Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18,585, James Bemis, Continental (Mass.)

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental (Mass.)
Bemis, James. Lois.
W. 18.585
CONTENTS

11,994
New Hampshire
James Bennis
of Dublin in the State of N. Hampshire who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Myals, of the regiment commanded by Colonel Baldwin in the Massachusetts line, for the term of one year from December 1775 to January 1777
Inscribed on the Roll of New Hampshire at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 20 day of May 1819 and
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 of June 1819 and sent to E. Huntington Keene, N.H.
Restored to the Roll on 10 th day of January 1831 and notification sent to Hon. H. Hubbard at House of Reps. Pension commencing on the 8 th of January 1831.
Amount due on 4th of March 1831
$ 15. 22
{ Revolutionary Claim, Acts March 18, 1818, May 1, 1820. 1 March 1823 }

I James Bemis of Dublin in the County of Cheshire ft and State of Hampshire do hereby do make the following declaration upon oath - That in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Seventy six on the first day of January I enlisted as a private soldier in the Continental army in the United States of America at Brookline in the State of Massachusetts under Capt Thomas Myal in Col n Loammi Baldwin - Regiment as soon as I can recruit for one year in the Highachtunty line and marched from that to Cambridge where we continued until the British left Boston I was then ordered to Col n Weston in which duty I continued until I was discharged we Marched from Cambridge to the City of New York where we continued until the September following and from that to Perth Amboy where we remained until I was honorably discharged on the first of January 1777 Also I further say upon oath that I am poor and stand in need of the assistance of my Country for support James Bemis

State of Hampshire.
Given at May 20 th 1819 Then before Elisha Huntly a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Cheshire personally appeared the within named James Bemis and made solemn oath that the within declaration by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth and it having been made to appear to my satisfaction that the said James Bemis did same in the revolutionary war against the common enemy in manner as by him is stated in said declaration and also that he is poor and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support - all which I hereby certify to the Honorable John C. Cabot Secretary of war -
Elisha Huntly } one of the Justices of the Court of Com- mon Pleas for said County
Cheshire ss. May 20 1819.
I Salem Hale Clerk of the Judicial Court in said County certify that Elisha Huntly is one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas in said County, that the foregoing is his signature, & that no particular impression is used as a seal by said Court S. Hale

84 —
James Bennis
Value 573 - 50 —
annual income of
$25 —

James Bemis
572.50, & annual income of $25
Dollars
11.95
11.95
Sept 1829

SCHEDULE,
Of the whole estate (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) and income of James Bernis of Dublin in the County of Cheshire and State of Newhampshire, Applicant for a Pension under the act of Congress of May 1st, 1820.
Real Estate
One half of a House twenty six by thirty two feet one story high. One undivided half of a Barn forty feet long and twenty nine feet wide $ 4 00 - 00 -  Twenty nine acres of Land.
Personal Estate
  One Ox 24 $ - Two Cows - 33 $  57 - 00 -    One Horse 34 $ - One yearling steer 8 $  42 00 -    One two year old Heifer  12 00 -    One Sheep & three Lambs  09 - 00 -    One Swine  05 - 50 -    One Small Waggon  20 00 -    Tables 4 00 - Chests - 1 50  05 - 50 -    Chairs 2 50 - Kettle - 3 00  05 - 50 -    2 Iron Pots 1 50 - Dish Nettles 1 25  2 95 -    Iron Kettle 1 - Wheels 3  4    Loom & Tackle  5    Shovel - Songs & Andirons  75 -    Platters - Plates - & Dishes  4 - 50 -    Annual Income  25 - - -  
James Bernis 590 - 50
We the Subscribers testify and say, that we have viewed the property contained in the above Schedule shewn to us by James Bernis above named, as his property; and are of opinion that the sums set against the respective items are their true value.
Cheshire ss. 182 Personally appeared, above above named, and made oath to the truth of the above statement, by them subscribed. Before me,
Justice of the Peace.
I certify, that above named, are disinterested and credible witnesses.
Justice of the Peace.

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
CHESHIRE COUNTY SS.
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS.
ON this fourth day of July 1820 personally appeared in open Court before the Justices of said Court being a court of record for said county, proceeding according to the course of the common law, having a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, and keeping a record of its proceedings, James Bennis aged sixty four years, resident in Dublin in said county, who being first duly sworn, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows: in Col Laome Baldwin's Regiment and Capt Thomas Myals company Massachusetts line I am by occupation a farmer but am unable to perform my occupation by reason of ill health & debility & have been for more than three years past - my family consists of three including myself, my wife aged sixty two and one daughter named Mercy aged sixteen years - my wife is unable to labour by reason of debility
The date of my original declaration in order to obtain a pension is the twentieth day of May 1819 The number of my pension certificate is 11-994
And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818: and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war," passed on the 18th day of March 1818, and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
James Bennis
Sworn to and declared at Heene in said County, on the eighth day of July 1820 before
ROOSE Judge of said Court.
I, SALMA HALE, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, for the County of Cheshire, do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property in the aforesaid schedule, is of the annual income of 273 dollars and 50 cents, exclusive In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court on this eighth day of July
A. D. 1820
S Hale

New Hampshire
1156
Yolz Dennis of Dublin widow of James Dennis, deceased, Mafy who was a pensioner under the Act of 18 Mar 1818, and who died on the 15 Dec 1831, of Chester (in the State of N. Hamp who was a private in the camp commanded by Captain Hays of the regt commanded by Col Baldwin in the Massachus line for 12 months.
Enrolled on the Roll of Concord N.H. at the rate of 40 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of Nov 1838, and sent to J. M. Ed- wards, Treasurer, N. Hamp.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. '38 $100.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar '39 20.00
$120.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by D. M. Curran Clerk Book 14 Vol. 1 Page 34.

