Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 9,565, Benajah Hays, Conn. Continental

SERVICE
NUMBER
Hays, Benajah
S. 9565.
Coastal Continental
barded.
CONTENTS

no 24.120 Atte  York
Benajah Hays
of Allegany in the State of New York who was a Private in the Comp. commanded by Captain Curtis of the Regt. commanded by Col. Willey in the New York line for 2 Years
★ Conn. Continental
Jan'y 23, 1838 Records corrected.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 day of Nov. 1833 and sent to W. M. Hawley North almond Ohio
Arrears to the 14th of Sept. 33 $ 200 Pension allowance ending 4th Mo 34 40 $240
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. J. O. Miles Clerk,
Recorded by Book C, Vol. 4, Page 104.
State of Ind. July 27 '33
Letter to B. Hayes 3 Feb'y 1838.
Duplicate certificate issued 29 March 1838 and sent to Pensioner Waterford Washington County Ohio
Letter to B Auditor 18 June 1838
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 April 1838 from 4 March 1836 to the 4 Sept 1837. Age notified 22 June 1838
to Pen Agt 17 July 1838.
To Ohio from 4 Sept 1837 24 July 1838. Agent notification sent to T. W. Ewart Marietta Ohio

Full 25000 1777 8000
in 1810 Col. 1810
10 11 12 13

State of New York Albany County 3 d .
On the 30 th day of October 1852 personally appeared in open court before John Griffin Asa Sollenaid Josiah Utter the court of Common Pleas now sitting Benjamin Hays a resident of the town of Hooosack in said County of Albany and State of New York aged Seventy one years the 12 th day of October last who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That late in the fall of the year 1777 he lived in the town of Simsbury in the County of Hartford, and that he there enlisted as a volunteer under a Lieutenant by the name of Silas Hays, and knew nothing of the Captain, that he went to Greenbush and was one of the guards that guarded Burgoyne's Artillery to Farmington and that he was there discharged after serving about five or six weeks. That he entered the army again as a substitute for Michael Hays in the Spring of the year 1778 under Captain Fitch in a Regiment commanded by Col. Willys that he found the army at West Point, that the Brigade Generals name was Parsons, went from there to Peekskill, then to White Plains, while at White Plains he enlisted into a company of light infantry under Captain Curtis. Went from there to Bedford and then to Danbury for winter quarters and was there discharged in the winter season served nine months. While at Bedford he was in a skirmish with a party of British Refugees at the time of the burning of one Robersons Store. Entered the army again in the Spring of 1779 under Captain Rice as a substitute for Azariah Gillette and served three months at the horse neck and was discharged - entered again as a substitute for

Oliver Heys under Captain Bray. and was discharged after serving three months at the Horse neck in 1779 Entered the Army again in 1780 as a Substitute for Silas Heys in a company commanded by Captain Strong joined the Army in the State of New Jersey under Col. Sherburne. was at Sappen at the execution of Major Andre. served nine months and was discharged at a place called Sotowey Entered the next winter as a Substitute for Martin Goddard under Captain Curtis of Farmington Connecticut went to Concord. then to a place called Greens Farms. then to Norwalk. then to Fairfield in Connecticut and was then discharged after serving about two months. then in 1781. he volunteered under Captain Silas Heys and went to New Haven and served about two months and was discharged That his place of Residence during the several campaigns was at Simsbury in the county of Hartford in Connecticut. That after the war he resided in the state of Pennsylvania. and from thence moved to the place where he now lives and has lived there for the space of twenty five years. That his several Discharges have been long since lost and destroyed. and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year foresaid Benajah Heys J. W. Shenman Clerk

Albany County.
We Varanus Bruns a Clergyman and Bartlett Dake both residing in the town of Albany in the said county of Albany and State of New York and being in the vicinity and neighbourhood of Brunsfels Hays do hereby certify that we are now acquainted with the said Brunsfels Hays who has sworn and subscribed to the above declaration and that he is of the age set forth in his said declaration and that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Varanus Bruns Bartlett Dake
Sworn and subscribed the 30. day of October 1832 J W Sherman Clerk
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and the court further certifies that it appears to them Varanus Bruns who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the said town of Albany and that Bartlett Dake who has also signed the same is also a resident in the said town and the neighbourhood of the said Brunsfels Hays and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit
John P. [unclear] John P. [unclear] Jonah Miller } Judges of the Court of Common Pleas

