Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4972, Benjamin Graves, Conn Continental
Page 1

Graves, Benjamin
Sarah

SERVICE
Conn
Continental

NUMBER
W. 4972
B L M 157-60-55

No Papers { B. L. H 5870-100 Issued
{Dec 9 1796 to William Gilliland
Page 2

116.865 Act Mar 3/55
May 4/55

Sally Graves Wid of
Benjamin Graves 

Ct Contl Line

Rev War

Ad 60 a pen Jany 15/67
Feby 53 - 36 [illegible]

C. K. Averill
Rouses Point N.Y.
Page 3

(2323)
New York
V
Benjamin Graves
Con n g
private
Massachusetts line
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
Inscribed on the Roll of Bew York
at the rate of - 8 - Dollars per month, to commence on the 18th of April, 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16th of Sept. 1818 and sent to Saml. Hicks Esq.
Champlaine, N York
Arrears to 4th 9 Sepr. 1818 4 mos.
17/30    36.53
Semi-anl. all'ce ending
4 March 1819  48--
$84.53

{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818}
6 Years
Continental
Page 4

3686

New York Albany
Sally Graves
widow of Benjamin
who served in the Revolution
Con & Mass
ry war, as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
96 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15th day of Feby /54
and sent to C K Averill 
Rouses Point Village
New York

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 74 Vol. A
Page 5

Benjamin Graves
appear
for pension

Correct

Saml Hicks
Champlain

Chas Platt Clerk of Champlain County
Page 6

I Benjamin Graves of the town of Champlain County of Clinton & State of New York being duly sworn do say that I enlisted as a soldier in the American Army for one year commencing the first day of January 1776 ending the first of January 1777 in Capt. John [illegible] company & Col [illegible - Pettibone?] regiment and continued with the Regt until my time was out when I was at Trenton and then engaged [illegible] six weeks longer with the army which time I also served and received my discharge at Morristown which discharge I have left then returned home where I arrived about the first of March 1777. Then I enlisted in May following for during the war in Capt Martin Kirtlands company and Col Megges regt in the Connecticut Line and continued in compliant service to the end of the war, which will appear by my discharge whereof the following is a true copy.
By his Excellency George Washington Bgr General and Commander in chief of the forces of the United States of America, These are to certify that the service hereof Benjamin Graves soldier in the 2nd Connecticut Regiment having faithfully served the United States from May 1777 to June 1783 and being enlisted for the war only is hereby discharged from the American Army. Given at Headquarters the 7th June 1783.
G. Washington
By his Excellencys command
Jonathan Trumbull [illegible] Secty}
Registered in the Books of the Regiment.
G. Curtis Adjutant

The above Benjamin Graves has been honored with the badge of merit for six years faithful service.

I further say that I am and always have been an actual resident of the United States & by reason of my reduced circumstances in life an in need of assistance from my country for support. And are a citizen of the United States.
Benjamin Graves
Page 7

Clinton County
State of New York}
Be it remembered that on the eighteenth day of April one thousand eight hundred and eighteen came before me, Samuel Hicks one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Clinton, Benjamin Graves signer of the within deposition and after being duly sworn said that the same was just and true. I am personally acquainted with the said Benjamin Graves and satisfied that he served in the army of the Revolution as he has sworn to in the within instrument and am satisfied that he is in want of the assistance of his Country for a comfortable support. 
Samuel Hicks
One of the Judges of the Clinton Common Pleas

State of New York
Clinton County} Ss.
I Charles Platt Clerk of Clinton County do certify that Samuel hicks before whom the above deposition was taken is a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the said county duly authorized according to Law and that the above is his proper hand writing. In testimony whereof I have affixed the seal of the said county and set my name at Plattsburg this 8 day of August 1818.
Page 8

Benjamin Graves
Rev Pensioner
Copy oaths & [illegible]

2323
March 1819
$50.25

Conn

J. Palmer
Plattsburg
Page 9

At a Court of Common Pleas holden at the Conrt-House in Plattsburgh, in and for the County of Clinton, and State of on New-York, the fourth day of October 1820 Present: Elisha Arnold, Caleb Nichols, Mathew Carver and Allen R. Moore Judges of the said Court. 

COUNTY OF CLINTON SS!- On this fourth day of October 1820 personally appeared in open Court, it being a Court ef Record, proceeding according to the course of the common law, and having the power of fine and imprisonment, and keeping a record of their proceedings in and for the County of Clinton, BENJAMIN GRAVES aged Sixty years resident in the town of Champlain in the said County of Clinton, who being first duly sworn according to law; doth on his oath declare he served in the revolutionary war as follows:   that his enlisted about the first of January 1776 for one year in Captain John McKinsters Company and Col Patterson Massachusetts Regiment and served out the period of my enlistment and served six weeks longer in the same company as a volunteer that in May 1777 he again enlisted for the duration of the war in Captain Catlins Kirklands Company in Col. Meigs  Regiment in Connecticut Regiment and was afterward transferred into Swifts Connecticut Regiment and served to the end of the war and was honorable discharged at Newburgh the seventh of June 1783 and his discharge accompanied his application for bounty lands about two years since.  He was in the battles of the evacuation of Boston Trenton, Princeton, Elizabethtown, Connecticut farms? and Yorktown. that his original declaration to obtain a pension under the Act of, Congress of the 18th of March 1818 was made the eighteenth day of April 1818 that be he has received a pension certificate Numbered 2323 and dated the sixteenth day of September  1818  And 1 do 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 or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled" An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land 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 me, nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule, hereto annexed and by me subscribed.

