Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 40818, Benjamin Cheney, Mass

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Cheney Benjamin
S. 40818
CONTENTS

2,850
Vermont
Benjamin Cheney
of Rutland in the State of Vermont who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Means of the regiment commanded by Colonel Spreat in the Massachusetts line, for the term of three years, from the year 1781 to the year 1783
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 6 day of April 1818 and
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 of April 1818 and sent to J. Hammond Esq Rutland Vermont.
Restored to the Roll on 9th day of January 1829 and notification sent to R. Temple Esq. at Rutland Vermont Pension commencing on the 24 of December 1828.
Amount due on 4th of March 1829.
$ 18.58
Revolutionary Claim, Acts March 18, 1818, May 1, 1820. 81 March 1829
Let to Pensions 12 Feb 1835
Set Hon J. Meadham July 26/50
State of Vermont

Boyd: Cheney
Thomas Hammond, Esq. Assistant Judge Rutland County, Vt.
Not found on the rolls.
See endorsement in the cases of Joseph Innat, and David Patterson.
Adn d .

I Benjamin Cheney of Rutland in the County of Rutland State of Vermont of the age of fifty five years, being duly sworn do declare, depose & say, that on the 28. Feb. 1781, at Rowley in Massachusetts I enlisted into the Army of the U. States to serve for three years - in April following I marched from Boston to West Point in company with about 180 soldiers under the command of a continental officer. That when we arrived at West Point I was attached to Capt. James Mearns company Col. Sproat's Regiment being the 2 d Regt. Massachu- = setts line - Genl. Patterson's brigade - I remained in said company & Regiment as a soldier until December 1783 when I was discharged at West Point - my discharge I have lost. I served the whole of said time as a private soldier. I was at the skirmish at Kings bridge in the summer of 1781. I think I was dis- = charged by Genl. Jackson - I further say that I am a resident citizen of the U. States - I further say that there is no evidence of my services in my power to produce except what accompanies this - I further say that I am poor, that I have but a trifle of property - that I have a wife and one son who is out of health unable to support themselves, and that I am infirm myself - and from my reduced circumstances that I am in need of assistance from my country for support - and further say not.
Subscribed & sworn this 6 th day of April 1818 }
Benj. Cheney
Thos. Hammond Assistant Judge of Rutland County Court

State of Vermont
We Samuel Cheney & Gershom Cheney of Rutland in the State of Vermont, being duly sworn do depose & say that our brother Benjamin Cheney who made the foregoing declaration, enlisted into the Army of the U.S. States as near as we can recollect in the year 1781. That he was absent in said service near three years, when he returned home - and we have no doubt he served as stated in his foregoing declaration and further say not -
Subscribed & sworn this 20. July 1818. The said Samuel & Gershom are credible witnesses - R. Temple Jr. Clerk
Samuel Cheney Gershom Cheney
State of Vermont Rutland ss - }
I Thomas Hammond one of the Judges of the County Court for the County of Rutland do certify that I am satisfied the foregoing named Benjamin Cheney, an applicant for a pension, served as a soldier the revolutionary war against the common enemy agreeably to his foregoing declaration - In consideration whereof I certify the foregoing evidence in his case and the proceedings had thereon in conformity to an act of Congress passed 18. March 1818, entitled 'An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war.'
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & have caused the seal of said Court to be hereunto affixed at Rutland this 6 th day of April 1818.
Thos Hammond
I further certify that the said Benjamin Cheney is, in reduced circumstances and in my opinion stands in need of maintenance from his country, he not having property to the amount of five hundred dollars & a sick wife then to support. Witness my hand Thos. Hammond

State of Vermont
I Robert Dinsmore Clerk of Rutland County Court, do certify, that the Hon. Thomas Harnad who returned the saying certificate is one of the judges of said Court, - And that I have affixed the seal of said Court to these presents by order of said judge at Rutland this 16 th day of April 1818
R. Dinsmore
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page, appearing through the paper. It includes the words "Clerk of" and "Rutland County Court" and several vertical lines.]

Brig. Henry
His property is 600. yrs
He owes 334
Balance $266.75
2850 m - 600 ft
John Tuttle
24 Sept 1875
[Signature]
John Tuttle 24 Sept 1875

Sworn to and declared on the before said court.
26 th — day of April 1820
R. Phipson CLERK.
STATE OF VERMONT, Rutland County, ss.
I, Robert Phipson clerk of the County court for the county of Rutland do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said court:—And I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the afore- said schedule is six hundred 75/100 ————— dollars. & that said Cherry owes $334.00 —————
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said court, at Rutland this 30 th day of June 1820
R. Phipson
Henry Cherry

