Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15,902, for Boomer Jencks, Rhode Island
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R.I Jencks, Boomer S. 15902
carded
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No. 18356
Vermont
Boomer Jencks
Windham Co. in the State of Vermont
who was a Private in the company commanded
by Captain Slocum of the Regt. commanded
by Col. Stanton in the R. Island Loops
[illegible] for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont
at the rate of 80 Dollars -- Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of August 1833 and sent to J. Elliot
New Fane Vt. 
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep 1833
[Right margin] 160.00
                           40.00
                         $200.00

[in large brackets] Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, 
Book E. Vol. 3 Page 71
[sidways in left margin] date of death and MAB
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Boomer Jenks.
New Declaration.
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State of Vermont
On this 22nd day of May in the year 1833 personally approved before me Darius Bullock a Justice of the peace within and for said County of Windham Boomer Jenks resident in Marlborough in said county of Windham in the State of Vermont aged Seventy two years who being first duty sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 -- that the enlisted in Cranson [Cranston] in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island in the Rhode Island State 15 month service in Capt. Slocums Company of Colonel Stantons Regiment sometime in the fore part of January do not remember the day but certainly as early as the fifth 1777 it was soon after the enemy took possession of Rhode Island I immediately joined my company at Providence on the 18th of Feb & marched from Providence through Rehoboth Swanzey crossed Slades ferry into Freetown and then howlands ferry in Tiverton where we were stationed under the command of Major Barton- in June I believe it was. Major Barton selected 3 oarsmen from the Company to which I belonged (by the name of Richard Hughs Joseph Ralph & Sampson George, a black man) to go with him on a private expedition in which General Prescott was taken not far from that time I saw Rowe Galley which I believe was commanded by Capt Tyler fired upon with some field pieces by the enemy and was very much cut to pieces not far from Howlands ferry_ in the autumn of that year i believe in October there were a large body of militia collected in what was called Spencers expedition movements were several times made with the army while attacking the enemy on Rholde Island but not much was done (I believe it was about the time Burgouyne was taken- do not recollect anything further of importance in this campaign the time of enlistment expired and was dismissed with out any written discharge on the 16th of March 1778. my service was 1 year 2 months 10 days and on the same day commenced in the Rhode Island State
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Service for one year by voluntary enlistment at Iverton in Capt Benjamin Hoppins Company of Col John Toppin Regemt in Gen. Cornals Brigade our quarters were at Howlands ferry in the fore part of April a sergeant Guard of which I was one was ordered to Fogland ferry a few miles south and were stationed there as a guard nearly 3 month the enemy had a fort on the oposite side of the river and a ship of was called the Kingfisher lay in the stream a little below; in while there a man passed down to the shore we followed and took him a prisoner- General Sullivan came there he ordered him taken to the main guard and was afterward executed at Providence; in one night while there were some boats landed while I was on [illegible] I fired and gave the alarm they burnt the ferry house; the same morning Bristol & Warren were burnt and boats destroyed at [illegible] this summer the French fleet came into the Harrigansett bay and the enemy destroyed their ships about this time General Glover & Varnums Brigades and Col. jacksons Regmt of Continental troops arrived and a body of militia called out, and to my best recollection it was the 29th of July (it was Sunday) the army under the command of General Sullivan crossed the ferry from Iverton to the Island Col. Toppins Regt was in front marched up to Baths hill fort the enemy were gone Col Toppin called for 20 men to [illegible] who immediately turned out of where I was one we were joined by ten men of Col. Jacobs Regt. put under the Command of Lieut helms of our Regmt. and ordered to take the east road over quaker hill to make discovery of the enemys situation we found them within their line towards Newport we had some shots from them while advancing we took one prisoner (a Briton) soon after we were put under the command of Col. Lawrence and Lieut Col. Florence or Francis (a French officer) & major Talbot of the Continental line about this time the French fleet put to sea
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3
and were visited with severe storm and did not return
our army were then encamped at and near Butts hill fort
but soon moved to the Soutwhard near the enemy who were at
Newport Col Lawrence was on the right of our line at or
near Weavers Orchard a little north of Tomery hill fort (the
enemies strong place) where we remained till our army
retreated which was on friday night in the morning of Saturday August 29th we were attacked by the Hessians early in
the morning and retreated lighting several miles to the valley
between quaker & Butts Hill, where we were relieved by the Black Regmet under Col Green and soon by Col Jackson here
was the line of our army which was not broken tho heavy
fire ensued all or nearly all day  at night the enemy fell
Back on sunday a cannonade was kept up on sundry night
a retreat off the Island took place with Safty -
on monday joined my regiment Col Toppins sent a guard
