Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 30,854, William Bennett, Mass. N.H.

Page 1

(3–1776)
SERVICE 
Mass. 
N. H. 
CONTENTS 

Bennett, William 

NUMBER 
S. 30,854

Page 2

Lett J. Young  Scammal Dec 28, 1836
Cu. Tra  Dec' 36
Transf to Illinois fr. Alb 
fr. 4 March 1836 - Jany 14 '37
Let to R. V. M. Crop, Jan 7, 1843.

Illinois 5085
William Bennett of China in the State of New York who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Brown of the Regt commanded by Col Long in the New Hampshire line for 23 ½ months

Inscribed on the Roll of Buffalo N. York
at the rate of 78 Dollars 33 Cents per annum
to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 2 day of February 1833 and sent to 
Hon P. L. Tracy 
Ho Repres

Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 - $117.49
Semi anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 33
39. 16
---
$156.66

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by Jno Cromwell, Clerk
Book D  Vol 10  Page 76

Page 3

In the matter of 
William Bennett 
a pensioner 

Declaration 
15968 

Please send certificate to 
Carleton Towne Batavia 
Genesee Co. N.Y. 

an error in the computation 
of service alleges 9 instead of 7 mo

admitted 
23 1/2 mo. private

Page 4

State of New York 
County of Genesee SS: } 
On this 10th day of October Eighteen hundred 
and thirty two personally appeared in open court before the 
Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Genesee now 
sitting, William Bennett a resident of the town of China in 
the County of Genesee and State of New York, aged seventy four years 
who being duly sworn according to law doth, on his oath, make 
the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act 
of Congress, passed June 7, 1832. That in the month of August 
(the particular day he does not recollect) 1776, he enlisted into the service 
of the United States as a private, at London in the State of New 
Hampshire where he then resided in the company commanded by 
Capt Nathan Brown in Col Pierce Long's Regiment of the New 
Hampshire State Troops for one year, and continued in said service 
until the term of his enlistment expired. That a part of said Term he 
was employed as a Guard at Portsmouth Harbour. From that 
place he was ordered to Ticonderoga, where he served in General Patterson's 
Brigade until they were forced to retreat by the British 
Troops under General Burgoyne and when on the retreat an engagement 
was had with the British at Fort Ann. From thence he 
retreated to Fort Edward, thence down the North River until the Amercan 
Troops arrived at Stillwater under General Scuyler who commanded 
the retreat, when he joined Genl Gates’ Army, and where he 
remained until his term of service of expired when he was duly discharged 
therefrom. And the said William doth further declare 
that he did at different times and under the following officers serve 
the further Term of thirteen and a half months as follows. That he enlisted 
into said service as near as he can recollect in December in the year 1779 at New Chestin[?] in 
New Hampshire where he then resided, in the regiment of Militia of the State 
of New Hampshire, commanded by Col Bedell raised to guard the 
frontiers of said State, for nine months, and continued in said service 
for that time, under the said Bedell. That the place of general 
Rendezvous was at Haverill in said State. 

And the said William further declares that in the month of 
July 1780 he again entered said service as a volunteer at Haverill 
in Massachusetts under Capt Johnson in a Regiment commanded by

Page 5

Col Wadsworth for the term of six weeks to go to Rhode Isl
and under General Sullivan. While there Genl Sullivan was 
compelled to retreat from before the British forces. And while 
on their retreat engagements ensued between the rear guard of 
the American Troops and the British forces, and the Regiment to which the said William belonged was ordered out to reinforce the Guard, whereupon the British gave way and returned to 
New Port. The American Troops continued their retreat to Pawtucket 
where he the said William remained until the full term 
of six weeks had expired when he was duly discharged from 
service. And the said William further declares that 
in the month of September in the year 1782 he again entered 
said service as a volunteer in a company of the New Hampshire 
militia raised to guard the frontiers of said State at the 
Lower [?] in Connecticut river, commanded by Capt 
Cuttin Fevers, for three months, at New Chester in New 
Hampshire where he then resided, and continued in said service 
until the full term of three months had expired under the above 
named officer. And the said William further declared 
that the whole time he was in said service under the Several 
engagements aforesaid in two years one month and a half or 
thereabouts. That he has no documentary evidence of his said 
service other than the Certificate of David Hunt herewith 
accompanying, and he knows of no person whose testimony he can 
procure who can testify to that part of the said services not 
referred to in the certificate of the said David Hunt. 
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity 
except the present, and declares that his name is not on the 
pension roll of the agency of any State 
William Bennett his X mark
Sworn to & subscribed the day and 
year aforesaid, in open Court 
T. Fitch Clerk

