Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 3926, Zadock Benton, Conn.

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Service - Conn.

Benton, Zadock
Lydia

Number - W.3926

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13494

Ohio Pittsburgh

Zadock Benton
of Geauga Co. in the State of Ohio
who was a private in the Co. Commanded
by Captain Converse of the Regt. commanded
by Col. Swift, in the Connecticut
line for 1 year, 8 months, and 12 days.



$68.


Inscribed on the Roll of Ohio Pittsburgh at the rate of 68 Dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 21st day of August 1833 and sent to Ira C. Paine, Painesville, Ohio


Arrears to the 4th of March 1833    $136.00
Semi-anl, allowance ending 4 Sept. 1833  $34.

$170.00


{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by William K. Palmer, Clerk 
Book E, Vol. 8, Page 106

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67

Ohio Pittsburgh

Lydia Benton
widow of Zadock Benton
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private Conn.

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

Increased from $65.66

Certificate of Pension issued the 4th day of June 1851 and sent to 
James Hathaway
Chardon, Ohio


Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act Feb. 12, 1848, Page 333, Vol. 4.

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The State of Ohio }
Geauga County ss }

On this 11th day of September
in the year of our
Lord 1832 personally appeared
in open Court before the Court
of Common Pleas now sitting within
and for Geauga County Zadock Benton
resident of Chardon Geanga County Ohio
aged Seventy two years the Sixth day
of March next who being first 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 the Seventh day
of June 1832. That he entered the service of
the United States under the following named
officers and served as herein stated He entered
the service under the command of Captain
Robison [Robinson] in the State of Rhode Island - he
marched from Providence to Warren to prevent the
British from landing - he was in the service
over six weeks - the company was then dismissed
this was in the year 1777 - the company was attached
to the Regt. The same year in the month of
Oct. I went on a two months tour from Tolland
to Fishkill in the State of New York we were
drafted I served my time out. I received no discharge
I was in Col Newbury's Regiment David Johnson
was our Captain - the Ensigns name was Litte
In the year 1778 in the month of June about the 20th
I think I enlisted in the Brigade of Gen'l Nickson [Nixon?]
in the Reg't Lint of Col. Lorin in the Company of
Captain Comstock for the term of Nine months
I was posted

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to fill vacancy in the Continental Army. We lay on the
North River we marched from the Highland
then so called to Crouton [Croton] River to build a bridge
we were engaged in this tour of duty when I
received my discharge from Col. Lorain which is
lost. The next year 1778, I was called out on a
two month tour of militia duty Israel Converse
was our Captain Ellis was Lieutenant I have
forgotten his Christian name. We went to New
London to keep garison I think it was in the
month of July that I left home I served my
time out and was dismissed -- The next year
I enlisted for a term of six months in Col. Swifts
Reg't Gen'l Parsons Brigade Israel Strong was
our Lieutenant My principle duty was keeping
garison I was stationed a part of [illegible] at
Toataway New York State. When our time expired
we were dismissed. I have no documentary evidence
by which I can prove service nor do I know of any
persons living by whom I can prove my service.
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension
and declare that my name is not on the pension roll
of the agency of any State.
[signed] Zadock Benton

Sworn to and subscribed in open Court the day and year
above written
[signed] D. D. Aiken, Clerk

The additional statement sworn to and subscribed
in open Court this 7th day of
May, A.D. 1833, before the Court of Common Pleas [illegible]
[signed] D. D. Aiken, Clerk
[signed] Zadock Benton

Mr William Collins a clergyman and
Hilun Canfied residing in the neighborhood of
Zadock Benton do hereby certify that we are well
acquainted with the said Zadock Benton who
has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration,
that we believe him to be aged seventy two years
that he is reported and believed in the neighborhood
where he resides to have been a soldier of the
revolution, & that we concur in that opinion
[signed] W'm Collins
[signed] Hilen Canfield

Sworn to and subscribed in open Court the day and year aforesaid
D. D. Aiken, Clerk

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Question 1st Where and in what year were you born?
Ans In Tolland State of Connecticut.

