Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17,308, Benajah Bill, Conn. Privateer

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Comm.
Will, Benajah
24 17,308
Privateer
Content
CONTENTS

Connecticut 4884.
Set to L Pice Apr 11. 1843
Benajah Bill of Lyme in the State of Conn. who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Lothows of the Regt commanded by Col. Sedgwick in the Connecticut line for
22 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn at the rate of 73. Dollars 34. Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of Jan. 1833 and sent to Hon. N. Barber. H. of R.
Arrears to 4th of Sept r 1832 — $100. 01. Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar: 33. $36 67 $ 146 68.
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Francis J. Francioni Clerk, Book (8. Vol. 3. Page 70.
36 11. 65

3877 Benajah Bill-
 1 — 15 months  2 — 1 do  3 " 6 do 
On Land 22 months In Privately
Proof
 1 John Morgan's depn  2 Joseph Bills — do  2 & 3 
His own statement-
admit
Private 73. 34 — per ann
Barber
Return to be made to N. Barber H of R

State of Connecticut New London County Probate District of Lyme } ss Lyme
On this 7 th day of August A D 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Probate Court for the District of Lyme in the County of New London and State of Connecticut now sitting Benajah Tift of the Town of Lyme in the Probate District, County and State of Connecticut aged 72 years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declara- tion to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress. Parted June 29 th A D 1832 —
That he entered the service of the Uni- ted States under the following named officers and served as herein stated —
1. At the commencement of the Revolutionary War he enlisted at the Port of New London on board the Privateer Sloop Beaver Capt Havens master, the first pri- vateer fitted out from that port and performed two cruises in her and assisted in taking seven prizes, which were all brought into New London and there condemned. The assessments share of the prize money a- mounting to 1700 dollars, which was all paid here in Continental money, and by him kept until it became of little or no value —

2. He afterwards, (and as near as he can now recollect, in the month of March 1778 at Grooton in (said) County of New-London enlisted as a private in the Company commanded by Captain William Latham in Colonel William Sedgwick's Regiment in the Connecticut line for the term of one year (and served the term out at Fort Griswold in (said) Grooton. After his term expired he continued to serve in the same company under a new enlistment the further term of three months making fifteen months in the whole (and in one continued service — John Morgan and Joshua Hill both belonged to the same company (and can testify that the aforesaid served there. — He knows of no other witness —
The defendant was also called out while at home frequently at alarms at midnight (and served at different times during the war at least one month. He cannot state the times when he served but they were frequent when he was at home. — At one time when the Fort at Grooton was taken he was there eight days in succession — at other times he served three or four days (and a week at a time. He can state with confidence that he served in all three times at least one month. — The Fleet of the enemy lay in sight of Grooton almost the whole war and occasioned frequent alarms —
4/2/82 H. H. R.

sight of green arms and occasioned frequent alarms —
After that he went to New-Port in the State of Rhode Island and there enlisted as a private in Captain Coles's Company for a period of six months and served his term out, doing the duty nearly the whole time of a forage master for the American and French forces — Major Martin of Rhode Island was at the head of the Quarter masters department, at that time — and department served under him principally — He had the department for his services and from him the department received his orders — The department was not employed as a laborer but regularly enlisted, and drew his rations regularly with the others — His duty consisted chiefly in dealing and weighing out hay to the French and American Light horse and made his report every day regularly to the Major's department. The department was a stranger when he went there and knows of no one now who can testify to the same. He afterwards served on board different privateers and assisted in taking a number of prizes —
He served in the land forces 22 months — and the greater part of the remainder of the War on board of different different privateers — He assisted in taking a large number of prisoners, and delivered them to the Commanding Officer at New-London — While on board of the privateer Randolph he assisted in taking two British Priests, one carried fourteen guns & the other twelve guns — The prisoners he assisted in taking were very useful to the Americans — In his tours on the land he at all times served as a private.

