Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23426, Joshua Aldrich, R.I.
Page 1

SERVICE
RI

NUMBER W. 23426

Aldrich, Joshua
Ruth
Page 2

20,575
New York
Joshua Aldrich

Chenango in the State of New York
he was a private in the Comp commanded
by Capt James of the Regt commanded
by Col. Brown in the Rh. Island
for Full Term.

Inscribed on the Roll of New York
the rate of 80 Dollars ~ Cents per annum,
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of Sep
1833 - and truth P. B. Prindle Norwich

Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 33 $200
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Maarch 24 $40
$240
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by Go. Estiles Clerk
Book C, Vol 4, Page 41
Page 3

Joshua Aldrich
18208

Address
PB Prindle
Norwich
Chenango County
NY
Page 4

State of New York
Chenango County I David Evans of the town of Plymouth County of Chenango being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is seventy one years and upwards of age, that in the year 1777 sometime in the summer - he then being a soldier in Captain Whipple's Company. Crary's Regiment, saw Joshua Aldrich of Norwich County of Chenango in a company comanded by Captain James Parker in the same regiment and knows of his remaining in the company until the 16 day of March 1778 and then knows, of his enlisting into the same company until the [illegible] days his time was out and remaining in the Company until the sixteenth or seventeenth day of March 1779, and also knows of his being drafted for one month sometime in the winter of 1777 & thinks it was about first of Febrary the said Aldrich at that time lived in Smithfield, Providence County Rhode Island

[signed] David Evans

Sworn and subscribed the ninth day of October 1832 before me 
The head Judge Chenango Common Pleas and
I certify that I know him to be a credible person- June 1, 1833 His Head Judge of
Chen. Common Pleas

State of New York
Chenango County I, James K. Pike Clerk of the said County do certify that Hezekiah Read before whom the preceding affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his genuine handwriting and signature

Witness my hand and seal of  office
this ninth day of October 1832
P. B. Prindle
Dep Clerk.
Page 5

I also certify that he was at the
date of the within signature to
the credibility of David Evans
the above named Hezekiah Read was
a Judge as aforesaid - and that I
am acquainted with his handwriting
And [illegible] believe his name subscribed 
to the said certificate
to be his genuine handwriting & signature

Witness my hand and seal of office
this 4th June 1838
PB Brindle
Dep Clerk
Page 6

Josh Aldrich
Page 7

Amended Declaration
State of New York
Chenango County ss. 

Personally appeared before 
me the undersigned a a Justice of the Peace
in and for said County Joshua Aldrich
of Norwich in said County to me known, who
being sworn, says 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 to wit:

14 days. for fourteen days I served as a private
under Col Brown in Capt Barner Company
month
for one month I served as a private in
Capt Baines on Carpenters Company as stated
in my declaration
1 year & days. For one year and ten days I served as a
private in Capt Parkers Company under
Col. Crary
for one year I served as a private
under Capt Parker in his company, under
Col. Crary
and for all these services
making in all two years, one month and
twenty four days)
I claim a pension
He further states that each and all
of the above services were rendered in the
Rhode Island State troops and that they
were all in embodied corps called into
service by the Authorities of the State of Rhode
Island
and that during each and
every of the above periods for which
he claims a pension
exclusively in the military service and
1 year.
Page 8

that he was not engaged in any and accusation or pursuit - 
Joshua Aldrich

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 29th May 1833 - 
Saml Pike Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Chenango County
I Jarvis R. Pike clerk of the said county do certify that Samuel Pike before known the preceeding applicant purport to have been sworn was at the date of the same one of the justices of the peace in the for the said County and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verity believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be h is genuine hand writing and signature. 
Witness my hand and seal of office this 3d June 1833
PB Rindle
Deb Clerk

