Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 783, Elisha Bentley, Conn. Mass. R.I.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Bentley, Elisha
B 782
Mass
R.I.
CONTENTS
[Blank lined area for service entries]
[Blank lined area for number entries]

1157
E Poultry MR 639
14.590
Feb. 14. 1838
Ref. to Com. on Rev. Pension
Mar. 21. 1838. Bill No. 681
February 4. 1839
referred to Com. on Rev. Pension
Feb 25 1839
Bill _____ 1171

State of New York Washington County
Anne Spink of the town of Fort Ann in Said County, being duly sworn according to Law deposes and says, that she is in the Seventy Second year of her age and that she is a Sister of Elisha Bentley whose declaration for a Pension is hereto annexed and that he now resides in the town of Mayfield in the County of Montgomery and State aforesaid
This deponent further saith that during the Revolution ary war they both lived in their Father family except when he was in the United States Service - That in the Month of June A.D. 1776 - he the said Elisha Bentley enlisted into the United States Service as a private Soldier for nine Months and left home for that purpose and in September after she this deponent was informed that he the said Elisha lost his Clothes in an Action or battle That her Father sent him a new Supply of Clothing - and at the expiration of nine Months he returned home - Soon after his return home he Elisha left and went into the Service as a Substitute for his brother Thomas Bentley (who is now deceased) for two months - At Dover and after two Months he returned home
This deponent further saith that in June A.D. 1777 he the said Elisha Bentley turned out as a Volunteer in the Militia of Massachusetts and left home for the Service and returned in the Fall
And further this deponent saith that In the Month of June A.D. 1778 he the said Elisha Bentley enlisted into the United States Service for three years. That during his service he came home on a Furlough and this deponent saw the Furlough and heard it read that he remained home a few days and returned to the Army - And at the Close of the Revolutionary War he the said Elisha returned home and had a discharge in writing that she has at the time frequently seen and heard the discharge read and this deponent further saith that Benjamin Spink was out once in the Service with him Elisha Bentley and afterward became his husband now deceased And further this deponent saith not
Subscribed and sworn this 24 th day of January 1834 before me. I also certify that Anne Spink this deponent is reputed to have a Character good for truth & veracity
Anne Spink
Benj: Copeland Justice Peace

State of New York Washington county ss.
I James Broadpitt Deputy clerk of the said county do hereby certify that Benjamin Cuseland Esquire before whom the within affi- davit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same a Justice of the peace in and for said county and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said county this twenty fifth day of January 1834.
J. Broadpitt Dep Clerk.

State of New York } County of Montgomery }
On this 8 th day of June 1833 personally came before me Wm M c Combell, a justice of the peace in and for the aforesaid county, Elisha Bently, known to me to be the identical Elisha Bently Bentley who made the annexed declaration on oath in open court, on the 19 th day of September last, who being before me duly sworn, according to law, deposes and saith that he served
first as a private enlisted soldier in the War of the Revolution, as stated in said declaration, nine months commencing about the 1 st of June 1776; then two months
as a substitute for Thomas Bently who was drafted, commencing in March 1777; then at least four months as a volunteer, commencing in June 1777; And in the month of June 1778 he enlisted as a private for
three years but was returned for during the War, then he served until the close of the war, and was discharged at New York in the fall of 1783 after the British evacuated the City; That after his last enlistment he served as
a private in Capt. Chatman's Co. in Col. Mugg's Regiment, until at the storming of a Refuge fort at Sloyk's Neck on Long Island, a Sergeant of said Company Sgt. Samuel Cornstock, was mortally wounded, and that
this deponent was then chosen or appointed to his place, and served as 2 d Sergeant in said Co. until discharged as aforesaid, the precise time of his service as a Sergeant he does not positively remember, but according to the
best of his recollection it was not less than two years and six months; And for said service he claims a pension. Having served in all as stated in said declaration at least six years and seven months and further
saith not.
Sworn & subscribed the 8 th day of June 1833 before me
Elisha Bently
Wm M c Combell Justice of the peace

State of New York Montgomery County Clerk's Office
Ys: I, George D. Ferguson, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Mont- gomery County, do hereby certify that William M c Connell, Esq. before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn, was on the date thereof, a Justice of the peace of said County; and that I am acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe that his name subscribed to the within affidavit is genuine.
And I further certify that Seymour M c John & Elias Dawley formerly appeared in open Court at the September term thereof in the year 1832, & before the judges of the said Court of Common Pleas took & subscribed the annexed affidavits to which their names appear subscribed: And the said Court have directed me as their Clerk to certify to the War Department that the said Seymour M c John & Elias Dawley are persons of truth and veracity, and their statements are entitled to credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 10 th day of June 1833.
Geo: D. Ferguson

State of New York } ss Montgomery County }
On this twentieth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirtytwo personally appeared in open court before the court of common Pleas of the county of Montgomery now sitting Elisha Bently a resident of the town of Mayfield in the county of Montgomery and State of New York aged seventytwo years the twentyfirst day of October in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirtyone 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 seventh one thousand eight hundred and thirtytwo that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served up having stated, Your applicant says that he enlisted as a soldier in the service of the United States for the term of nine months some time in fore part of June in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirtytwo, at the town of Norwich in the County of New London and State of Connecticut under Captain DeRosa Huntington that the other commissioned officers belonging to the company commanded by the said Captain Huntington to which your applicant belonged were the first Lieutenant Dewey; second Lieutenant Wheaton; and Ensign Farny, their Christian names he the said Elisha has forgotten that the said Captain Huntington assigned to which he the said Elisha your applicant belonged, and within a few days after he the said Elisha Bently your applicant enlisted went to New York and to the said

