Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25,223, Aaron Benjamin, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Benjamin, Aaron Dorothy
W. 25, 223
* U.S.A.
{ B.L.W. 149-200 Lieut. Issued May 16, 1796 No papers
CONTENTS

Draft from roll under act of May 18 th 1828. see printed list from Regiments Office. No notice ever was received at the Pension Office from the Secretary of the Treasury.
See letter to Hon. M. Benjamin, July 27. 1838.
From Sub. Col. Columbia to Connecticut
James Benjamin
of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut who was a Lieutenant in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by Colonel Chandler in the Connecticut line, for the term of _____ the war from 14 February 1777 to _____ 1783
Inscribed on the Roll of the State of Connecticut at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence on the 20 th day of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th of April 1818 and delivered to the Pensioner
Continued on the Roll on the 25 th day of February 1828 and notification sent to Geo. Graham Esq. at Washington City Pension commencing on the 16 th of February 1828
Amount due on 4th of Sept. 1828 { $133-3/4
{ Revolutionary Claim, { Acts March 18, 1818, { and May 1, 1820. }

District of Columbia , ss.
On this 29 day of April 1818, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Circuit Court of the United States for the said district, personally appears Aaron Benjamin aged 60 years, resident in Washington in the said district, who being by me first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late 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:" That he the said A. Benjamin enlisted in the Connecticut Line chiefly  in the state of  commissioned Officer , in the company commanded by Captain  six & half years in the of the revolutionary war ; that he continued to serve in the said corp  in the service of the United States until the end of the war , when he was discharged from service at West point state of New York ; that he was in the battles of Long Island, White Plains, Monmouth, Germantown, Stony Point and others ; and that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support, and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services, except the annexed affidavit .
Sworn to and declared before me, the day and year aforesaid.
I, Buckner Harrison Judge, &c. as aforesaid, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said Aaron Benjamin did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy; and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress. Given under my hand this 29. April 1818.
B. Harrison
To the Honorable The Secretary of War's

Personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the judges of the circuit court of the U.S. for the said district Joseph Wharton of the said district, and makes oath in due form of law that he knew Col. Aaron Benjamin during the revolutionary war; that he was then serving as an officer on the Connecticut line, and has no doubt of the truth of the foregoing declaration of Col. Benjamin 29 th April 1818 before me B. Morrisson

At a County Court held at Fairfield within the the County of Fairfield on the 2 nd day Tuesday of February A.D. 1828
It appears to the satisfaction of said Court that the John Benjamin did serve in the Revolutionary war as stated in the preceding Declaration against the common enemy for the term of nine months under one engagement on the continental establishment & that his health & mental faculties are so impaired as to be as render him incapable of making a schedule of his property or taking an oath that the John Benjamin is owner of the said Aaron & has the charge of his person & property & that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in said schedule is one hundred & fifty two 73/100 Dollars & this Court doth order these proceedings be entered on the Records of said County Court. Test T. Borborne Clerk
State of Connecticut ss Fairfield County
Thomas Borborne Clerk of the County Court within & for said Fairfield County do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the original Declaration and Schedule subscribed & sworn to by the John Benjamin and of the Record of said County Court in said case In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County Court in Fairfield this 14 th day of February 1828
Thomas Borborne Clerk said County Court

Declaration, in order that Aaron Benjamin (whose mental faculties are decayed) may be restored to the pension list under the act of March 1 st 1823. State of Connecticut S. c. 88 a County Court held at Fairfield in & for the County of Fairfield On this 13 th day of February 1828 personally appeared in open court (being a court of record for said County & State) John Benjamin of Stratford in said County (who has been duly appointed by said Court conservator of his father Aaron Benjamin now of said Stratford but late of the City of Washington and who by virtue of said appointment has now the care & charge of the person and estate of said Aaron Benjamin and being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain for the said Aaron Benjamin the provision made by the Acts of Congress of the 18 th of March 1798 & the 1 st of May 1800 viz. that according to his best knowledge & belief the said Aaron Benjamin in the Year 1775 enlisted in the army of the revolution on the Continental establishment and served therein faithfully to the close of the war in 1783 first as a private & afterwards as Ensign Lieutenant & Adjutant that he the said Aaron served in said army Six & a half Years continually as a commissioned Officer in the Connecticut line chiefly and until the end of the revolutionary war when he was regularly discharged at West Point in the State of New York that he served the United States in the battles of Long-Island, White Plains, Monmouth, Germantown, Stony Point & others for which reference may be had to his original declaration made at the City of Washington on the 29 th of April 1818 before Judge Thurston now in the War Department that his the said Aaron Benjamin name was placed on the pension list in April 1815 and dropped therefrom on account of his property or rather of the salary he rec d as a clerk in the General Land Office which place he left

