Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 22,505, Thomas Watson, Conn.
Page 1

(3-1776)
Service

[Handwritten] Conn.  Watson, Thomas  Number W.22.505 [Handwritten]
[Handwritten] Sarah (colored)  Number B.L. Wt. 10221-160-55 [Handwritten]
Page 2

3895
Rhode Island
==================================
Sarah Watson
widow of Thomas Watson
Ct.
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
inceased from $80 per an
==================================
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
96 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on
the First day of July, 1848.
==================================
Certificate of Pension issued the
15 day of Jany 1850
and sent to R Cowell
Providence
Rhode Island
==================================
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under
[cannot read], 1848, page 79 Vol. 3
Page 3

17.732
Rhode - Island
=======================================
Thomas Watson
of Wash[ington] Co. in the state of R. I.
who was a private in the regiment commanded by
Colonel Sherman, of the Connecticut
line for the term of three years.
=======================================
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode - Island
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 23. of December, 1819.
=======================================
Certificate of pension issued the 7. of Sept. 182[0]
and sent to Amos Crop, ag[t].
Westerly, Rhode - Island.
=======================================
Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1820. $:67.39
                                              48"
                                              $:115.39.
Semi-anl, all'ce ending 4. March 1821
{8 mo. 9/31
of 4
30....}
{Revolutionary claim. Act 18th March, 1818.}
Applicant is found on the
rolls of Col". Butler's regt
Conn. line, but proves that
he formerly belonged to Col. Sher
Page 4

[there seems to be notes written vertically across the information below, most is illegible and is not included here]
85587   At 3 March /55 
                 April 19  /55
============================

Sarah Watson
                     widow
Thomas Watson
                      Pri'
=============================
 Pensioner  -  Rhode Island.
     CA Contl Line

Revolutionary War
_____________________________________________
A 160 Cares        Nov 14th  1855
                                   [illegible]

Jno. T Neely
           Present

[the following is at the bottom of the right side of the page]
Vol. W -  6
Page 5

85587.
Bounty Land
-----------------------------------------------------
Act of March 5 1855
-----------------------------------------------------
Ms. Sarah Watson
Widow of Thos Watson
-----------------------------------------------------
Draws pension under
act of 1836 - State of 
Rhode Island
Revolutionary War

Jno.. T. Neely
Washington city
DC
Page 6

[Handwritten]
State of Rhode Island &c
County of Washington}  Sc

on this 15th day of March 
A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five (1855)
personally appeared before me the subscriber [strikeout with "public notary" written over the top]
[strikeout] within and for the county & state of aforesaid Mrs. Sarah
Watson aged 90 years a resident of the town
of Charleston in the County of Washington State aforesaid
who being duly sworn according to the Law declared that she is
the widow of Thomas Watson - deceased ^who was 
a privet - in the Revolutionary War, and 
she refers to the declaration of her husband for evidence of 
his service & ~
She further states that she was married on the [blank] day of 
[(can't read)]  AD18 to said Thomas Watson
by John [can't read] a minister of the Gospel and that her name
before her marriage was Sarah [Nocake] that her
said husband died in ^or [strikeout the] about [strikeout day of] the year AD 1822 at South Kingstown RI and that she
is a widow at the date of the Execution of the Declaration,
and for the Evidence of her marriage she refers to her
Declaration made to obtain the benefit of the provisions
made by Law of the United States passed on the 4th
of July [strikeout February] 1836 
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining
the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled [can't read]
Act approved March 3, 1855
She also declares that she has never Received
nor applied for Bounty Land under this or any
other Act of Congress.
Attest Geo. H. Olney
H[?] P C[?]
Sarah [her X mark] Watson                                    {Seal}
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and
year first and above written. And I certify that
Page 7

I believe the Claimant to be the identical person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in said Claim
[Signature] Geo. H Olney  Public Notary 
[the words "Justice of the Peace
 are crossed out]

State of Rhode Island &c}
County of Washington } Sc
                On this 13th day of March AD One thousand Eight hundred and fifty five, 1855 personally appeared before me the subscriber a [The words "Public Notary" appear above the crossed out words "Justice of the Peace"] Public Notary within and for the County aforesaid Gideon Watson and Esther Watson  Residents of the State of Rhode Island and County of Washington who being duly sworn according to Law declared that they are personally and well acquainted with Mrs. Sarah Watson who saw her sign her name to the foregoing declaration that they know her to be the identical person therein represented and that She is now a widow and they swear they are disinterested  witnesses
                          [Signature] Gideon Watson
                          [Signature] Esther Watson

Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 15th day of March Ad 1855  And I Certify that Said Gideon Watson and Esther Watson -  are Credible and Respectable citizens
[Signature] Geo H. Olney  Public Notary 
[the words"Justice of the Peace are crossed out]
Page 8

Know all men by these presents that I Sarah Watson of Charlestown in the County of Washington in the State of Rhode Island widow of Thomas Watson deceased who was a Soldier of the United States.  Do hereby irrevocably constitute and appointe  John T Neely Esq of Washington DC my true and Lawful Attorney for for me and in my name to prosecute & receive from the United States the Bounty - Land certificat or warrant due me by virtue of my deceased husband services in the United States under existing Laws granting Bounty Land to the officers and soldiers or their widows and miner heirs for services rendered in the different wars and generally to do all lawful act and things whatsoever [illegible] the premises once an attorney or attorneys under him for the purpose beforesaid to make and get his pleas to Revoke hereby Confirming all and whichsoever my said attorney shall in my name legally do or claim to be done in and about the premises as which so as of present myself

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 15th day of March 1855
                                        her
            [Signature] Sarah  X  Watson
                                      mark             SEAL

