Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18,416, Robert Willcox, R.I.
Page 1

(3–1776)
SERVICE
R. I. 

Willcox, Robert
Sarah

NUMBER
W.18.416

————
CONTENTS
Page 2

3908
Connecticut
======
Sarah Willcox
widow of Robert Willcox
R. I.
who died on the 11th: October, 1808
of N. London C in the State of Cont: —
who was a private in the company commanded
by Captain Pendleton of the Regt: commanded
by Col: Noyes —  in the R: Island
line for 6 months
==========
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut —
at the relate of 20 Dollars — Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
==========
Certificate of Pension ifsued the 1st: day of
August 1843 and sent to J.W. Knight —
Westerly R. Island —
===========
Arrears to the 4th of March ‘43 $240.00
Semi=annual allowance ending — 4 Sept $10.00 
======
$250.00
======
{ Revolutionary Claim, }
{ Act July 4, 1836, }
{ Section the 8d — }
Recorded by Steil Stewart — Clerk,
Book D — Vol. 3 — Page 84
Page 3

Ruth Wilbur of East Lyme County of New London and
state of Connecticut On Oath Testifies deposeth & says
that she is about seventy eight years old that she was born in
Westerly County of Washington and State of Rhode Island 
where she resided in her farthers family untill she was about
eighteen years of age when her farther moved his family to the
state of Connecticut Where she this deponent has since lived
Deponent further says she well remembers when her sister
Sarah was Married to Robert Wilcox that they were married
at her farthers house in said Westerly and that she the deponent 
was present at the time and according to [“the” is crossed out] her best recollection
some time in the spring of 1777 by Elder Isaiah Wilcox of said 
Westerly  Deponent has no record of said marriage but remembers
that it was when the English had Possession of New Port on the Island
of Rhode Island and their Ships were frequently seen passing &
repassing from her fathers house which was near the sea side
her mark
Ruth X Wilbur

State of Connecticut }
County of New London } On the 13th day off July 1842
Personally appeared Ruth Wilbur who signed the 
foregoing Deposition by affixing her Mark thereto and made
Oath to the truth of the same and I further certify
that I believe the deponent is a person of veracity and
that this her deposition is entitled to full Credit
Said deposition drawn up and Certified
Jirah Kellogg Justice of Peace [signature]
Page 4

State of Connecticut }
New London County } fs I John DeWitt
clerk of the County in and for said
County of New London do hereby Certify
that Jirah Kellogg Esq before whom
the within deposition by Ruth Wilbur
was taken & Sworn was on said 13th day of
July 1842 and Still is a Justice of the 
peace in and for said New London County
and that full faith and Credit are due
to his official Acts as such. In
testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and 
affixed the seal of said
County this 27th day of December
A.D. 1842.
John DeWitt Clerk [signature]
Page 5

State of Connecticut }
County of New London } sc.  
Probate Court, District of Ledyard
April 22d. A.D. 1842.
On this twenty second day of April 1842
personally appeared before me Erastus Williams Judge of the Court of Probate
for the District of Ledgyard in said County of New London, being a Court
of record, and having a Clerk and seal, Sarah Willcox, now a resident
of said Ledgyard, who was before her marriage, Sarah Wilbur, aged
eighty 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 Act of Congrefs, passed July 4th. 1836: That she
is the widow of Robert Willcox, now deceased, who was a private
soldier in the service of his Country in the Revolutionary War;
that is to say, the said Robert Willcox, in his Life time and soon
her marriage with him, and repeatedly afterwards, & she believes
he told her truly, that at the commencement of the Revolutionary 
War, he was enrolled a private soldier in the First Company of 
Militia in the Town of Westerly State of Rhode Island, then commanded
by Capt Joseph Pendleton, and on the promotion of said Joseph
Pendleton, was commanded by Joshua Pendleton, and in the 
Regiment of Col Joseph Noyes, in which Company he continued
to be enrolled to the close of the War of the Revolution; that in the
Fall of the year 1776, he was ordered in said Company to guard
the shores of Narragansett Bay in the Town of South Kingstown,
and that said Company were stationed at a place called Marrow
River, near Boston neck in said Town, where he served three months,
and was discharged some time after the Enemy had taken
possession of the Island of Rhode Island, and he returned to said
Westerly.  The declarant further says, that soon after her marriage
with said Robert Willcox, in the summer of 1777 he, said Robert
Willcox, was ordered in said Company of militia, then commanded
by Capt Joshua Pendleton, on a tour of three months service against
the Enemy, and after an absence of three or Four months, returned
to said Westerly, and informed this declarant that he had been stationed
and had served on Point Judith in said County of Washington.
Page 6