more than a year since - And in pursuance of the act of May first 1820 I do solemnly swear that the said Aaron Benjamin was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18 th day of March 1818 and that to my knowledge or belief he has not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of his property or any part thereof with intent thereby to diminish it as to bring himself within the provisions of an Act of Congress entitled An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war passed on the 18 th day of March 1818 and that he has not nor has any person in trust for him (in my belief) any property or securities contracts or debts due to him nor any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed. That the said Aaron when he obtained his pension as aforesaid did not as I believe exhibit any schedule of his property to the Department of War and has never exhibited any such schedule until now but that the only material change which has since been made in his property or situation is that of his removal from said office of a clerk in the General Land Office & of his being reduced to extreme debility & deprived of his mental faculties by a paralytic stroke and thereby rendered incapable of contributing any thing by his labour to the support of himself or his family which consists of his wife Dorothy aged 59 years & his daughters Elvira & Emily aged the former 34 & the latter 22 years that he the said Aaron is in such indigent circumstances as to be unable to support himself without the assistance of his country, that his memory & other mental faculties for more than a year past have been & are now so essentially affected and impaired by means

of the paralytic shock aforesaid that he is incapable of understanding or transacting ordinary business or rendering a schedule of his property much less of taking an oath regarding it or his services revolutionary services, for which reasons this declaration is now made in his behalf by me who am his son duly appointed by said Court to be his conservator as aforesaid and although I have not per- sonal knowledge of all the facts herein stated yet I have good reason to believe them & do verily believe them to be true Subscribed Sworn to & declared on the 13 th day of February 1838 John Benjamin in open Court Test T. B. B. Clerk

Schedule of the Property of Col. Asa Benjamin of Stratford Conn.
13 Floor Cloth Maltling & mat 3 Tables 10 Chairs 1 looking Glass 1 Table cover 3 Window Curtains 4 Candlesticks, Snuffers, & Trays Old Books & Chairs 1 Beaureau 4 Old Tables 1 Stove 1 Carpet 4 Old looking Glasses brooking Glass ware, Earthen W re , Iron & metal do Stone do 3 p ce underiron, Shovels & Tongs Kitchen Utensils 2 Pots & 2 Kettles 1 Cake pan & 2 Skillets 32 Old Chairs broken 1 Old Bed 1 Old Cupboard & 1 old tea Tray 2 Old Silver Watches 1 Chest & Yellow 1 Trunk 1 Old Chest 1 Spinning Wheel 1 great do 1 Reel 1 Quilt 1 Set Old iron Stoves 3 Old Irons Boxes 2 bider Uts 1 Beef Uts 1 Pork Uts do 4 Old Hogs Lot old Tools as are hoe, Shovel, rake, pitch- fork, &c. Farming Stoves Big, but Pack & harness for wood & fuel 4 silver table Spoons 9 tea do Knives Forks & canisters 1 Old Desk Wooden ware viz 1 tub 2 pails & bread tray & bowls one Chest drawers The use during her life of one acre & a quarter of Land with the old dwelling house & barn thereon situated in Stratford Connecticut half a Old wheat flour grindstone, griddle, warming pans 57 dollars in cash
John Benjamin
Taken, declared subscribed & sworn to in open Court this 13th day of February 1828
Test T. Blyborne Clerk

At a County Court held at Fairfield within the County of Fairfield on the 2 nd day Monday of February A.D. 1828
It appears to the satisfaction of said Court that the s d Aaron Benjamin did serve in the Revolutionary war as stated in the preceding Declaration against the common enemy for the term of nine months under one engagement on the continental establishment & that his health & mental faculties are so impaired & decayed as renders him incapable of making a schedule of his property or taking an oath, that the s d John Benjamin is conservator of the said Aaron & has the charge of his person & property & that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in said schedule is one hundred & fifty two 73/100 Dollars & this Court doth order these proceedings to be entered on the Records of said County Court.
Test T. B. Osborne Clerk
State of Connecticut ss. Fairfield County I Thomas B. Osborne Clerk of the County Court within & for said Fairfield County do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the original Declaration and Schedule subscribed & sworn to by the s d John Benjamin and of the Records of said County Court in said case. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County Court in Fairfield this 14 th day of February 1828
Thomas B. Osborne Clerk Fairfield County Court
State of Connecticut ss. Fairfield County I John D. Wilson Chief Judge of the County Court for the County of Fairfield in said State do certify that T. B. Osborne is the Clerk of said Court duly appointed & sworn & that his Certificate above written is in due form. At said County Court is a Court of Record. February 14 th A.D. 1828
JOHN D. WILSON Chief Judge

2047
Connecticut.
Dorothy Benjamin widow of Aaron Benjamin who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Adjutant & Lieut.
Rept
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 480 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of Sept. 1848, and sent to David Brooks Stratford Conn.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 257 Vol. 1.

