Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 22,784, Lawrence Clark, R.I.
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R.I.           Clark, Lawrence            W. 22,784'
                          Hannah
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2893
Rhode Island

Hannah Clark
widow of Lawrence Clark
who was a priv and Sergeant
in the Rhode Island
 Line
-------------------------------------
-------------------------------------
Inscribed on the roll at the rate of 
   58 Dollars 88
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
-----------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the 
  25th day of Nov 1843
and sent to 
  The pensioner
   Newport
        R. Island
-------------------------------------
-------------------------------------
          [Act of March 3, 1843]

Recorded in Book  A
Vol   1  Page  86
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State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Newport [].On this fourth day of March eighteen hundred and thirty nine personally appeared before the Court of Probate of the town of Newport Hannah Clarke a resident of Newport in the County of Newport 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 7, 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows"
That she is the widow of Laurence Clarke who was a Sergeant in the army of the Revolution that he enlisted as a minute man in the first part of the year 1775 previous to the battle of Lexington that he served in various Corps during the whole war that he was one of the volunteers who was engaged in the enterprize of the capture of General Prescott in the year 1777 that he was at Bristol in the spring of the year 1778 and was then attached to the Regiment under the command of Col. Crary he having enlisted in one of the Regiments raised the year previous under command of said Col Crary and in the Company commanded by Capt Parker. He was likewise in the service in the year 1776 at the time this Island was taken possession of by the british and was captured and had his gun and accoutrements taken from him he after a confinement of two days & nights succeeded in making his escape and took a boat belonging to Mr Thomas Brownell of Portsmouth and crossed over to the Main. He was afterwards compelled to pay said Brownell for the boat a receipt for which payment is herewith annexed. He was appointed a Sergeant by Col. Crary in October 1777 and his original warrant is herewith annexed, towards the close of the war he served as Quarter Master Sergeant and assisted Solomon Southwich Esq then Commistary in his department. He was in the battle on the Island in the year 1778 and was wounded
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Just below the knee in that engagement the English Lieutenant opposed to the detachment he belonged to was killed and a field piece was taken from the British- I have heard my husband  relate the circumstances before stated a great many times. I was well acquainted with my said husband during the war and have personal knowledge of his being in the service on this Island.

She further declares that she was married to the said Laurence Clarke on the the fifth day of November seventeen hundred and eighty five; that her husband the aforesaid Laurence Clarke died on the eleventh of April eighteen hundred and seventeen.

That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four (illegible) as the time above stated and that she still remains his widow.

Hannah Clarke
Sworn to before the Court
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State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Newport I Benjamin Clarke of the town & County of Newport & State aforesaid being in the sixty sixth year of my age on solemn oath do testify I say that I lived in the neighborhood of the house where Mr. Laurence Clarke went to house keeping after he was married to Hannah Irish who is now his widow and the present applicant for a pension. I was well acquainted with Mr. Clarke who was my Uncle and I was also well acquainted with the said Hannah previous to their marriage. I was not present at the marriage but I believe they went to housekeeping the next day after their marriage. I have no doubt in my mind but that they were legally married. They have always been reputed as such in the community and I have no hesitation in saying that the said Hannah Clarke is the widow of the said Laurence Clarke. I was too young to know any thin concerning his services during the Revolutionary war.
Benjamin Clarke
Sworn to this 14th day of
Feb. A.D. 1839 Before me
D.C. Denham Just. Peace
Newport [ ] Feb 14, 1839 Then came Benjamin Clarke whose character for truth and veracity is good and made oath to the truth of the afore going deposition before me Daniel C. Denham Justice Peace
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State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Newport fe. I Ruth Clarke of the town & county of Newport & State aforesaid, being seventy four years of age on solemn oath do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Lawrence Clarke during the Revolutionary war and knew of his being in the service, I believe he belonged in Capt. Dayton's Company during the time it was stationed in Newport until the close of the war - I lived with my Uncle Soloman Southwicks after the British evacuated the islands until the close of the war and after peace was proclaimed and during that time Mr. Clarke was in the family of my uncle and assisted him in the Commissarys Department my uncle being at that time, Commissary. I know that Mr. Clarke was in the service until the Company was disbanded. I was also well acquaitned with Hannah Clarke previous to her marriage. I perfectly recollect of hearing of her marriage at the time it took place and recollect the times of their going to keeping house. I was not present at the wedding but have no doubt of the marriage taking place and I fully believe the said Hannah the present applicant for a pension to be the widow of the said Lawrence Clarke. I cannot recollect the exact date of the marriage but believe that it took place in the year 1785.
Ruth [X her mark inserted here] Clarke
Sworn to this 14th day of February 1839 and subscribed in my presence Before me
Daniel C. Denham Justice of the Peace
Newport fe Feb. 14, 1839 There came Ruth Clarke whose character for truth & veracity is good and made oath to the truth of the above deposition Before me Daniel C. Denham
Just Peace
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State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Newport fe I phebe Pride of the town & County of Newport & state aforesaid on oath do testify & say that at the request of my motherinlaw Hannah Clarke the present applicant for a pension. I did make diligent search for a family record of the marriage of my Father Lawrence Clarke with my said motherinlaw Hannah Clarke and that I could find no such record but that I am well satisfied that my father & motherinlaw were legally married in the year seventeen hundred and eighty five in the month of November
Phebe Pride [signature]
Sworn to this Ninth Day of January A.D. 1840
Josiah C. Shaw Jus. Peace [signature]

