Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25332, Jeptha Benson, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
Benson, Jeptha Mary
NUMBER
W. 25-332
B.L. W. 36 508-160-55
CONTENTS

3789
Leptha Benson
on the East Side of the Creek by the old house near the old stone wall
Rev. William G. Easton Maine

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 -
State of Maine County of Hancock } p.
On this thirtieth day of August 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the Honorable Job Nelson Esquire Judge of the Court of Probate now sitting Ishak Benson a resident of a place called Marshals Island in the County of Hancock & State of Maine, aged sixty nine 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 Seventh 1832 -
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers, & served as herein stated - That his first term of service was in the Continental line of the Army - the number of the Regiment he does not recollect, the Regiment was commanded by Col. Bradford - Lieut. Col. Tupper - Major Haskell as he thinks, in the company of Capt. Joshua Eddy - Lieuts. Joseph Bates & Haskell. That he enlisted in the aforesaid company at Middlebury in Massachusetts, where he then resided in the fore part of March 1778 for nine months, marched through Hartford Conn. Providence R.I. to Fishkill N.Y. that soon after his arrival at Fishkill he was detached as a guard to guard the baggage & marched through New Jersey to a place called Rocky Hill New Jersey thence to Brunswick N.J. where he joined the regiment thence to the White Plains - thence to Danbury Conn. thence to a place near Hartford Conn. where he was discharged in December the same year. That he entered the service of the United States again at New Gloucester Massachusetts on the first of June 1779 where he then resided as a Substitute in the Massachusetts Militia for one Ambrose Rinds. Marched to Portland Me. embarked with the troops & landed at Bighorn Bay now called Castine Me. that he was at the siege of Bighorn Bay in August of that year & in the battle fought at that place marched thence up the Penobscot River & back to Portland Me. where he was discharged the last of November the same year having served at this term

(2) My mother - That he does not recollect the names of the Col. or Lieut. Col. of the Regiment in which he served at this term: the Major's name was Littlefield who was killed at the siege of Briqueville aforesaid. Nathan Merrill was Capt. of the Company in which he served Lieut. Evans - Insign not recollected. Gen. Powell commanded the troops which were composed wholly of militia - That he entered the service of the United States again at New Gloucester aforesaid in March 1780 in the militia as a substitute for one - Winslow in the regiment commanded by Col. - Burton - Major Philip Ulmer, in the Company of Capt. Isaac Parsons, Lieut. Grafton (insign not recollected) mustered at Rupert then in Massachusetts, marched to Thomaston then in the State of Massachusetts, where he remained till he was discharged in the latter part of December, having served at this term between nine & ten months. That Gen. Peleg Wadsworth commanded the troops marched from Rupert aforesaid, he while stationed at Thomaston aforesaid was detached from the Regiment as a guard to the General. That there was no continental troops with him during his service in the militia. That on his return from the expedition to the Penobscot in 1779 he met at Portland aforesaid the Regiment of Continental troops commanded by Col. Jacob - which remained at Portland a short time & returned to the westward. That he was born at Middleborough Massachusetts in the year 1762. That he has no record of his age.
That he lived at Middleborough aforesaid when he entered the service the first term & at New Gloucester aforesaid when he entered the service the two other terms. That he he resided in Hiram in the State of Maine since the Revolutionary War till 1807 from there moved to North Port, where he lived about three years from there moved to Camden, where he lived about two years, moved from there to Deer Isle. He lived there about five years. Moved from there on to an Island called Marshall's Island situated in Penobscot Bay where he

...named as he was, in the latter part of December, having served at this term between nine & ten months. That Gen. Peleg Wardsworth commanded the troops marched from Farnsworth aforesaid, he while stationed at Thomaston aforesaid was detached from the Regiment as a guard to the General. That there was no continental troops with him during his service in the militia. That on his return from the expedition to the Penobscot in 1779 he met at Portland aforesaid the Regiment of Continental troops commanded by Col. Jackson which remained at Portland a short time & returned to the westward. That he was born at Middleborough Massachusetts in the year 1762. That he has no record of his age.
That he lived at Middleborough aforesaid when he entered the service the first term & at New Gloucester aforesaid when he entered the service the two other terms. That he resided in Hebron in the State of Maine since the revolutionary war till 1807 from there moved to North Ditch the where he lived about three years from there moved to Camden, where he lived about two years, moved from there to Durdle Isle. Lived there about five years. Moved from there on to an island called Marshall's Island situated in Penobscot Bay where he now resides. That he had a written discharge at the expiration of each term of service above named, but has lost them.
That his is the only family on the island on which he now lives, & that the Rev. Mr. Mason & Deputy Ruler Rowell Rogers of Eastport in the County of Hancock aforesaid are known to him & will testify as to his character for veracity & their belief of
(3)
his services as a soldier of the revolution
That he knows of no living witness by whom he can prove his services above named
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
Jonathan Boston
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me
J Nelson
Judge of the Court of Probate -

We William Mason a clergyman, residing in the town of Castine & Hezekiah Powell a magistrate in Castine aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Laphas Benson who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be sixty nine years of age; that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion.
Subscribed & sworn to the day & year aforesaid William Mason Hezekiah Powell
Subscribed & sworn to the day & year aforesaid
J Nelson Judge of the Court of Probate
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, & putting the interrogations prescribed by the war Department, that the above appli- cant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states.
And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that William Mason who has signed the proceeding certificate is a clergyman resident in the town of Castine & that Hezekiah Powell who also signed the same is a magistrate resident in the town of Castine & is a credible person & that their statement is entitled to credit
J Nelson Judge of the Court of Probate for the County of Hancock
I (H. Williams) Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Hancock aforesaid do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Laphas Benson for a pension & that J. Nelson is Judge of the Court of Probate for said County & that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this thirtieth day of August A.D. 1832
H. Williams Register of the Court of Probate

