Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 22259, for Jonathan Smith, Rhode Island
Page 1

Service                                                   Number
R.I.                        Smith, Jonathan          W22259
                                    Freelove
Page 2

4284
Rhode Island
Jonathan Smith of Providence in the State of R.I. who was a Lieut in the company commanded by Captain---------of the Regt commanded by Col  Fletcher in the RI line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of R I at the rate of 320 dollars---cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17th day of Jany
1833 and sent Benj Cowell Providence R I
Arrears to 4th Sept 1832         $480
Semi-annl. allowance ending 4  Mar 33
                                                  160

                                                  $640
Revolutionary Claim
Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by J H McBlair clerk
Book 2  Vol. 3rd Page 134
Page 3

[illegible]
4703
Rhode Island
Freelove Smith
widow of Jonathan Smith
who was a Lieutenant
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the roll at the rate of
146 Dollars---
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued 26th day of Jan 1844
and sent to B Cowell
Providence
R.I.
[Act of March 3, 1843]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1 Page 95.
Page 4

No. 13857
Jonathan Smith
Lieut
2 years
Adm

$320-




Benjn Cowell Esqr
Providence R.I.
Page 5

BRIEF in the case of Jonathan Smith of the County 
of Providence in the State of Mass.
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  Court.
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3.  How old is he?  86 years.
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period      Duration of Service  Rank  Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
                    Year Months, Days  As a    Gen
in 1775 Apl. --      9           --  Lieut.  Col. Hitchcock, Capt. Kimball
In 1776 Nov.4th  1    4      --   Lieut.  Capt Cornell
5.  In what battles was he engages?  none
6.  Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Scituate
7.  Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  Depositions and documents.
8.  Are the papers defective as to form or authentication?  and if so, in what respect?
no clergyman's certificate
  I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Levin Belt
Examining Clerk.
Page 6

Jonathan Smith_____
F. 13.857
Page 7

United States of America.
Rhode - Island District, sc. August Term 1832
County of Providence
  On this Seventh day of August A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court, being a District Court of the United States within and for said District, now in session--Jonathan Smith a resident of Scituate in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged 86 years, who being first duly  sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832, viz.
  That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
 he was born March 11, 1746 in Scituate, R. I, has no [illegible] except what he has kept , and lived in Situate when he entered the Service and has always continued to reside there--
and the applicant further States in April 1775 he enlisted in a company of Minute Men for nine months under Cap Stephan Kimball and in Col Hitchcock regiment of Rhode Island  troops and was appointed Lieutenant (as per commission here presented) the Capt. being soon often taken sick the command of the company devolved upon him which continued until he was discharged--July 5th 1776 (as per his discharge) was at Boston and vicinity --and the applicant further states that on the 4th day of November 1776 he was again appointed a Lieutenant (as per his commission) in a company of minute men under Cap Cornell and served on Rhode Island and vicinity until after the British army left there in March 1780 and under said appointment between the said 4th of November 1776 and said March1780 this applicant says he served one year and four months, he was in Spencer expedition in October 1777--that he was in Sullivans expedition in August 1778 and also he was stationed at Warwick and served three months but does not remember the precise times and dates of his service, otherwise than above stated.
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November 1776 and said March 1780 this applicant says he served one year and four months, he was in Spencer expedition in October 1777--that he was in Sullivans expedition in August 1778 and also he was stationed at Warwick and served three months but does not remember the precise times and dates of his service, otherwise than above stated.
  He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State,
  Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Jonathan Smith
Attest B Cowell Clk.
We,           a Clergyman, residing in the      and     residing in      hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with     who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be    years of age, that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
  Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
  And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting  the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states.  And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Oliver Cornwell and William Colgave who have testified are resident as they state and are for the said applicant credible persons that their statement is entitled to credit.
  I, Benjamin Cowell, Clerk of said District Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Jonathan Smith fora pension.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 8th day of October [illegible]1832
Benjamin Cowell Clk
Page 9