Newport fe Newport January 9th 1840
Then came Phebe Pride subscriber to the above deposition who is well known to me and the whose character for truth and veracity is good and made solemn oath to the truth of the same Before me
Josiah C. Shaw Jus. Peace [signature]
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State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Newport fe I George C. Mason of the town & County of Newport and State aforesaid on oath do testify and say that the account hereto annexed and which was shown me by Mrs. Hannah Clarke is in the hand writing of my Father who was a physician and that I have no doubt that the same was paid by Mr. Lawrence Clarke for services rendered his wife as appears by the account annexed
Geo. C. Mason [signature]
Sworn to this  16th Day of January A.D. 1840
Josiah C. Shaw Jus Peace [signature]
Newport fe January 16th 1840
Then came George C. Mason subscriber to the above deposition who is well known to me and whose Character for truth and veracity is good and made solemn oath to the truth of the same Before me
Josiah C. Shaw Jus. Peace [signature]
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[Handwritten note that is very old and has been folded in quarters so center, along folds and edges are degraded]
By Archibald Crary Esq. Colonel of the      Regiment of foot Raised for the defence of American Liberty -
To Lawrence Clarke greeting -
Reposcing Special Confidence in your Loyalty Courage and Good Conduct Do Constitute and appoint you fourth sargant in the fifth Company in the Regiment aforesaid for the Repelling every Hostile [over a hole so last part of word is missing] Invasions against the [illegible] of America under the Command of your Superior Officer And you are faithfully to discharge the duty of the office of Sargant as aforesaid And for your so doing this shall be your sufficiant Warrant - 
Given under my hand and seal of Bristol this fifth day of October 1777
Archibald Crary Col
[There is a small round stamp at bottom of the note that says The National Archives of The United States]
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[appears to be written on the back side of note written by Archibald Crary]
I recommend the said [illegible, possibly Lawrence] Clarke to be appointed Sargant as {illegible, too faint] mentioned_
James Parker Captain

[In lower right corner written at right angle]
Lawrence Clarke
N.22.784
R.I.
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Rev.
Widow, &c.
File No. 22.784
Hannah Clark
Wid. of 
Lawrence Clark
Sergt. Rev. War
Act: March 3d 1843
Index: _Vol. A, Page 139
(Arrangement of 1870.)
[there is a small handwritten scribble at top right that is illegible]
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V 5115
Let D. C. Denham, July 17 -'39
[illegible] Aug. 23 - '39: Let. to [illegible insertion here]R.B. Cranston, Dec 6, 1839.
Act 7 July 38
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Rhode Island 499
Hannah Clark
widow of Lawrence Clark, dec.
who was a pensioner under the Act of [crossed out] and who died on the 11th April, 1817
of Providence in the state of R. Island who was a prvt & srgt in the company commanded by Captain Parker of the Regt commanded by Col. Crary in the R. Island line for 9 mos 20  private
5 mos 10 days Sergeant
 Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 58 Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of February 1840 and sent to Hon.R.B. Cranston, H. Repr.
Arrears to the 4th of Mar. 1840 $235.52
Semi=annual allowance ending for life 29.44
= $264.96
{Act July 7, 1838}
Recorded by S. A. Elliot, Clerk
Book A, Vol. 2, Page 5
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Newport April 4, 1839
Hon. J.L. Edwards
Sir,
I send enclosed an application for a pension under the act of July 7, 1838 together with the evidence relative there to, if this same should be satisfactory to the Department will you please forward a certificate for Mrs. Clarke this applicant.
I remain Sir
Very Respectfully yours
Daniel C. Denham
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Washington D.C.
Feby 1, 1840
Sir,
I herewith hand you additional testimony in favor of Hannah Clarke Widow of Lawrence Clarke.
I am respectfully
Sir your obt. Servt.
R.B. Cranston [signature]