Declarant Further says, that in the summer afterwards (to wit)
in 1778, her said husband, Robert Willcox, served in said Company,
on the Island of Rhode Island in Sullivan’s expeditions so called
a period of one month as she believes. Declarant says Further, that
in 1779 her said husband was again ordered to perform another
tour of service in said Company, against the Enemy, at South Kingstown.
in said County of Washington, and that he was absent on said service
according to her best recollection, from three to Four months, before he again
returned to her in said Westerly, when he told declarant, that he had
served at Green Hill in said South Kingstown. Declarant Further
says, that after her marriage with said Robert Willcox in the spring of 
1777 untill the spring of 1780, her said husband was frequently 
ordered on service in said Company of Militia in cases of Alarm
from the Enemy to defend the Narragansett shore, on which the Enemy
sometimes Landed, and their cruisers often shore Vessels, & that her
said Husband was absent on said services for Fifteen to thirty
days at a time, which in the whole, she declares & verily believes
amounts to at least Four months service: And she refers the department 
to the evidence herewith transmitted as sufficient proof to
entitle her to the receipt of a Pension For her said husband’s services
in the war of the Revolution, which she believes were preformed
in the grade of a private Soldier, and that her said husband, during
said services belonged to said Westerly.  She Further declares, that
she was married to said Robert Willcox at said Westerly, by Elder
Isaiah Willcox, long since deceased, on the ninth day of April
1777, the certificate of her marriage, which she Long kept & preserved,
[insert “is lost”] or destroyed, and she now has no documentary evidence of her
marriage: that they had twelve Children, eleven survived their Father,
(viz) Susan, Robert, Lucy, Hazard, Mary, Benjamin, Jeremiah, Delight,
Charlotte, Sarah, and Nancy; that her husband, the said Robert Willcox
died at Lyme, County of New London and State of Connecticut on
the eleventh day of October 1808; and that she has remained a Widow
ever since that period, as will more Fully appear by refference to the 
proof hereunto annexed.
her
Sarah X Willcox
mark
Page 7

Subscribed in presence of 
Mary Brown
Jed. W. Knight

Sworn to and subscribed on this 22d day of April 1842.
Before me Erastus Williams Judge

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after
the investigation of the matter, that the said Robert Wilcox
was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War, that he died on
the 11th day of October 1808, and that his widow, (the declarant
named in the foregoing declaration,) has remained a 
widow ever since the death of her her [second “her” has a box around it] said husband
and the said Court do certify that the said widow (Sarah
Wilcox) is a credible person — Erastus Williams [signature] Judge

State of Connecticut, }
New London County } fs.    Probate District of Ledyard
April 22d 1842 ~
I Saml W Wood Clerk of the Court of Probate for
the District aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing
and annexed contains that original proceedings
of the said Court in the matter of the application of 
Sarah Wilcox for a pension, and I further certify that 
the signatures, of Erastus Williams Esq Judge of said Court
above written and written to the certificates annexed to the 
depositions of Mary Brown and Susan Brown hereunto
annexed are genuine.
I also certify that the signature of Simeon
Page 8

Thomas Esq. written to the certificates annexed to the deposition
of Daniel Wilbur hereunto [insert “annexed”] is genuine. and that said
Thomas is a Justice of the Peace duly commissioned and
qualified for the County of New London County aforesaid.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto 
set my hand and affixed the seal
of said Court — (annexed interlined above.)
Saml W Wood Clerk [signature]
Page 9

