Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18586, Seth Benson, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Benson, Seth Lydia
W. 18586
CONTENTS

State of Vermont } On the 16 th day of October A.D. 1828, Rutland County } Personally appeared, before the Probate Court for the district of Fairhaven in open court, said Court being a Court of record, agreeably to the laws of the State of Vt. Seth Henson aged seventy years, resident of Orwell in said County of Rutland, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by an act of the 18 th day of March 1818, and the first of May 1820, that he the said Seth Henson, enlisted in the month of March in the year 1777, for three years in the town of Greenwich in Massachusetts, in the company of Capt. Thompson, and regiment commanded, by Col. Francis, in the war of the United States, under the continental estab- lishment, joined the army at Piccadilly at the Northward and was in the battle at Hubbardston in the State of Vermont, then went to West-point, and the Fishkill and White-plain, and served out the three years enlistment, and was discharged at West-point in March 1780, then enlisted again in the same month, for three years more, under said establishment, in the company commanded by Capt. Joseph Browning, Reg- iment commanded by Col. Over joined the army at West- point, and went to the South and the Jerseys, and served out my time, which was for three years, at one enlistment, and was discharged at West-Point, my discharge being lost, it is not in my power to prove my service only by the dep- osition of Frederick Temple, and John L. Davis in the pursu- ance of the act of May 1820. I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident of the United States, on the 18 th day of March 1818. That I have not since that time by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby to diminish it, so as to bring myself within the provision 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, 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 con- tained in the schedule herunto annexed, and by me subscribed. I have a wife named Lydia aged sixty five,

not able to labour by reason of bodily infirmity, I am a Carpenter by occupation, but am not able to work at it nor have not been for a number years, by reason of having my shoulder broke, which is hindrance to my labouring.
  1 Cow  $12.  one Hog  $6.  Loon Stackling,  $6.  $24. "    1 Spinnings Wheel  $1.  1 Table & furniture  1.50    2.50    Fin Ware  75 cts  Brown Earthen  50 cts    1.25    Old Paints  25 cts  Iron Ware  $3.  5 old Chairs,  83  4.08    1 Axe  $1.  Fire Hice & Tongs  1.    2. "    3 old Barrels  $1.  1 Chest  50 cts  2 Augers  50 cts  2. "    1 Iron Square  $1.  3 joinis planes  $1.    2. "    1 Shave  34 cts  1 Draw  25 cts  1 Handsaw  $1.  1.59    Total Amount  $39.42    Seth Benson.
Sworn to and declared on the 16 th day of October 1823. before me, Court, Selah H. Merrill Register.
I Selah H. Merrill Register of the Probate Court for the district of Fairhaven, do hereby certify that it appears to the satisfaction of the Court, that the said Seth Benson did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the foregoing declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of three years under one engagement in the continental establishment, I also further certify that the foregoing oath and schedule, thereto annexed, are truly copied from the records of said Court, and I further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount of the value of the property exhibited in the foregoing schedule is thirty nine dollars and forty two cents.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court on this 16 th day of October A.D. 1823.
Selah H. Merrill.

Ms 118.
Dead.
See letter to R. Bolles p Sept. 28. 1839
Vermont.
Seth Benson
Husband in the state of Vermont who was a private in the Comp y commanded by Captain ... of the regiment commanded by Colonel ... in the ... ne, for the term of Three years .
scribed on the Roll of ... at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 21. of October 1813
Certificate of Pension issued the 20th of Nov. 1815, and ...
Arrears to 4th of ... Semi anl. all'ce ending ... 35.87 ... {Revolutionary claim, Acts March 18, 1818, and May 1, 1820.}

Settled Business Wapinitia
The claimant must prove his service by two witnesses, certified by the judge to be
credible — His
name does not appear on the Rolls in this Office
On: Office
May 5 th 1870
John C. Calhoun Esq. Secretary of the War Department Washington City

State of Vermont Rutland County ss 3 I, Seth Berson of Sudbury in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont Depose and say that I am now sixty five years old that I was born in Middlebury in the State of Massachusetts that in the month of March in the year 1776 I Enlisted into the army under Capt Oliver Lyman Col d Dikes Regiment and Gen l Ward's Brigade for one year that I served out my years enlistment Part on land Part on the water and was Regularly Discharged and Returned home and again in the month of March in the year 1777 I Enlisted into the Continental Army for the term of three years under Capt. Thompson of Pittsfield as near as I can rec d that and Col d Francis Regiment and General Paterson's Brigade except the Massachusetts Line of troops I served out my three years and was Discharged at West Point and returned home and in the month of March 1780 again Enlisted for the term of three years more and served until the terminated month of February in the year 1783 when I was honorable ly Discharged from the Army by Gen l Pattison my Discharge I left in a Chest in my Father's house in Granby in the State of Massachusetts I then left home and have lived in various places my Parents are Dead and what has become of my Discharge I know not I have a wife and family and am reduced to poor and indigent circumstances have no Property either real or Personal except a house and a very small share of household furniture and I am in real need of assistance from my country for support and request that my name may be entered on the Pension Role of the United States and my Pension Certificate forwarded to me at Sudbury as aforesaid
Seth Berson
Sworn and Subscribed before me at Benson in the County of Rutland this 16 th Day of April 1818
Henry Smith Chief Judge of Rutland County Court
I the Subscribing authority hereby certify that I am of the opinion that the above named Seth Berson Belonged to the Army of the United States as stated in the above Deposition I also certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Seth and fully believe he is as poor and destitute of property as he has above represented in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused a County Court Seal to be affixed the date above
Henry Smith Chief Judge of Rutland County Court
By order of Judge Smith
R. Fuller Clerk

State of Vermont Rutland County to 2.3 John Kellogg of Benson in the County above said of lawful age Depose and say that I am acquainted with the within named Seth Benson and never knew of his having any Property either real or Personal and fully believe he is as destitute of Property as he has represented in the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed and further this Deponent saith not
John Kellogg
Sworn and Subscribed before me at Benson in the County of Rutland this 16 th Day of April 1818
Olney Smith Chief Judge of Rutland County Court

in Order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed on the 7 th July A D 1838.
Sworn to and subscribed to Polly Perkins the day and year above written Before me Robert Bottom L. Justice Peace.
Sydia Benson
3965
act 7 th July 38 Vt.
Married before 1794 husband died 1834
Hm. 10-Slide H. P.

Seth Benson was Married to Lydia Atkinson Nov the 4 — 1790
Anna Benson was born February the 12 — 1799
Abigail Benson was born May the 27 — 1797
Levi Benson was born August the 15 — 1802

State of Vermont Rutland County ss }
On this 4 th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Rutland Lydia Benson aged eighty years on the first day of May 1838. who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions of the act of Congress, passed the seventh day of July 1838. That she is the Widow of Seth Benson, late of Orwell deceased, who was a Soldier in the Revolutionary Army of the United States, but in what company or Regiment, she cannot now tell - She further declares, that she was married to the said Seth Benson on the 4 th day of November in the year seventeen hundred and ninety, and that her husband the aforesaid Seth Benson died on the sixteenth day of February eighteen hundred and thirty four, and that she has remained a Widow ever since. 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 seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz. at the time above stated - She further declares that the record hereunto annexed of her marriage is taken from her Family Bible, and is the only record of her Marriage that she has any knowledge of, and that the record has been kept constantly in her possession - And that she has no documentary proof of the services of her late Husband, the said Seth Benson, other than that he was on the Pension Roll, and died a Pensioner, and his Warrant was then sent to the Pension Office at Washington, where all the documentary evidence of the services in the Revolutionary War of the said Seth Benson have been sent, to which she refers the Department as she is unable to facilitate the investigation of the Department by any thing in her recollections; and that she is old and feeble and unable to attend court.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me; And I certify that the Deponent is personally known to

me and that she is old and } feeble and unable to attend } court.
her Sydia X Benson mark
Roswell Bottum P. Justice Peace
State of Vermont } Rutland County ss. }
On this 4 th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight personally appeared David Winchester a resident of the Town of Orwell in said County before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following deposition. That he is personally acquainted with Sydia Benson of Orwell in said County Widow of Seth Benson a Soldier of the Army of the Revolution, and later a Pensioner of the United States, late deceased, who died on the six- teenth day of February eighteen hundred and thirty four in the said Town of Orwell: And that the said Sydia Benson has remained unmarried ever since the death of the said Seth Benson, her husband. And is the identical Person who has subscribed her name to the above deposition herunto annexed, in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress pass d 7 th July AD 1838 David Winchester Sworn and subscribed the day } and year above written } before me Roswell Bottum P. Justice Peace

State of Vermont, Rutland County ss
On this 4 th day of November in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Rutland, aforesaid, Abigail Benson of Orwell in said County, to me personally known, who being truly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the fol- lowing deposition— That she has examined the Family Bible of Seth Benson late of Orwell deceased, and find there re- corded, that the said Seth Benson was married to Lydia Benson on the 4 th day of November in the year seventeen hundred and ninety, and that the said Lydia Benson has taken the leaf of said Record from her Bible, and annexed the same herunto, with her deposition.
Subscribe to and subscribed the 3 day and year above written. Eliza B. Beman Before me Roswell Wolcott M c Justice Peace
State of Vermont Rutland County ss
On this 4 th day of November in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight personally appeared Polly Perkins before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Rutland aforesaid. Polly Perkins of Orwitt in said County to me personally known, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following deposition, viz. That she in the month of November in the year seventeen hundred and ninety, she was present and saw Seth Benson late of Orwitt in said County now deceased, and Lydia Morgan now Lydia Benson joined in marriage. Said Marriage was solemnized at Pownal in the County of Bennington State of Vermont, by Thomas Jewett Esq r . and that on the sixteenth day of Feby, AD 1834 the said Seth Benson died, being at the time of his decease a Pensioner of the United States, and that the said Lydia Benson has ever since remained a Widow, and is the Identical Person who has subscribed her name to the above deposition in order hereto annexed

in Order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress, passed on the 7 th July AD 1838.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written Polly Perkins Before me Roswell Bottom Jr. Justice Peace.
Hyde's Burson
3965
act 7 July 38
Perkins
Married before 1794 Methuen and 1834
the 10th
1838
Atkins
State of Vermont } Rutland County } I, Abiah Perkins do hereby certify that the within copy is a true copy of the original now on file in the County of Rutland of the County of Rutland County the (Rutland) District the (Rutland) of the present for the County and that his deposition to the foregoing contents are true and correct in every particular as to the facts therein contained and as to the knowledge of the deponent. Given under my hand and seal this 10th day of Nov. A.D. 1838.

