Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 9351, David Benton, Mass. Privateer

SERVICE
Heass. Privateer (H.P.)
Benton, David Thankful
NUMBER _____
No 9351 BLt. 67.516-160-55.
CONTENTS

David Benton
- Declaration
10 893

Declaration in Order to Obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. State of Indiana } On this 4 th day of September in Jackson County } the year One thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in Open Court before the Hon: John F. Ross President judge of the second judicial Circuit in that State of Indiana and judge of the Jackson Circuit Court Now Sitting David Benton a Resident of Brownstown Jackson County State of Indiana aged Sixty Nine 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 the 7 th June 1832. He States that he was born in the Town of Salisbury, County of Litchfield & State of Connecticut. In agreeable to his fathers Records on the 2 nd day of Dec r 1763. which said record he had now in his possession. he was living in Sheffield, County of Berkshire & State of Massachusetts at the time he was called into Service in the Year 1780 as a Volunteer & rendezvous at Albany, N.Y. was attached to Capt Warner Company, Col. Browns Regiment. we then march'd up the Mohawk River to fort Plank when we was stationed for near three months. the Regiment to which he was attached was attacked by the Tories & Indians in the town of Stone Robby and a terrible battle ensued in which our troops was driven off the field, and Col Brown Kill'd. This was about the month of October 1780 and after the battle we was all dismissed by our officers in the Year 1781 he then went to New London (Conn) and entered On board the Brig Favorite an armed Vessel of Sixteen Guns, which was sent out as he thinks by the State of Conn

Commanded by Jonathan Burdentown, about the 12 th of July 1781 after being out about twelve days we took a brig from Madina bound to New York loaded with wine, part of our crew was put on board the brig and sent to New London. The brig was taken by the British before she got into port about ten days after this circumstance. Our vessel was taken by a British Frigate the Alpheus and kept at sea thirty days a prisoner and whilst I was a prisoner the British & French fleet had the Battle off the Cape of Virginia. After this battle we was taken into New York and put aboard the prison ship Jersey and there remained until some time in early 1782 at which time he was exchanged. After this  At the time he was exchanged from the prison ship Jersey he was taken sick & remained under the doctor's hands for near a year that he was unable to support himself it was about the beginning of the year 1783 that he was again able to do any thing. He lived in Massachusetts until 1789 he then removed from there to Ontario County New York where he remained until the year 1819 at which time he removed to his present residence in Indiana. He is well known to William Crowshaw Esq. William Williams Esq. and Mr. James Hutchinson who will testify as to his character for veracity & their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution. And that he has no documentary evidence & that he knows of no person who can testify to his services 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 Agency of any State. Sworn to and subscribed the day & year above

Matter
David Benton
We James Hutcherson & William Williams residing in Jackson County State of Indiana hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with David Benton who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be sixty nine 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 day and year aforesaid
James Hutcherson Wm Williams
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories presented by the war department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states, and the court further certifies that James Hutcherson and Wm Williams who has signed the preceding certificate are residents in the county of Jackson & state of Indiana and are credible persons, and that their statements are entitled to credit.
State of Indiana Jackson County I William Crenshaw clerk of the Circuit Court of Jackson County in the second judicial in the state of Indiana it being a court of record, Do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of David Benton for a pension In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 8 th day of September 1832 William Crenshaw clk for

State of Indiana } ss.
Jackson County } On this 27 th day of February in the year One Thousand Eight hundred and Thirty Three Personally appeared before me William Williams a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Jackson Aforesaid David Benton, who was an applicant in order to obtain a pension under the act of Congress passed January 7 th 1832 (whose application had been sent, and received at the war Department Pension office and numbered 10893 and returned for further proof or explanation, of the length of his service, and the reason why the Affidavit of a clergyman was not produced.) after being duly sworn, to the first objection he says he was enlisted as a volunteer for three months, and served three months and ten days and was discharged, and listed on the Brigg favorite as a merien and before the three months was out, I was taken as a prisoner and it was six months from the time I enlisted before I was exchanged and was then sick and returned home as was six months before I was able to labour for a support to the second objection, he says there was no clergyman near the vicinity of Brownstown, or near there to which is his reason for not having the affidavit of a clergyman.
Sworn & subscribed to before me this 27 th day of February 1833 David Benton W m Williams a Justice of the peace for said County
State of Indiana } ss. Jackson County } I William Grishaw clerk of the circuit court of Jackson County Do certify that William Williams Esq m before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn to is and was at the time of taking the same an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County of Jackson duly commissioned

and qualified and that full faith and credit is due to all his official acts as such —
In Testimony whereof I have subscribed my name and Affixed the seal of our said Court at Brownstown this 27 th day of February 1833
Williams Grenhaw clk

13911 Indiana
Order to pay 10 Oct 1837.
David Benton
of Lockport in the State of Indiana who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Warner of the Regiment commanded by Col Brown in the Massachusetts line for Nine months & ten days
Inscribed on the Roll of Indiana at the rate of 31 Dollars 12 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of July 1845 and Souths No. 1.
Card, Charleston
Arrears to the 4th of March 62. 24 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sep t 15. 56
$77.80
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Danl Boyd Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 7 Page 105
272708

10893
David Benton. Jackson 60 Indiana,
from 1780 print 9 months & ten days. $ 31.12 100
5. 11 E Warner E Brown Mop 1-217
St. Louis Mo. Mop 16 1833
W. A. J. Carr.