 Real Estate: none,  Personal Estate  excepting necessary Bedding and clothing one bible three volumes of family Books                       $5--
one 2 year old Heifer 5 sheep one hog 11 pigs     $1?--
one pot 2 iron kettles 1 small soup kettle.       $4.15
one ______? 2 iron ______? 3 trunks (old).     $5.50
half a doz. teaspoons                                           $1.50
one old chest                                                          $5.75
pair of ______? and shovel and _______            $2.00
and old plow 7 drag ______ and 2 old chains.   $3.50
Page 10

One shovel one old _____? one ____? and 2 old axes           $1.25
one old ______? and _____? 2 kitchen forks?  and rake.        $1.25
3 bushels of onions and 8 bushels of corn                               $6.25
1/2 acres of potatoes and garden vegetable's not gathered  $4.50
                                                                                                        $50.25

I am by occupation a farmer but I have been long afflicted with Rheumatism and am unable to labor.  My family consists of my wife Lucretia Graves aged thirty four years and four children to wit Myron aged fifteen Seba aged thirteen Mary Ann aged eleven years and Phoebe aged seven all healthy and the two oldest are able to support themselves while in health but are dependent on me for support.
Signed

Benjamin Graves


[note this is dated 4 Oct 1820]
Page 11

Sworn to and declared on the fourth day of October 1820 before the above named Judges in open court. 
Charles Platt Clerk

I Charles Platt, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas held in and for the County of Clinton; do certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the record of the said Court, and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is fifty dollars and twenty five cents. 
And I further certify that the last term of this court closed on the 11th of May last and before the prosecution in this county of the Act of Congress of the first of May 1820 and that there has been no court in the said county before the present term at which the aforesaid oath and schedule could be received.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, on this fourth day of October 1820.
Chas Platt
Clerk of the Court for the County of Clinton
Page 12

Declaration of Sally Graves, widow of Benjamin Graves, late a pensioner of the United States.
Application under the act of February 3 1853 Sec second;

C. K. Averill of Rouses Point Village Atty for applicant
Page 13

State of New York
County of Clinton}Ss.
On this twelfth day of January eighteen hundred and fifty four, personally appeared before Thomas B. Watson Judge of Clinton County Court, Sally Graves, a resident of Champlain in the County of Clinton aged seventy two ["sixty eight" crossed out] 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 of the second section of the act of Congress passed February 3, 1853 entitled "An act to continue half pay to certain widows and orphans".
That she is the widow of Benjamin Graves who was a body servant of General Washington in the Revolutionary War or so reputed, before and after she was married to him. That at the time she married him & until his death he was a United States pensioner and had in his possession a pension certificate or warrant signed by the Secretary of War, with which he drew semi-annual payments on the 4th days of March and September each year while he lived, under the pension act of 1818 as she believes, at the rate of eight dollars per month.
That she does not know what has become of said warrant or other documentary evidence he may have had to establish his services, but she believes the records in the Pension Office at Washington will establish his services and rank and comps to which he belonged. That she has always understood he was a resident of the State of New York and was three years or more one of the body servants of General Washington.
She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Graves on the twenty seventh day of September in the year eighteen hundred and thirty five; and at the time was the widow of Joseph Bourroughs of Champlain; that her maiden name was Sally Marshall; that her first husband Joseph Borroughs was not a pensioner, died at Champlain aforesaid on the twenty second day of July
Page 14

eighteen hundred and thirty two. That her second husband, Benjamin Graves aforesaid, died at Champlain in said county on the twenty second day of March eighteen hundred and forty two, aged eighty six years; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place since eighteen hundred, viz at the time above stated.
She further declares that she is now the widow of the said Benjamin Graves, the identical person who served as aforesaid and was a United States pensioner. 
She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Graves aforesaid at Champlain aforesaid before and by the Hon. James W. Wood, a Judge of Clinton County Courts in the presence of Mrs. George Graves, now dead, and in the presence of the wife and daughter of said Judge; at the house of said judge, who are all now dead except Julia Wood, the daughter of said Judge.
That they kept no family or private records of marriages births and deaths. That Judge Wood aforesaid made a memorandum of the said marriage in a book he kept. That she knows of no other entry or record of said marriage.
The words "seventy two" in fifth line from top of first page entered & "sixty eight" stroked out before signing.
Sally Graves

Sworn and subscribed to on the day & year above written before me.
Thos B. Watson
Judge of Clinton County Court

