Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 4368, Benjamin Grover, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Grover, Benjamin
R. 4368
CONTENTS

Benjamin Groves 12 S No 2,697 D4368 Bagdad

State of Maine.
LINCOLN. ss—
I NATHANIEL COFFIN, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts within and for the County of Lincoln, do hereby certify that the three annexed papers signed by the Judge and attested by the Clerk, contains the original proceedings of the Court of Common Pleas, at a special session thereof holden at Bath in said county, by the Hon. John Ruggles one of the Judges of said Court on the eleventh day of August A. D. 1832, in the matter of the application of Benjamin Grover for a Pension. IN TESTIMONY whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this eleventh day of August A. D. 1832.
Nath. Coffin
CLERK.

STATE OF MAINE.
COUNTY OF LINCOLN SS.
At a Court of Common Pleas holden at Bath in said County on the 11 day of August A. D. eighteen hundred and thirty-two, personally appeared in open Court, before JOHN RUGGLES, Esq. one of the Judges thereof,
Benjamin Grover , a resident of Woolwich in the County of Lincoln and State of Maine, aged seventy  seventy years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he was drafted to go into the service of the United States in the militia in the month of May in the year 1779, under capt. John Hinkley, that he marched to Townsend, in Boothbay immediately after embarkation on board a transport, and sailed for Bayadue, and landed under Captain John Hinkley, and was in the battle at the attack of Bayadue this was in July 1779. - That he remained there during the siege and retreated with the troops, and fleet up the Penobscot river, being pursued by the British - That he retreated thro' the wilderness, with other troops to Kennebec river, at a place called Fort Halifax, and thence down said river to Cox's head where he served the the remainder of the year, under capt. Benjamin Leavitt, making a term of service in the year 1779 - seven months - He for the said  said that he was drafted at Georgetown when he went into the service - That he removed to Woolwich, an adjoining town, where he has lived since the revolutionary war - That he
discharge, from any service - That at Bayadue General Lord commanded the land forces, and that Colonel Saml. W. Cobb commanded the regiment, to which he belonged - that at the Battle of Bayadue capt. Hinkley recd. a mortal wound in the groin by a musket shot, from the British - That he

he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on any pension roll of any agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the agency in the State of
Benjamin Grover
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. Before
John Ruggles.
Judge of the Court of Com. Pleas for the State of Maine.

never was a Substitute - nor ever received any written discharge from any Service - That at Bayadere General Lord commanded the land forces, (and that) Colonel Sam l M c Leod comman- -ded the regiment to which he belon- ged - that at the Battle of Bayadere left Hinkley red - a mortal wound in the groin by a musket shot, from the British - That he was born on Parkers Island in Georgetown the 11th 12th of March 1760 That he has a record of his age on town record of said Town, of Georgetown - That he is known to Richard Harsden of Walwick Jas. Wright of Walwick, who was a soldier with him at Bayadere, & at Co y 's head in 1779, all of whom can testify to his char- acter for truth and veracity - and that the persons whose affidavits are an- nexed are the only witnesses who have personal knowledge of his services that can now be produced
Jer m Grover
Subscribed and sworn to the day and year aforesaid
Jo h Ruggles J.P.
Jo h Ruggles J.P.

Mr Richard Hander a justice of Peace residing in Woolwich and Annie R. Mitchell Esq. residing in Bath hereby certify that we have been well acquainted with Benjamin Drover who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be sixty nine years of age; that he is respected & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion
Richd Hander Annie R. Mitchell
Sworn to and Subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
John Ruggles J. G. G. P.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatives 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 Richard Hander and Annie R. Mitchell the parties to the foregoing statement are credible persons entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Courts of Record and Court of Common Pleas for Lincoln County, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension. Ruggles J. G. G. P.
Attest Nath. Coffin Clerk
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this day of A. D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty-
Clerk of the Courts of Record and Court of Common Pleas in Lincoln County.

