Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24,974, for Benjamin Simmons, Connecticut
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(3 - 1776)
SERVICE Conn. NUMBER W. 24,974 
Simmons, Benjamin (Colored) or Black, or Roberts.
CONTENTS Patty
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(2,721) [(2721)]
Connecticut. Benjamin Simmons, alias Benjamin Black, prive. Connecticut line - 4
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of  8 - Dollars per month, to commence on the 6th. of April, 1818. Certificate of Pension issued 21st of Sept. 1818 and sent to the care of Simeon Baldwin, Esq; New - Haven, Conn. Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1818... $: 39.73. Semi-aul, all'ee ending 4. March, 1819. 48 -| $:87.73.|
4 mo^s: 29|30
{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818.}
Three Years Milford, New Haven County
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The Deposition of Ch H Pond and H. Bull relation to Benjamin, Black, alias Simmons, alias Roberts, taken and noted by me, [illegible initials] Milton Augt 29-1818 Ch H  Pond
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Connecticut [-] --
I Benjamin Simmons, ^ otherwise called Benjamin Black - for 30 years past,
an inhabitant of Milford, in the County of New - 
Haven State of Connecticut under oath de- 
clare that I faithfully served my Country in the Revolutionary war for three years on the continental establishment - that in the spring of 1777 I 
enlisted a private soldier ^ , by the name of Benjamin Black for three years into the
Company of Capt Elijah Humphreys, the Regi-
ment was commanded past of the time by Col. William Douglas I part of the time by Col. Jon. R 
Meigs, in the Connecticut line - that I served 
in this Company & Regiment 'till my tour of 
duty ended, when I received an honorable discharge,
but which by time [illegible] has been lost that
by reason of my reduced circumstances in life
I stand in need of assistance from my Country for
support, I therefore pray that I may be placed
on the pension list of the United States accor-
ding to the provisions of an Act of Congress posed
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March 18, 1818 entitled “An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval of the United States in the Revolutionary War.”  New Haven April 6, 1818.  
Benjamin Simmons

New Haven County of New Haven April 6, 1818.
I certify that the above named Benjamin Simmons personally appeared before me made with to the truth of the foregoing declaration—& being satisfied that he served in the revolutionary war against the common Enemy as has stated.  I therefore certify the evidence in the case.  
Simeon Baldwin, Judge of the [illegible] Connecticut

To the Hon. 
The Secretary of the Department of War.

States of Connecticut
New Haven County   New Haven   Aug. 29th, 1818
I Dyer White Clerk of the Sup Court of the State for the County certify that on the 6th of April 1818 Simeon Baldwin was a judge of the Sup. Court of the State that he is now a Justice of the peace for the County & that the signature of his Name in the Several annexed certificates is his proper hand writing—& that Ch’ H. Pond [Sgt?] took the Dep. of G. H. Pond & Henry Booth is a Just quorum of the County—

In witness whereof I affix the Seal of the County—Dyer White
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I Charles Pond of Milford, in the County of New Haven & States of Connecticut depose & say that I well know a soldier in Cape. Elijah Humphreys Company Col. R. J. Meigs Regiment in the army of the revolution by the name of Benjamin Black & that the same man now lives in Milford & is commonly called Benjamin Roberts a colored man that his character forthwith & verily is good & that he is in indigent circumstances & stands in need of assistance from his country for support & further say not.   Charles Pond, Late Capt: ( in Meigs  Regt)
County of Milford Aug 29, 1818

Personally appeared before me Charles Pond signer of the foregoing instrument and known to me to make solemn oath that the deposition by him subscribed is just & true & I certify the the Deponent is a credible man & full faith & credit—ought to be given to his declaration-
Connecticut / Milford  Augt. 29, 1818
Ch. H Pond, Justice of the County
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I Henry Bull of Milford County Of New Haven 
State of Connecticut depose to say that I have been been well acquainted
for thirty years past with Benjamin Roberts (alias Benjamin Black, alias Benjamin Simmons) of Milford that his character for truth & veracity is good & that he is in indigent circumstances to and in need of a pension from his county for support - & Roberts was in the army of the revolution-further say not- Connecticut of Milford Augt 29-1818
[signature] Henry Bull late Lieut in the Army of the [illegible] 
Personally appeared Deacon Henry Bull signer of the foregoing instrument & made solemn oath that the deposition by him subscribed is just true & further certify that I am well acquainted with Deacon Bull that he is a credible man & his declarations are entitled to full faith & credit before me Cont. [illegible] Milford Augt 29- 1818 Chs H Pond, Justice of the [illegible] 
I certify that I personally know Cap Pond & Lieut. Bull the above Deponents & that they are reputable men & credible Witnesses & that it appears to my  satisfaction that the applicant Benj & Black alias Simmons is in indigent circumstances & need assistance for support 
S Baldwin -
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Connecticut New Haven in County of
On this 28th, day of August 1818 before me Simeon Baldwin a Justice of the Peace for said County personally appears Benjamin Simmons otherwise called Benjamin Black or Benjamin Roberts being the same before who made the foregoing Declaration & being first now again 
duly sworn according to law deposeth & saith, that he enlisted into the army as stated in his declaration by the name of Benjamin Black a name by which he was thus called that at the suggestion of Capt Humphrey, his name was changed & he assumed the name of Benj Simmons a name by which he was afterwards known in the army & he supposed he was so enrolled - that after his return from the army he found that his fathers name was Roberts & he has since gone & is now known in Milford his native place by that name -  [signature] Simeon Baldwin
I certify that the above applicant is a man of colour [underlined] that on my inquiring of him by what name he served in the army he answered that he enlisted by the name of Benjamin Black & afterwards his name was changed to [illegible] I hereby find by the books of the pay master of that Regt that Benjamin Black was a private in that Regt. & was discharged on the 20 May 1780 from Capt. Ely Company - 
[signature] S Baldwin -
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Benjamin Simmons' or Benj. Black of Milford~
Declaration April 6, 1818 ~