Elisha went with the said company and was Dismounted to Colonel Saltonstall's Regi- ment and stationed at the Great Battery, and remained there about two months; That he the said Elisha and the Regiment to which he belonged with several other Regiments then went to Long Island under command of Major General Putnam to reinforce General Green, that these forces remain- ed on Long Island a few days only after he the said Elisha got there, before the British landed at Flat Bush on Long Island, and the American retreated back to New York and the Brigade to which he the said Elisha Bently belonged was stationed at a place called Turtle Bay, that two days after, the British shipping came the British Army landed, and there was a warm engagement between the British and the Brigade to which he the said Elisha Bently your applicant belonged, and that he the said Elisha was in the engagement at West River and that about one half of the Brigade to which he the said Elisha belonged were either killed or taken prison- ers, that he the said Elisha escaped by forcing his way (as did all that did escape) through the enemy's ranks and then wading the creek above Turtle Bay, that in the battle were killed Brigade Major Wilkinson or Millhison, and Second Lieutenant Wheaton, which last mentioned belonged to the same company of which your applicant belonged, that the remaining part of the Brigade to which the said Elisha your applicant belonged who were not killed or taken prisoners

collected the night after the battle a little below a place then called Kingsbridge that that night the Americans were seen for and worked all night building a fort work and the next morning the British came on again, and another battle was fought and the enemy was compelled to retreat that the said Elisha your applicant was in the battle at that time that he the said Elisha cannot exactly recollect the month but that it was as he thinks in the latter part of the summer or before cold weather set in in the fall, that he the said Elisha and that part of the army to which he the said Elisha belonged, the next day after the battle passed over Kingsbridge and the brigade to which he the said Elisha belonged encamped on what was then called Kings bridge farm, and remained there about a month, that then the enemy came, a skirmishing was had, and the Americans retreated to White Plains above New York. That after remaining awhile at White Plains, the British came again before the Americans arrive at this place and a battle was fought, and that the British were compelled to retreat, that he the said Elisha your applicant was in said battle which was late in the fall as near as he the said Elisha can recollect. That he the said Elisha remained at White Plains in the service of the United States after said battle was fought, until the term of nine months for which he the said Elisha was enlisted, was up, which was in the month of March next ensuing.

Seven hundred and seventy seven and was then discharged and returned home That within a few days after, at the town of Richmond, County of Providence, and State of Rhode Island, in the month of March, one thousand eight hundred and and seventy seven by the said Elisha Bentley, went as a substitute for one Thomas Bentley (who was drafted for two months) to a place called the narrow gorges where in the state of Rhode Island as a guard under Captain Thomas Stanton and remained there two months in the service of the United States and was then discharged in the month of May. And further that in the latter part of the month of May or the first part of the month of June in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventy seven by the said Elisha Bentley gave affidavit, at the town of Tyringham in the county of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts, that he was drafted under Captain Herrick, the Connecticut Aid company with Nelson, and the indignity was that Thomas Danford, that he the said Elisha with the said company commanded by the said Captain Herrick went to Fort Defiance, Prince William County Regiment in General Hisey's Brigade that the said Regiment went then to Hingham, stayed five or six days, that then the Indians and Tories came upon the said Hisey's Regiment, to which the said Elisha belonged, that a battle was fought in which twelve of the soldiers of the said Regi- ment were killed, and about fifty wounded that Colonel Hisey's horse was shot dead under him while in the action. That

he the said Elisha was in the said battle that the enemy retreated, and the next day the Regiment returned to Fort Edward and from Fort Edward went to Fort Miller, and from there to Schuyler and were again attached to Misen's Brigade at Saratoga, and remained there near three months on the opposite side of the River from Burgoyne's Army and the night before Burgoyne was taken the said Misen's Brigade crossed the north River and the next day was at the taking of Burgoyne, and that he, the said Elisha your applicant was then in the service and present when Burgoyne sur- rendered, and within a few days after Bur- goyne was taken the said Brigade was discharged and he the said Elisha was also discharged in the month of September or October — And further that he the said Elisha your applicant in the month of June in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight at the town of Woodbury in the county of Litchfield and State of Connecticut enlisted under Captain Ezra Chatfield for the term of three years as a soldier in the continental service of the United States but was returned by the recruiting officer enlisted during the war. That the said Elisha in the said Captain Chatfield's company, went to a place called the Horseneck on the east River about twenty or thirty miles above New York where a Regiment was formed under the command of Colonel Muzzey and that one Smith was the Major of said Regiment, that the said Regi- ment was then attached to Brigadier General Huntington's Brigade, that the said Col Muzzey's Regiment to which he the said Elisha belonged
Continued 3 years Capt Chatfield All things