Attest [Signature] Geo. H. Olney
           [Signature] Harlsey P Clarke

Acknowledged and Subscribed before me the subscriber a [the words "Justice of the Peace" are crossed out and "Public Notary" are inserted] Public Notary in and for the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island this 15th day of March AD 1855
[Signature] Geo. H. Olney  Public Notary  SEAL
                [the words"Justice of the Peace" are crossed out
Page 9

State of Rhode Island &c}
County of Washington}   Sc
                      I Powell Helme Clerk of the Supreme Court of the County of Washington State aforesaid do hereby Certify that George H. Olney Esq whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing Declaration affidavit and [illegible] is and was at the time of signing the same a Public Notary in and for the County of Washington State aforesaid duly commissioned  and sworn.  That all his official act as such are entitled to full faith and Credit.  And that the aforesaid Court is a Court of Record having general jurisdiction
     Sworn under my hand and Seal of Office at South Kingston this 17 day of March AD 1855
[Signature]  Powell Helme  Clerk
Page 10

State of Rhode Island Sc
Washington County   Sc  On the twenty [crossout] third Day of December 1819 before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of  Common Pleas for the County of Washington Personally appears Thomas [crossout] Watson a man of Collour aged about sixty years Resident in [illegible] Kingstown in the County aforesaid who being by me [crossout] duly sworn according to Law doth on his Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress Entitled on to providing for certain persons engaged in the land &  naval - services of the United States In the Revolutionary War  that he the said Thomas Watson Enlisted [the word "at" is inserted] at Stonington in the State  of Connecticut for three years in the United States Service [a number of words are crossed out] In a Company Commanded by Capt Sill Col Shermant Regiment  In the Connecticut line,   That he continued to serve in said Corps or in the services of the United States until May 1783 when he was discharged from [crossout] service at the Highlands near West Point in the State of New York   and That he is in reduced circumstances and stands is need of the assistance of his Country for support   and that he had no other [crossout] Evidence now in his possess of his said services   sworn to & declared before me the day & year aforesaid
[Signature] Amos Cross C.J.C.C Pleas
Page 11

I Amos Cross [illegible] do Certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Thomas Watson did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in the preceding declaration against the common Enemy   and I now transmit the proceedings & Testimony taken & had by me to the Secretary of the war department pursuant to the aforementioned act of Congress

Given under my hand at Westerly in the County aforesaid the year and date first written
[Signature] Amos Cross C.J.C.C. Pleas

I further Certify that I am well satisfied that the above named Thomas Watson is a very poor man whose circumstances are truly Indigent and who stands in need of the assistance of his Country for his support
                          Given at Westerly this 3rd Day of December 1819 
[Signature]  Amos Cross C.J.C.C. Pleas
Page 12

State of Rhode Island &c
Washington County Ss
                               At Westerly in the County aforesaid on the 14th day of [August is crossed, the rewritten] August 1820  In his proper person came before the subscriber Thomas Watson who made the foregoing declaration who on his oath saith   That from his best Recollection that he served in Col Shermans Regiment (as before stated) until June 7  1783 when said Regiment was broken up and the troops belonging to the same were transferred to other Regiments   and the [crossout] Declarant further says that according to his best recollection he was transferred to Col Butlers Regiment Capt Starrs Company where he continued & served his time out for which he Enlisted and was Honourably discharged at the time & place stated in his previous declaration
                        Sworn to before
[Signature] Amos Cross C.J.C.C. Pleas
Page 13

                               5744
Thomas Watson
Washington Co. R.I.
23 December, 1819.
Col. Sherman's reg't Conn't line, 3 years.
                 ===========
Not found on the rolls of col. Sherman's Reg't
                ============
A person of the name of Thomas Watson is found on the roll of Col. Butler's reg't Capt. Starr's Co.  Conn't line. -  It will be necessary that the applicant prove his service, and the regiment, and col.s name, to which he was attached.
                   ===========
Amos Cross, judge, Westerly, Rh. Island,
rec'd 14 Feb 4, 1820.
Page 14

Thomas Watson is proved by the testimony, on oath, of Solomon Hubbell, to have been in Capt. Sill's Company, Col Isaac Sherman's reg't Connecticut line, from last of March, 1781, to October 1st, 1782.


Amos Cross, agent,
Westerly, R. Island,
Rec'd 29, Aug. 1820
Page 15

                             State of Rhode Island &c
Washington County Sc}
                             Clerks Office Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace
                        February  - 2 AD 1820

I certify that the Hon'ble Amos Cross Esq. whose Signature is hereto Affixed is Chief Justice of the Courts aforesaid Legally Chosen and qualified as the Law Requires that full faith and Credit ought to be given to his Certificate throughout the United States and Elsewhere   And that the Seal here impressed is the true seal of the Court aforesaid
  Wit'n  [Signature] Sam. Helme  Clk
Page 16

Amos Cross  ["Amos Cross" is crossed out]
Thomas Watson

117732

[illegible]
Page 17

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations.
Washington, sc --[the words "Court of Common Pleas" is crossed out and "Supreme Judicial Court " is inserted] Supreme Judicial Court, October Term, A.D. 1820 
ON this fourteenth day of October 1820, personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record within and for the County of Washington, in the State of Rhode Island, &c. Thomas Watson aged about Sixty Two Years residing in the Town of Charlestown in said County who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his Oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows: - 
In the Regiment commanded by Col. Sherman and Col. Butler for Three Years in the Connecticut line

That he made a previous Declaration on the Twenty Third Day of December 1819, and that he has received a Certificate for a Pension, being No.  22 --And in pursuance of the Act of Congress, 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 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 Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
                                            his
            [Signature] Thomas  X  Watson  
                                         mark
Witness [Signature] John Segar