State of Vermont } Rutland County }
Robert Pierpoint, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Rutland Certify that Roswell Rothwell is a Justice of the peace for said County and that his signatures to the foregoing Certificates are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Rutland this 17 th day of Nov A.D. 1838
R. Pierpoint

State of Vermont Rutland County ss
Be it known that before me Russell Wallcutt a Justice of the Peace within and for the County aforesaid. Personally appeared Abigail Benson of Rutland in said County, and made Oath, that sometime in Nov r or Dec r last past, she made her affidavit before me therein stating that she had examined the Family Bible of Litta Benson late of Rutland deceased, and found there re- corded that the Litta Benson and Lydia Morgan were Married on the 4 th day of November A D 1790, and that she then said left, containing said record, taken from said Bible and that she affixed the same to her said affida- vit. She further says, that the Bible from which said record was taken is not now in the possession of the Family, or the Widow of said Litta Benson. She further says that more than two years ago, as she believes the aforesaid Bible having become very old, and some- what mutilated, was given away to one Huldah Bal- lard an inmate or acquaintance in their Family who went soon after Marriage, and has since to the West to what place, she does not now know. That on giving away said Bible they took therefrom the leaf containing the Family Register, and laid it into their new Bible which they had then purchased, where it has been carefully preserved until the time she annexed the same to her affidavit as aforesaid.
Abigail Benson
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 28 th day of March A D 1859. Before me Russell Wallcutt P. Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont Rutland County ss. Be it known that on the 28th day of March A.D. 1839. Personally appeared before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Rutland aforesaid, who being sworn according to law, Sydney Benson, who being sworn according to law, doth make on her oath that the following deposition, that some time in the Month of November or December last past she made her Declaration in order to obtain the Benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress passed the 7th day of July 1838, before the subscribing authority, for which Declaration, she annexed a leaf, taken from her Fam- ily Bible containing the record of her Marriage with Seth Benson read , late a Soldier in the army of the Revolution. She further says, that the Bible from which said leaf was taken is not now in her possession, and that more than two years ago as she thinks, the Bible from which said leaf contain- ing said Record, was taken, having become very old, and somewhat mutilated, was given away by her, to one Huldah Ballant a Friend of hers, who was soon after married, and has since gone to the West, to what place, she does not know. That on give- ing away said Bible, she took therefrom the leaf containing the family register, and laid it into her new Bible, which had then purchased, where she had kept the same carefully preserved, until the time it was annexed to her paper, which were forwarded to the Pension department.
(over) Sydney Benson sworn
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written. Richard Walling Jr Justice Peace

I, Russell Bateman Jr. a Justice of the Peace in & near the County of Rutland and State of Vermont do hereby certify, that David Winchester, who made his Deposition before me in Nov r or Dec r last. Stating therein that Peter Benson late a Soldier in the Army of the Revolution died on the sixteenth day of February eighteen hundred and thirty four, which Deposition was forwarded with other papers relating to the claim of Lydia Benson for a Pension, to the Pension Department at Washington, is a Man of respectability, and a highly credible Witness, that I have been personally acquainted with him for twenty years or more, And further that I was knowing to the facts stated in his deposition to wit, the Death of P. Peter Benson, and I firmly believe that he died on the 16 th Feby 1834 as stated by him.
Russell Bateman Jr.

State of Vermont
Wittman County ss }
We it known, that before me Roswell Bottineau Jr a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Polly Perkins of Cones in said County and made oath, that sometime in the Month of November or December last past, she made her affidavit therein stating that she was personally present at the Marriage of Jethro Denson and Lydia Morgan, that said Marriage was solemnized at Cones, in the County of Bennington Vermont, in the Month of November A.D. one thousand seven hundred and ninety, and further, that the Date by which she is enabled to fix the time of the aforesaid Marriage is the circumstance of her own age, and further that she the Deponent, is the Daughter of the said Lydia Denson born before the Marriage of the D. & Lydia, that she was eight years of age at the time of the Marriage, she says that her Birth Day is on the 5 th day of November, and that she is now was fifty six years old on the 5 th November last, (1838) and that she now distinctly recollects that the Marriage took place very near the time of her Birth day, and that she was eight years old, that this circumstance has been always kept fresh in her recollection by repeat- ed conversations in the Family from that time to the present, and that she was first in some for a doubt but her recollection is correct, and further that previous to the Marriage of her Mother she went abroad with different Individuals, and after said Marriage went to live with her Mother.
Polly Perkins
Given to and subscribed this 28 th day of March A.D. 1839
Before me Roswell Bottineau Jr Justice
I the aforesaid Roswell Bottineau Jr do hereby certify that I have long been personally acquainted with Polly Perkins, the Deponent in the foregoing affidavit. I should think twenty years and more, and that she is a person of credibility, and I fully believe the most implicit reliance may safely be placed in her testimony Roswell Bottineau Jr Justice Peace

1016 Vermont. Pauline Sylvia  Benson widow of Seth  Benson M rs 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 29 day of July 1848. and sent to
Roswell  Bottum Jr Roswell Vermont
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 38 Vol. 3,

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of _____ a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Nov. 1776 1 yr. Pt. Oliver Lyman John Mass.   Nov. 1777 3 " Stephen Francis   Nov. 1780 3 " Joseph Brant John        
Battles engaged in, _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, _____
Date of application for pension, _____
Residence at date of application, _____
Age at date of application, _____
Remarks: _____
_____
_____
_____
_____
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

ad'43 N o 9365
Sylvia Bruns m d of Secty
N-
act 7 July 1838
Adm o . 2 years fine $80 00 per annum
Adm o . acts 3 March 1843 and 17 June 1844 $80 00 per annum from 4 March 1842
J. M. Thayer care S. A. Prugh Present

Reported
10350
Uermont
Sydia Benson
Widow of Seth Benson who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818 and who died on the 16 th Feb, 1834 of Rutland in the State of Vermont who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Thompson of the Regt commanded by Col. Frances in the Revolution time for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Poultney at the rate of 80 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 th day of October, 1847 and sent to J. M. Thayer Care of S. A. Peugh Present
Total amount, $ 400.00
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Th. Ranskin , Clerk, Vol. 1. Page 125

Reported
8266. Poultrery
Waltham
Lydia Benson widow of Seth Benson
who was a Private in the Revolution
Newberns Circa 16th Feb. 1834
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of Oct. 1847 and sent to
J. M. Thayer, Esq. Care of S. A. Doughty Present
[Acts of March 3, 1843, and June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book W Vol. 2. Page 60

State of Vermont
Rutland County ss } Be it remembered that before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Nathaniel Bacon and made oath in due form of law, that he has been personally acquainted with Mrs Lydia Beman, Widow of Mr. Seth Beman, late of Orwell in the County aforesaid deceased, and her daughter Mrs Anna Griswold for more than thirty years, that they are both very respectable persons, - that their character for truth and veracity is good and undoubted, - that from his knowledge of the family, he has no doubt but that the said Lydia and Seth Beman were married as early as the year 1790, - that he arrives at this conclusion from the ages of the children, and from having understood that their first child died in infancy.
Nathaniel Bacon
Sworn to and subscribed this 15 th day of March AD 1847 before me, and I certify that the above named Deacon Nathaniel Bacon is personally known to me and that he is a credible person
Roswell Bottenfield Justice of the Peace