not on rolls [crossed out]
Admitted.  
as to alias
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Benjamin Simmons
alias Black copy
2721
March 1819
File these papers together
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At a County Court, held in and for the county of New Haven, in the District and State of Connecticut, on the 8th day of July 1820, the same being a Court of Record, and having a Seal, by virtue of the laws of said State.
PERSONALLY APPEARED, in open Court Benjamin Simmons also Benjamin Black a resident in the town of Milford in the County of New Haven in said State, and exhibited and subscribed the following Schedule, and made oath that the same is true and perfect Schedule of all his income and property, necessary cloathing and beding excepted, viz:
One very small & old [illegible] valued at $12.00
Two old Tables 1.00
Seven old chairs at 25/100 1.75
One old [illegible] kettle .25
Old Tea Kettle .50
[illegible] tea cups .30
[illegible] knife .75
One frying pan .25
One [illegible] tongs & [illegible] .50
One old chest .25
Two old cider barrels .80
Wood axe & [illegible] .75
One pair [illegible] .75
Clothes Baskets .75
$20.30
Benjamin Simmons alias Benjamin Black his + mark
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District and Sate of Connecticut, ss.
Be it Remembered, that the County Court, held in and for the County of New Haven, in the District and State aforesaid, on this 6th day of July 182 , the same being a Court of Record, and having a Seal, under the authority of said State, personally came and appeared in in open court, Benjamin Simmons alias Benj Black aged 62 years, resident in the Town of Milford in the County of New Haven in said State, and being sworn according to Law, doth on his Oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows: entered in the service of his country by enlisting into Capt Elijah Humphreys company Regt commanded by Col Douglass [illegible] by Col Miegs Connecticut line
that the original Declaration made by him, for the purpose of obtraining a pension under the Act of Congress of the 18th March 1818, was dated the 6th day of March 1818; that in pursuance thereof he was entered in the list of Pensioners, and received a Pension Certificate No 2721 And I do further solemnly swear that I ws a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818, and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for cetain persons engaged in the land and navel service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person, 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 hereunto annexed and by me subscribed. And I do further declare that my occupation  is that of [illegible] unable to pursue my occupation by [illegible] great bodily infirmity and that I have no family residing with me.
Benjamin Simmons alias Benjamin Black his + mark
all which is subscribed by me the day and year aforesaid
Sworn to, and declared in the Court aforesaid. Whereupon said Court is, on satisfactory proof exhibited in Court, of opinion that the total amount in value of the property contained in the aforesaid Schedule, is 20 Dollars and 30 Cents, and doth order these proceedings to be entered in the records of said Court
[illegible] Henry C Flagg Clk
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District of Connecticut, ss.
I, Henry C Flagg Clerk of the County Court in and for the County of New Haven in the State and District of Connecticut, do hereby certify that the foregoing and the Schedule thereunto annexed, are truly copied from the records of said Court: and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of said Court that the total amount, in value, of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule, is 20 Dollars and 30 Cents. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court on this 6th day of, July 182[illegible] Henry C Flagg

I Isaac Mills presiding Judge of the County Court in and for the County of New Haven in the State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that Henry C Flagg is Clerk of said Court, and keeper of the Seal and Records thereof; and that the preceding Certificate, under his hand, and the Seal of said Court, is authentic, and in due form of Law. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in this 6th day of July 1825 Isaac Mills Chief Judge of said Court
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9,384 Connecticut Patty Simmons [illegible] widow of Benjamin who was a private in the Revolution. Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. [illegible] 18th February 1845 Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of June 1853 and sent to Evans and Fant Present
[brackets included in the following text:] [Acts of March 3, 1843, and June 17, 1844.] Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 37
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5420
Patty Simmons
widow Benjamin
Con [Connecticut]
Act 7. July 38