Josh Aldrich
Page 9

State of New York
Chenango County
In this month day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared in open court before John Tracy, Levi Bigelow, Nathan Taylor, Charles York & Hezekiah Reed Esquires Judges of the court of common pleas in and for said county of Chenango being a court of record in and for said county now setting Joshua Aldrich a resident of the town of Norwich in the said county of Chenango in said state aged seventy three (73) 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 act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated viz. That he entered the revolutionary service as a substitute for Samuel Aldrich at Smithfield Rhode Island (at which place he resided) sometime in December 1776 into a militia company company commanded by Captain Enoch Barnes of Smithfield Lieutenant Benjamin Sheldin Ensign, Emit Smith thinks that the regiment to which his company belonged was under the command of Colone Brown does not recollect the names of any other of the regimental officers. There had been an alarm sounded - he in the course of four or five days joined his company at Bristol Rhode Island the place of rendezvous and there remained about two weeks and was then discharged verbally by the Captain was engaged in no skirmishes battles. Joseph Kinman, Zenas Windsor, Arthur Latham, Fenner Angel privates served in the same company with him. 
On the fourth or fifth day of February 1777 was drafted at Smithfield Rhode Island for one month into company commanded by either Enoch Barned or John Carpenter but which does not recollect. Captain Benjamin Sheldin Leiutenant and Emir Smith Ensign knew not the names of any of the regimental officer
Page 10

in three or four days after he was drafted went to Providence the place of rendezvous where he joined his company and remained the one month for which he was drafted and was then discharged verbally by the captain - was in no battle or skirmish during this term of service - Jacob Goff private served in the same company with him
On the same day that he was discharged which was on the fourth or fifth day of March 1777 he at Providence enlisted into what was called the fifteen months service and enlisted for until the 16 day of March 1778. James Parker was Captain ^also Lieutenant Alexander of the Company, Lieutenant Henry Mathews - The regiment to which his company was attached and belonged was under the command of Colonel Archibald Crary Lieutenant John Topping Major James Williams, Sergeant Major Samuel Northrup, General Varnum for a short time officiated as Commandant of the Brigade and afterwards General Ezekial Cornell - that he enlisted to Captain James Parker and received a furlough for eleven days at the expiration of which time he joined his company at Tivertown Rhode Island at a place called Howlands Ferry until about the first of June when he marched with his company to Bristol Rhode Island and there remained until some time in the fall when he with his company to Tivertown & remained there two or three weeks and then returned back to Bristol and there remained until the 16 day of March 1778. The time for which he enlisted when he was discharged verbally by the captain was engaged in no skirmish or battle 
during this term of service 
Daniel Northrup Corporal Michael Wright
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David Evans provates where in the same regiment I served with him. On the same day or the day after he was discharged or the day after which was either the 16 or 17 day of March he enlisted again into the same company for a year at Bristol Rhode Island under the command of the same officers except the first Lieutenant who left the service & Sam Northrup 2 Lieut. as at the other term of service immediately passed muster at Bristol and remained there until some time in July when he went with his company to a place called Tivertown at Howalands Ferry remained there a few days and then went to Rhode Islad about the time of Sullivans expedition on to the Island and remained there about three or four weeks until after Sullivan left the Island and then returned back to Howlands Ferry and remained there until about the 17 day of November and then went to Little Compton & there remained until the sixteenth or seventeenth day of March 1779. When the time expired for which he enlisted and was discharged verbally by the Captain. Was engaged in no skirmish or battle during this term of service Stakely Northrup Jabish Boss Joseph Bromer Joseph Fish privates served in the same company with. And he further states that he has no documentary evidence of these his services during the Revolutionary War and he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure to can testify to his services except David Evans whose affidavit is hereto attached. In answer to the interrogatories required by the war department to be put to applicants for pensions he answers as follows 1st. He was born in Smithfield Rhode Island on the twenty eighth day of September 1759
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2nd He as no record of his age. 3rd. His residence was at Smithfield during the time of service as is mentioned in his declaration and he remained in Smithfield after his service until the year 1804 when he removed to Norwich County of Chenango State of New York where he has remained ever since and where he now resides. 4th. The answer to this question is contained in the body of his declaration. 5th General Washington at Providence Rhode Island. General Sullivan. General Greene and General Heath on Rhode Island. He ways the general circumstances of his services are as stated in his declaration. 6th. He never received a written discharge. was always discharged verbally by his officers. 7th He gives the names of Jedediah Randell Elder of the Baptist Church Perez Randall late Clerk. Jarvis K. Pike present Clerk John Randall farmer Cyrus Wheeler Merchant Charles Your Esq. Judge of Chenango Common Pleas all of the town or Norwich County of Chenango as men residing in his neighbourhood who can testify to his character for truth and veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid J. K. Pike Clk Joshua Aldrich
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We Jedediah Randall a Elder of the Baptist Church residing in the town of Norwich County of Chenango and Perez Randall residing in the same place, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joshua Aldrich who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration: that we believe him to be seventy three years of age: that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Jedediah Randall Perez Randall Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid J.K. Pike Clk
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories presented 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 Jedediah Randall who signed the preceding certificate is an Elder or clergyman of the Baptist Church resident in the town of Norwich County of Chenango and that Perez Randall who has also signed the same is a resident in the same place and is a credible person and their statement is entitled to credit. Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Chenango County New York Hez. Read Charles York Nathan Taylor
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Court in the matter of the application of Joshua Aldrich a Pension
In testimony where of I have hereunto set my
hand and seal of Office this Ninth day of  
October 1832