mean as He was born in the Town of Groton in the County of New-London on the 20 th day of June 1760 and resided there until about twelve years ago when he removed to Lynn where he has ever since resided. He has mentioned the names of all the officers with whom he served and can now recollect - he resided in the town of Groton aforesaid when he entered the service - and both times entered as a volunteer - He never received any written discharge - and has no documentary evidence of his service - He was never in any battle on the land - and never received any pension - His age is recorded in the Town Records of Groton in his bible - He knows of no record of his age - and he is known to great numbers of the inhabitants of the town of Lynn who can testify to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution - He is well known both to the judge and Clerk of Probate in Lynn
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 - Thus subscribed the day of June aforesaid - }
Benjamin Bill

day year aforesaid - }
Benaiah Bill
We Josiah Hawes a Clergyman residing in the Town of Lyme County of New London aforesaid and Oliver Spencer residing in the same Town of Lyme hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benaiah Bill who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 72 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
Josiah Hawes Oliver Spencer
And the said Court hereby declare after the investigation their opinion of the matter, and after putting the interrogatives prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a Rev. who has who served as he states, And the court further certifies that it appears to them that Josiah Hawes who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the same Town of Lyme aforesaid and that Oliver Spencer who has signed the same is a resident in the same Town of Lyme and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit
Joel Boarmidge Judge of Court
I Joshua R Warren Clerk of the court of Probate for the District of Lyme aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benaiah Bill for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the office of the court of Probate the 7 th day of August ——— AD 1832
Joshua R Warren Clerk

11436.
Connecticut
Resolute
Content, Bill widow of Benajah Bill who was a Private Conn. in the Revolution
Rate of death roll on 88-
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 4 1/3 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of Jan'y 1844 and sent to Hon. G. S. Wallin Sec'y of Reps
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book 4 Vol. 1. Page 63.

State of Connecticut County of New London Probate District of Lyme June 4 th . A.D. 1843
On this 4 th day of June 1843 personally appeared before the Subscriber Judge of the Court of Probate for said district of Lyme Content Bill a resident of said Town of Lyme in the State, County & District aforesaid Aged Eighty two years and being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the Act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 and the Act Supplementary and Explanatory thereof passed August 1842 that she is the Widow of Benajah Bill late of said Lyme deceased Who was a private in the Army of the revolution and Who was a pensioner of the United States by the Act of Congress passed June 1832 that she was married to the said Benajah Bill in the Town of Groton in said New London County by Jonathan Brewster a Justice of the Peace for said New London County on the 17 day of January A.D. 1782 but that she can find no person alive Who saw her married nor can she find any record of her marriage Except on the Old family Bible that her husband the said Benajah Bill died at

Said Lyne on the 22 nd day of May A 1842 that she has never since been married but still remains his Widow
Sworn and Subscribed on the day and year above
Consent Bill
Written before me in Open Court in testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said Court
Godolphin Bill Judge
State of Connecticut I do hereby certify that the foregoing November 25 th 1843 -
I hereby certify that the seal affixed to the foregoing record is the seal of the Court of Probate for the district of Lyne that I was necessarily absent from said Special Court before mentioned & that by law & usage of this State a Judge of Probate is authorized to affix said seal and give Certified Copies of record
John W. Bill Clerk

State of Connecticut
New London County ss I Lynn June 27 th 1843
Personally appeared Content Bill, aged 82 years and Betsey Bill aged 61 years and John W. Bill aged 31 years and on their oaths depose and say that they were present & saw the record attached hereto taken from an Old family Bible which has for a long space of time been the family Bible of Benajah Bill late of Lynn deceased and that the record above mentioned is the only early family record they have ever known and the one from which the children of said Benajah Bill did have copied into their Bibles as the record of the Marriages births & deaths of the family of said Benajah Bill and that they believe the same to be a true record of the Marriages of the said Benajah Bill & Content Parks
Content Parks Bill
Betsey Bill
John W. Bill
Sworn & subscribed on the day & year above written before
Mr. Lodowick Bill Justice of Peace
& I further certify that the above named deponents are persons of respectability and Credible Witnesses Lodowick Bill Justice of Peace Lynn Nov 25 th 1843
Benajah Bill was born Jan'y 29 th 1760 Content Parks was born Feb'y 14 th 1761 Benajah Bill & Content Parks were married January 17 th 1782 Nehemiah Bill was born Dec'm 29 th 1782 Lodowick Bill was born Oct'y 9 th 1784 Pamela Bill was born January 27 th 1788