Freelove Smith
 
No 5563
Freelove Smith
R. I.
 Act 4 July '36
m.8ad.41

Benjamin Cowell Esq
Providence
R. I.
Page 10

State of Rhode Island sc.
  County of Providence on this 26th day of February 1842 Personally appeared in open Court of Probate in the town of Scituate in the county of Providence and a court of Record Freelove Smith now Resident in said Scituate in said County aged seventy nine years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress  [illegible] July 4th 1836 granting Pensions to certain widows. . Vis that she is the widow of Jonathan Smith late of Scituate Deceased who was a lieutenant in the war of the Revolution in 1775 and served in that year and the following year until the close of the war.  That her husband the said Jonathan made a declaration of his service under the Act of June 7th AD1832 and was a Pensioner under said act, and to that Declaration she refers for a more particular specification of his service the Regiments to which he belonged, and the further declaration that she was married to the said Jonathan on the twenty second day of October 1780. as will appear by the original certificate of her marriage hereto annexed  and she further declares that her husband the said Jonathan Smith departed this life on the second day of May AD1841 and that since that  Period She has remained a widow, wherefore she requests that the Benefit of the act aforesaid may be granted to her
Attest. Josiah Westcott
James P. Westcott
[illegible]
Freelove X Smith
              mark
At a Court of Probate [illegible] within and for the town of Scituate in the County of Providence on the 26th day of February 1842 personally appeared Freelove Smith subscribed to the above Declaration and made oath in due [illegible] of said . to the Truth of the same according to the best of her ability and understanding.  In witness whereof I Josiah Westcott have thereto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court.
Josiah Westcott. Probate Clerk
Page 11

Received March 10th 1839. in Scituate Received for Pending [illegible]. Second Book Page 11.
[illegible] Jjosiah Westcott Clerk
Page 12

I hereby certify that Jonathan Smith gentel: man of Scituate Son of Capt John Smith of said 
Scituate and Freelove Boss Daughter of Beniaman Boss now resident in said Scituate both of the County of Providence hereby Lawfully joyned together in marriage on the Twenty Second Day of October AD1780---------
before me the Subscriber Jeremiah Angell Justice of Peace
Page 13

State of Rhode Island sc
County of Providence
On this 15 day of July 1851 personally appeared in open Court being the Municipal Court of the City of Providence and a Court of Record --Joseph Smith of Scituate in said County who being duly sworn according to law makes the following declaration for himself and other children of Freelove Smith late of said Scituate and officer during the war of the Revolution in order to obtain an increase of the pension which was granted to said Freelove under the act of Congress of July 7th, 1838.  The said Joseph Smith declares  and says that his father the said Jonathan applied for and obtained a pension under the act of Congress at the rate oaf $320 per annum payable at the agency for paying pensions in Providence, but his mother the said Freelove when she applied for a pension under the above named act obtained a pension at the rate of $156 per annum only, the said Jonathan
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was pensioned under the act of Congress of June 7 1832, their mother under the act of July 7 1838.
And the said Joseph further declares that their mother departed this life on the 7th day of March AD 1844 leaving the following children only vis. Joseph Smith, this applicant, Clark Smith Celinda Smith Waity Harris and Nabby H Angell who are entitled to all arrears of pension due their mother at the time of her death, that she was entitled to a much larger pension than was allowed  her according to the evidence on file in the Department at Washington and herewith annexed--That it is their belief their father served two years or more in actual service as a Lieutenant in various companies; and it was as adjudged as decided when his claim was presented, and their mother ought to have been allowed the same pension--pursuant to act of Congress and and in finally by the provisions of the Joint Reorder of Congress of January 23 1845, was their mother
Page 15

entitled to a pension from March 4 1836 to March 4 1844, under the provisions of the act of July 7th, 1838-
Wherefor he requests that an order be made that the agent for paying pensions in the City of Providence be directed to pay to the children of said Freelove all increase and arrears of pension due her at the time of her death
Joseph Smith

Subscribed and sworn to by Joseph Smith in open Court
Albert G. Greene
Clerk.
Page 16

State of Rhode Island
   Secretary's office August 8th 1851
  I certify that it appears by the records of the Council of War, now in this office, which Council was held on Sept 30th 1777 the following proceedings were had.
"Whereas the following officers were returned to this Council, to officer the Regiment of Independent Companies which being approved of the Secretary is to make out Commissions therefor, vis
           Richard Fry Esq Col
           Benjamin Arunda Esq Lt. Col
           John West Esq Major
Captains                          Lieutenants
Timothy Wilmarth    1       Martin Smith           1
Gideon Cornell         2      Jonathan Smith        2
George Peck             3       NedebiahWilkinson3
William Arnold          4    Chandler Burlingame4
Oliver Arnold            5      Sylvester Rhodes     5
David Richmond       6       Nathan Taylor         6
                  Ensigns
Caleb Sheldon      1         Levi Brown        3
Jonathan Hopkins 2         Stephen Green 4
James Sheldon      5         Caleb Crandal   6

And I further certify that Jonathan Smith had been previously appointed a Lieutenant of the 
"Scituate Hunters" one of said Independent Companies as appears of Record.

