Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15548, Oliver Arnold, R.I.
Page 1

Service
R.I. 
Arnold, Oliver 
Susannah

Number
W. 15548

Contents
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R. Island - 1828
Susannah Arnold, 
widow of Oliver Arnold,
who died on the 22 October 1778
Kent Co. in the State of R. Island
Who was a Lieut in the Company commanded
By Captain ___ of the ___ commanded
___ in the ___
For 6 months R. I.
Inscribed on the Roll of R. Island
at the rate of 80 Dollars __ Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 day of Mar
1838 and sent to and Hon. N. K.
Knight, Scituate
Arrears to the 4th of Mch $560.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept 40.00
[underline]
$600.00
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4, 1836,
Section the   }
Recorded by R Bandin Clerk,
Book [A?] Vol. 2 – Page 81
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V747. 3: Sec.
Susannah Arnold
widow of Lt. Oliver
Admd
6 mos. Lieut.
80$
The extract from Commissary
Above books show the Pawtuxet
Rangers to have been on duty in
Decr 1776 Jany Feby March
April & Aug. 1777-
No deduction
Hon. N. R. Knight
Senate
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State of Rhode Island
County of Kent  Sc
On this 7th day of September AD 1836 personally appeared before me. William Carder associate Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County Susanna Arnold resident in Warwick in said County aged 89 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision of the act of Congress of July 4th 1836 that she is the widow of Oliver Arnold of said Warwick who was a lieutenant in a Corps called the Patuxet Rangers from the beginning of the war of the revolution up to the time of his death. This was an independent Corps raised in the town of Warwick & Cranston & generally stationed at Patuxet, except when called to duty in other parts of the State. She cannot specify any particular terms of service, for this Corps was on duty pretty much all the time either at the fort at Patuxet or at other places on the shores of Narragansett Bay. Her husband being lieutenant did as much duty as any other member of the Corps. And she further declares that she was
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married to the said Oliver Arnold on the
first Thursday of July A. D. 17[illegible, possibly 1763], twelve years
before the war, she was married in said Warwick
by Elder Charles Holden but there is no record
of her marriage, she relies therefore on the evidence
herewith annexed for proof. The birth of her elder
son is recorded in the Bible & he was born
September 3rd A. D. 1764. that her husband
the aforesaid Oliver died October 22 A. D. 1778.
while in Camp on duty he was attacked with
a fever & was brought home sick & he died
soon after & that she has remained a widow
& unmarried ever since that period & is
now unmarried, wherefore she requests that the
pension which would have been granted
to her said husband under the act of June 1832
may be extended to her.
Susanah Arnold
Kent Ss }
In Warwick on this ninth day of Sept 1836
Sworn to and subscribed before me by the said
Susanah Arnold and I further certify that
from her advanced age and infirmity she is
unable to appear in Court.
Wm. Carder Justice CC Pleas
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I Simeon Smith of Cranston in the
County of Providence being now 90
years of age on solemn affirmation do testify &
say, that in the beginning of the
revolutionary war, I belonged to an 
independent Corps called the Patuxent Rangers
said corps was chartered by
the Legislature & was under the immediate 
command of the Governor of
Rhode Island. From the battle of Lexington
to the year 1782 said corps was
duty a great part of the time. Patuxent
was a Garrison place. A fort was established
there & the Patuxent Rangers often
had the whole charge of the fort.
And I further testify that before the
British took possession of Newport this
corps was on duty a great part of the
time but after that event which was
in December A. D. 1776 until they
evacuated which was three years
this Corps was on duty almost
all the time & received pay & rations for
pretty much all the time. Indeed
it may be said, that we were
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On duty all the time as I do not 
Remember when we were not on duty
during that period - And I further
testify that I was well acquainted
with Oliver Arnold who was a 
Lieutenant of said corps from the battle of
Lexington until his death which
I think was in 1778. after Sullivan’s
expedition, and to my knowledge
said Oliver did the same duty as
the rest of us did – And I further 
testify & say I am well acquainted with
Susanna Arnold the widow of said
Oliver. She was married to her said
husband Oliver Arnold some years 
before the war but how many I
do not recollect. Since the death
of said Oliver, she has remained
unmarried & is now his widow.
Simeon Smith
Providence Ss
September 3d 1836. Personally appeared
Before me the abovenamed Simeon Smith
& made solemn affirmation to the truth
of the above deposition by him
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signed And I further testify said
deponent is a very respectable & credible
witness in the premises
Benj. Cowell
C of C C Pleas
I Betsey Potter of Cranston in the County
Of Providence being now 79 years and
on solemn oath do testify & say that Susanna
Arnold of Warwick & the widow of Oliver Arnold
is my sister. Her name was Susanna Potter
before she was married. And I further certify
that I well remember when my said sister
was married to the said Oliver. I was
present at the wedding & saw them married
I do not recollect the day & year but it was
many years before the revolutionary war
I remember they had several children
born before the war. I also remember
when her husband the said Oliver was
brought home sick. This was in war time
but I do not remember the particular year.
He died soon after & my said sister has
remained unmarried ever since.
Betsy Potter
In Cranston Sept 7 1836
Sworn to & subscribed before me and I further certify
that said deponent is a credible witness.
Benja Cowell
C J C C Pleas
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Jany 12 1901
A. C. Arnold - Stamford Ct.
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Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15548
Susannah Arnold
Wid of
Oliver Arnold
Lieut Rev War
Act: July 4th 1836.
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 18
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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Suspd. V
Letter to B. Cowell Feb 25, 1837
