Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17,839, for William Smith, Rhode Island
Page 1

Conn. Smith, William
Continental      Hannah
RI

Contents
S. born at North Kingston RI in 1758
died at Voluntown, Windham Co. Conn July 4, 1839
Page 2

William  Smith 

23207 A Roll Sergt. 12 mon.

Col. Topham

Admitted 
Senginte 12 mos.

Corporal 9 "" 
Private 14 ''

Cetyificate to be sent to Jinneis B. Johson
Plainfile Ct.
Page 3

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress
passed June 7th 1832

State of Connecticut
County of Windham ⎬ ss On this 1st day of February A.D. 1833 Personally
appeared in open Court before the Court of
Probate for the District of Voluntown in the County of Windham
and State of Connecticut now sitting William Smith, a resident
of the Town of Voluntown in said Windham County aged Seventy
four years who being first duly sworn according to law doth
on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain
the [illegible] of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the
following named Officers and served as herein state
(vis) first them service
On the 14th day of May 1775 I inlisted a private soldier with
Ensign Nathaniel Morgan in Capt Waterman blisst company and
commanded by Col Samuel H Persons in a Regiment raised by
the Colony of Connecticut raised for Seven Months. At the time of
when I inlisted I was living at Std Joseph Shiffields in the Town
of Voluntown County of Windham and State of Connecticut where
I had lived for a number of years. I immediately after inlisting
marched to New London in said State where I joined the said Regiment
and was stationed there until about the middle of June 1775 and 
then was ordered to march to Roxbury in the State of Massachusetts
I marched from New London to Providence in the State of Rhode
Island from thence to Roxbury after our arrival to Roxbury we
were employed in erecting Fortifications and watching the motions
of the enemy then in possession of Boston. In the course of the
summer I was taken sick and contained in the Hospital under
the care of Dr. Hart. Std Joseph Shiffield with whom I lived when
I inlisted hearing of my sickness came to Roxbury
to visit me at the time of his arrivial I had so far recovered as to be
able to ride and obtaining a furlough for a short time I went
home with him to Voluntown after said furlough was ended I jined
my Regiment again at Roxbury and continued there until about
the 14th of December 1775 and was discharged having served the full time
for which I inlisted but did not have a written discharge
and for proof of this service i refer tot he deposition of
Page 4

2nd Term of service. On or about the 14th of December 1775 the same day that I was discharged from my 7 months service I entered on duty for another term of service vis I enlisted under Capt Isaac Gallup at the camp at Roxbury to serve in his company in Col. Samuel H. Persons Regiment of Colonial Troops raised for one year from December 1775. I was stationed at [illegible]  Roxbury from the time I enlisted until March 1776 employed in working on fortifications and guarding against the enemy through the winter of 1775 & 76. I went on with the first relief in erecting the Fort on Dorchester point on the night of the 4th of March 1776 and continued with the Regiment at Roxbury until the British evacuate Boston & Regiment was then ordered to march for New York. I marched from Roxbury to Providence in the State of Rhode Island from thence to New London Connecticut and then took water passage to the city of New York. I was then stationed in and near the City till in the summer of 1776 when I was taken sick and conveyed to the Hospital where I was confined on the memorial of the 4th of July 1776. I continued at the Hospital for a few weeks till I was able to be about again but not able to do duty being left in a feeble state I obtained a written discharge from Col Persons as near as I can recollect the first of August 1776 and returned to Voluntown at my former residence making seven months and some days that I served in this service, and for proof of this term of service I refer to the deposition of Reuben Randal hereunto attached, who served in the service with me. He being the only survivor of that campaign that I now know to be living & this is the only evidence I can produce - my discharge I cannot find - my officers in this tour were Samuel H. Persons Col... Day was adjudicated. Isaac Gallup Capt.... Keys [illegible], Lemuel Clift Ensign
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3rd Term of service. In the month of June 1777 I inlisted under Liet Barber Peckham as a recruit to serve a corporal in Capt Christopher Dyers Company in Col Joseph Stantons Regiment of Rhode Island State troops raised for 15 months from December 1776 to March 1778. I marched  with [illegible] Liut Peckham to a place called Howlands ferry in the town of Tiverton in Rhode Island state where I joined Christopher Dyers Company and Stantons Regiment and was stationed at Howlands ferry in the town of Tiverton in the Rhode Island State where I joined Christopher Dyers Company and Stantons Regiment and was stationed at Howlands ferry from June until the 10th of March 1778 when the Regiment was discharged I was employed during the period in erecting fortifications and guarding against the enemy then in possession of Rhode Island in Rhode Island State. I will [ or "well"] remember that whilst stationed at the ferry Col. Borton in the month of July 1777 with a few volunteers from Regiment [illegible] over in the night to Rhode Island surprised and took prisoner General Prescott. I continued at ferry until 10th of March 1778 when I was discharged having served in this tour 9 months. The full term for which I inlisted. my discharge was not written and have no documentary evidence of this service but refer to the deposition of Benjamin Tabor who served in service and whose deposition is hereunto attached being the best evidence I can produce. My officers were Joseph Stanton Col , Christopher Dyer Capt, Barber Peckham Liuet and under command of Gen Spencer.

