Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4891, Danson Benson, Mass.

SERVICE
Heass.
NUMBER
Benson, Danson Daniel or Phebe
N. 4891
B.L.Wt. 9448-160-55
CONTENTS
..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....
..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....

Vermont 18.663
Daniel Benson, of Windham co, in the State of Vermont, who was a private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Sibley. of the Regiment commanded by Col. Wade, in the Mass. line for 18 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont, at the rate of 60 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24th day of Sept r 1833. and sent to P. White Putney, Vt.
Arrears to the 14th of Sept r 33. $150.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar. 34. 30.00
$180.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Clemson Clerk, Book E. Vol. B Page 54

Windham County Vt. Daniel Benson - Deer for Pension
Oct 5 1806
vt
6 mrs - for 2 mrs per on 20 mrs
Please to make return to P. White Dutcher Vt.

County of Windham ss. W. Woodhams County
STATE OF VERMONT.
At a STATE OF VERMONT. Proclamation issued by Governor William H. Seward on the first day of August - A.D. 1832 - by order of the Council of Record.
On this Sixth day of August A. D. 1832—Personally appeared in open Court, Forenshead in said District
Before the said Prothonotary Court, within and for said District now sitting— Daniel Benton a resident of Brookline in the county of Windham and State of Vermont, aged Seventy one 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 7, 1832—That he entered into the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
He declares and says that in the month of September in the year 1777 he went from the town of Douglas Massachusetts, to North Kingston Rhode Island and entered the service of the Revolution by taking the place, as a substitute, of one Island , in the company commanded by Capt. Sibley - Lieut. Carpenter & Ensign Southwick, in that Regiment commanded by Col. Keyes, of the Massachusetts militia and regularly served for the term of six months and was stationed at North Kingston, East Greenwich and Providence - and was dismissed at Providence Rhode Island about the first of April - but received no written discharge - And afterwards in the forepart of the summer in the same year 1778 went again to Newport or Rhode Island and joined the Army by taking the place as substitute, for his Brother Peter Benson, and entered the company commanded by Capt. Hammond in the Regiment of Col. Wade in the Massachusetts line of militia was in the army of Gen. Sullivan and was in the Battle on the Island after which retreated off to Newton R.I. & remained there and East Greenwich & vicinity and regularly served six months and dismissed at East Greenwich - R.I. - but received no written discharge - And that afterwards on or about the first day of July 1780 he again enlisted at said town of Douglas for six months and went to Springfield Mass. and there passed muster, on the 12 th day of July 1780 - and went from Springfield immediately to Westpoint and there joined the Army & entered the company commanded by Capt. Daniels in the Regiment commanded by Col. Vixen - in Gen. Wilson's Brigade on the Continental establishment - and faithfully served out said term of six months and was discharged at Westpoint on the 12 th day of January 1781 - and received a written discharge - but lost it many years since - how he cannot tell - He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
To the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, he answers, upon his said oath, as follows:
1. He was born in the town of Mendon in the county of Worcester & State of Massachusetts in the year 1761 2. He has a record of his age in his family bible - which he made himself - 3. He lived in the town of Douglas at the time when he went out - moved from Douglas more than forty years ago to the town of Brookline where he has since resided & now resides - excepting about six years, within the said term he has resided in the town of Winhall in the state of Vermont - 4. The two first campaigns he went as a substitute, as hereafter stated in his Declaration - and the last campaign he enlisted as before stated - 5. He recalls in the last campaign Col. Sprout - Jackson & Shepherd of the Massachusetts line - Asa Stephen - of Boston General - 6. He has already stated that he did not receive any written discharge at the expiration of the two first campaigns - and did receive one at the expiration of the last campaign - 7. Samuel M c Blain      Beriah M c Clure      Dawson Besson
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
We Jesse Stearns  and residing in the town of Brookline in said county and Beriah Wheeler of Jamaica in said county hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Daniel Basson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be sixty one years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Given under my hand and the seal of the said Court this _____ day of _____ 19____ Jeremiah Wintle Before Peter M. Taft — Judge
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 Samuel Stephens who has signed the preceding certificate, is a gentleman , resident in the said town of Brookline and that Benedict Wheeler who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Cambridge in said county, and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit as to the facts therein stated there is no settlement between them Peter M. D. L. J. S. J. C.
I Isaac Aguilar Clerk & Registrar of the Provincial Court, within and for the District of Western aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Deceased Beusare for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 11 th day of August A. D. 1832.
Dear Thayer 2 nd

Vermont 1172 Mont.
Phoebe Benson widow of Daniel Benson
Man who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 60. Dollars 110.
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848 9th October 1854.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of May 1855. and sent to
A. Campbell Bullows Falls. N.Y.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 29, 1848, Page 34. Vol. a
(32)