A SCHEDULE of Property and Income, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) of
Thomas Watson  One Old Table One Old Chair one Kettle one pott one Iron Tea Kettle one Old Tub one pail one Sythe & one Old Hoe  That his present family Consists of a wife Aged 52 Years & five small Children who Depend upon him for their support and His declarent further says that he is a Common Labourer and for many Years he has been severely afflicted with the Rhumatism which disqualifies him from Labour a Considerable part of his time and in Case his pension should be taken from him he must [the word "depend" is crossed out] resort to publick or private Charity for his Support.
                                         his
          [Signature] Thomas  X  Watson
                                        mark
Witness [Signature]  John Segar
Sworn to and declared, on the fourteenth day of October 1820 before said Court - 

Wasington, sc. Clerk's Office of the [the words "Court of Common Pleas" is crossed out and "Supreme Judicial Court" is inserted]  Supreme Judicial Court - . A.D. 1820
I John Segar Clerk of the Court [the words of Common Pleas" is crossed out and "Supreme Judicial" is inserted] Supreme Judicial 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 in value of the Property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule, is Six Dollars, and fifty Cents,--  
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, oa this fourteenth Day of October 1820
    [Signature]  John Segar  Clerk of said Court.

The Original Certificate Issued from the War department bears no Number on the back of  S. Certificate.  There is the following. Entry, Viz. Registered "by Eazen Stout Clerk in Book B Volume 4, page 29."
Page 18

I John Stanton Town Clerk of the Town of Charlestown County of Washington do hereby Certify that I have by virtue of my Office the Custody of the Records of the Marriages which have taken place in Said town & I further Certify that after examination I cannot find the Record of the Marriage of Thomas Watson to Sarah Nokig   I also Certify that many marriages take place in Said Town as I believe which are not Brought to be Recorded.
   Witness  [Signature] John Stanton  Town Clerk

Washington Sc
             In Charlestown  January 5th AD 18
Sworn to and Subscribed by the Said John Stanton  Known to me to be the Town Clerk of Said Town
Before me  [Signature] Joshua Clarke  Jus' Peace
Page 19

James Hazard of Charlestown in the County of Washington and state of Rhode Island on oath saith that he is the Clerk of a Baptist Church in said town of Charlestown over which Rev John Seketer late of said Charleston deceased was formerly ordained and setled and the Deponent saith that he has in his possession and custody all the current and former records of said Church left by the said Rev John Seketer at his decease and after a careful examination of said records by him the deponent he cannot find any record of the marriage of Thomas Watson to Sarah Nokeg the Deponent further saith that it does not appear that any of the marriages solemnized by the aforesaid Rev John Seketer were recorded in the record of said Church
                              [Signature] James Hazard

Washington Sc  State of Rhode Island at Charlestown
November 8th 1838 On this day personally came before me James Hazard the above named Deponent who upon Oath by me administered to him gave and subscribed the preceding deposition which was by me taken and reduced to writing  I also certify that the said James Hazard is well known to me that he is a person of veracity and that his testimony and preceding deposition are entitled to credit
{Signature] Dan King  Justice of the Peace
Page 20

Elisabeth Primus of Charlestown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island on Oath saith that she is 78 years of age and that she the Deponent is intimately acquainted with Sarah Watson of Charlestown in said County of Washington who before her marriage was Sarah Nokey and this Deponent has been so acquainted with the said Sarah from her childhood and knows that the said Sarah at said Charlestown  in the month of April 1799 was lawfully united in marriage to one Thomas Watson then of said Charlestown and who before that time had been a revolutionary  soldier and the deponent saith that she was present and saw the said Thomas and Sarah united in marriage as aforesaid by Rev John Seketer then an ordained minister and Pastor of the Baptist Church in said town of Charlestown now deceased and the Deponent further saith that the said Thomas Watson died at South Kingston in the month of September 1822 and that the said Sarah has eversince remained a Widow                        her
                     [Signature] Elisabeth  X  Primus
                                                   mark
Witness 
[Signature] Dan King
[Signature] [illegible] King
Washington Sc State of Rhode Island at Charlestown
November - 8th 1838 Personally came before me Elisabeth Primus the above named deponent who upon oath by me administered to her
Page 21

gave and subscribed the preceding deposition which was by me taken and reduced to writing   I also certify that the said Elisabeth Primus is well known to me that she is a person of veracity and that her testimony and preceding deposition are entitled to credit

      [Signature] Dan King  Justice of the Peace
Page 22

Daniel Dick of Charlestown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode island on oath saith that he is 72 years of age and that during the revolutionary war and subsequently this Deponent was intimately acquainted with Thomas Watson late of said Charlestown now deceased and know that the said Thomas at said Charlestown in the month of April 1792 was lawfully united in marriage to one Sarah Nokey now Sarah Watson and that the said marriage was solemnized by Rev John Seketer then an ordained minister and Pastor of a Baptist Church in said town of Charlestown now deceased at which time and place the Deponent was present and saw the aforesaid Thomas and Sarah united in marriage and the Deponent further saith that the said Thomas Watson died at South Kingston in said County  of Washington in the month of September 1822 and that the said Sarah has eversince remained a widow              his
              [Signature] Daniel  X  Dick
                                        mark
Witness 
[Signature] Dan King
State of Rhode Island &c Washington Sc Charlestown
August 6th 1838 Personally came before me Daniel Dick the above named deponent who upon oath by me administered to him gave and subscribed the preceding deposition which was by me taken and reduced to writing I also certify that the said Daniel Dick is well known to me that he is a person of veracity and that his testimony and preceding deposition are entitled to credit
      [Signature] Dan King  Justice of the Peace
Page 23