went by the name of the leather cap Regiments and wore a leather cap with plait in front marked fig figuring, the number of the Regiment, and always paraded on the right of the Brigade. That the said Elisha in the said Regiment and Brigade continued at the hide-neck and at the white plain until in the month of May or June in the year one thousand seven hundred and sixty nine at which time a guard was formed out of Colonel Muggs Regiment to prevent the Refugees and Tories from plundering the inhabit- ants on the north side of the east River or down and prevent the refugees from loping in their boats and that the said Elisha was one of the said guards that at one time in the night he the said Elisha with several others of the guard went out with boats and took a long gun slop and thirteen forage boats that had crossed the River and run up into Redhooker creek to plunder and also that he the said Elisha Bently your applicant at one time in a boat commanded by one Valentine Bider in company with another boat and crew commanded by one Brewster and while stationed as a guard as aforesaid took two refugee boats that had been the night previous into the town of Norwalk in the county of Litchfield and State of Con- necticut and plundered Hoadley, Dowdy and other property from the inhabitants but the wind being high were driven

and other property, from their habitations but the wind being high were driven
by the wind onto New York Island where they were discovered the next morning and pursued by the Bang and company to which he the said Diahia belonged, and by them overtaken and captured that in the skirmish two of the crew of the refugee boat were killed and several badly wounded, that of the crew belonging to the Continental boat several were wounded but none killed, that on board one of the refugee boats was a very particular prisoner by the name of Joseph Hoyt who had become notorious for the many robberies and plunderings he committed along the shores of New York and its vicinity, that in the skirmish had in taking the said Hoyt he the said Hoyt was badly wounded in the head and many parts of the body, that he the said Diahia enlist- -ed in the service of such a party under the command of Major Fitch until the war closed. That when the war ended or soon after was again attached to Huntington brigade went to New York and was discharged late in the fall in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty three, that he received his discharge of Captain Ezra (between the Captain under whom he enlisted, that he the said Diahia took his discharge home but has since lost it. That he the said

Elisha soon after the Revolution went to the town of Hoosac in the County of Rensselaer and State of New York where and remained there until the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety eight when he removed into the town of Mayfield where he now lives. Your applicant says that he has served in all, in the Revolution more than five years and a half, and that he is acquainted with the following persons residing in his neighborhood who can testify as to his character for truth and veracity and the value of his services as a soldier of the Revolution to wit Oliver Rose & Samuel A. Gilbert.
We hereby acknowledge every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the 19th Sept. 1832 in Open Court.
Geo. D. Ferguson, Clerk
Elisha Bentley
We Aaron Simmons, a clergyman residing in the town of Northampton and County of Montgomery and Oliver Rose and Samuel A. Gilbert residing in the town of Mayfield and County of Rensselaer certify that we are well acquainted with Elisha Bentley who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy two years of age, that he is reputed

in the presence of Northampton and County of Montgomery and Oliver Rice and Samuel A. Gilbert receiving in the presence of Mayfield and County of Montgomery certify that we are well acquainted with Elisha Bentley who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy-two 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 are in that opinion
Sworn and subscribed
This tenth day of Sept 1832 in Open Court
Geo: D. Ferguson, Clerk
Sarah Seaman Oliver Rice Samuel A. Gilbert
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the interrogation of the matter and after putting interrogation prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And further certifying that it appears to them that Aaron Simmons who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman residing in the town of Northampton and that Oliver Rice and Samuel A. Gilbert who have signed the same are residents of the town of Mayfield and that their statement is entitled to credit and that they are credible persons
I George D. Ferguson, clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Montgomery, do hereby certify that the foregoing together with the affidavits of Seymour H. Dole & Elias Dawley following annexed, contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Elisha Bentley for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 21st day of September 1832,
Geo: D. Ferguson

State of New York Montgomery County
ss
On this 26 th day of February 1834 person- ally came before me Samuel A Gilbert a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid county Elisha Bentley known to me to be the identical Elisha Bentley who made the avowed declaration in open court on the 19 th day of September 1832 who being by me duly sworn according to law deposes and saith that he enlisted in June 1778 as stated in said declaration that in the fall of 1779 he was placed as a guard along the the east river above Hurl gate and along the shore towards Connecticut that his head quarters was at Horse Neck that he continued in that business as guard along the said shore until the close of the war, when- this deponent was discharged as mentioned in said declaration. And further, that this deponent received no pay from the time of his enlistment in 1778 until he was discharged as afore- said, and then he received his pay in Continental Money. That this deponent knows of no person that is now living that was with him, by whom he can prove said service and further saith not
Elisha Bentley
Sworn and subscribed this 26 th day of February 1834 before me Sam A Gilbert Justice of the Peace

State of New York Montgomery County ss. I, George D. Ferguson, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Montgomery aforesaid, do hereby certify that Samuel A. Gilbert before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn, was on the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in & for the said County. And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice of the Peace, & Verily believe that his name subscribed to the said Affidavit is Genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of my office this 27 th February 1834.
Geo: D. Ferguson