2'd Have you any record of your age if so where is it?
Ans In the Town Clerks office of Tolland I suppose
there is a record of my age It is the only record
known of

3'd Where were you living when called into service
where have you lived since the revolutionary war
and where do you now live?
Ans In Tolland I have lived till 13 years since when
I removed to Chardon Geauga County where I have
resided since

4th How were you called into service were you drafted
did you volunteer or were you a substitute?
Ans As I have before stated I was both drafted and
volunteered

5th State the names of some of the regular officers
who were with the troops when you served
Such continental and militia regiments as
you can recollect, and the general
circumstance of your service
I was acquainted with Washington Putnam Gates
I have all ready stated to the best of my recollection
the circumstances of my service in the American
Army.

6th Did you ever receive a discharge and if so
what has become of it and by whom was it signed?
Ans I received a discharge as I before stated from
Col. Lorain I am ignorant what has become
of it

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7th State the names of persons to whom you are
known in your present neighborhood and who
can testify as to your character for veracity and
the relief of your service as a soldier of the revolution
Ans. Geo. King Esq Zadock King Edward Paine [illegible] Esq

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 William
Collins is a clergyman and he and Hilen Canfield
are residents in the neighborhood of the said
Zadock Benton and that their statement is
entitled to credit --- I D. D. Aiken Clerk of the Court
of Common Peas within & for the County of Geauga
do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the
original proceedings of said Court in the matter of
the application of Zadock Benton for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
seal of office this 13th day of September AD 1832
[signed] D. D. Aiken, Clerk.

Redrawn

11320

Page 8

No 512
Lydia Benton
widow of Zadock
O
Act 17 June 1844

Married 1787
husband died in Nov 1845

Adm 19 mo 21 days [illegible]
$65.66 per Anum
from 10 Nov 1845.

19 Mo 21 days [illegible] Adm

James Hathaway
Chardon
Geauga Co
Oh

Jeremiah Saush Clerk
of T. County Court

Page 9

State of Ohio }
Geauga County } ss.

On this 15th day of October A.D. 1846
Personally appeared in open Court
Lydia Benton aged seventy nine years a resident of Chardon
in the County and State aforesaid, who being first duly
sworn according to law doth on her said oath make the
following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the
act of Congress passed on the 17th day of June A.D. 1844
granting pensions to certain widows of Revolutionary soldiers.
That she is the widow of Zadock Benton who was a
Revolutionary pensioner of the United States at the rate of
sixty eight dollars per annum and that her said husband
died in Chardon in the County of Geauga and State of
Ohio, the first day of November, one thousand eight
hundred and forty five. That she was married to the said
Zadock Benton in Ellington in the County of Tolland &
State of Connecticut about the year 1787 by Isaac Foot a
justice of the peace of Stafford in said County of Tolland.
That she has not intermarried since the death of her said
husband and now remains a widow. She refers to her
husbands declaration and proofs on file in the pension
office and the proofs hereunto annexed and prays that
a pension may be granted, her
maiden name was Lydia Day.
[signed] Lydia ( her X mark ) Benton

Sworn to and subscribed before me in open Court
the day and year above written. And I hereby
certify from my own personal knowledge that the
above declarant is a person of truth and veracity
[signed] D. D. Aiken Associate
Judge Com. Pleas, Geauga
County, Ohio.

