B Beale JJC 

I Vincent Haralson Clk the Court of Walton County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin I Harriss for a pension

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this third day of September Eighteen hundred and thirty two 
W. Haralson Clk
Page 18

Declaration 
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 July 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pension to certain Widow 

State of Georgia Walton County ⎬ 
On this fourth day of August 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Inferior Court for the County and State aforesaid Bethana Harris a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged seventy three years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the provisions made by the act of Congress passed the 7 July 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to contain widows

That she is the widow of Benjamin Harris of the County and State aforesaid the Identical person named in an original Certificate of which the following is a true Copy 

War Department Revolutionary Claim 
I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United State of the 7 June 1832 Benjamin Harris of the State of Georgia who was a private in the War of the Revolution is entitled receive fifty six Dollars and sixty six cents per annum during he natural life commencing on the 4th of March 1831 and payed semi- annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every year.

Given at the War office of the United States this 24 day of May one thousand Eight hundred and thirty 
Leo Cass
Secretary of War

Examine and countersigned J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Page 19

That said Benjamin Harris was a private and served in the war of the Revolution and for proof of his services she refers to the evidences on which he drew his pension. And this deponent further states that the said Benjamin Harris died on the 30th day of December Eighteen hundred and forty in Walter County Georgia and that she was married to the said Benjamin Harris on the 23rd day of August seventeen hundred and Eighty five by Mr John Hally a Justice of the Peace in the County of Duplin Originally but now Sumson North Carolina and that he died on the day aforesaid. that she has no Documentary evidence further than a certificate from under the hand of the Justice of the Peace which was handed to them when they were married that she has remained a widow ever since the period of her husbands death. that she was not married prior to her husbands last service but was married prior to the 1st day of January 1794 by at the time above stated as will more fully appear by proof hereto annexed 
Bethana her X mark Harris

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written before me and I further Certify that Mrs Bethana Harris from bodily infirmity is unable to attend Court In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 4th day of August 1843
Robt M. Echold JH
Page 20

State of Georgia Walton County ⎬ Be it known that on the 4th day of August 1843 personally appeared before me Robert M Echols a Justice of the Inferior Court for the County and State aforesaid Kiddy Barfield aged 60 years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her Oath make the following statement that she has been acquainted with Benjamin Harris and Bethana Harris for the space of fifty years or more and that they have been living together presumably as man and wife and always believed to have been legally married in the neighbourhood when they have usually resided and that Benjamin Harris died on the 30 day of December Eighteen hundred and forty 
Kiddy her X mark Barfield

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and date above written and I do further Certify that Mrs Kiddy Barfield is a suitable person In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand this 4 August 1843 
Robt Echols &C. 

State of Georgia Walton County SS⎬ I William W Nowell Clerk of the Inferior Court for the County of Walton and State of Georgia Certify that Robert M Echols is a Justice of the Inferior Court for said County and State and that the above and foregoing signatures putporting to be are genuine 

In testimony whereof I have hereto set my seal of office and subscribed my will the 8th day of August 1843. W W Nowell
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this may certify that Benjamin Harriss and Bathena Harris is lawfully married by me 

Given by my hand hand this 23 day of August 1785
John Holley J P
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February 1, 1937
Benjamin Harris 
W. 5295
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. J.S. Plaxco
937 Hickman Road
Augusta, Georgia

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Benjamin Harris who received a pension for Revolutionary War service, while living in Walton County, Georgia. The data which follow were obtained from pension claim, W. 5295 based upon the service of Benjamin Harris in the War of Revolution. Benjamin Harris was born January 29, 1761, in the State of Virgina. The names of his parents were not given. While living in Duplin County, North Carolina, Benjamin Harris enlisted the latter part of January 1780, served three months as private in Captain Willia, Dickson's company, Colonel James Kennon's North Carolina regiment. He enlisted late in January 1781, served three months in Captain Berden Carroway's company, Colonel James Kennon's regiment, was out in pursuit of Tories and in a skirmish. He enlisted August 1, 1782, served six months as private and five months as sergeant in Captain Rhodes' company. Colonel Little's North Carolina regiment.