Susan Brown of Ledgyard, County of New London
and State of Connecticut, on oath testifies and says, that she
is the daughter of Robert Willcox, late of Lyme in said County
now deceased; that she is sixty two years of age; that at the time of 
her Fathers death, this deponent lived in said Ledgyard, and was
sent for to see him, as he was very sick; that she arrived at his residence
but a few hours after his death, which occurred on the eleventh day
of October 1808; that deponent attended his Funeral on the second 
day after his death; that he left a widow, Sarah Willcox, who has not
since married, but now remains the widow of said Robert Willcox.
In presence of 
Mary Brown
Jed. W. Knight
her
Susan X Brown
mark

State of Connecticut }
New London County } fs.  Probate of Ledyard
April 22d A.D. 1842,
Personally appeared Susan Brown named in the foregoing
deposition and who subscribed the same by making her cross.
and made oath that said deposition is true ~ and I certify
that she is a credible person and that her testimony is entitled
to credit ~ Erastus Williams Judge [signature]
Page 10

Mary Brown of Ledgyard in the County of new London
and State of Connecticut, on solemn Oath testifies and says that
she is Fifty one years old; that she is the daughter of Robert Willcox
Late of Lyme in said County of New London, now deceased; that she
always Lived in her Father’s Family From her childhood, untill the time
of his death, which deponent well remembers, and her said Father
Robert Willcox, died at said Lyme on the eleventh day of October 
AD 1808. and that his widow, Sarah Willcox, has never since
married, but now remains the widow of said Robert Willcox
Mary Brown [signature]

State of Connecticut }
New London County } fs.  Probate District of Ledyard
April 22d A. D. 1842,
Personally appeared before the subscriber Judge of Probate
for the District aforesaid. Mary Brown above named and
made oath that the foregoing deposition by her subscribed
is true ~ And I certify that she is a credible person
and that her testimony is entitled to credit ~
Erastus Williams Judge [signature]
Page 11

I Daniel Wilber of the Town of Norwich County
of New London late of Connecticut of lawful age under
Oath testifies and says that he is Seventy two years of 
age that he was formerly of Westerly in the State of 
Rhode Island where his Father then lived. that at the commencement
of the Revolutionary War Mr Jeremiah Wilcox lived
on the farm adjoining that of the deponents father. and the
two families were intimate. Deponent further says that he
well remembers that some time in the Spring of 1777 Robert
Wilcox son of said Jeremiah Wilcox was married
to my Sister Sarah Wilber at my Fathers House by Elder
Isaiah Wilcox then the Elder of one of the Baptist Churches
in said Westerly long since deceased and that my
Sisters first Child was born at my Fathers House and that
afterwards said Robert Wilcox removed his wife & went
to housekeeping at a place abount [sp] two miles distant
from my Fathers
Daniel Willbur [sp?] [signature]

State of Connecticut 
New London County fs Norwich april 7 1842  Personally
appeared Daniel Willber the above deponent and
made solemn oath to the truth of the same
I further certify that the deponent is a
person of veracity and that this his deposition is
entitled to credit
Simeon Thomas [signature]
Justice of the Peace
Page 12

No 5583
Sarah Wilcox
R.I.
Act 4 July 36 ~
admit
6 mo —
—————
20 $


of W Knight
Westerly R.I.
Page 13

Jarus Frink formerly of Westerly in the County of
Washington & State of Rhode Island, but now of North Stonington
County of New Lonon [sp] & State of Connecticut, on Oath
deposes and says; that he is Eighty seven years old; that during
the Revolutionary War he was a private Soldier, first in a Company
of Militia Commanded by Capt Josep [sp] Pendleton & afterward
by Capt Joshua Pendleton in Col Joseph Noyes’ Regiment; that
in the Fall of the year 1776 he performed a tour of service in 
said Joseph Pendleton's Company of three months, and was
stationed at a place called marrow River, near Boston Neck
in South Kingstown in said County of Washington; and that
he well remembers that Robert Willcox then of said Westerly
belonged to said Pendleton’s Company, performed service in
said Company at said time & place with this deponent; & that 
they were quartered at the House of Abijah Babcock during
said period of service. and that said Willcox & this deponent
were discharged & returned to said Westerly together 
Jarus Frink [signature]

