Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24950, for William Sherman, Rhode Island
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
R.F.

Sherman  William     NUMBER W. 24950
or Shearman
                  Margaret


CONTENTS
Page 2

21562
Rhode Island
Wm Sherman
of [Portsmouth?] in the state of RI who was a First [?] private in the company commanded by Captain [Gladding?] of the [illegible] commanded by Col Elliot in the RI [illegible] for First [?] private of Inf
                         "            "          " Artillery

Inscribed on the Roll of [the Island?] at the rate of 90 dollars 0 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831

Certificate of pension [found?] the 25th day of Sept 1833 and sent [illegible] month [illegible]

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833      $225.00
Semi-[illegible] allowance
ending [illegible]                                    45.00
                                                            -----------
                                                            $270.00

{Revolutionary [Claim?] Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by [signature] Clerk
Bool 2 Vol 2 Page 129
Page 3

Reported July 26 [illegible]
3373 Rhode Island
Margaret Sherman
widow of William [RI Sherman] who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private of infantry artillery.
Inscribed on the roll at the rate of 90 dollars 0 cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of pension issued the 26 day of January 1849 and sent to Honorable A. C. Greene N.J. Senate

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 21, Vol 3.
Page 4

212113
William Sherman
RI

Private of Arty.   12 [illegible]
   "         "  Inf.      12
                      -----------
                             24
Private of Arty.    12 [illegible]
[illegible]  Inf        12
                      ----------------
                              24

90
   2
---------
150  [calculation seems to be wrong here?]
  45
------
195
Page 5

Brief in the case of William Sherman
61 of Newport in the State of R.I. 
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a court of Judge? Open Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 80
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
-
Period.
Jany In 1776 enlisted
Feb 1777 Flotilla of boats
March 1778 enlisted times for one month each time and viewed
March 179 drafted several
till
Novem 1779 being 1/9 of the term 
-
Duration of Service
Years, Months, Days,
1
1 
1 whole term
- about 2 months, 10 days
[total] 3 yrs, 2 months, 10 days
- 
Rank
As a 
private
private
private
- 
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served
Gen.
Carr, Col Lippett
Cap Davol, Col Baston
Cap Giddings, Col Elliot
- 
5. In what battles was he engaged? Battle of Princeton White Plains capture of the Hessians at Trenton
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Newport R.I.
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? traditionary three living witnesses
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? One of the witnesses is not certified credible
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned. 
George Payton Examining Clerk.
Page 6

Margaret Sherman
Page 7

State of Rhode Island
County of Newport
On this 15th day of June [illegible] 1843 personally appeared before me Joseph Childs chief justice of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said county Margaret Sherman was resident in Tiverton in said county aged 84 years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of July 7 1838 [illegible] an act granting half pay & pension to certain widows vir. that she is the widow of William Sherman late of said Tiverton who was a pensioner under the act of Congress of June 7 1832 for his services during the war of the Revolution to his declaration which made to obtain said pension the [illegible] for [price?]  of his services & amount & the right to the same--and she further declares that she was married to the said William Sherman in the month of November [12?] 1780, the day of the month [illegible] day [illegible], Elder Burrough married them, his eldest son Joseph was born March 5 1781
Page 8

as will appear by the record of the births of her children [ illegible] & she further declares that her said husband departed this life on the 29 of September 1841 & since then she has remained unmarried. She was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the year seventeen hundred & ninety four & not at the time above mentioned.

Attest Joseph Childs  Margaret - Sherman
X his mark

Newport [illegible] Tiverton June 15 1843
Personally came before me the above named Margaret Sherman and made oath to the truth of the foregoing and above declaration by her signed of & further certify that [illegible] age [illegible] [illegible]  She is [amenable?] to attend court & also certify that full faith and credit are due to [with?] statements

Joseph Childs [justice?]  C.C.J. (?) [initials]
Page 9

A memorandum of William Shearman and Margaret Shearman's Children

Joseph Shearman was born March the 5th 1781
Anna was born March the 31st 1783
Abigail was born February the 19th  1785
Peace was born February the 8th 1786
Isaac was born November the 29th 1787
Catharina was born November the 22nd 1790
Chrischany was born November the 20th 1792
Rhoday was born December the 28th 1794
Mary was born October the 22nd 1798
Page 10