of which I was detached as one for the accomodation of
General Lafayette during his short stay in Tiverton
A guard was taken from Co. Toppins Regt to patrole
on Mounthope bay  the fall and winter following I was
ordered on that service under command of Sergant Wm
Barrington called the boatgreard on the 16th of March 1779
(the term of enlistment having expired)
we were dismissed
and went to our homes but had no written discharge
under my first enlistment I served one year two
months and ten days, and the second between one year
he has no documentary evidence of any kind in his
possession and knows of no person living who can
testify of his service in the army
of
except the affidavit of 
Wm Barrington taken July 10, 1832 he is
[illegible] dead
he hereby relinquishes his every claim whatever to a pension or an anuity excepting the present and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state
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4
To the Interogatories prescribed by
the war department he answers as follows
1.. where and in what year was you born - in
Scituate in the State of Rhode Island in
the year 1761 -
2.. have you any record of your age and if so where is it
I have none
3.. where were you living when called into service
where have you lived since the revolutionary war
and where do you now live - when I first engaged I lived in Cranson in the State of Rhode Island. On my second engagement was in Tiverton with the army and continued
in it till my time was out - in the year 1787
moved to Marlborough in the State of Vermont where I have lived ever since
4 . How were you called into service were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom: entered the service each time by voluntary engagment
5.. State the names of some of the Regular officers who were with the troops where you served such Continental and militia Regiments as you can recollect and the General
circumstances of your service
- in my power in the first 15 month service there were no regular officers or Regiments to my knowledge - there were Col. Stantons and 6. Cararys Regiments of State troops and
some militia Genl Cornal and Spencer - our service was to guard the shores from the enemy - in the 2nd year viz 1778 there were Genl Sullivan and Layfather - Genl Glover & Genl Varnum with their brigades and Col Jackson and Col Green with their Regements of Regular troops (Greens near the [illegible])
were [illegible] state troops & militia  our service was to guard the shores & Sullivans expedition on Rhode Island
did you ever receive a discharge from the service
and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it
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I never had a written discharge
State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier of the revolution
my farm is situated in the South part of Marlborough adjoining to Halifax where I have for many years attended mastings of Public worship I shall therefore name Reverend Thomas H. Wood and Reverend Samuel Fish Junior of said Halifax and Oshea Smith Esq. and Colonel Ezra Thayer of said Marlboro
Boomer Jencks
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written
before me Darius Bullock Justice of the peace
we Thomas H Wood and Samuel Fish Junior, Clergyman residing in the Town of Halifax in the County of Windham and State Vermont
and Oshea Smith and Ezra Thayer both residing in Marlboro in said County (and near neighbour to the declarant) thereby certify that we are well acquainted with Boomer Jenks, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be Seventy two 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
Tho. H. Ward
Samuel Fish Jr
Oshea Smith
Ezra Thayer
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Before me Darius Bullock Justice of the Peace
and the said Justice doth hereby declare his opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department (and from a personal
acquaintance of many of the occurances stated in this declaration and a personal acquaintance with the declarant) that the above
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named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he States and the said Justice further certifies that the Reverand Thomas H. Wood and Reverand Samuel Fish
River and Thomas H. Wood and Reverend Samuel Fish Junior and who have signed the preceeding certificate are Clergymen [illegible]
and resident in said Town of Halifax and that Oshea Smith Esq and Colonel Ezra Thayer who has also signed the same are residents in said Marlborough are credible persons and that
their statement is entitled to credit
Darius Bullock Justice of the peace
State of Vermont
Windham County Court Clerk Office,
New Fane June 11. A.D. 1833.
I certify that Darius Bullock, Esquire,
is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Windham aforesaid, and that the within and annexed are his signatures.
Witness my hand and the Seal of said Court
James Elliot, Clerk
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A statement shewing the service of Boomer Jenks
First enlistment from Jan 5, 1777 to March 16, 1778.  
1 Year, 2 Months, 10 days.
Rank: 
a private soldier
Names & rank of field officers under whom he served first term:
Col Joseph Stanton
Lt Col Gabriel Williams
Major Wm. Barton
Age at present: 
72 years
enlisted at Cranston, state of Rhode Island
Proof by which the declaration is supported:
has no documentary evidence whatever
and knows of no person living who can
testify to his service.
2nd enlistment from March 16, 1778 to March 16, 1779
1 Year
Rank: 
a private soldier
Names & rank of field officers under whom he served second term:
Col. John Tappin
Lt Col Not recollected
Major Phillips
2nd term:
At Tiverton in the army in R. I.
To support the declaration he refers to the testimony of Reverend Tho H Hood, REv. Sam Fish Jr. of Halifax, and Oshea Smith Esq and Col Ezra Thayer of Maralborough
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August 28, 1939

