Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 21648, William Bliven, R.I.
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(3-1776)
SERVICE                                            
R.I.      
 Bliven, William  
NUMBER   S. 21648


CONTENTS
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21903
Rhode Island
William Bliven
Westerly in the State of Rhode Island who was a Capt [illegible] in the Comp. commanded by Captain ____ of the Regt. commanded by Col Noyes in the Rhode Island line for 11 months Lieutenant and 4 months Captain

Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 226 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of Nov. 1833 and sent to R. Babcock Jr. Westerly

Arrears to the 4th of Sep 33 $566.66
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 M. '34 $113.33
$679.99

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Go C Stiles Clerk,
Book E Vol. 2 Page 126

Letter to W.E. Kennaugh June 29, 1854
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State of Rhode Island County of Washington ss.
On this sixteenth day of October AD 1832 personally appeared before Hoxsie Perry, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas and general Justice of the Peace within and for the county of Washington William Bliven a resident of Westerly in the county of Washington and state of Rhode-Island aged eighty six years who being first duly sworn according to law, doeth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 viz. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That he was born on the 15th day of December AD 1745 in the town of Westerly aforesaid which is recorded in a Bible now in possession of his Sister. He lived there at the time of his service and has always since resided in Westerly. And the applicant further states that he first entered the service in Capt John Davis company in Col Joseph Noyes Regiment in March 1776. As ensign of said company and was stationed in a guard on shore in Westerly which at the time was deemed an important service. He continued to serve in said guard for eight months. And in the month of December 1776 following he was ordered or drafted in the same company to go to Postonneck in South Kingstown and was there stationed as a guard on shore about the time the British took possession of Rhode Island and served three months and was discharged. He then returned to said Westerly and again entered on duty in the before mentioned guard in which service he continued untill the fall of 1779 and frequently after [illegible] time to the fall of 1781, all of which service he performed as a commissioned officer as follows viz. He was appointed in the spring of 1775 ensign of said company and continued the same untill the spring of 1777. He was then appointed Lieutenant and served this capacity untill the spring of 1779 and was appointed Captain and continued command of said company to the end of his service. He has now in his possession two commissions for the Office of Ensign dated 19 June 1775 and 6th of May 1776. Also two commissions for the Office of Captain dated Sept. 20th AD 1779 and July 9th 1780. The two commissions for the Office of Lieutenant is
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not in his possession having been mislaid or lost.
(The aforesaid four commissions are herewith presented)
He further states that he was honourably discharged from the above mentioned service but had no written discharge.
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 and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Before me
Hoxsie Perry Justice of the Court of 
Common Pleas and General Sessions
Of the Peace }
William Bliven his X mark
I William B. Green residing in the Town of Westerly Rhode Island and I Samuel R. Ney residing in the same town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Bliven
who has subscribed, and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be eighty six 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
William B. Green
Samuel R. Nye
Before me
Hoxsie Perry Justice of the Court of 
Common Pleas and General
Sessions of the Peace }
And I the said Justice do hereby declare my 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 I further certify that
it appears to me that William B. Green and Samuel R. Nye who have signed the preceeding certificate are residents in the town of Westerly and are credible persons and that there [their] statement is entitled to credit
and I also further certify that the aforesaid applicant from his bodily infirmity cannot attend the Court which is the reason of my taking his declaration.
Hoxsie Perry Justice aforesaid
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I Hoxsie Perry Justice  of the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace do hereby certify that the foregoing 
contains the original proceedings before me in the matter of the application of William Bliven for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of October A. D. 1832.
Hoxsie Perry Justice of the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace.
 Stephen Saunders of Westerly in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island on Oath testifies and says that he is well acquainted with William Bliven of said Westerly
and knows that said Bliven did serve as an Ensign in Capt. John Gavits Company in the Regiment of Col Joseph Noyes stationed as a guard on shore at Boston Neck in South Kingston for three months commencing in December 1776 at the time came and took possession of Rhode Island. I certify to the truth
of the foregoing from my own personal knowledge having served in the same company as Lieutenant at the same time.
 Stephen Saunders

