Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 23,115, John Bennett, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
Bennett, John
NUMBER
8.23.115
CONTENTS

14889 Ebenezer New York
M c Bennett Hartford in the State of N. York who was a Private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Newell of the Reg t . commanded by Col. _____ in the Cont t . time for 13 months Mass
Inscribed on the Roll of N. York Bon y at the rate of 43 Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of July 1833 and Rev d Hon. E. Young
Arrears to the 14th of Ma ch 33 $86 66 Semi-ann l . allowance ending 14 Sep r 33 21 66 $108 32
Revolutionary Claim, Not June 7, 1832.
Recorded by G. C. Hiles Clerk Book Ea Vol. 3 Page 216

PENSION ACT OF 1832.
11549
Declaration of John Bennett
in order to obtain the benefit of the
Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
STATE OF CONNECTICUT. } ss. Hartford
COUNTY OF Hartford }
On this 24th day September 1832, before the Probate Court for the district of Hartford in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut being a Court of Record, having by law a Clerk and Seal, personally appeared John Bennett a resident of Hartford in the County aforesaid and State aforesaid aged Seventy years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
1st That he entered the service of the United States as a private soldier in a company commanded by Captain Timothy Newell Lieutenant (dont remember) and Ensign (dont remember) at Sturbridge in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts on or about the middle of May 1775; that said company belonged to a regiment of Foot commanded by Colonel Leavitt and Major (dont remember). That the deponent was enlisted for eight months, and continued to serve in the said Corps, until on or about the middle of October 1775 when by reason of sickness at home he received from Capt Newell a discharge from the service, at or near a place called Roxbury in the County of (dont know) and State of Massachusetts. Having served five months that when he entered the service, he resided in Sturbridge in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts and was marched from there
to Roxbury in said State & remained there in the line of his duty (as a waiter most of the time to Captain Newell). That he remembers well when General Washington arrived at Cambridge in the summer of that year. That he saw the General, also General Ward & several other officers of distinction whose names he cannot now recall to memory. He rec. no written discharge.
That the deponent knows of no person now living who served in the company at that time. He is therefore unable to obtain any proof of this service, but he nevertheless knows the statement above made to be strictly true & that he served on this tour five months.
2ndly The deponent further declares that he again entered into the service in November 1776 in a company

commanded by Capt. (name forgotten). Lieut. Daniel Fairthorne of Sturbridge in Massachusetts whom the deponent knew & was well acquainted with him before - & many years afterward the ensign . He has totally forgotten. That the company was mustered & marched from Sturbridge to the North River & crossed the river he thinks at or near Kings Ferry. & proceeded to a place called as near as he can recollect, Boundbrook in the State of New Jersey where he is pretty sure the troops remained until Spring - General Lincoln he thinks commanded the troops - & Genl. Warner of Hardwick (Massachusetts) was also there in command at the same time. Genl. Washington he thinks lay at Morris Town. The middle or latter part of the Winter. The deponent remained with the troops, as a private soldier until April 1777 when the company was honorably dismissed & returned home to Sturbridge, having served five months.
The deponent knows of no person alive who served with him in this campaign. W m Samuel Clark of S t . Sturbridge now called South Br. with whom the deponent was then & ever since well acquainted. Knows that he the deponent was drafted at that time & was gone until the Spring of 1777. I will so testify - Say Clark is a gentleman of respectability & unquestionable veracity.
The deponent further declares that at some time in August 1777, (the

precise day he is not able to state) - he again entered the service at said Humberidge in the 8 th State of Massachusetts, in a company commanded by Capt. Mason of said Humberidge. That he enlisted for three months, he thinks & served about four months. the other officers of the company he knew at the time, but from age & still more from severe sickness, his memory is so much impaired that he cannot venture to state their names - He remembers that the company was mustered (he is pretty sure) at Humberidge & marched immediately for Bennington in Vermont & reached that place he thinks the next day after the battle between the Americans & the British. The company & regiment commanded by Col. Cushing, to which the company (he thinks) belonged, was in the battle at Stillwater, & continued with the troops until the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne & the British army in October 1777.
The deponent served faithfully in said company until some time (he thinks, quite the latter part) in November. He was then discharged at some place in the State of New York; where, he is not perfectly confi- dent but rather thinks, it was near Peachs hill. He returned home, having served according to his best impressions four three or not much short of four months.
Stephen Newell Esq m (who is about the age of the deponent, resided then & ever since