And I the said Judge do hereby declare my opinion after interrogating the above applicant in the matter & eliciting the facts on the above declarations and from the annexed proof that the said Sally Graves is the widow of the said Benjamin Graves in said declaration named, and that they were married subsequent to 1800 and at the time mentioned in said declaration, and at the time as in said proof annexed as stated. And that the said Benjamin Graves served in said war
Page 15

as the servant of General Washington as in said declaration stated. That it has been proved to my satisfaction that the said Benjamin Graves died on the 22nd day of March 1842 and that the said Sally Graves is now the widow of the said Benjamin. That her former husband Joseph Burroughs was not a pensioner and died the 22 day of July 1832.
And I further certify that the foregoing declaration and the annexed accompanying proof of Julia Wood and James M. Burroughs contain the original proceedings of the said judge in the matter of the application of Sally Graves for a pension under the act of Congress passed Feb 3, 1853.
And I further certify that in my opinion the said Sally Graves was unable to appear in court by reason of bodily infirmity.
Given under my hand at Champlain this twelfth day of January eighteen hundred and fifty four.
Thos. B. Watson
Judge of Clinton County Courts
Page 16

State of New York
County of Clinton}ss.
Julie Wood of Champlain in said county aged forty five years being duly sworn depose and say that she is well acquainted with Sally Graves, the now widow of Benjamin Graves deceased, late a United States pensioner of Champlain aforesaid; that she was present at her marriage with the said Benjamin Graves; that she is now living and he is dead.
And deponent further saith that they were married at the house of the father of this deponent, James W. Wood, at Champlain, & who was officiating as Judge of Clinton County Courts, and he it was who performed the marriage ceremony on the 27th day of September eighteen hundred and thirty five, and made the entry in his own proper hand writing in a book he kept for the purpose, and signed his official signature under two entries made therein, one on the left page & the other on the right page, in the words and figures following which are true copies of the record. viz.
"State of new York
Clinton County
Champlain}Ss.
personally appeared before me James W. Wood one of the Judges of the County aforesaid, Benjamin Graves nearly eighty years old, of the town of Champlain afsd & was married to Sally Burroughs of Champlain in due form of law *she being near 50 years old) on the 27th day of September 1835.
Jas W. Woods
Judge of Clinton County Courts"
"State of N. York
Clinton County
Town of Champlain}ss.
Benjamin Graves was married to Sally Burroughs by me on the 27th September 1835. In the presence of Mrs. George Graves.
Jas W. Wood Judge of Clinton Cty Courts"

And deponent further saith that her father James W. Woods is dead, and that record from which the above true copies
Page 17

was taken, were compared and examined by her carefully with the original & they are true copies of the original record of said marriage. And said original record has been in the possession of this deponent since her fathers death in 1838. That the book in which said entry or entries of marriage aforesaid, are contains the entries of other parties of the nature and it would be improper to part with said book, it being of a [illegible] nature & containing the marriages of other parties.
And deponent further saith that Mrs. George Graves, the recorded witness of said marriage, is now dead, and deponent believes she is the only surviving witness who was present at said marriage. And deponent further saith, that the said Sally Graves prior to her marriage with the said Benjamin Graves was the widow of Joseph Burroughs who died in 1832. That deponents father was the family [illegible] one of the above named parties, also deponent was well acquainted with them for many years. 
And further this deponent saith not.
Julie Wood

Sworn and subscribed before me this 15th day of December 1853.
John Bullis Justice of Peace

Clinton County Ss.
I, the undersigned Justice before whom the foregoing affidavit was subscribed and sworn do certify that I am well acquainted with Julia Wood the identical person above named, and I know her to be a person of credibility and truth.
John Bullis Justice of Peace
Page 18

State of New York
County of Clinton}Ss. James M Buroughs resident of Champlain in said county, being duly sworn doth depose and say that Sally Graves named in the annexed declaration is the identical widow of Benjamin Graves, deceased, who was a United States Pensioner and drawing a pension at the rate of eight dollars per month at the time of his death, which occurred on the twenty second day of March eighteen hundred and forty two. And that she still remains the widow of the said Benjamin Graves.
And deponent further saith that previous to the said marriage with said Benjamin Graves, the said Sally was the widow of Joseph Burroughs, the father and mother of this deponent. That deponents father died in eighteen hundred and thirty two at Champlain aforesaid and his mother Sally Burroughs was married to said Benjamin Graves in September 1835. That they cohabited together as man and wife from the last mentioned date to the time of the death of said Benjamin as aforesaid. And deponent further saith that he has frequently seen the pension certificate or warrant of the said Benjamin in his possession & he has known him to have received semi-annual payments due him on the fourth days of March and September, under the act of Congress passed in 1818 as deponent believes.
And further deponent saith not.
Jas M Burroughs

Sworn & subscribed before me this 12th day of January 1854
Thos B. Watson
Judge of Clinton County Courts

Clinton County Ss.
I the undersigned Judge before who the foregoing affidavit was subscribed & sworn do certify that I am well acquainted with the said James M. Burroughs and that I know him to be a person of credibility & truth. Dated January twelfth 1854.
Thos B. Watson Judge of Clinton County Courts
Page 19

Know all men by these presents that I Sally Graves of Champlain in the county of Clinton state of New York, the widow of Benjamin Graves, a deceased Revolutionary pensioner of the United States do hereby constitute and appoint Calvin K Averill of Rouses Point Village in said county my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to prosecute my claim for a pension as the widow of said Benjamin Graves under the act of congress passed February 3d 1853 entitled "an act to continue half pay to certain widows and orphans" and to receive my warrant from the Pension Office or agents. And to do all lawful acts & things in order to obtain the same for my benefit.
Witness my hand and seal this twelfth day of January eighteen hundred and fifty four.
Sally Graves
Sealed & delivered in presence of Thos B. Watson