BA-J/AWF
Boomer Jencks
S. 15902

Mr. E. K. Miles
208 Shotwell Park
Syracuse, New York

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which
you request the Revolutionary War record of Boomer Jenks, of Rhode Island, and later was granted a pension while living in Vermont.

The data which follow were obtained from
papers on file in claim for pension, S. 15902,
based upon the military service of Boomer "Jencks" (as his signature is shown in the claim) in the Revolutionary War.

Boomer Jencks was born in the year 1761 in
Scituate, Rhode Island. The names of his parents
are not given.

While a resident of Cranston, Providence County,
Rhode Island, Boomer Jencks enlisted January 5, 1777, served as a private in Captain Slocum's company in Colonel Joseph Stanton's Rhode Island Regiment, marched to Tiverton, and there placed under Major Barton, was in General Spencer's expedition, and was discharged March
16, 1778. He reenlisted, immediately, in Tiverton, served as private in Captain Benjamin Hoppin's company, and in Colonel John Topham's Rhode Island Regiment, was in a skirmish at Fogland Ferry, was in General Sul
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livan's expedition, and in the battle of Butts Hill,
after which he was one of General Lafayette's Life
Guard, and later was in a boat guard under Sergeant William Barrington, and was discharged March 16,1779.
Boomer Jencks was allowed pension on his
application executed August 1, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Marlborough, Windham County, Vermont, where he had lived about forty-five years.
The papers on file in this claim contain no discernible data in regard to the family of Boomer Jencks.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of
pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and furnish the following data:

Boomer Jencks
Certificate # 18356
Issued August 15, 1833
Rate $80.00 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Vermont Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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claim of boomer jencks
[new declaration &c.]
2 years 
$80
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War Department
Pension Office
April 19th 1833

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necefsary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, showing the Service of
[table is blank]

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant, 
J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions
Mr. Boomer Jencks
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REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted.
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be he will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of
County of
ss.
On this    day of      personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of      in the county of
     and State, Territory or District of      
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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)     , with     and 
served in the       (e) regiment of the      line, under the following named officers:

[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of      
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A.B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I      
of the Court of      
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of       for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of      &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the       
and C.D. residing in (the same)
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 days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
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 A.B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the      and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the      
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,      Clerk of the Court of      do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of      for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this      day of      &c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be exexpected.  All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the  Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6.  To a soldier.  Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
To an Officer.  Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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 amount of pension he is entitled. 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 -----. For ------ months and ---- days, I served as a; and for such service I claim a pension."
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. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends 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.
Proof of Service.
[j] 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 claimant's 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.
The notes from [a] to [i] are equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops.  The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
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No. 32
Windham Co Vermont
Boomer Jenks
Declaration &c.
For pension August 1832
No 2,879
Page 18

State of Vermont
District of Marlboro

On this first day of August AD 1832 personally
appeared in open court before the Court of Probate within and for the District of Marlboro in the County of Windham and State of Vermont now sitting at Brattleboro in S. District, Boomer Jenks resident in Marlboro in the County of Windham and State of Vermont aged Seventy one 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 7th 1832, That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and
served as herein stated (viz) 

That he enlisted in Cranston Providence County in the State of Rhode Island in the Rhode Island State troops under Ensign Waistcoat in the company of Captain Slocum in Colonel Stanton's regiment some time the fore part of January 1777 for the Term of fifteen months was quartered a few weeks at Providence
then was marched to Tivertown and then was put under the command of Major Barton afterwards Colonel Barton and General Barton his Lieutenant's name Gabriel Allen of Providence, he left Provision the 18th February and arrived at Tiverton in three or four days remained at said Tiverton till the next June when Maj Barton selected three oarmen from the regiment he belonged to by the names of Richard Hugh Joseph Ralph and Sampson
George a black man to go with him on a private expedition in which General Prescott was taken on the Island of Newport in the midst of the Enemys camp. he recollects no other event of any importance during his term of service except the failure of General Spencer's expedition.   He faithfully served out his term of enlistment and was dismissed on the 16 day of March
1778 without any written discharge.  On or about the same day he
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he enlisted in a company commanded by the same Captain Hopping & Lieutenant James Miller, in Col John Tappan's Regiment of the Rhode Island State Troops in General Cornwell's Brigade for one year the troops to which he belonged were stationed at Howland Ferry.  This applicant was sent with a party of fifteen men to FogLand Ferry in April.  While there the enemy landed and burnt the ferry house.  This applicant was of the guard who fired upon them, while the ferry house was burning.  The enemy were
landing troops at Bristol and Warren.  Two small vessels which the enemy burnt while at Fogland Ferry, the guard of, which this applicant was one, took up a tory, who was afterward executed, staid at Fogland Ferry about three months then joined his regiment 29 of July.  Col Tapping's regiment landed on the Island of Newport, a call was made for volunteers and this applicant and 19 others turned out and was sent on as a front guard.  They were then placed under continental officers (viz) Col Lawrence St. Cal Florence or Francis a frenchman and Major Talbot of Providence.  Their station was at Weaver's
Orchard.  On the retreat they were attacked by the Hessions Latter day 29th August 1778 and were closely pursued to the valley between Quaker Hill and Rutshall Fort where a quick
engagement ensued. Sunday night the army retreated off the Island.  This applicant was then called on to guard Lafayette's life guard. Continued as one of his guard during his stay there.  When he left was joined to the boat guard when continued during his time of service the 16 of March 1779.  He was dismissed without any written discharges.  That he has no documentary evidence of any kind in his possession and knows of no person who can testify positively to his service of his first fifteen months nor of his last year's service except the Deposition of William Burrington whose depiction herewith transmitted.
Page 20

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on any pension roll of the agency of any state.
To the Interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, he answered as follows.
1. He was born at Scituate, Rhode Island in the year 1761.
2. Has no record of his age.
3. Lived at Cranston, Rhode Island when he entered the service.  Has lived for the last 45 years in Marlboro, Vermont.
4. Enlisted voluntarily.
5. For the answer to this, refer to his preceding declaration.
6. Never had a written discharge.
7. Names Joshua Winchester and Jesse Cone as witnesses under this interrogatory.