Declaration of Evidence in support of the claim of Patty Simmons of Orange County of New Haven, Cont. [Connecticut]
5420
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[outline where a seal likely used to be on the page] 
STATE OF CONNECTICUT, NEW HAVEN CONUTY, COUNTY COURT CLERK'S OFFICE. } ss.
I, Jn Benetz Clerk of the County Court, within and for said County, and Keeper of the Seal thereof, and of the Commissions of Justices of Peace, within and for said County, hereby certify that Nathan Merwin Esq. is a JUSTICE OF PEACE. within and for the said County, duly appointed, commissioned, and sworn, with power to administer oaths and take the acknowledgment of Deeds; that his Commission is dated the 28th. day of May A. D. 1838 and will expire on the twentieth day of June, A. D. 1839; that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and that the signature hereto annexed, purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said Court, this 9th. day of april A. D. 1839
Jn Benetz Clerk.
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I Sasanah Treat of Orange, County of New Haven, and State of Connecticut, now aged seventyfour years, affirm, depose, and say, that for some time, previous to the close of the Revolutionary War, I was acquainted with Benjamin Simmons, a collored [colored] Man, who was sometimes called Ben. Black, and some times, Ben Roberts, and with Patty Oviatt, whom he married, before the close of the War, as I verily believe, I have a clear recollection, of furnishing them with money, to pay marriage for, to the Clergyman, for which, they pledged to me, a pair of silver Shoe Buckles, which, they soon after redeemed, by repaying the money to me. the aforesaid Benjamin Simmons, and his wife since their marriage, for more than fifty years, have resided in said town of Orange, in the same school district, with my family, untill [until] his death, which took place, in the month of January AD 1838. Said Benjamin Simmons, and his wife, sustained a good morral [moral] character, through life, and raised a family of Children, in a reputable manner, his widow now resides, where her Husband, the aforesaid Benjamin Simmons Died, Within a mile of residence, she has not, married since his Death, but now remains his Widow. In testimony of the truth of the foregoing statement, I have hereunto, mde [made] solemn, affirmation, this Nineth Day of March AD. 1839. at Orange, in said County, of New Haven
Susanna Treat
State of Connecticut New Haven County ss. Orange March 9th 1839. Personally appeared Susanna Treat Signed of the above deposition a person known to me to be a woman of the truth and veracity and made solemn affirmation to the truth of the same before me
Nathan Merwin, Justice of Peace
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We the undersigned inhabitants of the town of Orange, County of New Haven, and State of Connecticut, Depose and say, that we have each of us, been acquainted for the last fifty years, with Benjamin Simmons, alias Benjamin Black, doth of said town of Orange, [illegible] who, was a revolutionary pensioner of the united states, He resided within said Town, more than fifty years, and raised a family of Children in a reputable manner, was considered though Life, an Honest and upright man, in all respects, His marriage to the woman who is left his widow, was never disputed, and we verily believe, that Patty Simmons, now his widow, was during the (the) fifty years, which they resided together, this true and lawfull [lawful] wife. She has not married again, since the death of said Benjamin, but she now remains his widow
John Bryan aged eighty five
Isaac Clark aged Eighty one year
Samuel Persons aged Seventy Eight
David Treat aged Seventy three
Mehetabel Treat aged Sixty seven
Amos Clark aged eighty Two
Abigail Clark aged eighty four
Orange New Haven County State of Connecticut Personally appeared this 14th day of March 1839 John Bryan, Isaac Clark, Samuel Persons, David Treat, Mehetable Treat, Amos Clark, & Abigail Clark. Well known to me each of them to be persons of truth & veracity and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by them subscribed before me
Nathan Merwin, Justice of Peace
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I hereby certify that I have examined the Records of Derby and am unable to find the Records of the Marriage of Benjamin Black alias Benjamin Simmons alias Benjamin Roberts to Patty Oviatt or any other person 
Julius Hotchkiss Town Clerk
Derby
March 11th 1893}
I hereby certify that the record of the above marriage is not contained in the Parish Register of St. James Church Derby of which the Rec. Richard Mansfield was rector from 1748 to 1820. Joseph Scott Rector of St James Church Derby March 11th 1839
I further certify that there is no record of any marriage by the Rec. Richard Mansfield found on the Parish Register of St James Church Derby during the time of his rectorship of said Church.
Joseph Scott Rector of St. James Church Derby
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State of Connecticut.
County of New Haven ss. New Haven On This Sixth Day of April, AD. 1839. Personally appeared in open court, before the Honble [Honorable] Nathaniel R. Clark sole, and Presiding Judge, of the Court of Probate, for the District of New Haven, in said County, & State, Patty Simmons, a resident of Orange, in the County & State aforesaid, now aged seventyfour years who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her Oath, make the following declaration, in Order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, Passed July 7th, 1838. Entitled "An act granting halfway and pensions, to Certain Widows;" That she is the widow, of Benjamin Simmons, alias, Benjamin Black, (who, was some times called, Benjamin Roberts,) late of Orange aforesaid, deceased, who, was a private in the Connecticut line, of the Revolutionary Army, for three years, or more, during, the War of the Revolution, For which service, his name, was Inscribed on the Pension list, Roll of the Connecticut Agency at the rate of eight dollars, per month, to commence on the sixth day of April, one thousand, eight hundred, and eighteen. For which he received a Certificate of pension, given at the War office of the United States, on the 21st day of September, one thousand Eight hundred, and Eighteen: signed,
J. C. Calhoun, Secretary of War.- 
Which Pensions, her Husband, the aforesaid Benjamin Simmons, Continued to receive, as it [illegible] due, until his death.- 
The further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Simmons, on the 18th day of January AD. 1783. by the Rev.d Mr. Mansfield. Rector of the Episcopal Church, in Derby, County & State aforesaid. That her Husband, the aforesaid Benjamin Simmons, died on the 18th day of January AD 1838. and that she has remained his widow, eversince that Period.- That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, Seventeen hundred and ninety four, [illegible] at The Time above stated. She has no documentary Evidence of her deceased Husbands service, or record of their marriage, in her Possesion, [possession,] neither can a record of their marriage be found, on the records of the Church, or Town, of Derby and she known of no living witness, of her marriage. Patty Simmons X her mark
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year, above Written, before me Nathaniel R Clark. Judge of the Court of Probate District of New Haven.
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[New Haven District of Probate Court Seal is stamped on the left of the page]
State of Connecticut, New Haven County ss. I, John Beach, clerk of the Court of Probate, within and for the District of New Haven and Keeper of the Records and Seal thereof - hereby certify that Nathaniel R Clark is Judge of Probate in and for said District duly Commissioned and Sworn, and that the within is his genuine Official Signature and further Certify that said Court is a Court of Records, and that the declaration within made, was [illegible] in [illegible] Court. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto Set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court on this sixth day of April, AD, 1839.
Jn Beach Clerk
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State of Connecticut
County of New Haven SS.
Be it known that before me L.W. Beardstyn [?] a Justice of the Peace in and from said county, duly authorized by Law to administer oaths, personally appeared Leir Livemous [?] of the town of Orange County of aforesaid and made oath in the form of Law the he was sixty three years of age on the 1st August 1852 and he is the lawful child of Benjamin and Patty Simmons - deceased - That his said father Benjamin Simmons, was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States and the act of March 18th 1818. And that he was generally called by the name Ben Roberts, and sometimes Ben Black, That he continued to share his pension up to the day of his death which took place January 19th 1838. That his mother the afore said Patty Simmons applied for a pension under Act 7th July 1838, and died on the 18th January 1845. And left two surviving children [illegible] by:- the defendant Levi Lenimore and of a younger brother Elijah Simmons, who died in Derby (a town adjoining Orange) in October 1852. That he is the fourth child of said Benjamin Simmons and Patty Simmons deceased. That he lived since the time of his marriage, which took place Nov. 28th 1809 within six [illegible] of his said fathers house, and that from about 1818 up to the said time of the fathers death; all of his children were away from home supporting themselves  To -
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To that his father would naturally say that his family were off from his hands, or that he had no family to support meaning of course only children by family, - quitter the defendent saith not.

In presence of 
L.B. Beandeley
Mary E. Clarke
Levi Simmons, alias Roberts
      X his mark

From and subscribed this 3rd day of December 1852

Before me LN Beardsley, Justice of the Peace.
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State of Connecticut
County of New Haven SS.

Be it known that before me L.W. Beardsley
a Justice of the Peace in and for said
County duly authorized by law to administer
oaths personally appeared Jardih Pardey
of the town of Orange County and State aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law releases and says that he is about seventy two years old - that he has resided within about a quarter of a mile of Benjamin Simmons (or Ben. Roberts
as he was generally called for the latter
part of his life living) and was well acquainted with him from the period of life carboil
recollection - That he wan a Revolutionary
pensioner of the United States under the Act of 18. march 1818. at the sale of $9.6 per
annum - that in the earlier part of his
life the had heard him called Ben Black.

That he more was also acquainted with Patty - his wife - they lived together in
the relation of husband and wife as early as he can remember. That [illegible] their
children Jesse, Benjamin, Hannah, Levi, Samuel, Elijah and Sylvester. Jesse is the oldest son Jheio is confident - could not have been much younger that dependent That he is well acquainted with Levi Simmons, generally called Levi Roberts who is the son of said Benjamin & Patty and that he believes him now to be about sixty.
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sixty three ^years old^ and that he was the third or fourth Child of said Benjamin. He further deposes and says that said Benjamin Simmons sustained a better character than negroes in general- and as his youngest child [illegible] in 1813- he is positive that all of his children were away from home in 1820 - earning their own living when he ^ "Ben"^  would naturally say
that he had no family meaning no Child
then dependent on him for support
and such an expression under such
circumstances would be so understood by
all who Knew him._

He deposes and says that said Ben, and Patty, lived together as husband and wife from his first recollection to the day of his death, uninterruptedly, according to the best of my Knowledge and belief -

Joseph Javoa[?]
Sworn and subscribed this 3. day of [deleted words]  December in 1852
Before me L.W. Beardsley, Justice of the Peace

Jesse Simmons is said to have died  [illegible words] about 1800. -
L.W. Beardsley
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State of Connecticut
County of New Haven } ss.

