Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 13456, Josiah Hill, Conn. R.I.
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
Conn
R. I.
Hill, Josiah
Ellen
NUMBER
W. 13456
CONTENTS
Page 2

4155.
Massachusetts
Josiah Hill
of Berks Co in the State of Mass.
who was a Drum maj. in the company commanded
by Captain - of the regt commanded
by Col Noyes in the Mass
line for 1 year 5 mos. Drum major
7 mos. Private
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass.
at the rate of 80 Dollars 66 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of Jany
1833 and Sent
[illegible] Bishop Lenore Mass.
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832  $128.49
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 33 $42.83
[underline]
$171.32
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by J. H. Mc Blair Clerk,
Book D Vol. 2[illegible] Page 76
[right side]
79
Berkshire
Page 3

[left side]
Massachusetts - 2482
Ellen Hill
widow of Josiah Hill dec’d.
who died on the 20th Dec’r. 1835,
of Berkshire to in the State of Massachusetts
who was a pri. & Drum. in the comp’y. commanded
by Captain J. Putnam of the Regt. commanded
by Gen. Putnam in the R. Island
line for 7 mos. pri.
17 " Drummer.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts
at the rate of 85 Dollars 66 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 21st day of Dec. 1835.}
Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day of January
1839 and sent to Hon. 
G. N. Briggs, H. R.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1838 = $231.97
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 M. '39-42.83
[underline]
$274.80
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4, 1836,
Section the 3d}
Recorded by S. A. Elliot Clerk,
Book A. Vol. 2 Page 52
[right side]
1889
May 31
Geo. R. Hill-- without proper
data, cannot identify her enquiry
with this pensioner
Prior
Widows date of death 
not on A. B.
Page 4

4792.
Josiah Hill
Berkshire Co.
Mass.
1 year & 5 Mos Drum Major
7 Do Private
[underline]
24 months
17 [illegible]
$85.66
H. W. Bishop
Lenore
Mass.
Page 5

4792.
Josiah Hill
Berkshire Co.
Mass.
1 year & 5 Mos Drum Major
7 Do Private
[underline]
24 months
17 [illegible]
$85.66
H. W. Bishop
Lenore
Mass.
Page 6

BRIEF in the case of Josiah Hill
of Berkshire Cty. in the State of Mass.
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 78 years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period. | Duration of Service. Years Months, Days. | Rank. As a | Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Gen.
In 1775 May | 7 Months | priv. | Capt Israel Putnam Jr. Genl Putnam
77 Sept | 5 Months. | Drum major | Cap Wells Col. Noyes
78 Mar. | 1 Year | “ |  Philip Traffin Col. Topham
5. In what battles was he engaged? none
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Coventy Con.
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by
incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary evidence, living witnesses
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct
X Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above
mentioned.
J. H. Jr. Blair
Examining Clerk.
Page 7

Tyringham August 14, 1832
This certifies, that I have, for
twenty years, been personally acquainted with
Mr. Josiah Hill of this place, & have no
hesitation in stating, that he is a person of good
moral character, sober habits, & one in whose
testimony every man may rely with safety.
J. Warren Dow
Pastor of the
Congregational
Church in
Tyringham South.
Page 8

4792
Josiah Hill
application for pension
Tyringham Mass.
Augt. 8 1832
Page 9

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Berkshire, ss.
On this Twenty eighth day of August A.D. 183  .personally
appeared in open Court, before the Honorable WILLIAM P. WALKER, Judge of
the Court of Probate, within and for said County of Berkshire, now sitting,
Josiah Hill a resident of the town of Tyringham
in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy eight
years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following
declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7,
1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. That I enlisted into the company
commanded by Capt. Israel Putnam Jr. Son to Gen Putnam and
in the Regt. of which Lt. Col. Stores was Lieut Colo. of the same 
Regt. Gen. Putnam was commander. I enlisted in Coventy in
Connecticut when I then lived, I marched directly to Cambridge where I served seven months. I enlisted in this service
the first of May 1775. Mr. Lenas Skinner from the Town of
Coventy [illegible] Jacob Fox from Bolton both served with me
in this enlistment, whose certificates of my service and hereto annexed. After my term of service expired I returned home and 
remained untill September 1777, when I was drafted and put into
Captain Wells company in the Regiment commanded by Co Joseph
Noyes and marched to South Kingston Boston Neck. When I
remained five months, according to the Discharge of Colo. Noyes
which is hereto annexed - I then returned home and remained
untill the 16 March 1778, when I enlisted into the company
commanded by Capt. Philip Truffin in the Regiment of Colo.
Topham and in Gen. Cornwalls Brigade, we marched
to Howlands Ferry, and to Tivertown, and was in Sullivan
expedition. Richard Chas and James Harris service with 
me in this expedition. as by the certificates hereto annexed. 
I served in this enlistment 12 months, dismissed March
16. 1779. In one of the campaigns I served as drum Major and
received Forty Eight Shillings per month, see certificate of my
Colo. hereto annexed-
I enlisted once in Coventy and at other times entered
into the service in Hopkinton
I was born in Hopkinton 13. Sept. 1754.
My age was recorded in Hopkinton, and have one in my
own house -
I have lived since the Rev. in Belchertown and now in
Tyringham where I have resided nearly seven & thirty years
Page 10

