Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24428, Peleg Heath, R.I.
Page 1

SERVICE
R.I.

Heath, Peleg
Annar.

NUMBER
W.24428

CONTENTS
Page 2

April 44 EL Heath History Prior

Rhode Island  28
Annar Heath widow of Peleg
Bristol in the State of R.I. who was an Ens. Lt. (illegible) in the ---- commanded by Captain ----- of the Rgt. commanded by Captain ------ of the R.I. Line for 4 mons ensign - 40.00
5 ms. 15 days Lt. - 73.3(illegible)
4 " 19 : Major - 115.9(illegible)
229.17

Inscribed on the Roll of R.I. at the rate of 229 Dollars 17 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.

Certificate or Pension issued the 3d. day of Dec. 1836 and sent S. Randall Warren R.I.

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1836 $1260.0
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar '37 114.49
$1374.59

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by D.D. Addison Clerk,
Book D Vol. 1 Page 105
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Declaration,
In order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the act of Congress of the 4th of July 1836.

The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations County of Bristol, Ss.

On this Twenty fourth day of August A.D. Eighteen hundred thirty six, personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol, Annar Heath of (illegible) of Barrington in the aforesaid county of Bristol, aged ninety one years; who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4th, 1836, that she is the widow of Peleg Heath, who was an officer in the War of the Revolution and served therein as herein stated according to the best of her knowledge and belief, to wit, in the fall of latter part of the year Seventeen hundred seventy five he entered the services under the appointment of Ensign of the Second Company in Cap. William Richmonds Regiment. This Regiment was raised for one year's service & that her said (illegible) Heath, as she believes, served the time and (illegible) or Lieutenant.

That in the spring of the year Seventy (illegible) husband was appointed Major in the Regiment of Militia in this county of Bristol, under Col. Nathan Miller, and was frequently on duty until the British left Newport, in 1781. That he had a Commission but that she is now unable to find it. That she thinks her husband was absent on duty while Major nearly half the time.

She further declares that she was married to said Peleg Heath on the Eighteenth day of April Seventeen hundred sixty nine. and that her husband the aforesaid Peleg Heath, died in the year Seventeen hundred Eighty Six and that she has remained a widow ever since that.
Page 4

(illegible)
Annar Heath
widow of Peleg Heath Ensign & Major
RI

(illegible)
4 mos Ensigh
5.15 Lt
4.19 Major

S. Randall
(illegible)
192.20
Page 5

served as will more fully appear by reference to the proof documents annexed.
her
Amor X Heath
mark

Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written. At the residence of the said Annar Heath, in Burrington, and I hereby certify that the said Annar Heath cannot from bodily infirmity, attend any Court of Record of leave her house. I also certify that Annar Heath is a woman of undoubted veracity. before me
Chris Smith
Justice of the Court of Commonplace Please

State of Rhode Island nd Providence Plantations
(illegible) Clerks Office Supreme Judicial Court August 26. A.D. 1836. I Greenwood Reynolds clerk of said court for said County of Bristol do hereby certify that Christopher Smith is a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol and is duly qualified to to act in said capasity and that the signature at the bottom of the above certificate is his genuine signature, And I further certify that Samuel Randall before whom the depositions of Joshua Becknall Joseph Mums and Jonathan J. Drown purporting to have been taken, is a Justice of the Peace for said County and has been such for several years last post and that the signature as a Justice of the Peace is in his own proper hand writing and his genuine signature
Greenwood Reynolds, Clerk

174
Annar Heath
widow of Peleg Heath
Ensign & Major
R.I.
Adm'd
4 mo. Ensign
5.15 Lt.
4.19 Major
Sat

S. Randall
Warren RId.
Page 6

Killingly August the 29th 1836

Sir, in accordance of your letter I called on my brother Joseph as he had the keeping of my Father's papers and on examining to find the Major's commission and certificate of marriage He well remembered his fathers Commission as being in her possession but she supposes his children who had access to his draw has distroyed it with sundry other papers as it is not to be found the Lt. Commission was found in his possession and I here with enclose the same to you. and I hereby desire you to call on Judge Bicknell as I suppose he will be as likely as any person I can think of to know as regards my fathers rank and service in (illegible) any information I can discover respecting the case I will immediately communicate to you.
From your Friend & Humble Servant
Wm. Sam'l. Randal
Peleg Heath
Page 7

I John Tyler of Barrington in the County of Bristol and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations on this 29th day of August 1836. On solemn oath depose and say.

That I am the Town Clerk of the said Town of Barrington that by the laws of this State all marriages must be recorded in the town where the marriage was performed that I have diligently searched the records of marriages for said Town and find that there is no record of the marriage of Peleg Heath late of said Barrington dec'd to Annar his present widow or to any other person.
John Tyler

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Town Clerks Office
Barrington Aug't 29th 1836}
I hereby certify that Peleg Heath the Son of Peleg and Annar Heath was born the 31st day of March A.D. 1771 as of the record in said office appears
John Tyler Town Clerk

I John Tyler on Oath do testify & say that I am the Town Clerk of said Town of Barrington duly appointed and legally qualified to act as such that the aforegoing is a court copy of the Record of the birth of Peleg Heath son of Peleg Heath and Annar his wife in this office, that I have examined the records of births & marriages in this office & can find no other person by the name of Peleg Heath except the grand father of the above named Peleg Heath & I verily believe there never has been any other persons of that name in said Barrington within the last century
John Tyler

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Bristol Ss. in Warren Oct. 14, 1836
Then the above named John Tyler personally appearing before me the subscriber and being sworn according to law, made oath to the
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truth of the aforegoing affidavit to which he subscribed his name in my presents. And further certify that I am well acquainted with said John Tyler and know him to be the town Clerk of said town of Barrington and that his acts as such are entitled to credit.
 