After the Revolution he moved to South Carolina where he live "some years", then moved to Georgia. He was allowed pension on his application.
Page 23

executed, September 3, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Walton County, Georgia. 

The solider, Benjamin Harris, married August 1785 in Duplin County, North Carolina, Bethana Odom. The date and place of her birth were not given, nor were the names of her parents shown.

Benjamin Harris died December 30, 1840, in Walton County, Georgia. The widow, Bethana Harris, was allowed pension on her application executed, August 4, 1843, while a resident of Walton County, Georgia, aged seventy-three years. She continued to live in Walton County in 1849.

There is no reference to children.

In 1841, Elkanah Odom was living in Coweta County, Georgia, and stated that he was present at the marriage of Benjamin Harris and Bethana Odom. It was not shown that he was related to said Bethana. 

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of the death of the pensioner, Bethana Harris, you should apply to the Controller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., and give the following -

Bethana Harris, widow of Benjamin Harris
Certificate #4734
Issued April 23, 1849
Rate $56.66 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1848
Act of February 2, 1848
Georgia Agency
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[left page]
1911 Aug. 18. Hist to Mrs. J. H. Hardwick, letter in S. File 7317 Jan Pittman 
1911 Aug 24. To Mrs Oscar Knox 
1912 Sept. 19. Hist. to Mrs. J.H. Edwards, Eastman Ga. 
1916 Feb. 2. To M.E. Hogan
1918 Feby. 19. To Mrs. R. T. Tandy P. letter in W. 7664 Benjamin Harris 
1920 Oct 17 Hist to Mrs. J. W. Fennel letter in S.F. 16065 Michael Byerly 
1924 Nov. 15 Hist to Hon Davis Elkins
-----------
1929 Mch 20 Hist to a Lou Houston 
1937 Feb. 1 - Hist to Mrs J Plaxco

[right page]
Revy WIDOW, &c. 
File No. 5295
Bethana Harris 
Widow Benjn Harris
Pvt. Rev. War --- 
Act: Feby, 27 48 
Index: --Vol. A, Page 304 
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 25

State of North Carolina Secretary of States Office 

I William Hill Secretary of State in and for the State aforesaid, do certify, that it appears from the musterrolls of the Continental line of this State in the revolutionary war, that Benjamin Harris a private in Capt Rhodes Company of the 10th Regiment enlisted on the 1st of August 1782 for 18 months, that he was a Sergt on the 1st of August 1783, and that nothing more is said of him on said rolls

Given under my hand this 16th day of April 1833 
Wm Hill

12 mo priv
1. 3 m Sergt
Page 26

7858 
Georgia 
Bethana Harris Widow of Benjamin who was a pensioner under the Act of 32 and who died on the 30 Dec 1840 of Walton in the State of Georgia who was a Private in the Company by commanded by Captain Rhodes of the Regt commanded by Col Little in the N. Carolina line for days priv 1 m 2ds Sgt.line 

Inscribed on the Roll of Georgia at the rate of 56 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1836. Increased from $45.50 

Certificate of Pension issued the 23d day of Apl 1849 and sent to W. W. Howell Monroe Geo.

Total amount, 
Act July 7, 1838. 

Recorded by Leo Jenkins Clerk
 Book D Vol 1 Page 319
Page 27

3826 
Georgia 
Bethana Harris widow of Benjamin Hart who was a private in the N. Carolina line

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 45 Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence the 4th day of March, 1843. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of Decr 1843 and sent to Thomas Green Richmond Va 

(Act of March 3, 1843. )
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 213
Page 28

3826 
Georgia --- 
Bethana Harris widow of Benjamin who was a private in the N. Carolina Line Incd from $45.50 - 

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 56 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 23d day of Apl 1849 and sent to W.W Nowell Monroe Geo

[Acts of March 3, 1843 & June 17, 1844.) Recorded in Book A Vol 2 Page 173
Page 29

Georgia 7858  Reported
Bethana Harris widow of Benjamin Harris who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 1832 and who died on the 30th December 1840 Walton in the State of Georgia who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Rhodes of the Regiment commanded by Col. Little of the the No Carolina line for 1 year 30 Pri 1 mo 3 days Sergt

Inscribed on the Roll of Georgia at the rate of Forty five Dollars fifty Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day March, 1836. 