State of New York
County of Clinton Ss.
Be it known that on the twelfth day of January 1854 before the subscriber a Judge of Clinton County Courts personally appeared Sally Graves above named & acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her act and deed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day & year last above written.
Thos B. Watson
Judge of Clinton County Courts
Page 20

116.865

Sally Graves
widow of Benjm Graves
Revolutionary Soldier

Declaration for Bounty Land under act of Mar 3 1855.
The widow is receiving a pension

Com of Pensions will please communicate with C. K. Averill Esq of Rouse's Point Clinton County N.Y. on all matters in relation to this claim & send to his address the warrant when issued.
Page 21

[the phrase (not known) below is how it appears in the document]

State of New York
County of Clinton }Ss.
On this 26th day of March AD one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the county and state aforesaid, Sally Graves, aged seventy four years, a resident of the town of Champlain in the county of Clinton and state of New York who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Benjamin Graves deceased, who was a private in the company commanded by Captain (not known) in the body guard of Genl Washington regiment of (not known) commanded by (not known) in the Revolutionary War. That her said husband enlisted at (not known) on or about the (not known) in or about the (not known) day of (not known) AD seventeen hundred and seventy six for the term of the war and continued in actual service in said war for the term of fourteen days and [illegible] and was personally discharged at (not known) on the (not known) day of (not known) AD 1783.
She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Graves in Champlain Clinton County, N.Y. on the twenty seventh day AD September AD 1835 by one James W. Woods a Judge of Clinton County; and that her name before her said marriage was Sally Burroughs; that her said husband died at Champlain on the twenty second day of March AD 1843 and that she is now a widow.
She further states that she is now receiving a pension as the widow of the said Benjamin Graves
Page 22

under the 2nd section of the act of February 3d 1853. And that the certificate which she has in her possession as such widow is numbered 3,686 & [illegible] date the 15th of February 1854, signed by R. McClelland Secretary of the Interior and countersigned by L. P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3, 1855." and she declares there is a record of said marriage kept by the Judge who married them.
Sally Graves

We William H Sax and Eliza J Sax residents of Champlain in the county of Clinton in the state of New York, upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed & acknowledged by Sally Graves in our presence, and that we believe from the appearance 
[cut off with a document laid overtop]

State of New York,
Clerk's Office of Clinton County}Ss.
I, Lewis W. Pierce, Clerk of the County Courts of said County, (the same being Courts of Record,) do hereby certify that Anthony Trombly Esq whose name is subscribed to the certificate of the proof or acknowledgement of the annexed instrument and thereon written, was at the time of taking such proof of acknowledgement a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Clinton, dwelling therein, commissioned, sworn and duly authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice of the Peace, and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate of proof or acknowledgement is genuine and that the said instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of this State.
In testimony whereof, I Have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said Court and County this 28th day of March A.D. 1855.
L. W. Pierce, Clerk
Page 23

under the 2nd section of the act of February 3d 1853. And that the certificate which she has in her possession as such widow is numbered 3,686 & [illegible] date the 15th of February 1854, signed by R. McClelland Secretary of the Interior and countersigned by L. P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3, 1855." and she declares there is a record of said marriage kept by the Judge who married them.
Sally Graves

We William H Sax and Eliza J Sax residents of Champlain in the county of Clinton in the state of New York, upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed & acknowledged by Sally Graves in our presence, and that we believe from the appearance and statements of this applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
Wm. H. Sax
Eliza J. Sax

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to & subscribed before me on the day & year above written; and I certify that I know the affiant to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Anthony Trumbly} J. Peace
Page 24

State of New York
County of Clinton}Ss.
I Julia Woods of Champlain in said county being duly sworn says that she is the daughter of James W. Wood late of Champlain deceased; and her said father was on the 27th day of September 1835 a Judge of Clinton County Courts, that she is the keeper of his records & that there is an original in his handwriting now in her possession of the marriage between Benjamin Graves & Sally Burroughs of which the following is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair and legible figures as follows...
"State of New York
County of Clinton}Ss. Personally appeared before me James W. Wood one of the Judges of the county aforesaid Benjamin Graves nearly eighty years old of the town of Champlain aforesaid & was married to Sally Burroughs of Champlain in due form of law (she being near 50 years old) on the 27th day of September 1835.
Jas W. Wood
Judge of Clinton County Courts"

"State of New York
Clinton County
Town of Champlain}Ss. Benjamin Graves was married to Sally Burroughs by me on the 27th September 1835 in presence of Mrs George Graves."

