Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 23,119, John Bennet, Conn.

SERVICE
bonn.
Bennet, John
NUMBER
S. 23,119
CONTENTS

17015
Connecticut
John Bennet
of Pomfret in the State of Connecticut who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Rurkee of the Regt. commanded by Col. Wells in the Connecticut line for 14 1/2 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 48 Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 th day of July 1833 and sent to Tho Gray Windham Conn
  Arrears to the 14th of Mar 33  $96.60    Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sep 33  24.18         $120.84  
{ Revolutionary Claim, { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Tho Bromwell Clerk Book E Vol. 3 Page 5

John Bennet Pompuk W 6. 485
comd 14 1/2 mo. pri. $48.33
46.78 1.55 48.33

John Bennet
STATE OF CONNECTICUT, County of Windham } ss. Hampton
On this 27 day of July 1832 personally appeared in open court, before the Court of Probate for the District of Windham in the county of Windham and state of Connecticut, now sitting, John Bennet a resident of Pomfret in the county of Windham and state of Connecticut, aged Sixty nine years, and who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832—That he entered the service of the United States & served under the following named officers as herein stated viz
1 st Campaign. He enlisted in June 1778 in Capt. Joseph Dunklee Company of State Troops for nine months, in Capt. Simeon Wells Regiment & served at New London & at Old mill above Fairfield & was discharged in March 1779.
2 d Campaign. He enlisted in June or July into Capt. 1780 into Capt. Green's company of State Troops Mr Kimball was Lieut. He marched first to Chatham on Connecticut river & then to New London & afterwards to Fort Griswold & served three months, Col. Myllin was the Col. & commanded two Regiments —
3 d Campaign. He served as a substitute for Draper of Pomfret in S. County who was drafted, he started on the 1 st or 2 d day of Jan y . 1781. Went to Horse neck & returned on or about the 17 th day of March following Capt. Sam l Thompson was our Captain, John Mead of Stamford Col. & Andrew Backus of Plainfield Major. — He further states that he has no record evidence of his age, but that he was born in Pomfret Connecticut in October 1762, that he resided in said Pomfret when he entered the service & has resided in said Pomfret ever since
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
John Bennet
We, Philip Pearl and residing in the town of Hampton and John C. Howard residing in said Hampton hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with John Bennet who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 69 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.
Philip Pearl John C. Howard

Personally appeared in open Court Mr Jonathan Holt of S d Hampton afores d and after being sworn according to law, says that he personally performed the first campaign mentioned in the foregoing declaration & that Mr. John Bennet was in the same Company & Regiment with him & performed the same services & that his statement relating to s d services is correct - Sworn & subscribed the day & year afores d . Jonathan Hoff
And the s d Court do hereby certify that the applicant John Bennet is, an infirm man, that he lives near the line between the town of Hampton & Pomfret in Windham County, that the clergyman of the parish to which he belonged has lately been dismissed & the clergyman of the other parish is a young man lately settled in P t on & has no acquaintance with s d Bennet & that the former clergymen of P t on are dead - or removed to a great distance so that their certificate could not be obtained without great expense to the applicant.
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above-named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court further certifies, that The Hon ble Philip Peabody Esq r & General John C. Howard who have subscribed the foregoing certificate are respectable & credible persons residing in the town of Hampton in P t on & that their statement is entitled to full credit & that Jonathan Holt who has subscribed the foregoing deposition is a resident of s d Hampton & a credible person & his statement is also entitled to full credit.
I, Thomas Gray clerk of the Court of Probate for the county of Windham do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of John Bennet for a pension.
In testimon
of, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 27 th day of July D. 1832.
Thomas Gray Clerk