I Roswell Buttrick Jr a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Rutland. Vermont. Certify. under the solemnity of my Official Oath. that I was well acquaint- ed with Mr. Seth Benson late of Orwell in said County deceased. (being a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death.) and with his Widow Mrs Lydia Benson now of said Orwell. and with Mrs Anna Greenwood her daughter and that I consider them respectable persons. and that their character for truth and veracity is good and undoubted. The said Anna I have known well ever since she was a young lady about 15 or 16 years of age or possibly 17 or 18. I cannot recollect precisely. but I think the former. and fully believe her age now to be (comparing it with my own) at least as much as fifty three years. I have no doubt. from what knowledge I have had of the family. but that the sd. Lydia and Seth were married prior to the year 1794 - Some cavil has been made respecting a Bible record forwarded to the department. If any thing wrong has occurred relative to sd. Record. I fully believe the Old Lady to be innocent of it. Her circumstances. age & character. would. I think. preclude such an idea in the mind of any one acquaint- ed with her. I have suspected that Abigail. the Old Lady's daughter. (a fidgety old Girl.) must have  virgin who lived with her at the time. must have done the wrong. unbeknown to her Mother if there was wrong in the matter. I believe I express d my views to the Pension department many years ago. respecting this matter. At any rate. I think the Old Lady's claim for a Pension to be meritorious.
Roswell Buttrick Jr Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont
Rutland County ss } Be it known that before me Roswell Bottum Jr a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Rutland aforesaid. personally appeared Dr. Earl Cushman of Orwell in the County and State aforesaid. and made oath in due form of law. that he has been in the regular practice of Medicine in said town for about twenty five years past. - that he has been personally acquainted with Mrs Lydia Benson Widow of the late Mr. Seth Benson. deceased. and her family that he has been for many years their family Physician. that their character for truth and veracity is good and undoubted. that they have always been considered respectable. that from the knowledge he has had of the family. and from what he has always understood he verily believes. that the said Lydia Benson and Seth Benson, were married as early as the the year 1790
Earl Cushman
Sworn to and subscribed this 12 th day of March 1847 Before me. and I certify that the above named Dr. Earl Cushman is personally known to me. and that he is a credible person
Roswell Bottum Jr Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont
Rutland County ss } Be it known that before me Russell Putnam Jr a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Dr. Joel Barber of Orrell in the County and State aforesaid, and made oath in due form of law that about thirty five years ago, he commenced the practice of Medicine in the town of Orrell aforesaid, that he continued the practice, in said town until within a few years past, of late he has relinquished the practice, that he has during all that time been well acquainted with Mrs Lydia Benson, widow of the late Mr. Seth Benson deceased, that for many years he officiated as their family Physician, that the said Lydia Benson and her family have always during his acquaintance with them been considered respectable, and that their char- acter for truth and veracity have never been questioned He further says that from the ages of such of the chil- dren of the said Lydia, and Seth Benson, as he is ac- quainted with, to wit, Anna Grinnold and Abigail Benson he fully believes they were married as early as A.D. 1790 and it is so generally believed in this community generally
Sworn to and Subscribed this 11 th day of March A.D. 1847. before me, and I certify that the above named Joel Barber is personally known to me and that he is a credible person
Joel Barber (M.D.) Russell Putnam Jr Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont
Rutland County ss } Be it known that before me Roswell Batten Jr a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Rutland aforesaid personally appeared Clarke Sanford of Orwell aforesaid in the County and State aforesaid, and made oath in due form of law, that he has been well acquainted with Mrs Lydia Beman inlaws of Mrs Seth Beman late of P. Orwell deceased, ever since they came to reside in P. Orwell nearly, or quite forty years ago, that he has always considered the said Lydia and her family to be respectable, that their character for truth and veracity has been considered good, and undoubted. He further says that Anna Beman, now Anna Grinwald, before her Marriage, lived in his family, considerable, and he always considered her an exemplary and prudent person, that, from his knowledge respecting her age, he thinks that her Mother the said Lydia, must have been Married to the said Seth Beman, prior to the year 1794, that he verily believes, from what he has understood, that they were Married as early as AD 1790-
Clarke Sanford
Sworn to and Subscribed this 11 th day of March A.D. 1847. before me, and I certify that the above named Clarke Sanford is personally known to me, and that he is a credible person Roswell Batten Jr Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont
Rutland County ss } Be it known that before me Russell Bottum Jr. a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Rutland aforesaid personally appeared Anna Griswold of Orwell in the county and State aforesaid and made oath in due form of Law, that she is the Daughter of Mrs. Lydia Beman, Widow of the late Seth Beman deceased, that her age is fifty three years on the 12 th day of February 1847, that she has always understood and verily believes that her Father and Mother had one child, which was born before her, which died in infancy, that she has always understood and verily believes that she was herself, born in the year 1794, on the 12 th day of Feby, that she has always understood and verily believes that her Father and Mother (the said Lydia Beman) were Married in the year 1790 — and that she has no doubt but such is the fact.
Anna Griswold
Sworn to, and Subscribed this 11. day of March A.D. 1847 before me, and I certify that the above named Anna Griswold is personally known to me, and that she is a credible person
Russell Bottum Jr. Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont
Rutland County ss } Be it known that before me Roswell Batchelder is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Rutland aforesaid personally appeared Rev. Rufus S. Cushman and made oath in due form of law, that he has officiated as the Settled Minister over the Congregational Church and Society in Orwell in the County and State aforesaid for between three & four years past, and during that time has become personally acquainted with Mrs Lydia Benson Widow of the late Mr. Seth Benson deceased, and her Daughter Mrs Anna Griswold, and that from his personal acquaintance, and from the manner they are spoken of in community, he considers them very respectable persons, and that their charac- ter for truth and veracity is good and undoubted, and that he believes them both entitled to the fullest credence.
R. S. Cushman Pastor Congl Chh Soc Orwell Vt
Sworn to and subscribed this 11 th day of March AD 1847 Before me, and certify that the above named R. S. Cushman is personally known to me, and that he is a credible person Roswell Batchelder Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont Rutland County, p.
I Frederick H. Hopkins, Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Roswell Bolton Esq. is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified, that his commission is dated on the 30 th day of October A.D. 1876 and will expire on the 30 th day of November A.D. 1877, and that his signa- tures before written on all the paper writings accompanying this is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said county this 22 nd day of March A.D. 1877.
F. H. Hopkins

State of Vermont } Bennington County ss }
I Samuel H. Blackmer Clerk of Bennington County do hereby certify that Abraham B. Gardner whose name is subscribed to the certificates on the within six affidavits was at the date thereof a justice of the peace within & for the County of Bennington duly authorized to administer an oath & that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Abraham B. Gardner & verily believe his signature is genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of said County this 17 th day of June A.D. 1847.
Sam l H. Blackmer Clerk

I Josiah Noble of Pownal in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont of lawful age being duly sworn depose testify and say, that I am well acquainted with Lydia Morgan, the wife of Seth Benson a revolutionary pensioner late of Orwell in the County Rutland deceased; Lydia Morgan was married to Seth Benson in the year 1790 - They were married at the dwelling house of Joseph Barker late of Pownal aforesaid deceased, by Thomas Jewett then a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Bennington, I was present at the wedding, I recollect of seeing them stand up for the purpose of having the marriage ceremony performed, and of hearing Thomas Jewett Esq. performing the marriage ceremony; And one circumstance which makes me recollect the marriage more perfectly, is the fact, that after Thomas Jewett had completed the marriage ceremony, he told them that they might take their seats, and as they went to sit down two individuals that were standing by took the chairs away from behind them and they both sit on the floor -
This deponent further saith that the said Lydia Morgan and Seth Benson from the time of the marriage aforesaid lived together as husband and wife; and had a child born in about one year from the time of their marriage - And I am very positive they had two children within three or four years from the time of their marriage -
This deponent further saith that Lydia Morgan widow of Seth Benson now resides in Orwell in the County of Rutland - They were married in the fall of the year - Seth Benson was a Carpenter by trade, and for several years after he was married, and he and his wife lived within a mile of the father of this deponent -
This deponent further saith that he (this deponent) is now in his seventieth year of his age -
Josiah Noble

State of Vermont
Bennington County ss } At Pownal in the County of Bennington this 12 th day of April A.D. 1847.
Personally appeared Josiah Noble and made oath that the foregoing deposition, by him subscribed, contains the whole truth, and nothing but the truth -
Before me A.W. Gardner Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that Josiah Noble the Signer of the foregoing deposition, is personally known to me, and that he is a credible person, and that his testimony cannot be impeached -
A.W. Gardner Justice of the Peace

I Marinda Barker of Pownal in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont, of lawful age being duly sworn depose testify and say, that I am well acquainted with Lydia Morgan, the wife of Seth Benson a revolutionary pensioner late of Orwell in the County of Rutland deceased; Lydia Morgan was married to Seth Benson in the year 1790. They were married at the dwelling house of Joseph Barker late of Pownal aforesaid deceased. I was not present at the marriage, but I recollect distinctly the time they were said to be married, and know that from that time they lived together as husband and wife, and that they had a child born in about one year from the time of their said marriage. Seth Benson and Lydia Morgan lived near me, several years immediately after they were married, and were at my father's often. I was then at home frequently and I have been at their house frequently before 1794, and I know they had two children born before 1794 - Seth Benson was a Carpenter by trade - This deponent further saith that she shall be seventy two years of age on the 2 nd day of July A D 1847 -
Marinda her Barker Mark
Attest: A. B. Gardner
State of Vermont
Bennington County } At Pownal in the County of Bennington this 16 th day of June A D 1847 - Personally appeared Marinda Barker and made oath that the foregoing deposition by her subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth -
Before me A. B. Gardner Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that Marinda Barker the signor of the foregoing deposition is personally known to me, and that she is a credible person and that her testimony cannot be impeached - I also certify that she signed this deposition, by making her mark, in my presence, and that she is unable to write
A. S. Gardner Justice of the Peace