I Joseph Wright of Woolwich, in the County of Lincoln aged about seventy one years on oath declare that I well know Benjamin Groves of Woolwich, that he is about seventy two years of age, I was a drummer in Capt John Heatly's company in the year 1779 and was at the siege of Bayadene, and said Groves was a soldier in said company, from some time in May 1779 till the retreat of the American forces. I served with said Groves the rest of the year 1779 at Cox's head as he states in his application
Joseph Wright
Subscribed and sworn to the day and year aforesaid in open court & I further certify that the said Wright is a credible person and his statement entitled to belief J. Reggles J. L. C. P.
Attest Nath. Coffin Clerk
I John Oliver of Georgetown aged seventy one years on oath declare that I well know Benjamin Groves of Woolwich, and have known him before since the Revolutionary war was a soldier with him in the year 1779, at Bayadene and at Cox's head on Kennebec river I know he served during that year as stated by Joseph Wright I know said Groves to be a man of truth & veracity. John Oliver
Subscribed and sworn to the day and year aforesaid in open court & I further certify that the said Oliver is a credible person to belief his statement entitled J. Reggles J. L. C. P.
Attest Nath. Coffin Clerk

Benjamin Grover son to Andrew and Kerenhappuch Grover of Georgetown was born in said town March 30: 1760. A true Copy of Record
Attest — John Hinkley Town Clerk.
I. Buades L.L.P.

Examination of Revolutionary Papers
Benjamin Grover widow Lydia Grover
Maine
filed 9 July 1852 P. E. Hassler attorney

POWER OF ATTORNEY
For ascertaining whether any increase or arrears of Pension are due the Widows or heirs of Revolutionary Pensioners, &c.*
State of Maine
County of Lincoln
William N. Titus
Joan Grover
a Justice of the Peace
Be it known that before me
personally appeared Joan Grover aged 87 years, who being duly cautioned and then sworn in due form of law, states that she is the wife of Benjamin Grover
who was a Revolutionary Soldier, or Pensioner of the State of Maine and that he died on the 6 th day of June 1833 and that mother named
died on the day of 18 and that they were married on the 2 d day of August in the year 1790 and that they were residents of Woolwich in the State of Maine and that they resided there 44 years, and that
she resides in Woolwich and that furthermore she BY THESE PRESENTS, constitutes, appoints and fully empowers and authorises irrevocably and with powers of substitution—F. E. Hassler of Washington City, D. C., as her true and lawful Attorney for her and in her name and stead, to examine into, to prosecute, to demand, and to receive from the U. S. Government Officers her rights in all and in any manner of claim for increase or arrears of Pension or Land, that may be due her as wife of Benjamin Grover who died leaving the same undrawn, as in right of law, custom, or equity she is or may be entitled.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF she has on this 18 th day of June 1852, hereunto signed her name and affixed her seal.
Witness: Thos P Delano
Joan Grover
Witness: Benjamin Grover
Signed, Sealed, acknowledged and Sworn to before me, on this 18 th day of June 1852.
William N. Titus J. P.
At the same time personally appeared before me William N. Titus a Justice of the Peace two credible and disinterested witnesses named Thomas P. Delano and Benjamin Grover residents of the aforesaid County and State, who having been by me cautioned and then duly sworn according to law, do depose and say each for himself, that he has always heard it said and it is generally believed by the community that Benjamin Grover was a Revolutionary soldier and that Joan Grover was by him always treated as and is by the witnesses believed to be the wife of the said Revolutionary Soldier.
Thos P Delano
Benjamin Grover
Sworn to before me the day and year first above written.
William N. Titus J. P.
State of Maine
County of Lincoln
to wit:
I HEREBY CERTIFY, That William N. Titus Esq., before whom the foregoing affidavits and acknowledgment were made, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court, this eighteenth day of June one thousand eight hundred and fifty two
Edmund B. Bourne Clerk.
* If a Widow applies state "the date and place of birth of her husband."

State of Maine County of Lincoln Town of Woolwich Mr Benjamin Groves and Joanna Folsom was married by Revd Josiah Winship August the Second A.D. One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety.
I Certify that the above is a true Copy of the Record with the Exception of the date which is expressed on the Record in fair legible figures as follows: 10 August the 2 d 1790
John Gray
I John Gray above named depose and say, that I hold the Office of Town Clerk in the Town and County and State aforesaid and that the above is a true copy of the Records of Said Town with the exception above named as certified by me
Clerk of Said Town

Benjamin Grover. Woolwich, me act of 7 June 1832 — — " "
Power of Attorney
Richd M. Rusk, atty Prescott

