Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,472, Benjamin Wentworth, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
Wentworth Benjamin Rachel
NUMBER
W. 15.472.
CONTENTS

Massachusetts 4639
Rachel Wentworth, a non compos, widow of Benjamin Wentworth, decd.
who was a pensioner under the Act of ~ ~ ~ and who died on the 3rd August 1805, of Norfolk in the State of Mass.
who was a private in the Company, commanded by Captain Richards of the Reg't commanded by Col. Hews in the Mass militia line for 13 months 7 days.
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass. at the rate of 44 Dollars 11 Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1836. Inc. from $34.11
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of Decr 1839 sent to R. Baldwin, Esq. and Boston, Mass.
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 1839 $154.39
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar 40 22.05
Am't payable to Josiah 176.44 Richardson, guardian
of the insane widow { Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by D.M. Cundy Clerk, Book 7, Vol. 1. Page 145.

N. Benjamin Wentworth served in the War of the Revolution and was a pensioner. He probably came from Canton, Mass., and this was probably his place of enlistment. Canton was at different times part of Stoughton, and again of Dorchester. Benjamin died in 1793 and his pension was paid to his widow, Rachel (Lewis) Wentworth. She died some years before 1850 and it is probable that her daughter, Elizabeth, received the pension in trust for her. There were several soldiers from the state of Mass. of this name who should be distinguished from this Benjamin Wentworth.

6202 Rachel Wentworth Widow of Benjamin Wentworth

Claim for five years pension under the Act July 7 th 1838 State of Massachusetts ss. (County of Norfolk)
On this Fifth day of October in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred & thirty nine. Personally appeared in open court, before the subscriber, Judge of the Court of Probate for Norfolk County in said State Josiah Richardson, Merchant, residing at Roxbury in the County & State aforesaid, 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 July 7 th 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows". That He the said Josiah Richardson is the legally appointed Guar- dian to Rachel Wentworth a resident of Canton, in the County of Norfolk & State aforesaid. That said Rachel Wentworth is in the Eighty second year of her age, and by reason of mental derangement is unable to appear in court, for the purpose of making a declaration. and that his ward, the aforesaid Rachel Wentworth is the widow of Benjamin Wentworth late of said Canton deceased. That said Benjamin Wentworth, her late husband performed three or more terms of Military duty as a Soldier in the War of the Revolution. Viz. First Eight weeks, in the fall of 1777, in the secret expedition to Rhode Island in Colonel Hawes Regiment, Captain Richards company, and again in the year 1778 nine months in the State of New York, with James Allen & others in Col. Adams Regiment, Captain Patrick's company.

of Massachusetts Continental troops, and a further tour of three or four months at Westpoint in the state of New York in the fall of the year 1780, with Jospe Daven- port James Lewis & others, in Col Ebenezer Thayers Regiment of Suffolk County Militia, and in Capt Samuel Holden or some other company of said Regiment, said Jospe Da- venport & James Lewis are both dead, the latter was a brother to said Rachel Wentworth. That the aforesaid Jospe & Benjamin were inhabitants of Stoughton & in that part thereof which has been set off subsequently as the Town of Canton.
and He the aforesaid Josiah Richardson further declares that his ward, said Rachel Went- worth was married to her late husband said Benjamin Wentworth on the sixth day of September, in the year One thousand seven hundred & Eightyfour, and that her husband, the aforesaid Benjamin Wentworth died on the third day of August in the year One thousand eight hun- dred & five, That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred & Ninetyfour, Viz. at the time above stated, — Josiah Richardson
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first above written. Second judge of Probate

I James Swan Clerk of the Town of Stoughton in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, hereby certify that I find the following among the records of marriages in said Town returned by the Rev. Leedeadick Adams. -
Benjamin Wentworth & Rachel Lewis both of Stoughton September the Ninth seventeen hundred and eighty four. - And I do certify that the above is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows
Sept. 9 1784
James Swan Town Clerk
I James Swan above named depose and say that I hold the office of Clerk of the Town of Stoughton in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town with the exception above named as certified by me
James Swan Town Clerk
Norfolk ss Sept. 16 th 1834 sworn to this day Before me Elijah Atwater Justice of the Peace