I Benjamin Groom of Pownal in the county of Bennington and State of Vermont of lawful age being duly sworn depose testify and say, that I am well acquainted with Lydia Morgan, the wife of Seth Benson a revolutionary pensioner late of Amell in the county of Rutland deceased; Lydia Morgan was married to Seth Benson in the year 1790, by Thomas Jewett Esqr. a Justice of the Peace. They were married at the house of Joseph Barber, I was not present at the wedding, but the marriage was much talked of at the time, which makes me recollect the time more perfectly. I know that from the time they were reported to be married, they lived together as husband and wife. I was at their house frequently and know that they had a child born in about one year after they were married, they lived in a house owned by William Arnett a year or two previous to 1794 in seventeen hundred and ninety five Seth Benson and Lydia Morgan lived in a house owned by myself and brother their child was then three or four years old. I was eighty years of age the 6 th day of May A.D. 1847 - And have lost my eyesight - Benjamin his Groom Mark
Attest A.B. Gurdner
State of Vermont } Bennington county ss } At Pownal in the county of Bennington this 16 th day of June A.D. 1847. Personally appeared Benjamin Groom and made oath that the foregoing deposition, by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth
Before me A.B. Gurdner Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that Benjamin Grown who has signed the foregoing deposition by his mark, signed it in my presence. That he is a person of credibility. That he is known to me personally. That he has lost his eyesight and that his testimony cannot be impeached -
A. B. Gardner Justice of the Peace

I Almon Quitt of Pawneel in the county of Bennington and State of Vermont of lawful age being duly sworn depose testify and say, that I am well acquainted with Lydia Morgan, the wife of Seth Burson a revolutionary pensioner late of Orwell in the county of Rutland deceased. I recollect  saw them both before they were married. I was not present at the marriage, but recollect when it was said that they were married, which I think was in the year seventeen hundred and ninety - They lived together as husband and wife in a house belonging to my father in the year 1793. I was frequently at their house, and knew that they lived together as husband and wife - Seth Burson was a carpenter by trade, and he learned his trade of my father, with whom he lived a number of years - I understand that Lydia Morgan now resides in Orwell in this State.
This deponent further saith that he is in the sixty fifth year of his age -
A. Almon Quitt
State of Vermont } Bennington county ss } At Pawneel in the county of Bennington this 16 th day of June A.D. 1847. Personally appeared Almon Quitt and made oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Before me A.B. Gardner Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that Almon Quitt the signer of the foregoing deposition, is personally known to me, and that he is a credible person, and that his testimony cannot be impeached. A.B. Gardner Justice of the Peace

I Ezra Morgan of Pownal in the county of Bennington and state of Vermont of lawful age being duly sworn depose testify and say, that I am well acquainted with Lydia Morgan the widow of Seth Benson a Revolutionary pensioner late of Orwell in the county of Rutland deceased. They were married at the dwelling house of Joseph Barker late of Pownal deceased, by Thomas Jewett Esq. a Justice of the Peace, in the year 1790- and they had a child born in about one year from the time of their marriage, it might have been a little over one year but I am positive that it was less than two years, from the time of their marriage - I recollect the time of their marriage more particularly from the fact that their marriage was a very unexpected affair, and made a great deal of talk -
This deponent further saith that Lydia Morgan and Seth Benson lived together as husband and wife from the time of their marriage aforesaid - that Lydia Morgan is the aunt of this deponent, and that Seth Benson and Lydia Morgan after they were married kept house one year in the house of this deponent, and that they lodged together as husband and wife -
This deponent further saith that he (this deponent) is now in the seventy seventh year of his age, and that he shall be seventy seven years of age the 26 th day of this present month -
This deponent further saith that the fact of their marriage was never questioned to his knowledge -
Ezra Morgan
State of Vermont
Bennington county ss } At Pownal in the county of Bennington This 14 th day of April A.D. 1847 -
Personally appeared Ezra Morgan and made oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth, and nothing but the truth -
Before me Abraham B. Gardner Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that Ezra Morgan the signer of the foregoing deposition is personally known to me, and that he is a credible person, and that his testimony cannot be impeached
A. B. Gardner Justice of the Peace

I Solomon Dowslee of Panton in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont of lawful age being duly sworn depose testify and say that I am well acquainted with Lydia Morgan the wife and widow of Seth Benson a revolutionary pensioner late of Orwell in the County of Rutland deceased. I recollect Lydia Morgan and Seth Benson first when I was ten years of age, they were then living in a house belonging to William Avett in Panton in about one mile of my father's. I was at their house often, they then had a young child about two years old. Two years afterwards Seth Benson and his wife Lydia Morgan lived in a house owned by Benjamin Groom and his brother. I recollect the fact of Benson and wife living in the house of William Avett more perfectly from the fact that I was talked to a good deal for being there so much. I recollect that I was then ten years old. Two years after when Benson and wife lived in the house owned by the Mr. Grooms I worked when he did any summer at a Mr. Morgan's he worked building a barn - I know then I first recollect them as above stated they lived together as husband and wife. This deposition is in the sixty fifth year of his age Solomon Dowslee
State of Vermont
Bennington County ss) At Panton in the County of Bennington this 17 th day of June A.D. 1847 - Personally appeared Solomon Dowslee and made oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth -
Before me A.B. Gardner Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that Solomon Lowden the signor of the foregoing deposition is personally known to me, and that he is a credible person, and that his testimony cannot be impeached.
A. B. Gardner Justice of the Peace

I Ezra Morgan of Pawlet in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont of lawful age being duly sworn before testify and say. That I am well acquainted with Lydia Morgan the widow of Seth Benson a revolutionary petitioner late of Arwell in the County of Rutland deceased. Lydia Morgan and Seth Benson were married in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety. I do not recollect as I was present at the wedding; but this marriage was an affair much talked of at the time which enables me to recollect it more distinctly. I know that from the time they were reported to be married, that they lived together as husband and wife. And I know they had a child born within two years after they were married as aforesaid. And I think they had two children born previous to nineteen hundred ninety four.
Question by Justice
What circumstance enables you to remember that Seth Benson and Lydia Morgan were married in the year 1790 and where were they married and who married them?
Answer by witness
I recollect that they were married in the year 1790 from the fact, that, that was the year that I became of age; also from the fact that I went into business for myself within a short time of their marriage, and that I had a partner who wanted me to do the work and he take the pay, which caused us to dissolve soon after we commenced business. I also recollect that about a year after their marriage I purchased a house and shop, I was a Blacksmith by trade. I paid more attention to their marriage than I should to most marriages from the fact that Lydia Morgan was my own Aunt.
They were married at the house of Joseph Barber by

Thomas Jewett Esqr - a Justice of the Peace - Question by Justice
How do you know that Seth Benson and Lydia Morgan lived together as husband and wife from the time they were reported to be married in 1790, and that they had children born previous to 1794, and did you ever know or hear of their marriage being questioned while they lived in Bennington County or since?
Answer by Witness
They were my neighbors, and lived within about a mile of where I did, till 1793. I was at their house frequently, and knew that they kept house together - in the year 1793 when I was twenty four years of age, I had a severe fit of sickness, and being unmarried I got Seth Benson and his wife Lydia Morgan to come and live in my house and take care of me and see to my business - And I know that all the time they lived in my house they lodged together as husband and wife - When they came to live in my house they had a child that was two years old or more, and I think and am very positive that they then had two children, for I know that I used frequently to play with them - Seth Benson and his wife lived in my house several months - I never knew or heard of their marriage being questioned the date of their
Question by Justice -
What year was you married; how old was you at the time of your marriage; how long before your marriage was the sickness that you speak of, and how old was Seth Benson and Lydia Morgan's oldest child at the time of your marriage, and what is your present age?
Answer by Witness
I was married in the year 1794, at the time of my marriage I was twenty seven years of age; the sickness that I speak of was a little more than three years

previous to my marriage. When I was married Seth Benson and his wife Lydia Morgan lived near me, and I should think their oldest child was near or quite four years and a half old - I am now in my seventy eighth year and shall be seventy eight on the 26 th day of April A.D. 1848
Morgan. Ezra Morgan
State of Vermont
Bennington County ss. At Pownal in the County of Bennington this 21 st day of August A.D. 1847
Personally appears Ezra Morgan and made oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth, and nothing but the truth
Before me A. B. Gardner Justice of the Peace I A. B. Gardner one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Bennington hereby certify, that I am well acquainted with the above named Ezra Morgan deponent, and that he is a person of good moral character, that his family is very respectable that his son B. F. Morgan is now one of the Assistant Judges of Bennington County Court, that he is a member of the Methodist Church, and that he is a person in every respect to be relied on for truth and veracity. I also certify that the questions propounded in the foregoing deposition were propounded by me, and that the deponent gave the answers as therein given - that deponent has a record in his possession of the date of his marriage and of his age at the time, which shows that he was married in the year A.D. 1796 and that deponent was then twenty seven years of age -
Certified by A. B. Gardner Justice of the Peace

I Abigail Morgan of Pownal in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont, and wife of Ezra Morgan, of lawful age being duly sworn depose testify and say, that I was married to Ezra Morgan in the year 1794, that I was acquainted with Seth Benson and Lydia Morgan his wife at the time I was married and had been acquainted with them several months previous to my marriage they were living together as husband and wife, and had two or three children, and the oldest was as much as four or five years of age at the time of my marriage —
I am now in my ninety third year and shall be seventy three years of age on the 20 th day of June 1847 —
Abigail Morgan Mark Attest A. B. Gardner
State of Vermont
Bennington County ss) At Pownal in the County of Bennington this 21 st day of August A. D. 1847 —
Personally appeared Abigail Morgan, and made oath that the foregoing deposition, by her subscribed, contains the whole truth, and nothing but the truth —
Before me A. B. Gardner Justice of the Peace I A. B. Gardner one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Bennington hereby certify, that I am well acquainted with Abigail Morgan deponent, and that she is a person of good moral character, and a person to be relied on for truth and veracity. I also certify that she signed the foregoing deposition by making her mark, in my presence Certified by me A. B. Gardner Jus. of the Peace