BRIEF in the case of  David Benton,  of Brownstown,  in the State of Indiana  Jackson County.  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? In Open Court.  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 69 years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.      Volunteer In 1780 about the 1 st of July 1781  dismissed in 1781  Entered on board the Brig  Favorite an armed Vessel  sent out from Conn.  as he thinks - He was  taken prisoner & kept  until some time in  Jan y . 1782.  As a  Gen.  Col. Brown Reg t  Capt Warner  Commanded by Jonathan Burdenton   
 5. In what battles was he engaged?  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Sheffield, Berkshire Co ty . Massachusetts  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? traditional evidence  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Examining Clerk.

S. C. H. Barkley, Apr. 27/57
[Large cursive signature: S. C. H. Barkley]
Vol. Pa. = 110.
272. 703
Act Mar. 3. 17
67576 Found June 11th 57
Thankful Benton, wid. David Benton, —
Private,
Will O'Connell, June 10/57
[Signature: Will O'Connell]
Revij. way.
Revij. Pm. 32-19311 Linda S. Holz No 6140
Special. April 21. 57
[Signature: S. Cole]
[Small mark or signature]
D. H. Barkley.
Louisville.

Increase
No. 61140,
Ohio.
Thankful Benton widow of David Benton who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private.
Cincinnati agency.
Rate 96 Dollars
cents per annum.
Commencing July 27, 1868.
Deduct payments made since.
Certificate dated 24 th May, 1870. and sent to H. H. Hill
Cincinnati,
Ohio.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act and July 27, 1868.
u 3, 1853, Pg 164 Vol. 2

Mrs Thankful Benton Widow of David Benton Bounty Land Claim Act March 3 rd 1855
272.703
Attorney C. H. Barkley Louisville Kentucky

Hamilton County Ohio Set
I Thankful Benton of said County aged from my best information about 59 or 60 years do make the following Statement (Viz)
"I am the widow of David Benton now deceased — Said David Benton died in Jackson County Indiana in month of March in 1845 or 1846 — I leave the exact date to be established by the evidence of others — that will accompany my application for benefit of Act of Congress of February 3 d 1853
Said David Benton at the time of his death was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States at the rate of about $30 00 a year, and left me his widow when he died — since which time I have never again married but I am still his widow — I was married to said David Benton in Franklin County Indiana on the 17 th day of October 1826 by one
Jocelyn a Methodist preacher and my name before said marriage was Thankful McKane —

I make this declaration for the purpose of applying for and obtaining the benefit of the Bounty Land Act of March 3rd 1855 — I have never heretofore applied for or received the benefit of this or any other Bounty Land Act of Congress and neither did said David Beaton that I now remember ever hearing of, as his revolutionary service for which he was pensioned was the only Military Service ever performed by him so far as I now remember ever hearing of Witness my name on this 28 th day of March 1857
Thankful J Beaton mark
We Sarah Keen and George W Keen both of Hamilton County Ohio aged respectively 55 and 22 years do state that Mrs Thankful Beaton who is well known to us did this day in our presence sign and acknowledge the above declaration and for the reasons set forth.

in our joint affidavit of even date herewith, to accompany her application for a pension under Act of February 3rd 1853 we certify that she is the identical person whom she represents herself to be and that she is now a widow And we are disinterested This 28 th day of March 1857
Sarah her Keen Mark Geoff. Keen.
Sworn to and subscribed before me a justice of the peace in and for Linn County on the day and year therein set forth — The affiants are credible persons — and the applicant is the identical person whom she represents herself to be — I believe the witnesses to be disinterested — And I am myself to
John P. P. Justice of the Peace

State of Ohio County of Hamilton } ss
I, Thomas Spooner Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas which is a Court in and for said County do hereby Certify that John Parsel _____ whose genuine signature appears to the within Certificate, was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly Commissioned and qualified
Security and
Witness my name and official seal at my office in Cincinnati on this 28 th day of March April A.D. 1857 J. M. [unclear] Clerk