State of Maine } ss County of Lincoln }
Be it known all men by these presents That we Benjamin Grover James Grover Mehitable Scott Dorothy Dickerson Mary Delano Betsey Delano Rachel Delano Joan Cunningham
all the surviving children and heirs at law of Benjamin Grover late of Woolwich in the County and State aforesaid a soldier in the Revolutionary War do hereby constitute appoint & make Rev. Mr. Ross of Washington City in the District of Columbia our true and lawful Attorney for us and in our name and stead to prosecute any and all claims for pension, arrear of pension, or bounty land which we may have or be entitled to as children or heirs at law of the above named Benjamin Grover. under any and all acts of Congress relating to the same. giving him our said Attorney full power to examine all records, and papers or any evidence which has before been furnished or filed, and which may be necessary to the successful prosecution of our claim - and to attend to the same while pending. and to raise the

certificate thereof. when issued - and to all things necessary and proper in the premises as fully as we might do if personally present -
And we do by these presents revoke all and any letter of Attorney given by us or each of us to any person or persons before the date hereof to prosecute or attend to the claim before mentioned -
In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals this 28 day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred fifty five -
Witness. To Richard Delano Benjamin Grove
Henry A. White Rachel Delano
Elisha McKenny Witness to signatures of Benj. Groves, James Groves & Dorothy Dickinson
James Groves Dorothy Dickinson
Thomas Cunningham Witness to Joann Cunningham witness to Joann Mary Delano
Mehetabel Delano witness to signatures of Mary Delano & Betsey Delano John Gray witness to the signature of Mehetael Trott
Betsey Delano Mehetabel Trott
On this 28 day of June A.D. 1855 personally appeared the above named Rachel Delano
and acknowledged the above power of Attorney to be their free act and deed -
Before Me - Elias Bradley Peace Justice of the

On this twenty eighth day of June 1853. Personally appeared the above named James Brown, Benjamin Brown, and Dorothy Dickinson, and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be their free act and deed.
Before me,
Elisha M c Kinney, Justice of the Peace
Waldo County, S.
on this Fifth day of July 1853 Personally appeared Joann Cunningham and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her free act and deed before me
Alfred McAllister Justice of Peace
On this Eight day of July 1853 Personally appeared the above named Mary Delano Delano & Betsey Delano and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be their free act and deed
Before me
John Gray, Justice of the peace
On this Eleven day of July 1853 Personally appeared the above named Abigail Pratt and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her free act and deed before me
John Gray Justice of the Peace

Family Record.
DEATHS.
Benjamin Grover Deceased This life June 6 th 1843
Joan Grover wife of Benj t Grover deceased This life Jan 26 th 1853
Lincoln So. Woolwich Jan 19 th 1852
I hereby certify that I cut from a bible this leaf containing the record as above. That the record of the birth of Benjamin Grover deceased, in the same bible on a previous leaf was as follows: Benjamin Grover Born in Georgetown March 30 th 1760
David Hathorn / Jus. of peace

Family Record.
DEATHS.

2697 Beng. Knover
1887
— no relinquish date
did relinquish at the time of original application see the same in double register — one on printed sheet & one once on with aff. Nathaniel Coffin Newport Maine

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Oct 7. 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Benj Green
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1772 7 Capt. Hinkley & Lieut. Col. McCall 72  Traditional evidence & 2 living witnesses who are not certified to be credible — Joseph Wright & William ...  see certificate of E. D. Bangs relinquishment in doubt on original   
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
all the interrogatories are answered  J. L. Edwards

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

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

Benj. Grover R. 4368
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Benjamin Grover 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.
R. File 4,368
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     May 1779 7 mos. { John Henkley Benjamin Lemont Samuel McCobb Mass.   Penobscot expedition.        
Battles engaged in, (July 28, 1779) Penobscot.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Georgetown, Maine.
Date of application for pension, Aug. 11, 1832.
Residence at date of application, Woolwich, Lincoln Co., Maine.
Age at date of application, born Mch. 30, 1760, Penobscot Georgetown Maine son of Andrew & Elizabeth (born of Georgetown).
Remarks: Soldier married Woolwich, Me., Aug. 2, 1790, Joanna Trott. He died June 6, 1833 at Woolwich where she died Jan'y 26, 1853 aged about 88 yrs. leaving only surviving children & living children: Mary Delano, Benjamin Grover, James Grover, Joan Cunningham, Mehitable Pratt, Betsey Delano, Rachel Delano & Dorothy Dickinson.
Respectfully,
failed to furnish suf proof of 6 mos actual military service Commissioner.
Widow 87 yrs. in 1852. Reg by the Act Jan 7, 1832 under which she ap for pens