I Julia Wood above named depose & say that the above is a true extract from the records of said James W. Wood with the exception above named & certified by me. And I further declare that I was present & saw them married & that Mrs. George Graves who was present, is now dead. That the said Benjamin Graves died at Champlain the (not recollected) day of (not recollected) AD one thousand and eight
Page 25

hundred & forty three; and that the said Sally Graves widow of the said Benjamin Graves has never since married.
J. C. Wood

Sworn & subscribed before me this 30th day of March AD 1855 and I further certify that I know the said Julia Wood to be a person of credibility.
John Bullsi, Justice of Peace

State of New York,
Clerk's Office of Clinton County}Ss.
I, Lewis W. Pierce, Clerk of the County Courts of said County, (the same being Courts of Record,) do hereby certify that John Bullis Esq whose name is subscribed to the certificate of the proof or acknowledgement of the annexed instrument and thereon written, was at the time of taking such proof of acknowledgement a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Clinton, dwelling therein, commissioned, sworn and duly authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice of the Peace, and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate of proof or acknowledgement is genuine and that the said instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of this State.
In testimony whereof, I Have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said Court and County this 27th day of April A.D. 1855.
L. W. Pierce, Clerk
Page 26

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
FORM VAN-51
12-5-41

Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

NAME Graves, Benjamin GRADE Private LINE Connecticut

WARRANT NUMBER 5870
and Wt No. 157-60-55
ACREAGE 100 
ISSUED Dec. 9, 1796
Wt 5870 to Wm. Gilliland

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.
Page 27

December 7, 1938.

BA-J/ady 
Benjamin Graves
W.4972

Mr. Charles E. Graves
144 Loring Road
Winthrop, Massachusetts

 Dear Sir:

Reference ie made to your letter relative to Benjamin Graves, a soldier of the Revolutionary War. 

The record of the only Benjamin Graves that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this office is furnished you herein as found in the papers on file in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 4973, based upon his military service in that war.

The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of Benjamin Graves are not shown.

Benjamin Graves enlisted, place not stated, January i 1776, served as private in Captain John  MoKinstry's Company, Colonel Paterson's Massachusetts Regiment; was at the evacuation of Boston, and in the battles of Trenton and Princeton; length of service one year and six weeks. He enlisted in May 1777, served as private in Captain Martin Kirtland's Company, Colonel Meigs' Connecticut Regiment and Colonel Swift's Second Connecticut Regiment; was in the battles of Elizabethtown, Connecticut Farms and Yorktown and was discharged June 7, 1783. 

On account of his services in the Revolutionary War he was allowed one hundred acres of bounty land on warrant No.5870, which was issued December 1796

. He was allowed pension on his application executed April 18, 1818, at which time he was aged about fifty-eight years, and a resident of Champlain, Clinton County, New York. 

He died March 32, 1843, in Chazy, Clinton County, New York

1
Page 28

     In 1820 soldier's wife, Luoretia, her maiden name not stated, was aged thirty-four years and his children, Myron, Sebe, Mary Ann and Phebe were aged fifteen, thirteen, eleven and seven years respectively. The date of this marriage and the date of Lucretia's death are not shown. 

     Benjamin Graves, the soldier, married September 27, 1835, in Champlain, New York, Sally, the name is also shown as Sarah. They were married in the presenge of Mrs. Géorge Graves, who was deceased in 1854, relationship not stated. Said Sally was a resident of Champlain, New York, and the widow of Joseph Burroughs, who died July 32, 1832, in said Champlain. Her maiden name was Sally Marshall.

      Soldier's widow, Sally Graves, was allowed pension on her application executed January 12, 1854, at which time she was aged seventy-two years, and a resident of Champlain, New York. Soldier's widow, Sally Graves, applied for bounty land, March 26, 1855, at which time she was a resident of Champlain, New York. 

     She was allowed sixty acres of bounty land, on account of the services in the Revolutionary War of Benjamin Graves, on warrant No. 157, under the Act of March 3, 1855. 

     In 1854 James M. Burroughs was living in Champlain, New York, his age not stated. He was a son of Sally and her first husband, Joseph Burroughs. There are no further family data. 

     For information in regard to the-location of the land you should address The Commissioner of the General Land Office, Washington, D. 0., and furnish that official the numbers of the warrants, acreages, and the date of issuance of the one hundred acres and the date of the act of the sixty acres. 

    In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name of person paid and possibly the date of death of Sally Graves, you should apoly to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D. C., and cite the
Page 29

following data: *Sally Graves, widow of Benjamin Graves, Certificate No. 3686, issued February 15, 1854, rate $96.00 per annum, commenced February 3, 1853, Act of February 3, 1853, Albany New York Agency". 

Very truly yours 
A. D. HILLER 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 30

State of New York
Clinton County}Ss.
I Lewis W. Pierce, Clerk of the said county do hereby certify that Thos B. Watson the person subscribing the foregoing deposition and before whom the same was taken, was on the 12th day of January 1854 therein mentioned, the Judge of Clinton County Court, a Court of record of the said county of Clinton, and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Thos B. Watson and verily believe that the same Thos B. Watson subscribed to the said deposition is his proper & genuine signature.
In testimony thereof I have caused the seal of the county court of said county to be hereunto affixed this 14th day of January 1854.
L. W. Pierce
Page 31