April 7, 1937
Benjamin Cheney S. 40818 BA-J/AWF
Mr. Parker Sage 2175 Field Detroit, Michigan
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin Cheney of Rutland, Vermont.
The data furnished herein were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, S. 40818, based upon the service of Benjamin Cheney in the War of the Revolution.
The date and place of birth of this soldier were not given, nor were the names of his parents stated.
Benjamin Cheney enlisted in Rowley, Massachusetts, February 28, 1781, served as a private in Captain James Means' company in Colonel Ebenezer Sprout's 2nd Massachusetts regiment; he was in the battle of King's Bridge and was discharged sometime in December, 1783 at West Point.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 6, 1818, at which time he was fifty-five years of age and living in Rutland, Vermont.
His wife, Sally, in 1820 was fifty-five years of age, his son, James, was twenty-two years old, and a niece, Mary Cheney, was sixteen years of age.
Benjamin Cheney and his wife were in 1828 living

in Rutland, Vermont, with son, James Cheney, who was then married; name of the wife of James Cheney was not stated.
The soldier, Benjamin Cheney, continued to live in Rutland in 1835.
Samuel and Gershon Cheney, brothers of the soldier, were living in 1818 in Rutland, Vermont.
Reference was made in 1828 to Charles "Cheeny"; it was not stated that he was related to the family.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of the person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., and give the following data:
Benjamin Cheney Certificate # 2850 Issued April 24, 1818 Rate $8.00 per month Commenced April 6, 1818 Acts of March 18, 1818, May 1, 1820, and March 1, 1823 Vermont Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

April 1, 1936
BA-J/AWF
E. Sage 7536 Oakland Detroit, Michigan
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the information in regard to Benjamin Cheney and Benjamin Streeter, soldiers of the War of the Revolution.
You are furnished herewith the records of these two soldiers, as found in pension claims based upon service in the Revolutionary War. These are the records of the only Benjamin Cheney and Benjamin Streeter, found on file in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
Very truly yours
A. D. MILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

April 1, 1936
Benjamin Cheney S. 40818 BA-J/AWF
E. Sage 7536 Oakland Detroit, Michigan
Dear Sir:
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 40818, based upon the service of Benjamin Cheney in the Revolutionary War.
The date and place of birth of this soldier are not given, nor are the names of his parents stated.
Benjamin Cheney enlisted in Rowley, Massachusetts, February 28, 1781, served as a private in Captain James Means' company in Colonel Ebenezer Sprout's 2nd Massachusetts regiment; he was in the battle of King's Bridge and was discharged sometime in December, 1783 at West Point.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 6, 1818, at which time he was fifty-five years of age and living in Rutland, Vermont.
In 1820, his wife, Sally, was fifty-five years old, son, James, was aged twenty-two years, and a niece, Mary Cheney, was sixteen years of age.
The soldier and his wife in 1828 were living in Rutland, with son, James, who was then married; name of the wife of the son, James, not stated.
The soldier continued to live in 1835 in Rutland, Vermont.
Samuel and Gershom Cheney, brothers of the soldier,

were living in 1818 in Rutland, Vermont.
Reference was made in 1828 to Charles "Cheeny"; it is not shown that he was related to the family.
If you desire information in regard to the last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should write The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., and give the following:
Benjamin Cheney Certificate # 2850 Issued April 24, 1818 Rate $8.00 per month Commenced April 6, 1818 Acts of March 18, 1818, May 1, 1820, and March 1, 1823 Vermont Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

16"
Dept of Pensions Wash. D.C.
Sir
Will you kindly send me an abstract of Revolutionary War pension record of Benjamin Cheney of Rutland co. Vt. who died 1850
Respectfully
Perkins Sage
2175 Field Detroit Mich.
3-

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.,
llb.
See file 40818
Rev. War.
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Benjamin Cheney , 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.  Bro of Samuel & Gershon Cheney testified
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Rowley, Mass Feb'y 28, 1781 Pri. James Means Ebenezer Sproul Mass. ✓   Dis. Dec. 1783 at West Pt.          
Battles engaged in, Kingsbridge
Residence of soldier at enlistment, not stated
Date of application for pension, Apr. 6, 1818
Residence at date of application, Rutland, Rutland Co., Vt.
Age at date of application, 55
Remarks: 1870 mentioned his wife Sally ae 55 son James 22 niece Mary Cheney 16.
Very respectfully,

HALEY UNDERTAKING CO.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN
7536-38 OAKLAND MADISON 3480-81
16073 HAMILTON LONGFELLOW 1943
Department of Commerce Bureau of Pensions Washington D.C.
Gentlemen:-
Will you kindly send me an abstract of the Revolutionary war pension record of Benjamin only  Streeter d. 1846 of Hartford N.Y. ? This old soldier was my great great grandfather.
Also do you have any record of a pension issued to one only  Benjamin Cheney who served from Maine or Vermont in the same war and later settled in Freedom tp. Cattaraugus county New York ? He was also a great great grandfather of mine - - his son Moses having married a daughter of the above Benjamin Streeter.
Thanking you for your attention to this matter I remain
Respectfully yours
E. Sage
no signature?
7536 Oakland Detroit Mich. 29 February 1936