State of Connecticut County of Windham } y s Hampton April 10. 1833
On this 10 th day of April A.D. 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate for the District of Windham in s d County now sitting John Bennet a resident of Pomfret in said Windham County and being sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in addition to what he has heretofore made July 27. 1832 in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 Viz. That in the month of June 1778 he enlisted into the service, in Capt. Joseph Durkee's company of State troops for nine months, in Col o Searle's Wells Regiment and marched to New London & were stationed at New London in the middle of the town thro' the fall & part of the winter, & I think about the first of Feb y . following we were ordered to New Haven & Fairfield & were stationed at Old Mills above Fairfield, we were twenty days in marching from New London to Fairfield on account of the deep snow. we were discharged in March 1779 having served in this campaign nine months
2 d Campaign He enlisted in the latter part of June or first of July 1780 into Capt. Green's company in Col o Williston's Reg t of State troops - Kimball was on Sent. & we marched thro' Colechester  to to Chatham a Connecticut river & cut fascines for building

Forcs, & then to New London & were in tents on Winthrop's neck a number of weeks. Where they ordered onto Groton side of the river into Fort Griswold, Col o Willis commanded two Re- giments, - In this campaign I served three 3 months
3 d Campaign, He entered & served as a sub- stitute for one Draper of Pomfret in County who was drafted. That he was in Capt. Sam l Thomp- son Company, John Mead of Stamford was an Col o . & Andrew Backus of Plainfield Major. That he marched on or about the 1 st day of Jan y . 1781. & went thro New Haven, Fairfield Stamford & to Horn- neck, where were stationed some time at Stamford. & were once marched to Peekskill & back to Stam- ford. In this campaign I served two months & a half & was discharged on the 17 th day of March 1781 returned home — That he has no doc- umentary evidence of his services. That if he had any written discharge it is lost. That he is known to Hon d . Philip Pearl Esq. Thomas Grosvenor Esq r . Hon d . Eben r Stoddard. George Sharpe Esq r . Eben r Griffin Esq r . who will testify as to his char- acter for integrity & credibility & his deputat n as a Revolutionary Soldier — Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid. John Bennett

Copy-2
June 23, 1932.
BA-J/AWF/ILL XXXXXXXXXXXX John Bennet S. 23119 aw
Mrs. John C. Crandall West Mystic Connecticut.
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you state that you did not receive the record of John Bennet, the pensioner of Windham County, Connecticut, in 1832, which record was furnished you May 11, 1928.
The record of that soldier is given below.
The data are obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 23119, based upon the service of John Bennet in that war.
John Bennet was born in 1762 in Pomfret, Windham County, Connecticut.
While residing in Pomfret, Connecticut, he enlisted and served as private in the Connecticut troops as follows: from June 1, 1778, nine months in Captain Joseph Durkee's Company, Colonel Levi Wells' Regiment; from June or July, 1780, three months in Captain Green's Company, Colonel Wylllys' Regiment; and from January 1, 1781 to March 16 or 17, 1781 in Captain Samuel Thompson's Company, Colonel John Mead's Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 27, 1833, at which time he was living in Pomfret, Connecticut.
There are no data relative to his family.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Assistant to Administrator.

Brooklyn
23119 INVALID.
File No. 23119
John Bennet Rev Mrs
Act: June 7 th 89 th
Index: — Vol. 2 , Page 31
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1902 - Mar 25 - Mrs J.C. Crandall advised no further date. S.R. 1902 - June 22 - Miss furnished Mrs J.C. Crandall. S.R.

4.485
John Bennett
5.11 12 14 15 16 17
adm
Theo Gray
1115

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
John Berruet which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? 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? 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? not in sufficient detail VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? 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?

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? No
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
The reason is not sufficient. all the clergymen is expected to do is to certify to the reputation of service
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?
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?
No
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?
not satisfactory
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?
2 d Subsequent
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.