I enlisted twice & was drafted once.
I received two discharges one only remains and that is appended hereto.
I am known to the Rev.  Ira Hall of Tyringham and
to Jesse Langdon to whom I refer-
Page 11

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
Josiah Hill
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
W. P. Walker J. Probate
We Ira Hall a Clergyman, residing in the Town of
Tyringham and Jesse Langdon
residing in Tyringham hereby certify, that we are well acquainted
with Josiah Hill who has subscribed and sworn to the above
declaration; that we believe him to be seventy eight 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.
Ira Hall
Jesse Langdon
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid 
W. P. Walker J. Probate
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 Ira Hall
who signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman, resident
in the town of Tyringham in the County of Berkshire
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts and that
Jesse Langdon who has also signed the same, is a resident
in the town of Tyringham in the County of Berkshire
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is a
credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
W. P. Walker J. Probate
I, HENRY W. BISHOP, Register of the Court of Probate within and for the County
of Berkshire in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby certify that the
foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the ap
[obscured by seal] of Josiah Hill for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office
of said Court of Probate, this twenty eighth day of August
in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Henry W Bishop Register of Probate
Page 12

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire SS.
On this fourteenth of August A.D. 1838 personally appeared
Before the Court of Probate of the County of Berkshire Ellen
Hill of Tyringham in said County aged eighty years who being
first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following
declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made
by the act Congress passed July 4th 1836. That she is the widow of
Josiah Hill who was a drum Major in the army of the revolution that when he left home 
he was enlisted [obscured] least carried with him a drum and musket
at this time he lived in Hopkinton in Rhode Island Providence Plantation
he went to Boston and was absent about eight months, during
this period of his absence she does not recollect certainly but she
believes she has heard her husband say that he enlisted into Capt. 
Israel Putnam Jr. Company & belonged to Genl. Putnam’s  Regiment, 
sometime within the year 1775. She well remembers that
at about the expiration of his term of enlistment, her husband
returned home to Hopkinton wounded in the right shoulder. After
this her husband again entered the service some few years afterwards 
and returned after an absence of some months & she thinks 
it was then winter season. She further says that during this period 
he was on militia duty guarding the coast. Afterwards the [illegible] 
she cannot State, her husband went into the service a third time.
She has heard him name Capt. Traffin & Col. Topham as his
Company & Field Officers at this time he served as drum Major. 
She has heard her husband speak of different places where
was stationed in this different period of services, such as
New London, Stonington Boston Neck &c. The deponent fur-
Page 13

ther says that she thinks altho she does not clearly recollect that
her husband was absent in the whole about twenty two months
she further says that she was married to Josiah Hill on or about
the month of September 1774. (age & infirmity has effaced the
recollection of the day or month from her mind) and that her husband
died on December 20th 1835 being a pensioner under the act of Congress as a revolutionary s. That she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by proof annexed.
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written. 
Ellen Hill
William P. Walker Judge of Probate
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire County ss. I the Subscriber Register
of the Court of Probate within and for said County
of Berkshire do certify that the foregoing contains
the original proceedings of said Court in the
matter of the application of Ellen Hill for 
a pension and that the above named William
P. Walker is the Judge of Court & that his signature
annexed is his genuine signature. 
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand & the seal of Court this fourteenth
day of August AD 1838.
[seal]
Henry W. Bishop Register of Probate
Page 14