And I also certify that the first affidavits on the preceding page was sworn to before me and subscribed in my presence at the same time by the said John Tyler.
Samuel Randall
Justice Peace
Page 9

July 13, 1938.

RA-J/ILL
Peleg Heath
B.L.Wt. (illegible) 
Peleg Heath
W. (illegible)

Mrs. Harry A. Brown
70 May Street
Needham, Massachusetts.

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to your ancestor, Peleg Heath, who was born July 30, 1741 in Roxbury, Massachusetts, and served from either Connecticut or Rhode Island in the Revolutionary War; you furnish as reference a Peleg Heath from Draper's Index of Connecticut Revolutionary War pensioners.

A search of the Revolutionary War records of this office has been made and the records found of only two soldiers with that name; their records are furnish herein from claims for pension and bounty land which were made to the United States.

Peleg Heath -B.L.Wt. 957-200. (On Drape's Index) page 204

The records of this office show that Warrant #957 for 200 acres of bounty land was issued February 5, 1790, on account of service of Peleg Heath, Lieutenant in the Connecticut Line, War of the Revolution.

There are no statements on file made by the applicant for this bounty land because of the destruction of papers in such early applications for bounty land when the War Office was burned in 1800. Hence, no further data in regard to this officer.

Is is requested that further information in regard to the military record of this officer might be obtained from The Adjutant General, War Department, this city. Information in regard to the location of this land might be obtained from the Commissioner, General Land Office, this city. You should furnish that official the number of warrant, acreage and date of issuance, given above.

Peleg Heath - W. 244(illegible)
The data which follow in regard to this Peleg Heath are found
Page 10

in pension claim, W. 24428.

Peleg Heath was the son of Peleg Heath; the date of his birth, place of his birth, and name of his mother are not shown. Both the father and son lived in Barrington, Rhode Island, which was the residence of the son at the time he entered service in the Revolutionary War. The date of death of the father is not shown.

Peleg Heath, the son, entered service in the fall of 1775, served as ensign in Captains Church's and Billings Throop's companies, Colonal William Richmond's Rhode Island regiment, was promoted March 4, 1776, Lieutenant and served in said Captain Throop's and Caleb Carr's company in that regiment and continued until the expiration of one year during this service, he was engaged at first in the state of Rhode Island, afterwards went to New London, Connecticut, thence to Long Island and assisted in bringing many prisoners back to New Long. He was appointed later Major in the Rhode Island militia, was on Spencer's Expedition in 1777, also on General Sullivan's Expedition in 1776, and served at other times as late as 1781, amounting in all to at least one and one half years.

(handwritten) Mrs. Finch called Adj. Gen Office in reg. to this service so Maj. See notations on Heitmans

Major Peleg Heath died in the year 1786, in Barrington, Rhode Island.

He married in Barrington, Rhode Island, April 18, 1769, Annar or Anner, whose maiden name is not given.

Annar Heath (as her name was borne on the pension roll), this officer's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed August 24, 1836, at which time she was a resident of Barrington, Bristol County, Rhode Island. She was aged then ninety-one years.

Peleg Heath and his wife, Annar, had five  sons and one daughter' their son, Peleg was born March 31, 1771 in Barrington, Rhode Island, and resided in Killingly Connecticut in August 1835; another son was Joseph Heath, who was living in 1836, his age not stated. No other names of their children were stated.

In 1836, when Annar Heath made application for her pension, Joshua Bicknall was a resident of Barrington, Rhode Island, aged then seventy-seven years. He stated then that all but one of the children of Peleg Heath and Annar, his wife, were born before the close of the Revolutionary

2.
Page 11

War, also, that he had been acquainted with said Peleg since boyhood; furthermore, that his (Joshua Bicknell's) father married said Peleg Heath's mother.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name of pensioner, and, possibly, the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, this city, and cite the following:

Annar Heath, widow of Peleg Heath
Certificate #(illegible)
Issued December 3, 1835
Rate $(illegible).17 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1838
Rhode Island Agency.

Very truly yours,

A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant 
to the Administrator.
Page 12

Rev'y Sidow, &c.
No. 24428
Annar Heath
Widow of Peleg Heath
Major Reb. war
Act June 7th 1838
Vol. A Page 372
[(illegible) of (illegible)]

Feb. 20, 1905 History to Mrs. Amanda J. Palmer,
78. 3 Ave. Slion, N.Y.

