Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16567, Paul Edwards, R.I.
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RI  Edwards, Paul               W.16567
           Rachel
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2253
Albany New York
Rachel Edwards
widow of Paul Edwards Dec'd.
who died on the 18th March 1831
of Chenango Co in the State of N.Y.
who was a Pri. of Art'll in the Company commanded by Captain Adams of the Reg'l commanded by Col. Elliott in the R'd. I'd line for 2 years. R.I.

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 100 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued on the 10 day Aug. 1838 and sent Barak Niles Cincinnatus, N.Y.

Arrears to the 4th of Arch 1838 $10000
Semi-an'l allowance ending 4 Sept.   50.00

$750.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3.}

Recorded by D. L. Cadrions Clerk, Book A  Vol 2 Page 108

Right side:
Dead
Order to pay 6 July 1840
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Rachel Edwards
-application
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Declaration, in order to  obtain the benefit of the Hun section of the act of Congress of the 4th July 1836.
State of New York
County of Chenango -ss  On this Third day of February 1838, personally appeared before the undersigned, one of the Judges of the County Court, in and for the said county of Chenango, Rachel Edwards, widow of Paul Edwards, a resident of the town of Pitcher in the said county of Chenango, and State of New York, aged eighty eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made By the act of Congress. passed July 4, 1836.
   That she is the Widow of Paul Edwards, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution, and rendered the following services as near as she can relate the same according to her best information, knowledge and belief.
    That the said Paul Edwards served as an enlisted soldier in the company of Cat, Ebenezer Adams, in the Regiment of Col. Robert Elliott, and under General Sherman- that he entered the said service from Westerly in the state of Rhode Island where he then resided- that he thus entered in the month of May or June 1777, and continued to serve in said company and Regiment for the term of two years in succession- that he rendered such service mostly, as she believed, in the state of Rhode Island.  That during said time, her said husband assisted in taking General Prescott, the commander of the British troops, as she after heard him say, as well as others, and she believes and ever has believed the same to be true - that this was under Capt. Barton as she believed- that he also served under said Barton after he was a Colonel, as she has often heard him state, and which she believed.  He was in the service before, and when they were married.  That her said husband also served in the Revolutionary War in the years, 1779, 1780 and 1781, and afterwards, as she believed.  She thinks he was in said service for most of the time from 1777 to the close of the War.  That it was under different enlistments. She believes one enlistment was for three years - it was called the three years service.  He served a part of the time under Capt. Saunders - that he was a a part of the time under General Cornwall or Cornell - thinks Lieut. Barry and a company officer with Capt. Adams.  He was also in Ge. Sullivan's expedition- but she cannot state the year.  She well knows he was thus in the said service for more than
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two years after she was married to him - and she also believes he was in the service a considerable time before their marriage.  That she experienced great hardship during the absence of her said husband while in said service - that she had to take care of and provide for three children which they had while he was in the service after their said marriage- that two of said children were twin children- that their residence for most of the time was Stoughton in the State of Connecticut- though the latter part for a short time was in Westerly in the State of Rhode Island.  She says she has no documentary evidence to support her claim - that her maiden name was Rachel Allen.
     She further declares that she was married to the said Paul Edwards on the Sixth day of April, 1777, or 78, she believes- that her said husband, Paul Edwards, died on the 18th day of March, 1831, at Pitcher, where she now resides, was before herein states- and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as well more fully appear by reference to the proof here to annexed - that the foregoing is according to her best recollection, knowledge and belief - that she cannot recollect precisely the day, month and year of her said husbands enlisting after they were married - and that she states the same, which occurred before marriage, according to her best knowledge, recollection and belief- that she is old and infirm and her memory considerably broken- but she think the forgoing to be substantially correct-         X her mark Rachel Edwards

Sworn to, and subscribed, on the day & year above written before me, the undersigned- And I certify that the said declarant is unable from bodily infirmity to attend the sitting of the court - and that she is a person of  credibility, and that I have no doubt she states everything in regard ^to her said application according to her best knowledge, recollection and belief- She signs by making her mark for want of learning as well as bodily infirmity. The fact of two children being twins state & interlined before execution -
Charles York Judge
of Chenango County Courts
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State of New York
Chenango County ss