State of Rhode Island }
Washington County } &c  Westerly January 20th 1842
Personally appeared Jarus Frink who gave & subscribed
the preceeding deposition and made solemn oath to the 
truth of the same. And I certify that said Jarus Frink
is personally known to me & that his testimony is entitled to
to credit
Jed. W. Knight [signature] Justice of the Peace
Page 14

Jedidiah Austin of Westerly, in the County of Washington
and State of Rhode Island, on oath deposes and says; 
that he is eighty years old; that in the spring and fore part
of the summer 1777 he performed a tour of three months service
in Capt. Babcock’s Company of Militia at Point Judith in South
Kingstown, and deponent well remembers that Robert Willcox then
of said Westerly, served at the same time and place in Capt Joshua
Pendleton’s Company of Militia from said Westerly. Deponent further
says that in the month of August 1778 he served with said Willcox
one month on the Island of Rhode Island in Sullivan’s expedition.
so called. And deponent further says, that he, the deponent, and 
the said Robert Willcox performed three months service together on
Green Hill in South Kingston, in the summer of the year 1779, the
deponent at that time served in Capt John Gavit’s Company and
said Robert Willcox in Capt Joshua Pendleton’s Company of 
Militia, Col Joseph Noyes’ Regiment, and that they were 
discaharged, and returned together to said Westerly.~
his
Jedediah X Austin
mark

State of Rhode Island }
Washington County } sc. Westerly January 20th. 1842
Personally appeared Jedediah Austin who gave
and subscribed the preceeding deposition [“by affixing his mark thereto” is inserted] made solemn
oath to the truth of the same. And I certify that said
Austin, the deponent, is personally known to me and
that as a witnefs his testimony is entitled to credit.
Jed. W. Knight Justice of the Peace [signature]
Page 15

the State of Rhode Ifland and
Providence Plantation
Washington fs Clerks office Court of Common
Pleas January 20th AD 1842
Certify that Jehdiah W Knight Esq 
is our Justice of the Peace for the Town
of Westerly in the County & State aforesaid & that
he was Elected at the May Session of the General
Afsembly 1841 and Commissioned by the Governor
of the State and Remains Legally Qualified
to Act as Such and that the within Signatures
purporting to be his are Genuine In testimony
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal
of the Court the Day & Year aforesaid
Matthew Waite Clk [signature]
Page 16

August 4, 1939.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Mrs. Janet B. Fee
75 Smith Avenue
White Plains, New York

BA -J/ady
Robert Willcox
W.18416

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter relative
to Robert Wilcox, a soldier of the Revolutionary
War.

The data contained herein were obtained
from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War
claim for pension, W. 18416, based upon the 
military service in that war of Robert Willcox.

Robert Willcox was the son of Jeremiah
Willcox. The date and place of his birth and the
name of his mother are not shown.

While a resident of Westerly, Rhode Island,
Robert Willcox enlisted in the fall of 1776, and
served three months as private in Captain Joseph
Pendleton’s Company, Colonel Joseph Noye’s Rhode
Island Regiment.  He enlisted in the summer of
1777, and served three months as private in Captain
Joshua Pendleton’s Rhode Island Company. He 
enlisted in August 1778, served one month as private
in Captain Joshua Pendleton’s Rhode Island Company,
and was in Sullivan’s expedition. He enlisted in 
the summer of 1779, and served three months as private
in Captain Joshua Pendleton’s Company, Colonel
Joseph Stanton, Junior’s Rhode Island Regiment. From
the spring of 1777 to the spring of 1780, he served
on alarms, amounting to four months in all, as
private in Captain Joshua Pendleton’s Rhode Island
Company.

He died October 11, 1808, in Lyme, New London
County, Connecticut, his age and the place of his 
burial are not shown.