             Declaration -
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th of July 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"

State of Rhode Island  Washington Sc Charlestown
10th September 1838 On this day personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Washington Sarah Watson a woman of colour resident in said town of Charlestown in said County of Washington aged Sixty Six 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 7th 1838 entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"  That she is the widow of Thomas Watson who was an enlisted soldier and served in the revolutionary war in the grade of a private for more than two years and received a pension under the act of Congress passed November 18th 1818 as the record of the War Department will show   She further discloses that she was married to the said Thomas Watson in the month of April 1792  that her husband the aforesaid Thomas Watson died in the month of September 1822 that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794 (viz) at the time above noted                                     her
                   [Signature] Sarah  X  Watson
                                              mark
Witness [Signature]  Wm Peckham

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written   
Before Me [Signature] Wm Peckham C. Jus. C.C. Pleas
Page 24

State of Rhode Island  Washington Sc Charlestown 
10th September 1838  I hereby certify that the within named Sarah Watson cannot from bodily infirmity attend Court
[Signature] Wm. Peckham, C.Jus; C.C. Pleas
Page 25

                                    Sarah Watson
Page 26

                           Sarah Watson
                                 4878
                     ______________________
                                  
                                 R.I.
                          Act 7 July 38


                               aomd
                          2 yrs -    80$
                       __________________
   

                         no deduction
                        

                          Benj Cowell
                           Providence
                               R.I.
Page 27

Eunice Rodgers in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island on oath says that she is 69 years of age and that she is well acquainted with Sarah Watson a woman of colour who is the widow of Thomas Watson formerly a revolutionary soldier but now deceased and that she has been acquainted with the said Sarah from her childhood And the Deponent saith that in the month of April seventeen hundred and ninety two at said Charlestown the said Sarah was lawfully united in marriage to Thomas Watson aforesaid and that the marriage was solemnized by Rev John Seketer then an ordained minister and pastor of a Baptist Church in said town of Charlestown but is now deceased  And the Deponent further saith that the said Thomas Watson died at South Kingston in said County of Washington sometime in the month of September  that the said Sarah has ever since remained a widow                     her
                     [Signature] Eunice  X  Rodgers
                                                  mark
Witness 
[Signature] Dan King

Washington Sc Charlestown in the State of Rhode Island
August 7th 1838 Personally came before me Eunice Rodgers the above named Deponent who upon oath by me administered to her gave and subscribed the preceding Deposition which was by me taken and reduced to writing  I also certify that the said Eunice Rodgers is well known to me that she is a person of veracity and that  her testimony and preceding deposition are entitled to credit
      [Signature] Dan King  Justice of the Peace
Page 28

By His Excellency,

 William Sprague

Governor, Captain General and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhose-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 first day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirt-nine and of Independence the sixty-third 

By His Excellency's Command.

Henry Bowen
Page 29

State of Rhode Island &c
Secretary's office March 1 AD 1839

I Certify that at the session of the General Assembly of said State holden on the first Wednesday in May last, William Peckham was elected Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within the County of Washington:
Dan King and Joshua Clarke, Justices of the Peace for the town of Charlestown in said County each for one year and Commissioned accordingly as appears of record.
           Witness [Signature] Henry Bowen Secry
Page 30

I Moses Stanton of Charlestown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island on oath depose and say that I am the settled and ordained minister of the Baptist Church in said Charlestown over which Elder John Seketer was formerly settled and ordained and upon examination of the Church records left by the said Elder Seketer I cannot find any record of the marriages solemnized by him or any other minister of said Church nor have I recorded any marriages which I have myself solemnized I further say that for many years past I have been well acquainted with Sarah Watson widow of Thomas Watson late of this town deceased  In the lifetime of the said Elder Seketer she was admitted into this Church and has continued to the present time an exemplary member of it and during more than thirty acquaintance with her  I can cheerfully say she has ever sustained an unblemished moral and christian character   Her husband the said Thomas Watson died I think in 1822  During their intermarriage she became the mother of a numerous family twelve or thirteen in number as I have been informed Thomas Watson was a very poor man had no education and was somewhat intemperate and as I have understood most of his children left him as soon as they could take care of themselves  It is supposed that four of the oldest are dead others if living are in the Western States or gone  to parts unknown and some when last heard from followed the seas  one of the youngest children still lives in this town  I do not know of any record of any their ages nor is it probable there is any
                        [Signature]  Moses Stanton
Page 31

State of Rhode Island County of Washington at Charlestown  October 25th 1839  on this day personally came before me Moses Stanton the written named deponent who upon oath by me administered to him gave and subscribed the within deposition which was reduced to writing in his presence and by him subscribed in my presence  I also certify that the said Moses Stanton is a person of good Character that I am well acquainted with him and his testimony is entitled to full credit
[Signature] Dan King Justice Peace
Page 32

I Hannah Thomas of Charlestown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island on oath depose and say that I was 54 years of age on the first day of May 1839 and am cousin to Sarah Watson widow of Thomas Watson deceased and from my earliest recollection up to the time I was nine year old  I lived a near neighbour to the said Sarah and I distinctly remember that in spring of the same year that I was seven years old the said Thomas and Sarah were married as I then understood by Elder John Seketer and I also remember that the next winter or spring after said marriage the said Sarah had a child born and the next year after the birth of said I was nine years old and went to live in Stonington Connecticut where I continued steadily until I was near twelve years old  Since that time I have been acquainted with the said Sarah  I think she has had thirteen children  I have seen eleven of them  It is supposed that four or five of the oldest are dead and others have gone far off one son the tenth child I think still lives in that town  From the circumstances above stated I am confident that the marriage of the said Thomas and Sarah took place in the spring of the year 1792 and think their first child was born in 1793  I further say that I am sister to Mary Rodman whose age is recorded in a testament belonging to her daughter 
Sarah Champlin and am about two years younger than the said Mary Rodman
Witness  [Signature] Joshua Clarke    
                                         her
          [Signature] Hannah  X  Thomas
                                         mark

