Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23574, Abel Benson, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
Benson, Abel Rhoda
NUMBER
W. 23 574
CONTENTS

copy of discharge sent to R Baldwin, Boston, Mass. Mar 5 1836
6590
Massachusetts
Abel Benson
of my Framingham in the State of Massachusetts who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Cogswell of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Jackson in the Mass. line, for the term of three years. from 1780 to 1782
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 11 day of April 18
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 of Feb 1822 and sent to J. Davis Esq. Boston.
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1818 $ 38. 60 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 Mar 1819 48. -
$ 86. 40
{ Revolutionary Claims, Acts March, 18, 1818, and May 1, 1820.
Restored 23 April 1829 and citation sent to Josiah Adams Esq Framingham, Mass. Pension commencing 16 March 1829 Amount due to 4 Sept 1829 $ 46. 75

Declaration,
In order to be restored to the Pension List, under the Act of the 1st March 1823.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.) County of Middlesex ss. On this thirteenth day of June 1823, personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record for the county of Middlesex Abel Benson resident in Fram- ingham in said county aged fifty seven years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following de- claration in order to obtain the provision made by the Acts of Congress of the 18 th March, 1818, & the 1st May, 1820, that he the said Abel Benson enlisted for the term of three years in the year sev- enteen hundred and eighty in the State of Mas- sachusetts in the Company commanded by Cap- tain Amos Cogswell in the Regiment command- ed by Colonel Michael Jackson in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the continen- tal establishment; that he continued to serve in the said Corps until the twenty second day of December in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and eighty three when he was discharged from the said service at West Point in the State of New York; that his name has been placed on the Pension List and dropped therefrom on account of his property.
And in pursuance of the Act of the 1st May 1820, I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18 th day of March 1818;

and that I have not since that time by gift, sale or in any manner disposed of any property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war," passed on the 18 th day of March 1818; and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities contracts or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed. That, since the exhibition of my first Schedule, the following changes have been made in my property:-
On the twentieth day of February A. D. 1822 I sold and conveyed to Henry Benson about one quarter of an acre of land with half a house, for the consideration of ninety dollars, and about two acres of land with an old house thereon, for the consideration of sixty five dollars and received of him in payment therefor a discharge of claims which he held against me; I have also mortgaged all the remainder of my real estate to John B. Kiltridge to secure the payment of a note of sixty dollars; which note and mortgage were dated May 2, 1822 - and were given to secure said Kiltridge for about twenty dollars which I owed him and for about forty dollars which he paid in cash and which has been appropriated to the support of myself and family and for the payment of some small debts.
And I do further swear that I was formerly a blacksmith, but have not for some years followed that occupation but have been and still am a day

Schedule
Farming Tools, viz.
1 old Cart 5.00 1 old Plough 0.50 3 old Hoes .30 Horse chains .33 Forks & Rakes .25 Scythe 1.00 7.38
Household Furniture viz.
3 old Chairs .25 old tin Articles .50 old broom .25 old Table .30 Looking Glass .25 1 old case of Drawers 2.00 Iron Pot & Spider 1.00 Pail .25 4.80 1 Horse 14 years old 5.00 Total of Personal Estate 17.18
Real Estate consisting of about 3 1/2 acres of land in Framingham valued at eighty dollars but subject to John B. Kittridge's mortgage of sixty dollars balance
20.00 $37.18
Abel Benson.

labours; on account of my age which is fifty seven years, I am able to labour but very little being also lame and infirm - My wife is aged fifty six years and her health is considerably impaired by age and hard labour - The remainder of my family consists of three sons viz. George aged nineteen - Gardner aged seventeen and Eli aged fourteen years who enjoy good health - I have also a grand daughter aged eleven years whom by mistake in my former affidavit, I called a child, whom I am obligated to support.
Abel Benson.
I sworn to and declared on the thirteenth day of June A.D. 1823, before the Court of Common Pleas for said county of Middlesex, being a court which proceeds according to the course of the common law with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeps a record of its proceedings and has the power of fine and imprisonment. Atte. A. Biglow clk.
I, Abraham Biglow Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Middlesex do hereby certify that it appears to the satisfaction of the court that the said Abel Benson 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. I also certify, that the foregoing oath & the schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the records of the said court; and I do further certify that it is the

opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is thirty seven dollars and eighteen cents.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court on this first day July 1823.
Wm. P. Wilson

No 333
Abel Beman
a private in Mass t line, Jackson's Reg t
From Feby. 1751 to 22 d Dec r 1753 / as per date of Disch ge
3 years.
Date of Aff t 11 th Apr. 1810.
Wanted the Judges cer- tificate of belief, that the Applicant "was in necessi- tous circumstances".
Concord
U.S. Dist.
reason
the fact
RY of the id.

I Abel Berson of Framingham in the County of Middlesex Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged fifty, two years, do Declare, testify and say, that in the month of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty one I enlisted as a soldier in service of the for the term of the year United States, and was Marched on to West Point the next Spring and was put into a Company commanded by Captain Thomas Cagwell, in the Eighth Massachusetts Regiment commanded by Col o Michel Jackson, and served in said Regt until I was transferred with the said Captain into the third Massachusetts Regiment, & being in the month of January A D 1783 in which I con- tinued until I received an Honorable discharge dated the 22 d day of December A D 1783, as will fully appear by said discharge. That I am now a resident Citizen of the United States, and by reason of reduced circumstances in life am in need of Assistance from the Country; therefore request to be placed on the pension list of the United States agreeably to an Act of the Congress of the United States passed the 18 th day of March A D 1818. Entitled an Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War.
Abel Berson
Massachusetts District Boston 11. April 1818 Sworn to before me
M c David Dist. Judge Mass. Dist.