COPY.
L.M.H.
May 21, 1906.
Miss Peltz, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Madam:
A careful search of the records of this Bureau fails to show any claim filed on account of the Revolutionary services of soldiers by the name of Cheney, other than Jonathan Cheney Surv. File No. 29071, Benjamin Cheney, Surv. File No. 40818, Abraham Chaney, Widow's File No. 25412 and Jonathan D. Cheney Widow's File No. 18898, statements of which are herewith enclosed.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

OW BUREAU OF PENSIONS, Office of the Commissioner, May 19, 1906.
Mr. Bryant, Chief Old War and Navy Division.
Please furnish for Miss Peltz of this Bureau such information as the records may contain relative to the revolutionary service of Thomas Cheney. It is believed that he belonged to the Massachusetts line, and is said to have been killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
The name of his wife was Elizabeth Kirkely Cheney. He had brothers, Benjamin and Jonathan, and three sons named Jonathan, William and -----, respectively.
One or more of his brothers went to Virginia. Please state whether any person of that name served in the Virginia line.
Commissioner.

40 818
Rev INVALID.
1906 May 21 Hist. to Miss Peltz L
1936 April 1 - list to E. Sage - area 1939 April 7 - list to Barker Sage
File No. 40 818
Benjamin Cheney Dr - Rev Rev
Act: 18 th March 18 th
Index: - Vol. 8 , Page 88
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Col. Duncforth's Certificate
7/21/52

Pittsfield Ms July 14. 1818.
This may certify that Benjamin Cheney was a Soldier in the year 1783 in Capt. James Means' Company in the 2 d Massachusetts regiment commanded by Col o Ebenezer Droot — he served more than nine months at one time and until the close of the revolutionary War — I was paymaster of the 2 d Mass s reg t in the year 1783 & find the name of said Cheney on my books.
Joshua Davenport late Paymaster of the 2 nd Massachusetts reg t

State of Vermont Rutland Probate District } 3
I Rodney C. Royce, Register of Probate in said District of Rutland certify that it appears by the records of said Court, that the commissioners on the estate of the late Deat. Heman Ball, deceased, reported a balance due said estate from Benjamin Sheney of said Rutland, of the sum of Fifty seven dollars 76 cents - which Report was accepted by said Court the 12. August 1822.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this 24 th day October 1828
R. C. Royce

576
State of Vermont Rutland County ss 3.
On the 21 st day of October 1828, personally came before the undersigned authority, Lyman Saunders, who being duly sworn doth depose & say - That the origin of the debts on which he recovered judgments & Executions against Benjamin Cheney, and on which he set off said Benjamin's land in Rutland, was for debts paid for said Benjamin, and for provisions furnished for his family, & services performed for him, for the last ten years. He is not now able to state all the particulars; but can state from recollection the principal debts paid for him, namely, Thomas Hooker about fifty dollars - James Porter about thirty dollars - William Fay about twenty dollars - James Barrett Jr. Ho. about one hundred & fifteen dollars - Pitt E. Hewett about eighty dollars - Charles Cheeny about 35 dollars - Doct. Fiske about ten dollars - G.W. & L. Daniels Ho. about twenty dollars - Doct. Ball's estate about sixty dollars - William

Have about forty dollars - These with other small sums not particularly recollected, provisions &c. with the interest, is the amount for which the judgments were rendered. Several of the above mentioned creditors have been gone from this part of the country several years, & some are dead.
Known before me this day & year aforesaid
R. Brattle Jr. Pr. Pease
State of Vermont Rutland ss - 3
On the 22 d day of Oct. 1828, personally came before the undersigned authority, Dr. Thomas Hoskins, of Rutland, druggist, who being duly sworn doth depose & say, that his account against Benjamin Cheney, paid as aforesaid, from Feb. 1818, to May 1821, was fifty two dollars 4 Cents - and that the same was for medicines & necessaries for his family. Known before me this day & year aforesaid?
R. Brattle Jr. Pr. Pease
And on the day & year above written, personally came James Barre Jr. of said Rutland, Merchant and one of the late firm of James Barre Jr. & Co. who being duly sworn, doth depose & say, that the account of said firm against said Benjamin Cheney, paid as aforesaid, from June 1819 to

April 1821, is one hundred fourteen dollars - most of which was for goods purchased for the use of his family - sworn the day & year aforesaid? before me R. Temple Jr. Rev.
And on the same day & year aforesaid? personally came Charles Bart, Clerk to the late firm of G. W. & L. Daniels Ho. Merchts. of Rutland, who being duly sworn doth depose & say, that the account of said firm against said Benjamin Cheney, paid as aforesaid? between April 1821 & May 1823, is $17.54 - which was for goods furnished for his family. - sworn the day & year aforesaid? before me R. Temple Jr. Rev.
And on the 23 d day of October 1828, personally came William Fay, who being duly sworn, doth depose & say, that his account against said Benj. Cheney, paid as aforesaid, from March 1821 to Decem r . 1823, was $18.79 - and that the same was for goods &c. out of his store. Sworn before me the day & year aforesaid? R. Temple Jr. Rev.
And on the same day & year aforesaid? personally came Henry W. Porter, Clerk to his father Dr. James Porter, of said Rutland, who being duly sworn, doth depose & say, that his father's acc t against said Benj a Cheney, paid as aforesaid? from Septem r . 1813, to June 1825, was $28.49 - and that the same was for doctoring, medicines & goods for his family - sworn before me the day & year aforesaid? R. Temple Jr. Rev.

