Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25329, Barak Benson, Continental (Mass.)

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental (Mass.)
Benson, Barak Sarah
N. 25-329
CONTENTS

14.497 Connecticut
Barak Benson
of Thompson in the state of Connecticut who was a Private . . . in the regiment commanded by Colonel Read of the Massachusetts line, for the term of one year
Inscribed on the roll of Connecticut at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 17 th of July 1819
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th of Sep 1819 and sent to David Bolles Esqr
Windham Connecticut
Arrears to 4th of Sep: 1819 $ 12.93
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Mar 1820  48.
1 mo 15/31 4/30
$ 10.93
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Disbursements.
Revolutionary claim, etc. to B. H. Bolles Esqr 1/10/1829

Barah Power Connecticut
March 1820
Admutter
W. Case
Thompson Count

BRIEF in the case of  Barah Bonson  of Windham 6 th  in the State of Connecticut-  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? open Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 75  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. Gen.     In 1776 1 — — Private Moses Knapp Collo Reed  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none mentioned  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? not mentioned  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditional  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? — The papers do not conform to regulations of the Department — he was on the pension roll of the Connecticut colony under the act of 1818 — struck off on acct. of property 
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
George T. Dyer
Examining Clerk.

State of Connecticut } April 2nd July 17-1819 Windham County ss. } Thompson
To David Bates Judge of Windham County
I Barak Conns Denson a citizen of the United States now resident in Thompson in the County of Windham aforesaid being 84 years of age do on oath testify and declare, that in the War of the revolution, on or about the first of January 1778 I entered and was engaged in the land service of the United States on the continental establishment for the term of one year, and served accordingly from that time to the end of my enlistment, as a private soldier, against the common enemy, without any interruption or absence, that I belonged to Capt Moses Knapp's Company, Col. Joseph Read's Regt. Gen. Heath's Brigade, Massachusetts line, towards the close of the year, our Regt. was attached to Gen. M. Douglass's Brigade, that I faithfully performed my duty, during the term of my enlistment, I was honorably discharged, that I was with S. Regt. & Company at Boston and New York, & about New York, that by reason of my reduced circumstances in life, and poverty I stand in need of assistance from my County for support.
And I hereby relinquish all claim to every pension hereafter allowed me by the laws of the United States if any may be or have been so allowed,
Barak Denson

State of Connecticut
Windham ss. On this 17 July A.D. 1819
I David Bolles Judge of the County Court or Court of Common Pleas for said County do hereby certify that on this day Barak Benson of Thompson in said County a citizen of the United States came before me & I read to him as to that the foregoing declaration he being sworn to it contains the truth and nothing but the truth and I am satisfied that the same is true to the best of my belief.
David Bolles
David C. Bolles Clerk of the County Court in & for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut do certify that David Bolles Esquire is Judge of said County Court, That, the above signature is his handwriting - I do further certify that Simon Davis Esq. before whom affidavits have been made respecting Barak Benson, an applicant for a Pension under the act of Congress March the 18 th A.D. 1818; is duly enrolled as a Justice of the Peace in & for said Windham County. Full faith & credit ought to be given to his acts as such -
In testimony whereof I have subscribed my name & affixed the Publick Seal of said Court at Windham in said County this 20 th day of July Anno Domini 1819 -
David C. Bolles

Barak Benson
1826 D r h o 6139
Admitted Private. Chap a Cont d 12 months

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
STATE OF CONNECTICUT, } COUNTY OF WINDHAM, } SS.
On this 19 day of July A. D. 1832 personally appeared before the County Court of the County of Windham aforesaid, Barak Benson a resident of the town of Thompson in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut, aged 75 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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832. That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year 1776 with Capt Moses Knapp  Col Read's Regt. and served in the Massachusetts regiment of the line, under the following named officers: for one year
Col. Read , was an Colonel, Capt Moses Knapp , Lieut Lufft , joined the Regt. at Roxbury or Dorchester, was stationed at Dorchester, saw the British evacuate Boston and then ordered to New York marched to Providence R.I. & to New London Ct. went from there by water to New York. was at New York, tho' the summer was sick & sent to Newark N Jersey, joined the Regt. soon after the battle at White Plains, staid about there till discharged. that I was on the Pension list Roll of the Connecticut agency under the act of March 18 1818 my certificate was dated, - and was struck therefrom on account of my property I now reside in Thompson Ct. which I have resided for the last 40 years, which I now reside. I served one year. I now have a Private roll of the company made at New York, & dated June 24 th 1776, which I here exhibit before the Court
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 any agency in any State.
Barak Benson
Sworn to, and subscribed, on the day and year aforesaid, before the County Court for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut.
Attest Armin Bolles Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
Armin Bolles
Attest Armin Bolles Clerk
Clerk of the County Court for the County of Windham, in the State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Barak Benson for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this 19 th day of July A. D. 1832
Armin Bolles Clerk

Barack Benson
Pension Office
28th Ap. 1829.
Con.
March 1829

District of Connecticut, ss.
At a Special County Court holden at Thompson within, and for the County of Windham, in said District
ON this 23 d day of April A. D. 1829 personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record [having the power of fine and imprisonment]
Barak Benson of said Thompson
aged 72 years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, makes the following declaration, in order to obtain the provisions made by the acts of Congress of the 18th March, 1818, and the 1st May 1820,
that he the said Barak Benson enlisted for the term of one year on the 1 st day of January in the year 1776 in the state of
Massachusetts in the company commanded by Captain Moses Knapp in the regiment commanded by Colonel Joseph Read in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the Continental establishment—
that he continued to serve in the said corps until he was taken sick in November following his said enlistment
when he was discharged from the said service at the White Plains
in the state of New York that his name has been placed on the pension list, and dropt therefrom on account of his property—
That he is old & infirm that his family consists of himself & wife, that his wife has been crazy for two years past, & is still so—
And in pursuance of the act of the 1st of May, 1820, I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war," passed on the 18th day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not, nor has any per- son in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.—
Barak Benson

That since the exhibition of my first schedule, the following changes have been made in my property.
Schedule of all the property belonging to Sarah Bensone real & personal April 23 d A.D. 1829 vis
Real Estate 700.00 1 Shelf .25 3 Chairs .50 1 Table .25 3 Knives & forks .20 6 Plates .25 4 Beccott .20 $701.65
Sarah Bensone
Sworn to and declared on the 23 d day of April A. D. 1829 before the County Court for the County of Windham, in the District of Connecticut.
Attest Jermain Bolles Assistant  DAVID C. BOLLES, Clerk.
Jermain Bolles Assistant  DAVID C. BOLLES, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Windham, in the State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that the foregoing declaration and oath, and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the records of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is Seven hundred one Dollars, and 65 Cents. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand. and affixed the Seal of the said Court, on this 24 th day of April A. D. 1829
Jermain Bolles Assistant Clerk Clerk of the County Court for Windham County.

Connecticut 292 Sarah Benson of Windham in the State of Ct who was a Private in the 1st commanded by Captain Brigadier of the Brigade commanded by General in the widow of Sarah Benson dec d late a private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 40- Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1834. and to 5 Jan'y 1836 to be deducted
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 rd day of Dec r 1836 and sent Simon Harris Thompson Ct
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 1836 $220.00 Pemi-ant. allowance ending 4 March 20.00 $240.00
{ Revolutionary Claim } { Act June 7, 1836 }
Recorded by H. H. Adams Clerk, Book S. A. Vol. 1 Page 73

N o 632. 3. Sep.
Sarah Simon
old case
adm d
12 mo. pri
40 $
deduct. due 5 Jany 1836 & paid to that date.
Simon Davis Thompson Count.

State of Connecticut Windham County ss. On this 10 th Day of November A D 1836 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Thompson in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aforesaid being a Court of Record. Sarah Benson a resident of the Town of Thompson in the County and State aforesaid aged 84 years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Provisions made by an act of Congress passed the 4 th Day of July A D 1836.
That she is the Widow of Barak Benson who was a soldier in the American War in led: Reads Regiment. I believe one year. and at other times and places. The particulars of which I am unable to specify. my husband was a private soldier
For further particulars she would refer to the evidence now on file in the Pension or War Office, and what is hereto annexed

I remember. of my husband telling of being at Yonk. & I think at Benner Hill. but am remember certain about it.
My husband. was a pensioner under the late acts of Congress. and drew forty Dollars a year until his Death.
She further declares that she was married to the said Barak Benson on the 29 th Day of March 1776 at Gloucester State of Rhode Island. and that her oldest child. Jonathan Benson was born the 1 st Day of August 1776 while her Husband was in the Army.
That her husband Barak Benson. died. at Thompson aforesaid. where he had resided nearly 40 years on the 5 th Day of January A D 1836. and that she is his widow & never has married again
The annexed family Record. is all the documents she has, except the birth of three children

which is in the family bible, Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written. his in presence of Simon Davis                      Sarah H Beman Julcott Crosby                      Mark
Before me Talcott Crosby Judge of Probate And I further certify that the above named Sarah H. Benson is a person of truth and veracity Attest Talcott Crosby Judge of Probate
 Barak Berson born in Gloucester 11 October 1757 Sarah Berson born in Southfield 25 June 1759 They were married at Gloucester the day 29 March 1776.  The following are their Children.  Jonathan Berson born at Newbridge the 1 st August AD 1776 Sarah Berson born at Gloucester the 21 April AD 1778 Billick Berson born at Ditto the 1 February AD 1780 Rhoda Berson born at Ditto the October AD 1781 Died Sept 16. Squire Berson born at Ditto the 31 December AD 1781 Barak Berson born at Ditto the 25 February AD 1782 Died Aug 14 1800 Deborah Berson born at Ditto the 3 April AD 1788 (Died Sept 28 1808) Rachel Berson born at Thompson the 1 April AD 1790 (Died Sept 28 1811) Hannah Berson born at Ditto the 29 May AD 1792 Sarah Berson born at Ditto the 6 June AD 1796 Died Oct 10 1800 

I Anne Davenport of Webster in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged 87 years, and duly sworn according to law do testify & say, that I am the sister of the Widow Sarah Benson of Thompson Windham County state of Connecticut, late the wife of Barah Benson, & that she was married to said Barah Benson, in the fore part of the Revolutionary War, at what time I cannot remember, after her marriage, & while her husband was in the Army, she called & made me a visit, a little while before her first child, Jonathan Benson was born, my husband, was in the American Revolutionary Army at the same time. He was at Boston in the beginning of it & at York, the next year. her
Attest Jonathan Day Simond Davis
Anne L Davenport mark

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester County ss. Weston November 10 th 1836
Then personally appeared the above named Anna Davenport and made solemn Oath to the truth of the above Oposition by her subscribed & I further testify that the Deponent is a person of undoubted veracity
Jonathan Day Jus. Pacis.
I Joseph Benson of Thompson in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged 46 years and duly sworn according to law do testify and say that Sarah Benson who has made and signed the above declaration, is my mother & Sarah Benson was my father. He was a pensioner of the United States & drew forty Dollars per year for his services as a private soldier in the Revolutionary Army. He died on the 5 th Day of January A D 1836. He had resided at Thompson where he died. I believe for more than Forty years

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester County ss. Witness November 10 th 1836
Then personally appeared the above named Anna Davenport and made solemn Oath to the truth of the above O position by her subscribed & I further testify that the Deponent is a person of undoubted veracity
Jonathan Day Jus. Pacis.
I Joseph Benson of Thompson in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged 46 years and duly sworn according to law do testify and say that Sarah Benson who has made and signed the above declaration, is my mother & Sarah Benson was my father. He was a pensioner of the United States & drew forty Dollars per year. for his services as a private soldier in the Revolutionary Army. He died on the 5 th Day of January AD 1836. He had resided at Thompson where he died. I believe for more than Forty years

Sarah Benson of record is his Widow and has never married again sworn and subscribed the 10 th Day of November 1836 Joseph L. Benson
Before Talbot Crosby Judge of Probate
And I further Certify that the above named deponent Joseph Benson is a person of truth and veracity Attest Talbot Crosby Judge of Probate
I Simon Davis of Thompson in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged 54 years & duly sworn according to law. do testify and say that Barak Benson & his wife Sarah Benson have be known by me about 40 years past. They have resided on the same place in S. Thompson about that time. Barak Benson died on the 5 th of January 1836, & was a pensioner of the United States at the time. I assisted the said Sarah Benson, as his widow to receive the arrears of the pension due to said Barak at his death.
After the passage of the Act of Congress of June 7 th 1832. I assisted him in establishing his title to a pension under that act, & ever after in drawing his money under the same

Sarah Benson, who has made the above declaration is the widow, of the said Barab Benson Sworn and subscribed this 12 th Day of November 1836. and I further certify that deponent is a person of truth & credit
Before me Calcutt Crosby Judge of Probate
I, John Nichols Clerk of the Court of Probate within & for the District of Thompson in the County of Windham in the state of Connecticut certify that the annexed and foregoing are the proceedings in the matter of the application of Sarah Benson for a pension under the provision of an Act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court of Probate This 12 th Day of November 1836
John Nichols Clerk of Probate for the District of Thompson

Rev. War Section
March 3, 1917
Mr. Fred Benson, 2811 South State Street, Syracuse, New York.
Sir:
In addition to the military history of Barak Benson, Wid. File No. 25,339, Rev. War, you are furnished the following family data from the papers on file:
   Jonathan  Born  August 1, 1778    Sarah  "  April 31, 1778    Bilhah  "  February 1, 1780    Rhoda  "  {October, 1781, died at {age of 13 years, 1 mo.    Squire  "  December 31, 1784    Barak  "  {February 25, 1787 {Died August 1, 1807    Deborah  "  {April 3, 1788, married {William Sheldon in 1808 {and died Sept. 28, 1810    Joseph  "  April 1, 1790    Samuel  "  May 29, 1792    Mary  " "  {January 6, 1796 {Died September 8, 1807   
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

1917, Ind. 2. History to Fred & Benson.
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 25329
Sarah Benson
Wid. of
Barak Benson
Phil. Rev. war
Act: June 7th 1886.
Index:—Vol. A , Page 56
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1917, Inch. 2. History to Fred Benson.
Reg
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 25329
Sarah Benson
Wid. of
Barak Benson
Phil. Rev. war
Act: June 7 th 1886.
Index:—Vol. A , Page 56
[Arrangement of 1870.]