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section AWP/eel Ona
May 16, 1929
Ona B. Uttvits 105 Crescent Street Shenandoah, Iowa
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R.783, it appears that Elisha Bentley was born, October 21, 1759, place not stated.
He applied for pension September 19, 1832, at which time he was living at Mayfield, Montgomery County, New York, and alleged that he enlisted in June, 1776, at Norwich, Connecticut, and served nine months as a private in Captain Joshua Huntington's Company, Colonel Selden's Connecticut Regiment, was in the retreat from New York, and battle of White Plains; that he enlisted at Richmond, Rhode Island, in March, 1777, and served two months as a substitute for his brother, Thomas, in Captain Thomas Stanton's Rhode Island Company; that he enlisted at Tyrringham, Massachusetts (at which place he was then living), in May or June, 1777, served four months in Captain Herrick's Company, Colonel Nixon's Massachusetts

Regiment and was at the taking of Burgoyne; that he enlisted at Woodbury, Connecticut, in June, 1778, and served as a private in Captain Ezra Chatman's Company, Colonel Meigs' Connecticut Regiment, was in the boat service on the East River, and served until the close of the war.
The claim was not allowed as he failed to furnish satisfactory proof of six months service as required by the pension law.
In 1853, his son, J.S.J.Bentley, was living in Fairfax County, Virginia, and stated that his father was then deceased.
There are no further data as to family.
Respectfully,
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.

Elisha Bentley Papers 145.90
to the War Department not found on Rolls or final settlement

State of New York Montgomery County.
Seymour St. John of the town of Johnstown in the County of Montgomery being duly sworn according to law deposes and saith that he is seventy years of age, that he is well acquainted with Elisha Bentley of the town of Mayfield that in the year one thousand seven hundred and eightyone as near as he can state and believing it to be true that he the said Seymour deposes that the said Elisha during said up a private in Colonel Mays Regiment of the United States Army of the Revolutionary war, and that the said Elisha was in full uniform that it was then mentioned and credited that the said Elisha did belong to said Regiment and so has been ever since the account given thereof by others who belonged thereto and his informant further saith that his informant by recollection the said Elisha Bentley has accom- panied the said Elisha Bentley with others detaching as a detachment from some place on the Hudson River to go to Red Bank a Day by the name of Joseph Hoyt who with his party had committed many depredations on the inhabitants of the town of Newburgh and its vicinity in the State of Connecticut. That this informant then saw the said Elisha dressed in full uniform wearing a leather cap with fur and a belt of leather and so had the whole attached with that was with the said Elisha. That the said detachment succeeded in taking the said Hoyt and those that were with him and that this informant saw the prisoners when they were brought in and the said Hoyt a prisoner with others and that the

said Hoyt was badly wounded had his arm sick and the blood was running freely from his head shoulder and arm That it was then said at that time and this deponent then understood that said detachments were during war- time. And this deponent further said that after the above transaction before the said Elisha at this deponent's father's house in said town of Newcomb after the close of the Revolution and after the discharge of the said Elisha Burt from the said Army in consequence of the resignation of the said Revolutionary war, at which time the said Elisha with several other soldiers were entertained by the inhabitants of said town for four or three days gratis in consequence of his having been wounded, and further said not
Subscribed and sworn to this Twelfth Day of
Seymour 21 st Nov
F.D.7. Sept 1832 in Open Court
Geo: D. Ferguson, Clerk

State of New York Montgomery County, Olin Dainley being
any sworn according to law deposes and saith that he this deponent is acquainted with and always has been acquainted with Elisha Bently, and he this deponent recollects well that Elisha Bently enlisted as a soldier in the Revolutionary war of the United States from the following circumstan- ces to wit that this deponent's mother was sister to the said Elisha Bently, and that this deponent's mother (who was the sister of the said Elisha Bently) and the said Elisha Bently's mother wept and lamented very much the said Elisha's going into the army as it was by them said at that time (which was so near as this deponent can recollect in the year one thousand seven hun- dred and sixty eighty) as well as by the said Elisha, Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters, and relations and acquaint- ances generally in the neighborhood where the said Elisha Bently then resided (which was in the town of Woodbury County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut) that when the said Elisha had enlisted during the war and that it was feared that he would not come back but would be killed, and that the said Elisha Bently did go into

The army at that time, that in the month of January in the year seventeen and eighty, the said Elisha Bently came here as a furlough and came to the place of Hattiesburg, which first this deponent distinctly recollects from the circum- stances of this deponent being the oldest of the family that was at home on the day said Elisha came back on the furlough and some other circumstances relative to the horse the said Elisha rode home, that the said Elisha stayed at home but a few days and then returned to the army; that he this deponent saw the said Elisha Bently imme- diately after the close of the revolution and saw his discharge, and also saw the said Elisha show his discharge to this deponent. Father & Mother which was at the town of Tyringham in the county of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts which was up near as this deponent can recollect four or five years after the said Elisha enlisted. And this deponent further saith that he this deponent well recollects that the said Elisha Bently volunteered at the town of Tyringham county of Berkshire and State of Massa- chusetts to go to Fort Ord. under Captain Herrick, in the month of May in the year one thousand

Seven hundred and seventy seven and that she said Elisha Bently did go to Fort Edward and did not return until in the fall after the taking of Burgoyne at Stillwater and further that he this deponent lives in the town of Dolansville in the county of Montgomery and State of New York, and that the said Elisha Bently now lives in said resi- dence in the town of Clarysville and county and State aforesaid, and that he this deponent is sixty five years of age and nearly sixty six and further saith not
Subscribed and sworn to this nineteenth day of September 1832 in Open Court
Elias D. Fawley
Geo: D. Ferguson, Clerk
Please communicate the result of the above application to the undersigned, Post Master at Cranberry Creek, Post Office, Montgomery County, New York Sam M. Gilbert