State of Vermont } Rutland County }
Robert Peipoint Clerk of the County Court for the County of Rutland do certify that Robert Poynt, Esq is a Justice of the peace for said County duly Commissioned. And that the signatures to the foregoing certificates are his hand writings
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand at Rutland this 24 th day of October A.D. 1828
R. Peipoint

Wethersfield 29. Sep. 1828
Sir
Herewith you will receive the declaration of Benj: Cheney, to be restored to the Russian roll. He lives about four miles from me, & I am well acquainted with him. He served nearly the whole of the Revolut: war, and was so full of fight as again to enlist in the late war; but was mustered out, in consequence of his infirmities. He is really a deserving old man, and I have no hesitation in expressing my opinion, that he ought to be restored. I advised him some years ago to dispose of his property & pay his debts, so as to remove the objection against him; but he omitted to do so, under the expectation that Congress would enact some more liberal provisions - or if not, that a new Secretary might give a more liberal construction to the old law. He has however been under the necessity of suffering his land, except one acre, to be set off on Exemptions - and the increasing illness of himself & wife, has induced him & his son to forego a little

pride, they had, and to apply for a restoration of his pension. You will see his land is valued a little higher than at the former appraisal - This is owing to a general rise in real estate, & to some improvements made by his son. He yet owes more than he can pay.
Should you have any doubts in this case, I wish you to submit it, with this letter, to the Secretary of War.
I am Sir, respectfully
Your obedient
R. Brinsfield
J. L. Edwards Esq. Chief Clerk Pension Office
P.S. Dr. Green, whose affidavit is among the papers, is one of our most respectable Physicians, & has the most extensive practice of any one here. R. B.

Benjamin Cheney to Lyman Saunders D r
  1818 - Oct. To 1 bedstead - - - - - $3.00   1820 - To linen cloth 75 cts - 1 pr. hdkrs 50 cts 1.25   1821 - June - To repairing wagon - - - - - 11.   To assisting family 10 days in hokup 5.   " 2 pr. Stockings 5/ - - - - - 1.83   " Tobacco & sugar - - - - - .50   Sept. To my wife assisting family in hokup & myself part of time - - - - - 6.00   1822 - Oct. To repairs on old house - - - - - 15.   Due. To flax & flax seed - - - - - .83   Tobacco - - - - - .13   1 pr. hdkrs - - - - - .50   1823 - Jan. To several articles, wood, work &c. 27.00   Feb. gown pattern, bonnet & hat 3.   March 1 pr. shoes - - - - - 1.25   articles clothing - - - - - 1.75   Apr. sugar & fish - - - - - .67   1824 - To labor sundry times - - - - - 17.00   1825 - 1 y d muslin 3/6 - 3 yds flannel 7/6 - 1.83   $97.54 
Interest
State of Vermont
Richland ss - 3
On the 24 th day of Decem r . 1828, personally came Lyman Saunders, and made solemn oath, that the above is a copy of his accounts against Benjamin Cheney - and that the same is justly & truly charged - before me
R. Temple Jus. Peace

State of Vermont Rutland County ss 3
I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of Rutland County Court do certify, that Robert Fuller before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken, is a person of Repute for said County
duly commissioned - And that his name thereto subscribed, is in his own proper hand writing
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court at Rutland this 24 th day of Decem r . 1828
R. Pierpoint

Post Office 7th Jany 1829.

Wattland 27. Dec. 1828
Sir
Agreeably to the requisition contained in your letter of the 9 th inst. I have taken a true copy of Lyman's declaration against Benj. Cheney, an applicant for restoration to the Russian list. And now enclose it to you.
Respectfully
Your Servt.
R. Temple
J. L. Edmonds Esq. Pension Office City of Washington

Rutland 25. Nov. 1828
Enclosed you have the affidavit of Mr. Lyman Saunders, made in pursuance of your directions of the 11th ultimo, showing the origin of his debt against Benj. Cheney, who applied to be restored to the Pension roll in Sep. last. As Mr. Saunders had not the means of ascertaining the exact items of his debt, I have taken the affidavits of as many of them to whom he refers, as were within reach. The others are either dead or left of the country. I trust however, what I had will be satisfactory. I have retained them some time, expecting to have an opportunity to take one or two others, but have been disappointed. You will find by computation, that these affidavits show an amount, including interest, of near 450 dollars, being about three fourths of the whole. The

heirs of Dr. Ball reside now when in Massachu- setts I have procured the certificate of the Register of Probate, where his estate was settled, showing the amt. paid due by the Commissioners, which is consid- =ered in this State; and I presume will be quite as satisfactory to you as an affidavit. It would be attended with a great deal of trouble & expense to procure affidavits from the remainder of Cheney, original creditors - indeed some of them cannot be procured at all, as they are in their graves - and being satisfied that he had a fair claim for restoration 6 or 8 years ago, I hope no further objections will be made. Mr. Cheney's long services merit, in my opinion, some indulgence.
Respectfully
Your obedient
R. Temple
J. L. Edwards Esq. Chief Clerk Pension Office