1375 Declaration
Lois Benis
Wid of James
H. H.
Act 7 July 1838
Allow 12 m th pr.
$40 per ann.
Mand 1785
deed 1837
The M Edw th Reese

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."
STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE, } CHESHIRE COUNTY ss. }
On this sixth  seventh day of August A. D. 1838 personally appeared before me Frederick Rose Esq. Judge of Probate in the said County, in open Court. — Lois Bemis a resident of Durham in the County of Cheshire aforesaid aged Twenty nine 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 James Bemis who was a Soldier in the War of the Revolution and served as follows viz. — in Capt Thomas Myles Company, and Col Leomi Baldwins Regiment of Massachusetts troops — during the whole of the year 1776. — That she always understood he was in other services but can give no account of them and now knows of no proof of them. — That her husband was a Pensioner under the act of 1818 — Stricken off — and afterwards restored. — that she supposes her said husband furnished proof of the above service when he made his declaration — that he was on the New Hampshire agency Roll. —
She further declares that she was married to the said James Bemis on the _____ day of November in the year seventeen hundred and eighty six; that her husband, the aforesaid James Bemis died on the fifteenth day of December 1831 ; 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. — that she has never been married to any other person. — her maiden name was Lois Walker .
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before me, Frederick Rose Judge of Probate. Lois X Bemis mark

State of New Hampshire Cheshire County ss -
I Henry Coolidge, Clerk of the Superior Court of Indictment for the County of Cheshire certify that Frederick Vose was on the seventh day of August instans and still is Judge of Probate for the County of Cheshire duly commissioned and sworn - and that his name within written is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I here hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Keene this eleventh day of August anno Domini Eighteen hundred and thirty eight -
H. Coolidge, Clerk

On this fourth day of September A.D. 1838 - again appeared before me Frederick Vose Judge of Probate before named - in open court Lois Bemis and before named and states that she thinks she was mistaken in relation to her marriage - that it took place in November seventeen hundred and eighty five instead of eighty six that she made the mistake calculating the time from her age. - Lois D. Bemis subscribed her own to the day & year aforesaid Oxford County Before me H. — Frederick Vose, Judge of Probate

Luis Benito
Evidence of marriage

November twenty ninth, one thousand seven hun- -dred and eighty five - James Bemis of East Sudbury and Lois Walker of Sudbury were married By Jacob Biglow -
I Thos. Stearns of Sudbury, in the county of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Certify that the above is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair, legible figures, as follows - Novem r 29 th 1785 - James Bemis of East Sudbury and Lois Walker of Sudbury were married By Jacob Biglow -
I Thos. Stearns, above named, depose and say: that I hold the office of Clerk of the town of Sudbury in the County and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Sudbury with the exception above named, as certified by me Thos. Stearns Clerk of the town of Sudbury -
Sudbury August 15 th 1838 -
Middlesex Y s - Town of Sudbury, August 15. A D 1838 Then the above named Thomas Stearns personally appeared and made oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true
Before me Ashel Lord new Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Middlesex ss. I Isaac Fisher Register of the Court of Probate in and for the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth affirmed hereby certify that Asahel Goodwin Esquire is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Middlesex aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified and that his signature within written is his genuine Signature.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court of Probate this seventeenth day of August in the year Eighteen hundred and Twenty eight.
Isaac Fisher Reg.

El Bmis

I Eli Bennis of Dublin in the County of Cheshire - Twenty five years of age Depose and say that in March A.D. 1820 James Bennis of said Dublin my father being sick and his recovery despaired of agreed to sell me his land and buildings in said Dublin which we considered to be worth four Hundred Dollars. I agreed to give him two hundred Dollars in cash - to give him also one half of the produce during his life - that of his wife my mother. The conveyance to me was executed on the first day of April 1820 - the real Estate above mentioned was all my father then or has since owned. I have lately seen the Declaration of the said James Bennis made in July 1820 - I have no doubt that the real estate described in the schedule thereto annexed is the same he had previously conveyed to me - he has no other annual income than the half of the produce of the same land. My father is old infirm and very forgetful. For four or five years he has not done the least labor of any kind whatsoever.
Eli Bennis
State of Hampshireshire Cheshire ss.
Scarborough July 10th 1824
on the Tenth day of July one thousand Eight hundred and twenty four - then personally appeared the above named Eli Bennis and after being carefully examined and cautioned to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth, made solemn oath that the above Declaration by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth, relative to the cause for which it is tender.
Before me Almer Bayden Justice of the Peace,
This may certify the above named Eli Bennis is a man of good reputation as to truth -
For attestation in the of Almer Bayden Jus Peace. Bennis dep ty S. Hale

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 _____ a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1775 1776 Private John 02 Mass.            
Battles engaged in, _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, _____
Date of application for pension, _____
Residence at date of application, _____
Age at date of application, 64 years in 1820
Remarks: To name 8 Nov. 29 1775 at New Bedford Mass. Last known residence Dec. 15 1821, and she was allowed pension on her application of Aug. 7 1822 while a resident of Dublin Pa. Children: 1st son 34 yrs in 1824 (had 4 sons) 2nd son 30 yrs in 1824, 3rd son 27 yrs in 1824, 4th son 16 yrs in 1826.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
Officer, 1st Mass. Regt. Col. John D. Sleeper

Mar. 23. 1897. History to Mrs. Robert Campbell - 67. So. Division St. Ann Arbor, Mich.
1915. Apr. 1: History to Mr. Reuben S. Bemis M.B.H.
Rey 18.585 WIDOW, &c.
File No. 18.585
Lois Bemis Widow of James Bemis prior Rev. W. Br.
Act: July 9 th 1888
Index:—Vol. 4 Page 53
[Arrangement of 1870.]