Asa Potter
Secy-of State
Page 17

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Municipal  Court of the City of
Providence in the County of Providence in said State.
August 12th 1857
Be it remembered, that satisfactory testimony has been produced before the Court, that Freelove Smith late of Scituate in said County of Providence deceased, the widow of Jonathan Smith, an officer of the Revolution, died on the seventh day of March AD one thousand eight hundred and fifty four; that, at the time of her death she was a pensioner of the United States under the Acts of Congress of July 7 A.D. 1838 and March 2nd 1843 at the rate of one hundred and fifty six dollars per annum, payable at the Agency for paying Pensions at said Providence; and that at the time of her death, she left the following named surviving children only, to wit: Joseph Smith, Clark Smith, Celinda Smith, Waity Harris, and Nabby H. Angell; and that each of said children is over twenty one years of age.
  In attestation whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and have affixed the seal of said Court, this twelfth day of August AD 1857
Albert G. Greene,
Clerk.
Page 18

July 21, 1924
Mrs. Wm. H. Mansfield
56 Ring St.,
Putnam, Conn.

Madam:
  I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 22259 it appears that Jonathan Smith was born March 11, 1746 in Scituate, Providence County, Rhode Island.  He was the son of Captain John Smith of said Scituate.
  While living in Scituate, Rhode Island he enlisted in April 1775 as a minute man in Captain  Stephen Kimball's Company, Colonel Hitchcock's Rhode Island Regiment, on May 8, 1775 was commissioned Lieutenant and was discharged January 1, 1776.
 On November 4, 1776 he was appointed Lieutenant in Captain Gideon Cornell's Company of Rhode Island minute men, and on May 7, 1778 commissioned First Lieutenant of the company of "Situate Hunters"  of Providence County, Rhode Island' was in Generals Spencer and Sullivan's  Rhode Island Expeditions and served whenever called upon,
Page 19

at various times, for one year and seven months, until March 1780.
  He was allowed pension on his application executed August 7 1832 while a resident of Scituate, Rhode Island, where he died May 2, 1841
  Soldier married October 22, 1780, Freelove the daughter of Benjamin Boss, all parties of Scituate, Rhode Island.  She was allowed pension on her application executed February 28, 1842 while living in Scituate, aged seventy-nine years, and where she died March 7, 1844, leaving the following surviving children:  Joseph, Clark and Celinda Smith, Waity Harris and Nabby H. Angell.
  Respectfully,


Commissioner.
Page 20

22259
Rev
WIDOW, etc.

File No.   22259
Freelove Smith
Widow of
Jonathan Smith
Lt. Rev. War
Act  July 7th 1838
Index: Vol. 16, Page 225
May 20/95 Hist. to Miss Mary 
F. Smith, 435 S. Main St., Woonsocket, R.I. In El,
Oct. 23/95 Hist. to Miss Edith K. Smith Cherry Valley, Mass. M. El
Feb 5, 1895, Histy to Channing Smith, Cherry Valley, M.
Apr. 22. 1897 - History to Mrs. A. E. Smith Cherry Valley, Mass.
May - 18 - 1900 -Histy to R Hammett Tilley - Newport R. I.
1924 - July 21 Hist to Mrs. Wm. H. Mansfiend - Her letter in Cl. W. 2211 org
Simeon Round ---MM&T.
Page 21