In reference to the application of Mrs. Sally Graves of the town of Champlain Clinton Co State of New York, widow of the late Benjamin Graves, for a pension, I William H. Sax of the town of Champlain Clinton County would say that I was well acquainted with said Benjamin Graves for many years before his death. That I was present at the time of his death. That it occurred on the 22nd day March 1843. That I have records in my possession showing that fact. That the 22nd day of March 1843 as the time of his decease is engraved upon his tombstone. That he occupied a portion of the same house with me at his death. That I know him to be the same identical person named in a Pension Warrant in his possession at that time. That I drew his pension 4th March 1843. That his pay from 4th to 22nd March 1843 was not drawn to my knowledge. That Mrs. Sally Graves has no record of the time of his decease and must have been mistaken in the year, and further deponent saith not.
Sworn & subscribed before me this 6th day Feb 1854.
Wm. H. Sax

State of New York
Clerk's Office of Clinton County}Ss.
L. W. Pierce, Clerk of the County Courts of said County (the same being courts of Record) do hereby certify, that Anthony Trumbly whose name is subscribed to the certificate of the proof or acknowledgement of the annexed instrument and thereon written was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgement a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Clinton, dwelling therein, commissioned, sworn and duly authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with 
[cut off]
Page 32

In reference to the application of Mrs. Sally Graves of the town of Champlain Clinton Co State of New York, widow of the late Benjamin Graves, for a pension, I William H. Sax of the town of Champlain Clinton County would say that I was well acquainted with said Benjamin Graves for many years before his death. That I was present at the time of his death. That it occurred on the 22nd day March 1843. That I have records in my possession showing that fact. That the 22nd day of March 1843 as the time of his decease is engraved upon his tombstone. That he occupied a portion of the same house with me at his death. That I know him to be the same identical person named in a Pension Warrant in his possession at that time. That I drew his pension 4th March 1843. That his pay from 4th to 22nd March 1843 was not drawn to my knowledge. That Mrs. Sally Graves has no record of the time of his decease and must have been mistaken in the year, and further deponent saith not.
Wm. H. Sax
Sworn & subscribed before me this 6th day Feb 1854.
Anthony Trumbly, Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that the person making the above affidavit is a person of credibility.
L. W. Pierce
County Clerk of Clinton County
Page 33

Rouses Point Village, N.Y.
Jan 7 1854

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Com Pensions

Sir:
Herewith I send you the pension declaration of Sally Graves the widow of Benjamin Graves, servant of Genl Washington, under the act of Feb 3 1853 Sec Second.

Yours Respectfully
C. K. Averill
Page 34

Pension Office
January 23 /54

Sir
Please report time of last payment to or death of within named pensioner & if arrears to whom paid.
Respectfully
S. Cole
For Commr.

B. Burt Esq
S and Present

Benjamin Graves, Act 1818
Paid to 4 Mar 1843. No death.
F. Burt
Auditor
Page 35

157 
60 acres
Page 36

No 4116
Sally Graves
widow of
Benjamin 

Let to C. K. Averill
Jan 25/54

Act Feb /53
Page 37

Pen act /53 NY
Boynton
Page 38

116.865
Page 39

Rouses Point Clinton Co, N.Y.

April 30, 1855

Hon L. P. Waldo
Com of Pensions
Sir,
I herewith send the declaration of Sally Graves, widow of Benjamin Graves, a deceased pensioner & herself a pensioner for 160.00 Bounty land under the act of March 3, 1855.
Yours Respectfully
C. K. Averill
Page 40

[tabulations]

1760
1756
______________

1820
34
________
1786

1854
72
_________
1782
Page 41

Rouses Point Village
February 8th, 1854

Hon L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir,
In the matter of the application of Sally Graves the widow of Benjamin Graves, late a pensioner of the U. S. for services in the Revolutionary War, for a pension under the act of 1853 granting pensions to certain widows &c.
I rec'd a letter stating that certain others in further testimony in relation to the time of the death of Benjamin Graves would be required before the department could pass on said application. That evidence is supplied by the affidavit herewith sent.

I am Very Respectfully
Yours
C. K. Averill
Atty for applicant
Page 42

Brief in the case of Sally Graves widow of Benjamin 
Clinton County and State of New York
act of February 3 1853

Claim, ("original", or "for increase,")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband a pensioner under act of 1818 at $96 per annum & paid to the 4 March 1843

Allowed $96 per annum to com Feb 3 1853

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by credible witness
Death of pensioner proved by credible witness
Identity & widowhood proved by cr witnesses

Name and residence of Agent
C. K. Averill
Rouses Point Village
N.York

Examining Clerk,
J. L. Gray
Page 43

In reply to your request of ....., received .......
for a statement of the military history of Benjamin Graves a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Buearau.
Wid File 4972

[column titles]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT
LENGTH OF SERVICE
RANK
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
STATE

Jany 1. 76 1 yr 6 wks  Captain John McKinstry Colonel Patterson Mass.
May 1777 6 June 1783  Captain Martin Kirtland Col Meigs, Col Swift, Conn 2" Conn

Battles engaged in Erac of Boston, Trenton, Princeton, Eligton, Con Farms, & Yorktown
Residence of soldier at enlistment, .............
Date of application for pension Apl 18, 1818
Residence at date of application, Champlain, Clinton Co, NY.
Age at date of application, 58. died Chazy, Clinton Co, NY Mch 22, 1843
Remarks:
1820 wife Lucretia M 34 ch. myron 15, sabe 13 mary ann 11 & phebe 7 yrs. sd mar. Champlain Sept 27 1835 Sally Marshall widow of John Burroughs who d. July 22, 1832.
wd. appl. Jany 12, 1843 age 72 in Champlain aforesaid.