On the fifteenth day of March, 1838, Jonathan Champlin of the town of Pharsalia in the county of Chenango, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the peace in and for the aforesaid county of Chenango, and on being duly sworn, according to law, says that he was a private in the company commanded by Capt. Ebenezer Adams, in the Regiment of Col. Robert Elliot, in the Revolutionary War, during the years, as he believes 1777 and 1778 - that he served under Gen. Spencer the first year - and Gen. Cornell or Cornwall the second year, most part of said years under said Generals.  That belonged to the Rhode Island troops- and served in the said state of Rhode Island- That this deponent was during said service, well acquainted with Paul Edwards, who was a private in the came company with this deponent during the first year and also for most of the second year. This deponent served two years under said officers, and said Edwards was with deponent the same company and regiment, until the latter part of the second year, when deponent was drawn off & went to Fall River Mills { blacked out section) and when deponent thus went he left said Edward in said service at Tiverton in said Rhode Island- while thus in the service this deponent understood and believed and ever has, that said Edwards was on of the number that went with Capt. Barton ^ he thinks he was then a Colonel ( crossed out section ) and took Gen. Prescott, the commander of the British Troops - this deponent believes said Edwards was in said service at least two years under said officers. The Company was an artillery Company- and further saith now-
His X mark Jonathan Champlin
Sworn and subscribed before me this 15th day of March 1838, and I certify that said deponent is a credible person & entitled to the fullest belief. The reason he signs by making his mark is old age and blindness- an alteration in (?) to Col. Barton made above before execution.
Solomon Ensign Jnr Justice of Peace
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State of New York
Chenango County
On this Sixteenth day of March, 1838, personally came before me, the undersigned Justice of the peace in the said county of Chenango, Henry Thom of the town of Plymouth in the said county, and who being duly sworn, says that he was private soldier in the Revolutionary War - that he was well acquainted with Paul Edwards then of Westerly in the State of Rhode Island, as both belonged to the same town - that both enlisted at the same time and the same company for fifteen months- this he thinks was in December 1776- they served together for upwards of three months - that this deponent then enlisted out of the State service into the Continental service, and left said Paul Edwards in the State service - that this deponent on enlisting into the continental line went to the south - that this deponent was in the said service for several years - that while this deponent was thus in the service he occasionally came home on a furlough- that he always enquired for Paul Edwards, and that he was uniformly told that he was still in the Troops service that this was the case for at least two and a half - this deponent then understood and believed that said Edwards served out his final fifteen months enlistment, and then again enlisted for a second tour of fifteen months which he also served out as deponent was informed and believed - that deponent now saw said Edward after both left the service often, during his whole life - and always from all the conversations had with him, as well as others, believed he was in the said service for at least three years that said Edwards resided in Pitalia in the aforesaid county of Chenango at the time of his death as this deponent is informed and believed to be true -
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that this deponent believes from all the information he has on the subject, being derived from the statement of others, that said Paul Edwards was married to Rachel Allen of Stonington in the State of Connecticut, before he, said Edwards, left the service.  And that they had children before he left said service - of this he has no doubt whatever - that deponent knows they were married several years before the close of the War, as they lived together as married persons & had children, when deponent came home, at least four and he thinks five years before the war closed - and further saith not-

Sworn and subscribed this 16th day of March 1838, before me - and I further certify that said deponent is a person of credibility and truth-
Solomon Ensign Jr
Justice of the Peace of said County

State of New York,
Chenango County

I, Percy Randall, Clerk of said County do hereby certify Charles York Esq was on the third day of February 1838 a Judge of the County Courts of said County and I further Certify that Solomon Ensign Junior was, on the 15 & 16th days of March 1838 a Justice of the Peace in for said County and that they are Severally, duly qualified According to Law & authorized to take affidavits and that these signatures to the annexed affidavits are genuine. I being Well acquainted to their hand writing.
I witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of Said County this 26 day of March 1838  P. Randall Clerk

Written up the right side:
Rachel Edwards Declaration 
on roll 2 yrs No Acts $100
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Stephen H Pendleton Affid't
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State of New York
Cortland County

Stephen a Pendleton of the town of Truxton in the said county of Cortland, being duly sworn, according to law, deposes and says, that he was a soldier of the Revolutionary War - that he was well acquainted with Paul Edwards, late of Pitcher in the county of Chenango and State of New York - that said Paul Edwards was also a soldier in said War- that both belonged to the same company and Regiment, being privates in Capt. Ebenezer Adams Company of Artillery, in Col. Elliott's Regiment a part of the time, and a part of the time commanded by Col. Barton- and under Gen. Cornell or Cornwall.  He thinks it was 1777 & 1778.
    The deponent was present at the marriage of said Paul Edwards with Rachel Allen, and saw them married by Elder Eleazer Brown, at Stonington in the State of Connecticut,  where the parents of said Rachel resided - and where said Edwards afterwards made it his home - This deponent was well acquainted with both of them.  They were married on the 6th day of April 1778, as he believes. He thinks he well remembers the day and & month but is not certain as the year - that after they were married he believes said Edwards served in the same company and regiment with this deponent for at least two years.  They were comrades together during that time.  This deponent then understood that said Edwards was of the number of persons who went with Col. Norton and assisted in the taking of General Prescott, the British Commander.  He then believed & and ever has - Deponent was not one of the number that went. This deponent also well knows said Edwards was in the said service at other and different times than said two years, but cannot owing to his great age and consequent loss of memory state it with certainty.  But he fully believes that he was in said service more than three years. 
They belonged to the Rhode Island Troops and further saith not.