Washington Sc. Westerly Oct. 15. 1832 }
Personally came before me the above Stephen Saunders and before deposing being by me carefully cautioned examined and sworn to testify the truth the whole truth and nothing
the truth made the foregoing Deposition which was by me reduced to writing and by him subscribed.
Jed. W. Knight Justice of the Peace

Henry Babcock of Westerly in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island on Oath testifies that he has  been for a number of years well acquainted with William Bliven of said Westerly and knows that said Bliven was in
service in Capt. John Cravit’s Company and Col. Joseph Noyes  Regiment stationed as a guard on shore in westerly and that he served first as Ensign and afterward Lieutenant in said Company from the Spring of 1777 to the fall of 1779. The deponent further says that he belonged to the same company and was during said time in the same service with said Bliven except certain periods within said time when called abroad on other service as
set forth in the Deponents declaration. The deponent further states
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that said Bliven was in service in said company previous to the deponents entering the service.
Henry Babcock - X his mark

Washington sc. Westerly Oct. 15, 1832. Personally came before me the above named Henry Babcock and before deposing being carefully cautioned examined and sworn to testify the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth made the foregoing deposition which was by me reduced to writing and by him subscribed by affixing his mark thereto.
Jed. W. Knight, Justice of the Peace

Santford Noyes of Westerly in the county of Washington and state of Rhode Island, on oath testifies and says that he is well acquainted with William Bliven of said Westerly and is well knowing to said Blivens serving in Capt John [illegible] Company in Col Joseph Noyes Regiment stationed as a guard on shore in said Westerly eight months commencing in the Spring of 1776, and ending in December following, during which time said Bliven was ensign of said company. The Deponent gives this deposition from personal knowledge having served in the same company and regiment and at the same time with said Bliven.
Santford Noyes

Washington sc Westerly October 15, 1832. Personally came before me the subscriber, the above named Santford Noyes and before deposing was by me carefully examined, cautioned and sworn to testify the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth, made the foregoing Deposition which was reduced to writing by me and by him subscribed.
Jed. W. Knight, Justice of the Peace

Washington sc. State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantation, Clerks Office, Court Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace
I Samuel Helme Clerk of the Court aforesaid do hereby certify that the Hon. Hoxsie Perry whose certificate is hereto prefixed is a Justice of the Court aforesaid legally chosen and qualified as the law requires that full faith and credit ought to be given to his attestation throughout the United States of America.
I further certify that the signature is his proper hand writing. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this eighteenth day of October AD 1832.
Saml. Helme, Clerk

Copy William Blivens
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Copy William Blivens

Washington sc State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantation, Clerks Office Court Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace
I Samuel Helme Clerk of the Court aforesaid do hereby certify that the Hon. Hoxsie Perry when certificate is hereto prepared is a Justice of the Courts aforesaid legally chosen and qualified as the law requires that full faith and credit ought to be given to his attestation throughout the United States of America.
I further certify that the signature is his proper land writing. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this eighteenth day of October AD 1832.
Saml Helme Clerk

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantation Washington Sc. Clerk's office Court Common Pleas and General Session of the Peace
I Samuel Helmes Clerk of the Court aforesaid, do hereby certify that Jedediah W. Knight Esq. whose signature is hereto prefixed is a Justice of the Peace for the town of Westerly, legally chosen and qualified as the law requires and that the signature is his hand writing. That full faith and credit ought to be given to his attestation throughout the United States of America. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this eighteenth day of October AD 1832.
Saml. Helme Clk.
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Amendment to William Bliven's Declaration
Oct 28th 1833
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On this first day of November AD 1833 personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace for the town of Westerly and county of Washington William Bliven who being duly sworn doth depose and say. That he entered the service in March AD 1776 in the company of militia of which he was ensign commanded by Capt John Gavit in Col Joseph Noyes' Regiment and was stationed as a guard on the shore in Westerly and there served eight months. And said applicant further states that in December AD 1776 he was drafted in the same company to go to Boston Neck in South Kingstown and was there stationed as a guard on shore and served three months. The said applicant states that he then returned to Westerly aforesaid in March AD 1777, and was again stationed in the same company before mentioned on the shore in said Westerly and there continued to serve until the year 1781. That part of the time when the company was on duty. And said applicant cannot by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory swear positively as to the precise portion of the time during this period that he was employed in active service in said company but according to his best recollection he served not less than fifteen months, from all of which service he was discharged but had no written discharge and for sd. service he claims a pension. Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
William Bliven - X his mark
Witness Jed. W. Knight