1914. Jan. 12. History to M. T. Heath 

1914 Feb. 3 to above date of Joseph's birth not stated t.w.
1920 Sept. 23, Hist. to Fannie T. Gallup Ew.

Letter in s. 12074 Joshua Baker

July 13 History to Mrs. Harry (illegible) See letter in Br. (illegible) land Peleg Heath Wt. 959-200
ELL
Page 13

(illegible)
Page 14

BY HIS EXCELLENCY,

John Brown Francis

Governor, Captain-General and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.

BE IT KNOWN, that the name "HENRY BOWEN" to the aforewritten attestation subscribed, is the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen, Esquire, who, at the time of subscribing the same, was Secretary of State aforesaid, duly elected, and qualified according to law: Wherefore unto his said attestation, full faith and credit are to be rendered.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of said State to be affixed at Providence, this fifteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six and of Independence the sixty-first

John Brown Francis

BY HIS EXCELLENCY'S COMMAND
Henry Bowen Secry.
Page 15

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

Secretary's Office October 15, AD 1836

I Certify that at the session of the General Assembly of said State (then Colony) on the thirtieth first day of October seventeen hundred seventy five Peleg Heath was elected Ensign of the second Company in Richmonds Regiment ordered at said session to be raised for one year unless sooner discharged. That at the session on the last Monday of February following, (1776) the said Peleg was elected Lieutenant of said Company. That at the session on the third Monday of August following, (1776) all the officers of said Regiment appear to have been elected, but I do not find the name of Peleg Heath among them. 
There are no documents in this office by which the services of said Regiment can be ascertained.
Witness Henry Brown Secry.
Page 16

I David Maxfield of Briston in the County of Bristol in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, on Solemn Oath do testify and say that I am Eighty years of age and upwards that I was well acquainted with Peleg Heath of Barrington in the Revolutionary War. In the latter part of the year Seventeen hundred Seventy five I enlisted into a company of state troops for which was raised by order of this state for one year which Company was commanded by Billings Throop, Caleb Carr was Lieutenant an Peleg Heath of Barrington was Ensign. This company belonged to the Regiment orderred by said state to be raised for the defence of the said state of Rhode Island in portion
Page 17

of the Company was taken sick imme
diately after the Battle in Providence & sosn
after died and Caleb Carr, the Lieutenant
was promoted to a Captain and said
Peleg Heath to Lieutenant. I do not re
member the month of the year this
change in the officers took place.
I served in this company commanded
by said Billings Throop at first and
after wards by said Caleb Carr, the whole
term out for which I enlisted which
was twelve months and said Peleg
Heath of Barrington was the whole
of said term of twelve months in
said Company either as Ensign or
Lieutenant, and did duty the whole
of said term of twelve months and
was discharged at the same time
I was.
David Maxfield

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Bristol ss in Warren Oct 12th, 1836.
Then the above named David Maxfield
personally appearing acknowledged before
me the subscriber, and being sworn
according to law, made oath to the truth
of the aforegoing deposition to which he
subscribed his name, in my presence.
And I further certify that I am well
acquainted with the said David Maxfield
that he is a credible person and his state
ment, entitled to credit
Samuel Randall,
Justice Peace
Page 18

I John Sisson of Warren in the County of
Bristol in the State of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations on solemn oath
do testify and say that I am Seventy Eight
years of age and upward, that I was well
acquainted with Peleg Heath late of Barring
ton, deceased, both in and during the
Revolutionary War and afterwards.
That in the fall of Seventeen hundred
Seventy five, I enlisted into a Company
of State troops, state service, in Col
Richmond's Regiment, and served in
said Company about three months
and was taken sick and left the service
and went home
When I enlisted in to said Company Billings
Throop was Captain of said Company
Caleb Carr Lieutenant and Peleg Heath of
Barrington was the ensign of said
Company, all the time I remained in
said Company.
In the Fall of the next year - (Seventy
seven) I took my brothers place in the
aforesaid Company in order to let him
for home for two weeks. I am sure that
the said Peleg Heath was at this time
the Ensign or lieutenant of said Company
It is my impression that Billings
Throop died and that Carr was Capt.
and Peleg Heath lieutenant the latter
part of the Campaign, and at the afore
named time of my taking my brothers
place in said Company, which was
in the fall, as aforenamed, of sworn to this
I have not the least doubt in my mind
but that the said Peleg Heath was an officer
either Ensign or lieutenant the whole cam
pain.
John Sisson
Sworn
Page 19

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Bristol Ss. in Warren Oct. 8th 1836
Then the within named John Sisson
personally appearing before me the subscriber
and being sworn according to law, made oath
to the truth of the aforegoing Deposition, to
which he subscribed his name in my presence
And I hereby certify that I am well acquainted
with said John Sisson and that he is a credible
person and his statement entitled to credit.