Soldier married April 9, 1777, Sarah Wilbur.
Page 17

They were married at the home of her father, his
name and the name of her mother not stated, in
Westerly, Rhode Island, by Isaiah Willcox, no 
relationship stated, elder of one of the Baptist
Churches in said Westerly.  Said Isaiah Willcox
died many years prior to 1842.

Solder’s widow, Sarah Willcox, was allowed
pension on her application executed April 22, 1842,
at which time she was aged eighty years and a 
resident of Ledyard, New London County, Connecticut.

Soldier and Sarah had twelve children.  Eleven
children survived their father: Susan, Robert, Lucy,
Hazard, Mary, Benjamin, Jeremiah, Delight, Charlotte,
Sarah and Nancy.  The name of the one child is not 
stated.

In 1842, Susan Brown, daughter of soldier, was
aged sixty-two years, and living in Ledyard, 
Connecticut.  In the same year, Mary Brown, daughter
of soldier, was aged fifty-one years, and residing
in said Ledyard.

In 1842, Ruth Wilbur, aged about seventy-eight
years, was living in East Lyme, New London County,
Connecticut, She was born in Westerly, Washington
County, Rhode Island, and when about eighteen years
old moved with her father’s family to Connecticut.
She was a sister of soldier’s widow, Sarah.  In 1842,
Daniel Wilbur, aged seventy-two years, was residing 
in Norwich, new London County, Connecticut.  He formerly
resided in Westerly, Rhode Island, and was a 
brother of soldier’s widow, Sarah.  There are no further
family data.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of 
pension, the name of person paid and possibly the
death date of widow, you should apply to the Comptroller
General, General Accounting Office, Records Division,
Washington, D.C., and cite the following data:
“Sarah Willcox, widow of Robert Willcox, Certificate No.
3908, issued August 1, 1843, rate $20.00 per annum,
commenced March 4, 1831, Act of July 4, 1836, 
Connecticut Agency”.
Very truly yours
 
G. H. SWEET
Acting Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 18

[illegible]

act 4 July 36
Page 19

Mrs. Sarah Willcox’s
Papers
Page 20

June 28, ‘39.

U. S. Pension Bureau,
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen —
Would you please
give me the record of 
Robert Wilcox b. {1751 or
{1753 in
Rhode Island, wife was
Sarah Wilbur Wilcox. He 
served in Rev. War
from Rhode Island.
Was he in army 
or navy? Records in
Page 21

Providence and Hartford
differ.
Have you a Robert
Wilcox serving with
[“John” is crossed out] Paul Jones on
the “Richard” in
English waters?
Have you a record
of two Robert Wilcox’s
serving in the Rev.
War?
I do so hope you 
can put me straight
on this for it is so
hard to recieve [sp] such
Page 22

Conflicting reports.
Have you a
record of his burial
place, that might help
too?
The one I am
interested in is Robert
Wilcox whose wife 
was Sarah (Wilbur)
Wilcox. Served from 
Rhode Island.
Thank you.
Sincerely.
(Mrs) Janel B. Fee
75 Smith Ave.
White Plains
N.Y.
Page 23

[Left side of document]
1939 Aug; 4 Hist. to Mrs. Janet B.
Fee. AD.y.

[Right side of document]
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 18416
Sarah Willcox
Widow of
Robert Willcox
Pri Rev War
——————
Act: July 4th.. 36
Index:—Vol. M, Page 343
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 24

State of Rhode Island &c}
Washington County } fs.
Town Clerks Office Westerly January 2nd. 1843.
I Jesse Maxson town Clerk of Westerly in the County and State aforesaid 
(now in the 30th year of my Official Capacity) do hereby Certify that I
have made diligent search in the Records in this Office for the Marriage
of Robert Wilcox and Sarah Wilbur and have found none in Relation 
thereto
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand the day and date aforesaid
Jesse Maxson Town Clerk [signature]
Page 25

Hon James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D. C.
Page 26

Westerly R. I. April 28th. 1842
Sir,
Herewith I forward the application of Sarah
Willcox for a Pension, and shall be glad to hear from
you as soon as convenient 
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Sert
Jed. W. Knight [signature]

Hon James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 27

Westerly R. I. Jan 2nd. 1843.