P.B. Prindle
Deputy Clerk
Page 15

No 18268
Joshua Aldrich Chenango County
New York

On rolls of Col Crary

[illegible]
Admitted
Private 2 years

[illegible] rolls of
Col Crary

Count
PBPrindle Norwich Chenango
County New York
Watts
Page 16

WAR DEPARTMENT, Pension Office, 183 Sir: The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the 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 shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin witih 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 Joshua Aldrish Chenango County New York
Period when the service was rendered. Sub Decr. 1776, Drafd 5, Feby 1777, Enlisted 5 March 1777 until 16 March 1778, Enld [illegible] 17 March 1778 
Duration of the claimant's service. Years. -, -, 1, 1. Months. -, 1, -, -. Days. 14, -, 10, -. 
Rank of the claimant. Private, private, private, private. 
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Cap Barnes, Cap Barnes or Cap Carpenter, Cap Parker, Cap Parker.
Names and Ranks of the General and Field officers. Col Brown,    , Genl Cornwell Col. Crary, Genl Cornwell Col. Crary 
Battles in which the applicant was engaged. not battles stated
Country through which he marched. Joined his compy at Bristol Rhode Island, Marched to Providence, Tiverton R. Island Marchd to Bristol R Island. Tiverton Howland Ferry to Little Compton 
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. 73 years, Smithfield Rhode Island
Evidence by which the declaration is supported. Traditionary evidence 1. living witness papers not properly attached.
I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant, J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions.
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2 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 serve on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who farmed 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 County of } SS. On this day of personally appeared (a) before A.B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aced (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 to as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, etc.] He hereby relinquished 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) point out. Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers of Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: (k) We, A.B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after purring 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 preceding certificate is a clergyman 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 witnesses 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
Page 18

3 will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts state 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 know 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 believd in the neighborhood to have been 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 traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct enquiry whether the belief is general and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. 

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance. [b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule. [c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. [d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. [e] The declarant must mention the period or periods of war when he served. [f] 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 or pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant canoot by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amed 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 a 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 indispensible. [g] The opinion of the Court is always required. [h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case. [f] 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 applicnat 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 by certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.} The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the case of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only. [k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. [l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. [m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 19

6353
New York Aldrich
Ruth Alrich dec'd
widow of Joshua Aldrich 
RI
Who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private - 

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
80 - Dollars -
Cents per annum, to commence on
the [crossed out text] 4th day of March, 1848.[end of crossed out text] 17th D
and end 11th January 181 - 
Certificate of Pension issued the
17th day of Augt 1855
and sent to
A. S. Lynde
Warsaw
NY

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 163 Vol. H -
Page 20


Application of the
Surviving children of
Ruth Aldrich
for
a Pension
Act of July 7. 1838

A.L. Lynde
Warsaw
New York
Atty for claimants
Page 21

State of New York
Chenango County ss. On this 2 day of AD 1858 personally
Reuben Aldrich appeared before the Surrogate Court of the
County and State aforesaid, Reuben Aldrich a resident of
Norwich in said County aged 70 years who being duly
sworn according to law on his oath make the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of
Congress passed July 7, 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and
pensions to certain widows" That he is one of the surviving
children of Ruth Aldrich who was widow of Joshua Aldrich
who was a Revolutionary Soldier and a Pensioner of the United States under the act of June 7, 1832 at the rate of $80 per annum
and resided & died at Norwich in the State of New York
on the 17th day of October AD 1849. That the said Ruth whose
maiden name was Ruth Evans was married to the said
Joshua Aldrich at Smithfield in the State of Rhode Island
as he has been informed & believes in or about the year 1782 by
one Elder Mitchell a clergyman and died at Norwich
aforesaid on the Eleventh day of January AD 1851. That
deponent believes that the said Joshua and Ruth were
not married previous to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January AD
1794 [illegible] at the time above stated. That the said Ruth did
not leave any record of the marriage of herself with the
said Joshua but did leave a record of the ages of her
children which was kept as a family record by herself
& her said husband during his life time and is in
the hand writing of said Joshua Aldrich and was made
over thirty years since and is hereunto annexed. That the said
Ruth did not intermarry after the death of said Joshua but continued his widow
[signed] Reuben Aldrich

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year
above written in open court witness my hand
and seal of Office
Roswell Judson
County Judge & acting Surrogate
Page 22

State of New York 
Chenango County 
Smith Titus Joseph Force - 

Chenango County ss Smith Titus and Joseph Force
being duly sworn according to law on
their oaths depose and say that they were personally acquainted with Joshua Aldrich and Ruth his wife for 
18 or 20. years or more before their deaths that the said
John Aldrich and Ruth his wife, openly maintained
the relation of husband and wife without reproach & are
reputed to be such among their neighbors & acquaintances
that the said Joshua was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the
United States & they both resided in Norwich in the County & State
aforesaid and died in said town and left a son whose
name is Reuben Aldrich

[signed]  
Smith Titus
Joseph Force

Subscribed & Sworn to before
me this 2d day of May
AD 1855 and I certify
the deponents to be credible
persons

F.E. Carpenter
Justices of the Peace

STATE OF NEW YORK,
CHENANGO COUNTY CLERKS OFFICE } SS.

THOMAS MILNER, Clerk of said County, DO CERTIFY,
That L. E. C. Carpenter Esq,
before whom the annexed instrument was proved or acknowledged, was, at the
time of taking such proof or acknowledgement, a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
in and for said County, duly authorized and qualified to take the same. And
further: That I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe the
signature thereto, purporting to be his, is genuine; and that the said instrument
is executed in accordance with the Laws of the State of New York.
In Testimoy Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my official seal, at Norwich, this 2nd ay of May 1855

A Rudy Clck Clerk.
Page 23

Joshua Alrich his book
The ages of the Son and Daughter
of Joshua. And Ruth Aldrich
Josheph Alerich Borny July the 7 AD 178[cut off]
Reuben Aldrich Born October the 26, 
AD 1784 Ejek Aldrich born 
July the 6 day AD 1787, Nanc yAldrich
Born August the 27 AD 1789
Bettsey Aldrich, born August the 3
AD 1792: Polly Aldrich born October
the 4 AD 1794: Rhoda Aldrich [illegible]
born February the 15 AD 1798
Phebe Aldrich January the 4th
1802

State of New York
Chenango County

Force
duly sworn according 
to law do depose and say that they were 
well acquainted witgh the Joshua Aldrich formerly of said town a Revolutiary Pensioner deceased and with Ruth his wife 
deceased. That the said Joshua Aldrich died at Norwich 
aforesaid on the 17th day of October 1849 and the aid Ruth 
his widow died at said Norwich in the state of New York 
on the 11th day of January AD 1851. That deponents were
present at their funeral and assisted in laying out the said
Joshua Aldrich after his decease.

[signed] 
Smith Titus
Joseph Force

Subscribed & Sworn before me this 2nd day of May AD 1858 and
I certify that the deponents are credible witnesses and that
I am not concerned in the prosecution of said claim or
interested in the result L. E. Carpenter Justice of
the Peace
Page 24

State of New York
Chenango County ss Smith Titus & Joseph Force

Residents of Norwich being duly sworn according 
to law do on their oaths depose and say that they were
well acquainted with Joshua Aldrich formerly of said town
a Revolutionary Pensioner deceased and with Ruth his wife
deceased. That the said Joshua Aldrich died at Norwich
aforesaid on the 17th day of October 1849 and the said Ruth
his widow died at said Nowrick in the State of New York
on the 11th day of January AD 1857. That deponents were
present at their funerals & assisted in laying out the said
Joshua Aldrich after his decease

[signed]
Smith Titus
Joseph Ford

Subscribed & Sworn before me this 2nd day of May AD 1855 and
I certify that the deponents are credible witnesses and that
I am not concerned in the prosecution of said claim or
interested in the result L. E. Carpenter Justice of
the Peace
Page 25

State of New York
Chenango County ss

I Roswell Judson - Surrogate of 
said County hereby certify that at a
Surrogate Court holden by me at Norwich in
said County on this 2d day of May AD 1855 Satisfactory
Evidence has been exhibited to prove that Ruth
Aldrich, who was widow of Joshua Aldrich a Revolutionary 
Soldier & Pensioner, died at Norwich in
the County of Chenango and State of New York on
the 11th day of January AD 1851 and left seven children
whose names are, Joseph, Reuben, Esek, Nancy, Polly
Rhoda and Phebe Aldrich - 
and who are the only children of the said Ruth Aldrich
her surviving and each of whom is more than 21 years
of age. I further certify that this certificate is based
upon the annexed affidavits and that I am satisfied
that the said deponents are credible witnesses
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and official seal this 2d day
of May AD 1855

Roswell Judson
County Judge acting
Surrogate
Page 26

May 31, 1940.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX



Mr. Raymond E. Van Syckle
1729 Ford Building
Detroit, Michigan

BA-J/ADY
Joshua Aldrich, W.23426

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter relative to Joshua Aldrich,
a soldier of the Revolutionary War.

The data contained herein were obtained from the papers on
file in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.23426, based upon
the military service in that war of Joshua Aldrich.

Joshua Aldrich was born September 28, 1759, in Smithfield,
Rhode Island. The names of his parents are not shown.

While a resident of said Smithfield, Joshua Aldrich enlisted
in December 1776, served two weeks, as a substitute for
Samuel Aldrich, no relationship stated, as private in Captain
Enoch Barnes' Company, Colonel Brown's Rhode Island Regiment.
Joshua Aldrich enlisted February 4 or 5, 1777, and served one
month as private in Captain Enoch Barnes' or Captain John
Carpenter's Rhode Island Company. He enlisted March 4 or 5,1777, and served one year and ten days as private in Captain James Parker's Company, Colonel Archibald Crary's Rhode Island Regiment.
He enlisted March 16 or 17, 1778, and served one year as private
in Captain James Parker's Company, Colonel Archibald Crary's
Rhode Island Regiment.

In 1804 he moved from Smithfield, Providence County, Rhode
Island, to Norwich, Chenango County, New York.

He was allowed pension on his application executed October
9, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Norwich, New York.

He died October 17, 1849, in Norwich, New York.

Soldier married in said Smithfield, in 1782, Ruth Evans.
She died January 11, 1851, in Norwich, New York, her age not
given.

The following names of the children of Joshua and Ruth
Aldrich are shown:
Page 27

Joseph Aldrich born July 7, 1783.
Reuben Aldrich " October 26, 1784.
Esek Aldrich " July 6, 1787.
Nancy Aldrich " August 27, 1789.
Bettsey Aldrich " August 3, 1792.
Polly Aldrich " October 4, 1794.
Rhoda Aldrich " February 15, 1798.
Phebe Aldrich " June 14, 180-, illegible.

May 2, 1858, said Reuben Aldrich, a resident of Norwich,
New York, applied for pension which was due his mother, on
account of the Revolutionary War services of his father,
Joshua Aldrich. The claim was allowed, said Reuben, and the
other surviving children; Joseph Aldrich, Esek Aldrich, Nancy
Aldrich, Polly Aldrich, Rhoda Aldrich and Phebe Aldrich.

In 1832, one David Evans, aged seventy-one years and
upwards, was residing in Plymouth, Chenango County, New York,
no relationship to the family was stated. There are no further
family data.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 28

Dec 11 90 To Miss
Carrie L Walkins
Compertown NY
Sec. 12775
1912 Mch. 6 Hist to Mrs
F. B. Aldrich R.I. [illegible]
1918 Oct 19. Photostat copy of family ┃
record sent to V. R. Cameron and
1940 May 31. Hist to Raymond &
Van [illegible] AD Y


23.826
WIDOW, &c.
---
File No. 23426
Ruth Aldrich
Wid of
Joshua Aldrich
Priv. Rev. War
Act Feb. 2d 1848
Index: Vol. A, Page 11

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 29

John Aldrich died 17 Jany 1849. paid
in full

Rob [illegible]
Auditor
-

X See letter from 3d Auditor of 21 July 1855
It appears from that letter that payment has
been made to by December 1849.
-
Page 30

Pen off, June 21 1853

Sir
Please inform me when Joshua Aldrich W. Act '32 $80 a year, was last paid

Very Respectfully
S. Cole
Co Clk


R J Atkinson Esq
[illegible]
Page 31

No 1412Ruth Aldrich Decd
Widow of Joshua 
NY

[illegible] May 16 1853
same June 26 1853

[illegible] 161
Page 32

Reuben Aldrich [illegible] Dec 6th 1849
Ruth Aldrich [illegible] 1851 / [illegible] 822

-

Joseph Aldrich - Reuben Aldrich - Esek
Aldrich - Nancy Adrich - Polly Aldrich - 
Rhoda Aldrich - Nancy Aldrich Polly Aldrich
Smith Titus Joseph Force

Reuben Aldrich [illegible][illegible]
Page 33

Joshua Alrich his book
The ages of the Son and Daughter
of Joshua. And Ruth Aldrich
Josheph Alerich Borny July the 7 AD 178[cut off]
Reuben Aldrich Born October the 26,
AD 1784 Ejek Aldrich born
July the 6 day AD 1787, Nanc yAldrich
Born August the 27 AD 1789
Bettsey Aldrich, born August the 3
AD 1792: Polly Aldrich born October
the 4 AD 1794: Rhoda Aldrich [illegible]
born February the 15 AD 1798
Phebe Aldrich January the 4th
1802

State of New York
Chenango County

Force
duly sworn according
to law do depose and say that they were
well acquainted witgh the Joshua Aldrich formerly of said town a Revolutiary Pensioner deceased and with Ruth his wife
deceased. That the said Joshua Aldrich died at Norwich
aforesaid on the 17th day of October 1849 and the aid Ruth
his widow died at said Norwich in the state of New York
on the 11th day of January AD 1851. That deponents were
present at their funeral and assisted in laying out the said
Joshua Aldrich after his decease.

[signed]
Smith Titus
Joseph Force

Subscribed & Sworn before me this 2nd day of May AD 1858 and
I certify that the deponents are credible witnesses and that
I am not concerned in the prosecution of said claim or
interested in the result L. E. Carpenter Justice of
the Peace
Page 34

[illegible]
Page 35

Treasury Department Third Auditor's Office July 21 1855 Sir, Some time ago, the death of Joshua Aldrich of the Albany roll, Act 1832, was reported to you from this office as having occurred on the 17 Jany 1849. Upon an examination of the voucher upon which the arrears of pension are paid to his widow, it appears that he died 17th Dec 1849, the recording clerk in 1849, having erroneously entered his death on the books. In a letter from A. L. Lynde of Warsaw N.Y. it is stated that irresistible proof is before your office in the widow's application for pension that he died 17" Oct. 1849. which shows an overpayment of arrears of $13.33 which ought to be directed from the widow's pension. I am sir, your obt Servant Rob J. Minson Auditor L. T. Waldo Esq. Commr of Pensions
Page 36

Ruth Aldrich Decd. widow of Joshua Chenango Co New York admd 2d Feby 1848 2 yrs pri in $80, per annum from 17 Decr 1849 to which time her husband was paid to 11 Jany 1851 when she died. Pay to Reuben Aldrich adm for the benefit of the surviving children who a certified to be, Joseph Aldrich1 Reuben Aldrich2, Esek Aldrich3 Nancy Aldrich4 Polly Aldrich5 Rhoda Aldrich6 & Phebe Aldrich7. Cert to A L Lynde Esq Warsaw NY
Page 37

Surrogates Certificate in case of Ruth Aldrich applicant for Revolutionary Pension NY sus 2d Feb '28 A. L. Lynde Warsaw New York Atty
Page 38

State of New York Chenango County SS Surrogates Office June 11th 1855 I Roswell Judson Surrogate of said County do hereby certify that at a Surrogates Court held by me at Sherburne in and for said County on the 11th day of June 1855 Reuben Aldrich of Norwich in said County was duly appointed and qualified administrator of all and singular the goods, chattels and credits of Ruth Aldrich late of Norwich in said County deceased, and is fully authorised to act as such administrator; And I further certify that the said Reubene Aldrich has executed an official bond as such administrator with two good and sufficient sureties in the penal sum of two hundred dollars, which bond was duly approved by me as such surrogate and filed in the Surrogates office of said County Witness my hand and official seal at Sherburne in said County the 11th day of June AD, 1835 Roswell Judson Surrogate
Page 39

Warsaw New York August 9, 1855 Hon. J. Minot. In the case of application of Administrator of Ruth Aldrich widow of Joshua Aldrich for pension act of Feb 2 1838 I received your letter of the 26th June informing me of this descrepancy in the date of his death as shown by the papers presented by me and those on file in 3d Auditors office. I immediately caused a thorough investigation to be made & found that the date as set forth in my papers is correct as can be shown. 1. By the evidence of the persons who prepared his body for burial. 2d By a record made by a relative at the date of his death.  3d. By an account made for his coffin. 4th By the date of his death upon his grave stone erected soon after his
Page 40

decease. After the receipt of your letter I corresponded with the Auditor in relation to said error and he upon a second examination of the case informed me that his clerk had made a mistake & that it appears that the pension of Joshua Fargo was paid to December 17, 1849 instead of October 17 1849 the true date of his death. I wrote you some weeks ago informing you of the result of my investigations and as I have not heard from you I fear that my letter has not reached you. By the act of 30th April 1844 it is provided that "No pension shall be hereafter granted to a widow for the same time that her husband received on" and as Mrs. Aldrich has received her husbands pension to December 17, 1849 it will be satisfactory to the administrator if her pension shall commence from
Page 41

that date. Please send me the Pension certificate at your early convenience Respectfully A. L. Lynde (No claim for a Joshua Fargo ) V. Loll. Mch 6. 1912
Page 42

Brief in the case of Rugh Aldrich decd widow of Joshua Chenango County and State of New York act 2 Feby 1848 Claim, ("struck out") Proof exhibited, (if original.) Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. Her husband was a pensioner under the act of June 7 1834 at $80 a year Family record of the births of children for proof of marriage. Cohabitation and general reputation of marriage as mand & wife. Identity & death proved by 2 credible witnesses. Surviving children & administrator shown by certificate of Court Thornton Tippets Examining Clerk. Name and residence of Agent A. L. Lyndes Warsaw NY
Page 43