The circumstances of the land being sold in 1820 and the deed of conveyance not being acknowledged till Sept. 1823, and the convey- ance being made to his son , are such as to cause strong suspicion of fraud.
= See letter 28 th Aug. 1824. to Selina Hale. •
=

New Hampshire
James Berris -
Private -
Resided 5 years in 1776 -
  1 st schedule, dated 4 July 1820, contains 29 acres of land with one half of a house, and barn - $400:00   1 ox & 2 cows - 57:00   1 horse and 1 steer - 42:00   1 hogs, 4 sheep, & 1 hog - 26:00   1 wagon - 20:00   household & kitchen furniture - 53:50   $598.50 
No debts mentioned -
Schedule under act 1 March 1823, dated 21 Oct. 1823, contains house - old & kitchen furniture $21:86 Annual income from land $15:00
Accounts for decrease of property by stating that the real estate given in his first schedule, was sold prior to the date of that schedule to Eli Berris, for $400, all of which was applied to the payment of claimant's just debts - (copy of the deed, dated 1 st of April 1820, is produced) 1 ox sold to Josiah Berris, to pay a debt, in March 1820 - 1 cow sold to D. Hart, in Feb y 1821, for $18 - 2 cows killed for family's use, in the fall of 1821 & 1822 - 1 horse 18 3/4 sold to Thos. Berris, in 1822, for $40 - 1 hog killed for family's use, in 1822 -
5 Sheep sold to J. Hart, in 1820, for $6 3/4 - 1 hog killed in 1821 - wagon sold to B. Wallingford for $5, to pay the expense of application to be restored to Pension list - He states, that all the money received for property sold, has been applied to the payment of Physicians, and procuring necessaries to live on - Eli Berris's affidavit is exhibited, stating that on the 1 st of April 1820, he bought from his father, the claimant, his land & buildings, and agreed to pay $200, in cash, and to give the claimant and his wife, one half of the produce of the land, during their respective lives - Josiah Berris states, under oath, that in 1817, he lent his father, the claimant, $73, to pay the balance due for his land, which amount was returned by claimant in Sept. 1820 - Thomas Berris states, under oath, that in 1816, he lent the claimant, his father, $100, for a part of his land, which, with the interest amounting to $118, was returned by the claimant, in Nov r 1822 -
Claimant aged 68 - a farmer by occupation - unable to labor - Wife aged 65 -
See letter Jan y 1825 16. Land May 18, 1829 to Salma Hale, Keene, N.H.
at 1819.
see letter 4 April 1825 Full y closed 10 July 1824 -

Mr Hampshire James Bennis. Private - one year 1776 1 st Schedule July 1820
Real Estate 1/2 of an odd & Small House & Barn 29 acres of Land $400 1. 2 Cows $57 Horse, Hife & Steer $54 Sheep & Swine $14.50 Wagon $20 annual income $25 & some furniture amt of Schedule $573.50 & amt. in hand 25 see letter to Hale Apr. 23. 1824 $598.50
2 nd Schedule Oct 21. 1823 a few articles of furniture valued at $21.86 and
an annual income from Land (which I do not understand) of the value of $15 -
He swears that the Real Estate mentioned in 1 st Schedule was sold before he made it & ought not to have been mentioned in it - the money viz - $400 was appropriated to pay his just debts
Land sold to Eli Bennis Sept 1. 1820 - acknowledged Sept 24. 1823 & recorded Oct 8. 1823.
He got for $10 - paid a debt - 2 Cows killed & consumed in family Horse got for $10 - paid a debt - Sheep & Swine, killed & eaten Wagon sold for $5 to get money to pay for this application - His age 68. Wife 65. both able Salma Hale Keene see letter to Hale Apr 23 rd 1824

No 11.994 R New Hampshire
James Remes
of Dublin in the state of New Hampshire who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Baldwin of the Massachusetts line, for the term of One Year
inscribed on the Roll of New Hampshire at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence the 20 of May 1819 .
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 of June 1819 and sent to Elisha Stanley Esq. Provr. New Hampshire
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1819 . $ 28.12
Semi-Annual Recording
$ 28.12
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }

James Bemis
July 1822
Salma Hale Keene N.H.