The State of Indiana } ss Franklin County }
These are to license and permit you to join together in matrimony David Benton and Thankful M c Elaine, and for so doing this shall be your sufficient warrant, Given under my hand at Brookville this 17 th day of October 1826.
To any person Enoch M c Carty being empowered by law to solemnize marriages by Milton Johnson Deputy
Be it remembered that on this 31 st day of August A.D 1831. The following marriage Return in the Clerks Office of the Franklin Circuit Court to wit; I hereby certify that I joined David Benton and Thankful M c Elaine in matrimony on the 17 th day of October 1826.
Agustus Jocelyn Preacher of the Gospel

The State of Indiana Franklin County } Set.
John M Johnston Clerk the Circuit for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that the foreg- oing are full true and com- plete copies of the Marriage License, and certificate of Marriage of the above named parties, as the same appears of Record in my office
In testimony whereof I hereto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court at Brookville this 2d day of April A D 1855 John M Johnston Clerk

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section AWP/eel
November 9, 1929
C.B.Hatch Bureau of Navigation Navy Department Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.9351, it appears that David Benton was born December 2, 1763, in Salisbury, Litchfield County, Connecticut.
While residing in Sheffield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, he enlisted in 1780, and served three months and ten days in Captain Warner's Company, Colonel Brown's Massachusetts Regiment and was in the battle of Stone Arabia.
July 1, 1781, he entered at New London, Connecticut, on board the brig "Favorite", commanded by Jonathan Bud-dington. They captured a brig bound to New York from Madeira, after which they were captured by the British frigate "Alpheus" and carried to New York and put on the prison ship, "Jersey" and held there until January, 1782. when exchanged.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 4, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Brownstown, Jackson County, Indiana.
He died March 7, 1845, in Jackson County, Indiana.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner.
BENTON, DAVID (MASS.)
Subst Data

The State of Ohio County of Hamilton 315 City of Cincinnati 315, Thomas Spence Clerk of the Superior Court of Cincinnati in and for said County  City do hereby certify that the following is a true copy in words and figures of an entry made in the record of the proceedings of said Court of this date sitting at the Court House of said County in the City of Cincinnati
Extract
Viz
" Statements of Betty Benton and Albert Benton of Jackson County Indiana made before Daniel H. Long Clerk of the Circuit Court of said County on the 22nd day of November 1856 and Supplemental Statements of said Betty and Albert and the Statement of Walter Benton of said County of Jackson all made on the 29th day of April 1857 before Daniel H. Long the Clerk of the Circuit Court above named all duly authenticated by his copy seal and official seal and the credibility.

and good reputation of the affiants - being stated by said Daniel H. Long in his official certificate; and also the Statements of Mrs. Thankful Benton and Mrs. Sarah Keen, and George H. Keen all taken before John Purdie Esq. of Hamilton County Ohio on the 22 nd day of March 1847 were submitted to the Court and deemed to be Satisfactory evidence to the Court that David Benton a revolutionary pensioner of the United States a resident of Jackson County Indiana died in said County of Jackson on the 7 th day of March 1845 leaving Mrs. Thankful Benton his widow and that said Mrs. Thankful Benton has never married again since his death but still remains his widow and now resides in this County and claims a Revolutionary pension as the widow of the above named and described David Benton "
In testimony of which and that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the said

city in my words I do hereby subscribe my name and affix my official seal at my office in Cincinnati on this first day of March A.D. 1851
Thos. H. H. H. Clerk Superior Court Cincinnati

Supplemental Care of Mrs Thankful Benton Widow of David Benton

Jackson County Indiana Set
We Betty Benton and Albert Benton of said County, make the following Supplemental Statement. The one that we made on the 22nd day of November 1856 before Daniel W Long Clerk of Circuit Court of said County Concerning case of David Benton deceased "When we made said statement we were sure of the year of his death being in 1846 for the reasons set forth therein, and did not think then of referring to the inscription on the headstone of his grave — — We are now corrected by the report of the date of said inscription being 17th day of March 1845 (Eighteen Hundred and forty five) one year longer ago than we thought that it was — and with this correction of date we reaffirm our statements —
I Walter Benton of said County aged 58 years, son of the above named David Benton do state that according to what I heard and believed at the time and have

never heard disputed the reasons and only reasons for the separation of Said David Benton and his wife Mrs Thankful Benton during the last years of his life were as follows (Viz)
"Said Mrs Thankful Benton had contracted the habit of using opium to such an extent as to render her unfit to keep house, and my father was old and to some extent on account of infirmity of age not able to take care of himself or her — Under these circumstances it was mutually agreed that they would have to live separate for the comfort of both — My father came to live with me and did so until he died — She went home to live with her father, as I understand — And although they lived apart she was known and reputed as his wife — And there was no effort for Divorce by either that I ever heard of, and no desire either expressed for one on either side that I ever heard of — After my

