Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 42930, for Benjamin Mathews, Rhode Island
Page 1

(3–1776)
SERVICE
Continental 
R. I. 

NUMBER
S42930

Mathew’s, Benjamin
or
Matthew’s
===================
CONTENTS
Page 2

12,055
R
New York
===========
Benjamin Matthews
of Concord in the state of New York
who was a Private in the regiment commanded by
Colonel Varnum of the Rhode Island 
line, for the term of 1 year 1776
================
Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 8 — Dollars per month, to commence on
the 10th of May 1818
====================
Certificate of Pension issued the 18th of June 1819
and sent to Oliver Forward Esq
Buffalo, Niagara County
New York
==================
Arrears to 4th of Mar: 1819 9 mo 26/31 78”70
Semi-anl. all’ce ending 4 Sep: 1819  48”
                                        ==================
$126”70
=========
{Revolutionary claim,}
{Act 18th March, 1818.}
Page 3

State of New York
Niagara County 
On this Sixth day of May
in the year 1818. before me Oliver Forward
Senior Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in &
for said County personally came Benjamin 
Mathews [insert “aged”] about Sixty years, resident of the
Town of Concord in said County, who being 
by me first duly Sworn according to law
doth on his oath make the following declaration,
in order to obtain the provisions made by
the late Act of Congrefs entitled “an act to 
provide for certain persons engaged in the land
and Naval Service of the United States in the
Revolutionary war”
That the said Benjamin Mathews in the month
of May or June in the year 1775. inlisted as
a private Soldere in the Rhode Island Line
under Capt. ——- Thayer, for the Term of Eight
months, That he was attached to the Regiment
commaned by Col. —— Hitchcock which he
believes was the first Regiment of the Rhode Island 
Line. That soon as the term of Eight months had
expired he again enlisted at prospect Hill near
Cambridge in the State of Mafsachusetts under
Capt —- Cole for the term of one Year, and
Page 4

was attached to a Regiment in the Rhode Island 
Line commanded by [insert “Col.”] James M. Varnum.
That in the year 1778 he enlisted for the term
of Nine months and was attached to # life-guard of 
Gen. Sullivan, that he was in the Battle of Rhode
Island in August 1778. That he faithfully served
the United States & he three several terms for which
he enlisted and was at the expiration of each term
honorably discharged the service, that he is in
reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the
assistance of his Country for support.
That it is not in his power at this time to 
produce a discharge from any of the aforesaid
officers, or to produce any other or further evidence
of his said Services.    Benjamin Mathews [signature]
Sworn to and Subscribed
before me May 12. 1818
Oliver Forward [signature]
Srn. Judge of the
Com. pleas Niag. County

I Oliver Forward Judge as aforesaid do Certify that
it appears to my satisfaction that the above named Benjamin
Mathews did Serve in the revolutionary War as stated
in the preceding deposition and I now transmit the 
testimony and proceedings taken [insert “of hand”] before me to the secretary of the
Department of War, pursuant to the aforesaid and of Congrefs —
May 12. 1818,
Oliver Forward [signature]
Page 5

N.Y.
Benjamin Mathews
No 5


I. G. Watson
Agt.
Albany N.Yk.
Page 6

STATE OF NEW-YORK,}
County of Albany — } ss.
Com. Pleas — }
ON this fourteenth day of June 1820 personally appeared in open court, being a
court of record for the said County towit the court of common Pleas
of the city & county of Albany — Benjamin
Mathews — aged sixty-four years, resident in Albany City 
in said state aforesaid, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the 
Revolutionary war as follows: towit in the year 1775 in the month of May he enlisted
for eight months as a private in Capt Thayer's Company & Col
Hitchcocks regiment of the Rhode Island line that continued to serve
until the 1st of Jany thereafter — That previous to the expiration of the
1st term he again enlisted for one year in Capt Coles Company
of Col Varnum’s Regt of the R. Island line that he continued to serve
in the said Corps until 30th of Jany 1777 that in the year 1778 he
enlisted into Genl. Sullivan’s Life guard for nine months and served
out the time and was discharged in March 1779 —
AND I solemnly Swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March,
1818; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part of
thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress,
entitled “An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the 
Revolutionary War,” passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for
me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained
in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
That on the 10th of May 1818 he made his declaration in conformity
to the act of Congrefs pafsed 18th of March 1818. and has received
a certificate of his being enrolled on the Pension list towit No
12,055 That the declarant has lived single about three years 
has nine children but none who are dependent on him for
subsistence — is a shoe maker by profefsion — That he
now lives with one of his sons, That his health is poor
and he is not able to work steady at his trade
(Signed) Benjamin his — Mathews
SWORN to and declared in open court on the 14th day of June 1820 before
A. Williams [signature]
Depy. Clk

City & County of Albany}
Clerks office}
I, Henry Truax — Clerk of the City & County of Albany do hereby certify that the
foregoing declaration and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said court;
and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of property exhibited in
the aforesaid schedule, is Six Dollars —— and Twenty cents. In
testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this Fourteenth 
day of June 1820
Henry Truax Clerk [signature]
Clerk of the Court of the —- of —-
Page 7

Schedule &c. of Benjamin Mathews
One note against Luther Lisdale of Vermont }
dated 25th of March 1816 Payable (with }
Interest at 6 percent to commence 1st of April }
1817) on the 1st of Jany 1821 One half in }
woolen Cloth for ————————-—$200.
The Interest when due will be ———-- 45.
Part of a sett of Shoe making Tools -—-2.
Also Due from Thomas Wilcox for money }
Paid for him $55.60 And by note dated }
1st of Feby 1816 with Inst. for 20.50 Int 6.20 } = 82.30
————————————————————————————-
This debt not Collectable - T. Wilcox Insolvent - } 329.30

The declarant is also now Indebted }
to Lewis Trivite of Niagara County —- } 110.
Interest from May 1816 about                  30.80
Also on a Note t Jonathan Mathews of }
Ryalston a bal due with Interest ———-} 100.
—————————————————————————
                                                                    $240.80
Bal of Cr. ————————————————$88.50
deduct bad debt} -
of T. Wilcox —— } ————————————-82.30
Bal ———————————————————  $6..20
(Signed) Benjamin Mathews —
Page 8

Albany City &. County fs:
Caleb Mathews being duly sworn saith
That Benjamin Mathews his father has lived
in his family about One year & three months
That he has no real or personal property that
he (wit) knows of nor any debts due to him
or income other than what is mentioned
in his Schedule — That he is often troubled 
with the sick head ache of Rheumatism
which renders him incapable of labor, —
thinks that the avails of all that he is capable
of laboring would not be equal to his
support ——
(Signed) Caleb Mathews
Sworn in open Court }
this 14th day of June 1820}
Page 9

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section

AWF:MLB

July 18, 1930

Mrs. Leon E. Damon

Gerry, New York

Dear Madam:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim,
S. 42930, it appears that Benjamin Mathews, while residing in Providence,
Rhode Island, enlisted in May, 1775, served eight months as a private in
Captain Thayer’s Company, Colonel Hitchcock’s Rhode Island Regiment.

He enlisted January 1, 1776 and served one year in Captain Thomas
Cole’s Company, Colonel James Mitchell Varnum’s Rhode Island Regiment,
and was in the battle of Harlem Heights. He enlisted in June, 1773 and 
served nine months in Captain Aaron Man’s Company, In General John
Sullivan’s Life Guard, and was in the battle of Rhode Island.

He was allowed pension on his application executed May 10, 1818,
at which time he was living in Concord, Niagara County, New York and
was aged about sixty years.

He referred to nine children, no name stated other than a son,
Caleb, who was a resident of Albany, New York in 1821, and with whom
the soldier was living at that date.

Very truly yours

E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner
Page 10

3–525
RECORD DIVISION
REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION
MNH
S42930

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 3, 1922

In reply to your request of __________, received __________
for a statement of the military history of Benjamin Mathews
a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
information as contained in his [“(or his widow’s)” is crossed out] application for
pension on file in this Bureau.

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  
May 1775
Jan 1, 1776
June 1778
LENGTH OF SERVICE.  
8 mos.
1 yr.
9 mos. 
RANK. 
Pvt.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED: CAPTAIN / COLONEL.  
Thayer / Hitchcock 
Theo Cole / James Mitchell Varnum
Aaron Man / Gen’l John Sullivan’s Life Guard
STATE.
R. I. 

Battles engaged in, Harlem Heights, Rhode Island.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Providence, R. I.
Date of application for pension, May 10, 1818. His cl. was al.
Age at date of application, about 60 years.
Remarks: He referred to nine children, no names
stated [“excepting” is crossed out] other than a son Caleb who was a resident
of Albany, N.Y. in 1821, and with whom soldier was
living at that date.  No further family data [“on file” is crossed out].

Respectfully,
Commissioner.
 
(Residence in 1840 not stated.
for letter of Oct 4 22 
only)

6–2856
Page 11

Dunkirk N.Y.
Aug 30, 1922
Bureau Pensions
Dept Interior -
Please send Rev. Military
of Benja. Mathews B. 1760
d in 1845 or 48. at Gerry
N.Y. on the Pension
list 1840 Records.
Yours -
Mrs. Clement J Reed
325 Swan St.
Dunkirk
N. Y.
Page 12

Gerry, N.Y.
May 29-193

Pension Dept
Washington
D.C.

Dear Sirs: —
I would like the government record
of Benj Matthew’s, a Revolutionary soldier
who served on a privateer during the 
Revolution.
He died Jan. 13th 1840, Aged 87 yrs. 7 mo.
He received a pension so must be on the 
pension files.
This is for the purpose of having
a marker placed at his grave in the 
little country cemetery on Gerry Hill.
Yours truly
Mrs Leon E Damon
Page 13

[left of document]
42930
INVALID.
Revy
—————————
File No. 42,930
Benjamin Matthew’s
Prvt Rev War
________________
Act: 18 March 18
Index:—Vol. 3, Page 308
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[Right side of document]
1922 - Oct. 3 - Hist. to Mrs. Clerecent J. Reed - MNH
1930 - July 18 “ “ “ Leon E. Dameon AUF
Page 14

Oliver Howard, [illegible]. Esq;
Judge,
Buffalo, Niagara
County, New York.
=============
Benjamin Matthews,
Rhode-Island line,
Revolutionary Claim.
===============
Not found on the Rhode-
Island rolls. — The
testimony on oath, of
two on shore disinterested
and credible persons,
proving the service stated
by the applicant, is
required, in lieu thereof.
The judge is desired to
certify, under the seal of 
the court, that he is satisfied 
the applicant is in
indigent circumstances,
and needs the support of
of his country.
Page 15

State of New York }
Niagara County }
Clerks Office — }

I Frederick J Merrill Clerk of the
County Aforesaid do hereby certify that
Oliver Forward before Whom the preceding
Affidavit appears to have been made is
Senior Judge of the Court of Common
Pleas in & for Said County Acting as such
under the authority of this State & that
the preceeding Affidavit Is signed in
the proper hand writing of the said
Oliver Forward
In Testimony where of I
have hereunto Set my hand affixed the county seal and 
[illegible] this 12th day of May 1818
F. J Merrill [signature]
Page 16

I James Chappell of Newport in the County of Newport
do testify and Say that I was in Colonel [insert “James”] M. Zimans Regiment
in 1776 and that Benjamin Mathews Joined Said Regiment The
beginning of Jan: 1776 and worked in the Shop with me till 
the 27 of Augt. following then we Evacuated Long Island and he
Still Continued with me till the 16 of September when
I was wounded and Left him in Said Regiment.
James Chappell [signature]

Newport ss = at Newport this 8th Day of Feb: 1814 
Personally appeared the above named James Chappell residing
in Newport aforesaid and made Solemn Oath to the Truth
of the above written Certificate by him Subscribed.
And I hereby certify that the Said James Chappell
is a credible witnefs.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand the
Day and year above written.
Daniel Denham Justice [signature]
Page 17

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantation,
Clerks office Court of Common Pleas & General
Sefsions of the Peace for the County of Newport:
I hereby Certify that Daniel Denham whose
signature is affixed to the annexed attestation 
is a Justice of said Court, duly Commifsioned
and engaged under the Seal of the State aforesaid 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the Seal
of said Court, this Eighth Day of Febry
in the year of our LORD onethousand
Eighthundred & nineteen, &
forty third of American Independence.
H. Y Cranston Clerk [signature]
Page 18

I Aaron Man of Providence in the 
County of Providence of lawful age 
and engaged according to law testify
and say, that I was Captain
of Major General John Sullivans
Life Guard during the revolutionary
war and that Benjamin Mathews
who then belonged to the Town of —
Providence was a private in said Company
of Life Guard, and Served there
in Nine month and was then honorably
discharged. and he was in the 
Battle on Rhode Island & with
the Common Enemy 1778. which
company was in the Continental Service
and vittlesd and clothed by the Continental
Government.  Aaron Man [signature]
State of Rhode Island fc
Providence fc
Page 19

Providence February 16th AD 1819
Then Aaron Man Subscriber to that
written Deposition and being
duly engaged to the same before me
made oath }
to the same } Wheeler Martin [signature]
C J C C Pleas
Page 20

The Honb.le
John C. Calhoun Esquire
Secretary of War
Washington

[written vertically:]
Recd. 3 April 1821
Page 21

Albany 26.th March 1821 —
Sir,
Mr. Benjamin Mathews a revolutionary
Soldier forwarded his affidavitt for a
continuance on the Pension Roll agreeable to 
the act of Congrefs of the 1st of May 1820 I received
an answer that his case was suspended for
further consideration, since I have heard nothing
from it — if his case is not decided — and any 
doubt should be on the mind of your honor
respecting him, he can now furnish the most
satisfactory testimony of his inability to support
himself — The amount which he inventoried
as being due (altho then supposed as bad debt) to him he has
since ascertained is lost beyond all hope of 
recovery — and he is now to my certain knowledge 
a poor unfortunate old man without 
any means to support himself —
The case also of Dexter Green was suspended
to ascertain whether his commanding officers
belonged to the Continental establishment he is 
also an object of Charity and if he is entitled to
to a pension it would be of vast consequence to 
him and the town where he lives —
I hope your honor with have the goodness to 
inform me respecting both cases as soon as
convenient
I am with sentiments of respect
Your most obt serv
John G. Watson [signature]

Hon. J. C. Calhoun Esquire
Page 22

Recd. 6 May 1821.    622.
Benjamin Matthew’s
12655

1821 before
H Merchant
Dep Clk

Con.
JLE.

Horatio Merchant, Esq.
Albany, N.Y.
Page 23

SCHEDULE.
STATE OF NEW-YORK, } ss.
County of Albany Com Pleas }
On this First day of May 1821, personally appeared in open court,
being a court of record for the said County to wit the Court of Common Pleas Commonly
Called the mayors Court of the City of Albany Benjamin Matthews
aged sixty five years, resident in Albany City in said State 
who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary
War as follows: to wit in the month of May 1775 he enlisted for Eight months as a private
in Capt Thayer’s Company & Col Hitchcocks Regt of the Rhode island line that he continued
to serve until the 1st of Jany thereafter that previous to the expiration of the first term
he again enlisted for one year in Capt Cole’s Company of Col Varnum’s Regt of the Rhode
Island line that he continued to serve in said Corps untill the 30th of Jany 1777.
That in the year 1778 in the month of June he enlisted in Genl Sullivan’s life 
guard for nine months and served out the time and was discharged in march 
1779.
And I do solemnly Swear that I as a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March,
1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any
part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of 
Congress, entitled “An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the   United
States, in the Revolutionary War,” passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has
any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me, nor have I any income
other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed. That on the tenth
of May 1818 he made his declaration in conformity to the act
of Congrefs passed 18th of March 1818 and has received a certificate
of his being enrolled in the pension List to wit no 12055
that the declarant has lived Single about three years has
nine children but none who are dependant on him for
Subsistence is a Shoemaker by profefsion that he now lives
with one of his sons that his health is poor and able to 
work at his trade 
Benjamin Mathews [signature]

Sworn to, and declared, on the First day of May 1821
before H Merchant [signature]
D Clk

[The following section is crossed out:]
I     Clerk of     do
hereby certify, that the foregoing     and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the
record of the said court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount
in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is      dollars and
cents.  In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this
     day of      182
Clerk of the Court for the      of

Real Estate none     Personal Estate none
Benjamin Mathews [signature]
Page 24

I Horatio Merchant deputy Clerk of the City and County
of Albany do hereby certify that the foregoing Statement
and declaration and the Schedule thereto annexed
are truly copied from the record of the Said Court
And I do further certify that it is the opinion of
the Said Court that the total amount in Value
of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is
(real Estate none personal Estate none). In
Testimony whereof I have hereunto set 
my hand and affixed the Seal of
Said Court on this 5th day of 
May 1821 —
H Merchant [signature]
Dep clk

Rec.d 6 May 1821.  622.
Benjamin Matthews
12055

Horatio Merchant, Esq.
Albany, N. Y.

Albany County fs  I Caleb Matthews do Solemnly Swear
that I am well acquainted with the within
named Benjamin Matthews and believe the
Statement within made by him to be true and
that he has no real or personal property
Sworn this 2 May   Caleb Matthews [signature]
1821 before
H Merchant
Dep Clk
Page 25

Albany County fs  I Caleb matthews do Solemnly Swear 
that I am well acquainted with the within
named Benjamin Matthews and believe the
Statement within made by him to be true and
that he has no real or personal property 
Caleb Matthews [signature]
Sworn this 2 May     
1821 before
H Merchant 
Dep Clk

Rec.d 6 May 1821.
Benjamin Matthews
12055

Horatio Merchant, Esq.
Albany, N. Y.

I Horatio Merchant deputy Clerk of the City and County
of Albany do hereby Certify that the foregoing Statement 
and declaration and the Schedule thereto annexed 
are truly copied from the record of the Said Court
and I do further Certify that it is the opinion of
the Said Court that the total amount in Value
of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is
(real Estate none personal Estate none). In
Testimony whereof I have hereunto set 
my hand and affixed the Seal of 
Said Court on this 5th day of 
May 1821 —
H Merchant [signature]
Dep Clk
Page 26

State of Rhode Ifland & Providence Plantation
I Jonathan Godfrey of Exeter in the County of 
Washington, and State aforesaid ~ do testify and
Say that I, was a private, in Collol James M,
Varnum’s Regiment, in 1776 and that Benjamin
Mathews, Joined S.d Regiment, the beginning of 
January 1776 — and the Said Mathews [insert “Continued”] in the 
Regiment, Untill the 27th of August when
we Evacuated Long Ifland, went to Newyork
and was in the Regiment of Harlem Heights
and I was with the Said Mathews, in Service for
More then Eighteen Months, and that I have
Some Understand that the S.d Benjamin Mathews
has Removed to the State of Newyork, and Resides
in Concord, Niagara County
his 
Jonathan X Godfrey
mark
In presents of 
E. P. Champlin}

Washington County fs  State of Rhode Ifland and
Providence Plantations, at Exeter this 10th of Feb,
1819 Personally Appeared the above named Jonathan
Godfrey, and being duly Cautioned to the Truth
of the above Written Declaration by him subscribed
on Solemn Oath Declare the above Statements
to be Just and True before 
Daniel Champlin [signature] J

State of Rhode Island &C
Washington S. }.
Clerks Office Court Com: Pleas Feb 7. 1819
I certify that the Honble Daniel Champlin whose
Signature is heretofore Affixed is one of the Justices of the
Supreme Judicial. Court duly Elected & qualified as the
Law requires that full Faith and Credit ought to be given
to his Certificate throughout the United States & Else where
& that the Seal here emprefsed is the Seal of the Court Comon pleas
Wilm.e Sam.~ Helme [signature] Clk
Page 27

I, Benjamin Jinks of Gainesville in the 
County of Genesee and State of New York of 
lawful age do make oath and say that
I am acquainted with Benjamin Matthews
now of Concorde in the County of Niagara
& State of New York, - that I knew him to
belong to the United States army in the Continental
Establishment during the revolutionary
war — in Colonel Hitchcock’s Regiment in
the Rhode Island Line — I first knew
him in the first part of July in the year
One thousand Seven Hundred & twenty five
on duty at Prospect Hill — He was then
in the Eight Months Service — at the 
expiration of which term I am knowing
to his having reenlisted into Colonel
Varnum’s Regiment for twelve months
I saw him frequently until about the
time of the battle of the White Plains
and am confident that he served 
as aforesaid for more than nine months
December 15.th 1818 Benjamin Jincks [signature]
Page 28

State of New York }
Genesee County fs }
December 15. 1810
Personally appeared Benjamin
Jinks, to me well
known to be the person signing the
written affidavit and made solemn oath
that the facts therein set forth are true
Before me
Daniel Knapp  [signature]

Newport State of Rhode Iland &c Feb 8th 1819 —
This Day Mr. Benjamin Mathews. Now a Resident in the State of 
Newyork. Called on Me. and Stated to me that he Served as a Private
Soldier or Artificer. During the Campaighn of 1776 in the 
Revolutionary War. In a Regiment Commanded By
Colonel James Mitchel Varnum. in the the Company Commanded
By Capt. Thomas Cole. From the Narritive of himself and
Mr. James Chapple. who was in the Same Regiment Leaves
No Doubt on My Mind. But that He Did Service as he hath
Stated —— Michael Motten. [signature] Then a Lieutenant in S.d Regt

Benjamin Jenky’s 
affidavit 

P. S. The Hon the Secretary at War
will please to transmit the certificate
(if allowed) to Benjamin Mathews
who now resides at Albany state of 
New York or to John G. Wafson Esquire
at same place —
Albany 14th May 1819 — 
By request of Mr. Mathews
John G. Wafson [signature]