Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 27,445, for Benjamin Lyon, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
10260
Mass.
Lyon, Benjamin Elizabeth.
W. 27. 445
CONTENTS

Reported
31956
Massachusetts
Benjamin Lyon of Norfolk in the State of Mass, who was a private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Wheeler of the Regt t commanded by Col o Robinson in the Mass. line for 6 mos & 1 day
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 20 Dollars 11 c Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 31 day of May 1842 and sent to Reuben Daldwin Boston, Mass
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 41. 211.15 Semi-annual allowance ending Nov. 42, 10.05
$ 221.20
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Theodore Moody Clerk, Book 6, Vol. 2 Page 51

Elizabeth Johnson widow of Benjamin Johnson who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars // Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 day of May 1849 and sent to
B. Elements Glazetown S.C.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 353 Vol. 2

Original Mass.
Benjamin Lyon
rejected

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Norfolk ss On this sixteenth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty five six , personally appearing in open court before the Honorable judge of the Court of Probate now sitting at Roxbury in for said County Benjamin Syon a resident of Dorchester in said County, aged eighty 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 act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That he was born at said Dorchester on the fifteenth day of December A.D. 1755 & that there is a record of his birth in the Town Records of Dorchester.
That he was in the United States service, in the vicinity of Boston, for twelve days commencing April 19 th 1775 as a private in a company of Massachusetts Militia commanded by Capt. Abraham Whipple of Colonel Robinson's Regiment.
Also that he was in the United States service, in the vicinity of Boston, two months & eighteen days, commencing December 13 th 1776, as a private in a company of Massachusetts Militia commanded by Captain Stephen Pemenan of Colonel Dyer's Regiment.
Also that he was in the United States service, in the State of Rhode Island commencing September 28 th 1777 one month & seven days, as a private in a company of Massachusetts Militia commanded by Captain Abel Richards of Colonel Hovey's Regiment.
Also that he was in the United States service, at Cambridge near Boston, five months commencing in November 1777, as a private in a company of Massachusetts Militia - that he was drafted & served for the full period of five months - According to the best of his recollection his Captain was Captain Thomas Mayes of Roxbury but of this he is not certain. The Town of Dorchester gave him a bounty of forty shillings a month, amounting to two pounds for the five months, which sum he received after the expiration of his term of service - His duty was to assist in guarding the prisoners taken at the capture of Burgoyne's army.

Also that he was in the United States service, upon Castle Island in Boston Harbor, one month & four days commencing March 1 st 1778 as a private in a company of Massachusetts Militia commanded by Captain Seth Sumner of Colonel Giles Regiment. As his father was then living & of the same name as himself, he was usually called Benjamin Lyon junior -
Also that he was in the United States service, in the vicinity of Boston seventeen days commencing  in March - 1776 as a private in a company of Massachusetts Militia commanded by Capt John Robinson of Colonel Benjamin Giles Regiment
Also that he was in the United States service one month & four days commencing March 1 st 1778 as a private in a company of Massachusetts Militia commanded by Captain John Robinson.
He also declares that he has always resided in the Town of Doulton, & that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any state. I swear to & subscribed this day & year first above.
Benjamin Lyon
We Ebenezer Eaton & Isaac Withington residing in said Town of Doulton hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Lyon who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be eighty years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood, where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion. Subscribed & sworn as above.
Ebenezer Eaton Isaac Withington

And the Court aforesaid do hereby certify under their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, & after putting the interrogatories presented by the War Department, that the above applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states. And the Court further certify that it appears to them that Ebenezer Cotton & Isaac Withington who have signed the preceding certificate are residents in said town of Sandwich & that they are credible persons & that their statement is entitled to credit -
S. Leland / Probate
I Jonathan H. Cobb Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Norfolk do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Lyon for a pension
I Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of office on the day of  fourth day of March 18 th The year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty six.
Jonathan H. Cobb Reg. Probate

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, of the 7th July, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows."
Louisiana State of Massachusetts, } ss. County of Parish of Orleans
On this second day of December in the year eighteen hundred & forty six , personally appeared in open court, before the subscriber Judge of the first District Court of New Orleans in said State: Elizabeth Lyon
a resident of Parish of Orleans in the county of State of Louisiana aged 81 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 7, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows;" That she is the widow of Benjamin Lyon late of the Town of Dorchester in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts deceased; And that according to the best of knowledge and belief, Benjamin Lyon aforesaid, was a private soldier in the Army of the Revolutionary War, and performed therein some five or six years of Military duty in the Militia of his native State, commencing with the alarm at Lexington in the Spring of 1775, and continued to serve by successive enlistments or drafts from the Militia until the year 1780. Viz. said Benjamin served in the Spring of 1775 in Capt. Wheelock's & Robinson's companies of Colonel Samuel Robinson's Regiment of Militia, & stationed most of the time at Roxbury Hill in the vicinity of Boston: When again in 1776, said Benjamin performed a further term of duty of three or four months duration at Dorchester Heights under Captain Stephen Penniman of Col. Nicholas Dikes Regiment, during which he was transferred to another company, stationed at Fort Hill in Boston the captain's name not known. Then again said Benjamin served five weeks at Rhode Island in the secret expedition under Captain Abel Richards of Colonel Hawes Regiment in the Fall of 1777. Then five months service in the Quarters over the Burgoyne Prisoners, commencing in November 1777 & ending in April 1778. For which service the Town of Dorchester paid him the sum of $10.00. Then one other term on Castle Island of one month & 14 days under Captain Seth Sumner in the Summer of 1778; and for a part of the above described service the United States granted a Pension to the aforesaid Benjamin Lyon of $20.11.6 3/4 per annum, under the act of June 1832.
She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Lyon on the fifteenth day of November in the year seventeen hundred and Eighty ; that her husband, the aforesaid Benjamin Lyon died on the Seventeenth day of July in the year Eighteen Hundred & Forty two, 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 and ninety-four, viz: at the time above stated.
Sworn to, and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before me, —
— John M. Henry Judge of the Dist. Court of New Orleans. her mark Elizabeth X Lyon Alfred Rousseau Clerk of the Dist.

District Court of New Orleans in the State of Louisiana do hereby certify that the Honorable John McHenry whose name is hereunto signed is the sole Judge of said Court and was such at the time of signing And I do further certify that said Court is a Court of Record.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the afore- said Court at the City of New Orleans this second day of December Eighteen hundred and forty six and the seventy first of the Independence of the United States
Wm. Spooner Clerk

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk County,
Dorchester Town Clerk's office, August 1 st 1843.
I hereby certify that from an examination of an original book in my possession containing the Record of Marriages in the Town of Dorchester, That Mr. Benjamin Lyon and Mrs. Elizabeth Glover both of Dorchester were joined in marriage by the Rev. Mr. Moses Everett in November Seventeen hundred and eighty. And that the foregoing is a true extract from said Records with the exception of the date which is expressed on said record in fair legible letters and figures as follows, Marriages by the Rev. Mr. Moses Everett. Mr. Benjamin Lyon and Mrs. Elizabeth Glover both of Dorchester, Nov r 1780. Thomas J. Tolman Town Clerk
I, Thomas J. Tolman, above named, depose and say that I hold the Office of Town Clerk, in the town of Dorchester, County and State aforesaid; and that the foregoing is a true extract from the records of said town, with the exception of the above as certified by me.
Norfolk ss. Nov 18 1843 Thomas J. Tolman Town Clerk Sworn to and subscribed
before me, Robert T. S. Justice of the Peace.