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The State of Ohio }
Geauga County ss. }

I Cyrus Canfield of lawful
age a resident of Chardon in said
County being first duly sworn according to law
do on my said oath depose and say that I was well
acquainted with Zadock Benton late of Chardon deceased,
who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States
and that the said Zadock Benton died in said Chardon
the 1st day of November 1845. Leaving a widow
whose name is Lydia Benton aged about 79 years
and that the said Lydia Benton now resides in
Chardon in the County & State aforesaid and
remains the widow of the said Zadock Benton and
further saith not.
[signed] Cyrus Canfield

Sworn and subscribed before me this 26th day of
July A.D. 1847. And I hereby certify from
personal knowledge that the above affiant is a
person of truth and probity. [signed] James Hathaway
Justice of the peace

State of Ohio }
Geauga County }

I Orrin Benson a resident of
Chardon in said County being first
duly sworn according to law do on my said oath
depose and say that I am aged 59 years and am a
son of Zadock & Lydia Benton and that my said
father was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United
States, and died in said Chardon November 1st 1845, aged
about 84 years when he died, that he drew a pension
of about sixty eight dollars per annum, and that
my said mother now resides in Chardon, County and
State aforesaid and remains a widow and has not
been married since the decease of her said husband
I have heard it related by my said parents that they
were married in Ellington in the County of Tolland

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and State of Connecticut about the year 1787 of
which I have no doubt I am the first child of my
said parents
[signed] Orrin Benton

Sworn and Subscribed before me the day
this the 26th day of July A.D. 1847.
And I further certify that the above affiant
is a person of truth and veracity, which is
from my own personal knowledge.
[signed] James Hathaway Justice
of the peace

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The State of Ohio }
Geauga County ss. }

I Lorenzo J. Rider Clerk of
[court seal]
the Court of Common Pleas in and
for the County of Geauga in the State
of Ohio, do hereby certify that D. D.
Aiken Esq'r before whom the annexed
pension application was made in
open Court was at the time of making
the same and now is an Associate
judge within and for said County duly commissioned
and qualified and that the signature to said
application purporting to be his official signature
is genuine. I further certify that James Hathaway
Esq. before whom the annexed affidavits were
taken was at the date thereof and now is a justice
of the peace within and for the County aforesaid,
duly commissioned and qualified, and that the
signatures to said affidavits purporting to be his
official signatures are genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto
subscribed my name and affixed the
the seal of said Court at Chardon
this 26th day of July A.D. 1847.
[signed] Lorenzo J. Rider Clerk
By William N Keeny Deputy

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I Samuel Kent Town Clerk of the Town of
Tolland in the County of Tolland and State of
Connecticut do hereby certify that I find on said Town
Record the following Record in words and figures
to wit -
"Zadock Benton of Tolland and Lydia
Day of Ellington were Married Jan'y 25 day 1787"
Attest [signed] Samuel Kent Town Clerk

State of Connecticut }
Tolland County ss. }

I Samuel Kent of lawful
age being first duly sworn
do on Oath depose and say that I hold the office
of Town Clerk of the town of Tolland in said
County of Tolland and that the above Record
of the Marriage of Zadock Benton and Lydia
Day is a true Copy from said Records of said
Marriage.
Attest [signed] Sam'l Kent Town Clerk

State of Connecticut }
Tolland County } S.S. Tolland August 25, 1847

Then personally appeared Samuel Kent Esq. above
named, a person known to me to be a man of truth and
veracity, and made solemn oath to the truth of the
above certificate by him subscribed.
Before me Loren P Waldo
Justice of Peace

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State of Connecticut ss.
Tolland County August 25, 1847

I Jeremiah Parish Clerk of the County Court within
and for the County of Tolland Do Certify that Loren P
Waldo Esq before whom the within affidavit of Samuel Kent
Esq Town Clerk was this day sworn to is a Justice of the Peace
within s'd County of Tolland duly appointed by the Legislature
of this State in May last and commissioned by the Governor of
the state which commission (now in this office) bears date the 22
day of June 1847 and will continue untill the 20th day of
June 1848 also that the signature to the within certificate
purporting to be the signature of s'd Justice Waldo is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed by name
and affixed the seal of s'd County at Tolland in s'd County
this 25 day of August 1847
[signed] Jeremiah Parish Clerk
of T. County Court

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13.694.
11.320

Zadock Benton
Geauga Co
Ohio

Adm 1 year 8 months
& 12 days. ---

40. --
26.66
1.12
22
68.00

Ira C. Paine
Painesville
Ohio ---

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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
16th July 1833

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by compling [complying] with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.