Samuel Randall
Justice Peace.
Page 20

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Bristol Ss Clerks Office Supreme Judicial Courts, I Greenwood
Reynolds Clerk of said Court for said County
of Bristol do hereby certify that Samuel
Randell before whom the depositions of
John Tyler, David Maxfield and John
Sisson afore written purport to have been
taken is a Justice of the Peace for said
County of Bristol, duly qualified to act in
in said capacity of Justice of the Peace, and that
the signature of his name at the bottom of the certif
icates to said depositions is his genuine signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
name and affixed the seal of said Court this nine
teenth day of October in the year of our Lord 1836
Greenwood Reynolds Clerk
Page 21

The Deposition of Peleg Heath taken
at the request of his mother Anna
Heath to be approved for the purpose
of obtaining a pention & en
taken and sealed up this 16th day of
October AD. 1836 at Killingly in Windham
County By me Luther Warren Justice of the Peace
Page 22

I Peleg Heath of Killingly in the County of Windham
in the State of Connecticut on oath do testify that I am
the Son of Peleg Heath late of Barrington in the County
of Bristol and State of Rhodeisland decease, and Anna
Heath now of said Barrington that I was born in
said Barrington on the twenty ninth day of March
AD 1771 as I have always understood and believe
that I have never known or heard of any person by
the name of Peleg Heath of said Barrington except
My father and my grandfather
and further sayeth not
Killingly October the 15th A.D. 1836
Peleg Heath
Windham County ss Killingly October the 15th 1836
the aforesaid Peleg Heath was examined, cautioned and
Sworn according to Law to the foregoing deposition.
Before me Luther Warren Justice of the peace

State of Connecticut
Windham County
Page 23

State of Connecticut
Windham County

I Uriel Fuller Clerk of the County Court for
the County of Windham, do hereby certify that
Luther Warren Esq is a Justice of the Peace
for said Windham County, duly qualified
to administer oaths and take depositions
and that the above hand writing is the
true and genuine signature of the said
Justice Warren.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
affixed the seal of this Court and
subscribed my name this 13th day
of October Anno Domini 1836
Uriel Fuller Clerk
Page 24

In reply to your request of [blank], received [blank] for a statement of the military history of Peleg Heath, a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in [crossed out text] his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. 
W. File 24, 428. 

[column headings: Dates of Enlistment or Appointment, Length of Service, Rank, Officers Under Whom Service Was Rendered (Captain, Colonel), State] 
Fall 1775, 1 year, Ensign, Church and Caleb Carr, 2 Co., William Richmond, RI 
Promoted Mch 4, 1776, Lieutenant
Between Spring 1777 and the evacuation of Newport 1780, 1 1/2 years, Major, Nathan Miller 
He was in Spencer's + Sullivan's expeditions. 

Battles engaged in, [check mark] 
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Barrington, RI
Date of application for pension, Aug. 24, 1836. Her claim was allowed. 
Residence at date of application, Barrington, Bristol Co., RI 
Age at date of application, ninety-one years. He was son of Peleg Heath. 
Remarks: 
Sol. mar. at Barrington, RI Apl 18, 1769. Annar (or Annor); he died [line] 1786. They had 5 sons + 1 daughter, Peleg born Mch 31, 1771 + Joseph, only names stated.
Page 25

J. N. S
O. W. and N. Division.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D. C., April,1893
Sir
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of
Peleg Heath, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will
please and below the desired information as contained in his application for pension
on file in this Bureau.
                                                                    OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED
DATES OF            LENGTH          RANK.       ______________________________________________________        STATE.
ENLISTMENT.     OF SERVICE.                            CAPTAIN.                      COLONEL.
Oct 1775               12 mos          Ensign          Caleb Church               Wm Richmond R.                         R. I.
                                                      Lt                  of Feby 1776 in same Compy at the end of the
year he was Major in the County Militia, appointed in 1777 & was out as
Mayor for short periods in 1777-8-9 & in 1781 so later of Militia Services than years.-
________________________

engaged in.  Genl Sullivan's retreat Aug 27 1778 from Inland of Rhode Island
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Barrington RI
Date of application by widow or pension, Augt 1836
Residence at date of windows application, Augt 1836 in Barrington
Age of widow at date of application, 92 years.
Remarks: Mard at Barrington R.I. April 17.1739 to Annor........ & He died
in 1786. For many years the widow was a cripple
Very respectfully,
------
aeg Commissioner.
Clk E L Heath
Office Rockwell Mlgeso
Rockville Conn
7941 b-8 m
Page 26

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Secretary's office Novemr 18. AD 1836.
I certify that at the session of the General assembly
on the last day of October seventeen hundred seventy
five, a "Regiment consisting of five hundred men, for the
defence of the United Colonies in general, and of this
Colong in particular" was ordered to be raised.
That the men were to be enlisted for one year unless
sooner discharged, at the discretion of the Gen. Assembly.
That at said session William Richmond was
appointed Colonel of said Regiment, and Peleg Heath
an Ensign in Capt Church's Company. (2d Company)
That in February 1776 Caleb Carr was elected Capt.
and Peleg Heath Lieutenant of said Company,
That in May 1776 the Delegates in Congress were
instructed as follows "you have it in express
charge, to make immediate application to Congress
to put the Colony Brigade upon the Continental
Establishment, and to defray the expenses of it
from the first inlistment of the Troops, as that number
is indispensably necessary for the defense of the Colony,
which is utterly unable to support them."
That at August Session 1776 there is the following
record, viz:
Officers chosen}
"Both Houses joined in a Grand Committee.
"recommend to the most Honorable the General
"Congress of the United States of America the
"following persons as suitable for the Field officers
"of the Brigade raised by this State and taken
"into Continental Bay, William Richmond Esq
Page 27