I Martha Richardson wife of Josiah Richardson of Rosebury in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, In the fifty fifth year of my age Being sworn do on Oath testify depose & say That I am the reputed Daughter & oldest child of Benjamin Went- worth, late of Canton deceased. That said Benjamin my late Father was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War & performed therein several tours of duty, as I always un- derstood from his own mouth particularly at Rhode Isl- -and and in the State of New York, one tour in the latter State was of nine months duration but I can give no further particulars, except that He said Benjamin performed one tour of three months with my Uncle James Lewis & a man by the name of Jesse Davenport, at Westpoint in the State of New York, & was there during General Arnolds treachery, My late Fathers family were inhabitants of that part of Houghton since set off as the town of Canton, In which Town my late Father, said Benjamin Wentworth died in the Year Eighteen hundred & five, & on the third day of August, of that year, I left my mother Rachel a Widow, who has not married since the death of my late Father said Benja- Wentworth died, my Mother said Rachel Wentworth is still living with her Daughter Elizabeth Lewis Wentworth, in said Town of Canton & is incapable of taking care of herself by reason of Insanity, Her delangement has continued for five or six years last past & continues to increase upon her daily
Martha Richardson
Nov 22 d A.D. Oct 3 d 1839 - Sworn to and subscribed the day the said Martha Richardson, who is a credible witness!
Isaac Judson & Probate

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
COUNTY OF NORFOLK, SS. I, SHERMAN LELAND, Judge of the Court of Probate in and for said County, hereby certify that
Josiah in the County of Nicholson of Norfolk has been duly appointed Guardian To
Rachel Wentworth of Canton in said County, widow of Benjamin Wentworth deceased. The said Rachel having been adjudged an insane person & incapable of taking care of her self -
and that he is now fully authorised to act as such.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I, the said Judge, have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this Seventh day of October A. D. 1839
S Leland

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Norfolk SS.
I Henry A Penniman acting Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Norfolk, hereby certify that Sherman Leland Esquire is Judge of Probate in and Elijah Atherton is a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Norfolk, and that their signatures to the annexed certificate is genuine and true.
Henry A Penniman

6202 Oct 12.
Mass. July 7. 1838
James L. Edwards Esq. Comm'r of Pensions Washington

Boston, Massachusetts.
October 7 th 1839.
Sir
I transmit herewith the papers in application for a five Years pension by Josiah Richardson Esq r , Guardian to Rachel Wentworth, widow of Benjamin Wentworth deceased, for the service of said Benjamin, as a Soldier in the Revolutionary War.
Be pleased to give this case the usual course of investigation, & transmit the result to me at this place.
Very Respectfully Sir I am Your Ob t Servant
Reuben Baldwin
James L. Edwards Esq r Comm r of Pensions Washington

Boston, Massachusetts November 30 th 1839.
Sir
Your letter dated 25 th Instant is received, relating to the claim to a five years Pension, by Mrs Rachel Wentworth, widow of Benjamin Wentworth deceased; in which it is stated "I find no Roll of Captain Davenport's company" &c. I hereby call your attention to a further examination of Mrs Wentworth's Declaration, in which it is believed she states that her late husband said Benjamin Wentworth performed a term of three or four months service in the state of New York in 1780, with James Lewis & Jesse Davenport, in Captain Samuel Holden's company of Colonel Ebenezer Thayer's Regiment, of Suffolk County Militia. The names of Jesse Davenport & James Lewis (the latter a brother of the applicant) was brought to view merely to show analogous service, corroborative of the declaration of Mrs Wentworth, who is insane, I applied thro' her Guardian, Josiah Richardson.
I herein inclose the certificate of Mrs Wentworth, for the further action of the Department; believing that the Rolls of Captain Samuel Holden's, or Captain Thomas Newcomb's company of Col Thayer's Regiment will exhibit the name of said Benjamin Wentworth, as having served agreeably to her declaration.
Very Respectfully Sir I am Your Obedient Servant Reuben Baldwin.
James L. Edwards Esq. Comm'r of Pensions Washington

Ans d 13 Jan y 40 certificate corrected & ret d .

Boston. Massachusetts. January 4 th 1840.
Sir
Be pleased to correct an error, in the enclosed certificate. Mr Josiah Richardson (not Isaac) is the lawful Guardian of Mrs Rachel Wentworth, who is non compos
Very Respectfully Sir I am Your Obl Servant
Reuben Baldwin
James L. Edwards Esq Commrs of Pensions Washington

James L. Edwards Esq. Commis n of Pensions Washington

Boston. Massachusetts.
December 19 th 1839.
Sir
Permit me respectfully to enquire, whether the Department have not made a mistake in issuing the enclosed pension certificate to Mrs Rachel Wentworth, personally, instead of her legally appointed Guardian. You will perceive by a careful examination of the papers & documents accompanying this case, that, Mrs Wentworth is an Insane person, & that the application was made thro Mr Josiah Richardson, her lawful Guardian.
Be pleased to give this case a further consideration, and transmit the result to me
Very Respectfully Sir I am Your O bt Servant
Reuben Baldwin
James L. Edwards Esqr Commis r of Pensions Washington

Benj Wentworth d 1805 Rachel m. 1784 5
77. 1.7 Cap Richards. Haws vn 22 78 9. " Patrick on cont rolls 157 '80 3  Salisbury  no roll 3 Thos Holden 13, 7 7 Newcomb Vol 19 p 3172 on
[faint scribbles]
333 F 77 411 1.0

6200 Rachel Wentworth wife of Benjamin Mass.
Ad July 7 1838
Married 1784 died 1805
Aged 10 mo 7 days $34 10 per ann Mass. militia bap Richards. lit. Haws.
A. Baldwin Boston Mass.