I Elisha Morgan of the town of Groton County of New London and State of Connecticut, of lawful age, on my oath depose and say, that I hold the office of Town Clerk for said town of Groton and that I have carefully examined the records of said town for a record of the marriage of Benajah Bill, formerly of said Groton, now deceased, and Content Parks, and that I cannot find any record of said marriage. I further certify that I find a record of the birth of Sedowic Bill son of Benajah Bill and Content his Wife October 9 th 1784 Elisha Morgan Town Clerk
State of Connecticut New London County ss. Groton June 14 th 1843 This day personally came before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the New London County residing in said town of Groton duly authorized by the laws of said State to administer oaths, the above named Elisha Morgan and made solemn oath to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed. And I further certify that the said Elisha Morgan holds the office of Town Clerk of said town of Groton and that he is a credible person. Subscribed and sworn this 14 th day of June A.D. 1843 Before me Robert A Avery Justice of Peace

May 15, 1936
Benajah Bill-W.17308 BA-J/AWF OW
Mr. Stanley Kelley 14 Somerset Street Boston, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Benajah Bill, soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data furnished herein were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, W. 17308, based upon the service of Benajah Bill in the War of the Revolution.
Benajah Bill was born June 20 or 29, 1760 in Groton, New London County, Connecticut. The names of his parents were not given.
While residing in Groton, he served early in the Revolution, two cruises on the Privateer Sloop, "Beaver", Captain Havens, and assisted in taking seven prizes; length of this service not given. He enlisted sometime in March, 1778 and served fifteen months as a private in Captain William Latham's company under Colonel William Ledyard at Fort Griswold. He enlisted at Newport, Rhode Island, served six months as forage master under Captain Carey and Major Martin. He was out on various alarms, about one month, officers names not shown. The remainder of the Revolution he served on various privateers; one the "Randolph", and assisted in taking two British privateers.
He moved from Groton about 1820 to Lyme, Connecticut. He was allowed pension on his application ex-

outed August 7, 1832, then living in Lyme, Connecticut.
The soldier, Benajah Bill, married January 17, 1782 in Groton, Connecticut, Content Parks. She was born February 4, 1761, place not stated, nor are the names of her parents given.
The soldier died May 22, 1842 in Lyme, Connecticut. The widow, Content Bill, was allowed pension on her application executed June 7, 1843, then a resident of Lyme, Connecticut.
The names of their children as designated in the claim:
Molly born December 29, 1782 Lodowick " October 9, 1784 Eunice " January 27, 1788
data were also
The following is also shown in 1843- Betsey Bill was aged sixty-one years; John W. Bill was aged thirty-one years; John W. Bill was Clerk of the Court of the District of Lyme; Lodowick Bill was Judge of the Probate Court of the District of Lyme. It is not stated that the John W. Bill aged thirty-one years, and the Clerk of the Court, were the same person, nor is it shown that the Lodowick Bill, Judge of the Court was identical with the son of that name. The relationship of these persons to the family of the soldier is not stated.
One Joshua Bill in 1832 was seventy years of age and living in Groton, Connecticut; he served with the soldier, Benajah Bill, at Fort Griswold, no relationship stated.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

tory to Ohio.
Rev WIDOW, &c.
Apr. 10. 1897 - His Mr. S. A. Johnson Akron
File No. 17308
Content Bill widow of Benajah Bill Prio. Rev'war
1913 Dec 2 Hish. to Fred A. Bill. 1920 March 9 Hish. to L. M. [?] 1925 Nov 11 West to E. [?] 1937 Jan 5 Mrs. B. [?] advised [?] 1936 May 15 - Hish. to Stanley [?]
Act: March 3. 1843
Index: - Vol. 1 , Page 6
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Let to M. D. Hendrick Dec. 17. 42

Connecticut 7984
Report
Content Bill
widow of Benajah Bille
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 1832 and who died on the 22 nd May 1842 of New London co in the State of Connecticut who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Southworth — of the Regiment commanded by Col Sedgwick in the Connecticut line for 22 March
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 73 — Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 nd day of December 1843 and sent to Hon. A. S. Callin, House of Representatives
Total Amount, $ 346 65
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Geo C Ames Clerk, Book D Vol. 1 Page 77

I hereby certify, that Samuel Green Esq r , before whom the annexed dep- ositions of John Morgan and John Bell were taken, and Henry M c . Waite, before whom the annexed deposition of Benajah Bell was taken, are and at the times when said depositions were taken, were, justices of the Peace for the county of New London in the State of Connecticut, and that the signatures to the certificates upon the two former depositions are in the proper hand writing of the said Samuel Green - and the signature to the deposition certificate upon the deposition of the said Benajah Bell, is in the proper hand writing of the said Henry M c . Waite - and that the said justices have been duly appointed, commissioned and qualified - Dated Washington 28 th January 1833
Fayer H. Park
H.