His X mark
Stephen Pendleton

Sworn to and subscribed by making his mark, on account of old age & infirmity, this 12th day of February 1838, before me. And I certify that the same was deliberately read to him & he affirmed fully to understand it- and that he is a person of credibility.
Barak Niles, Justice Peace
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State of New York
County of Cortland 
Thomas H Edwards of the town of Pitcher in the county of Chenango and State of New York, came personally before me, on this 22nd day of March 1838, and being duly sworn, according to law, deposes and says, that his is the son of Paul Edwards, late of Pitcher aforesaid, deceased and that the mother of this deponent, to wit, Rachel Edwards, widow of said Paul Edwards, has since the death of her said husband, resided in the family of this deponent, at said town of Pitcher; and deponent further declares and says, that the said Rachel Edwards has remained a widow since the death of her said husband, not have again been married since his said death, to his certain knowledge. He further says that he has lived near his father and mother since he himself was married, which was twenty five years ago, and before his said marriage was a member of his father's family. That he has often heard both is father and mother speak of his said father being in the revolutionary war- and ever uniformly heard them both say, that he was in said war, as a private, for more than two years after their marriage- and he has ever believed the same to be true, and does still believe the same to be true- that he has heard the declaration made by his said mother, on the third day of February, before Charles York Esqr one of the Judges of Chenango County Court, read that he was present when she made oath to the same & then heard it read. and that from what he has after heard his father & mother say on the subject since his earliest recollection, , he believes it to be substantially true- the declaration to which he refers is that made as aforesaid, in order to obtain a pension by his mother under the Act of July 4, 1836 and further says not  Thomas H. Edwards
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Written sideways across top right side: Rachel Edwards application for Pension Part of Proof

State of New York
Cortland County
( seal affixed)

I Oren Stimson Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Barak Niles before whom the affidavits of Stephen H Pendleton & Thomas H Edwards purports to have been taken, was at the dates of the same a Justice of the Peace in foresaid County duly qualified Sworn further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of this said Justice & verily believe his signature subscribed to the written affidavits are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of Said County this 11th day of April A.D. 1838
Oren Stimson Clerk
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The written deposition subscribed and sworn to this 22nd day of March 1838, before me- and I further certify that said Thomas H. Edwards is well known to me and that he is a person of credibility and truth.  And I know said Rachel has remained a widow since the death of her said husband.
Barak Niles Justice of Peace
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I Josiah Brown of North Stonington in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged about seventy seven years under oath depose and say that I was for a Great number of years well acquainted with Paul Edwards who formily (sic) Lived in the Town which was formily (sic) a part of the town of Stonington and I was also well acquainted with his wife Rachel, who was Rachel Allen before she was Married to said Paul Edwards. Said Paul Edwards and his wife Rachel Removed from this state into the State of New York a number of years since I was Present and attended the marriage when the said Paul Edwards and Rachel Allen were married.  They ware married togather (sic) in the town of Stonington that part which is now North Stonington by Elder Eleazer Brown who is now deceased, then a Babtist (sic) minister or preacher of the Gospel.  I think or should say they ware married in the year 1776 or 1777.  Said Paul Edwars (sic) came from the state of Rhodeisland (sic) in to this state- further the Deponent Says (? ? ) at North Stonington this first day of May 1838.
Josiah Brown

State of Connecticut, New London County at a Court of Probate held at North Stonington within and for the District of North Stonington on the first day of May 1838.  Present Elias Hewitt Judge- Personally appeared in open Court the above named Josiah Brown and was Examined Cautioned and Sworn agreeable to Law to the above Deposition by him subscribed whole testimony is entitled to full credit and belief Subscribed and Sworn in open Court.  Before me, Elias Hewitt Judge
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I, Joshua Blivin of North Stonington in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged Sixty five years under oath depose and say that I was Soninlaw (sic) of Elder Eleazer Brown ( Deceased ) who formily (sic) Lived in the town of Stonington in that Part which is now North Stonington he was a Babtest (sic)  Minister and Preacher of the Gospel in Said Town of Stonington and practiced marring persons Together.  I have in my possessions his papers or many of them which he left at the time of his Decase (sic)  Their (sic) has ben Great Enquery and I have made Search for his Record of Marriage.  Their (sic)  is no such paper or Record to be found amongst his papers or the papers which he left. I never knew of his keeping any Record of Marriages.  I don't think nor believe that he ever did Keep any Record of the persons that he married.  I Married the Daughter of the Said Eleazer Brown- further the Deponent sayth (sic) not.
Dated at North Stonington May 1st 1838
Joshua Blivin


