Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26456, for John Sherman, Rhode Island
Page 1

(3-1776)  
SERVICE    
Continental (R.I)   

[NAME]
Sherman, John  
     or Shearman
     Dorcas

NUMBER
W.26456

CONTENTS
Page 2

[doc is printed, written & damaged]
[Left side of page]
Rhode Island 1417 
Dorcas Sherman widow of John Sherman who was a Private in the Revolution 

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars --- Cents [crossed out] per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of August 1843 and sent to B. Cowell
Providence R.I. 
(Act of March 3, 1843.)
Recorded in Book A 
Vol. A  Page 95

[Right side of page]
Reported
Page 3

[doc is printed, written & folded]
[left fold]
1,210
Rhode - Island.
[double line]
John Sherman, (of Philip) private
Rhode - Island line -- 4
In the Army of the United States during the Revolutionary War. 
[double line]
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode - Island,
at the rate of 8- Dollars per month, to commence on the 1st of April, 1818. 
[double line]
Certificate of Pension issued the 16, of July, 1818. and sent to the care of William C.
Clarke, Esq; South Kingston, R.I.
[double line]
Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1818.. $: 40.80.
Semi-annl all'ce ending [line crossed out]
[double line under numbers]
5 months, 3/30 .. $: 40.80 [line written, double line under last 4 numbers]
{Revolutionary claim,}
{Act 18th March, 1818}
3 Years ////
Continued [written in pencil] [illegible] Washington Co.

[right fold, written vertically along margin]
Notification sent Sep 27 18[2 illegible numbers]
P[illegible] H[illegible] Esq
Little [illegible] R.I.
Page 4

I, John Shearman of Philip of South Kingston in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation this first day of April AD 1818 On Solemn Oath before William C. Clarke one of the Justice of the Court of Comon  [illegible] within and for the County of Washington and State aforesaid do declare that on the 24th day of September in the year 1777 I was enlisted for the term of three years a soldier in Captain Webb's Company in the United States Service said company belonged to the Regiment commanded by Colonel Harry Sherburne late of [illegible] now an agent to one of the Indian [illegible] said Regiment was attached to the Brigade commanded Gen Putnam in the Continental line and I continued in the United States [illegible] in the Continental Line from the said day of enlistment until the 23 day of September AD 1780 at which time said Brigade was commanded by Gen Starke when I was honourably discharged from the Service of the United States in the Continental Line my three year term of service for which I was enlisted having expired on that day and that I am poor & need support from my Country my Discharge is Lost John Sherman
Page 5

[doc is written; remnant of seal along center left margin]

Washington County}
State of Rhode Island} South Kingston April 1th 1818
Personally appeared the with Named John
Shearman of phillip and made Solemn Oath
to the truth of the with in Statement
and Exhibited to me the other Testimony
herewith transmited. before me
William C. Clarke J.C.Pleas

[seal remnant]

[in different handwriting]
And on the Seventeenth day of April A.D. 1818. I
have caused the Seal of the Court of Common Pleas
for the County of Washington to be affixed hereto--
Witness Thomas R Wells Clk   William C. Clarke J C Pleas
of said Court
Page 6

I, Elijah Sherman, of the town and county of Newport, Rhode Island, an oath do testify and say that,
I remember John Sherman, my uncle, and his wife Dorcas, my aunt, al long ago as I can remember any thing, and I am now fifty eight years old. He was formerly of South Kingston, and has been at my house a number of times with his said wife while he was a pensioner of the United States. I remember them as husband and wife as long ago as fifty years, and know that they lived together as such as long as he lived.  Elijah Sherman
State of Rhode Island & County of Newport [illegible] At Newport, June 14th A.D. 1839
Personally appeared the above written Elijah Sherman of respectable and credible character and on oath gave and subscribed the foregoing deposition before me. Joseph Josten C. [illegible] Newport
Page 7

John Sherman
1210
[?] 1818
Page 8

in the Case of John Sherman..
John Watson maketh oath that said John Sherman Mortgaged his real estate to Joseph D. Watson for the full "Value thereof that the said Joseph is now in possession of the premises under said Mortgage and that he does not consider the equity of Redemption of any Value  John Watson 
Special Term court Common Pleas July 6 1820 
Sworn to in Open Court  Witn'. Sam Helme Clk of Court
Page 9

[doc is printed & written]

