Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24462, for William Hunt, Rhode Island
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
R.I.
Hunt, William
Betsey
NUMBER
W.24462
CONTENTS
[blank]
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Rhode Island 244
Betsey Hunt
Newport Co in the State of R I
a RI in the [blank] commanded by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by [blank] in the [blank] [words crossed through] widow of William Hunt dec^d late a private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 60 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of Nov. 1836 and sent to John Cross Portsmouth R. I.
Arrears to the 4th day of Sept 1836 $330.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 37  30.00
[Total] $360.00
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by D D Addison Clerk
Book [blank] Vol. 1 Page 105
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Town Clerk's Office, Little Compton October 14th 1836. I hereby Certify that William Hunt Son of John Hunt died in this town August 15th 1815.
As appears of record in this office. - 
Witness A.R. Brownell Town Clerk.
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Town Clerk's Office, Little Compton October 14th 1836. I Certify that William, son of John Hunt and Jamima his Wife & Betsey Daughter of [illegible] Little, and Sarah his Wife were joined in Matrimony this day [blank] Per Jonathan Eldo's Clerk.
Dated Little Compton May [illegible] 17th AD. 1780.
As appears of record in this Office. -
Witness A.R. Brownell Town Clerk.
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Betsey Hunt
No. 512
wid of
W^m. Hunt - 3 [Dec.?]
R I
Adm^d 18 mo. [month] pri [private] commg [commencing] 4 March 1831 - R.I. Militia
Capt. Pearce Col. Cook
Jn Cross
Portsmouth
RI
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 4th of July 1836.
State of Rhode Island
County of Newport } ss.
On this tenth day of October A.D. 1836 Personally appeared, Betsey Hunt a resident of Little Compton, in the County of Newport & State of Rhode Island aged Seventy four years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 4th 1836 - 
That she is the widow of William Hunt, late of Little Compton, was also late a revolutionary soldier belonging to the 2nd or North company of Militia in said town - I and my said husband were both born and always lived in said Little Compton, and during the Revolutionary war he performed military services in said Militia on the shores of said Town, and on the Island of Rhode Island - When the enemy came to Rhode Island in December 1776 my said husband was called into public service to guard the shores of the town on the western ports and northerly on the bay to Fogland ferry - He was a sergeant in said company to which he belonged during the whole war - He was in the service from December 1776 to March 1777 at the guard posts in said town for a period of not less than three months and from the last mentioned period to November 1779 he performed not less than sixteen months in the public service - the services of said company were performed from the Spring of 1777 for half of the time by monthly tours - each man had to perform duty on his own account - for every alternate month, my said husband performed his own share of duty and was a substitute for two months for others, whose names I do not remember - He was on Rhode Island in August 1778 in Sullivan's Expedition under Capt Simmons.
After the British left Rhode Island and soon after we were married. My husband was draughted [drafted] for a month and went on to Rhode Island. I think this was in July 1780 - the French troops at this time were in Newport - Again in the year 1781 he was one month on to Rhode Island and the French troops were then in Newport as I have heard my husband say on his return - I cannot say what officers he was under when on Rhode Island - in the guard service on the shores he belonged to the 2nd Company of Militia aforesaid and was under the command of Capt George Simmons, and John Davis and Rouse Pearce, officers of said Company - and belonged to the Regiment of Col. Cook - I well remember my husbands services in said war - I have no written memorials or documentation relation to the same. My husband never drew a pension -
I further declare that I was married to the said William Hunt on the 7th day of May, Seventeen Hundred and Eighty (1780), that my husband, the said William Hunt, died on the fifteenth day of August A.D. 1815 and that I have
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remained a widow ever since that period as will more [illegible] appear by reference to the proofs hereto annexed.
[signature] Betsey Hunt
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforewritten before and in open Court - 
And said Court certifies that they believe the statements herein made by said Betsey Hunt to be true - And that she is a credible person - 
And said Court further certifies that said Betsey is the widow of said William never having married since said William's decease - 
I Alexander R Brownell Clerk of said Court of Probate, do hereby certify, that the foregoing, are the original proceedings, in the application of said Betsey Hunt for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of office on this 10th day of October, A.D. 1836 . - 
Witness A. R. Brownell Probate Clerk.