To James L. Edwards Esq.
Commisioner of Pensions
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Hon. Robert B Cranston
Washington D.C.
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Newport Jan 18, 1840
Hon. Robert B. Cranston
Sir,
I send enclosed the papers in the case Mrs. Hannah Clarke Widow of Lawrence Clarke for a pension - Depositions have been taken to show that there is no record of the marriage of Mr. & Mrs. Clarke , probably caused through negligence in the parties in having the same recorded - The deposition of Mrs. Pride relative to her mothers marriage & of Geo. C. Mason Esq. relative to an account of his father against Mr. Clarke for services rendered as a Physician to Mrs Clarke, you will perceive that the charge under date 1792 Sept 26 and probably some of the charges following are for the wife of Mr. Clarke who was undoubtedly the present applicant for a pension as by the deposition of Mrs. Pride her father was a widower previous to that time to within the year 1785 and married the present widow who was the wife mentioned in the bill of Doct. Mason. Mr. Clarke never had but two wives the one who died previous to the year 1785, and the one he married in the year '85.
By a letter from the Hon. J.L. Edwards dated Aug 23rd 1839 enclosing a copy of one under date July 17, 1839 he says that the alledged service of Mr. Clarke in Col. Crarys Regt in '78  [illegible] as a private from 16th March '78 to 5th Oct. and as a Corporal from 5, Oct '78 to 16 March  '79 is duly established. Here is a mistake as Mr. Clarke was [cont. on other page]
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a Sergeant as will appear by the warrant forwarded to the department signed by the Capt & Col Crary.
Mrs Ruth Clarkes deposition goes to show that Mr Clarke was a Sergeant and was employed in the Commissary's department viz Solomon Southwick who was Commissary here from the evacuation of the British troops from this Island to the close of the war. There is no doubt that Mr Clarke was in the service during the whole war but at this late day it is impossible to prove it as his [cotemporarys] are all dead or nearly all so. The best proof in the case that could be obtained has been forwarded and I hope at least that the same amount of pension will be granted as was granted to Mrs Alger of this town.
Yours Respectfully
Daniel C. Denham
P.S. Mr Benj Hazard who will be in Washinton probably when this arrives wishes to see the papers and to give his affidavit in Washington relative to his knowledge of Mrs Clarke he has known her from childhood having been to school to her mother.
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V 5115
Hannah Clark
widow of Laurence
R.I.
[illegible] 7 July 38
[illegible]
from 16 Dec 76 to 5 Oct 77
private 9-200[illegible] - 
Sergt 5 Oct 77 to 16 March 78
[illegible]
9.20 pri
5.10 sergt
58.88

30
2.22
25
1.66
$98.88

D.C. Denham
Newport
Hon R.B. Cranston R.I.
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State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Bristol [illegible] I James Tenant of Warren in the County of Bristol a Revolutionary Pensioner being eighty one years of age on oath do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Laurence Clarke of Newport in the State aforesaid and knew of his being in the service in the Revolutionary War in the year 1778
I do not now recollect what Company of Regiment he belonged to but it was on of three Regiments commanded by Colonels Topham, Crary & Sherburne and that were stationed at Tiverton near Newlands Ferry. I do not recollect how long he was in the service but he was one of the volunteers who went with us at the time Gen. Prescott was captured and took a part in that expedition and I knew of his bring in the service sometime previous to that expedition but do not know how long he was in the service afterwards. His Brigade that he belonged to was raised for fifteen months.
Witness D.C. Denham
James Tenant - his mark
Alfred Bosworth

Bristol [?] in Warren February 20th 1839
Then personally appeared the above named James Tenant and made oath to the foregoing affidavit, and I certify that I am acquainted with said James Tenant and that he is a credible person whose statements are entitled to certify.
Before me
Alfred Bosworth
Justice of the Peace
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State of Rhode Island & Newport [?]
At a court of Probate holder at Newport in the county and state aforesaid on the fourth day of March 1839 - be it remembered that Hannah Clarke of Newport, widow of Laurence Clarke, aged seventy four years, this day appeared in open court and after being duly engaged according to law, made and subscribed her declaration, for the purpose of obtaining a pension from the United States, under the act of Congress [illegible] July 7, 1838, entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." and the depositions of James Tenant, Benjamin Clarke and Ruth Clarke, relative to the subject matter of said pension was read, as also a receipt from Thomas Brownell and a warrant from Col Archibald Crary relative thereto, and the court were satisfied that the statements made in said declaration, and said depositions are true, and that said Hannah Clarke, Benjamin Clarke and Ruth Clarke are persons of truth and veracity, and that Alfred Bosworth and Daniel C. Denham Esquires before whom said depositions were taken are Justices of the peace duly [commissioned] and sworn, and the Court were also satisfied that the said warrant of Col Crary and the receipt of Thomas Brownell to Said Laurence Clarke are true and genuine, and that said declaration, depositions, warrant and receipt are all entitled to full faith and credit, and order them to be appended to said declaration, and the Court are also satisfied that said Laurence Clarke was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and that certificate of all which [illegible ] from this Court accordingly.
In testimony whereof I Benjamin B. Nowland clerk of said court of probate of Newport have set my hand and affixed the seal of said court this fourth day of April eighteen hundred & thirty nine - Benj B Nowland Probate Clerk
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9  15-
9-20
9