State of Rhode-Island & Providence Plantations.
Washington, sc -- Court of Common Pleas, Special [written] Term, A.D. 1820
ON this Sixth [written] day of July [written] 1820, personally appeared in open Court,
John Sherman [written] aged Sixty Six [written] Years
residing in the Town of South Kingstown [2 words written] in said County [written] who being first duly
sworn according to law, doth on his Oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows:--
That he served as a private in the Company Commanded by
Capt James Webb in the Regiment under Colo Henry Sherburne
and afterwards Colo Angell for upwards of Two Years and was Honorably discharged therefrom [preceding 4 lines written]
That he made a previous Declaration on the first [written] Day of April [written]1818, and
that he received a Certificate for a Pension, being No. 1210 [written] -- And in the pursuance of the Act of Con-
gress, passed May 1st, 1820, I do solemnly swear, That I was a resident Citizen of the United States on
the 18th day of March 1818; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever,
disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with the intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within
the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land
and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March 1818;
And that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts due 
to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedue hereto annexed, and by me
subscribed     John Sherman [an 'X' and the words 'his signature' are written above & below the signature]

A SCHEDULE of Property and Income, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) of [preceding line printed] John
Sherman (Viz.) a small piece of Land cost one [inserted] Hundred & Thirty dollars which was
Mortgaged at the time of purchase for the same sum to the same person for security that he
has not paid any thing towards the same the Mortgage Deed has expired and the land
is in possession and Improvement of the Mortgagee   personal property 1 armed Chair 1 slat
and 1 Banister back Chair 1 Small Table 1 [illegible] 1 Tea Kettle 1 axe 1 old Iron Spoon 1 bell Hook
1 pail 1 old Chest 1 loom 1 [illegible] 2 Harnesses 1 Quilt Wheel 5 Tea Cups and Saucers 2 Earthen plates
2 Quart Bowles 1 Tin Bason 2 Tin cups by Occupation a farmer has to procure his livelihood
from dayly labour only being very infirm cannot do much towards the support of himself
and family having 6 with him in family. (Vis.) his Wife aged 53 years named Dorcas unable
to work more than half her time. Posses a female Daughter aged 27 years being Disordered in
mind not qualified to do [crossed out] render much assistance. Alexander aged 10 years. Mary Ann aged
5 Sally 3 Neither of which is in a capacity to support themselves.
John Sherman [an 'X' and words 'his signature' above & below signature]

 Sworn to and declared, on the Sixth [written] day of July [written] before said Court [2 words written]
Witnss Saml Helme Clk of said Court -- [line written]

I Samuel Helme [name written] Clerk of the Court of Common Peas, for the County of
Washington, in the State of Rhode-Island, &c. do hereby certify, that the foregoing Oath, and the Schedule
thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Records of said Court;--And I do further certify, that it is the
opinion of the said Court, that the amount of the Property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule, is
[several words crossed out; illegible] Six dollars & Ninety Seven Cents [written]
In Testimony, whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed the seal of said Court, on 
Sixth [written] Day of July [written]1820
 Saml Helme [name written] Clerk of said Court.

[written in lower left margin]
with the affidavit of}
 the Hon. John Wilson}
Esqr}  

 $6.97 [written in lower left corner]
Page 10

Dorcas Sherman
Page 11

State of Rhode Island
County of Providence

On this 4th day of August A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court being the Municipal Court of the City of Providence and a Court of Record Dorcas Shearman a resident in in said City in said County aged 77 years she being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit either of the act of Congress of July 4, 1836 or July 7, 1832 as it may appear from the facts in her course. She is the widow of John Shearman who was a private for three years in Col. Henry Sherburns regiment of Rhode Island Troopes on the Continental Establishment, for his services this man was  placed on the Pension list of Rhode Island under the act of March 18, 1818. As she believes & to his declaration she refers, for proof of his services of the time he was disharged, if it should appear he was not discharged until after her marriage. She requests that
Page 12

[page 2 of multi-page doc]

she may be allowed a pension under
the act of July 4th 1836, but if it should
appear that he was discharged before his
marriage she request a pension under
the act of July 7th 1838 entitled "an act
granting half pay & pensions to certain
widows" she does not know nor has she
been able to ascertain whether he was 
discharged before or after marriage and
yet she has an impression that he was at
home on a furlough when they were married
but she is not certain under
these circumstances she refers to the testimony
in the War Department to ascertain the
fact And she further declares that
she was married to said John Sherman
in the month of August 1780, the exact
day she cannot remember, nor has she
any record of it nor is it recorded in
the town Clerks office in the town where
she was married. She was married in
the town of South Kingstown in the
County of Washington by Joshua Curtis
Esq a Justice of the Peace when they
Page 13