MASSACHUSETTS DISTRICT, ss.
Boston June 11 A. D. 1818
IT appearing to my satisfaction, that Abel Benson subscriber to the annexed declaration, sworn to before me, did serve in the revolutionary war against the common enemy, as stated in said declaration, I now transmit the testimony in the case, with the proceedings had thereon, to the Secretary of the department of war, pursuant to the directions of the Act entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war;" the testimony and proceedings in the premises being the declaration aforesaid, with the accompanying document marked A together with this certificate.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the District Court of the United States for this District to be hereunto affixed.
W. D. Doolittle
} Judge of the District Court U. S. Massachusetts District.
DE UT OT

with the accompanying document marked together with this certificate.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the District Court of the United States for this District
MASSACHUSETTS DISTRICT, ss.
30 January
1819.
I AM satisfied that the above named, Abel Benson by reason of his reduced circumstances in life, is in need of assistance from his Country for support.
TO THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF WAR.
{ District Judge U. S. Massachusetts Dist.

1283
Massachusetts
Rhodah Beuland widow of Abel Beuland Mass who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private .
Reported
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of August 1848 and sent to
Isiah Adams Maringham Mass
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 6 Vol. 2

Rev. W m Barry's Certificate of Record of Marriage —

Extract from the Records of the first Church in the Town of Framingham, in the County of Middlesex, & Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
"Entered the marriage Covenant, September second, seventeen hundred & eighty four, Abel Benson and Rhode Jahah"
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy from the Records of said Church, with the exception of the date which is expressed in fair, legible figures as follows "Sept. 2. 1784."
Attest William Barry Pastor of said Church
I, William Barry, abovenamed, depose & say, that I hold the Office of Pastor of the first Church in the town, County & State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the Original Records of said Church, with the exception abovenamed, as certified by me. I further testify that, by said Records, it appears that the Rev. David Kellogg D.D. lately deceased, was ordained as the Pastor of said Church on the 10 th of January 1781, & that he continued in that office, and made entries on said Book of Records, till the beginning of the year 1830.
William Barry
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex ss. Sept. 27 th 1843. Then the Rev. William Barry subscribed the above Affidavit, & made oath that the same is true. Before me Josiah Adams justice of the Peace

9555
Rhoda Benson
Mass 5
Act July 7 th 38

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 July 1838, entitled "an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows," and also of an act passed March 3. 1843 relating to the same subject, & of the joint resolution of the two houses of Congress passed August 16. 1842. —
Commonwealth of Massachusetts —
County of Middlesex ss. On this second day of October in the year eighteen hundred and forty three, before Me Hon. Saml P. May Judge of Probate in and for the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth aforesaid
personally appeared Rhoda Benson of Framingham in the  said County of Middlesex , who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed the seventh day of July in the year eighteen hundred & thirty eight, entitled "an act granting half pay, and pensions to certain widows," and also of an act passed the third day of March eighteen hundred & forty three, relating to the same subject, & of the joint resolution of both Houses of Congress passed the sixteenth day of August in the year eighteen hundred & forty two, That she is the widow of Abel Benson late of said Framingham, who was a private soldier in the Revolutionary War, & for his services as such, obtained a pension of eight dollars per month, under the act of the eighteenth of March in the year eighteen hundred & forty eighteen, as appears by his pension certificate which is herewith annexed, & she refers to the pension papers on file in the War Department, for the evidence of the services for which said Pension was granted; That her maiden name was Rhoda Jahah, & that she was married by the Rev. David Kellogg, who was then an ordained minister of the Gospel over the first Church, in said Framingham, and who has lately died, and that she is now aged seventy six years.
She further declares that she was married to the said Abel

Benson on the second day of September in the year seventeen hundred & eighty four; that her husband, the said Abel Benson died, about twelve o'Clock, in the night between the fifteenth & sixteenth days of September in the present year; - that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January in the year seventeen hundred and ninety four, to wit, at the time above stated; & that she has not again married, but is still a widow as before stated -
Subscribed & sworn to by said Rhoda Benson, at a Special Probate Court held at the Probate in Cambridge on the day & year first above written, the words "the" & "of" Middlesex being first interlined -
Rhoda her Benson mark
Before J. P. P. Fay judge of Probate for said County of Middlesex
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Middlesex County, ss.
I Isaac Fiske Register of the Court of Probate in and for the County of Middlesex aforesaid hereby certify that the Hon. J. P. P. Fay is the judge of Probate in & for the County of Middlesex aforesaid, & that his signature above written is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court of Probate this second day of October in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred & forty three.
Isaac Fiske,

Abel Benron
Payable semi-annually---the first pay- ment on this certificate will be made on the 4th of March — next, at the U States Branch Bank Boston
Recorded

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I CERTIFY That, in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th of March, 1818, _____
Abel Benson _____ late a Private _____ in the Army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Massachusetts _____ Agency, at the rate of Eight _____ dollars per month, to commence on the _____ 11 th day of April _____ one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this _____ 5 th day of January one thousand eight hundred and nineteen —
J. C. Calhoun Secretary of War.
March 4. 1820 gave a power to S Houshams

Hon. Rufus Choate
Washington

Framingham Feby 22. 1844 — Hon. B. Choate Dear Sir,
I enclose you the last effort of Mrs. Berson. You will see that there is full evidence of her claim, & perhaps will be able to make the department see it, in such a light as to give it immediate attention. I enclose an unsealed letter to Mr. Edwards, from which you may be able to form an opinion as to the occasion of the delay.
I owe an apology for troubling you so often, but have none to offer; & must ask you, instead, to accept the thanks of your friend &c &c
Louisa Adams
If necessary, please certify that I am a justice of the peace.