Washington sc. Westerly November 1st 1833. Personally appeared William Bliven who gave and subscribed the preceding Declaration by making his mark in my presence and was thereto engaged according to law. And I further certify that the said William Bliven has been known to me for thirty years past. That he is a person of veracity and in my oppinion has made a true statement of his Revolutionary services according to his best recollection.
Jed. W. Knight, Justice of the Peace
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Know all men by these presents that I William B. Bliven a resident of Washington County State of Rhode Island and one of the heirs of the late William Bliven, deceased, who during his life time served as an officer of the Rhode Island State Troops, and received for said service a pension per Act of Congress of 7th June, 1832, which amount he continued to receive to the date of his death do hereby authorize constitute and appoint Wm. E. Kinnaugh of Washington City, my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name and in the name of the other heirs of the said William Bliven dec by and with their consent and approbation to examine into the claim, admitted by Act of Congress of 7th June, 1832, of the said William Bliven, deceased, now on file in the Department and to make a thorough examination of the evidence and facts presented: and if upon examination the allowance made by Government was not in accordance with the amount of service rendered by the said William Bliven dec. during the Revolutionary War, then the said attorney is fully authorized to demand a re-investigation of the said claim for the benefit of the said heirs: Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney shall do in the premise by virtue hereof. In witness whereof I hereunto affix my hand and seal this 23d day of June, 1854
William B. Bliven

State of Rhode Island Washington Co SS
Before me, this 23d day of June, 1854, personally appeared the above named William B. Bliven, a resident of the County and State aforesaid, and acknowledged he aforegoing Power of Attorney to be his act and deed for the purpose above mentioned
Isaac Greene Justice Peace
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15,766
William Bliven
R.I.

Returned
Lieut 11 month
Capt 4/15

Admd by ord. of BSB

Rowse Babcock Jr
Westerly
RI
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War Department, Pension Office
8th Novem. 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace; (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, shewing the Service of William Bliven

Period when the service was rendered. March 1776
Duration of the claimant's service. 3 Months
Rank of the Claimant. Ensign
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Cap. Gavit Col Noys.
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. 86 years, Westerly R.I.
Proof by which the declaration is supported.  Documentary of living witnesses

Period when the service was rendered. Dec 1776
Duration of the claimant's service. 3 Months
Rank of the Claimant. Da.
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
Proof by which the declaration is supported.