I Benjamin Borden of Tiverton in the County of Newport on oath do testify and say that I am now in the seventy-seventh year of my age that I am well acquainted with Margaret Shearman of said Tiverton and the widow of William Shearman deceased. I have a distinct recollection of being present at their marriage. They were married in the fall of the year [illegible] 1780. My father died in August 1782 and they had then been married nearly two years, and I remember the time from this circumstance, Elder Peter Barnough [?] was the officiating clergyman who married them. They were married in my father's house being the same house in which I now live. He[?] said William Shearman was pensioner at the time of his death.
   Benjamin Borden [signature]

Newport [RI?] Tiverton June 15 1843
personally appeared before me the above named Benjamin Borden and made oath to the above affidavit by his signed [illegible] further testify that the said [?] Benjamin is a credible witness.
     Joseph Childs [illegible] [initialized]
Page 11

I Sarah Durfee of Tiverton in the County of
Newport being of lawful age do testify & say
that I am a neighbor to Margaret Shearman
who has signed & sworn to the preceding
declaration, the husband William Shearman
and September 29 1841 I was at his funeral
& since then said Margaret has remained
unmarried
Sarah Durfee
Newport Js Tiverton June 15 1843
personally appeared Before me the above
and Sarah Durfee and made oath to
the above affidavit by her signed & I further
certify the said Sarah is a credible witness
Joseph Childs Just C.C. P.
I Mary Francis of Tiverton in the County of
Newport on oath do testify & say that I am now Eighty four years of age, that I am well acquainted with Margaret Shearman of said Tiverton & the widow of William Shearman deceased I have a distinct
recollection that I was present at their marriage
saw them married her name before her marriage
was Margaret Steward, they were married over
sixty years ago & Elder Peleg Burrough married
them, of the above facts I have a distinct recollection
Attest Joseph Childs her mark Marry Frances

Newport js Tiverton June 15 1843
personally appeared the above named Mary
Frances and made oath to the truth of the
above affidavit by her signed I further
Certify the sd Mary is a credible witness
Joseph Childs Just C.C.P.
Page 12

State of Rhode Island
Clerks Office County of Newport
[court seal affixed to the right but illegible]

I Daniel C. [?] Denham [?] Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the County aforesaid being a Court of Record do hereby certify that Joseph Childs was on the day of the date of the aforegoing depositions Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said county and that he was fully authorized to act in his said capacity and that his signature above written is genuine. In testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court on the day and year underwritten to wit the twenty-ninth day of June [illegible] one thousand eight hundred and forty-three.
   Daniel C. Denham Clerk [signature]
9185 [in ink descending vertically on the right]
Page 13

DECLARATION.
IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE BENEFIT OF THE ACT OF CONGRESS, PASSED JUNE 7, 1832
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
COUNTY OF Newport ]ss.
On this Eighth day of September 1832
personally appeared in open Court, before the Judges or Justices of the Court of Probate for the Town of Tiverton now sitting, William Sherman
a resident of Tiverton in the County of Newport and State of Rhode-Island, aged Eighty 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 under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
That is to say - He in the month of January 1776 enlisted at Portsmouth in said County of Newport, into capt John Carr Company Colonel Lippetts Regiment for one year. Alexander
Thomas was Lieutenant of said Company. Adam Comstock was Lieut Col of the regiment and-- Tew was Major - 
we were marched to the vicinity of Newport where we were employed in various and camp duty till late in the summer, he believes in August, when he with the Regiment were ordered away to the Westward. He crossed from Newport to the South ferry on Boston Peckhem in South Kingston - Thence through
New London, New Haven, Westchester to Kingsbridge where we joined General Washington, who had recently retreated
from Long Island. We staid here but a short time, and then retreated north to the white Plains he was in the action fought there-- the Army then retreated Northwardly to
Peeks-kill on the North River. We then crossed
over the North river, leaving a number sick at that place, and marched by Morristown to Easton
on the Delaware when we crossed lost Gen Lee, he being taken by surprise
over the Delaware - and marched south till we came opposite to Trenton - (it was on this march and before we got to Easton that we 
Carter that we last Genl Lee, he being taken by surprise) we then crossed over the Delaware on the night of the 24 day of December 1776
and captured the Hessians at Trenton, and soon afterwards was in the Battle at Princeton when General Mercer fell. after the Battle at Princeton he was marched to Morristown New
Jersey, where on the 18 Jan. 1777 he was discharged and returned home-- having served out his time, during the latter part of this service he suffered much for want of food and
clothing, and from having to make forced marches frequently by night as well as by day-- he returned home and in February 1777
Entered a corps or company. stationed at Howlands Ferry in Tiverton whose duty at that time was to serve on board of the
flotilla of boats then in the public service engaged to watch the
Page 14