State of Tennessee
...the first account of the account of August 4 th 1898
11th Nov 4 th year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 55. I do hereby certify that the within copy is a true copy of the original which was shown to the said John ... in the County of ...
... I really believe ... in the said Court of Probate in Glen Court.
the said Court of Probate in open Court. First I am otherwise (Yrs &
I, William Hamilton , the deputy of the Court of Wards , in and for the Division of Stratford , which is a Court of Record, having a Clerk , do hereby certify that the above named John Sherman is Seis of this Court.

That the name of Sara Sherman annexed to the foregoing attestation, is the proper signature of said Clerk, and the seal affixed thereto is the seal of said Court -
Hansen Hamlin Judge

State of Connecticut. I, of the County of Litchfield, State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that on this day personally appeared William M. Deyo, known to me to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and acknowledged that he executed the same for the purposes and consideration therein expressed. Given under my hand and the seal of the County of Litchfield, State of Connecticut, this 20th day of August, 1835. Personally appeared William M. Deyo and made oath in due form of law. Got Aaron Strong Notary Public. I, of the County of Litchfield, State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that on this day personally appeared William M. Deyo, known to me to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and acknowledged that he executed the same for the purposes and consideration therein expressed. Given under my hand and the seal of the County of Litchfield, State of Connecticut, this 20th day of August, 1835. Personally appeared William M. Deyo and made oath in due form of law. Got Aaron Strong Notary Public.
Stearns Col., Pennsylvania
Given before the Public Works Section of the Plan
I hereby attest that the William M. Boylan who signed the above certificate & made oath to the same in my presence is a person well known to me & whose testimony is entitled to full credit. - I further certify that the words & statements contained in the above registration was made before signing. -
David Rootes, Justice of Peace

WIDOW, &c.
1917, May 10. History to D. C. Benjamin. Letter with claim No. 23586 {asa Benjamin 1902 Feb. 2. Let. to Edward H. Benjamin.
File No. _____
Dorothy Benjamin wid of Abner Benjamin Saint. R. ...
Act: Feb. 2 d 1842.
Index:—Vol. 11 , Page 55
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Payable on 4 th March $40.00 in each year by the Trust at Washington.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim,
I CERTIFY, That in conformity with the law of the UNITED STATES, of the 18 th of March 1818, Isaac Benjamin late a Lieutenant in the Army of the Revolution
is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the District of Columbia Agency at the rate of Twenty dollars cents per month, to commence on the 29 th day of April one thousand eight hundred and eighteen
Given at the WAR OFFICE of the UNITED STATES, this 30 th day of April one thousand eight hundred and eighteen
J. C. Calhoun
Secretary of War

United States Office 3 July 1858.
Sir,
I received a letter this morning from Mr. L. D. Duncans, stating that the Secretary of War deemed it proper that I should give an explanatory statement in regard to my income & property, in order that a satisfactory investigation may be had. Otherwise he will be compelled by reason of public duty to order my name to be left from the list of pensioners.
I have only to state that I have no income except my wages as a clerk in this office & my pension, no property except an old house & half acre of land in Connecticut appraised by seven appraisers appointed according to law last spring, at three hundred & twelve dollars & a half, which is under a mortgage for nearly that sum. That is yet a shelter for my wife & seven children.
My services during the revolution from July 1st of May 1865 until after the expiration of that term are the cause of my poverty.
respectfully
Yours obedt. servt.
Saron Benjamin.
Genl. H. C. Caton Secretary of War.

Genl. Land Office 4 th Feby 1820.
Sir,
I am brought up in the path of honor as well as in the school of adversity. You must have perceived that to question his in- tegrity of conduct or intentions would necessarily wound his feelings.
Conscious of having substantiated the facts set forth in the declaration by which I first obtained a pension, which I now support by respectable testimony if you require it, I have only to request of you to inform me if I am to be dropped from the list of pensioners or not, that I may know what I am to depend upon.
Respectfully
Your obedt Servt.
Saron Benjamin.
Genl. J. C. Calhoun Secretary of War.

War Dept. Pension Office
March 10 1827
Sir. In reply to your letter of yesterday respecting the cases of Col d Aaron Benjamin and Major Joseph Wheaton, I have to acquaint you with the fact, that their names cannot be restored to the pension Roll, unless such proof as the regulations under the Act of March 1823 require, be first exhibited at this Dept. I enclose a printed sheet for the guidance of Col d Benjamin in obtaining the necessary testimony in regard to property. Major Wheaton applied to me this morning for instruction on the subject & has received them
I have the honor to be
Signed
J. L. Edwards,
Genl. Graham Esq.