I Josiah Noble of Pownal in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont of lawful age being duly sworn before testify and say, That I am well acquainted with Lydia Morgan the wife of Seth Benson a revolutionary pensioner late of Orwell in the County of Rutland deceased; Seth Benson and Lydia Morgan were married at the house of Joseph Barber in said Pownal by Thomas Jewett Esq. a justice of the Peace in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety. I was present at the wedding and saw Thos. Jewett marry them. I went to Joseph Barber's at the time with my sister who has since deceased, to carry some gun, to have some weaving done; After the marriage ceremony was completed the justice told them they might be seated, when two individuals standing by took the chairs from behind them and they both went on to the floor. Seth Benson and Lydia Morgan had a child born in about a year after their marriage I am very positive that they had two children born previous to seventeen hundred and ninety four from the time of their marriage as aforesaid they lived together as husband and wife they lived near where I did and I used to be at their house frequently. I know that they were married in the year seventeen hundred and ninety from the fact that in January of the same year (1790) my father Josiah Noble late of Pownal deceased, Mr. Arnett and Seth Benson settled accounts, and William Arnett and Seth Benson on the 27 th day of January 1790 received of my father a yoke of oxen to balance accounts, I was present at the time they settled, and at the time they took the oxen. The settlement was written on my father's account book and signed by William Arnett

With Benson and my father Josiah Noble this Account book with the aforesaid settlement therein written and signed as aforesaid I have in my possession, and have it now before me. The next fall, and I think about the first of November after the settlement above agreed to in the year one thousand eight hundred and ninety with Benson and Lydia Morgan were married. They were frequently at my father's house. I recollect of carrying to with Benson's house some cider, at two different times fall which I find charged on my father's book, the first Oct. 16 th and the other Nov. 17, 95 they were then living about two miles from my father's, they had been married several years and their oldest child was at this time about four years old - I further say that I am in my seventieth year and shall be seventy on the 8 th day of February A.D. 1848
Josiah Noble
State of Vermont } Bennington County ss } At Pownal in the County of Bennington this 27 th day of August A.D. 1847 Personally appeared Josiah Noble and made oath that the foregoing disposition by him subscribed, contains the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Before me A. B. Gardner Justice of the Peace
I the aforesaid A. B. Gardner one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Bennington, hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Josiah Noble deponent, and that he is a person of good moral character, & a person that is to be relied on for truth and veracity. I also certify that the records referred to in the foregoing disposition were shown to me, and I believe them to be genuine -
Certified by A. B. Gardner Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont Bennington County ss.
I Samuel H. Blackmer Clerk of Bennington County Court do hereby certify that Abraham B. Gardner whose name is subscribed to the foregoing affidavits was at the date thereof a Justice of the peace within & for the County of Bennington duly authorized to administer an oath & that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said A. B. Gardner & that his signature is genuine.
In witness & have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County this 27 th day of August A.D. 1847
Sam l H. Blackmer Clerk

Sylvia Brison Vt.
See Letters No. 25, 1842, July 12. 1844, & July 20 th 1844 to J. C. Descler.
Let to Hon. S. Fort July 29, '46 to J. M. Thayer July 14. 47 to Same Sept. 21, 47 act 7 July 1838

State of Vermont } On this second day of November Samuel County } in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two personly appeared before the subscribers a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Caleb Morgan of Cambridge in said County to me personly known to be the person described in and who dath on his oath make the following deposition that he was personly acquainted with Sydia Morgan in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety and was present at the house of one Joseph Barber in the town of Pawlet in the County of Ben- nington and State of Vermont on the fourth day of November one thousand seven hundred and ninety and then and there saw said Sydia Morgan married to one Seth Benson by one Thomas Frost a Justice of the Peace and he further says that said Seth Benson was a person of the United States and resided at the time of his decease in the town of Orwell in the County of Rutland and Sydia Benson of said Orwell is the identical person who was married to said Seth Benson and is now the widow of said Seth Benson
Caleb Morgan
Sworn to and subscribed in my presence the day and year above written and I certify that the above deposition is in my opinion worthy of full credit.
Earl Smilie Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont In Middlebury township. A. P. G. Camp of Middlebury township certifies that Middlebury township certifies hereby certify that Earl Smith is a justice of the peace within the township of Middlebury duly commissioned & qualified. That his commission is dated Nov. 11. 1841 & will expire on the 10 th day of December 1842 & that his signature within is true & genuine.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said township at my office in Middlebury this 20 th day of March A. D. 1842 A. P. G. Camp

State of Vermont } On this 12 th day of October Rutland County ss } in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty two personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Nathaniel Bacon of Orwell in the County of Rutland to me personally known who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following deposition that he was acquainted with Seth Benson late of said Orwell deceased and that he was acquainted with him for the space of twenty five years before his decease and that he knew that the said Seth Benson was a person in his life time and that Sylvia Benson of said Orwell in said County is the widow of said Seth Benson and that I have been acquainted with said Sylvia Benson for the space of twenty five years and that I have at all times understood and believed that she was the legal wife of the said Seth Benson and further I say not -
Nathaniel Bacon
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written and I certify that the above deposition is entitled to credit
J. B. Dyer Justice Peace

State of Vermont } On this 13 th day of October Rutland County ss } in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two personally appeared before the Subscriber J. C. Deyo a Justice of the Peace within and for said County Sydia Benson of Orwell in said County to me personally known and of the age of eighty four years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed the Seventh day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight That She is the Widow of Seth Benson late of Orwell in said County deceased who was a Soldier in the Revolutionary Army of the United States but in what Company or Regiment She can not now say She further declares that She was married to said Seth Benson on the fourth day of November in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety at the dwelling house of Joseph Barker in the town of Pownel in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont by one Thomas Gavel a justice of the Peace in and for said County of Bennington and that her husband the aforesaid Seth Benson died on the Seventh day of February in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty four and that She has remained a Widow ever since and is now the Widow of said Seth Benson and that She was not married to the said Seth Benson prior to his leaving the service but that her marriage to said Seth Benson took place previous to the first day of January one thousand seven hundred and ninety four to wit on the day and year above written. She further declares that She has no record of her marriage now in her possession over

and that she has no documentary proof of the services of her late husband the said Seth Benson other than that he was a pensioner and on the Pension Roll and did a pension and his warrant was then sent to the Pension office at Washington when all the documentary evidence of the services of her late husband the said Seth Benson in the Revolutionary war have been sent to which she refers the department as she is unable to facilitate the investigation of the department by any thing in her recollection - And she further declares that she is infirm and feeble and entirely unable to attend Court to make her declaration.
For Sydia S Benson Mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above Written and I certify that the deponent is personally known to me and that she is old and infirm and unable to attend Court and she is worthy of Credit
J. C. Deyton
Justice of the Peace.
State of Vermont } I Frederick W. Hopkins Rutland County Clerk's office ss } Clerk of the County Court for the County of Rutland do certify that J. C. Deyton was at the date of the Certificate above written a Justice of the Peace within and for said County duly commissioned that his Commission is dated on the 5 th day of October A.D. 1841 and will expire on the 30 th day of December November 1842 and I certify that his signature above written is genuine. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Rutland in said County this 9 th day of Nov. 1842
F. W. Hopkins

State of Vermont } On this second day of November Samuel County } in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two personly appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Caleb Morgan of Cambridge in said County to me personly known to be the being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following deposition that he was personly acquainted with Sydia Morgan in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety and was present at the house of one Joseph Barker in the town of Pawlet in the County of Ben- -nington and State of Vermont on the fourth day of November one thousand seven hundred and ninety and then and there saw said Sydia Morgan married to one Seth Benson by one Thomas Jewett a Justice of the Peace and he further says that said Seth Benson was a person of the United States and resided at the time of his decease in the town of Orwell in the County of Rutland and Sydia Benson of said Orwell is the identical person who was married to said Seth Benson and is now the Widow of said Seth Benson
Caleb Morgan
Sworn to and subscribed in my presence the day and year above written and I certify that the above deposition is in my opinion worthy of full credit.
Earl Smilie Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont
Addison County } ss. On this 26 th day of June A.D. 1848. Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace within and for said County of Addison aforesaid. Lydia Benson, a resident of Orwell in the County of Addison and State of Vermont, aged eighty ninety years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2 nd February 1848 granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War; - that she is the Widow of Seth Benson who was a private in the Army of the Revolution; - that she does not know in what Regiment or corps, the said Seth Benson served in, but refers to the proofs adduced by the said Seth in support of his claim for a Pension, now on file in the Pension department, for a description of his services: - That she received an annual amount of Pension, in considera- tion of the services of the said Seth, of eighty dollars, under the Act of June 17 th 1844.
She further declares, that she is still a Widow
In presence of Samuel D. Gattine
Lydia her X Benson mark
Sworn and Subscribed on the day and year above written Before me Roswell Bottum J. Justice of the Peace
I Certify that the above named declarant is, and has been for many years personally known to me
Roswell Bottum J. Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont Addison County ss
I, George S. Swift, Clerk of the county court for the county of Addison in the State of Vermont, hereby certify that Russell B. Batten Jr. whose signature is attached to the within certificate was at the date thereof, a Justice of the peace within and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified, and that said signature is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Middlebury in said county, this 12 th day of July A.D. 1818.
George S. Swift Clerk of Addison County Court.

