Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 22565, Benjamin Wells, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Wells, Benjamin
VP 22565
Anna
Anne or
{ B.L.Wt. 2310-200-licut. Issued Apr. 1, 1790, for papers.
CONTENTS

New York Roll.
1,475
✓
Benjamin Wells, Lieutenant, H
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence on the 11 th of April 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th of June 1818, and sent to Stephen Phelps, Esq. Canandaigua, N. York.
Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1818.
Service rendering
4 months 24/30. $96. " Total
{ Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818.
✓ Massachusetts line 8 years Dorham, Ontario Continued

Notification sent the 20 th June 1920, to Stephen Phelps, Esq n Cambridge N. York -

Rep.
4202
New York, Albany
Anne Wells
Wife widow of Benjamin Wells
who was a Lieutenant
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 320 Dollars —
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4. day of Jan. 1844 and sent to A. H. Nowell
Canandaigua, N.Y.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 1. Page 258

In the matter of Benjamin Wells a Pensioner

State of New York County of Ontario } ss On this twenty third day of May A.D. 1828 personally appeared in open Court it being a Court of record to wit the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Ontario Benjamin Wells resident in said County aged sixty six years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of the 18th of March 1818 the first of May 1820 and the 1st of March 1823 that he the said Benjamin Wells enlisted at Boston for eight months in April 1775 under Capt. Israel Chapin in the Regiment of Col. Fellows and served thro' the term of eight months In January 1776 he enlisted in Capt. Chapins Company in Col. Porters Regiment for one year and served for the year In January 1777 this declarant was appointed an Ensign in Capt. Stoddards Com- pany Col. Vose Regt. in which regiment he served and in the rank of Ensign and Lieutenant (both of which Commissions are now on file in the Office of the Secretary at War) until the latter part of January or fore part of February A.D. 1784 according to the original declaration on file dated 11th April 1818 as reference to the said Commissions and affidavit will more fully appear that he was discharged regularly at West-Point in the state of New York And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March 1818 and 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 herunto annexed and by me subscribed That since the exhibition of my first schedule the following changes have been made in my property to wit the horse stated as worth fifty five dollars I sold for a pair

of Osen to Henry Fredericks which have been since disposed of for my board and clothing the two wheel carriage had recently been bought at the time that schedule was made for the convenience of this declarant (he being a cripple) on a credit this declarant being unable to satisfy the demand when it became due was sued and sold the said Carriage to Doctor Amadon for thirty dollars to satisfy the same that the one horse waggon was then an old one and has since that time been worn out and is of no value at this time that the Mare therein mentioned was erroneously stated to belong to this declarant it being then and ever since the property of Walter Wells a son of this declarant had lent to this declarant for his use for his use from time to time he this declarant being totally unable to get about from place to place without a horse And I do further swear that I am by profession a farmer but from age and bodily infirmity totally disabled from performing any labour or pursuing any other business And I do further swear that I have a wife aged about 56 years she being a cripple also, she lives sometimes with her children and sometimes with other connections my oldest son Israel was killed by the British at New Orleans during the late war I have six children living to wit Betsey Williams a Widow with three small children in low circumstances and the greatest industry is requisite by her to support her children Benjamin is the next child he resides in Hopewell in the County of Ontario is in possession of a small farm has a wife and four children to support (the oldest of which is a cripple) and is very much in debt Nancy is married to a man in Hartford Connecticut this declarant knows that he was in low circumstances when married but what their present circumstances are he knows not Walter is a cripple and totally unable to labour lives in Hopewell has a small house and about six acres of land is unable

to render assistance to this declarant Clement is twenty two years of age has a wife who has one small child by a former husband is unable to support this declarant Jane is married to a man by the name of Fredericks who had no property when married and has none now unless his father has given him some of which fact this declarant is unacquainted And this declarant further says that he in fact has now no property save clothing barely sufficient to render him decent in society Sworn and subscribed this 23 rd day of May 1823 before me a Judge of the courts of Common Pleas in said County Moses H. Water } Benj n Wells
State of New York Ontario County } ss I Ralph Sester Deputy Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County (being a court of record and constituted such court by proceeding according to the course of the common law with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount and keeping a record of its proceedings, and recognized as such court by the laws of said state) do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and schedule thereto annexed  is truly copied from the records of said Court And I further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the said Benjamin Wells has no property proper to be set forth in a schedule In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court this 27 th day of May A.D. 1823
Ralph Sester Dep Clk