My dear Sir,
I enclose the within. Pray return them to the earliest convenient attention of the Department.
With great respect I am Sir Rufus Stone 2 Dec. 1843.
Genl. L. - 2 Nov. 55 Esq

9555 Rhoda Benson Mass s Act 7 th July 1838
Admitted 17 m 21 d prio
$ 59.01 per an.
Hon d R d Choate, Boston.

Boston 6 Oct. 10/48
Dear Sir,
I should take it as a particular favor if the enclosed application may receive the earliest attention consistent with the engagements of the Department.
The subject w. it is in urgent need. The principle of the case has been sanctioned by the Department & by the opinion of the last Attorney General as I learn
Your old servant Rufus Choate

7828
Ref'd to Pen. Agent. see letter
Massachusetts
Rhoda Benson
widow of Abel Benson
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818 and who died on the 15 th Sep r . 1843 of Middlesex Co. in the State of Mass. who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Cogswell of the regt. commanded by Col. Jackson in the Mass. line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 80 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. Increased from $59:01
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of April 1844. and sent to Hon. Rufus Choate, House of Representatives Senate U.S.
Former payments to be deducted, Total amount, $400
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book D. Vol. 1. Page 53.

Superior
4334.
Massachusetts
Phoebe Benson widow of Abel Benson who was a Private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 59 Dollars & 1 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of Jan'y 1844 and sent to
Wm Rufus Choate U.S. Senate
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book c 4 Vol. 1. Page 60.

Massachusetts 4334
Rep. to Pen. Agt. see letter
Rhodah Benson
widow of Abi Bensen
who was a Private
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Increased from $59:01
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of April 1844
and sent to Hon. Rufus Choate Senate U. S.
Former payments to be deducted.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 1, Page 60.

Jenn R. Johnson 20 Dec. 1843
4926.
Rhoda Renson
59. 01.
Hon
Rufus Choate Senate.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex ss.
On the eighteenth day of December in the year eighteen hundred and forty three, personally appeared Rhode Benson resident in Framingham in said County, aged seventy six years, & who is personally known to me as a credible woman, & who being first sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of an act of Congress passed on the third day of March 1843 , granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war; and also to obtain an increase of her pension already granted. I received, of fifty nine dollars & one cent per annum from March 4. 1836 to March 4 1841, under an act passed 7 th July 1838 , — That she is still the widow of Abel Benson, late of said Framingham, who died on the fifteenth day of September last past, & who was a private soldier in the Revolutionary war on the Continental establishment, & served in said war as such, as she verily believes for more than three years; that he commenced said service in the month of November in the year 1780, and continued therein till the 22 d day of December in the year 1783, when he was honorably discharged; that he first served about two years in Capt. Amos Cogswell's company in the 8 th Regiment commanded by Col. Mitchell Jackson, & was then transferred to the 3 d Regiment commanded by Col. Gration, & served in the company commanded by Capt. Hartshorn till he was so discharged; That she is now unable to obtain evidence of said service for the whole of said term, being informed that the name of her said husband is not now borne on any of the papers in the office of the Secretary of said Commonwealth; but, in order to prove

that he served at least from March 12 1781 - to December 22 1783, which she is informed will entitle her to an increase of her said pension from $59.01 to $80.00 per annum, she refers to her said husband's discharge, dated Decr. 22 1783, which her husband filed, in the proper Office at Washington to obtain his pension under the act of 1818, a copy of which, she is informed is in the Land Office at Boston, attested by the Commissioner of Pensions - And she also states that, in the year 1836, her said husband obtained a bounty for his said services, under an act of said Com- monwealth, on which occasion he filed, as she is informed, and believes, in the Land Office, a certificate of John P. Bigelow then Secretary of said Commonwealth, of which a copy attested by the Land Agent is herunto annexed; and that she is informed, & believes, that said bounty could not have been obtained without proof of, at least, two years & a half service.
Attest Mary Porter, Son
Rhoda her Berson mark
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year first above written
before me Josiah Adams Justice of the Peace

"Commonwealth of Massachusetts."
"Secretary's Office, Feb. 7. 24 th 1836."
"I hereby certify, that from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Abel Benson is borne on a list of men from the County of Middlesex enlisted agreeable to a resolve of Court of the 2 d . of December 1780. where it appears he enlisted for three years from the Town of Framingham March 12 th . 1781."
(signed) "John P. Bigelow" Secretary
Mass a Land Office
Dec 14 th . 1843
I hereby certify that this is a true copy of the original now on the files of this office.
For Geo. W. Coffin Land Agent by Edu d Spelling Clerk

Identify that person Adams within Massachusetts Justice of Peace within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
John Brown
Franklin 20 Dec. 1843
4926
Rhoda Benson
59.57
Rev Rufus Choate Senate