New Zealand Office.
9th March 1837
Sir,
Col o Aaron Benjamin of Stratford, Count. Hays, Wheaton of this City, being under the provisions of the Act of the last Session of Congress deprived of his situation, which they held in his Office, the emoluments of which, while they held it, excluded them from drawing a pension from the Gov t as Revolutionary Officers, I have to request that they may be placed on the pension List, if compatible with your rules, from the 1st January last.
With great respect
Yours Affly
(Signed)
J. C. Mackay
Hon.
Oliver Barbour
Secretary of War Dept

George Graham Esq. Comm. Gen. Land Office Washington City.

George Graham Esq. New York 19 Feby 1828 Com. Gen. Land Office Washington City.
Sir Encouraged by the friendly disposition which you have manifested towards my father (Col. Aaron Benjamin) I take the liberty of forwarding to you the enclosed Declaration, Certificate &c, in order to obtain for him a pension, and for which I will thank you to make application. You will perhaps be surprised that this has not been done before, but understanding that no pensions were granted where the property of the applicant exceeded Two hundred dollars, I have deferred making it, till the necessary expenses of his family should have reduced the sum total to less than that amount. I have also indulged a hope that Congress would pass a law granting the Officers some relief and thereby save our family the mortification of petitioning for a pension which must be obtained under such humiliating circumstances; But as it is very doubtful whether Congress will do any thing, and as it was

the wish of my mother, I have determined to proceed. My chief object therefore in troubling you, is to request you to use your influence in order to obtain the pension, and your judgment as to the time of making the application. I have been told (within a few days) that an amendment has been offered (in the senate) to the bill for the relief of the surviving officers of the revolution, to this effect — "That those officers who are now on the pension list be excluded from the benefits of this bill" — should you therefore think it probable that such an amendment would be adopted, it would perhaps be better to defer making the application till its fate was decided: for should Congress grant them any thing , it would probably amount to more than a pension which must cease upon his death, which according to human calculation, and taking into consideration his present infirm state cannot be very far distant. — The interest which you have taken in the welfare of my father since he left Washington has excited the admiration of his family, & I embrace the present opportunity of offering to you my

grateful thanks for your kind office, as also those of my mother, brothers, & sisters. With senti- ments of respect I beg leave to subscribe myself
Your Obedt. Servant -- John Benjamin No 72 Madison Lane. N. York.
P.S. Should you wish to make any communication to me on the subject you will please address as above.

Aaron Benjamin to Aaron Ogden with power of substitution to Mr R. Storer Oct 1838 Settled Treasury Account with C.V. Ward file 25323
Mr. Dickens will please attend to remarks of Mr Benjamin. see letter enclosed—

Revolutionary Claims.
[ A. ]
Form of a Declaration to be made by the Officers.
For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of an act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved on the 15th of May, 1828, I, John Benjamin of Stratford in Fairfield County, State of Connecticut  conservator of Aaron Benjamin of said Stratford  duly appointed by the County Court in & for said Fairfield County do hereby declare that he  the said Aaron Benjamin was an officer in the Continental Line of the Army of the Revolution, and served as such* until the end of the war
at which period he  he was a Lieutenant & Adjutant in the fifth regiment of the Connecticut line.
And I also declare, that he afterwards received certificates (commonly called commutation certificates) for a sum equal to the amount of five years' full pay; which sum was offered by the resolve of Congress, of the 22d of March, 1783, instead of the half pay for life, to which he was entitled under the resolve of the 21st of October, 1780.
And I do further declare, that he  the said Aaron received of the United States as a pensioner since the 3d day of March, 1826, no money  that his mental faculties are  so impaired by disease as to render him incapable of making a declaration on oath all of which I verily believe to be true from the best information I have been able to obtain  Robert Aaron Benjamin .
Witness my hand, this 13 th day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight John Benjamin subscribed & sworn to this 13 day of June 1828 David Brooks Justice of Peace
Before me, David Brooks a Justice of the Peace in & for the county of Fairfield Connecticut duly empowered to administer oaths, personally appeared, this day, Robert Aaron Benjamin of the said county, who did severally make oath that the said Aaron Benjamin for whom the foregoing declaration was subscribed  by his said conservator is generally reputed and believed to have been an officer in the Army of the Revolution, in manner as therein stated.
Witness my hand, this 13 th day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight David Brooks Justice of Peace
State of Connecticut } Fairfield County }
I, Thomas B. Gurnee Clerk of the County Court of the county of Fairfield Connecticut  David Brooks
Clerk of the County, in the State of, do hereby certify, that, before whom
the foregoing affidavits were sworn, was, at the time, a Justice of the Peace for said Fairfield County , and duly empowered to administer oaths; and further certify that the said John Benjamin a conservator of Aaron duly appointed by said County Court . In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the
said Court, this 13 th day of
June 1828
Thomas B. Gurnee Clerk of said County Court
* Here insert, To the end of the war, or, (as the case may be,) to the time when the act provided by the resolve of Congress of the 3d and 21st of October, 1780, was carried into reduced under that arrangement.
† Here insert, The sum of dollars, paid to me by the agent for pay. If the claimant has not been a pensioner, this may be omitted.
‡ A Justice of the Peace, or other magistrate duly empowered to administer oaths.

