Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 777, Levin Benson, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Pa.
Benson, Levin Jane.
P. 777
CONTENTS

Virginia 16.371
Levin Benson Enlisted - in the State of Va he was a Pri: in the commanded Captain of the 1st Regt commanded Pvt Lewis - in the 1st ne for 2 years Dead
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 50- Dollars --- Cents per annum commences on the 24th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 nd day of Aug: 33 and Smith Henry Edskine, Lewisburg, Va
Draws to the 24th of March 1833 160- Emigrant allowance ending 4 Sept 1833 40- $ 200.
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Not June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by A. Rice Clerk Book ( Vol. ( Page 5-
Alt. Rev. Sept 12th 1835

State of Virginia } Granville County } B
On this 27 day August 1832 personally appeared in open court before the the Justice of the county court of Granville now sitting Simon Benson a resident of said county aged 77 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 7 th June 1832. by Draft That in the year 1774 he entered the Militia service under Capt. Laughridge in the county of Augusta and was marched to Point Pleasant at the mouth of the Kanawha river on the Ohio and was there attached to Col. Charles Lewis's Regiment in the Brigade commanded by Genl. Andrew Lewis and on the 10 th October 1774 was in a Battle with the Indians at Point Pleasant which lasted from sun rise to sun set. And afterwards the Army crossed the Ohio River and marched into the interior near to the Shawnee towns and joined Dunmore's Army and that he was discharged after a peace was concluded with the Indians. He thinks he was four months or upwards in service on this tour of duty. His discharge if he got one has been lost. That he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person except Samuel Price - saw whose evidence he thought sufficient now living, other than testimony he can now procure who can testify to his service - on this tour.
2 o That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year 1776 in the town of Staunton Virginia for the term of eighteen months with Lieutenant Purnell and was attached to the Company commanded Capt. George Beall. He thinks in 2 o Va Regiment and was commanded by Col. and by Genl. He marched from Staunton Va to Prince Edward Court house Va and from thence by way of Salisbury North Carolina on to Augusta Georgia where he remained a few weeks and was marched from thence to Savannah where he joined the main Army. He was then taken and put on board of a Vessel of war called the Commodore and was coasting for about six months near the mouth of the St. Marys and while on board the Commodore was in an engagement which lasted but a short time as the British Vessel made off and that he he was about six months longer longer in the service than his enlistment which was owing to his having taken sick and had to remain in the Hospital and that he was discharged in the City of Savannah in Georgia the time he does not recollect. His discharge he has lost many years since and he has no

other evidence of his service except the evidence of Samuel Price Sw. which he begs leave to submit with this declaration  3 d That he was drafted for three months in Aquada County Va in the year 1781 after his enlistment expired and he returned home and marched under Capt Rinecard on to York Town - Before their arrival to York Town they had a skirmish at Hot Water and that he was at the siege of York in trenches under Col Green and that he was discharged at York after his three months service was expired. And that previously to his serving the last time at York Town he served a term of duty of three months by draft under Capt Rinecard against the Indians and was marched in the year 1778 or 1779 to Logan Valley and on to Monongahela and was in 3 d service three months and that he submits the evidence of Saml Price Sw. in corroboration of his own declaration having no documentary evidence to produce. He hereby relinquishes every claim  Sworn and subscribed the day & year aforesaid in open court  Before a Court of Record  every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension Rolls of any agency of any state  Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid  Levin Benson  Teste John Matthews C.G.C.
Samuel Price Sw. being duly sworn according to Law in open court states that he has been acquainted with Levin Benson who has this day made a declaration to obtain a for a number of years pension that he knew him before he entered the service in 1776 and that he knew of him being in the the Militia that marched to Point Pleasant against the Indians and that he believes he served out his full term of duty and that he knew of him entering the United States service in the year 1776 in the town of Staunton Va under Lieutenant Purvis for the term of eighteen months and that he knew of him marching away from there to the South that he was absent for a considerable time but how long he cannot now say but believes he served out his full term of enlistment and that he knows of Levin Benson serving a term of duty of three months in the the Militia of the year 1778 or 1779 on the west fork of the Monongahela