[seal affixed to the left]
[middle fold of document]
Betsey Hunt
No. 512 wid of
W^m. Hunt - 3 [illegible]
R I
Adm^d 18 mo pri $60 per ann. commg 4 March 1831 - R.I. Militia
Capt. Pearce Col. Cook
Jn Cross
Portsmouth 
RI.
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[Writing on paper very faded]
No. 24.402
William Hunt
[illegible] Oct 10 [illegible]
Little Compton [possibly Newport Co.]
R.I. 74
Dec 76 Sgt
Capt [illegible] Simmons
2nd [possibly militia] Co. Little [illegible]
3m Col. Cook R I Mil
Sullivans exped
Apr 77
[illegible 
Nov 79 16 mos
[illegible] 1m - 
81 Capt Rouse Pearce
Col [illegible]
1m - 
Mar -May 7 1780 Betsey
dau Jobes & Sarah Little
at Little Compton RI
son of John Hunt & Jemima
[illegible] Aug 15 1815
Little Compton
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September 17, 1904
To the Pension Bureau - 
Washington
I am a descendant of William Hunt of Little Compton, Rhode island, a revolutionary soldier, who drew a pension, or his wife Betsey, who was alive in 1840 in Little Compton, and who received a pension there.
Please send me a description of service, and oblige
yours very truly
Sarah Hunt Snow - 
Address
Mrs. Robert Snow
115 Orchard St.
New Bedford, Mass.
[circular stamp] U. S. Pension Office K Sep 20 1904
[Square stamp] U. S. Old War ? Navy Files Sep 21 1904
B.
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Revy Widow, &c.
File No. 24.462
Betsey Hunt
Wid of
William Hunt
Priv Rev War
Act: June 7th 1832
Index: - Vol. A, Page 360
[Arrangement of 1870.]
[on page to right] 
Sept 23, 1904 Hist. to
Mrs. Robt. Snow, New Bedford, Mass.
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William Hunt
Dis 76 3mo.
and conty - 16 [illegible] 79
See paper Eliz Pearce
under Rouse Pearce 1781 #
[illegible] and by testimony
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I John Brown of Little Compton in the county of Newport and State of Rhode Island of lawful age being duly sworn, on my oath declare that I am well acquainted with Betsey Hunt widow, of this Town and an applicant for a pension under the late act of Congress, and that she is the widow of the late William Hunt of said Little Compton deceased.
I do further testify that the said William Hunt was in the service of the revolution during the war, and that I was on duty with him from time to time as guard, and more especially at the Col. Richmond house. He not only performed his regular tour, but did duty as a substitute for others one month at least if not longer.
He was a Sergeant in the second or north company of Militia in said Little Compton, and I belonged to the same company.
[signature] John Brown
State of Rhode Island
County of Newport ss. }
Personally appeared before me at Little Compton in said County of Newport on the 18th day of October 1836, the above named John Brown, subscribed and was duly sworn according to law to the above deposition
I further certify that the said John Brown is to me personally known, and that he is a credible witness.
Philip F. Little, Justice Peace
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State of Rhode Island &c.
County of Newport } ss.
Clerk's office of the Court of Probate, a Court of Record, of Little Compton in s^d. [said] County of Newport. I hereby certify that Philip F. Little whose signature is affixed is his own proper hand writing to the foregoing depositions of John Brown & was at the time of taking said depositions a Justice of the Peace, within and for s^d County of Newport, duly commissioned under the seal of s^d State, and engaged thereon according to law. And that said Philip F. Little is duly Authorized to take depositions by the Laws of said State.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of s^d office on this 18th day of October 1836.
A. R. Brownell Clerk.
[seal affixed to left]
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I Francis Wilbur of Little Compton in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island, of lawful age, being duly sworn on my oath declare, that I was well acquainted with William Hunt late of Little Compton deceased.