This letter not found.
Maine Suspended See letter to Hon Edward Kavanagh House of Rep
18 th Dec 1833 -
R. M. Raps 11 th Jany. 1854.
Same Apr 20 1854
Let. Sec. W. Dimes (Senate) July 4/54
1832

Rev. War Section.
October 28, 1919.
Watie Grover Gibbons, 419 West Locust ---- Centralia, Washington.
Madam:
In response to your letter dated the eleventh instant, you are advised that the papers in the claim of Benjamin Grover R. File No. 4,368 Rev. War, show that he was born on Parker's Island, Georgetown, Maine March 30, 1760, and was the son of Andrew and Kerenhappach Grover.
He stated that he was drafted at Georgetown, in May, 1779, under Captain John Hinkley in the Militia; marched to Townsend and embarked for Bagaduce and was in the attack on said place in which Captain Hinkley was mortally wounded; he remained at Bagaduce during the siege, and retreated with the troops up the Penobscot River, through the Wilderness, down the Kennebec River to Fort Halifax, and thence to Cox's Head, and served under Captain Benjamin Lemont and Colonel Samuel McCobb.
After the war he removed to the adjoining town of Woolwich where he continued to reside.
Benjamin Grover married at Woolwich, Maine, August 2, 1790, Joanna (Joan) Trott. He died June 6, 1833 at Woolwich, where she died January 26, 1853, aged about eighty-eight years, leaving only the following surviving children and heirs at law, viz, Mary Delano, Benjamin Grover, James Grover, Joan Cunningham, Mehetable Trott, Betsey Delano, Rachel Delano and Dorothy Dickinson.
The claim was never allowed, for the reason that claimant failed to furnish sufficient proof of six months' actual service, as required by the Act of June 7, 1832, under which he applied for pension.
Very respectfully,
J. M. Saltonstall Commissioner.

Pension Bureau Washington, D.C.
419 W. Locust Coeur d'Alene, Wash. Oct. 11, 1919.
Rev. Sec.
Dear Sir:-
My ancestor Benjamin Gibbons served in the Revolution from Massachusetts. It was said that had he lived a year longer he would have drawn a pension. He died at West Sidney Maine, I think.
Can I get on date of death from above statement? Did any of the men of this name draw Rev. pensions, if so I would be very grateful for a copy of the application.
Most gratefully yours
Watie Gibbons

1914 Oct. 28 sent to Natl Pension Biltmore. p
43118
P. O.
Benjamin Grover
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: List of suspended claims printed in 1852 shows cause of sus-
Re-enlisted: pension as follows: "Application to be made by the widow or children, or the next heirs, or representatives - papers awaiting this requisition."
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Alma Mater —
1895-1896 of Duke's Nupt 1896-1897 1897-1898 1898-1899 1899-1900 1900-1901 1901-1902 1902-1903 1903-1904 1904-1905 1905-1906 1906-1907 1907-1908 1908-1909 1909-1910 1910-1911 1911-1912 1912-1913 1913-1914 1914-1915 1915-1916 1916-1917 1917-1918 1918-1919 1919-1920 1920-1921 1921-1922 1922-1923 1923-1924 1924-1925 1925-1926 1926-1927 1927-1928 1928-1929 1929-1930 1930-1931 1931-1932 1932-1933 1933-1934 1934-1935 1935-1936 1936-1937 1937-1938 1938-1939 1939-1940 1940-1941 1941-1942 1942-1943 1943-1944 1944-1945 1945-1946 1946-1947 1947-1948 1948-1949 1949-1950 1950-1951 1951-1952 1952-1953 1953-1954 1954-1955 1955-1956 1956-1957 1957-1958 1958-1959 1959-1960 1960-1961 1961-1962 1962-1963 1963-1964 1964-1965 1965-1966 1966-1967 1967-1968 1968-1969 1969-1970 1970-1971 1971-1972 1972-1973 1973-1974 1974-1975 1975-1976 1976-1977 1977-1978 1978-1979 1979-1980 1980-1981 1981-1982 1982-1983 1983-1984 1984-1985 1985-1986 1986-1987 1987-1988 1988-1989 1989-1990 1990-1991 1991-1992 1992-1993 1993-1994 1994-1995 1995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 1998-1999 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020

same company - he was then at the siege & retreated with the American forces across the wilderness to Newbern where after the defeat and then joined Capt Benjamin Lemont's company at Haxo carrying there head the remainder of the year 1779 - I served with him at the fort on Cox's head - making a term of service active & constant of six months that year. Joseph Wright