4th Term of service. On the 10th day of March 1778 the same day that I was discharged from Col Stantons Regiment without leaving the camp I entered into the service of my country for the term of 12 months. I inlisted as a Serjent into Capt Christopher Dyers Company in Col. John Tophams Regiment of Rhode Island State Troops raised for one year from 10 of March 1778 to the 10th of March 1779 and was stationed at Howlands ferry in the town of Tiverton in the Rhode Island State from March until the first of August 1778 when Col Tophams Regiment [illegible] on Rhode Island in General Sullivans Experidion against British troops then in possession of New Port
Page 6

I was in the Battle of the 29 of August and came off in the retreat at sd Howlands ferry and again was stationed through the winter and until the 16th of March 1779 when I was discharged. Having served the full period of 12 months in this service and served a Serjeant I received a warrant but at this time I can not find it, my discharge was not in writing neither
have I any documentary evidence of this term but refer to the deposition of Benjamin Tabor and James Alexander hereunto attached. My officers were John Tophan Colonel...
Hawkins Lieut Col., Samuel Phillips, Major. Charles Handy, Adjutant, Christopher Dyer Capt., Barber Peckham & John Welch
acting Lieutenant & under the command of Brigadier General Ezekiel Connel and John Handy Brigade Major

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

The following Interrogatories were propounded by sd Court to sd Applicant (viz
1st Where and in what year was you born?
Answer at North Kingston in R.I. in the year 1758
Have you any record of your age and if so where is it?
Answer I have a family record in my House
3rd Where were you living when called into service where have you lived since the revolutionary war and where do you now live?
Answer I was living in Voluntown Conn. when I entered the service, and in a few years in Exeter immediately after the war and then moved to
Voluntown in Windham County and State of Conn. I now live in sd Voluntown and have done for about 45 years.
Page 7

4th How were you called into service were you drafted. did you volunteer or were you a substitute and if substitute for whom?
Answer I voluntarily enlisted for each term of service
---
●
5th State the names of some of the regular officers who served with the troops when you served, such continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your services.
Answer General George Washington at Roxbury and also at New York, General Lee, Col Huntington Regiment of Collonial Troops stationed at New York, General Putnam, General Spencer, General John Sullivan, General Cornell, Col Greens Regiment
on on Rhode Island, Col Grays Regiment of State troops.
6th Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it.
Answer I received a written discharge from Col Persons at New York but at this time I cannot find it, my other discharges were not in writing
7th State the names of persons to whom you are known in your neighborhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your service as a soldier of
the Revolution?
Answer. Elder Nathaniel Sheffield and Samuel Robins. William Smith

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before the Court of Probate for the district of Voluntown in Windham County and State of Connecticut
Kinney Gallup Judge of sd Court
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We Nathaniel Sheffield a Clergyman residing in the Town of Voluntown in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut and Samuel Robins residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Smith who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be Seventy four years of age and 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
Nathaniel Sheffield
Sam Robins
---
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before the Court of Probate for the District of [illegible] in Windham County and State of Connecticut 
Kinney Gallup Judge of Court

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after [illegible] 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 Nathaniel Sheffield who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the Town of Voluntown aforesaid and that Samuel Robins who has also signed the same is a resident in sd Voluntown and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit
Kinney Gallup Judge of sd Court

I Daniel Keigwin Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Voluntown do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the sd Court in the of the application of William Smith for a pension
●
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of this
Court this 1st day of February 1833
Daniel Keigwin Clerk ---
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I Nathaniel Sheffield of Voluntown in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged 68 years being duly sworn Testify
and say I am well acquainted with William Smith of said Voluntown: and have been acquainted with him more than 60 years for he the said Smith came to my fathers to live
when I was about 5 years old and remained with my father until he inlisted in the revolutionary war. I well remember that in the spring of the year 1775 I believe in the month of May that whilst he the sd Smith and myself were ploughing in my fathers field there came to us a man having inlisting orders and the the sd Smith concluded he would inlist and he the sd Smith did in my presance sit down on the
beam of the plough and then with his own hand I saw him write his name on said inlisting orders which was for the period of 7 months
and he marched for New London Conn. I further say in the fall of that year news reached my father that the sd Smith was sick at Roxbury in the State of Massachusetts. my father concluded to go and visit him he accordingly started for Roxbury and when he returned brought the Smith home with him on furlough and this deponent further testifies that after
the expiration of sd furlough this deponent by order of his father took his fathers horse and assisted the sd Smith in returning to join the army at Roxbury and further say not,
Nathaniel Sheffield of Windham County of Voluntown February 11th 1833.
Personally appeared in open Court,
Elder Nathaniel Sheffield, Signer of the above
affidavit, who is personally known to this Court
as a witness whose testimony is intitled to
full credit, and made solemn oath to
the truth of the same. Before me
Kinney Gallup Judge of the Court
of Probate for the District of Voluntown.
Page 10