                          State of Rhode Island
County of Washington at Charlestown on the 16th of October 1839  personally appeared hannah Thomas the above named deponent who upon Oath by me administered to her gave and subscribed the above deposition which was reduced to writing in her presence and by her subscribed in my presence  I further certify that said Hannah Thomas is well known to me that she is a person of good character and that her leslimony is entitled to credit
Before Me  [Signature] Joshua Clarke Justice Peace
Page 33

No. 85587
       ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.

Received    Apr 19th  1875

Thos. Watson (Priv. Dec
             Ct Cont. Line
                Rev. War



10227  - 160 - 55


Jno T. Neely
              Present
Page 34

Such $96 per anm
[illegible] former payts at 
$80 per annum
coing[?]  1 July 1848,
Page 35

                            Providence Nov 15, 1850

Sir
      I herewith enclose the claim of Sarah Watson widow of Thomas Watson late of Charlestown deceased. for the same pension he husband received, up to the time of his death
                            I am very Respectfully 
                                your obt sevt
[Signature] Benja Cowell
Page 36

[illegible]
Sarah Watson
Page 37

                       State of Rhode Island &c
                               County of Washington
On this 22nd day of October AD 1850 personally appeared before the subscribed a Justice of the Peace in said County Sarah Watson of Charlestown said County who makes the following declaration in order to obtain an increase of her pension which she now draws at  agency at Pensions.  She declares & says that she is the widow of Thomas[the word "Watson" is inserted from above] Watson late of Charlestown, deceased who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution & who was a pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress of March 18th 1818 and May 1, 1820 at the rate of $96 per annum at the pension agency at said Providence which pension he draw up to the time of his death, And the said Sarah further declares that after the death of her said husband she applied for [a word is crossed out] a pension as his widow, under the act of Congress, of July 7, 1838 & attained a pension under said act at the rate of $80 only per annum which pension she has since drawn by virtue of said act & other acts in addition & supplemental
Page 38

thereto and now draws the same at said Providence  But she believes that according to the provisions of the act of Congress of July 1, 1848 relative to pensions her husband draw to wit the sum of $96 per annum & from the time her pension commenced under said act of July 7 1838 & she hereby draws the same & requests that a Certificate may be granted therefor
                                              her
                  [Signature]  Sarah  X  Watson
                                              mark
Witness [Signature] Nathan Moore

Washington Ss October the 22 Day AD 1850 Personally appeared Sarah Watson subscribed to the above and foregoing Deposition and Made Solemn Oath to the Truth of The Same Before Me and I further Certify that She is a Credible Person
       [Signature] Nathan Moore Justice Peace
Page 39

The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Clerks Office Supreme Court
Washington Sc October 25 1850
I Powell Helme Clerk of the Supreme Court of said State within and for the County of Washington do hereby certify that Nathan Moore is a Justice of the Peace for the Town of Richmond in said County duly qualified to act in that capacity and that his name subscribed to the aforegoing certificate is his genuine Signature

                     In testimony whereof I have 
                     hereunto set my name and 
                     affixed the seal  of said Supreme 
                     Court at South Kingston the day 
                     and year above written
                        [Signature] Powell Helme  Clerk
Page 40




                  [illegible]
      Amos Cross [illegible]  Master
                      Westerly
                          State of Rhode Island   

Bridgeport  C
July 15
Page 41

             Bridgeport  July 15  1820

S'[?]  .   .   .   I received your letter dated July 10, 1820 inquiring after evidence respecting the service of Thomas Watson in the war of the revolution... the inclosed certificat will I think be sufficient to prove his service from March 31  1781 to Oct ' of 82.. and on July 1 1783. the 5 Connecticut Regiments were reduced to three . when at the same time is relived from the services of the United States. . .  in obtaining this certificat have paid on one Dol 50 Cents . . .
                             I am S'[?] with  respect your
                                              most obedient
                       [Signature] Salmon Hubbel

[Signature]  Amos Cross  Esq.
Page 42

  V  4878

Set Benj Cowell,
July 5  1837
same Sept 10.'39


act 7, July  38 -
Page 43


                    [illegible]  act 2 Feb: RI

                            Boynton
Page 44

[the left side of this page reads]


Reputed 
feby 15 /119

[the right side of this page reads]
                   3895
        Rhode Island
==============================
Sarah Watson
widow of Thomas
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a private
===========================
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
80 Dollars ---- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
============================
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of feby 1849 and sent to 
               [Signature] Joseph H. Griffin
                             Charlestown 
                                         R.I.
=============================

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 29  vol.3
Page 45







Westerly  Oct 23  [illegible]


Hon. John C. Calhoun
Sec'y of war
    Washington

[there are  some words written vertically on the page but are not discernable,  except for the number "118"]
118
Page 46

                                      Westerly  Oct 25  1820

Sir,          
              Enclosed I transmit to the Secr'y of war the Declaration of Thomas Watson asking for [two words are crossed out] the continuation of [crossout] his pension for services rendered in the Revolutionary War
                          I am [illegible] yout obt servt
               [Signature] Amos Cross

Hon. John C. Calhoun
Page 47

[left side of the page]
1930 - Oct 16.  Hist.
To Adj. [illegible].  Carbon 
copy of the letter under 
C.H. Bridges in Misc File - EEL



[right side of page]
Rev
                      WIDOW, &c.
___________________________________
       File No.   22,505
       Sarah Watson  
        wife of 
Thomas Watson
         Priv  Rev war
             ________

Act    [blank]
Index:  Vol  M,   Page 312

        [Arrangement of 1870]
Page 48

10221





[illegible]
Page 49

District of Connecticut S.S.