my present recollection is that father's death, I sent his pension certificate to her, and probably made some enquiry to ascertain whether she were entitled to a continuance of the pension — At least such were my feelings towards her And we are disinterested Witness our names on this 29th day of April A.D. 1857
Hetty Benton ) Albert Benton ) Walter Benton )
Jackson County Indiana Set
Be it known that on this 29th day of April A.D. 1857 before me the Clerk of the Circuit Court in and for said County personally came the several parties named above and they did in my presence sign and swear to the above joint affidavit. Said affiants are persons of credibility and good reputation for truth and veracity — I believe said Walter Benton to

be of the age that he calls himself — I believe them to be disinterested — And I am also disinterested
And I further certify The Statements made before and Certified to, by me on the 22 nd day of November 1856 and the Statements above — correcting the mistake of one year in date of said David Benton's death, and my own knowledge at the time of the reputation of the case are satisfactory explanations to me in regard to the separate living of said David Benton and his wife said Mrs. Thankful Benton
Witness my name and official Seal

at my office in Barnstable on Wed 21 st day of June 1857 — words — "Make" and "as I understood" and "my present recollection is that" were interlined before signing.
Abraham H. Loring ABH L

Jackson County Indiana Set
W I Hetty Benton of Said County aged 51 years do make the following Statement (Viz) "I was well acquaint- -ted with David Benton now deceased, late of this County and who in his lifetime was a revolutionary pensioner of the United States on the agency of this State at the rate of about $30 00 a year
I was acquainted with him from about about the year 1825 to his death, he was my father-in-law
I Albert Benton of Said County aged 34 years do state that from my earliest recollection, up to the time of his death I was well acquainted with the above named and described David Benton — He was my grandfather — — During our acquaintance with Said David Benton and up to the time of his about eight years previous to his death we were well acquainted with Mrs Thankful Benton — Said Hetty from about year 1828 and Said Albert from his earliest recollection — Said Mrs Thankful Benton was during this time the wife of Said Benton, and lived

with him as such, and in fact she was his wife and so reputed to be up to the time of his death, although she did not live with him during the last eight years of his life — The reason for which is the following (Viz)
Said Mrs Thankful Benton had contracted the habit of using opium to such an extent that they could not keep house — Such was the extent of her disease or habit that she would sell every thing from the premises that she could (if need be) to procure opium — Said David Benton was getting old and it was mutually agreed that they should live apart, but there was no divorce, or talk of any effort for one on either side
She was always kind and good enough to him — Never was any Court-plaint on that score at all —
— The above was the cause and only cause of their living separate —
Said David and Thankful according to what we have always heard and believed were lawfully married about 30 years ago in some County of this

State or in Hamilton County Ohio and the name of said Thankful before said marriage was Thankful McKean
Said David Benton died in this County at the residence of Walter Benton, husband of said Betty and father of said Albert in the month of March 1846, leaving said Thankful his widow, in the sense above named
— We cannot now remember what time in the month it was — We have no record of it — We remember that it was the March last previous to the death of Walter B. Benton, child of said Betty and we find by the record that he died on the 10th day of June 1846 (Eighteen Hundred and forty Six)
As an instance to shew that there was no ill-feeling towards Mrs Thankful Benton we state that Walter Benton above named after the death of his father was anxious to procure a continuance of the pension for her, and made some efforts and investigations with that view and gave it up because he was told that the law then did not provide for her case on account of the recent date

of their marriage — The feelings of the old gentleman David Benton and those of his family were sympathy for her rather than resentment — — Said Thankful Benton now lives (or did recently) in or near the town of Harrison in Hamilton County Ohio and she has never married again since the death of said David Benton (according to our regular and recent information) but is still his widow as we have set forth above
And we are disinterested witnesses This 22 nd day of November 1856
Hetty Benton Albert Benton
State of Indiana } Jackson County } ss
Be it known that on this 22 nd day of November 1856 before me the Clerk of the Circuit Court in and for said County personally came Mr. Hettie Benton and Albert Benton both residents of said County, and persons of credibility and veracity whom I believe to be of the respective ages that they call themselves and to be also disinterested and they did sign and

Swear to the foregoing annexed joint affidavit of this date — At the same time they presented to me their family bible, the records of which I have carefully examined and one of which I certify is as follows viz
"Walter B. Benton died the 10th day of June 1846" (Eighteen hundred and forty six) From the foregoing I therefore certify that Satisfactory evidence is presented to me that David Benton deceased late of this County a revolutionary pensioner of the United States, died in this County in the month of March 1846 at the residence of his son Walter Benton and that he left Mrs. Thankful Benton his widow as above set forth and explained and I am fully satisfied that the above copied entry is original and genuine Witness my name and official seal at my office in Brownstown on this 22nd day of November 1856.
Daniel McLaughlin

