Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 17346, Elezar Clark, Continental R.I.
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Service Continental R.I.
Clark, Elezar or Eleazer
Number S 17346
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4281
Rhode Island
Eleazer Clark of Providence in the State of R.I. who was a private in the company commanded by Captain ____ of the regt commanded by Col Stitcher in the R.I. line for 1 year 10 mos 15 days

Inscribed on the Roll of R.I. at the rate of 74 Dollars 94 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 17th day of Jany 1833 and sent Benjn Cowel Providence R.I.

Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 $112.48
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 33 $37.49
$149.97

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by J.F. McBlair Clerk,
Book [illegible] Vol 3 [illegible] Page 106

Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6th April 1838, from 4 March to 4 Sep 1840. Agt notified 13 July 1841.

D. June 27, 1842
Agency book
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13.148
Eleasar Clarks
Decr

Eleasar Clark
F. Decr
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United States of America.
Rhode-Island District, sc.
County of Providence
On this 7 day of Aug A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court, being a special District Court of the United States within and for said District, now in session, Eleazar Clark a resident of Glocester in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged 75 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832, viz.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. I Eleazar Clark aforesaid do not know when I was born from any Record. As I have never had any, but I have always understood I was born in 1756. I was born in Glocester, thence I removed to Cranston at 7 years of age, and after remaining then 9 years. Thence to Providence for six months, Thence to Cranston where I was, when I enlisted. After the war I went to Glocester where I have lived ever since. I listed for eight months in May 1775 in Jeremiah Olney's Company and Col. Hitchcock's Regiment and did actual service during the whole time. I joined the company at Providence, from thence I was marched to Jamaica Plains and staid there till about the first of July. Thence I was marched to Prospect Hill and staid there till the last of Dec when my enlistment expired. After this, immediately after, I enlisted for one year in the same company under the same Captain and Colonel, and after remaining at Prospect Hill till the last of March 1776, I was marched to New York. I stayed a few days at Providence, a few days at Norwith [Norwich], a few days at New London, and we took shipping and went to New York, and stayed in New York, three weeks. I then went to Long Island and was in the Fort during the engagement. Then we retreated into New York, and after staying here a week or ten days, I went to Haerlem, and after a stay of about a fortnight here, I went to Haerlem Heights. Thence I went into Jersey, among the sick, and was there about three weeks. Upon recovering, I went to a place called English neighbourhood, and then stayed till the first of January, at which time my enlistment expired. I served one month at Peekskill
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Then we retreated into New York, and after staying here a week or ten days, I went to Haerlem, and after a stay of about a fortnight here, I went to Haerlem Heights. Then I went into Jersey, among the sick and was there about three weeks. Upon recovering, I went to a place called English neighbourhood and then stayed till the first of January, at which time my enlistment expired. I served one month at Peekskill, guarding prisoners and provisions and boating wood across North River. This ended my enlisted service. Making in all twenty one months.
 In '77 ^ June I was drafted to go to Warwick under Capt Frederic William's of Cranston and stayed about 16 day. In the same year, Sep or Oct, I was drafted to go to Providence under Capt Keene, and stayed about 16 days. In 1778, June I went as a substitute for Sion Arnold of Warwick, under Capt Lippit to [illegible] and stayed there about 20 days. In 1778 Aug, I was drafted to go on Sullivan's Expedition, under Capt Job Randal and went to Warwick neck. Thence to Rhode Island, and stayed there 15 or 20 days. In 1780 Aug. I was drafted to go to New Port under Capt Thomas Wood and William Arnold Lieutenent, and stayed there 15 or 20 days. This in all making two months and a half service, besides my twenty one months enlisted service. Total 23 months & a half.

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Elezar Clark

Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid,
Attest B Cowell

We, ____ a Clergyman, residing in the ____ and ____ residing in ____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with ____ who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be ____ years of age, that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
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went to Warwick neck. Thence to Rhode Island and stayed there 15 or 20 days. In 1780 Aug. I was drafted to go to New Port under Capt Thomas Wood and William Arnold Lieutenant and stayed there 15 or 20 days. This in all making two months and a half service. Besides my twenty one months enlisted service - total 23 months & a half.