State of New York Albany County
I Judson B Sherman Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Albany do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the Application of Bannajah Keys for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of the Clerks Office this 23. day of October 1832
J W Shenman Clk
Bannajah Keys
18240
v

Albany County ss,
Barnajah Hays being Duly Sworn Saith, that at the time he entered the service of the United States in the fall of the year 1777 as stated in his declaration he served at least one month as a private in the Militia, that he entered the army again as a substitute for Michael Hays in the spring of 1778. (the month and day of the month he cannot now recollect) that he served as a private in the continental troops at least nine months, that in the spring of 1779 he entered the army of the United States as a substitute for Azariah Gillett in the Militia under Captain Rice - in a Regiment commanded by Col. Mead, was stationed at the Horse-neck served there at least three months and was discharged, that the same year he entered the army of the United States under Captain Bray, under Col. Mead as a substitute for Oliver Hays and served as a private in the Militia at least three months and was discharged. That in the year 1780, early in the spring of the year, he entered the army of the United States as a substitute for Abel Hays and served as a private in the continental troops under Captain Strong, Col. Sherman served at least nine months and was discharged in the fore part of the winter of the same year he entered as a substitute for Martin Goddard under Captain Curtis in the Militia and served as a private at least two months and was discharged. That in the last of the summer or fore part of the fall of 1781 he entered again as a volunteer under Capt Silas Hays and served as a private in the Militia at least two months and was discharged. That during each term of service

He was continually in the field and was not employed in any other business - that he received a discharge at the expiration of each term of service signed by an officer whom he was in the continual service, but that he cannot now recollect the name or rank of the officer who signed the same, that when he was in the militia he received no other discharge than to be dismissed, that by reason of age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot recollect all the particu- lars of each campaign or term of service but that he served at least the terms and periods above mentioned, that he cannot be positive as to the names of all the officers of each company, or the col of each Regiment in which he served, but that the names men- tioned are in the above affidavit are all that he can recollect positive,
Sworn and subscribed before me
Given this 4th day of June 1883
W. M. Fleming Notary Public
Benjamin Hays

State of New York Albany County Clerk's Office
I Jacob W Sherman Clerk of the said County do certify that William M. Hovey before whom the foregoing Affidavit of Benjamin Hays was subscribed and taken here at the date thereof a justice of the peace of the said County duly commissioned and sworn and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verify before that the same is his genuine signature and that his acts are entitled to full faith and credit
and I do further certify that no papers have been improperly attached to the foregoing Declaration of Benjamin Hays since the date thereof
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County this 27 th day of June 1833
J. W. Sherman Clerk

Application for a Transfer County of Washington State of Ohio ss
On this 5 th day of July 1858 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for said County personally appeared Benajah Hayes who on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to Captain Budd, & Strong, Burr, & Bates in the regiment Commanded by Col. Miller and Col. Shuckburn in the Service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of New York from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the State of Ohio where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be payable in Pittsburgh in future. The following are his reasons for removing from Steubenville County New York to this place viz. his children had previously moved here Lands are cheaper &c
Benajah Hayes
Sworn to and subscribed to before me the day and year aforesaid
Robert Layt Justice Peace
State of Ohio
July. 5-1858
Washington County ss Before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County personally came John D. Chamberlain who says that on his oath declares that Benajah Hayes the signer of the above petition for a transfer is the same person for whom the original Pension Certificate was given sworn to before me before me Robert Layt Justice Peace John D. Chamberlain

State of Ohio Washington County ss
I hereby certify that John D. Chamberlain the signer of the foregoing affidavit is a person of truth and veracity and his statements entitled to credit July 5 th 1838
Robert Leget Justice Peace
The State of Ohio ss Washington County ss I Thomas W. Owen, clerk of the courts of common Pleas of the county aforesaid hereby certify that Robert Leget is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, legally authorized to act as such; and that his signature as so written is genuine
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Marietta this fifth day of July A.D. 1838
Thos W. Owen Clerk

18240
Benajah Hays Allegany County New York
Admitted Private 2 years
M c H. Hawley North Almond, Allegany County, New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Benajah Hays Allegany County New York
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Entered Dec 1797 about 1 27 private Marched to Green Bush 71 years Testimonial evidence   Sub - Spring 1778 - 9 - private Capt Sed. Capt Curtis Col Willy to Poughkeepsie to White Plains to Red Bank Simsbury Hartford Co. Ct. Connecticut Witnesses certified credible Clergiman, certified & papers not properly attached   Sub - Spring 1779 - 3 - private Capt Rice   Sub. 1779 - 3 - private Capt Bray   Sub. 1780 - 9 - private Capt Strong Col Sherburne   Sub. next Winter - 2 - private Capt Curtis   Vol. 1781 about 2 - private Capt Hays  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
if the requirements are not all complied with will the Department forward the particulars that are necessary
W. M. Henshaw