Very respectfully
Page 44

Sept 12, 1907.

Mrs. M. W. Himebaugh,
R D. No., 1,
Udall, Kan.

Madam:
In reply to your letter dated the 15th ultimo and received on the 19th, you are advised that this Bureau is not in possession of any Colonial records, and that the Revolutionary War pension records fail to afford any information in regard to Alexander Stewart and Thomas Hungerford of the Connecticut Troops.

Very respectfully,
Commissioner
Page 45

L.W.B. 
W. 1972, 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS, 
WASHINGTON, D. C.,

April 21, 1897.

 Madam:

     Replying to your request for information concerning Benjamin Graves, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you are advised that "he made an application for pension on August 3, 1818, at which time he wns 58 years of age and residing at N. Y., and his pension was allowed for six years' actual service as a private in the Conn. troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Kirtland and Col. Meigs. Place of his enlistment not stated. 
     His widow, Saliy, made opplication and received a pension for the service of her husband as above set forth. 

Very respectfully,



Commissioner,

 Mrs. L. S. Lansing,
 6 Mullin St , 
Watertown, N. Y.
Page 46

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.,

M.E.C.

July 5, 1895.

Sir: - 
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of ---Benjamin Graves --- a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

[column names]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT
LENGTH OF SERVICE
RANK
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED
STATE

Jan. 1776 13 1/2 mos. Pvt. Captain John McKinstry Colonel John Patterson Mass.
May 1777 to June 1783. Pvt. Captain Martin Kirtland, Colonel R. J. Meigs Conn.
Claimed to have been Body Servant to Gen. Washington for three years or more.

Battles engaged in, Siege of Boston, Trenton, Princeton, Elizabethtown, Connecticut Farms, and Yorktown.

Residence of soldier at enlistment, Not stated.

Date of application for pension, August 3, 1818.

Residence at date of application, Champlain, Clinton Co., N.Y.

Age at date of application, 58 years.

Remarks: In 1820 his family consisted of his wife Lucretia, aged 34 years, and 4 children, Myron, aged 15, Sebe, aged 13, Mary Ann, aged 11, and Phebe, aged 7 years. On Sept. 27, 1835, he married Sally (Marshall) Burroughs, widow of Joseph Burroughs. The soldier died March 22, 1843, at Chazy, Clinton Co., N.Y.

Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner

Mr. A. G. Douglass,
35 E. 7th St. Cor. Cedar,
St. Paul, Minn.
Page 47

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS

Washington D.C. Dec 1893

Sir,
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Benjamin Graves, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will please find below the desired information as contained in his application for pension on file in this Bureau.

[column titles]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT
LENGTH OF SERVICE
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED
STATE

Jany 1776 13 1/2 mos Priv. Captain John McKinstery Colonel John Patterson Mass.
May 1777 to June 1783 Captain Martin Kirtland Colonel R. J. Meigs Conn
Claimed to be body servant to Genl Washington for 3 years or more.

Battles engaged in, Siege of Boston, Trenton, Princeton, Elizabethtown, Connecticut Farms & Yorktown

Residence of soldier at enlistment, Not Stated

Date of application for pension, August 1818

Residence at date of application, Champlain, Clinton County, N.Y.

Age at date of application, 58 years, Died March 22 1843 at Chazy Clinton Co N.Y. aged 86 years

Remarks: In Oct 1820 wife Lucretia alive, aged 34 years. Again married at Champlain Sept 27, 1835 to Sally (Marshall) Burroughs, widow of Joseph Burroughs who died July 22, 1832.

Very respectfully,
Commissioner

Mr. Seymour Morris
142 La Salle St
Chicago, Ills
Page 48

October 21 1938

Mr. A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Veterans Administration
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:-
Would you kindly send me what data you have in your pension file on the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin Graves, Connecticut and Vermont, widow Sarah, (BLWT 157-60-55, Pension 170 W4972, according to a record given to me,) whom I believe to be my ancestor. Any information you can give me would be deeply appreciated.

Very truly yours,
Charles E. Graves

144 Loring Road
Winthrop, Mass.

See over

[stamped]
RECEIVED
OCT 24 1938 MAIL SUB-DIV
37
Page 49

any identifying information, such as date and place of birth and death, names of wife or children, places in which he resided, etc. which you might find in his war record would be deeply appreciated.
Charles E. Graves

[stamped]
RECEIVED
OCT 24 1938
MAIL SUB-DIV
37
Page 50

[letterhead]
E. DOUGLASS
FIRST CLASS HELP
FAMILIES & HOTELS

Employment offices Established 1880

A. G. DOUGLASS,
Proprietor
366 Wabasha St. Cor. Fifth


St. Paul, Minn. Nov 1st 1902
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.

Dear Sir,
Will you kindly send me the war record of Benjamin Graves of Clinton County, New York. He was in the Revolution and drew a pension of $96.00 per annum. He was my great-grandfather. Thanking you I remain
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
Arthur Graves Douglass
366 Wabasha St

[stamped]
U.S.
PENSION
OFFICE
D 
NOV 3 1902
Page 51

[stamped]
DIV
AUG 20
1907
FILES

Aug 15, 1907
Adj. Gen. of State of Conn.
or Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.