10. Abel Benson
1590
John Benson

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
MIDDLESEX, ss.
At the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Middle Circuit, begun and holden at Concord, within and for the County of Middlesex, on the second Monday of June A. D. 1820
Before the Hon. SAMUEL DANA, Esquire, Chief Justice, and
WILLIAM WETMORE, and } Associate Justices
STEPHEN MINOT, Esquires, } of said Court.
In open Court here, being a Court of Record for said Circuit, proceeding according to the course of the common law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a record of its proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment, Abel Pearson resident in said Circuit, who is named in Pension Certificate No. 6590 now in his possession, of which the following is a true copy, to wit,
WAR DEPARTMENT.....REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th March, 1818, Abel Pearson late a Private in the army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Massachusetts Agency, at the rate of eight dollars per month, to commence on the eleventh day of April one thousand eight hundred and eighteen. Given at the War Office of the United States, this fifth day of February one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
J. C. CALHOUN, Secretary of War,"
appears, and exhibits to the Court here a Schedule, subscribed by him, as follows, to wit,
SCHEDULE,
containing his whole estate and income, his necessary clothing and bedding excepted, to wit,
Table with 2 columns: Description of assets, Value. Rows include: Real Estate three hundred dollars ($300.00), One old horse (8), Farming tools (7.50), Household furniture (4.75). Total: $320.15.
And the said Abel Pearson being first sworn on oath declare that he served in the war of the Revolution above three years upon the Continental establishment in Col Michael Jackson's Regiment the eighth of the Massachusetts line except that toward the close of said three years he was transferred to the 3rd Regiment of the Massachusetts line, which with the

eightth Regiment he was in Capt Amos Cogswells company and he has forgotten the name of the Captain who command- ed the company in the said 3 d Regt, he was in several skirmishes on the lines but was never in any battle, he is now fifty four years old, by occupation a labourer but is not able to labour much by reason of a lame knee & a broken shoulder, his family consists of a wife aged fifty three years & three children aged fifteen fourteen and nine and he is indebted to sundry persons to the amount of one hundred and twenty dollars.
Abel Beason.
Sworn to and declared before W m Wetmore Judge etc

and at the same time he produces to the Court here the following Oath, taken and subscribed by him, before the Hon. M c Intire a Judge of said Court as aforesaid, to wit,
" I, Abel Pearson do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," passed on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed. So help me GOD.
Abel Pearson
Middlesex ss. C. C. C. P. June Term, A. D. 1820
Then the abovenamed Abel Pearson took and subscribed the aforewritten Oath before me,
M c Intire Judge of said Court."
I, ABRAHAM BIGLOW, Clerk of the Court aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing Oath, and Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is
two hundred dollars & thirteen cents
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, at Cambridge, in said County of Middlesex, on this 20 th day of July 1820
Attr.
Abraham Biglow

Abel Benson 1 March 1823,
Mass;
admitted by the E. pen. com: 10 March 1819.
(Sept 1818) (March 1819)

Schedule of the property of Abel Benson of Framingham in the County of Middlesex shown to us this day by him & by us affixed appraised as follows v. to wit
1.39   One case drawers $1.75  five old chairs 30  $2.05    3 tables 2.00  five cider casks 2.00  4.00    one old gun 2.00  one looking glass 75  2.75    one wood saw 1.00  one iron pot 33  1.33    one bake kettle 1.06  one lot old iron 1.  1.06    4 hay forks 67  one butter  butter 20  0.87    3 iron wedges 30  one old home cart 2.00  2.30    part of an old harness 1.75   1.75    2 old chests 33  lot of tin 1.50  1.83    1 small lot crockery ware   3.75    6 old knives & forks   0.16    1 pair flat irons 20  2 lamps 6  0.26    1 pair andirons 30  1 hand saw 10  0.40    1 pail & churn 67  2 old axes 50  1.17    1 axe & two shovels   0.33      $23.71  
Dated at Framingham this ninth day of March
A. D. 1829 - Witness our hands
Seth Herring Joel Rice
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex ss. March 9. 1829. Then The above named Seth Herring & Joel Rice personally known to me as men of good character & judgment, appear and subscribe the foregoing schedule and make oath that they have no interest in the premises  therein & that the appraisal is made according to their best skill & judgment
Before me Josiah Adams
Justice of the peace

March 10. 1829
A. B. [initials]

Declaration in order to be restored to the pension list under the act of March 1. 1828, drawn up in conformity with the regulations of the war Department of the 26 th December 1828.
I Abel Benson of Framingham in the County of Middlesex do declare that I am the same person who served in the Revolutionary war in the Company commanded by Captain Amos Cogswell of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Michael Jackson of the line of the state of Massachusetts; — that I received a pension under the act of March 18. 1818, but my name was struck from the pension list roll on account of the amount of my property, which was valued at less than nine hundred & sixty dollars. I now apply to be restored to in consequence of the regulations of the war department of the 26 th of December 1828, having at this time the property mentioned in the annexed schedule, and no more, excepting the wearing apparel, & beds & bedding necessary for my family; which property is appraised by two disinterested persons, & in my opinion at, its full value. I also declare that I have before applied to be restored but my claim has been rejected on account of the value amount of my property.
Abel Benson
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex ss. On this ninth day of March 1829 Abel Benson personally appears & subscribes the foregoing declaration, & makes oath that the same is true — Before me
Josiah Adams
Justice of the peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex County ss. To Abraham Biglow Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County, do certify that Josiah Adams Esq. named in the papers herewith annexed, is a Justice of the peace for said County duly qualified and authorized to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof the seal of the said Court is hereunto af- fixed this tenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty nine -
Abraham Biglow