By his Excellency William Greene, Esquire,
Governor, Captain-General, and Commander in Chief, of and over the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
To Jonathan Smith. Gentleman, Greeting,
  You the said Jonathan Smith being chosen and appointed First Lieutenant of the Company of Scituate Hunters in the County of Providence in the State aforesaid and duly approved of, are hereby, in the Name of the Governor and Company of the said State, authorized, empowered and commissioned, to have, take and exercise, the Office of First Lieutenant of the Company aforesaid, with the [illegible], and Privileges to which you are entitled by the Charter of the said Company, and to command, guide and conduct the same, or any Part thereof: And in Case of an invasion, or assault of a common Enemy, molest or disturb this Plantation you are to alarm and gather together the Company under your Care, or any Part thereof you shall deem sufficient, and with that, to the utmost of your Skill and Ability, you are to resist, expel, kill, and destroy the same, in order to serve the Interest of the good People in these Parts.  You are also to follow such further Instructions, Directions and Orders, as shall from Time to Time be given forth, either by the General Assembly or the Governor and Council of the State, and other your superior Officers:  And for your so doing, this Commission shall be your sufficient Warrant and Discharge.
  Given under my Hand and the Seal of the said State, the seventh Day of May in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy eight.
By his Excellency's Command
Henry Ward [illegible]
W. Greene
Page 22

By the Honorable the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of the English Colony of RHODE - ISLAND,  and PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS  in New - England, in America.
  To Jonathan Smith Gent.  Greeting.
  WHEREAS for the Preservation of the Rights and Liberties of His Majesty's loyal and faithful Subjects, in this Colony and America, the aforesaid GENERAL ASSEMBLY have ordered Fifteen Hundred Men to be enlisted, and embodied into an Army of Observation, and have appointed you, the said Jonathan Smith  Lieutenant of the Lieutenant Colonels Company  of the Regiment to be raised in the County of Providence.  You are therefore hereby, in His Majesty's Name, GEORGE the Third, by the Grace of GOD, King of Great-Britain, etc. authorized, empowered, and commissioned, to have, take, and exercise, the Office of Lieutenant of the Lieutenant Colonels Company in the Regiment aforesaid; and to command, guide and conduct the same or any Part thereof.  And in Case of an Invasion or assault of a common Enemy, to resist or disturb this or any other of His Majesty's Colonies in America, you are to alarm and gather together the Company 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 that from Time to Time be govern forth, either by the GENERAL ASSEMBLY or your Superior Officers.  And for your so doing this Commission shall be your sufficient Warrant.
 By Virtue of an Act of the said GENERAL ASSEMBLY, I  Henry Ward Esquire Secretary of the said Colony, have hereunto set my Hand, and the public Seal of the said Colony, this Eighth Day of May A.D. 1775 and in the Fifteenth Year of His said Majesty's  Reign.
Henry Ward
Page 23

S. Ray Nov 24/51
7577
Rhode -Island
Freelove Smith
widow of Jonathan Smith
R.I.
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 2nd May, 1846 of Providence in the State of R. Island who was a Lieutenant in the   ___commanded by Captain___
Reg. commanded by Col: Hitchcock  of the R. Island line for 11 mos: 21 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 156 Dollars --Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2nd day of ___ and sent to Benjamin Cowell Providence Rhode Island.
Whole amount due $780.00
[Act July 7, 1838.}
Recorded by H M Stewart Clerk
Book A Vol. 2 Page 23
Page 24

Rhode - Island - 7255
Freelove Smith
widow of Jonathan Smith
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June '32
and who died on the 2nd May, 1841 -
of Providence in  the State of R. Island 
who was a Lieut. in the company of Captain Smith of the Regt: __ commanded by _____ in the R. Island line for 18 months___
Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of May 1843 and sent to Benjn: Cowell
Providence, R. I.
Arrears to the 4th of ______
Semiannual allowance ending
                                           $300.00
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by H M Stewart  Clerk
Book A  Vol. 2  Page 23
Page 25

V. 8853
Freelove Smith
   R.I.
let to B. Cowell May 20 1843

Act of July 1838
Page 26

5563
RI.
Rejected
Letter to Benjn Cowell
April 2nd 1842

act 4 July "36
Page 27

Jon Smith  Mass Jun 7 act W15688
[illegible]  1 May
76 2 Is Trow {illegible] Hill
76  6 or 7 Jon Smith Whitney Porter
                        [illegible]
77 6 Silas Cobb Reg, RI
78 8 Jacob Fuller, Jacob RI
79 3 Is Trow  RI
"    2 Clap Carpenter, R I
Page 28

Jonathan Smith
R.I.
W. 22259
Page 29

Camp on Prospect Hill January the 3rd 1776
Lieut Jonathan Smith of the 14th Regt. is hereby discharged from the Continental Army by 
Israel Angell Major 
of the 14th Regt.
Page 30