A Statement, shewing the Service of Zadock Benton.
Period when the service was rendered. | Duration of the claimant's service. ( | Years. | Months. | Days ) | Rank of the claimant. | Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. | Age at present, and place of abode
when he entered the service. | Proof by which the declaration is supported.
1777. | | | 42 | pri | Cap Robinson | 72 years | Traditionary
do | | 2 | | " | Col Newbury | Tolland |
June 1778 | | 9. | | " | Col Lorin | Con't |
" | | 2 | " | Cap Converse | |
1779. | | 5 | 9 | --- | Col Swift - | |
 | | 19 | 21 | | | |

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

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2

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of }
County of } ss.
On this ___ day of ___ personally appeared (a) before
A. B. a resident (b) of ___ in the county of ___ and State, Territory or District
of ___ aged (c) ___ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) ___, with ___ and
served in the ___ (e) regiment of the ___ line, under the following named officers:

[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served
under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of ___
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a
revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I ___ of the Court of ___
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of ___ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
___ day of ___ &c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the ___ and C.D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with ___, who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be ___
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.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
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 A.B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the ___
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the ___
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, ___ Clerk of the Court of ___ do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of ___
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this ___ day of ___ &c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission;
but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the
services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw
light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

Page 18

3

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be
attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected.
All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of
service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary
war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
{ To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify
as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -- one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character
and standing of other persons giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.

Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before
required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper
county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
his genuine signature.

No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure,
taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will
follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not
conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so
definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason
of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his
recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:-- For ___ year ___ months, and ___
days, I served as a ___. For ___ months and ___ days, I served as a ___; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law
directs the person to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase 'about three or four months',
is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years
in the milita, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is
highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement;
the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent
authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil
pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no
public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the
papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains
the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must
pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.
[** item j is highlighted by parenthesis **]
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses
who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well
as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the
witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[pointing finger] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in
note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Page 19

Ow

June 5, 1908.

Mr. J. H. Benton,
Board of Review,
Bureau of Pensions.

Sir:
In reply to your communication dated and received the 3" instant,
you are advised that from the papers in claim W. File 3926, it appears
that Zadock Benton was born March 6, 1761, in Tolland, Connecticut, where
he resided when he entered the service in Rhode Island in 1777 under
Captain Robison and served six weeks. In October, same year, he went from
Tolland under Captain David Johnson, Ensign Little and Colonel Newbury
for two months. Enlisted June 25, 1778 in Captain Comstock's company,
Lieut. Colonel Lorain's regiment for nine months and marched to Groton
river. In July of the next year he was " called out " under Captain
Israel Converse and performed garrison duty at New London for two months.
Enlisted the next year under Lieut. Israel Strong, in Colonel Swift's
regiment and served six months.
Soldier married at Ellington Tolland County, Connecticut, January 25,
1787 Lydia Day. He was allowed pension on an application executed
September 11, 1832 at which time he was a resident of Chardon, Geauga County,
Ohio where he died November 1st or 10th, 1945, and his widow resided and
was seventy-nine years of age when she applied for pension on October 15,
1846. Her claim was allowed.

Page 20

W. File 3926.

In 1847 their son Orrin Benton aged 59 years testified in the case.
No further data as to family.
Very respectfully,

First Deputy Commissioner.

Page 21

O. W. & N. Division.

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

In reply to your request for a statement of the military history
of Zadock Benton, a soldier of the Revolutionary war,
you will please find below the desired information as contained in his
(or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | 
RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. ( CAPTAIN. | COLONEL. ) | STATE.
1777 | 6 wks | pri | Robinson | None men. | Conn. [crossed out: R. I.]
Oct 1777 | 2 mo. | " | Johnson | Newbury | Conn.
June 1778 | 9 " | " | Comstock | Lorain | "
1779 | 2 " | " | Israel Converse | | "
1780 | | | Strong | Swift | "

Battles engaged in, None mentioned
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Tolland Conn.
Date of application for pension, Sept 11, 1832.
Residence at date of application, Chardon Ohio
Age at date of application, 72 years. Bn. Tolland Conn.
Remarks: Moved to Ohio when 13
years of age.

Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

Arthur B Benton
114 N Spring St
Los Angeles Cal.

13603 b--3 m

Page 22

W. 39.26

3 -- 202.
BOARD OF REVIEW.

[round stamp] RECORD DIVISION, JUN 3 1908

Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C. June 3, 1908

[rectangular stamp] FIRST DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, JUN 3 1908, U. S. PENSION OFFICE.

[stamp] Attention and reply through desk, [signature] J. L. Davenport, [illegible] Deputy Commissioner

No. Claim, ___
Cert. No. ___
Claimant, ___
Soldier, ___
Co. ___, ___ Reg't. ___
Respectfully, requested of
Capt. Davenport,
First Deputy Commissioner,

to be informed whether an
application for pension, as
a soldier of the
Revolutionary War,
was ever made by
Zadok [Zadock] Benton;
and if so, a statement
of his service is also
requested.

The Rept. of the A.G. of
Conn., shows him a soldier of
that war: & not having died
until 1852, he no doubt applied.
[signed] J. H. Benton
B. of R.

6--720

Page 23

[society seal] EXEGI MONUMENTUM AERE PERENNIUS 1776 1883 SONS OF THE REVOLUTION

California Society,
Los Angeles.
Feb 28, 1894

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.

Sir:-
Please send me a
copy of the military record
of Zadock Benton who
died in Chardon, Ohio Nov.
3 1845 and who was a
pensioner for services
rendered in the war of the
Revolution

Page 24

He served for some mos.
in the year 1780 in
the Second Regiment
Connecticut line,
commanded by
Colonel Charles Webb.

Respectfully,
[signed] Arthur B Benton
Secretary California
Society Sons of
the Revolution

114 N. Spring St.
Las Angeles
California

Page 25

Mil. Hist. to Arthur B Benton
114 N. Spring St. Los Angeles, Cal. C

1908 June 5 - Hist. to
J. H. Benton C

Rev'y WIDOW, &c.

File No. 3926.
Lydia Benton
Wid.
Zadock Benton
Pvt. Rev. War

Act: Feby. 2'd/48
Index:--Vol. A, Page 48

[ Arrangement of 1870. ]

Mch. 21/94

Page 26

[crossed lines] To
Lydia Benton
A

Let to J. Hathaway
Sept 15 47

Act 7 June 1844

Page 27

445
Ohio Pittsburgh

Lydia Benton
widow of Zadock Benton
who was a Private
in the Revolution
Husband died 10th Nov'r 1845

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
65 Dollars 66
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 10th November 1845.

Certificate of Pension issued the
4th day of December, 1847
and sent to
James Hathaway
Chardon
Ohio.

[ Act of JUNE 17, 1844. ]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2 Page 201

Reported

Page 28

445.
Ohio - Pittsb'g

Lydia Benton
widow of Zadock
who was a private
in the Revolutionary war

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 68 Dollars ---
Cents per annum, to commence
on the 10. of November 1845 & Ending
on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Increased from $65.66

Certificate of Pension issued
the 4th day of June 1851
and sent to
J. Hathaway
Chardon Ohio

[ Act of June
17, 1844. ]

Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2 --- Page 208

Page 29

Reported

67.
Ohio, Pittsburg.

Lydia Benton
widow of Zadock Benton
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private

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

Certificate of Pension issued the
12th day of June 1848
and sent to
James Hathaway
Chardon
Ohio.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 333 Vol. 4.

Page 30

Painesville (oh) July 10th 1833.