I, Reuben Randall of Voluntown in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged Seventy Five years being duly sworn Testify
and say that I inlisted a private Soldier in Cap Isaac Gallups Company, Col Samuel H Parsons Regiment of Collonial Troops raised for one year from December 1775 to December 1776 and that I inlisted into sd service at Roxbury in the State Massachusetts on or about the 12 December 1775 and well remember that William Smith of Voluntown with whom I was well acquainted did inlist into the sd Capt Isaac Gallups Company in sd Persons Reg about the 14th of December 1775 to serve as a private for the said term of one year. We were stationed at sd Roxbury employed in fortifying the posts and watching the enemy then in possession of Boston until the 17th of March 1776 when the enemy evacuated Boston.
I well remember of marching with the sd Smith from Roxbury to Providence R.I. from thence to New London Conn. and then took passage by water to New York City and then we were stationed in and near the City till the sd Smith was taken sick and conveyed to the Hospital and that he the sd Smith being unable to do
duty was discharged as near as I can recollect the forepart as August 1776 making something more than Seven Months that he was in actual service in a campaign I am now well acquainted with the sd William Smith and have been ever since and know him to be the same man who served in Capt Isaac Gallups Company from Dec 1775 to August 1776 as above stated and further say not. 
Reuben Randal, State of Connecticut
County of Windham, Voluntown 19th of January AD 1833
Personally appeared Reuben Randal subscriber to the above deposition before me and made solemn oath to the truth of the fact therein stated and I further certify that the above deponent is a person of truth & veracity
Sworn before and certify by
Joseph Wylie Justice Peace
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I Benjamin Tabor of Griswold in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged seventy three years being duly sworn Testify and say that in the month of June 1777 I inlisted to serve as a recruit a private Soldier in Capt Benjamin Wests Company Col Joseph Stantons Regiment of Rhode Island State troops raised for fifteen months from December 1776 to March 1778 and stationed
at Howlands ferry in the Town of Tiverton in Rhode Island. I well remember that William Smith of Voluntown with whom was well acquainted also inlisted as a recruit in the month of June 1777 into sd Regiment to serve in Capt Christopher Dyers Company as a corporal and was stationed at Howlands ferry in the Town of Tiverton until the 16th of March 1778 and that he faithfully discharged his duty as a corporal from the time he entered
the service in June 1777 till he was discharged on the 16th of March1778 the full time for which he inlisted (viz a term of 9 months
I am now well acquainted with the sd William Smith and know him to be the same man that was a corporal in Capt Dyers Company from June 1777 to March 1778 as above stated and that he now resides in the Town of Voluntown Windham County and further say not

Benjamin Tabor 
State of Connecticut
County of Windham sd Voluntown 19 January AD 1833 Personally appeared Benjamin Tabor Subscriber to the above deposition before
me and made solemn oath to the truth of the fact therein and I further certify that the above named deponent is a [illegible] and veracity
Sworn before and certified by Joseph Wylie Justice
Page 12

I Benjamin Tabor of Griswold in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged 73 years being duly sworn Testify and say that
on the 16th of March 1778 I enlisted a private Soldier in Capt Joseph Springers Company in Col John Tophans Regiment of Rhode Island
State troops raised for one year from 16th of March 1778 to the 15th March 1779 and stationed at Howlands ferry in the Town of Tiverton in Rhode Island State and well remember that William Smith of Voluntown with whom I was well acquainted did inlist a Serjent in Capt Christopher Dyers Company in sd Tophans Regiment and that he the sd Smith entered on duty in service on the 16th of March 1778 the same day that I myself
also did. I was stationed at sd Howlands ferry with the sd Smith from the 16th of March until the first of August 1778 when sd Regiment went on Rhode Island in General Sullivans expedition against the British Troops then in possession of New Port on sd Island we were in the battle of the 29th of August on sd Island
and came off in the retreat at sd Howlands ferry and again were stationed there until the 16th of March 1779 when he with the rest of sd Regiment was discharged making the full period of 12 months that he the sd Smith service in sd service. I am now
well acquainted with the sd William Smith and know him to be the same man that served in Capt Dyers Company from March 1779
to March 1779 as above stated and further say not
Benjamin Tabor
State of Connecticut
County of Windham I
Voluntown 19th of January 1833
Personally appeared Benjamin Labor subscriber to the above deposition before me and made solemn oath to the truth of the fact therein state and I further certify that the above deponent is a person of truth & veracity
sworn before and certified by

Joseph Wylie Justice Peace
Page 13

I James Alexander of Voluntown in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged Seventy one years being duly sworn Testify and say that I was a private Soldier in Capt Philip Traffords Company in Col
John Tophans Regiment of R.I. State troops raised for one year from March 16th 1778 to March 16th 1779 and stationed at Howlands ferry in the Town of Tiverton in Rhode Island and that I joined sd Company and Regiment as a recruit in the month of June 1778 and well remember that William Smith of sd Voluntown with whom I was well acquainted was then already there at sd Howlands ferry doing Serjents duty in Capt Christopher Dyers Company in sd Tophans Regiment when I joined
sd Regiment at sd ferry. we continued stationed at sd Howlands ferry until the first of August when sd Regiment went on Rhode Island in Gen Sullivans Expedition against the British troops then in possession of New Port on sd Island and well recollect of being with the sd Smith in the Battle of the 29th of August on sd Island and coming off with him in the retreat from sd Island at Howlands ferry and we were again stationed there until the 16th of March 1779 when we were discharged at sd ferry I am most well acquainted with the sd William Smith and know him to be the same man who was a Seargeant in Capt Christopher Dyers Comp
in Col Tophans Regiment as above stated and that he now resides in Voluntown and that he has resided in sd Town more than 40 years and further say not.
James Alexander
State of Connecticut
County of Windham S Voluntown 19 January AD 1833 Personally appeared James Alexander subscriber to the above deposition before me
and made solemn oath to the truth of the fact therein stated and I further certify that the above deponent is a person of truth & veracity
Sworn before and certified by
Joseph Wylie Justice Peace
Page 14