Anna Wells widow of Benjamin Wells.
Papers on application for a pension
Extracts from the records of A. Clinton Lieutenant 2 years
Messrs H. Hall & Havell Canandaigua New York

I, Israel Morton Town Clerk of Hatfield in the County of Hampshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age, do hereby certify that the following is a true copy of an entry in the records of said town with the exception of the date - viz -
"Benjamin Wells and Anna Chapin were married" and that said date is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows "June 23 d 1785"
Israel Morton, Town Clerk
I, Israel Morton above named depose and say: - That I hold the office of Town Clerk in the town, County and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town of Hatfield with the exceptions above named as certified by me
Israel Morton } Clerk of the Town of Hatfield

Hampshire ss. Sept. 27 A.D. 1838 Sworn and Subscribed before me Sam l F. Lyman Justice of the Peace

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
hire ss.
I, SAMUEL F. LYMAN , Register of the Court of Probate within and for said County of Hampshire, do hereby certify that Samuel F. Lyman Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that the signature thereto annexed purporting to be his, I know to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this Twenty seventh day of September A. D. 183 5
S. F. Lyman Register of Probate.
Handwritten notes: No. 100 to the Hon. J. ...

State of New York
Ontario County
Walter Wells being duly sworn deposes that he resides in the Town of Painsfield County of Monroe and State of New York that he is of the age of Forty years and that he is the Sixth child of Benjamin & Anna Wells. That the said Benjamin Wells the Father of this deponent died some time on the Fourth day of June 1828 being then a pensioner under the act of Eighteen hundred & eighteen. And this deponent further says that the Family record of the said Benjamin & Anna the Parents of this deponent is now in the possession of this deponent it has been for the space of Fifteen years since that the following is a true Copy from said Record viz. "Benj m Wells and Anne Chapin was Married in Katfield by the Rev Mr Lyman June 23 d 1785="
And further this deponent says not
Sworn & subscribed this
Walter Wells
24 th of August 1838
before me Edward Bradley, a Judge
of the County Courts of
Ontario County
State of New York Ontario County
I do hereby Certify that Edward Bradley Esq. whose name is above subscribed was at the time of taking the above Affidavit a Judge in and for said County dwelling in said County Commission'd & sworn and duly authorized to take the same - That his signature above written is genuine
Witness my hand & seal this 24 th day of August 1838 at Canandaigua Thomas Hall clerk

State of New York Ontario County
3 On this Twenty fourth day of August Eighteen hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Ontario Anna Wells a resident of the Town of P'keepsie County of New York, aged Seventy one years who being first duly sworn, according to Law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July Seventh Eighteen hundred & thirty eight entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to widows"; that she is the Widow of Benjamin Wells who was a Lieutenant in the Continental Army and that the said Benjamin Wells was a Pensioner under a former Act and that the evidence of his rank and services and the necessary affidavits of such Rank & services are now on file in the Office of the Secretary of War and that the said papers & evidences were filed in the Office of the said Secretary in the Month of September or March in the Year 1818 or 1819
She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Wells on the Fourth third day of June in the year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and eighty five that her husband the aforesaid Benjamin Wells died on the Fourth day of June eighteen hundred & twenty eight; that she was not married to him prior to his having the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred & ninety four in at the time above stated
Sworn to & subscribed, on the day & year above written, before the Court of Common Pleas in Open Court.
Thomas Hall Clerk of Ontario County Courts
Anna Wells

State of New York Ontario County
Elizabeth Chapin aged Seventy Nine years being duly sworn deposes, that she resides in Canandaigua County of Ontario, that she is the Widow of Theadous Chapin deceased, that she is well acquainted with Anna Wells the Widow of Benjamin Wells deceased that the said Anna Wells was the Sister of the deponent's husband, that she was well acquainted with the said Anna Wells before her marriage with the said Benjamin Wells and that she has been acquainted with the said Anna ever since her marriage and since the death of her said husband Benjamin Wells and that the said Anna Wells has remained a widow since the death of her said husband Benjamin Wells And this deponent further says that she was not present at the marriage of the said Benjamin Wells and Anna but that she was informed of the fact of their marriage soon after it took place and that the said Benjamin & Anna lived together as husband & wife for many years and that they had a family of children that they raised a large family of children and that Walter Wells was a son of the said Anna & Benjamin And this deponent further says that the said Benjamin & Anna were married in the Town of Watfield in the State of Massachusetts some time in the year of our Lord Seventeen Hundred & Eighty five and that this deponent then resided in the Town of Worthington in the State of Massachusetts. That within a few years after the marriage of the said Benjamin & Anna they removed to the State of New York and this deponent and her husband also removed to the State of New York at the time when this deponent says not sworn & subscribed this 24 th of August 1888 before me
and I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Elizabeth Chapin and know her to be a person of good character & credibility
Elizabeth Chapin
ANSEL MUNN a Justice of the Peace of Ontario County, N.Y.