17 Feb 11
Feb 5
AM
to V. L. Edwards Esq. Com. of Pensions Washington D.C.

Mr. Edwards Sir.
Rutland Feb. 5 th 1885
I enlisted into the Continental Army Feb. 28 1781 for the term of three years in the town of Rowley, State of Massachusetts, and County of Essex. In a short time was mustered at Ipswich in said County. Soon I was ordered to Boston and there put under command of a Continental Officer. we stayed there a few days for more recruits and then marched for West Point. When arrived at said Point I was ordered to join Capt. Mims Company, Col. Sprouts Reg. I think about June. we closed there and marched down to Kings Bridge, and there had skirmishes, and scouting parties. we then marched back to Phillips Manor west of White Plains. and there stationed till the Summer making feints on New York. Sometime in Sept. a part of the Army went to the south when Cornwallis was taken. I with the remainder of the Army returned to West Point remained in that vicinity until Dec. After the during the war we were discharged the Regiment I belonged to was sent to Philadelphia to suppress a Mob. and there stay the summer of 83 then marched back to West Point & was discharged in Dec. I resided in Rutland Vt. when I gave my testimony before Judge Tho. Hammond. Amount of pension $96. paid last Sept. Benjamin Ebbey

Inform Hon. James Meacham H.R. whether Benjamin Cleney on being at Roll for Revolutionary Service is entitled to Grants Land
W. Code
acknowledged to day July 26. '50

1st Schidale 675 over 350
May 1820
Schidale left 1828 $100. over
Co. Fars
Hyman Chenden 175. 49 Do 451. 35 526. 84 provod 296. 62 229. 22
provod by affidavit
62. 4. melin 114. 0. Meuparis 17. 54. good. 18. 79. do 28. 49. do. 55. 76 296. 62

B Cheney 12 Feb, 1835 E. B.
Buora Vol. 25 page 179

Mar 26th
PO
July 12 th 1835
Hi
Your statement of account has been received. The agent will pay your semi annual stipend as heretofore on the production of the proper vouchers.
Mr Benjamin Cheney Rutland Vermont

(2,850)
Vermont.
Benjamin Cheney, Sproats reg. private, Massachusetts line
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont, at the rate of - 8 - Dollars per month, to commence on the 6 th of April, 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 th of Sept. 1818. and sent to Thos. Hammond, Esq. Rutland Vt.
Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1818. 4 mths. 29/30. 39.73 semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 th Mar 1819. 48.00
$87.73
2 years
{ Revolutionary claim, { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Discontinued
Rutland, Rutland Co.
Notif n sent to R. Temple Esq.
Rutland. Vt.
13 July 1820
informed
May 25. 1821
that his name could not be reinstated - sent as above
See letter to R. Temple Esq. 6. October 1828 9. Decemr. 1828.

To re-consider
21 Aug. 1826.
H. C. Calhoun Secretary of War Washington
Mr. Calhoun

Rutland August 14 th 1820
Sir, When I received from your office an account that my name was struck off, I was surprised & could not tell what it meant. But, I was almost sure that in the hurry of your business, & by some overlook that it had not been examined by you, for by the uncommon situation of my family, & the scanty means, could never prevented me from having a pension. I lost my health in the revolutionary war & continued sick for some years, & it settled to a gravel complaint, & have never been able to do hard work, I was in the war so long, & had no chance for an education, neither health nor learning & find it hard work to live. My wife for five years has not been able to do the lightest labor, with an uncommon nervous weakness. My only son on him I put much dependence to help me in my declining years, but when I was in the last war, he by overdoing received a hurt in his breast & has never been able to do hard labor. My real worth of property valued at three hundred dollars part of that old furniture & useless things, are not in need of help. I appeal to you in whom so much confidence is placed, & I think I can confide in you that when you see my situation you will do me justice, this is no imposition if you want proof of this then send it, is nothing belongs

to merit I was in the War over three years & to the end their off. & I heard our Washington say that one day we should be rewarded for our hardships at that time there was no money to pay us. My need has compelled me to trouble you with this letter
I am respectfully your humble servant
Benj. Cheney

