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Levin Benson, of Augusta & Greenbrier Co., VA
Facts and Events
| Name |
Levin Benson, of Augusta & Greenbrier Co., VA |
| Alt Name |
Leven Benson |
| Alt Name |
Leven Benston |
| Gender |
Male |
| Birth? |
Abt 1755 |
Virginia[likely born in VA, age 77 in 1832] |
| Marriage |
17 Aug 1779 |
to Jane Hickman |
| Death? |
14 Nov 1835 |
Greenbrier County, Virginia[in 1830 Census there] |
Levin Benson was one of the Early Settlers of Augusta County, Virginia
__________________________
Disambiguation
Not to be confused with a DIFFERENT Levin Benson (1755-1836), born in Delaware that married Rebecca Brummel 1784 in Rowan County, North Carolina and died 13 Jun 1836 in Lincoln County, Tennessee. Some researchers have confused or combined the two, whom are likely unrelated. Additional research may be needed.
Military Service
- American Revolutionary War Veteran
Revolutionary War Pension Information
Information from “Virginia/West Virginia Genealogical Data from Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Records”, Vol. 1, pg. 68, compiled by Patrick G. Wardell, Lt. Col. U.S. Army Ret. :
Benson, Levin - entered service 1774 in Augusta County, Virginia; granted Pension abt. age 77 in Greenbrier County, Virginia, 1832; died 11/14/1835; married 8/17/1779 to Jane ____; widow applied for Pension age 81 in Knox County, Illinois* in 1844, & Pension Application Rejected; query letter in file in 1889 from descendant James B. McCrellis, Washington, D.C.; query letter in file in 1903 from great granddaughter Mrs. Sarah Benson Ranne, Hanover, Indiana; query letter in file in 1889 from great grandson L.C. Jones, Madison, Indiana. R222.
- Note: the Southern Campaign Revolutionary War Pension Statements and Rosters website has the widow Jane Benson living in Knox County, Tennessee in 1844, but this appears to be in error.
Records in Augusta County, VA
From Chalkley's:
- Vol. 3 - Page 15.--27th March, 1778. Above estate [of James O'Neal] sold at vendue, to, viz--Leven Benston.
- Vol. 1 - DISTRICT COURT EXECUTIONS. SEPTEMBER, 1794 (A to J). - List of wolf scalps, beginning 1774: To James Loskey, Joseph Newton, William Porter, Levin Benson, William Rhea, Peter Hoover: 1777, December 16, to John Clemons, George Baxter; 1778, May 21, to Jacob Barrier, Thomas Cartmell, John McEwin, Thomas Mynes, Jonathan Hicklin, Anthony Huston; 1784, November, to John Snider, George Puffenberry, Isaac Mayze. Joseph Newton, Henry Every, Samuel Haws; 1785, March, to John Owfull; November, to Wm. Lansdale, Henry Casebolt, Henry Gragg, Moses Moore, Senior and Junior, and Jacob Elsworth, Wm. Bennett and John Armogast; 1787, December, to Thomas Galfour, Thomas Frennen and Michael Arbecost; 1788, December, to James Brindle and William Nottigam; 1789, December, to John Portlock; and Levin Nicholas; 1790, December, to William Portlock, William M. Jordan and Sylvanus Odle; 1791, December, to Hugh Keenon, Fred Troughbough, Jonathan Inchremiger (?); 1792, December, in all 106,900 pounds tobacco.
