Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24,991, for Oliver Smith, Rhode Island
Page 1

(3-1776) 
SERVICE
R.I.     Smith, Oliver
             Aletha
NUMBER
W. 24.991

CONTENTS
b. Oct. 26, 1757 in Smithfield, Providence Co. R.I. there
pt enl, & in 1832.
d. Aug. 16, 1843.
Page 2

15.411
Rhode Island
Oliver Smith
of Providence in the State of R. I.
who was a Private in the Company commanded
by Captain Dexter of the Rgt commanded
by Col Babcock in the Rho Island
line for 13 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Rho Island
at the rate of 43 Dollars 33 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of July
1833 and sent Benjn [Benjamin]
Cowell Providence R I

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833.   | $86.66
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept |  21.67
                                                             | $108.33
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by DD Addison  Clerk
Book E.    Vol. 2.    Page 124
Page 3

6107
R. Island
Alethere Smith
Widow of Oliver Smith
Who was a Prv.
In the R.I. Line

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
43 Dollars 33
Cents per annum, to commence on
The [“4th” crossed out] 16 day of [“March” crossed out] August 1843.

Certificate Pension issued the
11 day of Sept 1844
And sent to B. Cowell
Providence
R.I.

[Act of March 3, 1843..]
Recorders in Book A
Vol. 2.  Page 47
Page 4

Rep.
Cert: [insert “for arrears”] No 314 under
the Joint Res of Jan 23
1845. Issued June 10”
1845 & sent to 
B. Cowell
Providence
R. I.
2 Certs:
Page 5

Recorded C D Mourey [illegible]
Page 6

I Hereby Certify that Oliver Smith and Alethere
Herendeen both of Smithfield were Lawfully Joined together 
In marriage on the 21th day of February AD 1779
by me the Subscriber — 
Uriah Alverson Jus. Of Peace
Page 7

10/156
Aletha Smith
R.I. 403 act 1843
Act 7 July 38’
m 79 d 43 - rejected
— acomed —
13 nwpsi
43.33
from 16 Aug 43 the
day of her husbands
death — under act
3 march 43 — 

Benjn [Benjamin] Cowell
Providence
R. Id.[Rhode Island]
Page 8

State of Rhode Island 
County of Providence
On this eighth day of November AD 1843 personally 
appeared before me Josiah Westcott Justice of the 
Court of Common Pleas within aforesaid County 
Alethere Smith now resident of Smithfield in 
said County, aged 88 years, who being duly 
sworn to law doth on her oath make 
the following declaration in order to obtain 
the benefit of the act of Congress passed July 
7, 1838 entitled an act granting half pay 
& pensions to certain widows viz that she is 
the widow of Oliver Smith  late of said 
Smith [insert “first”] deceased, who was a soldier of the 
Revolution & a pensioner under the act of 
June 7, 1832 & to the declaration which 
he made to obtain said pension she refers 
for the amount of service & evidence of 
the same. And she further declares 
that she was married to the said Oliver 
Smith on the 21st day of February AD 1779 
as will appear by the original certificate 
of marriage hereto annexed: That her 
husband the said Oliver Smith departed 
this life on the sixteenth day of August 
AD 1843 and since that period she 
has remained unmarried and 
is now the widow of said Oliver
Page 9

She was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the [“year” is crossed out] first of January Seventeen hundred
& ninety four towit at the time above mentioned.
              her
Aletheir  X  Smith
             mark
Stephen Smith [signature]
Josiah Westcott [signature]

[illegible] for State of Rhode Island &C. [and etcetera]
On this Eighth day of November AD 1823 At Smithfield personally 
appeared Aletheir Smith Subscribed to the foregoing Declaration 
made oath to Truth of the Service. And I further certify 
That the said Aletheir Smith by reason of age and infirmity 
is wholy [wholly] unable to attend Court. And She is a credible witness 
and her statements are entitled to full credit.
Before me Josiah Westcott Justice Court,
of Common Pleas
Page 10