Proof of Marriage Dorothy Burson To Mary Rose

State of Maine, } Hancock County, } ss.
On this tenth day of May A. D. 1859. Personally appeared before me Erastus Redman a Justice of the Peace within and for the County aforesaid, Matilda G. Clark, aged about 51 Years, a resident of Bucksport, State of Maine, and well known to me to be respectable and worthy of credit, and who being duly sworn according to law, makes upon her said Oath, the following Statement, That in the Year 1831 - some time in the Summer - she being at that time a resident of the Town of Brooksville, in the said State, Septha Benson and Mary Ross of Marshall Island in the State of Maine, came to the house in which she was then resid- ing, with her former husband, the late Benjamin Aikins (William Aikins a Justice of the Peace, being then and there present,) with a Certificate from the Town Clerk of said Brooksville, of published intentions of said Septha Ben- son and said Mary Ross to be united in marriage, & that the said William Aikins did at the same time and place unite the said Septha Benson and Mary Ross, in the holy bonds of matrimony, and declare them to be husband and wife according to the laws of the State of Maine, - And she further declares to the best of her knowledge and belief, that the only per- sons present on the occasion of the aforesaid marriage, was herself and late husband Benjamin Aikins, and Margaret Redman; and that the said William Aikins the Justice of the Peace, Benjamin Aikins, my former husband and Margaret Redman, are all dead, and that I have no interest in the claim. And further, I do know that Mary Benson is now a widow -
Matilda G Clark
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day

and Year herein before written; And I certify That Mary G. Clarke is a resident of the town of Bucksport, State of Maine, and that I carefully read and explained to her the foregoing affidavit and statement before signing and acknowledging the same; and that I have no interest in this claim, and am not con- cerned in its prosecution.
Erastus Redman. First Page Seal

STATE OF MAINE.
HANCOCK, ss.—Clerk's Office, Ellsworth.
I, Parker N. Perry Clerk of of the Supreme Judicial Court, within and for the County of Hancock, hereby certify, that, Erastus Reedman Esquire whose name appears sub- scribed to the foregoing certificate, is now, and was, at the time of subscribing the same, an acting Justice of the Peace, within and for said County of Hancock, duly commissioned and qualified; and as such, full faith hereby certifies the foregoing acts, and that his signature subscribed to the annexed certificate is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court, this Twenty eighth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine.
P. N. Perry
{ Clerk of said Court for Hancock County.

STATE OF MAINE.
HANCOCK, ss.— Clerk's Office, Ellsworth.
I, Parker W. Perry
Clerk of
of the Supreme Judicial Court, within and for the County of Hancock, hereby certify, that,
Charles W. Tilden Esq. whose name appears subscribed to the annexed certificate, is now, and was, at the time of subscribing the same, an acting Justice of the Peace, in the said County of Hancock, duly commissioned and qualified; and as such, full faith to all his judicial acts, and that his signature subscribed to the annexed certificate is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court, this twenty eighth day of May , in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty- nine .
P. W. Perry
{ Clerk of said Court for Hancock County.

Brooksville, May 19th. 1859. I hereby certify that the following is a true copy of the town records of Brooksville
Mr. Jeptha Benson & Mrs. Mary Ross both of Marshall's Island intend marriage
Brooksville, June 12th. 1831. —
Wm. Aikins, Town Clerk
A true copy Attest Sam l Condon p Town Clerk
I, Sam l Condon Jr. on Oath declare that I am Town Clerk of the town of Brooksville and that the above Certificate is a true copy of the records of said Town now in my possession — Samuel Condon p Town Clerk
State of Maine } Hancock Is. }
Brooksville, May 19th. 1859.
Sworn & Subscribed to before me,
Charles W. Tilden Just. of the Peace

Revolutionary Pension Application of Mary Dawson Act of Feb 3/1853. Widow of Isaac Dawson, Sec.
Pension certificate N o 29.806 Placed in my hands by Charles H. Tilden Esq. Castine - Me.
Mrs. Johnson of Washington D.C. Aug

State of Maine, } ss. County of Hancock. }
On this 15 th day of June 1859
Personally appeared before the undersigned Parker Tuck Judge of Probate for the County of Hancock being a Court of Record, in open Court at a Court holden at Ellsworth Mary Benson, a resident of Swan Island, in the County of Hancock and State aforesaid, aged sixty six Years, who first being 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 third day of February A.D. 1853, granting Pensions to Widows of Persons who served during the Revolutionary War, that she is the Widow of Septha Benson, who was a Private in the Company command- -ed by Capt. _____ of the Continental Army, and who was Pensioned for said service on the State of Maine Pay Agency. —
She further declares, that she was married to the said Septha Benson, at the House of Benjamin Aikins, in Brooksville in the County & State aforesaid, on or about the tenth day of August A.D. Eighteen Hundred and thirty one, by William Aikins, a Justice of the Peace, and that her name before her marriage was Mary Ross, — that she was not married to him prior to the second day of January Eighteen Hundred, but at the time above stated, and that her said husband, the said Septha Benson, died on the 2 d day of March A.D. 1858. — and she further declares that she is now a Widow. —
Mary Benson her
Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and Year above written. —
Before me Parker Tuck
Judge of Probate for Hancock County.

3789 Leptae Benson (Maine)
8 in Bradford Reg 2.17 7.21 $18.08 days - $60.88 per annum
Herz Williams Esq Cambridge (Maine)

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Oct 7. 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Leather Benson
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     * 1778 9. Private Capt. Eddy, Col. Bradford 69- N. Haver   1779 6 " Major Littlefield Capt Merrill   1780 9 & 10 months Capt Parsons, Col. Benton   * 12 Rule of Colonel Bradford's Regt. entered the 1 March 1778 - Discharged 1 November 1778 - 8 Months - He must make application to the Secy of the State of Massachusetts for evidence of the balance of his service  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }  On this                      day of                      personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of                      in the county of                      and State, Territory or District of                      aged (c)                      years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)                      , with                      and served in the                      (e) regiment of the                      line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. (This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.)]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I                      of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of                      for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of                      &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the                      and C. D. residing in (the same)                      , who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with                      , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the                      and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the                      and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,                      Clerk of the Court of                      do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this                      day of                      &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must fix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

