Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18,565, Hezekiah Barker, Continental R.I.
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Number Service
Continental Barker, Hezekiah W.18.565
R.I. Sarah
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2828
New York Albany
Sarah Barker
widow of Hezekiah Barker
R.I.
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
33 dollars 33
cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of ,
March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the
5 day of Jany 1849
and sent to
Hon. D. Marvin
[illegible]
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1948, page 10, vol. 4
Reported
Jany 5/49
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29082
Hezekiah Barker
Admitted
Private 10 months
Boat service reputed
Maj Mullett [illegible]
Fredonia
New York
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War Department,
Pension Office,
Dec. 31 33
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
necessary to be done. These 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 the Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.
 A statement, shewing the service of Hezekiah Barker
Period when the service was rendered | Duration of the claimant's service. | Years. | Months. | Days. | Name and rank of the field officers under whom he served. | Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service | Proof by which the declaration is supported.
1777 Apl [illegible] |10 {months} | Private | Col. Richmond Cap Worth, gen command | 76 years | testimony living witnesses
1778 | time not stated | pilot on [illegible] of a mule boat
10 {months}
boat service [illegible]
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
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REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1852.

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 our 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:
1. 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, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which 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          aged (c)          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           (c) 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 says 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. 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

By applying to [illegible] Cowell Esq of Providence Rhode I
the official [illegible] officer proof of his [illegible] in that state.
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3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person 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 expected. 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 inquiry 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 take 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 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.
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6041 Sarah Barker Fredonia Chautauqua Co N.Y. 27 Nov. 1783 Husband died 5 July 1834
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State of New York Chautauqua Co. S.S.: On this 28th day of August A.D. 1839 personally appeared before Benjamin Malworth one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County of Chautauque, Sarah Barker a resident of the town of Pomfret in said County, aged seventy four years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7" 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows; That she is the widow of Hezekiah Barker who was a private soldier in the Revolutionary army and who was at the time of his decease a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States; that the following is a true copy of his pension certificate viz: War Department. Revolutionary Claim. I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7" June 1832 Hezekiah Barker of the State of New York, who was a Private in the Revolutionary War is entitled to receive thirty three dollars and thirty three cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4" of March 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4" of March and 4" of September in every year. Given at the War Office of the United States this 18th day of March, one thousand eight hundred and thirty four. Leu Cass Secretary of War. (No. 24. 898) Examined and Countersigned J.L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions. She further declares that she was married to the said Hezekiah Barker on the twenty seventh day of November seventeen hundred and eighty three, that he husband the aforesaid Hezekiah Barker died on the fifth day of July 1834; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four. viz: at the time above state. She further declares that such marriage took place at the town
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of Little Compton in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island; that she was married to the said Hezekiah Barker at the time and place above stated by rev. Jonathan Ellis who was at that time a minister of the gospel and legally authorised to solemnize marriages; that such marriage was duly recorded in the office of the Town Clerk of the town of Little Compton aforesaid as will appear by the annexed certificates. She further declares that she has not been married since her said husbands death; that she now resides in the town of Pomfret County of Chautauque and State of New York & has resided there for the space of thirty two years last past; that he said husband resided with her up to the time of his decease. She further declares that she is the identical person named in the annexed certificate of marriage as Sarah daughter of George Wood & Desire his wife. Sarah Barker Sworn to & subscribed the day & year above written before me B Walworth Judge Ct of Com pleas. State of New York Chautauque County SS Charles