State of New York Montgomery County ss.
On this eighteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three — Personally appeared before me Samuel Duncan one of the Justices of the Peace of Northampton in the County of Montgomery and State of New York. Elizabeth Bagg of the Town of Northampton and State aforesaid who made Oath in due form of Law and said that she was sixty one years old on the nineteenth of July last. That she is Sister to Elisha Bentley of Mayfield in the County of Montgomery and State of New York. Says that she recollects her Brothers going away in the Spring of the year and that it was said he was gone into the United States Army, she remembers that he came home some time after that and staid a few days, that he rode a gray Mare home, that she was a small girl then but that she recollects hearing the people say generally that her Brother was in the Army. That she then lived with her Parents in the Town of Tyringham County of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts and that before he came home again her Parents and she with them had removed to the Town of Hoosick County of Rensselaer State of New York. She recollects that he did not go away again after coming home at this time and further saith not.
Elizabeth Bagg
Subscribed and sworn to this 18 th day of November 1833 before me
Samuel Duncan Justice of the Peace
I Certify that I am and have been for some years well acquainted with Elizabeth Bagg and that her character is unimpeachable as to truth and veracity
Samuel Duncan

State of New York Montgomery County.
§ § I, George D. Ferguson, Clerk of the County of Montgomery aforesaid, do hereby Certify that Samuel Duncan before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn was on the date thereof a Justice of the peace in & for the said County: And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, & truly believe that his name subscribed to the the said affidavit & also to the within certificate is Genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 21 st day of November 1833.
Geo: D. Ferguson

Caldecott New York 7/8/33 Montgomery County 58
(On the 27 th day of September 1833
before me Wm. M c Connel a justice of the peace of the aforesaid county personally appeared William Bently and made oath in due form of law that he was sixty eight years old last April, according to the records of his age kept in his father's family & now in his possession, and which he believes is correct; that he is now a resident of the town of Champlain in the county of Jefferson in the state aforesaid; that he is a brother of Elisha Bently of Mayfield in the county of Montgomery aforesaid, who has applied for a pension under the act of the 7 th of June 1832; and has been acquainted with the said Elisha as far back as his memory extends; that he well remembers that the said Elisha enlisted as a soldier in the United States service in the War of the Revolution, the first term of his service, which was nine months, which he serves as this deponent has ever been informed and believes as stated in the declaration of the said Elisha, that he remembers said Elisha returned home, and soon afterwards went again as a soldier in the same service, when he was gone several months, and in which time this deponent and his family were informed and ever believed said Elisha was at the capture of Burgoyne. That in the spring of 1778 this deponent was informed the said Elisha had enlisted for three years, in the same service; that this deponent did not see him again till after the conclusion of the war, that he heard from him at different times, while in the service; that his friends once sent him clothing, after hearing he had lost his in a skirmish with the Enemy - that when he returned home on a furlough this deponent was absent in the service and did not see him. That it was always reported and believed in their family that said Elisha enlisted the last time of his service for three years, but was returned by the recruiting officers for during the war, and that he served as stated by him and others, from the spring of 1778 to the final conclusion of the War in 1783; and had an honorable

discharge from the Army, when he returned home, in fall of 1833, which was shown to his friends, then & afterwards; but cannot now be found, as this deponent is informed and believes; and further this deponent saith not
Sworn & subscribed the 9 day first above written before me,
W m Bently
Wm. McConnell Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named deponent William Bently, who was many years a resident of Johnstown in the county of Montgomery aforesaid, but now a resident of Champion aforesaid; that he is a credible person, and that it appears to me his statement is entitled to credit. Given under my hand at Mayfield aforesaid this 27 th day of September 1833
Wm. McConnell Justice
State of New York, } ss. } Montgomery County. } ss. } George D. Ferguson, Clerk of the County of Montgomery aforesaid do hereby certify that William M c Connell before whom the foregoing affid- avit purports to have been sworn, was on the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in & for the said County; and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing & truly believe that his name subscribed to the said affidavit & also to the above Certificate is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this 21 st day of November 1833.
Geo: D. Ferguson,
Hon. Thos. McVean

Census Office April 5. 1871
THE UNITED STATES CENSUS OFFICE WASHINGTON, D. C.

1944
Revolutionary Claims.
Under the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved 15th May, 1828.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, 4 April 1831
THE annexed paper relating to the Claim of Elisha Bently ————— under the abovementioned act, is respectfully referred to the Secretary of War, with a request that he will be pleased to cause me to be informed, whether by any records in the War Department, or by any papers filed therein relative to an application heretofore made by the claimant for a Pension, it appears for what term he enlisted and served in the Army of the Revolution, and in what rank, regiment and line.
D. D. D. D. D.
Secretary of the Treasury.
The Hon. the Secretary of War.
See letter from W. Sept. No. 8 April 1831.