Daniel Benson & Phebe Bugbee both of Putney were lawfully published December Thirty first in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven hundred and Eighty Six
Per D. Gabin Town Clerk
State of Vermont
Windham County ss. Town Clerk's office in Putney Feb- ruary 24 th 1855 I certify that the preceding is a true copy of the records in my office with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows December 31 1786
Wm. Houghton Town Clerk
I William Houghton depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the County Town and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town with the exception above mentioned certified by me & that I have not been able to find any records of the marriage of Daniel Benson - that in the year 1786 the Town of Brookline constituted a part of Putney - The records do not appear to be so regular & full as to raise a presumption against their marriage previous to the year 1794
William Houghton, Town Clerk
Sworn before me
John Kimball Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont, }
WINDHAM, S. S. }
I, ROYALL TYLER, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that
John Dinsmore
was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, within and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature Lotus Munroe is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State,
and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer Oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at Brattleborough, this 11th day of March Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty- five .
Royall Tyler Clerk.

State of Vermont
Bennington County ss On this 31 st day of March AD 1855 personally appeared before me a justice of the peace within and for the county of said duly authorized by law to administer oaths Phoebe Benson aged eighty five years a resident of Winhall in the county of Bennington aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Daniel Benson deceased who was a private in the Revolutionary War, that the said Dan- iel Benson continued in actual service as she believes for a term of more than fourteen days that she was married to the said Daniel Benson at Brook- line in the county of Windham & State of Vermont, on the first day of March Seventeen hundred & eighty seven by Lucas Willrow Justice of the Peace, said Brookline was then in the town of Putney and that her name before her said marriage was Phoebe Bugbee that her said hus- band died at Winhall in said State of Vermont on the ninth day of October Eighteen hundred & fifty four and that she is now a widow for the proof of these facts she refers to her application for a pension under the act of July 29 1848 - application dated March 23 rd 1855 - and to the application of her husband the said Daniel Benson under the act of June 7 1832 - she makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the town - by law to which she may be entitled

under the act approved March 3 rd 1855 Attest H. E. Bensen Phebe Bensen her mark A. D. Bensen
Bennington County, ss. } Winton March 31 st day A. D. 1855 Personally appeared Phebe Bensen and acknowledged the foregoing declaration to be her free act and deed. Seth Taylor Jr Justice of Peace We Chester Bensen and F. W. Bensen
widows of the late wife of Bennington in the State of Vermont upon our oath decline that we are personally acquainted with Phebe Bensen that the foregoing declaration was signed & acknowledged before us in our presence, that we know her to be the identical person she represents herself to be and that she is now a widow Chester Bensen F. W. Bensen
The foregoing Declaration & affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me this 31 st day of March A. D. 1855 and I certify that I know the affiant to be a credible person and that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be. and that I have no interest in this claim Seth Taylor Jr Justice Peace
State of Vermont, } Bennington, ss. COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, SAMUEL H. BLACKMER, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Bennington, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that
Seth Taylor Jr Esq.
was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a Justice of the Peace
within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the foregoing jurat and certificate is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds and Depositions, and to administer oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, at Bennington, in the County of Bennington, this 10 th day of April Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five
Sam H Blackmer CLERK.

76.291 Act 3 March April 16 1855-56
Phebe Benson - widow of Daniel Benson
Phebe Benson widow of Daniel Benson, Pri.
Map: Cont. line, Pensylvania
Revolutionary War
10.168 Acres Nov. 3 1855
July 48 Boynitown
mm
A. S. Campbell Bellows Falls Vt.
Vol. B. 85.

Philo Beman Declaration

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 29 th July 1848
State of Vermont District of Manchester ss
On this 23 rd day of March 1855 Personally appeared before the Probate Court within and for said District Phoebe Benson a resident of Windhall in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont aged eighty five years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 29 th 1848 that she is the widow of Daniel Benson who was a Private in the Revolutionary War and who at the time of his death was a pensioner under the act of Congress of June 7 th 1832 and whose pension was payable at the Agency of Vermont. She further declares that she was married to the said Daniel Benson at Brookline in the County of Windham and State of Vermont on the first day of March in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty seven by Lucas Willson a justice of the Peace for said Windham County - That her husband the aforesaid Daniel Benson died on the 9 th day of October Eighteen hundred and fifty four - That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the second of January Eighteen hundred

ver at the time above stated, the further deposes that she is now a widow and that she has never before made any application for a pension. Sheldon Bliss A. D. Bliss Phebe (her mark) Benson
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
Before Alex r Bliss, Judge
State of Vermont
District of Manchester ss I hereby certify that Alex r Bliss before whom the fore- going declaration was made and who has the oaths subscribed his name was at the time of so doing Judge of the Probate Court within and for the District of Manchester in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont duly commissioned and qualified.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office as Clerk and Register of the said Pro- bate Court in said Dis- trict this 23 d day of March A D 1855
Attest Sheldon Bliss, Register