Barker of the town of Pomfret in said County being duly sworn says that he is the son of the abovenamed Sarah & Hezekiah Barker. That the said Hezekiah Barker died at his residence in the said town of Pomfret on the fifth day of July A.D. 1834 and was at the time of his decease a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States and is the identical person named in the original certificate, a copy of which is set forth in the foregoing declaration of Sarah Barker & this deponent further says that he is now thirty four years of age and that during all that time he has resided in the same house with his said father and mother up to the time of the decease of his said father and that since that time he has resided with the said Sarah Barker his said Mother and that the said Sarah Barker who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration is the identical person named in the said declaration as the widow-
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Of the said Hezekiah Barker deceased and that she is the widow of the said Hezekiah Barker deceased.
Charles Barker
Subscribed & sworn the 28th day of August 1839 before me} 
B Walworth Judge
[illegible]
State of New York
Chautauqua County Ss
I Benjamin Walworth one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County of Chautauqua, do certify that I have been well acquainted with the above named Sarah Barker & Charles Barker for fourteen years last past and verily believe that each of their statements above made are strictly true & that they are entitled to full credit.  I further certify that I was well acquainted with the said Hezekiah Barker in his life time and know the fact that he was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States as set forth in the said Declaration and that he did at the time therein mentioned and that the said Sarah Barker is the identical person that she is described to be in the said Declaration.  I further certify that the said Sarah Barker is unable from bodily infirmity to attend in open court for the purpose of making her declaration, the only court of record in said County being held at Mayville, about twenty two miles distant from her residence.
Given under my hand at Pomfret in said County this 28th day of August 1839.
B Walworth} Judge Chau. Com Pleas
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State of New York
Chautauqua County} Ss:
I George W. Tew, Clerk of said county hereby certify that Benjamin Walworth, before whom the foregoing Declaration of Sarah Barker and affidavit of Charles Barker purport to have here taken & who has subscribed the foregoing certificate, was at the time the same [illegible] date, one of the judges of said county of Chautauqua, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature subscribed to [illegible] to the said Declaration and affidavit and [obscured] certificate is genuine. 
[seal] In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said court this 31 day of August AD 1839.
G. W. Tew Clerk
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Town Clerk’s office Little Compton December 7th 1838.
I certify that Hezekiah son of John Barker deceased, and Rebecah his wife, & Sarah Daughter of George Wood & Desire his wife, were joined in matrimony this day. Pr. Jonathan Ellis Clerk.
Dated Little Compton November ye 27th AD 1783. I. E. November twenty seventh seventeen hundred and eighty three.
I certify that the above is a true copy of the record in fair legible letters and figures excepting the words. “November twenty seventh seventeen hundred and eighty three.”
A. R. Brownell Town Clerk
State of Rhode Island
County of Newport} Ss.
I Alexander R. Brownnell above named, depose & say, that I hold the office of Town Clerk of the Town of Little Compton in the county & state aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said office, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
A. R. Brownell Town Clerk
Sworn before me
P. R. Little Justice of the Peace
State of Rhode Island
County of Newport} Ss.
I Daniel C. Denham, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the County aforesaid being a Court of Record do hereby certify that Philip R. Little, is a Justice of the Peace in the town of Little Compton in the County aforesaid, was appointed by the General Assembly, and commissioned by the Governor of this State, bearing date, the seventh day of May 1838 and is fully authorized to act in his said capacity.  And that his signature above written is genuine.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court at Newport on this twenty fourth day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.
[seal]
Daniel C. Denham, Clerk
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[vertically at left side]
See letter to Hon. A. Hazeltine May 13. 1834
[right side]
24.898
New York
Hezekiah Barker of Chautauqua Co. in the State of N. York who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Wood of the Regt. Commanded by Col. Richardson in the R. Island troops 10 months.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 33 Dollars 83 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of Mar 1834 and sent Mss. Mullete & Crane Fredonia N. York
Arrears to the 4th of Mar. 1834     $99.99
Semi-anl. Allowance ending 4th Sep ’34     16.66
[underline]
$116.65
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Geo. B. Whiting Clerk
Book E Vol. 4 page 116
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In the matter of Hezekiah Barker
applicant for a pension under the Act of June 7 1832
Mullett & Crane
Fredonia, Chautauqua Co.
N. York 
Agents
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State of New York
Chautauqua County} Ss.