"Colonel, Caleb Gardner Esq. Lieutenant Colonel
"and Benjamin Talman Esq. Major of the First
"Regiment.
"The following officers are chosen and appointed
in the First Regiment."
Here follow the names of twelve Captains
twelve Lieutenants- twelve Ensigns - Adjutant
Quarter Master and Surgeon - among which
I do not find Peleg Heath."
The same recommendation of Field officers and
appointment of Company officers for the second
Regiment (of which Christopher Lippitt was Col.)
then follows: among which I do not find
Peleg Heath
I further certify that I find no record of the
discharge of said Regiment before the expiration
of the year for which it was ordered to be raised,
nor do I find any record of the resignation or
discharge of said Heath, or any evidence
showing that he did not serve the year for
which said regiment was ordered, other than
as above stated.
There are no documents in the office showing
the services of said Regiment.
witness Henry Bowen Secry
Page 28

BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
John Brown Francis
Governor, Captain-Geneal, and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhode-
Island and Providence Peantations.
BE IT KNOWN, that the name, ""HENRY BOWEN."" to the
afore-written attestation subscribed, is the proper hand writing of Henry Bow
en, Esquire, who at the time of subscribing the same, was Secretary of the
State aforesaid, duly elected and qualified according to law: Wherefore unto
his said attestation full faith and credit are to be rendered.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
caused the seal of said State to be affixed at Prov
idence, this eighteenth
day of November in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six
and of Independence the sixty-first
John Brown Francis
By His Excellency's Command.
Hen
Henry Bowen Secry
Page 29

Peleg Heath Ensign 12 mo. 76 - Capt. Carr, Col Richmond
"     "   Major 1 mo. 12.ay 77. Spencers expedition
                       " 2 mo 77. Sullivans expedition
Bicknell says " 1 a   81. at Newport
   "         "       "  - 7 ays  81. at Briston
recap in   12 mo. Ensign - 4 mo. 19.dy  Major
Page 30

Hon J. L. Edwards
Com of Pensions
Page 31

To the Honorable           Warren R. I. Sept 3d 1886
James L. Edwards
Dear Sir,
Enclosed are the Declara
tion of Annor Heath the widow of Peleg Heath
late of Barrington, deceased, and depositions
showing the amount of his services during
the war of the Revolution & the capacity
in which he served in that war.
So few of those engaged in that memorable
service are now living that it is difficult to
procure positive testimony as to periods of service,
His commission as Major cannot be found.
It has been seen by his family for years after
his death, which three of his sons now old men
will attest to, if of any service in the case - the papers
of Major Heath fell into the hands of his oldest
son who lives in Connecticut - who has
been requested to look for the Commission, &
forward it to us if he could find it - But it seems
the Commission of Major he could not find
but that of Lieutenant he did find and it
is here in the enclosed, & also the letter enclosing
it.
The Journal of our Legislator has always been
printed immediatly after they rise and
a copy, attested by the Secretary of State in his
hand writing. Sent to the town Clerks of each
tow., These Journals containing every act of the
General Assembly of this State, during the war
of the Revolution (as well as before and since
that time) are in this (Town Clerk's) Office. In
these Journals. I find that in October
Page 32

1775, the General Assembly ordered a Regiment
of 500 men to be raised by enlistment - That
before the close of that Octber Session, the officers of
that Regiment were appointed, to wit.
Wm Richmond - Col.
Gideon Haxie Lieut. Col.
Benjamin Tallman Maj.
Peter Church Capt 2d Company
Caleb Carr Lieut.
Peleg Heath Ensign
Church, it seems, did not serve long, if at all I
believe died, & Carr was raised to Capt. & Heath
to Lieutenant-
I presume that many of those who have
obtained pensions & who were in this Regiment
and particularly in Carr's Company, have, in
their declarations, named Peleg Heath as Lieut.
Samuel Hicks and James Bushee I believe
were of that company. - You will please
refer to their declarations. I presume there
were others-
In these Journals of the Legislature of this
State, I find said Peleg Heath was appointed
Major of the Regiment of the Militia of the
County of Bristol in 1777- 1778-1779-1780
and 1781.
These facts I can certify under oath and can
obtain the certificate of the Secretary of State to
the same facts & if it will answer any purposes
in the law, will do so.
The widow Annor Heath has been a cripple
for many years & is maintained by her son who
goes out to days labour, he has no property but a little
house on about one acre of land in Barrington
Page 33

so that he maintains his family & his said mother 
by days labour.
The widow does and always has been an excellent
character,- her husbands services were notorious but
it is diffiicult, at this late hour, to find witnesses
who had personal knowledge of his services, partic
ularly as to him - some say that from common report
ever since they can remember he was employed 
nearly the whole time of his holding the office 
of Major.  All say he had the reputation
of an active, energetick man. always ready
& willing.
As to the Marriage - No Record of it can be found
but abundance of proof (as appears to me) that
it was long before the commencement of the
War - a certificate of the birth of one of their
children, born in 1771, is herewith inclosed.
The letter containing the Commission is from
this same son Peleg.
Very respectfully
your obt. Servt
Samuel Randall
Page 34

F.L. Edwards Esquire
Comr. [illegible] Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 35