Sums up by estimating his service at
11 - Lieutenant
6 - Captain

I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions
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REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line." "State troops," "militia," and 'volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832,
State, Territory, or District of
County of }ss.
On this _ day of _ personally appeared (a) before _ A. B. a resident (b) _ in the county of _ and State, Territory or District of _ aged (c) _ 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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the Unted States in the year (d) _, with _ and served in the _ (e) regiment of the _ line, under the following named officers: _
(Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers, the time he left the service, (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers,) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service, the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.)
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. _ A. B.
(And then will follow the certificate of the Court.)
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
_ of the Court of _ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _ day of _ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (J) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers, or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, vis:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _ and C. D. residing in (the same) 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 then will follow the certificate of the Court.)
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 A. B. and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _ Clerk of the Court of _ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal _ of office, this _ day of _ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
To an Officer. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State of Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[underline]
[a} The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. 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 not 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."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each 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 [italicized] about three or four months, [end italics] is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions [illegible] state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape of narrow ribbon, the ends 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.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a 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 claimant's 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 who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers, and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
]m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department with the declaration.
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[Note:  Partial document]
for a statement of the military history of William Bliven a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his [or his widow's crossed out] application for pension on file in this Bureau.  
F. 21,648
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
June 19, 1775
May 6, 1776
Spring 1777
Sept. 20, 1779
July 9, 1780
and served until the fall of 1781.
RANK.
Ensign of 2d co. or Trainband of Westerly R. I.
Ensign  ditto
Lieut  ditto
Captain  ditto
Captain  ditto
His officers were Capt John Gavit and Col Joseph Noyes.
Battles engaged in,  ✓
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Westerly, 
R. I.
Date of application for pension, Oct. 16, 1832.  Cl. al.
Residence at date of application, Westerly, Washington Co., R. I.
Age at date of application, Born Dec. 15, 1745, at Westerly, R. I.   Died Jan 12, 1834.
Remarks:  The above noted is the only William Bliven of R. I. found on the Rev. War pension records and said records fail to afford any information in regard to Edward Bliven. 
Date of death taken from A. B.
Very respectfully,
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State of Rhode Island
Count of Washington } ss.[?]

On this sixteenth day of October AD. 1832 personally appeared before Hoxsie Perry, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace within and for the County of Washington, William Bliven, a resident of Westerly, in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, aged eighty six 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 7th, 1832, viz. That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated. That he was born on the 15th day of December AD 1745 in the town of Westerly aforesaid, which is recorded in a Bible now in possession of his sister. He lived there at the time of his service, and has always since resided in said Westerly. And the applicant further states that he first entered the service in Capt. John Gavit's[?] Company in Col. Joseph Noyes Regiment in March 1776 as Ensign of said Company, and was stationed in a Guard on Shore in Westerly, which at that time was deemed an important service--he continued to serve in said Guard for eight months--And in the month of December 1776 following, he was ordered or drafted in the same Company to go to Bostonneck in South Kingstown, and was there stationed as a Guard on Shore, about the time the British took possession of Rhode-Island and served three months and was discharged. He then returned to said Westerly, and again entered on duty, in the before mentioned Guard, in which service he continued until the Fall of 1779, and frequently after that time to the Fall of 1781, all of which service he performed as a commissioned officer, as follows, viz. He was appointed in the Spring of 1775 Ensign of said Company, and continued the same until the Spring of 1777--he was then appointed Lieutenant and served in this Capacity until the Spring of 1779, and was appointed Captain and continued command of said Company to the end of his service--He has now in his possession two Commissions for the Office of Ensign, dated 19th June 1775, and 6th of May 1776.
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Also two Commissions for the office of Captain dated Sept. 20th AD 1779 and July 9th 1780.-  The two Commissions for the office of Lieutenant is not in his possession, having been mislaid or lost-  (The aforesaid four Commissions are herewith presented.)
He further states that he was honourably discharged from the above mentioned service but had no written discharge-  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.
his signature [hand drawn X] William Blivin
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid- Before me
Hoxsie Perry Justice of the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace
I, William B. Green residing in the town of Westerly Rhode Island, and I Samuel R Nye residing in the same town, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Bliven who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be eighty six years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.-
William B. Green
Samuel R Nye
Sworn and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid.  Before me.-
Hoxsie Berry Justice of the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace
And I, the said Justice do hereby declare my opinion
Page 18

