Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 20979, Benjamin Darby, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Darby, Benjamin or Derby Constant
W 20979
CONTENTS

5075
Albany, New York
Constant Derby
widow of Benjamin Daly
Con who was a Private
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14, day of March 1844 and sent to Hon. B. Tappan Senate U. S.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 1, Page 215.
Rep?
Date of death not on AB

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by an act of Congress, passed July 4 th 1838. entitled "An act granting half-pay and pensions to certain widows."
State of New-York.
Washington County } ss.
On this Eighth day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty-three personally appeared before William H. Baker one of the Judges of Washington County Courts in said County Constant Derby a resident of the town of Namton in the County of Washington and said State of New York, aged 83 years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by an act of Congress, passed July 4 th 1838. entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."
That she is the widow of Benjamin Derby late of the town of Greenville in said State of New York who departed this life on the Eighteenth day of May 1838
That her husband the said Benjamin Derby was a soldier during the war of the revolution but died without receiving a pension. That he enlisted into the army of the United States, Connecticut Line from Ellington in the state of Connecticut where he then resided for the term of one year, which having faithfully served, he again enlisted (as declarant believes) under French officers but the particulars thereof (the years or the names of his different officers she cannot relate). She only knows that he enlisted from Ellington aforesaid & that he served through two enlistments, or for at least two years, that she was in battle & taken prisoner but that he was exchanged in a few days.
And declarant further saith, That she was married to the said Benjamin Derby on the thirty first day of March seventeen hundred and Eighty by Daniel Ellsworth & Pease at Ellington aforesaid ; that the following persons were present at her marriage, to wit: Nancy Hamilton & Hannah Derby  Mary Butten & Esquire Butten have known her many years.
That previous to her said marriage she resided in the town of Ellington and bore the maiden name of Hamilton —
That her husband the said Benjamin Derby died as aforesaid on the Eighteenth day of May , Eighteen Hundred & Thirty .
The persons present at her wedding, Hannah Hamilton  Hannah Derby & Lucy Derby the names written in blue ink above Nancy Hamilton  Hannah Derby & Lucy Derby were written on an erasure before signing and swearing.
Subscribed and sworn the day and year aforesaid, before me. I certify that
David Declarant is unable to attend court by reason of old age & bodily infirmity this 8 th day of November 1843
Wm H Baker Judge of Washington Co. Courts
Constant Derby

State of New York } County of Washington } p I Edward Dodd, clerk of the said county, hereby certify that William H. Parker Esquire is a Judge of Washington County Courts as within, that the within signature purporting to be his is genuine and that said courts are courts of records.
Given under my hand and the seal of the said county this 14 th day of November
1843
Edward Dodd County Clerk

21 Day in the year 1785 21 Day the year 1787 thursday 21 Day in the year 1789 monday 21 Day in the year 1791 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1793 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1795 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1797 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1799 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1801 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1803 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1805 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1807 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1809 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1811 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1813 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1815 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1817 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1819 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1821 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1823 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1825 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1827 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1829 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1831 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1833 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1835 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1837 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1839 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1841 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1843 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1845 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1847 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1849 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1851 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1853 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1855 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1857 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1859 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1861 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1863 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1865 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1867 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1869 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1871 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1873 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1875 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1877 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1879 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1881 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1883 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1885 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1887 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1889 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1891 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1893 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1895 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1897 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1899 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1901 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1903 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1905 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1907 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1909 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1911 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1913 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1915 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1917 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1919 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1921 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1923 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1925 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1927 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1929 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1931 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1933 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1935 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1937 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1939 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1941 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1943 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1945 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1947 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1949 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1951 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1953 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1955 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1957 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1959 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1961 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1963 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1965 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1967 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1969 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1971 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1973 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1975 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1977 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1979 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1981 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1983 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1985 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1987 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1989 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1991 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1993 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1995 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1997 tuesday 21 Day in the year 1999 tuesday 21 Day in the year 2001 tuesday 21 Day in the year 2003 tuesday 21 Day in the year 2005 tuesday 21 Day in the year 2007 tuesday 21 Day in the year 2009 tuesday 21 Day in the year 2011 tuesday 21 Day in the year 2013 tuesday 21 Day in the year 2015 tuesday 21 Day in the year 2017 tuesday 21 Day in the year 2019 tuesday 21 Day in the year 2021 tuesday
State of New York
Washington County ss William Darby of Hampton in said County being duly sworn Depo th and saith that he this Depo th is the son of Constant Darby the widow of Benjamin Darby and that this Depo th is now upwards of forty years of age that he lived with his father & Mother the said Constant and Benjamin Darby until he was twenty one years of age that his father & Mother lived together as husband and Wife ever since the recollection of this Depo th until the time of the death of his father which occurred in May 1830, that the family Bible of his father contained a Record of the Marriage of his father & Mother & of the names and ages of their Children which were true in number, that within five or six years past a part of said Record has been torn off & lost but this Depo th has now cut out the remain- ing part of said Record from said Bible and annexed the same to this affidavit, said

