Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 16050, Benjamin Blodget, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
born
Blodgett, Benjamin or Bloggett
S. 16050
CONTENTS
carded

19.387 Vermont
Benjamin Blodgett of Orange Co in the State of Vermont who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt! commanded by Col. Sayer in the Vt. Arm line for 11 mos. Conn.
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of Aug. 1834 and sent to J. K. Parish. Randolph
Arrears to the 14th of March 1834 $73.32 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept. — 18.33
$91.65
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, Book E Vol. 3. Page 53

State of Vermont } On this 10th day of August A.D. 1832 Orange County ss. } personally appeared in open District of Randolph ss. } Court before the Hon. The
Probate Court within and for said district now sitting at Randolph in said County of Orange. Benjamin Blodgett , a resident of said Randolph in said Orange County and state of Vermont, aged seventy three years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he was born in the town of Stafford in the state of Conn. and that in 1776 in the summer July or Augt. he enlisted in what was called the New-Leg. and marched from S d Stafford to York Island in Capt. Hugh Parsons Company in Col. Sayer's Regt. & Genl. Washburn's Brigade and was in said service about five months. was in the retreat from York Island & went to White Plains and was in that battle - in 1777 he thinks in Augt. he again went into the service from said Stafford under Capt. Israel Converse, & Lt. Mury and marched to the vicinity of the North River and was scouting at East Chester and near there and served two months to the best of his memory and probably more - in 1778 in the summer say August again went into the service from said Stafford and was ordered to Groton, under Capt. Israel Converse, & Lt. Joseph Alden and was stationed in the neighbourhood of Ft. Griswold and continued in service as much as two months - That about the first of August 1779 was again ordered under Israel Converse as Capt. Lt. Ellis. & Ens. Pinnery to New London, and served for two months he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of the agency of any state -
Benj a Blodgett
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid - Frederick Griswold Judge of Probate

We Tilton Eastman a clergyman & Silvannus Blodgett both residing in Randolph hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Blodgett who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 73 years of age. that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resided to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Tilton Eastman - Silvannus Blodgett
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid - before me Frederick Gairwold Judge of Probate Court
And the said court do hereby the opinion after the investigation prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier & served as he states. And the said court further certify that it appears that Tilton Eastman is a clergyman, and that Silvannus Blodgett both residing in Randolph aforesaid are credible persons well known to said court & their statement are entitled to credit.
J. R. Parish Clerk or Reg of the Probate Court aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Blodgett for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 10 th day of August A 1832-
J. R. Parish Clerk or Reg.

Benj. Blodgett 2 o Statement
State of Vermont
District of Randolph
on this 10 th day of June A D 1833 personally appeared Benj. Blodgett in open court before the Hon. the Probate Court now sitting at Randolph in Orange County and after being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following additional declaration in order to obtain the benefit of June 7, 1832 for a Pension
He states that in his first tour of service in Col. Sage's Regt. his service was not less than 5 months the new Regts. were raised for 6 months but he did not go the full time In his 2 o tour of duty he served as stated and not less than 2 full months cannot name the Col. In his 3 o tour of duty he served as stated and was a waiter to St. Alden and served not less than 2 mo. In his 4 th tour he served as stated for the full time of 2 months he does not remember the name of the Col. - during each of said tours he was doing duty in field or Garrison for the length of time he stated and that during said tours he was not engaged in any civil business - he further states that after making inquiry he is unable to find any one who can testify to his service.
Declaration of Benjamin Blodgett
States he was born Stafford Conn. in 1759 - he has the record of his age in his bible & presumes it is recorded in Stafford Conn. town Clerks Office - lived in S. Stafford at the time of entering service each tour - lived since in Randolph Vt. where he now resides - he volunteered he thinks each time - never rec d . a written discharge. he cannot state more particularly names of officers - he refers to Tilton Eastman, Silvanus Blodgett, Dudley Chase, William Nutting for his credibility -
Benjamin Blodgett
Sworn & subscribed the day and year aforesaid -
Calvin Blodgett Judge of Probate
I William Hobard Clerk or Registrar of said Probate Court hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of this day before said Court - in the cause of Benjamin Blodgett in his application for a Pension.
In testimony of which I have set my official hand and affix the seal of said Court this 10 th day of June A D 1833.
Wm Hobard Clerk or Registrar

6308
Benjamin Blodgett
Admit-
11 mrs private
✓
J. H. Parish

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 16 1832
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Benjamin Blodgett
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1776 5 private Genl. Wadsworth, Col. Sagg 73. Stafford Applicants Declaration & testimony   1777 2 " don't remember the Col. " " same same   1778 2 " " " " " " " "   1779 2 " " " " " " " "   11  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
Mr. Benjamin Blodgett