9428 Connecticut
Barak Denson of Thompson in the State of Conn who was a pri in the Conn command by Captain of the Reg command by Col Reed in the Conn line for
1. year
Old case
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn at the rate of 40 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of May 1833 and sent. Pension. Thompson Conn
Arrears to the 4th of March 33. $ 80 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sep. 33. 20 $100
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by E. D. Beebe Clerk, Book { Vol. 3 Page 4

When was Barak Bensen pri 40 H.P. an'n last p? at Count. agency act 7. June 32?
Good Nov 2. 1856
Dec 5. 1836 paid to that favor H

— Paroch Bensen Mass line Colo Reed 1776-1 yr
Services found
Admitted

I Aaron Bensen of Haverhill, in the County of Dorchester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawfull age and duly engaged according to law do testify and say, That in January 1776. I belonged to Capt Mores Knapp's Company in Col. Reads Regt, from which time I served in said Company & Regt. until January 1777 as a corporal, and now have a roll of said Company which I made at the time. That Barak Bensen of Thompson in Connecticut was in said Company as a gear man, and faithfully did his duty, and was honorably discharged, at the end of the 1776 - and that s d Bensen name now appears on my roll, said Regt was attached to Gen. Heaths Brigade & towards the close of the year to Gen. M c Dougals Brigade they & s d gear man on the Continental establishment. Thompson July 14 1819. Aaron Bensen
Winchamps. Thompson July 14. 1819. Then personally appeared the above named Aaron Bensen & made solemn oath to the truth of the deposition by him subscribed Boston Me. Simon Davis Jr Justice of the Peace.

I Asa Thayer of Uxbridge in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts. of lawful age & duly engaged according to law do testify and say that I served as a soldier in Capt. Moses Knapp's Company in Col. For Read's Regt. from January 1776. to January 1777. That Barah Benson of Thompson in the State of Connecticut, was a soldier in said Company and did his duty as a faithful soldier during said year. That my name & B. Benson, is on a roll of said Company made at New York & now in the hands Capt. Aaron Benson of Danvers. That said Regt. was in Gen. Heath's Brigade & towards the close of the year, in Gen. Putnam's Brigade, that said since was on the continental establishment Thompson July 12 th 1819. Asa Thayer
Windham P. Thompson July 14 th 1819. Then personally appeared the above named Asa Thayer and made solemn oaths to the truth of the deposition by him above subscribed. Before me Simon Davis Jr. Justice of the peace
I certify that the above & forenamed Asa Thayer and Aaron Benson, are men whose integrity & veracity cannot be questioned
Simon Davis Jr. Justice of the peace

We Asa Jacobs and Richard Hoyle Jr. both of Thompson in the County of Windham & State of Connecticut, being of lawful age and duly engaged according to law do testify and say, That we are well acquainted with Deacon Benson of Thompson who has applied for a pension as an old soldier, in the Revolutionary Army - and That he is poor and in need of assistance from his country for support, That he has only an old house and about 2000 acres of land, which is not worth more than four hundred Dollars - The land is very poor Thompson July 14 th 1819 Asa Jacobs Richard Hoyle Jr.
Windham Jp. Thompson July 14 th 1819. Then personally appeared before me the above named Asa Jacobs & Richard Hoyle Jr. and made solemn oaths to the truth of the above deposition by them subscribed.
Before me Simon Davis Jr. Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above deponents, are men of the strictest integrity for truth & veracity
Simon Davis Jr. Justice of the Peace

Mr. Fred Benson
2211 S. State Street Syracuse, N.Y.
Personal request (of his cousin Harold C. Benson) of Feb. 27, 1917.

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Barak Bensen a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (for his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. W. F. 25,329
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Jan. 1, 1776. 1 yr. Pvt Moses Knapp Joseph Read Mass.          
Battles engaged in, ✓
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Not stated.
Date of application for pension, July 17, 1819. His cl. was al.
Residence at date of application, Thompson, Windham Co., Conn.
Age at date of application, B. Oct. 11, 1757, at Gloucester, R. I.
Remarks: He mar. Mch. 29, 1776, at Gloucester, R. I.,  Sarah — who was born June 25, 1752. He died  Jan. 5, 1836, at Thompson, Conn., and she was  al. pen. on her ap. of Nov. 10, 1836, while a  resident of Thompson, Conn.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.