State of Massachusetts County of Suffolk
On this fifth day of July , A. D., 1866 personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County,
Mary Benson aged Seventy three years, a resident of Swans Island in Maine who being duly sworn according to law, declared that she is the widow of Jeptha Benson deceased, who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain in the Maine Volunteers commanded by
in the Revolutionary War in the war with Great Britain, declared by the United States, on the 18th day of June, 1812 —that her said husband was drafted at Sumner Me on or about the day of A.D. 18 for the term of during the war and continued in actual service in the said war for the term of nine months and was honorably discharged at on or about the day
of A.D. 18 , as will appear by reference to the rolls, that he received no printed or written discharge, and that neither he nor she ever received or applied for, or is entitled to bounty land for any other service, except that she received for the same service, under the act of September 1850, a 40 acre warrant, No.
which she has legally sold and cannot return. That she has a pension certificate which bears date August 12 th 1859, beginning March 2 nd 1858. - per act Feb 3 rd 1853 - at $60.00 per annum.
She further states that she was married to the said Jeptha Benson in Brooksville Me on the day of 1830, by Mr Aiken a Justice of the Peace and that her name before her said marriage was Mary Kench that her husband died at Brooksville Me on the second day of March 1868, proof of which will be found on file with her previous application, that she is still a widow,—that she makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act of Congress passed March 3, 1855, and that she prays that the certificate thereof may be sent for her to Horatio Woodman, Boston, Mass.
attest  R.D. Gory  J.H. McLeahy  x Mary her Benson mark
We Sarah G. Weeman and Harriett M. Wood residents of Boston - Mass in the state of Massachusetts upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Mary Benson in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be,
Sarah G. Weeman Harriett M. Wood
The foregoing declaration and affidavits were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Glendon Nichols { Justice of the Peace.
x asst clerk of the supreme Judicial Court.
66 58

BOUNTY LAND ACT, 1855.
Claim of Stephen Benson
Revolutionary War.
FILED BY Wm. Johnson Washington D.C. Aug.
SL 10 28 6

For a person who has never received Bounty Land.
STATE OF Maine COUNTY OF Hancock } ss.
On this fourteenth day of August A. D. 1856. personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, Septha Benson of Mooksville - Hancock County & State of Maine - who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical Septha Benson who was a Private in the War of the Revolution - as may be seen by certificate No. 29,006 . Issued at the War Department March 2 nd 1835. and signed by Leen Comp Secy of War - and to which he refers in support of his claim that he entered the service on the 18 day of August and continued in actual service in said war for the term of fourteen days and upwards, and was honorably discharged at which his papers on file in the Pension Office will amply show.
He makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which he may be entitled under the act approved March 3d, 1855. He also declares that he has not received a warrant for bounty land, under this or any other act of Congress, nor made any other application therefor.
John Johnson of Washington D.C. is hereby authorized to receive any warrant that may be issued hereon.
Septha  his  Benson
AFFIDAVIT OF TWO WITNESSES.
We Richard Gordon and Robert Gordon, both of Mooksville Hancock County in the State of Maine - upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by the above Septha Benson in our presence, and that we believe from our own knowledge and personal acquaintance for several years past.
that he is the identical person he represents himself to be, and that we have no interest in this claim.
Robert Gordon
Richard Gordon
MAGISTRATE'S CERTIFICATE.
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that I believe the Claimant is the person he represents himself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Charles N. Liden
J. P.
COUNTY CLERK'S CERTIFICATE.
STATE OF Maine COUNTY OF Hancock } ss.
I hereby certify that Charles N. Liden Esq.
before whom the foregoing declaration and affidavit were made, is and was, at the time of taking the same, an acting Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature above is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office, this 19th day of August 1856.
P. W. Pease Clerk.

ellaine 29.006
Letto F. Elhassler 11 Dec 1831
Septa Bensen of Hancock in the State of Maine. — who was a ser t in the [blank] commanded by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by Col Bradford in the Mass. time for 18 mos: 8 days:
Inscribed on the Roll of ellaine — at the rate of 50 — Dollars 88. Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate & Pension issued the 2 nd day of Mar: 31. and due to Mrs. William Bensen. M.C.
Arrears to the 4th of Sep: 36 $ 213.08. Semi-ann. allowance ending Dec: 35 30.44 243.52
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Nath: Rice. — Clerk, Book C Vol. 1 Page 5
213229 156078 — 36508-160

Increase
no. 6,667
Maine
(Portland)
Mary Benson widow of Jeptha Benson who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
27. July 1868. Did payt made since Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of March 1869 and sent to Claimant
Geo. H. Tilden Castine, Maine
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 161 Vol. 26
30/53
June 27, 68
J. N. Smith
[Handwritten signature]

213.229 Ad Mar 3/55
Sept. 17/55
Leptun Benson Leptun Benson, Pri.
Capt. Ishua Early
Mass Mt.
Ent 1 Mar 1777
Rev. Wa
Rev. penn me June 32-29806
Ad: Hoac, fl., 24/56 B. W. D.
David Walker Brooksille Maine
Vol. B1-97.

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Jeptha Benson 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.
77 file 25,332
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Feb. 1778 1 mo. Priv. John Eddy Bradford Mass.   March 1, 1779 6 mos. Nathan Merrill Col. Merrill   March 1780 to Nov. 1780 Isaac Parsons Burton  
Battles engaged in, Benedict River
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Middleborough, Mass.
Date of application for pension, Aug. 30 1832.
Residence at date of application, Marshall's Is. Hancock Co. Maine.
Age at date of application, 70 in 1762 Middleborough Mass.
Remarks: He was born in Brooksville, Me. June 10 1832 Mrs. Mary Ross whose maiden name was French He died at Brooksville, Me. March 2, 1858 He was 95 years of age at the time of his death. He was a resident of Swan Is., Hancock Co., Me. at the time of his death. He was a reference to his widow.
Very respectfully,
317935m1C-97
Commissioner.
M 3 6,508-160-55.