R.I.  Smith Jonathan    W22259
Page 31

Freelove Smith
Page 32

Know all men by these present that I Joseph Smith of Scituate in the County of Providence in the State of Rhode Island do hereby constitute and appoint Alexander Ray Agent and Attorney to the prosecute the claim of the children of Freelove Smith deceased widow of Jonathan Smith late of said Scituate, an officer during the war of the Revolution for any amount of Revolutionary pension or Increase of pension that may be due. and I hereby authorize my said Agent to examine all the papers and documents in relation to said claim on file in the Department at Washington City or elsewhere to file additional evidence or arguments and to receive the certificate may be issued for said claim made payable to me and the other children of said Freelove and generally to do all things I might or could do were I personally present.  In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this 15 day of July AD 1851
      Joseph Smith

signed and sealed in presence of
Thomas C Greeire
Page 33

Providence ss.
  In the city of Providence this fifteenth day of July AD eighteen hundred and fifty one personally appeared Joseph Smith and acknowledged the aforegoing Instrument by him signed to be his free act and deed
  Before me
Thomas C Greene
Justice of the Peace

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Providence R.I.
   I Albert G. Greene, Clerk of the Municipal Court at City of Providence in the County of Providence in said State,  do hereby certify, that Thomas C Greene, who has signed the aforegoing certificate, was on the day of the date hereof, a Justice of the Peace, within and for said City of Providence, duly elected.
  In attestation whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and have affixed the seal of said Court, this 12th day of August A.D. 1851.
  Albert G. Greene
    Clerk
Page 34

5101
Freelove Smith


$156 per annum

B. Cowell
Providence
R. Island
Page 35

STATE OF RHODE-ISLAND
County of Providence
  On this Second of October A.D. 1843, personally appeared before me Justice of the Court of Common Pleas in said County Freelove Smith now resident in Scituate in said County, aged eighty years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress, passed March 3d, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War, viz:  That she is the Widow of Jonathan Smith deceased, who served in said War as a Lieutenant That she received  a pension under the Act of July 7, 1838, at the rate of $156 per annum, payable at the Agency for paying pensions at Providence
[illegible] 
Freelove    X   Smith
               mark
Nabby H Smith
Josiah Westcott

Providence Sc.  In Situate October 2nd A.D. 1943.  Personally came before me the above named Freelove Smith and made oath to the truth of the above declaration  by her signed.   I also certify her statement is entitled to full credit

Josiah Westcott J [illegible] Common Pleas
Page 36

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Providence Sc
  I Albert G Greene, Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Providence in the County of Providence, in said State, do hereby certify that Josiah Westcott, who has signed the within Certificate, was, on the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for said County of Providence, duly elected.

In attestation whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and have affixed the seal of said Municipal Court, this 18th day of December, A.D. 1843.
Albert G. Greene
Clerk
Page 37

  Payment to be made 
at Providence 
by Paris Hill
Agent for paying pension-
ers, in the  Agency of
Rhode Island
Payable on
presentation
Recorded in the Pension 
Office, in Book A Vol. 2
Page 23 by H M Stewart
Page 38

WAR DEPARTMENT.
  Widow's Pension.
  I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838, Freelove Smith widow of  Jonathan Smith who was a private in the Revolutionary War and died on the 2nd day of May, 1841 is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Sixty dollars and ____cents per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1836, and terminating on the 4th of March, 1841, unless the Pensioner married or died before the last mentioned date; in which case the pension is not payable after the time of such marriage or death.
  Given at the War Office of the United States this 10th day of May one thousand eight hundred and forty three

{name crossed out]
Secretary of War

Examined and Countersigned.
[name crossed out]
Commissioner of Pensions

{Cancelled and erased from book is written across this  document}
Page 39

Washington

Sept. 22. 1857
J.E. Heath Esq
Sc     
   I herewith enclose an application in the case of Freelove Smith deceased of Rhode Island.  She was  pensioned under act 1818 at the rate of $156 per annum while her husband when living was pensioned under act of  Jan 1832 at $320 a year.
  In behalf of the surviving children I have respectfully to request a re examination of the evidence files in the case. and the [illegible] for the allowance of the husband pension.  
  In addition to which, I submit an extract from the Sec. office of Rhode Island  showing  in  Sept 3-/77 Lieu Jon. Smith was returned as an 
officer of the Regt. of Independent Company; which I hope mite more [illegible] to place the widow pension on the same footing with that of her husband.
I am very respectfully
your [illegible]
Alex.  Ray
Page 40

Providence March 29 1842
Sir
  I herewith enclose the application of Freelove Smith widow of Jonathan Smith for a pension under the act of July 4, 1836.