DECLARATION,
In order to be restored to the Pension List, under the Act of the 1st March, 1823.
State of New-Hampshire.
County of Cheshire ss. Superior Court of Judicature October Term 1823
On this 21 st day of October 1823, personally appeared in open court, [being a court of record held within and for said County, proceeding according to the course of the common law, having a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, and keeping a record of their proceedings]
James Bessie
resident in said county, aged sixty eight years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress, of the 18th March, 1818, and the 1st May, 1820, that he, the said Bessie enlisted for the term of one year on the 10 th day of Dec r in the year 1775 in the state of Massachusetts in the company commanded by captain Thomas Attye in the regiment commanded by colonel Jeremiah Hallock in the line of the state of New Hampshire on the continental establishment; that he continued to serve in the said corps until the year 1777 when he was discharged from the said service, in at Pickett's Hill in the state of New York that his name has been placed on the pension list, and dropt therefrom on account of his property.
And, in pursuance of the act of the 1st May, 1820, I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be,) that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
Schedule of real and personal estate, necessary clothing and bedding excepted, owned by James Bessie
  12 3/4 fruit table 5.00 Whitewash table, 50 5.50   1 Chest of 2 drawers 1.50 7 Chairs 2.66   1 Buggy wheel 1.25 2 pails & dish kettle .75   1 tea kettle .50 2 Whals 2.00   Sundry plates, platters cups & dishes 2.00   Five Small hogs & mutton .70   a waggon & harness 5.00   $21.86 
Annual income from land $ 15.00  The following statement exhibits the charges which have taken place in said Bessie's property since the exhibition of his last schedule

An account of property exhibited in the first schedule and not now owned by the applicant.
   Articles sold. Names of persons to whom sold. Time of sale. Amount of money, or description of property, received in return.     Real Estate being one half of half a lot Ex Bunn's April 1. 1820 This property was sold for five hundred dollars before the exhibition of the last schedule I ought not to have been mentioned in it. The money was all appropriated to the payment of said debts.   1 Cow David Hart March 1820   1 Cow Killed Feb. 1821 $18.00   1 Cow Killed Feb. 1822 consumed in family.   1 Horse 18 years old Thomas Bunn do do   2 Cows Killed 1820 $10.00   4 Sheep & Lambs Isaac Hale 1820 consumed in family   1 Swine Killed 1820 $6.25   Dishwasher broken fall of 1821   1 Loom & Tools Thos Bunn's 1822 $5.50 Firewood  
The money received for the above property has been paid to Phoebe Bunn for her use. The money mentioned in the first schedule has been paid for $5.00 to B. Walsingham to get money to pay for the expenses of this application. I have been by occupation a farmer. I am not now able to do any labor at all, nor have I been for three years past & more. My family consists of myself & wife who is sixty five years of age. My wife is also unable to labor. Both of us are infirm & by reason of our age, who breech or hernia I am frequently compelled to call in a physician.  James Bunn's mark
Sworn to, and declared, on the 21 st day of before October
Hon Wm M Richardson Chairman
Samuel Green } Justices
I, Salma Hale clerk of said Superior Court, do hereby certify, that it appears, to the satisfaction of the court, that the said James Bunn did serve in the Revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, under one engagement, on the continental establishment. I also certify, that it is the opinion of the said court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is twenty one dollars and eighty six cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this 14 th day of November 1823
S. Hale Clerk of the Court of the aforesaid

Sclerotia

Middlesex ss
On the Seventh day of May A.D. 1818 personally appeared before me Calvin Sanger one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County of Middlesex. Daniel Cookidge who being duly sworn according to Law, did depose and say. That he was personally knowing to James Berris having served in the Army of the United States in the revolutionary war between Great Britain and America for the term of one year commencing in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six - and that he served in the capacity of a Water to Lt. Weston who was his uncle, the principle part of the whole of the time - and that Lt. Leomin Baldwin commanded the Regiment to which said Berris belonged -
Sworn to and
On the 7 th day of May A.D. 1818 the foregoing deposition was examined cautioned and sworn before me Calvin Sanger one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County of Middlesex agreeably to Law to the deposition of Calvin Sanger by him subscribed taken at the request of said James Berris and to be used as evidence to substantiate his claim to a pension under the Act of Congress passed March 1818
Calvin Sanger

Cheshire ss.
On the eighteenth day of May A.D. 1819 personally appeared before me Levi Gates one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County of Cheshire John Mogens who being duly sworn according to Law did depose and say that he was personally knowing to James Berris having served in the army of the United States in the revolutionary war between Great Britain and America for the term of one year commencing in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six and that he served as a waiter to Lt. Col. Weston who was his uncle and that Col. Leammi Baldwin commanded the Regiment to which said Berris belonged.
John Mogens
On the 18th  A.D. 1819 day of May the aforesaid deponent was examined cautioned and sworn before me Levi Gates one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County of Cheshire agreeably to Law to the deposition aforesaid by him subscribed, and also made oath that that he the said Mogens is not interested, either at the request of said James Berris and to be used as evidence to substantiate his claim to a pension under the act of Congress passed March 1818. I also certify that I have full confidence in the veracity of the deponent, have never heard the credibility of his evidence in any matter impeached.
Levi Gates Justice of the Peace

Cheshire Pa. May 20. 1819.
I Salma Hale clerk of the Inferior Courts in said county certify that Levi Hale is a Justice of the Peace in said county & that I believe the foregoing to be his signature. In testimony whereof I have unto office the Seal of said Superior Courts of Judicature.
S. Hale
deposition of John Mogen