do. June 14, 1837
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Warwick April 19th 1777
These are to require you to warn the company of
Patuxent Rangers to appear at the house
of Capn Job Randall the 21st of of this instant
at 9 oclock in the morning. Compleatly accoutered
in order to serve their tour of Duty according 
to the acts of this State hereof fail not
true return to make Oliver Arnold Lieut.
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[seal] By the Honorable NICHOLAS COOKE,
Esquire, Governor, Captain-General, and Commander
in Chief, of and over the State of Rhode-
Island and Providence Plantations.
TO Oliver Arnold Gent. - GREETING.
You said Oliver Arnold being chosen and appointed Captain
of the Fifth Company in the Regiment formed out of Independent Companies
in the State aforesaid and duly approved of, are hereby, in the name of the GOVERNOR
and COMPANY of the said State, authorized, empowered, and commissioned, to have, take and
exercise, the Office of Captain of the Company aforesaid, and to command, guide
and conduct the same, or any part thereof: And in case of an Invasion or Assault of a common
Enemy, to molest or disturb this Plantation, you are to alarm and gather together the Company
under your Command, or any part thereof you shall deem sufficient, and with them, to the utmost
of your Skill and Ability, you are to resist, expel, kill, and destroy the same, in order to preserve
the Interest of the good People in these Parts. You are also to follow such further Instructions, 
Directions and Orders, as shall from Time to Time be given forth, either by the General
Assembly of the Governor and Council of this State, and other your superior Officers: And for
your so doing, this Commission shall be your sufficient Warrant and Discharge.
GIVEN under my Hand, and the Seal of the said State, the Thirtieth Day
of September in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy seven
Nichs. Cooke
By his HONOR's Command,
Henry Ward Secy
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[seal] By his Excellency William Greene, Esquire,
Governor, Captain-General, and Commander in Chief, of and
over the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
TO Oliver Arnold. Gentleman, GREETING,
YOU the said Oliver Arnold being chosen and appointed First Lieutenant
of the Company of Pawtuxet Rangers
and duly approved of, are hereby, in the name of the Governor and Company
of the said State, authorized, empowered and commissioned, to have, take and exercise, the Office of
First Lieutenant of the Company aforesaid, with the rank and privileges to which you are
entitled by the Charter of the said Company, and to command, guide and conduct the same, or any Part
thereof: And in case of an Invasion or Assault of a common Enemy, to molest or disturb this Plantation
you are to alarm and gather together the Company under your Command, or any part thereof you shall
deem sufficient, and with them, to the utmost of your Skill and Ability, you are to resist, expel, kill, and destroy
the same, in order to preserve the Interest of the good People in these Parts. You are also to follow
such further Instructions, Directions and Orders, as shall from time to time be given forth, either by the
General Assembly of the Governor and Council of this State, and other your superior Officers: And for your
so doing, this Commission shall be your sufficient Warrant and Discharge.
GIVEN under my Hand and the Seal of the said State, the Seventh
Day of May in the Year of our Lord One Thousand
Seven Hundred and Seventy eight
W Greene
By his Excellency's Command,
Henry Ward Secy
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[seal]
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
By the Honble Nicholas Cooke Esq. Governor
Captain General and Commander in Chief of and
over the State aforesaid.
To the Captain or commanding Officer of the
Company of Pawtuxet Rangers Greeting.
You are hereby commanded in the Name of the Governor and
Company of the said State to hold the Company under your
Command in readiness, completely equipped and accoutered to
March at a minute Notice to such post or Station in the
said State as shall be ordered for its Defense; and for this end
to give due Notice and orders to all officers and others
under your command. The Draughts ordered by the General
Assembly and Council of war to be completed nevertheless
and immediately sent forward. For your so doing this
shall be a sufficient Warrant.
Given under my hand and seal this Eighth day
of April A. D. 1777
Nichs. Cooke
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[seal] By the Honorable Nicholas Cooke Esquire,
Governor, Captain-General, and Commander in Chief, of and over the English Colony of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations in New England, in America.
To Oliver Arnold Gent. GREETING.
YOU the said Oliver Arnold being chosen and appointed First Lieutenant of the Company of Pawtuxet Rangers in the Towns of Warwick & Cranston in the Colony aforesaid and duly approved of, are hereby, in the name of the Governor and COMPANY of the said Colony, authorized, empowered, and commissionated, to have, take and exercise the Office of First Lieutenant of the Company aforesaid, with the rank and privileges to which you are entitled by the Charter of the said Company, and to command, guide and conduct the same, 
or any Part thereof: And in case of an Invasion or Assault of a common Enemy, to molest or
disturb this Plantation, you are to alarm and gather together the Company under your Command, or any part thereof you shall deem sufficient, and with them, to the utmost of your Skill and Ability; you are to refit, expel, kill, and destroy the same, in order to preserve the Interest of the good People in these Parts. You are also to follow such further Instructions, Directions and Orders, as shall from Time
to Time be given forth, either by the General Assembly of the Governor and Council of this Colony and other your superior Officers: And for your so doing, this Commission shall be your sufficient Warrant and Discharge.
GIVEN under my Hand, and the seal of the said Colony, the Sixth Day
of May in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-six
Nichs. Cooke
By His HONOR's Command,
Henry Ward Secy.
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[bottom left]
Oliver Arnold
R. I.
W. 15548
[center top]
Oliver Arnold
First Lieutenant.
of the Company.
of Pawtuxet Rangers.
November 27th A. D. 1776
Then Appeared the within Named Oliver Arnold
And was Ingaged to the office within mentioned
according to Law before me.
James Arnold Ju. Assistant
[stamp]
