Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 22,783, William Case Clarke, R.I.
Page 1

Service
RI

Clarke, or Clark William 
or Clark
Sarah

Number
Case W22,783
Page 2

4173. 
Rhode-Island
Sarah Clark
widow of William C. Clark
who died on the 18 April 1841.
of R.I. in the State of R.I.
who was a private in the - [blank not filled] commanded by Captain --- of the ---commanded
by --- in the --- line for I Gear Inc & from $40.
Inscribed on the Roll of Providence at the rate of 101 Dollars 67 Cents per annum, to commence on the [crossed out is 18 day of March, 18] April1841, and Ending 18 July 1850.
Certificate of Pension ifsued the 21 day of March 1851 and sent to IM Thayer Boston Mass
{Revolutionary Claim, Act Jult 4, 1836, Section the ---}
Recorded by HE. Robinson Clerk, 
Book D Vol. 2 Page 350
Page 3

6742
Rhode Island
William C. Clark of S. Kingston in the state of R.I. who was a priv & serg. in the Compy commanded by captain Gardiner in the Regt commanded by Col. Gardner in the R.I. line for 2 months private 19 sergeant

Inscribed on the Roll of R.I. at the rate of 107 dollars 67 cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.

Certificate of pension issued the 13th day of May 1834 and sent to Hono. D.J. Pearce of Rep

Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1834 - $305
Semi-anl. allowance ending Sept 4th 34 - 50.8
$355.84

{Revolutionary Cl Act June 7, 1837[illegible]}

Recorded by George Taylor
Book E Vol. 2 Page 103

This certificate is issued in lew of one dated Mar 8th 1834 and [illegible] from $40 to 101.07
Page 4

Declaration
In order to obtain the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832
State of Rhode Island
County of Washington
On this sixth day of September 1832 personally appeared in open court, before the Judges a resident of South Kingston in the county of Washington and state of Rhode Island aged seventy six 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. 
That is to say at the commencement of the revolution with Great Britain in April 1775 he belonged to the first company of militia in said town of South Kingston and between that period & Dec.r 1776 was repeatedly called in to the public service by the officers in command to different points of attack certain by the enemy particularly at Boston neck & point guard with in said South Kingston when the enemy was in the habit of landing to[illegible] the stock & destroy the property of the inhabitants.  and on the Island of Peninsula in Namagansett Bay in Oct. or Nov. 1775 when Wallace landed there & burnt a number of dwelling houses. Some time in the winter of 1776 he enlisted into the company of infantry at said South Kingston reds chartered in said county by the Genl. Assembly of Rhode Island then commanded by Capt. John Gardner who by said charter had the rank of Col. which aforesaid chartered company was a company of minutemen at all times from its instillation to the end of the revolution held readings & found that march & act against the enemy of this company the said Clark from the line he enlisted into it as above stated to the end of the revolution was a member. The  places of general [illegible] of this company during the revo was in said South Kingston, Scituate in the west side of Namagansett Bay, within a few miles of the town of Hopinton Rhode Island. On the 5th of Dec.r 1776 was now alarmed with a summon that the British were about to take possession of Rhode Island when he was marched to Boston Neck in said company under Capt. John Gardner when he was stationed at the John Smith house a part of the time & apart of the time at
Page 5

Tower Hill & served there thirty two days
when we were discharged from this service.
In March 1777, he was marched to East Gen
wich in said State of Rhode Island under Col
John Gardine where he was stationed & served
in said company thirty odd days, until
we were relieved by the Kentish Guards, another
independent company. In May 1777, we
were ordered under Capt John Waite, Genl
Varnum having the chief command to Exeter
Hollow, so called, in said County of Washington,
where we were stationed for thirty days & [illegible]
in intercepting refugees to the enemy on the In-
land of Rhode Island during that time. In
the first part of July 1777, he was again or-
dered down to Boston Neck in the aforesaid
company, when from that time he served three
months, in defense along shore between Boston
Neck Point & the village of Wickford. In
Oct. 1777, he was entered with said compa
ny under Capt John Waite to Warwick
Nick, where we were transported across
the bay by the way of Warren to Tiverton
where was served thirty days under Col. Fry
in Genl Correll's brigade. He was with said
company entered in to the Island of R. Island in
August 1778, at the time of Sullivan's expedit-
ion, where he served thirty days under Col Fry
from the time he returned from Sullivan's expe-
dition up to the end of the year 1779 he served in said and independent company
numerous short periods in guarding the shore
from Point Judith Point to the village of
Wickford, which it is not now in his power
to particularize; but all of which he has
no hesitation in believing & declaring amo-
unts to at least these months actual service.
In July or August 1780, and June 1781, he was
marched on to the Island of Rhode Island where
he served in said company under Capt. Waite
thirty days at each of said times against the enemy.
And the said Clarks areas that during the revo-
lution between the United States & Great Britain, he
performed several terms of military service against
the enemy on the Western shore of Narragansett
Bay other than any of those terms of service afore
named, and though they were so very numerous & in
such rapid succession, that he is not able to detail
them, yet he is confident that they amount to full
one year, and he further declares that he served
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against the enemy during the revolution in all a period of more than two years. And that's Clark (illegible) that he faithfully lived out all the aforementioned period of service in defense of his country, and he also declares that he was born in said South Kingstown on the 21st day of July 1756, a duly certified copy of events of the time of his
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State of Rhode Island
Washington County
On this 2d day of March AD 1843. Personally appeared before Edward Barber a Justice of the Court of common pleas in and for the county of Washington, state of Rhode Island. Sarah Clark a resident of South Kingstown county of Washington & state aforesaid aged 78 years on the 13th. Instant 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 4th 1836 and the join resolution of July 7th 1838. That she is the widow of the Hon. William Case Clarke late of s'd South Kingstown dec'd who was a private officer of Rhode Island militia in the war of the revolution & served various tours of duty in a company chartered by the name of Kingston Reds & commanded by John Waite Esq. and for said service he received a pension under act of 1832 of one hundred & one dollar pran which he continued to receive during life. She further declared that she has heard from her husband s'd Clarke & others who served with him that he said Clarke performed numerous tours of duty in said Company both in the field & as guard on the shores &c. &c.  Was at Tiverton in Gen. Spencers expedition in the fall of 1777 at Rhode Island in Sulivan's Expedition in the summer of '78. Attended alarm posts [illegible] and guarded the shores in '79 & '80. In the summer of 1781 I distinctly recollect said Clarke was called out and on duly under command of s'd Waite
Page 8

and served to the best of my recollection one month or more knows he was on duty at the time as their marriage was postponed in consequence of s'd Clarke's being on duty in s'd company guarding the shores tc. In the month of September of s'd year 1781 said Clarke was again called out and on duty in s'd company well remember this town as he s'd Clarke obtained leave of absence they was [sic] married & the next day he left for the purpose of joining said company. After they was [sic] married in the fall of s'd year on winter following my husband s'd Clarke was again called out in s'd company & under the command of s'd Waite was marched if my memory serves to the South Ferry so called where he served one month guarding the shores she well remembers this as their Grandmother Case who had been his former housekeeper was taken sick during his absence and she found extremely difficult to obtain a female companion to assist her their husbands being also absent on duty. That her husband s'd Clarke was again called out in s'd company & under the command of s'd Waite in course of the year 1782 and was marched to Newport & elsewhere where he served a tour of duty of one month against the enemy she further declares that her husband was repeatedly called out after her intermarriage on alarm to tend the alarm posts because & to guard the shores against the enemy. But as she was at home attending to her domestic affairs and being young
Page 9

little over 15 years old when married, she is not
able to state all the particulars of her husband's
service. she therefore begs leave to refer the Deport
ment to the declaration and proof of service forw-
arded to the commission of pension by her
husband said Clarke previous to his obtaining
a pension
She further declares that she was married
to the said William Case Clarke in the month of
September in the year Seventeen Hundred,
Eighty one, by Nathaniel Gardner Esqr a Jus
tice of the Peace. That she has no document
ation proof or record of said marriage there
fore she cannot state the particular day
of said marriage took place as her certificate
was either lost or mislaid many years
since, and that her husband said
William Case Clarke died on the 18th
day of April 1841, and that she has rem
ained a widow ever since that period
as will more fully appear by refference to
the proof hereto annexed
X her mark Sarah Clark
attest by Wm R. Hayes
George C. Clark
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year
above written
Edward Barber Justice C.C. Pleese
land of S.
Page 10

State of Rhode Island
Washington Coty} SS
South Kingstown, March 2d 1843 Then
personally appeared Sarah Clarke made solemn oath
in due formof law to the truth of the foregoing
declaration by her subscribed- which was in-
duced to writing in her presence and
signed by her in my presence. I further
certify that I visited her at her residence
she being aged & infirm and unable to
attend in open Court to make a declaration
And that the declarants Character for truth
and veracity is good
The words Sarah Clarke was interlined
before signing
The words Sarah Clarke was interlined
before signing
Edward Barber Justice of the C.C. Pleas
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State of Rhode Island & C
Clerks Office, Supreme Court
September 20, 1844
Washington S.C.
I Powell Helme Clerk of said Court within and for the same county of Washington do hereby certify that Matthew Waite, Esquire is a Justice of the Peace for the town of South Kings, town in said County of Washington duly appointed by said Town Commissioned by the Governor and otherwise qualified as the law directs and that Thomas R Wells, Esq. is Town Clerk of said town of South Kingstown duly qualified to act as such.
That I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Matthew Waite and Thomas R. Wells and that their names subscribed to the forgoing certificates on their genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Court aforesaid at South Kingstown the day and year above written.
Powell Helme
Clerk
Page 12