I. Ebenezer Eaton of Dorchester County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Aged fifty five years being sworn do on oath say that I have resided in the town of Dorchester from my earliest infancy, that I was intimately acquainted with Benjamin Lyon of said Dorchester, he was a near neighbour of mine & my acquaintance continued with him until his decease. Which occurred about one year since, A short time previous to the death of said Benjamin Lyon he became a petitioner of the United States under the act of 7 th June 1832 I was formerly acquainted with Elizabeth Lyon wife of said Benjamin Lyon whose family name was Glover. She resided with her husband said Benjamin Lyon for a long succession of years but subsequently said Benjamin became very infirm & reduced in his circumstances & his wife said Elizabeth went & resided with her children & it is generally known that she now resides at New Orleans in the State of Louisiana. I have had intelligence from her within about three months I have no doubt that she is now living Ebenezer Eaton
I affirm that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. Dorchester ss. November 22. 1843. Then personally appeared Ebenezer Eaton, and made oaths to the truth of the foregoing before me, and I certify that the within is fully entitled to credit & belief. D. F. Hallett Just Peace This the Court

Of Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office Boston November 23 d 1823.
I hereby certify that at the date of the foregoing attestations Robert Rose was a justice of the Peace for the county of Norfolk, and Benjamin F. Hallett, was a justice of the Peace for all the counties in the Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned, and that to their acts and attestations as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth the date above written.
Jno A. Bolles Secretary of the Commonwealth.

9194 13209 1344 Elizabeth Lyon Widow of Benjamin Lyon dec. Louisiana
B. 1780
D. 17 July 1842
Admitted
$ 20:11 ds
3 March 1843 also
June 17- 1844—
Capt. John B. Grayson U. S. Army St. Orleans

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston May 12 th 1842.
I hereby Certify, That Robert Dose
is a Justice of the Peace for
the County of Norfolk,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John P. Dingley
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I Thomas Lynn of Dorchester in the County of Norfolk & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Aged 84 years do depose and say that I am a Pensioner of the United States for services rendered in the Army of the Revolutionary War & that I am the reputed son of Benjamin Lynn Senior, formerly of said Dorchester deceased, & my said Father the afore- said Benjamin Lynn was called out into the service of his Country, in the "Lexington Alarm" in the year Seventeen Hundred & Seventy five, and soon after he enlisted as well as myself for eight months in Capt- ain Elijah Vose's Company, of Colonel Grason's Regiment (and soon after was employed as a cook by the officers but in consequence of his becoming deranged in mind he was dismissed from the service in the month of May or June in Seventeen Hundred & Seventy five, and was never capable of performing Military duty afterwards. I well remember one incident connected with his de- rangement. In one paroxysm he took a fine Mare of said Capt. Elijah Vose, & rode her off at full speed - after his return & in my presence, Col. Joseph Vose the Captain's brother, took hold of my said Father & shook him. I then applied to the selectmen of Dorchester who put him in safe keeping, & I am confident that my said Father never after performed any Military duty.
Thomas Lynn
Norfolk Dorchester May 12. 1842
Personally appeared the above-named Thomas Lynn, long and well known to me as a man of strict veracity, & made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is True.
Before me Robert Vose, Justice of the Peace.

John Lemest, of Dorchester in the County of Norfolk Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged 79 years do depose and say that I was born & brought up in said Dorchester that I was formerly well acquainted with Benjamin Lyon Senior & Benjamin Lyon Junior his Son & that Benjamin Lyon Senior, became insane in the early part of the year Seventeen Hundred & twenty five I saw him in a state of insanity among the Troops Stationed at Roxbury in that year. For other places, as he was wandering about, he seemed to have a great propensity for rioting on Houses. & on one occasion called at the House of Mr Ezekiel Seeds my then Master, and demanded of him a Horse, to ride, but was refused on account of his deranged state of mind, & I well remember that the said Lyon on that occasion, made this remark, viz. "That a friend in need was a friend indeed" & I am confident that the said Lyon did not perform any Military duty after this time during the Revolutionary War. John Lemest
Norfolk ss. Dorchester. May 12. A.D. 1842 Personally appeared the above named John Lemest, long and well known to me as a man of strict veracity, and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is True
Before me, Robert Vose Justice of the Peace

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Benjamin Lyon , a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. W. 27445
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Apr. 19, 1775 12 days Pvt. Abraham Wheeler Samuel Robinson Mass.   Mar. 1776 17 " " John Robinson Benj. Gill   Dec. 13, 1776 2 mos 18 days " Stephen Penniman Dike   Sept. 25, 1777 1 mo. 7 days " Rhett Richards Benj. Hawes   Nov. 1777 to Spring 1778 " " Thos. Mays Ebenezer Brooks   Mar. 1, 1778 1 mo. 4 days " Seth Sumner Gill  
Battles engaged in, none stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Dorchester Mass.
Date of application for pension, Jan. 16, 1836. His claim was al.
Residence at date of application, Dorchester Mass.
Age at date of application, born at Dorchester Mass. Dec. 15, 1755.
Remarks: Sol. was the son of Benjamin Lyon. He mar. at Dorchester Mass. Nov. 14, 1785 Mrs. Elizabeth Glover of that place. He died July 17, 1842. She was allowed pension on an application executed Dec. 2, 1846 at which time she was 81 yrs old and resided in the Parish of Orleans, La. Her children are referred to. names not stated.
Respectfully,
Note
6-2856
As every service was officially accepted by the one of 5 mos guards duty from Nov. 1777 which overlapped the need one of omitted 3 mos at said Apr 1778 as he was certainly paid by the town for that service. ant.
Commissioner.

Feb. 12 th 1915.
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
My dear Sir.
Could you kindly give me the particulars of the grantings of a pension in the Revolutionary War to Benjamin Lyon of Mass. who served in Capt Abraham Wheeler Co. Col. Samuel Robinson reg't, and also in Capt. Stephen Pemanman Co. Col. Dikes reg't. Would like to know whether wounded or not, and all the particulars of service of these reg'ts, or a suggestion as to where it could be found?
Could you tell me also, how I can trace the movements of the Continental line reg'ts from Mass in the War, about 1779 and 1780? Thanking you in advance,
I remain,
Yours very truly;
Albert W. Lyon.
33 Schuyler Street Boston Mass.

CHAS. M. AYER. 635 MICH. TRUST BUILDING.
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. 9 Dec. 1898.
Com. of Pensions (Washington D. C. )
Dear Sir:- Was there a pension granted to Benjamin Lyon of Dorchester, Mass. for services in the Revolutionary War? If so, please state particulars. And greatly oblige
Truly Yours
Chas M. Ayer

#9 South Division St.
Grand Rapids, Mich. 19 June 1897.
The Hon. Commissioner of Pensions (Washington D. C.)
Dear Sir:- Please inform me if the following name is to be found in the records of your office for the Revolutionary period , and if pension was granted, for what service etc.
Benjamin Lyon , of Dorchester Mass. His son, Benjamin Lyon Jr., also of Dorchester, saw service too. Please find what you can about either or both. And greatly oblige
Truly Yours Chas M. Ayer.
P

Histy to Grand ch. P. 3
as. above.
Reyn
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 27445
Elizabeth Lyon wid. of Benjamin Lyon P.M. P.M. etc.
Act Feb 2 nd 1848 H. 8.
Index : Vol A Page 450
[Arrangement of 1870.]
July 6 '97 C. M. Ayer Rapids, mi
Jan'y. 11 '99
1913. Feb. 17. Heirt to Albert W. Lyon - au