Record is all in the hand writing of this De- fendants father except the last name at the bottom of the leaf & this Defendant further saith that he has often heard his father speak of his service in the Revolutionary Army and this Defendant has no doubt from his fathers Statements that he served under two enlistments for three years in the Revolutionary Army Subscribed & Sworn to this 8 th
day of November 1843
Before me
Wm H Parker Judge Washington County Courts
Horace Dury
I certify that the above named Horace Dury is a credible Witness
Wm H Parker Judge Wash Co Courts
State of New York } County of Washington } I Edward Dodd clerk of the said County hereby certify that William H Parker Esquire is a judge of Washington County Courts as above, that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine and that said courts are courts of record.
Given under my hand and the seal of the said county this 14 th day of November 1843. Edward Dodd Clerk

9828 Constant Derby
Applicant for Pension
Act July 7. 1838.
admo 9mopri
$30
Hon D. Tappan Senate W.
Agent P. B. Lura Albany N.Y.

State of New York County of Washington ss. John S. Davis being duly sworn deposes & says, that he now resides in the town of Wells in the County of Rutland & State of Vermont and is eighty-three years of age - that he has been acquainted with Benjamin Derby deceased, the husband of Constant Derby who now resides in the town of Hampton - that he became ac- quainted with the said Benjamin Derby the husband of said Constant Derby in the town of Ellington, State of Connecticut when the said Benjamin Derby was about seventeen years of age - that he, the deponent was a neighbor of said Benjamin Derby for about six years, that then the said Derby and his Father moved to Ellington, & there lived until said Benjamin entered into the service of the Revolutionary War - that he was a private soldier in Capt. Botten's Company, in the year 1778, in Col. Wells Regiment. Gen. Waterbury's Brigade, and in the same company with the deponent, for the  nine months or a year, and that deponent further says, that the said Benjamin Derby was discharged from said service & that he told the deponent that he had served two years with Lafayette - & this deponent further says, that after the war was over the said Benjamin Derby married in Ellington & lived a few years in said town & then moved into the town of Hinton & from Hinton moved into Granville where the said Benjamin & Constant Derby lived until the death of said Benjamin, that he died about twelve years ago, that then the said Constant Derby went into the town of Hampton where she now resides with one of her children & has not married, but still remains the widow of said Benjamin.

Derby - & further with me - subscribed & sworn to this 28 th day of November 1843. before me F. L. Spencer Justice of the Peace
J. M. Davis
I hereby certify that John Davis is a creditable witness. November 28. 1843. F. L. Spencer Justice of the Peace
State of New York } County of Washington } I Edward Dodd clerk of the said county hereby certify that Fayette S. Spencer Esquire is a Justice of the peace as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine
Given under my hand and official seal this 30 th day of November 1843. Edward Dodd Clerk

September 14, 1939
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mr. Howard W. Derby 367 Hearst Avenue San Francisco, California
BENJAMIN DARBY W. 20979 BA-J/MLB
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Benjamin Derby, a soldier of Connecticut, whose widow, Constant, lived in Washington County, New York, and of Asa Darbe who served in the Rhode Island militia and in 1833 was a resident of Rutland County, Vermont.
Because of the large number of requests for Revolutionary War data and the limited trained clerical force available for furnishing such information, it is impossible to comply in full with each request which requires so much time and research.
You are furnished herein the record of Benjamin Derby or Darby (both spellings of the surname are shown) as found in the papers on file in the pension claim, W. 20979, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
The date and place of birth of Benjamin Derby or Darby and names of his parents were not stated.
Benjamin Darby or Derby, while residing in Ellington, Connecticut, enlisted in 1778, served one year as private in Captain Joshua Bottom's company, Colonel Levi Wells' Connecticut regiment, and two years under General La Fayette, was in a battle, name not designated, where he was taken prisoner but was exchanged in a few days.
After the Revolution, the soldier lived in Ellington, Connecticut, for a few years, then moved to Hebron, same state, and from there to Granville, Washington County, New York, where he died May 18, 1830.
The soldier married May 31, 1780, at Ellington, Connecticut,