These may certify that William Case Clarke was lawfully married to Sarah Cross both of South Kingstown on the twenty first day of July 1781- (One thousand seven hundred and eighty-one)
By     Nathi Gardner, Justice
State of Rhode Island
County of Washington    Sc
Town Clerks Office
South Kingstown   Sept 20, 1866
I certify that the foregoing marriage certificate is a true copy of the records of this office except the date of the year which in five legible figures viz 1781. Recorded April 28, 1788.
Thos R Wells, Clerk
Sworn to at South Kingstown this 20th day of September AD 1844
Before me Matthew Waite
Justice Peace
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William Case Clarke (Son of John Clarke and Mercy his wife) was born July 21st day Anno Domini 1756.
Recorded Nov. 25th, 1756
W.P. T. C.
The above is a True copy from the Records of South Kingstown Aug. 31, 1832
Thos R Wells
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Declaration to obtain Increase of Pension
State of Rhode Isand,
Washington County  ⎬ ss:
On this Seventeenth day of
December A.D. Eighteen hundred
and fifty, before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in
and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared, George
Clinton Clark, a resident of South Kingston in said County,
aged forty three years, who being duly sworn according to
law, doth on his Oath make the following Declaration
in order to obtain an increase of his late Mother's Pension:
That he is a son of Sarah Clark deceased, widow of
William C. Clark; that his said Mother drew a Pension
under the Act of 4th July 1836, at the rate of forty dollars
per annum, as will more fully appear by reference to
her original Pension Certificate (No 4173) which is herewith
surrendered; that his said Father, William C. Clark, was a
Revolutionary Pensioner at one hundred and one dollars
per annum, as this Declarant believes; that his mother, the
said Sarah Clark, Widow of said William C. Clark, died
on the Eighteenth day of July A.D. Eighteen hundred and fifty;
(18 July 1850;) and he makes this Declaration for the purpose
of obtaining the benefit of the Act of 1st July 1848 and
any other Laws, Regulations, or Decisions which may
provide for her case, and desires that a certificate for
her Increase may be made payable to him as the
Administrator, as the certificate of his Administration will be
sent to the Department
George C. Clark
Sworn to and subscribed
the day and year aforesaid, ⎬ 
Before me
Wilkins Updike
Justice of the Peace
Page 15

State of Rhode Island
Washington County      ⎬ SS    
On this 19 day of December
A.D. Eighteen hundred and fifty, before the undersigned
a Justice of the Peace, personally appeared, Luke
Aldrich, a resident of South Kingston in said County,
and made oath according to law, that he attended
as undertaker, the funeral of Mrs Sarah Clark, the
Mother of the within named George C. Clark, that
said coffin is charged to said George C. Clark
on his books, on the twentieth day of July last,
Eighteen hundred and fifty, and he believes she
died on the Eighteenth of said month, two days
previously to the delivery of said coffin
Sworn to & subscribed,
the day & year aforesaid    ⎬          Luke Aldrich
Before me,
Wilkins Updike
Justice of the Peace

State of Rhode Island
Washington County   ⎬S
So Kingston Dec 19th 1850
That this may certify that the above
named Luke Aldrich is well known to me and
that what he has signed & sworn to is intitled
to full faith & belief and that he has & does sustain
a fair character for truth & that what he has
sworn to respecting the time of the funeral, making of the
coffin and his presence at her funeral, as I attended the
funeral myself, is just & true.
Wilkins Updike
Justice of Peace
Page 16

The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations:
Washington, Sc.
Clerks Office Supreme Court
December 19. 1850
I Powell Helme Clerk of the Supreme 
Court of said State within and for the County of Washington
do hereby certify that Wilkins Updike Esquire is a Justice of the
Peace for the town of South Kingstown in said County of Washington duly
qualified to act in that capacity and that his name subscribed to
the aforegoing certificates are his genuine signatures
In testimony whereof I
have hereunto set my hand
and affixed the seal of said
Supreme Court at South Kingstown
the day and year above
written
Powell Helme
Clerk
Page 17

Mrs. Gladys W. Vaughan             BA-J/ILL
609 N. W. 19th Street                  William Case Clarke
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.          W. 22783

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter of recent date in
which you request the Revolutionary War record of William Case
Clarke, who was born in Kingston, Rhode Island, and died April
18, 1841.

The data which follow were obtained from the papers on
file in pension claim-W. 22783, based upon service of William
Case Clarke in the Revolutionary War.
William Case Clarke, son of John Clarke, Jr. and his
wife, Mercy, was born July 21, 1756 at "Little Rest, later Kingston
or South Kingston, Rhode Island; his birth was recorded in that
town. William's grandmother Case lived on her husband's farm in
South Kingston as late as 1781; William's sister, Mrs. James Helme,
lived near her. The given names of said grandparents were not
stated.

William Case Clarke belonged to the minute-men of Kingston,
Rhode Island, from the beginning of the Revolutionary War in April
1775, was called out several times on short tours and in December
1776, when the British landed under Commodore Wallace, he served
in Captain John Gardner's Rhode Island company. From the spring of
1777, he served as sergeant in Captain John Waite's company of "King
ston Reds", and was in service on different tours under Colonels
Fry and John Gardner until the close of the war, amounting in all
to at least nineteen months; during these services, he served several
months near Boston, was in the expedition under General Spencer in
1777, in July 1778 brought to deserters by boat to camp at Point
Judith by special order to Colonel John Laurens, was in the expedition
under General Sullivan in August 1778, and in constant service along
the coast.
He was allowed pension on account of his service in the
Page 18

Revolutionary War on his application executed September 6, 1832.
He resided then in South Kingston, Washington County, Rhode
Island, where he had always resided, William Case Clarke died
there April 18, 1841.

This soldier married in South Kingston, Sarah Potter or Sarah
Cross, also of South Kingston, whose mother was Deborah; they were
married by Nathaniel Gardner, Justice of the Peace. Sarah was born
March 13, 1765 and was not yet sixteen years of age. The date of
their marriage is shown as July 21, 1781 and as in September 1781.
After their marriage, William Case Clarke took his wife to live in
the home of his grandmother Case.

Sarah Clarke, this soldier's widow, was allowed pension on
her application executed March 2, 1843, at which time she resided
in South Kingston, Rhode Island. She died there July 18, 1850.

In 1850, George Clinton Clark (he signed his name Clark)
was a resident of South Kingston, Rhode Island, aged forty-three
years; he was the son of this soldier and his wife, Sarah.

One Elisha R. Potter, Esq. was appointed administrator of
the estate of Sarah Clarke by the Probate Court of South Kingston.
A copy of a letter dated March 10, 1851 by the Clerk of that court
follows -- "That satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said
court to prove that Sarah Clarke widow of William C. Clarke of said
town a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States died in said
town on the eighteenth day of July A D 1850. And that Mary Ann
Douglass (divorced from her husband) John Clarke Nathaniel H. Clarke
Theresa, wife of Bowdoin Hazard, Elizabeth K. Eddy, wife of Benjamin
C. Eddy, Sarah, wife of Thomas Rogers, Harriet Clarke, George C.
Clarke and Amelia Allen, wife of Heman Allen are the only surviving
children of said Sarah Clarke and that only one of her children has
died leaving children--viz. Mercy wife of Mathew Waite (both deed)
whose children are Dorcas ( wife of Joseph Case) Benjamin C. Samuel
and John."
For further information in regard to the last payment of
this pension, you should apply to the Comptroller General, General
Accounting Office, this city, and furnish the following data:
Sarah Clarke, widow of William C. Clarke, Certificate #4173, issued
Page 19

March 21, 1851, rate $101.67 per annum, commenced April 18,
1841 and ending July 18, 1850, Act of July 4, 1836, Rhode Island
Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
Page 20

William Case Clarke
W.2.2783
R.I.
Page 21

Sergeant Clarkson

You are immediately
to proceed to Saml Congdales - and
bring from thence two deserters who
left Rhode Island to day-- you are
likewise to scuttle the boat in which
they came so to render her
unfit for use
John Lauren
aide de Camp
Point Judith
[illegible]
26 Seal written THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES
Page 22

New Bedford Oct 20th 1844

Sirs,
Herewith I forward you a further & more particular decla'n. of Mrs. Sarah Clarke, Widow of Mr. C. Clarke late of So. Kingston R.I. Dec;d. and a certificate of marriage which owing to its being entered on the books 7 years after it took place, was entirely overlooked both by the town clerk and myself and was not discovered until since Mr. E. R. Potters return from Washington. In Mrs. C. first declaration, where extremely feeble, both in body and mind, she decl'd. that she was married at a more recent period by which it appears that she did not intentionally declare wrong, as it was directly against her claim, but as she stated, owing to her feeble situation. Which I hope will prove satisfactory to the Department and entitle this aged and truly worthy matron to a certificate.
Respectfully Your Obt. Sert.
Wm R. Noyes
Agent for S. Clarke