The Deposition of Widow Mary Wells of Hopkinton in
the County of Washington, State of Rhode island & Providence
Plantations aged 75 years - being first duly cautioned
and sworn, doth on her oath testify and say in relation
to the marriage of Josiah Hill and Ellen Parks, that 
she was at their wedding in Hopkinton aforesaid at
the Dwelling house of Amos Lewis in the year of
AD 1774 and saw them married by the Rev. Joseph
Davis.
Mary Wells
Sworn to and subscribed
at Hopkinton this 9th day
of June AD 1838
[written vertically at right side] 3724
State of Rhode island and Providence Plantations
Washington S C.
At Hopkinton the day and
year above written. Personally came Mary Wells
the above signer and Deponent and made solemn oath
to the same.
I further certify the deponent is a person of good
character and entitled to Credit.
Christopher Brown, Jr. Justice of the Peace
State of Rhode Island &c
Washington County SC
Hopkinton Town Clerk's office.
June 12th 1838} I hereby certify that
after diligent search and examination, I cannot
find the Marriage of Josiah Hill and Ellen
Parks recorded in the Books or records of this
Office. Attest Chrisr C. Lewis Town Clerk
State of Rhode Island Washington County Sc.
Hopkinton in said County June 14th AD 1838-
Personally appeared Chrisr. C. Lewis Town Clerk of said
Hopkinton, and made oath that the above Certificate, by him
Subscribed, was true in all its parts,
Before me Christopher Brown Jr Justice of Peace
Page 15

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington Sc.
Clerks Office Supreme Judicial
Court
I Powell Helme, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court
for the County of Washington do hereby certify that Christopher
Brown Jr. Esq. was at the time the within certificates were sworn
to a Justice of the Peace for the Town of Hopkinton in said
County of Washington, duly appointed by the General Assembly
commissioned by the Governor and otherwise qualified as the
Law directs, and that his name within written is his
genuine signature.
[seal]
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal
of the Court aforesaid this 18th day of
June in the year 1838
Powell Helme Clerk
Page 16

[illegible] S. Davis of lawful age do depose & say that she is a daughter 
of the Josiah Hill late of Tyringham in the County of Berkshire and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts; that she was present at his death
on December 20th 1835, that he died a pensioner under the laws of
Congress passed in behalf of Revolutionary soldier, & drew 
about the sum of eighty six dollars. That her mother Ellen
Hill the person who has signed the foregoing deposition, has
resided within Tyringham since the decease of the sd Josiah
and now remain a widow.
Elin S. Davis
Berkskire SS. Augt. 14 1838
Then the above named Ellen S
Davis personally appeared and made oath to the truth
of the forgoing deposition by her signed. I further certify
that sd. Ellen Davis is a credible witness
R. F. Barnard Jus of Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire County} SS
I the subscriber Register of the Court of Probate for said County of Berkshire
do certify that R F Barnard Esqr. before whom the
above affidavit was taken was at the time of the taking
thereof a Justice of the Peace for said County duly qualified 
and commissioned and that the signature annexed to
the certificate is his genuine signature
[seal]
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand
& the seal of said Court this fourteenth
day of August AD 1838
Henry W. Bishop Regr Probate
Page 17

May 23, 1932
RA-J/MLB
Josiah Hill
W. 13456

Mrs. Louise C. Hulbert
806 North Boulevard
Richmond, Virginia

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter of recent date, relative to Josiah Hill, a soldier of the Revolutionary War. 
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 13456, based upon the military service of Josiah Hill in the Revolutionary War.
Josiah Hill was born September 13, 1754, In Hopkinton (Providence Plantation), Washington County, Rhode Island.

While residing in Hopkinton, Rhode Island, he enlisted about May 1, 1775, and served seven months as a private in the company of Captain Israel Putnam, Junior, Colonels Putnam's and Storr's Connecticut regiment during which services he received a wound in his shoulder. He again entered the service in September 1777 and served five months as drum-major in Captain Wells' company, Colonel Joseph Noyes' * Rhode Island regiment, and was discharged February 15, 1778. He enlisted March 16, 1778, and served twelve months as drum-major in Captain Philip Traffam's company, Colonel John Topham's Rhode Island regiment, and was in Sullivan's expedition to Rhode Island.
After the above serve he moved from Hopkinton Rhode Island, to Belchertown, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, and from there to Tyringham, Berkshire County, Massachusetts.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 28, 1832, while a resident of said Tyringham, Massachusetts, where he stated he had lived nearly thirty-seven years.
He died December 20, 1835, in Tyringham, Massachusetts.

* Inserted in margin:
See Hartman's also pension claim No. S 1598 of Joseph Noyes, sone of Cole, in Rev. files.
Page 18

Josiah Hill married September 25, 1774, in Hopkinton, Rhode Island, at the house of Amos Lewis, Ellen or Ellin Parks.
Soldier's widow, Ellen, was allowed pension on her application executed August 14, 1838, at which time she was living in Tyringham, Massachusetts, aged eighty years.