Marriage —
Eliza Temple's, F. B. K.
Certificate & Affidavit

I Uriah Rice of Framingham in the County of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentlemen testify & say that I am eighty six years old & have lived in said Town from my birth. I was married by the Rev. David Kellogg of Framingham about the time that Abel Benson of said Town was said to be married to Rhoda Jobab. They have lived together as man & wife, within one mile of my residence, ever since, till the about the middle of the present month when he died, leaving the said Rhoda his widow, who is still living unmarried
Uriah Rice
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex ss. September 30. 1843. Then Uriah Rice, who has long been known to me as a credible witness, submitted the foregoing affidavit & made oath that the same is true - Before me
Josiah Adams Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts ss. Middlesex ss. I Elias Hovey Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the County of Middlesex, do certify that Josiah Adams Esquire is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County of Middlesex, duly Commissioned & qualified, and that his name subscribed to the foregoing & annexed certificates are his genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court, the Second day of October 1843. -
E. Hovey Clerk

I Benjamin K. Hauen, aged twenty six, testify that I reside a few rods from the house in Framingham (Mass.) where Abel Benson lately died. I saw him living on the evening morning of the fifteenth of September instant, & saw him again dead the next morning. I attended his funeral on the Saturday Sunday following.
Benjamin K. Hauen
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex ss. Sept. 30. 1843. Then Benjamin K. Hauen, who is known to me as a credible witness, made subscribed the foregoing affidavit & made oath that the foregoing same is true
Before me Josiah Adams Justice of the Peace

I Mary Patterson, aged fifty one years, testify that I was attending on my father, Abel Benson late of Framingham (Mass.), at the time of his death, which took place (I cannot say whether before or after twelve o'clock) in the night succeeding the fifteenth day of September instant.
Mary Patterson
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex ss. September 30. 1843. Then Mary Patterson, who is known to me as a credible witness, subscribed the foregoing Affidavit, & made oath that the same is true &c.
Before me
Josiah Adams Justice of the Peace

Extract from the Records of Marriages in the Town of Framingham County of Middlesex, State of Massachusetts. —
Abel Benson and Rhoda Jahrah entered the Marriage Court, Sept. One Thousand Seven hundred and Eighty four. A true copy from the Ch'h Records.
Attest David H. Llogg
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy from the Records of said Town of Fram- ingham with the exception of the date which is expressed in fair legible figures as follows, "Sept. 1784"
Attest Elias Temple { Clerk of the Town of Framingham
I, Elias Temple, above named, depose and say, that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the Town, County and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the orig- inal Records of the said Town of Framingham with the exception above named as certified by me.
Elias Temple { Clerk of the Town of Framingham
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex p. Sept. 25. 1843. Sworn to & subscribed
Before me Josiah Adams Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex: ss. I Abraham Biglow Clerk of the judicial courts in the County of Mid- dlesex do certify that Josiah Adams is a justice of the peace for the said County - & that William P. Stone is register of Deeds for said County & their names to their several certificates here on the papers are so annexed, are their own proper signatures.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the court of Common- Pleas this 28 th of July 1823.
Abraham Biglow

Mortgage Deed,
Abel Benson,
to Jno. B. Kittridge ,
a Copy —
To which is annexed the affidavit of said Kittridge

Know all men by these presents that I Abel Benson of Framingham in the County of Mil- -ders & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Esquire in consideration of one hundred dollars paid by John B. Kittredge of said Framingham Phy- -sician, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknow- -ledge, do hereby give grant sell and convey unto the said John B. Kittredge his heirs & assigns forever one certain tract of land situate in said Framingham containing four acres more or less and bounded as follows viz; - northerwardly and easterly by lands of Yonel Abbott Southerly by land of Henry Benson & westwardly by the widow Sarah Hoover land -
To have and to hold the same of the above granted premises to the said John B. Kittredge, his heirs & assigns to his & their use & behoof forever - and I do covenant with the said John B. Kittredge his heirs & assigns that I am lawfully seized in fee of the above granted premises, that they are free & clear incumbrances - that I have good right to sell & convey the same to the said John B. Kittredge & that I will warrant and defend the same premises

to the said John B. Kirtland & his heirs & assigns forever against the lawful claims & demands of all persons
Provided nevertheless that if the said Abel Benson or his heirs executors or administrators pay to the said John B. Kirtland or his heirs executors or administrators or assigns the sum of sixty dollars within one year from this date with interest annually till paid, then this deed as also a certain note bearing even date with these presents, given by the said Abel Benson to the said John B. Kirtland promising to pay the same sum at the time aforesaid shall both be void, and other wise shall remain in full force.
In witness whereof I the said Abel Benson, with Rhoda my wife as a relinquishment of her right of dower in the premises, hereunto set our hands & seals this second day of May in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and twenty two. Abel Benson & seal - Rhoda Benson her mark & seal - Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of us John Maynard Eliza E. Lane Joseph Sanger Nabby Sanger -
Midddlesex ss. May 2. 1822 - Then the above named Abel Benson acknowledged the above instrument to be his free act & deed - before me John Maynard Justice of the peace -
Midddlesex ss. May 10. 1822. Read, and filed by Abijah Biglow Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, & accordingly entered by William F. Stone Register
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
ss. May 22. 1822
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy from the records of my Office Book, 242, page 167
W. F. Stone for said County of Middlesex