We lived when at home about three miles from each other, and was frequently together on guard duty - we had frequent interviews with each other respecting the enemy. I am well knowing to his doing duty as guard at the guard posts and more especially at the Rouse House and also at the Red House. I was with him on the Island of Rhode Island in Sullivans expedition under Capt. - in August 1778.
According to the best of my recollection at this remote period, he did duty at least two months as a substitute for others, but for who, I do not remember [word crossed through] I have often heard, and from good authority, that he was on the Island of Rhode Island near Newport - about the year 1781 or two, and that he did duty in guarding the south shore expecting the enemy to return, as they were on Long Island - 
I further testify that Betsey Hunt now an applicant for a pension under the late act of Congress is the widow of William Hunt above mentioned, and that she has never married since the decease of her husband William Hunt.
[signature] Francis Wilbur
State of Rhode Island
County of Newport ss. }
Personally appeared before me Francis Wilbur of Little Compton in said County of Newport on the 11th day of [of] October 1836. Subscribed, and was duly sworn to the above deposition according to law. I further testify that the said Francis Wilbur is to me well known personally and is a credible witness.
Philip F. Little Justice Peace
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State of Rhode Island &c.
County of Newport } sc.
Clerk's office of the Court of Probate, a Court of Record, of Little Compton in s^d [said] County of Newport
I hereby Certify that Philip F. Little, whose Signature is affixed is his own proper hand writing to the foregoing Deposition of Francis Wilbur; was at the time of taking said depositions a Justice of the Peace within and for s^d. County of Newport, duly commissioned, under the Seal of s^d. State, and engaged thereon according to Law - And that said Philip F. Little, is duly authorized to take depositions by the Laws of said State - 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of said office on this 11th day of October A.D. 1836
A. R. Brownell Clerk
[seal affixed to left]
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I Benedict Palmer of Little Compton in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island of lawful age, being duly sworn, depose that I was well acquainted with William Hunt during the revolutionary war. We both belonged to the 2nd or north company of militia in this town under command of Capt. Geo. Simmons - He was a Sergeant in said company - we were called upon after the British took the Island of Rhode Island into the public service to protect the shores of this town. I well remember of his being on guard duty, and that he acted well his part as a faithful soldier in the cause of Liberty. An arrangement was made to have the company divided, so that one half should be on duty for one month, and then relieved by the other half and so on alternatively until the enemy left Rhode Island in November 1779. - besides our regular tour of guard duty, all of the said Company were directed to be in readyness [readiness] in case of an alarm - [word crossed through] the whole company were ordered out when an alarm was given. I have stood guard with him myself and according to the best of my knowledge he was on duty under the regulations (as I have already stated) during the period of the revolutionary war.
I further testify that I am well acquainted with the widow Betsey Hunt, and that she is the widow of said William Hunt - and has never Married since the decease of her said husband.
[signature] Benedict his X mark Palmer
State of Rhode Island
County of Newport } ss.
Personally appeared before me at Little Compton in said County of Newport on the 14th day of October AD - 1836. The above named Benedict Palmer, subscribed, and was duly sworn to the foregoing deposition according to law.
I further [word crossed through] certify that the said Benedict Palmer is to me personally known, and is a credible witness.
Philip F. Little Justice of the Peace
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State of Rhode Island &c.
County of Newport } sc.
Clerk's office of the Court of Probate, a Court of Record, of Little Compton in s^d. [said] County of Newport.
I hereby Certify that Philip F. Little, whose Signature is affixed in his own proper hand writing to the foregoing Deposition, of Benedict Palmer; was at the time of taking said deposition, a Justice of the Peace within and for s^d. County of Newport, duly commissioned, under the Seal of s^d. State, and engaged thereon according to Law - And that said Philip F. Little, is duly authorized to take depositions [by] the Laws of the State - 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of said office on this 14th day of October A.D. 1836.