Records in Greenbrier Co., VA
- 31 Aug 1797: Benjamin Johnston & Lidia his wife, Plfts. against Leven Benson & Jane his wife, Dft.- In Debt. This day came the parties by their attornies & Thereupon came also a Jury to wit: James Alexander, James Hannah, John Humphreys, Richard Humpphress, Francis Farler, Joseph Mase, Mathew Patterson, Philip Hall, Robert Robison, John Montgomery, Joseph Hanna and John Atkenson who being elected tried and sworn tthe truth to speak upon the Issue joined upon their oaths do say that the sd. Deft. did assume upon himself in manner & form as the Plft. against him hath declared & they do assess the Plfts. damages by occasion thereof to one penny: Therefore it is considered by the Court that the Plft. recover against the sd. Deft his damages aforesd. in form aforsd. assessed. [Greenbrier County, Virginia Court Records]
- 31 Aug 1797: Ordered that Levin Benson pay Sampson Mathews 53 Cents for one days attendance as a witness for him at the suit of Johnston. [Greenbrier County, Virginia Court Records]
- 2 Sept. 1797: Ordered that Leven Benson pay John HKalveston 9.10 Cents for 5 days attendance as a witness for him against Dunn and Carnung? and returning twice from Botetour[t] Twenty four Miles each time. [Greenbrier County, Virginia Court Records]
- 30 March 1798: William Benson an infant by Levin Benson, Plfts. against William Dunn an Infant by William Dunn Defts. In. This day came the parties by their Attornies And on the Motion of the Defts. by their Attorney. It is Ordered that the Writ of Enquiry awarded in the Clerks Office be set aside and the Defts. for Plea saith Justification and of this they put themselves upon the COunty & the Plft. likewise therefore the Trial of this Issue is reered until the next Court. [Greenbrier County, Virginia Court Records]
- 31 May 1798: Leven Benson & al, Plft. against William Dunn & William Dunn, Defts., In. This Day came the Parties by their Attornies and al former Pleas being set aside, and the Defendant saith he is not Guilty of the Charges alledged against him by the Plaintiff and of this he preyeth himself upon the County and the Plaintiff likewise whereupon came a Jury who being elected tried and Sworn to speak the Trugh upon the issue joined To wit ~ Robert Renick, Daid Reice, John Kennerly, Phillip Wolfenbarger, David Ozburn, William Handley, William Bourland, William Cotland, John Byrnside, Phil. Hall, John Gorrell & Jeremiah Roak, upon then Oath do say that the Defendant is guilty of the Charges in manner and form as the Plft. hath alledged, and do assess the Plaintiffs Damage to ten Dollars besides his Costs. Therefore, it is Considered by the Court that the Plaintiff recover against the said Defendant his Damages aforesaid in form aforesaid Assessed, and his Costs by him about his Suit in that behalf expended, and the Defendant huellercy? &. [Note in left margin: Plfts. Costs 20 Dollars & 45 Cents & 15/-] [Greenbrier County, Virginia Court Records]
- 31 May 1798: Leven Benson by al, Plft. against William Dunn by al., In. Ordered that the Plaintiff pay unto John Helvenston Two Dollars and forth nine Cents for three days Attendance as a witness & traveling twenty four miles & returning from Botetourt County also to Jacob Hotsonpiller one Dollar fifty nine Cents for three Days attendance as a sitness ~ [Greenbrier County, Virginia Court Records]
- 27 Nov. 1798: Bartholomew Trueheart, Plaintiff against William McClung, Defendant, In Debt. Levin Benson came into Court and understood for the defendant that in case he shall be catt? in this suit he shall satisfy and pay the comdemnation of the Court or render his Body to Prison in Execution for the same or that he the said Leven Benson will do it for him. [Greenbrier County, Virginia Court Records]