16 De
5.10
-25.
4 10
5.11

Hon R.B. Cranston
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Lawrence Clark to Benjm Mason    Dr
1791
May 28th  Visiting your apprentice twice by Fenfuge powder 3    2...9-
29th 2  Visit 6/ mixture of 2/    30th  2 Visit  6/31 Visit 3/        17-
June 1st   Visit 3/  Ingredients 2/ 3d Visit 3/  0-
1792 June 5th Visiting your Mother 3/Powders 1/7th Visit 3/    7-
Sept 26th Visiting your wife 3/ Ingredient 1/6     4-6
27th Visit 3/ 28th Visit 3/ Mixture 2/6 29th Visit 3/      11  6
30th Visit 3/ Mixture 2/6 Octobr 3rd Visit 3/    8  6
Octobr 3d 2 Visits 5/ Mixture 3/4th Visit 3/5th 2 Visit 6/       18 -    
Columbo 9d  Febrefuge Drops 2/6th 2 Visit 6/ Powder 9d     9.6
2 Vials of Drops 4/7th 2 Visit 6/8th Visit 3/Drops 2/      15
9th 2 Visits 6/ Anodyere/6 Purge 1/10 Visit 3/Powder gd       11....3
11th Visit  3/ Drops 2/Infusion 3/12th Visits 3/ Infusion 3/          14   
13th Visit 3/14t Visit 3/ Drops2/15th Visit 3/  Decoction 3/       14
16th Visit 3/ Addition to Decoction 1/17th Visit 3/18h Visit 3/      10
Drops 2/ 20th Visit 3/Magnesia gd 22d Visit 3/Powder 1/6      10    3
25th Visit       3

L   0...10..6
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I Phebe Pride of Newport in the County of
Newport and State of Rhode Island &c Widow
do declare upon oath, in the manner following
that is to say - when I was seven years of age and
in my Eighth year, I distinctly recollect that my
Father Lawrence Clarke, then a Widower, was
married to Miss Hannah Irish of Newport, that
he brought his wife home the day after he
was married that I immediately called her
Mother and have lived with her to the Present Day
and am now sixty years of age that my
present Mother Hannah Clarke is still living,
the Widow of my Father the aforesaid Law
rence Clark and is [still crossed out] Seventy One years of age__
Phebe Pride
Newport
7
Newport November 21st 1839. Then personally
appeared Phebe Pride and after hearing the above
Declaration distinctly to her read. Signed and
made Oath to the Same the said Phebe Pride
to me well known before me
Josiah C.. Shaw Jus. Peace
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I Daniel C. Denham Clerk of the 2d Baptist Church
in the town of Newport & State of Rhode Island
do hereby certify that I have examined the records
of Marriages in my possession and that I cannot
find the marrige[caret a inserted to read marriage] of Lawrence Clarke to Hannah
Clarke his wife on said record-
Daniel C. Denham Clk 2d Bap. Ch
Sworn to this Ninth day of January A.D. 1840
Before me
Josiah C. Shaw Jus. Peace
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Benjamin B Howland, Town Clerk of the Town of Newport,
in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island & do
hereby certify that there is of record in my office the following
deeds, made by Lawrence Clarke late of said Newport deceased,
and Hannah Clarke his wife; which deeds, as appears by
the record were all signed, sealed and acknowledged by said
Lawrence Clarke and Hannah Clark his wife, to wit,
a deed dated the seventeenth day of March AD Eighteen hundred
for the consideration of Five hundred fifteen dollars, conveying a
lot of land of three and a half acres, to Daniel Lyman of said
Newport;__ a deed dated the twenty fifth day of May AD Eighteen
hundred and One, for the consideration of fifty dollars, conveying
a small piece of land to Samuel Gardner of said Newport,__
a deed dated the fifth day of November AD Eighteen hundred
and four, for the consideration of One hundred forty eight dollars,
conveying a lot of land and store thereon, to Gould Marsh of
said Newport, and a deed dated the Nineteenth day of May
AD Eighteen hundred and six, for the consideration of Seven
hundred dollars, conveying a lot of land of three acres and
a quarter, to the Minister Wardens and Vestry of Trinity
Church in said Newport; all of said Real Estates being
situated in said town of Newport, and I further certify that
said Hannah Clark has always since my recollection
been the reputed wife of said Lawrence Clarke, nor have I ever heard it in the least doubted, and she now remains
his widow __ In attestation of all which I have hereunto
set my hand this twenty second day of November AD Eighteen
hundred thirty nine --
-
[left side of page] affirmed to in the Ninth Day of January AD 1840
[right side of page],Benj B Howland 
Town Clerk of Newport. R.I__
Before me Jonah C. Shaw Jus. Peace
Page 27