[page 3 of multi-page doc]
resided at that time, but she has no
record evidence of her marriage, but
Gideon Gerdner was present at the marriage
& his affidavit is annexed.
And she further declares that her husband
the said John died on the 15th day of December
AD 1830 & that she has remained a
widow ever since.
Dorcas Sherman [an '+' and the words 'her mark' are written over the signature]
Witness
Thomas Burgess

Municipal Court of the City of}
Providence, August 4th 1838.}
Subscribed and duly sworn}
to by Dorcas Shearman in}
open Court}
Albert G. Greene,}
Clerk}
Page 14

I Ruth Sherman of the City of
Providence being now 45 years of
age on oath do testify & say that
Dorcas Shearman the widow of
John Shearman is my mother &
has remained unmarried ever
since the death of my father
My father died on or about the
15 day of December 1830 or
at least he has now been dead
over seven years he drew a 
pension up to the time of his death
I am the third child of said
John & Dorcas.
Ruth Sherman [an '+' and the words 'her cross' are written over the signature]
Witness
Thomas Burgess

Municipal Court of the}
City of Providence}
August 28th 1838.}
Subscribed and Duly sworn to}
by Ruth Sherman in open}
Court}
Albert G. Greene}
Clerk}
Page 15

The Deposition of Gideon Gardner of South Kingstown
Rhode Island aged about eighty three and duly
sworn according to law deposes and says that he
was well acquainted with John Sherman son of Philip
who formerly lived in South Kingstown and whose widow
Dorcas Sherman is now applying for a pension, that said
John Sherman and Dorcas were married by Joshua
Curtis Esq Justice of the Peace at the house of the
deponent and that the time of the marriage as
recollected by the deponent from other circumstances, was
about one [crossed out] two [inserted] years after Sullivans expedition * took
place in the Revolutionary war, that the deponent
knows that the said John Sherman enlisted as a soldier
for three years in the American service but did not
see him in said service,---that the deponents wife was
the sister of said Dorcas Sherman and that was
the reason of the marriage being celebrated at the
deponents house.   one [underlined] erased and two [underlined] interlined
before signing---
Witness
E R Potter         Gideon Gardner [an 'X' and the words 'his mark' are written over the signature]

South Kingstown R.I.  Oct 19th [number 10 written over the figure] 1836   This day
before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for said
town appeared Gideon Gardner and made solemn
oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition and I further
certify that the character of said Gideon Gardner
for truth and veracity is good and that his
statement is in my opinion entitled to full
credit
E R Potter
Justice of the Peace

* Sullivan expedition was in August
1778
Page 16

State of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations
Secretary's Office Oct 5. 1838.
I certify that at the session of the General
Assembly of said State holden on the first
Wednesday of May eighteen hundred and
thirty six, Elisha R. Potter was elected
a Justice of the Peace for the town of
South Kingstown in the County of Washington
for one year and Commissioned accordingly
as appears of record in this office.
Witness Henry Bowen Secry
Page 17

BY HIS EXCELLENCY
William Sprague
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 in the proper hand writing of Henry
Bowen, 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
Providence, this fifth
day of October in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight
and of Independence the sixty third
Wm Sprague
By his Excellency's Command.
Henry Bowen Secry
Page 18

Town Clerks Office
South Kingstown R.I. Nov 14. 1836
I hereby certify that after examination I cannot
find the record of the Marriage of John Sherman
and Dorcas Sherman his wife in the records of
this office I further certify that I believe
(and indeed know [underlined]) that many marriages
take place and have taken place in said
Town for many years past which are not recorded
as I have been Town Clerk nearly ten years and
not to exceed five marriages have been recorded
during that time.
Wtss    Thomas R. Wells
Town Clerk
Page 19

Washington sc
August 18th 1838.
Personally appeared before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace
for said County of Washington, Thomas R Wells, the signer of
the annexed Certificate & made solemn oath to the truth of the same. And
I further certify that the signature to the annexed Certificate, purporting to be
 the signature of the said Thomas R Wells, is his true and genuine signature
known to me  [illegible] 
Sylvester G Shearman
Justice of the Peace