J. L. Edwards Esq.

Dr Sir
The pension papers of
Zadock Benton of Chardon Geauga Co.
were returned to me a day or two since
those papers were forwarded to Washington
at the Sep. Term of the Court of Common Pleas
for this County 1832 -- Before the nxt May Term of
the Court, they were sent back with two objections
in "negative answers and red ink"
accompanied with a signature Statement
above your signature that "Each case was
considered correct in all respects except in
relation to those questions to which a negative
answer is affixed" Those objections in "red ink"
were obviated at the May Term of the
Common Pleas and the papers reforwarded to
Washington -- to our astonishment they are now
returned but without any specific objections
save that the applicant is advised to apply
for proof of service at Hartford Ct.

We are at a loss Sir to determine
here by what rules the Pension Department
are governed in their investigation of
claims - we supposed that the statement
of the Head of the Department above referred to
that "no other alteration or addition would
be required" was entitled to credit and
would be adhered to - but perhaps we are
mistaken in the matter.

If other objections existed
to Mr Bentons Claim he can not conceive the
reason why they were not all pointed out at once
and thus would have been saved much

Page 31

trouble and expense both to him and the
applicant Department.

We should like to know
the rules which the Department have adopted
in doing their business and will
then endeavor in all respects to comply with
them.

If a new brief of objections is to meet
every renewed application he had better
abandon his claim as hopeless.

I am he Respectfully Your Obt. Sert.
[signed] [illegible: Lale Paisu]
[illegible]

James L. Edwards Esq
Washington City
D. Columbia

Page 32

Chardon Geauga Co. Ohio,
May 1st 1848.

Sir
I herewith transmit to your office for
adjustment the pension application of Mrs Lydia
Benton, made under the act of Congress passed
February 2'd 1848. Verry Respectfully your
most O.B.T. Servant

[signed] James Hathaway

Hon J. L. Edwards Com of pensions
Washington City,
D.C.

Page 33

Mrs L Benton

Payment to be made at Pittsburg
by
John B. Guthrie Esq
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the
Agency of Ohio Pittsburg

Payable on the 4th September and 4th
March

Recorded in the Pension Office on the
Roll of Pensioners under act February
2d, 1848, Page 333, Vol. 4.
[signed] Geo. Jenkins
Clerk.

Page 34

WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSION.

I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d, 1848,
Lydia Benton,
widow of Zadock Benton,
who was a private in the revolutionary war,
is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Sixty five
dollars and Sixty Six cents per annum, commencing on the
4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again
marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such
marriage.

Given at the War Office of the United States
this twelfth day of June
one thousand eight hundred and
forty Eight.
[signed] Wm. L. Marcy
Secretary of War.

Examined and Countersigned.
[signed] J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
[signed] By F. S. Evans

Arrived Fall of 1818
Tolland County Court Comr.
just 30 years Mch. 1849.
31 years March 1850
32 years Sept. 1850

Page 35

Chardon Geauga County Ohio.
May 12th 1851.

Sir
I herewith send the application of
Mrs Lydia Benton widow of Zadock Benton
in order to obtain an increase of her pension
under the act of June 17th 1844 & Feb'y 2'd
1848. I herewith return her certificate
under the act of February 2'd 1848.
Very Respectfully your most
Obt Servant
[signed] James Hathaway

Hon Ja's E. Heath
Com'r of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

Page 36

August 30 47
Lydia Benton
wid of Zadock

Act 17 June 44

Hon J. L. Edwards Comm of Pensions,
Washington City
D.C.

Page 37

August 25th 1847.

Sir
I herewith send to your office for adjustment
Mrs Lydia Benton's Pension application
and proofs, when acted upon please to
make return to me.
Very Respectfully your most
O.B.T. Servant

[signed] James Hathaway
Chardon, Geauga Co.
Ohio

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

Page 38

Novem. 5 47

Add as
Lydia Benton
widow of Zadock

Hon J. L. Edwards Comm of pensions
Washington City
D.C.

Page 39

Chardon Geauga Co. Ohio
October 27th 1847.