Constant Hamilton, of said Ellington.
After the soldier's death, his widow, Constant, moved to Hampton, Washington County, New York, where she was allowed pension on her application executed November 8, 1843, aged eighty-three years.
Benjamin Darby or Derby and his wife, Constant, had ten children. The following are copied from a mutilated family record from which most of the names have been torn off:
Darby, born October 8, 1785 John " " September 21, 1787 " " September 21, 1789 " " February 28, 179- " " October --, 1794 " " January --, 1796 Hiram " " May --, 1799, living in Hampton, N.Y., in 1843 Olife " " January 30, 1802 " " May 13, 18-- Almong(?) " " ----- --, ----
No further family data are shown in the claim.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name of person paid and possibly the date of death of soldier's widow, Constant, you should write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Constant Derby widow of Benjamin Derby Certificate #5075 Issued March 14, 1844 Rate $30 per annum Commenced March 4, 1843 Act of March 3, 1843 Albany, New York Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Recd 223 WIDOW, &c.
No. 20979 Constant Lally widow of Benjamin Lally Prisoner
Act March 28/43 Index: Vol. 64 Page 177
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Jan'y 3, 1896 Met Missy to John H. Derby Sandy Hill,
Feb'y - 26 - 1900 Met. history to Mrs. A. E. Cushman Poultney Vt.
Aug 23, 1901 John H. Derby, Sandy Hill, Vt.
1909 June 15 - Met. to Edith M. Reed. V.L.M. 1910 Jan'y 3 - Met. to Squire M. Lane 1920 Feb'y 25 - Met. to Mrs. M. Hamilton 1921 Apr 10 - Met. to Mrs. John G. Foss 1926 July 16 - Rain for all of east part etc. See letter in Thomas Lyon S. 1887 and

1926 Oct 19. Photos mailed to Mrs. E. P. Lane - 1334 - Cypress St Pueblo, Colo - awd. 1931 - Nov. 28. Hrst 6 Miss Mary Francis 1932 - Sept. 1 - Mrs. Walter Emery and Coastal Photo Co. - M.H. 1932 Sept. 29 Photos mailed to Mrs. Walter Emery & Accountant mfd. a.k.y. 1939, Sept. 14, Hrst 6 Housen & Dale [log]
44.

V 9828 2897 Constant Derby N.Y. Benjamin
Let to Hon. B. Tappan Secy. N.Y. Capt. Bottom Co. Col. Wells
act 7 July 1838

Albany New York
Constant Derby
widow of Benj a . Derby
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 18. May 1830 of Washington lv in the State of New York who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg t commanded by _____ in the Revolution line for 9 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 30. Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of Jan y . 1844 and sent to Hon B. Tappan U. S. Senate
Total amount, $ 150. 00
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by J. L. Swann Clerk,
Book (R) Vol. 1 Page 153.
Rep 30 Jan '44

State of Connecticut Comptrollers Office
Hartford 20 th Dec r 1843
I certify that on application for evidence of the service of Benjamin Derby alleged to have been rendered under Capt. Botter (or Bothum) Col. Mills in 1778 - afterwards under Genl. La Fayette I find as follows: viz - There is charged on the Pay Rolls Journal August 2 nd 1780 "War Dr To Amnt of Capt Joshua Bothum Aut, Pay Roll Genl Mills Regt. 80 £2030. 8. 6 d " In Harkness Receipts the same amount is credited for the Coast Guard service for service rendered "Post at Greenwich".
There are no Pay Rolls of this service nor any more of the other alleged service of Benjamin Derby. Widow Mills Compt re

Constant Derby
affidavit for One years Pension
Act March 3. 1843
No 5441
$30 per a
H. B. Tappan Senate U.S.
†

STATE OF NEW-YORK, } ss. County of Washington
On this fifteenth day of February in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty- four before the subscriber, a justice of the Peace in and for said County
personally appeared Constant Derby a resident of the town of Hampstead in said county, aged 83 years - who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3d of March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolu- tionary war:
That she is the widow of Benjamin Derby who was a private during the war of the revolution & served under two enlistments the one in the Connecticut line & the other under french officers not now remembered
She further declares that she was a Pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress, passed July 7, 1838, and that the annual amount of the pension which she received under the said act was Thirty Dollars
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Constant Derby mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day } and year first above written. }
Leah Stow Justice of the peace
* Certify that the above declarant is personally known to me.
Leah Stow J.P.
STATE OF NEW-YORK, } ss. County of Washington
I, Henry Shiphead clerk of said county, do hereby certify that Leah Stow was on the day of the date of the above jurat and certificate, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county, duly appointed and qualified, and that the signature above, purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of of- fice and subscribed my name, this 17 th day of February 1844. H Shiphead clerk