Ms. 7.25
Massachusetts Benjamin Lyon
Rejected.
See letter to S. Leland Esq. 28. April 1836
do. to E. Baldwin Octr. 10. 1839 do do Nov 30 " do to Am A Laurens Jan 20. 1840 enclosing papers.
see letter to B B Arnold Chief Clerk H Rehnström May 26. 1841
Rejected let to R C. Winthrop June 14. 1841. to same 1. Sep. 1841

Moses Capt Adams 1778 Brook 17 h 12 + 22 Bay Blayne 145 Caleb Brook 155 = 158 Sea Port 19 68 Simon Amel 20 65 Abram Puer 21 204 Mr. Munn 23 153 Miss Melce 24 58 Mr Walter — " 143
I met several who wrote that or mother's authority
The above are the names of the Captains in the Brook Regt of Quads in 1778
Of the men paid by Dorchester the names of Bowdoin & Isaac Thayer &
Mr. Gansby are not on any of the rolls of the Regt. They were drafted @ some place @ the probability is that they hired substitutes —

Saw Tolman. affe m 20 fr. Aug 76 to Apr 77. Last Stephen Penniman at Dockside Hughes
Matthew Holmes 20 m 7 m. on Dock St. Other wad 1. (See orig. ms in Bats) John Ward early Roll Swamp by Cape Penniman In 1776 f. Wood with Penn
Back again
May 5 1777 Cape Penniman Co Stk Rf f Clarke line a
John Ward on S S. Tolman } early 10/ea M Holmes }

  75. 12. days Capt Wheeler Bangs - 12   76. 2. 18. Jenniman " 2. 18   77 1. 7. Richards " 1. 7   77 Nov. 5 - 00. Mayo Cambridge not on —   78 1. 4 Sumner " 1. 4   76. - 17 Robinson " 17   5. 28   5. 4   4. 24 
Dec 1836
Gr. 17 1. 4 1. 21.
4. 24. Bangs Syn.
1539 Dec 5
75. 2nd. Abram Wheeler & his Robina at Roxbury Sep 7/1 14. Coats Island Capt Seth Sumner & Sumner Dec 7/1 4. Penniman at Dorchester & Fox Hill Sep 25 '77 1. 5. Abe Richards R.S. @ a Mr. Utley's home he was inf by Capt Seth Sumner that he had been drafted for 5 mtd.

Oct 1841
75 2nd Corp @ Wheeler & Fri Robina or Roxbury (L Sen Robina spg 76 . 14 Self Summer 6' Castle Place 4. Sepia Penniman. Duke. Dorchester / Port Kile Oct 77 1.5 Alal Richards 1.5 Apr '78 5 Mo Mayo.
V. 21 99 107

1775. 8. mo. Nose.
1776. 7. { Alt. Pinniman. Pranas. } 1 { and one mouth mace. }
note entitl'd for 3m. of fruits. at Dac hulu - Sefcarh Warrant dated Nov: 1776.
Allou 6 m. Sept. 10 mo. 10.4 pm
Galina Ward N o 1573u
Full Summer Lot from March to April 1778 Vol 25 p 18 Saw seeds on 1 m. 4 Thos Lyon - 1 - 8 Bury Lyon from 1 - 4

S Penniman 22 - 29 30 40 23 172 25 115 26 - 427
Pay roll for last day S Penniman last 7 days for Francis John Wadsworth on - Iyore not out all day Count new 1776 Vol 22 p 29 Col Francis stop Penniman at Duckville Sep 1776 Vol 26 p 87 Penniman was at work by Palmer Sam Wm in July Vol 25 p 172

Benjamin Lyon, sheep Roll-
Act of 1832 - $20:11-
Date of death or last payment? H. C. C.
Pension office Jany 29. 1841.
Paid to 1 st March 1842.
Death not stated
B. L. B.
17 July 1842 Du

Apr 3 rd 1778. Dorchester
Paid for Guard at Cambridge
 ✓✓ Mr Seeds.  ⊕ Juan 1 Thayer  ✓✓ Aluatha Wilson  ⊕ Mr Gansly  ✓✓ Israel Seeds  ✓✓ David Clapp  ✓✓ Mr Wales  ✓✓ Eld. Withington  ✓✓ Dr. Bird  ⊕ Bury Ayer Junr 
Apr 3 1778 Nov 1-1804 21. 199 101 Paul Lyon on -
17 = 12 22-64 145 146 155 158 ✓ 19 68-88 193 ✓ 20 65 ✓ 21 99 101 ✓ 21 207 103 23 153 156 24 = 3 55-58 109 143

falling lining Pay to Lyon Junia. ag a 87
ap d 75 12 d Alcoholic. Col Robinson
July 76 2. Stephen Piumina Dike
Sept. 77 1. 7 Al Richards Hays
Nov 77 5. Mr. Mayo. he thinks rec d $10 bounty from Town Guard (comb'd)
Mar 78 1. 4 Leth Lunnin. free
v. 76 17 M c Robinson.
Sec Cert c B Lyon 12 a. 75
17 B Lyon Jun 17. 76
B Lyon 2. 18. 77
B Lyon 1. 7 "
1. 4 B Lyon Jr 1. 4
1. 21 B Lyon 3 Vol 37 p 1
Four Recd. Nov 77 B Lyon Jun 3. 12 6
" " Apr 78 2. 10. 0. 0 for 5 m d guard

75. 2m Capt. Wheeler Hays In Low Robison Co
Sep 76. 14d. Summer or Turbine at Cattle Island aka 75 4m P. Penniman
Oct 17 1.5. Alice Richart 18 3 } Tho Mayo. 2 } "
Apr 76 — 17 days 1.4

Bery Syn. Dorchukos
75. Apr. 12. Alhala (-Rahman S.
76. Dec. 2, 18 St. P. ... } Dike S for ...
77 Nov. Tho Mayo. nd on rd.
78. 1.4 Sth ... Gull S
79 Mar. 17 In Robur ... Gull S
Nov 7 5 1
NO rd of Joseph ...
from Nov 4 to Nov 3/78 2 29
Nov 21 to 99 - not on
from Nov 2 to 101 2 - Nov 21 to 101 not on 4 29

J L Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions Washington City.

Notbury April 15 th 1836
Sir
Herewith I send you the application of Benjamin Lyon of Doncaster for a pension. As soon as a decision is had upon his case, please to communicate the result to him through me.
Respectfully
your obed
servt
J. L. Edwards
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

Jan 20. 1840
to my friend at
Benj. Lyon Esq.
Hon. A. Lawrence H.R.
La Edwards Esq. Pardon Office Washington

Dear Sir,
House of Rep. January 18 th 1840
I have a petition for a pension from Benjamin Lyons - he refers me to you for papers - will you be kind enough to send to me all you have touching his case and oblige your Obed Servt
J L Edwards Esq
Abbott Laurens
Pension Office

James L Edwards April 20 th 1836 Benjamin Lyon
  1875  Leicester alarm  2  capt. Alon Wheeler    1876  Castle Island  2  capt. Seth Demaree    1876  Dorchester & Ft Hill  1  capt. Denny man    1877  R. Island  0.5  capt. Abel Richer    1878  at Cambridge  5.0      Months  11  3 Days.      months  Weeks    1875  Leicester alarm  2  capt. Alon Wheeler & Robertson    1876  Castle Island  2  capt. Seth Demaree    1876  Dorchester & Ft Hill  1  capt. Denny man & Joseph Medearis    1877  R. Island  1  capt. Abel Richer    1877  Cambridge  5  capt. J. Mayo     months  12  3 weeks  
No 1