the movements of the enemy who were then in the possession of Rhode Island and to guard the shores of Tiverton, Little Compton, and the places bordering upon Mount Hope Bay. This
company was under the command of Capt Daniel Duval and David Gifford was Lieutenant, (and he believes a capt part of the time before he went on board of the Galley Spitfire)
He does not know that this company was attached to any particular Regiment, as its duties were mainly performed in the flotilla, though were exercised and performed duty frequently
with the rest of the troops-- this corps, appeared to be more immediately under the command of Major Monroe, and if attached to any Regiment he thinks it must have been to Col. Batons
to Col Bartons Regiment was also quartered at
Howlands ferry at the time-- he served in this Corps till February 1778 when he was discharged at Howland's Ferry.
He then in March 1778 enlisted at Tiverton into
Captain Gladdings Company in Col. Elliots Regiment of Artillery for one year as a private soldier -during this service he was marched to Providence. staid there a short time-- then to
Warren and staid a short time - thence round and on to Rhode Island in August 1778 (this year) and was in the Battle on Rhode Island in this Expedition-- He at this time saw General Sullivan, Lafayette and General Greene - after he had served out his time in March 1779 he was discharged at Bristol. He then returned to Tiverton which now had became his home-- and was enrolled in the company of Militia in that town commanded by Capt Borden
He was then called into the public service for several times from said March 1779 till the English evacuated Newport in the fall
of that year - his term of draft were about 30 days at a time in guarding the shores of the Bay from Howlands ferry to Fall River. In this service, he has no hesitation in solemnly as his belief, from his recollection, that he served for more than one third of the time for the period aforesaid, and received pay for the same, at these times he was under the command of
his own company officers, or those of some neighboring company who
were doing the like duty-- And said Sherman further declares that he was born at Portsmouth Rhode Island in the month of
Page 15

January 1752 but that since the Revolutionary War he has lived in Tiverton aforesaid where he doth still reside that he hath no record of his age to his knowledge, that he never received any written discharge from the Army, but was
verbally discharged from all his said service by his commanding officers - that he has no documentary evidence of any of said services- that he knows of no Clergyman living in his vicinity or neighbourhood, but he refers to
Hon Job Durfee and Elihu Hicks Esquires, citizens of said town of Tiverton and his neighbours, who testify to his character for veracity and their belief that he was a soldier of the Revolution
and also to the accompanying depositions-- all the foregoing services he performed as a private soldier,-- making in all three years and two months.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Asa Gray Clerk
his mark William Sherman
Asa Gray Clerk

We Job Durfee, Esq. residing in the town of Tiverton aforesaid Elihu Hicks Esq
residing in (the same)  hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with William Sherman
who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be eighty
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 to and subscribed the day aforesaid.
Job Durfee
Elihu Hicks
Asa Gray Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatries
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 Job Dufree Esq who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident in the said Town of Tiverton and that Elihu Hicks Esq who has
also signed the same is a resident in the Town Tiverton and credible persons and 
that their statement is entitled to credit. And the said Court further certifies that the
Deposition of Thomas Willcox hereto annexed was sworn to subscribed
before this Court this day and that said Deponent is known to said Court and is
is credible person & his statement is entitled to credit. ( A clerk aforesaid, a Court of Probate)
I Asa Gray Clerk of the Court of Probate of the Town of Tiverton in the County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of William Sherman
for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office,
this Eighth day of September in the
Year of Our Lord one thousand Eight
hundred and thirty two
And of American Independence
the fifty-seventh
Asa Gray Clerk of Court,
of Probate
Page 16

& 1812 Wars Section            [illegible initials]


March 3, 1924

Helen W. Cook,
P.O. Box 431,
Albany, N. Y.

Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 24950, it appears that William Sherman was born in January 1752 at Portsmouth, Rhode Island.
While a resident of that place he enlisted in January 1776 as a private in Captain John Carr's Company, Colonel Lippitt's Rhode Island Regiment, was in the battles of White Plains, Trenton and Princeton, and was discharged January 18, 1777.
    He enlisted in February 1777, served as a private in Captain Daniel Duval's Rhode Island Company on the galley, "Spitfire," and was discharged in February 1778.
   He enlisted in March 1778 as a Matross in Captain Nathaniel Gladding's Company, Colonel Elliott's Rhode Island Artillery, was in the battle of Rhode Island and was discharged in March 1779.
   Between March and November 1779 he served at various times, amounting in all to 3 months, in Captain Benjamin Borden's Rhode Island Company.
   He was allowed pension on his application executed [continues on next page]
Page 17

Rev.