Newburyport Aug.
21 st Sept r 1861
Dear J. G. Edm.
Dear Sir
I herewith enclose you the evidence in the case of Lydia Benson widow of Seth Benson, of Vermont, for your forensic consideration
I am very Respectful Yrs &c
J. M. Thayer for S. A. Pease

Page 7 Register.
Seth Bensons.
N.P. Fletcher, Sudlow St.
Recd. 22 Nov. 1823.
Service
owed by two creditors of miles
Nov. 24. 1823
Palmer Gap near Pemberton City Pa. Co.

1823 Sudbury (Vermont) November 15
Dear Sir,
We solicit your attention to the application of Seth Berson - as soon as may be - enclosed are the Orig l Declaration - & Declaration and Affirmal & Inventory together with Mr Temple & Davis - affidavits all duly authenticated
That the result may be returned to this Office for the Commandant -
Yours Respectfully
J. P. Lathrop
Secretary of War

John D. Davis Depositor for Benson

I John L. Davis of Boilingham in the County of Winham  Winham  County and State of Vermont I do hereby do testify and say that in the year 1777 entitled the Sons of the United States in the Revolutionary war under the Continental Establishment in the Regiment commanded by Col. Henry Jackson and during the army at West Point in August 1777 and became acquainted with John Benson a private soldier who belonged to the Thompson Company  1st Capt. Thompson Company and Regiment commanded by Col. Francis in the year 1777 that I first saw J. Benson at West Point in August 1777 and saw him on duty from time to time at the fishkills and White Plain and am leading to his house at Scars till October 1777 further certify that I was no way interested in the estate of his application for pension. his mark
When I was in the County of Dutchess and State of New York State of Vermont 1423 personally appeared the above named John L. Davis and made solemn oath that the above deposition by him subscribed contains the truth and I certify that the J. Davis I think is a man of truth
Before me David North Genl Recv

State of Vermont.
Windham County Court Clerks Office, Brattleborough, September 15 th 1823.
I certify that Levi Hoit, Esquire, of Rockingham, is one of the Justices of the Peace for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned under the authority of this State, and that the within appears to be his signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my hand and af- fixed the Seal of said Court the day and year above written.
James Elliot, Clerk.

Frederick Temple affidavit for John Benson

I Frederick Temple of Chester of Lawful age witty and say I enlisted in the Service of the United States in the Revolutionary war under the Continental establishment in the State of Mass in the Company Commanded by Capt Sam Flower and Regiment Commanded by Col John Gration in 1777 for three years and went to the North and became acquainted with Seth Benson a private Soldier who belonged to Capt Thompson Company and Regiment Commanded by Col Francis under I establishment that first saw him at More Creek was with him at Hubbardston Battle in July 1777 and often saw him and conversed with him and was on guard with him as the army moved to West Point and the fishkill and the White Plains new him till October 1778 and am knowing to his doing actual Service the During the time above mentioned at one enlistment his enlistment was for three years under the Continental Establishment
Further certify that I am in no way interested in the event of his application for a Pension
Frederick Temple mark
State of Vermont Winderm County
October the 21 Day 1823
Personally appear Frederick Temple the of Chester in this County and made solemn oath that the above
Deposition by him subscribed is the truth and nothing but the truth I hereby certify that the above named Frederick Temple is a credible witness
Nicholas Smith Justice Peace

State of Vermont } Woodstock County Clerks Office November Windsor County ss) the 12 th A 1823. —
I Benjamin Swan Clerk of the County Court within & for the County of Windsor Do Certify that Arioch Smith is one of the Justices of the Peace within & for said County of Windsor — And that with is his Signature —
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court, and subscribe my name the day & year above. —
Benj. Swan

Raoul, Bennington County, Vt., Feb 19, 1889,
I, Elisha Dutcher Clerk of the Town of Raoul aforesaid do hereby depose and say that I have searched the Records of the Town of Raoul, and cannot find a record of the Marriage of Seth Bousan & Lydia Morgan - and I also further say that the records are very imperfect, and that comparatively few marriages were entered on record at that early day -
Furthermore I also state that I the said Elisha Dutcher am a regularly ordained & settled Minister of the Gospel in said Town, and that there are no entries of Marriages in the Church records,
Elisha Dutcher, Town Clerk.
State of Vermont                      Raoul February 19 th 1889. The Bennington County, ss.      Personally appeared Elisha Dutcher the above deponent & made oath to the above facts as stated by him before me Philo H. Gregory, Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont
Bennington County,
I Henry Robinson Clerk of Bennington County Court, hereby certify that Pliny Morgan Esq. whose signature appears to the foregoing Affidavit, was at the date thereof stated is a Justice of the peace in & for the County of Bennington, duly qualified by law as such, & that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, & he here his above signature to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the seal of Our said County Court, at Bennington this 28 th day of February, A.D. 1839 -
Henry Robinson -

I, Elisha Dutcher of Pownal, of lawful age, being duly sworn, do depose, testify and say, that I have been a regularly ordained Pastor of the Church in Pownal for nearly five years, and that the Church never recorded marriages or births in their book.
Furthermore I have made or did make a thorough examination in January or February 1839 of the records of the Town of Pownal and have found no record of the Marriage of Seth Darrow & Lydia Morgan, or of the birth of their children.
And I further state, that the records of the Town, prior to the year 1800, were not regular, or full, so far as relate to Marriages, births and deaths, and that the fair presumption is, that not more than one fourth of the Marriages and births were then recorded. And further I say not.
Elisha Dutcher, Town clerk
State of Vermont } Personal August 21 st 1839. Bennington County } Then Elisha Dutcher, Town clerk of Pownal of Pownal in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont, Personally appearing, made solemn Oath, that the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed, contains the whole truth, and nothing but the truth before me. Wiley Hall Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont - Henry Robinson Clerk of Bennington County Court hereby Certify that Pliny Morgan Esq r was a Justice of the peace in & for the County of Bennington, duly ap- pointed & Commissioned, for the years 1836. 1837. & 1838. Commencing on the first day of Dec r . of each year & ending on the 30 th day of November - That he was a Justice of the peace at the date of the taking of the foregoing deposition, & that I believe his sig- nature to be genuine -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto sub- scribed my name & affixed the seal of our said Court at Bennington this 23 rd day of August A.D. 1839. Henry Robinson

Conwell March 29. 1837 To the Hon. J. D. Cummings.
In Inclose herewith some additional testimony relative to the claims of the Widow Lydia Denson. The papers may not be very formally made, as I am not very conversant with the subject, or business - but do not pretend to much knowledge in the business - The enclosed papers, you will perceive, have reference to the former papers, which have been forwarded to the Department - The Certificate of our County Clerk is not annexed to these, not thinking it necessary, the same being annexed to the former papers, to which these refer - Mrs. Denson called upon me for to make papers for her relative to her claim for a Pension, but full, but not conversing myself competent, not having attended to the any business of the kind, I declined, and referred her to some one who had experience in the business - But she urged her want of means, (being very poor) to employ an attorney skilled in the Pension business, who usually charge high for their services, for representing me - I therefore made some papers for her, and she procured them to be forwarded. She has since applied to me, showing me a Letter from the Department in which it is suggested that further testimony is required - In her behalf I wrote to the proper Functionary in Provincial, where the Marriage took place said have rec d a Certificate relative to the evidence the Records furnish of the Marriage, which is enclosed. The testimony of Mrs. Perkins stating the Date by which she is enabled to fix the time of the Marriage I hope will prove satisfactory. Mrs. Perkins is a person of intelligence, and respectability, and I have no doubt but her statement is correct. The facts, (I find by some enquiry) have been long known in the neighborhood from the statement of the Family. & agree with the testimony now given. Their statement is believed by people in their vicinity - It may be that if the old Lady have the means to make a thorough search, she might find other witnesses to prove the Marriage, but at present she says she does not know of any other person living that was present except a Kinsman of hers, whose place of residence is not known to her, and a very old Lady now residing in said Province, who from extreme age has so far lost her mental faculties, that she can tell nothing of the event - I should be very sorry to have the old Lady

Suffer in consequence of any informality in making the papers. I do not pretend to know how they should be made. I suppose however the Department is mainly desir- ous of arriving at facts. in the examination of claims My services in this business are entirely gratuitous. I have been induced to assist the old Lady from the belief that her case came within the Law. if she could fairly show it - and that her poverty ought not to prevent her from receiving its benefits. and from the fact that there is no person within a considerable distance of her. who makes it their business to procure present services - The old Lady though poor. is very respectable. and is very industrious. supporting herself by her own industry. Her case has excited consider- able sympathy in the vicinity in which she lives - I suppose there is not a doubt on the mind of any one who is acquainted with the old lady but that she her marriage took place at the time they stated -
It may be proper to state that Abigail Benson one of the witnesses is the youngest daughter of said Lydia. an Old Maids - as the common phrase is. very feeble in health and has always resided with the old Lady - I state this to explain her means of knowledge relative to the Bible -
I would very respectfully solicit. in behalf of Mrs Benson. that the Department may attend to this case at as early a day as is consistent
With the highest consideration of Respect Your Obedient Servant
Isaac Butts Jr,

Orwell Vt Sept 23 33 Sept 23
1899
M rs Bensen Hon. J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D. C. Pension District