And the said Court do hereby their opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states
Teste John Matthews C.G.C.
Levin Berson
I John Matthews Clerk of the Court of Greenbrier do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original Proceedings in the matter of the Application of Levin Berson for a Pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal of Office this 8 th day of September 1832
John Matthews C.G.C.
State of Virginia } Greenbrier County } ss. Amended declaration of Levin Berson
On this 29 th day of June 1833 personally appeared before me Henry Erskine the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said county Levin Berson and made a further declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed 7 th June 1832. Then appearing to be some objec- tion to his declaration made 27 th August 1832 on account of no vessel called the Commodore being found to be in the War of the Revolution. To explain which he states that there were three vessels in company started from Savannah to go to St. Augustine that they were called row Gallies all of which were stopped or Blockaded at the mouth of St. Mary's. and the vessel on which he was on board was named the Commodore by the men on board on account of the Commander of the three vessels sailing on board the one he (Berson) was on (or belonged to). They were one mast vessels intended to run in shallow water. And he further states that he thinks if his name cannot be found on the department files of the depart- ment it must be owing to the records having been destroyed by the British. They have the city of Savannah after his time of service expired and he further states that he has no further evidence that he can produce at this time except what is here under submitted sworn and subscribed before me this 29 th day June 1833
Henry Erskine J.P. Levin Berson Mark
State of Virginia } Greenbrier County } ss. On the 27 th day of June 1833 personally appeared before me Henry Erskine a justice of the peace in and for said county Samuel Price aged 83 years and made oath in due form of law that the state- ment made by him on oath in open court in Greenbrier County Virginia on the 27 th of August 1832 as to the service of Levin Berson in the Revolution- ary War is correct.
Sworn and subscribed before me on the day and year above mentioned
Henry Erskine J.P.
Levin Berson

State of Virginia } ss Greene County } 3
Be it known that on the 11 th day July 1833 personally appeared before me Henry Erskine the subscriber a Justice of the peace for the county aforesaid Jacob Price aged 84 years of West Meade and made oath in due form of law that he is well acquainted with Levin Berson and has been acquainted with him for a number of years that he say near fifty years and has always understood he served in the Army of the Revolution that he does not know of his own knowledge of it being so but from what he has heard others say as well as Berson himself he has an doubt that he served as he states in his declaration and it is generally believed in his Berson neighbourhood that he was a soldier in the Army of the Revolution
Sworn to and subscribed before me the date above Henry Erskine J.P.
Jacob Price mark
Levin Berson
Levin Berson acknowledged
State of Virginia } ss Greene County } 3
I Henry Erskine a Justice of the peace in and for said county do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Samuel Price and Jacob Price who have given evidence as to the same & they are that they are credible persons and that every confidence may be placed in their statements and I further certify that I am well acquainted with Levin Berson the applicant for a pension that he stands highly respectable in his neighbourhood as a most honest upright man and a man that every confidence can be placed in as to honesty & integrity - Given under my hand this 11 th day July 1833 - on the interlinings before signing Henry Erskine J.P.
Virginia.
Greene County Towel
I John Matthews Clerk of the County Aforesaid do hereby certify that Henry Erskine the person before whom the foregoing Affidavits was made was at that time & still is an acting Justice of the Peace in & for said County duly commissioned & qualified as such & that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Name and Affixed the Seal of my office the 11 th day of July 1833 and in the 58 th year of the Commonwealth John Matthews C.G.

State of Illinois
Union County We the undersigned hereby certify that we.
have been acquainted with Jane Burson Joseph Rankin fifty years past and know she is the widow of James Burson deceased who was a Pensioner and believe she is justly entitled to a Pension as acknowledged in her Declaration herein and that her statements therein are correct. Sworn to and Subscribed this fourth day of March 1844 before me
William M. Jones and Justice of the Peace
Joseph Rankin Zacharias Stevenson
I certify that Joseph Rankin & Zacharias Stevenson whose Certificate appears above are respectable and credible citizens of the County of Union & State of Illinois and their testimony is entitled to credit.
Given under my hand & Seal this Twenty Seventh day of March 1844
William M. Jones and Seal of Justice of the Peace
State of Illinois
Union County I William M. Jones Justice of the Peace in and for said County do hereby certify that Jane Burson by reason of bodily infirmity was unable to appear before the Circuit Court
Given under my hand and Seal this 27th day of March 1844
William M. Jones Justice of the Peace