Certificate of Pension issued the Eleventh day of November 1843 and sent to Thomas Green Richmond Virginia 
Whole amount due $227.50 
(Act July 7, 1838.}

Recorded by  Geo C Ames Clerk, 
Book D Vol. Page 319 Vol.
Page 30

State of Georgia County of Walton 
The Declaration of Benjamin Harriss a revolutionary soldier at Sepemberton of the called, Inferior Court of Walton County, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed Seventh June 1832. 

On this third day of September Eighteen hundred and thirty two personally appeared the the honorable Inferior Court of the said County of Walton being a Court of Record Benjamin Harriss resident near the village of Monroe in the said County Walton & State of Georgia aged Seventy one years and seven months who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed the Seventh June Eighteen hundred thirty two

that he voluntered his service in the militia of the United States under Captain William Dickson about the last of January in the year One thousand seven hundred eighty under the following named officers as near as recollected Col James Kennon and officers and Hillafer Tocurell, the names of the other inferior offices is not recollected except Capt S. Brittain & Capt Whitelaw at his present time by the deponent. 

And the said Benjamin declares that at the time he entered or volunteered in to the militia service he resided in the County of Duplin North Carolina & that he was in no particular or close engagement during this term of service which was three months 
And the said Benjamin declares that he marched from Duplin County N.C. to Bluefords Bridge on  North east river in said state where he remained with Col. Kennon regiment stationed near said Bridge on said river to prevent the British from crossing said river. When the fireing was kept up across the river for about six days, when the British from some cause returned back to Williming town we remained at said Bridge about two months, & from thence
Page 31

we marched to a place called Rutherfords mills where we remained for a short time from thence we were marched to New River North Carolina at a little village called Kingston. And the said Benjamin further declares that he discharged about the last of April in the year one thousand seven hundred & eighty by Col Kennon to geather with the regiment in Newseper North Carolina at a little age called Kingston making his term of service Three months he was given a discharge second Enlistment as a Militia soldier 

And the said Benjamine further deposeth and declares, that about the last of January Seventeen hundred eighty one Col James Kennon, called for a small detachment of men in order to break off the Tory Camps in Duplin County North Carolina said Tories being under the command of Middleton Mobley. And this deponent further declares that at the time last aforesaid, with the last of January 1781 he again volunteered under Captain Bedder Corraway command who was under the direction of Col James Kennon in order to break up said Tories. And the said Benjamin further declares that he was in but one engagement which was during the night when they attended the wounded several so that they were entirely broken up which was in Duplin County N.C. But the Tories commander said Mobley, was wounded this deponent with others pursued him until he was taken up and put in Hallifax Jail in Roanoke river where we received him & brough him back so that he was tried & executed at Willinington NC. And the said Benjamin further declares that he was engaged in the last detachment for three months when he was with others lawfully disbanded by Capt Kennon, which Two terms of service last spoken of in the militia was for the term of one month (). And this deponent further declares that he has no written documentary evidence that he has no written memorandum or
Page 32

discharge as a militia Soldier whereby to establish his Claim And this deponent further declares that he knows of no person by whom to prove his service & that he has no other means of doing so than the facts stated on oath. 

And the said Benjamin further declares that he resided in this County North Carolina when he volunteered the last time 

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity & the accompaning claim for services in the continental line except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension all of the Agency of any state Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid 
Benjamin Harris o

We Henry Hardin a Clergyman residing in the County of Walton & state of Georgia and James Ferguson residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Harriss who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be Seventy one years & seven months of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that he served in the militia as he states. & that we concur in that opinion 
Henry Hardin 
James Ferguson 

Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid 

To the first the said Benjamin Answer: I was born in the year One Thousand seven hundred & Sixty one in Virginia  on January the 19th. The record produced & examined 

Since the Revolution. I resided in South Carolina some year thereto Georgia where he resides in the County of Walton in said State 
The 4, 5 & 6  & question answered persons produced and
Page 33

Testified to his Character of good standing
John T. Morrow Steff
Orion Stroud 
Wm Meins