Hamilton County Ohio Set
I Thankful Benton of said County aged from my best information about 59 or 60 years, within named and described, do make the following Statement " I am the widow of the within named and described David Benton — I have never again married since his death the date of which I cannot state but refer to the within Statements I was married to said David Benton in Franklin County Indiana on the 17 th day of October A.D 1826 by one Augustus Forbys a Methodist preacher and my name before said marriage was Thankful
McKane — I make this declaration for the purpose of applying for the benefit of the Act of Congress of February 3rd 1853, hereby appointing Col Barkley of Louisville Kentucky my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to prosecute my claim
(If there be no Pension Agency at Cincinnati, it would be convenient for me to be enrolled at Madison

Indiana if agreeable to the rules of the Pension Office)
Witness my name on this day of March 1857
Thankful her X Benton mark
Hamilton County Ohio Set
I Sarah Keen of said county aged near 55 years do make the following statement (Viz) Mrs Thankful Benton has been well known to me for more than 15 years — When I first knew her the Statement was that her husband David Benton lived with his son Walter in Jackson County Indiana and that he was a Revolutionary pensioner — She was reputed and represented as being the wife of said David Benton although living apart from him. Said Thankful has lived with me for the last 15 years — Several years ago — say 10 or more we heard of the death of said David Benton

her husband, by letter from his son Walter or some of the family —
I George W Keen also of said County of Hamilton aged 22 years do make the following statement
— I have been well acquainted with Mrs Thankful Benton herein named and described — The above statements agree with what I have always heard and believed and never heard disputed — According to what we have always heard and believed and never heard disputed the above named David Benton and said Thankful were lawfully married many years ago and the name of said Thankful before said marriage was Thankful McKane — Said Geo. W. Keen has been well acquainted with her for about 15 years past — Said Thankful has never married again since the death of said David Benton but is still his widow and now resides in this County and is about to claim a pension as the widow of said David Benton and is known to us as having this day signed the foregoing declaration — And we are disinterested
This 28th March 1857
Sarah her Keen
mark Geo. W. Keen.

Hamilton County Ohio set
Be it known that on this 28 th day of March 1857 before me a justice of the peace in and for said County personally the parties to the foregoing annexed Statements all of whom are residents of this County and well known to me and whom I believe to be of the respective ages that they call themselves, and they did sign and swear thereto in due form of law - Said Sarah Keen and George W Keen are persons of credibility - I believe them to be disinterested, and I myself disinterested
And I certify further that on account of Bodily infirmity said Thankful Benton is not conveniently able to go to Cincinnati to make her declaration - It being more than 20 miles from her residence
John Purcell Justice of the Peace
Hamilton County Ohio Set I Thomas Spormer Clerk of the Common Pleas Court in and for said County and for said County do hereby certify that John Purcell whose genuine signature appears to the above certificate, was at the date thereof

an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly Commissioned and qualified — Witness my name and official seal at my office in Cincinnati on this 28 th day of March 1857
William B. Park

Supplemental
Thankful Benton of Hamilton County Ohio widow of David Benton deceased and as such recently claiming the benefit of act of Congress of 3rd February 1853 being informed that the records of Franklin County Indiana have my name in the marriage records as McClain instead of McKane can only state that it is a mistake for which I cannot account unless it be from general similarity of the names - McKane was the true name and the other is a mistake
This 19th day of April 1857
Attest 2 Witnesses Geo. H. Reiss John Russel
Thankful Benton Mark
Sworn and Subscribed Before me on the 19th day and year therein set forth
John Russel Justice of the Peace

State of Ohio Hamilton County 388
I, Thomas Spoor.
Clerk of the Common Pleas Court in and for said County do hereby certify that John Purse whose genuine signature appears to the within certificate was, at the date thereof an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified
Witness my name and official seal at my office in Cincinnati Cincinnati on this 29th day of April A.D. 1857
Thomas Spoor Clerk Common Pleas Hamilton Co. Ohio

Mrs Hannah Benton Widow of David Benton Revolutionary Bounty Land Claim Act March 3rd 1835
No 272.703
C. H. Barclay Louisville Kentucky

Pension Office. April. 27 th 1857.
Sir:
The bounty land claim of Thankful Benton, as the widow of Davis, will be favorably considered as soon as proof is filed of her marriage, husband's death, her widowhood & identity.
Yours Respectfully,
N. Cole For Commissioner.
C. H. Barkley Esq. Louisville. Ky.

Louisville Ky May 27 1857
Sir In answer to the foregoing I refer you to final proof (of Marriage) filed by me of this date and the previous proof in the case of application for Pension
Respy yours
C H Barkley
Commissioner Pensions Washington D. C.