  I am respectfully 
your obet set
Benja Cowell



J.L. Edwards Esq
Page 41

Providence June 5, 1843
Sir
  I received yours of the 20th respecting the claim of Freelove Smith widow of Jonathan Smith a pensioner under the act of June 7 1832.  You  observe "the alleged service of seven months twenty one days as Lieut from 8 May 1775 to 1st of Jan, 76  is duly established But  of the militia service is while he was commissioned as Lieut on 8 May 1778 there is neither specification nor proof of service here to authorize any allowance except one month in Sullivans expedition, these [illegible] to serve at Warwick"
   I have acquainted Mrs Smith with the contents of your letter, and as it is beyond her  person to furnish any further proof of her husbands services, at present at least, she has concluded to take up with what is admitted - I have therefore to request that a certificate  may be granted accordingly -- I am very confident he did serve in 1777 and lack of such proof may be furnished hereafter, think she  [illegible] a will be satisfactory-- I am respectfully
Your obt sert
Benja Cowell

J L Edwards Esq
Page 42

Providence April 3 1843
Sir
  I herewith enclose the application of Freelove Smith widow of Jonathan Smith for a pension under the act of Congress of July 7 1838,--after the death of her husband, she made an application under the act of July 4 1836  But you disallowed it on the ground that there was no service after the marriage she now applies under the act of July 7/38  
as [illegible] her claim under this act, she stands upon the same ground as Mrs Amey Potter widow of William Potter, to whom you have recently granted a pension; both of their husbands having died since the passage of the above act,  I presume a different rule of Constitution as  respects the time the husbands dies, has been adopted--
I am respectfully 
your obt sert
Benja Cowell

J L Edwards Esq
Page 43

No 13.857
Jonathan Smith



Benjn Cowell Esq
Providence R. I.
Page 44

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Jonathan Smith which require further proof or explanation.

I.  Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?   Yes

II.  Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?  Yes

III.  If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?

IV.  Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?  Yes

V.  Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled?  Yes

VI.  Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?  Yes

VII.  Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?  Yes

VIII.  Has the Court given their opinion?  Yes

IX.  Has the Clerk given his certificate?  Yes

X.   Is the Clerk's seal affixed?  And if so has it a devise or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?  Yes
Page 45

                                   2
XI.  Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?  No

XII.  If the clergyman's affidavit has not been provided, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?  No

XIII.  If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?

XIV.  * If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?  Yes
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?

XV.   Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such and age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?  Yes

XVI.   * Are the papers authenticated as the regulations  direct ?  Yes

XVII.  Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily?  And, if not, which of them is not so answered?  Yes

     EXPLANATORY NOTES.

* QUERE V.  In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: 
 "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served nots less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For______ year_____ ___months and ____days.  I served as a _______.  For ____ ____months and ____ ____days, I served as a _____ _____; and for such service I Claim a Pension".
Page 46

3.
  It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according  to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service.  the use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.

*QUERRE XIV.  Proof of Service.
  In case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his  leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged.   The 
magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.

*QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
  In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Page 47

8853

Freelove Smith

R.I.
Act 7. July 38

Adm


11 mo.  21  Lieut.
____________
$156.00
Page 48

Providence May 16 1843

Sir
  I herewith return the certificate of Mrs Freelove Smith for the correction of a mistake.  Jonathan Smith,  her husband, was an officer and served as such during the war and I believe his pension was over 300 per annum but how much I  do not remember  But whatever it was I suppose she is entitled to the same--Will you be  kind enough to have the mistake corrected.
I am respectfully
your obt sert
Benja Cowell
Page 49

Mr Oliver Cornell of Glocester  and William Colegrove  of Scituate both of the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island  [illegible], on oath depose and say that they are acquainted with Jonathan Smith, of Scituate, that they know that the said Jonathan Smith was an officer in the revolutionary war and that the same Smith was in the service at Warwich at Trenton and on Rhode Island  but they cannot state particularly the length of time which the same Smith Served
Oliver Cornell
William Colegrove