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

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

Copied from hist. dated 5/27/1929.
March 5, 1931.
Rev.&1812 Wars Section. ADY
Mr. S. Lewis Wood, 2417 Buckingham Road, Los Angeles, California.
Dear Sir:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.9565, that Benajah Hays was born October 12, 1761, place not stated.
While a resident of Simsbury, Hartford County, Connecticut, he enlisted and served as follows:
From some time late in the fall of 1777, served about five or six weeks as a private with Connecticut troops under Lieutenant Silas Hays.
From some time in the spring of 1778, nine months as a private in Captains Judd's and Curtis' Companies in Colonel Wylllys' Connecticut Regiment; he was in a skirmish with a party of British refugees at the time of the burning of one Rolemson's store.
From some time in the spring of 1779, three months as a private in Captain Rice's Company in Colonel Mead's Connecticut Regiment.
From some time in 1779, three months as a private in Captain Bray's Company in Colonel Mead's Connecticut Regiment.
From early in the spring of 1780, nine months as a private in Captain Strong's Company in Colonel Sherburne's Regiment; he witnessed the execution of Major Andre.
From early in the winter of 1780-1781, about two months as a private in Captain Curtis' Connecticut Company.

From some time in the summer or fall of 1781, two months as a private in Captain Silas Hays' Connecticut Company.
After the Revolution he lived in Pennsylvania and from there he moved to Almond, Allegany County, New York. About 1838 he moved to Wesley, Washington County, Ohio, and he stated that his children (their names not  not given) had previously moved there.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 30, 1832 at which time he was living in Almond, New York.
The name of the wife of Benajah Hays was not given.
This is the history of the only Benajah Hays found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
Very truly yours,
E. W. MORGAN, Acting Commissioner.

Rev War
9565
INVALID.
1929 May 22 hist. to Hon. Wm. L. Nelson 1931 Mar. 5. Hist. to L. Lewis Wood. A.N.Y.
File No. 9565
Benjamin Bangs
Rev War
Act: June 7 th 1862
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 162
[Arrangement of 1870.]

27 Feb J. August 1865
Benajah Hayes
H. J. Schwan Washington D.C.
Burdine
FROM
Benajah Hayes
N.Y.
Mr. Curtiss Memphis

J. L. Edwards Esq Sir
Benajah Hays left this place Alma and Allegany Co Ky for the town of Westly Washington Co Ohio some time during the last Summer Previous to his departure he placed his Pension Certificate and what he deemed a money voucher showing his intended change of Residence and requesting the payment of his pension money to be transferred from the Kentucky Agency to the Ohio Agency into the hands of Will Larrabee Esq with the direction that after the transfer it should be returned to Said Larrabee and by him or by myself forwarded to Said Benajah Hays in the State of Ohio — Since which time nothing has been heard of Certificate Mr Hays writes that he is destitute of means & wishes me to inquire and if possible have it forwarded without delay Please inform me whether it has been Rec d at your office and if Rec d and not returned whether there is any objection to forward it either directly to Ohio or according to the direction of W. Larrabee Esq when he forwarded it to your department
Respectfully J. S. Sugg
Alma Allegany Co Ky 21 Feb 1837

My Dear friend, Oct 30 pm 80H
25
W Evans,
The Honorable J. L. Evans
Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

The Honorable J. L. Eawanes Dear sir
Banajah Hayes a revolutionary Pensioner served in P.  Willis Regiment under a Capt. Tadd in Pearsons Brigade from Granby Connecticut has lost or left his certificate in Ulster County New York where he obtained a pension and has moved to this place he left his certificate with a man by the name of Engel he the said Engel informs the said Hayes that he forwarded it somewhere not now recollected with the other papers to make his last draw and was not received it back he has moved from Ulster County New York to Wesley Washington County Ohio has not drawn since the 4th of March 1836 and wishes to draw at this place is very old and needs it now and wishes to know how he can get a certificate again he draw $80. per annum by giving the said Banajah Hayes information how to proceed you will confer a favor to an old poor Soldier
Yours John D. Chamberlain for Banajah Hayes
Direct to Waterloo Washington County Ohio
Aug. 28 1837