War Department Pension Office April 28. 1836
Sir
The claim of Benjamin Lyon has been examined and disallowed.
The delay in making his application, and the apparent fact of his conforming his declaration to the evidences which the records afford of the services of Benjamin Lyon or Benjamin Lyon junior are well calculated to inspire a distrust of his claim. The rolls shew one month twenty one days service of Benjamin Lyon Jr. and four months and twenty four days of Benjamin Lyon amounting in the aggregate to five months twenty eight days; which, if credited to the claimant, would be less than the minimum provision of the Act of 7. June 1832.
The alleged service of five months which he believes was rendered under Capt Mays at Cambridge could not have been under military obligations, or his name would appear on the Rolls, and the town records furnish strong corroboration that he was employed under civil contract by the town as Jail guard. If he was a military contribution of the town, he would have been mustered into some company, and the rolls of that company would shew the fact. His papers are placed on file.
I am Sir respectfully,
S. Leland Esqr Roxbury Mass.
Your Obdt Servt
J. L. Edwards

Benjamin Lyon Recd 14 th October 1839. pension case no 124. 5 Book
No 2.

War Department Pension Office October 10 th 1839
Sir,
The supplemental statement of Benjamin Lyons has been examined and compared with the rolls in this office. His alleged services under Capt. Wheeler, Robinson, Kenniman, Richards and Sumner are verified by the rolls but amount in the aggregate to 5 months and 28 days only. The alleged service of 5 months in Capt. Thomas Mayo's company ending in April 1778 is not confirmed by the pay rolls of that company from November 1777 to April 1778. The names of his designated messmates and of the Barber and Cook appear on the rolls. In such cases the long established rule of the Department requires two credible witnesses to the particulars of the service to rebut the presumption raised by the silence of the rolls.
I am, Very respectfully Yr. Mr. H. & S.
J. L. Edwards
Reuben Baldwin Esq. Boston Ms

Georgetown D.C. May 3 rd 1849
Sir I, herewith, respectfully enclose the affidavit of Elizabeth Lyon of Louisiana who makes application for a pension under act of 2 nd Feb y . 1848.
Also herewith, her former Certificate, which she desires to be returned to me, if not needed in support of her present appli- =cation, together with the Certificate now called for -
Respectfully,
Your Obed t Serv t
J. Clements
Jas. L. Edwards Esq y Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Drafts Office New Orleans 9 th Jan'y 1847
Sir
I have the honor to enclose you herewith the Pension papers of Elizabeth Lyon, Widow of the late Benj in Lyon a Revolutionary Soldier. She believes that they are in due form. After examining them, you will confer a favor on the Widow, by communicating "under cover" to me any thing in reference to the same
J. L. Edwards Esq r Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.
Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servt John B. Shryock Capt. 1 st C. S. A.

June 12. (1841)
for R. Winthrop
To the Commission of Pensions Washington.
Mr. [unclear] Benjamin [unclear]
Hon. R. C. Winthrop D.D.

H.R. Washington.
June 11. 1841.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions,
Sir,
I am re- quested to inquire whether any decision has yet been made on the case of Benj. Lyon. Sunday sup- plemental papers were forwarded to the Pension Office, about the 20 th of last month, on this subject. -
The original papers were on the files of the House last winter, but I presume they have been withdrawn by you. I am, very resp s &c
Rob t C. Mitchell

Benjamin Lyon rec d Decem r 11 th 1839.
No 3

War Department Pension Office
Novr 30 1839.
Sir,
In reply to your letter upon the subject of the service of Benjamin Lyon, a claimant for a pension, I have to state that, on the pay-rolls of Capt. May's company, from Novr 4 1777 to Feby 3 d 1778, and from February to April 1778, I find the names of several persons mentioned by said Lyon, as being then in service, but do not find his name thereon.
Paul Lyon was a member of that company. His claim cannot be allowed.
I am respectfully, your obt servt.
G. W. Cump
R. Baldwin, Esq. Boston, Massachusetts.

Payment to be made at New Orleans by Greenberry Dorsey Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of
Louisiana
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book A. Vol. 2. Page 214.
D. H. Wood Clerk.

War Department.
Widow's Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the act of June 17, 1844, } March 1843 } Elizabeth Lyon, of Louisiana — widow of Benjamin Lyon — who was a Private in the Massachusetts Line and died on the Seventeenth day of July 1842 — is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Twenty — dollars and Eleven — cents per annum, commencing on the 4th March, 1843, and terminating on the 4th of March, 1848, unless the Pensioner shall marry or die before the last mentioned date; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage or death.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this Third day of February one thousand eight hundred and Forty Seven.
W. L. Marcy
Secretary of War.
and Countersigned.
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Office of V s Reps. U. S. May 27 th . 1841.
Sir,
In compliance with your request I enclose the petition & papers of Benjamin Lyon.
Respectfully Your o bt . Servt.
P. S. French Chief Clerk
J. L. Edwards Esq. Com r of Pensions

Boston, Massachusetts
May 19 th 1841
Sir
I transmit herewith the Supplemental declaration of Benjamin Lyon, of Dorchester, accompanied by certified extracts from the Records of said Town both from the Town Clerks & Treasurers Offices. Mr Lyon feels himself much aggrieved by the manner his just claim for a pension has been treated, and is unwilling to relinquish his rights as long as he lives. He affirms that Joshua Ward, (now dead) was Orderly Sergeant of the same Company with himself at Fort Hill in Boston in the Spring of 1777, and that said Joshua Ward was one of the Norfolk County pensioners under the Act 7 th June 1832 That by referring to said Wards application papers on your files, the exact name of their captain in the above mentioned service, may thereby be ascertained.
The above case was referred to in your letter to Sherman Leland Esq. dated April 28 th 1839, and in your letters to me dated October 10 th & November 30 th 1839
Subsequently this case has been laid before the Committee of Revolutionary Pensions, & by them reported against.
Be pleased to give this case a further reconsideration and transmit me the result.
Very Respectfully Sir I am Your Obt Servant
James L. Edwards Esq. Commrs of Pensions Washington
Reuben Baldwin

Benjamin Lyon A Revd. Soldier

Boston Massachusetts.
December 31 st 1839.
Sir
I herein enclose the petition of Mr Benjamin Lyon of Dorchester, a Revolutionary Soldier, whose claim to a pension has been rejected by the Commissioner of Pensions on grounds which this aged claimant conceives unjust, & who feels himself aggrieved thereby, particularly as relates to the rejection of 5 months alleged service at Cambridge in the Regiment of Guards under Colonel Eleazer Brooks, in the years 1777 & 1778, of which service the Town Records of Dorchester, bear ample testimony. The letters of correspondence from the Department relating to the above claim, are herewith forwarded. Be pleased to call at the Pension Office & procure all the papers relating to this case, and, the enclosed petition, present the same to the House & the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, at as early a day as practicable.
It appears unreasonable to me that, the Commissioner of Pensions should frequently call for extracts from from town records, as evidence, and then as in the case of Mr Lyon, accuse the applicant "of confaming his declaration to the evidences which such records afford",
Very Respectfully Sir I am your Obedient Servant
Reuben Baldwin
Hon. Abbot Lawrence M. H. Rep s Washington

Sept 23
map: Addison Benjamin
James L. Edwards Esq.
Commis rs of Pensions
Washington

Boston, Massachusetts.
September 18 th 1839.
Sir
I herein enclose the supplemental declaration of Benjamin Lyon, of Dorchester, in support of his claim to a pension under the Act, 7 th June 1832, which declaration has been framed from his own mouth, without any reference to his former declaration, of which no copy has been kept. This case was replied to in your letter to Sherman Leland Esq., dated April 28 th 1836, since which time the department have received a large accession of Massachusetts rolls from the archives of this Commonwealth, which on a careful examination may corroborate the declaration of said Benjamin Lyon, now enclosed. Be pleased to reply to this additional application, & forward the same directed to me at this place.
Very Respectfully Sir I am Your O bt Servant
Reuben Baldwin
James L. Edwards Esq. commis ry of Pension Washington.