6667 Maine
Mary Benson, widow of Septha,
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 60 dollars 88 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February 1853 2d March 1858.
Certificate of Pension issued 12th day of Augt '59 and sent to
John Johnson, Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 141, Vol. II

H. Woodman Aft. G. W. " " Aug: 8 th 1866 Rejected. Wt. 36.508. Pa. to her lens: July 20 th 56. H. Woodman, Aug. 21 st 66
321 809 Oct Mar 3 1855
April 9 1866
Mary Benson Wid Septha Benson poi  at East  Mass Mt. Private  Revolutionary War of Revolution.
for the care, Aug.  7 th 1866. Boston.
Horatio Woodman Boston Massachusetts

Increase 6.667 Brief in the Case of Mary Bensus Widow of Jephtha who was a Private Rev. Swans Island Hancock County and State of Maine. Act 2 d Sec Feb 3. 1853 Portland
CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE, See Act July 27. 1869
PROOF EXHIBITED,
Spencer inscribed on the Roll of Portland. Me. at $66.88 pr Annum. but returned with claim for inc as provided by Act of July 27. 1868.
Personal identity and Continued Widowhood shown
Admitted Feb 14. 1869. to increase pension at $96.00 pr Annum, to commence July 27. 1868 deducting pay t since.
Name and residence of Agent. Claimant Care Geo F Tilden Castine Maine.
W. E. Trask Examining Clerk.

Payment to be made at Portland , by
George F. Emery.
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of
Maine.
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page 161. Vol. II.
G. T. Getty Clerk.

Ex o M. H. B. R.
No 6667
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that, in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853,
Mary Benson,
widow of Asapha Benson,
who was a _____ private, _____ in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the Pension List, at the rate of _____ Sixty, _____ dollars and _____ eighty-eight _____ cents per annum, commencing on the 2d. March 1858, 21 of February, 1853 , and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
for Pension Office calculation No 61.217/100
Amount due on this Certificate from 2d March 1853 to 3d March 1859 in full for Pension
Given at the Department of the Interior, this twelfth day of August one thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine.
L. M. Thompson
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and countersigned.
W. A. Volney
Commissioner of Pensions.

STATE OF MAINE.
HANCOCK, ss.—Clerk's Office, Ellsworth.
I, Isaac H. Perry
Clerk of
of the Supreme Judicial Court, within and for the County of Hancock, hereby certify, that,
George S. Dillman Esq. whose name appears subscribed to the foregoing certificate, is now, and was, at the time of subscribing the same, an acting Justice of the Court within and for said County of Hancock, duly commissioned and qualified; and as such, full faith is due his official acts, and that his signature subscribed to the annexed certificate is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court, this First day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty- nine .
I. H. Perry
{ Clerk of said Court for Hancock County.

Actual Evidence Revolutionary Pension Act of Feb'y 3/53. Mary Benson Widow of Isaac Benson
Gen. John D. Washington D.C., accy.

State of Maine, Hancock County, S.S.
On this 29th, day of July A.D. Eighteen hundred and fifty nine, personally appear- ed before me Geo. H. Tilden, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County aforesaid, J. K. Redman Collector of the Port of Castine, and Erastus Redman, a magistrate for the County of Hancock - Persons well known to me, and whom I certify to be respectable and worthy of credit, who being duly sworn according to law, declare upon their said oaths - that they are well and personally acquainted with Mary Benson, the widow of Septha Benson, deceased, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner, & that they were personally acquainted with Septha Benson for many years pre- vious to his death, & know that Septha Benson & the aforesaid Mary lived together as husband & wife; and their knowledge of the forego- ing facts are derived from their close intimacy with them, & living in the neighborhood.
They further declare that they believe that Septha Benson aforesaid, died at or near Brooksville, in Hancock County, Me., on or about the second day of March A.D. 1858. & that they are positive that Mary Benson aforesaid, is the identical person she represents herself to be, & they say that they have no interest in this claim.
J. K. Redman Erastus Redman
The foregoing affidavits, were sworn to & subscribed before me on the day & year above written; and I certify, that the affiants are residents of Hancock County in the State of Maine, and that I have no interest in this claim, and am not concerned in its prosecution.
Geo. H. Tilden Justice of the Peace

Castine January 23/65
Sir I herewith forward Disbination of Mary Pearson, a Revolutionary Pension under act of July 30 th 1833, for an increase of pension under the 13 th Section of the Act of July 27 th 1861. With two Original Certificates, requesting the same in case a new one is issued.
Very Respectfully Your O bt Servant Genl F. H. Adams
To the Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Free
Me. Mt. Patten Sept 10th Monday Edward Egan Camp 5th Regiment Washington D.C.

Castine Feb. 14. 1835
Sir
Some time in Nov. last, I forwarded to the Pension Office, the necessary evidence to prove the service of Septha Benson a claimant for a Revolutionary Pension - Ten months & 17 days having been previously allowed him by the Department - Not having received any return from the Department, he is apprehensive the papers may have been mislaid & is anxious to learn the result -
Respectfully Sir By your O.W. B
Wm. Williams
J. L. Edwards Esq. Compt. of Pensions

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Com te . of Pensions -
Washington
D.C.

Castine (Me) Nov. 22 d 1834
Sir,
Septha Benson, a claimant for a Revolutionary Pension, having been allowed, as informed by your letter of the 27 th July last, for 8 months service in Col. Bradford Reg't & 2 months & 17 days upon the Baywadue expedition upon the evidence then presented & now remaining in the Pension Office, & claiming for a further term of service of 8 months, for which further evidence was then required, has obtained & herewith transmits two Depositions proving said further term of service of 8 months -
I am, Sir, Respectfully Your Obed't Serv't.
Thos. Williams
J. L. Edwards Esqr. Comp d of Pensions -

Brief in the case of Mary Bunker, widow of Setha Hancock County and State of Maine act 3 rd Feb: 1853,
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. Husband was pensioned under the Act of 7 th June, 1832, at the rate of $60. 88 / 100 Per Annu. Rec'd Evidence of Marriage. Pensioner died March, 2 nd 1858. as appears by Credible Parol Proof, the Certificate of a Town Clerk Report of the then Auditor of the Treasury. Widowhood and identity is Satisfactorily established. (If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Certificate to be sent to John Johnson, Esq. Present, Name and residence of Agent
J. C. Bryant, Examining Clerk.