James L Edwards Esq.
Comm'r. of Pensions
Was'n D.C.
Page 23

Peace Dale So Kingstown March 22nd 1843
Sir
Herewith I forward you for examination the
declaration of Mrs Sarah Clarke Widow of the Hon William
C. Clarke late of this Town died and sundry deposi
tions in support of the declarant
Mrs Clarke declares she was married to S'd
Wm Case Clarke in the month of September 1781.
That her certificate of Marriage was long since
lost or mislade and that she is entirely depend
ant on parole proof of marriages, and for that
purpose she offers the deposition of Mrs Mary
Billington who was present & witnessed s'd marriage.
Also, the depositions of Mrs Mary Smith, William Tourgee
& Ebenezer Smith relative to the marriage & service after
all which which is most respectfully submitted
trusting you will find the proof sufficient to entitle
Mrs Clark to a pension & that you will forward me
a certifficate accordingly
Respectfully your Agt.
Joy H. Touk
Wm R. Noyes Agt
for Sarah Clarke
James L Edwards Esqr
Com of Pen
Washington
Page 24

Pri & Segeant
$101:67
And to $ per annum.
Comg 18 March 1841 &
Endg 18 July 1850
Payable to Elisha R. Potter Administrator for the benefit of Mary Ann Douglass. Thresa Hazard, Elizabeth K. Eddy, Sarah Rogers, Harriet Clarke, Aurelia Allen & John Clarke, & Nathaniel H. Clarke, Geo. C Clarke & Mercy Waite only surviving child J M Thayer
Boston Mass
Page 25

10.162
Wm C. Clarke
Com'd.
12 mo pri 40$
Wm. Burgess
Page 26

No 5811
Sarah Clarke
R. Island
Suspended
Let to Wm R. Noyes April 27 1843
"  "       "     "    "        June 8    "   (check mark)
"     to Hon. E. R. Potter March 27 44
"     to Wm R. Noyes Dec. 11 44
"     to Hon. E. R. Potter Jany 2 1845
"      same Feb 8. 1845

Act 4th July '36
Page 27

Stamp gone
(illegible) in Rev & 1812 (illegible) Dist.

Oklahoma City Oklahoma
609 N.S. 19 St.
Apr. 19. 1940

Veterans Adm.

Sirs - I received a letter from the State Record Comm. this morning saying their records show a William Case Clarke born South Kingston R. I. July 21 1756 became a pensioner and died Apr. 18, 1841. Please advise me if the record of his Revolutionary service pension record you have shows name of his family.
Respt.
Mrs Gladys Westcott Vaughan
Page 28

April 22, 1940.

BA-J/ILL

Mrs. Gladys W. Vaughan
500 N.W. 20th Street, Apartment C
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letters of April 1 and April 10, 1940, in which you request information in regard to John Polhemus, Jr., sun of Major John Pohelmus of the Revolutionary War, and William Clark who was at Bunker Hill. You state also that this John Polhemus, Jr. was with General Wayne at Stony Point, served also in 1791 and 1794 and died while on furlough in 1796, and that this William Clark was born in 1757 in Rhode Island, married Mary Gardner and died in 1827 in South Abington, Pennsylvania, and with to know whether this office has records of soldiers of the War of 1812.

The Revolutionary War records have been searched and no claim for pension or bounty land found which was made to the United States based upon service of the William Clark (Clarke) cited by you. The records of this office have been searched of the priod covering the Revolutionary War and the Indian Wars subsequent thereto through the year 1796, and no claim for pension or bounty land found based upon service of John Polhemus Jr.

The Veterans Administration is now custodian of Claims for pension and bounty land which were made to the United States based upon service disability incurred in service and death in service of soldiers of the War of 1812.

Very truly yours,

A.D.Hiller,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.

Searched Registry of 1855 for John Polhemus, Jr. who died in 1796. Had searched Wayne's War before.
Page 29

April 8, 1940.

Mrs. Gladys Westcott Vaughn
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

See correspondence from her regarding John Polhemus, Rev. War- Pension claim -W. 40271- and Cornelius Polhemus - S. 1425- She has had both abstracts, both dated March 1940.

See also letter in Rev. Thomas Parker - Rev. W. 12583-in regard to Oliver Westcott - under date of April 4, 1940. 

Only John Polhemus - Rev. War.
Only Cornelius Polhemus - Rev. War.

Another letter to her William Clark - R. Island - Misc-correspondence. 
Irene L. Lerch.
Reb. & 1812 Wars section

& John Polhemus, Jr. 1791-1794-Wars
Page 30

Stamp gone
Where (illegible) in Rev & 1812 Wars Dist. 7
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
500 N.W. 20 St. Apr. C
Apr 10- 1940

Veterans Administration,
Sir - I am wanting information about the Revolutionary War records of the following person.
William Clark 1757-1827 married Mary Gardner. He served as Private from R.I. under General Gray at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Born in R.I. died in South Abington Pa. I am wanting names of his children and any other information you may have.
Do you also have the records of the soldiers of the war of 1812?
I will be glad to pay for your copying the records.
Restf.
Mrs. F. L. Vaughan
Page 31

Mrs. F. L. Vaughan
500 N. W.  20 St. Apt. C
Oklahoma City, Okla
John Polhemus
Page 32

Stamp gone where rec in Rev & 1812 Wars Rest.

Oklahoma City Okla.
500 N.W. 20 St. Apt. C

Veterans Administration
Washington D.C.

Sir, what does your records show for the following John Polhemus.
He served in 1779 with Gen Wayne in his attack on Stony Point which was garrisoned by 600 British troops.
In 1791 he went out as an Ensign in the expedition of General Arthur St. Clair and was in the unfortunate action of Nov. 4. was promoted to Lieut. and for the time held a block house against the Indians near Ft. Pitt.
He was in General Wayne's expedition in 1794 and was in command at Ft. Franklyn when (illegible) made a friendly visit to the Fort.
John Polhemus died in the service of his country while on a furlough in 1796.
I am wanting place of his birth to whom married and any other information you may have.
Respt.
Mrs. F. L. Vaughan
500 N.W. 20 St. Apt C.
Okla City Okla.
Page 33

Received
Apr 8 1940
Mail Sub-Div
Lender No. 10
VETS ADM
Page 34

Stamp gone where res. in Rev & 1812 War Dist. 7

Stukely Westcott, 1592-1677, planter and colonizer, one of the 13 original proprietors of Providence Plantations and Colony of Rhode Island; of Salem, Mass., 1635, Providence R. I., 1638, and Warwick, R.I., 1647. His wife; Juliana Marchante, Their children; Damaris (Arnold), Samuel, Robert, Amos, Mercy (Stafford), Jeremiah.

SOCIETY OF STUKELY WESTCOTT DESCENDANTS OF AMERICA
Organized January 13, 1934

Officers: 1930-40-1
Leo E. Westcott, M.D., President,
420 John St., Kalamazoo, Mich.
Harry J. Westcott, Vice-President,
345 Lafayette Ave., Passaic, N.J.
David A. Westcott, Vice-President,
24 Algonquin St., Boston, Mass.
William M. Westcott, Chaplain,
Apponaug, R.I. 
Miss Rachel C. Wilkins, Historian,
5 Rogers Ave., Hoosick Falls, N.Y.
Roscoe L. Whitman, Registrar,
Miss Ethel Clarke, Secretary,
603 West 139th St., New York City.
Mrs. Chester W. DeMond, Rec.-Sec'y., 
24 Soundview Cir., White Plans, N.Y.
William C. Driver, Treasurer,
52 Kingsbury Rd., New Rochelle, N.Y.

Directors: 1939-40-1
Leo Westcott, M.D.
Harry J. Westcott
David A. Westcott
William M. Westcott
Miss Rachel C. Wilkins
Roscoe L. Whitman
Miss Ethel Clarke
Mrs. Chester W. DeMond
William C. Driver
Dr. Allan F. Westcott
V. Stukely Westcott
Joseph R. Westcott
Mrs. George W. Trainor
Mrs. Frank E. Waterman
Mrs. Charles W. Weaver

Polhemus
John S 40271
Mar 1 1940
Cornelius S. 14205
Polhemus Mar 12 1940

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
500 N.W. 20 St. Apr. C
Apr. 1- 1940

Veterans Bureau
attention Mr. Arthur P. Owens
My6 dear Sir. Mrs. Louise C. Shindel of Swinbury Pa. asked me to call to your attention my correspondence of John Polhemus Jr. directed to the Veterans Bureau.
John Polhemus Jr. was the eldest son of Major John Polhemus.
John Polhemus Jr. in 1779 was with General Wayne in his attack on Stony Point which was garrisoned by 600 British troops. In 1791 he went out as an ensign in the expedition of General Arthur St. Clair. was promoted to Leiut. In 1794 he was in Gen. Wayne's expedition and in command of Fort Franklin. He died in the service of his country while on a furlough in 1796.
I am very much interested in receiving all the data about who he married and names of his children, where he lived, etc. I am trying to assemble all descendants of the Polhemus family in book form as it is so incomplete in the Library of Congress..
Respt. Mrs. Gladys Westcott Vaughan

Rachel Polhemus (illegible)

R 21682
John Van Owen

Formed to Create and Develop Interest and Pride in Family Achievement.