Stephen Saunders of Westerly in the County of Washington and state of Rhode Island on Oath testifies and says, that he is well acquainted with William Bliven of said Westerly and knows that said Bliven did serve as an Ensign in Capt John Gavit's Company in the Regiment of Col Joseph Noyes stationed as a Guard on shore at Boston Neck in South Kingstown, for three months, commencing in December 1776, at the time the British came and took possession of Rhode Island. I certify to the truth of the foregoing, from my own personal knowledge having served in the same Company as Leiutenant at the same time.
Stephen Saunders
Washington sc.  Westerly October 16th 1832 Personally came before me, the above Stephen Saunders, and before deposing, being by me carefully cautioned, examined and sworn to testify the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, made the foregoing Deposition which was by me reduced to writing and by him subscribed.
Jed W. Knight Justice of the Peace
Henry Babcock of Westerly in the County of Washington and state of Rhode Island on Oath testified that he has been for a number of years well acquainted with William Blevin of said Wisterly, and knows that said Bliven was in  service in Capt John Gavit's Company and Col Joseph Noyes' Regiment stationed as a Guard on shore in Westerly, and that he served first as Ensign, and afterwards, Leiutenant in said Company from the spring of 1777 to the fall of 1779. The deponent further says, that he belonged to the same Company, and was during said time in the same service with said Bliven, except certain periods within said term, when called abroad on other service as set forth in the Deponents declaration. The deponent further states that said Bliven was in service in said company previous to the deponent's entering the same.
his signature [hand drawn X] Henry Babcock 
Washington sc  Westerly October 15th 1832. Personally came before me, the above named Henry Babcock, and before deposing being carefully, cautioned examined and sworn to testify the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, made the the foregoing Deposition which was by me reduced to writing and by him subscribed by affixing his mark thereto.
Jed. W. Knight Justice of the Peace
Page 19

And I the said Justice do hereby declare my 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 I further certify that it appears to me that William B. Green, and Samuel R. Nye who have signed the preceding certificate are residents in the Town of Westerly, and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit. And I also further certify that the aforesaid applicant from his bodily infirmity cannot attend the Court which is the reason of my taking his declaration.
Hoxsie Perry Justice aforesaid

I Hoxsie Perry, Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, and General Sessions of the Peace, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings before me in the matter of the application of William Bliven for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of October AD 1832.
Hoxsie Perry Justice of the Court of Common Pleas and general sessions of the Peace

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Washington SS Clerks Office Court Common pleas & General Sessions of the Peace

I Samuel Helme Clerk of the Courts aforesaid do hereby certify that the Hon'ble Hoxsie Perry, whose certificate is hereto prefaced is a Justice of the Courts aforesaid legally chosen and qualified as the law requires that full faith & credit ought to be given to his attestation throughout the United States of America. I further certify that the signature is his proper hand writing. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this eighteenth day of October AD. 1832
Sam Helme Clk
Page 20

On this 23rd day of April 1833 personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace, William Bliven 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 not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; for eight months commencing in March 1776 as Ensign in Capt John Gavits Company, in Col Joseph Noyes Regiment stationed as a guard on shore in Westerly; for three months, commencing  in December 1776, as an Ensign in the same Company on Boston neck in South Kingstown; and in March 1777 he returned to Westerly and again entered the service in same Gavit's Company as a guard on shore, and continued said service untill the fall of 1779 as Lieutenant of said Company; and at the expiration of said period, when the British had evacuated Rhode Island he was appointed Captain of said Company and in this capacity served occasionally as aforesaid untill the fall of 1781, and according to his best recollection that he served during the latter term not less than four months.-  And for the aforesaid services he claims a Pension.
his signature [hand drawn X] William  Bliven
Sworn and subscribed the the [sic] day and year aforesaid before me
Jed. W. Knight  Justice of the Peace
Page 21

I Amos R. Wells, a Clergyman residing in the town of North Stonington, in the State of Connecticut, adjoining the town of Westerly in Rhode Island, hereby certify that I am well acquainted by reputation with William Bliven, who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration.  That I believe him to be eighty six years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that I concur in that opinion.
Amos R Wells
Westerly April 22d. 1833-
Washington Sc.  On the 22nd Instant personally appeared before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the Town of Westerly the above subscriber Amos R. Wells and made solem [solemn] affirmation to the truth of the foregoing statement; and I certify that the said Amos R. Wells is at this time a respectable Clergyman and widely officiates as such in this Town.-  And I also further certify that it is my belief that William Bliven has made a true statement of his Revolutionary services according to the best of his recollection-  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 23d day of April 1833.
Jed. W. Knight  Justice of the Peace
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Washington County Clerks Office of the Court of Probate Westerly april 24th 1833.
I hereby Certify that Jedidiah W Knight who subscribed to the above Certificate is at this time a Justice of the peace in this Town and legally authorized to act in said capacity
Attest Jesse Mason  P. Clerk
Page 22