Sir
In the case of Mrs Lydia Benton, I sent
your letter of the 15th Ultimo to the Comptroller of
Connecticut and requested him to send a Certificate
of the alleged service of Zadock Benton and in due
time I received the enclosed certificate. The Comptroller
informs me that he does not know of any Col Lerrins
as set forth in your letter
and therefore certified to the pay Roll of Col McClellan
as I understand the Comptrollers Certificate, wherein he has
certified to the amount of the officers pay rolls there is not
in his office any pay rolls of the privates that served under said
officers the dates therein stated
Very Respectfully your most
O. Bt. Servant

[signed] James Hathaway

Hon J. L. Edwards Comm of Pensions,
Washington City
D.C.

Page 40

Zadock Benton, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Act 7 June 1832 $68.00 p'r an

To what time was he last paid?
G C A

Pension Office }
Nvmr. 26 1847 }

Died 10th Nov. 1845
Paid to his death.
B L B

Page 41

Joseph Harman
Zadock Benton

J. L. Edwards

Page 42

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
February 26th 1833

SIR:
I return herewith the papers in support of the claims of the persons whose
names are hereto annexed.
These papers are in several respects defective. Each case is accompanied
by a brief. The objections are contained in the negative answers, in red ink,
given to the questions.
Particular attention should be paid to the accompanying regulations and to
the explanatory notes subjoined to the brief.
The extraordinary press of business in this office, arising from the great
number of claims under the act of June 7, 1832, has hitherto prevented us from
attending to the applications sent by you. The investigation of the cases presented
under this law has been difficult and laborious, and notwithstanding the
greatest exertions have been made by this Department, an earlier attention to
your business has been found impracticable.
The brief has been prepared to meet all cases, and thus to save the excessive
labor which would otherwise be imposed upon the office, and which would
consume so much time as to render the delay two fold greater than it now is
in the investigation of claims and writing letters. Each case is considered correct
in all respects except in relation to those questions to which a negative
answer is affixed. No other alteration or addition will be required.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant.
[signed] J L Edwards

Ira C. Paine Esqr }
Painesville } Joseph Harman
Ohio } Zadock Benton

Page 43

State of Connecticut
Comptrollers Office
Hartford 18. October 1847

I Certify, that on application for evidence of the service of
Zadock Benton in the war of the Revolution, I have examined the
books and papers remaining in this office relating to that war, and find
in the books of the late "Pay Table Office", this entry, under date of 14th
May 1777

"Major John Ripley  C'r
"By his acco't rend'd [rendered] for 5 Companies under his command, stationed at
"Bristol, p'r abstract for Wages } L 1618.19.7
"By milage for d'o [ditto] 242.11.0
" Supra D'r 1,861.10.7
"To Cash advanced Cap. Elijah Robinson, p'r reg't L 96.
"To d'o Cap. Hez. Parsons d'o 90.
"To d'o Cap. Jarad Cone d'o 90.
"To Order on Treas. to ballance 1,585.10.7 L 1,831.10.7"

In a corresponding charge to United States this service is stated to have been [illegible]
on the troops stationed at Providence. Also, this entry, under date of 15 January
1777 --- "Cap. David Johnston Dr To 2 blankets recv'd of Cap. Grant for his Co, Col'l
Newberry's Reg't Militia 1st Lt Barber rec'd L 1.14.0" --- Also this entry under
date of 3 March 1780, --- "United States Dr To Amo't Cap. S. Comstock's acc't rend'd. L 818.11.0."
Also, this entry, "May 20. 1778 Cap. S. Comstock, Chandler, Batt. Dr To 13 blankets of Cap.
Jabez Botsford for use of his Co 1st L't Kimberleys rec'd L 9.18.6." --- Also, under date of
19 March 1779 --- "War Dr To order on Treas. p'r Cap. Payne Converse for Pay Roll for his Co
McClellan's Reg't '78 & 9 L 1719.5.9" ---

Page 44

I also find a document headed --- "Pay Roll of the Levies in Maj'r
Walbridges Company 2'd Conn't Reg't commanded by Zebulon Butler, Colonel." In this
Roll, Zadock Benton is entered as having commenced service July 1. '80, and to have
been paid to Dec'r 9 at 6 2/3 dolls. p'r mouth, for 5 months and 9 days service as a private'
[signed] Abijah Catlin
Comptroller

Page 45

Lydia Benton

Adm'd

Admitted.