Ontario County Clerk's Office Canandaigua Aug. 24. 1838 State of New York
ss. I Thomas Hall Clerk of said County do Certify that Ansel Munn Esq. whose name is within subscribed was at the time of taking the within Affidavit a Justice of the Peace in and for said County dwelling in said County and duly Commissioned and qualified within to take the same — And that his signature within is genuine
Witness my hand and seal the day and year above written Thomas Hall. Clerk

Claims of Benjamin Wells April 11 th 1818
To
The Honorable Secy of War
George C. [Signature]

State of New York } Ontario County }
Benjamin Wells of the Town of Gorham in the County of Ontario and State of New York being Sworn now depose say and declare that he the Deponent is a Natural Born and Now is a Citizen of the United States and that he served this Country in the Revolutionary war against the Common Enemy, and that he Deponent enlisted as a Soldier in the year 1775 1775 and after serving about eight months under Capt. Israel Chapin Company in Colonel Fellows Regiment in the Massachusetts line, and, and in 1776 served in the said Capt. Chapins Company in Colonel Porters Regiment in the Massachusetts line until January 1777 when he the Deponent received an Ensigns Commission which is destroyed and that he afterwards received two Lieutenant Commissions one of an Ensign & one of a Lieutenant here with transmitted and that he the said Deponent served under said Commission from the date of the first to the close the war in the first Massachusetts Regiment Commanded by Colonel Joseph Vose - and he the Deponent further saith that he is Sixtytwo years of Age and that he is reduced to indigent circumstances and is unable to perform any Bodily labour on account of Bodily Infirmary and stands  in need of Support from Government he the Deponent therefore prays that he may

be placed on the Pension List pursuant to the act of Congress passed March 18 th 1818 - entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land & Naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary war and further This deponent saith not
Benj. Wells
Sworn to and Subscribed at Canandaigua this Eleventh day of April 1818 before me
Stephen Phelps a Judge of the Court of Common pleas in and for the County of Ontario and State of New York

State of New York & fr Ontario County ss
1845 On the Eleventh day of April I Stephen Phelps a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Ontario and State of New York do hereby certify that Genl Benjamin Wills of the Town of Goshen in the County of Ontario with whom I am well acquainted and at whom Dilation and com- munications are here with attached and transmitted Served his Country in the war of the Revolution against the common Enemy and having exam- ined the said Will and both containing the facts set forth in the said Dilation have no doubt that they are substantially correct and true and he is in need of support from the Government and in my Opinion is entitled to the benefit and provisions of the Act Provided to in the said Dilation and Deposition
Given under my hand at Canandaigua the day and year first above written
Stephen Phelps
The Honorable Secretary of War will if my claims are allowed forward a certificate to Stephen Phelps Esq. of Canandaigua who is my agent
Benj. Wills

State of New York
Ontario County } ss. In Testimony that Stephen Phelps whose name is subscribed to the foregoing
Certificate was on the day of the date of the same one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Ontario acting under the authority of said state & that the same is his signature I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the County Seal at Canandaigua this 13 th day of April A.D. 1818 -
Geo. M c Neil Clk

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section MCS:MLB
November 20, 1930
Mrs. R. F. Young 1521 Kemble Street Utica, New York
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 22565, that Benjamin Wells enlisted in April, 1775 at Boston, Massachusetts, and served eight months in Captain Israel Chapin's company, Colonel Fellows' Massachusetts regiment. He enlisted in January, 1776 and served one year in Captain Israel Chapin's company in Colonel Porter's Massachusetts regiment. On January 1, 1777 he was commissioned ensign in Captain Stoddard's company, Colonel Joseph Vose's Massachusetts regiment. On May 4, 1780 he was commissioned lieutenant in Captain Stoddard's company in Colonel Joseph Vose's Massachusetts regiment. He was discharged in January or February, 1784.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 11, 1818, at which time he was sixty-two years of age and living in Gorham, Ontario County, New York.
He died June 4, 1828 in Hopewell, New York.
The soldier married June 23, 1785 at Hatfield, Massachusetts, Anna Chapin.
She was allowed pension on her application executed August 24, 1838, at which time she was seventy-one years of age and living in Penfield, Monroe County, New York. It was stated in August, 1838 that she had resided for some time with her daughter, name not given, in Genesee County, New York.