Children of Josiah Hill and his wife, Ellen:
Josiah C., born August 21, 1777, in Hopkinton, Rhode Island.
Thankful or Thankful N. born August 7, 1781, in Belchertown, Massachusetts, and in 1836 was living in Tyringham, Massachusetts, and was unmarried.
Elle, Ellin, or Elin C., born April 16, 1796, in Tyringham, Massachusetts, married about 1837, Bela Davis, and in 1838 was living in Tyringham, Massachusetts.
The papers in this pension claim contain no further data relative to the soldier's family.
The foregoing history is that of the only soldier named Josiah Hill found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.

Very Truly yours,

A. D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator
Page 19

Ellen Hills
Case
Page 20

Bela Davis of Tyringham in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age, do deposes & says, that he was well acquainted with Josiah Hill & his wife Ellen now his widow. That he became acquainted with them about seven years ago, that about one year since he married Ellen C. a daughter of sd. Josiah & Ellen. From Mr. & Mrs Hill he has opportunity of hearing their history. They have both informed this deponent that they came from Belchertown in the County of Hampshire when they first came into Tyringham that they removed from Hopkinton in Rhode Island to sd Belchertown; that they were married at sd Hopkinton, and that during their residence at sd. Hopkinton they had a son born whose name was Josiah, and that during their residence at Belchertown they had a daughter born whose name was Thankful, this daughter is now a maiden lady and resides in Tyringham. After they removed to Tyringham that had another daughter borh, who is my wife. The deponent has understood that Josiah Hill, the father of the above named children was a pensioner of the United States on account of services rendered by him in the revolutionary war & the deponent has frequently heard sd Josiah relate many incidents of that war. The dponent further says that he has now in his possession a family bible belonging to sd. Josiah at his decease, on the blank leaves & cover of which are the following entries which are transcribed as nearly as possible thus- Sept. the 25th 1774 Then was Josiah Hill Married to Ellen Parks. August the 21st 1777 Thus was Josiah C. Hill born. August the 7 1781 Then was Thankful M. Hill born. April the 16th 1790 Then was Ellen C. Hill born.
Page 21

This deponent further says that they are all the children of the sd. Josiah, and that sd. Josiah died at Tyringham sometime in December AD. 1835 and Mrs. Hill has continued to reside in sd. Tyringham ever since & is not his widow and further he say not. Bela Davis

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire SS. On the 13th day of November 1838 personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace within & for sd County, Bela Davis and made solemn oath to the truth of the facts stated in the within deposition by him subscribed. I further certify that I am well acquainted with sd Davis & that he is a credible witness R. F. Barnard Jus. of the Peace

Ellen Hills Case
Page 22

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire SS. I Henry W. Bishop Register of Probate for the County of Berkshire do certify that Robert F. Barnard and Egbert B. Garfield Esquires whose signatures are affixed to the certificate on the papers hereto annexed, were at the date thereof Justices of the Peace within and for said County duly commissioned and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth, and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to their acts and attestations done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Robert F and Egbert B and believe their signatures to said certificates are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Probate Court for said District of Berkshire this 13th day of November AD 1838. Henry W. Bishop Register Probate
Page 23

Josiah Hill Conn & R.I. W 13456
Josiah Hill Conn & R.I. W 13456
Page 24

This may certify to whom it may concern that Josiah Hill my Drum Major has served in my Regiment five month; and is now honorably Discharged head quarters South Kingstown Boston Neck February the 15 1778 Joseph Noice Cole.
This may certify that Josiah Hill is authorized and empowered to practice the music in my Regiment to Bate the Troops at ten. the retreat at Sunset the Tattoo at Nine in the Evening and to teach them Camp Duty and to appoint the orderly Drum and to instruct them in their duty. Head Quarters South Kingstown Boston Neck/ September the 7th 1777 Sine Joseph Noice Cole.
Page 25

I Gamaliel Dunham of Sandisfield in the County of Berkshire Commonwealth of Massachusetts depose & say that I was acquainted with Josiah Hill late of Tyringham deceased for fifty years and upwards, that he said Josiah resided in said Tyringham as near as I can recollect about forty years previous to his death, That the said Josiah Hill lived with his wife Ellen (now a widow) the whole of said time. I have also been well acquainted with her the same period. Gamaliel Dunham.