On this 14th day of July AD 1820 before me Pierpont Edwards District Judge of the United States for said District came Salmon Hubbel of Bridgeport in said District a person well known to me     [Signature]   Mr Jas Edwards

Who being duly sworn doth depose & say that while in the army of the Revolution the deponent acted as pay master to the 5th Connecticut  Regiment commanded by Col. Isaac Sherman in the Connecticut line on the Continental establishment a part of the year 1781 and the whole of the year 1782 and that he hath in his possession the payrolls for said Regiment for said two years and the muster roll of the 1st of July 1782 for Captain Richard Wills Company in said Regiment and that Thomas Watson a private was in said payrolls from the 31st day of March 1781 to October  1782 inclusive all which time he received pay &  clothing as a private in said Company and that his name is also in said Muster roll as a private who had on the said first day of July one year & eight months to serve to complete his term of enlistment and that in January 1783 the said Regiment was broken up  & the five regiments on the Connecticut line reduced to three [crossout] when this deponent left the said service
                  [Signature]  Salmon Hubbel
Page 50

District of Connecticut Sc  Hartford
July 15, 1820  this day came and appeared before me Richard Edward district Judge of the United States for said district Salmon Hubbell, who [illegible] the within deposition, a person well known tome and a model and respectable Witness and having been by me duly sworn did make oath that the [illegible] deposition by him [illegible] in my presence is the truth
[Signature]  Richard Edward
Page 51

Sarah Watson
          Payment to be made at Providence
                                 by
                  Paris Hill Esq
         Agent for paying Pensioners, in the 
         Agency of Rhode Island



Payable on the 4th September and 4th March


Recorded in the Pension Office on the 
Roll of Pensioners under act February 
2d, 1848, Page 29   Vol. 3
                [Signature] Leo Jenkins 
                                         Clerk.
Page 52

                    WAR DEPARTMENT
                    WIDOW'S PENSION
                ____________________________

I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d, 1848, 
        
Sarah Watson
widow of Thomas Watson
who was a private in the revolutionary war,
is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty dollars [crossout] per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.

                Given at the War Office of the United
                 States this 15th day of february
                 one thousand eight hundred and 
                 forty nine
                             [Signature] E.G Marcy
                              Secretary of War

Examined and Countersigned
[Signature] JG Berret
[illegible]   Commissioner of Pensions
Page 53

                               4957
                        Rhode Island
=============================
Sarah Watson
widow of Thomas Watson, dec'd

who was a pensioner under the Act of 1815 
and who died in [crossout] September 1822.
of Washington in the State of R.I.
who was a Private in the Comp y. commanded
by Captain [blank] of the Regt. commanded 
 by Col Sherman in the Ct line for 3 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 28th day of Jan'y.  1840 and sent Benj'n Cowell  Providence R.I.
=============================
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1839        $280.00
Semi=annual allowance ending 4 Mar.40.
                                                          $  40.00
                                                         ======
                                                          $320.00
                                                         ======
                                                      {Act July 7,}
                                                      {     1838    }

Recorded by D.D. Addison  Clerk
Book A     Vol.  2        Page 28
Page 54

[left side of the page]
                                                     2549
Rhode Island
============================
    Sarah Watson
widow of Thomas watson
who was a Private
in the Ct line
           for 3 years
============================
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
              80 Dollars--------Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
=============================
Certificate of Pension, issued the 
31st day of Oct. 1841
and sent to Benj Cowell
                       Providence
                              R.I.
=============================
                   [Act of March 3, 1843]
Recorded in Book A
Vol.  1     Page 98

[right side of page]  

[illegible]  Oct 31
Page 55

                           5866
Sarah Watson







$80 per ann



Ben Cowell
      Providence
           R. Island
Page 56

             State of Rhode Island
               
                          County of Washington
On this 11th day of July 1843 personally appeared Sarah Watson now resident in Charlestown 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 benefit of the act of Congress passed March 3  1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served in the war of the Revolution,
viz, That she is the widow of Thomas Watson late of said Charlestown, who served in said War as a private  That she received a pension under the act of Congress of July 7 1838 at the rate of $80 per annum payable at the Agency in Providence.                      her
                 [Signature] Sarah  X  Watson
                                            mark
Attest [Signature] Joseph H Griffin


Washington Sc  In Charlestown  July 11th 1843 
Personally appeared before me the above named Sarah Watson and made oath to the truth of the above declaration by her signed and I further Certify her statement is entitled to  full credit
    [Signature] Joseph H. Griffin Justice Peace
Page 57

State of Rhode Island &
                       Providence Plantations

Washington Sc  Clerks office Court of Common Pleas July 17 AD 1843
I hereby Certify that Joseph H Griffin Esq is one of the Justices of the Peace for the Town of Charlestown in the County and State aforesaid that he is [illegible] Commissioner - by the Governor of this State in [ilegible] Legally & certified to Act in Such and that his within signature purporting to be his is Genuine.  In Testimony where of I have herein to set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Court the Day and year above written
    Witness [Signature] Matthew Waite  Clk
Page 58