Dan. Benson 7 o 9 Oct '54

We Orison Benson & Chester Benson of Winhall in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont testify & say that we are children of Daniel Benson a Revolutionary pensioner late of said Winhall deceased & of Phebe Benson (whose name before marriage was Phebe Bagley) none of Winhall aforesaid widow of the said Daniel Benson deceased, and we further testify that the Deponent
Orison Benson is fifty seven years of age and that the Deponent Chester Benson is forty eight years of age and that from our earliest recollection (which was more than forty years ago) the said Dan- iel Benson and the said Phebe lived together as hus- band and wife and continued so to live together until the said Daniel's death, and that during all that time the said Daniel and Phebe were reputed and believed to be husband & wife, and that we never heard of any intimation to the contrary. We further testify that the said Daniel Benson died at Winhall on the ninth day of October eighteen hundred and fifty four. that the said Phebe Benson is now living as a widow and has remained single and un- married from the time of the death of the said Dan- iel to this time.
Orison Benson
Chester Benson
Attest M. A. Benson
Seth Taylor Jr

State of Vermont
Bennington County, ss. March 23 d 1855 Then per- sonally appeared Orison Brown Chester Brown who are credible persons and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by them subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Before me
Justice of the Peace Seth Taylor Jr
State of Vermont, } Bennington, ss. COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, SAMUEL H. BLACKMER, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Bennington, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that
Seth Taylor Jr Esq. was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a Justice of the Peace
within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the foregoing jurat and certificate is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds and Depositions, and to administer oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, at Bennington, in the County of Bennington, this 10 th day of April Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five - Sam l H. Blackmer CLERK.

I Peter Benson of Strafford in the county of Orange and state of Vermont aged sixty nine years do testify and say I was knowing to Daniel Benson my Brother sometimes living in Winhall in the county of Bennington and state of Vermont and some times living in Brookline in the county of Windham and state of Vermont serving in the Revolutionary war two six months campaigns in Rhode Island, the first six months was in the year 1776 or 77 in Capt Sibleys Company in Col. Hays Regiment he was a substitute for Sargent Kneeland in the same Company the same year, the second six months service in 1777 or 78 in Capt Hammonds Company in Col. Wades Regiment I say that I know that the said Daniel Benson was there for I was in the same Company, and I also know that the said Daniel Benson enlisted in Douglafs at my fathers house in the year 1780 to the best of my recollection I think in the month of May to go to West Point to join the Continental army at that place, the said Daniel Benson served in this campaign six months and furthermore I have often heard my Brother Daniel Benson tell of being there when Arnold sold the point, and of seeing Major Andre Executed, and I know from my own personal acquaintance since that time that said Daniel Benson some times of Winhall aforesaid and some times of Brookline aforesaid, (The reason why I say Daniel Benson some times of Winhall & some times of Brookline, is because he has children living in both Towns and he lives a part of the time in Brookline & the other part of the time in Winhall with his children) (The reason why I think Daniel Benson enlisted in the year 1780 was because I wanted to enlist my self and my father would not let me enlist, because Daniel had enlisted, it is my impression that Daniel Benson returned home in the Month of June 1781 I think or it is my impression that the said Daniel enlisted in the summer season the first time and returned home in the winter following) for whose benefit this my Affidavit is taken is the same identical Daniel Benson who was with me in Capt Sibleys and Capt Hammonds Company at Rhode Island as above stated The Town of Douglafs above mentioned, is in the county of Worcester & state of Massachusetts —
Peter Benson
State of Vermont } Strafford June 3. 1833 Then personally appeared Orange County ss } Peter Benson of Strafford but formerly of Brookline personally known to me as a man of truth and veracity - and made solemn oath to the truth of the above Affidavit by him subscribed
Before me Stephen Morrill Justice Peace

State of Vermont, Orange County, Clerk's Office, I, Harry Hale, Clerk of the County Court of Orange County, do hereby certify that Stephen Mor- rill is a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of Orange, and that the within writing, purporting to be his signature, is, in my opinion genuine. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand, and affix the seal of said Court at Chelsea, this 3 d day of June A.D. 1833.
Harry Hale, Clerk.