Be it known that before me L. N. Beardsley a
Justice of the Peace in and for the County 
aforesaid, duly authorized by law to administer
oaths, personally appeared Aaron Clark, of
the town of Orange, County, and State aforesaid and made oath in due form of law, that he is a deacon in the Congregational Church of said Orange, and has the care and keeping of the Records of said Church, and on
application for the proof of marriage of 
Benjamin and Patty Simmons deceased
He has this 3d day of December [18]52, examined the Records of said church and finds norecord of their marriage_ there being no 
marriages recorded prior to Sept 15, 1805. But
there appears a Registration of all the heads
of families, and their children - in 1804 - giving
the name of the husband and, and the maiden
name of the wife in every family in North
Milford Society now Orange and under
a seperate head of [underlined] "Families of Officians & descendants of the  native Indians" [/underlined] appear the following entry, (which is manifestly in the handwriting of Rev. Erastus  Scranton who was pastor of said Church) viz. "Benjamin Roberts, Patty Sharp," then follows the names of their children viz: "Benjamin, Hannah, Levi, Samuel, Elijah, Sylvester"
Deponant further says, that he knows that
the "Benjamin Robert" name is on the Record, in
the
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the same person as Benjamin Simmond, or Benj. Black, who was a Revolutionary pension or of the United States under Act March 18th 1818._ and that Patty Sharp named on said Records is the same person as Patty Simmonds who has applied for a pension under Act 7th July
1838. on account of the Revolutionary service of her said husband Benjamin Simmonds.

Dependent further says, that on said Records, under the Head of "Marriages by Erastus Scranton," and in the handwriting appears the following entry viz. "1806  Nov. 11th James Bagden of Woodbridge Hannah Roberts" also "1809 Nov. 28th" Levi Robers, Abigail Hatchet of
Woodbridge" which Hannah Roberts and Levi Robers, the known children of said Benjamin and Patty Simmond, dec'd
[illegible] further depose and says, that he is now 56 years old he has lived since 1810 within half a mile of said Benjaming and Patty Simmons dec, and knew them well and then children Taht he believes that Levi Roberts or Simmons is the third or fourth child of said Benjamin and Patty and that he is 63 years of age_ Deponent further says that in 1820 if said Benjamin Simmons [illegible] that he had no family he only meant that he had no children at home depending upon him for support. That it is a common expression among [illegible] poor and [illegible] classes here to say that their "families are off their hand", meaning only their children or
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or that they have brought up a large "family of children" that said Benjamin and Patty lived in the relation of husband and wife uninteruptedly from the time of their marrage to the time of his death so far as the Knowledge of the deponent extents. 
Further the deponent saith not. Aaron Clark
Sworn and subscribed this 3d day of December 1852 Before me L.W. Beardsley Justice of the Peace
State of Connecticut
New Haven County ss
Be it Known that before me L.W. Beardsley a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforsaid, personally appeared Elizabeth Clark of the town of Orange, County and State aforsaid who being first duly sworn according to law deposes and says, that she is now eighty some years of age, that she is mother of Aaron Clark who has signed the foregoing deposition and that she was [illegible] as appears from the family Records [illegible] present June 11t 1786 and the same year she moved to Bethany, and that she recollects that Benjamin and Patty Simmons, were living to gether as husband and wife (in Orange aforesaid within about half a mile of where the Deponent then and now resides) at tht time she moved to Bethany in 1786.
Deponent further say [illegible]
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that she returned with her husband from Bethany about 1810 and she knew them well from the time to their death
the presense of L.W. Beardsley Mary E. Clarke
Elizabeth Clarke her X mark
Known and subscribed the 3d day of December 1852. Before me L.W. Beardsley Justice of the Peace
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The testimony whereof I have hereto affixed the seal of said Court of Milford, County of New Haven this 6th day of December A. D. 1852.- Anon Clarke. Clerk
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State of Connecticut Probate Court County of New Haven ss. District of Milford
I Anon Clark clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Milford being a Court of Record do hereby certify that L. W. Beardsley who has signed the foregoing as Justice of the Peace, is and was at the time of signing the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for New Haven County Commissioner and sworn, and duly authorized by law to administer oaths, and that the signature proporting to be his is genuine-
I further certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before said Court that Benjaming Simmons alias Ben. Roberts & Ben. Black of Orange formerly within the town of Miilford County of New Haven, who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States under Act of March 18th, 1818. died on the 19th day of January 1838.- and left a widow by the name of Patty Simmons, who was never afterwards married, but who applied for a pension under Act 7th July 1838 & died on the 18th day of February one thousand eigh hundred and forty five and left two surviving children only [illegible]. Levi Simmons and Elijah Simmons, and that said Elijah Simmons died in Derby , and adjoining town to Orange aforesaid- in October 1852, and that said Levi Roberts is now the only surviving child of said Patty Simmons, deceased
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June 13, 1934. Mrs. W. P. Shields 4502 Worth Paulina Street Chicago, Illinois. BA-J/ILL Benjamin Simmons, alias Black, alias Roberts. W. 24974
Dear Madam: Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin Simons, alias Black, a pensioner of Connecticut. The records of the above noted pensioner is furnished herein as shown in the papers on file in pension claim, W. 24974, based upon his service in that war. Benjamin Roberts, a colored man, was born in Milford, New Haven County, Connecticut; the date of his birth and names of his parents are not shown. He enlisted, served as private in Captain Elijah Humphreys' company, Colonels William Douglas and R. J. Meigs' Connecticut regiment and was discharged May 26, 1780, having served three years. He enlisted as Benjamin Black, the name by which he was then known, but, at the suggestion of his Captain, he assumed the name of Benjamin Simmons, by which he was afterwards known in the army. The soldier stated that after his return from the army, he learned that his father's name was Roberts and he then went by that name; in Milford Connecticut, he was commonly called Benjamin Roberts. He was allowed pension on his application executed April 6, 1818, at which time he resided in Milford, Connecticut, aged then about sixty years. His name was borne on the pension roll as Benjamin Simmons, alias Benjamin Black. In 1820, he made affidavit and signed by mark Benjamin Freeman, alias Benjamin Black. He died January 1838, in Orange, New Haven County, Connecticut; Orange and Milford were adjoining towns. He had lived in that vicinity since the Revolutionary War.
Page 33