September 8, 1832, while a resident of Tiverton, Newport County, Rhode Island. He died September 29, 1841.
   He married in November 1780, Margaret Steward. She was allowed pension on her application executed June 15, 1843, while a resident of Tiverton, Rhode Island, aged 84 years.
Their children were:

Joseph              born March 5, 1781.
Anna                     "    March 31, 1783.
Abigail                  "    February 19, 1785.
Peace                   "    February 8, 1786.
Isaac                     "    November 29, 1787.
Catharina             "    November 22, 1790.
Chrischany           "   November 20, 1792.
Rhoday                 "    December 28, 1794.
Mary                      "   October 22, 1798.

Respectfully,

Commissioner.
Page 18

Reg WIDOW, &c.
-
File No. 24950
Margaret Sherman
Wid of
William Sherman
Priv Rev War
Act: Feb 2nd 1848
Index: -- Vol. L, Page 209
[Arrangement of 1870.]
-
1908 Dec. 23. Hist to
Mrs. John Francis Yawger
1912 Dec. 7. To Eunice S. Church
1912 Dec. Mrs. M.A. Coggeshall &
1923. Nov 16 Hist. to M. M. Cook
1924, Mch. 3 - Hist to Helen M. Cook.
1926 - Mch 7 Hist. to Geo. W. Cook
1926 - Mch 8 Hist Mrs. Bentley
Morse MMVP
Page 19

76.24
Rhode Island
-
Margaret Sherman
widow of William Sherman
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 29th Sept. 1841
of Newport in the State of R. Island
who was a Pri & In. + Ary in the Company
commanded by Captain Geddings
Regt. commanded by Col. Elliott in
the R. Island line for 1 year pri Inf.
1 "  " Arty
- 
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island
at the rate of 90 Dollars -
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
- 
Certificate of Pension issued the 11th
day of September 1843 and remit to Benja Cowell Providence R.I.
 - 
Whole amount due
$450-
-
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Tho. Lumpkin Clerk.
Book A Vol. 2 Page 23

Record of births of children
attached to declr. executed
June 15, 1843 is intact, J.S.C.
Dec. 22, 1908
Page 20

4021
Rhode Island
Margaret Sherman
widow of William Sherman
who was a Priv of Infy+ Artillery
in the Revolution
-
Inscribed on the Roll oat the rate of 90 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the  4th day of March, 1843.
-
Certificate of Pension issued the 24th day of Dec 1843 and sent to B. Cowell
Providence R. I.
- [Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A95
Vol. 1. Page
Page 21

I Thomas Willcox of Tiverton, in the County of Newport and the State of Rhode Island [etc?] aged seventy four years on solemn oath depose and say; that in the year 1776 I was well acquainted with William Shearman of said Tiverton & formerly of Portsmouth, in said county, an applicant for a pension under the late act of Congress; I enlisted at said Tiverton in January 1776 into Capt. John Carr's Company Col. Lippitt's Regiment for one year, and I recollect that said Shearman enlisted into the same company about the same time, and was with me in said Company, during the term of one year, in our various services in the states of New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and was discharged with me on the 18th day of January in the year 1777 at Morristown New Jersey and further this deponent saith not.  Thomas Willcox [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed before the Court of Probate of the Town of Tiverton this 8th day of Sept 1832
    Asa Gray Clerk
Page 22

No 9185
Margaret Sherman
R. Island
Act 7th July '38
Admitted
1 year priv. Inf 
1 " " Art
-
$90 per annum

Benja Cowell Esq
Providence
R Island
Page 23

Senate Chamber
Washington Jany 22, 1849
I forward to you the accompanying letter
from W P. Sheffield Esqr which I found here a
few days since on my arrival
Perhaps the information has already been
given to Mr Sheffield; but, if it has not, you
will oblige me by giving attention to the subject
as soon as you conveniently can do
Very Respectfully
Your To New

Albt B Greene
J L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 24

Near Fall River in Tiverton, Sep. 20th 1848
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Com. on Pensions
at Washington
Sir.
Enclose herewith Please find two application for Pensions, one made by Riette Luke the other by Margaret Shearman. Some weeks since, I forwarded to your Department the application of Mrs. Manchester a resident in Tiverton, from which I have heard nothing since it was forwarded. But from
which I should be happy to hear, as soon as it
suites the convenience of the department
Please address me at Fall River Mass as
that is the adjoining town, and nearest Post
office-
Yours Truly
Wm Sheffield
atty for the Applicants
Page 25