[illegible] Nov. 24th 1836

Sir,
I obtained another Certificate from the Secretary of State. & requested him to copy the Journal of the General Assembly in several points to [illegible] that the appointment of the officers to Richmond's Regiment & in the other Regiment in August 1776 had no reference to the officers already in service for the first year, but was an act of Recommendation to Congress of such men as should be taken in future into continental pay & and as Peleg Heath was not to serve after the first year, for which he enlisted & for which he was commissioned; his name was not forwarded to Congress.
There is no record of his having been diminished or that he resigned. which would have been maintained if any one had been appointed in his stead for the remainder of that year. this was the in [illegible] [illegible] of that body to wit when an officer was appointed to take plan of one in the sworn office. The [illegible] is "in lieu of or A.B. having refused to serve, or resigned or being dismissed. But you will [perceive?] nothing of this kind is mentioned in this August [illegible]
The Secretary says "there is no evidence that Heath did not serve the year out but the above." meaning or refering to his named not being among those recommended to Congress, which to say the Court is no proof that he did not serve. the year out, but only that he possibly might not. And you have the testimony of a respectable this is certified by the [illegible]
Page 36

witness ( Wm Maxfield) that he did serve the year out and was the Lieutenant of the company and was discharged at the close of the Campaign when he himself was discharged David Maxfield is an inteligent man, his intellect sound and I can procure the testimony of the first men in Bristol to that effect. I have made enquiry of Bristol gentlemen since I took his deposition. to that effect altho he has not lived in this town, he has resided eversince my memory within about two miles of me.

The secretary has not complied with all my request fo him. I desired him to state the name of the officer appraised in Peleg Heath's place in the 2d Company of that Regiment with a view to obtain Mr. Maxwell's deposition whether the man Mr. Bowen might name was an officer in that Company the first year. But Mr. Bowen did not name the person chosen in stead of Peleg Heath and for a good reason, no one was appointed in his stead at the August session.
 
I hope, Sir, you will not infer from my remarks that I have any the least suspition that you do not feel perfectly willing to give or allow all you conceive proved. And I have
Page 37

been induced to say this much because I am satisfied he did serve the whole year, and am also satisfied, that but for the August session recommending to Congress certain officers to be taken into continental pay, the years service would not have been doubted.

Heath was a faithful man and his widow is, and always has been, excessively poor, and as his service in the militia are not short for want of such proof as comes within your rules of evidence, his services in Richmond Regiment of which I think there is such proof as comes within the rule, I hope the 12 months instead of 9 1/2 will be allowed.

I leave all however of course with you, & hope you will forward a Pension certificate for such amount as you shall deem is claimed by the evidence.

Very respectfully yr. obt. Serv't
Samuel Randall

J.L. Edwards Esquire
Com'r Pensions &c
Page 38

Hon'l. J. L. Edwards
Com'm. of Pensions
Washington
Page 39

Warren, Oct. 20th 1836.

Dear Sir,

I take the liberty to say that I have in my office, as town Clerk, all the Journals of General Assembly of this state, during the War as well as before and since. The doings of the assembly are ordered printed & a copy certified & sealed at that time, by the secretary of state was deposited in the town clerk's office of each town. In this town they have all been 

The secretary has certified the appointment of Peleg Heath as Ensign Oct. 1775. and in Feb. 1776 Lieutenant of sd. Company that said Regiment was raised for one year, unless sooner discharged; he (illegible) certify that said Regiment were not discharged before the close of the service for which they enlisted. He noted that in Aug. some year, all the officers of that Regiment appear to have been enlisted. This without any explanation is perfectly absurd. All the officers to that Regiment were enlisted in Oct. 1775 for the year. In Feb. following, Billings Throops having died, Car was raised to Capt. & Peleg Heath to Lieutenant. Now how could these officers be elected again for this same year & same service without resignation of the whole of discharges by the assembly, neither of which were shown by the journals. The whole is explained by the following extract from the August session.

"Both Houses joined in a Grand Committee, Reccommend to the most honorable the General Congress of the United States of America, the following persons
Page 40

as suitable for the field officers of the Brigade raised by this state, and taken into Continental pay." "William Richmond Col." &c &c. Then as to company officers the the (illegible) is changed and is theirs, "The following officers are chosen and appointed in the first Regiment. Thomas Wells" &c Captains. All this could have no reference to the officers officers of the Regiment & Companies appointed and Commissioned for one year from Oct 1775. They could not be appointed again for the same service& same time. But this undoubtedly was taking forward to a second year. and Peleg Heath did not serve a second Campaign (illegible) was appointed Major in the Militia in this county and continued so during the War.

I (illegible), sir, that the evidence in these cases must be such as your rules require, but I did hope that the traditionary evidence of Major Heath (illegible) during the years from '77 to '80 (if I mistake not, (illegible)) have been allowed or some part of it so as to entitle him to whole pay. The fact that he was year after year appointed to that office by the assembly of this state, and (illegible) in that part of the state constantly open & exposed to the enemy until the British left Newport is to my mind strong circumstantial evidence that he must have been in actual service more that 4 months & 19 days in the three or four years. There is no person in this vicinity that tradition speaks louder in favour of that him, but almost all who were eye witnesses of his service
Page 41

are dead. The next best evidence is that of reputation this kind of evidence is abundant & I supposed was already given in Birknell's Deposition and J.J. Brown, and I believe Munro's also.