To Commemorate Outstanding Anniversaries.

To Promote Further Genealogical study of the Family.

To Support the Defense of the Country Our Forefathers Helped Create and the Conservation of the Constitution of the United States and the Liberty of the American People.

To Meet, Know and Enjoy the Companionship of Kindred.

Family Motto: Renovato Nomine Meaning the Name Renewed.

Society Motto: Know Your Kindred Better.

Chapter:
No. 1 - Milford, N.Y.
No. 2 - Rhode Island.
No. 3 - Greater N.Y.
No. 4 - Northern N.Y.
Nov. 5- Vermont.
Page 35

SOCIETY OF STUKELY WESTCOTT DESCENDANTS OF AMERICA

(remainder of letterhead not transcribed)

Oklahoma City, Okla. 
500 N.W. 20 St. Apt. C

Veterans Administration, 
Washington, D.C. 

Sirs - on the reverse side of this letter is a copy of a letter I received from the State Records Commissioner State House Providence R.I. 
     I would like for you to re-check your records.  I am very much interested in finding what information I can about Oliver Carver & WIlliam Clarke or Clark. 

Respt. 
Mrs. F.L. Vaughan
500 N.W. 20 Street, Apt C
Okla City, Okla 

I would like information about the record of Oliver Wescott of Scituate.  According to a statement on file at the Pension Office, D.C. a Thomas Parker served as a substitute for Oliver Wescott, 1 mo. yr. not given.   Would the above record give family of Oliver Wescott, also wife's 
name.  He was born Cranston, R.I., Sept. 5, 1720 

(Written Sideways to left):
Answered, see letter by A. Dy. April 4 - 1940- 
Thomas Parker - W.12583
Page 36

Jan. 31, 1940

(Illegible) State Records Comm. State House, Providence, R.I. 

The military census of 1777 noted an Oliver Carver in Scituate, aged between 16 & 50 "able
to bear arms".  An Oliver Carver, date & place of birth not given, served as Private, 2nd Division, Capt. Joseph Kimball's co. of Scituate, from Feb. 16 to March 8, 1777. 
     There are numerous records of Revolutionary service for men by the name of Wm. Clarke.  Our records show definite evidence of service for a William Case Clarke born South Kingston, R.I. July 21, 1756  he became a pensioner and died Apr. 18, 1841.  A William Clarke born probably in Newport, R.I. date not given, enlisted and served as a Private, died Sept. 8, 1813. 
     Our records show service for a William Clarke Jr. of Charleston; for a William Clarke of Exeter, for a WIlliam Clarke of Westerly but the records do not disclose the place & date of birth in R. I. 

State Record Comm.
Page 37

LEFT SIDE OF PAGE:

1940 - May 3 to Mrs. Gladys W. Vaughan


RIGHT SIDE OF PAGE:

Rev Widow, &c. 
File No. 22.783
Sarah Clark
Wid of 
William C. Clarke
Priv Rev War
Act:  July 4th, '36 ((1836)
Index: - Vol. A, Page 139
Page 38

A. 
James L. Edwards, Esq. 
Commr. (Commissioner) of Pensions
Washington, D.C. 


(Written sideways to left):

Mar 5, '45
Page 39

New Bedford, Mass. Feby. 28th, 1843

Sir, 
     The amended declaration of Mrs. Sarah Clarke 
was forward to the care of the Hon. Elisha R. Potter in hopes that with his knowledge of the service performed by the late Wm. C. Clarke (late husband of the applicant) he would be able to convince you that Mr. C. is justly entitled to the amount of pension rec'd by her husband but by a letter from Mr. P. we find that he has failed in the attempt.
     I am therefore instructed by Mrs. Clarke to request you to forward me a certificate for the amount you may find from the documents before you, that she is justly entitled to.   Permit to ask your early attention to this business as I am desirous of drawing my pension (unintelligible) to a close in the course of next month. 

Respectfully your obt. (obedient) servt. (servant), 
William R. Noyes



James L. Edwards Esq. 
Com. (Commissioner) of Pensions
Washington, D.C. 

P.S. Please address me at this place. 
 N. (Noyes)
Page 40

Wm. C. Clark
Rec'd 7th June 1822
Sarah Clarke husband 
Act 4th July 1836
Rhode Island, 
Admitted case
4173.36. R.I. 

Mr. Cole
Page 41

Kingston, R.I.  17. Dec. 1850

To the Commissioner of Pensions. 

Sir:

I hereby authorize my agent, Samuel A. Peugh Esq. of Washington City, to examine the papers on which my Father & Mother were admitted to Revolutionary Pensions, viz: -

William C. Clark, Rhode Island, Act 7, June 1832, 
Sarah Clark, his widow,   (do.) Act 4, July 1836, 
with the view of obtaining an Increase of Pension. 

Very Respectfully, 
Your Ob't. (obedient) Serv't. (Servant)


George C. Clark
Page 42

Dec. 23, 1850

Sarah Clark
Wid (Widow) of 
Wm. Clark
of Rhode Island
file
S A. Peugh
Washington, D.C. 

Cap. Triplett
Page 43


Jas. E. Heath - 

I herewith enclose (unintelligible) the application of the child of Wm. C. Clark of Rhode Island for increase of pension. Enclosed is his pension certificate. 

Yours, 
S.A. Peugh


P.S.  Sarah Clark is the name upon which the increase is asked. 

S.A.P.
Page 44

5811

Sarah Clarke
R. I. 
Act 4th July 1936
Add'l 
1 year Priv. 
$40 per an. (annum)
to commence 18th
April '41


Wm. R. Noyes Esq. 
New Bedford, Mass.
Page 45

Payment to be made
at Providence, R. Island
by Parris Hill, Esq. 
Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency
of Rhode Island



Recorded in the Pension 
Office, in Book C, Vol. 1
Page 89 by
F. L. Swan, Clerk
Page 46

WAR DEPARTMENT
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM. 

I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th of July 1836, 

Sarah Clarke of Rhode Island, 
Widow of William C. Clark 
who was a Private
in the Revolutionary War, 
is entitled to receive forty dollars and (blank) cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 18th day of April 1841 and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September. 

Given at the War Office of the United States this twelfth day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty-five.

W.L. Marcy
Secretary of War

J. L. Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 47

Mrs. S. Clark
R.I. 

Postmarked May 29, '43

Patience Larkin
R. I. Mar 3 '43


(WRITTEN CROSSWAYS)

James L. Edwards Esq. 
Comm. of Pensions
Washington, D.C. 

(Postage:)
Free
Page 48

Peace Dale R.I.    May 20th, 1843

Sir-

Yours of the 2nd day of the wks, relative to the claim of Mrs. S. Clarke, widow of the Hon. Wm. C. Clarke, was duly rec'd absence Mrs. C.'s indisposition has delayed my reply. On the 8th, I communicated your objections to her claim - after a short pause, she observed as follows.  "At the age of 13 years, I was engaged, at 14 near a year before I was married, I was published and when little more than 15, I was married to the man that was my early choice, and with whomse (whom) I have lived near three score years & altho (although) I have the most exalted opinion of the purity of his intentions & honesty of his declaration, yet I am in duty bound to declare that my statement relative to his service after our  intermarriage was just & true & that he continued to serve on alarms during the war."
That she might possibly be mistaken as to the exact time of their marriage as she had no documentary proof to assist her memory, & might also be incorrect as to the precise time of his service after marriage but "that he obtained leave of absence was married and the next day returned to his duty in the Army"  is perfectly well remembered - he was carried to the So. Henry opposite Newport. "I distinctly recollect and from that suppose the company was stationed there." "I also remember that he served on another tour of duty at or near the So. Henry in the Fall or Winter after our marriage - I cannot forget it or be mistaken while certain my reason for a while he was absent on this tour of duty which to the best of my recollection was one month or more his grandmother former housekeeper was taken sick my fears & anxiety for her.....
Page 49

...during his absence made so deep an impression on my mind that time has not eraced (erased) it from my memory"
     Mrs. C. also stated the "if Mr. Clarke's declaration set forth that he did not serve after his intermarriage, he most assuredly had forgotten - was misunderstood by his agent or thought that he had declared sufficient to entitle him to a full pension as the fact was well known to him & often declared to the family friends up to a few days previous to his death that he held the office of Sergeant of the Kingston Reds from the time he entered the Company until after the war.  That he was so impressed with the idea that 
all that was required of him was to state that he served more than 2 years.  That she had often heared (heard) him declare that he had not only served and continued to serve as long as his service was required and although she has not as yet been able to prove the exact time that her marriage took place, still she hopes and trusts that on a reexamination of the Department will be satisfied that she was married prior to the expiration of his last term of service and will grant her a certificate for the amt. (amount) you may find her justly entitled. 
Respectfully your Obt. (Obedient) & Humble Servt. (Servant), 
William R. Noyes, Agt.  


