Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20575, James Allen, R.I.
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
R. I.
Allen, James
Mary
NUMBER
W. 20575
CONTENTS
Page 2

State of Rhode Island
County of Kent for on this twenty sixth day of August 1837 personally appeared before me John Wood one of the Justices of the Court of Common plea within and for said county of Kent, Mary Allen a resident in West Greenwich in said county of Kent  ,age 92 years who being duty sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836 that she is the widow of James Allen of said West Greenwich . who was a soldier in the army of the Revolution that he was a private and served as such a sundry time from the beginning to the close of the Revolutionary war, and she further declares that her husband the said James Allen served in Col. William Richman regiment in 1775 as an enlisted soldier and private for one year, this was before the marriage and she further declares that after the war he served in Col. Robert Elliott's regiment of Artillery and she believes in Capt. Garzia's Company or Capt. Adams the first time she ever saw him he was a private in said regiment and she was married to him when was in said regiment when his company was stationed at Warwick .It is not within her power to verify all his services at this time of his service she must therefore refer to the evidence of those who were knowing to his service for the particulars and she further declares that she was married to the said James Allen on the eighth day of April 1779, by the reverend Charles Holden as will appear by the records of said Warwick when she was married that her husband, the said James Allen died on the thirteenth day of July 1821 at said West Greenwich and that she  the said Mary has remained unmarried ever since that period. 
Wherefore
Page 3

Wherefore the requests that the same pension which her said husband was entitled to under the Act of June 7, AD 1832 may be granted to her 
Mary Allen (*her mark "X")

State of Rhode Island}
Kent County ss} At West Greenwich August 26, 1837

Sworn to and subscribed before me & I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Mary Allen & know her to be a woman of Good Credibility and in good standing in Neighborhood & society: And from age and infirmities is unable to attend Court.
John Wood J.C.C. Pleas
Page 4

Warwick April the 8th AD 1779
This may Certify all whom it may concern that
James Allen and Mary Shearman both residing in
Warwick was married according to law the day and date abovesaid by one Charles Holden Elder
State of Rhode Island Town Clerks Office
County of Kent Warwick Nov 15 1836
I George A Brayton Town Clerk of said town of Warwick do hereby certify that the aforegoing certificate of marriage is a true copy duly compared by one as appears of record
in this office
Geo A Brayton Town Clerk
State of Rhode Island &
Kent County Ss
 In Warwick the 16th November AD 1836
Personally appeared George A. Brayton known
to me as Town Clerk of the Town of Warwick and made Oath that the above certificate by him subscribed is correct I further certify that he is a credible person
Wm Harrison Justice of the Peace
Page 5

I, Arney Allen of West Greenwich in the county of Kent being now 54 years of age on oath do testify  and say that I am the second child of James Allen formerly of said town and Mary his wife. My father the said James died on the 13th of July 1821. I was with him when he died, since his death my mother has remained unmarried and is now my father's widow. In my father's life time I have often heard him speak of being in Elliott's regiment of artillery and being stationed at Warwick neck at the time he married my mother Elder Holden house about two miles from that place and I has heard my father say that he and my mother rode to Elder Holden's house back to get married. My mother was at work at my uncle Charles Shearman at Warwick neck at the time she was married Charles Shearman had been dead many years. I believe my father was in Capt. Garzia's company or Capt. Adam's Company
Page 6

Soon after the marriage the company as I have understood went to fall river where they were stationed afterward
Amy Allen

Ken Sc at Coventry June 26th AD 1837
Sworn to and subscribed before me
Jonathan Whaley Justice of the Peace

I further Certify that the said Amy Allen is a credable person Jonathan Whaley Just Peace
Page 7

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 aforewritten attestation subscribed, is in 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 caused the seal of said State to be affixed, at Providence, this twenty ninth
day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight
and of Independence the sixty second
John Brown Francis
By His Excellency's Command.
Henry Bowen [illegible]
Page 8

A.D. 1838 - West Greenwich February the 7
J.L. Edwards Esq.

Having seen a letter from you to Benjamin Cowell Esq Dated January 26 AD 1838 wherein you say my Husband James Allen enlisted in the year servis (service) in Capt. Garzia's Company which termainated (terminated) in March - AD 1779 and as I was married in April following I was not in titled (entitled) to a pention (pension) & as I further declare that if the said years servis (service) of my said Husband did termanate (terminate) in March 1779 he again inlisted (enlisted) in that or sum (some) other Company immediately for I well remember that when we was married he was in the army Stationed  at Warwick I well remember he obtained a furlough and then come up to the house where I was and we went to Elder Holden's and we was married this I well remember if the rolls of Capt. Garzia's and Capt. Adam's Companies in the years service in Col Elliott's Regiment which terminated in March 1780 are in the pention (pension) office I think my husband's name will be found there and my husband was in service three or four years During the war.
Mary Allen (her + mark)

The above was by me Reduced to writing in the Deponents Pressants (Presence) and by his subscribed by making her mark in my presant. (presence).
-Charles Tillinghast Justice of peace

Kent Ss at West Greenwich February the 7 1838
Personally appeared above said Mary Allen and attested to the truth of the same before me.
Charles Tillinghast Justice of the peace
Page 9

I Cynthia Roberts of Smithfield in the County of Providence do testify & say That I am now sixty six years of age & upon oath, that Mary Allen of West Greenwich in the County of Kent & widow of James Allen is my mother; that James Allen was my mother's second husband; her first husband was William Smith and I am his daughter. My father the said William, was lost at sea when I was about 16 months old as I have heard my mother say. My mother married James Allen when I was about seven years of age, I have a perfect recollection when they were married, my mother then lived with Charles Shearman on Warwick neck: when she married said James, I lived there at the same time with my mother, said Charles was my mother's brother, and I further testify that when my mother married said James Allen, he was a soldier in the Army, and I think in Capt.
Page 10

Garzia's Company. I well remember Capt Garzia's Company & Capt. Adams Company, both of Col Elliott's regiment were there stationed at old Warwick & said James was a soldier in one of them, said James & a number of soldiers used to come frequently to our house before & after his marriage this I well remember.  Said Companies continued to be stationed at old Warwick a number of months after my mothers marriage. My mother married I think in April 1779 & said James continued to serve as a soldier for two years afterwards, he served in Capt. Garzia's Company until his time was out which terminated about a year after his marriage, & then he enlisted again but I do not remember in what company. I remember he continued to serve until towards the close of the war before he came home & lived at home. My recollection is good & I well remember the above
Page 11

facts. After my father in law left the service, he & my uncle Charles Sherman, managed the farm together on said Warwick neck, & this fact also I well remember. - and I also remember that when they managed the farm together I was nine years old.
Cynthia Roberts 

Providence Ss
In Smithfield Feb 22 1838

Sworn to & subscribed before me and I further certify said affiant is a reputable citizen & credible witness.
Benjamin Cowell CJCC Pleas
Page 12

West Greenwich February 7 AD 1838
I Mary Bennett widow of David Bennett who was a Revolutionary pentioner (pensioner) depose and says that she heard this husband when living and James Allen of West Greenwich Now Decest (Deceased) have conversation Respecting their Services in the revolutionary War and heard them both say said Allen was in the Services of said war after he was married to his wife now widow Mary Allen applicant for a pension.
Mary Bennett (her "X" mark)

The above was by me Reduced to writing in the deponents Presants (Presence) and by her subscribed by making her mark in my presants. (presence)
Charles Tillinghast Justice of the peace


Kent Ss at West Greenwich February the 7 1838
Personally apeared (appeared) the above said Mary Bennett and made oath to the truth of the same before me.
Charles Tillinghast Justice of the peace

We the undernamed subscribers do hereby certify that we have acquainted with the above named Mary Bennett for many years past & consider her to be  a person of Truth and Verasity (Veracity) - 

Obadiah Potter
Silas Wait
George R. Wait
Page 13

I Mary Burlingame, now residing in Scituate in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation, being seventy two years of age - do testify and say that I am well acquainted with the widow Mary Allen widow of James Allen Late of West Greenwich Deceased. I do also Certify that I lived in the same house and with the said Mary Allen at the time the said James Allen came to the house where the said now widow Mary Allen and I then lived and they the said James and Mary both went away and said they was agoing (a going) to Elder Holdens to be married and afterwards they returned back and said were married. Said Allen was then said to be a Revolutionary Soldier, and came as it was said at that time on Purpose to be Married as aforesaid - Returned back after he was married, he then Returned back again as a Soldier as I understood it at the time and according to the best of my recollection was then said to be a Soldier in Capt Garzias Company
Mary Burlingame (her X mark)

Flavel Patterson
Obadiah Potter
The above was by me Reduced to writing in the Deponents Presents (Presence) and by her subscribed by making her mark in my presents (presence)
Flavel Patterson Just. Peace (Justice of the Peace)
Page 14

Providence Ss at Scituate February 27, 1838
Personally appeared the Witn (witness) named Mary Burlingame and made oath to the Truth of the Same Before me
Flavel Patterson Justice of the Peace

We the undernamed Subscribers do hereby Certify that we have for a long time past been Personally, and also by reputation, acquainted with the within named Mary Burlingame Subscriber to the within deposition and affidavit & consider her a person of Truth & Verasity (Veracity)

Deborah Johnson
Diademia Morse
Lucy Johnson

Kent Ss March 1st AD 1838
I hereby certify that I have for a long time been Personally acquainted with the within Named Mary Burllinggame (Burlingame) & know her to be a Person of good credibility Among her Neighbours and also in the County to which she belongs and generally a Person of good repute as far as my acquaintance with her which is about forty years
Witness John Wood J.C.C. Pleas
Page 15

State of Rhode Island
Secretary's Office March 29, AD 1838

I Certify, that at the session of the General Assembly of said State in February seventeen hundred seventy nine, John Garzia was elected Captain of the third Company in the Regiment of Artillery ordered at said session to be raised for one year, unless sooner discharged by the General Assembly; as appears of record.
I further Certify that at the session on the first Wednesday in May last, Benjamin Cowell was elected Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within the County of Providence, and Flavel Patterson Justice of the Peace for the town of Scituate in said County, for one year each:
That at the session on the third Monday in June last, Charles Tillinghast was elected a Justice of the Peace for the town of West Greenwich in the County of Kent for and until the first Wednesday of May next: and the three last named have been commissioned accordingly: as appears of record in this office.
Witness Henry Bowen Secry (Secretary)
Page 16

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantation
Mary Allen
Hon. N. R. Knight
Senate US
Page 17

Mary Allen of West Greenwich in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island aged 94 years Maketh further oath that as she has before stated She is the widow of James Allen late of said West Greenwich who was a revolutionary Soldier that when the Act of July 4th 1836 was passed she made a declaration under that act claiming a pension but in consequence of extreme old age and broken memory she could not specify all her said husband's services during the revolutionary war or his officer's names but she remembered her husband did perform some services after their marriage as she believed  but not being able to produce any proof satisfactory to the war department that any services after the marriage was performed she became doubtful herself whether any such was performed especially after the Commissioner of pensions informed her through her agent that her said husband's services terminated in March 1779 before her marriage she therefore relinquished  the claim under said Act and made a new application under the Act of July 7th, 1838 which was granted.
Since she has received her pension under this last act, she has discovered further evidence of her husband's services, to wit six months as a private in Col Greene's Regiment of Rhode Island Continental troops in the year 1780 after their marriage under an enlistment this testimony has been recently discovered had she known it before while her first declaration was pending she would have sent it to the war department and she has now a recollection that her said husband did service under Col Greene after their marriage Wherefore she now requests that her first declaration may be entered and she be allowed a pension under the act of July 4th, 1836 to which she is entitled according to the provisions of said act.
Attest Arney Allen             
Mary Allen (her X mark)

Kent Ss in West Greenwich Rhode Island August 14 1840 personally appeared before me Mary Allen signed of the above affidavit, and make oath to the same and I further certify that she is a credible person and is known to me. 
Stephen Waterman Justice of the Court of Common Pleas
Page 18

I John Place of Exeter in the County of Washington & State of Rhodeisland & Providence Plantations do testify and say that I am now seventy nine years of age that in the year 1780 I inlisted as a private in Captain Thomas Coler Company Colonel Greenes Regiment of Rhode island Continental troops for six months and we were Stationed on Rhodeisland During this Six months it was the time the French army were on Rhode island and after the British left, after words & again enlisted for nine months in Colonel Greene's Regiment & marched to the westward in Captain John Maccombers Company, and I further testify & say that I was well acquainted with James Allen late of West greenwich in the County of Kent whose widow now lives in said West Greenwigh, Said James enlisted into the Same Company that I did as a Private for six months and he served out his time with me on Rhode island we served together six months in the year 1780 ending about December of that year in said Captain Coles Company of this fact I have a distinct recollection
his
John X Place
mark

Witness Russell Joslin
Page 19

State of Rhodeisland [Rhode Island] & Providence Plantation
County of Washington dc
August 5- 1840
Personally appeared before me the above
named John Place and made Solom [solemn]
Oath to the above deposition by him signed & I further certify that said John is well known to me & he is a Respectable citizen & a credible witnes.
Russell Joslin Justice Peace
Page 20

I Amy Allen of West Greenwich in the County of Kent and state of Rhode Island do testify and say that Mary Allen of said town is my Mother and is the widow of James Allen She is now I believe 96 years old * myself am 58 years old. In consequence of extreme old age and infirmaties my mother's recollection of past events are not good. Her mind at times seems almost gone while at other times she seems brighter which her recollections were good she always invaryably stated that her husband my father performed services after their marriage but she never could recollect the officers names. I always thought that he did such service until the investigation at the pension officd where I was informed his services terminated in March 1779 & that time before their marriage but now since further evidence has been discovered I have a recollection and it has come to my mind that I have heard him talk about serving under Coll Greene towards the last of the war. I distinctly recollect having heard my father and mother at sundy times tell of my fathers coming home from the army sick with the disentary and how he fainted at the door and my mother had to get help to get him in, this they said was after they kept house.
Amy Allen

Ken Sc in West Greenwich Rhode Island August 4th 1840 personally appeared Amy Allen before me the signer of the above affidavit and made oath to the same and I further certify that she is a credible person and is known to me
Stephen Waterman
Justice of the Court of Common
Pleas
Page 21

State of Rhode Island & 
Providence Plantations

Secretary's Office Jan. 4 1841

I Henry Bowen Secretary of said State and Keeper of the Records and the Seal thereof, Certify that at the session of the General Assembly of said State holden on the First Wednesday of May last Russell Joslin was elected Justice of the Peace for the Town of Exeter in the County of Washington for one year.

That at the session in June last Stephen Waterman was elected Associate Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Kent until the first Wednesday of May next - and severally Commissioned accordingly. As of appears of record.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State at Providence the day and year first above written
Henry Bowen
Page 22

R. Island 2,587

Mary Allen
of James Allen
R.I.
who was a pensioner under the Act of 
who died on the 13th (illegible) 1821
of Kent in the State of R. Island
who was a Pri & lieut in the Compy commanded by Captain Diamond of the Regt. commanded by Richmond in the R. I. 
line for 21 mos 4 days

Inscribed on the Roll of R. Island at the rate of 77 Dollars 99 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of July '39, and sent to Benj. Cowell,
Providence, R.I.

Arrears to the 4th of Mar. - $233.99
semi-annual allowance ending 38.99
$272.96
{Act July 7,}
{1838.}

Recorded by R. Burdine Clerk,
Book A Vol. 2 Page /-
Page 23

In reply to your request of
for a statement of the military history of James Allen a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his widow's application for pension on file in this Burea.
wid 7 20575

DATES OR RENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
Nov. 1775
1778
1780

LENGTH OF SERVICE.
1 yr.
1 "
6 mos.

RANK.
Pri
"
"

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Benj. Diamond
John Garzia
Thomas Cole
Colonel.
Wm Richmond
Robert Elliot
Greene

STATE.
R.I.
"
"

Battles engaged in, Long Island.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, 
Date of application for pension, Aug. 6, 1837 Her Cl Was al.
Residence at date of application, West Greenwich Kent Co R.I.
Age at date of application, 92 years.
Remarks: Soldier Mar. at warwich R.I. apr. 8 1779. Mary (maiden name Shearman) widow of William Smith, he died July 13, 1821 at West Greenwich. R. I. Amy (second child) resided at West Greenwich R. I. in 1840, no other names stated, name of soldier's father not given.
Very respectfully,
Page 24

Feb. 14, '08. Hist to Josephine A. Cogger
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 20,575
Mary Allen
Widow of
James Allen
Prvt [illegible] War
Act July 7" 1838
Index: Vol. A, Page 10
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 25

[crossed out / blank page]
Page 26

Mary Allen
Rhode Island
Rejected
[illegible] 26th Jan
day 1838 [illegible]
[illegible]
[all blacked out]
Page 27

see let to Hon N. R. Knight
February 8, 1841
Page 28

Capt Garzia -
Sayre
Wescote
Carlisle
& Warner of Elliotts Reg in '79 -
Page 29

Mary Allen
2844
Rhode Island
Act 4 July 36

on roll Capt Garzia & Col. E. (illegible) regt. bundel 17(illegible) budle 1 enlisted on the years served from March 17(illegible) in June 1779 not found after feb. 1779
Enlisd 13 June 78 to 16 mar 79
Page 30

I Caleb Whitman of Coventry in the County of Kent being now 82 years of age on oath do testify and say that I was well acquainted with James Allen late of West Greenwich and the husband of Mary Allen now his widow said James and myself served one year together in Capt. Benjamin Dimond's Company and Col. Richmond's regiment said regiment was raised for one year from November 1775 and in September 1776 marched to the westward and was on Long Island in the balltes we were both privates. After the act of March 18. 1818 was passed I applied for and obtained a pension but said James count not on account of his prperty. And I further testify that at the time I got him to give his evidence for me to get my pension. I well remember of hi telling me that he had served in Col. Elliot's regiment of Artillery and I think in Capt. Pazers Company was in the service at the time he married and had gotten a furlough for that purpose. I have at other and many times heard him speak of his being in Col.  Elliott's regiment and I have not the least doubt he was.
Caleb Whitman

Kent Sc. In Coventry June 27th 1837 Sworn and subscribed before me, And I further certify said Caleb Whitman is a credible witness, and his deposition entitled to full credit
Samuel Arnold Justice of the Peace
Page 31

Mrs. Allen  relies on the Roll of Capt. Garzia in the year 1779 which it is believed is in the Pension office. She is unable to find any one who served with him. I am requested therefore to write you to have that Roll examined.
Benja Cowell
Septer 24 1837
to J. L. Edwards Esq.

Mary Allen 
2844
Rhode Island
Act 4 July 36

on roll Capt. Garzia & Col. Elliot regt. bundle 17 sub bundle 1 enlisted in this year served from March 17(illegible) in June 1779 not found after Feb. 1779.
Enlisd 13 June 78 to (illegible) 79
Page 32

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 aforewritten attestation subscribed, is the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen, Esquire, who at the time of subscribing to 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 caused the seal of said State to be affixed at Providence, this eighteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- seven
and of Independence the sixty - second
John Brown Francis
By His Excellency's Command.
Henry Bowen Secry.
Page 33

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Secretary's office Sept. 18. 1837.

I Certify that at the session of the General Assembly of said State holden on the first Wednesday of May last, John Wood was elected a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within the County of Ken for one year. That at the session holden on the third Monday of June last, Jonathan Whaley and Samuel Arnold were severally elected Justices of the Peace for the town of Coventry in said County for and until the first Wednesday of May next; That at the session on the first Wednesday of May eighteen hundred thirty six, William Harrison was elected a Justice of the Peace for the town of Warwick in said County for one year. And they have been severally commissioned accordingly
Witness Henry Bowen Secry.
Page 34

Providence April 3d 1838
Sir,
Your letter of January 26th last repecting the claim of Mary Allen widow of James Allen was duly recvd & the contents made known to her & she has made a supplemental statemnt which is herewith enclosed, further testimony of her husbands being in service at the time of her marriage is also enclosed. You observe "it is shown by Capt. Garzia's Company Roll that her husband enlisted in his company in the year service which terminated in March 1779." It is true. That years service terminated in March 1779 but he again enlisted in same Company for another year which terminated in March 1780. Capt Garzia belonged to Elliotts regiment of Artillery which was enlisted three time. The last of which terminated March 1780. In Feb 79 Capt. Garzia was reappointed
Page 35

Captain (illegible) year as will appear by the certificate of the Secretary herewith enclosed and indeed I find upon examination that Capt Garzia & his company was continued by a special Act of the legislation until October 1780. If you have gotten the Company rolls of his Company during the third enlistment which terminated March 1780 in your office you will find the name of James Allen on that. I have every reason to believe. That he was in service at the time of his marriage. There cannot be any doubt. Every circumstance as well as the evidence proves it but how long he continued afterwards is not not shewn nor is it necessary as he had served two years before that period, I have to request that her claim may be again examined. It is a (illegible) case & within the provisions of the alw.
I am very respectfully 
your obt. svt.
Benja Cowell

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Page 36

Providence Sept. 26 1837
Sir
I am requested to forward to the Pension office the enclosed application of Mary Allen widow of James Allen & Olive Aldrich widow of Richard Aldrich & formerly the widow of Jacob Goff her first husband; for froof of his services in the States Powder Mill I take the liberty to call your attention to the act of the Gen Assembly in the (illegible) certificate, as well as to the affidavits, in that behalf. Mrs Mary Allen relies on the Rolls in the Pension office for proof of her husbands service in Elliotts regiment. no living witness is to be found
I am respectfully 
your
Benja Cowell
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Page 37

State of Rhode Island Sc
County of Ken Sc
Mary Allen of West Greenwich widow of James Allen in said County further maketh oath in addition to her two former declaration in order to obtain a pension she now declares that she is satisfied that no satisfactory evidence can be produced to shew that her husband the said James Allen performed any military service after her marriage and therefore she relinquishes all claim under the Act of July 4 1836 and requests that she may b e allowed a pension under the act of July 7 1838 believing that upon a full investigation of the claim at the War Department she is not entitled to the benefits of the act of July 4 1836
her
Mary X Allen
Mark
Attest Stephen Waterman
Page 38

State of Rhode Island &c
Kent Sc West Greenwich
March 29 1839

Personally appeared before me the within named Mary Allen and subscribed and made oath to the preceding declaration and I further Certify that her statements are entitled to full Credit and is too infirm to attend Court
Stephen Waterman Justice of the Court of Common Pleas
Page 39

Honorable N R Knight
M J Senate
Let to Ss Dexter
Washington DC

B Cowell Esq.
Page 40

Providence Jany 4 1841
Dear Sir,
I take the liberty to enclose to you the within documents for the benefit of Mrs. Mary Allen widow of James Allen formerly of West Greenwich. It presents a new question for the decision of the Commissioner of Pensions and as you formerly interested yourself for this old lady now 94 years of age, I thought I would ask you again to help her. Mrs Allen first made a declaration for a pension under the act of Congress of July 4 1836 but she could not produce any evidence to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that her husband did any service after the marriage. She thereofre relinquished her claim under that act & applied
Page 41

for it under the act of July 7 1838 grantin 5 years pension which was granted. Since then she has (illegible) rahter I might say providentially discovered evidence to prove service after the marriage. She was married in April 1779 as proved by record & all the services she could get any evidence of was before that time. She has now found a man who served with her husband 6 months in 1780 and his affidavit is herewith enclosed also his own, & his daughter, & she now claims a full pension under the act of July 4, 1836. It is true when she made a declaration under the act of July 7 1838 she declared she was not married to her husband prior to his leaving the service but she did this by reason of the investigation at the Pension office. From that investigation she was led to believe that no service was
Page 42

done after the marraige altho until then she had always supposed the (illegible) and as is now proved, but I hope this second declaration will not be thrown in the way of her now being allowed, under her first declaration what is justly her due. No doubt has this evidence been known before her second declaration was made should would have been allowed a full pension under first act or more than 24 months are now proved.
Please get this claim ratified & you will much oblige a venerable old widow as well as your most respectfully & oblige humble svt.
Benja Cowell

Hon N R. Knight
Page 43

January 8th 1844
Sr. Sir
I enclose herewith the (illegible) of Mary Allen with the proof therein

Respectfully yours
NRKnight
Page 44

Providence April 8 1839

Sir
I herewith enclose a further declaration of Mary Allen widow of James Allen. 
This declaration is made in the same form in which you directed the supplemented application of Mrs. Martha Potter widow of Fones Potter to be made. The claims are exactly alike so far forth as both were applicants under the law of July 4 1836 having failed to produce satisfactory evidence of service after marriage Mrs Potter was allowed to relinquish under the act of July 4/36 & claim under the act of July 7 1838. Mrs. Allen now does the same and is entitled to some benefits.
The official character of Judge Waterman
Page 45

before whom the enclosed was taken was duly certified on the last affidavit she made I presume therefore it is not necessary on this.
By refering to Caleb Whitmans papers a pension under the act of March 18 1818 it will be seen that James Allen was one of his witnesses & then testified they served together a year in Cole Richmond, regiment. Allen was then possessed of property & therefore did not qpply for a pension himself under that act. He also served a year in Elliots regiment as admitted. His widow having now relinquished all claim for a pension under the act of July 4/36 I do hope & trust she will be allowed a pension under the last act & Mrs Potter was
I am respectfully your obt sevt Benja Cowell
J.L. Edwards Esq.
Page 46

Mary Allen
3442
R.I.
7 July 38

Hon N. R. Knight
Senate US
Page 47

Providence Nov. 22 1838
Sir
I herewith enclose the application of Mary Allen widow of James Allen for a pension under the act of July 7 1838. Mrs Allen made an application under the act of July 4 1836 & by a reference to her papers the time of her marriage (illegible) James Allen her husband served one year in Col. Richmonds regiment, he also served a year in Capt Garzias Company & Col. Elliotts regiment of Artillery. In your letter of January 26 (illegible) you observe this service terminated in March 1779 before the marriage, of course she was not married in time for the act of July 4 1836. I have now to request a pension may be granted under act first above mentioned
I am respectfully
your obt sevt
Benja Cowell

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Page 48

3442
Mary Allen
widow of James 3587
R.Id
Act 7 July 38

12 mo Col Richmond 76
13 June to 16 March 79 Col. Elliott
aomd
12 mo Pri Inf
9. 4ds (illegible)
55
77.99
416
no deduction

Benja Cowell
Providence RI
Hon N R Knight
Senate US
Page 49

State of Rhode Island
West Greenwich in the County of Kent Sc in said state on this 26th day of September AD 1838 personally appeared before me Stephen Waterman one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas within & for said County Mary Allen now residen in West Greenwich in in said County aged 92 years who being duly sworn according to law down on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of July 1838 entitled an act granting half pay & pensions to certain residents now that she is the wiow of James Allen late of said West Greenwich deceased who was a soldier of the Revolution that he served a year in Cole Richmonds regiment Capt Diamonds Company
Page 50

in 1775 & 1776 & afterwards he served another year in Capt Carey Company & Col Elliotts regiment. That after the act of July 4th 1836 was passed thinking she was entitled to a pension under said act she applied for a pension & to the declaration she then made & the evidence she refers for proof of the marriage & her husbands services. She was married to the said James on 8th of April 1779 as will appear by the town clerks certificate annexed to her said declaration & the said husband died July 13th 1821 as will also appear by the evidence thereto annexed as well as the evidence of her widowhood, all whcih are now in the Pension office
Page 51

at Washington And she further declares that she believed her husbands services terminated after her marriage according to her best recollection, but if it is ascertained that they terminated before her marriage she requests that she may be allowed a pension under the act of July 7 1838 and she says she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but her marriage too place previous to the first of Januray seventeen hundred & ninety four to wit at the time above stated
Mary X Allen
Attest Obadiah Potter
Kent Sc West Greenwich September 26 1838 Personally appeared before me the above named Mary Allen and made oath to the above deposition
Stephen Waterman Justice of the Court of Common Please
Page 52