24243
William Sherman
Page 26

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claims of William Sherman which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes
.III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes
V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout of pension he is entitled? Yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes
Page 27

2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to
their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
Certified by two Citizens
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? Yes
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath,
certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes 2 no one
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the
regulations direct? Yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? Yes And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Yes
-
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For - years - months
, and - days, I served as a - 
For - months - days, I served as a - and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 28

3

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each 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 [start ital] about three or four months [close ital] is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state 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.
+QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
  In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oath must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
+QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
+  In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the 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.
  [typographical hand/index finger] In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.
Page 29

Margaret Sherman
4547
$90 per an
B. Cowell
Providence R.I.
Page 30

STATE OF RHODE-ISLAND.
County of Newport
On this twenty first September A.D. 1843, personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in said County Margaret Sherman now resident in Tiverton in said County, aged Eighty four years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress, passed March 3d, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War, viz: That she is the Widow of William Sherman deceased, who served in said War as a private Infantry, Artillery That she received a pension under the Act of July 7, 1838, at the rate of $90 per annum, payable at the Agency for paying pensions at Providence. her mark Margaret Sherman
Attest
Williams A Burt
- 
Newport Sc. In Tiverton Sept 21 A.D., 1843. Personally came before me the above named Margaret Sherman and made oath to the truth of the above declaration by her signed. I also certify that is a credible person & her statement entitled to full credit. Williams A. Burt Justice Peace
Page 31

State of Rhode Island
County
of Newport
Daniel C. Denham Clerk of the Court of
Common Pleas in the County aforesaid being a
Court of Record do hereby certify that Williams A. Burt is a Justice of the Peace in the town of Tiverton in the County aforesaid appointed by the town of Tiverton and commissioned by the Governor of this State bearing date the Fifth day of June A.D. 1843 and is fully authorized to act in his said capacity. And that his signature before written is genuine. In testimony whereof I have here
unto set my hand and affixed the
seal of the said Court at Newport
on this twenty ninth day of September
A.D. one thousand eight hundred and
forty three. Daniel C. Denham Clk
Page 32

State of Rhode Island &c
County of Newport
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace within and for the County of Newport William Sherman, an applicant for a pension, 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 in the periods of the war mentioned, in the following grades: namely--
In Capt Corrs Co. Col Lippetts Regt from Jan. 1776 to Jany 1777 as a private 12 months - In Capt. Davols Company from February 1777
to Feb. 1778 as a private 12 months. In Capt Gladdings Company of Artillery Col. Elliotts Regt of the State line from March 1778 to
March 1779, as a private, 12 months - and from March 1779 to November 1779 at the least three several times of one month each on the 2d or middle company of Militia under the command of Capt Benjamin Borden-- making at least thirty nine months for which I claim a pension - I further declare that during all the time aforesaid
I was in actual service, and was not engaged in any civil business and that the companies, to which I belonged were called into the
public service by the state of Rhode Island.-
His Mark William Shearman
Sworn to and Subscribed this 28th
day of August AD. 1833 at Tiverton
in said County of Newport }

Before me, Elihu Hicks Just Peace
-
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Clerks Office of the Court of Probate of the Town of Tiverton in the County of Newport and State aforesaid I Asa Gray Clerk of said Court of Probate a Court of Record, do hereby certify that Elihu Hicks is a Justice of the Peace in the Town of Tiverton in said County of Newport, was appointed by the General Assembly, and is commissioned by the Governor of this State, and
is fully authorized to act in his said capacity, and that the above signature of his name is genuine - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, at said Tiverton on the thirtieth day of August One thousand eight hundred
thirty three, Asa Gray, Clerk
Page 33

I Gideon Gifford of Portsmouth, in the County of Newport State of Rhode Island of Sixty six years of age on solemn oath depose and say, that previous to the Revolutionary war
and ever since I have been well acquainted with
William Shearman now residing in Tiverton, in the County of Newport & State aforesaid, an applicant for a Pension under the late act of Congress in the year one thousand Seven hundred & Seventy seven served in the capacity of Waiter to my father David Gifford, in Capt. Daniel Devols Company, whose duty was generally on board of the flotilla of Boats, stationed for the most part near Howland
ferry in Tiverton aforesaid, and plied in the river to watch and guard against the movements of the enemy who had possession of the opposite Island of Rhode Island; and I will remember that said William Shearman was a soldier in
said Company; and that he was in said Company when I left it, with my father said David Gifford to go on board of the Galley Spitfire; but what length of time said Shearman
served in said Company I cannot say; it was in the spring of the year 1777 I think when I left said Company, and he had then been in it some time - my said father David Gifford was an
officer in said Company and I think sometimes had the command, and further the Deponent saith not-
Gideon Gifford
State of Rhode Island Jc
Newport County