- 25 March 1800: A Grand Jury appeared in Court and was sworn To Wit: John Kennerly, Tho. Spencer, Phil Helveston, Wm Handley, Levin Gibson, Palaas? Hoover Jr., De? Littlepage, Edw. Miller, Jam. Snodgrass, Andrw. Boggs, Wm. Haggard, Andr.Harrison, Leven Benson, Wm. Revsom, Hezhia. Lewis, Richd. Pursell ~ and went out of Court to consider of their presentments. [Greenbrier County, Virginia Court Records]
- 25 March 1800: An instrument of writing from Leven Benson to ___ De Littlepage was presented in Court and on Motion of Sd. Littlepage it is Ord[ered] to Record. [Greenbrier County, Virginia Court Records]
- 30 Sept. 1800: James Rodgers in chd. Leven Benson & Wm. Black on Motion for Juld. on Deliver Bd. notice provd. by Andr. McClung ~ Benson and Contind. [Greenbrier County, Virginia Court Records]
- 30 Sept. 1800: Dorsey in leooh? Chd. Referd. to Jams. Janna & Leven Benson with leave for them to choose an umpire & then and. to be the Jud[gement] of this Court. [Greenbrier County, Virginia Court Records]
- 28 April 1801: Levin Benson vs. Jams. Rodgers an injunction granted the sd. Benson to stay proceedings on a Judgt. of this Court at __ Law until ans. be heard in Equity ~ with Wm. McClung interd. into bond. [Greenbrier County, Virginia Court Records]
- 25 Nov. 1801: A Grand Jury appeared in Court & were sworn to wit: Saml. Brown, foreman, Jno. Spencer, Geo. Hawery, Chas. Buchanan, Philip Helpenstine, Israel Holly, Jacob Price, Levin Benson, Jno. Littlepage, Jams. Peebles, Hy. Hunter, Chs. Gratton, Thos, Beard, Jams. Butler, Jacob Hockman & H.R. Dozer as an inquest for this Ctty retired from the Bar to consider for their presentments. [Greenbrier County, Virginia Court Records]
- 30 Mar 1802: A Grand Jury to wit: Saml. Brown, Foreman, Thos. Grattan, Wm. M. McClung, Jams. Peebles, Jno. M. McClung, Geo. Lewis, Jno. Groves, Levin Benson, Andw. Boggs, Frans. Ford?, Richd. Pursell, Chs. Grattan, H.Y. Hunter, Aaron Jarsett, Wm. Skiles & Jacb. Price. Sworn an inquest for this County having been chd. went out of Ct. to sons[ult] with of their presn[tment]. [Greenbrier County, Virginia Court Records]
- 30 Nov 1802: A Grand Jury appeared in Court to wit: Saml. Brown, F[Foreman], George Lewis, Robt. Steele, Jacob Price, Hugh Alexander, Nathl. Hunter, Thos. Wilson, Sam. Humphreys, Chs. Grattan, Heny. Hunter, Robt. McDowell, Jams. Peebles, Thos. Gratton, Geo. Hawver?, Richd. Masters & Levin Benson being sworn as an inquest for this County having been charged went out of Court to consult of their presentments. [Greenbrier County, Virginia Court Records]
- 30 Nov. 1802: Levin Benson & Robt. Steele present Frederick Wolfenbarger for not keeping up an Index at the forks of the Road leading from Michael Brights to Boggs and Bures Mills within six Months past. & having nothing further to present are discharged. [Greenbrier County, Virginia Court Records]
- 29 March 1803: A Grand Jury appeared in Court to wit: James Anderson, Foreman, Richard Williams, James Porteus, James Watts, Hugh Alexander, Ezekiel Boggs, Francis Ford, Thomas Grattan, James Peebles, James Brawley, Henry Hunter, Jacob Price, William H. Putuff?, Dennis McGlaughlin, Levin Benson & Michael Rader who being sworn & charged retired pan? the bar & read? after a short time returned. We the Jury find no presentments. [Greenbrier County, Virginia Court Records]
- 26 Sept. 1804: A Deed from Wm. McClung to Levin Benson was presented in Court Adkd. by the sd. Wm. [McClung] as his Act. & Deed & Ordered to be Rec'd. [Greenbrier County, Virginia Court Records]