Benjamin and Anna Wells had the following children:
Israel, their eldest, was killed by the British in the War of 1812. Betsey, married ---Williams. Benjamin, a resident of Hopewell, Ontario County, New York in 1823. Nancy, married and living in Hartford, Connecticut in 1823. Walter, a resident of Penfield, New York, in 1823, aged forty years. Clement, aged twenty-two years in 1823, and a resident of Canandaiga, Ontario County, New York in 1829. Jane, married -----Fredericks.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner

Before me Elphalet Taylor a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Ontario in the State of New York personally appeared this day Henry Chapin and Peter A. Mower of the said County who did severally make oath that Benjamin Wells late an Officer in The Army of The Revolution and mentioned within, departed this life on the fourth day of June in the year One thousand eight hundred and twenty eight - Witness my hand this twenty third day October 1829 - Elphalet Taylor J.P.
I, Ralph Lester, Clerk of the Court of the County of Ontario in the state of New York do hereby certify that Elphalet Taylor before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn was at the time a Justice of the Peace for the said County and duly empowered to administer oaths - In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 23 rd day of October 1829 Ralph Lester Clerk

For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of an act entitled "an act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of The Revolution" approved on the 15 th May 1828 I Clement Wells of the town of Canandaigua in the County of Ontario and State of New York the ad- ministrator according to Law of all and singular the goods and chattels credits and effects of Ben- jamin Wells late of the town of Hopewell in the County and State aforesaid, deceased, declare, that according to the best of my knowledge and belief that the said Benjamin Wells was an Officer in the Continental Line of the Army of The Revolution and served as such to the end of the War, at which period he was a Lieutenant in the Com- =pany commanded by Captain Stoddard and in the Regiment commanded by Col: Vose in the Massachusetts line —
And I also declare that I have been informed and believe it to be true that the said Benjamin Wells afterwards received Certificates commonly called commutation Certificates for a sum Equal to the amount of five years full pay which sum was offered by the resolve of Congress of the 22 d March 1783 instead of the half pay for life to which the said Benjamin Wells was entitled under the resolve of the 21 st October 1780 —

And I do further declare that according to my best information and belief the said Benjamin Wells has received of The United States as a pensioner since the 3 rd day of March 1828 the sum of Four hundred and eighty Dollars and no more -
Witness my hand this 10 th day of august 1829 -
Clement Wells
State of New York Ontario County ss On this 15 th day of July 1829 before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared James D. Berris and Oliver Phelps both of the town of Canandaigua in the County aforesaid who did severally make oath that Benjamin Wells referred to in the preceding declaration of Clement Wells is generally reputed and believed to have been an Officer in the Army of The Revolution in manner as therein stated -
Witness my hand this 15 th day of July 1829
The names of James D Berris & Oliver Phelps, subscribed and sworn before at Canandaigua Ontario County N.Y. State of New York the 15 day of July 1829 Henry Chapman J.P.
James D. Berris Oliver Phelps
Know all men by these presents that I, Clement

Wells administrator of all and singular the goods and chattels credits and Effects of Benjamin Wells late of the town of Honeoye in the County of Ontario and State of New York deceased do hereby constitute and appoint Peter A. Mower of Canandaigua in said County my true and law- =ful Attorney with a power of substitution for me and in my name to receive the amount of pay due to me as administrator as afore- said under the act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Revolution Approved 15 th May 1828
Clement Wells
State of New York Ontario County On this 10 th day of August 1824 personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace in and for said County Clement Wells whose name is subscribed to the foregoing power of Attorney and acknowledged the same to be his act and deed - Witness my hand this 10. day of August 1824 - Henry Chapman. J.P.

to of New York
Ontario County ss Before me a Justice of the Peace in the County aforesaid personally appeared this day Peter A. Mowen - the Attorney named in the foregoing power of Attorney and made oath that the same was not given to him by reason of any transfer of any attachment levy or seizure by any legal process whatever of the pay therein authorized to be received but that the said pay is intended wholly to inure to the benefit of Clement Wells as administrator of the estate of Benjamin Wells deceased - Witness my hand this Eighth day of October 1829.
Henry Chapin J.P.
I Ralph Sister Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Ontario and State of New York do hereby certify that Henry Chapin before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn to was at the time a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Ontario and duly empowered by law to administer oaths - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 8th day of Oct. 1829 Ralph Sister