Declaration
State of Illinois Knox County
On this Twenty seventh day of November 1864 Personally appeared before William M. Jones an justice of the peace in Knox County, Jane Benson a President of the County of Knox State of Illinois aged Eighty one years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 16 th 1836 That she is the widow of (1) James Benson who was a (2)
Private in the army of the Revolution - and was a Pensioner on the State of  of the Virginia agency She further declares that she was married to the said Benson on the or a true  fourteenth day of August - 1779
That her husband the aforesaid James Benson Die on the 14 th day of November 1835 - and that she has remained a widow ever since that Period as will more fully appear - by reference to the proof hereto annexed (3) Jane Benson
Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and year above written before me
Signed & sworn to in presence of us Joseph Rambo Zachariah Morrison 2 witnesses
Given under my hand and Seal of Office this Twenty seventh day of November - 1864 (4) William M. Jones Justice Peace
(1) County or Circuit Court Clerk to office Seal & Name (2) Private or Sergeant or Cpt. or the case may be (3) Jane Benson to sign and two witnesses who write their names (4) Clerk's certificate & Seal (5) Benson's Name as I am not certain Lewis or Lucian in your letter
Alma B. ...

State of Illinois Knox County 310
I Henry J. Prunkle Clerk of the County Commissioners Court for Knox County do certify that William McGovern whose name appears to the attached paper is an acting Justice of the peace for said County, duly com- missioned and qualified, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Knoxville this 27 th day of November 1844 Henry J. Prunkle Clerk.

Rev. War Section.
June 22, 1917.
Mr. Heber Gillis, Rio, Knox Co. Ills.
Sir:
In reply to your letter of the 16" instant, you are advised that in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 3995, it appears that John Strange was born Sept. 5, 1759, place not stated, was allowed pension for nine months services as Private in the Va. Troops, on his application executed in Highland Co. Ohio, he afterwards lived in Knox Co. Ills. Date of his death is not stated.
In the Revolutionary War pension claim R. 4640, it appears that John Harrington applied for pension on account of service in the New York Troops, on his application executed in Knox Co. Ills. in 1841, but his claim was not allowed for lack of proof of six months services as required by the Act of June 7, 1832, under which he applied. He was born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Feb. 8, 1764. Date of his death is not stated.
In the Revolutionary War pension claim R. 777, it appears that Levin Benson was allowed pension for two years service as Private in the Va. Troops, on his application executed in 1832 in Greenbriar Co. Va. at which time he was 77 years old. He died Nov. 14, 1835, place of death and date and place of birth not stated. His widow Jane lived in Knox Co. Ills, in 1844.

The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to David Manley or Manly described by you.
Very respectfully,
A handwritten signature in cursive, appearing to read "A. C. McLaughlin".
Acting Commissioner.

Department of War Pension Office
May 30 1833-
Sir
The declaration of Levi Benson has been examined and is herewith returned, accompanied by a brief pointing out the objections to the present admission of the claim.
In addition to the objections noted in the brief, I will remark that there is no evidence that there was any such public as that called the Commodore, in the service of the United States during the revolutionary war.
Your Obedient Servant-
Henry Erskine Esq. Leesburg Va.
J. L. Edwards

Levin Benson
not on the rolls - no such vessel as the Commodore, in the public service
Admiral private 2 yr $80.00
all Ent?
Henry Erskine Lewishburgh Ga

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Levin Bensen, Greenbrier Co. Va. 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? 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? no 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? 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? yes 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? no # Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes 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? 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 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.