On this eighteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three, personally appeared before the Hon. Benjamin Walworth, one of the Judges of the County of Chautauqua aforesaid and of the Court of Common Pleas in said County, (the same being a Court of Record, proceeding according to the Course of the Common Law, keeping a Record of its proceedings, having a seal & a clerk) Hezekiah Barker a resident of the town of Pomfret in said County of Chautauqua New York aged seventy six 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.
That he entered the service of the United States in the Revolutionary War under the following named officers and served as herein stated:
1. That he entered the service of the United States in the Revolutionary War as a Volunteer in the State Troops of Rhode Island at Little Compton in the State of Rhode Island under Capt. George Wood, Col. Richmond & General Cornwallis in the month of April in the year 1777, as a Private and served on guard.
That at the time this declarant entered the service as aforesaid he resided in Little Compton aforesaid; That at first he volunteered to serve but one month & signed the Company papers, and served for one month, at the end of which term he volunteered again & signed the Company’s papers for another month & then volunteered for another month, & so on from month to month until he had volunteered & served for at least 10 ten months in continued succession.  That for most of the time he so served, he performed guard duty; That while he was in service in the State troops as aforesaid he was more or less under the command of Captains John Davis & Perez Richmond at different times, as near as his memory serves him; and that from loss of memory he cannot now positively state at what time he left the said service, but he knows that he was honorably discharged or dismissed at Little Compton aforesaid, but not in writing. 
2. This declarant further saith that he volunteered & entered the Continental service of the United States at Little Compton aforesaid some time in the year 1778, but at what particular time he cannot from loss of memory say; under Lieutenant Seth Chapin, Colonel Shearburne & served on board of a boat as a pilot with seven men & a Lieutenants waiter, making a whole boats crew.  The duty of this boat & crew was to serve as a guard, and to carry intelligence and information of the conduct, doings and movements of the British, who were there on Rhode Island, to Little Compton on the main land, and this declarant was the pilot of said boat; That from loss of memory, he cannot say whether he entered the Continental service for any specified time, nor whether he signed any Company or other papers, but
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He does remember well that he continued to serve as last above mentioned until the British left Rhode Island which he believes was in September 1779 and that he was under the command and orders of the Continental officers and drew rations; That when the British left the Island he was discharged by Col. Richmond at Little Compton aforesaid, but not in writing.
This declarant further saith, that the time during which he served both in the State troops of Rhode Island and in the Continental Services was more than two years and an half.  That he was well acquainted with William Taggart, John Bailey & Isaac Barker who lived in Rhode Island and were with him in the service while the British were on Rhode Island.
This declarant further saith that he never had a written discharge, and that he has no documentary evidence of his said service in his possession, and knows of no persons living whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his said service, except the said John Bailey, William Taggart, Isaac Barker and Gideon Barker.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not, to his knowledge, on the pension roll of the agency of any state or territory.
And to Interrogatories propounded to him by the said Benjamin Walworth, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas aforesaid, he answers:
That he was born in Middleton, Rhode Island April 14, 1757.
That he has no record of his age except a paper which was transcribed from his Father’s old Bible.
That he lived at Little Compton in the State of Rhode Island when he entered the service of the U. S. as aforesaid, and moved from thence back to Middleton aforesaid where he was born – thence to Cambridge, County of Washington & State of New York – thence to Paris, Oneida County, New York, and from Paris to Pomfret, County of Chautauqua & State of New York, whence he now resides & has so resided ever since the year 1806.
This declarant further answers that he entered the service of the U. S. as a volunteer as above stated:
That he knew several of the Regular officers who were in Rhode Island at the time of his service. Viz: Gen. Sulivan Col. Shearburn, Col. Richmond, Lt. Seth Chapin & many others whose names he cannot now recall it from loss of memory: Also of the State troops, Gen. Cornwall, Captains George Wood, John Davis, Perez Richmond & others not now remembered.
That the nature of his service was chiefly serving on guard in the State troops, and in the Continental service, as a Pilot as above stated.
That he never received any written discharge from his said service”
That he is well acquainted with Rev. Jay Handy, Hon. Lattu Cushing, Samuel Marsh, Justus Adams, Thomas Morton Esquire, Doctor Squire White and many others.
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who reside in the town of Pomfret aforesaid and in the immediate neighborhood of this declarant, to whom he refers as to his character for veracity & their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The words “which he believes was in September 1779” in second page interlined before signing.
Hezekiah Barker
Subscribed and sworn to before me Nov. 18th 1833}
B. Walworth
Judge Chautauqua Common Pleas
State of New York
Chautauqua County} Ss.