State of Rhode Island sc
Washington sc--
[remnant of a seal]  I Nicholas N Spink Town Clerk and
Clerk of the Court of Probate for the Town
of South Kingston in said County of
Washington  Hereby certify that
Sylvester G Shearman, the signer of the above and foregoing Certificate, is a
Justice of the Peace for said County of Washington, legally chosen, commissioned
and qualified--And that the above signature, purporting to be his
signature is his true and genuine signature in his own handwriting known
to me as such---In testimony of which I have hereunto set my
hand & seal of office at said South Kingston, this twentieth Day
of August in the year 1838
Nich N. Spink Town & P. Clk
Page 20

Dorcas ['V' written over name] Sherman [illegible number]
widow of John
4253
act 4 July '36 [line underlined]
R.I.
Rolls-Will [illegible]
24 Sept 77. 3 years
X
Mary '80 - no record
very bad case
GWC
Page 21

[remnant of a seal in lower left corner]

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Be it Remembered, that at the Municipal
Court of the City of Providence, in said State being
a Court of Record, holden at said Providence on
the twenty eighth day of August A.D. 1838, satisfactory
testimony was produced that John Shearman
died on or about the fifteenth day of October A.D. 1830;
that he left a widow, Dorcas Shearman, who now resides
in said City of Providence; that said John and Dorcas
were legally married in the year 1780; and that said
Dorcas is now the widow of said John Shearman and
has so remained ever since his death.
And the Court do further order it to be certified
that said Dorcas Shearman, who has signed the 
preceding Declaration, and that Ruth Shearman, who
has signed the annexed Deposition, are both credible
persons.
I, Albert G. Greene, Clerk of the Municipal Court of the
City of Providence, do hereby certify that the aforegoing contains
the original proceedings of said Court, in the matter of the
application of Dorcas Sherman, to obtain the benefit either
of the Act of Congress of July 4th A.D. 1836 or of the Act of
Congress of July 7th AD. 1838, as it may appear from
the facts in her case.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and have affixed the seal of said Court this
ninth day of October A.D. 1838.
Albert G. Greene  Clerk
Page 22

[doc is pre-printed form; top portion is missing; contains a table; contrast manipulation used for transcription]

sion on file in the Bureau.      W.26,456 John Sherman
[table with headings as follows]
Col 1- DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT
Col 2 - LENGTH OF SERVICE
Col 3 - RANK
Col 4 - OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED
Col 5 - STATE
Col 4a - CAPTAIN
Col 4b - COLONEL
Line 1 - Sept 24. 1777 |3 yrs |Private |James Webb |Henry Sh[illegible] | RI
Battles engaged in, 
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Not stated
Date of application for pension, April 1818 R.I.
Residence at date of application, South Kingston, Washington, RI
Age at date of application, 64 years on Dec 18. 1830, served as Private
Remarks: m South Kingston RI Aug 1780 or 1785, Dorcas Gardner, she was [illegible]
pension [illegible] Aug 4. 1838 [illegible] Providence RI [illegible]
She died Sept 17. 1844.  Children - Pa[illegible] age 27 yrs; Alexander age 10,
Mary Ann age 5, and Sally age 3 in 1820; Ruth third child age 45 in 1838
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 23

[doc is folded]

[left fold]
1911 Apr 21  Hist to
Mr Frank Dempster Sherman
1923 Aug 11  Hist to Mack Lee Luther

[right fold]
Revy     WIDOW, &C.
File No. 26,456
Dorcas Sherman
wid. of 
John Sherman
Pri Rev war
Act: March 3rd 1843
Index:--Vol.L,   Page 210
'[Arrangement of 1870]'
Page 24

5037
Rhode Island

Dorcas Sherman
widow of John Sherman decd
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818
and who died on the 15th December 1830
of Providence in the State of R.I.
who was a Private in the company commanded
by Captain      of the Regt commanded
by Col Shurturne in the R.I.
line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of R. Island
at the rate of 80 Dollars ---Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836

Certificate of pension issued the 13th day of Feby
1840 and sent Benjn
Cowell Providence R.I.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1839   $280.00
Semi=annual allowance ending 4 March  40.00
                                                                 $320.00
                                          {Act July 7,}
                                           {1838}

Recorded by D.D. Addison Clerk
Books O    Vol. 20  Page 23
Page 25

V    2418
Let to Hon. J.L. Tillinghast,
Feby 6, 1839
Page 26

Let V Hon J.L. Tillinghast
May 23- '39
Page 27

[doc is damaged]