James L. Edwards Esq. 
Com. (Commissioner) of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Page 50

Gov.
P. Dale May 21st '43

I forwarded the Department about the 1st April. In
declaration of Mrs Patience Larkin under act of '43 which
was taken before a Justice of the Peace, the act of which is
not acknowledged, will you please have the goodness to inform
me if a declaration thus taken & certified meets the requi
sition of the Department, if it does it will save the appli
cants considerable trouble & expense. Your reply will much 
obliged
Your Obt. Servt.
Wm R Noyes

James L Edwards Esq
Com of Pensions
Was
Page 51

I am personally acquainted with the witnesses of Claimenty
service & hereby certify that they are all credible
Tristam Burges
Page 52

I Timothy Pickham of South Kingstown
in the County of Washington & State of
Rhode Island aged seventy five years,
on oath, depose & say that I have al
ways, from a boy Known William Case
Clark of said South Kingston & have
always resided within a short distant
of him, that during most of the peri-
od of the revolution between the
United States & Great Britain,
the said Clark & myself were mem
bers of an independent company of
infantry called the Kingston Reds.
Chartered by the Genl. Assembly in
1775, & which was a company of minute
men bound to serve at all times
against the enemy. This deponent
thinks that the said Clarke
enlisted into this company soon
after it was incorporated & he went
in it through the revolution. The
principal service of said compa
ny was to serve & protect the coun
ty against the enemy on the West
side of Narragansett Bay. The
active service of said company in
Narraganset during the war, partic
ularly while the enemy were on R. Isl.
and, was many years, that part of
the infantry living in almost a
perpetual State of alarm, this
Page 53

deponent, although he can not tes
tify to the service of the said
Clarke, thinks from his own know
ledge & observation, that the actual
service of the said Clark in said
company against the enemy in
Narragansett during the revolu
tion was for a period of between
two & their years-- This depo
nent further says, that he also
knows that the said Clarke
during the revolution served three
or four terms on the Island of
Rhode Island & at Tivertown
of about four weeks each again
st the enemy in the revolution.
And further he saith not-
Timothy Pickham
Taken subscribed & Sworn to
in Open Court September 5. 1832
Wm. Sam. Helme Clk
Page 54

I John W. Sherman of South Kingstown
in the County of Washington & State of
Rhode Island, aged seventy three years
on oath do depose & say, that
from a boy I have been acquainted
with the said William Cass Clarke
refered in the proceeding deposition of
Timothy Pickham & know, as sta
ted in the said Pickham's deposition
that the said Clarke served in said independ
ent company & was an active mem
ber thereof during the revolution
against the enemy for a long peri
od, but can not say how long
he was in actual service.
John W Sherman
taken Sworn to & Subscribed
in Open Court Sept. 6.1832
Saml, Helme Clk
Page 55

I William Linch of South Kingstown
in the County of Washington and State of
Rhode Island aged Eighty Seven years
on Solemn Oath do testify and say that I
have made in my house in said South
Kingstown for fifty nine years past that
I have always known William Case Clarke
of said Town ever since I have lived there
Being a near Neighbour to him all the
time and that I well remember on the Break
ing out of the Revolutionary war or soon
after of his joining the Independent Chartered
Company of said South Kingstown called the
Kingstown Red commanded by Capt
John Gardner, and in 1777 commanded
by Capt John Waite who held the Com
mand of said company until after the war
was over, that I was knowing of Land Company
being very frequently called into actual ser
vice during said War and more particularly
while the Brittish troops had possession
the land of Rhode Island
Page 56

in 1777
at the time of [Ipencever] Expedition said Company War called to Tivertown I then belonged to Co. Zapham regiment of state troop and Hatrand at said Tivertown and saw said Clark then in said Company serving  [illegible] I have always understood that being said was taht said Clarke was in the service a great lead of said time
Wm. Lunt

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation Washington} on the Kingstown September 14th 1832 personally came William Lunt subscriber to the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the law and I further say that from my knowledge and examination of the said Lunt I consider his testimony entitled to credit.  
Before me Matthew Waite Just Peace

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Washington }
Clerks office Court Common pleas Sept. 10, 1832
I Samuel Helm Clerk of the court aforesaid do hereby certify that Matthew WAite Esq whose to his certificates of the immediately proceeding & allow of deposition of Wm. Lunt. 
Signature is affixed in a justice of the peace for the town of south Kingstown legally chosen and commissioned and qualified as the law requires that full faith and [illegible] ought to be given to his certificate throughout the United Sates  I further testify that the seal here impressed is the [illegible] seal of the court - aforesaid Wlm Sml. Hulme clrk
Page 57

I Garden Tifft of South Kingstown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island aged eighty six years on solemn oath do testify and say that in the year 1775 or early 1776 I with William Case Clark of said South Kingstown joined the Independent Chartered Company of said town called the Kingstown Reds then commanded by Capt John Garden and to my my certain knowledge the said Clark was a member thereof during the whole of the Revolutionary War from the time he found said company and said duty a great part of the time as a sergent in May 1777 Capt. John Waite late of said South Kingstown said was chosen Captain of said Company and held the commenced thereof until after said war said Clark was alwasy an active member of said company and was alwasy ready to go on duty when called on (1778) was chosen an officer in said company and continued be an office until the close of the war and afterwards. 
Gardner Tifft

The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Washington at South Kingstown this 17th day of January AD 1832 personally came the foregoing deposition Garden Tifft and made
Page 58

Solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing
deposition by him subscribed and by me
reduced to writing and by him in my presence
subscribed and I further say that I am
well acquainted with the said Tifft Noah
he sustains a fair Carracter for truth and
consider him a person of veracity & that his
aforesaid testimony is entitled to Credit
Witnessess Matthew Waite Justice Peace
Page 59

Sam'l R. Potter Deposition
Case of Mrs. Sarah Clarke


refer to E.R. Potter



Hon. E.R. Potter
Page 60

I Samuel R. Potter of South Kingstown in the County of Washington and state of Rhode Island aged eighty seven years on solemn oath do testify and say that I am well acquainted with Sarah Clarke of said South Kingstown widow of William Clarke late of said South Kingstown deceased that I knew her previous to her inter marriage with the said William C. Clarke was well acquainted with her mother whose name was Deborah Potter of said town and was sister to the late Capt. William Potter late of South Kingstown Dec'd the reputed father of the said Sarah Clakre was Gideon Cross late of Charlestown in this county Dec'd the said Sarah Clark previous to her said inter marriage with said William Clarke was some times called Sarah Potter and sometimes Sarah Cross the not having been born in wedlock, 
Samul R. Potter

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Washington at South Kingston the 17th day of December AD 1844 Personally came Samuel R. Potter and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit I also testify that the dec'd Samuel R. Potter certain for truth [illegible]
Witness Matthew Waite Justice of the Peace
Page 61

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation
Clerk's Office. Supreme Court
Washington, DC

December 18, 1844

 I, Powell Helme, Clerk of said Court within and for said County of Washington, do hereby certify that Matthew Waite Esquire, is a Justice of the Peace for the town of South Kingstown in the County aforesaid, duly appointed by said town, commissioned by the governor, and otherwise qualified as the law  directs - that I am well acquainted, with the handwriting of the said Matthew Waite, and that his name subscribed to the (unintelligible) certificate is his genuine signature. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto let my hand & affixed the seal of the Court aforesaid, the day & year above written. 

Powell Helme
Clerk
Page 62

Payments to be made at Providence R.I.
by the Presd. US Br. Bk.
Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of 
Rhode Island


Recorded by Jno Cromwell
Clerk, in Book D  Vol. 3
Page 106
Page 63

     The deposition of John W. Sherman of South Kingstown of lawful age who on oath deposes and says that he the said John belonged to Col. Waites Independent chartered company of militia in the Revolutionary war, that Wm. C. Clarke now applying for an increase of pension was a Sergeant in said company all the time he belonged (sd. (said) John) to said company which was more than two years, that he said John well recollects serving with said Clarke on Point Judith in South Kingston  in or about July 1778 and that said Clarke there acted as a Sergeant, that this was the time where Col. Laurens came there to look out for the French Fleet then expected. 
    That in (August crossed out) October 1777 he said John served one month with said Clarke in Tiverton in Gen. Spencer's expedition & said Clarke acted as a Sergeant all the time he (said John) was there.  (The word "August" in line fourth above erased before signing). 
John W. Sherman

Being the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the town of South Kingstown in Rhode Island this seventh of April 1834 personally appeared John W. Sherman above named and after being properly cautioned and duly sworn according to law did on his oath give the aforegoing deposition which was by me reduced to writing in his presence & by him signed in my presence.  And I further certify that said John W. Sherman is a person of good character for truth and veracity and that his statement above given is in my opinion entitled to credit.