                Providence  Aug 14 1839

Sir
      In answer to so much of your letter of July 5 [illegible] as respects the claim of Mrs Sarah Watson widow of Thomas Watson.  I herewith enclose further evidence as to the marriage which I trust will be satisfactory - its the execution of "Thomas Mount" is alluded to in some of the affidavits for the purpose of fixing dates I have perceived the enclosed certificate from the Secretary of State showing the time his execution took place
                       I am respectfully
                               your abt Svt
            [Signature] Benja Cowell

J.L.Edwards Esq
Page 59

Providence Dec 18 1839

Sir
In answer to yours of Sept 10 [illegible] respecting the claim of Mrs Sarah Watson widow of Thomas I herewith enclose further testimony respecting her marriage which I presume will obviate the objections raised.
When he made a declaration in 1820 stating he "had 5 small children to support" he did not, I presume intend to be understood that they were all [underlined] his children but only those whom he was bound "to support". They constituted his family at that time & he was bound to state the number in his family according to the regulations under the act of May 1, 1820
It now appears, they had 13 children  it is probable the 5 mentioned in his declaration were the 5 youngest. It does appear to me the evidence must now be satisfactory. 
I am respectfully yours
[Signature] Benja Cowell

JL Edwards  Esq
Page 60

State of Rhode Island
County of Washington
                        Town Clerks Office Charlestown
                         in said County Oct 24 Ad 1839
I John Stanton Town Clerk of said Town of Charlestown hereby Certify that I have examined the Books Containing the Records of Births in Said Office from 1792 down to the above day and cannot find any Record of the Births of any of the Children of Thomas and Sarah Watson.  I further say that the number of Births Recorded in said Office are extremely Small
                    Witness my hand and the Seal of
       Said Office day and date above written
             [Signature] John Stanton Town Clerk

State of Rhode Island
County of Washington  Charlestown  Oct 29th
1839  personally came John Stanton known to me as Town clerk as above named and made oath to the truth of the preceding certificate by him subscribed
       [Signature] Joshua Clarke  Justice Peace
Page 61

State of Rhode Island
County of Washington
                         Town Clerks Office Charlestown
                          Said County  Oct 24 AD 1839
I John Stanton Town Clerk of Said Town of Charlestown hereby Certify that the following is a  true[?] extract from the Record of the Births of the Children of James Burdick of Charlestown
Edith Burdick was born April 11th 1793.
  Witness my hand and Seal of Said Office
             [Signature] John Stanton  Town Clerk

State of Rhode Island
County of Washington  Charlestown  Oct 28th 1839
Personally appeared before me John Stanton known to me as Town Clerk as above named and made Oath to the truth of the preceding certificate by him Subscribed
        [Signature] Joshua Clarke Justice Peace
Page 62

I Elisabeth Primus of Charlestown County of Washington and State  of Rhode Island
On Solemn oath do further testify and say in notation to the marriage of Thomas and Sarah Watson as mentioned in my former deposition  I know that the said Sarah had a large family of Children after her said marriage thirteen in number I think and I well remember that her oldest Child which was a daughter was born the next year after her said marriage in the month of February or March  I think and I also remember that Edith Burdick daughter of James Burdick was born in the same [illegible] with the said Sarah's daughter The said James Burdick lived near me at that time and I well remember of seeing the said Children together in the [illegible] after they were born  I also know that the said Edith Burdick and said Sarah Watsons daughter are dead
                                       her
       [Signature] Elisabeth  X  Primus
                                       mark
Witness
[Signature] Dan King
                                              [illegible]

State of Rhode Island County of Washington
at Charleston October 28th 1839 On this day personally came before me Elisabeth Primus the above named deponent who upon oath by me administered to her gave and subscribed the preceding deposition which was by me taken and reduced to writing  I also certify that the said Elisabeth Primus is well known to me that she is a person of good character and her testimony is entitled to credit
                 [Signature] Dan King  Justice Peace
Page 63

State of Rhode Island +
Providence Plantations
Secretary's Office Decem 14, 1839

Picture of a State Seal

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 Second Monday of June last, Dan King and Joshua Clarke were severally elected Justices of the Peace for the town of Charlestown in the County of Washington until the first Wednesday of May net and commissioned accordingly as appears of record. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of said State at Providence the day and year above written. 

Henry Bown
Page 64

I Bethana Cattrel of South Kingston in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island on oath depose and say that I was 84 years of age on the 15th day of January 1839 and I have long been well acquainted with Sarah Watson of Charlestown in said county of Washington who is now the widow of Thomas Watson late deceased and I well remember that I was present at the wedding of the said Thomas and Sarah and witnessed their marriage by Elder John Seketer  The said marriage was celebrated in the town of Charlestown in the month of April seventeen hundred and ninety two  I ascertain the time by the following circumstances (viz) I lived at that time with my daughter Hannah in the town of South Kingston in a house then called the Browning house  I moved into that house on or about the 25th day of Nov in 1792 and the said marriage took place in two or three weeks after I moved to the said Browning house   My daughter Hannah went with me to the wedding and carried her eldest child who was then about six months old   When my daughter the said Hannah was born I was not quite 18 years old and when her eldest  child which she carried to the said wedding was born she the said Hannah was not quite nineteen   My said Daughter Hannah is now dead and I have no record of my own age but I have been told and always understood that I was
Page 65

born in the town of South Kingston on the 
15th day of January seventeen hundred and fifty five and by comparing my own age with the ages of other old people  I am satisfied that I am 84 years old as before stated
                                      her 
       [Signature] Bethana  X   Cattrel
                                      mark
Witness [Signature] Dan King