Can you give me the records of Colonial or Revolutionary service of Thomas Hungerford, Alexander Stewart (spelled in different ways) & Benjamin Graves, all of Conn. from East Haddassi I think.
I will give what meager data I have. I think it is authentic, but to be received by the order of D. A. R. it must come by authority of the War Department as I understand.
Page 52

Thom. Hungerford private: Josiah Lee Capt. (Conn French & Indian War Rolls. Vol 2 p 26-p121)
Thom Hungerford Lieut.
(Col of Conn Hist - Soc Vol 2 p 182)
(Rec of Con Men in Rev p 514)

Thom. Hungerford Cap 16th Militia
Ref of Conn
(Rec. Conn. in Rev p 626)
Alex Stewart on pay roll of Capt Casse Co 12th Reg 1757

(Colonial Campaigns)
Alex Stewart pay roll Capt Nathanial Everts Co 4th Reg Conn Troops 1758

(Colonial Records)
Alex Stewart on pay roll for horse travel. Capt Wm Giddings Co 16 Reg Militia commanded
Page 53

by Nehemiah Beardsley July 8, 1779
(Cnn Rev Rolls & Lists Vol 8 Col Conn Hist Soc p. 197)

With manty thanks for any other information you can give I remain yours truly,
Mrs. M. W. Himebaugh
Udall Kansas

L. D. I
[stamped]
OW & R DIV
AUG 
20
1907
Page 54

[stamped]
WASHINGTON RECORD 1894
JAN 11
11 - PM

[stamped]
CHICAGO ILLS 1894
JAN 4
430 PM

POSTAL CARD ONE CENT.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
THIS SIDE IS FOR ADDRESS ONLY.

Wm Lochren Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Page 55

Req to acknowledge your favor of the 8th inst enclosing statement of service of Benj. Graves in the Revolutionary War, for which please accept my thanks

SEYMOUR MORRIS,
142 LASALLE STREET
CHICAGO.

[stamped]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE
G
JAN 13 1894

[stamped]
JAN 10 1894
Page 56

March 17, 1897

To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.

Will you kindly send me if it is obtainable the record of Benjamin Graves. He was in Captain Martin Rutlands Co. Colonel William Douglas Regiment, Sixty Connecticut line, Formation of 1777-1781
Page 57

Also in Captain Holmes Co of Mt Haddam Connecticut State Troops 1776. 
He is supposed to have had a pension, Act of 1818. I would like to know if this is so, and where he was living when he applied for it, or whether it was granted to his widow and if so, what her name was. Please give me any and all information concerning him that you can.
Page 58

I shall be greatly obliged if favored with an answer.
Very truly yours
G. M. Lansing
Regmt D. A. R.

Address Mrs. L. S. Lansing
6 Mullin Ct
Watertown N. Y.
Page 59

[letterhead]
E. DOUGLASS
FIRST CLASS HELP
FAMILIES & HOTELS

Employment Offices Established 1880.

A. G. Douglass, Proprietor
35 E. 7th St. Com Cedar, St. Paul

St. Paul Minn.
June 21st 1895

Hon Wm. Lochren
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.

Sir:
I have the honor to request the favor of you that you send me all the information the records show regarding the services, place of birth, residences and everything of interest i compiling a family history regarding Benjamin Graves pensioner under the act of 1818 residing in Clinton County.
I have been advised to write you by the historian
Page 60

A. G. Douglass,
Proprietor.
35 E. 7th St Corner Cedar St. Paul
E. Douglass
First Class Help
Families & Hotels

Employment
Offices
Established
1880.

St Paul, Minnesota      189
of the Minnesota Society Sons of the American Revolution a reply will much oblige me.

Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
A. G. Douglass
Page 61

SEYMOUR MORRIS,
142 LA SALLE STREET

CHICAGO, Nov 26 1893

To the
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.

Dear Sir.
In the printed volume "Connecticut Men in the Revolution" published by the Adj. Genl of Conn - under the list of "Connecticut Pensioners act of 1818 residing in New York" appears the name of Benjamin Graves on page 6 &2.

Will you kindly refer to your records and tell me where he lived in 1818 or 9 when he drew a pension, and what regiment he belonged to in the Revolution.

Yours respy
Seymour Morris
Page 62

Jan 3/94 Mil His to Seymour Morris 142 LaSalle St. Chicago Ill

July 5/95 hist to A. G. Douglass 33 E 7 st Con. Cedar St. Paul Minn

21.1897 - History to Mrs, L. S. Lansing, #6 Mullin St. Watertown, N. Y.

Nov 20 1902
Arthur G. Douglass St. Paul Minn

1907 Sept 12 Hist to Mr M. W. Hinnebaugh

Mch 24 08 Hist to John Card Graves
Letter with wid. F23,147 Jedediah Graves

1938 Dec 7 Hist to Charles Graves A. J. Y.

Revy
WIDOW, &C

File No,. 4972
Sally Graves
Wid
Benjn., Graves
Pvt Rev War

Act: Feby 3d /53

Index: - Vol. A, Page 286

(Arrangement of 1870)