I Armin Bolles Clerk of the County Court within and
for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut do
hereby certify that Joseph Wylie Esq before whom the
affidavits affixed hereunto were made is duly enrolled as a Justice of the Peace in and for said Windham County, that the signatures of his name annexed hereunto are in his hand writing and that full faith and credit ought to be given to his acts as such.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the seal of said Court
at Brooklyn in said County this 6th day of
February A.D. 1833.  Armin Bolles Clerk
Page 15

8984 Declaration of Hannah Smith widow of
Wm Smith Deceased [illegible] 7 July 38
aomd 
3 mo. pri
9 -- Corp
12 -- Sergt
______
$103
Act March 3 1843
No 5684
Hon G. Catten
P.R.
Page 16

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of
Congress of the 7th July 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows"" an act of August 1842 and the act of March 3rd 1843 explanatory and so forth of the act 7 July 1838 and amendatory of sd act.
State of Connecticut
Windham County
for Probate District of Voluntown

On this Fifteenth day of March AD 1843 personally
appeared before the Probate Court of the District of
Voluntown Hannah Smith a resident of Voluntown
in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut
aged 89 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 provisions made by the act of Congres passed July 7th 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" and the acts and resolutions of Congres of August [illegible] 14 & 23, 1832 amendatory and explanatory of act of 7 July1838 and of the act of Congress of March 3, 1843
Explanatory of former acts & extending act of July 7
1838 one year longer to wit from 4th March 1843
to 4 March 1844 -
That she is the widow of William Smith who
was a sergeant in the Revolutionary war and
was also a pensioner of the United States, allowed
and certificated under the act of 4th July 1836
at the rate of one Hundred and three Dollars
per annum.
Refference to my said husband declaration
now on file in the pension office for a further
and particular description of his service-
She further declares that she was married
Page 17

to the said William Smith on the [blank] day of
November in the year Seventeen Hundred and
Eighty one.
That her Husband the aforesaid William
Smith died at said Voluntown on the 4th day of
July Eighteen Hundred and thirty nine, that she
was not married to him prior to his leaving the
Service but the marriage took place previous
to the first day of January Seventeen Hundred
and ninety four namely at the time above
Stated.
In presence of Harvey Campbell, Lydia S. Smith

Hannah Smith [her mark]

Sworn to and subscribed on
the day and year above written
Before me
Harvey Campbell Judge
Page 18

I Income Potter of Voluntown in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged (from the best knowledge I am in possession of) 97 years 21st July 1843 If I should live to see that day--
Being duly cautioned and sworn do on my oath Depose and say that I married for my first wife Elizabeth Arnold, sometimes people called her Betsey instead of Elizabeth, that my said first wife Elizabeth (of aforesaid) was sister to Hannah Smith now of Voluntown in County of Windham state of Connecticut, widow of William Smith late of Sd Town County & State Deceased, 

That I was present at the wedding of the Said Hannah who when a girl was Hannah Arnold, now Hannah Smith and saw her married to William Smith. at the time of the wedding she lived in Exeter State of R. I. The said William Smith & Hannah Arnold was in my presence lawfully joined in Marriage at said Exeter R.I. by Elder Solomon Sprague in the fall of the year Seventeen Hundred and Eighty one- I cannot recollect the month nor day and always after the Marriage lived together as husband and wife until the time of the Death of the said William Smith ) & since his Death she has lived as Widow & has not since--intermarried--

In person of           Income + X(his mark) Potter
Wilham Potter
Wil. C. Stanton

State of Connecticut
Windham County   N Voluntown April 5  1843 Then personally appeared Income Potter who has signed the above deposition by his mark (amt.0
Page 19

who is personally known to the Subscriber as within whose testimony is entitled to full credit and belief and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me.

Wm. C. Stanton Notary Public
Page 20

State of Connecutt
Windham County ) h probate district  of Vountown

I William C. Stanton Clerk of the Court of Probate within and for the district of Voluntown do hereby certify that the forgoing contains the original proceeding, in the matter of the application of Mrs. Hannah Smith for a Pension  


In Testimony where of I have here unto set my hand and afixed the Seal of  C. Court this 22 day of April D. 1843. 