Rev. & 1812 War Section
May 27, 1929
Honorable William L. Nelson United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C.
My dear Mr. Nelson:
In response to your letter of May 23, 1929, I have the honor to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 9538, it appears that Benajah Hays was born October 12, 1781, place not stated.
While a resident of Simsbury, Hartford County, Connecticut, he enlisted and served as follows:
From sometime late in the fall of 1777, served about five or six weeks as a private with Connecticut troops under Lieutenant Silas Hays.
From sometime in the spring of 1778, nine months as a private in Captains Judd's and Curtis' Companies in Colonel Wyllys' Connecticut Regiment; he was in a skirmish with a party of British refugees at the time of the burning of one Holenson's store.
From some time in the spring of 1779, three months as a private in Captain Rice's Company in Colonel Mead's Connecticut Regiment
From sometime in 1779, three months as a private in Captain Bray's Company in Colonel Mead's Connecticut Regiment.

From early in the spring of 1780, nine months as a private in Captain Strong's Company in Colonel Sherburne's Regiment; he witnessed the execution of Major Andre.
From early in the winter of 1780-1781, about two months as a private in Captain Curtis' Connecticut Company.
From sometime in the summer or fall of 1781, two months as a private in Captain Silas Hays' Connecticut Company.
After the Revolution he lived in Pennsylvania and from there he moved to Almond Allegany County, New York. About 1836 he moved to Wesley, Washington County, Ohio, and he stated that his children (their names not given) had previously moved there.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 30, 1832, at which time he was living in Almond, New York.
The name of the wife of Benajah Hays was not given.
The Revolutionary War records of this bureau fail to afford any information in regard to a John Basset or John Basset Evans who served from Brunswick County, North Carolina.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. DEBON Commissioner

Benajah Hays
A Soldier of the Revolution
North Almond

S. File 9565- Benjamin Hays, Union Continental Congress

W. G. Ferry July 16
Notary Public J. S. P. Edwards Esq. M.A., LL.B., F.S.A. Notary Public July 11—
100

Marietta July 5 1838
Sir
Will you direct the certificates of Transfer to A Hays Esq J. J. Chamberlain Waterford P.O. Nashua Ohio
Yours R. Mowatt

Manilla March 9 th 1838
Sir
You are requested to return the answer to this application directed "Benajah Hays, Waterford, Washington County, Ohio."
Yours
W. Lewan

Mark March 13. W Evans,
Confluence of Ohio Washington City Pa.

MECHANICS' & FARMERS' BANK,
Albany Pension Agency,
July 20 th 1838
JAMES L. EDWARDS, Esquire, Commissioner of Pensions,
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 17 th inst. I have to state, that Benajah Hayes a Pensioner under the Act of 7 June 1832 — at Eighty — Dollars per annum was last paid to the 4 th day of April, 1837.
I am, Sir,
Very respectfully,
Your ob't serv't,
Thos. M. Cluett PRES'T, AND PENSION AGENT.

Treasury Department,
Second Comptroller's Office,
June 20, 1838.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same, at the Treasury of the United States," Bernajate Hays , a Pensioner on the Roll of the Phila. N.Y. Agency, at the rate of eighty Dollars and  Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March 1836 to the 4 th of September 1837.
Respectfully, yours,
Abner K. Paris Comptroller
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

WILLIAM L. NELSON 8TH DIST. MISSOURI Room 374 HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING RESIDENCE: COLUMBIA, MISSOURI
MEMBER COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE
Congress of the United States House of Representatives Washington, D. C.
May 23, 1929.
Hon. E. W. Morgan, Acting Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
My dear Mr. Morgan:
I have a request for information regarding the service (as shown by the records of your Bureau) of the following named soldiers:
John Basset, who came from England and fought in the Revolution from Brunswick County, North Carolina. After the war he changed his name, by an act of Congress, to John Basset Evans.
Benejah Hays, who was granted a pension in 1840 from Wesley, Washington County, Ohio.
James Hays, living with John Hays, in Union, Logan County, Ohio, in 1840.
Thanking you for such information as you may be able to furnish, I am
Very truly yours,

Los Angeles, Cal. Feb. 11-1931.
Pension Department , Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:- I am anxious to find if information I have is correct reference to the following:
Bena J Hayes. ( this is the way I have the first name spelled) but it may not be correct, but something similar.
Born in Conn. near New Haven, in 1761.
Enlisted in the Revolutionary war at Hartford, Conn.
1777. Trained under Geo. Washington. Was in the battle X surrendered to Gen. when Burgoyne at Beems Heights, near Saratoga Springs, N.Y. X Gates. General Stark, mentioned as commanding officer. Was honorably discharged and drew a pension. Some mention made as to 5 yr. service.
I am interested in this because of the fact that my wife was a descendant of this family, and our son an Episcopal minister is interested to know if descended from Revolutionary stock.
I will greatly appreciate any information you can give me, and if nothing available in your department, reference to where the information may be found will be appreciated.
Yours very respectfully,
S. Lewis Wood
S. Lewis Wood,
2417 Buckingham Road, Los Angeles, California.
ENC. Stamped Env.