Be it known that on this 8th day of November AD. 1832 before me Asa Gray a Justice of the Peace for the Town of Tiverton & County of Newport personally appeared the
above named Gideon Gifford and made solemn oath to the truth of his aforegoing Deposition and subscribed the same
And I further certify that said Deponent is well known to
me, and is a person of truth and veracity
Asa Gray Justice of the Peace
Page 34

Clerks Office Court of Common Pleas County of Newport 18th November AD 1832. I certify that Asa Gray Esq. whose signature, in his own
hand writing is affixed to the with attestation, is a Justice of the Peace for the Town of Tiverton in the County aforesaid duly commissioned
under the seal of the State, and otherwise qualified as such
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court the day and year
above written.
H. Y Cranston Clk
Page 35

I Richard Clark of the City of Providence in the State of Rhode Island am aged Seventy one years, on solemn oath depose and say, that at the time of the war of the Revolution to wit in the year 1775. I was well acquainted with
William Shearman of Tiverton in the State of Rhode Island an applicant for Pension under the late act of Congress
In the spring of the year 1778 I enlisted at Trenton in the State of Massachusetts into Capt Joshua Sawyer's company of Artillery in Col Elliot's Regiment. I was enlisted by
Nathaniel Gladding who sometimes had the command of the Company, I recollect that said William Shearman belonged to said Company and was in it when I joined it and continued in it until the Spring of 1779, while in said Company we were marched to Providence afterwards to Warren, then on to Rhode Island in the expedition of Gen. Sullivan, and was in the battle there said Company was sometimes divided and stationed at different places when one part would be under Capt. Sawyer, who was also
stated Major Sawyer, and the other part under said Gladding who as Stated Capt said William Shearman was private (or Matross) in said Company. We were discharged at Bristol or the adjoining Town of Warren in said State of Rhode Island in the spring of the year 1779
our term of enlistment which was for one year having expired.
Richard Clark
United States of America
Rhode Island District ss. On this 29th day of August A.D. 1833 Personally came the above named Richard Clark a man of veracity and made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed before me
John Pitman
District Judge of the U.S.
for the Rhode Island Dist.
Page 36

Rhode Island District be
Clerk office a District Court August
29th 1833
I certify the preceding signature of John Pitman
to be the true signature of John Pitman
Judge of the District Court of the United States
within & for said District
In testimony whereof I have hereto
set my hand & affixed the seal of
said Court the day & year above written
Benja Cowell Clk
Page 37

State of Rhode Island, County of Newport
On this Seventh day of September, 1848,
personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Newport Margaret Sherman a resident of Tiverton in the county of Newport aged eighty six 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 of February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war:- That she is the Widow of William Sherman who was a private in the war of the Revolution, and that she received a pension ninety dollars per annum, under the act of 17th of June, 1844. She further declares that she is still a widow.
her mark Margaret Sherman

Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me, Wm P Sheffield Justice of the Peace. 
I certify that the above named affiant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual who drew a pension as stated by her in the foregoing affidavit. Wm P. Sheffield Justice of the Peace. 

State of Rhode Island, County of Newport
I William Gilpin Clerk of the Supreme Court in the county aforesaid, being a Court of Record, no hereby certify, that William P Sheffield is a Justice of the Peace in the county afresaid, and is fully authorized to ace in said capacity, and that his signatures above written are genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have heareunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, at Newport on this Eighth day of September, 1848.
Wm Gilpin Clerk Sup. Court.
Page 38

Jan 29, 1924
P. O. Box 431
ALBANY, N. Y.
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D. C.
U.S.Pension Office Jan 30 1924
Gentlemen,
Will you kindly send
me what information you
have concerning
the war record
of William Sherman
of Portsmouth or Tiverton
was born 1752; died 1841
very gratefully yours
Helen M. Cook
Page 39

WALTER E. HAYWARD CO.
ESTABLISHED 1851
MAKERS OF
JEWELRY
ATTLEBORO, MASS, U.S.A.
Jan. 22 '26.
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.
I would like to obtain
information about William Sherman
A Revolutionary soldier.
Born Jan 1752 Portsmouth R.I.
Married Nov 1780 to Margaret Steward
Resided in Tiverton R.I. when application
was made for pension Died 1841
Also any information regarding the
widow, and the parents of William Sherman
and Margaret Steward.
Page 40