William C. Clarke [damage]
judge
South Kingston, Washn.
County, Rhode-Island

John Sherman (of Philip
Rhode-Island line,
Revolutionary Claim

Correct

Sept 24. '77-3 years--
Page 28

Hon. Jas. L. Edwards
Page 29

Sir,
I enclose a letter of Judge
Cowell stating the case of Dorcas
Sherman, which I will beg you
to have the goodness to examine &
to give [illegible] your reply as early as
convenient.
I have the honor [illegible]
Joseph L. Tillinghast
July 26. 1839

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commr. of Pensions
Page 30

Sherman
Page 31

Providence R.I. May 1  1839

D Sir,
At the request of Judge Cowell I send
as enclosed, a declaration of Dorcas Sherman
with two authenticated Depositions of [illegible] stating [3 words crossed out] fixing [inserted]
the time of her marriage to have been between
1783 & 1794 -- to which I beg your early
attention & reply and am with great
respect     Your Obt Sevt
Joseph L. Tillinghast

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Com. Pensions
Page 32

1664
Dorcas Sherman

$80 per annum

B. Cowell
Providence
RI
Page 33

State of Rhode Island
County of Providence

On this 11th day of March AD 1843 personally
before me the undersigned a Justice of the
Peace in said County Dorcas Sherman
now resident in Johnston in said
County aged 80 years who being duly
sworn according to law doth on her oath
make the following declaration in order
to obtain the benefits of the act of
Congress passed March 3 1843 granting
pensions to widows of persons who
served during the war of the Revolution
viz That she is the widow of John
Shearman deceased who was a private
in the war of the Revolution, in the
Army on the Continental Establishment
that he received a pension under the
act of July 7 1838 at the rate of $80
per annum payable at the agency in Providence
attest William J. Pabodie     Dorcas Sherman [an 'X' and words 'her mark' are written over Sherman signature]
Providence sc   In Providence on this 16th day of March
A.D. 1843 personally appeared to above named Dorcas
Shearman and made oath to the truth of the above
declaration    I further certify that she is a credible
person     Before me
William J. Pabodie
Justice of the Peace
Page 34

[remnant of a seal in left center margin]

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Providence sc}
I Albert G. Green, Clerk
of the Municipal Court of the City of Providence
in the County of Providence in said State
do hereby certify that William J. Pabodie,
who has signed the aforegoing Certificate, was
at the time of the date thereof, a Justice
of the Peace, within and for said County [crossed out] City [inserted]
duly elected.
In Attestation whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and have
affixed the seal of said Court
this 29th day of May A.D.
1843      Albert G. Green
Clrk.
Page 35

V 5164
Dorcas Sherman
widow of John
R.Id
Act 7 July '38
m 85 d 30
Sdmd
2yrs pri
80$
No deduction
Benjn Cowell
Providence
RI
Page 36

[remnant of a seal in left center margin]

BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
William Sprague
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, in in the proper hand writing of Henry
Bowen, 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-
dence, this twenty fifth
day of March in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine
and of Independence the sixty third
Wm Sprague

By his Excellency's Command,
Henry Bowen Secry
Page 37

State of Rhode Island &c.
Secretary's Office March 25, AD 1839.

I Certify, that at the session of the
General Assembly of said State holden on
the first Wednesday in May last,
Zuriel Potter was elected Associate Justice
of the Court of Common Pleas within the
County of Providence: and William
Peckham Chief Justice of the Court of 
Common Pleas within the County of
Washington: each for one year, and
Commissioned accordingly: as appears
of record in this office.
Witness Henry Bowen Secry
Page 38

[page 1 of multi-page doc]

State of Rhode Island &c
County of Providence
Dorcas Sherman widow of John Sherman who
was [inserted] a soldier of the Revolution & a pensioner
under the act of Congress of March 18. 1818
now maketh this supplemental declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the act
of Congress of July 7 1838 entitled an act
granting half pay & pensions to certain
widows, She declares that when she made
her former declaration she was uncertain
under which act she was entitled to a pension
whether under the act of July 4 1836 or the
act above mentioned, But she is now convinced
she was not married until after the war
& therefore she relinquishes all claims under
the act of July 4 1836 & requests she may
be allowed the benefits of the act of July
7 1838 believing that upon a full investigation
of her claim at the War Department she
is not entitled to the benefits of the act of
July 4 1836; And she further declares that
when she made her first declaration she
relied on the affidavit of Gideon Gardner
Page 39