E.R. Potter
Justice of the Peace
Page 64

     The Deposition of David Greene of North Kingstown Rhode Island who being seventy five years of age under oath deposed and says that in the summer of 1777 he said David served in Taylor's company of militia and was on duty in Boston Neck and that William C. Clarke now applying for an increase of pension was also on duty in said Neck and was quartered at a short distance from where sd (said) Greene was quartered, that he saw sd (said) Clarke there in service at several times & that sd (said) Clarke then acted as a Sergeant. 
     That in the Autumn of 1777 he sd (said) Greene served in Spencers (Spencer's) Expedition in a company commanded (as near as he can recollect) by a Pearce and that he saw said Clark there on service.   That said Clarke there acted as a Sergeant & that to the best of his recollection they served there just one month. 
     That in 1778 (he believes in July) he sd (said) Greene served in Pt. Judith and that he recollects seeing sd (said) Clarke there on service that of sd (said) Clarke there acted as Sergeant and had command of several men. 
     That sd (said) Greene served in 1778 in General Sullivan's expedition and that sd (said) Clarke also served in said expedition as a sergeant. 
     That he well recollects seeing sd (said) Clarke on service at the time the ship Columbus run ashore but does not recollect the particular year in which this event took place. 
     That he well knows that sd (said) Clarke was very active in the Revolutionary War and well recollects going on to Conanicut Island to take some Hessians with him but cannot recollect precisely the time.    (The words "with him" added before signing)

David Greene
     
 (large "x")
Page 65

I the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for South Kingstown Rhode Island certify that the aforegoing deposition of David Greene was taken by me at the request of Judge Wm. C. Clarke and that the deposition was by me reduced to writing in his (Greene's) presence was read to him and by him signed in my presence and that he was duly sworn according to law to the truth of sd (said) deposition, and I further certify that sd (said) David Greene's reputation for truth and veracity is good and that the statement contained in his deposition is in my opinion worthy of credit. 

E.R. Potter
Justice of the Peace
Page 66

     I Thomas P. Wells Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of Washington County Rhode Island do hereby certify that the Court of Probate of South Kingstown have no regular or established seal, that Thomas R. Wells Esq. is Clerk of said Court & that the true signatures on these papers purporting to be his are genuine. 
     And I further certify that Elisha R. Potter Jr. is a 
Justice of the Peace for the town of South Kingstown in the county of Washington and that the signatures purported to be his on the accompanying papers are genuine and that the full credit ought to be given to all his official acts. 

In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand & the seal of said Court. This eleventh of April 1834, the papers being attached & the seal affixed in presence of the said Cleark of the Court of Probate. 

Thos. (Thomas) P. Wells
Clerk
Page 67

The deposition of John W. Sherman of South Kingstown of lawful age who on oath deposes and says that he said John belonged to Col. Waites Independent chartered 
(The above is superimposed by another document transcribed below, but it can be found on another image.)



WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.

I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 7th June, 1832, William C. Clarke of the State of Rhode Island who was a Private in the Revolutionary Army is entitled to receive forty dollars per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually, on the 4th of March and 4th of September, in every year. 

Given at the War Office of the United States, this 8th day of March one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three. 

Lew Cass
Secretary of War


Examined and Countersigned
J. L. Edwards
Page 68

Jan. 16, 1814
R.I. 
Sarah Clark

(Written in opposite direction)
James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington


Hon. E. R. Potter
HQ.
Page 69

House Reps. Jan 16. 1844


Sir

     I enclose a certificate from our Town Clerk a certificate of the (birth?) of the children of William C. Clarke & Sarah his wife. 
     Also, a deposition of Gideon Lillibridge in relation to the (unintelligible) matter.
     As Mrs. Clarke is very aged and infirm it is desirable that her application should be acted upon as soon as possible. 

Very Respectfully, 
Elisha R. Potter



Hon. James L. Edwards
Page 70

I Mary Billington of South Kingstown, R.I. aged nearly eighty-eight years being duly engaged according to law on solemn oath testified & says I was well acquainted with William Case Clark late of this town deceased & with Sarah Potter now Sarah Clarke widow of said William.   I was present and witnessed the marriage of William Case Clark & Sarah Potter.  They were married in this town by Nathaniel Gardner Esq. in the month of September AD seventeen hundred eighty-one.   I know it was this year as it was the September after my husband Thomas Billington had served at Newport.  He enlisted in July after the great dark day and returned to me the first of the year 1781. I will remember this marriage and the particulars the "Kingston Reds" commanded by John Waite Esq. was out and on duty said William was Sergeant of  s'd (said) Company and on duty at s'd (said) time he obtain(ed) leave of absence (and) was married as before stated & took his wife home the same day. Several of the members of s'd (said) "Kingstown Reds" were present at the wedding.  Said Sarah was young not more than fifteen years old when married she was in her sixteenth year.  I know of no one other one now living that was present at sd (said) wedding.
Mary Billington 
X her mark 


Wm. R. Noyes
James Wilson 
Sworn to & subscribed before James Wilson
Justice Peace
Page 71

State of Rhode Island  
Washington County s.s. (see Comment) 

South Kingstown. March 8th, 1843.  When personally appeared Mary Billington & I made solemn oath in the form of (unintelligible) to the truth of her foregoing deposition by her subscribed which was wrote in her presence & signed by her in my presence.   I further certify that I am well acquainted with the applicant & know her character to be good. 

James Wilson Justice Peace
Page 72

     The deposition of William Tourgee of South Kingstown, R.I. Revolutionary Pensioner who being duly engaged according to swear on solemn oath testified & says, I was well acquainted with the man William Chase Clarke late of this town deceased.  I was also acquainted with Sarah Potter now Sarah Clarke & widow of s'd (said) William Case Clarke previous to this intermarriage - finds near them, knew from their infancy - well remember of hearing that said "William C. Clarke & Sarah Potter was married and of seeing said William C. on duty in a company after called "Kingstown Reds" and commanded by John Waite after said marriage remember of hearing that s'd.(said) company and s'd. (said) Clarke were on duty at the time of s'd. (said) marriage that he s'd (said) William Case Clark & Sarah Potter was published and married in the month of September in the year seventeen hundred eighty-one.  I know it was known and understood by their neighbors. I remember she was quite young not more than fifteen years old was considered too young it was reasoned to take charge of a farm and business but contrary to their expectations, she made an excellent wife and is a lady highly respected by all her acquaintances. 
     I would further testify that although I was not present at the marriage, yet from all I heareth & know I am well satisfied & as (unintelligible) believe that said William & Sarah was married as before stated as that s'd (said) William is now dead, whose death & burial I did not witness. 
William Tourgee
X his mark 

Sworn to & subscribed before James Wilson 
Justice Peace
Page 73

State of Rhode Island
Washington Co} SS
South Kingstown March 4th 1843. Then personally
appeared William Tourgee and made solemn oath
in due form of law, to the truth of the foregoing
deposition by him subscribed. I further certify that
s'd deposition was reduced to writing in his presence.
Signed by him in my presence, and his character
for truth & veracity is Good
James Wilson Justice Peace
Page 74

Dept.
Mary Smith
Mrs S. Clarke
Claim
Page 75


I Mary Smith of South Kingstown R.I. Pensioner, in the
ninetyeth year of my age, being duly engaged according 
to law on solemn oath do testify and say. I was well ac
quainted with William Case Clarke late of this Town de
ceased & with Sarah Potter now Sarah Clarke & widow of s'd
William from children lived near them. I was 2 years
older than sd William & 12 years older than s'd Sarah
Towards the last of the year 1777 or the first of 1778 I went to live
with Mrs James Holme sister to said William C. and
remained with her until 1784, only leaving her when I
was married from the 10th to the 18 or 19th of May '79, and from
May to August in 1780. In the spring of 1781 s'd William
Case Clarke took the farm to improve where his widow now
lives & lived with his Grandfather Case, his Grandmother
superitending his domestic affairs - their house was
about 70 rods from Mrs Helm's where I lived, as Mrs Case
was aged & had no help, I was daily sent to carry her things
and help about her work. and when she was unwell and
said William C. was absent, I stayed night to take care
of her - situated as I was, & being well acquainted with
both. I had an opportunity of hearing & knowing all
the particulars of the Courtship & Marriage of said
William C. & Sarah - and distinctly recollect and well
member. That s'd William C & Sarah was published
and to have been married early in the Summer of 1781
but, it so happened, when the time arrived sd William C. was
away on duty in a company of minute men called "Kings
ton Reds" - I believe he was the warning officer of said
company-The marriage was then postponed until after
moving, Then a second day was set and preparations
made accordingly and when it arrived s't "Kingston
Reds" & s'd William C. was again out, and on duty and
obtained leave of absence, was married & brought his wife
home the same day, and the next morning he left
to join s'd company of "Kingston Reds", then on duty
guarding the shores of this Town -
Page 76