The Carriage sold to Dr. Amos for $30. to pay for same - The one horse Wagon was very old & since the exhibition of Sch. d. has worn out & is worth nothing - The same was erroneously stated to belong to Claim- ant when in fact it never did but was merely a loan from his son Dropt from Roll Nov. 4. 1829 under act May 15. 1828. Claimant see letter to Wm. Agt. Nov. 4. 1829 age 80 years a Cripple & totally unable to labor - wife 50 yrs. also a cripple they live with their children & relations - 5 children all provide for themselves.
Henry W. Taylor Esq Canandaigua N.Y.
Recd June 24 Sept. 1818. 1829

New York
Benj o Wells Lieut.
Served from 1776 to 1777 as a priv: from '77 to '80 as an Ensign from '80 to '83 as a Lieut. making in all 8 years.
1 o Sched: dated 22 d May 1820
1 Horse  $ 55. - 1 two wheel Carriage  30. - 1 Mar & 1 one Horse Wagon  70. -
Total  $ 155. -
Sch. d. under Act Mar 1 o 1823 [dated 23 d May 1823]
Each-biz nothing
Accounts for decrease of property &c. 
The Horse valued at $55 was sold to Mr. Fredericks for 1 pr of oxen which had been disposed of for board & cloth- ings - The two wheel Carriage had just been purchased at the time of making 1 o Sched: on a Credit & being unable to pay for it, he was sued.
Aug. 8. 1838 L.S. Mcaport

Case of Benj r Wells
No 3
(1475)
$155-
(Sept 1818)

To the Hon. the Court of Common Pleas of the county of Ontario, holden at the Court House in Canandaigua, in and for said county, of the term of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty—
I, Benjamin Wells — being an actual resident of the town of Gorham in said county, having been placed on the Pension List of the United States, by virtue of the act, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," passed the 18th day of March, 1818, do hereby, pursuant to the act in addition to the act above mentioned, passed May 1st, 1820, exhibit to said Court the following as a Schedule containing my whole estate and income, (my wearing  neccessary apparel and bedding excepted) that is to say:—
One Horse 55 — 1, 2 wheel Carriage 30 — 1 mare and 1 one Horse Waggon 70 — $155 —
I do further swear and declare that I am Sixty three years of age, that I served in the Revolutionary War in the company of Capt. Chapin in the Regiment of Col. Fellows in the Massachusetts line, also in Col. Porter's Regiment same company and line, as set forth in my original declaration bearing date the 11 th day of April 1818—that I rec d a pension Certificate No 1475 and further that I am by occupation a farmer that I am by age and infirmity disabled from doing any labour That my family consists of several Children who provide for themselves and with one of whom I am now living
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name this 22 nd day of May 1820
Benj n Wells The foregoing exhibit, inventory and statement of fact sworn to in open Court the 22 nd day of May 1820—

I, Benjamin Wells do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property or any part thereof, with intent thereby 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, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, 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.
Sworn this 22 d day of May 1820 in open Court } Benj s Wells
AT a Court of Common Pleas, held at the Court-House in Canandaigua, in and for the County of Ontario, before the Judges of said Court, on the 22 d day of May of the term of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty.
PRESENT— Nathaniel W. Howell Stephen Bates Micah Brooks Moses Alvah } JUDGES.
EX PARTE In the matter of Benjamin Wells } The said Benjamin Wells a Pensioner residing in the town of } as a person placed on the Pension List Gorham in said County. } of the United States, having exhibited a schedule subscribed by him, containing his whole estate and income, (his wearing apparel and beds and bedding excepted) in pursuance of an act of Congress of the United States, entitled "An act in addition to an act, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," passed on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, passed May 1st, 1820; and having taken, subscribed and produced to this Court the oath or affirmation by said act required, and said Court having heard evidence of the nature and value of the property mentioned in said schedule and duly considered the premises, are of the opinion that the property contained in the said schedule is of the value of One Hundred and Fifty dollars and _____ cents, and they hereby order their Clerk to certify the same in due form.
Ontario County, } Clerk's Office, ss. } I, John Van Tassel Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Ontario county, do hereby certify the foregoing schedule and copy of the oath or affirmation of Benjamin Wells are true copies of the original schedule and oath or affirmation now on file in my said office, and also that the above opinion and order of said court touching the value of the property set forth, is a true copy of the minutes of said court in the case of said Benjamin Wells a United States' Pensioner.—In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County, this 22 d day of May 1820
John Van Tassel CLK