Mary Burton, Dir. London.

No 321809 act of March 3/55
Boston, Mass: July 5. 1866.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Sir,
Agreeably to the request of your letter (enclosed) of April 9. 1866, I now send further formal declaration for a land warrant, for Mary Benson, widow of Jeptha Benson. He was and she is a Revolutionary Pensioner
For service of the soldier, re.
reference is specially made to her pension (Rev.) certificate, dated Aug 12/59, act of Feb 3/55, be-
ginning March 2/58 $60.80 pr. fr.
She is very aged and early action is desired.
Respy. Fr. Obt. Svt. Horatio Woodman.

1819 3 4 1855 B. D 1. 8. 2
Mary Benson widow of Septha.
60 88 2 30) 17 63 10 95 1 276 10 95 131
Me:
Amount for $60. 88 100 per An. Annuity 2 d March, 1858, when her husband died, under 2 d Sec; Act Feb. 3 d 1853,
60 88 33 61.21 7/8
Certificate of Johnson, Present

Washington.
June 27th 1859.
Geo. C. Whiting Esq d Comm r of Pensions.
Sir, I beg leave herewith to present the applications of Mrs. Mary Benson widow of the late Ephraim Benson for pension under the act of Febry 3 d 1853.
The proof of the death of Mr. Benson has been furnished - We believe - in the case of an application made for a reissue of a Land Warrant, and is probably in the hands of Doctor Jenkins of the Pension Bureau.
It is respectfully desired that Mrs Benson's claim may be examined at the earliest possible moment.
I am, Very respectfully,
Your Obed t Serv t .
Geo. Johnson Agt

I Nathaniel Chase of Buckfield in the County of Oxford State of Maine do testify and declare that I am seventy three years of age and that I served in the revolutionary army of America in the year of seventeen hundred and eighty and at other periods About the last of April 1780 I enlisted into a company commanded by Capt. Isaac Parsons, of New Gloucester Maine for the term of eight months and marched to the town of Lydonaston in the State of Maine where we joined the troops under the command of Gen. Peleg Wadsworth and served the whole period of the enlistment with the exception of about one month before the expiration of the term of enlistment when I was discharged. I would further testify that immediately after I joined the said company I became acquainted with Seth Benson now a resident of Swans Island in the County of Hancock who was also a member of the same company with me and served the whole period I was a member of the company and left said Benson doing duty when I was discharged from the company. And from the best of my knowledge recollection and belief I have no doubt he served the full period of eight months. I would further testify that I have recently seen said Benson and know him to be the same person who performed said service. Nathl. Chase
State of Maine Oxford ss. Nov. 2. 1834 When personally appeared the above named Nathaniel Chase and made oath to the truth of the foregoing statement by him subscribed before me and I hereby certify that said Nathl. Chase reputation for truth is good Virgil D. Parris Justice of the Peace

I Samuel Tobin of Buckfield in the County of Oxford State of Maine do testify and declare that I am seventy two years of age & that I served in the army of the American revolution in the year seventeen hundred and eighty one at other periods. On the last day of April or first day of May 1780 I enlisted into a company commanded by Captain Isaac Parsons of New Gloucester Me. for the term of eight months and marched to St. George river in the town of Thomaston Maine & joined the army under the command of General Deley Woodworth. Where I served the term of eight months & was discharged the last day of December of the same year or first day of January 1781. I further testify and say that I became acquainted with Jephtha Benson now a resident on Swans Islands in the County of Hancock Maine who enlisted at the same time with me into the same company and served the full term of eight months with me and was discharged after serving the expiration of said enlistment. I would further declare that I have recently seen said Benson and know him to be the same person who performed said service.
Samuel Tobin
State of Maine (Oxford ss. November 2. 1834) When personally appeared the above named Samuel Tobin and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed before me. And I declare the said Tobin sustains a fair reputation for truth & veracity.
Virgil D. Parris Justice of the Peace

STATE OF MAINE.
OXFORD COUNTY, ss.
I, RUFUS KING GOODENOW, Clerk of the Judicial Courts in and for said County of Oxford, hereby certify, that
Virgil D. Paris Esq
whose genuine signatures are annexed to the foregoing Deposition of Nathl Chase & Saml Tabin is a
Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Oxford.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office, this fourth day of November in the year A. D. 1834 .
M Goodenow
Clerk of Oxford County Courts.

State of Maine Hancock Co. Feb. 22 d 1834 -
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace within & for said County of Hancock Jethro Bunker, who being duly sworn, deposeth & saith, that by reason of old age, & the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods, mentioned below in the following grades. For one year, eight months & twenty one days, I served as a private & for such service I claim a pension Jethro Bunker
Subscribed & sworn to the day & year aforesaid before me
Ebenezer Dyer Justice of the Peace
Hancock Co. I Her Williams Register of Probate for the County of Hancock aforesaid do hereby certify that Charles H. Williams is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County, & that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this 22 d day of Feb. A.D. 1834 Wm. Williams Register of the Court of Probate

Revolutionary Pensioners papers of Leptus Benson State of Maine
filed 25 th July 87