Sir

Your favor of 3d. day Last relating to the application
of Mrs. Sarah Willcox was duly received, but owing to 
previous engagements, I have been unable to attend to it before.
Mrs. Willcox forwarded to me some time since, the Deposition
of her sister, Ruth Wilbur, relating to her Marriage, which,
with the Certificate of the Town Clerk of this Town, where
Mrs. Willcox formerly resided and was married are now
forwarded. ~
Mr. Jedediah Austin has Lately 
requested me to draw a supplemental Declaration for a
renewal of his Pension, which, with his original Certificate
are also forwarded, and is hoped will prove satisfactory
to the Department.
Very Respectfully
Your obt. Sert
Jed. W. Knight

Hon. James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 28

Paul Babcock of Westerly in the County of Washington
and State of Rhode Island, on Oath testifies and says,
that he is [“seventy nine” is crossed out] eighty three years old; that he was formerly acquainted
with James Frink formerly of said Westerly but Late of
North Stonington in the State of Connecticut; that in the Fall of 
the year 1776 deponent was a member of a Company of Militia in the
Town of Westerly commanded by Capt George Stillman, and was
stationed on Boston neck in South Kingstown together with said Company
in the service of the United States, and at the same time the
company of militia of said Westerly commanded by Capt Joseph
Pendleton was stationed in said service at narrow River within
about half a mile of where deponent was stationed; and deponent 
well remembers said James Frink was then in service in [“said” inserted] Pendleton’s
Company as a private soldier, how long said Frink continued
in said service, dependent does not know, nor does he know, or believe
said Frink ever applied for, or received a pension for military
services
The words “eighty three” interlined before signing,
his
Paul X Babcock
mark 

State of Rhode Island }
Washington County } ss. on the May 31. 1843 Personally 
appeared Paul Babcock Esq. signer of the preceeding deposition
and made solemn oath to the truth of the same.  I further certify
that the said deponent is a person of veracity, and that his testimony
is entitled to credit. ~
Jed. W. Knight Justice of the Peace [signature]
Page 29

Hon James L. Edwards
Washington
D. C.
Page 30

Westerly R. I. June 6. 1843

Sir,

In conformity with the requirement in your letter
of the 23d. Last February, in case Mrs Sarah Willcox, the certificate
of the Secretary of State of Rhode Island, showing the appointments
of the Officers under whom she claims her husband, Robert Willcox,
served is Forwarded.  On inquiry I do not Learn that Janes Frink
one of Mrs Willcox’s witnefses, ever applied For a Pension, although he
he performed service in the Revolutionary War, and to show he performed
the service stated in his deposition For Mrs. Willcox, I have taken
the deposition of Paul Babcock Esq. who lived in the same Town
with Frink at the time, though belonging to another company.
The papers of relating to Jedediah Austin’s services were
forwarded a few days ago, by which it is believed his testimony to the 
services of Mr. Willcox will be established, and shall be glad
to hear from you at the earliest convenience
With true Respect
Your most Obt. Sert
Jed. W. Knight

Hon James L. Edwards
Page 31

State of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations.

Secretary’s office May 20. 1843.

I Henry Bowen, Secretary of 
Said State and Keeper of the 
Records and the Seal thereof,
Do Certify that at the session of the General
Assembly of said State in May seventeen hundred
seventy six (1776) Joseph Pendleton was elected
Captain of the First Company of Militia in the 
Town of Westerly (Noyes Regt.) for one year:
That in May seventeen hundred seventy seven
(1777) Joshua Pendleton was elected Captain 
of said Company, and as continued until 
May seventeen hundred & eighty. (1780) and 
that in May 1779. Joseph Stanton Jr. was
elected Colonel of said Regiment: as appears
of record. 
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and 
affixed the Seal of said State at Providence
the day and year first above written
Henry Bowen