Sanford Noyes of Westerly in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, on oath testifies and says that he is well acquainted with William Bliven of said Westerly, and is well knowing the said Bliven's serving in Capt John Gavit's Company in Col Joseph Noyes' Regiment stationed as a guard on shore in said Westerly, eight months commencing in the spring of 1776 and ending in December following, during which time said Bliven was Ensign of said Company.-  The Deponent gives this Deposition from personal knowledge, having served in the same Company and Regiment, and at the same time with said Bliven
Sanford Noyes
Washington Sc.  Westerly October 15th 1832
Personally came before me the subscriber, the above named Sanford Noyes, and before deposing, was by me carefully examined, cautioned, and sworn to testify the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth, made the foregoing Deposition, which was reduced to writing by me, and by him Subscribed.-
Jed. W. Knight  Justice of the Peace
[Side note:]  Wm. Blivens 15766

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington Sc} Clerks Office Court Common Pleas & Gen. Sessions of the Peace
I, Samuel Helme Clerk of the Courts Aforesaid do hereby Certify that Jedediah W. Knight Esqr. whose signature is hereto prefixed is a Justice of the Peace for the Town of Westerly Legally Chosen and Qualified as the Law requires ^and that the signature is his hand writing, that full faith and credit ought to be given to his Attestation throughout the United States of America
In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this Eighteenth day of October 1832
Sam. Helme  Clk
Page 23

Washington Sc. Westerly November 1st 1833. Personally appeared William Bliven who gave and subscribed the preceeding declaration of making his mark in my presence, and was thereto engaged according to Law
And I further certify that the said William Bliven
Was here known to me for thirty years past, that he is a person of veracity and in my opinion has made a true statement of his Revolutionary services according to his best recollection.
Jed. W. Knight Justice of the Peace

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Washington County Ss. Town Clerks Office Westerly Nov 2d 1833
I Jesse Maxson Town Clerk of the town of Westerly in the County and State
aforesaid do hereby certify that Jedediah W. Knight whose signature is above
prefixed is a Justice of the peace for the Town of Westerly Legally Chosen and qualified as the Law requires, & that full faith and credit ought
to be given to his attestations.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office
the day and date aforesaid.
Jesse Maxson Town Clerk
 I certify that J. Maxon is clerk of
the Court of Probate of the town
of Westerly R. I. that the above signature 
is in his own proper handwriting, 
that there is no device upon
the seal of said Court.
 Justice of Peace
Page 24

Stephen [illegible] testifies 3 mos Ensign
in 1776-7
Hy Babcock - to service from spring of 77 to fall of 79
Sanfd Noyes to 8 mos Ensign up to Decm ‘76
Claimant [illegible] up his whole service
As amounting to 15 mos
Page 25

Wm. Bliven
R. I.  ad 32
W. E. Kenaugh
Present
Page 26

Washington, June 27th 1854.
Hon. Loren P. Waldo
Com of Pensions
Sir: In behalf of the
Heirs of Wm. Bliven, dec. pensioned per Act of 7th June
1832, Rhode Island I have to request a reexamination
of the evidence offered in support of the claim together
with the allowance of $226.66. per annum; and if the
amount awarded is less than the period of service 
rendered by Wm. Bliven, as Ensign, Lieutenant, and Captain
then, that the increase may revert to his legal representatives
I have the honor to be Sir
Very Respectfully
Your obt servt
W. E. Kennaugh
Page 27