Bounty Land Claim.
Form of Declaration for surviving Officer or Soldier.
State of Maine County of Hancock } ss.
On this Second day of July A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty one , personally appeared before me, James  David L. Pease a Justice of the Peace duly authorized to administer oaths within and for the County and State aforesaid. Septimus Bensen aged 39 years, a resident of Brooksville in the State of Maine who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical Septimus Bensen who was a Soldier in the Company commanded by Captain Joshua Eddy in the Tenth Regiment of Infantry commanded by Col Bradford in the war with Great Britain and is now a Pensioner that he was Drafted at Michelberg in the State of Massachusetts on or about the Seventh day of March A. D. 1860 for the term of Three Years & Six Months and continued in actual service in said war for the term of Two Years & Six Months and was honorably discharged at Washington  Gettysburg last on the 10th day of July A. D. 1863 on account of close of the war as will appear by
the muster rolls of said Company.
He makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which he may be entitled under the "act granting bounty land to certain officers and soldiers who have been engaged in the military service of the United States," passed September 28th, 1850; never having received or knowing that he is entitled under any former act of Congress.
and never received any part of Eight months pay in said war
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written. And I hereby certify, that I believe the said Septimus Bensen to be the identical man who served as aforesaid, and that he is of the age above stated.
Power of Attorney.
his Septimus Bensen mark
Know all men by these presents, That Septimus Bensen of the county of Hancock and State of Maine have constituted and appointed, and by these presents do constitute and appoint J. C. Hasser my true and lawful Attorney, irrevocably for me and in my name to receive from the United States, the bounty land certificate, or warrant, or Pension certificate, and all such sum or sums of money due me on account of arrears of pay, three months' extra pay, forage, mileage, for horses and other property lost or destroyed in the military service, expenses incurred, or money expended for organizing volunteer companies before being mustered into the service of the United States, or any money or moneys which may be due me by the United States on any account whatsoever, and generally to do all lawful acts and things whatsoever touching the

premises, and an attorney or attorneys under him for the purpose aforesaid, to make and at his pleasure to revoke, hereby confirming all and whatsoever my said attorney shall in my name legally do or cause to be done, in and about the premises.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my name and seal this Second day of July 1851
Septu his  X  Boone monk
Acknowledged and subscribed before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Hancock and State of Maine this Second of July 1851
David Walker
State of Maine } to wit: County of Hancock
I hereby certify that David Walker Esq., before whom the foregoing declaration and power of attorney were made, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for the County aforesaid, this fifteenth day of July , 1851
Parker W. Perry Clerk.

258,078 Act Mar 3/55
213229
Sept 5/56
36508
Jephtha Benson Rev.
Pioneer.
Rev War.
me 29806 June 32
John Johnson Rev.

3 rd Auditor's office July 13. 1859.
Sir, Jephtha Benson, Moaine, Act 7 June 1832, has been paid to 4 Sept 1859.
Very respectfully R. L. Simmons Auditor
Col. Whiting Esq. } Comm: of Pensions }
Pension Office, July 12, 1859.
The said auditor will please certify the date of death of within named pensioner, and name of his widow, if she receives the annuity
Very respectfully John D. Slee Chief Clerk
End

No 7291.
Mary Benson widow of Leatha. Maine.
Lt. J. Johnston July 15/59
Act July. 3. 1853.

213219
Hon. Commission of Pensions Washington City
(26)

State of Maine County of Hancock
Brooksville Sept 10 th 1855
Gen l
Instead herewith I send you the Claim of Sophia Benson for Booby Land under the act of March 3 rd 1855 on early attention to the same (as the nature of your business will admit) is respectfully requested
Respectfully Yours
(David Wooten
Gen
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D W

113718 Claim Sophia Benson To Bounty Land
Act of March 3 1855
War of the Revolution
David Wootton Sgt Brookville Maine

State of Maine County of Hancock
In this Substantive of August 2 d Eighteen hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me Stephen H. Atkin a Justice of the Peace duly authorized to administer oaths for this end for the County and State of said Stephen Benson aged Ninety Seven years a native of Brooksville in the State of Maine who being sworn according to law declares that he is the identical Stephen Benson that was a private in a company of Mass. Militia commanded by Captain Isaac Dady in the Revolutionary War that he was drafted at Plantation in the State of Mass. on or about the first of March 1778 and continued in actual service in said War for the term of eight months and was honorably discharged at Hartford in the State of Ct. on the by the muster rolls of said Company (discharge being lost) He further declares that he now remains a person for whom in said War. He makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Fund to which he may be entitled under the act of March 3 d 1855. He also declares that he has not received a warrant for any bounty land under this or any former act of Congress now made any other application therefor.
Stephen H. Benson Mark

We Robert Condon and Richard Condon residents of Brooksville in the State of Maine upon oath declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and by the said Leotta Benson in our presence and that we believe from the appearance and statement of the applicant that he is the identical person he represents himself to be
Robert Condon Richard Condon
The foregoing declaration and affidavit was sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written, and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, that the claimant is the person he represents himself to be and that I have no doubt in this claim.
John Walbridge Justice of the Peace

Credible persons that the foregoing is true STATE OF MAINE.
HANCOCK, ss.—Clerk's Office, Ellsworth.
I, Parker W. Perry Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court, within and for the County of Hancock, hereby certify, that John Walker, Esq. whose name appears subscribed to the foregoing certificate, is now, and was at the time of subscribing the same, an acting Justice of the Peace, within and for said County of Hancock, duly commissioned and qualified; and as such, full faith and credit are due his official acts, and that his signature subscribed to the annexed certificate is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court, this twenty third day of August —in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty- five
P. W. Perry Clerk of said Court for Hancock County.

Liphae Benson
.3789.
Benson

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Jan y 18 th 1834.
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 Setha Bensen as a private is borne on a Muster Roll of Capt. Nathan Merrill's Company, raised in the County of Cumberland, for an expedition against Penobscot. served in a Detachment. Commanded by Col. Jonathan Mitchell, where he is allowed from July 5 th to Sept 25 th 1779. two Months and seventeen days. m d 2-17
Barnabas Winslow's name is borne on a Pay Roll of Capt. Isaac Parson's Company, in Col. Primes' Regt. Commanded by Brig d General Wadsworth, where he is allowed from May 5 th to Decem r 21 st 1780. Seven Months and twenty one days. 7-21
Sethae Bensen claims for services under Capt. Isaac Parson in 1780. as a Substitute for one Winslow.
Sethae Bensen claims for further services under Capt. Merrill in 1779 and under Capt. Parson in 1780. But the rolls he describes are not found in this Office.
Edw. D.
Edward D. Bangs by

