Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 21,652, Aaron Bourne, R.I.
Page 1

service   Bourne, Aaron  S.21,652
Page 2

[very torn up and blackened]

Rhode Island
27185  Aaron Bourne
of Washington in the State of R I
who was a private in the Comp'y commanded by Captain Lawless of the Reg't. commanded by Colonel. Crary in the R. I. line for 24 months
private

Inscribed on the Roll of R. I.
at the rate of 80 Dollars fifty Cents pe
to commence on the 4th March 183

Certificate of Pension issued the 17th day of 
1832 and Sent to Hon. Tristan Bergess H. R.

Arrears to Sept 183 $20.
Semi-anl. allowance ending 

died 1839
Page 3

State of Rhode Island
County of Bristol ] Ss.
On this 7th day of October 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the judges or justices of the Court of Probate of Bristol in the County of Bristol, a Court of record, now sitting, Nathaniel G. Bourne of s'd Bristol, only son of Aaron Bourne resident of s'd Bristol, aged Seventy Eight years who is now non compos mentis, and unable from loss of memory, to make his declaration in Court, and said Nathaniel G. Bourne being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, for his said Father Aaron Bourne, in order to obtain for said Aaron, the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832.
That said Aaron entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
In the month of June 1775 said Aaron entered as a volunteer into Capt. Martindale's Company in Col. Church's regiment of the Rhode Island state Troops then encamped at Prospect Hill, near Boston - he went from Bristol, at that time, and joined the Army at Prospect Hill as a private for eight months - he s'd Aaron a short time afterwards was taken from the ranks of s'd Company and arranged into the Commissary department and was ordered back to Bristol and was put under Capt. Stephen Smith, where he baked and forwarded on weekly the bread for said Col. Church's Regiment, to which he belonged - he served in this service till January 1776 when he was discharged at said Bristol. - 
In December 1776, said Aaron enlisted at said Bristol under Capt. Smith, in Col. Crary's Regiment of the Rhode Island state line, a a private for fifteen months, and when his time was out, enlisted again in the same Regiment and was quartered in said Bristol on Rhode Island, and Howlands ferry at Tiverton untill the month of March 1780, when he was discharged from the service at said Bristol - during the time aforesaid s'd Aaron was occasionally taken from the ranks and baked for the Regiments.
I, the said Nathaniel G. Bourne, have many times heard my Father s'd Aaroon Bourne, before he lost his reason and memory, and when he was rational, relate his services and sufferings during the Revolutionary War - I have heard him say that in the Month of June 1775, he with some others, went from this town of Bristol to Prospect hill near Boston, and there entered as a volunteer into Capt. Martindale's Company in Col. Church's Regt. of the Rhode Island state troops, as a
Page 4

private for eight months - That in s'd Company he staid but a short time when he was by his commanding officers detached from the Company and ordered back to Bristol and put under the command of Capt Smith to bake bread for the Reg't, and that he was thus engaged on duty as long as the company to which he belonged were in the service which was until Jan 7 1776 when he was discharged at Bristol - That in December 1776 he enlisted at said Bristol into Col Crary's Reg't of the Rhode Island State line for fifteen months as a private, in Cape. Lawless' company - when his time was out he enlisted again in said State service in the same Company and Regiment and continued therein till March 1780 when he was discharged at Bristol - That during this time he was sometimes taken from the ranks and was put under Capt Smith of the Commissary Department to bake for the Regiment - that whenever he was ordered into the Bake house to bake bread for the Regiment as aforesaid, he always kept his gun, cartridge box, and bayonet, in one corner of the house or place where he baked, by order of the Colonel, so that that he could take them at any moment of alarm, by night or by day - That these services were performed with said Regiment in Bristol in Rhode Island and at Howlands ferry ie Tiverton - I have heard said Aaron tell of his being in Sullivan's Expedition in Aug't 1778, he was in the Battle - and ment incidents that occurred during the time aforesaid when he was in the service
And I said Nathaniel G. Bourne, on solemn oath declare that from what I have heard my said Father Aaron Bourne, often relate heretofore, and before he lost his reason and memory, s'd Aaron served in the War of the Revolution, in the manner aforesaid, eight months as a private, in Col. Church's Reg't of the R. Island line, and in Col. Cary's Reg't of the same line from December 1776 to March 1780 being three years and three months, as a private, making in all three years and eleven months service, for which he claims a pension for the said Aaron : And said Nathaniel further declares that he verily believes the foregoing statement to be just and true -
And said Nathaniel further declares that his said Father Aaron Bourne, was born in s'd Bristol on the 24th day of March 1755 and that he hath no records of his age - That said Aaron always lived in said Bristol and not elsewhere, where he now resides, that he never received any written discharge from any of said services, but was verbally discharged, and that s'd Aaron has no documentary
Page 5