This soldier married January 18, 1783, in Derby, Connecticut, Patty Oviatt, or Patty Sharp; the date and place of her birth and names of her parents are not shown. In 1839, she was aged seventyfour years and resided in Orange, Connecticut, where she had lived more than fifty years. She died February 18, 1845, in Newton or in Monroe, Fairfield County, Connecticut, at the home of her son, Elijah; she had lived with him during her last years. Two sons, Elijah and Levi, survived their mother; Elijah, the younger of the two, died in October, 1852, in Derby, Connecticut. The pension which was due on account of the service of the above named soldier was allowed Levi, his only surviving child, on his application executed December 3, 1853. Said Levi, the third or fourth child of his parents, was born August 1, 1789; he married November 28, 1809, not far from his father's house, Abigail Hatchet of Woodbridge. The names of other children of the soldier and his wife, Patty, are shown as follow: Jesse, the eldest; Benjamin; Hannah; Samuel; and Sylvester. The youngest child died in 1813. The records show, also, Hannah Roberts married November 11, 1806, James Bagden, of Woodbridge. The name of two grandsons, Elijah and Sylvester, who were living at the time of their grandmother's death, are shown, the name of their father not designated. Very truly yours, A. D. HILLER, Assistant to Administrator. 2.
Page 34

AFTER 5 DAYS RETURN TO 
Shields
4502 NO. PAULINA STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
53 CHICAGO ILL. MAY 28 11 PM 1934
Page 35

[illegible] 2721 Struck off Sept 21-1820
Died Jany 19, 1838
Three pens. Conn.
Oct 17-1904.
OCT 20 1904
NAVY FILES.
U.S. Comm. of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir
Can you - or rather will explain about "Benj. Sir names - alias Black"- Pensioners- Act. March 18-1818 This was my g.g. grand father. the name used to by office spelled Sir name - I am in a quandary about that "alias Black" what does it mean? And can you tell me if he was drafted? if enlisted - where & when?
Very Truley Yours.
Miss Elizabeth Seamans
Page 36

Nov, 3, 1904 his to zabeth Seamons Thompson - Conn
1932 - Jun, 22 Miss Ella Ross adv-dale of birth etc MNF
1933 Mch. 2 Miss Ella Ross furnished corrected statement rel to birth etc MNF
1934- June 13 Hist to Mrs. W. P. Shields ILL

Revy WIDOW, & c.
File No. 24,974
Patty Simmons wid of Benjamin Simmons Pri Rev. war
Act: March 3rd 1843
Jun 17th, 1844
Index:-Vol., Page
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 37

Comm
Evans & [illegible]
Present
Page 38

Sylvester Roberts was committed to the New Haven county jail February 25 1845 for Horse Stealing was sentenced to the States Prison April 27th 1845 for three years as appears on record
Joseph Roberts was committed to the New Haven Co Jail February 25th 1845 for Horse Stealing, was acquitted by Jury April 17th 1845 as appears on record.
New Haven
May 31st 1853
Andrew Bryan jailor
per E.W. Bryan
Page 39

Sav your Storer, July 27 '39 - 
" Evans & Fant May 12 / 53
Act 7 July 38
Page 40

11505 Connecticut
widow of Patty Simmons dec.
who died on the Benjamin 19th Jany 1838
 - in the State of Connt who was a private in the 
  - commanded by Captain - of the - commanded by - in the Revolution for two years
Inscribed on the Role of Hartford at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 19 January 1838.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of June 1853 and sent to Evans & Fant Arrears to the 4th of Present Semiannual allowance ending
{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 7, 1838.}
Recorded by HR Weightman Clerk
Book D. Vol 1. Page 95

Nov 3 1904 Hist to Elizabeth Seaman Thompson Conn
Page 41

[illegible] August 29 1818
This may certify that Ben. Borbaval alias Simson is as to truth or varrasty equal to peopele in General that he is feeble in breath and in digest that he has gone by the name of Roberts in Molford more than thirty years and that he was born in Milford this the Subscriber attest
John Gunn Neighbor
Jonathan Treat
Josiah Fowler
Amons Smith
Page 42

Know all Persons by these Presents, that I Levi Simmons of the town of Orange County of New Haven, State of Connecticut have made, constituted and appointed, and by those presents do make constitute, and appoint F.S. Evans Esq, of Washington City D.C. my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name place and stead. being the lawful child of Benjamin Simmons and Patty Simmons both of said Orange now deceased _ My said father who was sometimes called "Ben. Black" was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States under the Act of March 18th 1818. _ My mother the aforesaid Patty Simmons applied for a pension under Act  7th July 1838. given and granting undo him said attorney full power and authority to do and perform all and every act and thing whatever requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully, to all intents and purposes, as I might or could do if presents, with full power of substitution and revocation, hereby satisfying and confirming all that my said attorney or his substitute shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Witness my hand this first day of October in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty two 
       his
Levi  x    Simmons 
       mark
Acknowledged before me, this first day of October 1852. _ L.W. Beardsley Justice of the Peace
Sealed and delivered in presence of 
L. W. Beardsley 
B. A. Beardsley
Page 43

State of Connecticut New Haven County Probate Court District of Milford
I Anon Clark, Clerk of the Court of Probate fror the District of Milford being a court of Record do hereby certify that L.W. Beardsley who has signed the within instrument in , and was at the time of signing the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of New Haven, State aforesaid, commissiond and sworn and duly authorized by [illegible] to adminster oaths, and that the within signature proporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of said Court at [illegible] the 2d day of October A.D. 1852. 
anon Clark Clerk
Page 44

1339
50
-
1789

1839
74
-
1753

Patty Simmons
Con
Page 45

Washington, Oct 6 1852.
Sir,
We herewith enclose a power of Attorney, authorizing us to examine the papers and prosecute the claim of Patty Simmonde, Connecticut,  [illegible] Act 7th July 1838
Very respectfully
Evans & Fant

James E. Heath, Esq
Comm of Pensions.
Page 46

State of Connecticut County of New Haven } ss.-
I Levi Alling of the town of Orange, County and State aforsaid aged 63 years depose and say that I knew Benjamin Simmons a Ben Black, a Ben. Roberts of said Orange for fore than fifty year that he was a Revolutionary pensioner that he and his wife Patty were together from my first knowledge of either of them to the time of his death. and that she survived him fo several years and died  and I have understood in New town or [illegible] at her son Elijah  _ That it is generally believed in this town and in produced quite an excitement at the time of its occurance that Sylvester and Joseph Roberts took a horse without liberty when they were returning from the funeral of the said Patty Simmons thier grandmother. and the former was sent to the State Prison for the offense I further depose and say that I believe Elijiah Simmon is now deceased and that Levi Simmons or Robert of [illegible] Peace _ is now the only surviving child
Page 47

child of said Benjamin and Patty Simmons deceased I further depose and say that his deposition was sent to be before signing _ Levi Alling
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1st day of [illegible] 1853. _
L.W. Beardsley Justice of the Peace
I further certify that Levi Alling also has signed the foregoing deposition is personally known to me and is a respectable and credible person
L.W. Beardsley
Page 48