State of Massachusetts Berkshire County SS. November 8th 1838 The said Gamaliel Dunham personally appeared & made oath to the truth of the above by him subscribed. Before me Ardon Judd Justice of the Peace

I Ardon Judd the magistrate above named certify that I am acquainted with the above named Gamaliel Dunham and know him to be entitled to credit for truth & veracity.
Page 26

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. Berkshire, SS. I Charles Sedgwick, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Berkshire, do certify, that Ardon Judd Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereunto annexed, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith and credit are and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity; and that I believe his signature to said certificate is genuine. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth, this seventeenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight Chs. Sedgwick CLERK.
Page 27

I Amos Langdon of Tyringham in the County of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Seventy six years of age depose & say That I was acquainted with Josiah Hill late of Tyringham deceased while he resided in Tyringham which was about forty years, as near as I can recollect that during the whole of that time Ellen his wife lived with him untill the time of his death. That she is now his Widow & resides in Tyringham Amos Langdon

Berkshire SS November 13th 1838. The above named Amos Landon made oath to the truth of the forgoing by him subscribed befpre me Egbert B. Garfield Justice of the Peace

I Egbert B. Garfield the magistrate above name certify that I am acquainted with Amos Langdon & know him to be of truth & veracity. Egbert B. Garfield
Page 28

I Anna Brown wife of Christopher Brown of Hopkinton in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations being now seventy eight years of age, being duly sworn do testify and say that I was born in this town. That I well recollect Josiah Hill and Ellen Parks who resided in this town and were marries as I was informed and verily believe sometime about the year 1776 by the Reverend Joseph Davis late of this place who was at that time called a New Light Baptist or Separate Baptist that said Hill as this deponent was informed was engaged in the service of the Revolutionary war as a Soldier after the marriage. That she recollects said Hill and his wife residing in this as husband and wife and remember hearing it said that they had one child before they left or removed from here. She does not remember how long they lived in this town after the marriage nor can she say she ever saw them after they removed from this town. This Deponent further says that the Rev. Joseph David died in this town but to her knowledge there is no descendant of his living here that they all have been gone from here for many years and the Church of which he was pastor has become extinct long since and she does not know where any record of his or his church can be found if now in existence. her mark X Anna Brown Witness Christopher Brown jr. Christopher Brown State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Washington Sc. At Hopkinton this 5th day of October AD 1838. Personally came Anna Brown the above
Page 29

Signer and Deponent and made solemn oath to the same I further certify the Deponent is a person of good character and entitled to credit. Christopher Brown Jr. Justice of the Peace. 

I Mary Wells of Hopkinton in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island an Providence Plantations being now Seventy six years of age, widow of Thomas Wells late of this town deceased, do testify and say that in addition to the facts already stated by me in my previous affidavit relating to the marriage of Josiah Hill and Ellen Parks I do depose and say that after the marriage Mr. Hill and his wife were resident in this town the period of time she cannot now state certainly. Mr. Hill was in the service of the Revolutionary war and mostly absent. I recollect however that before they removed from this place they had a son born whom they called Josiah. Where they removed to I am unable to state but believe it to be some place in Massachusetts. The deponent however well remembers hearing it said that Mr. Hill continued in the service as a soldier and after an absence of some years remembers Mr. Hill and his wife both came to this place on a visit and brought with them another child a daughter whom they called Thankful. At this time I understood they resided at some place in Massachusetts and I recognized Mrs. Hill to be the same person whom I had always known before her marriage as Ellen Parks. The deponent further says that the Rev. Joseph Davis was what we called in those days a Newlight Baptist or Separate
Page 30

He died in this town but I know of no descendant of his now residing here and there never was a successor or Pastor of that church and so far as I know there is no person now living in this place or elsewhere with whom could be found any record or papers of said Davis and his church became extinct soon after his death. Mary Wells

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Washington SC. At Hopkinton this 5th day of Oct. AD 1838. Personally came Mary Wells the above signer and deponent and made solemn oath to the same. I further certify the deponent is a person of good character and entitled to credit. Christopher Brown Jr. Justice of the Peace.