[seal]
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 William Bliven Gentleman, GREETING.
YOU William Bliven being
elected and chosen to the Place and Office of Captain of the Second Company
or Trained Band of the Town of Westerly in the County of Kings County
in the State aforesaid, are hereby, in the name of the Governor and Company of the said State, 
authorized, empowered, and commissioned, to exercise the Office of Captain of and over the
Company aforesaid: And to command, guide and conduct the same, or any part thereof: And in case of an
Invasion of Assault of a common Enemy to infest or disturb this Plantation, you are to alarm and gather together
the Company under your Command, or such 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 the same, in order to preserve the Interest
of the good People in these Parts. You are also to follow such Instructions, Directions and Orders, as shall
from Time to Time, be further given forth, either by the General Assembly, the Governor and General Council
other your superior Officers. And for your so doing, this Commission shall be your sufficient Warrant
and Discharge.
GIVEN under my Hand and seal of the said State, the Twentieth
Day of September in the Year of our Lord One Thousand
Seven Hundred and Seventy-nine-
By his Excellency's Command,
Henry Ward Secy
W. Greene
Page 28

William Bliven.
Ensign.
Second Company
Westerly
Westerly October 2. A. D. 1776 then
For Gage William Blevin to the even
Performance of with commission
By me
Joseph Noyes Col.
Wm. Bliven
R. I. 
S.21648
[stamp]
THE
NATIONAL ARCHIVES
OF THE
UNITED STATES
Page 29

[seal]
By the Honorable Nicholas Cooke, Esquire,
Governor, Captain-General, and Commander in Chief, of
and over the English Colony of Rhode-Island, and Providence
Plantations in New England, in America.
TO William Bliven Gent. GREETING.
YOU, William Bliven being, by the General Assembly of this Colony,
elected and chosen to the Place and Office of Ensign of the second
Company or Trained band of the Town of Westerly in the County
of Kings County in the Colony aforesaid, are hereby, in the name of
the GOVERNOR and COMPANY of the said Colony, authorized, empowered, and commissioned, to exercise
the Office of Ensign of and over the Company 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 infest or disturb this Plantation, you are to alarm and gather together the Company under
your Command, or such 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 the fame, in order to preserve the Interest of
the good People in these Parts. You are also to follow such Instructions, Directions and Orders, as shall
from Time to Time, be further given forth, either by the General Assembly, the Governor and General
Council, or other your superior Officers. And for your so doing, this Commission shall be your sufficient
Warrant and Discharge,
GIVEN under my Hand, and seal of the said Colony, the Sixth Day of
May in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seven six
Nichs Cooke
By His HONOR's Command,
Henry Ward Secy
Page 30

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 William Bliven Gentleman, GREETING.
YOU William Bliven being by the General Assembly
elected and chosen to the Place and Office of Captain of the Second Company
or Trained Band of the Town of Westerly in the County of Kings County
in the State aforesaid, are hereby, in the name of the Governor and Company of the said State, 
authorized, empowered, and commissioned, to exercise the Office of Captain of and over the
Company aforesaid: And to command, guide and conduct the same, or part thereof: And in case of an
Invasion or Assault of a common Enemy to infest or disturb this Plantation, you are to alarm and gather together
the Company under your Command, or such 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 the same, in order to preserve the Interest
of the good People in these Parts. You are also to follow such Instructions, Directions and Orders, as shall
from Time to Time, be further given forth, either by the General Assembly, the Governor and General Council, 
or other your superior Officers. And for your so doing, this Commission shall be your sufficient Warrant
and Discharge.
GIVEN under my Hand and Seal of the said State, the Ninth
Day of July in the Year of our Lord One Thousand
Seven Hundred and Eighty and in the fifth year of Independence
By his Excellency's Command,
Henry Ward Secy
W. Greene
Page 31