August 7 1832
Sworn to in open Court
B Cowell Clk
Page 50

Freelove Smith
Page 51

State of Rhode Island
County of Providence
  On this 27th day of March AD 1843 personally appeared before me, Josiah Westcott one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas within  and for said County, Freelove Smith of Scituate in said County aged 80 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 act of Congress passed July 7 1838  entitled an act granting  half payed pensions to certain widows was that she is the widow of Jonathan Smith late of said Scituate deceased who was an officer in the war of the Revolution and a pensioner under the act of June 7, 1832 and to his declaration she refers for proof of his service.  That she was married to the said Jonathan Smith on the 22 day of October AD 1780 as will appear by the original certificate of her marriage was in the Pension office at Washington among the papers on her claim for a pension under the act of July 7 1836  which was
Page 52

disallowed because there was no proof, as she was informed, of her said husband having done any service after the marriage.  She therefore relinquishes her claim under said act of July 4 1836, and claims under the act of July 7 1838.  Her said husband Jonathan Smith died May 2nd  1841 and since then she has remained a widow she was not married to him prior to his having the service but the marriage took place previous to the year Seventeen hundred and ninety four to wit at the time above mentioned

[illegible]
Freelove   X   Smith
               mark
Nabby H Smith
Josiah Westcott
Page 53

Freelove Smith

Admitted
11 mo. 21 days
$155.96 per an.

Benjn Cowell 
Providence
R.I.

8853 
Freelove Smith 
R. I. 
Act 7 July 38
In 80 d 41
X see notes
[illegible]
18 mo [illegible]
60$
X wrong Jonathan Smith

Benjn Cowell
Providence
R. I.

John W. Smith, clerk
Page 54

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Providence Sc.    
Clerk's office, Court of Common Pleas
  I John W. Smith clerk of the court of Common Pleas, within and for the County of Providence in the state aforementioned, being a court of Record, do hereby certify, that Josiah Westcott Esquire is one of the Justices of said Court of Common Pleas;  duly authorized and qualified to act as such; that by law he is empowered to administer oath, take depositions, in his said capacity, and that his signature aforewritten  is genuine.
  In witness thereof I herewith set my hand and affix the seal of said court, at the City of Providence, this third day of April AD 1843
John W. Smith, clerk
Page 55

REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
O. W. & N. Div.
MEMORANDA
Please supply as much as possible of the data called for below.
Full name of soldier:
Jonathan Smith
Place of residence before service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Town of Scituate, Co. of Providence, State of Rhode Island
Place of residence after service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Town of Scituate, Co. of Prov. State of R.I.
Date of death (as near as possible):
May 2, 1841
Christian name of widow:
Freelove
Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
They did.
Remarks:
I wish very much to learn what battles of the Revolution he took part in.
Your name and address:
Mary F. Smith
435 S. Main St.
Woonsocket, R. I.
6--870
Page 56

REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
O. W. & N. Div.
MEMORANDA
Please supply as much as possible of the
data called for below.
Full name of soldier:
Simeon Rounds
Place of residence before service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Town of Foster, Co. of Providence, State of Rhode Island
Place of residence after service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Town of Foster, Co.  of Prov. State of R.I.
Date of death (as near as possible):
Do not know.
Christian name of widow:
Do not know.
Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
They did.
Remarks:
I have heard that he received a pension of $8 a month.  Should like any information in regard to his Rev. record.
Your name and address:
M.F. Smith
435 S. Main St.
Woonsocket, R.I.
Page 57

REVOLLUTIONARY SERVICE.
O.W. & N. Div.
MEMORANDA
Please supply as much as possible of the data called for below.
Full name of soldier:
Place of residence before service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Place of residence after service
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Date of death (as near as possible):
Christian name of widow:
Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
Remarks:
Your name and address:
6--870
Page 58

1
O.W.& N. Div.
Department of the Interior,
fr Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C. Apr. 25. 1895
R & S
Respectfully returned to
Miss Mary F. Smith,
435 S. Main St.,
Woonsocket, R. I.,
with the information that the courtesy of furnishing the military history of Revolutionary soldiers is extended by this Bureau when the same is desired by descendants for historical and genealogical purposes only, and then only when the soldier or his widow applied for pension, their papers being the principal source from which data is collected for a report.  The history of not more than two soldiers can be furnished to each applicant because of the large number of such requests and the time and labor it is necessary to expend upon each report.
  For purposes of identification the soldier's full name should be furnished, his place of residence before and after service (town, county, and State, if possible), and the christian name of his widow, if one survived him.
  Please return all papers with your reply.
Wm Lochren
Commissioner.
13604 b--3m
Page 59

REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE
O. W. & N. Div.
MEMORANDA
i NOT?