State of Maine.
TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
LINCOLN, ss— I NATHANIEL COFFIN, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts within and for the County of Lincoln, do hereby certify that Nath. Grooton Esq. whose name is affixed to the annexed paper, as a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE is legally qualified to act as such, and that the name so affixed is his own proper signature, to me well known.
IN TESTIMONY whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas this twenty sixth day of October A. D. 1832.
Nath. Coffin CLERK.
October 18. 1833
Personally appeared fore named and signed for giving statement at the same & every time. I further testi- fy that Joseph Wright is a person of full age & entitled to full credit. Witness my hand before written
Nath. Grooton Justice of the Peace.

State of Maine } October 18. 1833 County of Lincoln } Personally appeared Joseph Wright before named and signed & subscribed the foregoing statement and made oath, that the same & every part thereof was true. I further depose by that said Joseph Wright is a person of truth & veracity & entitled to full credit on oath. Witness my hand the day & year before written
Nathl. Grolong Justice of the Peace

191 Pension Office, July 14, 1854.
Sir,
I have received and duly considered your communication of the 12 th instant, in which you propound the following queries—
"Would the fact that the father did make application in his life-time, though such application was rejected for want of proofs, make good the claim of the heirs upon their furnishing the deficient proofs? — Or, does the Bureau hold the heirs of deceased soldiers to be entitled whether the soldier or his widow applied or not?"
To both these questions, in deference to the action of my predecessors, and to the decisions of the heads of the Department, having, at different times, cognizance of the matter, and to the subsequent action of Congress when those decisions were of public notoriety, I am constrained to reply in the affirmative.
In April, 1853, it became necessary, in the adjudication of a claim then before this bureau, for me to investigate fully the laws and decisions in relation to the general rights of the representatives of deceased officers and soldiers to arrears of pension due them under the act of

June 7, 1832; and in the report then made, I find the following paragraph, which furnishes the reasons  ground of the present practice:
"When a person died who was entitled to a pension, but "whose name was not inscribed upon the rolls in his life- "time, it became a practice under this law [act June 7, 1832] "at a very early day to pay the whole amount due such "person at the time of his death to his widow; or, if he left "no widow, to his children. The legality of this practice was "for a long time questioned by the late lamented Judge "Woodbury on the ground that a pension was a personal "matter, and upon the decease of the claimant did not de- "scend to his heirs or representatives, and was finally acqui- "esced in by him upon the then Commissioner's assurance "that the practice originated in a written rule which eman- "ated immediately from the Secretary of war in 1832, and "that the principle had been recognized by Congress."
For the correspondence, which resulted in the perma- nent establishment of this practice, I respectfully refer you to "Mazo & Moulton's Pension Laws" - Appendix 2. pp. 491-'2 and '3
The paper accompanying I have the honor to be Your letter are here with returned. Very respectfully
Hon. Geo. W. Jones, Chairman Senate Committee Revolutionary Pensions Washington, D.C.

Benjamin Groves
Dec 1832

Pens Office Apr 13. 1854
S. Cole Esq
I wish a re-examination made in the case of Benj Grover of Maine - Act 7 June 1832. No 2 697 - on proof pled as additional evidence, of deaths of himself & widow -
Respectfully P. M. Root atty

Washington, D.C. July 12 th 1852
Sir:
I beg leave to ask your attention to the enclosed petition of the heirs of Benj. Groom; and also to your letter accompanying, with a view to inquire whether your Bureau could allow the claim of the heirs, as presented, if the proofs referred to in your letter were made - and if so, for how much, and by authority of what law, decision, or opinion? Would the fact, that the father did make application in his life time, though such application was rejected for want of proofs, make good the claim of the heirs, upon their furnishing the deficient proofs? As does the bureau hold the heirs of deceased soldiers to be entitled, whether the soldier, or his widow, applied or not? Your letter of the 11 th Jan. 1852, seems to admit of the inferences of one, or the other of the above questions - whereas, the Committee have hitherto held the opinion, that in this class of cases, no circumstances could entitle heirs to Wm. H. H. H.