I, Stephen Smith [“2d” inserted (2nd)] of Smithfield, in the 
County of Providence, aged forty-two years, on 
oath, do testify and say that Oliver Smith 
late of said Smithfield and a Pensioner of 
the United States, was my father, and Alethera 
Smith is my mother, my father 
died on the 10th day of August, A.D. 
1843, and since then my mother has 
remained his widow.— 
Stephen Smith [signature]

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, 
Providence Fc.}  In Providence, on this 26th. 
day of February A.D. 1844, personally appeared 
before me the above named Stephen 
Smith 2d [2nd]. and made oath to the truth of 
the same, and I do certify that said 
Stephen is a credible witness.
Gamaliel L Dwight. [signature]
Justice of the Peace.
Page 11

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations,
Providence, Fcs
I, Albert G. Green, Clerk of the  
Municipal Court of the City of Providence, in
the County of Providence, and State aforesaid, do 
hereby certify, that Josiah Westcott, who has 
signed one of the aforegoing certificates was, on 
the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the 
Court of Common Pleas within and for 
said County of Providence, duly elected; and 
that Gamaliel L Dwight, who has signed 
the other of the foregoing certificates, was in 
the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the 
Peace, within & for said City of Providence, 
duly elected.
In Attestation whereof, I 
have hereunto set my hand, 
and have affixed the seal 
of said Court, this twenty seventh 
day of February, A.D. 1844.
Albert G. Greene, [signature]
clerk.
Page 12

No 18849.
Oliver Smith Providence
County Rhode Island 

Past 13 Months


B. Cowell Providence
Rhode Island
Page 13

BRIEF in the case of Oliver Smith
County of Providence     in the State of Rhode Island
                                        (Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? [blank]
3. How old is he? 74 years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

[Column headings:]
(1) Period. 
(2) Duration of Service - Years, Months, Days. 
(3) Rank. 
(4) Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.

*Sub - In 1776 — 2 Months — As a private — Gen. Arnold, Gen. West; Cap. D. Dexter, Col. Babcock, Col. Lippit
*Enlisted - in 1776 Sept. — 3 Months — As a private — Cap. Sully, Col. J. Cook 
*Drafted - in 1777 Spring — 1 Month — As a private — Nehemiah Smith, Col. Chas. Brown
*Drafted - in 1777 Fall — 2 Months — As a private — Cap. Sprague, Col. Chas. Brown
*Drafted - in 1777 Winter — 1 Month — As a private — Cap. Mowry, Col. Brown
*Drafted - in 1777 Winter — 1 Month — As a private — Cap. Urieson, Col. Brown
*Drafted - in 1778 July or Aug — 2 Months — As a private — Cap. JD Sprague, Col. Angella
*Drafted - in 1779 Fall — 1 Month — As a private — Cap. Smith, Col. Brown

5. In what battles was he engaged? Rhode Island,
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Smithfield, Providedence Rhode Island 
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? traditionary & 3 living witnesses certified Credible, Clergiman [Clergyman] certificate &c [and etcetera]
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? not properly Attached

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

Rich’d Kequath [signature] Examining Clerk.
Page 14

Oliver Smith
18849
Page 15

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Rhode-Island District, sc.  August Term 1832
County of Providence 
On this 17th day of September A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court being a [“special” is crossed out]
District Court of the United States within and for said District, now in session — Oliver Smith
a resident of Smithfield in the County of Providence 
and State of Rhode Island aged 74 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, viz. 
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. 
He was born October 26th 1757 in Smithfield, has no record of his
birth & has always resided in Smithfield both before & since the War
and this applicant further states that in January 1776 his 
brother Izek Smith enlisted as a private for one year in 
Cap David Dexters company & in a regiment of Rhode Island 
[“Militia” is crossed out] State Troops first commanded by Col Babcock & afterwords by Col Lippit. That his brother was taken sick & he, the said 
applicant ment [met] & took his place & served two months as a 
private in the spring of that year, after which his brother having 
recovered his health, returned & served his place & left the 
Regiment 
and this applicant further states that in September 1776 he 
enlisted as a private for three months in Cap Samuel Tracey’s 
Company & Col Jno Cooks regiment of Rhode Island Militia 
& served until his time expired & was on Rhode Island when 
the British took possession of Newport —
and this applicant further states that in the Spring of 1777 
he was drafted & served one month [insert “as a private”] in Cap Nehemiah Smiths
Company & Col Chas Browns regiment of Rhode Island Militia 
& was stationed near Mills Bridge in Providence 
& also in the fall of 1777 he was again drafted & served two 
months in Cap Jos Spragues company & Col Chad Browns 
regiment of R.I. Militia, was a private & was stationed at 
the College in Providence 
and this applicant further states that in the winter of 1777
Page 16