There is not, I venture to say an individual who knows the family, but believes they were married at the time they now state - I suppose abundance of proof can be procured to establish the fact, that the Old Lady has lived with S he & her husband Denton and reported as man and wife prior to 1794, and subsequently to the time of his death - She informs me that she learnt recently from that there was a Person now residing in Westport in the State of New York, who she says lived at the House where she was married at the time of the marriage who was then (as she thinks) about 18 years of age, and she thinks will be likely to recollect the marriage - I told the Old Lady that I did not know but the latter rec d . was on intended as a final denial in her case - if so, any further trouble or expense in order to prove her case I suppose would be useless - She is too poor to incur any expense without a prospect of its doing her some good - I therefore at her request solicit from the Department, whether testimony of the character above described will avail her any thing, or whether her case is finally lost -
With great deference I would ask if the testimony of Mrs Perkins is ordinarily overlooked - She states that she witnessed the marriage - and was at that time eight years old, and such an interest in the occasion as would be likely to impress  impress the fact with the circumstances  recollection upon her mind -
Finally I will only add that I fully believe the Old Lady's claim to be just, but she may have erred in presenting it - and possibly it is not susceptible of the requisite proof to sustain it - I trust however, the Department will try the present case by those rules and principles of justice and equity, that have hitherto distinguished the Department
In great Respect Your Ob dt Servant
Rowland Wallcutt Jr

Concord Sept. 21. 1839.
Hon. J. L. Edwards.
Dr. L. Young of the 18 th Inst. was duly recd from which I regreted very much to learn, that the appearance of the Bible record, advanced in the book of Mrs. Denson as evidence, was acknowledged unsearchable to the genuineness of the same. It certainly would be a subject of regret to me if they should be so unwise, as to first into their case a fictitious record. And I am rather unwilling to believe it, to be so. Still I am unprepared to judge of the case myself, not having seen the Record under circumstances favourable for the detection of a fraud of the nature suggested. If the Record is fictitious, I do not see how the Old Lady herself alone could make it, as she cannot write - My suspicions in such a case would rest upon the Daughter of the Old Lady, an Old Maid (as we term it,) who lives with her - The Old Lady and D. Daughter call upon me about a year since and requested me to assist her to lay her case before the Pension Department. I at first, declined altogether. I preferred them to those who have been conversant with such business. They urged their want of means to employ such, there being none nearby - & offered to pay me for what trouble I should be at in knitting or sewing, &c - considering their situation I consented to make their papers - they told their story, according to which I made out the papers and call at their house to have them make oaths to them the room being very dark, and not suspecting any thing wrong I took the Bible lay and attach d it to the Declaration. I should think I read it, but I had no suspicion whatever about the genuineness of the Register - after administering the oaths I left the papers with them, they procured them to be sent for the County Clerk's certificate and subsequently to Washington - The next business or knowledge I had of the case was when the call for the Bible itself was made. I was requested to search out the testimony forwarded, under that seal. I did so agreeably to their relation, subseqt not doubting but it was true - And I forwarded it myself, believing the Old Lady's claim to a Pension to be perfectly just, and I now think so - Still however just may be her claim, she ought not to obtain it, unless upon right grounds - On receiving your communication I call upon the Old Lady, read her the letter - She persisted in saying the record was made by her Husband, and that it was an ancient Record - I mentioned the case to a highly respectable neighbours of theirs, who said that their story was not new, that they had long ago told the story about giving away their old Bible, and retaining the record. He gave it as his opinion that if there were any wrong in the case, it arose from a vain pride in the Old Maid, supposing she could make a better looking record than the old one - this may be

There is not, I venture to say an individual who knows the family, but believes they were married at the time they now state - I suppose abundance of proof can be procured to establish the fact, that the Old Lady has lived with S. Denton and refused to act as man and wife prior to 1794, and subsequently to the time of his death - She informs me that she has recently learned that there was a Person now residing in Westport in the State of New York, who she says lived at the House where she was married at the time of the marriage who was then (as she thinks) about 18 years of age, and she thinks will be likely to recollect the marriage - I told the old Lady that I did not know but the latter rec d . was an intended as a final denial in her case - if so, any further trouble or expense in order to prove her case I suppose would be useless - She is too poor to incur any expense without a prospect of its doing her some good - I therefore at her request solicit from the department, information whether testimony of the character above described will avail her any thing, or whether her case is finally lost -
With great deference I would ask if the testimony of Mrs Perkins is entirely overlooked - She states that she disputed  had the marriage - and was at that time eight years old, and such an impress  fact with the circumstances would be likely to impress  remain the recollection upon her mind -
Finally I will only add that I fully believe the old Lady's claim to be just, but she may have erred in presenting it - and possibly it is not susceptible of the requisite proof to sustain it - I trust however, the department will by the present case say those rules and principles of justice and equity, that have hitherto distinguished the Department
In great Respect Your Old Servant
Roswell Butler Jr

4 Mar 72
Dec 6 1872
Q16
[Signature] Benson
J. J. Edwards
Com. of Pensions War Department Washington

Rutland 30 th Nov. A.D. 1842
Sir,
In your letter of the 25 th Inst. you ask me whether Sydia Branson informed me at the time I drew her declaration that she made an application in 1839 for a pension and if so why it was not mentioned in her declaration &c - In reply I say that she did inform me that she had some time previous made an application for a pension and that in so doing she had employed a person (whose name I do not remember) to assist her, that she believed did not know how to do the business and that was the reason as she believed why the pension was not granted. I requested her to state all that was done but though her memory appeared to be extremely good about things that took place in her youth she could not state with any accuracy what had been done about obtaining her pension - Not knowing precisely what had been done I commenced the business as though there had been nothing done and drew up her declaration accordingly - I asked her if she had any Documentary evidence of her Marriage and she at first said that there was a record of the Marriage in her Bible but after a little reflection she stated that her former agent took the page or leaf upon which the record was made from her Bible and as she believed sent it to your Department I then stated to her that in my opinion the Bible record of her Marriage was entirely destroyed as evidence by

ly being torn from the Bible and that she would be obliged to furnish other evidence of her marriage. She stated that she did not know as she could furnish any other evidence. I requested her to state the names of all the young people who were at her wedding and she without the least hesitation mentioned the names of eight or ten and among the rest that of Caleb Morgan the witness whose deposition you have. I asked her where the persons lived and she said she believed they were nearly all dead and that the last she knew any thing of Caleb Morgan he lived in Cambridge, Vermont. I wrote to the Hon. Nathan Smiley a friend of mine residing at Cambridge and requested him to find Morgan if possible and take his deposition if he recollects the marriage and the deposition of Morgan was accordingly procured and sent to your department. If there was any error in Mrs. Bensons not referring the department to what had been done the error was wholly my own. I did not learn that there had been any other evidence than the Bible record sent to you and I did suppose that the reason why that was rejected was because it was torn from the Bible and as the declaration drawn up by me was as a declaration complete in itself and as I supposed that she would be obliged to furnish evidence that was in itself sufficient to satisfy you of the date of the marriage independent of any evidence on file I concluded what had been done entirely unimportant and therefore no reference was made to her former application.

You assert that all allusion to her application in 1839 is Carefully avoided, - Be assured Sir, that when as a magistrate take evidence to be used in the discovery of truth I do not Carefully avoid stating any fact which I may think will be important in the investigation. She in her declaration drawn up by me refers you to the documentary evidence on file if I do not misrecalled and I did suppose that if there was any documents on file they were open to the inspection of the department but there was nothing said at the time I made the declaration that gave me the least suspicion that the Bible record sent to your department had any "discrediting appearance," upon it except its being taken from the Bible and that it was done by one that was as I supposed unacquainted with the rules of evidence. To conclude, Sir, if you will make a candid and immediate inquiry of the old Mother Elam you will do her a favor that she in my opinion is every way worthy of.
I am, Sir, very Respectfully Your obed. Serv. J. C. Dyer
J. S. Edwards Com. of Pensions Washington

Burland 9 th Nov. 1842
Sir —
At the request of Lydia Bensen I enclose to you the papers to obtain a pension for her. She would be pleased to have you attend to her case as soon as may be
Your Abt. Servt.
J. C. Dighton
Mr. S. S. Edwards Washington

Lydia Person
J. J. Edwards Com. of Pension Washington D.C.
July 10 44
1844

Rt Rutland, 7 th July - 1844
Sir
Mrs Lydia Benson wishes to know what your department has signified to do with regard to her pension. Since your letter to me of the 25 th of November A.D. 1842 she has not heard a word whether your dept. has seen fit to allow or reject her claim - In that letter you say that "In her former application a paper purporting to be a family record was added under such circumstances and with such discrediting appearances upon it as to justify the department in rejecting her claim" - Now Sir, what those "circumstances and discrediting appearances" are I know not nor does she and she feels that it is hard for her to lose her pension because her agent may have said or done something out of the way about which she has no knowledge. She knows she was married at the time set forth in her declaration and she is ready to make oath that she never at any time authorized any one to make any "discrediting many appearances" on the family record sent to your department and that

She did not know that there was any thing done to discredit the record. I have not the least doubt but that Mrs Benson was married at the time she states she was married and I come to that conclusion from her own story as she is a lady belonging to a Church and of strict integrity and from the relations of those who have known her for forty years and from the deposition of Caleb Morgan which was sent you by me. She is very poor and has no friends to assist her and it is very hard for her to lose her claim for the falls of others. I hope Sir you will review the subject and either grant the pension or inform me what is wanting - Be pleased to answer this and oblige yours very respectfully, J. C. Dexter
J. S. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Washington