State of Connecticut county of New Haven } ss.
Be it known that before me L.W. Beardsley Justice of the Peace, in and for the County aforesaid, duly authorizes by law to adminster oaths personaly appeared Benedict Crofut of the town of Orange, County aforesaid aged 50 years who being first duly sworn according to law deposes and says that he ws contractor for the support of the town poor of Orange from Nov 20th 1842 to Nov 20th 1845._ and that Patty Simmons or Patty Roberts as she was generally called (who was the widow of Benjamin Simmons or Roberts a Revolutionary pensioner) and the mother of Levi Simmons or Roberts now living in the town _ was one of the town poor and supported by him and that for several months before her death I employed and paid her son Elijah Simmons or Roberts (then living near the line between the town of  Newtown and Monroe Fiarfield County) for her support and also paid for her general gharges and that the Deposnet Dept of Record of the time of the death of all the [illegible]
Page 49

poor of said town that died while deponent had the keeping of said poor and that on said Record and in deponeths hand writing appears the follwing entry "Patty Roberts died Feb 18th 1845."_
Deponent further says that when Sylvester and Joseph Roberts, grand children of said Patty were returning from the funeral of said Patty._ they took a horse and were arrested for stealing of and that deponent was present at Derby _ when said Sylvester and Joseph were examined by a Justice Cournt for said offense_ and that he knows that it was but a few days after the death of said Patty.
Deponent further says that he has heard and believes that Elijah Simmons a Roberts is now dead_ and that he believes Levi Simmons or Roberts of the place to be the only child of said Benjamin and Patty Simmons that is now living_ Deponent further says that he read the foregoing affidavit before signing it.
Benedict Croffut
Sworn to and subscribed this 1st day of June 1853. Before me L.W. Beardsley Justice of the Peace
Page 50

State of Connecticut County of New Haven } ss._
I Charles W. Alling of the town of Orange County and State aforesaid, aged 60, year depose and say that I have known Benjamin Simmons, and Patty his wife for fity years that he was sometimes called Ben. Black, and Ben. Roberts_ that he was a Revolutionary pensioner_ that they lived together as husband and wife uninterruptedly from the time I first knew them to the time of his death  _ and that his widow the said Patty Simmons survived the said Benjamin for several years, and died his widow_ and that for a part of the last year of her life I have been informed and believe that she lived with her son Elijah in Newtown or Monroe and that I well recollect of hearing at the time of its [illegible] that Sylvester andJoseph Roberts, grandchildren of said Patty were charged with stealing a horse when they were returning from said Patty's funeral, and that I should think it probable that it was February 1845.
I further depose and say that I have
Page 51

heard and believe that all of said Benjamin and Pattys children are all now dead except Levi Simmons a Roberts as his is generally called who is now living in Orange and well known to the deponent and is probably now about sixty five years old_
Deponent further says that he read this affidavit before signing_
C..W.. Alling
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1st day of June 1853._ and I further certify that Benedict Crofut and Charles W. Alling who have signed the foregoing deposition are personally known to me as respectable and credible persons_ and that the latter is a member of the Methodist Church of Birmingham (Derby)
L.W. Beardsely Justice of the Peace
Page 52

Milford, Conn. June 1st 1853.- 
Dear Sir
Enclosed herewith is additional evidence in the Case of Patty Simmons deceased which I think must satisfactorily show the date of her death, and the fact that Levi Simmons is now the only surviving child.- I called on Levi, on Monday - and inquired if ^he knew of any further evidence that would show the precise time of his mothers death; and he said he knew of more unless it was in the possescion [possession] of Mr. Crofut the Contractor for the support of the Orange Town [illegible] at the time she died, and who paid her funeral expenses - That one of the negroes who dug his mothers grave was dead and the other had gone to parts unknown, she died of old age and had no physician in her last sickness to his knowledge - he did not know where her Coffin was made, nor Bills for funeral expenses were Contracted for Mr. Crofut gave the money the day after she died, and before she was buried - to
Page 53

pay her funeral expenses, to her grandson who came down from Newton or Monroe where she died, and they returned and buried her, Levi attended her funeral, but as it was a very icy time, none but her own color, and no clergyman attended. The only circumstance stand by which he could fix the date was this - Two of Patty Simmons' grand children Sylvester and Joseph Roberts [underlined] on returning from said Patty's funeral.[/underlined] stole a horse to ride home - and the former was sent to State Prison for the offense I directed him to go to Derby and ascertain from the magistrate record who examined the negroes ["and ascertain" is written here and then crossed out] the date. But instead of going to Derby he went to New Haven and got a certificate from the from the jailer which I now enclose - Fifty people in the town of - Orange will Certify that they have always understood that these fellow stole the horse returning from said Patty's funeral - I called to day on the Contractor Mr. Crofut who informed me that he kept a record of the name and time of admittance on the pauper list - time of discharge and the time of death of every pauper who died while he kept the poor - He [underlined] immediately produced the records and gave me the certificate there from, which I herewith enclose, and which [/underlined]
Page 54

will be found to correspond in every particular with the memorandum which Levi first gave me_ This combination  the horse stealing incidence must certainly be conclusive that Levi Simmons generally called Levi Roberts now of Orange is now the only surviving child of Benjamin Simmons who was a Revolutionary pensioner and of Patty Simmons who died the widow of said Benjamin that [illegible] be a shadow of doubt_ There have been but two children Levie and Elijah living for several years they were the only children that survivied their father, and I am informed, and I can produce the deposition of Mr. Russell the present overseer of the Orange town poor that he recently paid a Bill for said Elijah Simmon funeral expense, if it is necessary to show the precise time of their death._
A certificate of my official character as magistrate, is attached to the papers which I just forwarded to you in this case_ and Mr. Waldo will [illegible] that if I was a duly qualifing Magistrate then I am still._ The gaoler certificate too aught perhaps to have been sworn to_ but there is no doubt about it being genuine_ I am very  Respectfully L.W. Beardsley
F.S. Evans Esq Washington City }
Page 55

Pension Office June 4, 1853
Sir Please state to what time Benjamin Simmons alias Benjamin Black was paid & when he died_
Conn: Rolls [illegible]: $96 per annum Oct March 18.1818 Very Resping S. Cole [illegible]
died 19th January 1838, Paid to his death F Burt [illegible]
Page 56

Patty Simmons dead widow of Benjamin Simmons alias Benjamin Black Conn. [illegible] Act 7 July 1838
Two Years Pre: $80.00| 100 per annum from 19th Jany 1838 when he died to 18th February 1845 when she died except two years pay to Levi Simmons only surviving child -
Cert: to [illegible] Evans & Fant Present
Page 57