Bank of Virginia,
November 30. 1844.
Sir
I have examined the Rolls of Pensioners at this agency and do not find thereon the name of Sewer, or Lewis, Bonson, and therefore cannot give you the information you request. Before the pensioners were paid at this Bank they were paid at the Branch Bank of the United States at this place.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient Serv t
Ant y Robinson.
Erastus Wright, Esq d Springfield, Illinois

Springfield Illinois 24 July 1845 J L Edwards Esq
Enclosed is the Declaration of Jane Bensen for a Pension. I have delayed forwarding to try to get evidence of Marriage from Virginia but as yet not got any thing satisfactory I send the Letter of A. Robinson of Bank of Virginia Please to refer to your Records on this Point, & (See) in all the necessary Information for perfecting the Claim yours &c Cyrus Wright
Eliza & Jane Bensen, Illinois or Virginia - probably married
Non-James Knox

Rio Illinois June 16th 1916 To The Commissioner Rev Sec of Pensions -K Washington DC Dear Sir
We are building a Monument for Revolution ary Soldiers of Knox County Illinois
I write to you for anything known of the Three No 5, 6, and 7, of the list enclosed at your Office
Heber Gillis Rio
Knox County Illinois Also if David Manley is known as having served by any record in your Office

#1. Asahel Gilbert, Trumpeter, buried in Hope Cemetery, Galesburg, Ill. #2. George Sornberger, Buried at Victoria, Ill. #3. Abraham Hamptonstall, buried near Hermon, Ill. #4. Samuel Chapin, resided in Knoxville, Ill. with Gustavus Volridge, died in 1840, 80 yrs. #5. John Strange, died 1840 aged 94 yrs. #6. John Harrington, Applied for pension at Knoxville, Ill. #7. Levin Benson, his widow applied for pension after 1838. #8. Adam Bruner, #9. Peter Bruner,
David mainly buried Two miles North of Gibson Ill
21

Thompson County Ill June 24 th 1917 To the Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir
I am sending you a list of men that claimed to be Revolutionary Soldiers The County of Thompson Illinois erected a monument for the two Brethren they have record of service in P.A.
John Harrington Same did Harrington receive a Pension?
Did David Manley receive Pension Did John Strange " " Did Levin Benson widow " "
The first four have been looked up by D.A.R. and are vouched for
Heber Gillis Thompson County Illinois

Resolved:
That the town tax of Rio Township for 1917 shall be $300.00, and further let it be resolved that $144.00 be appro-
priated toward putting the names of the six Revolutionary ✓ soldiers buried in Knox County, other than the Bruners, on the Bruner Monument.
#1. Asahel Gilbert, Trumpeter, buried in Hope Cemetery, Galesburg, Ill. #2. George Sornberger, buried at Victoria, Ill. #3. Abraham Hamptonstall, buried near Hermon, Ill. #4. Samuel Chapin, resided in Knoxville, Ill. with Gustavus Volridge, died in 1840 aged 80 yrs. #5. John Strange, died 1840 aged 94 yrs. S 3995 data sent June 22, 17 #6. John Harrington, Applied for pension at Knoxville, Ill. R. 4640. data sent June 22, 17 #7. Levin Benson, his widow applied for pension after 1838. data sent June 22, 17 1877 #8. Adam Bruner, #9. Peter Bruner, #10. David Manley, buried two miles north of Gilson, Ill. none, not June 22, 1917

Madison, Indiana R 6
September 11, 1914
Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir-
Can you obtain for me the maiden name of Levin Bensons wife? Levin Benson was a Revolutionary soldier enlisted from Augusta County Virginia. I believe Mrs. Bensons name before marriage can be found in either in her or her husbands application for pension.
Thanking you.
I am
Yours very truly, (Miss) Variett E. Renfro.

Y No 6533
Jane Bruns
See Ed & Grasty's Alnight Sept 1. '95.
777
a at 4 July 1836
1889 May 29 J. B. McBrillie - for authority to solicit information Prior June 18 L. C. Jones - history - that soldier not serving in Continental line to end of war, not entitled to Second Hapgood and act March 3, 1855 Prior
Dec. 3, 1903 - W. St. 15
Mrs. Sarah Benson Prince of Concord, Mass.
1914: Sept 17: Miss Harriet E. Rumpf advised that maiden name of Jane - does not appear MBR
1914 Nov 28: history to Miss Harriett C. Brewster. J.M.B.H.
1915 Jan 29: History remained to Miss Harriet E. Renfro 00713 H
1917. June 22. Lombard data to Weber Lillis aw
1917 Nov. 17. Election of Mr. Colville + Capt. of Surg. to be preferred to Asst. Surg. for last year's work.
Ex'r.
INVALID.
1887
June Denson P. O. widow of Levin
Service:
Enlisted:
Discharged:

SPECIAL ATTENTION GIVEN TO BUSINESS IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES; THE COURT OF CLAIMS; THE EXECU- TIVE DEPARTMENTS, AND COMMIT- TEES OF SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
OFFICE OF JAMES B. MCCRELLIS, ATTORNEY AND COUNSELLOR AT LAW, LENMAN BUILDING, 1425 N. Y. AVE., NEAR TREASURY DEPT.
Subject: Rolls of Army of the Revolution.
Washington, D. C., May 9 th , 1889
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C. Sir:
Will you kindly inform me whether the name of Leven Benson of Greenbrier County Virginia appears upon the Rolls of the Continental Forces and what Office, if any, said Benson held in the Army of the Revolution. I am informed the rolls are in your custody and the information sought is very much needed to supply a missing link in the chain of evidence to prove descent. I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully Your Off. Servant James B McCrellis

Hanover Ind. Nov. 23. 1903.
Hon. Commissioner Pensions.
Washington City D. C.
Dear Sir;—
Please send me a statement of the services of my great-grand father, Levin Benson in the Indian and Revolutionary wars.
Yours Respectfully
Mrs. Sarah Benson Ranne.
Hanover Jeff. Co Ind.

THE HERALD.
L. C. JONES, EDITOR AND PUBLISHER.
Madison, Ind. June 6 1889
Hon. James Tanner, Com. Pensions, Washington, D.C.
My Dear Sir:
I desire information from your office concerning Levin Benion, a Soldier of the Revolutionary War, and my great grand father. He was from Greenbrier Co Virginia. My reasons for making this request are: First I desire to learn whether he was an officer or private Soldier. Second, that I may learn whether or not he or his heirs ever received what was due him in script or land warrant.
Yours Respectfully L. C. Jones

XVI
Hanover, Ind.
November 19. 1914
Commissioner Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
Please send me what information you have concerning Levin Bensen a Revolutionary soldier from Augusta County Virginia. I am anxious to learn the names of his children, should they be given in either either Mr. Bensen's application or that of his wife - for pension.
Also may I have any data you have of John Mc Clure who served in the Revolution from Augusta County Virginia

Thanking you, I am,
Yours very truly, (Miss) Harriett E. Pease.

Rev. War Section.
Nov. 17, 1917.
The Auditor for The Interior Department
Sir:
Herewith are enclosed a letter from Mrs. Robert W. Colville and a slip from the Auditor for the War Department requesting data as to the last payment of pension of the Revolutionary War soldier Levin Benson. He was pensioned under Ctf. No. 16,371, which issued Aug. 2, 1833, at the rate of $80 per annum, to commence Mar. 4, 1831 Act of June 7, 1832, Virginia Agency.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mrs Colville cited the date of soldier's death in her letter, she particularly requested the date of last payment.

M.B.H.
Rev. War Section.
September 17, 1914.
Miss Harriett E. Renfro,
R. R. # 6,
Madison, Ind.
Madam:
In response to your letter of the eleventh instant, you are advised that the maiden name of Jane Benson widow of Levin Benson, R. File No. 777, Rev. War, does not appear in his and her pension claims.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
A handwritten signature in cursive script, reading "J. M. Salzgeber", written in dark ink on the line following the title "Commissioner."

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 Irwin Benson , a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. W. 777.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     * 1774. 4 mos Pvt Gangbridege Charles Lewis Va.   * 1776. 2 yrs. George Watten   gally "Commodore"   1778 & 1779 3 mos. Kincaid   1781 " Kincaid  
Battles engaged in, Point Pleasant, with a Riverboat near Hot Water, Yorktown, & Marys River,
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Sub in Augusta Co. Va.
Date of application for pension, Aug. 27, 1832. Her claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Greenbrier Co. Va.
Age at date of application, 77 years.
Remarks: he married in Va. Aug 17, 1779, Jane ---. He died Nov 14, 1835, and she was 81 yrs of age & a resident of Knox Co. Ill. in 1844.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.