STATE OF VERMONT, Rutland County, ss.
On this 24 th day of September 1828
personally appeared before the County court for said county of Rutland, in open court, (said court being a court of record, agreeably to the laws of this state, having the power of fine and imprisonment, &c.) Benjamin Cheney aged 65 years, resident in
Rutland in said county of Rutland, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath declare, that he served in the revolutionary war, as follows: make the following
declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of 18 th March 1818 and 1 st May 1820. that the the said Benj. Cheney enlisted for the term of 3 years in February 1781 in the state of Massachusetts, in the company commanded by Capt. Mearns in the Regt. commanded by Col. Sprout in the line of the state of Massachusetts, on the continental establishment - that he continued to serve in said corps until December 1783 when he was discharged from said service at West Point. that his name has been placed on the pension list & dropped therefrom on account of his property. - And in pursuance of the act of the 1 st of May 1820

has received a Pension Certificate, No.
And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818; and 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 so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; — and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed. namely: 1 case draws, 2 tables, 1 stand, 1 paper trunk, & looking glass & looms, 1 churn, 1 iron kettle, 1 spider, 1 bake-pan, 6 tea-spoons, about one acre of land and a small old house
That since the exhibition of my first schedule, the following changes have been made in my property. The 50 acres of land, except one acre, mentioned in said schedule has been set off on two executions in favor of Lyman Saunders against me, copies of which accompany this. These judgments are for the same debts mentioned in my former schedule, together with some additions for the necessary expenses of myself & family. The 2 cows & calves, 3 two year olds, 2 hogs & 2 pigs, 8 sheep & 4 lambs, mentioned in said schedule, have some of them died, but have principally been consumed in the support of my family. The waggon I sold to a pedlar, and took bills on a Canada bank which proved bad, & I lost them. The harness & farming tools are worn out and destroyed. I continue to be afflicted with gravel, and unable to labor but little. — My wife is yet living, & in fair health. My son has married since my former schedule — his wife had some property and expects more — My wife & I reside with him and are supported by him. His health is better than it was then, and he gets along tolerably well in the world — and if my country refuses to put me on a footing with others, many of whom performed like service, he is able, and I believe willing, to continue to support me & his mother.
Benj o Cheney
Sworn to and declared on the before said court.
20 th
day of
Sept.
1828
R. Pierpoint
CLERK.

I Robert Rice Clerk of Rutland County Court do hereby certify, that it appears, to the satisfaction of the Court, that the said Benjamin Cheney did serve in the Revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, under one engagement, on the continental establishment. I also certify, that the foregoing oath, (or affirmation) and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the records of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount, in value, of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is one hundred dollars and  cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this 20 th day of Septem r 182 8
R. Rice
Clerk of the Court of the County of Rutland
R. Rice
Benj. Cheney
the 12 th of May 1825

STATE OF VERMONT, } To the sheriff of Rutland Rutland County, ss. } the constables of Rutland
county, his deputy, or either of in said county,
WHEREAS Sylvan Saunders of Sudbury in Said County by the consideration of Robert Leeper Esq. one of the justices of the peace within and for the county of Rutland on the 5 th day of Sept. one thousand eight hundred and thirty recovered judgment 174.90 against Benjamin Cheney of Rutland, aforesaid
52 175.49
for the sum of One hundred seventy four dollars and 90 cents damages, and for the sum of 52 cents costs of suit, as appears of record—whereof EXECUTION remains to be done.
THEREFORE,
By the Authority of the State of Vermont, You are hereby com-
manded that of the goods, chattels, or lands of the said Benjamin within your precinct, you cause to be levied, and the same being dis-
posed of as the law directs, paid and satisfied unto the said Sylvan the aforesaid sums, being 175 dollars and 49
cents in the whole, with 25 cents more for this writ, and thereof also satisfy yourself for your own fees: And for want of goods, chattels or lands of the said Benjamin to be shown unto you, or found within your precinct to the acceptance of the said Sylvan to satisfy the sums aforesaid, you are commanded to take the body of the said Benjamin and him commit to the keeper of the gaol in Rutland in the county of Rutland within the said prison, who is hereby commanded to receive the said and him safely keep, until he pay the full sums above mentioned, with your fees, or that he be discharged by the said Sylvan the creditor, or otherwise by order of law.
HEREOF FAIL NOT—and make due return to me of this writ, with your doings thereon, within 120 days from this date.
Dated at Rutland this 25 th day of September 182 8
R. Farnslee Justice Peace.
Rutland County ss. By virtue of this execution to me directed on the 5 th day of Sept. 1828, I repaired to the usual place of abode of Benjamin Cheney, the debtor within named, in Rutland in Said County, and there demanded of said debtor the sum in damages & costs contained in said execution with all legal charges for serving the same, and the said Benjamin Cheney having refused thereby to make payment thereof, and not having exposed or tendered personal estate sufficient to satisfy said execution and all legal charges; by direction of Sylvan Saunders the Creditor within named, I extended & levied this said execution on two certain pieces of land with the appurtenances thereof, situate & lying in Rutland, containing six acres in the whole, the first described as follows, beginning at a hard maple tree standing south of Benjamin Cheney's now dwelling house in Rutland, and on or near the west line of the stage road leading southeast Rutland Village, thence westerly in right angles from said road to the west line of said Cheney's land, thence southerly on said west line to the south line of the same, thence turning easterly and on the south line of said land to the aforesaid line of the stage road, thence on said west line of the mentioned road northerly until it intersects the first mentioned line; The second piece described & bounded as follows; beginning in the easterly line of the afor. said stage road and near the south apple tree standing south of the Barn and near the line of said road, and in the northwest corner of a four-acre piece of land owned by James E. Cheney, thence easterly on the north line of said four-acre piece to the east line of Benj. Cheney's land - thence on said east line a sufficient distance (containing six acres including the first mentioned piece) drawn