Susanna Treat
Evidence in Patty Simmon's case knew Ben: Simmons alias Black alias Roberts & Patty Oviett & that they were married before the close of the war, she furnished money to pay the marriage fee has known them for than for fifty years since their marriage. Deposition dated in March 1839_ He Ben: died in Jany 1838 leaving his widow Patty _ character certified
7 Citizens of Orange} testify that they have known for the last fifty years Ben: Simmons alias Black & his wife Patty, witness characters certified
Certificate of Court} Benj: Simmons, alias Roberts, alias Black, of Orange. N Haven City- died 19 Jany 1838 & left a widow named Patty who died in the 18th Febry 1845 & left two surviving children & that Livi Simmons generally called Levi Roberts is the only survivor.
Page 58

Joseph Pardy - is 72 years of age, has known
Benj Simmons or Ben Roberts ever since his earliest recollection. lived within a quarter of a mile of him, knew he was a Rev Pendival. He and his wife Patty lived together in the relation of H and wife as early as he can recollect he Knew their children and that their oldest son could not have been much younger than himself, he Knows Simmons as youngest son Levi Simmons as Roberts and believes him to be about sixty years old-
Aaron Clark lived within half a mile of Ben
Simmons and his wife Patty since 1810 he believes Levi Roberts or Simmons is the 3rd or 4th child and he said Levi is 63 years old.
Eliz. Clarke 87 years old says she was married
in 1786 as appears from her family record and
the same year she was married she recollects that Ben and Patty Simmons were living together as H and wife in Orange and that she knew the parties from 1810 until their death
Page 59


Overseer of Poor States that he kept a second
file ^dates of^ death of persons whom he supported and from his records he found Patty Roberts alias Simmons died Feb 18th 1845 - she was reputed to be the widow of a Rev. Pensioner.
Page 60

Washington, Dec 11h 1852
Sir, We herein the enclosed additional evidence, in the case of Patty Simmons widow of Benjamin Simmons, alias, Black, Conn [illegible] Act 7th July 1838.
We think that the evedence now filed removes every doubt as to the marriage, and the objection, found upon his declaration in 1820, that he had no family.
Very respectfully Evans & Fant
James E. Heath, Esq Comm of Pensions
Page 61

Brief in the case of Patty Simmons dec.d wid: of Benjamin Simmons, alias Black County and State of Connecticut act 7 July 1838 
Claim, ("original," ["or "for increase."" is typed here and then crossed out]) Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. Her Husband was a Pensioner under March18. 1818. Her marriage prior to 1794 proved by witnesses who state the circumstances which enable them to recollect the date- The death of her Husband prior to 7 July 1838 proved by certificates of Hired Auditor& Court- 
(If for increase.) Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what? The date of her death proved by certificate of Court & Overseer of the poor- Survivorship of children [illegible] testimony & certificate of Court.
[illegible] Evans & Fant Present
Name and residence of Agent
Thos. H. Hanson jr Examining Clerk.
Page 62

State of Connecticut County of New Haven} ss. Probate Court District of Milford.
I Anon Clark, Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Milford, being a Court of Record; do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to this Court, that Benjamin Simmons was a Revolutionary Pensioner, and that he died at Orange in the County of New Haven on the 19th day of January 1838. - and that he left a widow surviving him name of Patty Simmons, and the following named children, Levi Simmons and Elijah Simmons; and that the said Patty Simmons, died at Monroe in the County of Fairfield State aforesaid on the 18th day of February 1845. and that she left the following named children, surviving her Levi Simmons and Elijah Simmons aforesaid - and that these were the only children who survived her, and that the said Levi Simmons is now living in Orange aforesaid, and that the said Elijah Simmons is now dead. - In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the Court of Milford, Court of Milford, County of New Haven, this 20th day of May 1853. [outline of a circle, indicating there was a seal there]
Anon Clark Clerk
Page 63

The certificate should be signed by the judge of the court & the evidence upon which the facts are found should be stated.
If the testimony of witness they should be secured[?], if affidavits they should be sent over with the certificate.
Page 64

March 2, 1933 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx BA-F/ [illegible]/ eel Benjamin Simmons - W. 24974
Miss Ella Ross 4701 North Albany Avenue, Apt. 1 Chicago, Illinois
Dear Madam: Reference is made to a letter written by you on January 2, 1932 in regard to the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin Simons, alias Black, a pensioner of Connecticut. You stated then that the Benjamin Simons or Simmons in whom you were interested was born March 11, 1754 in Enfield and his second wife was Martha Nooney. On January 22, 1932, in response to your inquiry, you were informed that there was no claim for pension on file based upon service in the Revolutionary War of the Benjamin Simons (Simmons) in whom you stated you were interested and that the pensioner by that name was born August 4, 1755 in Portsmouth, Rhode Island and married Nancy Bailey. In a recent search of the records attention was again called to the claims of the Benjamin Simons alias Black, cited in your letter which is on file with copy of reply. It was found that an error had been made in the reply to you; that the information given you was inadvertently taken from the claim of another pensioner with surname Simmons. This letter is to rectify the mistake. That part of the reply which pertained to birth and wife of Benjamin Simons, alias Black, also called Benjamin Roberts, should have read that he was born in Milford, New Haven County, Connecticut; date not stated; that he was aged sixty-two years in 1820 and that he married in New Haven County, Connecticut before the close of the Revolutionary War, Patty Oviatt or Patty Sharp. He was an African. Very truly yours A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.
Page 65

January 22, 1932,
GA-J/MMHF N. 24974 Benj. Simmons
Miss Ella Ross, 4701 Norht Albany Avenue, Apt.1, Chicago, Illinois.
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter of January 2, relative to one Benjamin Simmons (also know as Black) a Revolutionary War pensioner of Connecticut in 1818. You stated that the Benjamin Simmons in who you are interested was born March 11, 1754 in Enfield and whos second wife was Martha Mooney. There is no claim for pension on file based upon service of the Benjamin Simmons named in second paragraph of this letter. The pensioner Benjamin Simmons, alias Black, was born Agust 4, 175 in Portsmouth, Rhode Island and married Nancy Bailey.
Very truly yours,  A. D. Hiller Assistant to Administrator. 

On above date made in arears wth work I did not read in to get this last para but copied from old form-

Added Mch.1.1933 and worse the data I did send in haste was wrong. The hist. of Benoni Simmons N. 13899 written was on an old form had been sent in this claim, so in haste, widow looking at his name at top of the old form, I read the name of the wife from [illegible] bottom of it, so of course gave Benoni's wife's name instead of Benjamin's in this claim. MMHF
Page 66

4502 NO. PAULINA STREET
May 28th 1934
Pension Bureau,
Washington. D.C.  [in different handwriting] OK [/in different handwriting]
Sir. 
I have a note among my papers that a Benj. Simmons alias Black [illegible] a pension from Comm.
Can you give me just his information about this!
I have a service of a Benj: Simmons of Enfield, who served in 1777 or 78, in the history of Enfield by Allen but of course the Comm. records of Rev. are not as complete as they should be.
Any help you can give me of this Simmons alias Black may help me very much, and will be very grateful.
Yours truly
Mrs. W.P. Shields
4502 N. Paulina St.