Brief in the case of Thankful Benton , widow of David Benton — Hamilton County and State of Ohio act February 3, 1853.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Claimant's husband was a pensioner under Act June 7, 1832, at rate of $31.12 50 per annum, and was paid to 4 th March 1845—He died 7 th of the same month, as proved by parcel
Marriage in 1826, proved by certified trans- cript of County Court Records.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Identity of claimant as the widow of above named pensioner, and her present widowhood proved by several credible witnesses,
Allowance accordingly.
C. A. Barkley Esq.
Name and residence of Agent
Louisville, Kentucky
W. G. Serdes Examining Clerk.

Division.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D., C.
July 10/1895
No. Claim,
Soldier, David Benton
Regiment, Div.
Col. Brown's Regt.
Mess. Linea Rev. War.
&amp; also on the Brig. Favorite.
Respectfully
To
Hon. H. C. Bell,
Dpty Commissioner
with the request that I be furnished with such statement as to the service of that the above named person (my grand-father) was pensioned as a soldier of the Revolutionary War, as the records of the Bureau may afford.
He was a pensioner on the roll of the Madison (Ind.) agency from 1832 till his death in March 1845; & his widow, Frankful Benton, who resided at
Chief of
Division.
Hamilton, Butler Co. Ohio,

draw a pension on ac. of his service till her death about 20 years ago.
May I also be in- formed as to the dates, respectively, of their death.
The information is desired for admission of his descendants to the Order of Sons or Daughters of the Revolution.
John H. Benton Board of Review.

REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
O. W. & N. Div.
MEMORANDA.
Please supply as much as possible of the data called for below.
Full name of soldier:
David Genton
Place of residence before service: (Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Sheffield, Berkshire co., Mass.
Place of residence after service: (Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Brownstown, Jackson Co., Ind.
Date of death (as near as possible):
March 1845 - age 82 yrs.
Christian name of widow:
Thankful
Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
Both
Remarks: Riv. Col. Brown's regmt.
Mass. Line, & Brig. "Favorite", from New Haven, Conn. Col. Brown was killed in the Fall of 1780, in eng. with Tories & Indians at Stone Arabia, near Ft. Plain, Montgomery Co., N.Y.
Your name and address: Regmt. dissolved
John H. Genton, Board of Review Pension Bureau

Mr. Mune.
Rev War

Increase 17 61/40 Brief in the Case of Thankful Dutton Widow of David Dutton Private Re War Harrison Hamilton County and State of Ohio Act 2 d Sec Feb 3. 1853 Sec 13 th Sec Act July 27. 1868
CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE,
PROOF EXHIBITED,
Admitted on the Roll of Ohio at $31.12 per am. She surrenders her Certificate and applies for increased rate of pension as provided by Act 13 th Sec July 27. 1868.
Identity and continued Widowhood properly shown
Admitted May 17. 1890 to pension at $96.00 pr. m. to commence July 27. 1868 deducting see pay d since.
G Name and residence of Agent. W. H. Hill Cincinnati Ohio L. H. S. M.
W. E. Trask Examining Clerk.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of  David Benton which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned 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? No VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes & has a device.

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Certified by two Citizens XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? no XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? yes XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 the 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.
† QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
† QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.
Is it possible that by applying to the President of the State of Connecticut some pension may be procured to support the claim for service on board the vessel if it was a public vessel on the employ of the State

Louisville Ky May 4 th 1857
Sir Enclosed herein I send you the papers in support of Mrs Benton — I intended to have the order of court made in Jackson County Indiana where Mr Benton died, and went there on Tuesday last for that purpose but the court had adjourned — Holding only one week — I thought they held two weeks term — I went to the grave stone and corrected the error in regard to date of Mr Benton's death — As it was three months before court there again and as Mrs Benton lived in Hamilton Co, Ohio, and court is all the time sitting in Cincinnati, I sent it there for approval — which you will see that it received
You Resp L H Barkley. Commission Pensions Washington (D. C.)

State of Ohio } Hamilton County ss. }
On this 9 th day of May A D 1876 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said County George W Keen of Harrison Ohio and Theresa Keen of Harrison Ohio whom I certify to be respectable persons, and who being duly sworn according to law, declare that they are well acquainted with Frankine Benton who is the widow of David Benton, and know her to be the identical person named in the within application for increase of pension. They further swear that she still remains a widow and has never remarried since the death of her husband David Benton, and further that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim for increase under act July 27, 1868
George W Keen
Theresa Keen
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written and I certify that I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim -
John A. Ashby (Seal) Justice of the Peace

Mr Evans, Oct 9
J. S. Edwards Esq Com. of Enslaved Washington City

Barnes Bank Madison Sept. 30 1837.
J. L. Edwards Com. of Pension in
I enclose vouchers in case of David Benton who has not drawn for one year shall be paid
Very resp. y. J. B. Lander Secy.