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 Court further certifies that it appears to them that Henry Hardin who has signed the preceeding certificate is clergyman resident in said County & State and that James Ferguson who has also signed the same is a resident. in the County & State aforesaid and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
T Pittman Whatley J.J.C. 
Robt M Echols 
J. Heber 
J. B. Beal 

I Vincent Haralson Clerk of the Court of Walton as hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of application of Benjamin Harriss for a pension 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand seal of of this third day of September 1832 - eighteen hundred & thirty
V Haralson Clk Infr Court Walton County
Page 34

[postmark: MONRO GA APR 17]
J.L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C. .
Page 35

Monroe Walton County Apl 12th 1849 

Hon J.L. Edwards 

Inclosed you will find the Declaration or affidavit of Mrs Bethena Harris to renew her pension, under the act of Congress passed on the 2d July 1848, you will please enceive and return as soon as the duties of your office will permit, and the certificate to me at Monroe Walton County Ga 
W.W. Nowell

Hon J L Edwards 
Washington City D.C
Page 36

Adm d
Acts of '38
43 + 44 at $56.66 per annum deducting former payts at $45.50 per annum
Adm d
as '48 at $56,66 per an
Page 37

State of Georgia Walton County ⎬ On the Sixth day of April , one thomand eight hundred and forty nine personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Bethena Harris a resident of Walton County State of Georgia aged Seventy Eight years, who being first duly sworn according to Law doath on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed on the 2nd February 1848, granting Pensions to Widows of Pensioners who served during the revolutionary War 

that she is the widow of Benjamin Harris who was a private in the revolutionary war, and that under the act of the 17th June 1844 she receiv'd a pension of forty five Dollars & fifty cents per annum and she further declares that she is still a widow 

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above Written 
Grant Shelin H.J.P  Bethena her X mark Harris 

State of Georgia ⎬ Walton County ⎬ 
I Jacob Shellnutt a Magistrate in and for said County do hereby certify that the declarant Bethena Harris is personally known to me and is the same person set forth in the forgoing affidavit 

from under my hand this sixth day of April one thomand eight hundred and forty nine Jacob Shelnutt J.P.
Page 38

State of Georgia Walton County.

I William W Nowell Walton Court County S Clerk of the Superior do hereby certify that Jacob Shellnutt is a Justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified that his Commission was dated on the 22nd day of January 1849 and will expire on the 22nd January 1853, and that his signatures herein written is genuine. 

Given or under my hand and seal of said Court this Seventh day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty nine - 
W.W. Nowell Clk
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefitof the act of Congress passed the of Mar 1848 [llegible words]

State of Georgia Walton County
On this fourth day of August 1843 personally appeared before me J. Robert M Echols Justice of the Superior Court for the County and state aforesaid [illegible words]

widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war that she is the Widow of Benjamin Harriss
[very faint writing, can't read, sorry!]
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State of Georgia 
I William W. Nowell of the Walton County Inferior Court for the County of Walton and State of Georgia certify that Robert M. Echols is a Justice of the Court of t

fourth of August 
W.W. Nowell clerk

Bethana Harris
$35.50

Thos Green
Richmond Va
Page 41

GeorgiaElkanah Coweta County ⎬ personally appeared before me Elkanah Odom of the State & County aforesaid and after being duly sworn deposeth & saith that he was present at the marriage of Benjamin Harris and Bethany Odom and that they was married in Due form of Law By a lawful Justice of the peace & that she is the only wife of said Benjamin Harris and that she is now living and residing in the County of Walton & State aforesaid 

Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 13th day of January 1841 John Murphy
Elkanah Odom - 

Georgia Coweta County ⎬ I Batty H Mitchell Clerk of the Superior Court of said County & State do certify that John Murphy whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit is a Justice of the peace for said County and that due faith and credit ought to be had and given to his attestation as such. Given under my hand and private seal there being no seal of office this 1st day of February 1841 
Batty H Mitchell att
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Georgia Coweta I J.H. Johnson One of the Justices of this Inferior Court of Said County do certify that Batty Hillichell is the acting Clk of the Superior Court of Coweta County this 1st day of Janury 1841. 
J H Johnson 