State of New York County of Washington ss.
John Button of the Town of Hebron in the county, and State aforesaid, being duly sworn, makes oath and saith that he was fifty seven years of age last summer and that he has known and been acquainted with Constant Berly the Widow of Benjamin Berly late of the town of Granville in said county deceased, and that this deponent further says that he recollects Benjamin Berly and his wife Constant at least fifty three years ago living together as husband and wife, and that this deponent's Father and Family lived near Neighbors in the said town of Hebron to Benjamin Berly and Constant Berly for many years this deponent living with this Father at the same time and from the earliest recollections of this deponent the said Constant lived with the said Benjamin Berly as his lawful wife till his decease in Granville the place he lived at, after he removed from Hebron, about five miles distant from his former residence in Hebron, - This deponent has never heard the validity of their Marriage called in question, and also knows of their having a large family of children -
And this deponent saith that the said Constant Berly always sustained a good Moral Character, and was a woman always reputed to be a person of truth and veracity, -
Subscribed and sworn before me this 10 th day of November 1848.
John Button
George M. White Justice of the Peace I hereby certify that John Button is a Credible Witness
George M. White Justice

State of New York County of Washington } I Edward Dodd clerk of the said county hereby certify that George W White is a Justice of the peace as within and that the within signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of the said county this 14 th day of November 1843.
Edward Dodd Clerk

Constant Derby

State of New York County of Washington
Mary Button of Helbron in said County being duly sworn saith that she is now Seventy two years of age that she has been acquainted with Constant Dorley the Widow of Benjamin Dorley late of the town of Granville in said County deceased, for more than fifty two years and that from the time of her first acquaintance with her until the death of the said Benjamin Dorley which occurred about twelve years ago she the said Constant Dorley continued to live with the said Benjamin Dorley as his lawful Wife And this Deponent further saith that the said Constant Dorley always sustained a good Moral Character and was reputed to be a woman of truth & veracity - And she further Deponeth and saith that her husband who is now dead has repeatedly and always stated that he was present at the marriage of the said Constant Dorley to Benjamin Dorley & saw them Married at the town of Ellington in the State of Connecticut - & this Deponent further saith that said Con- stant & Benjamin Dorley when they came into this County came from Ellington and lived in the same neighbourhood with this Deponent in the Town of Helbron in said County for many years until they moved into the town of Granville about five miles from her where they continued to reside until the death of the said Benjamin & that the said Benjamin & Constant raised a large family of Children & this Deponent never had any doubt whatever of their being Married to each other
Subscribed & sworn this 9 th day of November 1843
H. L. Spencer Justice Peace
Mary Button Mark

I humbly certify that Mary Batten, the deponent within named, is a credible witness - Nov. 9. 1843.
F. L. Spencer Justice Peace
State of New York (County of Washington) I Edward Dodd clerk of the said county hereby certify that Fayette L. Spencer Esq. is a justice of the peace as above and within and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine - Given under my hand and the seal of the said county this 14 th day of November 1843 -
Edward Dodd Clerk

9828
Constant Derby Benjamin
NY.
act 7 July 38
m 80 d 30

In the matter of the application of Constant Derby for pension under the act of July 7. 1838.
Albany Dec. 6. th 1843.
Sir,
I would respectfully inform you that the above applicant was married by a Justice of the Peace, who (not being required to do so) preserved no record of the marriage. The best attainable proof of marriage is herewith submitted to wit, an old family record, duly authenticated, the affidavit of John Button, who knew that the applicant was married "at least fifty three years ago," & the affidavit of Mary Button , who knew that she was married "more than fifty two years" ago, & who has heard her husband who is now dead repeatedly state that she was present at her marriage.
The applicant's husband Benjamin Derby served one year in Capt. Bottins Comp y Col Wells Regt. & two years with Lafayette. The first period of service is proved by the testimony of John D Davis who served with him, but we have no positive proof of his service under La Fayette.
I am Very Respectfully
Your Mo Obed t Servt
W m Pierce
W m R. Schuarts Commissioner of Pensions

Ans.
12 1/2 10 3/4
W. B. Pierce Esq.
Albany
State of New York

Ethington Jan'y 6-1844
Dear Sir,
There is no record of the marriage of Benjamin Derby to Constant Hamittan in the records of marriages in the town of Ethington the Town of Ethington was taken from the Town of East Windsor and incorporated in 1786. There was no Law at that time to oblige Ministers or Magistrates to record Marriages. There are persons in this Town who were present at the marriage of Mr Derby and Miss Hamittan and I think their depositions taken here would answer all purposes.
Yours Respectfully
Oliver Steele Town Clerk
W.B. Pierce Esq.