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
OF THE
UNITED STATES
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I Simeon Smith of Cranston in the County
of Providence being now 91 years of age
do further testify & say in addition to my
deposition given in behalf of Susannah
Arnold Widow of Oliver Arnold, formerly
a Lieutenant in the Patuxent Rangers
it is difficult for me at this great distant
period of time to specify the monthly
tours of duty which said corps performed 
during the revolutionary war yet
being requested so to do I will do
it according to my best recollection.
In the year 1775 we served four 
months as minute men in the autumn
& winter stationed at Warwick & Providence
Island. It was this year that Providence
was burnt. We served four months
at least ending December of this year
[illegible] September October November and
December. In 1776 we served as
much as six months & our monthly
tours were as many as four, three
months we were stationed at Warwick
Neck, one in February one in spring
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in May, one in summer & one
in December, Rhode Island
when the enemy landed. In 1777
the militia were divided into classes
but our corps did a great deal
more duty than the law required
being minute Company also. We
were stationed one month in 
February at East Greenwich & two
months at Warwick neck, one in 
Spring & one in summer & one
at Howlands ferry. In Spencer’s
expedition in October. Besides these
monthly tours we served many months
besides which I cannot specify
except as stated in my first deposition. 
In 1778 we served nearly 
all the time on monthly tours
[illegible] one Company
was stationed at Warwick neck
two months, one in winter & one
in Spring & one on Rhode Island
in Sullivan’s expedition in August
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Soon after Sullivans expedition
said Oliver Arnold died but he
served as many as three monthly
tours before his death this year.
These monthly tours did not constitute
one half of the duty which our
corps did, but I cannot specify it
otherwise than as I have done
in my first deposition, but
the preceding monthly tours, as
near as I can remember the said
Oliver served with us.
Simeon Smith
Providence Sc
In Cranston March 11 1837
Personally appeared before the
above named Simeon Smith & made
solemn affirmation to the truth of
the preceding deposition by him signed
in my presence and I further certify
that deponent is well known to me
& his is a very respectable citizen &
a credible witness.
Benja. Cowell
C of C C Pleas
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State of Rhode Island
County of Kent}
Town Clerks Office
Warwick Oct 27 1836
I George A Brayton town Clerk of said town of Warwick
do hereby certify that I have made diligent search in the
records of marriages of the office for record of marriage of
Oliver Arnold to Susanna Potter and that I cannot
find the said marriage any where recorded and I do
hereby further certify that many marriages which are taking
place and which have taken place for many years past
are not and have not been brought to be recorded and that from
my examination of said records at different times I
believe that very many marriages which took place before
and during the revolutionary war were never recorded.
Witness Geo A Brayton Town Clerk
State of Rhode Island
Kent County} Ss In Warwick this 27th Day
of October A. D. 1836 Personally
appeared George A Brayton Known
to me as Town Clerk of the Town of Warwick
and subscribed to the above certificate
and made oath oath to the same in my
Presence
Wm Harrison Justice of the peace
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I Caleb Corpe of Cranston in the County
Of Providence being now 82 years of age on
oath do testify & say that I was, during the
revolutionary war a Sergeant in an 
Independant [sic] Corps called the Pawtuxet Rangers.
I belonged to the Company from the beginning
to the end of the war. Benjamin Arnold was
Captain & Oliver Arnold was first Lieutenant. 
This corps was on duty pretty much
all the time for a number of years and
received pay & rations for the same. It was 
stationed at Pawtuxet & had the charge of the fort
when not called to defend in other places against the
invasions of the enemy. Before the Brittish [sic]
took possession of Newport this Company was on
duty at least half the time to gard [sic] against Wallace
fleet then in possession of the waters of Narragansett
Bay, & after that event it was on duty pretty much all
the time, from December 1776 to the latter end of the
year 1779 when the enemy left. It was in actual
service either in garrisoning the fort at Pawtuxet
or else at some other station on the shores of said Bay.
And I further testify that said Oliver Arnold as
Lieutenant of said Corps, was in service as much as
the rest of us & served as much as any of us from
the Battle of Lexington when we were first called
out upon an alarm, until his death which took
place after Sullivans Expedition in August 1778.
I have no hesitation in saying he was in actual
served two years in his said capacity at least before
his death. And I further testify that I am well
acquainted with Susanna Arnold his widow. Her
maiden name was Pattie & she was married to
the said Oliver many years before the war their
eldest son was born many years before the war began
Since the death of her said husband the said
Susanna has remained unmarried & is now his widow.
And I the said Caleb Corpe do further testify
and say in addition to what I have before said
that it is impossible for me at this distant
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period of time to specify the months by name
in each year that said Oliver Arnold served
but I aver that he served in number four
months at least in 1775, between April and
December, it was in autumn of this year that
Prudence was burnt & laid waste by Wallace’s
fleet then in the bay, & said Corps was after
called into service to gard [sic] against the incursions.
And I further aver that in 1776 between January &
December he served six months at least at Coast for
which we were paid and received rations, and
in the year 1777 he served nine months. In
this year we were kept on duty pretty much all
the time either at said fort or other places, &
in 1778 he served as much as 6 months before
his death. he was taken sick in Camp and
Carried home & died. This year also said Corps
was on duty pretty much all the time.
Caleb Corpe
Providence Sc In Cranston November 17 1836
Sworn to & subscribed before me And I 
further certify said Caleb is well known to
me & he is a credible witness
Benja Cowell
C J C C Pleas
Page 24