evidence of said Service - that besides the accompanying depositions he refers to te Rev. Henry Wight and Isaac Manchester Esq who are his neighbours & citizens of Sd. town of Bristol, who testify to the character of sd. Nath G. Bourne, and to their belief that sd. Aaron was a soldier of the Revolutions- And said Nathaniel further declares that said Aaron, [illegible] now, and has been, for the term of three years last past, incapable of making his declaration in Court, by reason of a loss of his reason and memory - 
And said Nathaniel, hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension for sd. Aaron except the present, and declares that sd. Aaron's name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
N. G. Bourne [signature]
[flourish]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Wm. Throop Clk. of Probate

We Henry Wight and Isaac Manchester residing in sd. Bristol, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with sd. Aaron Boune, who is now non compos mentis, that we believe him to be seventy eight years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Henry Wight [signature]
Isaac Manchester [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed the the day and year aforesaid } 
Wm. Throop Clk of Probate.

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after puting the interrogatories, prescibed by the war Department, that the aforenamed Aaron Bourne was a revolutionary soldier and served as is stated, And the Court further certify, that it appears to them, that Rev. Henry Wight & Isaac Manchester who have signed the preceding certificate are residents in sd. Bristol, and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Wm. Throop Clk of Probate. [signature]

I, William Throop, Clerk of the Court of Probate in said Bristol, a Court of Record, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court, in the matter of the application of N. G. Bourn, in behalf of Aaron Bourne foe a pension. - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this 7th day of October, 1833, and of American Independence the fifty eighth - 
[seal]
Wm. Throop Clk of Probate -
Page 6

Revolutionary War Records Section.   3-525
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions.
S.F. 21652  Washinton, D. C.,  19___
In reply to your request of ___, received ___ for a statement of the military history of Aaron Bourne a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (son's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment. / Length of Service. / Rank. / Officers under whom service was rendered. Caption. / Colonel. / State.
June 1775 / Jan'y 1776 / Pvt. / {Sion Martindale Stephen Smith / Church / R. I. 
Dec. 1776 / 15 mos. /   / William Throop Smith & Lawless / Crary /    
Reinlisted Mch. 1780  Throop

Battles engaged in, Rhode Island
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Bristol Rhode Island
Date of application for pension, of son Nathaniel G.: Oct. 7. 1833.
Residence at date of application, of son Nathaniel G.: Bristol Bristol Co. R. I.
Age at date of application {Soldier was born Mch. 24 1755 at Bristol R. I. died in 1839.
Remarks : {from A. B. There is no data on file as to his family other than that Nathaniel Bourne G. was his only Son.
Respectfully, Commissioner.
Page 7

28934
[underline]
Petitions

Gifford & Bourn
for his father Aaron Bourne
X Washington
R I.

Admitted 
2 years private -
Cap Lauless Colo. Crary

Hon. T. Barges
Page 8

I Edward Monroe of Bristol in the County of Bristol and State of Rhode Island of lawful age, being duly sworn depose, and say - That I have ever been acquainted with Aaron Bourne of this town, who is now an applicant for a pension - we have always lived in this town close to each other - 
In the time of the Revolutionary War, in the year 1776 before the English came to Rhode Island, said Bourne was a soldier in the Militia company of this town, then under the command of Capt. William Throop - In December 1776 when the english took Newport, said Bourne was in the state line in Col. Learys [?] Regiment, and continued in said service till after the English left Rhode Island late in the fall of 1779 - In the year 1780, and after the English left Newport said Bourne was again in the militia company of sd. Bristol under Capt. Throop - I am unable to state precisely the time sd. Bourne was a soldier in sd. regiment in the state service, but from my best recollection, think it was for two years and an half at least. When he was in the state service he was employed sometimes a [illegible] for his Regiment - 
I further Saynot - 
Edward his X mark Munro 

State of Rhode Island Sc. Bristol Sc at Bristol Oct: 7th 1833 - Personally came Edward Munro the above named Deponant, and made solemn oath to the truth of his aforegoing Deposition, and subscribed the same before me. - and I further certify that said Deponant is personally known to me and sustains a good character for truth and veracity.
Wm. Throop, Justice, Court C. Pleas -
Page 9