months in Cap Jos Spragues Company & Col Chad Browns 
regiment of R.I. Militia, was a private & was stationed at 
the college in Providence 
and this applicant further states that in the winter of 1777 
he was again drafted & served one month as a private in
Cap Job Macorys company & same regiment last mentioned, was
stationed in Providence & quartered at the Joseph Brown house 
and also in the same winter he was again dreafted & served one 
month as a private in Cap Stephen Windsor’s company & same regiment 
Gen Arnold the Traitor had command in Providence then & this 
applicant further states [“has” is crossed out] stood sentry before his quarters many nights
and this applicant further states that in July or August 1778 
he was again drafted & served two months as a private in 
Sullivan’s Expedition in Cap Joseph Spragues company & 
Col John Angells regiment, & Gen Worths Brigade, during 
this went on to Rhode Island & was in the Battle the 28th of August 
and this applicant further states that in the fall of 1779 he 
was again drafted & served one month as a private in Cap Smiths 
Company & Col Chad Browns regiment 

all which drafts &c [and etcetera] he served out & was honorably discharged

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name
is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State. 
Sworn to and subscribed, this day and year aforesaid.
         his
Oliver  X  Smith
         mark
attest B Cowell Clk [Clerk] [signature]

I Richard Aldrich of Smithfield in the County 
of Providence on oath do testify & say that Oliver Smith enlisted in the year 1776 for 
three month in Col Cooks regiment of Rhode Island Troops & served untill [until] his time expired -
I was in the same regiment and know the fact.
Page 17

I Richard Aldrich of Smithfield in the County 
of Providence on oath do testify & say — that 
Oliver Smith enlisted in the year 1776 for 
three months in Col Cooks regiment of Rhode 
Island Troops & served untill [until] his time expired — 
I was in the same regiment & know the fact. 
And I further testify that in 1777 we were 
soldiers together stationed at Providence I 
remember very well that we were quartered 
at the College [insert “also”] at an old house near Mill 
Bridge & at Joseph Browns house [insert “once”] now 
the old Providence Bank house, we were 
together about five months during that year, 
he always served out his time for which he 
was engaged & was honorably discharged — 
were were attached to Col Chad Browns regiment 
when we were stationed at Providence 
General Arnold was the Commanding General  
Richard Aldrich [signature]
August 31 1832
Sworn to before me
Benj Cowell
Commissioner Dist Court
for R.I. Dist
Page 18

I William Mowry of Smithfield in the County 
of Providence on oath do testify & say that 
I am well acquainted with Oliver Smith of 
said Smithfield an applicant for a pension 
& have known him well since the year 
1770. To my knowledge said Oliver in the 
year 1776 enlisted in Col Cooks regiment 
of Militia for three months & served out 
his time — My father was Lieutenant Cole of 
the same regiment & I used to go to his 
Quarters at Newport — said Oliver was there 
in the Regiment & did not return untill [until] 
the end of the year — Said Oliver when at 
home was a near neighbor of mine I was then 
about 15 years of age —
and I further testify that in the year 1778 
I served with him [insert “nearly”] one month in Sullivan’s 
Expedition & when I came home I think I left  
him there. These facts are my own knowledge 
I have further understood that he served 
at many other times in Militia during the 
War. he has the reputation of having been 
a revolutionary soldier in the neighborhood 
where he lives and I concur in that opinion —
he is also a man of truth & veracity —
William Mowry [signature]
August 31 1832 affirmed to before me
Benj Cowell Commissioner
Dist Court RI Dist
Page 19

at many other times in Militia during the 
War. he has the reputation of having been 
a revolutionary soldier in the neighborhood 
where he lives and I concur in that opinion — 
he is also a man of truth & veracity —
William Mowry [signature]
August 31 1832 affirmed to before me
Benj Cowell Commissioner 
Dist Court RI Dist