I Benjamin B Howland Town Clerk of the Town of Newport do
hereby certify on affirmation that I have examined the
Book of Records of Births Marriages and deaths of the
town of Newport, kept since the Revolution and I cannot
find any record of the Marriage of Lawrence Clarke to
Hannah Clarke, therein, I have reason to believe
from the great neglect in the people in recording the
Births Marriages and deaths in this town that many
such records have been omitted to be made.
Newport January 8. 1840
Ben[illegible] Howland
Town Clk
affirmed [Sworn crossed out] to on this Ninth Day
of January A.D. 1840
Before me
Josiah C. Shaw Jus. Peace
[in the margin] Hon R. B. Cranston
Page 28

State of Rhode Island
County of Newport [bracket and symbol]
I Daniel C. Denham Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the County aforesaid, being a Court of Record,
do hereby certify that Josiah C. Shaw is a Justice of the Peace in the town of Newport in the County aforesaid,
was appointed by the General Assembly, and commissioned by the acting Governor of this [caret] State bearing date
the seventeenth day of June, 1839 and is fully authorized to act in his said capacity. And that his signature before written is genuine

In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal
of said Court at Newport on this ninth
day of January A.D. eighteen hundred
and forty--
Daniel C. Denham, Clk
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[illegible]
[stamp] Aug 23.
R.I
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Washington D.C.
Page 30


Newport Aug. 20. 1839
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Sir
I have received and forwarded
to Mrs. Clanning widow of Edward Clanning her
certificate for pension. Mrs. Claiming wished me
to enquire why she did not receive the same amount of Pension that her husband did whilst living
viz ninety six dollars per year
I am likewise requested by Mrs. Clarke widow
of Lawrence Clarke whose papers were forwarded to your office at the same time Mrs. Clannings were to enquire why she does not receive her
certificate.  I do not wish to give you any
unnecessary trouble on her account but Mrs.
Clarke is aged and infirm and if she could receive
her pension soon it [caret] would be a great relief to her.
Very respectfully yours
Daniel C. Denham
[written in margin] 17 July
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3156
Application of
Hannah Clarke
for Pension
$58.88 per an [annum]
To
the Pen[illegible]
at Newport
R.I.
Page 32

State of Rhode Island County of Newport [bracket and letter]
On this thirteenth day of April 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Hannah Clarke a resident of Newport in said County of Newport aged seventy eight years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3d [third] of March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.  That she is the widow of Lawrence Clarke who was a Sergeant in Col. Bartons Regiment in the army of the Revolution and that she has received a pension of the annual amount of fifty eight dollars [and sign] eighty eight cents under the act of July 7, 1838 payable at the agency for paying pensions in Providence R.I.
She further declares that she is still a widow. Sworn to and subscribed on the [signature inserted] Hannah Clarke day and year above written
Before Daniel C. Denham Justice Peace Newport [illegible] Newport April 13, 1843 I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the abo e named Hannah Clark and that her character fro truth and veracity is good. Daniel C. Denham Just. Peace
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State of Rhode Island
County of Newport [bracket and letter]
I Erastus P. Allan Clerk of the Supreme Court in the County aforesaid being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that Daniel C. Denham is a Justice of the Peace in the town of Newport in the County aforesaid was appointed by the General Assembly and commissioned by the Governor of this State bearing date the ninth day of May 1842 and is fully authorized to act in his said capacity and that his signature aforewritten is Genuine.

[indented] In testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court at Newport on this first day of June one thousand eight hundred and forty three.
E P. Allan Clerk
Page 34

Newport June 39th, 1786
[illegible] of Lawrence Clark full satisfaction for a certain boat he took from me in AD 1776
Thomas Brownell