I Nelson Miller of Bristol in the County of Bristol and State of Rhode Island Lc., aged seventy eight years and upwards, being duly sworn, depose, That I have been a long time acquaint with Aaron Bourne of sd Bristol, who is now an applicant for a pension under the late act of congress, we have lived near neighbours to each other from our childhoods.
Immediately after the Battle of Lexington in the spring of 1775, I enlisted into Capt. Leon Martendales Company in Col. Church's Regt for 8 months, and was marched to the vicinity of Boston, where we staid till Jany 1776 - the service was for eight months, Soon after we arrived at Boston, Said Bourne joined our company as a volunteer I think, he was in the company, but a short time when he was detached, (and being a baker by trade) was ordered to bake for the Regiment - Said Bourne was put under Capt Stephen Smith of Bristol, and during all the time we were at Boston, said Bourne baked for our Said Company and Regiment, and we received it weekly, by W. Simon Burr then of Bristol.
In Jany 1977 on my return home from the [illegible] out of Col. Lippetto regt to which I had belonged. I found Said Bourne in Col [illegible] regt. of the State line, and engaged when not on duty as a private in the ranks, a baking, under Capt Stephen Smith, for the dRegiment, - I then enlisted into sd. Regiment for fifteen months as a drum major, duringt all of this time said Bourned was in the Public Service as a private soldier, and either on duty in the ranks, or in baking for the Regiment. P. dBourn was in said Regiment as long as Bristol was a garrisoned town, and until after the enemy evacuated Rhode Island in Novr. 1779 - I am unable to state the precise length of time said Bourne was in the service, but from my knowledge of the facts, think he served not less than three years in the public service - the further saith not -
Nelson Miller [signature] 

State of Rhode Island Lc. Bristol Se at Bristol Oct 7th 1833 - Personally came Nelson Miller the abovenamed deponant and made solemn oath to the truth of his aforegoing deposition, and subscribed the  same, before me.
And I also further certify that said deponant is personally known to me and sustains a good character for truth and veracity.
Wm. Throop Justice Court Common Pleas-
Page 10

I, Royal Sanford of Bristol, in the County of Bristol of lawful age, on solemn oath depose, that I have always been acquainted with Aaron Bourne of this Town who is now non compos mentis, now an applicant for a pension. We have always lived in this town, and neighbours to each other.
At the commencement of the Revolutionary War, and in the year 1776, he belonged to the Militia company of this town, under Capt Wm Throop, but in December of that year, when our regular services began., in the Militia, said Bourne was in the State Line, and I think in Col. Crary's Regiment, and continued in said service till after the enemy evacuated Rhode Island in Nov. 1779 - 
In the year 1780, and after he was discharged from Col. Crary's regiment of the State line he was again in Capt. Throop's company of Militia of said Bristol.
During the time he belonged to the State Troops he was occasionally employed as a Baker and baked for his regiment
Royal Sanford [signature]

State of Rhode Island Lc. Bristol Sc} At Bristol Oct. 7th 1833-
Personally came Royal Sanford the above named Deponant, and made solemn oath to the truth of his aforegoing Deposition and subscribed the same before me.
And I further certify that said Deponant is personally well known to me, and sustains a good character, for truth and veracity.
Wm. Throop Justice Court C. Pleas-
Page 11

WE the undersigned citizens, resident of Bristol, in the County of Bristol and State of Rhode Island, of Lawful age, on solemn oath depose and say - that we have been many years acquainted with Aaron Bourne of said Bristol, who is now an applicant for a pension under the late act of Congress - We have uniformly understood that said Bourne was in the public service, during much of the Revolutionary was in the Rhode Island State service - and particularly during the three years the Enemy held the neighbouring island of Rhode Island - and from our knowledge of the man we have not doubt whatever of the fact - We further state, that he has always been considered a very worthy man, and a firm Patriot and good soldier in the revolutionary war - said Bourne has been for a few years past, and is now incapable of making a statement of his services, by reason of the loss of his reason and memory. 
Jonathan Fals [signature]
John D Wolf. [signature]
Tho Church [signature]
Allen Wordwell [signature]
Wm Pearse [signature]
Daniel Ingraham [signature]

State of Rhode Island Lc. Bristol Sc} At Bristol Nov. 8th 1833 - Personally came Jonathan Fales, John D Wolf, Thos. Church Nathaniel Ingraham Allen Wardwell, Wm. Pearse 2d and Daniel Ingraham, the above named deponants, and severally do solemn oath to the truth of the aforegoing deposition and  and also severally subscribed the same, before me.
And I also further certify that each of said deponants are personally known to me, and that they (each one) sustain good character for truth and veracity.
Wm. Throop Justice Court C. Pleas.
Page 12