If you should still consider the years service in Richmond's Regiment not sufficiently proved I hope you will again notify me of it for I know he served the whole of the year and the (illegible) certificate can be so explained by him as not to clash with Maxfield deposition, which is positive, and I understand he has given his evidence in about twenty cases, he is the only person living, I believe, that was in that Regiment the whole time.

Very respectfully
your most obt Servt
Samuel Randall
Page 42

I Joshua Bicknell of Barrington in the county of Bristol in the State of Rhode Island on solemn oath do testify & say, that I am seventy seven years of age, that I have been personally and intimately acquainted with the late Peleg Heath of said Barrington from my earliest youth. I was not present at the marriage of said Peleg Heath with his widow Annar Heath, but the marriage took place in my neighbourhood, before the War of the Revolution and they lived together as man and wife until his death in Seventeen hundred eighty six, and had five sons and one daughter all but one of which were born before the close of the War. And I also know that said Annar Heath has never since been married. The reason that I am familiar with these facts is that my father married said Peleg Heath's mother.

In the year seventeen hundred seventy five a Regiment was raised in this state commanded by Cap. William Richmond for one years service said Peleg Heath was appointed and served as Ensign in the second Company of said Regiment. said company was commanded by Billings Throop who soon after died and I do not remember who commanded said Company afterwards. This Regiment went to New Haven and on to Long Island I know that said Peleg Heath entered the service as aforesaid but how soon after he might
Page 43

have been raised to a Lieutenant or whether he served the whole year I do not positively know.

Said Peleg Heath was appointed Major in the Regiment of Militia in the County of Bristol in the year Seventeen hundred Seventy Seven In the fall of this year said Peleg served one month or more in the town of Bristol in Spencer's Expedition.

In seventeen hundred Seventy Eight said Peleg Heath served in the same capacity of Major one month or more on Rhode Island, in Sulivan's Expedition.

In Seventeen hundred Eighty one said Peleg Heath one month or more at Newport Rhode Island in the same capacity of Major in the same year said Peleg Heath was in service one week in Bristol.

The service above named in Newport was in the months of Oct & November.

There were frequent alarms and the Militia called out, & served for that period. but I am not able to specify the amount of time that said Peleg Heath served in the whole during these alarms, but have no doubt it amounted to one month or more.

Joshua Birknall.
Page 44

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Bristol Ss. in Warren Aug. 22d 1836.

Then the aforegoing named Joshua Bicknell personally appearing before me the subscriber and being sworn according to law made oath to the truth of the aforewritten deposition, to which he subscribed his name in my presence, and I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with said Joshua Bicknell and that he is a creditable person, and his statements entitled to credit.

Samuel Randall Justice
of the Peace
Page 45

I Joseph Munro of Bristol in the county of Bristol in the State of Rhode Island &c on solemn oath do do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Peleg Heath of Barrington, both before and after the war of the Revolution he Peleg Heath was a Major in Col Nathan Miller's Regiment, I was a private in the same regiment, the time I now mean was Sullivans expedition on Rhode Island in the year 1778. This service of Peleg Heath commenced July 8th 1778 and closed the first or second day of September following.

I know that said Peleg Heath served in the capacity of Lieutenant in the company of state troops commanded by Caleb Carr of Warren, in Col. Richmonds Regiment and went on long Island, this service of Heath was I verily believe, twelve months. I served with said Heath seven times as minute men at Bristol. I should think the several times would amount to three months. In all the services of said Peleg Heath he had a commission of some kind or other most of the time as Lieutenant or Major.

I was acquainted with Annar Heath the widow of said Peleg Heath ten years or more before the Revolutionary War, I did not see them married but they lived together as man and wife many years before the War of the Revolution & I have no doubt were lawfully married.

I shall be Seventy Six years old next March
Page 46

and further the deponant saith not

Joseph Munro

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Bristol Ss. in Warren. August 19th 1836

Then the above named Joseph Munro personally appearing before me the subscriber and being sworn according to law made oath to the truth of the aforegoing deposition to which he subscribed his name in my presence. And I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the said Joseph Munro, and that he is a creditable person and his state ments entitled to credit.

Samuel Randall Justice
of the Peace
Page 47

I Jonathan J. Drown of Barrington in the county of Bristol in the State of Rhode Island on solemn affirmation do testify and say that I am in my seventy sixth year. That I was acquainted with Peleg Heath of Barrington aforesaid, before the commencement of the War of the Revolution. I know that he lived with his wife during the War. I did not see him married to his wife Annar but have no doubt they were lawfully married.

In the year Seventeen hundred Seventy Eight in the month of July the Regiment of this county of which Nathan Miller was Colonel and said Peleg Heath was Major, was drafted to go on the Rhode Island in Sullivan Expedition. I was a private and acted in the capacity of waiter to the officers but particularly so to the Major said Peleg Heath. This service continued one month.

I was not personally present at any other time of Major Heath service but have no doubt that said Heath served or was in actual service more that half the time until the British left Newport. That is one half of three years.