Page 6

In addition to the foregoing declaration, and in answer to the Special 
interrogatories propounded to him by the Court pursuant to the instructions 
of the Secretary of War, the said William Bennett states that 
he was born in Sandown in the State of New Hampshire the 9th day of 
May 1758. That he has a record of his age at China in Genesee Co where 
he now resides. That he was living at the times of his being called into 
said service as before stated in the places before stated. At the close 
of the war he resided in New Chester in the State of New Hampshire 
where he resided after the war ceased according to his best recollection 
5 years. From this place he removed to Bradford in Vermont, where 
he resided about 2 years. From this place he removed to Corinth
 in the same state where he resided about 8 years. From this place he 
removed to Holland in the State of New York where he lived 3 years 
From this place he removed to China in the State last aforesaid where 
he has since resided & when he now resides. That he was called into 
said service as before stated, served under the officers before named 
That he was acquainted with the officers before mentioned. That Genls 
Wayne, Schuyler and St Clair, of the regular army were with the Troops, 
where the said William Served at Ticonderoga, and the Continental regiments 
under them were there. That in relation to the general circumstances 
of his service he cannot state more fully than he has before done. 
That he never received any other than a verbal discharge of 
his officers, from Service. That he is known to David Wooster, 
Abraham Smith, & Isaac & David Salter residents of his neighborhood 
& who can testify as to his character for veracity & their belief 
of his service as a soldier of the revolution. 
William Bennett his X mark

Sworn to & subscribed the day 
and year aforesaid in open Court 
T. Fitch Clerk

[remainder of text belongs to another page in this record]

Page 7

We David Wooster, a clergyman residing in the town of 
Sheldon and County of Genesee, and Isaac H Salter residing 
in the Town of China in said County hereby certify, that we are 
well acquainted with William Bennett, who has subscribed and 
sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy four 
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood 
where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that 
we concur in that opinion. 
David Wooster 
Isaac H Salter 
Sworn and subscribed the day & 
year aforesaid in open Court 
T. Fitch Clerk 

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation 
of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed 
by the War Department, that the above named applicant was 
a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court 
further certifies, that it appears to them that David Wooster 
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident 
in the Town of Sheldon in the County of Genesee and that 
Isaac H Salter who has also signed the same is a resident 
in the Town of China in said County and is a credible person, 
and that their statement is entitled to credit. Isaac Wilson 
Robert Earll Jr
James Taggart 
William Mitchell 

I Timothy Fitch Clerk of said Court, do hereby certify that 
the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the 
matter of the application of William Bennett for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this Tenth 
day of October Eighteen hundred & thirty two Timothy Fitch Clerk

Page 8

15948
William Bennett
N H
5 --

Servd 9. Mo. from Dec to July ! !
found on Rolls for 1 years service
[Lp 22 31?]
P 209.

Hon P L Tracy
H. R

Carleton Towner
agt
Batavia
Genessee Co
NY

Page 9

BRIEF in the case of William Bennett of China
County of Genessee in the State of New York
(Act 7th June, 1832.) 

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? In open Court 

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily injury? [blank] 

3. How old is he? 74

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
Enlisted in August 1776 - 1 year - private - Col; Pierce Lang, Capt Nathan Brown - N.Hamps line State troops
Enlisted in December 1779 - *9 months - private - Col. Bedel -  N. Hampshire Militia
Volunteered July 1786 - 1 month 15 days - private - Col. Wafdsworth, Capt Johnson - Mass troops
Volunteered Sept 1782 - 3 months - private - Capt Cuttia Fevers - N. Hampshire Militia


5. In what battles was he engaged?  not any

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Sandomain, New Hampshire, at New Chester, N. Hampshire

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  By a living witness & traditionary evidence