State of Connecticut } Y s Hampton April 10. 1833 County of Windham }
Personally appeared in Open Court before the Court of Probate for the District of Windham Mr. Amasa Martin of Hampton aforesaid, and after being sworn according to law says he is sixty eight years old. That in the month of June 1778 he enlisted into Capt. Joseph Dyer's Company of State troops for eight months in Col. Simeon Wells Regt. & served at New London and Old Mills in Fairfield Connecticut, and that said campaign is particularly described in his application for a pension under the act of June 7. 1832 on which he has recd. a certificate — He further states that Mr. John Bennett of Pomfret in S d County of Windham was in the same company & Regiment with him & served out said campaign of eight months with him & was discharged at the same time & returned home together. Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
Amasa Martin

And The S p Comt do hereby declare their opinion That the aforesaid applicant John Bennet was a revolutionary soldier served as he states. And S p . Comt would further certify that the applicant has the reputation of being believed, in the neighborhood where he

Besides to have been a soldier of the revolution & This Court concurs in that opinion, & I Court would further certify that there is no clergyman in the parish or neighborhood where the applicant resides, so that it is at present impossible to obtain a certificate from a clergyman in the form prescribed. And the Court would further certify that the Hon. Philip Pearl Sen. is a Senator of the 13. District in the State of Connecticut & John C. Howard is a Brig. Gen. of Militia & are both res- pectable & credible persons & their statement entitled to credit - And the Court would further certify that Jonathan Holt & Amasa Martin who have subscribed & known to the annexed depositions in open court are credible persons & their statements are entitled to credit & that they are well known to this Court -
I Thomas Gray Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Windham in Windham County do hereby certify that the foregoing sheets annexed contain the original proceedings of Court in the matter of the application of John Bennet for a pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of office this 2 nd day of May A.D. 1833. Thomas Gray Clerk -

J. D. D. 1833 State of Connecticut } County of Windham } B Hampton Apr. 10. 1833
Personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate for the District of Windham Mr Jonathan Holt of Hampton Genl and after being sworn according to law deposes & says that he is seventy five years old, That some time about the first of June he enlisted into Capt Joseph Dunklee's Comp y in Col d S th Bell's Regt of State troops for nine months & went to New Sarda & was stationed there and at Old Mills in Fairfield in Connecticut; and he further states that the Campaign is particularly described in affidavit his deposition for Amasa Martin, Amos Clark & others who have obtained certificates under the act of June 7. 1832. He also states that Mr John Bennet of Pomfret in Connecticut was in the same company & regiment with him & was with him in this campaign at Old Mills & at New Sarda during the whole of the Campaign, That he knew him well in the Service & has known him ever since - June & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
Jonathan Holt

I, THOMAS DAY, Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and Keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern,
That George Sharpe Esquire, before whom the foregoing Affidavit of Jeremiah Wheaton was taken, is, and at the time of such caption, was, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Hartford in said State, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified, having full power and authority, by the laws of said State, to administer oaths to witnesses and to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give certificates thereof; that I verily believe the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine; and that full credence is due to his official acts and attestations.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of said State, at the City of Hartford, in said State, the 14 th day of May in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty- three .
Thomas Day