1844.
Revolutionary Claims.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
1 April 1831.
Elisha Bently — of Mayfield in the county of Montgomery — in the State of N. York — has applied to the Secretary of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the Revolution," approved the 15th of May, 1828. He states that he enlisted in the Continental line of the army of the Revolution, for and during the war, and continued until its termination, at which period he was a Sergeant — in captain Chatmans —'s company, in the Meigs — regiment of the Conn — line; and that he received a certificate for the reward of eighty dollars, provided by the resolve of the 15th of May, 1778; and further, that he was not on the 15th day of May, 1828, on the pension list of the United States, and that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March, 1826, nothing.
The Third Auditor is requested to report how far the several statements are corroborated by the records in his office.
By Order of the Secretary.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
2nd April 1831
It appears by the records in this office, that a certificate for the reward of eighty dollars has been issued to — in the —
It further appears that Elisha Bently — is now on the pension list of the any — agency, and has been so since the 3d March 1826 at the rate of — dollars per month.
The name of Elisha Bently cannot be found among those of the Connecticut line, to whom certificates for the gratuity of Eighty Dollars were issued —
His name does not appear on the Register of Muster of the Connecticut line —
John Hagner Aud
(correct)

War Dep t Bounty Land Office April 4 th 1831
The name of Elisha Bently cannot be found on the records of the Connecticut line, among those, entitled to bounty lands from the U. States, nor has a Land Warrant issued in his name
H. Gordon

Recd 16 April 1832
4461.
Sir
Enclosed I send you the affidavit of St John to add to the papers of Elisha Bently which I understand is now on file in your department, please inform me whether this paper is sufficient.
I am with great respect - Yours Obediently
W. L. South -
Yours
W. L. South -

Mr. Bentley's papers returned to the Hon. N. Soule -
not allowed Act 1828
Ref. File No 783 OK

Hon. Charles W. Keane Member of Congress Washington

Dear Sir,
Mayfield June 18 th 1834
M r . Bently is so unfortunate as not to be able to find the positive proof required. I have written to the Comptroller of Connecticut for him, — The answer is enclosed, which will prove there was such a Regiment as Col. Selden's at the time Bently declares he served in it, of which they wrote they could find no proof at Washington; — We wish you to make one more attempt in favor of M r . Bently; and if nothing can be done for his relief, that his papers be returned to him
Yours very Respectfully
Wm. Mcconnell
P.S. M r . Bently in his affidavit declares that he belonged to the Refuge Guard, as it was called, he was under the command of Major Fitch. He now says, he thinks Maj. Fitch did not belong to the regular service, that he volunteered for the purpose of taking the command of that guard. If any account of him can be found it will perhaps throw light on the subject
Wm. Mc

111 Hon. C. McVean N. R.
Mar 12 th 34
111 111
Rec. Vol. 30. Pa. 319.
Hon C. McVean House Repn N.E.

War Department Pension Office March 12 th 1834
Sir
In regard to the applications of Elisha and others for pensions Mr Brantley Brantley, I have the honor to state that his papers have again been examined - There is no evidence in the Department that Col Selden Commanded a regiment in 1776 as alleged by the claimant or that there were any troops of service of nine months in the State Troops of Connecticut of that year - If Mr Brantley served under Col Selden as stated, evidence of it may be obtained by applying to Elisha Phelps. Comptroller of that State - The remaining part The rest of the claim  the other service  claim  is this case is discredited by the rolls; The applicant's name does not appear on the in Col Mighs regiment nor on the final settlement Certificates and if persisted in must be supported by the affidavits of two credible witnesses who stating for the in their affidavits the time the applicant entered the service the time and manner of his leaving the same as well as the company and regiment to which he belonged

The papers remain on file
Thomas Lilly in his declaration states that he entered the service in 1779 at which period it appears that he was but fourteen years of age. He cannot be considered as having been at that time capable of the performance of the duties of a soldier. His claim to service in 1780 is liable to the same objection. The terms of service likewise ran too long for the militia of the time . their terms being short and occasional only.
The papers of Adam Garlough, George Dunkle and John Yoder are herewith returned with objections noted in the printed sheet accompanying them.

4 Hon C. McLean
CC
Rec Vol 33. pa 23.

War Department Pension Office June 1831
Sir
The papers of Elisha Butler have again been examined in connection with the certificate of Elisha Phelps Esq. - The applicant's statement in regard to his enlistment in the Continental service is discredited by all the evidence which appears in relation to it - That likeness in regard to the tour in Capt Huntington's Company likeness is not variance with with the  established  facts facts connected therewith is thereby rendered doubtful To sustain this claim direct  satisfactory proof is required
The papers remain on file in C McVean Horne Rps N.Y.