Know all Men by these Presents, That I
James Dennis
of Dublin in the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire yeoman for and in consideration of the sum of four Hundred Dollars to me in hand, before the delivery hereof, well and truly paid by Eli Dennis of said Dublin County and State aforesaid Husbandman
the receipt whereof do hereby acknowledge, have given, granted, bargained, sold, and by these presents do give, grant, bargain, sell, alien, enfeoff, convey and confirm unto the said Eli Dennis his heirs and assigns forever,
A certain tract of land lying in Dublin aforesaid it being one half of the east half of lot number twentieth in the ninth range except except three small plots of land that has been conveyed for house spots: Also half of ten acres of land it being part of lot No. nineteenth in the eighth range it being the northeast part of said lot the whole containing Twenty nine acres more or less said land is undivided with Thomas Dennis and Witeomb French
To have and to hold the said granted premises with all the privileges and appurtenances to the same belonging, to him the said Eli his heirs and assigns, to his and their only proper use and benefit forever. And I the said James Dennis my heirs, executors and administrators, do hereby covenant, grant and agree, to and with the said Eli Dennis his heirs and assigns, that until the delivery hereof I am the lawful owner of the said premises; am seized and possessed thereof in my own right, in fee simple; and have full power and lawful authority to grant and convey the same in manner aforesaid: that the said premises are free and clear of all and every incumbrance whatsoever. And that my heirs, executors and administrators shall and will warrant the same to the said Eli Dennis his heirs and assigns, against the lawful claims and demands of any person or persons whomsoever.
Witness my hand and seal, this first day of April anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and twenty
Signed, Sealed and delivered in presents of us,
Thomas Dennis Louisa Tolman
James Dennis
Sept. 24th 1823
Then the above named James Dennis
STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
Cheshire
Personally appeared and acknowledged the foregoing instrument to be his voluntary act and deed.
Before me,
John Snow
Justice of the Peace.
Recd. 8th Oct. 1823.
Recorded & Exam. by James Campbell Regr.
Copy Examined Attest: James Campbell Regr.

Cheshire. Nov. 3. 1823
I Salina Hale clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature in and for said county certify that James Campbell is Register of Deeds in and for said county and that the foregoing is his signature
In testimony whereof I hereunto affix the Seal of said Court
S. Hale
1823
James to Francis Copy Feb. 94 Feb. 36

I Thomas Bennis of Dublin in the County of Chester and State of New Hampshire Thirty four years of age Depose that Some time in the month of September 1816. I lent James Bennis of Dublin in the State and County of said one hundred Dollars towards paying for his board. Some time in the month of November 1822. he the said Bennis paid me one hundred and Eighteen Dollars. which was for the money I lent him and the Interest then due, Some interest having been previously paid I further Depose that James Bennis my father was taken sick in March 1820. Since that time he has not been able to lay his hands on for his support liquor I have had to lay the principal part my self - in November 1822. I bought one barrel of Flour for which I paid Seven Dollars and fifty cents. September 1822. I bought five pounds of wool. which paid two Dollars and Eighty cents for. June 1822. I bought six pound of wool for which I paid two Dollars and fifty two cents. June 1823 I bought twelve pounds of wool for which I paid Five Dollars. for. June 1823. I bought five barrels of corn for which I paid three Dollars and thirty cents for, as to other Articles I bought and paid for for my Father at different time and places I cannot ascertain certainly the exact sum but I should say for four years past that at a moderate calculation I have bought and paid for articles for to the amount of thirty Dollars. I further Depose and Say that I bought a Buffalo skin for my father for the purpose of covering his head in cold weather which I paid five Dollars for in 1822 - I further state that in 1823 my father James Bennis paid me for Seventeen cords wood of which I got for him in the course of three years part for one Dollar per cord, I further Depose that in 1820 I paid James Batchelder two Dollars for Doctoring my father - and in 1822 I paid Dut A Truesdell four Dollars and fifty cents for Doctoring my father. I further Depose that the above articles which I bought were bought for James Bennis my father and paid for with his money furnished by him -
Thomas Bennis

State of New Hampshire
Cheshire ss.
on the tenth day of July one thousand eight hundred and twenty four. Then personally appeared the within named Thomas Berris and after being carefully examined and cautioned to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth, made solemn that the within Declaration by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth, relative to the cause for which it is taken -
Before me Almer Boyden, Jus Peace,
This may certify that the within named Thomas Berris is a man of good reputation as to truth.
Almer Boyden, Jus Peace.
Cheshire July 12 1844.
I, Leona Hale, clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature in said county certify that Almer Boyden is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county and that his signature on this and in depositions of James Belchfield & Thomas Berris is in his own handwriting.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court.
L. Hale
Leona Hale

Josiah Bimis

I Josiah Berris of Dublin in County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire - thirty years of age Depose that same time in the month of September 1817, I lent James Berris my Father of said Dublin. Sixty two Dollars to furnish paying for land, which he paid me in September 1820, which together with the principal and interest amounted to seventy three Dollars. I further Depose that I bought two rose blankets for my father James Berris in 1822, which I gave three Dollars - Twenty five cents for - I also bought for the said Berris my father seven bushels of Rye in 1823, which cost five Dollars and twenty five cents - I further Depose that I bot the above article by my father's request and with his money furnished me by him - I further Depose that in March 1820, James Berris my father and Thomas Berris my brother owned a pair of oxen together, and at that time my father was about carrying a way his land, and did not want his ox he then sold me the ox towards paying his account which I had against him for sundries of Articles - Josiah Berris
State of New Hampshire Cheshire ss.
Clearborough July 10th 1824 -
on the Tenth day of July one thousand Eight hundred and twenty four. Then personally appeared the above named Josiah Berris and after being carefully examined and cautioned to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth made solemn oath that the above Declaration by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth, relative to the same for which it is taken -
Before me Almer Boyden Jus. Peace,
This may certify the above named Josiah Berris is a man of good reputation as to truth -
For certificate see No 17 } Almer Boyden Jus Peace 81.50 Berris dep. S. Hale }