- 30 March 1805: Newsome by ad vs. Campbell, In Treps [Trespass] W.E. set aside Plea filed Rep or & Issue a Jury sworn to try the issue joined to wit: Sams. Anderson, Jno. G. Brown, Saml. Moore, Wm. Bourland, James J.? Greene, John Rapp, Andw. Whitman, Thos. Marton, Levin Benson, Henry Hunter, conrod Ling & Dorrell Fair. It is ordered that the sheriff bring James Welch a Witness who in Jail in this case to the court House until he shall give his Testimony in this case and that he be then remanded, Returned Verdict "We of the Jury find for the defendant". Motion for a new trial over-ruled and Judgement for the same & Costs. [Greenbrier County, Virginia Court Records]
- August Court 1805: The courses of the Road from Leven Benson to Frankfort is Presented by two of our Body for having the Road out of repair. [Signed] Saml. Brown. [Greenbrier County, Virginia Court Records]
- 25 March 1806: Samuel Brown, Foreman, Fras. Luddington, Cornies.? Gott, Chas. Gratton, Saml. Guinn, Jno. M. Doloell?, Wm. Huggart, Andw. Huggart, Levin Benson, James Peebles, Robt. Steele, Jno. McPassen? Saml. Humphreys, Thos. George, Christopher Vauhab and Henry Hunter were sworn as a grand Jury for the Body of the County and having received their charge went out of Court to consult of their Presentments. [Greenbrier County, Virginia Court Records]
- 25 Mar 1815, Greenbrier County, Virginia: Leven Benson witnessed the will of John Pennell and served as co-Executor with Elizabeth Pennell [wife of John] and Aron Burr. [West Virginia, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1724-1985, Greenbrier, Will Books, Vol 1, 1777-1833]
References
- The Pension Roll of 1835: Report from the Secretary of War, in Obedience to Resolutions of the Senate of the 5th and 30th of June, 1834, and the 3d of March, 1835, in Relation to the Pension Establishment of the United States. (Washington, District of Columbia: Duff Green, 1835).
Name: Levin Benson
Rank: Private
Age: 79
Birth Year: abt 1752
Pension Enrollment Date: 4 Mar 1831
Residence Place: Lewis, Virginia, USA
Service Description: Virginia contin'l
Annual allowance: 80.00
Sums received: 240.00
When placed on the pension roll: Aug. 2, 1833
Age: 79
- United States. Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application Files. (Washington D.C.).
Name: Levin Benson
Application State: Virginia
Second Applicant Name: Jane Benson
Archive Publication Number: M804
Archive Roll Number: 222
Total Pages in Packet: 34
- United States. 1820 U.S. Census Population Schedule. (National Archives Microfilm Publication M33).
Name: Levin Benson
Home in 1820 (City, County, State): Greenbrier, Virginia
Enumeration Date: August 7, 1820
Free White Persons - Males - 16 thru 25: 2
Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over: 1 [b. 1775 or before]
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 15: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 45 and over: 1 [b. 1775 or before]
Number of Persons - Engaged in Agriculture: 3
Free White Persons - Under 16: 1
Free White Persons - Over 25: 2
Total Free White Persons: 5
Total All Persons - White, Slaves, Colored, Other: 5
Others nearby: Samuel Benson, William Benson, John Benson
- United States. 1830 U.S. Census Population Schedule. (National Archives Microfilm Publication M19).
Name: Ann Benson Junior [Levin Benson]
Home in 1830 (City, County, State): Greenbrier, Virginia
Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 70 thru 79: 1 [b. bet. 1751-1760]
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 2
Free White Persons - Females - 70 thru 79: 1 [b. bet. 1751-1760]
Free White Persons - Under 20: 1
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 2
Total Free White Persons: 5
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 5
- Graves, William T. Southern Campaign Revolutionary War Pension Statements & Rosters.
Pension Application of Levin Benson R777
Transcribed and annotated by C. Leon Harris
State of Virginia } S.S
Greenbrier County }
On this 27 day August 1832 personally appeard in opin court before the the Justice of of the County Court of Greenbrier now setting Levin Benson a resident of said county aged 77 years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following decleration in order to obtain the benafit of the Act of Congress passed 7 June 1832. VIZ. that in the year 1774 He entered the Mitia Service by Draft under Capt Laughridge [sic: Andrew Lockridge] in the county of Agusta and was marched to Point Pleasant at the mouth of the Kanawha river on the Ohio and was then attached to Col. Charles Lewis’s Regiment in the Brigade commanded by Gen’l. Andrew Lewis and on the 10 October 1774 was in a Battle with the Indians at Point Pleasant which lasted from sun rise to sun set and afterwards the army crossed the Ohio River and marched into the interior near to the Shawney [sic: Shawnee] towns and joined Dunsmore’s [sic: Lord Dunmore’s] Army and that he was discharged after a peace was concluded with the Indians [Treaty of Camp Charlotte] He thinks he was four months or upwards in service on this tower of duty His discharge if he got one has been lost that he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person now living except Samuel Price Sen’r whose evidence he herewith submits whos testimony he can now procure who can testify to his service on this tower.
2nd. That he Enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year 1776 in the Town of Staunton Virginia for the term of Eighteen months with Lieutenant Pennel and was attached to the Company commanded Capt George Walten he thinks in 2 Va. Regiment and was commanded by Col [blank] and Gen’l. [blank] He marched from Staunton Va to Prince Edward Court house Va and from thence by way of Salsberry [sic: Salisbury] North Carolina on to Agusta [sic: Augusta] Georgia where he remained a few weeks and was marched from thence to Savanah [sic: Savannah] where he joined the main army He was then taken and put on board of a Vessle of war called the Comadore [probably Commodore]and was coasting for about six months near the mouth of the St. Mareys [sic: St Marys River] and while on board the Comadore was in an engagement which lasted but a short time as the British Vessle made off and that he was about six months longer in the Service than his enlistment which was owing to his having taken sick and had to remain in the Hospital and that he was discharged in the City of Savanah in Georgia the time he dose not recolect His discharge he has lost many years since and he has no other evidence of his sevice except the evidence of Samuel Price sen’r. which he begs leave to submit with this decleration
3rd. That he was Drafted for three months in Agusta county Va in the year 1781 after his enlistment expired and he returned home and marched under Capt [William] Kincaid on to York Town. Before their arival to York town they had a skirmish at Hot Water [26 June] And that he was at the Seige of York [28 Sep - 19 Oct 1781] he thinks under Col [John] Green and that he was discharged at york after his three months service was expired. And that previously to his serving at York Town he seved a tower of duty of three months by Draft under Capt Kincaid against the Indians and was marched in the year 1778 or 1779 to Tigars Vally [sic: Tygart Valley] and on to Monongaly river [sic: Monongahela River] and was in s’d service three months and that he submits the evidence of Sam’l Price Sen’r. in coroboration of his own decleration having no documentary evidence to produce. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or anuity except the present and declars that his name is not on the pension Roll of of any agency of any state [signed] Levin Benson
NOTE: On 27 Nov 1844 Jane Benson, 81, of Knox County TN, applied for a pension stating that she married Levin Benson on 17 Aug 1779, and he died 14 Nov 1835].
https://revwarapps.org/r777.pdf
- Johnston, Ross B. West Virginians in the American Revolution. (Parkersburg, West Virginia: West Augusta Historical and Genealogical Society, 1959).
- American Genealogical - Biographical Index. (Middletown, Middlesex, Connecticut, United States|Middletown, Connecticut: Godfrey Memorial Library).
Name: Levon Benson
Birth Date: 1750-1759
Birth Place: Virginia, USA
Volume: 12
Page number: 499
Reference: Heads of Fams. At the First U.s. Census. Va. By U.s. Bureau of the Census. Washington, 1908. (189p.):109
- Wiley, Samuel T. (Samuel Thomas). History of Monongalia County, West Virginia, from its first settlements to the present time with numerous biographical and family sketches. (Tucson, Arizona: W.C. Cox Co., 1974)
pg. 273.
Revolutionary Pensioners
The following persons were placed on the pen�sion lists under the law of 1818. They resided in
Harrison and other counties after those counties were formed from territory taken from Monongalia, but the territory was in the original limits of Monongalia.
Name: Levin Benson
Yearly Pay: 80
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