Nov. 29. 1839
Lyon
James L. Edwards Esqr Commisr of Pensions Washington

Boston, Massachusetts.
November 22, 1839.
Sir
Mr Benjamin Lyon has been unsuccessful in obtaining the testimony of two witnesses as to his services in the Revolutionary War, as required in your letter of the 10 th of October last. He has been with the writer of this letter, some 11 or 12 miles to Canton, to visit the only known persons now living, whose services in the Revolutionary War appear to bear any analogy to his own, but is unable to procure of them a recognition of his personal Identity, altho many of the circumstances & Incidents, mentioned by said Lyon, connected with their service; were distinctly remembered by them. It is hardly possible that the personal testimony required, can be procured at this late period. You will notice that Mr Lyon alleges that he served 4 months from the 1 st December 1776 in Captain Stephen Pennymans Company of Colonel Dikes Regiment, part of this time at Dorchester Heights & the residue at Fort Hill in Boston. Israel Bailey a pensioner of Norfolk County, under the act 9 th June 1832, (one of the persons visited by Mr Lyon) describes the service at Dorchester  Heights Fort Hill; and its duration of 4 months precisely the same as does Mr Lyon, with, this additional circumstance, that, Captain Stephen Pennymans Company was divided while at Dorchester, and a new one formed & sent over to Fort Hill, under Captain Josiah Wilder. Lt Abram Hovey-Orderly sergt, Joshua Ward, all under Colonel Francis. The division of Captain Pennymans Company (as stated by Mr Bailey) may account for the small amount of service accredited to Mr Lyon on his rolls, the residue of the 4 months may be found on Capt Wilders; & to this circumstance I would call your attention.
The alleged service of said Lyon at Cambridge in the Regiment of Guards, 5 months, from 1 st December 1777 to 3 rd April 1778, appears to be established as to fact, by the Town of Dorchester Records, made at the time

the service was performed, corroborated as to duration by a Resolve of the House of Representatives of Massachusetts passed February 2 d 1778.; continuing said Guards in service untill 3 d April following. This Resolve was brought to light recently by an examination of an Original Orderly Book kept by some Officer of the Troops, stationed in this vicinity.
Mr Lyon is very decrepit & blind, is unable to walk any distance without support from some friendly arm. He feels himself much aggrieved that his claim for a pension should be withheld. and is extremely loth to burthen Congress, by a special application for his relief.
If any of the foregoing circumstances should be considered of sufficient weight to authorize a further action in the case therein to which they refer, be pleased to advise me of the result.
Very Respectfully Sir I am Your Obt Servant
Reuben Baldwin
James G. Edwards Esq r Commis r of Pensions

Benjamin Lyon
North Carolina
Mass.
at 7 June 32
advised
6 mo 1 day fri
1820. 11.
Reuben Baldwin
Boston
Mass-

Boston, Massachusetts.
Sir.
May 14 th 1842.
I would respectfully call your attention to the claim to a Pension, by Benjamin Lyon of Mass'ts, under the act June 7 th 1832, and offer corroborative proof to shew that Benjamin Lyon - his Father performed no Military duty by reason of Insanity, after the month of May or June of the year 1775, consequently the benefit of the services, credited on the Rolls to Benjamin Lyon & Benjamin Lyon junr, will inure to the benefit of latter, which I understood Mr Sylvester to say was 6 months & one day - including three days additional service found on a further examination of the Rolls, while I was at Washington last December.
I would further call your attention to the alleged service of Benjamin Lyon in the Guard, at Cambridge, of Five months duration, in the year 1778, and of which service such ample and conclusive Record proof is furnished - both from the Town of Dorchester Clerks, & Treasurers Offices. Which testimony has been repeated some two or three times, and I might add that it is not likely that the then existing authorities were mistaken in paying said Benjamin Lyon junr £ 10.00, for actual services performed by himself in person, when in fact He had not performed the same - but some other person as his substitute. The Recording Officers at the time well knew their duty, and paid such as were substitutes for their actual service, and those records shows for whom they were substitutes.
The difficulty from first to last relating to the 5 months service at Cambridge and its conflicting with the 1 month & 4 days under Captain Sumner, has in my humble opinion grown out of an error in the Date of the month as exhibited on the Roll of that service, which you had the courtesy to

shew me when I was at Washington. I earnestly entreat that Captain Seth Sumner Roll may receive a close inspection. You will observe that the time of service 1 month from 1 March to 1 st April 1778 - 1 month 24 Days. Is written with darker ink, and to me it was evidently a subsequent entry - how long since the original Roll was made Myself and or any other person cannot with any accuracy determine. It is to the error as to precise time, that all the difficulty in Mr Lyons case is to be attributed.
Mr Lyon informed me about two days since that if he served at all in the Revolutionary War - He performed the alleged service at Cambridge in the Guards, of 5 months duration, by himself personally.
Very Respectfully Sir I am Your Ob t Servant
Reuben Baldwin
James L. Edwards Esqr Commr of Pensions Washington

Dorchester Treasury Office. Mch 3. 1836.
Nov 5. 1777. Paid Benjamin Lyon Jr L S a 3. 12. 6 What the town voted as a Bounty to such as should go on a secret expedition & not divulge fees.
Apr. 23. 1778. Paid Benjamin Lyon Jr 10. 0. 0 for keeping guard at Cambridge 5 months What was voted by the town, or agreed by the town's committee that they should be paid
True copy John Mears Town
I John Mears of Dorchester in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged forty years testify & say, that I am the Treasurer of said Town of Dorchester & that the foregoing are true extracts from the books of said Office in my possession. John Mears
Norfolk ss March 4 th 1836 Then personally appeared the above- named John Mears & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed. The said Mears is a person of truth & respectability I Leland Judge of Probate

I certify that at a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the town of Dorchester, qualified as the law directs to vote in town affairs, January 2 nd A. D. 1778
Voted, That forty shillings a month be paid to the men drafted to keep guard at Cambridge
I Thomas J. Tolman of Dorchester in the County of Norfolk, Clerk of said Town of Dorchester, testify & say that the foregoing are true extracts from the records of said Town
Thomas J. Tolman
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk ss November 13 th 1835 Then personally appeared Thomas J. Tolman, Clerk of the Town of Dorchester & a credible witness & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed before me S. Leland Judge of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Jan'y  Feb 16 th 1836
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Benjamin Lyons, as a private, is borne on a pay roll of Capt. Abraham Wheeler's Company, in Col. Robinson's Regt. where he is allowed from April 19 th 1775, twelve days. ————— m. d. 0 = 12
Benjamin Lyons's name is borne on the rolls of Capt. John Robinson's Company, in Col. Benj d Gills Regt. where he is allowed for services in March, 1776, seventeen days — 0 = 17
Benjamin Lyons's name is borne on a Muster roll of Capt. Stephen Penniman's Company, in Col. Dikes' Regt. where he is allowed from Dec r 13 th 1776, to the last day of Feb y 1777, two months and eighteen days. ————— 2 = 18 3 = 17