[page 2 of multi-page doc]

who testified that she was married about
ten years after Sullivans Expedition which
would make the time of their marriage in
August 1780. From sickness & infirmities her
own memory is much broken & she relied
upon what he testified as to the time of her
marriage & made her declaration accordingly.
But she is now satisfied that he was mistaken.
From the testimony of Peter R Whaley
& Beriah Gardner, who saw her married
it appears she was not married until
several years afterwards-- and she now declares
that she was married in August 1785
according to her best recollection she has 
no documentary evidence of her marriage
nor is it recorded in any record as she
believes & since the death of her said husband
she has remained unmarried--
She was not married to him prior to his
leaving the service but the marriage
took place previous to the first of January
seventeen hundred & ninety four to wit at the
time above stated
Attest                           Dorcas Sherman [a '+' and the word 'her mark' are written over her name]
Zuriel Potter
Page 40

Providence sc  North Providence March 22 AD 1839

Personally appeared before Me Dorcas
Shearman who signed the preceding declarations [inserted] by making
her mark and made oath to the same and 
I further certify that from age and infirmities she is to feeble to attend Court
Zuriel Potter Justice C.C. Pleas
Page 41

I Peter R Whaley of South Kingstown in the County of
Washington State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
aged seventy four years the 18th of May 1838, being first
duly cautioned & sworn testifies as follows---
I was at the Marriage of John Shearman to Dorcas Gardnier
and was Bride Man & stood up with Mary Champlin as Bride
Maid & well Recollect that they were Married at the House
of Gideon Gardnier in said South Kingstown by Samuel
Curtis, Esqr who was then a Justice of the Peace and officiated
as such at said Marriage, I do not recollect what month
they were Married but from my best recollection I was
then about twenty one years of Age which would make
the time of their Marriage fifty three years ago
having no particular dates to refer to I cannot State the
Precise time, but was well acquainted with them for a
Number of years after their Marriage. I well remember
that Beriah Gardnier was at the Marriage and was at that time
I should think was [crossed out] about ten or twelve years of age and 
have been acquainted with said Beriah until the Present
time he now Lives in this Town & has the most of the
time since I was first acquainted with him---
South Kingstown   March 12th 1839
Peter R Whaley

Washington sc
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year
above Written before me  Wm Peckham C. Jus C.C. Pleas
Page 42

Washington SS   South Kingstown  March 12th 1839
Personally appeared the within named Peter
R. Whaley & before Deposing was by me Carefully
Examined Cautioned & Sworn to testify the Truth
the whole Truth & nothing but the Truth, which said
Deposition was Recorded to Writing by me in his
Presence & by him Signed in my Presence after the
same had been Carefully read to him, I further
Certify that from my Long acquaintance with
the Deponent that full Credit ought to be given
to the Within Deposition.
Wm Peckham C. Jus C.C.Pleas
Page 43

I Beriah Gardnier of South Kingstown in the County
of Washington State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
aged fifty Nine years the 12th Day of Decemr 1838
Being first Engaged according to Law Testifies as follows
I well recollect that Dorcas Gardnier was Married to
John Sherman They were Married at my Fathers I.E. at
Gideon Gardniers according to my best Recollection  It is fifty
two or three years ago. I was then but a small laddy, I
further remember that a few days after her Marriage
She Received some Household furniture from my Grand
Father Gardniers and went to Keeping House at the
Burk Plase (so called) & She was my Aunt & I am not
sure who Married them, and do not remember so to
name any one) I was well acquainted with Peter
R. Whaley before and after the Marriage, he Lived
near to my Fathers but cannot say whether he was there
or not, I believe that John R. Sherman was there
& from my best recollection am quite Shure that he
was there,  South Kingstown  March 15 AD 1839--
Beriah Gardnier

Sworn to and Subscribed the Day and Year
above written Before me    Wm Peckham C. Jus C.C. Pleas
Page 44

Washington Sc   at South Kingstown  this 15th Day of
March 1839.   Personally appeared the within
named Beriah Gardnier & before Deponing was
by me Carefully Examined, Cautioned and Sworn to
testify the Truth the whole Truth and nothing but
the Truth which said Deposition was recorded to Writing
by me in his Presence & by him Signed in my Presence
after the same had been by me Carefully read to him
I further Certify that from my Long acquaintance
with the Deponant, for Truth, that full Credit
ought to be given to his Deposition---
Wm Peckham C. Jus C.C. Pleas
Page 45