I James Batchelder of Marlborough, County of Cheshire, and State of New Hampshire, of lawfull age, do hereby testify and say, that I am well acquainted with Mr. James Bennis of Dublin, County and State aforesaid, that in the year 1821 I was called to him for medical advice. I consider his constitution very feeble, and that he is unable to endure the fatigue of labor.
James Batchelder
State of New Hampshire, Marlborough July 6 th 1821.
Cheshire ss. —
on the sixth day of July one Thousand Eight hundred and twenty four then personally appeared the above named James Batchelder and after being carefully examined and cautioned to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth made solemn oath that the above Declaration by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth relative to the case for which it is taken.
Before me Almer Bayley Justice of the Peace,
This may certify that the above named James Batchelder is a regular Physician and a man of good reputation.
Almer Bayley Jus. Peace
For certificate see Mr. Bennis's depositions J. Hale

I Thomas Bemis depose say that I was present when the deed James Bemis to Eli Bemis was signed & acknowledged witnessed it, but not having the deed before me, am not positive. The bargain, I have not the least doubt, was without fraud & was intended to be faithfully observed on both sides. I presume the reason the deed was not acknowledged earlier, was, that no justice of the peace was present, & none lives in that part of the town where my father James Bemis lives, nor within four miles of him. He is able to leave home, he is yet infirm and seldom does. - The deed was on the day of the sale delivered to Eli Bemis the grantee, & has I presume & believe been ever since in his possession.
My father has a right to house room on the premises conveyed to Eli during his life and that of his wife - but the house is small and of little value. It has a right to but one room, & to nothing more.
Thomas Bemis
Sworn to before Cheshire Sept. 30. 1824 S. Hale J. Peace
I Eli Bemis depose say that the bargain between my father & me above alluded to was intended to be faithfully executed - that the deed went immediately into my possession & has been in my possession ever since its date - that no justice of the peace was present when it was executed - and I omitted to have it acknowledged from carelessness, and not from any idea that the bargain would be given up - No justice of the peace lives within four miles of my father's.
Eli Bemis
Cheshire Sept. 30. 1824
Sworn to before S. Hale, J. Peace

Cheshire Jn. Sept 30-1824
I Salma Hale Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature for said county certify that Salma Hale is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county and that the foregoing is his signature
In testimony whereof I hereunto affix the seal of said Court
S. Hale

I the Subscriber depose and say that I am acquainted with the real estate formerly owned by James Burns of Dublin - which he has conveyed to the Burns and on half of the income of which he has received. In my opinion said half of the whole income is not worth more per annum than from twelve to fifteen dollars. Cornelius Towne
Cheshire J. October 21 1823
Sworn to before me
J. Hale J. Peace
Cheshire Sept 10 1824
I Salma Hale Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature certify that Salma Hale is a Justice of the Peace in said county and that the foregoing is his signature.
For testimony whereof I hereunto affix the seal of said Court
J. Hale Clerk
I omitted by mistake to forward this when I sent the other papers
J. Hale

Cheshire p. March 23. 1825.
I hereby certify that I am assured by credible and reputable persons that said Towne and Wallingford are credible persons.
S. Hale of Peace
Cheshire p. May 23. 1825
I Salma Hale clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature and the Court of Common Pleas for said county certify that S. Hale whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificates is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county.
In testimony whereof I have unto office the Seal of said Superior Court
S. Hale

I Cornelius Towne depose and say that when I appraised the income of one half of the land formerly owned by James Bemis of Dublin I intended to include the room in which the said Bemis lived. Said room is at one end of a woodshed, was intended for and has been used as a hog pen, and is about twelve feet square.
I am a near neighbor of said Bemis, and believe he has not been able to labor for five or six years past - I remember that five or six years ago, he told me that he had borrowed money of his sons. Cornelius Towne
Cheshire J. March 23. 1825
Sworn to before me
S. Hale J. Peace
I Benjamin Wallingford depose and say that I am well acquainted with James Bemis of Dublin, an applicant for a pension, and think he has not been able to labor for five or six years past. I heard him say more than five years ago that he had borrowed money of his sons.
Benjamin Wallingford
Cheshire J. March 23. 1825
Sworn to before me
S. Hale J. Peace

1 March 1823, N. H.
James Bernis.
Recd. 10 th July 1824.
War Dept. Pension Office Washington
Recd. At H. July 11.
Department of War

Keene N.H. July 10. 1824
Sir
James Benis, a very infirm old gentleman has requested me to write to you on the subject of his former application for a pension. As being a stranger, I can do nothing more than present his case to you as it appears from his statement & the depositions & this I will do merely to assist you in coming to a determination.
The amount of the schedule dated July 1820, is $ 573. 50
From which is to be deducted
  For real estate previously sold 400.00   For do do (see J. Benis dep n ) 24.00   1 Cow killed 17.00   1 do do (probably the heifer) 12.00   Depreciation of horse by age 24.00   4 sheep & 3 lambs - a part being killed the remainder sold for 20. 25 cents less than the first appraisal fee 2.75   1 Sheep killed 5.50   1 horse sold for 55.00 - being less than first appraisal fee 15.00   Had property sold bound 18.00   Cow sold to Bart 10.00   Horse sold to Th Benis 6.25   Sheep sold to Bart 3.50   Horse & mule sold to J. Benis 2.86   559.86 559.86 
Leaving of first schedule unaccounted for $13.64
And this sum may be accounted for by the depreciation of the articles by use & accidents.
On the other hand his statement & the depositions charge him
  For schedule 2.86   For property sold - in last application 37.75   For real estate - in J. Benis dep n 200.00   259.61 259.61 
Accounted for thus
  Received by Thos Benis - see his dep n 197.62   Paid and left J. Benis - see his dep n 81.50   279.12 279.12 
The last sum being larger the first being subtracted leaves $19.51