I John B. Kittredge of Framingham testify & say that I have long lived in the neighborhood of Abel Benson and am well acquainted with the  his real estate of which I hold a mortgage for fifty dollars sixty Dollars, a copy of which is herunto annexed - Said real estate is in my opinion not worth more than seventy Dollars - I further testify that I have been the physician of the family for many years, and that said Benson is lame & infirm, and unable to perform much labor - his wife has been a hard working woman, but is failing through age & infirmity & is not able to earn much toward supporting the family - she has been often sick of late & is at the subject of medicine - The family is reputed to be very poor, & I have no doubt of the fact.
When I took said mortgage I paid about forty dollars in cash & discharged my account against Benson of about twenty Dollars; & this I did because I knew of nothing no other property which would satisfy my claim -
J. B. Kittredge
Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Middlesex ss. June 10. 1823.
Then Dr. John B. Kittredge made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true before me
Josiah Adams
Justice of the Peace

Copies of Deeds to Henry Benson with his affidavit annexed

I know all Men by these Presents that I Abel Ben- son of Framingham in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Blacksmith in consid- eration of the sum of sixty five Dollars already paid me by Henry Benson of Boston in the County of Suffolk the Receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, have given granted bargained, sold, and conveyed and confirmed and by these Presents do give, grant bargain sell and convey and confirm unto him the said Henry Benson a Certain tract or piece of Stony land and orcharding laying and being in the Eastwardly part of Framingham afore- said containing two Acres, be the same more or less, and is bounded as follows Viz Beginning at a Stake and Stones at Southeast Corner thence running Westwardly by Capt. Uriah Rice's land as Wall now stands to a Stake and Stones, thence Northwardly by Francis Howe heirs land to a Stake & Stones thence Eastwardly by Abel Benson's land to a Stake and Stones, thence Southwardly to the bounds first mentioned with all the Buildings on said land
To Have and to hold the above bargained premises with all there Privileges and appurtenances to him the said Henry Benson and his heirs and assigns to the sole use of him the said Henry Benson and his heirs and assigns forever, and I the said Abel Benson do for

myself and my heirs, Executors & Administrators and assigns Covenant and engage to and with the said Henry Benson and his heirs, Executors, Administrators and assigns that at the time of delivering hereof, I am lawfully seized in fee simple of the above bar- gained premises, and that same are free of all incum- brances, that I have good right full power and lawful authority to grant bargain sell and convey the same to him the said Henry Benson and his heirs and assigns To have and to hold the same in manner and for the use aforesaid and that I and my heirs will warrant, secure and defend the above bargained premises to him the said Henry Benson and his heirs and assigns forever against all lawful claims of all persons.
In witness whereof I the said Abel Benson have hereunto set my hand and seal this twentieth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty two ————— Abel Benson and seal Rhode Benson her mark and seal signed sealed and delivered in presence of us W. B. Barker Jno. C. Hastings —————
Boston Suffolk Feb. 20. 1822. Then the above named Abel Benson and Rhode Benson acknowledged the above Instrument to be

Their free act and deed
Before me Jon o Hastings Just. of Peace Middlesex ss. June 12. 1823 - Rec d & Registered by Commonwealth of Massachusetts John S. Stone Reg d Middlesex ss. Office of Registry of Deeds June 12 th 1823
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy from the records of said office
John S. Stone Reg d of Deeds for said county Middlesex

Know all men by these presents, that I Abel Benson of Framingham in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Blacksmith, in consideration of the sum of ninety dollars already paid me by Henry Benson of Boston in the County of Suffolk, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, have given, granted, bargained, sold and conveyed, and confirmed, and by these presents do give, grant, bargain, sell and convey and confirm unto him the said Henry Benson, a certain tract or piece of land lying and being in the Easterwardly part of Framingham aforesaid, containing one quarter of an acre and is bounded as follows viz. beginning at a stake and stones at the Southeast Corner, thence running westwardly by Worcester turnpike to a stake and stones, thence northwardly by Henry Benson's land to a stake and stones, thence eastwardly by Lieut. Joseph Sangers land to a stake and stones, thence southwardly by said Sangers land to the bounds first mentioned with all the buildings on said land.
To Have and to Hold the above bargained premises with all the privileges, appurtenances to him the said Henry Benson and his heirs and assigns forever - And I the said Abel Benson, do for myself and my heirs, executors and administrators covenant and engage to and with the said Henry Benson and his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, that at the time of the delivery hereof, I am lawfully seized in fee simple of the above bargained premises, and that the same are free of all incumbrances; that I have good right, full power and lawful authority to grant, bargain, sell

and convey the same to him the said Henry Benson and his heirs and assigns, to have and to hold the same in manner and for the use aforesaid and that I and my heirs will warrant, secure, and defend the above bargained premises to him the said Henry Benson and his heirs and assigns forever, against the lawful claims of all persons —
In witness whereof I the said Abel Benson have hereunto set my hand and seal this twentieth day of Feb y in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty five.
Abel Benson & seal Rhoda Benson her mark x & seal
Signed, Sealed and delivered in presence of us, W m F. Barker, Jon a Hastings — Suffolk. Boston 20 Feb y 1822 Then the above named Abel Benson & Rhoda Benson acknowledged the within instrument to be their free act and deed —
before me, Jon a Hastings Justice of Peace —
Widolliver p. June 12. 1823 Rec d & Recorded by W m F. Stone Reg t
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Widolliver p. June 12. 1823 Office of Registry of deeds —
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of record —
W m F. Stone Reg t of Deeds for said county of Middlesex