Payment to be made at Boston by J. H. Cannon Agent for paying pension- ers, in the Agency of — Massachusetts. Payable on the 4th March and 4th September in each year.
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book A. Vol. 1,
Page 44, by
L. M. Curdy , Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Five years' Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838, Rachel Wentworth of Massachusetts, widow of Benjamin Wentworth, deceased, who was a private in the Revolution and died on the 30 th day of August 1805, is entitled to receive five years' pension at the rate of Forty four dollars and Seven cents per annum, commencing on the fourth day of March, 1836; and in case of the death or marriage of said widow before the expiration of said five years, the pension will cease on the day of such marriage or death. Issued in lieu of a certificate for $34.44 now cancelled Given at the War Office of the United States, this Seventh day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine.
J. P. Kirtland Secretary of War.
G. M. Curran Acting Commissioner of Pensions.
Examined and Countersigned. }

Payment to be made at Boston by H. Haven Agent for paying pension- ers, in the Agency of — Massachusetts. Payable on the 4th March and 4th September in each year.
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book 1. Vol. 1. Page 44 by
L. M. Lundy Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Five years' Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838, Rachel Wentworth, a resident of Massachusetts, widow of Benjamin Wentworth, deceased, who was a private in the Revolution, and died on the 30 th day of August 1805, is entitled to receive five years' pension at the rate of Thirtyfour dollars and eleven cents per annum, commencing on the fourth day of March, 1836; and in case of the death or marriage of said widow before the expiration of said five years, the pension will cease on the day of such marriage or death.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this twentysixth day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine.
W. P. Linn
Secretary of War.
G. W. Linn Acting Commissioner of Pensions.
Examined and Countersigned. }

The new codicil to Jonas Richardson Guardian of said Rachel Wentworth

3-2006 OFFICE OF CHIEF CLERK
2093
Job No. ....
Date
June 27/20 - W 15 H 72
Subject
Benj Wentworth - Rev.
1 copies of 1 pieces consisting of 4 pages to be (No.) (No.) (No.) forwarded when completed to the Rev 182 Ward Sect Division.
Remarks:
see receipt for payment re
Approved
Daniel Sally
831362
AB Wilson
Chief Div. Sect.
Chief Clerk.

Massachusetts 4639
Rachel Wentworth widow of Benjamin Wentworth, dec.
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 3d August 1805. of Norfolk in the State of Mass who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Richards of the regt commanded by Col. Harris in the Mass. Militia line for 10 and 7 days $44:11 Increase to $44:11
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass. at the rate of 34 Dollars 11 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of Novr 1839, & sent to R. Baldwin Boston, Mass.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1839 $119.39 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar 40 17.05
$136.44 R. Baldwin Boston Mass. { Act July 7, } { 1838. }
Recorded by D. M. C. May Clerk, Book A. Vol. 1. Page 144,

Massachusetts 4639
Rachel Westworth
widow of Benjamin Westworth
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 2nd August 1805 of a stroke in the State of Mass. who was a private in the company commanded by Captain [illegible] of the regt commanded by Col. [illegible] in the Mass. Militia line for [illegible] 7 days.
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass. at the rate of 4 Dollars 11 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 day of Dec 1839 sent to R. Baldwin Esq Boston Mass.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1837 $54.39 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar 40 22.05
Deduct former payments. { Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by D. M. Curran, Clerk. Book 4. Vol. 1. Page 144.

June 19/24 D.W. - 40 Ernest G. Walker, 1/2 Washington Post City C June 27/24 Letter to Ernest G. Walker, 1/2 Wash. Post, City copy inside. 1923 June 30 Copies mailed to Ernest G. Walker 2112 S. St. N.W. Wash. D.C. see receipt for payment in Daniel Wall, 837362
Map
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15472 Rachel Wentworth Widow of Benjamin Wentworth Rev Rev War Act: July 7 th 1838 Index: — Vol. M , Page 32
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Give precedence
Ernest G. Walker.
The Washington Post.