321 808

State of Massachusetts County of Suffolk
We, Sarah G. Weeman and Larina T. Morris both of Boston, Mass., having been duly sworn, depose and say, that we well knew Jephtha Benson deceased who was a Pirate of Suffolk. I, Sarah G. Weeman was present at his funeral, and I, Larina T. Morris learned of his death very soon after it occurred from near relatives, and friends whose credibility is unquestionable. that we have known his said widow from his death to this time, that she has remained unmarried, and that we are disinterested.
Sarah G. Weeman
Larina T. Morris
Subscribed, and duly sworn to before me, this Thirteenth day of June A. D. 1864
Geo. D. Nichols, Justice of the Peace.
It is hereby certified that satisfactory proof has been exhibited before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, by the affidavits of Sarah G. Weeman and Larina T. Morris of the said county and state, who are personally known to me, who are entitled to credit, and who swear that they have no pecuniary interest in the result of the above application; that Jephtha Benson is the widow, remaining unmarried of the late Jephtha Benson who was a Pirate of Suffolk in the Revolutionary War and that the said Jephtha Benson died at Brookville, Maine on or about the 2d day of March, A. D. 1858.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this Thirteenth day of June 1864.
Geo. D. Nichols, Justice of the Peace. Assistant Clerk of Supreme Judicial Court.
* "We attended his funeral," or "were in the neighborhood at the time," or some equally good reason.

Badie Evidence
Septua Bensen's Midow
Revolutionary Pension Act of July 3/53.
Ino. Johnson Washington. D. C., atty

Brooksville June 13 th 1859 Mr. Tilden
Dear sir
The following is a true copy of the records of the town of Brooksville
Mrs. Jeptha Benson Died March 2 d AD 1888 aged 90 years
A true copy Attest Saml. Condon Jr. Town Clerk

620 500
APPLICATION OF
Jeptha Benson Revolutionary War
for a 160 acre warrant,
Act of March 3d, 1855.
now on the Revy. pension list of me.
WARRANT TO BE SENT TO
HORATIO WOODMAN, Boston, Mass.,
AS WITHIN REQUESTED.

State of Maine County of Hancock Commonwealth of Massachusetts, County of Suffolk.
On this the twenty 8th day of February A. D. 185 7 personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, Hoseah Septha Benson aged ninety five years, a resident of Brooks ville, in Maine — who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical Septha Benson , — who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Eddy in the infantry  infantry Drafted Men, commanded by Meril in the (1) that he was (2) on or about the 15 day of March A.D. 18 61 for the term of and continued in actual service in the said war for the term of two years and was honorably discharged at in Thomastown Maine on or about the 15 day of April A. D. 18 63 , as will appear by reference to the rolls; that he received no printed, or written discharge, that he has never received, nor applied for, and is not entitled to bounty land for any other service.
That he makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which he may be entitled under the act of March 3d, 1855,—and that he prays that the certificate thereof may be sent for him to HORATIO WOODMAN, Boston, Mass, — that he is now in the receipt of a Pension, for said service,
Yapha X Benson Mark We Sarah G. Benson and Anna Coombs residents of Brooks ville County of Hancock in the state of Maine , upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Septha Benson in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that he is the identical person he represents himself to be.
Sarah G. Benson Anna Coombs
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written, and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, — that the claimant is the person he represents himself to be, — and that I have no interest in this claim.
James W. Coombs { Justice of the Peace.
(1) Here insert "War of 1812 with Great Britain," or "Florida War," or whatever the War or occasion was. (2) Here insert "Drafted," "enlisted," "volunteered," or "shipped."
The war of the rebellion Great Expedition fitted out by Massachusetts under Genl. Lovell No of the certify for pension 2657

District of Maine, ss. Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of the United States.
I, GEO. F. EMERY, Clerk of the Circuit Court of the United States for the District of Maine, hereby certify, that James W. Coombs
whose signature to the certificate on the paper hereto attached is genuine, was at the time the same purports to have been written a Justice of the Peace for the County of Kennebec in the State of Maine, duly commissioned and qualified, and authorized to administer oaths and take acknowledgments
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court, this 21 st day of April A. D. 1864.
Geo. F. Emery
Clerk of the Circuit Court, U. S.

Jeptha Benson (Rev. War.)
Mt. 36,508 - 160-55.
See Wid File 25332

State of Maine Hancock County
I A. D. D. Dett Register of the Court of Probate, of Wills and granting Administrations, within and for said County - Hereby Certify that Parker D. Dett Esquire is the Judge of the Court of Probate for the County of Hancock aforesaid, and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to the declaration by him before subscribed -
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court, at Ellsworth in said County, this Fifteenth day of June in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty nine -
A. D. Dett Register of the said Court of Probate

Declaration for increase of Pension Under Section 13, Act of July 27 1868.
State of Maine County of Hancock S.S.
On this Twenty Second day of January. A. D., One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty Nine personally appeared before Me, a Justice of the Peace, and Pension Notary within area for the County and State aforesaid Mary Pruen Aged Seventy Eight years a resident of Lucas Island, Hancock County, and State of Maine, Who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the identical Mary Pruen to whom Was granted pension certificate N o 6667, Payable at Portland Me. at the rate of Sixty Dollars and Eighty Eight cents per Annum issued in con- formity with the 2 d Section of the Act of February 3 rd 1853 - That she makes this declaration in order to secure the increase of her pension to which she is entitled under the 13 th Section of the Act of July 27. 1868 - And that she desires any certificate for pension which may issue to her to be forwarded to Gen F. Folsom, Castine, Maine - My Post Office address is as follows - Mary Pruen Lucas Island, Hancock County, Maine - She further declares that she has not remarried since the death of her husband, Ephraim Pruen Mary Pruen Also personally appeared Augustus P. Pruen

petition March May issued to him to be forwarded to Gen F. Pillsbury Castine, Maine - My Pet Offic address is as follows Mary Brown Tunas Island, Kennebec County Maine - She further declares that she has not remarried since the death of her husband, Ephraim Brown
Also personally appeared Augustus R. Nesbitt and Otis Little residents of Castine whom I certify to be respectable, and entitled to credit, who being duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Mary Brown make her mark to the foregoing declaration; and they further know that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant and their acquaintance with her that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim -
Augustus R. Nesbitt
Otis Little
Sworn to and subscribed before me this Twenty- Second day of January A.D. 1869 and I hereby certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim
Gen F. Pillsbury Just of the Peace