Almond, June 22, 1836.
To Benajah Gays a Soldier of the Revolution SIR
Your attendance and the attendance of your friends is respectfully solicited, at the house of L. M. Fisk, in the village of Almond, on the 4th day of July next, at 9 o'clock in the forenoon, to join in celebrating the anniversary of our National Independence.
We are respectfully your obedient servants.
  WILLIAM M. HAWLY, Almond  DAVID BROWN W. Almond    JESSE ANGELL, "  ROSWELL ADAMS, Alfred    WILLIAM HYDE, "  ROJERS CRANDALL, "    GEORGE STEVENS, "  OZMOND A. BURDICK, "    B. W. WOODRUFF, "  JOSEPH GOODRICH, "    JOHN MAJOR, "  JOHN B. MORRIS, Hornellsville    LEVI H. MASON, "  ASHER C. SMITH, "    JOSEPH M. HENRY, "  WILLIAM STEVENS, Canesteo    JESSE B. GIBBS, W. Almond  SAMUEL MULHOLLAND, "  
Committee of Arrangements.

Application for a new certificate County of Washington State of Ohio ss. On this 9 th day of March 1838 before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for said County of Washington personally appeared Bana- -zah Hays who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company's commanded by Captain's Sudd, Bates, Bray, Burn, Curtis, Hays, and Hroy, in the Regiment's commanded by Colonels Willis, and Sherburn, in Pearson's Brigade in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of New York that he received a certificate of that fact under the signature and Seal of the secretary of war; which certificate, on or about the 4 th day of July 1836 in the Town of Elmwood in Herkery County State of New York he left and has not been able to obtain Signed Duplicates
Sworn and subscribed to Banajah Hays before me the day and year above written Robert Lyle Justice Peace
State of Ohio Washington County ss
On this 9 th day of March 1838 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for said County personally came Darius Cody who on his oath, declares that Banajah Hays

named in the foregoing certificate is the identical Revolutionary soldier who drew a pension in Allegany County State of New York; well known to me in said State of New York and here
Darius body
Sworn to and subscribed } before me the day and } year within written } Robert Leget Justice Peace
I Robert Leget a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Washington hereby certify that Banajah Hays and Darius body are persons of credit and respectability and full faith should be given to their Statements dated this 9 th day of March 1838 Robert Leget Justice Peace

Application for a new certificate County of Washington State of Ohio, ss On this 9th day of March 1838 before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for said County of Washington personally appeared Banajah Hayp who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company's company and by Captains, Sudd, Bates, Bray, Burr, Curtis, Hays, and Strong, in the Regiments commanded by Colonel's Willis, and Sherburn, in Pearson's Brigade in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of New York that he received a certificate of that fact under the signature and seal of the Secretary of War; which certificate, on or about the 4th day of July 1836 in the Town of Atmond in Steubenville County State of New York he left and has not been able to obtain signed Duplicates
Sworn and subscribed to before me, the day and year aforesaid Robert Legit Justice Peace Banajah Hayp
State of Ohio Washington County ss
On this 9th day of March 1838 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for said County personally came Darius Cady who on his oath, declares that Banajah

Hays named in the foregoing certificate is the identical Revolutionary soldier who drew a pension in Allegany County State of New York well known to me in said State of New York and here
Darius Cody
Sworn to and subscribed before me this day and year within written Robert Leget Justice Peace
I Robert Leget a Justice of the Peace within and for the county of Washington hereby certify that Benajah Hays, and Darius Cody are persons of credit and respectability and full faith should be given to their statements dated this 9th day of March 1838
Robert Leget Justice Peace
The State of Ohio Washington County ss I Thomas M. Ewart Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County aforesaid. Do hereby certify that Robert Leget is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County legally authorized to act as such; and that his signatures above & within written are genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Marietta this ninth day of March A D 1838
Thos M. Ewart Clerk