Hon J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir,

In the matter of the application of Constant Dorby for Pension under the Act of July 7. 1838.
Albany Jan'y 22. 1844.
Sir,
It appears that the clerks certificates of the different affidavits in the above claim were overlooked the papers having been returned for "due authentication."
I have obeyed your other requirements as far as possible.
1 st The widow not having been married until late in the war, cannot relate any further particulars of her husband's revolutionary service. Thus she has already stated in her declaration.
2 nd The certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut, shows a series corresponding to that set forth in the affidavit of the witness John S. Field, to wit, at least nine months in 1778 under Col. Wells, Capt. Bottom or Bottom's company.
3 rd The Town Clerk of Ellington states that there is no Town record and "that there was no law at that time to oblige ministers or Magistrates to record marriages." I would again respectfully refer to the proof of marriage furnished being the best that can be obtained, to wit, the ancient family record duly authenticated, & the affidavits of John Button & Mary Button.
In view of these proofs it is hoped that you will allow the applicant a pension for nine months service, as she is at present

unable to prove a longer period.
I am very respectfully Yr Mo Overlook
Wm P. Rose
Wm J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Patents

W. 5075
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:
Will you please send me a copy of the certificate of Pension (Revolutionary) given to the widow of Benjamin Derby:
Benjamin Derby was a soldier in the Revolution. He enlisted in Ellington Com. in Capt. Battins Company of Col. Wells Regiment; and served out his time, he reenlisted under Gen. La Fayette, was taken prisoner, and exchanged. He married Constant Hamilton at Ellington Mar. 31st 1780. and died May 18th 1830. In 1838 his widow applied for a pension which was granted her and paid until her death at Hampton N.Y.
Very Truly Yours,
Edith M. Reed
Schaghticoke N.Y.
W. 20979

REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
O. W. & N. Div.
MEMORANDA.
Please supply as much as possible of the data called for below.
Full name of soldier:
Benjamin Derby
Place of residence before service: (Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Place of residence after service: (Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Washington Co N.Y.
Date of death (as near as possible):
Christian name of widow:
Constance
Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
Widow
Remarks:
Are parents mentioned
Your name and address:
John H. Derby Sandy Hill N.Y.

20979.
Give info. conc. percentage if possible.

O. W. & N. Div.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D. C.,..... 189---
Respectfully returned to
with the information that the courtesy of furnishing the military history of Revolutionary soldiers is extended by this Bureau when the same is desired by descendants for historical and genealogical purposes only, and then only when the soldier or his widow applied for pension, their papers being the principal source from which data is collected for a report. The history of not more than two soldiers can be furnished to each applicant because of the large number of such requests and the time and labor it is necessary to expend upon each report.
For purposes of identification the soldier's full name should be furnished, his place of residence before and after service (town, county, and State, if possible), and the christian name of his widow, if one survived him.
Please return all papers with your reply.
J. M. Lochren
Commissioner.
18604 b-3 m

Gerhards directed that information be given
78.

Poultney Vt
Feb 18-1900
Dear Sir
Can you give me particulars of Benjamin Dyer a revolutionary soldier who served several years and was with Arnold in his Canada Campaign his widow lived until 1846. & died at Hampton N.Y. and drew a pension several years
I wish to know where and year birth occurred also age and when death occurred also if he had any special rank in war (was only a private)
Yours Sincerely Mrs. H. Calesman Rutland Co Vermont

John H. Derby
Glow
Sandy Hill, N.Y., Aug 16 th 1901.
The Hon. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir
There is on file in your office a Revolutionary pension to Constant Derby for services of her husband Benjamin Derby.
In applying for membership in the "Sons of American Revolution" I find that it is necessary for me to have a certificate from your office confirming above. Will you kindly send me such certificate will bill for same
Yours truly
John H. Derby
Refer to
Hon. L W Emerson. M.C.

CORA M. HAMILTON PRINCIPAL TRAINING SCHOOL
Western Illinois State Normal School Macomb, Illinois
2 post stamps enclosed, 2/3
Feb. 9 th , 1920,
Rev. Sec aw
Dept. of Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Rev. War Sect. Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:-
I wish to qualify as a member of the D.A.R. and therefore ask you for a statement of the military history of Benjamin Derby. Please refer to Wid. File # 20979. My cousin, Mrs. Eldo B. Lane, of Pueblo, Col. has just qualified on the same information and another cousin, Mrs. Tomlinson of Bridgton, N.J. has, on the same ground, been Regent of the D.A.R. of New Jersey. We are descendants of the same Lawrence and Derby line.
Respectfully,
(Miss) Cora M. Hamilton
233 Sherman Ave.
Macomb, Illinois.

Washington, D.C. Jany. 1st. 1920.
Dr Alva H Thompson.
Pension Office.
My dear Mr Thompson:-
I am inclosing Copy from letter of my Brothers wife to me. The copy will explain what is wanted. And if you will kindly place it in the proper hands, and advise me of any expense or fee attached for certified copy, I will be pleased to remit.
Thanking you very much, I remain,
Yours very truly.
S. M. Lane
611 Elliott Street, N.E. Washington, D.C.
Respectfully referred to Commission of Pensions for consideration. A. H. Thompson
Jan. 2, 1920

Received in Rev. War Section Jan. 2, 1920
COPY.
I am quite anxious to become a member of the D.A.R.
.....
In the Dept. of Revolutionary Pensions, the pension granted to my great grand-mother, Constance Hamilton Derby, is on file. She was the Widow of Benj. Derby, who enlisted in Col. Wells regiment, in Ellington, Conn. He served out his time, then reenlisted under Gen. Lafayette. He Married Constance Hamilton, about 1780. He died in 1830. And I think the pension was granted to his widow about 1838.
A certified copy of that pension is all that I need.....
Above is copy of letter from
Mrs Caroline Lane.
Of Pueblo, Colorado.
Mail to Squire M.Lane. 611 Elliott St, N.E. Washington, D.C.