Ms. orig. Pay 159
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
10 July 1828.
Aaron Benjamin — of Stratford — in the County of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut — 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 army of the Revolution," approved on the 15th of May, 1828. He states that he was as an officer on the Continental line, and served as such to the end of the war,
at which period he was a Lieutenant in the fifth regiment of the Connecticut line; and that he received commutation certificates for the five years full pay granted by the resolve of 22 March, 1783; and, further, that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March, 1826, nothing . dollars, paid to him by the agent in the State of
The Third Auditor is requested to report how far these several statements are corroborated by the records in his office.
By order of the Secretary, A. D. Kimball.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
11. July 1828
It appears by the records in this office, that final settlement certificates have been issued for the commutation of five years full pay to Aaron Benjamin - Lieut. in the Connecticut line, amounting to Sixteen Hundred dollars.
It further appears that Aaron Benjamin is now on the pension list of the any agency, and has been since the 3d March 1826 at the rate of  per month
John Hagner Secy
recd

March 18 th 1823 Hartford Ct. Vt. March 22. 1823
Dear Sir,
You are hereby informed that the Statute of the property of your father, Deane Dyer in her life-time, and the Statute of the War has decided his estate to be entered on the Pension Roll for the Agency of the State of Connecticut. The pension will be paid, at the ensuing semi-annual payment in September next, the sum that may be due from the 14 th of February 1823, annually to the 1 st of March 1823.
I am, respectfully, Your obedt. Servt. J. L. Edwards
M c John Benjamin Care of Col. Aaron D. Dyer, U.S. Pensioner of Connecticut Care of Geo. Graham Esq. Present.

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,
17 July 1828
Sir :
Your claim, under the abovementioned act, having been examined, you are found to be entitled to the pay of a Lieutenant of Infantry in the Continental Line. The amount which may be due, accordingly, will be remitted paid by the Treasurer of the United States, to the attorney whom you have authorized to receive it.
I am, sir, very respectfully, Your obedient servant,
Richard Root,
Attn Benjamin Sugg.

War Department, Pension Office, July 27, 1835.
Sir
I herewith return the papers which you sent to this Office, accompanied by your letter of the 25 th instant.
In answer to your enquiry whether M rs Benjamin, widow of the late Colonel Aaron Benjamin is entitled to a pension under the late act of Congress, I have to inform you that if she was married to Col. Benjamin prior to the first of January 1794, her case is clearly within the provisions of the law. Of Col. B's service there is ample evidence in this Office. In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of July 7, 1835, she must make a declaration and produce such proof of marriage as the enclosed printed instructions point out. It will afford me great pleasure to attend to M rs Benjamin's claim, so soon as the papers shall have been received here.
I am, respectfully, your ob t serv t .
M rs . A. Benjamin, Esq. New York.
J. L. Edwards

1120

State of Connecticut, Fairfield County, ss:
On this 12 th day of May A.D. 1843 personally appeared before the Subscribers a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut Dorothy Benjamin a resident of the Town of Stratford in S d . Fairfield County aged 78 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 provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3 d day of March 1843, granting pensions to Widows of persons, who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the Widow of Asahel Benjamin, late of said Stratford co d , who was a Lieutenant and Adjutant in the Army of the Revolution, and a pensioner of the United States & that for the services rendered the United States, during the Revolutionary War, by her late husband the S d Asahel Benjamin she was placed on the Pension List, under the Act of July 7 th 1838 for the term of five Years, after the rate of Three Hundred and twenty Dollars per annum - and for substantiating this her declaration she begs leave to refer to the Documents, already in the Office of the Department at Washington, both as regards the services, rendered the United States by her late husband the S d Asahel Benjamin and of her having been placed on the Pension List under the Act of July 7 th 1838 - for the term of five Years.
She further Declares that she is still a Widow -
Sworn to and subscribed the day and:
Year above written Before me
Dorothy Benjamin
John N. Goulding Justice of Peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Dorothy Benjamin & know her to be the identical person as set forth in the above Declaration - Stratford 6 th May 12 th 1843 - John Goulding Just. of Peace

I David Brooks Jr Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Stratford in Fairfield County State of Connecticut. Certify that John Goulding is a party of the same for Fairfield County State of Connecticut, duly commissioned and qualified, and that the signature to the within foregoing Declaration of Dorothy Benjamin (for a pension), purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my Seal of Office and subscribed My Name this 12 th day of May in the Year A.D. 1843.
(David Brooks Jr. Clerk)

State of Connecticut Fairfield County Ss.
On this 22 day of September 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the Superior Court of the State of Connecticut, Dorothy Benjamin a resident of the town of Stratford in S. Fairfield County, aged 70 years who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following Declaration, in order to receive any & all arrears of Pension, that may be found justly due her, as the Widow of Aaron Benjamin late of Stratford deceased, under any of the several Acts of Congress passed, granting Pensions to the Officers & Soldiers who served in the Army during the Revolutionary War (P. 3) That she is the Widow of Aaron Benjamin late of S. Stratford deceased who was a Lieutenant and Adjutant in the Army of the Revolution, a Pensioner of the United States, & also died in S. Stratford on the 23 day of December 1828. That her husband the S. Aaron Benjamin was, entitled under the Act of March 18. 1818 as an Officer, at the rate of Twenty Dollars per month, how long he was permitted to enjoy that stipend, she cannot state. But that he was stricken from the Pension Roll, on account of his property, and of his being in the employ of the General Land Office at Washington, the emoluments of which would not allow of his being retained on the List. That by the Act of May 15 th 1828 the Pensions to each of the surviving Officers of the Revolution in the Continental Line, was increased to the amount of their full pay, according to their Rank in the Line, to take effect on the 3 day of March 1826. That the situation & circumstances of her late husband had been such that he was restored to the Roll of Pensioners, on the 14 th day of February 1828 at the Rate of $320 per Annum, & that the first & only payment made him, was up to the 4 th September 1828, & which was estimated from the 14 th day of February of the same Year. That from the 4 th day of September to the 23 day of November 1828 (on which last mentioned day her S. husband died), no Pension whatever has been paid & that for all arrears of Pension due at his death, she as his Widow has a just and legal claim. Also she further declares that under the Act of July 7. 1838 she was Pensions as Widow of the S. Aaron Benjamin for five years at the Rate of $320 per Annum, & that by the Act approved March 3. 1843 her Pension has been continued for the term of One Year. In all the above recited cases, it is to be observed, that the Pensions, that have been received were at such rates as then payable to a Lieutenant —

She also further Declares, That from an examination of the several Acts of Congress passed granting Pensions to the Officers and Soldiers of the Revolution, she verily believes her husband the S. Aaron Doyamie, was justly entitled to a higher rate of Pension for the services rendered the United States by her late husband during the Revolutionary War, than what has been conferred, and for the following reasons. viz - That he served as Lieutenant and Adjutant, in the War of Independence, from the 7 th day of January 1780, to the close of the same. That it appears by a Certificate from the Secretary of War, that the sum paid her husband, the said Aaron Doyamie as Lieutenant & Adjutant, was at the Rate of $480 per Annum, as the same is paid to a Captain - which S. Certificate is herewith forwarded. That her husband served as a Lieutenant & Adjutant from the 7 th day of Jan y . 1780, to the close of the War will fully appear, by certain Documents accompanying this her Declaration. In taking into view all the circumstances of her case, she claims, that her said husband, was justly entitled under the Act of May 15 th 1828 to a Pension of $480 per Annum to take effect from the 4 th day of March 1826, according to the provision of that Act. That from the 4 th day of March 1826, to the 23 rd day of November 1828, the day on which her S. husband died, is 2 Years 8 Months & 19 days, which after the Rate of $480 per Annum amounts to $1350.33. Out of which sum has been received by her husband up to the 4 th of September from February 14 th of the same Year, after the Rate of $320 per Annum, being for 6 Months & 18 days, amt. $175.99 which leave an Arrear of Pension due at his decease, of $1174.34. Cent, for which she as his Widow, has now a just & legal Claim. She also further Declares, that under the Act of July 7 th 1838, she is entitled to an Arrear of Pension due her under that Act, of $162.50 per Annum for 5 Years for not having been Pensions at so high a rate by that sum per Annum, as she was entitled to receive - and also under the Act of March 3 rd 1843, for addit on of $100 to her Pension Making an Aggregate of the sum due her on the close of her Widow's Pension of $860.00 which sum added to the Arrear of Pension due at her husband's death, amounts to $2084.34 and to which sum she now has a just and legal Claim. She also further declares that she believes that the Documents, accompanying this her Declaration will fully sustain her in all the Claims set forth in this her Declaration that if further proof is wanting, she would beg leave to refer to the Office in Washington. That all the facts set forth in this her Declaration are