We Joy Handy, a clergyman residing in the town of Pomfret, in the County of Chautauqua aforesaid and Squire White residing in the same place do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Hezekiah Barker who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration, & have been so acquainted with him for more than twenty years past: that we believe him to be seventy six years of age and a man of high character for truth & veracity: that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion.
Joy Handy
Squire White
Sworn & subscribed before me November 18th 1833}
B. Walworth Judge Chautauqua Com. Pleas
And the said Benjamin Walworth, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County of Chautauqua as aforesaid, does hereby declare his opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that Hezekiah Barker the above named applicant, was a Revolutionary soldier & served as he states. And the said Benjamin Walworth, Judge as aforesaid, further certifies, that it appears to him that Joy Handy who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the town of Pomfret aforesaid, and that Squire White who has also signed the same, is a resident of the said town of Pomfret, and that they are both credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit.
And the said Judge does further certify, that the said Hezekiah Barker, the aforesaid applicant, cannot from bodily infirmity, attend any of the Courts of Record held in & for the said County of Chautauqua.
Dated Pomfret, Chautauqua County New York, November 18th, 1833}
B. Walworth
Judge Chautauqua Common Pleas
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State of New York
Chautauqua County} Ss:
I James B. Lowry, Clerk of the County of Chautauqua aforesaid and of the Court of Common Pleas held in and for said County, do hereby certify that Benjamin Walworth before whom the within declaration and affidavits were made and who signed the foregoing certificate, was at the time the said declaration and affidavits appear to have been made & certificate to have been signed, a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Chautauqua aforesaid duly commissioned & sworn according to law, and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Judge & verily believe that the signatures “B. Walworth” to the jurat of said declaration & affidavits & to the said certificate are the genuine signatures and handwriting of the said Judge.
[seal]
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this thirteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
James B. Lowry Clerk
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Albany 4557
Sarah Barker widow of Hezekiah Barker who was a pensioner under the Act of June 1832 and who died on the 5 July 1834 of Chautauqua Co. in the State of N. York who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Wood of the regt. Commanded by Col. Richmond in the R. Island line for 10 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 33 dollars 33 cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of Nov. 1839 and sent to C. Tucker Fredonia, N. Y.
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. ’39     116.65
Semi=annual allowance ending 4 mar. ’40     16.66
[underline]
$133.31
{Act July 7, 1838}
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk
Book A Vol. 2. Page 68
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[upside down address]
To The Secretary of War
Washington D. C.
[right side up]
3597
Fredonia N. Y. July 27. '45
F. H. Ruggles
Transmits declaration of Mrs. Sarah Barker under the pension Act of 3 Mch. '54
R113
3 August 1843
Pension Office
N. Y.
Mar 3d 1843
Sarah Barker
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Fredonia, Chau. Co. N. Y.
July 27, 1843
Sir,
I enclose the declaration of Mrs. Sarah Barker, a widow entitled to a pension under the Act of Mch. 3, ’43. I made the form of the declaration without any guide, & presume it contains more than is necessary to satisfy the Department of her claim, but I suppose it cannot be unsatisfactory from that cause.  
I wish you to cause the certificate to be sent to me here, as soon as it is issued.
Respectfully &c.
F. H. Ruggles
To the Secretary of War
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James L. Edwards, Esqr.
Dear Sir,
Mr. Hazeltine has shown me the affidavits of Andrew Taylor of Providence and Isaac Barker of Middletown Rhode Island, in the case of Hezekiah Barker, and requested my certificate as to the credibility of those witnesses.  I am acquainted with both witnesses, and state they are reputable individuals and their statements entitled to full credit.
Dutee J. Pearce
House of Reps.
March 14, 1834
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[addressed to]
J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Comm. of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.
[stamped] FREE
[postmark] FREDONIA N. Y. 
[handwritten]
6014
Sept. 7
N. Y. 
July 7 1838
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Fredonia, Sept. 1, 1839
James L. Edwards, Esqr.
Dear Sir,
Enclosed I send you the application of Sarah Barker for a pension.  I believe the papers are right & will be satisfactory.  An early attention to this matter is requested. Direct to me at Fredonia, Chautauqua Co. N. Y.
Your obt. Sevt.
C. Tucker
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New York  2996
Sarah Barker widow of Hezekiah Barker who was a private in the Rhode Island line for 10 months
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of thirty three Dollars thirty three Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the twenty ninth day of November 1843 and sent to F. H. Ruggles Fredonia Chatauqua County New York
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 102
Reported
Let to Hon. D. Marvin Dec. 30 /48
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Albany
Hezekiah Barker Act June 7, 1832 to what time paid?
p to 4 March 1834
J. H.
Page 27