The deposition of Henry Sherman Jun of
Exeter in the County of Washington and State of
Rhode Island on solemn oath do testify and
say That in the year 1777 And I think
in the month of September of said year I the
deponent then being an Ensign in Capt Webbs
Company in the service of the United States
in the Continental Line did enlist John
Sherman of Philip as a Soldier in said
Company for the term of three years and
said John Sherman served in said Company
with me until I was taken by the enemy
which was about one year [2 words crossed out] two years
after he enlisted and this deponent was
a prisoner of war when said John Shermans
time of service expired but I always under-
stood and do believe he served out said
Term of enlistment and was honorably
discharged.   Henry Sherman Jr
Page 46

South Kingstown April 3. 1818--
County of Washington}
State of Rhode Island}   Exeter [crossed out]     1818 [crossed out]

Personally appeared the within Henry Sherman
Jun and made solemn oath to the truth of
the written deposition before me
Benj Hull Justice Peace
Page 47

The deposition of Joshua Reynolds of South Kingstown
in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island
being of Lawful age on oath testifies and
syas That I am acquainted with John
Sherman of Philip and do believe him
to be a very poor man besides being aged
and infirm.    Jos Reynolds
Page 48

Washington County}
State of Rhode Island} sc    So Kingstown  April 1st 1818

Personally appeared the within named
Joshua Reynolds and made solemn oath to
the truth of the written Deposition
Before Me William C. Clarke J.C. Plea
Page 49

The deposition of Wilkins Updike of South
Kingstown in the County of Washington and
State of Rhode Island on oath does testify
and say -- That I have been acquainted
with John Sherman of Philip for about
Eight years and do believe him to be a
very poor man ---
Wilkins Updike

The deposition of Samuel R. Potter of South Kingstown
in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island of
lawful age does testify and say on solemn oath
That I am well acquainted with John Sherman
of Philip and do believe him to be a very poor
man          Samuel R Potter

County of Washington}
State of Rhode Island} sc    So Kingstown   April 1st 1818
Personally appeared the within [crossed out] above named
Wilkins Updike and Samuel R Potter and did solemnly
swear to the truth of the above depositions by them
subscribed before me William C. Clarke J.C. Pleas
Page 50

Oct. 16. '39
Dorcas Shearman
add! proof
Page 51

[page 1 of multi-page doc]

Peter R. Whaley of South Kingstown in the County of
Washington and State of Rhode Island &c, and engaged according to law [5 words inserted] doth testify
and say that he was Seventy five years of age on the
thirteenth Day of May last (1830),-- he was born in the
year 1764 and have [crossed out] has [inserted] always resided in said South Kingstown
 (ah he has before testified)    He was present at the
Marriage of John Sherman and Dorcas Gardiner and
officiated as Groomsman as he has before stated---as
to the time of their Marriage he distinctly remembers
from the following circumstances to wit, he
distinctly remembers that the Marriage took place
the year that he arrived to his majority or to the
age of twenty one years, (or the year 1785) --the 
Marriage was in the fall of the year and they were
married by Samuel Curtis Esqr a Justice of the Peace---
He this Deponent distinctly remembers that the marriage
took place at the house of Gideon Gardiner
now deceased in said South Kingstown--- said Gardiner's
Wife was [inserted] sister to said Dorcas which he this Deponent thinks
was the reason the marriage was at Gardiner's house
where she the said Dorcas made her home, which fact
he distinctly remembers---He also distinctly remembers
that he went after the Justice and went with him
to the Marriage---And he perfectly remembers letting
the Justice as they were going that he mient to salute
the Bride the first--, saying that he should be the nearest
to her after the marriage ceremony was performed---
And this Deponent further distinctly remembers that
after the Marriage Ceremony was performed, that he did
salute the Bride first and that the Justice saluted her
afterwards---He also distinctly remembers that Beriah
Gardiner son of said Gideon Gardiner then a lad was at
the Marriage and is now living in South Kingstown---
Page 52

William Lunt of South Kingstown in the County of
Washington and State of Rhode Island &c, and engaged according to Law [5 words inserted] testifies and says
that he was Ninety four years of age last February, that he 
was well acquainted with John Sherman formerly of South Kingstown
and husband of Dorcas Sherman now his widow. That he
this Deponent lived in the same house as John Sherman's father
the year [inserted] after the War had terminated---that his father was a
Shoemaker, said John then lived with his father, and was not 
married---soon after this the family removed down to or
near Town Hill in South Kingstown [3 words inserted] and then the said John got married as this
Deponent understood---this was about the year 1785--The
said Deponent used to see said John and his Wife afterwards
together, and believing they lived together as husband and Wife, while
the said John lived---This Deponent knew them to live together
as husband and Wife more than fifty years ago.
Wm Lunt