at said Hurlbidge, I was well acquainted with the deponent (I served on this tour in the same company with the deponent), knows that the deponent enlisted before stated & will so testify - The deponent in the early part of his life resided at H. Hurlbidge, he afterwards lived in New Hampshire & for more than twenty years past has resided with his family in Wallingford (in Conn.) where he is known personally to the Rev. Joel Hawes, D.D. Andrew Kingsbury Esq. & many other gentlemen of excellent character & standing - who knew the deponent is reputed among his neighbors to have served in the American army on several tours of duty.
And in reply to certain interrogatories prescribed by the War Department and propounded by the Court, the deponent further declares,
 1st. That he was born at Boston in the County of Suffolk and State of Massachusetts on the 10 th day of November A.D. 1761  2d. That the day and year of his birth was recorded by  his father in the family bible but was afterwards lost  when his dwelling house & furniture was consumed by an accidental fire  3d. and 4th. That when he was called into service, he resided at the place or towns as herein before stated; and served in the manner set forth in the preceding declaration.  5th. That the general circumstances of his service are detailed in the preceding declaration, and also the names of such officers, &c. as he distinctly recollects. he saw many others, but has forgotten their names.  6th. That he never received a written discharge from the service he thinks if he did, it has long since been lost -  7th. That he is personally known to the Reverend Joel Hawes D.D. of Hartford - Andrew Kingsbury Esq. of the same town 
who are respectable persons in the neighborhood where he now resides, and can testify as to his character for veracity, and also their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution. he is also known to Lemuel Clark & Stephen Newell Esquires, the persons before named who will testify their knowledge in the premises. The deponent would also refer to Capt. Abel May and pay roll for 1777 which he has in his possession.  And the said John Bennett 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.
John Bennett
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them, that the Rev. Joel Hawes is a clergyman in Hartford. Andrew Kingsbury Esquire of the same town - also known to Lemuel Clark of Southbridge & Stephen Newell of Hurlbidge both in the State of Massachusetts, whose affidavits are hereto annexed, are credible persons, and that their statements are entitled to credit. Stephen Newell of Hurlbidge
I, Wm Whitman Clerk of the Probate Court for the district of Hartford aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Bennett of Hartford for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 24 th day of September A.D. 1832
Wm Whitman, Clk of Court of Probate for district of Hartford

Revolution
23/15 INVALID
File No. 23/15
John Bennett
Sci Rev War
Act: June 7 th 82 nd
Index: Vol. 2 , Page 31
[Arrangement of 1870.]

11.579.
John Bennett two of this name
14. 16. 17.
P. 274
cont.
Rev. E. Young H of R.

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 Bennett 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? Yes 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 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

 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? Yes  XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?  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's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Yes Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? 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? Yes  XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No  XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 5th cannot distinctly recollect 
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 each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
†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 authenticates 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 ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
¶ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

14889
Comptroller of the Pension Office
J. T. EDWARDS
Recorded in the Pension Office in Book E. Vol. 3 page 40 or 46 by
Clerk

(copy.)
"WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I CERTIFY that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832,
John Bennett of the State of Connecticut, who was a Private in the Revolutionary Army.
is entitled to receive Thirty three dollars, and Thirty three cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States. this 25 th day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty- three .
Lewis Cass Secretary of War.
Examined and } Countersigned. }
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions."

(copy)
"WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I CERTIFY that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832,
John Bennett of the State of Connecticut, who was a
Private in the Revolutionary Army
is entitled to receive Forty three dollars, and 33 cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this 25 th day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty- three
Secy Cass Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions."
That he is entitled to a pension of _____ dollars per annum; that he now resides in _____ in the county of _____ and State of Connecticut, and has resided there for the space of _____ years past; and that previous thereto he resided in _____
SWORN and subscribed this _____ day of _____ 183 before me,
Ex: 1. Bennett of Pomfret. 48. 33— " " " Hartford. 43. 33— Same. Bennett. 43. 33

Rev Joel Hawes & Andrew Kingsbury Esq
off d de appl n
of Capt n John Bennett for a Pension.
adm d
13 mo pri.
$43 33