Mrs. John C. Fann 9433 S. Lamon Ave Chicago
per
ADDRESS YOUR MAIL TO STREET AND NUMBER
The Interior Washington D.C.
R
Wid. File 20979 Rev. War.

Mid. Ill. 20979 Rev. par.
Washington D.C.
Rev.
Mrs. John C. Finn 9233 St. Laurence Ave. Chicago

Dept. of Interior: Washington:
Will you please send me the facts of Benj. Derbys military history. I wish to join the D.A.R. and if you can give me any information about joining would appreciate it.
Yours Sincerely
Mrs. John P. Foss 33 St. Lawrence Ave Chicago.
see envelope it says Wid File 20979. Rev War

MISS MARY FRANCIS REGISTRAR RUTH WYLLYS CHAPTER 101 ELM STREET HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT
November 13, 1931
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
I am writing to ask if you will please send me a copy of the pension papers of, -
✓Benjamin Derby, d. 1830, never pensioned; wid. Constant, Albany, N.Y. 1838 W. 20979
I understand that his widow received a pension, at any rate it is so stated in Vol. 119, page 30, of the D.A.R. Lineage Book.
I would like to have his service record, and especially any details about his family that are available; most of all I would like a list of his children in order to help some join the D.A.R.
Thanking you in advance for your trouble,
Sincerely yours,
Mary Francis,
Registrar Ruth Wyllys Chapter.

367 Hearst Ave. San Francisco, Calif. August 12, 1939.
Veteran's Administration, Washington, D. C.
Subject: Revolutionary War pension records:
I would like to obtain an abstract of the pension records of the following:
Constant Derby, widow of Benjamin Derby, Connecticut Revolutionary soldier. Constant Derby lived in Washington County, New York. I have been given the reference No. W 20979.
Asa Darbe, who served in the Rhode Island militia and was living in 1833 in Rutland County, Vermont.
Yours truly,
Howard W. Derby,
367 Hearst Ave.,
San Francisco,
Calif.

October 13, 1926
Commissioner of Pensions,
Sir:
I desire photostat copies (not certified) of six pages from Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 20979, Benjamin Darby (Derby), widow Constant, Connecticut Troops.
Received payment 90 cents
Antonia W. Ford Rev. & 1812 War Section.
mmh
Mrs. E. B. Lane 1334 Cypress St. Pueblo, Colorado,

3-2233
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
Oct 13 1926
Chief Rev War Sect Division
I have this day received from Mrs E B Lane cash No 90/100 for $ request
photostat copy post office addresses as per letter herewith
Photos mailed Finance Division notified Oct 18 1926
J. RANDALL Chief Finance Division
76.6 L

The Towers, Bronxville, N.Y., Sept. 19, 1932.
Veterans Administration, (Att.A.D.Hiller) Washington, D.C.
BA-J/MMHF/ADY
Dear Sir:
On Sept. 2, 1932, I wrote you for a copy of certain pension papers, enclosing a balance of $1.70, in accordance with your letter of Sept. 1st. The pension papers have not been received. I hold two receipts -
39631, Sept. 1, 1932 $1.00, initialled by M.McK. 39834 " 7 $1.70 " " C.D.
This made up the total remittance of $2.70, which you stated was the cost of photostats of the full set of 18 pages of the Revolutionary War claim W. 20979 of Constant Hamilton Derby, widow of Benjamin Derby.
I shall be glad to have these copies as soon as possible.
Very truly yours,
Doris Montgomery Emery
(Mrs. Walter Emery)
no record of receipt of above. 2W.

Veterans Administration, Att. of Mr. A. D. Hiller, Washington, D. C.
September 2, 1 9 3 2
Dear Sir; -
39834
File Reference ✓BA-J/MMHF/ADY
In answer to your letter of September 1st, I am enclosing postal money order for $1.70 and ask you to send me the complete set of 18 pages of the Revolutionary War claim of Constant Hamilton Derby, widow of Benjamin Darby, W.20979.
I sent you one dollar in my letter of August 29th, as another descendant of the above had told me that this was the cost of the set.
Very truly yours,
Doris Montgomery Emery (Mrs. Walter Emery)
The Towers, Bronxville, N.Y.
add enc Free copy of pension record