A. R. Brownell Clerk. [word crossed through]
[seal affixed to the left]
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I William Woodman of Little Compton in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island, of lawful age, being duly sworn, on my oath declare that I was well acquainted with the late William Hunt of this town, from my earliest recollections up to his death - during the revolutionary war he was a sergeant in the 2nd or North Company of militia of this town, to which I also belonged - While the British were on Rhode Island from [word crossed through] December 1776 to November 1779 - we were frequently together in the public service, in guarding the shore of said town opposite to the Island of Rhode Island - we were under the officers of said Company of militia - George Simmons was Captain in the first part, or all of said period, and John Davis and Borse Pearce were also officers in said Company during said War - said Hunt was much in the service during said period - and besides his own turn of duty of every alternate month - I think he served as a substitute for others, but for whom I cannot tell - during s^d period from my best recollection I belief [believe] & think s^d Hunt was in the public service as many as Eighteen Months - in the manner and at the places aforesaid - but I cannot be certain as to the time - After the Enemy left Rhode Island - but in what year I do not remember, I was on s^d. Island one month with s^d. Hunt under Capt. Rouse Pearce. Col. Church commanded the Regiment, and we were stationed near Butt's Hill in Portsmouth on said Island - 
[signature] William his X mark Woodman
State of Rhode Island
County of Newport } ss.
Personally appeared before me at Little Compton in the said County of Newport on the 13th day of October AD 1836, the above named William Woodman and subscribed, and was duly Sworn to the foregoing deposition according to law.
I further certify that the said William Woodman is to me personally known and is a credible witness.
Philip F. Little Justice Peace
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State of Rhode Island &c.
County of Newport } sc.
Clerk's office of the Court of Probate, a Court of Record, of Little Compton in s^d. [said] County of Newport.
I hereby Certify that Philip F. Little, whose signature is affixed is his own proper hand writing to the foregoing Deposition of William Woodman, was at the time of taking said deposition a Justice of the Peace within and for s^d. County of Newport, duly commissioned under the Seal of s^d. State, and engaged therein according to law - And that said Philip F. Little is duly authorized to take depositions by the laws of said State - 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of said office on this 13th day of October A. D. 1836.
A. R. Brownell Clerk
[seal affixed to left]
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I William Grinnell of Little Compton in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island, of lawful age, being sworn, on my oath declare that I was well acquainted with William Hunt late of Little Compton deceased.
He was the husband of Betsey Hunt widow of this town, and who is an applicant for a pension under the late act of Congress. I was with him on duty as guard at Howland Ferry on the Island side.
After the British left the Island of Rhode Island we were stationed at the south end together on guard duty. I believe it was in the year 1781 or two, but at the present time I do not precisely recollect. We did duty I am positive one month or more, at or near the place where the French were quartered. We were in a Company of drafted militia under the command of Rouse Pierce.
I further testify that I am acquainted with Betsey Hunt widow of said William Hunt, and that she has never married since the decease of her said husband. - 
[signature] William Grinnell
State of Rhode Island
County of Newport ss. }
Personally appeared before me William Grinnell of Little Compton in said County of Newport on the 10th day of October 1836. Subscribed, and was duly sworn to the foregoing deposition according to law. I further Certify that the said William Grinnell is to me personally known, and is a credible witness.
Philip F. Little Justice of Peace
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State of Rhode Island &c.
County of Newport } sc.
Clerk's office of the Court of Probate, a Court of Record of Little Compton in s^d. [said] County of Newport.
I hereby Certify that Philip F. Little, whose signature is affixed is his own proper hand writing to the foregoing Deposition, of William Grinnell was at the time of taking said deposition, a Justice of the Peace within and for s^d. County of Newport, duly commissioned, under the Seal of s^d. State, and engaged thereon according to Law - And that said Philip F. Little is duly authorized to take depositions by the Laws of said [State]
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of said office on this 15th day of October A.D. 1836.