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Elezar Clark

Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid,
Attest B Cowell

We, ____ a Clergyman, residing in the ____ and ____ residing in ____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with ____ who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be ____ years of age, that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Jess Tourtellot & Holliman Potter & William Arnold who have testified for the declarant are resident as they state and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I, Benjamin Cowell, Clerk of said District Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Eleazer Clark for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this third day of October AD 1832
Benja Cowell Clk.
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No 13148
Eleazer Clark
Private
1 year 10 mos & 15 days
Ad
$74.99

Benja Cowell Esqr.
Providence R.I
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Brief in the case of Eleazer Clark of the County of Providence in the State of R. Island
(Act 7 June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 75 years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period. In 1775 May
Duration of Service. 8 months
Rank. Private
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Col. Hitchcock, Capt. Olney

Period. 76
Duration of Service. 1 year 9 months
Rank. Private
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Col. Hitchcock, Capt. Olney

Period. 77 June to 80 Augt.
Duration of Service. 2 months, 15 days
Rank. Drafted
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Capt. Williams, Keene, Lippit, Randal, Wood

5. In what battles was he engaged? none
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Cranston
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Depositions
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? No Clergyman's Certificate

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

Sevin Belt, Examining Clerk.
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July 12, 1935.
BA-J/ILL
Elezar Clark
S. 17346
Mrs. A.C. Rippier
413 34 Street
Brooklyn, New York.
Dear Madam:
The data which follow regarding Elezar Clark are found in the papers on file in pension claim, S. 17346, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
Elezar Clark was born in the year 1756 in Gloucester, Rhode Island; the day of his birth and names of his parents are not known. At the age of seven years, he moved from Gloucester to Cranston, Rhode Island, where he remained until nine years of age, thence to Providence for six months, then back to Cranston, where he resided during the Revolutionary War.
He enlisted sometime in May 1775, and served eight months as private in Captain Jeremiah Olney's company, Colonel Daniel Hitchcock's Rhode Island regiment; immediately after this, he re-enlisted and served one year under the same officers, during which he was in he battle of Long Island. He then served one month at Peekskill, guarding prisoners and supplies. He served on other short tours in the Rhode Island troops, amounting in all to two and one half months, shown as follow: in June 1777 under Captain Frederick Williams and in the fall of that year under Captain Keene; in June 1778 in Captain Lippit's company, and on Sullivan's Expedition in August in Captain Job Randal's company; and in August 1780, in Captain Thomas Wood's company of artillery.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 7, 1833, at which time he resided in Gloucester, Providence County, Rhode Island. The soldier made no reference to wife or children.
He died June 27, 1843.
Very truly yours,
A. D. Hillier,
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

This sig. Elezar both Mrs. Finch & Miss Ford (I thought there was an extra letter, possibly Eleazar)
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July 12, 1935.
BA-J/ILL
Elezar Clark
S. 17346
James Reynolds
W. 23057
Mrs. A. C. Rippier
413 34 Street
Brooklyn, New York.
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Captain Eleazar Clark, born January 1, 1757, whose wife was Sibel or Sybel Reynolds, and James Reynolds who was born July 14, 1754 and died April 6, 1835 in Gloucester, Rhode Island.
A search of the Revolutionary War records has been made and no claim for pension or bounty land found based upon service of an Eleazar Clark in which it is shown that he served as a captain and had a wife, Sibel or Sybel. The record of one Elezar Clark has been found of Gloucester, Rhode Island; his record if furnished you herewith as it may be of interest to you. The record of James Reynolds is furnished also.
Very truly yours,
A. D. Hiller,
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
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In reply to your request of ____, received ____ for a statement of the military history of Eleazar Clark, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will find below the desired information as contained in his application for pension on file in this Bureau.
S. File 17346

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment. May 1775
Length of Service. 21 Mos.
Rank.
Officers under whom service was rendered. Captain Jeremiah Olney, Colonel Daniel Hitchcock
State. R.I.

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment. June 1777
Length of Service. 16 days
Rank.
Officers under whom service was rendered. Captain Frederick Williams, Colonel Daniel Hitchcock

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment. Sept or Oct 1777
Length of Service. 16 days
Rank.
Officers under whom service was rendered. Captain Keene, Colonel Daniel Hitchcock

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment. June 1778
Length of Service. 20 days
Rank.
Officers under whom service was rendered. Captain Lippit, Colonel Daniel Hitchcock

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment. Aug. 1778
Length of Service. 15 or 20 days
Rank.
Officers under whom service was rendered. Captain Job Randal, Colonel Daniel Hitchcock