Amount brought over —
m. d. 3-17
Benjamin Lyon's name is also borne on a County roll of Capt. Abel Richards' Comty. in Col. Benjamin Hanes' Regt. where he is allowed from Sept. 25 th to Octr. 28 th 1777. — one month and seven days. ————— l = 7
Benjamin Lyon's name as a private, is borne on a pay roll of Capt. Seth Sumner's Company, in Col. Gill's Regt. of Militia, who were ordered to march to Castle Island, where he is allowed from March 1 st to April 14 th 1778, one month and four days. ————— l = 4 5.28
Benjamin Lyon claims for services as a Guard at Cambridge in 1777 & '78, he thinks under Capt. Thomas Mayo. The rolls of Capt. Thomas Mayo's Company, in Col. Eleazer Brooks' Regt. as Guards on duty at Cambridge, from Novr. 3 rd 1777, to April 3 rd 1778, is found in this Office, but the name of Benj a Lyon is not borne on them. Edward Bangs. Secy

Elizabeth Lyon wid. of Benj Lyon dec. Rurly sold. Massachusetts line Act 2 o . Feby. 1848
Printed by B. Clements 3 May 1849

State of Louisiana
City of New Orleans
On this twenty day of April personally appeared before me George Y Bright 2 nd Justice of the Peace for the Parish of Orleans M rs Elizabeth Lyon a resident of New Orleans aged 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 2 nd February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons, who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Benjamin Lyon who was a Private in the Massachusetts Line and died on the seventeenth day of July 1842 and that she is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Twenty dollars and eleven cents per annum, in conformity with the acts of 3 rd March 1843 and 17 th June 1844.
She further declares that she is still a Widow Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
Sworn to and Subscribed Elizabeth X Lyon by X Mark upon oath 20th day of April 1849
George Y Bright Justice of the Peace for the Parish of Orleans
I, Thomas C. Poble Clerk of the Second District Court of New Orleans, do hereby certify that George Y. Bright is the 2 nd Justice of the Peace in and for the Parish of Orleans.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of the said Court at New Orleans, this twentieth of April A. D. 1849.
Thos. C. Poble Clerk.

Elizabeth Lyon Widow of Benjamin Lyon decd

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3d March, 1843, granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7, 1838, and the amended act of 23d August, 1842.
State of Louisiana Parish of } ss. County of Orleans
On this seventy second day of December in the year eighteen hundred and forty sixty six personally appeared before the undersigned Judge of the first District Court of New Orleans Elizabeth Lyon a resident of the Parish of Orleans in the County of State of Louisiana aged eighty one 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 3d March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Benjamin Lyon late of Dorchester, County of Norfolk & Commonwealth of Massachusetts deceased. That her late Husband said Benjamin Lyon was a soldier in the army of the Revolutionary War & performed several tours of military duty in the Militia & State Troops of his native State, all the particulars of which cannot now be known, for which service the said Benjamin Lyon received a Pension from the United States at the rate of $20.00 per ann. under the act of June 1832.
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before —
— John M. Henry Judge of the 1st Dist Court of New Orleans Elizabeth Lyon her mark
I, Alfred Rousseau Clerk of the First District Court of New Orleans in the State of Louisiana do hereby certify that the Honorable John M. Henry whose name is hereunto signed is the sole Judge of said Court and was such

at the time of signing And I do further certify that said Court is a Court of Record
In testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court at the City of New Orleans this sec- ond day of December Eighteen hundred and forty six and in the seventy first of the Inde- pendence of the United States
M. P. L. P. notary public

Rep d
8086. Louisiana.
Elizabeth Lyon widow of Benjamin Lyon who was a Private in the Mo s . Line
Husb d died 17 th July 1822.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars 11 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 rd day of Feby. 1847. and sent to Capt. John B. Grayson, Mo. S. Army, N. Orleans.
[Act of March 3, 1843.] and June 17. 1824.
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 2, Page 214.

Benjamin Lyons Supplemental Declaration
2 nd Dec.

I Benjamin Lyon a resident of Dorchester in the county of Norfolk & Commonwealth of Massach- -setts. Aged Eightythree years; Being sworn, do on Oath testify depose and say that, I served nearly one whole year in the Army of the Revolutionary War, by several voluntary enlistments and drafts from the Militia of Suffolk county in this Commonwealth. I will now proceed to give a detail of my several tours of duty together with the names of such Officers, Noncommissioned Officers and others as were with me in the above mentioned service, according to the best of my feeble memory; First I commenced service as a private soldier & a volunteer in the spring of 1775 { in Captain Abraham Wheelers Company of Col Samuel Robi- -nsons Regiment, I was out in the Lexington Alarm, and in that company, & the company of Capt John Robinson I served two months being stationed most of the time at Roxbury & { vicinity. In the spring of 1776 I served two weeks on Castle Island, in the Harbour of Boston, under Capt Seth Sumner a Turner , & assisted in repairing the Forts on that Island that were destr- -oyed by the British, on their abandoning those Forts, . On the first of December 1776 I commenced another tour of duty as a private soldier under Captain Stephen Pennyman of Col Nicholas Dikes Regiment, & during three months was stationed at Dorchester Heights, at the expiration of said three months we were transferred to Fort Hill in the City of Boston, where I continued one month-until the first of April 1777, I am unable to name the captain under whom I served at Fort Hill. we had a Lieutenant by the name of Joseph Wild, of Bran- -tree. Sergeant Joshua Ward, (late a pensioner of Norfolk county and the act 7th June 1832). I also served five weeks at Rhode- Island & stationed at Little Compton under Capt Abel Rich- ards Col Hawes Regiment, which service terminated as near as I can recollect in the month of October of the year 1777, & on my-

return home I was informed by Captain Seth Sumner that I was drafted to go to Cambridge to keep Guard over the British prisoners of Genl. Burgoyne's army. I accordingly went to Cambridge where I served three months under Captain Thomas Mayo. At the expiration of the three months the Town of Dorchester bid up a premium, of Bounty of ten Pounds to such of us as would continue for the term of two months longer. I received that sum I continued until the 3 d of April 1778, when we were relieved by other Troops, who took our places. Having served five months at said Cambridge. We had a Lieutenant Isaac Williams of Rosebury, who was one of my Officers, mesquites Thomas Leeds, John Wales & Abiathar Wilson, of Dorchester, Wm Sharp was our Barber, and an Englishman by the name of John Walter Hair was our Cook. I know of no person living by whom I can prove any part of the above mentioned service, I am now almost totally blind and very infirm in body & mind. I had a Father Benjamin Lyon of said Town of Dorchester, who belonged to a company of Artillery about the time of the commencement of the Revolu- tionary War. He soon became deranged which continued to his death soon thereafter, and he never did any actual duty in the army for the reason above stated.
Benjamin Lyon
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk ss. Dorchester. August 20. 1839
Then personally appeared the abovenamed Benjamin Lyon an aged & respectable townsman long well known to me, and made oath that the foregoing affidavit, by him subscribed is to the best of his knowledge just & true - Before me
Sam l T. Lothrop Justice of the Peace

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 Samuel P. Lord of Dorchester in said County Esquire,
is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Norfolk, and that his signature to the annexed Certificate is genuine and true.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the said Court of Probate the Fourteenth day of September - in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine -
Henry A. Penniman