State of Connecticut for New London County
At a court of Probate held at North Stonington within and for the District of North Stonington on the first day of May A.D. 1838
Present Elias Hewitt Judge
Personally appeared in open Court the above named Joshua Blivin who was Examined cautioned Sworn agreeable to Law to the above deposition by him subscribed whose Testimony is Entitled to the full credit and belief.  Subscribed and Sworn to in Open Court.
Before me, Elias Hewitt Judge
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I, Jonathan Allen of North Stonington in the County of New London and State of Connecticut Aged Eighty three years under oath Depose and say that I was well acquainted with Paul Edwards, who formily (sic) lived in the Town of Stonington, that Part which is now North Stonington. I am Bother to Rachel Edwards wife of the said Paul Edwards now his widow.  The said Paul Edwards and Rachel Edwards ware (sic) married Together in the House which I now Live, they ware (sic) married Together by Eleazer Eleazer Brown who was then a Babtist (sic) Preacher or Minister of the Gospel in the town of Stonington that Part now North Stonington.  Said Eleazer Brown is now Deceased. I was Present at the marriage and saw the said Paul Edwards and Rachel Allen Married Together they ware (sic) married in the month of April in the year 1776 or 1777- which I am not certain.  I know that the said Paul Edwards was in the United States Service before he was married to said Rachel Allen, and I know that he was in the service of his Cuntry (sic) after they ware (sic) married.  I should say as long as three years.  I know that said Rachel had a Pair of Twins Born while was in the service Said Rachel had to support herself and childred (sic) while her Husband was in the army after they ware (sic) married. They Removed from the Town in to the State of New Yor(k) a number of years say fifteen years since.
Sated at North Stonington May 1st AD 1838
Jonathan Allen
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State of Connecticut for New London County
Ata Court of Probate held at North Stonington within and for the District of North Stonington on the first day of May AD 1838
Present Elias Hewitt Judge

Personally appeared in open Court the within named Jonathan Allen and was Examined cautioned and Sworn agreeable to Law to the within Deposition by him subscribed whose testimony is Entitled to full Credit and belief.
subscribed and Sworn to in open Court Before me
Elias Hewitt Judge


I, Latham Hull Jr Clerk of the court of Probate for district of North Stonington Do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is the hand writing of Elias Hewett & that  he was Judge of Probate in said district on the day & year last above named in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal f said court.
Dated at North Stonington
this 28 day of May 1838
Latham Hull Jr Clerk
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I John D Noyes of Stonington Town Clerk of Stonington in the County of New London & State of Connecticut of Lawful age Do depose and Sa that I have carefully examined the records of the Town for Marriage to find the marriage of Paul Edwards to Rachel Allen, but do find the same entered therein.

Stonington May 28 1838  John D Noyes TC

New Condon County ss. Stonington
Personally appeared Joh D. Noyes Signer of the foregoing Deposition and after being duly cautioned made Solmn (sic) oath to the truth of the Same and I hereby Certify that the Deponent is a credible person and that his Deposition is entitled to full Credit and belief.
Subscribed and Sworn before me this 28th May 1838
Benj. Pomeroy Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut
County of New London
I John DeWitt Clerk of the County Court in and for said New London County do hereby Certify that Benjamin Pomeroy Esq. before whom the above deposition was taken was on said 28th day of May and still is a Justice of the peace in and for said New London County and that full faith and Credit are due to his official acts as such and that his signature above written is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Said County this 29th day of May AD 1838
John DeWitt Clerk
(Seal affixed)
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Cincinnatus, Cort. Co. N. York
June 7th 1838

Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Sir,
I herewith enclose the pension application, with the proofs, of the Widow Rachel Edwards; when the same are acted upon, please make return to me - I think the evi. will be satisfactory to establish her claim - Allow me to write the earliest attention to the same.  She is most needy in her circumstances, and considerably delay has ocurred (sic)  in getting the evi. from Connecticut, as I had to return the papers for Clerk's certificates & seals once, the person to whom I wrote having omittted (sic) to procure them.
I feel assured of the most prompt attention on your part, altho' I have ventured to ask is- I am urged to is by the consideration of her great need as well as that of her Son with whom she resides-
With the greatest respect 
I am your Obt Servant
Barak Niles
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Rev WIDOW, & c. 
File No. 16567
Rachel Edwards
widow of
Paul Edwards
Pri Rev War

Act July 4th 36
Index: Vol. a, Page 210
[Arrangement of 1870]
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THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
Name Edwards, Perry
Grade Private
Line Rhode Island

Warrant number 3089  
Acreage 100
Issued Dec. 31, 1799
to-not shown-