No 1019 REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
1757.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
30 Oct 1829.
The Adm s of the late Benjamin Wells of Hopewell — in the County of Ontario — in the State of New York — has applied to the Secretary of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled "An Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the army of the Revolution," approved on the 15th of May, 1828. He states that he was as an officer on the Continental line, and served as such to the end of the war,
at which period he was a lieutenant in the Col Vose regiment of the Mass. line; and that he received commutation certificates for the five years full pay granted by the resolve of 22 March, 1783; and, further, that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March, 1826, the sum of 480 — dollars, paid to him by the agent in the State of Not Stated. —
The Third Auditor is requested to report how far these several statements are corroborated by the records in his office.
By order of the Secretary. F. A. Dickinson.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
31 st October 1829
It appears by the records in this office, that final settlement certificates have been issued for the commutation of five years full pay to Benjamin Wells - Lieut t in the Massachusetts line, amounting to Sixteen Hundred dollars.
It further appears that Benjamin Wells — is now on the pension list of the New York agency, and has been since the 3 rd March 1826 at the rate of Twenty Dollars per month. — The a/c s of the agency rendered show that he has been paid to the 4 th March 1828 —
Richd Hagner Aud
correct 29275

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED
For Benjamin Mills Esq r confidence in your Patriotism, Valor, Conduct, and Fidelity, DO by these presents constitute and appoint you to an Ensign in the First Massachusetts Regiment — from the 1 st day in the Army of the United States, to take rank as such — You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of an Ensign by doing and performing all manner of things therein belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers, under your command, to be obedient to your orders, as And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions, from time to time, as you shall receive from this, or a future Congress of the United States, or Committee of Congress for that purpose appointed, a Committee of the States, or Commander in chief for the time being of the Army of the United States, or any other your Superior Officer, according to the rules and discipline of War, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in force until revoked by this, or a future Congress, the Com- mittee of Congress forementioned, or a Committee of the States.
Entered in the War Office and examined by the Board
Attest Ben Woodcut
Secretary of the Board of War
Witness His Excellency Sam l Huntington Esq r President of the Congress of the United States of America, at Philadelphia the 20 th day of September 1779, and in the fourth year of our Independence.
John Adams President

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED
Greeting
To Benjamin Wells Gentlemen
We Reposing official trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, do by these presents constitute and appoint you to be a Lieutenant in the Massachusetts Line
in the Army of the United States, to take rank as such from the day of May 1, 1780
You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a Lieutenant by doing and performing all manner of things therein belonging. And we do hereby charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your command to be obedient to your orders as
Lieutenants. And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United States or Committee of Congress for that purpose appointed, a Committee of the States, or Commander in chief for the time being of the Army of the
United States, or any other your superior Officers according to the rules and discipline of War, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in force until revoked by this, or a future Congress,
the Committee of Congress before mentioned, or a Committee of the States.
Witness His Excellency Elias Boudinot Esq President of the Congress of the United States of America at Philadelphia the Sixth day of November A.D. 1780 and in the Seventh Year of our Independence.
#22565
By Order of Congress R. M c Neel Secretary at War

1915-Adm. Mrs. Hattie M. Lockhart 1930. Nov. 20 high. to W. R. F. Young. See correspondence in L. d. - Gen. Chm. Wm. Steele D. 11470. M.
Rev
WIDOW, & C.
File No. 22565
Martha Wells Wid of Benjamin Wells Lieut. Rev. War
Act: March 3 d 1843
Index: - Vol. 16 , Page 323
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Dept. of the Interior Washington, D.C.
Kindly notify me if the records of your office show that one Benjamin Wells served in the Revolutionary War and afterwards in the war of 1812.
Thanking for all the information you may

give me, I remain
Respectfully yours
Hattie McDowell Locke 616 Woodard Ave, Kalamazoo Michigan
January fourteenth