From which it appears that he has accounted for $19.51 more than he stands charged with. And this sum he may have drawn from the sale of the produce of half the land reserved.
If my hasty calculation be correct, he might now be charged with nothing but his last schedule $21.80 and his life annuity $15.00. That the annuity in 1823 was appraised at a less sum than in 1890 may be accounted for by the great depreciation of the price of agricultural produce. The last appraisal was made under oath which is on file in the clerk's office.
Knowing him to be old & infirm, & believing him to be honest, I cannot but hope that his application will be granted.
Total

Hon. John H. Eaton Washington City D.C.

I Benjamin Wallingford of Dublin in the County of Galway and State of New Hampshire of lawful age do hereby certify and say that I reside in the immediate vicinity of Mr. James Dennis a Revolutionary soldier, and from my personal knowledge of his circumstances am able to state them to be as follows, to wit — He is not able to labour and has not been for some years, he was once possessed of some property, but his health has been very bad for a number of years and his property has necessarily been expended on his physicians and to defray other necessary expenses incident to his sickness so that his present situation is that he is dependent on the assistance of his son for his support —
Benjamin Wallingford
Dublin Oct 15 th 1830
on the 9 th day of November AD 1830 personally came Cpt. Benj. Wallingford above named and made solemn oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true before me.
Wath! Metcalf Just Peace I certify that Benj Wallingford is a man of truth and may be depended by any Court of Justice Wath! Metcalf Just Peace

So when it was concern I, James Batchelor of Warborough in the County of Oxfordshire and State of New Hampshire do hereby testify and say that I have been acquainted with Mr. James Bernis of Dublin in the County of Oxfordshire and State of New Hampshire for about 13 years, during the greater part of said time I have been his friend Physician — and the last been my son's acquaintance with him — he has not been able to perform any medical labors since my acquaintance with him. He has had two fits of sickness, within a few years which brought him nearly to the point of death — These repeated fits of sickness, has given such a shock to the system, as renders him, in every sense of the word, a full Invalid. —
James Batchelor
Warborough R. Co. Nov. 11 th 1830
November 15 th A.D. 1830
I do hereby certify that James Batchelor is a man of truth and may be depended upon in all his statements before me. be true before me.
I certify that James Batchelor is a man of truth and may be depended upon by any Court of Justice
Isaac Metcalf Jus Peace

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 I, Jonathan H. Smith of Dublin in the County of Essex and State of Massachusetts of lawful age testify and say that, to my personal knowledge the facts in relation to the health and circumstances of Mr. James Bennie, stated in the enclosed certificate signed by my colleagues and myself Selectmen of Dublin - are substantially and strictly true. That an examination of the Records of Dublin aforesaid will show that he has not paid taxes of any kind assessed on real or personal property for seven years last past and that the necessary expenses incident to his repeated and protracted sickness has absorbed the little property he once possessed, so that he is entirely dependent for his maintenance on the charity of his sent. Dated at Dublin the 12 th of October A.D. 1830
Christian B -
Jonathan H. Smith
On the 12 th day of October A.D. 1830 personally appeared Jonathan H. Smith above named and made solemn oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true. - J -
before me Joseph H. Melick, as Peace
I certify that Jonathan H. Smith is a man of truth and may be depended upon by any Court of Justice
Chatham Nov. 15. 1830
Joseph H. Melick for Peace Salmon Hale clerk of the Inferior Courts in said county certify that Melick and Joseph Melick are Justices of the Peace in and for said county and that the foregoing are their signatures. In testimony whereof I hereunto affix the Seal of our Superior Court of Inferior Courts. S. Hale, Clerk

To the Hon. John H. Eaton - Secretary of War of the United States - This certifies that Mr. James Bennis of Dublin in the County of Cheshire and State of New- Hampshire - who was formerly a private soldier in the Massachusetts Line of the army of the Revolution, and attached to the Regiment commanded by Col. Seamin Baldwin - is, to the best of our knowledge and belief in needy and destitute circumstan- -ces - such as in our opinion should entitle him to the bounty of his Country under the Law of the United States, providing a pension for the indigent officers and soldiers of the Revolutionary War - indeed he has not to our knowledge any property of consequence - his whole dependence is on his son Thomas Bennis who with a family of four small children was barely able, by persevering industry and strict economy to maintain his parents comfortably while health was continued to him but for a year past he has been entirely unable to labor on account of an inveterate hip complaint which will probably render him a cripple for life - Mr. James Bennis is in the 75th year of his age - for the last eight or ten years he has been unable to perform any manual labour whatever and during the three last successive winters he has been confined to his house nearly the whole winter and to his bed much of the time
Dated at Dublin the 11th of October A D 1830
Joseph Appleton
Rufus L. Lins
James H. Smith
Selectmen of Dublin