I John Morgan of the Town of Groton in the County of New London (and State of Connecticut) aged Twenty Two Years on Oath depose and say that I am well acquainted with Bennoiah Bille formerly of Groton aforesaid but now of Syme in said New London County and know that he was in the service of the United States during the War of the Revolution. I served in Fort Griswold Eighteen Months in Capt W m Lothous Company under Col. D m Sedgwick as a private (I was wounded at the Taking of D t Fort on the 6 th Sept r 1781 — as a volunteer at that time). I enlisted into said Company of Capt Lothous in the Year 1777 & served Eighteen Months in that Year & in 1778 and well remember that Bennoiah Bille served While I was there One Year or more as a private in said Company John Morgan
State of Connecticut
County of New London 13 August 1832
Personally appeared John Morgan and subscribed and made Oath to the foregoing deposition
Before me — Sam Green, Jus of the Peace
I hereby certify that John Morgan who has subscribed & made Oath to the above deposition before me is personally known to me & is a credible person — Sam Green, Jus of the Peace

I Joshua Bice of the Town of Groton in the County of New London and State of Connecticut - being Seventy years of age do hereby depose & say that I am well acquainted with Benjamin Bice formerly of the Town of Groton aforesaid but now of the Town of of Ledyard in said County and know that he was in the service of the United States during the Revolutionary War - I Enlisted with Capt William Lothams Company in Col. D r Ledyards Regiment Stationed at Fort Griswold I Enlisted first for Six Months & at the expiration of said Term Enlisted for twelve Months & served during said two Terms of Eighteen Months & well remember that said Benjamin Bice Enlisted into the same Company & served with me One year or more -
Joshua Bice
State of Connecticut
County of New London 6 th August 1832
Personally appeared Joshua Bice & subscribed & made Oath to the foregoing deposition
Before me -
Sam Green Jus of the Peace
I hereby certify that Joshua Bice, who has sub- scribed and made oath to the above deposition on before me, is personally known to me and is a credible person.
Sam Green, Jus of the Peace

State of Connecticut } New London County } Syme
On this 5 th day of January 1844 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace for the County of New London Mrs Content Bill a resident of the Town of Syme in the County of New London Aged Eighty two years Who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed on the 3 d . of March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war —
That she is the widow of Benajah Bill Who was a private in the army of the revolution. That the proof of the services of her deceased husband are now in the pension office. that the said Benajah Bill was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of seventy three dollars & thirty three cents per annum and that she is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of seventy three dollars & thirty three cents per annum under the act of July 7 th 1838
She further declares that she is still the widow of the said Benajah Bill having never married since his death — Sworn & subscribed on the day and year above written
Content Bill
Before me
Lodowick Bill a Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut
New London County ss. Lyme January 5 th . 1844
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Content Bill the declarant in the foregoing application and that she is personally known to me from my childhood.
Lodowick Bill Justice of the Peace

I Benjamin Bill ofayne in the county of Rockland and state of Connecticut aged 73 years as oaths before and say, that I served at Fort Griswold in Rockland  Grotan fifteen months in succession as stated in my application for a pension - I, in the first place, enlisted for one year and At the expiration of that time, most of the Company left the fort - John Morgan and Joshua Bill of Grotan in this county served with me during that year, but at the end of that year, left the fort - It was very much of an object with the authorizing them to keep up the garrison there - Continental money had very much de- preciated - and the said Joshua & John and a great part of the garrison there, were unwilling to remain - A part of the garri- son and among the remainder was myself consented to remain until another body of men could be enlisted, and in consequence of that, I remained at the fort a further term of three months making with the twelve months fifteen in the whole - I cannot recollect a single person now living that continued to serve with me the last three months