Wm. C.Stanton  Clerk
Page 21

Connecticut 9499 

William Smith of Voluntown in the State of Connt. who was a private Se. in the company commanded by Captain  Waterman of the Regt. commanded by Col.  Parsons in the Ct. State Troops line  for 

Lerg. 12 ms............60.00
Corp. 9 m.................32.00
Private 6 mos............19.00

 Inscribed on the Roll of Connt.
at the rate of 103. Dollars------Cents per annum.

to commence on the 4th day of March,1834

Cetificate of Pension issued the 22 d. day of May 
1833 and sent to T.B. Johnson, by S. Davis present

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833.      206.00
Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 September 1833 
                                                             51.50  $257.50

{ Revolutionary Claim.
Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by F.F.Franciosi  Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 3d. Page 39
Page 22

 404 (tear in page)  4046


Connecticut 
 Hannah Smith
widow of William 
Conn.
who served in the Revolutionary war.as a privt, corpl, Sgt

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 103. dollars --- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1848

Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of July 1849. and sent to 

Wm. C. Stanton Voluntown  Windham Co, Ct.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 337 Vol 1.
Page 23

I, William Smith of Johnson, in the County of Providence and State of Rhone Island, do on oath Testify and say that I am now fifty-six years of age, that I was born at Exeter, in the County of Washington in said state January 19th 1788. William Smith, formerly of said Exeter, was my father the said Hannah is now his widow and resides at Voluntown in the State of Connecticut, my father, the said Willliam, died July 4th 1839. I was with him when he died, and since then, my mother has remained his widow, and is now his widow. My father, the said William, moved himself and family from said Exeter to said Voluntown when I was about fifteen months
Page 24

old, as I have always understood and (truly) believe, I believe the time of my  birth is recorded in the old family Bible.-When I was at her house in Connecticut, sometime ago I was thinking I was a year younger than I was, and she got the bible and said She could tell my age to a day ,and showed me the record therein, I have heard my father speak of his Revolutionary services.-- William Smith
State of Rhode Island
 Providence Ss.

In Providence, on this sixteenth day of February, A.D. 1844, personally appeared William Smith, Subscriber to the aforegoing depositions and made solemn affirmation of the truth of the same, and I do certify that said Smith is a credible witness, and a member of the General assembly.
Before me
Gamaliel L. Dwight
Justice of the Peace
Page 25

State of Rhonde Island +
Province SS.

I Saml W King Clerk of the court of Common Pleas in and for said County in and for County due hereby Certify that Gamaliel L Dwight is at this time a Justice of the Peace in said County   duly entrusted by the Legislature and Commission by the Governor and that his (ossireal) arts  sn intitled to full  credit 

In testimony of which I have (turres) to set my hand and the seal of said Court Feb. 17 1844 .

Sam W King
Page 26

I, John L. Smith of Voluntown in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged 38 years July !st.1843 being duly [engaged) according to law do depose and say,
                               That Hannah Smith Widow of William Smith late of Voluntown aforesaid Deceased resided with me in my family and that I do not know of any record of her marriage to William Smith
       That William Smith aforesaid and his wife now the aforesaid Widow Hannah Smith when her husband was living resided in the same house where I now live.  That I lived with the (s) William + Hannah from the time I was about six years old until the Death of the  (sd) William Smith and since his his  death  his widow has resided with me as aforesaid to this time. That the record of births of their children I copied into the Family Bible some years ago from an old manuscript which  was among some old  papers. The manuscript was burnt up among other old paper as I now believe ,supposing it to be of  no   use after I copied it into the Bible.

I do further testify and say  that the Record [resided) annixed is a correct copy of the said manuscript which I copied from old manuscript some years ago into the family Bible as aforesaid stated . I do further testify that I  am the Son of Sheffield Smith and Grandson of the said William Smith and Hannah  Smith aforesaid.  John L. Smith


Affirmed before me this 28th day of June 1843.
Harvey Campbell Judge.
Page 27

                   (678)

                      FAMILY  RECORD

BIRTHS 

William Smith was Born February 19th. 1759

Hannah Arnold was bornin Exeter, R.I. October 11th 1753 it being Thursday in the forenoon.

Sally Arnold was born at Excter R.I. September 

1st. 1777, it begin Monday About 8 o clock P.M. 

Sheffield Smith was born at Exeter  R.I. August 20t 1782 Tuesday at 2 o.clock P.M.

Hannah Smith was born at Exeter R.I. September 18th 1784 Saturday Morning

William Smith Jun was born at Exeter R.I. January 19th 1788 Saturday at 3o.clock P.M.

Polly Smith was born at Valentown Connecticut June the 23nd. 1790 Wednesday in the morning
Page 28

                 FAMILY RECORD

MARRAGE                       MARRAGE  


BLANK  PAGE
Page 29

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with John L. Smith the Deponent named in the forgoing Affidavit, and that he is a creditable person and fully  entittled to belief and  wothy of credit.


Harvey Campbell  Judge of probate fore the District of Voluntown

June 28th 1843
Page 30

State of Connecticut 
Windham County SS

I Uriel Full er Clerk of the County Court  for said Windham County in the State of  aforesaid, do certify that William C. Stanton Esq. is a  Notary Public duly commissioned on qualified ,in + for the State aforesaid, that his commission bears date, the 6th day of June 1842 + will expire on the 6th day of June 1844 and that by the laws of this State, he is duly empowered to take depositors ,administer oaths  +c. and that full faith + Credit  should be given to all his acts as such-- I fine then certify that I  [willy believe that foregoing signature have porting to be his, is genuine.
  
          In testimony where of I have [lovemte] set my hand and affixed the seal  of said  County Court this 26th day of June A.D. 1843
Uriel Fuller Clerk
Page 31

Rev.
WIDOW & c.

File No.-----17839

Hannah Smith
Widow of
William Smith
Sergt. Rev. War

Act--- Feb.29. 48
Index:--Vol. M, Page 223

[Arrangement of 1870 of 1870.}
Page 32

5277 
  (in Circle--- Sep 30

Mr. Cole
HS Ct.