Jos. Elliot
Prob. Register

before me 
Hubbard H. Winchester
Justice of the Peace

We Joshua Winchester and Jesse Cone, residents in the Town of Marlborough in the County of Windham and State of Vermont, certify that we are well acquainted with Boomer Jenks, who has subscribed to the foregoing declarations and believe him to be seventy one years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and we concur in that opinion -
Jesse Cone
Joshua Winchester
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Before me
Marshall Miller Judge of Probate
Page 21

Boomer Jencks
Sworn to and subscribed the day the day and year aforesaid
Marshall Miller Judge of Probate
We Oshea Smith and Ezra Thayer residents in
Town of Marlborough in the County of Windham and State of Vermont certify that we are well acquainted with Boomer Jenks who has subscribed to the foregoing declaration and believe him to be seventy one years of age that he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and we concur in that opinion
Oshea Smith
Ezra Thayer

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
before me Hubbard H. Winchester
Justice of the Peace

We Joshua Winchester and Jesse Cone, residents in the Town of Marlborough in the County of Windham and State of Vermont, certify that we are well acquainted with Boomer Jenks, who has subscribed to the foregoing declarations and believe him to be seventy one years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and we concur in that opinion-
Jesse Cone
Joshua Winchester
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Before me
Marshall Miller Judge of Probate
Page 22

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 Jesse Cone and Joshua Winchester, who have signed the preceding certificate are respectable citizens of this County, and that their statement is entitled to credit -

I James Elliot, Register of the Probate Court within and for the District of Marlborough aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Boomer Jenks for a Pension.  In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal of office this
first day of August A.D. 1832.
James Elliot
Probate Register
Page 23

I William Burrington formerly of Rhode Island
in the State of Rhode Island but now of Halifax in the County of Windham and State of Vermont being now about Seventy Eight years of age testify and say that Boomer Jenks now of Marlborough in said County of Windham
belonged to Colonel John Toppins Regiment in General Cornwell's Brigade of the Rhode Island State troops in the war of the American Revolution and were on Rhode
Island at the time of General Sullivan's expedition there.  We were together in a boat guard a number of months.
William Burrington
State of Vermont
Windham County
Halifax
July 14th 1832
then personally appeared William Burrington and made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed before me.
Darius Bullock
Justice of the Peace
Page 24

State of Vermont
County of Windham

I hereby certify that I was well acquainted with the within named William Burrington when living for thirty years past he is now dead.  He was always esteemed a man of credibility while living and remain in that opinion of him.  

Talifax May 22nd 1833
Darius Bullock
Justice of the Peace
Page 25

15902
Invalid
File No 15-902
Boomer Jencks
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7" 32
Index: - Vol 1, Page 193
Arrangement of 1870

Dec 21/97 - Hist to O.E. Butterfield - Ann Arbor, Mich

1932 - Jan 7 - hist to Mrs. Lincoln E. Brown [illegible]
1938 - Jan 12 - hist to J.W. Jencks for Mr. L. E. Brown [illegible]
1939 - April 3 - hist to Robert P. Smith [illegible]
1939 - May 27 - " " Mrs. L. J. Irvine [illegible]
1939 - Aug 28 - " " Mr. E. H. Miles [illegible]
Page 26

May 27, 1939

BA-J/AWF
Boomer Jencks
S. 15902

Mrs. L. J. Irvine
718 Superior Street
Watertown, New York

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which
you request the Revolutionary War record of Boomer Jencks, of Cranston, Rhode Island.

The data which follow were obtained from
papers on file in claim for pension, S. 15902,
based upon the military service of Boomer Jencks in the Revolutionary War.

Boomer Jencks was born in the year 1761 in
Scituate, Rhode Island. The names of his parents
are not given.