1 although there were a considerable number that continued with me. — All that I can now recollect are dead — I state these facts to explain the reason why the said John & John cannot testify respecting my service during the whole fifteen months. — Colonel Ledyard continued them the whole fifteen months and so did all, nearly all the other officers — One reason that operated upon me and others to continue longer than the year, was that the commandant promised us, that our wages should be made equal to what they would be if paid in gold and silver — The army ships were at that time lying in Gardner's Bay a short distance from the Town of Groton — Benjamin Bill
State of Connecticut County of New London ss Dyme January 18th 1833 Personally appeared Benjamin Bill and subscribed and made oath to the foregoing deposition before me Henry M. White Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut Probate District of Lyme New London County, Lyme June 27 th 1843
I John W. Bill Clerk of the Court of Probate for the district of Lyme hereby certify that Doctor William Bill is a Justice of the Peace for New London County legally qualified to administer Oaths in Witness Whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of said Court on the day & Year above written
John W. Bill, Clerk

7758 Conlent Pill
Coni
Act 9. July 38 m 82. a 42.
adm? 22 mo. pri 73.33
7984 79
Hm. G. S. Catlin K102

State of Connecticut New London County
Probate Office Simsbury November 25 th 1843
The foregoing declaration of Consent Bill was made at a special Court held for that purpose by me according to law and the Clerk of said Court being necessarily absent the Certificate was made and the seal of Court affixed by me in conformity to the law & usage of the State of Connecticut
Attest Doodwitt Bill Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Simsbury

Syracuse June 27 th 1842
To S r Edwards Esq r Sir I herewith forward two applications of widows for pensions which you will please examine and if any further proof is wanting please communicate to me what further proof is required the papers of Burrough Bill for pension are before you - so that the proof of his services are not necessary at this time also the proof of his death I presume are also in the Office - which rendered as I presumed unnecessary to make further proof -
Yours respectfully Ludowick Bill

6. Bill
$73:33 per a
Hon. G. S. Catlin H. Rep

House of Representatives Washington July 10 th 1844.
Hon S. V. Cameron Commissioner of Pensions. Sir.
I have the honor to enclose for your early and favorable consideration the Application of Mrs Comfort Bill, widow of Benjamin Bill Esq d late a pensioner of the U. States, for the benefits of the provisions of the Act of Congress of the 3 rd of March 1843.—
I beg leave to say that Benjamin Bill Esq d before whom the declaration is made, and who certifies to the character of Mrs Comfort Bill is and for many years has been a Justice of the Peace in the County of New London, State of Connecticut.

The B. F. Goodrich Co. Akron Rubber Works.
Akron, O.
March 17th, 1897.
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions.
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,-
I wish to get the Revolutionary War Record of " Benajah Bill " who was a pensioner 1832-1840.
He was from Lyme, New London Co., Conn. The Adjutant General of Connecticut advises me, as follows:
"Benajah Bill's name appears on page 655 "Conn. men in the Revolution, a pensioner, 1832, residing in New London Co."
"On page 661, same book, Benajah Bill, same person of Lyme, New London Co., age 79, from census of pensioners under Act 1840."
Among your records there, can you inform me in what capacity my ancestor, Benajah Bill , served in the Revolution? I am seeking admission to the Society S.A.R.
If you will kindly write me at your early convenience, I shall feel obliged,
Very truly
S. N. Johnston

S.N. JOHNSTON. AKRON, OHIO.
3/30/1897.
Hon. Com. Pensions. } Dear Sir }.
Pardon me for calling attention to my letter of March 17. re. Revolutionary War Record of Benajah Bill who was a pensioner 1832-40 but if you could give me an early Reply. I would feel greatly obliged. Respectfully S. N. Johnston