State of Rhode Island County of Washington 
Charlestown July 15th 1839  Personally came before me Bethana Cattrel the above named deponent who upon oath by me administered to her gave and subscribed the preceding deposition which by me was taken and reduced to writing  I also certify that the said deponent is well known to me that she is a person of truth and that her testimony is entitled to full faith and credit
               [Signature] Dan King  Justice Peace
Page 66

I Daniel Dick of Charlestown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island on oath do further depose and say in relation to the marriage of Thomas Watson to Sarah Nokey who is now the widow of the said Thomas Watson  That I am able to fix the time of the said marriage by the following circumstances (viz) In the month of October 1791 I was married to my wife who died about five years ago   My said wife belonged to Elder John Seketer Church before I married her and the said Elder Seketer gave me and my wife our invitation to the said wedding we both went and were present at the marriage but I now instantly remember that the said marriage of Thomas Watson to Sarah Nokey took place in the month of April next after I was married as above stated, at the time the said               Thomas and Sarah were married as above and I and my wife had been married about six months
                                             his
                [Signature]Daniel   X  Dick
                                            mark
Witness
 [Signature] Dane H King

State of Rhode Island at Charlestown in the county of Washington Aug 17th 1839  Personally came before me Daniel Dick the above named deponent who upon oath by me administered to him gave and subscribed the preceding disposition  which was by me taken and reduced to writing  I also certify that said Daniel Dick is well known to me that he is a person of truth and that his testimony is entitled to full faith and credit
             [Signature] Dan King   Justice Peace
Page 67

I Elisabeth Primus of Charlestown in the county of Washington and State of Rhode Island on oath depose and say in notation to the marriage of Sarah Watson who is now the widow of Thomas Watson that the said Sarah was married as stated in my former affidavit and I fix upon the time by the following circumstances   My eldest son James Primus was born on the last day of June 1791  he is now 48 years of age and I well recollect that the marriage of the said Thomas and Sarah took place in the Spring of the following year  I also recollect that Thomas Mount was executed in South Kingston in the summer of the same year that my said son James  was born and know that the said Thomas and Sarah were married the next Spring after the said Mount was hung
                                               her
              [Signature] Elisabeth  X  Primus
                                              mark
Witness 
[Signature] Dan King
[Signature] Cynthia King

State of Rhode Island  County of Washington at Charlestown July 22d 1839 Personally appeared before me Elisabeth Primus the above named deponent who upon oath by me administered to her
Page 68

gave and subscribed the preceding deposition which was by me taken and reduced to writing  I also certify that the said deponent is well known to me that she is a person of truth and her testimony is entitled to full faith and credit
                  [Signature] Dan King  Justice Peace
Page 69

I Lucretia Dyer of Charlestown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island on oath depose and say that I 75 years of age and from youth have been well acquainted with Sarah Watson and who before her marriage was Sarah Nokey and I well recollect the time when the said  Sarah and the said Thomas were married by Elder John Sketer  I was present at said marriage and witnessed the ceremony  I know it was in the Spring of the year I think it was April and instantly recollect that the marriage of the said Thomas and Sarah took place in the Spring following the execution of Thomas Mount in South Kingston   I was present and saw said Mount executed  this was in May or June  I think and the said Sarah was married the next Spring as I before stated
                                                  her
                   [Signature] Lucretia  X   Dyer
                                                  mark

Witness
[Signature] Dan King
Page 70

Charlestown  County of Washington State of Rhode  Island  July 24th 1839  Personally appeared before me Lucretia Dyer the within named deponent who upon oath by me administered to her gave and subscribed the within deposition which was by me taken and reduced to writing  I also certify that the said Lucretia Dyer is well known to me  that she is a person of truth and her testimony is entitled to full faith and credit
           [Signature] Dan King Justice Peace
Page 71

                               State of Rhode Island and 
 SEAL                      Providence Plantations.
                          Secretary's Office Aug 12, 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 second Monday of June last  Dan King (whose proper signature is to the certificates annexed) was elected a Justice of the Peace for the Town of Charlestown in the County of Washington for and until the first Wednesday in May next, and Commissioned accordingly: as appears of record in this office.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said State, the day and year first above writen. 

                                [Signature] Henry Bowen
Page 72

State of Rhode Island,
County of Washington  } ss.

On this --13th-- day of September 1848, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Washington a resident of Charles Town [above] Sarah Watson [in line] in the county of Washington afonsae[illegible]. aged eighty five years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2d of February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war:-- That she is the Widow of Thomas Watson who was private in the war of the Revolution, and that she received a pension of Eighty dollars per annum, under the act of 17th June 1844. She further declares that she is still a widow. 
                                        her
            [Signature]  Sarah  X  Watson
                                        mark

Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me, }ss. [signed] Witness Hannah Sisson  Even H. Sisson    
[Signature] Joseph H Griffin  Justice of the 
                                              Peace

I certify that the above named affiant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual who drew a pension as stated by her in the foregoing affidavit. 

[signed] Joseph H Griffin Justice of the Peace

State of Rhode Island
County of Washington }ss.

I William H Perry Clerk of the Court of Probate of Charlestown in the county aforesaid, being a Court of Record, do hereby certify, that Joseph H. Griffin is a Justice of the Peace in the county aforesaid, and is fully authorized to act in said capacity, and that his signatures above written are genuine.

                              In testimony whereof, I have 
                              hereunto set my hand and 
SEAL                      affixed the seal of said 
                              Court, at said Charlestown 
                               on this twenty fifth day of 
                               September AD 1848
               [signed] Will H. Perry, Probate Clerk.
Page 73

The National Archives Form VAM-51 12-5-41  Bounty Land Warrant Record Card*
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

Name Watson, Thomas Grade Private Line Maryland

Warrant Number 11810  Acreage 100 Issued January 21, 1792 To --Not shown---

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.