I Henry Benson of Boston do testify and declare that at the time of the Execution of the Deed of which copies are annexed, the said Abel Benson was justly indebted to me in the sum of one hundred & fifty five dollars & more, for monies which I had furnished for his support & for the repairing the house in which he lives, and I dis- charged him to that amount as a consideration for said Deed - said Benson is very poor and is without the means of supporting his family - He is lame & infirm, & able  unable to labor but little Henry Benson
Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Middlesex ss. June 13. 1823 - Then Henry Benson made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true
Before me
Josiah Adams
Justice of the peace

Rhoda Benson
Mass -
act 7. July 38.
Increased -
2 yrs pri
$ 80. deduct what has been paid.
Act March
$ 80. deduct what has been paid
for Rufus Choate H.R.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex County ss. On this twenty second day of February in the year eighteen hundred & forty four, personally appeared Rhoda Benson of Framingham in said County, aged seventy six years, & who is personally known to me as an honest and credible woman & who, being first sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following Declaration, to enable her to obtain the benefit of an Act of Congress passed 7 July A.D. 1838, by having an increase of her Pension, which has already been granted under said Act. — That she is the widow of Abel Benson, late of said Framingham, who died on the fifteenth day of September last past, & who was a private soldier in the Revolutionary War, on the Continental establishment, & served in said War (as he always said, & as she verily believes), as such, for more than three years — That he commenced said service in the month of November 1780, & continued therein till the 22 day of December in the year 1783, when he was honorably discharged. — That he first served, about five years in Capt. Amos Cogswell's Company in the eighth Regiment, commanded by Col. Michael Jackson, & was transferred to the third Regiment commanded by Col. Graton, & served therein in the Company commanded by Captain Hartshorn till he was so discharged. — That she is unable to obtain evidence of said service for the whole of said term; but, in order to prove that her said husband served, at least, from March 12 1781, to December 22 1783, which she is advised will entitle her to an increase of her said pension from $59.01 to $80.00 per annum, she refers to his discharge, dated 22 Dec r . 1783, which he filed in the proper Office at Washington, to obtain his pension, under the act of 1818; a copy of which, she is informed,

is in the Land Office of said Commonwealth at Boston, attested by the Commissioner on Pensions; and she also refers to the an- nexed Official Certificate of the Secretary of said Common- wealth, by which it appears that her said Husband enlisted for the term of three years on the 12 th day of March 1781, be- ing the same term that is mentioned in said discharge.
Attest (Beneath) L. Caples " Josiah Adams
Rhoda her Beman mark
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first above written
Josiah Adams Justice of the Peace.
X

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Feb 21 1811
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Ab. O. Benson of Framingham is borne upon a list of three year men from Middlesex County, and enlisted March 12. 1781.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John D. Sleeper Secretary of the Commonwealth.

ad 6334
admitted
Josiah Adams Waringham Mass

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex County ss. On the twenty fourth day of July in the year 1848, personally appeared before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, Rhoda Benson, a resident of Framingham in said County, aged eighty two years; and being first sworn according to law, did, on oath, declare as follows, to obtain the benefit of an Act of Congress, passed on the second day of February 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War; That she is still unmarried & is the widow of Abel Benson, who was resident of said Framingham, & who was a Private soldier in said War; that she is the same person who received a pension, under the act of June 17 1844, at the rate of eighty dollars and  cents per annum, on account of the Revolutionary services of her said husband
Sworn to & and subscribed by Rhoda her Benson mark on the day & year above written.
Josiah Adams Justice of the Peace
In presence of Seth Herring
Josiah Adams
I also certify that the said Rhoda Benson is personally known to me to be a widow & a Pensioner as above declared.
Josiah Adams Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Middlesex ss. I Elias Phinney, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for said County, certify that Josiah Adams Esq. is a Justice of the Peace in for for said County, duly Commissioned & qualified, & that his signature above written is genuine
Given under my hand & the seal of said Court this twenty seventh day of July, in the year eighteen hundred & forty eight
E. Phinney

Pens. Office
18. March, 1829.
Abel P. [?] Act March 1823
Washington
Revolutionary Claim
to the Secretary
Pennsylvania Off. of March 13
Am. [?]