Jonathan J. Drown.

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Bristol Ss. in Warren, August 22d 1836.
Then the above name Jonathan J. Drown personally appearing before me the subscriber and being sworn according to law, made affirmation to the truth of the aforegoing deposition to which to which he subscribed his name in
Page 48

my presence. And I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the said Jonathan J. Drown and that he is a creditable person and his statement entitled to credit.

Samuel Randall Justice
of the Peace.
Page 49

BY THE HONORABLE NICHOLAS COOKE , Esq. 

Govenor, Captain-General, and Commander in Chief, of and over, the English Colony of Rhode Island, and Providence Plantations, in New-England, in America. 

To Peleg Heath, gentleman.   Greeting. 

     Whereas for the Preservation of the Rights and Liberties of his Majesty's loyal and faithful Subjects in this Colony, and the other Colonies in America, the General Assembly, at the Session held at Providence on the last Wednesday in October, A.D. 1775, ordered a Regiment, to consist of Five Hundred Men, to be raised; and at the Session held at Providence on the Second Monday in January, A.D. 1776, augmented said Regiment to Seven Hundred and Fifty Men, exclusive of an Artillery Company to the same belonging; and at the same Session passed an Act ordering another Regiment, consisting of Severn Hundred and Fifty Men, to be raised, and embodying the said Two Regiments into One Brigade: And whereas you the said Peleg Heath are appointment Lieutenant of the Second Company in the said first mentioned regiment. 
      I do therefore hereby, in His Majesty's Name, George the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Great-Britain &c. authorize, empower, and commission, you the said Peleg Heath to have, take, and exercise the Office of Lieutenant of the Second Company in the said first mentioned Regiment and to command, guide, and conduct the same, or any Part thereof.  And in the case of an invasion or Assault, of a common Enemy, to infest or disturb this or any other of His Majesty's Colonies in America, you are to alarm and gather together the _______________under your Command, or any Part, thereof, as you shall deem sufficient, and therewith, to the utmost of your Skill and Ability, you are to Resist, Expel, Kill and Destroy them, in order to preserve the Interest of His Majesty and His good Subjects, in these parts.  You are also to follow such instructions, directions and Orders, as shall from Time to Time be given forth, either by the General Assembly or your superior officers.  And for your doing this Commission shall be your sufficient Warrant. 

Given under my Hand, and the Seal of the said Colony, this fourth Day of March in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-five. 

Nich'l (Nicholas) Cooke

By His Honor's Command, Henry Ward, Secy.
Page 50

147 West 71st Street
Chicago Ills Feb 14-1914

Hon. G. M. Saltzgaber
Comr of Pensions.

Sir: Your communication of January 12, 1914- J.C.S. W File 24428, Rev. War, regarding Major Peleg Heath of Barrington RI. I note the widow's application shows the names of two sons - Peleg and Joseph.

As Joseph is my lineal ancestor, I would like to get the date of his birth. If shown in the application, will greatly appreciate the favor if you will enlighten me. I am unable to locate same in the Vital Records of Rhode Island, although data regarding his brothers are easily found.

While regretting this second inquiry, I wish, however, to express my appreciation of any reply you may be able to make.

Yours very respectfully
Miss Heath
Page 51

Rev. War Section 

      February 28, 1914


Mr. M.T. Heath
147 West 71st Street
Chicago, Ills. 

Sir:

In response to your letter of the 14" instant, you are advised that in the claim of Peleg Heath. W. File No. 24,428. Rev. War. the date of birth of the soldier's son Joseph. does not appear. 

Very respectfully. 

G.M. Saltzgaber
Commissioner
Page 52

147 West 71st Street
Chicago Ills Jan 6 - 1914

Hon Comr of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Sir: I am researching for data and any other information I may be able to find regarding my ancestor, Major Peleg Heath, who served during the Revolutionary war from Rhode Island, R-I. where he died July 4, 1786. His widow, Anne, was a revolutionary pensioner in 1840, as shown by the "U.S. Census of Revolutionary Pensioners Jun 1st 1840."

Can you inform me without inconvenience, what pension Major Peleg Heath drew, and also the pension allowed his widow?

Any reply you may be pleased to send me, will be appreciated.

Yours very truly M.T. Heath
Page 53

(Stamp)
U.S.P.B. 
OLD WAR & NAVY FILES
Apr 15, 1905

Ilion NY   April 11, 1905

Department Clerk.  

Dear Sir, 
Will you kindly send me a copy of the pension record granted Mrs. Anna Heath, widow of Major Peleg Heath of Barrington, R.I. who served his country during the war of the Revolution. Mrs.  Heath died March 2, 1842, aged 96 years and 6 months. 

Mrs. Amanda J. Palmer
78 3rd Ave
Ilion, NY.
Page 54

H. L. James Sec'y & Tres. 
F. Swindells, Supt.
The Rock Manufacturing Co.
Rockville, Conn. Feby 12th, 1893.

Pension Department,.
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:- 

Is there any record of a pension being paid to the widow of Major, Peleg Heath, who served in the Revolutionary Army, if so please send me an attested copy of such record and oblige,.

Truly Yours.

E.L. Heath