Providence, April 25 1837
Sir
Yours of Feb 25 th respecting the claims of Mrs Susanna Arnold & Sarah Radloff was receivd [sic]. As respects the claim of Mrs Arnold you observe no specifications are given which would authorize the inference that he served sufficiently to bring his case within the provisions of the act. It would also seem from your letter that you were of the opinion that all the services this Corps (Patuxet Rangers) were under the "militia laws." Since the receipt of your letter Simeon Smith has been called upon to specify the monthly tours (the other witness Caleb Corpe who had testified in his behalf has deceased) & thus he has done according to the best of his recollection & his deposition is herewith enclosed which I hope will be satisfactory
Page 25

So far as respects the services by monthly tours they were undoubtedly under the "militia laws" of the state & so I have always understood it. But these monthly tours did not constitute half the services this corps performed. This appears not only by Mr. Smiths deposition but by the tenor of the [enclosed?] order from the Governor which is one of those orders which this Corps had to obey & did obey as "minute men" & such services were other & additional to those performed as militia. This is apparent from the order itself. You will observe "the draughts ordered by the General Assembly & Council of War were to be completed nevertheless" that is, they were to perform all such "draughts" which were monthly under the law regulating the militia & yet be in "readiness to march at a minutes notice to such port or station as shall be ordered" more than half of the services
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says Mr. Smith were performed under such orders. They would sometimes be called out in the night & be ordered to a particular station where they would remain from three days to a month, before dismissed. Permit me to add a word as to Mr Smith. His memory appears to be very good and indeed he is remarkable for his intelligence for one so old. I am confident you will assent to this when I inform you & when you see the manner in in which he writes his name, which was done in my presence without the aid of spectacles. But if this "minute service" which he cannot specify cannot be allowed I hope what is specified will be & with that Mrs. Arnold must be content altho it does not do her justice. Her care is a very pecular [peculiar] one & meritorious to the highest degree under the intent of the law. Here is an instance where the husband was cut
Page 27

off in the prime of life & by a disease caught, while in the service of his country & where the widow has remained unmarried almost 60 years.
I am respectfully yours
Benja Cowell