If this is not according to the form required, please inform per mail, what will be — There are so many forms of proceeding in this matter that it is very desirable to have a form from the official source — I ask you for Abel Benson
Please direct Josiah Adams Esq Framingham Middlesex County Mass. "
ms

Framingham Mass. July 27/48.
Josiah Adams
Enc. decl ns of Hannah Belcher & Rhoda Ben- -son.
Abbe. P. P. Lee July 31. '48. Washington Pension Office
To the Hon. the Secretary of War
(Pension Department)

Framingham (Mass.) July 22 1848
To the Secy. of War,
Sir.
If certificates should be made on the enclosed declarations of Hannah Belcher and Rhoda Benson, please enclose them, directed to "Josiah Adams Esq- Framingham. (Mass.)"
Respectfully
Yrs
Josiah Adams

Dear Sir,
I direct your attention to the within,
am Yours, etc.
Philip Blumkin March 1944

J. L. Edward Esq. Com d . of Rev.
Washington

Framingham Mass. Feby 22. 1844
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir,
In December last, Rhoda Benson, widow of Abel Benson, late of this place, forwarded, to your Office, her Petition (of Dec r . 18) for the 6 th year of her pension under the act of 1843, which was allowed & the certificate forwarded by Mr. Choate.
In the same Petition, she also asked for an increase of the Pension from $59.10 to $80.00, & referred you to such evidence as she could then obtain. As the evidence seemed to me sufficient to entitle her to the increase, I have been led to suppose, either that the second part of the Petition was overlooked, or was considered improperly joined with the other part -
Since that time, the New Seq. of State has found what was found by Mr. Bigelow in 1836, but was overlooked by Mr. Bolles, & has furnished the proper certificate.
She now forwards a new application for the increase, and it is hoped that, under the circumstances, it may be thought right that it may be passed upon without as belonging to her former application, without waiting for its course.
Mrs. B. is a very poor, & worthy old woman, which is only mentioned as an apology for any seeming importunity on my part -
Respectfully
Josiah Adams

Notification sent to Abraham Bigelow Esq. 22 d Sep. 1820 Cambridge Mass
6590.
Massachusetts Roll
Abel Benson -
of Framingham in the state of Massachusetts who was a Private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Jackson of the Massachusetts line, for the term of 3 Years
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 11 th of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th of Feb y 1819 and sent to John Davis Esq. Judge Boston
Arrears to 4th of Sep r 1818 - 49 \frac{24}{30} - 38:40 Semi-ann. all ce ending 4 th March 1819 - 48: - // 86:40
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Discontinued.

Ref?
1828. Massachusetts
Rhoda Bensen widow of Abel Bensen
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818 and who died on the 15, Sept. 1843. of Middlesex Co., in the State of Mass. who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Cogswell of the regt. commanded by Col. Jackson in the Mass. line for 17 months & 21 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 59 Dollars & 1 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of October 1843 and sent to Hon. R. Choate, Boston, Mass.
Total amount, $295:05
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D. Brown, Clerk, Book D. Vol. 1. Page 53.

Estate he mortgaged to J.B. Hildreth, for a debt due him of $60, by a Deed dated May 2. 1822 - acknowledged same day rec'd & recorded May 10. 1822
His age 57 - a Blacksmith inform - unable to labor - Wife 56 - 3 sons aged 19. 14 & 11 -
see letter 11 Sept. 1823, to
Abijah Ely
Cornwall
N.Y.
Mar. 19.
Massachusetts
Abel Benson, Private; served 3 yrs from 1777
1 st Schedule June 1820 -
Real Estate $ 300
Horse & harness 20.13
$320.13
indebted to sundry persons (names unknown) $120 -
2 nd Schedule June 13. 1823
Real Estate 3\frac{1}{2} acrs. of Land under a mortgage to Hildreth for $60 - Land valued at $80
Personal Estate
Personal Estate $17.00
Feb'y 20 1822 he conveyed part of his Real Estate to Henry Benson for a debt due him of $155
Deed acknowledged Feb'y 20. 1822, & Rec'd & Recorded June 12. 1823
The remainder of his Real

BY THE HONOURABLE MAJOR GENERAL K N O X,
Commanding the AMERICAN FORCES on Hudson's River.
Able Bensen Soldier ————— in the 3 d Massachusetts ————— Regiment, being enlisted for Three Years, is hereby honourably DISCHARGED from the Service of the United States.
Given in the State of New-York,
the 22 nd Day of December
1783
By the General's Command,
Knox M c Lean
REGISTERED in the Books of the Regiment,
John Retstafford Ser t

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 28574
Rhoda Benson wid. of Abel Benson Priv. Rev. no.
Act Feb 2 nd 1842
Index: Vol A , Page 55
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Assessor Certificate
March 11. 1823

We the subscribers being a majority of the Appraisers of the Town of Framingham in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts hereby certify that we have this day appraised all the Real estate of Abel Benson within our knowledge consisting of about three and an half acres of Land situate in said Framingham at the sum of eighty Dollars
March 11 th
1823
Jonas Clayer Warren Nelson

  52  1818    22  52    74  1766     12     1378  
Feb 27 Abel Benson Mass role Oct 1818
5 Feb. 19.
Copy of Duchy
J. L. Schwartz Esq. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Washington

Boston, Massachusetts. Feb'y 23 d 1896
Sir
I have to request that the a copy of the Discharge of Abel Benson may be forwarded to me at this place.
Said Abel is still a surviving Pensioner of the United States, and resides at Framingham, Middlesex County, Mass'ts - and is an unsuccessful applicant for the Gratuity from this Commonwealth, of 50 Dollars; and has authorized me to solicit a copy of his Discharge, which he alleges was forwarded to the Pension Office, as proof of his service, in support of his claim to a Pension under the Act 14 th March 1818.
Please answer this, and forward the same to me at this place
Very Respectfully Sir I am Your Ob't Servant Reuben Baldwin
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm'r of Pensions Washington