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and, if so, how? not properly attached 

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case
*he could not serve 9 months from December 1779 to July 1780} Wilcox
[signed] Chas. G Wilcox  Examining Clerk.
2nd July 1835

Page 10

Wm Bennett 
Pensioner 
Alby to Illinois 

[?] Oct 28th ‘36

Paid to 4 March 1836 
see evidence on file with the 
papers of Rice Beckwith 
No 14,768, [transferred] from [?]
to Ohio Pittsbg [Pittsburg] Jany 14 ‘37

Page 11

State of Illinois 
Cook County ss
On this eighth day 
of October, in the year 1836, before 
me, the subscriber, a Justice of the 
Peace for the said County of Cook 
personally appeared William Bennett 
who, on his oath, declared 
that he is the same person who formerly 
belonged to the Company 
commanded by Captain Nathan Brown, 
in the Regiment commanded 
by Colonel Pierce Long, in the 
service of the United States; that 
his name was placed on the pension 
roll of the State of New York from 
whence he has lately removed; that 
he now resides in the State of Illinois 
where he intends to remain, and 
wishes his pension to be there payable 
in future; the following are his 
reasons for removing from New York 
to Illinois, to wit, His children have 
removed to the State of Illinois, and 
he wished to reside with them.
William Bennett his X mark 

Sworn and subscribed 
to before me, the day 
and year aforesaid 
Edw. E. Hunter J.P. 

State of Illinois,
Cook County. ss
On this eighth day 
of October, A.D. 1836, personally 
appeared before the undersigned 
Justice of the Peace within and for

Page 12

the County of Cook, James Ward, 
on his oath says and declares 
that he has been acquainted with 
the aforenamed William Bennett 
more than ten years, and that he 
knows him to be the identical individual 
described in and who signed 
the foregoing affidavit, and who 
made oath to the truth of the same.
James Ward
Sworn and subscribed to before me the day & year aforesaid 
Edw. E. Hunter J.P. 

State of Illinois Cook County ss.
I Edward E. Hunter, a Justice of the Peace 
within and for the County of Cook 
aforesaid, do hereby Certify that James 
Ward whose affidavit is above contained 
is a person of veracity, and 
that full credit is due to his assertions; 
and I do further certify that 
the foregoing affidavits were sworn 
to and subscribed by the deponents in my presence and before me. 
Witness my hand at Chicago 
in said County this 8th day of 
October A.D. 1836. 
Edw E. Hunter J.P. 
State of Illinois 
Cook County ss 
I, Richd J Hamilton 
Clerk of the County Commissioners
Court of Cook County

Page 13

aforesaid do hereby certify that 
Edward E. Hunter, whose name 
is subscribed to the foregoing affidants 
was on the day of the date 
thereof, a Justice of the Peace within 
and for the County of Cook, 
duly commisioned and qualified, 
and that full faith and credit 
are due to his official acts, 
and I do further certify that 
I am well acquainted with 
his handwriting, and verily believe 
the foregoing signatures purporting 
to be his are genuine 
Witness my hand and the seal of 
said Court at Chicago in said County 
this tenth day of October A.D. 1836.
Richd J Hamilton Clerk

Page 14

information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. 

William Bennett S.F.30854

Aug 1776 - 1 year - Pvt - Capt. Nathan Brown - Col. Pierce Long - NH
* 1779 - 9 mos - Pvt - Capt [check mark] - Col Bedel - NH
July 1780 - 6 weeks - Pvt - Capt Johnson - Col Wadsworth - Mass
Sept 1782 - 3 mos - Pvt - Capt Cutting Favour - Col. [blank] - NH

Battles engaged in, Fort Anne
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Sandown, N. H. 
Date of application for pension, Oct 10, 1832 His cl. was al
Residence at date of application, China, Genessee Co. NY
Age at date of application, b at Sandown NH May 9 1758 Date of death not stated
Remarks: In 1836 Soldier had moved to Kane Co Ill to be near his children who were living there.  No names are stated for date of last payment of pens. &c.

Very Respectfully, r Commissioner.

* have omitted Dec because Dec 1779 to July 1780 not 9 mos.