Cin May 11/20
Ann Ann of Pensions Washington DC Sir
Respectfully
Submit claim of Thankful Benton widow of David for Pensions act of July 1866 Pension & affidavit of Sam W. Keene Executor
I am
W. H. Hill att Post
pett

Mr. Samuel Benton
Payment to be made at
Cincinnati, by
J. C. Green Esq.
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of
Ohio
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page 157 Vol. 36.
J. J. Getty Clerk.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that, in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853,
Thankful Benton,
widow of David Benton, who was a Private, _____ in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the Pension List, at the rate of Thirty-one, dollars and Twelve, _____ cents per annum, commencing on the 3d 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.
Given at the Department of the Interior,
this _____ day of June _____ one thousand eight hundred and fifty- Seven _____
L. Thompson
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and countersigned.
W. O. Colburn Commissioner of Pensions.

Mrs Thankful Benton Widow of David Benton Revolutionary Act February 22 1833
Proof of Marriage
C. H. Barkley Louisville Kentucky

Pension Office May 21 st 1857.
Sir!
I have filed the papers transmitted by you in support of the claim for pension of Thankful Benton, of Ohio, under the Act of the 3 rd of February 1855.
In her declaration, she intimates that there is record evidence of her marriage to David Benton, at the County Clerk's office of Franklin county, Indiana. A transcript of this record must be filed before her claim can be allowed.
I am, respectfully, Your Obt. Svt. W. C. Johnson Commissioner.
C. H. Barkley, Esq. Louisville, Ky.
(over)

State of Ohio County of Hamilton } ss.
Personally appeared before me, the subscriber, a
Notary Public
in and for the State and County aforesaid Geo W Keen of Hamilton County, Ohio of lawful age, a creditable person, who being by me first duly sworn, says that
he is personally acquainted with Thankful Benton widow of David Benton & a pensioner of the United States. That she resides at Harrison Ohio that it is twenty five miles to the nearest Clerk of a court of Record that the said Thankful Benton is so enfeebled by age & otherwise as to render it impossible for her to go that distance from her residence to be sworn to her declaration for increase of Pension under act of July 68 & further it is impossible to have the County Clerk to wait upon her that distance without great expense to Pensioner Affiant is interested in making this Statement
George W Keen
I have no interest in making this Statement.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 11 th day of May 18 70 , and I certify that affiant who signed the above affidavit in my presence, is the person whom he represents himself to be, that he is of good standing in this community, and that his testimony is entitled to credit. I have no interest whatever in this matter, and same was read and explained before signing.
Commission filed in Dept. June 1870
D. S. Banfield NOTARY PUBLIC IN AND FOR Hamilton Ohio

No 67413.
Thankful Benton widow of David Ohio
Det. E. M. Barkley May 21/57
Det. Feb'y 3. 1853.
67.376
Coacres

Thankful Benton - widow of David - Hamilton County - Ohio
Admitted Act Feby 3/53 at rate of $31.12 c per Annum, commencing at date of said act
// Husband survived of happy 9 months and 18 days
// Pay widow
// Certificate to
C. A. Barkley, Esq.
Louisville,
Kentucky.

3. Auditor's Office May 18. 1857
Sir, David Benton, Indiana. Act June 7. 1832 at $31.12 per ann- um appears to have been paid to March 4. 1845.
Very Resp y Wol. Johnson Auditor
Geo: C. Whiting Esq. Comm r of Pensions
Pension Office, May 15. 1857
Sir, The War Auditor will please certify the date of death of within named pensioner, and name of his widow, if she draw the annuity due at his death.
Very respectfully, J. H. [?] Asst Clerk.
Yours

Act March 3rd 1855
Additional Evidence
Referred to 272703
Thankful Benton and David
Official Business Commissaire Boyet Washington D.C.

Official Business
Cornishwa P.O.
Washington
D.C.

Ohio Cinc.
Thankful Benton, widow of David,
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private ,
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 31 dollars 12 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued
6 th day of June 1857.
and sent to
C. H. Barkley, Louisville. Ky.
212703
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 157 Vol. 26.

John's Elizabeth B., ora, Ind. M.C.L. He's to John H. Benton in Pres. Bureau, 1863 1912 Oct. 23 Hist. Soc. Ind. P.O. Crawfinsville, Ind.
Rev. WIDOW, &c.
May 16/95 Phil. Terr. Am. July 13/95 B. J. Penn 1929-Nov. 9- He's to Tombstone Data L.C.B. Hale Jr. aery.
File No. 9351  Thankful Benton  Wid  David Benton  Print Rev. War
Act: July 30  1863 Index:—Vol. A , Page 50
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Declaration for Increase of Pension.
Thankful Benton
ROBERT CLARKE & CO. Law Publishers, Booksellers & Stationers, 65 WEST FOURTH STREET, CINCINNATI, O.