While a resident of Cranston, Providence County,
Rhode Island, Boomer Jencks enlisted January 5, 1777, served as a private in Captain Slocum's company in Colonel Joseph Stanton's Rhode Island Regiment, marched to Tiverton and there placed under Major Barton, was in General Spencer's expedition, and was discharged March
16, 1778. He reenlisted, immediately, in Tiverton, served as private in Captain Benjamin Hoppin's company, and in Colonel John Topham's Rhode Island Regiment, was in a skirmish at Fogland Ferry, was in General Sullivan's Expedition, and in the battle of Butts Hill, after which he was one of General Lafayette's Life Guard, and later was
in a boat
Page 27

guard under Sergeant William Barrington, and was discharged March 16, 1779.

Boomer Jencks was allowed pension on his application executed August 1, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Marlborough, Windham County, Vermont, where he had lived about forty-five years.

The papers on file in this claim contain no
discernible data in regard to the family of the
soldier, Boomer Jencks.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of
pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and furnish the
following data:

Boomer Jencks
Certificate # 18356
Issued August 15, 1833
Rate $80.00 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Vermont Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 28

April 3, 1939

BA-J/AWF
Boomer Jencks
S. 15902

Mr. Robert P. Smith
11 Court Street
White Plains, New York

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which
you request the Revolutionary War record of Boomer Jencks, born February 19, 1761 in Rhode Island, and died June 8, 1847 in Marlborough, Vermont.

The data which follow were obtained from
papers on file in claim for pension, S. 15902,
based upon the military service of Boomer Jencks in the Revolutionary War.

Boomer Jencks was born in the year 1761 in
Scituate, Rhode Island. The names of his parents
are not given.

While a resident of Cranston. Providence County,
Rhode Island, Boomer Jencks (as his signature is shown in the claim) enlisted January 5, 1777, served as a private in Captain Slocum's company in Colonel Joseph Stanton's Rhode Island Regiment, marched to Tiverton and there placed under Major Barton, was in General Spencer's expedition, and was discharged March
16, 1778. He reenlisted, immediately, in Tiverton, served as private in Captain Benjamin Hoppin's company, and in Colonel John Topham's Rhode Island Regiment, was in a skirmish at Fogland Ferry, was in General Sullivan's Expedition, and in the battle of Butts Hill, after which he was one of General Lafayette's Life Guard, and later was
in a boat guard under
Page 29

Sergeant William Barrington, and was discharged March 16, 1779.

Boomer Jencks was allowed pension on his application executed August 1, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Marlborough, Windham County, Vermont, where he had lived about forty-five years.

The papers on file in this claim contain no
discernible data in regard to the family of the
soldier, Boomer Jencks.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of
pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and furnish the
following data-

Boomer Jencks
Certificate # 18356
Issued August 15, 1833
Rate $80.00 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Vermont Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 30


January 12, 1938

Boomer Jencks
S. 15902
BA-J/AWF

Mr. Lincoln Ellsworth Brown
c/o H.W. Jencks
Box 424, Benjamin Franklin Station
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:

As requested you are furnished herein the record
of Boomer Jencks, as found in papers on file in 
pension claim, S. 15902, based upon his service in the War of the Revolution.

Boomer Jencks was born in the year 1761 in
Scituate, Rhode Island. The names of his parents
were not given.

While a resident of Cranston. Providence County,
Rhode Island, Boomer Jencks enlisted January 5, 1777, served as a private in Captain Slocum's company in Colonel Joseph Stanton's Rhode Island Regiment, marched to Tiverton and placed under Major Barton, was in General Spencer's Expedition, and was discharged March
16, 1778. He immediately reenlisted in Tiverton, served as private in Captain Benjamin Hoppin's company, and in Colonel John Topham's Rhode Island Regiment, was in a skirmish at Fogland Ferry, was in General Sullivan's Expedition, in the battle of Butts Hill, after which he was one of General Lafayette's Life Guard, and later was
in a boat guard under Sergeant William Barrington, and served until March 16, 1779.

He was allowed pension on his application executed August 1, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Marlboro, Windham County, Vermont, where he had lived
Page 31

about forty-five years.
The papers on file in this claim contain no
reference to the family of the soldier, Boomer Jencks.  