Elisha Bentley (on. line - did he receive bounty land? GMP
Not returned as entitled to land, nor has a warrant issued in his name or in his right

The Com. writes an answer given to Mr Pierce to-day in these cases. —

War Department, Pension Office December 24. 1833
Sir,
Agreeably to your request, the claim of Elisha Bentley has been again examined.
After the most thorough search, his name has not been found either upon the rolls of service, or upon the final settlements. There was no Captain Ezra Chatman in McGeis's Regiment, but Ezra Champion was a Captain in a different Regiment of that line. The regulations require the evidence of two witnesses, who shall be able to detail the service in all cases where a claim is disallowed by the silence of the rolls. His papers are returned for further proof & for a certificate of the credibility of his witnesses, to the original declaration.
I have the honor, to be, most respectfully, Your obedient Servant J. S. Edwards Commr. of Pensions
Hon. C. M. Vease House of Representatives

Cranberry Creek April 4 th
free
Hon. Nathan Soule Member of Congress Washington City
783 # msy

Cranberry Creek April 4 th 1832 -
Dear Sir
I was to inform you that the Law under which Mr Elisha Bently applies to the War Department for Pension is not under the Act of 18 th March 1818 but under the "Act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution" Approved by the President May 18 th 1828 - In March 1831 Mr Bently sent his own affidavit with Elias Dollys, Judge Harrington & my own to the Treasury Department and received a letter from Mr Ingleson "that the evidence was not sufficient but any further evidence he might be enabled to produce should receive due attention." This application must be made to the Treasury Department where you will find the above affidavits. I believe in my former letter I said the application was to the War Department this is my mistake.
I enclose to you again St Johns affidavit which put with the above mentioned affidavits and I hope they will satisfy the Secretary of the Justice of this application. Please be so good as to attend to the same. I am much obliged to you for the several communications I have received from you
With sentiments of Esteem I am Sir yours
Obedient Servant
Saml A Gilleen

Hon. Wm A. Richardson H of Reps Feb 11.

Pension Office, Feby 11, 1856
Sir
1832, I have the honor to inform you that in 1832 Elisha Bentley of N York claimed a pension for alleged service in Connecticut, R. Island & Massachusetts — Repeated investigations failed to discover his name upon the rolls of such that he was known Officers, as as he mentioned and as could be found here, some of those declared by him to have been his Officers could not be found occupying the positions assigned them by him, — In such a state of the case, the testimony of witnesses who served with him or who were in a position to be able to describe his services, should have been adduced — Those whose evidence was furnished were only able to establish the fact that he did serve without being showing how long he served, and this is absolutely necessary in the pro rata pensions to be allowed under the Act of 1832 —
Upon the refusal of this Office to allow the case, Mr Bentley petitioned Congress to order his name to be placed upon the roll as a pensioner under the Act of 1832, and the appropriate Committees reported bills in his favor, which for some reason failed to be passed into a law — But long after wards, the papers were again thoroughly examined by this Office as with the same result, — I am compelled to adhere to that decision. Hon W A Richardson H J Reps

Tonolca Montgomery Co. N.Y. March 31 st 1843
To the Hon. James Madison Porter Secy at War Sir
The accompanying papers relating to the claim of Elisha Bently for a pension were first put into the hands of my deceased father the late Thomas Cannon. And since his death Mr Bently has put them into my hands to obtain his pension
From them it seems Mr Bently served as a private in the Army of the revolution Some five or Six years as follows In 1776 nine Months in 1777 about 2 Months at One time and about three at another time and from June 1778 to the fall of 1783 he was in continual service having in June 1778 enlisted for three years but as he then understood was set down as having enlisted during the War and which time he served
Many important facts are set out in Mr Bently declaration which are corroborated by Seymour, A. John Elias Dawley, & William Bently, which seems to render it almost impossible that any important mistake can have been committed and the rejection of the application at the pension office can only be accounted for on the ground of applying very rigid rules requiring a succinct & minute detail of matters which at the time they took place must have been of but little importance to the common soldier. And also by making no allowance in old age for not recollecting time with perfect accuracy. It may be in some few instances that Mr Bently may be mistaken as to the name of the officer under whom some particular service was rendered. but it seems to me quite impossible that he & the witnesses can be mistaken as to the rendering of all the services spoken of by them
The matter as you will perceive has been referred to a Committee of Congress who have twice reported in favor of allowing Mr Bently a pension

but for reasons to me unknown but most likely for the want of some efficient person to take charge of the matter it has not received the attention, which I believe its merits may justly claim. By many it is believed for the purpose of getting Congressional action in such matter, it is absolutely necessary there should be personal attention by the applicant or by some friend.
And if there has ever been ground for the belief it would seem that the last few years furnish more such ground than any other like period in our history. And I feel in this case unless your Excellency can be induced to give this matter your personal attention Mr Bentlys claim will be disregarded and injustice done to a patriot soldier & a good old man... for if Mr Bentlys claim cannot be supported without the aid already hinted at it is quite certain that a Meritorious claim must be consigned to Oblivion. But on the contrary if you will devote to this matter a few minutes of your time I feel the utmost confidence that justice already too long delayed would yet be done to the applicant.
Yours Most Respectfully
Simeon Sammons

1171
Elisha Bently

( Rep. No. 302. )
FEBRUARY 25, 1839.
Read twice, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow.
Mr. J. JOHNSON, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, reported the following bill:
A BILL
For the relief of Elisha Bently, of the State of New York.
1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That 3 the Secretary of War be, and he is hereby, directed to place 4 the name of Elisha Bently, of the county of Montgomery, 5 State of New York, on the pension-roll, and to allow him a 6 pension at the rate of eighty dollars per year during life; to 7 commence on the fourth day of March, one thousand eight 8 hundred and thirty-one.