West Greenwich September 26th 1838
I certify that the within named Mary Allen is a woman of fair caracter and that she is unable to attend a Court or to go out of her house
Stephen Waterman Justice of the Court of Common Please

Mary Allen
Page 53

Kent Sc The State of Rhode Island &c.
Clerks Office Court of Common Pleas.
I certify that Stpehn Waterman Esqr. of West Greenwich in said County of Kent, is a Justice of said Court of Common Pleas, that the annexed is his own proper signature in his own hand writing, and that full faith & credencw is and ought to be given to all his official acts.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at East Greenwich this 26th day of October AD 1838
Jer. S. Slocum Clk
Page 54

Record Division
Feb 7 1908
Page 55

4620 Ellis Ave
Chicago Feb 3rd 09

U.S. Commnr of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir
Will you kindly send me the military history or certificate of service of the Revolutionary soldiers John Allen of Portsmouth R.I. and his son James Allen who also served in the Rev. War. Was the said John Allen Capt in John Hones Regiment of
Page 56

minute men ordered assembled Jan 1775, I would be glad of any other information on the subject
Very Respectfully
Josephine A Cogger
4620 Ellis Ave
Chicago Ills

U.S.
Pension Office
A Feb 6 1909
Page 57

D. W. & h
R
ORGANIZED 1717
INCORPORATED 1759
PRESBYTERIAN MINISTERS' FUND
FOR LIFE INSURANCE
826-829 STEPH
Philadelphia, Pa

Dec 2 1904
Files

Bureau of Pensions,
Washington D. C.
Gentlemen,
Will you kindly send us at you earliest convenience the record of John Allen born January 10, (illegible), who served in the Revolutionary War, and was a pensioner & member of (illegible) prior to his (illegible) which (illegible) March (illegible).
The record that I sent to the (illegible) towhich John Allen lived at the time of his enlistment in that regiment and company he served, the date of his pension, and where he (illegible) at the time the pnsion was granted, and any other (illegible) facts.
You will greatly oblige me by giving this matter your immediate attention, and any expenses attending this matter will be quickly covered by chieck by return mail.
I enclose you an addressed stamped envelope for your reply.
very sincerely yours,
P.S. Allen
Stamped envelope
P.S. also his place of birth
U.S. 
Pension Office
A Dec 1 1904
Page 58

OWN
ECR
ORGANIZED 1717
INCORPORATED 1759
pRESBYTERIAN MINISTERS' FUND
FOR LIFE INSURANCE
825-829 STEPH
Philadelphia, Pa.
U.S. WAR & NAVE
FILES
DEC 10 1904

Hon. W. T. Ware,
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir:
Your (illegible) letter of December 9th received, giving record of John Allen, under (illegible) Inf. Revolutionary War. Can I trouble you a little more?
First, is there anything in the records to determine the last pension paid, or when the pension ceased?
Secondly, is there any record to (illegible) in what particualr locality the pension was paid?
There is a John Allen who entered the service from the Province of Pennsylvania and the (illegible), also a a pensioner. Would you kindly give me, if possible, the date of his birthd, and if possible, the date of his death, and his residence at enlistment? 
This is giving you a great deal of trouble, but it will be impossible for me to extablish my descent from the John Allen whose record you have so kindly given me unless it can be a little further extended; and my thought was, that perhaps the record of the other John Allen might be more complete and possibly establish the line of descent.
I find that there are several John Allens who served in the Revolutionary War, and if you can possibly give me the information that will identify the one I am looking for, I shall be under lasting obligation.
Very truly yours,
P.S. Allen