Walter E. Hayward Co.
Established 1851
Makers of Jewelry
Attleboro, Mass U.S.A

If there is a charge for this kindly advise so that I may remit.
Yours very truly
Geo. W. Cork
6 Olive St.
Attleboro Mass.
Page 41

305 West 99th Street
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
Will the very kindly give me the
data of the family widow service of one
William Sherman who was a
of pensioner of Rhode Island in 1840,
and a resident of Tiverton
The date of his death and family
date specially desired. He was a
private of the Newport Artillery
Pension began March 4th 1831
If might have this information
Page 42

as quickly as possible I should deem
it a very great farm, be was I am ┃
sure, out of my great, great grandfathers; but a discussion but arisen
& I would like to settle it as soon as
I can.
Thanking you in advance, deliverer
Most Sincerely 
by Mrs. John Francis Yawger
Keta A. Yawger
Rec Secy of D.A.R. N. Y. State
Cmy Secy Mark Ware Chapter D. A.R.
December ninth 1908
Page 43

Mrs John Francis Yawger
306 West 99th Street
N. Y. City
Page 44

Pension Dept Commissioner
May I have war record
of Williams Sherman
Tiverton R.I. a pensioner of
the American Revolution
May I have dates of enlistment
discharge and death?

He died in Tiverton in the
early - forties and was known
to have been with the Army
at Valley Forge and with
Washington when he crossed
the Delaware, I would the
Page 45

dates for use in filling
application papers to
membership in Daughters of Am. Revolution. 
Respectfully
Eunice S. Church
136 Chestnut St
New Bedford
Massachusetts

December 3 1912
Page 46

No. Dartmouth Mass
Commissioner of Pensions
May I have war record of William Sherman of Tiverton R.I. a pensioner of the American Revolution: He enlisted January 1776 and died in Tiverton R. I. in 1844. Would like dates etc such as would be used in filing papers for admission to Daughters Am Revolution. 
Kindly addvise
Mrs. M.A. Coggeshall
North Dartmouth
(Smiths Mills)
Box 7
Massachussets
December 10, 1912
Page 47

blank
Page 48

161 Rounds St
New Bedford Mass
The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington. D.C
Dear Sir
would like information regarding
service of one William Sherman, also
name of his father and mother etc
Mr. Sherman was born Jan 1752, and
died Sept 29 1841 He enlisted the first
time from Portsmouth RI in Jan 1776
there were also other enlistments.
In 1832 he applied for a pension while
living in Tiverton R.I.
Any data you can give me
will be greatly appreciated
Yours truly
Mildred M. Cook
Oct 8 1923
U.S. Pension Office
Oct 10 1923
Page 49

34 Linden St.
Providence, R. I.,
Jan. 26, 1926.


Commissioner of Pensions,
Pension Bureau,
Washington, D.C.;

William Sherman born Jan. 1752 Portsmouth, R.I.
Died Sept. 29, 1841 Tiverton, R.I.
Served in the Revolutionary War and received a pension.
He married Margaret Steward, Nov. 1780.
The widow, I think, was living in Tiverton, R.I. in 1843 and received a widow's pension.

Can you give me any information about the widow, Margaret (Steward) Sherman.
Dates of birth and death.
Parents names or any other information.
Would thank you for a copy of any records you may have.   [stamped seal of receipt(?) barely visible]

Yours sincerely,
Mrs. Bentley W. Morse
Page 50

Rev.&1812 Wars Section     MMHF [initialized]

March 2, 1926

George W. Cook
6 Olive St.,
Attlesboro, Mass.

Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 24950 it appears that William Sherman or Shearman was born in January 1752 in Portsmouth, Newport County, Rhode Island.
   While a resident of Portsmouth, Rhode Island he enlisted in January 1776, served as a private in Captain John Carr's Company, Colonel Lippitt's Rhode Island Regiment, was in the battles of White Plains, Trenton and Princeton and was discharged January 18, 1777.
   He enlisted in February 1777, served as a private in Captain Daniel Devol's Rhode Island Company and was discharged in February 1778. [insertion of handwritten notation in left margin: It does not say that he served on the Spitfire.]
   He enlisted in March 1778, served as matross in Captain Nathaniel Gladding's Company, Colonel Elliott's Rhode Island Regiment of Artillery, was in the battle of Rhode Island and was discharged in March 1779 and returned to Tiverton, Newport County, Rhode Island
Page 51