According to her best knowledge & belief truly stated. That among the Documents herewith forwarded, is one given by Thomas Mifflin dated Annapolis 23 d Feby 1784. setting forth that the late husband was to rank as a Captain by brevet, in the Army of the United States of America. That she has many other Documents in her possession, tending to establish the facts set forth in this her Declaration but presumes that those now forwarded, would be all that would be required or necessary for that purpose. She therefore Respectfully submits her Claim.
Dorothy Benjamin
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written before me John Goulding Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify, that I am acquainted with the above named Dorothy Benjamin & know her to be the widow of the above named Aaron Benjamin as stated in her above declaration & that she is a person of truth & veracity entitled to full credit & belief.
John Goulding Just. of Peace
Shalford Sept. 22 d 1843
State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield ss. Shalford Sept. 22 d 1843
I David Brooks Esq. Clerk of the Court of Probate, in the District of Shalford in Fairfield County. Do hereby certify that John Goulding Esq. is a Justice of the Peace for said County. Duly Commissioned & Qualified & that his signatures to the foregoing Declaration of Dorothy Benjamin are genuine. My Commission expires on the 1 st of March next. I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court this 22 d day of September. A.D. 1843.
David Brooks Esq. Clerk

10th August
Payment to be made at
Stratford by
A. H. Pomroy, Esq.
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the
Agency of Connecticut
Increase to $480 per an as Adjutant & Lieut.
Issue certificates
under acts of 1838 & Payable on the 4th September and
1843 4th March.
Send certificates
David Brooks Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book 4, Vol. 1, Page 62.
Stratford D. Brown, Conn. Clerk.

War Department.
Widow's Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the act of March 3, 1843, Dorothy Benjamin of Connecticut - widow of Aaron Benjamin - who was a Lieutenant in the Revolution - and died on the 23 d day of November 1828 - is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Three hundred & twenty dollars and  cents per annum, commencing on the 4 th March, 1843, and terminating on the 4 th of March, 1844, unless the Pensioner should marry or die before the last mentioned date; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage or death.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this nineteenth day of June one thousand eight hundred and forty-three
Examined and Countersigned.
in the absence of [illegible]

Letter from J. L. Williams to Rev. Sam Simmons M.C. Natchez Miss. Aug. 2nd 1841 Natchez Miss.

Pension Office
January 20. 1846.
Sir,
The papers of Mrs. Dorothy Benjamin widow of the late Aaron Benjamin forwarded to this office by Mr. S. Weeks, of Stratford, Connecticut; have been examined and filed. Mr. Benjamin was pensioned under the act of May 8. 1828 as a Lieutenant and all that was due under that law has been paid. As a Staff Officer he was entitled to nothing under that act. Under the construction placed on the act of June 7. 1832 a Staff Officer is allowed to receive a pension according to the rate of pay which he received for performing Staff duties. If he had survived the passage of the act of June 7. 1832 he might have received a higher pension; but he died long before that law passed, viz. in December 1828. Mrs. Benjamin has therefore no claim whatever under either of the above mentioned acts. She now draws a pension under the act of 1845, and if she will return her certificate her pension will be increased under under that law, and the amount due under the act of July 9. 1838 will also be paid to her.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully,
Yours obedt Servt.
J. L. Edwards
W. S. Simmes,
Store of Officers taken.
76 3/4

Sir,
Stratford Jan. 2. 1844.
Understanding that the papers of Dorothy Benjamin widow of the late Aaron Benjamin heretofore forwarded by Me, claiming arrears and an increase of her pension, have been examined, and that she has been found entitled to an increase of her pension under the Act of 1843, and also to arrears of pension due her under the Act of July 7 th 1838 - I now enclose her pension certificate under Act of 1843 for the purpose of having it increased. and also for obtaining the amount due her for arrears of pension under the Act of July 7 th 1838 - You will please forward under cover to the the documents necessary in order to enable her to obtain the sum that may have been found due her -
I am Sir with great Respect -
Yours. W. L. G.
David Brooks
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commr. of Pensions Washington D.C.