The Towers, Bronxville, New York.
Chief, Pension Bureau, Washington, D.C.
Pension Claim W 20979 Benjamin Darby, Rev.War
Dear Sir:
I enclose one dollar in currency and ask you to send me a copy of the pension application of Constant Hamilton Derby on behalf of her husband Benjamin Derby (Darby), who was a private in 1778 in Capt. Joshua Bottom's company. I desire the full set of papers which, I am informed, consists of seven parts on six sheets.
Very truly yours,
Lois Montgomery Emery
(Mrs. Walter Emery)
enc.
18 15 90 180 2.70

September 1, 1932.
BA-J/MLHF/ADY
Mrs. Walter Emery, The Towers, Bronxville, New York.
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter which was received August 29, with which you enclosed $1.00 in cash to cover cost of photostatic copies of full set of papers on file in Revolutionary War claim for pension of Constant Hamilton Darby (Derby) widow of Benjamin Darby (Derby) W.20979.
The number of pages to be copied in the above noted claim is eighteen. The cost is fifteen cents a page.
Upon receipt of $1.70, the additional amount necessary to cover cost of photos, they will be made and mailed to you.
Please make remittance by money order drawn to the order of the Treasurer of the United States.
If you decide to cancel your order, please advise and your remittance of $1.00 will be refunded.
It might interest you to know that an official report of this soldier, as found in the papers on file in the pension claim (W.20979), will be furnished you without charge.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.

September 27, 1932.
BA-J/MHHF/ADY
Mrs. Walter Emery, The Towers, Bronxville, New York.
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter of inquiry relative to the photostatic copies of papers which you ordered from Revolutionary War claim of Benjamin Darby (Derby) W.20979.
Your copies are being made and will be mailed to you shortly.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.

Rev. & 1812. No. 123.
September 26, 1932.
Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
541
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rev. War claim for pension of Benjamin Darby, File No. W.20979.
1 page which was omitted from order of September 16, 1932.
xxx
Kindly leave margin of 1½ in. at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corresponding name and number. The word "omit" written in pencil on those pages which are not to be copied.
Chief, Rev.&1812 Wars Section.

Rev. & 1812, No. 121
September 16, 1932.
Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
541
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rev.War. claim for pension of Benjamin Darby, File No.W.20979.
Actual 1 of each page.
UNCERTIFIED.
The numbering had. She first sent $1.20 She then $1.70 - " " " " " 39631 " " " " " 39834 Total $ 2.70 $2.70.....18 pages.
xxx
Rec Correo, herewith -
Kindly leave margin of 1 1/2 in. at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corresponding name and number. The word "omit" written in pencil on those pages which are not to be copied.
Chief, Rev.&1812 Wars Section.

List to Mrs. Walter Emery:
Widow's decl. Nov. 8-1843 _____ 2 pages
John Button's affid. Nov. 10, 1843 _____ 2 "
Hiram Derby's affid + family record Nov. 8, 1843- _____ 2 "
John Davis' affid. Nov. 28-1843- _____ 2 "
Mary Button's affid. Nov. 9, 1843 - _____ 2 "
Wm. B. Pierce's letter, Dec. 6, 1843 _____ 1 " Albany
(Rider Wells) Comptroller's report Dec. 25-1843- _____ 1 "
Oliver Steele town clerk's report, Jan. 6-1844- _____ 1 "
Wm. B. Pierce's letter, Jan. 22-1844, Albany _____ 2 "
Widow's decl. Feb. 15, 1844 _____ 1 "
Widow's Ctf. jacket No. 8053 _____ 1 "
Widow's Ctf. jacket No. 5075 _____ 1 "
Jan. 19/44 Feb. 18/45

All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No.
10098
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications, Room G 137. Please furnish work specified below.
October 18, 1926
Bureau ordering PENSION Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostat copies of six pages from the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 20979, Benjamin Darby (Derby), widow Constant, Conn. Troops
No. of copies 1 copy of each page form be kept standing? no days
For further information see M. M. H. Finch 5033 541 Room No. Phone No.
Approved: [Signature] Chief Clerk of Bureau.
[Signature] Chief of Branch or Division.
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering
CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate
Multigraph single or double space? Facsimile signature?
Mimeograph one side or both sides? Facsimile signature?
Folding once or twice?
Assembling
Stapling Once? Twice? Side? End?
Electric typewriter Fill in addresses? Dated?
Table with 2 columns: Addressograph from lists, Envelopes, size, Proof list, Labels (submit sample), Fill in letters, Cards, size, Pay rolls, Corrections, Tabulation sheets
Photostat x Size actual Official use? Repay? $.90 cents Blue Print Size Official use? Repay? $
Remarks
(OVER)

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this form without formal reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or of clerks of bureaus.
.....192
(Date)
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
Make new addressograph plate
Change present addressograph plate
Destroy present addressograph plate
} On list.....
as follows:
Now reads
1 ..... 2 ..... 3 ..... 4 ..... 5 .....
Should read
1 ..... 2 ..... 3 ..... 4 ..... 5 .....
FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made ..... 192
Operator .....
MULTIGRAPH
Operator ..... Date ..... Type set by .....
Remarks: .....
MIMEOGRAPH
Operator ..... Date ..... Cut by .....
Remarks: .....