Odom Affidavit
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956 Sept 1843 
B Harris July  7.1838 Va  

J. L. Edwards Com of Pensions Washington

[postmark: RICHMOND VA SEP 5]
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Richmond 5 Sept. 1843 
Colo. J.L. Edwards Comm. of Pensions

Sir Enclosed is the application of Mrs Bethana Harris of Walton Co. Ga. Widow of Ben. Harris a pensioner under act of 7 June 1832 at $66.66. who died 30 Sep 1840 in Georgia. She was married to him 23d August 1785, and enclosed is the original certificate of the Magistrate who solemnized the marriage a paper which he gave them when they were married also the affidavit of Elkanah Odom that he was present and witnessed the marriage duly certified - I am your very Respectfully Thomas Green
Page 45

Benj Harris pri $56.66 
Walton Co Ga NC line 
Benj Harris Cass Co Ga in 1840 

wid Pensioned Feby  48 4734
Chief Clerk 
Dec 13/55 ---
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3700 Sept. 8, 1843 
Beth Harris March 3 1843 
Geo.

Col J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
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Richmond 5 Sept. 1843 
Colo J. L. Edwards Comm of Pensions 

Sir Enclosed is the application of Mr. Bethana Harris widow of Ben, (a pensioner from Georgia) for the 6th year Pension under the act of 3 March last 

her application under the act of 7 July 1838. I have this day, had the honor to enclose in a separate communication to you 
I am yr Obt svt 
Thomas Green
Page 48

Benj. Harris 

In Capt Rhodes Regt 82 for 
aug '83

Admitd as a private 
17 months 56.66
Page 49

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Benjamin Harris which require further proof or explanation
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes 
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes .
III,  If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason for his not doing so? 
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes 
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? Yes 
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes
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? Yes
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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
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? No 
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
XIV. If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? No If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? 
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? 
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes 2 7

EXPLANATORY NOTES. QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how 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 recol- For months lection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; Formonths , and days, I served as a year and days, I served as a -; and for such service I claim's pension.
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It is important in all cases to determine with precision the in the pension to be paid according to the grade of the and the particular rank he held, as the law 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. Some persons who apply for pensions specifying the tours; the names of the merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objection able. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit. 
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 authenticing 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 cerficate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers. 

The applicant must state what has become his Sergeants warrant, if he had one
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No 9867 
Bethana Harris Georgia Act July 7th 38 
Admitted 
1 year priv 
1m 3 day Serg
$45.50 per an 

7858 
319
22750
Thom Green Esq Richmond Va
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Rev.&1812 Wars Section. AWF 
March 20, 1929. 
Martha Lou Houston, 1441 Second Avenue, Columbus, Georgia. 

Madam: I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 5295, it appears that Benjamin Harris was born January 29, 1761, in Virginia. 

While living in Duplin County, North Carolina, he enlisted in January 1780 and served three months as a private in Captain William Dickson's Company, Colonel James Kennon's North Carolina Regiment. He enlisted in January 1781 and served three months as a private in Capt tain Borden Carroway's Company, Colonel James Kennon's North Carolina Regiment. He enlisted August 1, 1782 and served six months as a private and five months as a sergeant in Captain Rhodes' Company, Colonel Little's North Carolina Regiment. 

He was allowed pension on his application executed September 3, 1832, while living in Walton County, Georgia, where he died December 30, 1840. 

He married August 23, 1785, Bethana Odom. She was
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allowed pension on her application executed August 4, 1843, while residing in Walton County, Georgia, aged seventy-three years. It is not stated whether they had children. The Revolutionary War records of this bureau fail to afford any information in regard to William Odom, all spell ings of the name searched. 
Respectfully, E. W. MORGAN, Acting Commissioner.
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November 15, 1824.

Honorable Davis Elkins, United States Senate. My dear Senator:
In response to your inquiry of the fourteenth instant, and the enclosed letter of Mrs. J. R. Rich of 113 College Hill, Princeton, West Virginia , I have the honor to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 5295, it appears that Benjamin Harris was born January 29, 1761, in Virginia, place not stated. While living in Duplin County, North Carolina, he enlisted in January 1780, and served three months, as a private in Captain William Dickson's Company, Colonel James Kennon's He enlisted in January 1781, and served three months as a private, in Captain Berden Carroway's Company, Colonel James Kennon's N. C. Regiment. He enlisted August 1, 1782, and served six months as a private and five months as a Sergeant in Captain Rhodes' Company, Colonel Little 's N. C. Regiment.
Page 56

He was allowed pension on his application executed September 3, 1832, while living in Walton County, Georgia, where he died December 30, 1840. 

He married August 23, 1785, Bethana Odom, and she was allowed pension on her application executed August 4, 1843, while residing in Walton County, Georgia, aged seventy-three years. It is not stated whether they had children. 

Very truly yours, Deputy Commissioner. Request Signed by Mr. Haymaker
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In reply to your request Of _____, received ____ for a statement of the military history of Benjamin Harris, a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (&r his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. 
W. File 5295 
[table headings]DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN. | COLONEL. | STATE 
[row 1]Jany 1780 | 3 mos | [blank] | William Dickson | James Kennon | NC
[row 2]Jany 1781 | 3 mos  | [blank]| Berden Caraway | James Kennon  | [blank]
[row 3]Aug. 1, 1782 | 6 mons 5 mos  | Pri Sergt | Rhodes | Little  | [blank]

Battles engaged in, [checkmark]
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Duplin Co, N.C. 
Date of application for pension, Sept. 3, 1834 
Residence at date of application, near Moncy, Walton Co Ga
Age at date of application, b. Jany 29 1761  in Virginia 
Remarks: sol. m. Aug. 23, 1785 Bethana Odom  
he died Dec. 30, 1840 in Walton Co Ga and she was all'd person her appln ex. Aug. 4. 1842, while a res. of Walton Co, Ga & 73 yrs of age

Very respectfully,
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Augusta, Ga Jan 19-1937. J

Pension Dept Washington D.C 

Dear Sir Will you be so kind as to give me the information you have about one Benj. Harris   (Rev.War) who received a pensio in 1840 Walton, Co. Ga? also if any family data is listed will be glad to receive it 
Mrs. J. S. Plaxco 137 Hickman Rd
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July 19, 1928
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir,
Will you kindly give me a copy of the pension record of Benjamin Harris who lived during Rev, in N.C., later in S.C. He died about 1840 or 41 in Walton Co., Ga. His wife was Bethany Odom dau. of WM Odom. I wish the pension record of WM Odom also if there is such. I wish this for D.A. R. membership

Very truly yours, (Miss) Martha Lou Houston

[postmark: U.S. PENSION OFFICE JUL 21 1928]
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Mrs. R. T. Tandy &
1401 Anthony St. Columbia Mo 
Letter dated Feb 8. Reed Feb. 12 
She asked for Benjamin Harris born in Va. in 1761, d. 1840 married Bethany Odom (or Oldham), 1785. Pensioned 1832 in Walton Co Ga 
Please date Feb. 19, 1918 & give to F.W. Letter with claim W. 7664, Benjamin Harris
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College Park, Ga. 1/24/16

Commissioner of War Pension Bureau War Department, Washington, D.C 

Dear Sir:
Please send me all information as to family you have on record and when the fowling pension ceased
In Senate Document (514 ) 23 congress 1st session on the Revolutionary Pension Roll for Georgia I find on page 45- Jackson Co. Ga, Robert Traydon PY Pens Mil 1833-31 aged 90 

Also Benjamin Harris, pt, N.C. Contl  Line page 60 of Georgia, Walton County Rev Pen. Roll 1833-31- age 73. any data as to family, birth and death will be highly appreciated 
Respectfully M. E. Hogan
[postmark: U.S. PENSION OFFICE JAN 26 1916]
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Cleveland Tenn
8/19/11
Commissioner of Pensions,
Dear Sir.
Have you Military record of John 2 claims  Harris, who enlisted in the Rev. War from N.C.? Did he and his wife receive a pension. Also, please see if  Benjamin Harris W 5285 or his wife received a pension. He enlisted from N.C. in the Rev. war. Kindly thanking you. I am,
Cordially yours Mrs. Grear Knox
Cleveland Tenn