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I, _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful to the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____; For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section MCS:MLF
November 18, 1930
Mrs. J. F. Toomey 1519 Kemble Street Utica, New York
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 16050, that Benjamin Blodget or Bloggett was born in 1759 in Stafford, Connecticut.
While a resident of that place, he enlisted and served as private with the Connecticut troops, as follows:
From July or August, 1776, five months in Captain Hezekiah Parson's company in Colonel Sage's regiment, and was in retreat from Long Island and in the battle of White Plains; from August, 1777, two months in Captain Josiah Converse's company; from August, 1778, two months in Captain Converse's company; and from August, 1779, two months in Captain Israel Converse's company.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 10, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Randolph, Orange County, Vermont.
In 1832, one Silvanus Blodget of Randolph, Vermont, stated that he knew the soldier but did not give his relationship to him. There are no further data relative to the family of Benjamin Blodget or Blogget.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner

MMNF
May 27, 1927
Mrs. R. G. Hannaford Fifth and Warren Mount Vernon, Washington
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 16050 it appears that Benjamin Blodget or Bloggett, was born in 1759 1759 in Stafford, Connecticut-
While a resident of Stafford, Connecticut he enlisted and served in the Connecticut Troops as a private as follows:
July or August 1776, five months in Captain Hezekiah Parsons' Company, Colonel Sage's Regiment, and in battle of White Pine.
August 1777, two months in Captain Josiah Converse's Company, and August 1778, two months in said Captain's Company.
August 1779, two months in Captain Israel Converse's Company.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 10, 1832 while a resident of Randolph, Orange County, Vermont.
There is no family data on file .
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner

P 16050 INVALID.
D Not R. d
File No. 16050 John N. Bennett Rev. Mr. Act: June 7 1882 Index: Vol. 1 , Page 439
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1896 Feb 12 Sold census 77 River Rd Providence R.I. June 22 1903 His to Morgan Bladgett Painter 1914 May 1. History to John N. Bennett. For 1920 Apr 8 His to Miss M. P. Sawyer 1921 Aug 11 His to Mr. W. H. Mansfield 1927 May 23 His to Mrs. J. F. Toomey 1930 Nov 18 His to Mrs. J. F. Toomey Inc. corresponding in clm. of Gaby Crapp W. 20367 N.C.S.

rev H
MRS. WILLIAM H. MANSFIELD 56 RING STREET PUTNAM, CONN.
Dear Sir
Will you please give me the War service of Benjamin Blodgett of Randolph, VA, think he was a Pensioner.
Yours very truly
Mrs William H. Mansfield 56 Ring St. Putnam.
June 20-1921.
Conn.

Pension Bureau Washington, D.C.
Dear Sirs:
Will you please give me the record of pension grant to Benjamin Blodgett 1759-1842, also any mention of dates regarding his wife Mary Bangs Riddle Blodgett that you may have. He served from Vermont and died in Randolph Vermont.
Thanking you I am
Mrs. R.G. Hannaford, Fifth and Warren, Mount Vernon, Wash.
March 13, 1927

Run Suck 5
KNOX COLLEGE GALEsburg, ILLINOIS Department of Biology
B. H. GRAVE M. LOUISE SAWYER
Pension Office Washington D.C.
March 18, 1920,
Gentlemen,
In looking up some points of family history, I find a statement that one of my Revolutionary ancestors - Benjamin Blodgett (Blodgett), who in 1840 was living in Randolph Vt, was at that time a Revolutionary Pensioner. Will you kindly send me such facts as your records show concern him.
I am informed that for a fee of one dollar for each individual, Certificates of Military service can be obtained. Should such fees be sent to the Pension Bureau? If not, can you tell me to whom I should apply for such certificates.
I wish also to learn of the Jonathan Sawyer, who according to the inscription on his powder horn, was at Fishkill in 1778. I believe he was from Salisbury, Mass.
Very truly
(Miss) M. Louise Sawyer.

DOANE COLLEGE
MATHEMATICS
CRETE, NEBRASKA, April 22 1914.
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir: - There is a tradition the in our family that my great grandfather Benjamin  Blodgett of Stafford, Conn. and later of Randolph Vt received a pension for services in the Connecticut regiments during the Revolution. What is your record of him.
Very truly John N Bennett.

71 Park Place Pawtucket, R.I.
John W. Blodgett
17387
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Dear Sir:-
Will you be kind enough to send me the record of Benjamin Blodgett , pensioner, of Randolph, Vermont, who served in the War of the Revolution.
Very Truly Yours,
Morgan Blodgett.
U. S. OLD WAR FILES. JUN 20 1903 P. B.
June 16, 1903.

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Benjamin Blodget a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. S. F. 16,050.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     July or Aug. 1776 5 mos Pri. Hazebiah Parsons Sage Conn.   Aug. 1777 2 " Josiah Converse ✓   Aug. 1778 2 " Josiah Converse ✓   Aug. 1779 2 " Israel Converse ✓  
Battles engaged in, White Plains Residence of soldier at enlistment, Stafford, Conn. Date of application for pension, Aug. 10, 1832. His ch. was ab. Residence at date of application, Randolph Orange Co. Vt. Age at date of application, 73 Born in 1759 at Stafford, Conn. Remarks: There is no data relative to family.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.