Washington Jan 78. 1831
A. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir
I must in behalf a very old, a very poor and a very feeble old man ask ask you to examine his papers - I refer to the case of James Bennis of Dublin - He lives in the county of Clare, which was the county in which I have ever lived up to the time of the establishment of the county of Limerick in which I now reside and which was detached from Clare. - I am very well acquainted in Dublin the residence of Mr Bennis and I assure you - if there is a man in New Hampshire, who deserves a

person it is this old man - And on this point I am not alone. It is the sentiment of the best men in that town and vicinity - I have carefully examined the written statement of the Selectmen of Dublin with a majority of whom I am well acquainted - They are men of high reputation - and I am free to say that in my opinion their state- ment from their character and from the knowledge they must have of the case is entitled to entire reliance -
The old man had but little property in 1820 - He has been unable to labor since and that little must of course become less at the end of every year

That he is now entirely dependent on his son there can be no doubt. his property is gone - and it has been honestly appropriated for his own support and for the payment of his debts - The statements of Joseph Apple- -ton and of Jane H. Smith from my knowledge of the man are entitled to perfect credit -
I would further state that I am personally acquainted with Nath. Metcalf who is a Justice of the peace for said County of Cheshire - before whom it appears that the depositions of Benjamin Locking- -ford - James Matchelder and J. H. Smith were taken & that his official signatures attached to and subjoined to said depositions

are genuine. As I can say in conclusion is that there is no deception whatever in the case as stated. The transaction was fair & honest -
Respectfully Yours, H. Hubbard
Restore pen: to com: Jan. 8. 1834
J. L. Edwards

Lais Benig. Evidence of Identity.

We Whitcomb French and Cornelius Towne depose and say, that we were well acquaint- -ed with James Bennis late of Dublin in the County of Cheshire N. Hampshire -
That he was a Revolutionary Pensioner under the Act of 1818 at his decease -
That he died on the fifteenth day of Decem- -ber eighteen hundred and thirty one -
That he left a Widow, Lois Bennis, with whom also we are well acquainted, who still survives and remains his widow -
Whitcomb French Cornelius Towne
State of New Hampshire
Cheshire SS } Subscribed and sworn August 20 th 1835, to Before me Jon s Root Smith Jus Peace
I certify that the above deponents are credible persons -
Jon s Root Smith Jus. Peace

State of New Hampshire } Cheshire County ss -
I Harry Goodridge Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature for the County of Cheshire certify that Jonathan H. Smith was on the twentieth day of August instant still is a justice of the Peace in said County of Cheshire duly commissioned and sworn and that his name within written is my genuine signature -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at Keene this twenty third day of August anno Domini eighteen hundred and thirty eight
H. Goodridge Clerk

Rec d Oct. 6. 1824
1 March 1823, N.H.
For James B. Bliss Pension Office Washington
Deems & H. Sept 29
depts 1819
Department of War

Towne C.H. March 25
[Handwritten flourish]
Department of War Pension Office Washington
26 11

Keene, March 23 1825
Sir,
Mr Bennis has again called on me & brought with him two of his neighbors who have sworn to the enclosed affidavits. The old man appears very infirm. He wishes me to ask you to revise your decision and hopes you will alter it.
Respectfully
S. Hale
11

OLD WAR & NAVY FEB 20 1897 FILES.

67 So Division St Ann Arbor Mich Feb. 15 th 1897
Chief of Pensions or Commissioner of Pensions Dear Sir:
May I ask if you can from records in Pension Office tell me if the names of Lieut James Bennis , or Lieut James Greenwood appear there? I am making out my claim to being eligible to joining the Ann Arbor Chapter "Daughters of the American Revolu- tion".
I will be under great obligation to you for a reply
Respectfully yours Mrs Robert Campbell

to the Hon. the Secretary of War, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
Will you please send me a copy of the...
envelope (also letter) from the...
received in the way of the resolution...
For Revolutionary War service of James...
son of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts...
U.S. War Department, Washington, D.C.
Any information you can give will be...
Yours sincerely,
John D. Doolittle

Met Re CITY OF PROVIDENCE RHODE ISLAND Department of Inspector of Plumbing CITY HALL
REUBEN S BEMIS INSPECTOR
March 23, 1915.
To The Hon. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
Will you kindly inform me if James Bemis of Weston, (also given Sudbury) Mass., was a pensioner for military service in the War of The Revolution.
For Revolutionary War service of James Bemis, see Revolutionary Rolls of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts as follows: Vol. 14, page 62. Vol. 56, page 266, Vol. 28, page 160 and Vol. 55, page 12, L.
Any information you can give will be most gratefully received by
Yours respectfully,
Reuben S. Bemis

This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
March 23, 1897.
Madam:-
Replying to your request for information concerning the military record of James Greenwood and James Bemis, soldiers of the Revolutionary war, you are advised that a very careful search has been made and from the data given the name of James Greenwood has not been found upon the Revolutionary war pension records on file in this Bureau.
James Bemis made an application for pension on May 20, 1819, at which time he was 62 years of age and residing in Dublin, N. H., and his pension was allowed for one year's actual service as a private in the Mass. troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Col. Baldwin. He enlisted at Brookline, Mass. His widow, Lois, made an application and received a pension for the service of her husband as above set forth.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mrs Robert Campbell,
67 So. Division St.,
Ann Arbor, Mich.