Mrs. Sepha Brunsin's (a Maine Pension List Revolutionary Pensioner) application for an 2800 acre Land Warrant Act of March 3/55 Refers for service to her application for a Revolutionary Pension.
B. S. appl. Name of Beneficiary Potiphar
Horatio Woodman, Boston, Mass. Attorney within named

Department of the Interior Widows Pension
I certify that in conformity with the 2d Section of the Act of February 3d 1853.
Mary Penson 2/11/56
Widow of Ichabod Penson 4/10/12/56
Who Was a private in the revolutionary War, is inscribed on the Pension List, at the rate of Sixty Dollars and Eighty Eight cents per annum, commencing on the 2d of March 1858, And continuing for life unless she should again marry, in which case the the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior this twelfth day of August One Thousand Eight Hundred and fifty Six. Signed J. Thompson Secretary of the Interior
Examiners and Commissioners Geo. E. Whiting Commissioner of Pensions
I have drawn this certificate June 1857. 30/11/57

Mary Denton B.V.

B.S. No. 321809 act of mch 3/55
Department of the Interior. Patent Office. April 18th.
Sir,
Certain papers have been filed in this Office, in recently with the view of establishing a claim to country lands in the name of Mrs. Mary Benson, as the widow of J. H. Benson, deceased, an allegorist, formerly I knew, but, no application appears to have been made by her.
Upon formal application being made by her, the claim will be considered.
I am, Sir, very Respectfully, J. H. Bennett. Commissioner.
Mrs. Mary Benson Baltimore Md.

State of Massachusetts      County of Suffolk
We Sarah G. Newman, and Louisa J. Morris, Having been duly sworn depose and say that We well know Mary Benson, widow of Lept. Benson, private of Infantry, Penn. Res., that We know that said Mary Benson is living at the present date, and resides at 37 Sudbury St. Boston, Mass., and, that up to the present date she is a widow remaining unmarried.
We have no interest.
Sarah J. Willman Lorina T. Morris,
Subscribed and Sworn to before me this Twenty Eighth day March AD 1866. I certify that the deponents are credible and are entitled to credit
Goldoni cholo. } Asst clerk } S. J. Court } Suffolk County

E. F. Benson Tacoma, Wash. 1911 Oct. 27. Hist. to E. F. Benson
1912. Jan. 5. To Br. Mr. General, U. S. A. For tombstone. Fr.
1919 Nov. 26. Hist. to Herbert Folger
1921 July 21. E. F. Benson info of place of res. during Rev. etc. and
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 25832
Mary Benson Widow of Septha Benson Win. Sun. Mar.
Act: Feb. 31 1853
Index:—Vol. A , Page 56
[Arrangement of 1870.]
see Bounty Land Mt. 36508-160-55

Northern Pacific Railway Company.
Land Department.
Western District.
THOMAS COOPER, Western Land Agent.
Tacoma, Wash., July 27th 1897.
B
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
I would like to get any information you may have in your office regarding the services during the War of the Revolution of Jephthae Benson, who was my father's father, born in New Hampshire and I understand served throughout the war. My grand-mother received a pension for his services; her name was Mary Benson. I would also like the same information regarding Mr. Kench , whose first name I do not know, but his home was Brooksville, Maine, at the time of his enlistment. I desire this information that I may get such data as is necessary to join the "Sons of the Revolution."
Yours very truly,
E. G. Benson

Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Application No. ....
Certificate No. ....
NAME OF SOLDIER,
Jeptha P. Benson Co. Rev Reg't Mav
INFORMATION DESIRED.
Col. Kniffin Chief Record Div Please furnish E. F. Benson, care Gilbert M'Clurg, Mgr Singer Building, New York City, N. Y. NY
Send Jeptha n file 25,332

HERBERT FOLGER, HISTORIAN SOCIETY OF MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA 2715 CLAREMONT BOULEVARD BERKELEY, CALIF.
HERBERT FOLGER HISTORIAN BERKELEY
SOCIETY OF MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Rev Sec.
NOV 10 AM 1919
November 9, 1919
The Commissioner of Pensions, Revolutionary War Department, Washington, D.C.
Sir,
Jephtha Benson, Middleboro, Mass. - I shall consider it a favor if you will cause the records to be examined and to send me, at your convenience, such portion of the record of Jephtha Benson, who enlisted for nine months' service as private in March, 1778, again for six months in June, 1779, and again for nine or ten months in March, 1780 (the accuracy of these items if not fully shown) and whose widow is said to have received a pension for several years prior to her death at Swan's Island, 30 June, 1874, as will show the place and date of his birth, his parentage, if practicable, and the names of his wife and children. He is said to have married Mary Anne Kench, born 28 Aug., 1791 and to have had a son Freeland Howe Benson, born 2 May, 1835, for whose descendants this information is desired.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Yours respectfully,
Herbert Folger
Historian

Per 1.80
St. Paul, July 8, 1921.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
My grandfather, Jephthah Benson, served in the Revolutionary War. I am not sure whether he served in the War of 1812 or not, but I remember that his widow, my grandmother Mary, received a pension and I am not sure whether it was for the War of 1812.
He has had time the record since As good answer questions
Will you kindly advise me, and if you have any information as to the name of his parents and the place from which he enlisted in either or both wars, I would greatly appreciate receiving it.
Yours truly,
E. G. Benson
c/o Northern Pacific Railway, St. Paul, Minnesota.

Rev. War Section.
July 21, 1921.
E. F. Benson, c/o Northern Pacific Railway, Saint Paul, Minn.
Sir:
In response to your letter of the 8" instant, relative to the Revolutionary War pension claim of Jeptha and Mary Benson, Widow File 25,332, the history of which was furnished you on September 18, 1897 and October 27, 1911, you are advised that the names of the parents of soldier and wife are not on record, nor is it stated that he served during the War of 1812. He resided during the Revolution in Middleborough, Mass. and New Gloucester, Maine.
Very respectfully,
Washington Gardner
Commissioner.