Rev. Sec. FOL

Dept. of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions.
Washington, D.C.
Replying further to your last regarding the matter of Benj. Wells having appeared on the Rev. pay roll, would say that the records of the genealogy of our family has not been returned to me as yet but would state that Benj. Wells is of my ancestors

was married to Anna Chapin . Pending the receipt of records which will enable me to further reply regarding dates etc. will ask if the above will not enable you to give me the information referred in my letter of January 14th, 1915.
Thanking you in advance for a prompt reply, I remain Very truly yours Feb. 1915 Hattie McDowell Well. Locke

address
Mrs. Hattie M. Locke 616 Woodard Ave. Kalamazoo Mich.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
W. F. 22,565-
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Benjamin Fills 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.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Apr. 1776- 8 mos. Israel Chapin William Mass.   Jan. 1776 1 year Israel Chapin Parker   Jan. 1777 Ensign Isaac Durd Joseph Vose   May 4, 1780 Lieut. Isaac Durd Joseph Vose   discharged Jan'y Feb'y 1784  
Battles engaged in, _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, located at Boston Mass.
Date of application for pension, Apr. 11, 1818. His el. was at
Residence at date of application, Gorham, Ontario Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, 62 yrs old June 4, 1828
Remarks: He married June 23 1785 at Hatfield Mass. Anne Anna Chapin She was at Pines on an app. ex. Aug. 24, 1838 while a resident of Pinesfield, Monroe Co. N.Y. aged 71/2. Children: Israel their eldest son killed at New Orleans during war 1812. Betsey, Benjamin, Nancy, Walter b. in 1798. Clement 22 yrs. old in 1823 and Jane wife of Frederick.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Willis Wells
FREE
Mar 19 1839
War Department
Anna Wells
Pension Office Washington
Anna Wells, widow of her husband

The Papers of Anna Wells (Widow of Genl Benj- Wells) on her application for a Pension were sent to the Pension Office during the Month of October last and the Receipt acknowledged. Since then we have heard nothing. She is very poor . But I suppose we have waited "a reasonable time" and would now again trouble the Department in regard to her claim. We should, for her sake be pleased to hear that her application is successful. Respectfully
Humbolt & Howen Atty.
Canandaigua Ont. Co. N.Y. March 13 th 1839

For The Pension Office
City of New York August 1-1892
To The Hon J. R. Pownall Secretary of War - Sir
The 3 d section of the act of Congress of July 4 th 1836 provides for the widows of the officers or soldiers who were entitled to the benefits of the act of 1832. The same pay the officer or soldier would have been entitled to under said act if living at the time the act passed if married before the operation of the same .
An act of the last session provides for the widows of such officers or soldiers who were married after the same and prior to 1794.
Will you be pleased to cause to be transmitted to me by mail a full set of any instructions which may have been prepared for the directions of widows in obtaining the relief provided by either of the acts above referred to or under any former acts if any such have been prepared.
The aid of your Department in this instance is solicited in behalf of an aged and highly respectable widow lady Mrs Anne Wells the widow of Benjamin Wells deceased.
Genl Wells the deceased with his family resided in Concordayna and I believe

personally acquainted with them at the commencement of my law Clubship in that town in the year 1807 - I have known the family from that time to the present - The Genl died during the time I represented that district in Congress. I believe in 1820 - The widow has resided for some time past with a daughter in the County of Genesee -
I take it for granted the widow if it be strictly an original application must show the service rendered - the marriage and death of the husband - In this case however the husband was himself a pensioner - He drew a pension under the act of 1818 to the time of his death -
I do not know the line to which he belonged probably of Housatonic - His pension was for the whole period paid as I conclude as long as he continued to reside in the vicinity of that place - The papers on file in the department will I suppose contain the required evidence to prove his service - He held as I understand before and at the close of the war a commission in the Continental Army - I believe as high as Major - Proof of this I presume will also appear - So that the only proof in this case will probably be the marriage and time when and that the applicant has remained a widow since the death of her husband

to the present time -
Will you be pleased to have the papers in the case of the Pensioner himself examined and advise me as to the extent of the proof there remaining bearing upon the application of the widow - My acquaintance with the family and knowing the apparent ages of several of the Children leads me to believe the marriage must have taken place before the close of the service - I have not as you will perceive communicated with the old lady herself but make this communication at the instance of a gentleman of this City who married the youngest daughter of the family -
With Great Respect
Your obed t Servant
Dudley Marvin
N o 7 Nassau St. N.Y.

4033
Oct 23 1843
H.
N.Y. Mar. 3 d 1843
Anne Kelly
$320
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commisr. of Pensions Washington D. C.  St. Paul, Minn. N. Y.
FREE

Conundrum, Ontario Co. N.Y. October 19th 1843.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commr of Pensions Washington -
Dear Sir
Enclosed I send you the Declaration of Anne Wells widow of a revolutionary officer who applies for the benefit of the act passed by Congress 3 rd March 1843.
I trust the enclosed paper will be found correct and that I shall be advised of all that is done in the matter.
Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
Albert H. Hovey