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the
Interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and
served as he states.  And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that William Mowry, Richard Aldrich, & Reuben Smith who has [have] testified for the applicant [and] signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, [and] resident as they state and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, BENJAMIN COWELL, Clerk of said District Court, do hereby certify that the
foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application
of Oliver Smith for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have there to set my hand and seal of office, 
this 12th day of November 1832
Page 20

WIDOW, &c.
File No. 24.991
Alethere Smith
wid. of
Oliver Smith
Priv Rev war
Act  Mrh. 3rd 1843
Index: Vol L, Page 225
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 21

9399
Rhode Island 

Aletha Smith
widow of Oliver Smith
who was a pensioner under the Act of “32
and who died on the 16 Aug. ‘43,
of Providence in the State of R.I.
who was a Pri: in the Co.
commanded by Captain [blank] of the 
[blank] commanded by [blank] in
the R.I. line for 13 mo’s.
 
Inscribed on the Roll of R. Island
at the rate of 43 Dollars 33
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day
of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of
June ‘45 and sent to
B. Cowell

Total amount, $ Providence, R.I.
& J Reso
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by F.L. Swann, Clerk,
Book D     Vol. 1.    Page 115
No. 314 J Reso
Jan 23. 1845.
Page 22

Certificate of marriage
Page 23

Providence May 1845
Sir
I herewith enclose the applications of
Aletha Smith widow of Oliver Smith & 
Elizabeth Knight widow of Jonathan 
Knight for arrears of pension under the 
Joint resolve of Congress of January 23
1845.
I am respectfully
your obt seat [obedient servant]
Benja [Benjamin] Cowell [signature]

J.L. Edward’s, Esq
Page 24

Providence Feb 27 1844
Sir
I herewith enclose the application of 
Mrs Aletha Smith widow of Oliver
Smith for a pension under the Act of
Congress of July 7, 1938, I am also requested
to state that Mr Smith when he made 
an application for a pension under
the act of Congress [“under the act” is crossed out] of
June 7 1832 did not set forth all his
services that he thought of other services
after his examination in Court which 
[“which” is crossed out] he had forgotten, and in the 
neighhood [neighborhood] it is understood he did a
great deal of service during the war
I am respectfully 
your obt sert [obedient servant]
Benja [Benjamin] Cowell [signature]

JL Edwards Esq
Page 25

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those 
answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of 
Oliver Smith —————————————which require 
further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes

II. Did the declaring make the declaration in th county where he resides? yes

III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason 
assigned for his not doing so? [blank]

IV. Has the declaration mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes

V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he 
served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension 
he is entitled? yes

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes.

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of 
June 7, 1832? yes

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes

IX. Is the Clerk’s seal affixed?  And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished 
from any other seal? yes
Page 26

                                                    2

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to 
their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his 
revolutionary service? yes

XII. If the clergyman’s affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not 
obtaining it? [blank]

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one 
living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?   3 witnesses

XIV. *If the applicant’s name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness 
or witnesses as to his service? [blank]
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, 
certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the 
regulations direct? yes

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, 
as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant’s service? yes

XVI. *Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?  no

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, 
if not, which of them is not so answered? [blank]


EXPLANATORY NOTES.