A. Bill for the Relief of. Elisha Bantley
7 3/4 6 1/8

MARCH 21, 1838.
Read twice, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow.
Mr. KLINGENSMITH, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, reported the following bill:
A BILL
For the relief of Elisha Bently, of the State of New York.
1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That 3    the Secretary of War be, and he is hereby, directed to place 4    the name of Elisha Bently, of the county of Montgomery, 5    State of New York, on the pension-roll, and to allow him a 6    pension at the rate of eighty dollars per year during life; to 7    commence on the fourth day of March, one thousand eight 8    hundred and thirty-one.
Mr. Klingensmith Revolutionary Pensions March 21, 1838

Mr. T. Ammon,
July 10. 1837
O.C.

War Department Pension Office
July 10 th 1837
Sir in answer to your letter of the 10th inst. The papers of Elisha Butts have been reexamined. The claimant states that in June 1778 he enlisted in Capt. Chatman's Company Col. Hicks Meigs regt. and served therein until the close of the war; His name is not found on the rolls of No captain of that name belonged to Col. Meigs regiment during the war. nor is the name of claimant on the rolls of thereof, or upon the list of Final Settlement Certificates, issued to the privates who served until the close of the war. — To substantiate his claim to the pension in question it is necessary that the applicant produce the the affidavits of two credible witnesses who can specify the time & of entering the regiment & the time of leaving it as well as the manner of the company officers.
Elijah Wilcox Esq. Thos. Sammons Esq. Fultonville Present New York

Elisha Bently
NY
act of 1832
Mr. Herrick

Know all men by these presents, That I, J. S. J. Bently of the town of _____ County of Fairfax - State of Virginia _____ have constituted and appointed, and by these presents do constitute and appoint George R. Herrick, of the City of Washington, my true and lawful Attorney, irrevocably, with power of substitution for me and in my name, place and stead, to ask and receive of and from the United States any Bounty Land, Extra Pay, Pensions, Patents, MONEY or MONEYS, that are now due to me on account of services rendered, disbursements made, or expenses incurred by my father, Elisha Bently deceased, formerly of Montgomery County N. York, while in the revolu- =tional war and while in the service of the United States, or on any other account whatsoever, and in my name to give receipts and other sufficient discharges, for such Bounty Land, Extra pay, Pensions, Patents, and money due as aforesaid, and to attend to and prosecute any and all business of whatever nature I may have with or before any of the Departments of Government or Congress, and, generally, to do any and every other act or acts, that I might or could do, were I personally present at the doing thereof; hereby ratifying and confirming whatever my said Attorney, shall do in and about the premises by virtue hereof, divers good causes and valuable considerations, me thereunto moving.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, J. S. have hereunto set my hand and seal this 18th day of June 185 3 .
Signed, sealed, and delivered } Two in the presence of } witnesses.
13 Jan 1885 J. F. Coman
J. S. Bently
State of Virginia } ss: County of Fairfax } 1853 personally appeared
On this 18 th day of January Bonny
before me, and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his act and deed for the purposes therein contained.
A. Comma J. P.
State of Virginia } ss: County of Fairfax, }
Esq., before whom the foregoing acknowledgement was made, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Hanford County court, this 18 th day of January one thousand eight hundred and fifty- three
Alfred Moss Clerk.

Thos Sammons
Oct. 25, 1837
O.C.

War Department Pension Office
Octob 25, 1837
Sir The claim of Elisha Purdie to Boat service under Captain Valentine Riden in 1779 cannot be allowed upon the evidence produced ; The claimant here in their witnesses depos stated under oath that he continued continued in Col Meigs reg. t until the close of the war - Capt Valentine Riden was not in the Continental service at all , nor was he appointed a capt. in the Boat service until some time after 1779 then for some time only twelve months only -
Thos Sammons Esq. Respect

1929. May 16 - Ariz. Elena B. Uttroito G-3.
Ex'r.
INVALID.
782
RECEIVED
Date of July 14, 1862, and March 8, 1873.
Elisha P. Butler
P. O.
Service:
The printed list of 1852 shows reasons for suspec-
Enlisted: sion , 18
Discharged: "Such an amount, 18 of service as he claims, would be surely susceptible of proof
Application filed: by numerous, 18 records and numerous
Alleges: comrades, but he has furnished none."
Re-enlisted:
Attorney:
P. O.

14,590
Elisha Bentley N. York
See list to Hon. G. McVea
Mar 12 th 1831
See list to Do Do
June 26. 1834. —
with Do Summons July 10. 37
" " " Oct. 25, 1837.
" Hon. F. Pierce Feb. 20 th 1840.
let to Jas. Murray April 12 th 1843.
Hon W. A. Richardson Feb 11 1858
783
June 7 183

105 Cedar Street Shenandoah Iowa Nov. 26 1928.
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
I wonder if you can find the name of Elisha Bentley on your records as soldier of the Revolutionary War from Mayfield New York State
(Elisha Bentley (Sen).)
Elisha Bentley (Jr). (I find he was supervisor of Mayfield N.Y. in 1835)
Joseph Bentley 1805 - 1865
Elizabeth Bentley 1804 - 1849
Wm H Bentley 1834 - 1884
Rebecca Scott Bentley 1844 - 1921
Walter Utts - 1870
Ona Bentley Utts - 1876
And Oblige
Ona Bentley Utts