10 33 Declaration of Ann Mills

Declaration of Anna Wells in order to obtain the benefits of an Act of Congress granting a pension to certain widows of Revolutionary soldiers passed March 3 rd 1843.
State of New York Monroe County ss:
On this fourteenth day of October 1843 personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace of the said County Anna Wells a resident of the town of Webster in the County of Monroe aforesaid, aged seventy six 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 provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3 rd March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.
That she is the widow of Benjamin Wells who was a lieutenant in the Army of the United States but in what corps or regiment the said Benjamin served is not remembered by the declarant. And that under the Act of July 7 th 1838 she has annually received the sum of Three hundred twenty dollars.
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on the days year above written before me.
John I. Bulber
Justice of the peace Monroe County New York.
Anna Wells
State of New York Monroe County ss:
I John I Bulber a justice of the peace of the said County do hereby certify that the above named Anna Wells who executed the foregoing declaration in my presence is personally known to me.
Dated October 16 th 1843.
John I Bulber
Justice of the peace of the County of Monroe State of New York.

State of New York Monroe County ss:
I James W. Smith
Clerk of the said County in the State aforesaid do hereby certify that John P. Pullen is a justice of the peace in and for the County of Monroe duly elected & qualified and that his term of office commenced on the ninth day of March 1842 and will expire on the last day of December 1843. And that his signature to the foregoing declaration and certificate is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County the seventeenth day of October 1843.
James W. Smith clerk

H. 1270-3 2761
26 Oct 1838
Pension Office
N.Y.
7 July 1838
FREE
Hon. Joel R. Poinsett Secretary of War Washington Anna Wales

Hon. Joel R. Poinsett Secretary of War.
Enclosed we send the papers relating on the application of Anna Wells for a Pension. We suppose they are all according to Law if they are all right. The Certificate can be sent to us -
Yours &c
Hobbs & Howell
Atty at Law
Canandaigua Ontario County N.Y.
October 20 th 1838

Widow Anna Wells, widow of Benjamin Wells. N. York, act 1838.
The case should be re-examined. If the widow is correct in her statement, Wells was not paid to Sept. 4. 1838—

New York city Albany
Benjamin Niles on sole act 1818 to what
time paid?
PL
John Hany Ely
Due 4 th June 1828 p ct . that paid
p ct of paid
24

New York 2230
Anna Wells widow of Benjamin Wells, Dec d
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818 and who died on the 4 th June 1828 of Albany in the State of New York who was a Lieut t in the commanded by Captain of the 2 nd commanded by Col Rose in the Massachusetts and for 2 years
Provided on the Roll of Albany, N.Y. at the rate of 320 Dollars  Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 nd day of April 1839 , sent to Hubbell & Knowles Canandagua, N. York
Arrears to the 4 th of March 1839 $960.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept 39 160.00
$1120.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by J.M. Curdy Clerk, Book 4 Vol. 2 Page 109

Act 1828 Settled at Treasury
Cons d with
Ad O W Wid
re/bu sum
File # 22565
C

Revolutionary claim
The Hon: P. D. Ingham Secretary of The Treasury Washington
5725

30 Oct 1829.
1030
Canandaigua, Ontario County N.Y.
October 24. 1829 -
Sir,
Your letter of the 16 th inst. in reference to the claim of the heirs of Benjamin Wells was received - I now return the papers with the supplemental affidavit which your regulations require -
If these papers now, as I suppose they do, establish this claim, you will send me a draft payable to my order on the Branch of The United States in the City of New York -
Your obedt Servt Peter A. Mower
Hon S. D. Ingham

Persec Pens. Office 24th Nov. 1899.

Revolutionary Claims.
Under the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved 15th May, 1828.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
2 d Nov 1829
SIR:
I have the honor to inform you, that the late Benjamin Wells formerly a Lieutenant in Col Wood — Regiment of the Massachusetts line of the Continental Army; and who has heretofore received a pension at the New York — agency, has been admitted to the benefits of the abovementioned act.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
D. G. Farn
Secretary of the Treasury.
The Hon. the SECRETARY OF WAR.
No. 137.

Cannonade June 5 th 1823.
Honoured Sir,
Inclosed I send certified copies of the declarations in the cases of three revolutionary Soldiers, all of whom have, heretofore been upon the pension list, but were struck off in consequence of possessing too much property. With the circumstances of two of them I am particularly acquainted, and I believe them all to be sufficiently needy. Please to direct any communication in these three cases to me, at this village,
With great Respect
Yours, Abt. Servt
Henry W Taylor.
The Hon J. C. Calhoun.
Sect. at. War.