A. R. Brownell Clerk.
[seal affixed to left]
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Geo. Browns deposition
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I Thomas White of Little Compton in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island of lawful age, being duly sworn, on my oath declare that I was always acquainted with William Hunt late of this town, and late a revolutionary soldier in the sec^d [second] or North company of militia of this town - We lived in the time of said war near each other and belonged to the same company. After the British took Newport in December 1776 the militia of our said Company were ordered into the public service on the shores to guard against the enemy on the Island of Rhode Island. When the enemy first came all the militia were ordered out; but soon an arrangement was made so that one half of the company were on duty for one month, and were relieved by the other half the succeeding month, and so on alternately every other month till the enemy left Rhode Island in November 1779. Besides the regular tours of duty, all the company were ordered out on every alarm. - I have been on duty with said William in said guard service many months during said term on the west shore of said town, and were particularly at the Rouse House - both under Capt. Simmons and Liet. [Lieutenant] Davis, officers of said company. We was on Rhode Island in Sullivan's expedition under Capt. Simmons in August 1778. We belonged to Col. Cooks Regiment. During the period aforesaid I think said William was in the public as aforesaid, at least eighteen months - After the British left Rhode Island I think said William was on Rhode Island once or twice to guard the shores near Newport, I was not with him and I cannot at this remote period say for a certainty. Said William was the husband of Betsey Hunt of this town, a widow, and an applicant for a pension - I further testify that I am well acquainted with said Betsey Hunt, widow, that she is the widow of said William Hunt deceased, having never married since the death of her said husband. - Said William Hunt was a Sergeant in said Company.
[signature] Thomas White
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State of Rhode Island
County of Newport ss. }
Personally appeared before me at Little Compton in said County of Newport on this 17th day of October 1836 the within named Thomas White, subscribed and was duly sworn to this within deposition according to law. I further Certify that the said Thomas White is to me personally known and is a credible witness.
Philip F. Little Justice Peace
State of Rhode Island &c.
County of Newport } sc. Clerk's office of the Court of Probate, a Court of Record, of Little Compton in s^d. [said] County of Newport.
I hereby Certify that Philip F. Little, whose signature is affixed is his own proper hand writing to the foregoing Deposition of Thomas White was at the time of taking said deposition, a Justice of the Peace within and for s^d. County of Newport, duly commissioned, under the Seal of the State, and engaged thereon according to Law - And that said Philip F. Little is duly authorized to take depositions by the Laws of said State - 
In testimony whereof I have set my hand and affixed my Seal of said office on this 17th day of October A.D. 1836.
A. R. Brownell Clerk.
[seal affixed to left]
[written along left border] Deposition of Thos White
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I George Brown of Little Compton of the State of Rhode Island and County of Newport of lawful age being duly sworn on my oath say: that I was well acquainted with William Hunt late of Little Compton deceased.
I am knowing, and was with him on duty as guard in the revolution service. He belonged to the same company (which was called the second or North Co.)
We resided near each other, and were at the guard post together. Beside our regular term of duty we were directed to be in readiness whenever an alarm was given - and we was ordered out accordingly. From my best recollection he was a Sergeant in said Company, and believe he not only performed his regular tour of duty - but served as a substitute for others at least one or two months, I know he was always ready for duty of this kind.
I further testify that I am acquainted well with Betsey Hunt widow of said William Hunt and she never has remarried since the decease of the said William - 
[signature] George Brown
State of Rhode Island
County of Newport ss. }
Personally appeared before me at Little Compton in said County of Newport on the 18th day of October AD 1836, George Brown, subscribed and was duly sworn to the above deposition according to law. I further Certify that said George Brown is to me personally known, and is a credible Witness.
Philip F. Little Justice Peace
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State of Rhode Island &c.
County of Newport } sc. Clerks office of the Court of Probate, a Court of Record, of Little Compton in s^d [said] County of Newport.
I hereby Certify that Philip F. Little, whose signature is affixed is his own proper hand writing to the foregoing Deposition of George Brown was at the time of taking said deposition, a Justice of the Peace within and for s^d County of Newport, duly commissioned under the Seal of s^d State, and engaged thereon according to Law - And that said Philip F. Little, is duly authorized to take depositions by the laws of said State - 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of said office on this 18th day of October A.D. 1836.
A. R. Brownell Clerk
[seal affixed to left]
[very faint writing at bottom of page illegible]
[written along left margin] Geo. Brown Deposition