Hon. J.L. Edwards

Commissioner of Pensions

Washington
D.C. 

pre. case for Goedper
Page 33

8984
Hannah Smith  of William Con

let to W,C. Stanton June 12 1843
let to W.C.  Stanton  Aug 28 1843


Act 7 July 1838
Page 34

Town Clerks office, Exeter, February 19 1844 This may Certify that I have made diligent search + I cannont find the marriage of William Smith + Hannah Arnold on the records of Marriages  and I further Certify that very few marriages in  comparison to the whole were Recorded in said Town as appears of Record in said office.

Witness  Thomas Philips. In. Clerk
Page 35

Connecticut  5277              Rep.
 Hannah Smith
widow of William Smith
who was a Pr. Cprol.. Segt.
in the Revolution
 Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 103 Dollars  ---Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March,1834

Certificate of Pension issured the 11 day of April 1844 
and sent to Hon. G.S. Catlin
House of Representatives
[Act pf March 3,1843.]

Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 1  Page 77
Page 36

Connecticut 8290

Hannah Smith
widow of William Smith
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 4th.July 1839
of Windham Co. in the State of Connt,
who was a Pr.Corpt.+Sergt.in the company
commanded by Captain Waterman of the
commanded by Person in the Connt. State G. for 

inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut
at the rate of 103 Dollars---Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March,1836

Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of April,1844 and sent to Hon. G.S. Catlin, House of Representatives

Total Amount,          $515--
 [Act July 7,1838.]

Recorded by D. Brown  Clerk,
Book D.  Vol.1 Page 95
Page 37

(printed around)                              FREE

898$
May 5-1843
ct. July 7 1835
Hannah Smith


Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commision of Penn.
Washington D.C.

[Stamp reads] 
 Pendleton Hill Cons.
May 3
Page 38



                                           Voluntown April 1843      

Hon. J.E. Edwards

                     Sir.


I enclose you the Declaration of Hammah Smith Wd. Wm. Smith of Voluntown, Decesed, by request of the widow you will please address the returns to the Subscriber at Voluntown, Windham
County Connecticut

                              I am sir Respectfully
                              yours in Trust
                    
                                    Wm. C . Stanton
Page 39

Hon.  
            J.L. Edwards

              Commissioner of Pensions

                      Washinton D.C.
Page 40

                                
State of Connecticut, Windham County
Voluntown   Sept.29 th. 1848

Sir

I have the Pleasure of forwarding to you the new Declaration of Hannah Smith of  Voluntown  widow of William Smith Decd.


I am sir very Respectfuly
your obedient Servant 
  Wm. C. Stanton


Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 41


House of Reps.
Washington March 23 rd. 1844

Hon.J.L. Edwards
lComm. of Pensions


Sir,

I have rec.,d the enclosed deposition of H. Smith, from Voluntown Cont. and I transmit it  herewith for the purpose of having it considered with the other papers of Widow Smith, in her application for a Pension.

I have the honor to be
with great Respect
Your Obeat.   Servt.

Geo.S. Catlin
Page 42

House of Reps.
Febr.24th 1844


Hor. J. L. Edwards
Commser. Pensions


Sir,

I have the to enclose herewith certain additional Evidence in the case of Widow Hannah Smith's application, The evidence refers to the only point about which the Commissioner has expressed a doubt. -- the marriage of the said Hannah with  William Smith. The application of Mrs. Smith forwarded to the Pension office by Geo. Stanton of Voluntown, Con.

I have the honor to be 
Very Respectfully
Your obent. Sevd.

Geo. S. Catlin
Page 43

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of 2nd of February 1848 entitled "The Act making further provisions for Surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution"

State of Connecticut
County of Windham

On this 20 day of September 1848 before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid personally appeared Hannah Smith a resident of Voluntown in the County of Windham in the state of Connecticut aged ninety four years October 11, 1847, + will be ninety five Oct 11th 1898 (should she live to said day). Who being first duly sworn according to law doth and her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed on the 2nd February 1848 granting pensions to widows of person who served during the Revolutionary War.

That she is the Widow of Williman Smith who was a corporal and Sergeant in the war of the Revolution. That she received a pension under the act of 17 June 1844 at the rate of one Hundred and three dollars per Annum, She further declares that She is a widow. 
In presence of                       Hannah  ( x) Smith
B Miner Burdick                                   (her mark

Wm. C Stanton
  sworn and subscribed the day and year above written before me.  Wm. C. Stanton  Justice of the Peace
Page 44

I hereby Certify that I am personally acquainted with the within and foregoing declarant and she is the same individual who drew a pension as stated in the foregoing declaration.
Attest Wm C Stanton Justice of the Peace
[flourish]

State of Connecticut Cs
Windham County Office of Clerk of County Court
I hereby Certify that Wm. C. Stanton Esq was on the 20thday of September AD 1848 a Justice of the Peace in and for sd County, duly commissioned and qualified; and that the above signature is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto annexed the Seal of sd County Court this 21st day of September AD 1848.
Daniel P. Tyler Clerk
Page 45