President: CAPT. HENRY A. CASTLE, St. Paul.
Past Presidents: HON. ELL TORRANCE, Minneapolis HON. JUDSON WADE BISHOP, St. Paul HON. EDWARD C. STRINGER, St. Paul HON. HENRY A. BOARDMAN, St. Paul HON. FRANK G. McMILLAN, Minneapolis HON. WILLIAM B. DEAN, St. Paul HON. JAMES C. HAYNES, Minneapolis HON. JOHN DAY SMITH, Minneapolis HON. CHARLES KEITH, Princeton HON. JESSE A. GREGG, St. Paul HON. ELLIS J. WESTLAKE, Minneapolis HON. EDWARD P. SANBORN, St. Paul HON. JOHN H. RIHELDAFFER, Minneapolis
Vice Presidents: CHARLES T. THOMPSON, Minneapolis GIDEON S. IVES, St. Paul
Honorary Vice Presidents: PROF. JAMES J. DOW, Faribault, Minn. WILL OREN CHAMBERLIN, Minneapolis HON. WALTER H. SANBORN, St. Paul HON. GEN. LEWIS A. GRANT, Minneapolis
Secretary: CHARLES H. BRONSON, 48 East Fourth Street, St. Paul
Assistant Secretary: EARNEST A. COUNTRYMAN, St. Paul
Treasurer: EDWARD S. STRINGER, 306 Nat. Ger. Bank Bldg., St. Paul
MINNESOTA SOCIETY
SAINT PAUL, MINN.
Registrar: CHARLES STEES, 165 East Seventh Street, St. Paul
Historian: REV. SAMUEL W. DICKINSON, St. Paul
Chaplain: REV. M. D. EDWARDS, D. D., St. Paul
Board of Managers.
CHARLES W. EDDY, St. Paul WILLIAM J. DEAN, St. Paul DOUGLAS PUTNAM, St. Paul ALEXANDER E. HORN, St. Paul FRANK FORD, St. Paul ROBERT B. WARE, St. Paul
LOUIS P. CHUTE, Minneapolis ROBERT D. CONE, Minneapolis FRED A. BILL, Minneapolis CLARENCE A. BROWN, Minneapolis DR. CHARLES A. MCCOLLOM, Minneapolis JOSEPH E. WARE, Minneapolis
STILLMAN H. BINGHAM, Duluth CHARLES L. CONGER, McIntosh, Minn. ALONZO T. STEBBINS, Rochester HENRY P. BACON, Milaca C. W. CLARK, South St. Paul DR. THOMAS C. CLARK, Stillwater DOUGLAS GREELEY, Pine City HON. WINFIELD S. HAMMOND, St. James
827 Lumber Exchange, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Nov/24/13.
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:--
We would like to get the Revolutionary War Record of one Benajah Bill. One account says he was a member of Major Wyllys's Company, Col. Webb's Connecticut Regiment. Another account says that he served 22 months under Col. Ledyard and Capt. Lothom, having enlisted from New London, Connecticut.
We would like the entire record and should there have been two of the same name, the record of both.
Thanking you in advance for your kind attention, I am,
Yours truly,
Fred A. Bill,

THE CONNECTICUT SOCIETY.
Rev Sec K
PRESIDENT, WILSON H. LEE, NEW HAVEN.
VICE-PRESIDENT, ISAAC W. BROOKS, TORRINGTON.
SECRETARY, CHARLES G. STONE, HARTFORD.
TREASURER, HENRY C. SHERWOOD, BRIDGEPORT.
REGISTRAR, FREDERICK BOSTWICK, NEW HAVEN.
HISTORIAN FRANK B. GAY, HARTFORD.
Necrologist Everett Belknap Hartford
Hartford Conn Feb. 29. 1916 67 Vine Street
Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions Gentlemen
Will you kindly give me the record of Benajah Bill of Byrnes Conn Who was on the pension lists of 1832 & 1840
also of Nathan Gallup of Groton Conn his record, if he was a pensioner?
I wish these only, for proof of service to join the Sons of the American Rev- olution also the Daughters of same
Thanking you very much for your kindness I am Sincerely Yours
Everett Belknap
Necrologist Conn. S. A. R.

Hollywood, Calif - 10-10-1925.
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.
Dear Sir,
I am looking up the military services of my ancestor, Benajah Bill who was a private in the American Revolution; He was born in Groton Conn 1760, died in Lynde Conn 1842. I wrote the Adjutant General of Conn. In answer he said Benajah Bill's name appears as a Connecticut pensioner in 1832, residing in New London County, and in 1840 residing in Lynde New London County, aged 79 years. and suggested I communicate with the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D. C. Any information you can furnish me as to his place of residence during over

The Revolution &c. will be greatly appreciated,
Yours Truly,
Mrs. Jeanette C. Reisfelder,
R. H. D. #10, Box 831
Willow Trail. Laurel Canyon,
Hollywood. Los Angeles,
California

Hotel Bonnie Brier
6806 HOLLYWOOD BLVD.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIF.
Oct 1 - 1926.
United States, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir,
Would you kindly give me all data you have of my ancestor Isaac Newton , b. Feb. 10 - 1777 Crawford N. H. Served in the Rev. War , 1776, in Captain Simonds Co. 1 st New Hampshire Reg. also Shurburns Reg. Blackmans Co. He had a son Samuel Newton b. 1782, w. Polly Bill. dau of Benjamin Bill.