4557
New York
Sarah Barker
Act. July 7 1838
Married 27 Nov 1783
Husband died 5 July 1834
Col. Richmond
Capt. Wood
Admitted
Private 10 months
C. Tucker Esqr.
Fredonia
N. Y.
Page 28

[left page]
White
Barnett
Bureau
[center page]
Revy
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 18,565
Sarah Barker
Widow of Hezekiah Barker
Pri Rev War
Act: Feb 29, 48
Index: Vol. A, Page 37
[Arrangement of 1870]
[right page]
Mar 4 99
Miss Belle
c/o Miss Es
Pension
Page 29

State of Rhode Island
County of Newport} Ss.
I George Turner, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the County aforesaid, being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that Peleg Sanford is a Justice of the Peace in the town of Middletown, in the County aforesaid, was appointed by the General Assembly, and commissioned by the Governor of this State, and is fully authorized to act in his said capacity.  And that his signature to the annexed documents is Genuine.
[seal] In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, at Newport, on this seventeenth day of September, One thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
George Turner
Clerk
[ribbon]
Page 30

Middletown Sc on the 16th of September 1833 then personally appeared before me Gideon Barker and after being carefully examined cautioned and sworn to testify the truth the whole truth & nothing but the truth gave the aforegoing deposition which was by me in the presence of him reduced to writing and by him subscribed in my presence taken at the request of Hezekiah Barker of the town of Pomfret & County of Chautauqua and State of New York doth state & say. Q: Was you Acquainted with Hezekiah Barker of Middletown. A. I was & lived with him many years. Q. was you knowing to his service in the revolutionary war? A. I was knowing him to go in the boat under St. Seth Chapin as a boatman in extra service between Littel Compton & Rhode Island That I saw him twice in the time while in that service. Q. do you know how long he served on that occupation? A. No. Q. When was you born? A. In the year A.D. 1751 & have lived all the time since in sd. Middletown Gideon Barker the Above was taken and subscrib'd to before me this 16th day of September 1833 Peleg Sanford Justice of the Peace
Page 31

Middletown Sc on the 16th day of September 1833 personally appeared
before me Wm Taggart and after being carefully examined  cautiioned
and sworn to doth testify to the truth the whole truth and nothing
but the truth and give the aforegoing deposition which was by me
[in] my presence of him reduced to writing and by him subscribed in
my presence that at the request of Hezekiah of Pomfret County of Chithe-
-wequa [Chautauqua] and state of New Yoirk doth state & say
Q. did you know Hezekiah Barker formely of Middletown now in state of
New York
Answer yes
Q. Did you know anything about his serving in the revolutionary war
A. Yes he went with me in the boat that I commanded under
the command of Col. Richmond of Little Compton to reconnoiter the
coast between Little Compton & Rhode Island for to get all the information that could be obtained likewise that he stood gard on the shore at that same time according to the best of recollection.  I was born in Newport May 7 AD 1755 and have
resided in Newport & Middleotwn ever since up to this day.
In witness I here set my hand  William Taggar

The above named Wm Taggart subscribed to the above statement &
did sign the above in my presdence.  Peleg Sanford Justice Peace
this 16th day 1833
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Middletown Sc. on the 16th day of September 1833 then personally appeared Isaac Barker and after being carefully examined cautioned and sworn to testify the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth gave the aforegoing deposition which was by me in the presence of him reduced to writing & by him subscribed in my presence taken at the request of Hezekiah Barker of Pomfret & county Chautauqua of New York State. Qut. was you acquainted with Hezekiah Barker of Middletown Answer. Yes I was. Can you relate when he was born? An. [illegible] Qut. did you know of his being in the service at the revolutionary war. Ansr. yes that Samuel Barker and myself on one part and Seth Chapin an Hezekiah Barker on the other part. agreed that the said parties agreed by Signal to notice how to proceed of the movements of the British Army now on Rhode Island & that the said Hezekiah Barker and Seth Chapin were the Boatmen acted in transportation of all the news from each part for about 14 months ending at the time of the British army left the island. the Above is a true statement of all that I know relating to the Above facts. I was born in the year 1752 May 21 & have lived all the time since in Middletown Israel Barker the above was taken & subscribed to before me this 16th day of September 1833 Peleg Sanford Justice of the peace.
Page 33