Simmons W24974

[stamped] RECEIVED May 31 1934
MAIL BUS.DIV. 
[illegible]  [arrow pointing to 3:45] [/stamped]
Page 67

4701 N. Albany Ave. Chicago, Jan. 2nd. 1932. Veterans Administration Bureau of Pensions Washington, D.C. 
Dear Sir;--
Will you help me straighten out a Rev. service of Benjamin Simons- Simmons- alias Black, recorded in the Conn. Men in War of Rev. page 637 as drawing a pension in Conn. in 1818? The Benjamin Simons I want was born March 11- 1754 in Enfield and married as second wife Ma^rtha Nooney. His service is given in History of Enfield, on pages 1002 and 1005 but I find nothing to indicate he was known as Black. The two services shows he was paid money for service. But does not give names of Company officers, nor does the one in page 637 as drawing a pension but of course his applic ion for the pension would give better history of service. We shall be very grateful for any help you will give us as it is a Simons who wants tomjoin the D. A. R. and perpetuate the name.
S-G-E Yours truly, Ella Ross Apt. 1 - 4701 N. Albany Ave. Chicago.
[stamp reading: "RECEIVED JAN 4 1932 RECEIPT SECTION PENSION" [illegible], numbers 1-12 sequentially around the edge of the stamp]
1820
62| 1788
Page 68

[Stamp] New Haven CT Sep 2
[Stamp] Free
The Honourable 
The Secretary of the Department of War
Pension Office} - City of Washington
Page 69

New Haven Sept 1.1818
Sir
I now resend the papers of the following applicants for pension with additional proof viz
Samuel Pool
Enos J Prindle
Benj Simmons alias Ben Black
I am with respect your obed
S Baldwin
G Boyd Esq
Pension Office
Page 70

Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.
Page 71

New Haven, 15 May 1839

Hon. J. L. Edwards

Sir,
I have the honor to receive, on the 13th inst. from your office a certificate of Pension for Mrs. Rhonda Pierpoint.

I now enclose the Declaration and the evidence in support of the claim of Patty Simmons, widow of Benjamin Simmons, alias Benjamin Black, which I will now thank you to examine as soon as convenient and address to me any communication which may be necessary in regard to the same. 

I also enclose a second declaration and additional evidence in support of the claim of Mrs. Hannah Moulthrop. In your letter of the 15th ultimo, I understood you to require that Mrs. Moultrop furnish record evidence of her own age.  The testimony of the Rev. Mr. Dodd, I trust will be satisfactory on this point; and if the testimony of Roxana Pardee, which was heretofore sent to  you, is satisfactory in regard to the identity of the late Mr. Moulthrop, I hope this case is now clearly made out.
I have the honor to be 
Your obedient Servant
William Stover
Page 72

Benj Freeman
alias 2721
Benjamin Black

There is no such man as that of Benjamin Freeman on the rollis in this office What is the true name of this pension!
Pension office
22 Sept 1820
Page 73

At a County Court, held in and for the County of New Haven, in the District and State of Connecticut, on the 6th day of July 1820, the same being a Court of Reocrd, and having a Seal, by virtue of the laws of said State.
PERSONALLY APPEARED,  in open Court Benjamin Simmons alias Benj Black a resident in the town of Milford in the County of New Haven in said State, and exhibited and subscribed the following schedule, and made oath that the same is a true and perfect Schedule of all his income and property, necessary cloathing and bedding excepted, viz.
1 Small old [illegible] on the highway valued at $12
2 old tables $1
7 old chairs 1.75
Old Iron Kettle 25
Old teakettle 50
Crockery 30
Coopers ax & knife 75 1.55
1 Frying pan 25
Trammel tongs & seal 50 75
1 old chest 25
2 old cider barrels 50
wood ax & [illegible] 50
1 yr Sad Irons 75
Cloths basket 75 150
$20.30
Benjamin Simmons alias Benjamin Black his X mark
Page 74

District and State of Connecticut, 88.
Be it Remembered, That in the County Court, held in and for the County of New Haven, in the District and State aforesaid, on this 6th day of July 1820, the same being a Court of Record, and having a Seal, under the Authority of said State, personally came and appeared in open Court, Benjamin Freeman alias B. Black aged 62 years, resident in the Town of Milford in the County of New Haven in said State, and being sworn according to Law, doth on his Oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary War, as follows: entered the service of this country by [illegible]into Capt Elyah Humphrey company regiment commanded by Col Duglap afterwards by Col Meigs Connecticut line

that the original Declaration made by him, for the purpose of obtaining a pension, under the Act of Congress of the 18th of March 1818, was dated the 6th day of April 1818; that in pursuance thereof he was entered in the list of Pensioners, and received a Pension Certificate No. 2721 And I do further solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818, and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, on in any manner, disposed of my property or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War, " passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person, in trust, for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts due to; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereunto annexed, and by me subscribed. And I do further declare that my occupation is that of a Cooper but unable to pursue any occupation by reason of great bodily infirmity and that I have no family residing with me

[signed] Benjamin Freeman alias Benjamin Black
his mark X

all which is subscribed by me the day and year aforesaid.

Sworn to, and declared in the Court aforesaid. Whereupon said Court is, on satisfactory proof exhibited in Court, of opinion that the total amount of the property contained in the aforesaid Schedule, is 20 Dollars and 30 cents, and doth order these proceedings to be entered in the records of said Court.

[signed] Attest Henry C. Flagg [illegible]
Page 75

District of Connecticut, 88.
I Henry C. Flagg Clerk of the County Court in and for the County of New Haven in the State and District of Connecticut, do hereby certify that the foregoing and the Schedule thereunto annexed, are truly copied from the records of said Court: and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of said Court that the total amount, in value, of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule, is 20 Dollars and 30 Cents.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court on this 6th day of July 1820

[signed] Attest Henry C Flagg

I, Isaac Mills presiding Judge of the County Court in an for the County of New Haven in the State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that Henry C. Flagg is clerk of said Court, and keeper of the Seal and Records thereof; and that the preceding Certificate, under his hand, and the Seal of said Court, is authentic, and in due form of Law.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in New Haven this 6th day of July 1820

[signed] Isaac Mills - Chief Judge