State of Vermont } Bennington County ss } On this Eighteen day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty six personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the Town of Shaftsbury Benning- ton County Vermont Mahala Plank to me personally known who being duly sworn according to Law saith she was present at Pownal in the above said County on the fourth day of November in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety and then and there saw Seth Branson late of Orwell in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont who was a soldier in the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States Marined to Lydia Morgan who was then residing at said Pownal and now resides at Orwell in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont By me Thomas French a Justice of the Peace and she further deposes that I Sam Mannard to the said Seth Branson on the day and year above written and that she the said Lydia Branson is the widow of the said Seth Branson
Attest B. Mariah Wheeler her Emily M. Wilkinson Mahala Plank mark
Subscribed and sworn to at Shaftsbury in said County of Bennington this 18 th day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty six before me
State of Vermont } Bennington County ss } I Samuel H. Blackmer Clerk of Bennington County Court hereby certify that Joseph H. Wheeler whom name is subscribed to the above was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Bennington duly authorized to administer an & that I believe his signature is genuine In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the Seal of said County this 18 th day of June A.D. 1846 Samuel H. Blackmer Clerk

State of Vermont Bennington County ss }
I Sarah Thompson of Pownal in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont, of lawful age being duly sworn depose testify and say that I was present at Pownal in said County of Bennington in the fall of the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty, at Joseph Barber's, at a wedding party, at which time and place, I believe Seth Benson, late of Orwell in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont who was a soldier in the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States, was married to Lydia Morgan who was then residing at said Pownal, and who I now understand resides at Orwell in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont by one Thomas Jewett a Justice of the Peace - I know that they afterwards lived together as husband and wife, and had children born, while they lived here, and within a few years after I attended the wedding at Mr. Barber's.
Sarah Thompson
Sworn to and subscribed, this 17 th day of June one thousand eight hundred and forty six, at Pownal in said County of Bennington - before me, A. B. Gardner Justice of the Peace

I Josiah Noble of Pownal in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont, of lawful age, being duly sworn depose and say - That I was present at Pownal in said County of Bennington in the fall of the year one thousand eight hundred and ninety, and then and there saw as I supposed at the time and now believe, Seth Benson late of Orwell in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont who was a Soldier in the revolution and a pensioner of the United States, married to Lydia Morgan who was then residing at said Pownal, and now resides, as I am informed, at Orwell in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont, by one Thomas Jewell a Justice of the Peace - I further say that after their marriage at the time aforesaid, Seth Benson and Lydia Morgan lived together as husband and wife, and had children born, previous to their leaving this County, and I think their first child was born within two years after their marriage -
Josiah Noble
Subscribed and sworn to, at Pownal in said County of Bennington, this 17 th day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty six, before me,
A. B. Gardner Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont Bennington County ss
I Samuel H. Blackmer Clerk of Bennington County Court do hereby certify that Alvan B. Gardner whose name is subscribed to the above request the date thereof a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Bennington duly authorized to administer an oath & that his signature is genuine In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the Seal of said County this 18 th day of June A.D. 1846 -
Samuel H. Blackmer Clerk

Aug 14 '46
Pournabe Aug 9
10
D D 6 J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington D. C.

Hownal August 8 1846
Sir
In compliance with Your request contained in Your letter of the 27 th Ult o addressed to the Town Clerk of this town I have made a thorough search of the records of Marriages in the office and I can find no record of the Marriage of Seth Benson & Lydia Morgan or any evidence either to confirm or discredit the marriage except the absence of the record of such marriage
J. L. Edmonds
I am Sir very respectfully Your O bt Servt
Silvanus Danforth Town Clerk of the town of Hownal
P.S. The Post Master demanded ten cents postage on your letter & I paid it
S. D.

In Onond. Indi.
In reference to the case of Lydia Benson, widow of Seth Benson of Vermont, I would suggest that you by referring to some depositions filed by me in this case about  the the first of July last, you will find abundant evidence to show that she was living in June last, which time approaches nearer to the time of issuing the certificate (supposing it to be issued now) than is usually required by the Pension Office, that is, there is evidence of on file of a later date showing that the widow is living than is generally required by the Office. The depositions to which I refer were executed in Onond at and were those of clergymen, Physicians, and persons of the highest standing all speaking of Mrs Benson as then living (June last) as Mrs B. has had a great deal of trouble in the case, I take the liberty to ask if the evidence now on file, to which I have referred

is not sufficient, inasmuch as the Pay- Agent must have the most undoubted evidence of that she is living before he can pay the money. You will do me a great favour by issuing, Very Respectfully their allowance. }
J. M. Hays,
Oct 2 47 Lydia Bensen Indp.
Mr Pease Present

State of Vermont (county of Rutland ss) {
Be it known that on this 2nd day of October 1847, before the sub- scribed a justice of the peace & for said county personally appeared Lydia Benson & made oath in due form of law that she is the widow of Seth Benson who was a soldier in the war of the revolution & a pensioner of the United States - that she is the person whom application for a pension has been for some length of time pending before the pension office
Subscribed & sworn to this 2 nd day of October A.D. 1847 at Orwell in the Rutland county
Lydia her Benson mark
Before me Henry Hale Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am acquainted with the fore- going declarant & that she is the same individ- ual she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit. Henry Hale Justice of the Peace.

State of Vermont. } S. Frederick B. Hopkins Clerk of the County Rutland County, ss. } Court of the County of Rutland in the State of Vermont, which is a court of record, do hereby certify that Henry Isaac Esgin
is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the thirteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty- six and will expire on the thirtieth day of November next; that his signature to the foregoing Deposition is genuine, and that he is duly qualified by the laws of this State to take
Depositions &c. Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court, this fourth day of October A.D. 184 6
(S. F. Hopkins CLERK.
Oct 10 1846
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

✓
3965
Lot to Hon. Wm. Plade
January 24, 1839.
See Roswell Bottoms,
Sept. 10 th 39 — Do. 6
same Sept. 28. 1839
Town clerk

Washington D.C. July 3 rd 1841.
Sir,
I herewith enclose several depositions, which have been forwarded to me, in the case of Lydia Bensan of Vermont, widow of Seth Bensan. I am not apprised of the objections to the admission of the claim, but such a mass of testimony of highly respectable persons as is herewith enclosed, would seem sufficient to establish the claim marriage in the year 1790.
I have to request that the testimony be
Very Respectfully Yours
J. B. Shayer.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm. of Pensions.

Penn on
July 19 44
D. B.
J. S. Edwards
Com. of Penn
Washington
D. B.

Rutland 16 July 1844.
Sir -
Permit me for one moment to solicit your attention again to the case of My Lydia Berson. You say that the Register of her Marriage is "Spurious," and though requested you refuse or neglect to give any reasons why you have come to that conclusion. The Register of her Marriage as it existed in her bible was not a "Spurious" Register but it can be proved by many persons that a register of her Marriage in 1790 has existed in her bible for many years long before a pension was thought of and until it was taken out to be sent to your department and that it bore all the usual marks and appearances of an old family Register. Since that register left her hands it is impossible for her or me to know what has been done to it that makes it look so very "Spurious," and again permit me to say with all due deference for your opinion that if that family Register has been defaced or altered by any one without her knowledge or consent she is not legally responsible for the act. If I have my letter duedy in the hands of My Atty. to be used as evidence am I to lose my property if he without my consent or knowledge commits a forgery upon them? If you give your Atty. a paper to use as evidence in your cause has he any power as your Agent to destroy or alter that paper? Is he made your agent for that purpose? If not then if he does destroy or alter the paper is not the act all his own and are you liable for the consequences? — If your papers are altered or destroyed in the hands of your Atty. without your consent it places you on the same ground that you would be on if they were altered or destroyed by an accident or casualty and you would be permitted by our courts of law

to prove (if in your power) how they were altered or distorted - Now, Sir, Mrs Benson proposes to prove that a "family Register," of her marriage to Benson was made in her bible in 1790 that it existed in her Bible until taken out to be sent to your dept. and that it bore all the usual marks and appearance of a true old register when it was taken from her dwelling.
If you will not receive this evidence then she proposes to call upon the person who first sent you the said family Register and compel him to testify as to what the difficulty is and how it originated. If all this will not satisfy you then, Sir, will you be pleased to send the said "spurious" family register to me with the name of the man who inclosed it to you that she may be able to obtain some satisfaction or at least punish him for his ignominy or mascality -
Very Respectfully you Obedt. Servt. J. C. Deyo
Hon J. S. Edwards
Washington

N. 13. When I made Mrs Bursons declaration I supposed that the said family Register was destroyed by taking it from the bible and that you had rejected it on that grounds as our Court of law here would do in like cases and therefore I made no allusion to it as I think - I could not have exactly what had been done in the case and I commented the business as though there had been nothing done and as though there was no record or register supposed & its to be destroyed as aforesaid.

Seth Benson Declaration see
Nathaniel D. Miller Esq. P.M. Indian Village
Entitled to the return to N.P. letter
J. M. S. and J. M. P. J. M. S.
On H. H. N. Oct 18th

1919 Feb. 15. History to Harriet G. Stevenson
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 18586
Julia Benson Wid of Seth Benson Pri. Bell. War
Act: 1848
Index:—Vol. 24, Page 53
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Seth Benson V o act 18 March 1818 $96 00 per Ann.
To What time was he last paid? 66 A
Pension Office Oct 9 '47 }
Died 16 th Feb. 1834. Paid to his death - B.H.B.

Pension Office. Washington D.C.
Rec. Sec. m
Will you kindly send me the Revolutionary Records of Seth Benson of Boston, Mass. his wife's name was Lydia Morgan, also the Revolutionary Records of Stephen Case.
Respectfully.
Harriet G. Stevens
389 Meigs St. Rochester N.Y.
7-7/19.