WE, Joel Hawes a clergyman, residing in the town of Hartford in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut and Andrew Kingsbury residing in the same town hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Capt d John Bennett a resident of said Hartford who is an applicant for a pension under the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832; that we believe him to be Seventy years of age; that he is generally reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he now resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
And we further certify that Capt n Bennett sustains a good character for veracity and integrity, & that his statements are entitled to full credit.
Joel Hawes
A. Kingsbury
STATE OF Connecticut } COUNTY OF Hartford } ss. Hartford
On this 24 day of September before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid, personally appeared The Rev d Joel Hawes D. D. who is a clergyman residing in the said town of Hartford and Andrew Kingsbury Esq m who is a credible person residing in the same town—and made oath that the preceding certificate by them subscribed is true, and I further certify that their statement is entitled to credit.
Hon. Parsons Just a Peace

State of Connecticut ss. Hartford Hartford County
I Jared Griswold Clerk of the County Court for the County of Hartford, do hereby certify that Enoch Parsons Esquire before whom the within affidavit was taken is a Justice of the peace in and for said County of Hartford - and I believe that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of said County Court and subscribed my name this 28 th day of March 1833.
Jared Griswold, Clerk
Rev Joel Hawes & Andrew Kingsbury Esq
off. de appl n
of Capt John Bennett
for Jensen
com d 13 mo pri
4333

Samuel Clarke Dep te de appl of  John Bennett
5 5 3
10
  3.60    349 000    8091    666    2331    27    3.33 3 27  
blank's fees 25 cts chd.

I Samuel Clark of Southbridge in the county of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being twenty-five years of age, testify and declare that I well re- member John Burnett formerly of Sturbridge in this county - He formerly lived with General Timothy Russell late of Sturbridge deceased. I well re- member that a company of soldiers was called for to go to the State of New Jersey - John Burnett I well remember his going with said Russell who acted as Brigade Major said John Burnett was a clerk in said Russell's store at the time of the draft of soldiers in 1862 I remember when said Burnett left home for the Army of the Potomac He left Sturbridge in the month of November 1862 as near as I can now recollect - said Burnett return- ed from Manassas in the Spring of 1863. He was absent as I now believe five months - He belonged to a company of which Daniel Roulston was of Sturbridge was Lieutenant - The captain's name I do not remember as he did not belong to Sturbridge.

I well remember said John Bennett, going from said Stur- bridge to Worcester - for myself and my Father were both drafted at the same time into the same com- pany - but my Father paid a fine for himself and me and neither of us went out in that campaign. Further the Deposition is not - Lemuel Clarke
Commonwealth of Massachusetts ss. 1832 Then personally appeared Lemuel Clarke Lemuel Clarke who signed the above deposition in my presence and made solemn oath that the same is true before me Frederick H. Southwick Esq. Bailiff
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Mr Lemuel Clarke and know he is a man of veracity. Frederick H. Southwick

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester, ss. I, Abijah Bigelow, clerk of the court of Common Pleas for said County of Worcester, do certify - That Frederic W. Bottom and George Davis, Esquires, before whom the annexed Depositions of Samuel Clark and Stephen Newell were respectively taken, were, at the time they the said depositions purport to have been sworn to, and still continue to be, Justices of the peace in and for said County of Worcester - and that the signatures of said Justices, as respectively signed to the certificates of the oaths of said Deponents, appear to be in their hand writing. In testimony whereof, I hereto set my , and affix the seal of said court, at Worcester, this nineteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
Abijah Bigelow, Clerk.

Stephen Sewell dep m - de appl. of John Bennett

I Stephen Knowell of Husbands in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age, testify & say, that I am acquainted with Mr. John Bennet now of Hartford in the state of Connecticut, former- ly of Husbands aforesaid, that I am know- ing to his enlistment into the army of the United States, the first of August 1861 into a company commanded by Capt. Abel Mason of Southbridge formerly Husbands, for the term of three & a half months. I was in the same company with said Bennet. He was with us at Benning- ton, Still-Water & Saratoga, at the taking of Burgoyne - Gen. Warner of Hard- wick in the County, was our Brigadier General - I feel very confident that Mr. Bennet served out the period of his enlistment, that is three months & a half or three months & twenty three days, as appears by Capt. Mason's Roll.
Stephen Knowell
Worcester J. Aug. 23. 1862 I have the above named Stephen Knowell personally appeared & made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit as his free act & deed - Testify that the said Stephen Know- ell sustains a good character for veracity & integrity. Before me George Davis Justice of the Peace