James Hathaway
Chardon
Ohio

Page 46

The State of Ohio }
Geauga County ss. }

On this 25th day of April A.D.
1848, personally appeared before me
James Hathaway a justice of the peace in and for
said County Lydia Benton a resident of Chardon
in the County and State aforesaid aged about 81 years
who being first duly sworn according to law doth, on
her oath, make the following Declaration, in order to
obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the
act of Congress, passed on the 2'd of February, 1848,
granting pensions to widows of persons who served
during the Revolutionary war; that she is the widow
of Zadock Benton who was a Revolutionary pensioner
and died in said Chardon on the first day of
November, 1845. That she has drawn a pension on
account of the Revolutionary service of her said husband
under the act of Congress passed June 17th 1844,
at the rate of sixty five dollars & sixty six cents per
annum. She further declares that she is still a
widow.
[signed] Lydia ( her X mark ) Benton

Executed in presence of }
[signed] James Hathaway }
[signed Jane Benton }

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year
above written before me.
[signed] James Hathaway Justice of the peace

And I hereby certify from my own personal knowledge
that the above declarant is the identical person
that drew a pension under the act of June 17th 1844, as
as above stated. [signed] James Hathaway Justice of the peace

Page 47

THE STATE OF OHIO,
GEAUGA COUNTY, SS.

I, Lounzo J Rider
Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the County of Geauga, in the State of Ohio
do by these presents certify and make known, that James Hathaway
Esquire, before whom the annexed and foregoing affidavit was made
and who has thereunto, in his own proper handwriting, subscribed his
name, was at the time of the date thereof, and now is a
Justice of the Peace
in and for said county, duly commissioned and sworn, agreeably to the
laws of the State of Ohio, and to all whose official acts as such, full
faith and credit is, and ought to be given throughout the United States,
and elsewhere.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said
Court at Chardon in said county, this 27th day of April, A.D. 1848
[signed] Lounzo J. Rider CLERK.
[signed] By Wm N. Keeny Deputy

Page 48

Inc'd / to $68 per annum
dedg $65.66 per annum.

Act 17 June 1844,
Coung 10 Nov 1845,
also
Act 2 Feb 1848

Pittsburgh
J. Hathaway
Chardon
O [Ohio]

Page 49

State of Ohio }
Geauga County ss }

On this 10 day of May A.D.
1851, Before me a Notary
Public duly authorized to administer Oaths generally
in and for said County, personally appeared
Lydia Benton aged 84 years a resident of
Chardon in said County and State who being
first duly sworn according to law doth on oath
make the following Declaration in order to
obtain an increase of her pension, that she
has received a pension under the acts of June
17th 1844, and February 2'd 1848, on account
of the Revolutionary service of her husband the
late Zadock Benton, deceased, at the rate of
sixty five dollars and sixty six cents per
annum, and that her said husband drew
Sixty Eight dollars per annum, she claims
the benefit of the act of July 1st 1848, and prays
that her pension may be increased under each
of said acts, that she has not intermarried
but continues the widow of the said Zadock
Benton. She hereby surrenders up her pension
Certificate under the act of February 2'd
1848.
[signed] Lydia ( her X mark ) Benton

Executed in presence of }
[signed] R E Deuter }
[signed] Malelda Godard }

Sworn and subscribed before me the day and
year first above written, and I certify from my
own personal knowledge that the above deponent is the
[official seal] Identical person she represents herself to be.
Witness my hand and Seal Officially
this 10th day of May A.D.
1851.
[signed] Isaac N. Hathaway Notary Public