I David Maxfield of Bristol in the County of Bristol and State of Rhode Island, aged seventy seven years and upwards, on solemn oath depose - That I have always been acquainted with Aaron Bourne of said Bristol, who is now an applicant for a pension under the late act of Congress - In the year 1777 and a part of 1778 I belonged to the Regiment of Col. Crary of the rhode Island state line, in the fifteen months service  - at this time said Aaron Bourne was a soldier in said regiment in the state line - he was a baker by trade, and was taken sometime to bake for the regiments in said Bourne continues in said regiment after I left it in March 1778 - Afterward I was quartered in Bristol under Major Stagg, of the artillery and said Bourne was still in said Regiment a soldier - in whose company I do not certainly remember but I believe in Capt. Lawless - I do not know how long sd. Bourne was in the service, after I went away to the westwards, but have understood from him, and others that he was in this state service, till after the Enemy left the Island of Rhode Islands - I further say that sd. Bourn was at that time a great whig, and a good soldier - I further say not - 
David maxfield [signature]

State of Rhode Island Lc. Bristol Sc.} Bristol Oct. 7th 1833 Personally came David Maxfield the abovenamed deponant and made solemn oath to the truth of his aforegoing deposition and subscribed the same before me.
And I further certify that said deponant is personally known to me, and sustains a good character for truth and veracity.
Wm. Throop Justice Court C. Pleas.
State of Rhode Island Lc. Clerk's office, Court of Common Pleas County of Bristol.
I hereby certify that Wm. Throop, whose signature is affixed in his own proper hand writing, to the taking of the aforegoing depositions of Edward Munro, Nelson Miller, Royal Sanford. the general deposition of Jonathan Fales John D Wolf Tho' Church, Nathaniel Ingraham allen Wardwill, Wm. Pearse 2d, and Daniel Ingraham: and to the deposition
Page 13

of David Maxfield, was at the time and is now Chief Justice of the Court foresaid, duly commissioned under the seal of said State, and engaged thereon according to Law; In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of our said Court this eighth day of November, in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirty three. and of American Independence the fifty eighth -
[seal smudge]
Wm J Bradford Clk.
Page 14

State of Rhode Island Lc
Bristol Sc. 
Probate Office, at Bristol in said County 
February 7th 1834. 
I, Wm. Throop Clerk of said Court of Probate hereby certify that Nathaniel G. Bourn, has by said Court of Probate, appointed Guardian of the person and estate of Aaron Bourn of said Bristol, Non compos mentis, for whom application has been made for a pension, for military services in the War of the Revolution under the Act of June 7th 1832. - and that the said Nathaniel G. Bourn is at this time legally authorized to act in his said capacity, as appears of Record in this Office, and I further certify that the said Aaron Bourn, is at this time living.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at said Bristol the day and year abovewritten.
Wm. Throop Prob. Clk
[seal]
Page 15

John Cross Esq
Bristol
Page 16

War Department
Pension Office
Dec 26, 1833

Sir
I herewith return the documents in support of the claim of Aaron Bourne and have the honor to state that before a final decision can be had in his case the name of the person who has the charge of the claimant as well as his personal property must be made known to this Department, as the payments will be directed to be made to him. The clerk of the Court must certify that he has been legally appointed guardian of the non compos {illegible]
I have the honor to be Very Respectfully  yr. mo. [illegible]
J. L. Edwards

Hon J. Burges
House of Representatives 
[swirl mark]
Page 17

[Two pages]
[Left page]
[rotate page] Revolution
21652
INVALID.
[separator line]
File No. 21,652
Aaron Bourne
[illegible] Rev War
[separator line]
Act: June 7" 32"
Index: - Vol. 2, Page 44
(Arrangement of 1870)

[Right page]
1919 June 19 Hist. to Mrs. H. S. Grieg
Page 18

Rev Sec

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION OKOMANPADO CHAPTER ESTHERVILLE IOWA

U. S. Comm. of Pensions -
Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir: -
If possible please send me information on Revolutionary War services of Capt. Abigah Merril of Conn. please give me the name of his children.
Also of Isaac Esleck of R. I. he was Commander of the Sloop Revenge. And of Aaron Bourn - form 1757

[post stamp]
U S PENSION  [ILLEGIBLE]
F JUN 7 1919
Page 19

At Bristol R. I. 

Any information you can give me in regard to these three men will be greatly appreciated.
Very truly
Mrs. H S. Greig
Estherville Iowa
June 3 1919