In order to obtain the date of last payment of
pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D. C., and furnish the
following data-

Boomer Jencks
Certificate # 18356
Issued August 15, 1833
Rate $80.00 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Vermont Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 32

January 7, 1932

Mrs. Lincoln E. Brown
331 Keyes Avenue
Watertown, New York.
BA-J/AWF

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter requesting
information in regard to Boomer Jenks, a soldier
of the War of the Revolution.

The data contained herein are obtained from
the papers on file in pension claim, S.15902, based upon the military service of Boomer Jencks, during the Revolutionary War.

He was born in 1761 in Scituate, Rhode Island.

He enlisted, while residing in Cranston, Rhode
Island, January 5, 1777 and served as a private in
Captain Slocum's company in Colonel Joseph Stanton's Rhode Island regiment, marched to Tiverton and was placed under Major Barton, was in General Spencer's Expedition, and was discharged, March 16, 1778. He immediately reenlisted in Tiverton, and served as a
private in Captain Benjamin Hoppin's company and in Colonel John Topham's Rhode Island regiment, was in a skirmish at Fogland Ferry, while on guard there, was in General Sullivan's Expedition, in the battle of Butts Hill, after which he was one of General Lafayette's Life Guard while he was at Tiverton, and then was in a boat guard under Sergeant William Barrington, and served until March 16, 1779.

He was allowed pension on his application executed, August 1, 1832, then a resident of Marlboro, Windham County, Vermont, having lived there since 1787.

There are no data as to his family.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 33

August 9, 1939

United States Pension Bureau
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:

It is my understanding that Boomer Jenks was a soldier in the American Revolution, entering the service under state authority of Rhode Island. I believe that he served two enlistments and it is
my understanding that he was allowed a pension on his application, executed August 1, 1832, when he was a resident of Marlboro, Windham
County, Vermont.

Would it be possible for you to send me a complete copy of his pension record so that I may get important information about
him?

Very truly yours
E. K. Miles
208 Shotwell Park
Syracuse, N. Y.
Page 34

718 Superior St
Watertown NY
Apr. 7, 1939
Veterans Administration
Rev. Dept.
Washington, D.C.
Will you please send the Revolutionary War Record of Boomer Jenks (Jencks) as given in Pension Claim?

He was from Rhode Island, enlisted in Cranston
R.I.  The Mayflower Society asks for two copies.

Very truly
Grace Brown Irvine
(Mrs. L. J.)
Page 35

SMITH, RANSCHT & MITCHELL
Attorneys

ROBERT P. SMITH
WILLIAM F RANSCHT
JOSEPH A. MITCHELL

11 Court St.
White Plains, N.Y.
Telephone White Plains
7370-7371-363

March 28th, 1939

Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
In tracing my genealogy, it becomes necessary for me to obtain a certified copy of the application which Boomer Jenks made for a Government Pension for Revolutionary War
services. This Boomer Jenks was born in Rhode Island on February 19th, 1761, and he died in Marlborough, Vermont on June 8th, 1847. In the latter part of his life, he applied for and received a pension from the Government.

Very truly yours,
Smith, Ranscht, Mitchell
By [illegible]
RPS: br
Page 36

Jan. 7, 1938
Veteran Adm
W.D.C

Please send copy history & Rev. War Claims

Boomer Jencks, S. 15902 to undersigned.  
Thank you.
Respectfully
Mr. Lincoln Ellsworth Brown,
c/o H.W. Jencks,
Box 424,
Benj. Frank. Sta.
Wash. D.C.
Page 37

331 Keyes Ave
Watertown, N.Y.
Nov 9, 1931

Revolutionary War Section,
U.S. Pension Office
Washington, D.C.

WIll you send all information given in pension papers of Boomer Jenks, pensioner died in Marlboro, Vt.

Mrs. Lincoln E. Brown