*QUERE V.    In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how 
long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
‘’Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. Who, being 
duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he 
cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his 
recollection he served no less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For ———-
year ——————— months, and ————-——— days, I served as a  —————-— For ————-——-months 
and ————-—- days, I served as a ——————-——-; and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 27

                                             3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, 
and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the
pensioner and the length of his service.  The use of the phrase [italicize “about three or four months”] is too 
indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.  Some persons who apply for pensions 
merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the 
officers, and other particulars respecting their service.  This form of a declaration is highly objectionable.  
It must in every case be clearly shewn [shown] under what officers the applicant served; the duration 
of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed, that the 
applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either 
in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not 
employed in any civil pursuit. 
QUERE XIV. [italicize “Proof of Service.”] 
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must 
prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of 
the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the 
regiment, company, and line to which he belonged.  The magistrate who may administer the oaths 
must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate 
must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. [italicize “Mode of authenticating papers.”]
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not 
written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the 
certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass 
under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly 
attached to the certificate. 
* In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of 
office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the 
certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Page 28

I Reuben Smith of Burrillville in the County of 
Providence and State of Rhodeisland 
Certify that Mr. Oliver Smith of Smithfield in the 
County and State aforesaid served in the Army under 
Captain David Dexter’s Company and Colonel Lipits 
Regiment Stationed at Newport about two month
            his
Reuben X Smith
            Mark

I certify that the above and foregoing was taken in 
Burrillville on the Eleventh Day of September A.D. 1832 
Before me — and was
Duly sworn to
Ebner Smith Justice of the peace
And I further Certify that said Reuben is 
Well known to me and he is a Credible witness 
in the premises
Ebner Smith Justice of the peace

State of Rhode=Island and Providence Plantations.
Providence sc.
I, WILLIAM R. WATSON, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for 
the County of Providence, in said State, do hereby certify that Eber Smith 
is a Justice of the Peace for the town of Burrillville 
in said county and State: — that he is by the laws of said State,authorized to administer oaths 
and take depositions: and that the signatures to the annexed document, purporting to be 
his, are in the proper hand writing of said Eber Smith 
In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the 
Seal of said Court, at Providence, this twelth [twelfth]
day of November in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two - 
Wm R Watson
Page 29

Aletha Smith
Under the joint regulation of 
January 23d. 1845 & act
July 7. 1838 &c: —

Adend: of $43.33 per ann. &
From 4 March 1836, to
4 March 1841; and
From 4th: March 1843
to 16th: August, 1843 —

Benj: Cowell, Esq,
Providence,
Rd Island.
Page 30

State of Rhode Island
County of Rhode Island 
Whereas the act of 30th of April 1844 prohibited 
me from drawing a pension for the same 
period during which my husband was a 
pensioner I now make the following 
Statement under oath to obtain the 
benefits of the Resolution of Congress [insert “passed January 23 1845”] 
explanatory of “an act making appropriations 
for the payment of Revolutionary 
& other pensions of the United States for 
the fiscal year ending the thirtieth 
of June one thousand eight hundred 
& forty five”, sir I am the widow of 
Oliver Smith late of Smithfield and 
said County deceased [insert “who was a soldier of the Revolution”] 
have drawn 
a pension at the rate of $43 33 per 
annum from the 16 of August 1843 to 
the 4th of March 1844 Now I ask the 
amount due me from the 4 of March 
1836 to the 4 March 1841,
Alf Lemuel Angell [signature]
          Her
Aletha X Smith
        Mark

Resident In Smithfield, August 11th AD 1845
Sworn to & subscribed before me on the 
day & year mentioned at said Smithfield 
Lemuel Angel Justice of the Peace [signature]
Page 31

I certify the declarant is personally 
known to me & she is the same 
individual she represents herself 
to be in the foregoing affidavit
Lemuel Angell Justice of the Peace [signature]

State of Rhode Island  &c [and etcetera]
Providence &c
Clerk’s office, Court
of Common Pleas
I, John W. Smith clerk of the Court of
Common Pleas, within and for the County
of Providence of Sate aforesaid, being a Court
of Record, do hereby certify, that Lemuel
Angell Esquire, before whom the aforegoing
affidavit was sworn is a Justice of the
Peace for the town of North Providence in 
said County; that by the laws of this State
he is authorized and qualified to administer 
oaths & take depositions; and that
his aforegoing signatures are genuine.
In witness whereof I hereunto set my
hand and affix the seal
of our said Court at the 
City of Providence this fifth
day of May A.D. 1845.
John W. Smith clerk [signature]