which had then become his home.
He enlisted in March 1779 in Captain Benjamin Borden's Company of Rhode Island Militia in said Tiverton and served three tours of one month each, ending in November
1779.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 8, 1832 while a resident of Tiverton, Rhode Island. He died September 29, 1841 in said Tiverton.
Soldier married in November 1780, Margaret Steward. She was allowed pension on her application executed June 15, 1843 while living in Tiverton, Rhode Island aged eighty-four years. Their children were:
Joseph born March 5, 1781
Anna " March 31, 1783
Abigail " February 19, 1785
Peace " February 8, 1786
Isaac " November 29, 1787    
Catharina " November 22, 1790
Chrischany " November 20, 1792
Rhoday " December 28, 1794
Mary " October 22, 1798

Date of widow's
death not on AB

Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 52

Rev.&1812 Wars Section     MMHF [initialized]

March 8, 1926

Mrs. Bentley W. Morse
34 Linden St.,
Providence, R.I.

Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 24950 it appears that William Sherman or Shearman was born in January 1752 in Portsmouth, Newport County, Rhode Island.
   While a resident of said Portsmouth he enlisted in January 1776, served as a private in Captain John Carr's Company, Colonel Lippitt's Rhode Island Regiment, was in the battles of White Plains, Trenton and Princeton and was discharged January 18, 1777.
   He enlisted in February 1777, served as a private in Captain Daniel Devol's Rhode Island Company and was discharged in February 1778.
   He enlisted in March 1778, served as matross in Captain Nathaniel Gladding's Company, Colonel Elliott's Rhode Island Regiment of Artillery, was in the battle of Rhode Island and was discharged in March 1779 and returned to
Tiverton, Newport County, Rhode Island which had then
Page 53

become his home.
   He enlisted in March 1779 in Captain Benjamin Borden's Company of Rhode Island Militia in said Tiverton and served three tours of one month each, ending in November 1779.
   He was allowed pension on his application executed September 8, 1832 while a resident of Tiverton, Rhode Island. He died September 29, 1841 in said Tiverton.
  Soldier married in November 1780, Margaret Steward, the names of her parents not given. She was allowed pension on her application executed June 15, 1843 while living in Tiverton, Rhode Island aged eighty-four years. The date of her birth not stated. Their children were:

Joseph           born  March 5, 1781.
Anna                 "      March 31, 1783.
Abigail              "      February 19, 1785.
Peace               "      February 8, 1786.
Isaac                 "      November 29, 1787.
Catharina          "     November 22,  1790.
Chrischany       "      November 20, 1792.
Rhoday              "      December 28, 1794.
Mary                   "     October 22, 1798.

   In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name of person paid and possibly the date of widow's death, you should apply to the Record Section, Civil Division General Accounting Office, 1800 E Street, N. W. Washington
Page 54

D.C. citing all of the following data: "William Sherman, widow Margaret, Certificate No. 3373, issued January 30, 1849, rate $90 per annum, commenced March 4, 1848, Act of February 2, 1848, Rhode Island Agency".

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 55

In reply to your request of [blank?] received [blank?] for a statement of the military history of William Sherman a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
No. File 24950

Columns Left to Right: Dates of Enlistment or Appointment; Length of Service; Rank; Officer under Whom Service Was Rendered [sub-columns: Captain; Colonel]; State.

January 76; January 18, 77; Private; John Carr; Lippitt; R.I.

February 77; to February, 78; Private; Daniel Duval; galley "Spitfire"; R.I.

March 78; to March 79; matross; Nathaniel Gladding; Elliott [illegible; something scratched out by hand above Elliott's name]; [blank]

[illegible] 79; 3 mos; [blank]; Benjamin Borden; check mark [in ink]

Battles engaged in, White Plains, Trenton, Princeton, [and battle of] R.I. 
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Portsmouth, R. I.
Date of application for pension, Sept. 8, 1832
Residence at date of application, Tiverton, R.I.
Age at date of application, from January 1752 at Portsmouth, R. I. 
Remarks: from November 1780 Margaret Steward: he died September 29, 1841
[she applied?] June 15, 1843 at 84 [years old], res. Tiverton. Their [children were?]: Joseph b. March 5, 1781. Anna March 31, 1783. Abigail February 19, 1785. Peace February 8, 1786. Isaac November 29, 1787. Catharine November 22, 1790. Chrischany November 20, 1792. Rhoday December 28, 1794. Mary October 22, 1798.