Petition of Benjamin Lyon a Revol. Soldier
April 3-1840 Ref'd to Com. on Rev. Pensions May 25-1840 Report vs - to li - see report 11:551
Refer'd to Committee on Rev. Pensions
Mr. Laurens 8 Rev. Pensions

To the Hon Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in Congress Assembled.
The Petition of the undersigned Benjamin Lyon, a resident of Dorchester, in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts. respectfully represents that your petitioner is in the eight fourth year of his age, and that your petitioner Said Benjamin Lyon was a private Soldier in the Army of the Revolutionary War, and served therein nearly one whole year, by several Enlistments, or Draughts from the Militia of Suffolk County, in said State. For the particulars of which service your petitioner refers your Hon Body to his Original and Supplemental Declarations and other papers and Documents on file in the Pension Office, which papers & Documents were forwarded to that Office in support of his claim to a pension under the Act of Congress of June 7 th 1832. Your petitioner further represents that his claim to a pension under said Act, has been rejected by the Commissioner of the Pension Office, and the reasons assigned for such rejection your petitioner considers unusual, as casting discredit on the Records of the Town of Dorchester, extracts from which have been obtained, and forwarded with his other papers to the Pension Office. Your petitioner has accredited by the Commissioner of that Office for Five Months & Twentyeight days service, exclusive of One month at Fort Hill in Boston, and Five Months in the Regiment of Guards stationed at Cambridge, the latter of which is supported by the proof afforded by the Town Records above mentioned; and for further Information your petitioner respectfully refers your Hon Body to the papers and documents accompanying his application, and to the letters of correspondence from the Commissioner of Pensions, herewith forwarded. Wherefore your petitioner humbly

prays that your Hon Body will take his case into consideration and grant him relief by passing a law authorizing him to receive a pension, agreeably to the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832, and your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray
In presence of Reuben Baldwin Jezariah Bayley
Benjamin Lyle

Benj m Lyon's Supplemental Declaration

I Benjamin Lyon of Dorchester, County of Norfolk & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Aged Eighty Five  four years. Being duly sworn do on Oath testify & depose and say that I was a private soldier and performed personally some Five or Six tours of Military duty in the army during the continuance of the Revolutionary War, the last of which was of Five months duration in the Guards at Cambridge, and ending in April of the year 1778 all of which Services have been set forth in my former declarations.
I further testify and say, in addition to my former declarations that, in the year 1776 I was enrolled in in the alarm list of Dorchester, and with my fellow townsmen was frequently called out in alarms to guard the Inhabitants at exposed points - once to Roxbury, once to Dorchester heights, twice to a place called Squantum once to Savin Hill, twice to Commercial point. In all some six or seven times during the summer of 1776. John Capen of Dorchester took charge of the Guard when we went to Squantum, All the time consumed by me in these several excursions could not be less than five Days.
I further testify and say that I do know that each & every one of the tours of duty as set forth in my former declarations were performed by me personally, and that I neither had the means or inclination to hire a substitute to serve in my place. The severest duty I performed during the whole War was That in the Guards at Cambridge where we had a number of Old men in our Company, amongst whom was Samuel Leeds & John Wales who were so old and infirm to mount Guard during the severity of Winter. Consequently we that were younger had to do double duty; the prisoners

were very turbulent & refractory requiring constant vigilance of the Guards & Contincels placed over them. I do also know that the service I performed on Castle Island under Captain J. H. Sumner was performed previous to my five months of tour of duty in the Guards at Cambridge, and according to the best of my recollection it occurred previous to my tour of duty at Rhode Island under Captain Abel Richards in the Fall of 1777. I would particularly call the attention of the Commissioner of Pensions to my service at Fort Hill in Boston wherein Joshua Ward was my Orderly Sergeant.
• I cannot remember my captain's name thro loss of memory.
Subscribed & sworn to before me Sam l P. Lord Justice of Peace Benjamin Lyon
I Ebenezer Eaton of Dorchester in the County of Norfolk Commonwealth of Massachusetts on oath depose & say that I am now fifty three years of age that I was born & always lived in Dorchester and in the immediate neighbourhood of Benjamin Lyon — That I have always had an acquaintance with him & that from such acquaintance I believe him to be a man of strict truth & veracity & that he sustains that character among all his acquaintances — And I further say that I often heard Benjamin Lyon relate his services in the late revolutionary war & in particular five months Guards at Cambridge said Lyon described other services of which I am unable to remember the particulars
Ebenezer Eaton
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk ss. August 27 th A.D. 1841 —
Then personally appeared the above named Ebenezer Eaton, made oath that the foregoing affidavit as his submitted is true & from my acquaintance with the deponent I believe his statements to be true before me Sam l P. Lord Justice of Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Norfolk County,
Dorchester Town treasurers Office. I hereby certify that it appears from an examination of the Books and records of said town now in my possession that Benjamin Lyon, and Forty Eight Others, were each paid Six Shillings for their service as Soldiers in the Gards at Squantum on the Sea coast in this town. Included in this number of Persons I find the names of Captain Lemuel Clap, Lieut Nathaniel Clap and Lieut Aaron Bird, they received their pay between the date of Sept 21-1776 and March 1 st 1777.
And I do further certify that there appears an Entry made in the following manner viz.    1 st Paid - Mr John Leeds the two last months Bounty     2 nd Paid - by the town to the men drafted to L. S. D. keep guard at Cambridge,  4    3 rd Paid - Mr Jeremiah Prager, for One Month and three days keeping guard at Cambridge  2 4    4 th Paid - Mr Nathaniel Wilson for two Months keeping guard at Cambridge  4    5 th Paid - John Gainsby Do "  4    6 th Paid - Mr Josiah Leeds Do "  4    7 th Paid - Mr David Clap Do "  4    8 th Paid - Mr John Wales Do "  4    9 th Paid - Mr Eben Withington Do "  4    18 th Paid - Mr Joseph Bird for One month keeping guard at Cambridge  2    Continued -  

1778 Continued. April 23 Paid - Benjamin Lyon Junr - for five L. S. D. Months keeping journal at Cambridge 10 " "
The foregoing contains the account as I find it upon the records, N.B. the Books from which this account is taken are entirely separate from those in the town Clerk's Office.
Chas. Howe Treasurer of the town of Dorchester
Dorchester August 27 th 1841
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Norfolk ss.
August 27 th A.D. 1841
Personally appeared the above named Charles Howe Treasurer of the Town of Dorchester, and made oath that the foregoing Statement, by him signed is a true copy.
Before me
Robert Wose.
Justice of the Peace

I David Clapp of Dorchester, County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Eightyone years. Being sworn do on Oath testify and say that I am a pensioner of the United States for services rendered by me in the Revolutionary War. one term of which service was performed, of Five months duration at Cambridge in the Fall, Winter and Spring, ending in April of the year 1778., at which time I was a private soldier in Captain Thomas Mayo's company of Col Eleazer Brooks Regiment of Guards, raised to Guard the British prisoners. The following named persons were Inhabitants of Dorchester and served in the same company, & at the same time with myself besides others whose names I have forgotten. Viz
Ephraim Gapsen, _____ John Waters Hair, Thomas Bird, John Leeds, Abiathar Wilson, John Gamsby, Josiah Leeds, myself, John Wales, Ebenezer Withington, Joseph Bird; all the above mentioned persons I distinctly recollect served with me in said Guards as above stated,
I have some acquaintance with Benjamin Lyon of this Town of Dorchester, who is an aged, blind, & Deaf man, who affirms that himself also served five months in the Regiment of Guards at Cambridge, but I cannot recollect in particular of seeing of him there, yet from the detail of events that transpired when we were in said service and of the accuracy with which He relates them I have not a doubt in my own mind of his truth of his declaration, Nevertheless I do not believe He said Lyon was in Captain Mayo's company, at least He was not quartered in the same Room with myself; John Gamsby I very well remember; said Gamsby was a resident of Dorchester, a Scotchman by birth, & served as Sergeant Major of Colonel Brooks's Regiment, Aaron Bird, & Isaac Williams were our Lieutenants Subscribed & sworn to before me Saml. D. Ladd David Clapp