[N]
Declaration for Increase of Pension.
[UNDER SECTION 13, ACT OF JULY 27, 1868.]
State of Ohio County of Hamilton } ss.
On this 9 th day of May , A. D. one thousand eight hundred and Seventy — personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace  Thankful Benton within and for the County and State aforesaid, a resident of Hanson in the County of Hamilton and State of Ohio , who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the identical Thankful Benton to whom was granted Pension Certificate No. 6140 , payable at Cincinnati at the rate of $31 12 / 100 dollars per month  month , issued under the act of 2 nd Sect Feby 3 1853; that she makes this declaration in order to secure the increase of her pension to which she is entitled under the thirteenth section of the act of July 27, 1868. She further declares that she still remains a widow and has not remarried since the death of her husband David Benton my post office address is as follows: Harrison
I further desire all Certificates and Communications regarding this application for arrears, to be forwarded to Dr. H. Hill my attorney, Cincinnati Ohio , who is authorized to receive same for me.
George W. Keen John W. Kelly
Thankful Benton mark Signature of Claimant.
Theresa Keen
Also personally appeared George W. Keen and Theresa Keen , residents of Harrison , County of Hamilton , and State of Ohio , persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Thankful Benton sign her name to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear 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 her self to be; and they further state that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
George W. Keen Theresa Keen
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 11 th day of May , A. D. 18 70 ; and I hereby certify that I have...

THE STATE OF OHIO,
Hamilton County.
Sec.
I, H. H. Pinker Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County of Hamilton, do hereby certify that John Ashby whose name is signed to the certificate hereto attached
was, at the time of subscribing the same, a legally acting Justice of the Peace, in and for said County of Hamilton, duly elected, commissioned and qualified, and that his signature thereto is genuine
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, at Cincinnati, this
11 th day of May A. D. 1870
H. H. Pinker
Clerk H. C. C. P.
A. D. Sisereng
Deputy.

P
P 9
9351 w
Aurora Ind
April 29/90 -
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions; Sir:
Would you kindly advise me as to the service of David Benton during the war of the Revolution. At the time of his death (about 1830) he drew a pension at Brownstown Indiana. He was probably enlisted in a New York or Connecticut regiment. I am a descendant of the said David Benton and am desirous of joining

the "Daughters of the Revolution" is my reason for requesting this information.
Very Respectfully
Adelight Benton Kerr Aurora Indiana address

Pension Department Washington D. C. Gentlemen,
I would like a certificate certifying that David Benton a Revolutionary soldier drew a pension.
He was pensioned in 1832, born in Salisbury Conn. in 1763 and

died in Brownstown Indiana on Mar 7 1849,
Thanking you, I am Sincerely,
Mrs Lore C Caulkins; Delphi, Indiana.

In reply address not the signer of this letter, but Bureau of Navigation, Navy Department, Washington, D. C. Refer to No.
Nav-642-2-GWB-LCJ
NAVY DEPARTMENT BUREAU OF NAVIGATION WASHINGTON, D. C.
6 November 1929
SUBJECT: BENTON, David, --. Re: Service record.
Sir:
This Bureau has been called upon for verification of service in the case of the above named man in connection with an application for headstone. It is claimed that he served in the "Favorite" during the Revolutionary War and was pensioned under certificate #1832. A statement is desired showing the verified service for which this certificate was issued.
Respectfully,
R. H. LEIGH, Chief of Bureau.
W. Hatch C. B. Hatch. By direction.
The Commissioner of Pensions, Department of the Interior, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C.

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 David Benton 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.     1770 3 mos. 10 days Warner Brown Mass.   July 1 1781 at New London  on his own responsibility he joined the Continental Army and was taken prisoner by the British at Saratoga. He was exchanged in 1782.   
Battles engaged in, Storm Aruba Residence of soldier at enlistment, Shffield, Berkshire Co. Mass. Date of application for pension, Sept 4 1833 Residence at date of application, Brownstown Jackson Co. Ind. Age at date of application, at Salisbury, Litchfield Co. Conn. Dec. 2 1763
Remarks: At 17 1826  His wife Hettie  David married in Franklin Co. Ind. Thankful M c Lean or  H c Rane. She was alive on an application executed March 28,  1857 while a resident of Hamilton Co. Ohio aged 59 or 60.  Walter Benton a son was 58 yrs old in 1857. His son Aldolph was  35 yrs old at that time.
Very respectfully,
Walter B. Benton d. June 10 1846 child of Hettie
Commissioner.
BENTON, DAVID (MASS.)