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment. Aug. 1780
Length of Service. 15 or 20 days
Rank.
Officers under whom service was rendered. Captain Thomas Wood artillery Co., Colonel Daniel Hitchcock

Battles engaged in, Long Island
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Cranston, R.I.
Date of application for pension, Aug 7, 1832
Residence at date of application, Gloucester, R.I.
Age at date of application, born in 1756 at Gloucester, R.I.
Remarks: His claim was alld [allowed]. He died June 27, 1843. No family data.
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The Reynolds Family Association
413 Third Street
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mrs. A. C. Rippier, Sec'y and Treas.
June 25, 1935
The Bureau of Pensions,
The Commissioner,
Honorable Sir:
May I have a copy of the record of service of a James Reynolds, b. July 14, 1754, who served in Capt. Clift's Co., Col Wyllys' Conn. Regiment. Enlisted April 5, 1777. Died Glocester, R.I. April 6, 1835. Also that of his brother-in-law Eleazer Clark, (his wife was Sibel or Sybel Reynolds, a sister to James, above and David and Jacob Jr., these last two I have their records).
Capt. Eleazer Clark was born Jan. 1, 1757 and was a pensioner. As these two records are needed in a record I am compiling.
Appreciating this courtesy
Most Sincerely
Mrs. A. C. Rippier
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23 Williams St., New London, Conn.,
Jan. 29, 1912.
Dept. of the Interior, Washington D.C.
Bureau of War Records
Dear Sir: S 17346
Will you do me the kindness of sending to me the Revolutionary War Record of Eleazar Clark of Gloucester, R.I., and greatly oblige.
Yours very truly,
Olive Clark Tilden
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Pension Office U.S. Apr 8 1909
own ect
To the Commisioner of Pensions
Pension Beaureau
Washington D.C.
Could you give me any information on the following subject. I wish to know if this Eleazer Clark was a native of Glouscester R.I. and if he was ever an officer. The following item I coppy from the Clark Geneology.
"Eleazer Clark was private in Capt Olneys 4th company in Col Danneil Hitchcocks regiment in the army of observation during 1776. His name appears on Rhode Island War Pension roll of 1835 as private in
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in Rhode Island Continental line of Providence County. Placed on Pension roll 17th Jan 1833. Commenced 4th March 1931. Aged 77 years."
I do not know whether that was his age at his death or at time of pension. Have written it as I found it.
Now the one I have in mind was an ancestor, a native of Gloscester R.I. I think. At least there he is burried on the farm where lived. A marble stone markes the grave with the name of "Capt Eleazar Clark" but the dates I have forgotten, but have always known he was a revolutionary soldier and now am looking this matter up
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in the interest of the D.A.R. "Daughter of the American Revolution". Any information you can kindly give will be Gratefully Received by
Mrs. M. E. Jenckes
Saylesville R.I.
R.F.D.
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Oak Park, Ill.
Mar. 22, 1912.
J. L. Davenport
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,
Will you please send me a transcript of the record of service of ancestor Eleazer Clark who applied for a pension for service in Rev. War Aug 7, 1832. Pension claim was allowed.
I am making out my record to join the D.A.R.
Sincerely,
Sara Lou Hughes
224 So. Scoville Ave.
Oak Park, Ill.
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Own Ecr   I 17346
[stamp] War & Navy Files May 5 1905
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir
Your communication at hand some days since regarding the milatery [military] record and identity of the Rev. soldier Eleazer Clark. It was very satisfactory.
With many thanks
am Yours Truly
M.E. Jenckes
Saylesville, R.I. Apr 30, 1905
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17.346
INVALID.
File No. 17346
Eleazer Clark
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7 32
Index: Vol. 1, Page 431
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Apl. 17, 1905 - His to Mrs. M.E. Jenckes
Saylesville, R.I.
1912 Feb. 8 Hist. to Mrs. Olive Clark Tilden C
1912 Mar 30. Sara Low Hughes
1935 July 12 - Hist to Mrs. A.C. Rippier - ILL.
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No. 13.148
Eleazer Clark
Benjn Cowell Esqr.
Providence R.I.
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Brief objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Eleazer Clark which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides: yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes
V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout of pension he is entitled? yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes
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2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? no
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? no
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. +If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? yes
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes
XVI. ++Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes

Explanatory Notes.
*Quere V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For ___ year ____ months and ____ days, I served as a ____; and for such service I claim a pension."
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3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.