deposition of
Isaac Barker
Page 34

I Isaac Barker of Middletown in the County of
Newport in the State of Rhode Island being
now 81 years of age on oath do testify and
say that I was formerly well acquainted with
Hezekiah Barker who now I have understood
lives in the State of New York.  During the
Revolutionary war in the year 1777 said
Hezekiah lived in Little Compton in the State
of Rhode Island & did military duty in garding [guarding]
the shores of Naragansett Bay.  The British
were in possession of Newport at that time
& Little Compton being in an exposed situa-
-tion I have not the least doubt he did gard [guard]
duty very near if not all the time during
that year.  Most all the militia were obliged
to perform gard [sic] duty in that town and
I have no doubt he did his. And I further
Page 35

testify that in the year following in 1778
said Hezekiah was employed in the Boat
service in under Lieutenant Seth Chapin.  The
object of this service was to carry intelligence
from one post to another & to transport whatever
was required to be transported and if my
recollection serves me I said Hezekiah was
the pilot of said Boat & served as such
until the enemy left Rhode Island in
the year 1779.  I have no doubt he was 
a year & two months on the Boat service before he was
discharged.
Isaac Barker

Middletown sc Feb 10, 1834 Personally appeared
before me the above named Isaac Barker &
made oath to the truth of the above deposition
by him signed and I further testify that said Isaac is
well known to me & he is a credible witness
Peleg Sanford Justice Peace
Page 36

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Secretary's office March 6th 1834. I certify that at the session of the General Assembly of said State holden on the first Wednesday of May last Peleg Sanford was elected a Justice of the Peace for the town of Middletown in the County of Newport for the term of one year and that he has been commissioned accordingly: as appears of record in this office. witness Henry Bowen Secry.
Page 37

John Brown Francis
sixth
March
thirty-four
fifty-eighth
John Brown Francis
Henry Bowen Secry
Page 38

I Andrew Taylor of the City of Providence in the
State of Rhode Island being 70 years of age on
oath do testify and say that during the Revolu-
-tionary War I lived in the town of Little Comp-
-ton in said state on the Eastern shore of Naragan-
-sett Bay & was a native of that town.  After the 
British took possession the the Island of Rhode
Island all the militia along the shores of said
Bay were called upon to do military duty
to gard [guard] against the incursions of the enemy.
I myself was called upon after I became old enough
& did enter the service aforesaid. and
I further testify that I was well acquainte
with a man by the name of Hezekiah Barker
who I have understood now lives in the
State of New York but during said War
lived in said Little Compton.  Said Barker
was enrolled in the militia in the year 1777
Page 39

& 1778, in Captain George Woods Company
and altho [although] I was not with him in that com-
-pany I frequently saw him in the performance
of his duty as a soldier on gard [guard].  I was also
acquainted with Captain John Davis & Perez
Richmond who are mentioned in [sic] said Barkers appli-
-cation (which has been read to me) & where
I well remember were captians.  I also was
acquainted with Lieutenant Seth Chopin 
who had the command of a boat which
was in the service of the United States in
1778 & 1779.  From my acquaintance with
the services of said Hezekiah Barker I have
no hesitation in saying that I believe he 
served as he has stated in his application
I know that all the militia in that town
were obliged to do duty while the enemy
had possession of the Island of Rhode Island
after [crossed out] the company took possession of said Island.  I remember perfectly well that said Hezekiah left Middletown
Page 40

which is situated on the Island & came to Little
Compton & to my knowledge was a very suitable
person for a Pilot, & I have no doubt he was
the Pilot as he has stated. Altho [although] at this great
length of time I have now no distinct recollection
of ever seeing him on board.  I remember the
past perfectly well & no doubt have seen him
but I do not now recollect that fact.  Said
Barker always sustained a good character
when I knew him.
Andrew Taylor

Rhode Island District
In Providence Feb 12 1834
Personally appeared before me the above named
Andrew Taylor & made oath to the truth of the
facts set forth in the affidavit by him signed and
I further testify that said Andrew is personally known
to me & he is a respectable inhabitant of said city
of Providence & is a credible witness in the previious [?]
John Pitman
District Judge U. S.
for Rhode Island Dist 2
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Rhode Island District se
Clerks office of the District Court
In Providence Feb 12 1834
I certify that the preceding signature of John
Pitman is the true signature of John Pitman
who is Judge of the District Court of the United
States within and for said District in his proper
handwriting.
In testimony whereof I have hereto
set my hand & affixed the seal
of said Court this twelfth day of
February AD 1834
Benja Cowell Clk
Page 42