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Norfolk ss. August 29 th A.D. 1841
Then personally appeared the within named David Clapp and made oath that the within affidavit by him submitted, is true, before me
Sam l P. Lander Justice of the Peace
I also certify that Benjamin Lyon, Ebenezer Gates and David Clapp, who have severally submitted the affidavits herein contained, are all well known to me, that they each sustain good character for truth and veracity and generally good moral character.
Sam l P. Lander

Benjamin Lyon's Supplemental declaration
Rejected, Act June 7, 1832

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, May 19 th 1841.
I hereby Certify , That Samuel P. Lorde and Robert Vose Esq rs are Justices of the Peace, and have been such for the month last past for the County of Norfolk
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to their acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John P. Digeon
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Dorchester May 18 th 1841.
I Benjamin Lyon of Dorchester, in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Aged Eightyfive years. Being sworn, do on Oath testify depose and say that I was a private soldier in the army of the Revolutionary War, and performed therein some five or six distinct terms of Military duty during its continuance, amounting in the whole to nearly or quite a twelve months service. My First service was of Two Months duration, commencing with the Alarm at Lexington, in the spring of 1775, most of which time I was Stationed at Roxbury Hill near Boston, in Captain Abraham Wheelers & Captain John Robinsons Companies of Colonel Samuel Robinsons Regiment of Suffolk County Militia. My second term of Military duty was of Two weeks duration in Captain Seth Sumners Company, and Stationed on Castle Island, Boston Harbour, and engaged in repairing the Forts destroyed by the Enemy on their evacuation in the spring of 1776. My Third term of Military duty was of Four months duration, Three months of which time I was stationed at Dorchester Heights, in Captain Stephen Pennimans Company 1 st Lihes Regiment, and one month at Fort Hill in the City of Boston under Captain Wild or Wilder. Joshua Ward was our Orderly Sergeant. My Fourth term Military duty was of Five Weeks duration in the Secret Expedition to Rhode Island in the year 1777, and in Captain Abel Richards Company, of Colonel Hawes Regiment, Stationed at Little Compton. My Fifth and last term of Military duty was of Five Months duration, commencing in the Fall of the year

1777, and ending on the third day of April 1778, and as I always did, and do still believe that this service was performed in Captain Thomas Maye's Company of Colonel Eleazer Brooks's Regiment of Guards, raised by this Commonwealth to guard the Burgoyne Prisoners. The original term for which I was drafted by the Town of Dorchester was Three Months, but before the expiration of that period, said Town offered a premium or bounty of Ten Pounds to each man as an inducement to each of her soldiers to continue in service for the further term of Two Months. Which proffered bounty I accepted, being a sum over and above our monthly pay, and I continued in service for the further period of Two months aforesaid, and I was then dismissed from the service and returned home to Dorchester. I distinctly recollect of some incidents connected with the last mentioned service; Viz. Col Seth Sumner met me one day in Dorchester & enquired why I was not gone to Cambridge, & further remarked - do you not know that you have been drafted for that service. I answered him, I have heard so, but I have received no orders as yet. Well, he remarked, I give you orders to do you go immediately & report yourself to Captain Maye, which I accordingly did. & He assigned me to one of the messes in his company, It being a broken mess, as he termed it: I also recollect of an occurrence that took place while I was stationed at Fort Hill in Boston. Viz. That Captain Joseph Wild or Wilder and myself were on guard on the Fifth of March - a day that had been for several years past, celebrated as the day of the Boston Massacre; I was desirous to be present at the doings in State Street on that occasion, & proposed to the Captain of the Guard to hire a substitute in my place, But said Captain would not suffer it to be done, & gave me a severe rebuke, & ordered me to remain on duty; which circumstance I shall always remember as long as I live.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Norfolk
Town Clerks office Dorchester May 14 th 1841
I hereby certify that it appears from examination of the Records of the Town of Dorchester, contained in an original Book in my possession that the following entries are made — viz —
  1778 April 3 d One thousand seven hundred seventy eight   April The third paid M c John Leeds the two   last Months bounty — Voted by the Town to the Men   drafted to keep Guard at Cambridge — £ 4 0 — 0   Paid M c Issariah Thayer for one Month and   three days keeping Guard at Cambridge — 2 4 — 0 — 0   Paid M c Alieathar Wilson for two months   keeping Guard at Cambridge — 4 0 — 0   4 th Paid John Gamsby Do — 4 0 — 0   7 th Paid M c Josiah Leeds Do — 4 0 — 0   9 th Paid M c David Clapp Do — 4 0 — 0   Paid M c John Wales Do — 4 0 — 0   18 th Paid M c Ebenezer Withington — 4 0 — 0   23 d Paid M c Joseph Bird for one Month   keeping Guard at Cambridge — 2 0 — 0   — Paid Benjamin Lyon Jun for Five Months   for keeping Guard at Cambridge — 10 0 — 0 
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Norfolk.
Town Treasurers. Office Dorchester May 14-1841.
I hereby Certify That it appears on examination of the Records of the town of Dorchester, contained in an Original Book in my Possession that the following Entry is made viz,
1948 April 23
L - S - D. 47. 10. 0 -
One thousand seven Hundred and Seventy Eight April the twenty third, - Paid to Benjamin Lyon Jun r for Five Months keeping Gaurd at Cambridge, Forty Seven Pounds and Ten Shillings
I Chas Howe do hereby Depose and Say that I hold the Office of Town Treasurer of the town of Dorchester County and Commonwealth afore said, and the foregoing are true extracts, from Dorchester town Records now in my Possession, and I do further Depose and Say that the Books from which the foregoing extracts are taken are entirely distinct from those in the Office of the town Clerk,
In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand this fourteenth day of May One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty One, -
Attest. Chas Howe, Town Treasurer.
Norfolk. May 14 1841 Personally appeared the above named Charles Howe and made oath that the above statements by him subscribed is True.
Before me Robert Vose Justice of the Peace

I Thomas J. Tolman do depose and say that I hold the Office of Town Clerk of the Town of Dorchester, County and Commonwealth aforesaid that the foregoing are true extracts, from Dorchester Town Records, "in my profession"
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this Fourteenth day of May Eighteen hundred forty one —
Attest — Thomas J. Tolman Town Clerk
Norfolk, May 14. A. D. 1841 Personally appeared the above-named Th. J. Tolman & made oath that the above statements by him subscribed is true
Before me
Robert Vose Justice of the Peace

I further testify & say that according to the best of my knowledge, all of the service that I performed in the several Companies & Regiments during the aforesaid War could not have been less than Twelve & a half months.
Benjamin Lyon
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk ss. May 10 th 1841
Then personally appeared the above named Benjamin Lyon and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is just and true -
before me Saml. P. Lord Justice of the Peace