S
Please supply as much as possible of the 
data called for below
11469W
22239W
Full name of soldier:
Jonathan Smith
Place of residence before service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Scituate, R.I.
Date of death (as near as possible):
May 2nd, 1841
Christian name of widow:
Freelove Boss
Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
He did - $365 a year
Remarks:
Your name and address:
Your name and address:
(Miss) Edith K. Smith
Cherry Valley,
Massachusetts.
6--870
Page 60

O. W. & N. Div.
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions,
F. S.    Washington D. C.  Sept. 18, 1895
Respectfully returned to
Miss Edith K. Smith
Cherry Valley, Mass
with the information that the courtesy of furnishing the military history of Revolutionary soldiers is extended by the bureau when the same is desired by descendants for historical and genealogical purposes only, and then only when the soldier or his widow applied for pension, their papers being the principal source from which data is collected for a report.  The history of not more than two soldiers can be furnished to each applicant because of the large number of such requests and the time and labor it is necessary to expend upon each report.
    For purposes of identification the soldier's full name should be furnished, his place of residence before and after service (town, county, and State, if possible), and the christian name of of his widow, if one survived him
  Please return all papers with your reply.

Postmarked from Pension Office US Oct 12 1895
Page 61

Postmark US PENSION OFFICE MAY 14  1895
Page 62

Cherry Valley
March 24th 1897
P
Bureau of Pensions.                   R
 Will you kindly send me the official record of Simeon Rounds Rev soldier born Nov 19th 1763. died April 8th 1840.  Applied for pension about 1832. from Foster R. I. If there is a mistake in the date of his birth and death on your records will you kindly correct, these are taken from the family bible.  Also send the record of Capt Jonathan Smith, born Feb 28th 1746 died May 2nd 1841. from Scituate RI. Send to
Page 63

this address
Mrs. A. E.  Smith
Cherry Valley
Massachusetts
Page 64

Postmark
U.S. PENSION OFFICE
MAR 27 1897

7577



OLD WAR & NAVY FILES
MAR 20 1897
Page 65

Cherry Valley
Sept. 7th1895.
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
  Will you kindly send to the address given below the records of  the three following revolutionary soldiers
Capt. Jonathan Smith
Private Simeon Rounds
Col. George Claghorn
I am much interested in the lives of these three men (who are my ancestors) and all the particulars I could learn
Page 66

would be gratefully received.  Capt Smith came from Scituate R.I. and also Simeon Rounds.  Col. George Claghorn came from Salem first and finally located in New Bedford. Col. Claghorn superintendent the building of the  "Constitution".
Respectfully,
(Miss) Edith K. Smith
Cherry Valley,
Massachusetts
Page 67

W.H.H.P.
U. S. Pension Office
Sep 11 1895
Old War and Navy Files
Sept 13  1895
Page 68

Cherry Valley
Oct 10th 1895.
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
  I have delayed returning the papers until now because I was endeavoring to learn something of Col. Claghorn's life but as I have been unable to do this I send the papers with all the information I can give.  I am particularly interested  in Capt. Jonathan Smith and Col Claghorn's war record and will esteem it
Page 69

a great favor if I can learn any thing of their lives.    I have not sent in my request thru idle curiosity but am looking up and searching for family records.  Thanking you for your courtesy to me, I am
Sincerely,
(Miss) Edith K. Smith
Page 70

(Partial postmark)
U S Pension Office 

12
1895
Page 71

OFFICE OF
State Record Commissioner.
Newport, R.I. May 10, 189 1900
Chief of the Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C. 

Dear Sir: - Will you kindly send me the record of Jonathan Smith in the Revolutionary War?  He was of Providence County, and drew a pension as Lieutenant in the Rhode Island Continental Line; placed on the roll January 17, 1833; received $320; aged 88 years.
Yours truly,
R. Hammell Tilley
State Record Commissioner.

Postmark 
US Pension Office 
May 12 1900