Page 15

State of New York 
Erie County SS } 
I David Hunt a resident of the Town of 
Holland in the County of Erie do hereby certify that I am 
well acquainted with William Bennett, that said Bennett 
enlisted into the service of the United States for one year, in the 
year 1776 and served that period as a Soldier, in the Regiment of 
New Hampshire State Troops, under the command of Colonel 
Pierce Long. I further certify that the said Bennett Served in 
the Same company with me, commanded by Captain Nathan Brown, 
during that period. That the said Bennett served the principal part of the time with General Patterson's Brigade at 
Tyconderoga [Ticonderoga]. That he remained at that place until the Amercan 
Troops were forced to retreat by the British Troops under 
General Burgoyne, that on the retreat from Tyconderoga, the said 
Bennett was in one engagement with the British at Fort Ann. 
David Hunt
Sworn and subscribed the 31st day of July 1832 before me 
Chase Fuller J.P. 

I Chase Fuller a Justice of the peace of the 
Town of Holland in the County of Erie do hereby certify 
that on the 31st day of July 1832 personally appeared 
before me David Hunt to me personally known and made 
oath to and subscribed the foregoing certificate. And I 
further certify that the said Hunt by reason of his advanced 
age and the infirmities incident thereto cannot without 
too much inconvenience and expense attend court. 
And that he is a person in whose truth & veracity implicit 
confidence may be reposed 
Chase Fuller Justice of the Peace

State of New York 
[?] Clerks Office 
I Noah P. Sprague Clerk of Eric County 
do hereby certify that Chase Fuller Esq. 
before whom the above affidavit was sworn 
was at the time of taking said affidavit a 
Justice of the Peace in and for said County 
duly elected and Sworn and acting as such 
and authorized to take the same 
And further that I am acquainted with the 
handwriting of said Justice and verily 
believe [?] Signature "Chase Fuller" Subscribed to the said 
affidavits and to the above Certificate to be his genuine Signature 
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed 
the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said County this twenty fourth day of August A.D. 1832 
Noah P. Sprague Clerk 
By Horace B. Dunning Deputy

Page 16

[Stamp:] CHI GO

FREE

Dec 27
Mr. Burdine

J. L. Edwards 
Comr of Pensions 
City of Washington 
D.C.

Page 17

Chicago Illinois, Dec. 8th 1836 
Hon J. L. Edwards, 
Commissioner of Pensions, 
City of Washington 
Sir: 
I enclose to you the Pension Certificate 
of Mr. William Bennett,
 for examination agreeably to your 
suggestion in your communiition 
of the 28th Oct, and inform 
you that Mr. Bennett resided 
in China, Gennessee County, 
New York, and received his 
pension (as he says) of David Burt. 
The Certificate you will please 
return to me after it has been 
examined. I hope this will be 
sufficient to obtain the transfer as 
requested in my former letter 
upon this subject. 
Very respectfully, 
Your Obt Sert 
J. Young Scammon.

Page 18

Oct 27

Mr. Burdine 

[Stamp, illegible]

FREE

Hon. J. L. Edward 
Commissioner of Pensions 
City of Washington, D.C.

Page 19

Please direct to 
Wm Bennett care of 
J. Young Scammon,
Chicago, Illinois 

To the Hon 
J L Edwards
Commissioner of
Pensions, Washington 
D. C.

Page 20

William Bennett 

Aug 11 [?] Burdine 

[Stamp:] CHICAGO JUL 29 [?] 

FREE

Hon J. L. Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions 
City of Washington 
D. C.

Page 21

Chicago, Illinois July 27th 1836 
Sir:
Mr. William Bennett, of Kane 
Co. Illinois wishes to have his pension transferred 
to the Michigan agency, so that 
he may receive his pension at Detroit 
if it can be done, and if he cannot be transferred 
to the Agency at Detroit, he wishes to be transferred 
to the Illinois Agency, at [illegible]. He 
was formerly paid at Buffalo, N.Y 

Please inform me whether he can be 
paid at Detroit and what steps are necessary 
to be taken by the Pensioner in order to obtain 
a transfer; and also whether a Pensioner who resides in Illinois, and who is now paid 
at the agency in this State, can be transferred 
to the Agency at Detroit. It would 
be much more convenient for the Pensioners 
in this section of the State, to receive their 
Pensions at Detroit, than at [?]? 
Yours respectfully 
J. Young Scammon

Hon J.L. Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions 
City of Washington D. C.