Information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. Resigned as Derby  Resigned as Derby  Ms. file 20979
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1778 1 year Pvt. Bottom Wells Conn.   2 yrs under Gen La Fayette and was taken prisoner in a battle, name not stated, and exchanged in a few days.  
Battles engaged in, As above
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Collington Conn.
Date of application for pension, Nov 8. 1843. Her claim al.
Residence at date of application, Hampton Washington Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, She was 83 yrs.
Remarks: Soldier married at Collington Conn. Feb. 31. 1780 Constant Hamilton. He died May 18 1830 at Granville N.Y. There were ten children; see Supplement herewith for further data in regard to them.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
WASHINGTON
January 3, 1920,
Mr. Squire M. Lane, 611 Elliott Street, N. E., Washington, D. C.
Sir:
In addition to the military history of Benjamin Derby Wid. File No. 20,979, Revolutionary War you are furnished the ages of his children taken from a mutilated family record from which most of the names have been torn off.
  -----  born October - 1785.    -----  " September 21, 1787.    -----  " September 21, 1789.    -----  " February 28, 179-    -----  " October - 1794.    -----  " January - 1796.    Hiram  " May - 1799.    Olife  " January 30, 1802.    -----  " May 13, 1804.    Almong ?  " ---- - ----  
Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
O. W. & N. Div.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
F. S.
M. E. C.
WASHINGTON, D. C., January 3, 1896.
Sir:
Referring to your request for the military record of Benjamin Derby, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you are advised that his widow, Constant Derby, made an application for pension in November, 1838, at which time she was residing in the town of Hampton, Washington Co., New York, aged eighty-three years, and in her declaration she made the following statement concerning her husband's services:
That her husband was a soldier during the war of the Revolution but died without receiving a pension. That he enlisted into the army of the United States, Connecticut Line, from Ellington, in the State of Connecticut, where he then resided, for the term of one year; which having faithfully served he again enlisted (as declarant believes) under French officers, but the particulars thereof, the years, or the names of his different officers she cannot relate. She only knows that he enlisted from Ellington aforesaid, and that he served through two enlistments, or for at least two years, that he was in battle and taken prisoner, but that he was exchanged in a few days.

One of the witnesses in her case, John I Mavis, stated that Benjamin Derby served with him in the year 1778 about nine months or a year, as a private in Capt. Bottin's company, in Col. Wells' Conn. regiment, and that Benjamin Derby afterwards served two years under Gen. LaFayette. No further particulars of the soldier's services are given in the widow's pension papers.
The soldier married Constant Hamilton, at Ellington, Conn., on the 31st day of March, 1780, and died May 18, 1830. There is on file with the widow's pension papers a leaf taken from the family Bible, showing the dates of birth of the soldier's children but no mention is made either in the family record or any of the papers on file with the case of the names of his parents.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mr. John H. Derby,
Sandy Hill, N. Y.

November 28, 1931
BA-J/MLB
Miss Mary Francis 101 Elm Street Hartford, Connecticut
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter of November 13, 1931, requesting information concerning Benjamin Derby, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data which follow are obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 20979, based upon his military service in that war.
Benjamin Darby or Derby, while a resident of Ellington, Connecticut, enlisted in 1778, served one year as private in Captain Joshua Bottom's company, Colonel Levi Wells' Connecticut regiment, and two years under General La Fayette, was in a battle, name not designated, where he was taken prisoner but was exchanged in a few days.
After the Revolutionary War the soldier lived in Ellington, Connecticut, for a few years then moved to Hebron and from there to Granville, Washington County, New York, where he died May 18, 1830.
Soldier married May 31, 1780, at Ellington, Connecticut, Constant Hamilton, of said Ellington.
After the soldier's death, his widow, Constant, moved to Hampton, Washington County, New York, where she was allowed pension on her application executed November 8, 1843, aged eighty-three years.
Benjamin Darby or Derby and his wife, Constant, had ten

children. The following are copied from a mutilated family record from which most of the names have been torn off:
  _____  Darby  born  October  8, 1785     John  "  "  September  21, 1787     _____  "  "  September  21, 1789     _____  "  "  February  28, 179-     _____  "  "  October  ---, 1794     _____  "  "  January  ---, 1796     Hiram  "  "  May  ---, 1799  1843, living in Hampton, N.J.    Olife  "  "  January  30, 1802     _____  "  "  May  13, 18--     Almong (?)  "  "  -----  ---, -----   
There are no further family data.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator