David "King David" Benge

A Patriot of the American Revolution for NORTH CAROLINA with the rank of Private. DAR Ancestor # A009075

• Updated from MyHeritage Family Trees via daughter Nancy Benge by SmartCopy: Jan 7 2015, 19:22:23 UTC

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Declaration for Pension

"King" David was in the revolutionary war and the War of 1812. In the War of 1812 he enlisted at Manchester, Kentucky in Thomas McJilton's company 7th. Kentucky, 11th Regiment of Kentucky Mounted Volunteer Militia, served from August 22, 1813 to November 10, 1813 in the Thames Campaign where the Indian chief Tecumseh was killed. His pay for this period was $20.90 plus $32 for his horse which he had to furnish. He was honorably discharged at Limestone, Kentucky (now Maysville) on the Ohio River 12 December, 1813.

Revolutionary War Record: Declaration for pension, Clay County, Kentucky. (spelling and grammar as in document).

On this 27 day of April 1834 personally appeared before the Hon. Joseph Eve, judge of the 15th district circuit in open court, David Benge aged 74 in August next, 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 paper June 7, 1832.

That he enlisted in the Army of The United States as he now believes in '78 or '79 in Wilks County, North Carolina under Capt. O. Gordon in the 2nd Reg. as he now believes (but will not be postive) in the North Carolina Line, whether on State or Continental line, he does not know, but they were called Continentals. The Reg. was commanded by Col. Armstrong. He enlisted for nine months. After his enlistment he was marched to Charleston in South Carolina and was there at the siege and surrender of the town and was taken prisoner when General Lincoln surrendered the city. He had been in service something like 12 or 13 months, but before the surrender his time had expired.

He again at Charleston enlisted under Capt. Joseph Lewis who succeeded Gordon for nine months more, who was shortly promoted to Major. on his first enlistment Micajah Lewis (brother of Joseph) was his Major. there was so many changes of officers that he does not remember his Lt's or Ensigns. Before he was taken prisoner he was in no battles except the siege of Charleston, South Carolina. The last enlistment he understood to be in North Carolina line under Col. Armstrong whether State or Continental troops he can not say. He remembers General Pinkey, General Lincoln.

Shortly after the surrender there was a roll call for more men he believes in June after he volunteered (time not specified but he believes he was gone 8 or 9 weeks in service) to join General Gates. He volunteered in Wilkes County under Captain Joseph Lewis and Michajah Lewis was his Major. The Regiment was commanded by Col. Rutherford. They were marched adjoined General Gates near Salisbury, N.C. and then were marched under General Gates until his defeat by Lord Cornwallis, in which battle he was in. His Captain and company returned home.

He again volunteered in Wilkes County, N.C. for 3 months (shortly before the battle of King's Mountain) under Captain Joseph Lewis, his Major M. Lewis Adjutant under Colonel Cleveland with whom he marched to King's Mountain and fought in the battle, in which both of the Lewis officers were wounded. He often saw Colonel Campbell, Sevier, Shelby and Lt. Colonel Williams who was kild.

After the battle he was detained with the wounded men in Burks County, N.C. under Doctor Dobson until he had between five and six months, when he returned home without getting a discharge, there being no officer there, by permission of the Doctor.

In February following he was ordered out, under Capt. Joseph Lewis & Michajah Lewis was Major and the Regiment under Col. Cleveland. This took place in Wilks County, N. Carolina. They were ordered out to join General Green at the Shallow ford on the Yadkin River in N.C. when he was retreating from the South, but the British got between Col. Cleveland & Green. They could not reach Green, when they could not reach Green, Col. Cleveland marched on to Howe River in N.C., Major Lewis rode out of camp to examine if there was an enemy about, when he was shot and kild, both thighs being broke by the enemy. Col. Cleveland instantly retreated and marched back home. this trip was about two months.

He was discharged but not in writing. Shortly after the battle of Gilford he entered the service in Wilks County under Capt. Ch. Gordon in the State line of N. Carolina for six months as he understood to fill out his tour of nine months under his second enlistment. His Major he does not remember, but his Colonel was Capt. Joseph Lewis who had been promoted. He was marched to Hallsboro, N.C. where the Reg. was stationed and after he had served six months, he was discharged at Salisbury, N.C. by Capt. Gordon.

In 81' he volunteered in the fall under Ben Herndon & took a trip against the Cherokee Nation and was gone about 7 or 8 weeks but saw no Indians except a squaw. He was honorably discharged. He hereby relinquishes any claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state. Sworn and Subscribed to this day & year. David Benge, his mark.

He was born (in the year, for answer he refers to his age) in Albemarle County, state of Virginia, has no record of his age.

When he entered the service he lived in Wilkes County, N. Carolina, since he lived in N.C.. Then in the year 1790 he removed to Kentucky and now resides in Clay County, Ky. He always entered the service on his own account & for himself & not as a substitute. As to the manner of his entering the service he refers to his declaration, app. As to the officers, the character of the troops, the names of his officers & the circumstances of his service he refers the Hon. Secretary to the fore-going declaration owing to old age & the laps of memory he can not now remember many as well as formerly. As to the manner of his discharges he refers to this declaration-those that he rec'd in writing he has long since lost and he knows of no person by who he can prove his service. As to his character for truth he refers to his neighbors Col. Paul Pigg, Col. Elijah McQuorter and to Col. Danl. Garrard.

I George Stivers a Clergyman Preacher, a resident of Clay County certify that he is well acquainted with David Benge who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration, that many believe him to be the age he states, & from his knowledge of him as a man of good character we have no doubt he served in the Revolutionary as stated by him in the foregoing declaration, sworn & subscribed to this 27 of April, 1834 as a man of truth he would believe him on oath. Sworn & subscribed to this day & year. George Stivers.

Col. Dan Garrard a resident citizen of Clay County upon oath declares that he has long since known David Benge who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing declaration, and from his knowledge of his general good character, he would believe him on oath. sworn & subscribed this 27th of April 1834. That many years ago he heard him speak of being in the Battle of Kings Mountain in North Carolina. Danil Garrard

John Hibbard a resident citizen of said county states upon oath, that many years ago, he spoke of being under the Lewis's, in the Revolution and spoke particularly of being in the Battle of Kings Mountain in N.C. John Hibbard

And the said court do hereby certify their opinion after investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogations prescribed by The War Department, that the above named applicant "David Benge" was a Revolutionary soldier served as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears that George Stivers who signed the presiding certificate is a clergyman resident in the county of Clay and that Danil Garrard & John Hibbard who also signed the preceding certificates are residents of the same.

Bio David (King David) BENGE 1760-1854'

Compiled by Bonnie GAY Christensen

Served in the Revolutionary War in the North Carolina Militia. Served in the War of 1812, fought at the siege of Charleston and at Kings Mountain. Co. A. 7th Kentucky Volunteers at the Battle of Thames.

Burial: Martin Cemetery, Oneida, Clay County, Kentucky Note: Cemetery located on the Maurice K. Smith farm.

BIOGRAPHY: David Benge, the oldest child of Thomas Benge, Sr. and Susannah Lewis, was born in August 1763 (?) in Albemarle County, Virginia. He marri ed Lucretia Perry, born about 1770, died about 1745. In 1790, they moved to Madison Co., Kentucky and later to Clay County, Kentucky. He died March 3, 1854.

BIOGRAPHY: David Benge was nicknamed "King David". He served in the North Carolina Militia from Wilkes County during the Revolutionary War and foug ht at the siege of Charleston and at Kings Mountain. During the War of 1812, he served in Company A, 7th Kentucky Volunteers and fought at the Battle of t he Thames.

BIOGRAPHY: DAVID BENGE'S MILITARY RECORDS: His military service in the Revolutionary War included two interesting actions---the siege of Charlest on and King's Mountain. On May 12, 1780, General Thomas Lincoln surrendered t he Continental Troops and Militia defending Charleston, SC, numbering over 3, 300 to General George Clinton. The siege lasted six weeks and the outcome was inevitable from the time Lincoln was caught in Charleston. He suffered som e 268 casualties, the British 256. Lincoln had been severely criticized for being caught in Charleston, but he had very few options open. It was large ly a political decision, since Lincoln was a northerner commanding troops lar gely from southern states. Abandonment of Charleston without effort might have swung the state back its British allegiance. At one point during the siege , while Lincoln and his staff were considering evacuation by sea, a group of angry South Carolinians interrupted his meeting, threatening to destroy Lincoln's boats if he tried to leave. While Lincoln lost the largest numbe r of prisoners during the Revolution, a number not matched until the surrend er of 10,700 Union troops to Stonewall Jackson at Harper's Ferry, he had litt le choice. Faced with Clinton's 14,000 troops, Marines, and Sailors and wi th a strong British Fleet in the Charleston harbor, Lincoln's surrender was on ly a matter of time.

BIOGRAPHY: The Battle of King's Mountain, in which David Benge participate d, had a happier result for the American cause. For the Southern militia, of which David was a part, King's Mountain was their greatest hour. A large number of small units of militia rallied quickly, achieved unity of comman d and destroyed their enemy in a remarkably businesslike fashion. The battle came about as a result of Lord Cornwallis' decision to push northward from South Carolina to a healthier climate. He had started north on September 7 , 1780, in two columns. A third column, largely made up of Loyalists, und er the crack rifleman of the British Army, Major Patrick Ferguson, covered Cornwallis' left flank. Ferguson learned of the approach of a large numb er of backwoodsmen superior in numbers to his own group. These men were led by capable fighters such as Evan Shelby and "Niolchucky Jack" Sevier (who h ad a hand in settling Jefferson County, Tennessee area where the Franklins and Bradshaws settled). Ferguson retreated at first, but on October 6, in dire ct contravention of Cornwallis' orders, he decided to make a stand on King's Mountain, a narrow forested hill on the border of South Carolina and thirt y miles west of Charlotte. The British were in a strong position and had the y been fighting a force of regulars, they probably would have prevaile d. It was their misfortune to be facing men who were forest-wise and handy with t he long rifles of the frontier. In three divisions they worked their way skillfull y up the hill, and while the British were effective for awhile, when Ferguso n was killed, they soon surrendered. The Americans lost 28 killed and 64 wounded among the 900 who participated. The British lost 157 killed, 163 t oo badly wounded to evacuate, and 698 prisoners. In addition, the Americans captured 1500 muskets. Less glorious was the fact that scores of prisoners were hanged as a reprisal for the British having hung several deserters ta ken in arms against them. Finally the survivors were marched two days without food. The battle itself was the turning point of the war in the South; it tipped the balance of Whig-Tory armed support in favor of the American cau se; it made Cornwallis withdraw into South Carolina and delayed his offensive three months; it enabled Nathaniel Greene to seize the initiative and ke ep it until the successful conclusion of his southern campaign.

BIOGRAPHY: The one action David Benge participated in during the War of 18 12, the Battle of the Thames, was a famous one. It was at this battle that the great Shawnee Chief, Tecumseh, was killed. In addition, the US victory so disorganized the Indians and their British allies, that the Northwest w as made safe for agriculture again. It marked the end of the illusory dream of the British fur trappers of erecting an Indian buffer state in the Northwest territory. The main force of General William Harrison's army were "2500 grudge-bearing, ferocious, leather clad Kentucky militia under their Gover nor, Isaac Shelby." The battle took place at Moraviantown on the Thames River, October 5, with the British commander, Proctor, having a battalion of regulars, a few horses, some Canadian militia, and about 1500 Indians unde r Tecumseh. The Kentuckians enraged by the Indian slaughter of over 600 Kentuckians in May (part of a relief force for Fort Meigs) fought skillful ly and the battle was over quickly, netting some 100 killed and 600 captured. The Kentuckians also fought ferociously and after the battle their actio ns did little to distinguish them from the supposedly "savage" Indians. It would seem, that in this, the white learned from the Indian.

BIOGRAPHY: PENSION No. S 38530 North Carolina for David BENGE (This origin al document is on file in Clay County, Kentucky and a copy is on file at the Kentucky Historical Society, Frankfort, Kentucky.): BENGE, DAVID, This sol dier died 3-1854. State of KY., Clay Co., April 27, 1834. Personally appeared before Honorable Joseph Eve, Judge of the 15th Judicial Court, the above n amed soldier, age 71, in August next. Says he enlisted in the army of the Unite d States, as he believes, in 1778 or 1779 in Wilkes Co., North Carolina, und er Captain Gordon, in the 2nd regiment, as he now believes, in the North Caro lina line, whether a state or Continental line, he does not know, but they were called Continentals. The regiment was commanded by Commanded Armstrong. He enlisted for nine months. After his enlistment, he was marched to Charlest on, South Carolina, and was there at the siege and the surrender of the town a nd was taken prisoner when General Lincoln surrendered the city. He had be en in service something like 12 or 13 months, but before the surrender his ti me had expired and he, again, at Charleston, enlisted under Captain Joseph Lewi s, who succeeded Gordon, for nine months more. On his first enlistment, Micajah Lewis, brother of Joseph Lewis, was his major. There was so many changes o f officers that he does not remember his lieutenant and ensign. Before he wa s taken a prisoner, he was in no battles except the siege of Charleston. The last enlistment he understood it to be in the North Carolina line, under Colonel Armstrong, aforesaid, whether state or Continental troops he canno t say. He remembers General Pinkney, General Lincoln. Shortly after the surrender there was a call for more men. He believes in June he volunteere d (time not specified, but he believes he was gone eight or nine weeks in service) to join General Gates. He volunteered in Wilkes County, North Carolina under Captain Joseph Lewis, aforesaid, Micajah Lewis was his majo r, and the regiment was commanded by Colonel Reutherford. They were marched a nd joined General Gates near Salisbury, North Carolina, and thence were march ed under General Gates, until his defeat by Lord Cornwallis, in which batt le he was in. His Captain and company returned home. He again volunteered in Wilkes County, North Carolina for three months before the Battle of King's Mountain under Capt. Joseph Lewis, his Major M. Lewis aforesaid, under Col onel Cleveland, with whom he marched to King's Mountain and fought in the batt le in which both of the Lewis aforesaid were wounded. He often saw Colonel Campbell, Sevier, Shelby, Williams, who were killed. After the battl e, he was detained with the wounded men in Burk County, NC, under Dr. Dosson, unt il he had served between five and six months, when he returned home, without get ting a discharge, there being no officer there, by permission of the doctor. In February following, he was ordered out under Capt. Joseph Lewis, aforesaid Micajah Lewis was Major and the regiment under Colonel Cleveland. This too k place in Wilkes Co., NC. They were ordered out to join General Green, at t he Shallow Ford on the Yadkin River, North Carolina, when he was retreated fr om the south, but the British got between Colonel Cleveland and Green and the y could not reach Green. When they could not reach Green, Colonel Cleveland marched on to Haws River in North Carolina. Major Lewis rode out of camp t o examine if there was an enemy about when he was shot and killed, both thig hs being broken by the enemy. Colonel Cleveland instantly retreated and march ed back home. This troop was about two months. He was discharged but not in writing. Shortly after the Battle of Guilford, he entered the service in Wilkes Co., NC, under Capt. Charles Gordon in North Carolina for six month s, as he understood to fill out his term of nine months under his 2nd enlistm ent. He was marched to Salisbury, NC, where the regiment was stationed, and aft er five or six months service was discharged at Salisbury, NC, by Capt. Gordo n. In 1781 he volunteered in the fall under Col. Benjamin Herndon and to ok a trip against the Cherokee Nation and was gone about 7 or 8 weeks but saw no Ind ians except a squaw. He was honorably discharged. He was born in Albemarle County, Virginia, but when enlisted in service lived in Wilkes Co., NC,. T hen in the year 1790 he moved to Kentucky and now resides in Clay County, K Y. His neighbors in Clay Co. were Colonel Paul Pigg, Col. Elijah McQuarter and Co l. Daniel Garrard. One George Stivers was a clergyman. Daniel Gerrard said he had heard the soldier speak of being in the Battle of Kings Mountain. A nd one John Hibbard had also heard him speak of being in said battle. In a letter from Elisha Smith of Rockcastle Co., Kentucky, he said you can see by the discharge Major Lewis gave to Denny of Rockcastle Co., Kentucky, in the pension allowed by the government that Lewis was promoted to Major as is stated by soldier.

BIOGRAPHY: THE FOLLOWING RELATES TO DAVID BENGE'S SERVICE IN THE WAR OF 18 12:

BIOGRAPHY: From Deed Book "A", 1806-1827, Clay County, Kentucky: "April 22 , 1815, David Benge, a private soldier in the late campaign of Kentucky Moun ted Voluntary Militia (commanded by his Excellency Isaac Shelby) and belongi ng to Captain Thomas McGilton's company attached to the 11th regiment command ed by Lt. William Williams, this day appoints Abner Baker to draw pay due him."

BIOGRAPHY: DR. JOHN J. DICKEY DIARY, FLEMING CO., KY. RECORDED IN THE 1870 S AND BEYOND. REPRINTED IN KENTUCKY EXPLORER, VOLUME 10, NO. 5, OCTOBER 1995 , PAGE 84:

BIOGRAPHY: David Benge, Wednesday, June 15, 1898: My grandfather, David Be nge (called King David) came to KY and settled in Madison Co. While living the re he used to drive stock to this section and herd them on the range. If he h ad any brothers and sisters, I never heard of them. Thomas Benge, son of Davi d and father of Jane Benge, killed _____ Porter, stood his trial, came cle ar and then went first to Indiana and then to Iowa. It occurred near McWhorter. I t was a corn shucking, the pile was divided and these men fell out, perha ps were captains, and Benge struck Porter with a rake. He lived a week or ten days and died. My grandfather was a soldier in two wars, Revoluntionary War and War of 1812. My father was John Benge. He volunteered in the War of 1812. My grandfather would not let him go but he went in his stead. His other so ns were William, Joseph, and Lewis Franklin. His daughters were Nancy (Willia m Cornett son of Roger), Sallie Ann (George Freeman), Adeline (Elisah Stiver s), Zilpah (Robert Stivers), Lucinda (Benjamin Johnson), Mary (Elijah McGee). John, my father, had 13 children, ten girls and three boys, all still livi ng but one, eldest is 86. My brother's name was James, he lived here in Clay County. He married Benge's second cousin. I am the next to the oldest. I married Nancy Lynx, daughter of Fred Lynx. I had twelve children, all livi ng but number two. My oldest sister, Sallie Ann, married John Johnson and liv es near Bernstadt. Lucinda married Zeesa McWhorter, they had a large family. Lydia Ann married James Hawes. They had a large family. Martha married Jam es Bolling, lives on Goose Creek. Betsey married Henderson Howes, parents of Mark and William Howes. They had a good family. Eliza married Adam Bowling , both are living and have eight or nine children. Bina married Gillum House , both are living. Jennie married William Bolling, both living on Little Goo se. Nancy married Byrd, she died in childbirth. Evaline married William Martin , had a large family. I have lived where I now reside for 60 years. I used t o make whiskey before the war. I think it was a bad business. I never drank much whiskey, ruins a neighborhood.

BIOGRAPHY: (All above notes taken from information in the BENGE FAMILY FIL E, Wilkes County, NC.)

Benge Porter Cornett Treeman Stive Johnson McGee Lynx Johnson McWhorter Bolling Howes House Byrd Martin

Madison-KY IN IA

I am descended from Thomas Benge and Susannah Lewis through two of their d aughters, Sarah "Sally" and Susannah. I have read, with great interest, t he statements that their brother,"King David" Benge, was a quarter Cherok ee through his grandmother, Martha Martin. They may also have Indian herit age through their other grandmother, Sarah "Sally" Martin. I offer the fol lowing:
Extracted from "Genealogy of the Lewis Family in America" by William Terre ll Lewis, published in 1893. A story about Anna Lewis born 1744, wife of J ohn McConnell, daughter of William Terrell Lewis and Sarah "Sally" Marti n, sister to my own Susannah Lewis who married Thomas Benge the broth er of John "Trader" Benge who is recognized, by most, as being the fath er of the Cherokee Benges. "A few years before she died she was unable to walk, but retained her mi nd and memory to the last. She had been unable to get out of her bed for m onths before she died; but the day before she died she got up and sat on h er bed and sang an Indian song in the Indian language and then sa ng it in English, and remarked that she had not sung that song in fifty ye ars before." Now I know this is not "proof" of Indian heritage but it seems unlikely th at a "fully European" lady would sing an Indian song on her deathbed. I wo uld love to correspond with anyone who has knowledge (family lore) of Nati ve American blood in this line. Is it possible that Martha Martin and Sar ah "Sally" Martin were related and both had Cherokee lineage? This might a ccount for the two families being close enough for the two Benge brothe rs marrying the two Lewis sisters.

Benge Forum 4/10/05

David did, indeed, fight in the battle of Kings Mountain.

However, I have another explanation of the "King" in King David Beng e. He was reported to be a quarter-blooded Cherokee from his grandmother M artha, wife of Thomas Benge, and mother of David's father Thomas, and h is uncle John (Trader Benge). King is a somewhat common Cherokee referen ce which translates Oukah, and pronounced Oukaii

John Jay Dickey Diary - David Benge (1818-1903)

June 15, 1898

...This afternoon I visited old David Benge, 87 or 88 years old; he used to make whiskey and brandy. He is living on the farm, where he was living before he married, with his youngest child, a daughter, with three illegitimate children. She is one of the brightest women I have met in the county, but, here she is, poor and degraded. She was plowing corn, and two of her children hoeing; one is an infant. Her hair is streaked with gray, so she must be over 40 years old. She has two brothers and nine sisters. Her sisters are bright women. Old David has ten sisters and a brother living; remarkable longevity. The youngest is over 60. His grandfather, David Benge, settled first in Madison County, Kentucky, then came to Clay County, herding stock on the range and located here. He left a large offspring in the country, and many have scattered to other states

My grandfather, David Benge (called King David) came to Kentucky and settled in Madison County. While living there he used to drive stock to this section and herd them on the range. If he had any brothers and sisters, I never heard of them. Thomas Benge, son of David Benge and father of Jane Benge, killed ________ Porter, stood his trial, came clear, and then went first to Indiana and then to Iowa. It occurred near McWhorter. It was at a corn shucking, the pile was divided and these men fell out, perhaps were captains, and Benge struck Porter with a rake. He lived a week or ten days and died. My grandfather was a soldier in two wars, Revolutionary and War of 1812. My father was John Benge. He volunteered in the War of 1812, and my grandfather would not let him go but went in his stead. His other sons were William, Joseph, and Lewis Franklin. His daughters were Nancy, married William Cornett, son of Roger; Sallie Ann, married George Treeman; Adeline, married Elisha Stiver; Zilpah, married Robert Stiver; Lucinda, married Benjamin Johnson; and Mary, married Elijah McGee. John, my father, had 13 children, ten girls and three boys, all still living but one. The eldest is 86. My brother's name was James, and he lives here in Clay County. He married Benge's second cousin. I am next to the oldest. I married Nancy Lynx, daughter of Fred Lynx. I had 12 children, all living but two. My oldest sister, Sallie Ann, married John Johnson and lives near Bernstadt. Lucinda married Zessa McWhorter, and they had a large family. Lydia Ann married James Hawes, and they had a large family. Martha married James Bolling, and they live on Goose Creek. Betsey married Henderson Howes, parents of Mark and William Howes, and they had a good family. Eliza married Adam Bolling, and both are living and have eight or nine children. Bina married Gillum House, both are living. Jennie married William Bolling, both living on Little Goose. Nancy married Byrd, she died in child birth, left no children. Evaline married William Martin and had a large family. I have lived where I now reside 60 years. I used to make whiskey before the war. I think it was a bad business. I never drank much whiskey.

June 16, 1898

I visited ten families today. Among them two distillers, Elihu Allen and James Benge, son of old David Benge, whom I visited yesterday. Mr. Allen talked very freely about his business, but would not agree to quit unless he could sell his stills, which he was trying to do. He is the father of the infant child mentioned in the former entry. This has made a very serious disturbance in his home life. He has a wife and two children and is not over 40, I should think. He is a very sensible man, but has been reared without God. He asked me to visit his father, who, he said, is a very wicked man. He was very cordial, expressing his appreciation of the interest I manifested in his family, and pressed me to visit him again. I did not see Mr. Benge. I saw only his daughter, Miss Florence, who has been attending school at London the past term with his sister, occupying one of the cottages. She is a splendid young woman and a fine teacher. She bitterly opposed her father and mother in their determination to make whiskey. The parents of both were distillers, hence, it is hard for them to see the evil. They have made 800 gallons this year, and the distillery is still running. These institutions are the curse of the community. Their removal would prove the greatest blessing that could come to it. I visited Lee Bolling's house. It is an old log house standing out in the pasture field with no fence around it, and no garden. The field belongs to Isaac Cornett, another distiller in the neighborhood, who has made 800 gallons of whiskey this year. There was almost no furniture in the house; a stove, table, and two beds. This young woman, with two babies and another in prospect, sits here, alone day in and day out with nothing to do, very little to eat or wear, while her husband drinks up much of his hard savings; though enriching these distillers. She says she sometimes has the presence of God. She wept while I prayed and talked freely of her condition. God help

1850 United States Federal Census

Name David Benge

Age 92

Birth Year abt 1758

Birthplace North Carolina

Home in 1850 Kentucky, Clay, Kentucky, USA

Gender Male

Family Number 681

Household Members

Name Age

David Benge 35

Mary Benge 27

Elizabeth Benge 10

Eliza Benge 8

Richard Benge 7

Franklin Benge 6

Lucinda Benge 5

Elizabeth Benge 60

David Benge 92

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Apr 25 2018, 20:11:44 UTC

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GEDCOM Source

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Ancestry Family Tree http://trees.ancestry.com/pt/AMTCitationRedir.aspx?tid=18563464&pid...

"King" David Benge was in the revolutionary war and the War of 1812. In the War of 1812 he enlisted at Manchester Kentucky in Thomas McJilton's company A, 7th Ky., 11th Regiment of Kentucky Mounted Volunteer Militia, served from August 22, 1813 to November 10, 1813 in the Thames Campaign where the Indian chief Tecumseh was killed. His pay for this period was $20.90 plus $32 for his horse which he had to furnish. He was honorably discharged at Limestone, Kentucky (now Maysville) on the Ohio river 12 December 1813;
REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORD:
Declaration for pension, Clay County, Kentucky
On this 27 day of April 1834 personally appeared before the Hon. Joseph Eve, judge of the 15th district circuit in open court, David Benge aged 74 in August next, 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 paper June 7, 1832.
That he enlisted in the Army of The United States as he now believes in '78 or '79 in Wilks County, North Carolina under Capt. O. Gordon in the 2nd Reg. as he now believes (but will not be postive) in the North Carolina Line, whether on State or Continental line, he does not know, but they were called Continentals. The Reg. was commanded by Col. Armstrong. He enlisted for nine months. After his enlistment he was marched to Charleston in South Carolina and was there at the siege and surrender of the town and was taken prisoner when General Lincoln surrendered the city. He had been in service something like 12 or 13 months, but before the surrender his time had expired. He again at Charleston enlisted under Capt. Joseph Lewis who succeded Gordon for nine months more, who was shortly promoted to Major. on his first enlistment Michajah Lewis (brother of Joseph) was his Major. there was so many changes of officers that he does not remember his Lt's or Ensigns. Before he was taken prisoner he was in no battles except the seige of Charlestown, South Carolina. The last enlistment he understood to be in North Carolina line under Col. Armstrong whether State or Continental troops he can not say. He remembers General Pinkey, General Lincoln. Shortly after the surrender there was a roll call for more men he believes in June after he voluntered (time not specified but he believes he was gone 8 or 9 weeks in service) to join General Gates. He voluntered in Wilkes County under Captain Joseph Lewis and Michajah Lewis was his Major. The Regiment was commanded by Col. Rutherford. They were marched ajoined General Gates near Sollasbury, N.C. and then were marched under General Gates until his defeat by Lord Cornwallis, in which battle he was in. His Captain and company returned home. He again voluntered in Wilkes County, N.C. for 3 months (shortly before the battle of King's Mountain) under Captain Joseph Lewis, his Major M. Lewis Adjutant under Colonel Cleveland with whom he marched to King's Mountain and fought in the battle, in which both of the Lewis officers were wounded. He often saw Colonel Campbell, Sevier, Shelby and Lt. Colonel Williams who was kild. After the battle he was detained with the wounded men in Burks County, N.C. under Doctor Dobson until he had between five and six months, when he returned home without getting a discharge, there being no officer there, by permission of the Doctor. In Feburary following he was ordered out, under Capt. Joseph Lewis & Michajah Lewis was Major and the Regiment under Col. Cleveland. This took place in Wilks County, N. Carolina. They were ordered out to join General Green at the Shallow ford on the Yadkin River in N.C. when he was retreating from the South, but the British got between Col. Cleveland & Green. They could not reach Green, when they could not reach Green, Col. Cleveland marched on to Howe River in N.C., Major Lewis rode out of camp to examine if there was an enemy about, when he was shot and kild, both thighs being broke by the enemy. Col. Cleveland instantly retreated and marched back home. this trip was about two months.
He was discharged but not in writing. Shortly after the battle of Gilford he entered the service in Wilks County under Capt. Ch. Gordon in the State line of N. Carolina for six months as he understood to fill out his tour of nine months under his second enlistment. His Major he does not remember, but his Colonel was Capt. Joseph Lewis who had been promoted. He was marched to Holsbury, N.C. where the Reg. was stationed and after he had served six months, he was discharged at Salisbury, N.C. by Capt. Gordon. In '81 he voluntered in the fall under Ben Herndon & took a trip against the Cherekee Nation and was gone about 7 or 8 weeks but saw no Indians except a squaw. He was honarably discharged. He hereby relinquishes any claim whatever to a pension or anuity except the present and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state.
Sworn and Subscribed to this day & year.

                                        David Benge

                                        his mark* Reference: [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/16327956/david-benge Find A Grave Memorial] - [https://www.geni.com/projects/SmartCopy/18783 SmartCopy]: ''Sep 21 2022, 13:09:34 UTC''