Revolution
21648
INVALID.
File No. 21648
William Bliven
Capt Rev War
Act: June 7" 32"
Index: -- Vol. 2 Page 41
[Arrangement of 1870.]
April 11. ‘08. Hist to Pearl B
1914, Aug. 12. Hist. to Mrs. Richard
N. Pemberton For
Page 32

[seal]
By the Honorable the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of the English Colony
of Rhode-Island, and Providence Plantations, in New England, in America.
To William Bliven Gent. GREETING.
YOU William Bliven being, by the General Assembly aforesaid, elected and chosen
to the Place and Office of Ensign of the Second Company or Train'd Band of the Town of
Westerly the County  in the County of King County in the Colony aforesaid, are hereby, in the Name of
His Majesty GEORGE the third by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, and so forth 
authorized, empowered and commissioned, to exercise the office ensign of and over the Company
aforesaid, and to command, guide and conduct the same, or any part thereof. And in case of anInvasion, or Assault of a  common Enemy, to infest or disturb this His Majesty's Plantation, you are to alarm and gather together the company under
your Command, or such part thereof as you shall deem sufficient, and therewith, to the utmost of your Skill and Ability, you
are to resist, expel, kill, and destroy them, in order to preserve the Interest of His Majesty and His good Subjects in these  Parts.
You are also to follow such Instructions, Directions and Orders, as shall, from Time to Time, be further given forth, either by
the General Assembly, the Governor and General Council or other your superior Officers. And for your so doing, this Commission shall be your sufficient Warrant and Discharge.
By Virtue of an Act of the said GENERAL ASSEMEBLY, I Henry Ward Esq. Secretary of the said Colony,
have hereunto set my hand, and the public seal of the said Colony, this Nineteenth Day of June
A. D. 1775, and year of his said Majesty’s Reign.
Henry Ward
Page 33

Wm. Bliven R. I. S.21648

William Bliven
Ens 2d Co.
Westerly
[stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES

Kings County Ss
Westerly July A. D. 1775
Personally appeared Ensign William Blivens
and took the oath as prescribed by the Law of
this Colony before me
Joseph Noyes Colonel
Page 34

[letterhead]
NEW YORK BOSTON CHICAGO SAN FRANCISCO ATLANTA LONDON
Directors
W. E. PULSIFER, Pres.
J. C. SIMPSON, Vice-Pres.
W. S. SMYTH, Treas.
F. F. HUMMEL
I. VAN HOUTEN
J. L. KNOX
D. C. Heath & Company
Publishers of Text Books for Schools and Colleges
623 - 633 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago
R. N. PEMBERTON
AGENT FOR OHIO
144 WILSON AVENUE
COLUMBUS, OHIO
BELL PHONE EAST 2798
COLUMBUS, Aug  4 1914
[begin handwriting]
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir. Will you please give me
Captain William Bliven's service in the
Revolutionary War. I know that he was
placed on the pension roll in the year
1833 at the age of eighty eight.
I would like the date of his death
also. He was my gr, gr, grandfather
Thanking you in advance for
your kindness.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Richard N. Pemberton
Columbus, Ohio
144 Wilson Ave.
Page 35

3 -- 595.
[stamp] Record Division.
[preprinted form with handwritten entries]
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
April 6, 1908
Searched by S. D. Lamparter
Original No. __
Certificate No. __
Claimant, Major
Soldier, William Bliven or Bliver
Service, R. I.
Rev. War
Remarks: No claim as above
except Invd # 21648
Chief of Division.
27498b4m2 - 07
Page 36

Rochester, Ind.
April 2, 1908
Pension Department
Washington D. C.
Sirs:-
Will you give me a
record of service during the
Revolution of Edward
Bliven from Herkimer Co.*
R. I, his father Major
William Bliven, if both
Served. I would like as
full a record as possible,
to go into a chapter of the
D. A. R.
Edward Bliven married
Tamar Clark, I think of the

[Note: there is no Herkimer Co., Rhode Island; there is a Herkimer Co., N.Y.]
Page 37

same Co. Would your record
show service of any of her
family?
Very truly yours
Pearl Baker