Fredonia, Chautauqua Co, N.Y.
Sept.7. 1848
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Sir,
Enclosed I send you papers of 
Sarah Barker, the widow of Hezekiah Barker deceased,
a Revolutionary Soldier and Pensioner.
Mrs. Barker, you will perceive,has also been a Pensioner
herself for several years.
Also, the papers of Rebecca Spencer, now a U. S. Pensioner and
widow of Rev. John Spencer deceased, a Lieut. Commdt in the
Revolution.
If these papers are in due form and sufficient, as I trust
they are (being made out according to the printed form sent
me by Gen. D. Marvin from this District last June) be
pleased to forward to me a certificate of Pension for
each of said widows, under the Act of Congress of
February last, at your earliest convenience and oblige
Your Ob Servt
John Crane
Page 43

Hezekiah Barker
Page 44

Providence March 6th 1834
Sir
By direction of Mess Mullett & Crane of
Fredonia I herewith enclose to you
the claim of Hezekiah Barker for a 
pension.  They sent me the papers to
procur further in Providence [crossed out] testimony
in Rhode Island of his services.  This
has been done as will appear.   I
presume the Hon D.J. Pearce of the House
of Rep. is acquainted with witnesses
whose depositions are endorsed & can add his
testimony as to [crossed out] their character & c-
if necessary.
I am respectfully
Your Obt Svt
Benja Cowell
Hon H. Hazeltine
Page 45

John Bailey Afft.
Page 46

Charles Smith
affidavit
Justice of the Peace
act as [illegible]
Justice
3rd 
October A.D. 1833
Geo Brown
Page 47

State of New York Oneida County Ss. Personally appeared before me the under named Justice of the peace of Oneida County on the 2 day of October 1833 John Bailey of Marshall in said county, who being duly sworn by me says that he is seventy four years of age, that he was personally acquainted with Hezekiah Barker of Pomfret Chautauqua County State of New York in the State of Rhode Island that the said Barker is seventy six years of age that they both resided in the town of Little Compton in said State during the years 1777 & 1778 that the said Barker served as private in the state troops in General Cornwall's brigade in the year 1777 & that deponent served in the same regiment with him but does not remember how long the said Barker served in that year. That he said Barker served in the Continental service in Col. Sherbourne's regiment in the year 1778 that deponent saw said Barker frequently while he was in actual service but does not recollect how long her served in that year. In the records of Pomfret Chautauqua County State of New York in 7th line & Sherbourn in 17th line were interlined before signing John Bailey Sworn & subscribed before me the 2 day of October 1833 Chas Smith Justice. I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with John Bailey & that I believe him to be a man of truth & veracity & that his statement is entitled to credit. Chas Smith Justice Marshall Oct. 2. 1833
Page 48

Declaration to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of 2d February 1848, entitled "an act making further provision for surviving widows and soldiers of the Revolution." State of New York Chautauqua County Ss: On this fourth day of September 1848 personally appeared before the undersigned Philo Orton a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Chautauque aforesaid Sarah Barker a resident of the town of Sheridan in said County aged eighty three years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the "Act of Congress, passed on the 2d February 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war." That she is the widow of Hezekiah Barker, late of the town of Pomfret in said County deceased, who was a Private in the Revolutionary War but in what Regiment, or by whom Commanded, she has entirely forgotten, if she ever knew: That he received a Pension from the United States Signed "Lew Cass, Secretary of War," bearing date March 18th 1834, granting him a Pension of thirty three dollars and thirty three cents per annum during his natural life (and numbered 24,898.) and that she the said Sarah Barker, after the death of her said husband which occurred July 5, 1834, also received a pension from the United States, as the widow of the said Hezekiah Barker, signed "J. R. Poinsett Secretary of War," bearing date November 12. 1839 (4537) granting her five years pension at the rate of thirty three dollars and thirty three cents per annum, commencing on the 4th day of March 1836, the certificate of which she has surrendered up to the Pension office of the United States. She further declares that she is still a widow. her mark X Sarah Barker Subscribed the day & year above written by the above named Sarah Barker by making her mark in the presence of us Philo Orton J.P. John Crane Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written by the above named Sarah Barker Philo Orton J. P.
Page 49

State of New York Chautauqua County SS: I Philo Orton, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county do hereby certify that I have been well acquainted with Hezekiah Barker, late of Pomfret in said County deceased, and with Sarah Barker, widow of the said deceased, for more than forty years and that they both of them were and are persons of strict integrity, truth and veracity and worthy of full credit. That the said deceased was always regarded in the community where he lived as a Revolutionary Soldier, and received from the United States a Pension as such Soldier until he died, about July 5, 1834; That he is well knowing to the facts that the said Sarah has received and drawn a pension, as such widow for several years past; and that the said Sarah cannot now sign her name on account of her advanced age and consequent infirmity and the tremor of her hand Philo Orton J.P. Dated September 4, 1848.
State of New York Chautauqua County SS: I Matthew P. Bemus Clerk of the County of Chautauqua aforesaid do hereby certify that Philo Orton before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken and who signed him name to the jurat thereof and who also signed his name to the foregoing certificate of credibility, was on the fourth day of September 1848 and still is a Justice of the Peace, duly elected and sworn and as such, duly authorized to administer oaths &c. & that full faith and credit are due to his official acts. I do also certify that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and do verily believe his signatures aforesaid are his genuine signatures. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County of Chautauqua the fifth day of September 1848 M. P. Bemus Clerk by R. O. Green Dept. Clerk
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3597 Sarah Barker NY act 1 March 33/33 F. H. Ruggles Fredonia Chautauqua N.Y.
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State of New York Chautauqua County SS. On this 27th day of July 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace and a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County, Sarah Barker a resident of the Village of Fredonia in the Town of Pomfret in the County of Chautauqua aged 78 years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3d March 1843 granting pensions to widow of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Hezekiah Barker who was a private in the Revolutionary War a Revolutionary Pensioner during the latter years of his life & who died on the 5th day of July 1834. That she obtained a pension in the year 1839 under the Act of July 7th 1838 as widow of said Hezekiah Barker & that she received a pension certificate under said act of which the following is a copy as she believes, "War Department Five Years Pension I certify that in conformity with the Act of July 7 1838 Sarah Barker of the State of New York widow of Hezekiah Barker who was a private Soldier in the war of the Revolution and died on the 5th day of July 1834 is entitled to receive five years pension at the rate of thirty three dollars and thirty three cents per annum commencing on the fourth day of March 1836; and in case of the death or marriage of said widow before the expiration of said five years the pension will cease on the day of such marriage or death. Given at the War office of the United States this twelfth day of November one thousand & eight hundred and thirty nine. J. R. Poinsett Secretary of War Examined & Countersigned Geo Wm Crump Acting Commissioner of Pensions (4537)
Page 52

That under the said certificate she drew the sum of thirty three dollars and thirty three cents mentioned therein each year for five years, and at the last drawing surrendered the said certificate. She further declares that she is still a widow. She further states that she does not know and has no means of ascertaining what Regiment of Corps the said Hezekiah Barker served in, but that during the Revolutionary war he belonged to the State of Rhode Island. Sarah Barker Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written before me in presence of Samuel Barker Noah H. Whitcomb Francis H. Ruggles, Judge Cham Com Pleas & Justice of the Peace 
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Mrs. Sarah Barker who made the foregoing declaration and that she is a woman of good character & entitled to credit for truth & veracity. July 27 1843 Francis H. Ruggles, Judge Cham. Com. Pleas & J. P.
State of New York Chautauqua County SS. I John G. Hinckly Clerk of Chautauqua County and also clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said county do hereby certify that Hon Francis H. Ruggles whose name is set to the Jurat of the foregoing declaration & to the foregoing certificate was on the day of the date of said jurat & certificate  a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County duly commissioned & sworn, and also a Justice of the peace in & for said county duly elected & sworn. And further that I am well acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe the signatures "Francis H. Ruggles" subscribed to said jurat and certificate are genuine. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court & county the 29th day of July 1843. John G. Hinckley Clerk