Know all men by these presents that S. Benjamin Colegrove of Voluntown in the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut for and in consideration of One hundred and Two pounds in Shilling s lawful money to me in hand paid by William Smith of  Exciter in the County of Washington in the State of Rhode Island (Recifit) where I do hereby  acknowledge is to my full satisfaction do give grant sell of [convey unto She said  William Smith  his heir + his heirs forever. Our certain {track) of land lying in Voluntown, aforesaid containing thirty-five (items) as is first of the 29 th lot in the 3rd.tier, of lots and originally laid out on the right of John Charles and is bounded as (follows) beginning at a Chestnut tree (marked) standing on the East Side of a  swamp + is the South West corner of  a lot of land Originally laid out to (can't read) from Hence West 2nd South one hundred and one Rods to a stake with stones about  it standing in the South line of Land which Joseph Sheffield Bingle of John Dixon from hence South Sixty Rods to a  Mill Lake about the marked with stony about it from hence East 2d Soth 101 Rods to a chestnut tree marked  T. S. from hence a North to the Bound first mentioned  and to hold Her granted forever to the said William Smith and his Heirs to their (llse) and behold forever + I  do account with the said Williams Smith and his heirs and Assigned Hand I am lawfully signed in fee of  the premises that they are free of all  encumbrances that I have a good [siglet) to sell and convey the same
Page 46

to the said William Smith and his Heirs and that He will warrant and defend the same to him the said William Smith His Heirs and assigns forever against the Lawful claims and demands of all persons. Are witness where of I have hereunto Set my hand and seal this: 9th day of March A.D. 1989 Signed Sealed and delivered in appearance of Us.

Allen Campbell
Allen Wylie                     Benjamin Colegrove (Seal)



Received for
Record April the
13th 1989 and Recorded
by Me Benjamin C. Dowd
Recorder

Needs to be move up)

Windham County in Voluntown
the 9th day of March AD 1789
Personally appeared Benjamin Colegrove
Signer and Sealer to the within Instrument
his forenot and deed Before Me
Allen Campbell Justice of the Peace

The foregoing is a true Copy of Voluntown
Records 
Voluntown Feb. 15th, 1844


West Elistra   Potter Town Clerk
Page 47

I Soloman Arnold of dEast Greenwich in the county of Kent and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations being in the 77th year of my age, on solemn oath do testify and say, that I was well acquainted with William Smith deceased late of Nolantown Windham county State of Connecticut, who was a Revolutionary pensioner, who previous to his living in connecticut resided in the town of Exeter in the county of Washington in the State of Rhode Island. I am well acquainted with Hannah Smith Widow of said William Smith, she being my own sister, I was present at ther marriage to said William Smith, she was married at my fathers House in said Exeter in the year 1781. By Elder Solomon Sprague, they had several children after their intermarriag, before they moved to the State of Connecticut - 
Solomon Arnold [signature]

State of Rhode Island
County of Kent, In East Greenwich February 12" 1844 Personally appeared before me the above named Solomon Arnold & made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him signed - and I further certify that he is a credible witness - 

Jeremiah S Slocum Just. Peace
[flourish]
Page 48

State of Rhode Island }Sc
County of Kent
I S. Slocum Clerk of the Court of Common Plea in the county aforesaid being a court of Record, do hereby certify that Jeremiah S Slocum Esqr is a Justice of the Peace in the town of East Greenwich in the County aforesaid, and is fully authorized to act in has said capacity, and that his signature within writen is genuine - 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of the said Court this 12th day of February one thousand eight hundred & forty four -
Jeremiah S. Slocum Clk
[flourish]
Page 49

I Christopher C Green Church Clerk of the Exeter Baptist Church in the town of Exeter County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, do hereby certify that a relic of the remains of the ancient records of the Baptist church formerly under the pastoral care of Eld Solomon Sprague in this place (and that this relic [underlined] of records is all of said Spragues record now, or that was ever known to me,) are in my possession, and that there is no evidence of any marriages on said record that was solemnized by Ebr. Sprague, or by any other person in Ebr Spragues day
Dated Exeter Feb 12 " AD 1844
Christopher C Greene Ch Clk
Page 50

Voluntown June 28th 1843


Sir,

I send you by request of widow Hannah Smith of Voluntown a record of the births of the children of her Family and the Depontion of her Grand Son.

Also is certificate of Clerk of County Court of Windham County, certifying to my official character and signature, as a Notary Public.

               I have usually taken depositions as a Notary Public in most cases because it has been requested by persons interested, as it has usually (until your very late decision) been deemed not only legal but the best as it, in many cases superseded the necessity of a certificate from the clerk of a court of record.

All thou I am authorized to take depositions as a Justice of the Peace or as a commissioner of   county court in Windham County, yet in my own State I am requested to do such business in Court Cases as Notary Public.

I will say that the widow Smith says she does not know of any further Proof of her marriage than such as She has now sent to the department. And it was with much reluctance that she consented to have the record taken from the Bible. 
                                   I have the Honor to be sir
                                      very respectfully
                                        Your obt. Servent
                                           Wm. C. Stanton
To
 Hon. J. L. Edward
Comm. Pension
Washington D. C.
Page 51

I William Smith of Voluntown do acknowledge to have voluntarily inlifted myfelf aSoldier, to ferve in a Regiment of Foot, raifed by the Colony of Connecticut, for the Defence of the fame, to be commanded by Coll. Samuel H. Perfons during the Pleafure of the General Affembly, and as they fhall direct, not exceeding Seven Months. As Witnefs my Hand the 14 Day of May in the Year of   Our Lord,1775.  
 William Smith.