Richmond Rill L.I. Feb 25th 1912 FBA Pension Bureau Washington D. C. Dear Sir, Can you give me any information concerning a pension given to Joshua Aldrich O.K. or his heirs. He was a private in Colonel Crarys regiment of Rhode Island Married Ruth Evans and had one child I know of named Betsey. He is burried in North Norwich cemetery in Chenango Co. N.Y. State Very Respectfully Yours Mrs. G. B. Aldrich 445 Greenwood Ave.
Page 44

Cask 15 c from Mrs. Viola Root Cameron of Nw York 47 W. 42 St. NY for copy of one page in claim of Joshua Aldrich R.I. Troops, Rev. War, W. 23426 Finance Division Oct 18 1918 BUREAU OF PENSIONS PENSION G OCT 18 1918 OFFICE U.S. no receipt to Mrs. Cameron necessary Proctor 10/18/18

3 BUREAU OF PENSIONS Finance Division OCT 18 1918 191_ Chief of Reb War Section Sir: I have this day received from Mrs. Viola Root Cameron Cash of $15/100 requesting copy as per letter herewith. Said dev most of printing of paper awd Oct 19 1918
Very respectfully W.N. Capmbel JJC Chief of Division
Page 45

AW Rev. War Section. Oct. 19, 1918. Mrs. Viola R. Cameron, 47 W. 42St ew York City, N.Y. Madam: In reply to your personal request of the 18th instant, you are herewith furnished under the provisions of the Act of August 24, 1912, a photostat copy of one page from the Revolutionary War pension claim of Joshua Aldrich, W. 25,426. Very respectfully [illegible] Commissioner. 

Date Oct. 19, 1918 Name Joshua Aldrich No @. 23426 R.I. Troops, War Rev Photographic copies wanted of 1 pieces, consisting of 1 pages. Remarks: Exr. AEWilson Chief Rev War Section APPROVED: AS Meek Law Clerk. Serial No.
Page 46

DETROIT CHAPTER SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION PRESIDENT CHARLES B. MCDONALD VICE-PRESIDENTS NORMAM B. CONGER THOMAS H. G. SCHOOLEY SECRETARY RAYMOND E. VAN SYCKLE CHAPLAIN REV. M. LUTHER CANUP HISTORIAN JOHN P. ANTISDEL TREASURER FRANK G. SMITH RECEIVD APR 24 1940 MAIL 
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 1729 FORD BUILDING DETROIT, MICHIGAN
Veteran's Administration Washington D. C. Please advise family data and Rev. War service, if any, Joshua Aldrich (1759-1849) b. Smithfield R.I. d. N. Manchester NY 1832 living in Chenango Co. N.Y. pute 1776 Col. Archibal Crary 1782 m Ruth Evans (1756-1859) yours ec. Raymond E. Van Syckle Secy
Page 47

ation as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension file in this Bureau. Joshua Aldrich W. F. 23426 
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. Dec. 1776, Feby 4 or 5 1777, Mch 4 or 5 1777, Mch 16 or 17 1778.
LENGTH OF SERVICE. 2 weeks, 1 mo, 1yr 10 days, 1 year.
RANK. Prt.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN - Enoch Barnes, Enoch Barnes or John Carpenter, James Parker, James Parker. COLONEL. - Brown, Archibald Crary Archibald Crary
STATE. R.I.
Battles engaged in, was in Sullivans Expedition to R.I. 
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Smithfield R.I.
Date of application for pension, Oct. 9, 1832 His cl. al.
Residence at date of application, Norwich Chenanfo Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, b. at Smithfield R.I. Sept. 28, 1759 d. at Norwich N.Y. Oct. 17, 1849* Remarks: Soldier married at Smithfield R.I. in 1782 Ruth Evans. She died Jany 11 1851. Children were Josseph b. July 7 1783. Reuben b. Oct. 26 1784. Esek b. July 6, 1787, Nancy b. Aug. 27, 1789. Betsey b. Aug. 3, 1792. Polly b. Oct. 4 1794, Rhoda b. Feby 15 1798 Phebe b. Jan 14 180.. ilegible 
Very respectfully, {*this date used because of letter in claim in regard to it. Commissioner.
7565b3m10-08