J.L. Edwards Esq
Page 28

Providence Nov 28th 1836
Sir
I have the honor herewith to enclose the application of Susanna Arnold widow of Oliver Arnold of the Patuxet Rangers. Permit me to state a few facts with regard to the services of this Corps during the war of the revolution. Facts, which I have learned not only from the members but also from the older inhabitants of the village. Patuxet was a garrison town & a fort was established there & this corps had the charge of it & did garrison duty in it besides the monthly tours to which it was frequently called. I have been informed that this Corps, being a very active & efficient one, did as much service as if it had been a regular enlisted Corps. I am informed that during the invasion it send pay & rations for all the time or nearly all the time. It was so much in service that its members did not & could not attend to much
Page 29

other business. It would be unjust therefore to place the services of this Corps on the same footing with those of the common militia. I am also requested by Mrs. Radloff to forward her papers, the evidence in her claims having been completed in this state. She resides near this city altho in a different state. Dr. Radloff was a prisoner of war after his Capture until peace, that is, he [illegible] was exchanged. This fact appears
[?cots] only by the [memorandum?] of [?] 
[?cess..cle?] dated "Providence March 22 1787, annexed to his papers, but also by the settlement of his wages in the Treasury Department & also by the testimony of reputable witnesses whose depositions are annexed.
I am respectfully your obt servt
Benja Cowell

J L Edwards Esq
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I Susanna Arnold of Warwick widow of Oliver Arnold who was a Lieutennant [Lieutenant] in the Pawtuxet Rangers do further declare that in my first declaration I stated his services as well as I could remember, which was done according to the best of my knowledge and belief. I believe Mr. Simeon Smith who served with him all the time has stated his services correctly and to his deposition I refer for the more particular specifications of the services performed.
Signed Susanna Arnold

Trent Sc
Sworn to and subscribed on this fourth day of April AD 1837 before me
Wm Carder Justice C.C. Pleas
Page 31

By His Excellency, John Brown Francis Governor, Captain-General, and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
Be it Known, that the name, "Henry Bowen," to the afore-written attestation subscribed, is the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen, Esquire, who at the time of subscribing the same, was Secretary of the State aforesaid, duly elected and qualified according to law: Wherefore unto his said attestation full faith and credit are to be rendered.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and [illegible] the seal of said State to be affixed at Providence this nineteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six and [illegible] of Independence the sixty-first.
John Brown Francis
By His Excellency's Command.
Henry Bowen Secry
Page 32

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Secretarys Office Nov 19 AD 1836
I certify, that at the session of the General Assembly on the first Wednesday of May last, Benjamin Cowell was elected Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Providence: William Carder an associate Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Kent: and William Harrison a Justice of the Peace for the town of Warwick in said county of Kent: each for one year, and they have been severally commissioned accordingly: as appears of record.
Witness Henry Bowen Secry.
Page 33

A. C. Arnold,
Cabinet Maker and Jobber.
Shop: Quintard Place
Residence: 34 Clinton Ave.
Stamford, Conn., Jan 1 1901
Commissioner Pension
Hon Sir
I enclose a list of names, all brothers, born in town of Exeter county of Washington (originaly Kings Co) state of Rhode Island. Some, if not all served in the army during the Revolutionary war & as I have not been able to find which ones. Were probably credited to both Exeter and North Kingstown. John might possibly be credited to New Jersey. I want certificate for some of the family to join the Sons of the Revolution.
Your Obt servant
AC Arnold

[stamp]
US PENSION OFFICE JAN 8 1901
Page 34

A. C. Arnold
Cabinet Maker and Jobber,
34 Clinton Avenue
Stamford, Conn., 1900

Joseph Arnold born Feb 3rd 1738 Exeter R.I. or North Kingstown
Stephen Arnold born Apr 20th 1739
Sanuel Arnold born June 16, 1741
Josiah Arnold born Dec 31 1743
Peleg Arnold born June 15 1749
Oliver Arnold born Oct 15 1750
John Arnold born June 20 1752
Caleb Arnold born Mar 17, 1754
Edmond Arnold born Dec 8 1757