Hotel Bonnie Brier
6806 HOLLYWOOD BLVD.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIF.
who also was in the Rev. War. I wish to know where and when he was married? He married Hannah Giles, dau. of Rev. Benjamin Giles, of Boston. Mass. & Newport R.I. Also where he lived during his enlistment? & of a pensioner?
Yours Truly,
Mrs. Jeannette C. Peiferider, Hotel Bonnie Brier, Hollywood. Los Angeles. California.

The Boston City Club
✓FOURTEEN SOMERSET STREET ∴ BOSTON ∴ MASSACHUSETTS LAFAYETTE 4500
April 29, 1936
MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT
Pension Office, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen;
I am desirous of find- ing the facts concerning
Benajah Bill Connecticut Pensioner 1832 W 1730 8
He served in the War of the Revolution and I am desirous of learning the name of his company and regiment.
I shall appreciate any information you may choose to give me.
Thanking you in advance, I am
Very truly yours,
Stanley Kelley Membership Secretary

L. W. B. W. 17308.
This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services. Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
April 10, 1897.
Sir:-
Replying to your request for information concerning Benajah Bill, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you are advised that he made an application for pension on August 7, 1832, at which time he was 72 years of age and residing at Lyme, Conn., and his pension was allowed for twenty-two months' actual service as a private in the Conn. troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Lothom and Col. Ledyard. He enlisted at New London, Conn.
His widow, Content, made an application and received a pension for the service of her husband as above set forth.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mr. S. N. Johnson,
Akron Rubber Works,
Akron, Ohio.

3-2027
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF PENSIONS WASHINGTON
FINAL
January 11 5, 1927
Mrs. Jeannette C. Reifsnyder
% Hotel Bonnie Brier
Hollywood, Los Angeles, Calif.
Madam:
I have to advise you that the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to Isaac Newton.
The history of the only soldier named Benajah Bill found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau, was furnished you on November 11, 1925, and owing to the lack of a clerical force available for the purpose, the history of a soldier of the Revolution is furnished only once to each inquirer.
Respectfully,
EINFIELD SCOTT 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 Benajah Hill a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1778 15 mos Pvt. William Latham William Edwards Kentucky   1778 1 mo Corral Forage Master Harvey Major Martin   The remainder of war served on different privations, one of which was the Randolph, and helped capture two British privations.  
Battles engaged in, _____ Residence of soldier at enlistment, Griffin, Ky Date of application for pension, Aug 11 1865 Residence at date of application, Griffin, Ky Age at date of application, 64
Remarks:
He was at Griffin born Jan'y 11 1761. Content Parks who was in Ky in 1761. She was at Danville on an affr. in June 1783, while a resident of Green County. She died near Holstege Dec. 29 1782. Interred Oct 9 1784. Married Jan'y 27 1788.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

Nov. 11, 1925.
Mrs. J. C. Reifsnider, Care Hesper Newton, R.F.D.10, Box 831, Willow Trail, Laurel Canyon, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Calif.
Madam:
I have to advise you, that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 17308, it appears that Benajah Bill was born Dec. 20, 1750, at Groton, Connecticut, and while living there, at the commencement of the Revolution served two cruises on the Privateer Sloop, Beaver, Captain Havens, Master. Dates of this service not stated.
He enlisted in March 1778 and served fifteen months as a private in Captain William Latham's Company, Colonel William Ledyard's Connecticut Regiment. He also served six months as Forage Master under Captain Carey and Major Martin, and one month on various alarms, dates not stated.
Thereafter of the Revolution he served on various privateers, one the "Randolph", names of others not given.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 7, 1832, while living in Lyme, Connecticut, where he died May 23, 1843.

He married January 17, 1782, at Groton, Connecticut Content Parks, who was born February 4, 1761. She was allowed pension on her application executed June 7, 1843, while living at Lyme, Connecticut.
Their children: Molly, born December 29, 1782, Lodo- wick born October 9, 1784 and Eunice born January 27, 1788.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.