Bellows Falls, Vermont May 2 o 1855
Sir
I send herewith an affidavit proving the identity of Phoebe Burrough who has lately forwarded to your office a declaration for a pension under the act of July 29 1842.
Very Respectfully &c
A S Campbell
Hon S T Waldo Comr. of Pensions Washington City

76. 296

Bellows Falls Vermont Apr. 14 th 1855
Sir
I enclose the appreciation of Phoebe Rensselaer for Bounty Land Respectfully Yrs
A S Campbells
Hon S P Waldo Secy of Pensions Washington City

Bellows Falls Vermont April 14 1855
Sir
I send enclosed the declar- ation of Thos. Benson for a pension & the proof in the case Respectfully Yrs
A. S. Gannett
Hon. L. P. Waldo Comr. of Pensions Washington City

Brief in the case of Phebe Benson, widow of Daniel. Bennington County and State of Vermont. act July 29 (th) 1848.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Her husband was a pensioner under the act of June 7 (th) 1832, at the rate of $60 per annum. He died October 9 (th) 1854. Her marriage, on the 21 st of December, 1786, is established by an extract from the town records of Putney, Vermont; and her identity by the testimony of old and respectable residents of Bennington County, Vt. (If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent A. S. Campbell. Bellows Falls, Vt.
Examining Clerk. Osceola

5.106
J. Benson
✓
Admit
18 mo's
$ 60. —
C. White Esq Putney Vt

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 9 1833
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. These 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
   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.      
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
Mr. D. Benson

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 in 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 the 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 _____; 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.

No. 76291
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received Apr. 16 th , 1855.
Genl. Benon. Sec. Pri- map. Com. Line Rev. War.
9448-160-55-
A. S. Campbell Bellows Falls Vt.

76. 291
FREE
Hon L D Waldo
Com te of Pensions
Washington City

No 153 no. 1408 Phebe Benson Widow of Daniel Vermont
A. d. Lamphee Apr 19 '50
Act 29 July 24 8
2 o Feb 1848

9448
S 160 Acres

Matpelia (V c ) Agency,
Heh Benson, widow of Daniel, —
Act Act July 29, 1848,
$60 per Annum.
Con Oct. 9, 1854, when he died.
A. L. Campbell, Bellows Falls, Vt.

In act 29 th July 48. Bt.
[Handwritten signature]

Keziah Robbin's Affidavit in favor of Daniel Davis

The affidavit of Hester Robbins of Brookline in the County of Windham and State of Vermont, aged Seventy three years, who testifies and says, that in the time of the War of the Revolution, she lived with her Father Moses Benson in the town of Douglas in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts and that from the year 1777 to 1781 she was knowing to her brother Daniel Benson's going into the army at three different times, and as she then understood served out the terms of his engagement - and according to her best recollection she believes that he was gone from home, about six months at each time.
Hester Robbins
State of Vermont
Windham County ss August 7 th 1832 Subscribed & sworn to Before Phineas White Justice of Peace
I do hereby certify that Mrs. Hester Robbins signer of the above affidavit is reported a person of undoubted truth & veracity.
Phineas White. J. P.
State of Vermont District of Windham ss
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the original now on file in my office and that the same was attested by me this 10 th day of August 1832 a justice of the peace in and for said district of Windham and the above signature is my genuine signature. Intesting whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Justice this 10 th day of August 1833. - Phineas White

We Channy C Wheeler and Chester B. Williams of Winhall in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont testify and say that we were well acquainted with Daniel Benson late of Winhall in the County of Bennington aforesaid deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner at the rate of Sixty Dollars per year and who died at Winhall in said County of Bennington in the ninth of October Eighteen hundred and fiftyfour. That we are also well acquainted with Phoebe Benson of said Win- hall and that we know her to be the widow of the said Daniel Benson deceased that she has not been mar- ried since his death, and that she is now a widow C. C. Wheeler C. B. Williams
State of Vermont Bennington County ss April 25 th 1855 Then person- ally appeared Channy C. Wheeler and Chester B. Williams above named who are credible persons and made solemn oath that the foregoing affidavit by them subscribed is true. Before me Beriah Wheeler Justice Peace

State of Vermont Burlington County ss
I hereby certify that Beriah Wheeler Esq r before whom the foregoing affidavit was made and who has therunto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing a justice of the peace in & for said County duly commissioned & sworn & that his signature is genuine -
In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the Seal of the County Court for the County of Burlington this 30 th Day of April A.D. 1855 -
Saml. H. Blackmer Clerk of the County Court -

Pen Oct. April 19 1853-
Sir
Please say when Danl Benson of Ver. ad 1832, $60 a year was last paid,
R J Atkinson Esq 3 d Auditor
4504
Very Respectfully J. C. Calk
Ph. P. Calk
Ripley
Insurer
Weymouth
Daniel Benson from the A. Dept 1854.

Mch. 24, 1905 History to Mrs. Mary L. Bolsoford Manchester Centre, Vt.
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 4891
Phoebe Benson
Widow
Daniel Benson
Lot. Redi. War
Act: July 29, 1848
Index:—Vol. 84
Page 49
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Manchester Center Vermont
March 2 nd 05
To Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir:
Will you please tell me if on the Revolutionary pension roll you find the name of Daniel Benson, if so, from what state did he enlist?
Respectfully
Mrs Mary Louise Bolzford