as follows, beginning at a hard maple tree standing south of Benjamin Cheney's now dwelling house in Rutland, and on or near the west line of the stage road leading southeast southeast Rutland Village, thence westerly in right angles from said road to the west line of said Cheney's land, thence southerly on said west line to the south line of the same, thence turning easterly and on the south line of said land to the aforesaid line of the stage road, thence on said west line of the aforesaid road northerly until it intersects the first mentioned line; The second piece described & bounded as follows: beginning in the easterly line of the afore- said stage road and near the south apple tree standing south of the Barn and near the line of said roads, and in the northwest corner of a four-acre piece of land owned by James E. Cheney, thence easterly on the north line of said four-acre piece to the east line of Benj. Cheney's land - thence on said east line a sufficient distance to contain six acres (including the first mentioned piece) drawing a line parallel with the south line, to the said east line of the aforesaid stage road - and from thence to the first mentioned point near the south apple tree the proper estate of the said Benjamin Cheney in fee - And the said Benjamin Cheney the debtor and the said Lyman Saunders the Creditor within named, mutually chose Alpha D. Post, Edward Murphy and Lewis MacChane, three good & lawful freeholders of the vicinity in which said estate lies, to appraise the same; which said appraisers, after being duly sworn by

me, agreeably to law, did, on view of the estate above described, appraise the same at the sum of one hundred eighty one dollars and five cents as its true & just value in money to satisfy this execution with all fees as stated in the bill hereunto annexed - And I have set out the said estate, so by them appraised, in full satisfaction of the execution and of the fees aforesaid, by the same metes and bounds which are mentioned in the above description thereof - And afterwards, to wit: on the 19 th day of Sept. A.D. 1828 I caused this same execution with this my return thereon, to be recorded in the records of lands of said Town of Rutland, and thereafter I returned the same into the office of the Justice of the Peace from which it issued, and caused the same to be there recorded.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my official hand & seal the day & year last above written.
Jon a Dike Jr. Sheriff. [SS]
Bill of fees.
  4 miles travel . . . . . $1.24   3 appraisers 1/2 day . . . . . 1.02   My attendance 1/2 day . . . . . .34   Levy & collection fees ! . . . . . 2.20   Recording in Justices + Town Clerk's office . . . . . 1.50   $ 5.31 
J. D. Jr. Shff.
Town Clerk's office, Rutland 19 th Sept. 1828 Rec d & Recorded in Book 11. p. 554
A. L. Brown J. Clerk
State of Vermont Rutland ss - 3
I hereby certify, that the foregoing is a true copy of an Execution issued on a judgment rendered by me, with the Sheriff's return thereon, remaining in my office Rutland 20. Sep. 1828
W. Scample Jus. Peace

To the Sheriff of Rutland county, his deputy, or either of  Rutland County, ss. the constables of Rutland in said county,
GREETING.
WHEREAS Lyman Saunders of Sadbury in said County by the consideration of Robert Temple Esq. one of the justices of the peace within and for the county of Rutland on the 5 th day of Sept one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight recovered judgment 450.76 against Benjamin Cheney of Rutland aforesaid
for the sum of Four hundred & fifty dollars and 76 457.35 cents damages, and for the sum of dollar and fifty nine cents costs of suit, as appears of record—whereof EXECUTION remains to be done.
THEREFORE,
By the Authority of the State of Vermont, You are hereby com- manded that of the goods, chattels, or lands of the said  Benjamin within your precinct, you cause to be levied, and the same being dis- posed of as the law directs, paid and satisfied unto the said  Lyman the aforesaid sums, being 457 — dollars and 35 cents in the whole, with 25 cents more for this writ, and thereof also satisfy yourself for your own fees: And for want of goods, chattels or lands of the said Benjamin to be shown unto you or found within your precinct, to the acceptance of the said Lyman to satisfy the sums aforesaid, you are commanded to take the body of the said Benjamin and him commit to the keeper of the gaol in Rutland in the county of Rutland within the said prison, who is hereby commanded to receive the said  Benjamin and him safely keep, until he pay the full sums above mentioned, with your fees, or that he be discharged by the said Lyman the creditor, or otherwise by order of law.
HEREOF FAIL NOT—and make due return to me of this writ, with your doings thereon, within 120 days from this date.
Dated at Rutland this 5 th
day of Sept.
1828
R. Temple Justice Peace.
Rutland County ss. By virtue of this execution to me directed on the 5 th day of Sept. A.D. 1828 I repaired to the usual place of abode of Benjamin Cheney , the debtor within named, in Rutland in said County, and then demanded of said debtor the sum in damages & costs contained in said execution, with all legal charges for levying the same, and the said Benj o Cheney having refused & neglected to make payment thereof, and not having exposed or tendered personal estate sufficient to satisfy said execution and all legal charges; by direction of Lyman Saunders , the creditor within named, I extended & levied the same on the certain piece of land within the appurtenances thereof, situated and being in  Rutland containing forty three and one half acres more or less & bounded as follows to wit: beginning at the northeast corner of the piece of land lying on the east side of the Stage road leading from Pittsford to East Rutland Village this day by me set off to Lyman Saunders on an execution in favor of Lyman  Saunders against Benj o Cheney for one hundred eighty one dol- lars five cents—includes officers bill of fees and expenses—in the west line of the farm belonging to Lewis Meacham in Rut-  land , thence running northwesterly to the northwest corner of said  Meacham's farm—thence East 7° North, one hundred & nineteen rods and 18 links—thence North 4 1/2° East, about sixty two rods to Griscom Cheney's south division line—thence West 9° 35' South, one hundred & seven rods and three links—thence South 51° West 14 rods and 11 links—thence South 22 1/2° East, 26 rods—thence South 44° 5' West, 38 rods—thence West 20° South to the east line of the Stage road above men- tioned—thence Southerly on the east line of said road to the