+Quere XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
++Quere XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
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I, Jessee Turtelot late Judge of Common Pleas of RI on oath do say, that I have been acquainted with Eleazar Clark for more than thirty years and believe him to be a man of strict veracity. I believe him, also, to be seventy five years old and know, he is reputed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to be a soldier, of the revolution. 
Jesse Tourtellot

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. On the 7th of Aug A.D. 1832 personally appeared before me the above named Jessee Tourtellot and made oath that the facts above stated were just and true.
Before me George Felean Notary Public
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I Holliman Potter of Cranston in the County of Providence, on oath do say - That Eleaser Clark of Glocester in 1775, in the Month of May enlisted in Capt Jeremiah Olneys company, and Col Daniel Hitchcocks regiment, and served in it for 8 months until the 1st day of Jan 1776. I was orderly  Sergeant in the Company - and I do further say - after this, he enlisted in the same Company and under the same officers - as to Capt and Col - for twelve months and served the whole time therein - and I do further say, That I have known Mr Clark for 50 years and know, him to be of strict veracity and good character.
  Holliman Potter

Providence - R.I. Aug 7 1832
On the day and year last aforesaid Personally appeared before me the above named Holliman Potter and made oath that the facts therein stated were just and  correct
  George Felean
  Notary Public
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I Andrew Stone of Burrilville in the County
of Providence State of Rhode Island & being
duly sworn on oath do testify & say that I was a
soldier in the revolutionary war & am now an
applicant for a pension under the act of June
1832. I further say that I was a soldier in Capn Garzia's Company Col Elliotts regiment R. I. State Artillery - from March 1778 to August 1778
I was with the troops on Rhode Island under
Gen Sullivan in August 1778. I further say
that I well know Eleazer Clark of Gloucester
in said County & have known  him from
boyhood. I saw him as a soldier in Captain
Job Randalls Company R.I. Militia with the
troops in the aforesaid expedition. & saw him
as such frequently during the stay of the
troops on the island.
Andrew Stone
State of Rhode Island & Providence Ss

In Gloucester this third day of
September 1832 before me personally appeared
Andrew  Stone who is known to me & who being
duly Sworn on oath say, that the foregoing
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deposition by him signed is just & true in all its parts. I further certify that the said Stone is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit.
Attest Ira P. Evans, Justice C.C. Pleas

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations, 
Providence ss. Clerks Office of the Supreme Judicial Court for said county of Providence
October 4, 1832
I, the undersigned clerk of said court for said county do hereby certify that Hon. Ira P. Evans whose name is above written in his proper hand writing was on the third day of September 1832 & is now one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas of this county duly appointed & sworn which said Court of Common Pleas is a Court of Record; and that full faith & credit are due to the official attestations of the said Ira P. Evans in his said capacity.
In Witness whereof I hereunto set my hand & affix the seal of said Supreme Judicial Court, at Providence, this day & year above written.
Wm. H. Smith Clerk
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I William Arnold of Glocester in the county of Providence and state of Rhode Island now eighty one years of age do testify and say that Eleazer Clark of Glocester in sd. state was in an expedition with me in the year 1780 on Rhode Island about one month in a company of artilery [artillery] in which I was Lieutenant and I was knowing to his intering [entering] in to the army before that time.
William Arnold

State of Rhode Island Providence ss in Glocester August 11th AD 1832 personally appeared William Arnold Esq who I know to be a man of stedy [steady] habits and sustains a good Carrcter [character] as to truth and veracity and made solam [solemn] oath to the truth of the above cirtificate [certificate before me
David Arnold J of the Peace
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Providence Ss
State of Rhode Island &c
Clerks Office of the supreme Judicial Court of
said State October 4. 1832

I William H Smith clerk of said Court within & for the County of Providence in said State do hereby certify that David Arnold Esquire whose name is signed & subscribed to the certificate on the other side written ^ in his proper hand writing was on the eleventh day of August 1832 & now is one of the Justices of the Peace for the town of Glocester in this County duly appointed & sworn & that full faith & credit are due to his official attestations
  In witness whereof I do hereunto set my hand & affix the Seal of said Court the day & year above written
  Wm H Smith  clerk
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Treasury Department, Second Comptroller's Office, June 28th, 1841
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Eleazer Clark, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Rhode Island Agency, at the rate of seventy four Dollars and 99 Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March to the 4th Sept. 18[?]
Respectfully yours,
Albion K. Parris Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.