State of Connecticut } By Pomfret, May 2 nd 1833 County of Windham }
Personally appeared before me the subscribing Authority, Captain Bushnell Hebbard of Pomfret aforesaid and after being sworn according to law, doth depose and say; That he is seventy four years old, That he enlisted for a tour of duty, and marched on the 2 nd day of January A D 1781 under the command of Captain Samuel Thompson of Mansfield in said County, and in a regiment commanded by Col John Mead of Stamford in Fairfield County, and Andrs Backus of Plainfield in Windham County was a Major in said Regiment, and went to Hartford Stamford Hill, west of the Town, and that we returned on the 16 th day of March A D 1781; and that said campaign is particularly described in his application for a pension under the act of June 7 th 1832 on which he has received a certificate. He further states that Mr. John Bennet of said Pomfret was in the same company and Regiment with him, and served during the whole of said campaign, and discharged at the same time, And further saith not. Sworn and subscribed the day and year first above written.
Bushnell Hebbard
In presence of Daniel Allin Horace Deyong
On the 2 nd day of May A D 1833 personally appeared the above named Bushnell Hebbard Hebbard and made oath to the truth of the above deposition before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace within and for Windham county, And I further state that the said Hebbard is a man of undisputed truth and veracity.
George Sharpe Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut } ss. Pomfret, May 2 nd 1833 County of Windham
Personally appeared before me the subscribing authority Mr. Jeremiah Wheaton of Pomfret aforesaid and after being sworn according to law, doth depose and say, that he is seventy seven years old, and that in the month of June or July in the year of our Lord 1780 He was detached for a tour of duty in Pomfret, and early in the month of July, marched, under the command of Captain Greene of Thompson in said county, and Lieutenant Kimball, then of Pomfret, and marched first to Chatham in said state of Connecticut, and afterward to Winthrop's point in or near New London, and afterward to Fort Griswold in Groton on the other side of the river; and that he served in that tour of duty a term of three months, under Col. Wyllys of Hartford. And he further states, that Mr. John Bennet of said Pomfret, served in the same company with him, in the same mess, for the whole of said term of three months.
Sworn & subscribed the day and year first above written Jeremiah Wheaton
In presence of
(Gaius H. Nichols) Jeremiah S. Wheaton
On the day and year first above written the above named Jeremiah Wheaton appeared affirmed and made oath to the truth of the above deposition before me the subscriber. And I further state that the said Wheaton, the deponent is a man of undis- puted truth and veracity
George Sharpe Justice of the Peace

Met Lupton, C. L. Aug 2, 1927.
Dept. of Interior, Bureau of Pensions Revolutionary War Records Section.
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
At your earliest convenience will you kindly send me complete record of War service of John Bennett who was living in Windham County in

1832.
Awaiting your reply I beg to remain Very truly yours.
Ida F. Crandall
(Mrs J. C. Crandall)
Well Mystic, Ct.
6 Received A. G. O. AUG 3 1927
2 $ Stamp enc

MRS. JOHN CLARK CRANDALL WEST MYSTIC CONNECTICUT
The same day we wrote
March 25 th 1932
A. H. Keller
Assistant to Administrator Washington, H. E. File Reference Ba-T/11.
Dear Sir,
Replying to your letter of March 25 th I will state that I never received a reply to the letter written May 11 th 1928 I would be satisfied with

are records of John Bennett the possessor of Windham County, Connecticut in 1832.
Very truly yours, Mrs John C. Candler

MRS. JOHN CLARK CRANDALL WEST MYSTIC CONNECTICUT
February 25, 1932
Dept. of the Interior Bureau of Pensions, Rev. War Records Section, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir
Will you kindly send a complete war record of the service of John Bennett who was living in Windham County in 1832 And oblige, Yours respectfully Mrs J. C. Crandall
furnished May 11-1828

March 25, 1932.
RA-J/ILL
Mrs. John Clark Crandall West Mystic Connecticut.
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter of February 25, 1932, in which you request the record of John Bennett, the pensioner of Windham County, Connecticut, in 1832.
This office has no further data in regard to that soldier than was furnished you in the letter of May 11, 1928.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Assistant to Administrator.

Aug.
May 11, 1928.
Mrs. J. C. Crandall, West Mystic, Connecticut.
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 23119, it appears that John Bennet was born in 1762 in Pomfret, Windham County, Connecticut.
While residing in said Pomfret, he enlisted and served as a private with the Connecticut Troops as follows:
From June 1, 1778, nine months in Captain Joseph Durkee's Company, Colonel Levi Wells' Regiment; from June or July 1780, three months in Captain Green's Company, Colonel Wylllys' Regiment; and from January 1, 1781 to March 16 or 17, 1781 in Captain Samuel Thompson's Company, Colonel John Mead's Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 27, 1832, at which time he was living in Pomfret, Connecticut.
There are no data as to family.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.