Page 22

Wm Bennett

[Stamp, partly illegible] ARLES NOV 15

FREE

Pension Agent 
Washington D. C.

Page 23

St Charles November 14th 1832 
To the Pension agent 

Sir
William Bennett a Revolutionary Soldier and a pensioner has requested me to write to the 
department and obtain such information as you can afford me relative to his pension. 

Mr Bennett informs me 
that he served in the Revolutionary War over two year 
that proof was made to the department of that fact and 
instead of getting Eight Dollars a month which he was 
Entitled to if such was the case he receives but 
Seventy Eight Dollars and thirty three cents (78.33/100) 
per annum. 
As you may suppose he is very old and 
decrepit and has no means of living except his pension 
From the statement which he has made to me of the 
case I am inclined to think that there has been an Error committed. if so justice requires that it should be 
righted. You will please inform me of the matter at your earliest convenience, and if you think from an examination 
of the records that he is entitled to the balance 
over and above $78.33 you will please inform me of the 
Course to pursue to obtain it for him. The record of his 
certificate is in Book D Vol 10 page 76. You will please direct your letter to St Charles Kane Co Ills 
Your Obt Sevt
Ralph V. M. [?]

Page 24

30854
INVALID.
File No. 30854
William Bennett
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7th 1832
Index: - Vol S, Page 33
[in brackets] Arrangement of 1870.

[right side of page]
1911 July 31 Hist to Mrs. Harriet Norton VL
1915 Jany 3 Hist to Mrs E. S. Walker V.L. Ill.

Page 25

President MRS. MARY J. LAMBERT 
Corresponding Secretary MRS. W. J. CALHOUN 

St. Charles Woman's Club 
ST. CHARLES, ILLINOIS 
July 23 1911 

Commissioner of Pensions, 
Dear Sir: 
Certain club women of this city are working to remedy the deplorable condition of a grave seven miles from here, The grave of a soldier of the Revolution.  Money matters are all arranged but so far no trace of his war record has been found. 
We do not know that he drew a pension, but that is possible. 

His name was William Bennett, came from Syracuse, New York to St.Charles, Illinois in 1836, died in February 1846. Left no known dependents His wife’s name was Sally, or Sarah. She had children by a former marriage whose descendants live near here. A man died last winter who was the last one

Page 26

personally acquainted with Mr. Bennett. This man had been one of a company of boys whom Mr. B had drilled according to Revolutionary tactics  in pioneer days of Illinois. 

If he drew pension can you supply us with a copy of his application for such?

Hoping a speed reply, 
I am 
Very truly yours, 
Suzanne S. Norton, 
139 W. 6th St. 
St. Charles, 
Ill. 
(Mrs Herbert)

[Stamps:]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE O JUL 24 1911
RECORD DIVISION JUL 24 1911

Page 27

Feb 2 1833
Cerf 5085
from Albany
3 -- 871
S 30854
RECORD DIVISION
Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Briefed by  AW July 6. 1911
Claim No. [blank]
Certificate No. [blank]
Claimant  who came from Syracuse N. Y. to 
St Charles Ills in 1836 died Feb 1846.
Soldier  William Bennett or Bennet
Service [blank]
Additional Service Rev.
No. [blank]claim, State records [blank]
No claim, combination records, [blank]
REMARKS:
I have searched everything and there is only one Wm Bennett on the Illinois Agency which is S. 30854. I would send it - AW
6 -- 1944
Chief Division.

Page 28

[stamp] 
U. S. PENSION OFFICE
D
DEC 28 1914

Page 29

NH
108 East Charles St.
Springfield, Illinois, Dec. 26, 1914
My dear Sir: -
Will you please send me the military history of William Bennett a soldier of the Revolution, who drew his pension in Kane county Illinois?
He is buried in that county and his descendants wish his record of service.
There is also one here in our city,
Thanking you for courtesy
I am --
Truly yours
[signed] Mrs. E. S. Walker