...bounded as follows, to wit: beginning at the northeast corner of the piece of land lying on the east side of the stage road leading from Pittsford to East Rutland Village this day by me set off to Lyman Saunders on an execution in favor of Lyman Saunders against Brinj le Cheney for one hundred eighty one dollars five cents - including officers bill of fees and expenses - in the west line of the farm belonging to Lewis Meacham in Rutland, thence running northwesterly to the northwest corner of said Meacham's farm - thence East 7^{\circ} North, one hundred & nineteen rods and 16 links - thence North 4\frac{1}{2}^{\circ} East, about sixty two rods to Gershon Cheney's south division line - thence West 9^{\circ}35' South, one hundred & seven rods and three links - thence South 51^{\circ} West 14 rods and 11 links - thence South 22\frac{1}{2}^{\circ} East, 26 rods - thence South 44^{\circ}5' West, 36 rods - thence West 20^{\circ} South to the east line of the Stage road above mentioned - thence Southerly on the east line of said road to the northwest corner of the piece of land so set off as aforesaid on the execution for one hundred eighty one dollars and five cents in favor of Lyman Saunders against Benjamin Cheney in fees. And the said Brinj le Cheney the debtor and the said Lyman Saunders the creditor mutually chose Alpha D. Post, Edward Murphy and Lewis Meacham, three judicious and disinterested freeholders of the vicinity in which said estate lies, to appraise the same - which said appraisers, being duly sworn by me agreeably to law, did on view of the estate above described, appraise the same at the sum of

four hundred and fifty nine dollars and sixty cents as its true & just value in money to satisfy this execution with all fees as stated in the bill hereunto annexed - and I have set out the said estate, so by them appraised, in full satisfaction of this execution and of the fees aforesaid, by the same metes and bounds which are mentioned in the above description thereof. And afterwards to wit, on the 19 th day of September A.D. 1828 I caused this same execution with this my return thereon to be recorded in the records of lands in said town of Rutland, and then afterwards I returned the same into the office of the Justice of the Peace from which it issued, and caused the same to be then recorded.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my official hand & seal the day and year last above written -
Jon a Dike Jr. Sheriff (SS)
  Bill of fees -     Travel 4 miles -  $ 0.24    Recording in Justice & Town Clerks office -  1.50    3 appraisers half day -  1.00    Officers attendance half day -  .34    Levy & collecting fees -  4.90         $ 8.00  
J. D. Jr. Shff.
Town Clerk's office Rutland 19 th Sept. 1828 -
Rec d & Recorded in Book 11. p. 556
A. L. Brown J. Clerk.
State of Vermont, Rutland ss - 3
I hereby certify, that the foregoing is a true copy of an Execution issued on a judgment rendered by me, with the Sheriff's return thereon, remaining in my office
Rutland 20. Sep. 1828
H. Brattle Jus. Peace

Tales of Vermont Rutland p 3
I Joel Green of Rutland, practicing Physician & Surgeon, being duly sworn do depose & say, that I am well acquainted with Benjamin Cheney, an applicant for a pension - That he has been several years afflicted with gravel - That I have prescribed for him for a disease with which he has been recently afflicted, called Hydrocele of the tunica vaginalis testes - or dropsey of the scrotum - That he is infirm, & must, from the effect of this disease soon be wholly unable to labor. His wife is in very feeble health & unable to labor, except, perhaps, a little sewing or knitting. They now reside with their son. My bill for doctoring remains unpaid - and further say not
Joel Green
Sworn & subscribed This 20 th Sept. 1828
before me
R. Temple Jus. Peace

State of Vermont, Rutland Co. —
I Robert Rippon, Clerk of the County of Rutland, do certify, that Robert Rippon, before whom the annexed exemplification and affidavits were taken, is a justice of the Peace for said County, duly commissioned and that his name thereunto subscribed, is in his own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said County, this 20 th day of September A.D. 1828
R. Rippon C.M.