anything beyond accrued arrear, unless those circumstances proved an improper withholding of a pension from a soldier, or his widow, upon an application meeting all the requirements of the laws & the rules of the Bureau.
The Committee deem it necessary in order to enable them to properly report in answer to the resolution of inquiry, that they should be informed of the practice of the Bureau, the reasons therefor, and your opinions on the points herein presented. I therefore respectfully ask your attention to the subject.
I have the honor to be, Your Most Obedt. Servt., G. W. Jones, Ch r Senate Comp. Pensions.
To Hon. S. P. Waldo. } Comm r Pensions } Present. }

R M Chap
Jan 11/34

192
Pension Office.
11 th Jany. 1854.
Sir,
The additional evidence in the case of Benjamin Grouver dec d of Maine, has been received.
The claim was not admitted in Benjamin's lifetime because he was unable to prove his services. The service has not yet been proved. It is not yet known when Benjamin and Joan died - none has the evidence on which the Court found the names and number of the surviving children, been exhibited here.
R. M. Rapp Esqr. Washington. D. C.

Rev. W. G. M. July 14/54

The settled practice of this office now is, however, to restrict the allowance of arrears of pensions in all cases, to the widows  living at the time of the issuance of the certificate - or children of the deceased soldiers, although it is true there are precedents for issuing certificates to Administrators for the benefit of other parties. In examining these precedents I have not been able to discover any well settled rule by which they are governed. each seems to Each seems to have depended upon its own circumstances and the caprice of the person who allowed it - all of them being, in my judgement, against the plain provisions of the law, and of no binding authority, and should be regarded disregarded.
The papers accompanying your letter are herewith returned
I have the honor to be, Very respectfully etc
Hon. George W. Jones, Chairman Senate Committee on Rev'y. Pensions Washington, D.C.

Benjamin Grover
The Sus 32

Pension Office - Jan'y 9. 1864
Hon L P Waldo Comr of Pensions
Sir
I reple Proof of heirship in the case of Benjamin Gorer of Woolwich Maine, under act of 7 th June 1832, which I would like to have examined & reported on, as soon as you can conveniently do so, to me
Very Respectfully Yours
R. Millett

110 1000000. April 20/54

Pension Office April 20 1852
Sir
The proof of service in the case of Benjamin Grover of Me is not sufficient. It is true Wright does swear that he served six months, but he (Wright) has not shown either that he rendered the service which he says he did, either by the reception of a pension or of his own services, or by a reference to any circumstances by which the accuracy of his memory can be tested. In addition to this want of positive testimony of service, his best evidence is discredited by the Rolls, for by them Grover appears to have served but 2 months & 15 days. The case cannot be allowed upon the evidence on file.
R. M. Rep Esq Present

To Hon. L. P. Waldo
Comm. of Pensions
The case of Benjamin Grover of Woolwich, Maine, filed under 'Act of 7 th June A.D. 1832,' which was suspended, and subsequently, rejected on account of the evidence, as is said not being sufficient, to shew the services, heirship, & deaths of Benjamin Grover & his wife, Joan. Since that decision has been had I have procured a Certified copy of the Bille Record, which proves the death of Benjamin Grover to have taken place on the 15 th June, A.D. 1833, and that of his widow on the 26 th Jany 1833. The papers on file, with Grover's declaration, certainly show, that he performed, over 7 months service. The Certificate of the Secy of State of Massachusetts, shows two months and fifteen days service. And the oaths of Joseph Wright, & George Oliver, show that he served, as he alleges he did, in Captain, John Hinchley's Company, at the siege of Bagadadue, in 1779, the rest of the year; from the fact, that he Wright served as a drummer, in the same Company, & he knew Grover well. The oath of Wright of itself, bearing out the declaration of Grover is sufficient, without that of Oliver, as it is corroborative of the fact, even too, aside from this, he, Grover is supported, by Oliver, & Oliver supports, Wright, as to the fact. On a little closer examination, it will be found, that the Judge of the Court, (J. Ruggles,) certifies, & says, that both Wright & Oliver, are credible witnesses, & entitled to belief; and certifies that Richard Hamlin, a Justice of the Peace, and Amos Mitchell, who were well acquainted with Grover, believed that he served, as stated in his declaration and the Judge certifies also, to their credibility; & the Clerk of the Court, certifies to the whole which certificate is attached to the Declaration.
Judge Ruggles, after putting the questions prescribed by the War Dept. declares, that it is his opinion, that Grover did serve as a Revolutionary Soldier, as he states. Thomas Delano & Benjamin Grover, testify as to the traditional services of Benjamin Grover, in the Revolutionary Army, as is stated by him. If Judge Ruggles, who certifies to the facts as found, being true, & he was satisfied with the services having been performed, (at the time, in the year 1833) I should suppose, it ought to have its weight, as 20 years have since rolled around, & upwards.
Since the decision, as reported to me, with the above objections, was made, with that of the "evidence on which the Court found the names and number of the surviving children, has not been exhibited

here? The Certificate, that was filed with other papers, by me, through mistake, I found with other papers, filed in another case, found on the 11. instant. I now submit the case, and it will be found, that that objection cannot now stand in the way, & the proof of the death of Benjamin Grover & Joan his widow is also submitted.
With Respect Richd M Rife
Wash City, Apr 13 th 1854.