Share a clear & distinct recollection that said William Case Clarke and Sarah Potter was married by Nathaniel Gardner Esq the month of September in the year seventeen hundred eighty one. I was not present to witness said marriage being at the time employed in assisting their grandmother Case in making preparation of their reception. I also have that he said William left the next morning after s'd marriage as before stated as I had to stay nights with said Sarah while said William was away on duty. 
In the fall of s'd year '81 as winter following Mrs. Case was taken sick during s'd William's absence duly in s'd company and as the numbers of said company belonged in the village & its vicinity it was differently for the ladies to have their families to assist here I therefore had to stay with s'd Sarah all the time I could be spared by Mrs. Helme. 
I would further testify that s'd William was frequently & repeatedly called out on duty in s'd company of Kingston Reds these commanded by John Waite esq until the close of the war and as s'd Sarah was young little more than 15 years old when married and but a few days from school she was inexperienced in domestic affairs, i continued to visit and assist her occasionally during the time I lived with her sister Helme. I know afordaisd person now living that was present & witnessed s'd marriage. 
Mary her X mark Smith

attest
Wwm. R. Noyes
Jamas Wilson

Sworn to & subscribed before S. Wilson Justice of Peace

State of Rhode Island
Washington Co. 
South Kingstown Rhode Island February 25th AD 1843. There personally appeared Mary Smith
Page 77

and made solemn oath in due form of law to
the foregoing deposition which was reduced to
writing in his presence and signed by her
in my presence. I wither certify that I
am well acquainted with the deponant and
know her character for truth and veracity
to be good & justly entitled to full faith and
credit
James Wilson Justice Peace
Page 78

Declaration of Wm C Clarke in order to obtain increase of a
pension granted under the act of Congress of June 7, 1832.
On this eleventh day of April 1834 personally appeared in open Court
before the Court of Probate for the town of South Kingstown, Rhode Island
now sitting William C Clark a resident of said town, who being
first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following
declaration.
That he was born July 21 1756 in said South Kingstown in the
village of Little Rest, now called Kingston, and has always resided there.
That in the autumn of 1775 he was member of a militia company
in a regiment commanded by Col Brown, Abial Brown Captain, to the best of
his recollection and was called out to serve on Conanicut Island at
the time Commodore Wallace landed there, and served there thirty two days 
That in January 1776 Wallace landed on Point Judith for the
purpose of driving off stock & plundering the inhabitants, & said Clarke
served there guarding the shores, (still under Col Brown) the space of one month.
That in the summer of 1776 he joined a chartered military
company called the Kingston Reds, then but lately formed, commanded
by Col John Gardner, & equipped himself according to the rules of
the company. They met for discipline once a week. He was immediately
on joining chosen Sergeant & he continued in this company in
this office to the end of the Revolutionary War. Thomas Potter &
Rowse Helme were the officers next in command to Col Gardner.
In December (about the 5th) on the report of a threatened invasion
by some of the British forces, he was called out & marched to Boston neck 
in order to guard to shores, & quartered in the Smith House, staid there
on service a month & a day & were then marched to Tower Hill &
quartered part of the time in the Wm Dyre house, & there he served one month. 
In March 1777 the whole company was ordered out & marched 
to East Greenwich in Kent County and he there served one month.
In May 1777 the Kingston Reds with a part of the Kentish
Guards were called out by General Varnum, marched to & quartered at 
Exeter Hollow to search for & take up persons suspected of being favorable to 
the enemy, and he served there one month.
In the Summer of 1777 he was on duty & served three months
in Boston neck, guarding the shores and quartered at various places.
Page 79

In October 1777 (about the 1st) he was called out under Col. Waite (who had been chosen a short time before in place of Col Gardner resigned & who continued to command for the rest of the war) and marched to Tiverton to join General Spencer's expedition, where he served one month. 
In November a few days after returning he was ordered out & marched to Pt. Judith where the British Frigate Syrene had run ashore. She refused to surrender at first but was compelled to after some resistance.  
He served there on guard one month. 
In the Spring of 1778 he served two tours of duty of one month each in Point Judith guarding shores. 
In June 1778 he served one month on Boston neck & in July one month in Pt. Judith on guard. While there at Pt. Judith we received news that the French Fleet under Count D'Estaing was coming to Newport & col. John Laurens came there to look out with a telescope for the arrival of the flett. On leaving that two deserters from Newport had landed at Samuel Congdons, he received orders from Col. Laurens to secure the deserters & scuttle the boat in which they had come which he did.  This order he preserved & sent on with his former declaration. It was directed to him as "Sergeant Clarke". 
In August 1778 he was ordered to Rhode Island to join General Sullivan's Expedition after the French fleet arrived at Newport. He served there one month. When the army were preparting to retreat over Howland's Ferry (where the Bridge now is) he was sent ahead with two men under him to take charge of baggage and there was prevented from being in the engagement with the enemy which took place the next day after he was their ordered off. 
In April 1779 he served one month in Boston neck & a month also there in August guarding the shores. While on the Catter tour, some of the officers formed a plan to go on the Connecticut & capture some Hessians who were quartered there. They took a sentinel but the rest escaped to the east side of the Island near which the British shipping lay. 
In September he served one month on Point Judith. This was the month before the British evacuated Newport. They were called out there at first to protect the American ship Columbus which had been run ashore there by British cruisers & which after considerable resistance the enemy succeeded in burning. 
In August 1780 while the French were at Newport news
Page 80

came that the British forces were coming on from New York to attack the
French. He was then called out & served one month & marched to
Newport through Bristol, to which place he went in a packet. They
encamped at Woods Castle, so called, on the East side of the Island.
In June 1781 when the each were about to leave Newport
several companies (& his company among them) were called out for the
defence of that place, & he served there one month
The village where he lived is but a few miles from the sea shore
and the members of his company were often called out on alarms & to
guard the shore and he is confident that in the whole he served
more than two years. It was then the general custom to call out the militia
by turns, a company or part of a company being on service one month &
remaining at home the next & so alternating. But those who were earnest
supporters of the Revolution often volunteered to serve the alternate month & 
he frequently did so himself.
He now has a pension certificate for $40 which is enclosed
which he has drawn pay to the fourth of March 1834. He did not
get his certificate until a long time after it was granted and would
have sent it back immediately to be rectified, if he had not been in
great need of the money.
In his former declaration he did not state the tours of his
duty so particularly as he has done in this, because he understood
that all that was absolutely required, was to state the sum total
of his service.
That the depositions which were sent on with his former
declaration, prove the fact of his having been a Sergeant and he well
recollects mentioning it to the person who drew up his declaration but
from some oversight it was omitted to be mentioned, and as he is
very hard of hearing, he did not take notice of the omission
when the declaration was read to him before the Court. It was
not known here that a person's being a Sergeant gave him any
advantage over a common private soldier in applying for a pension
or that there was any difference of pay between them.
Sworn & subscribed in open Court
William C Clarke
Thomas R Wells
Page 81

We John T. Nichols of South Kingstown and Joshua B. Curtis also of s'd town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William C. Clarke who has subscribed & sworn to the aforegoing declaration that he has always borne a good character for integrity & veracity that we believe him to be of the age he has represented, 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. 
John T. Nichols
Joshua B. Curtis

Sworn & subscribed in open court
Thomas R. Wells 

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after pulling the interrogations prescribed by the war department that he abovenamed applicant was a soldier of the Revolution and served as he states and that he has stated correctly the reasons why his former declaration was defective. And it further appears to s'd court that John T. Nichols & Joshua B. Curtis who have signed the preceding certificate are residents of s'd South Kingstown are person of good character for truth and veracity and that their statement is entitled to credit. and the court further certify that they have full confidence in the integrity and veracity of Judge Clarke the applicant. In witness whereof I the clerk of s'd court have hereto set my hand this eleventh of April 1834.
Thomas R. Wells clkr
Page 82

Depo. 
Gideon Lillibridge
Mrs. Sarah Clarke's 
Claim
Page 83

Gideon Lillibridge of South Kingstown  R.I. a pensioner aged 88 Years on the 16th of June last being last engaged according to law on solumn oath, do testify &  say. In the year 1777 I came to live in this Town on a farm a short distance from the farm on which the late William Case then lived soon after this I became acquainted with William Case Clarke then residing with his grandfather s'd Clarke. I was also acquainted with Sarah Potter pensions to her intermarriage with s'd William C. Clarke. In the year 1781. if my memory serves said C. Clarke took his grandfather Case's farm to improve and in course of the summer I will recollect of hearing that Said William Case Clarke & Sarah Potter was married and that he took her imdiately [sic] home, from [that?] time to the present & have lived within a mile of Said Sarah Clarke and have been intimate in the family and know that she was highly respected as a lady and has always been reputed & respected as the wife of S'd William Case Clarke & was knowing to the service of said William in the war of the Revolution & firmly believe that he said Clarke served as orderly sergeant of a Company called "Kingston Reds," as the law directed until the close of the War.
Gideon Lillibridge
Sworn to & Subscribed before 
Malbone Gardner J. Peace
Page 84

State of Rhode Island
Washington Co
South Kingstown April 17th AD 1843 When personally appeared Gideon Lillibridge and made solemn oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed. [Illegible] was reduced to writing in his prisoner 22 years by him in my prisoner. I further certify that I am well acquainted the officiant & know his character for truth veracity is good
Malbone Gardner Just Peace 

Hon Reps. Law 161844
I certify that I am acquainted with the handwriting of Gideon Lillibridge and of Malbone Gardner Jt Peac - that said M Gardner is a justice of the peace and meet I believe the signature to be genuine
E.T. Potter
Page 85