State of Rhode Island &c
Washington County Sc     At South Kingston  June 21st. 1839
Personally came William Lunt the aforesaid
Deponent and after being by me carefully examined, cautioned
and affirmed to testify the truth, the whole truth and nothing
but the truth, gave his aforegoing Deposition, which was by me
recorded to writing in his presence, and by him subscribed in 
my presence---And I do further Certify that said Deponent
is well known to me, that he sustains a fair character for
truth, and that his Deposition is entitled to Credit---
Benj Hull Just Peace
Page 53

I Joshua B. Curtis of South Kingstown in the County
of Washington and State of Rhode Island Aged
Sixty three Years on Solom Oath Do Testify and
Say that I was well Acquainted with John
Sherman (Son of Philip) now decd and also with
his Widow Dorcas Sherman now residing
in the Vicinity of Providence in this State,  as
I am Informed, that the Said John Sherman
before his Death Lived in this Town viz South
Kingston Many Years, I was born in the year
1776 when About ten Years of age I frequently
have heard My father Say that he Married
or Joined together in marriage [2 words inserted] the Said John Sherman
to the Said Dorcas who Before her Intermarriage
was Dorcas Gardner. My father
was a Justice of the Peace in Said South
Kingstown Before Said Marriage and Long
Lived & that his Records are Lost Not
any where within My knowledge
Joshua B. Curtis

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington sc   at South Kingstown this 23d
Day of May AD 1839   Personally came
Joshua B. Curtis Subscriber to the preceding
Deposition and Made Solemn oath to the
truth of the Same I further Certify that
I am well acquainted with said Deponent
and that and that his caracter for truth 
is Good
Attest Matthew Waite Justice Peace
Page 54

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington Sc    Clerks Office, Supreme Judicial
Court
I Powell Helme, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court
for the County of Washington do hereby Certify that Matthew
Waite Esq before whom the within Deposition was sworn to
is a Justice of the Peace for the Town of South Kingstown
in said County of Washington, duly appointed by the General
Assembly, Commissioned by the Governor and otherwise
qualified as the Law directs and that his name certifying
the taking of the written Deposition is his genuine signature
In testimony Whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal
of the Court aforesaid this 23rd day
of May in the year 1839.
Powell Helme Clerk
Page 55

I, Job Sherman, of the town and
county of Newport, Rhode-Island,
on affirmation do testify and say,
That I am now seventy three years
of age:--that I was well acquainted
with John Sherman formerly of
South Kingston a soldier of the 
Revolution---and also with Dorcas
Sherman his wife and now his
widow. I have known them both
for more than fifty years. Her
maiden name was Dorcas Gardner,
I was not present at the marriage
but they were married soon after the
revolutionary war, and about the
years 1785 or 1786 as I understood &
verily believe;--and they lived
together as husband and wife as long
as he lived. I knew him before his
marriage, The reason why I remember
so particularly is, that he and
his father used to visit my Father's
family in Portsmouth about that 
time. We were distant connexions.
Job Sherman

State of Rhode-Island &c.
County of Newport sc
At Newport June 14th A.D. 1839--personally
appeared the above written Job Sherman, of
credible character, and on affirmation (he being
a respectable member of the Society of Friends)
gave and subscribed to the foregoing deposition,
before me,
Joseph Joslen,
C. Jus. C.C. Pleas
Newport
Page 56

[remnant of a seal in upper left corner]

State of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations.

Secretary's office  Sept 23. 1839

I Henry Bowen Secretary of
said State and Keeper of the
Records and the Seal thereof,
Do Certify, that at the session of the General Assembly
of said State holden on the first Wednesday of
May last, Joseph Joslin was elected Chief Justice
of the Court of Common Pleas within the County
of Newport, and Benjamin Hull Justice of the
Peace for the town of South Kingstown in the County
of Washington: each for one year and Commissioned
accordingly as appears of record.
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of
said State at Providence the day and year first
above written.
Henry Bowen
Page 57

The De Peyster
529 West 111th, Street
New York, N.Y.

June 30, 1923

Bureau of Pensions,
Department of the Interior,
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:
Can you give me any information regarding John
Sherman, a Revolutionary pensioner, who was the son of Philip
and Alice Sherman, all of Rhode Island? I think he came from
South Kingston, but am not sure. I believe that two of his
children were Frederick and Dorcas, the latter born July 10
1772, and married March 29, 1789, at Easton, N.Y., to William
Fones.
Very truly yours,
Mack Lee Luther.
[Pension Office mail room stamp = Jul 2 1923]