Benjamin Inver, Notarius me act of June 1832
Affidavit of John Atkinson Sam H Fullerton, as to his service in the Revolutionary Army, and his heirs surviving
R. M. Rop, atty Present

State of Maine County of Lincoln } ss.
On this fifth day of July in the year of our Lord one Thousand- Eight hundred and fifty Three personally ap- pears John Stinson both of Woolwich and Sam d H. Fullerton of in the County and State aforesaid before me the undersigned of the Probate Court for the County of Lincoln a court of Record. Who being first duly sworn according to law, on their oath say That Benjamin Grover late of Woolwich in the County and State aforesaid was not a soldier in the Revolutionary war. died at Woolwich in the year eighteen hun- dred thirty three and that he had no widow surviving him, and that Benjamin Grover - James Grover - Mary Dellano, Metitable Scott, Joan Cunningham, Rachel Dellano. Polly Dikeman and Betsey Dellano -
are their only surviving children. Given to before me this year and day above written -
Arnold Blaney Judge -

State of Maine County of Lincoln } ss -
It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to me that an authentic judge of the Court of Probate for the County and State aforesaid a Court of Record that Benjamin Grover of Woolwich in said County and State died on the day of July  July of in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirtythree and that he had no children now living - and that Benjamin Grover James Grover Mary Dellano Mehitable Fott Joan Cunningham Rachel Dellano Dolly Dickerson & Betsey Dellano are her only surviving children -
Witness my hand this fifth day of July of A.D. 1853 -
Arnold Marcy Judge

State of Maine County of Lincoln } ss
I do hereby certify that Hon. Arther Blane whose signature appears attached to the foregoing declaration and certificate was at the date of the same a judge of the Court of Probate for the County and State aforesaid held in and for said County (a Court of Record) duly commissioned and sworn - Witness my hand Seal of Court this Fifth day of July A. D. 1852.
Ebenezer Hovey
Register Pro tem

E. D. Bangs Estater for Benj. Grown
Joseph Wright.
John Olin.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, November 4 th 1833.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Benjamin Grover, as a private, is found on a Pay Abstract of Capt. Benja Lemont's Company, in Col. Sam l McCobb's Regt. where he is allowed from July 9 th to Sept r 24 th 1779, two months & fifteen days 2-15 m . Benjamin Grover claims for services under Capt. John Hinckley, in 1779, at Sagadahoc, the rolls of which are not found in this Office. — Edward D Bangs. Secy

Benjamin Inver, R War Proof of heirship Act of 7 th June, 1832 - no 2697
Filed Jany A.D. 1834
R. Milrofs - atty Present

STATE OF MAINE.
LINCOLN } ss.---OFFICE OF THE COURT OF PROBATE. COUNTY, }
I, Ebenezer D. Dyer Register of Probate for said County, hereby certify and attest that Hon. Amos Blaney whose name is signed to the annexed certificate is Judge of Probate in and for said County and State, duly commissioned and qualified agreeably to the constitution and laws of said State : that the annexed signature purporting to be his is genuine, and that full faith and credit are and ought to be given to his official acts and attestations.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Official Seal of said Court this Second day of January A. D. 18 54
Ebenezer D. Dyer Register of Probate.

State of Maine
Lincoln County } ss
I Arnold Blaney Judge of the court of Probate within & for said County the same being a court of record do hereby certify that it has been satisfactorily proved to me in open court by the testimony of two credible witnesses that Mary Delano, Benjamin Grover James Grover Joan Cunningham Mehitable Folt, Betsey Delano, Rachel Delano & Dorothy Dickerson are the only surviving children & heirs at law of Benjamin Grover & Joana Grover late of Woodland deceased
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal official of said court & subscribed my name this second day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & fifty four -
Arnold Blaney Judge