100 ad 422

(6) Not yet how in order to obtain the benefits of the act of June 25 th of 1848 on the H. C. R. R. it was time for the President to issue his Proclamations and Orders of the President State of Pennsylvania etc. Given under my hand this 10 th day of March 1848.
London Town and Ashurst in the year 1881 } Dorothy Benjamin. and Year before written
Before Me - I have been enlightened hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Mrs. [illegible] is the widow of Aaron Duglass of said and the same individual who drew a pension as stated in the foregoing declaration.
to pass down to us. A fire of the kind.

State of Connecticut
New Britain County ss
I Thomas Robinson Clerk of the County Court in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that John Golding Esq. is, and on the 8th day of instant August was a Justice of the Peace for said County duly commissioned and qualified according to the laws of this State to administer oaths. That his Commission is dated June 24th 1848 and will expire with the 19th day of June 1849. and I also certify that I am acquainted with his hand writing and believe the signatures on the other side hereof, purporting to be his, are his genuine signatures. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand to the seal of said County Court in New Britain this 12th day of August 1848
Thomas Robinson Clerk

Connecticut.
Gertrude Benjamin widow of Sarah Benjamin who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 23rd Novr 1828 of Fairfield in the State of Conn. who was an Adjutant in the Company commanded by Captain Regt commanded by Col Chandler the Connecticut for 2 years.
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 480 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. Increase from $370.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of Feb. 1841 and sent to David Brooks, Esq Stratford, Conn
Total Amount. Deduct what has been paid [Act July, 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Tho Vanslyck, Clerk, Book 4 Vol. 1 Page 166.

Connecticut 452
Dorothy Benjamin widow of Sarah Benjamin who was a Votary in the Shaker
Reference see Rev. May 30 th 44 to B. S. V. ... Votary No. 452
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 320 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of June, 1843 and sent to David Brock, Stratford Conn
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book Vol. 1 Page 62

275.
District of Columbia Roll
Isaac Williams
Lieutenant
Connecticut Line, 1775-1781 in the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
Inscribed on the Roll of the District of Columbia at the rate of Twenty Dollars per month, to commence on the 20 th of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th of April 1818 and delivered to the Pensioner in person at his residence
Arrearages to 1 st Sept r 1818 4 months 7 days $ 84.51
{ Revolutionary claims, Act 18th March, 1818, }
respecting ap r to be continued, see letter to G. Graham, P. of Sept. 10. 1827.

Connecticut No. 1
Dorothy Benjamin
widow of Isaac Benjamin deceased (late pensioner) who died on the 23rd of December 1828, at New Bedford, in the State of Connecticut who was a Lieutenant in the ... command by Captain ... of the ... commanded by ... in the ... line for ...
Inserted on the Roll of ... at the rate of ... Dollars ... per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22nd day of August, 1838, and to be claimed by ... Benjamin, Stratford, Conn.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1838. $ 611.00 Semi-annual allowance ending ... $ 100.00
$ 711.00
5 years pension { Revolutionary Claim, Act July 7th 1838, Pension the 1st }
Recorded by ... Clerk, Book ... Vol. ... Page 166.

Separate
422
Connecticut
Dorothy Benjamin widow of Sarah Benjamin who was an Adjudant & Vicar in the St. John's
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 1186 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. Increased from $320.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of Feb. 1843 and sent to David Brock, Esq. Deduct $100 per annum what has been paid, Conne
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book 1 Vol. 1 Page 62

1890

H.P. CRB
1st Ind.
War Department, A.G.O., January 11, 1925. - To the Commissioner of Pensions.

EDWARD H. BENJAMIN CONSULTING MINING ENGINEER 310-311 BALBOA BUILDING
San Francisco Cal.
JANUARY 9th 1922
Adjutant General of the United States, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
I am informed by the Secretary of the War of the American Revolution that one Dorothy Penfield of Stratford, Fairfield County, Connecticut, drew a pension on account of the American Revolution. I would be greatly obliged if you could furnish me with the record of her pension so far as they concerned her relatives who served in the Revolution. She was either the sister or wife of one of my ancestors and I am making an extensive search to trace the line, and the information regarding her claim for a pension may be of benefit to me in this connection.
If there is any expense connected with this, I will be glad to send remittance upon receipt of same. Thanking you in advance for your courtesy, I am
Yours very truly,
Edward H. Benjamin
BOSTON Massachusetts Branch, A. G. O.
8 JAN 12 1922
JAN 11 1922
45
JAN 13 1922

IN PURSUANCE
Of an ACT of
CONGRESS
Of the Thirtieth Day of SEPTEMBER,
A. D. 1783,
Aaron Benjamin Esquire
is to Rank as a Captain ————— by Brevet, in the ARMY of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA.
GIVEN under my Hand, at Annapolis the 23 d Day of February 1784
Recorded in the War Office
Thomas Mifflin
W. Mifflin