Sarah Clark
aid of Wm C Clark
[illegible] act of 1836
Joint Resolution
Page 86

State of Rhode Island}
County of Washington} Ss

Clerks Office Court of Probate
South Kingstown March 10th 1887

I Thomas R. Wells Clerk of the Court of Probate of said South Kingstown do hereby certify that satisfactory witness has been exhibited to said Court to prove that Sarah Clarke widow of William C. Clarke of said Town a revolutionary pensioner of the United States died in said town on the eighteenth day of July AD 1850. And that Mary Ann Douglass (divorced from her husband) John Clarke Nathaniel H. Clarke Theresa wife of Bowdoin Hazard Elizabeth K. Eddy, wife of Benjamin C. Eddy, Sarah wife of Thomas Rogers, Harriet Clarke, George C. Clarke and Amelia Allen wife of Heman Allen are the only surviving children of said Sarah Clarke and that only one of he children has died leaving children viz. Mercy wife of Matthew White (both dec'd) whose children are Dorcas (wife of Joseph Case) Benj. C. Samuel and John.
I further certify that Letters of Administration have been duly granted by said Court to Elisha R. Potter Esq. on the estate of said Sarah Clarke dec'd who is at the time duly qualified to act as such.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the sent of said Court the day and date aforesaid 
Thomas R. Wells Probate Clerk
Page 87

6742 Rhode Island
-
William C. Clarke
of S Kingston in the State of R. Island
who was a Private in the Company commanded
by Captain ___ of the Regt commanded
by Col Gardens in the R Island
une for 12 months
Allow 19 mos Sgt
            2 " Private
  $101.67
-
Inscribed on the Roll of R Island
at the rate of 40 Dollars  __Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
-
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 day of Mar
1833 and sent to Hon. T Burges
-
Arrears to the 4th of Mar '33                  $80.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept' 33     20.00
                                                                 ______
Hon. D. J. Pearce                                    $100.00
HAR
{Revolutionary Claim}
{Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Jno Cromwell Clerk,
Book A    Vol 3   Page 106
Page 88

See letter to Hon L.H. Arnold H.R.
July 18, 1846
Rep'd

4173
Rhode Island,
Sarah Clarke,
widow of William C. Clarke
who died on the 18 April 1841 of in the State of R. Island who was a Pri in the Co commanded by Captain Gardner of the reg commanded by Colo Gardner in the R.I. line for 12 mos.
Inscribed on the Roll of R. Island at the rate of 40 dollars ---- Cents per annum, to commence on 18 April 1841.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of May 1845 and sent to Wm R. Noyes, New Bedford, Mass
Arrears to the 4th of 
Semi-annual allowance ending 2

Revolutionary Cl
Act July 4, 183
Section the 3
Recorded by F.L. Swann Clerk;
Book C Vol 1 Page 89
Page 89

State of Rhode Island 
Washington County } SS
On this 20th day of September AD 1844 Personally
appeared before Mathew Waite a Justice of the
Peace in and for the Town of South Kingstown & Coun
ty of Washington, State of Rhode Island Sarah
Clarke a resident of said South Kingtown aged
79 years who being first duly sworn according to
law: doth on her oath make the following further and
more particular declaration in order to obtain the
benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress
passed July 4th, 1836, and the joint resolution of July
7th 1838: That she is the widow of the Hon. William C
Clarke late of South Kingstown died a Revolutionary Soldier
and Pensioner under act of Congress of June 7th 1832.
That on the 2d day of March AD 1843 She made a dec
claration before the Hon. Edward Barber stating the
service of her late husband William C. Clarke to the best
of her recollection. That at the time of her making
said declaration. She was in delicate health having
but partially recovered from a dangerous illness
which left her extremly feeble in body mind and
memory. She would now further declare that she under
stood from her husband said Clarke and others that he
said Clark entered the service of his country in the
summer or fall of 1775 and served several tours of
duly under an Officer of Rhode Island Millitia by the ┃
name of Brown. That in the summer of 1776 said
Clarke enlisted in a Chartered company of R. Island Militia
Page 90

called the Kingstown Reds & commanded by Col. John Gardner and afterwards by Col. John Waite. That in said Company & under said officers, her husband s'd Clarke served as Sergeant various tours of duty in the field, on alarms, &c. for a more particular account of the services of her husband s'd Clarke previous to her intermarriage with him she begs leave to refer the Department to the documentary proof presented by her husband when prosecuting his claim to a pension. She would further declare that owing to her extream low & feeble state of health, her age and infirmities she was unable to recollect, the exact time of her intermarriage with her husband & said Clarke. She would now declare that she was married to the s'd William Case Clarke on the Twenty First day of July. AD One Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty One by Nathaniel Gardner a Justice of the Peace. She would also further declare that her husband said Clarke did serve as Sergeant of said company of Kingston Reds after her intermarriage with him as by her stated in her first declaration. Viz "that at the time we was married he obtained leave of absence, and the day after s'd marriage he returned to the company then on duty and was absent from me several days. He also served at the South ferry (to the best of my recollection) one month. This I well remember as during his absence his grandmother was taken sick and I was much trouble to procure assistance. He was also stationed at the beacons & out on alarms after I became his wife.
Page 91

She would also, declare that her husband said Clarke dec'd on the 18th day of April 1848 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period aas will more fully appear by reference to the proof here to annexed
Witness Matthew Waite}
               her
      Sarah  X   Clarke
             mark
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written before
Matthew Waite
Justice of the Peace
Stat of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington County Ss
South Kingstown September 20 AD 1844
Then personally came Sarah Clarke and made solemn oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing declaration by her subscribed I further certify the deponents character for truth & sincerity is good.
Matthew Waite Justice of the Peace
Page 92


5811
Sarah Clarke
R Island
Act 4th July 1836
12 Mopri - Let. 8 June to W R Hopp
Lid 18th April '41
Page 93

I Ebenezer Smith of South Kingstown R.I. Pensioner
being duly sworn according to law, on solemn oath
do testify & say, I was born & brought up but a
short distance from William Case Clarke Esqr late
of South Kingstown worked for his father previous to
the Revolution subsequently for said William I
knew Sarah Potter previous to her marriage with
said William she was young and attending
school when she was published, she was called
hansome - her marriage made much talk as
she was not more than fifteen or sixteen when
married - she was thought to be too young to
take charge of farmers domestic affairs.
In the month of July 1780 I enlisted for six mo
nths was marched to Newport where I served
my time out and continued to serve until
the first of May '81. I then returned to s'd South
Kingstown. On my return, or soon after, I saw her on her way
to school and was told she was about to be married
to s'd William C. Clarke & that they was published
I also remember of hearing that there marriage was
postponed, s'd William being absent on duly in a
chartered Company called "Kingston Reds" and
commanded by John Waite Esqr said Willi
an was orderly Sergeant of said Company
I also remember of hearing that said William 
Case Clarke & Sarah Potter was married by
Nathaniel Gardner Esq. in the fall of the
year Seventeen Hundred Eighty one, believe
it was in the month of September but will not
swear positively know it was before the fall harvest
as I helped him harvest and she was then and
there at the heads of his domestic affairs and
presiding as his wife etc. I have seen said
William Case Clarke on duty in said Company
of "Kingston Reds" frequently before his intermarriage
Page 94

with said Sarah, and when he was married
he obtained leave of absence was married 
and returned the next day to his duty in said
"Kingston Reds" it was so reported at the time
and believed then & now I have heard said William
state the facts - Towards the close of the year
1781 - said Clark was again called out in
said Company and served one month & was stationed
at Boston Neck near the South Ferry so called. I served
part of the time at the same place but cannot state
positively the exact time, known he s'd Clarke was
harvesting when called upon to warn sid company
This was some time after he was married and
after I worked for him as before stated. I was
well aquainted with said Clarke to the day of his death,
knew here him to be a good soldier & firm
patriot & firmly believe he served in said com
pany and under s'd Waite as the law required
until the close of the war, have heard that s'd
Clarke served at Newport in 1782 but cannot
State positively or particularly the minute men
and chartered companies were frequently
stationed in the fortification. I also knew said
Sarah as a young lady attending school previous
to her marriage and after she was married I
knew her as the mistress of the house where I freque
ntly worked & went on business, and believe she
has remained the widow of said William C
Clarke ever since his decease
Wm R Noyes
his X mark
Ebenezer Smith
Sworn to & subscribed before
James Wilson Justice Peace
Page 95

State of Rhode Island for
Washington Co SS

South Kingston March 4th 1843. When
personally appeared Ebenezer Smith
and made Solemn oath in due form of
law to the truth of the foregoing deposition
by him subscribed which was reduced
to writing in his presence & time
by him in my present, I further
certify that the deponants Character
for truth & veracity is good
James Wilson Justice Peace
The words "or soon after, in the 5th line of the
1 Page-- and "heared, in the 5th he and "Clarke
in the 15th line of page interlined before signing
James Wilson Justice Peace
The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantation
Washington Clerk office, court of Common Please March the 8th 1843
I hereby certify that Edward Barber
in one of the Justice of the Court
Common Pleas aforesaid that he is duly commissioned by the Governor of this State and in all aspects legally qualified to act as such and that the foregoing signature purporting to be him is germain.  I also certify that Jenner Willow Esq. is one of the Justices of the peace of the Town of South Kingstown in said County of Washington and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his in Escrine.  In testimony which I hereto sot my hand and office in the Seal of the Court this day & year above written
Witness Matthew Waite. (signature)