{this was typed as written f used as an s)
Page 52

for firelock bayonet + cartooch (sic)  10 
3nd.

wages for months 2 for privates Serget.,2, &, Corporal 2,4
Page 53

I Caleb Potter of Johntown in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged about 70 years being duly engaged according to law do depose and say that I was well acquainted with William Smith late of Johntown aforesaid Deceased,
I have always been acquainted with the aforesaid William Smith ever since I was a boy. I was also well acquainted with his wife from my youth to this time.
The aforesaid William Smith was reported to have been married to Hannah Arnold at Exeter and by Elder. - Sprague when I was about Eight years of age as near as I can recollect. Why I recollect particular about Wm. Smith & Hannah Arnold is that they came to my father's in Richmond in State of Rhode Island and stayed all night: and when at my fathers I very well recollect that Wm smith took Miss Arnold (his intended wife) on his knee, a thing I was not accustomed to witnessing.
That from the time I was about eight years old until the time of his Death the said William Smith and Hannah Arnold & after marriage, Hannah Smith lived together as husband and wife and had several children one of which, only is now living & resides in the State of RI.
That many years since the said William Smith moved from R.I to Johnstown Windham county Connecticut where he resided until the time of his Death. & that Hannah Smith the widow of Wm smith aforesaid Decd, is still living & remains the Identical widow of the said Wm Smith Decd.
That the said William Smith & Hannah his wife moved into this town to live about the year 1789 and lived until the time of his death within about two miles of me & his widow still lives on the same place.
Caleb Potter [signature]

Windham County
Johntown October 6" 1843
Then, Personally appeared Caleb Potter who has signed the above Deposition & who is known to the subscriber
Page 54

as begin a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit & belief and made solemn oath to the truth of the Same before me

Somalia Potter...Justice of the Peace
Page 55

I Thankful Brown of Folk town in the County of. Windham and State of Connecticut. Aged 80 years upwards, being duly engaged according to law do testify and say that I was formerly well acquainted with William Smith late of  Voluntown  deceased and I am also well acquainted with his widow. That William Smith and wife moved into this town in the year 1789 and when he came to this town to live he moved into the house with my father + bought a farm from him. When he first came to this town to live he had several children to wit Sheffield, Hannah + William, the youngest of which to wit William was about six months of age. and after they came from R.I. to this town to live they had one child Born who was named Potty. The said William Smith and Hannah always continued to live together as husband and wife until the time of said William Smiths death and since that time the said Hannah has not intermarried but still continue the widow of said Wm. Smith.
I have lived within two miles of said Smiths ever since he first moved. Into this town to the time of his death and some of the time I lived in the same house with him I never heard the marriage of sd. Wm. + Hannah doubted.  In presence of 
Stephen Colegrove
Elisha Potter
Thankful (X) (Her .mark) Brown

Windham County for Voluntown November 6 1843 Personally appeared Thankful Brown who has subscribed to the above deposition by his mark and who is well known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit and belief and made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
Before me Elisha Potter Justice of Peace.
Page 56

I  Zeruviah Robins of Valentown in the county of Windham and State of Connecticut aged 87 years being duly cautioned and engaged according and engaged according to the law do Depose and say that I am well acquainted with Hannah Smith window of William Smith late of Voluntown aforesaid Decesed. -That William Smith aforesaid was at the time of his death a pensioner of the united States. Wm. Smith + Hannah Smith aforesaid moved into Voluntown some where  about the year 1789 as near as I can recollect. That Ever since that time I have been well acquainted with the family and most of the time lived within about two miles of them.  The said Wm. Smith + Hannah Smith always lived together as Husband and wife + had a family of Children. They had several children when when they first came to this town+ had one Daughter born after they came here. The family lived together peaceably + The said Smith + wife were good + wholesome Inhabitants of Voluntown + lived together as Husband and Wife +led good moral characters + were of pious examples until the time of the Death of  sd, Wm. Smith  + since his death his sd. Widow has continued to live at the same place & has not since intermarried but is still the widow of the sd. Wm. Smith late Dec.
In presence of 
Elisha Potter
Kinney Gallup
Zeruviahl (X) (His mark) Robins

Windham County for Voluntown October 14th 1843 Personally appeared Zeruviahl Robins who has subscribed to the above deposition and who is known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit and belief and made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
Before me Elisha Potter Justice of Peace.
Page 57

State of Connecticut
Windham County ] Ss

I Uriel Fuller Clerk of the County Court for the County of Windham in the State aforesaid: do hereby certify that Elisha Potter Esq. before who the forgoing affidavits have sworn was at that time + now is a Justice of the Peace for sd.  County duly commissioned + qualified is that his commission bears date of 8th day of June 1844 + will expire on the 20th of June 1866 (can't read) certify that I verily believe the signatures to the affidavit of Elisha Potter. Thankful Brown + Zeruviah Robbins purporting to be his are genuine.

In testimony where of I have hereunto subscribed my name + affixed the seal of P. Court at Brooklyn this 11th day of December 1843.
Uriel Fuller Clerk.

( Shadow  of a seal and its ribbon)