I Henry M. Wells of Hopkinton in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations do testify and say that I have inquired of the Rev. Amos R. Wells and also the Rev. John Green of this town both Baptist Clergymen settled over societies of that denomination for any records or papers belonging to the church or society of which the Rev. Joseph Davis was formerly a pastor in this town and also for his private papers or records and have not been able to find either and I know of no one in whose possessions any such record or papers could probably be found. Henry M. Wells

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Washington SC. - At Hopkinton this 8th day of October AD 1838 Personally appeared Henry M. Wells the above signer and deponent and made solemn oath to the same. I further certify the Deponent is a person of good character and entitled to Credit. Christopher Brown Jr. Justice of the Peace.
Page 31

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Washington Sc. Clerks Office, Supreme Judicial Court. I Powell Helme, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for the County of Washington do hereby certify that Christopher Brown Jr. Esq. is a Justice of the Peace for the Town of Hopkinton in said County of Washington duly appointed by the General Assembly commissioned by the Governor bearing date the seventh day of May 1838, and otherwise qualified as the law directs and that his name subscribed to the foregoing certificates, are his genuine signatures. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court aforesaid this 16th day of October in the year 1838. Powell Helme, Clerk. 

Mrs. Hills Case

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Page 32

I Tirzah Olds of Belchertown in the County
of Hampshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts being now sixty-four years of age do depose and say that I was well acquainted with Josiah Hill and his
wife Ellen who formerly resided in this Town and removed from here according to my best recollection from twenty-five to thirty-years ago to some place to the west I well remember hearing them both say that they had before coming here resided at Hopkinton in the State of Rhode Island they then had a son which they brought with them by the name of
Josiah and who continued to live with them they continued to reside her as husband and wife according to my best recollection from twenty-five to thirty years during which time they had a daughter born here whom they called Thankful this daughter was grown up
to a young woman when they removed from here and from my present recollection must have been about twenty years of age when they left here the place to which they went the deponent does not clearly recollect but she has on impression that it was in Livingham in Berkshire County the deponent further say that during the period of their residence have she distinctly recollect hearing Mrs Hill say that her maiden name was Parks and further says not 

Witnesses
Jonathan Olds
Elisha Burr 
                                     
Tirzah [her X mark] Olds

Hampshire County on this twenty-fifth day of October A.D. 1838   The above named Tirzah Olds appeared before me and made oath to the truth of the facts stated in the foregoing affidavit by this subscribed I further
certify that I am well acquainted with the above named deponent and that she is a person entitled to full ? it as a witness before me Jonathan Olds Justice of the Peace
Page 33

I Elisha Burr of Wilbraham in the County of Hampden and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being now fifty-six years of age do depose and say that I was well
acquainted with Josiah Hill and Ellen his wife who formerly resided in Belchertown and removed from there according to my best recollection from twenty-five to thirty years ago to some place west, which I do not [illegible] that when I was first acquainted with them they had a son whose name was Josiah who continued to live with them while they continued to reside in Belchertown that during their
residence there they had a Daughter born whom they called Thankful and who grew up to a young woman before their removal I cannot state how long they lived in Belchertown but think from twenty-five to thirty years and I remember that once after this removal from there I saw them at my Father's in Wilbraham the deponent further states that he has an impression that he has heard it stated that Mr Hill was a drummer or drum major in the revolution war, and I further say that I will recollect hearing Mr Hill beat the drum and in my opinion was an expert performer and further deponent sayeth not 

Elisha Burr

Hampshire County SS  on this twenty fifth day of October 1838 the above named Elisha Burr personally appeared before me and made oath to the truth of the facts stated in the
foregoing affidavit by him subscribed I further certify that I am well acquainted with the above named deponent and that he is a person entitled to full credit as a witness before me
Jonathan Olds Justice of the Peace
Page 34

I Sally Olds of Belchertown in the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts

being now fifty years of age do depose and say that I was well acquainted with Josiah Hill and his wife Ellen who formerly resided in this town and according to my best recollection they came from Hopkinton in Rhode Island to this place and then had a son with them by the name of Josiah while residing in this town which I think was from twenty five to thirty years had a daughter born which they called Thankful this son and daughter lived with and removed with with them when they left this place. I cannot state where they removed to certainly but I have a strong impression they went to Tyringham in Berkshire County some years after they removed from Belchertown they came back on a visit and I am very confident I saw Mrs. Hill and that she was the same person who had resided here as I have above stated.
Deponent further sayeth not

Sally Olds

Hampshire County ss

On this twenty fifth day of October 1838 the above named Sally Olds personally appeared before me and made oath to the truth of the facts stated in the aforegoing affidavit by her subscribed. I further certify that I am well acquainted with the above named deponent and that she is a person instilled to full credit as a witness

before me
Jonathan Olds, Justice of the Peace
Page 35

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. 

I, Samuel Wells, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Hampshire, do certify, that Jonathan Olds Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereto annexed, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for said Counter, duly commissioned, and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Jonathan Olds and belive his signature to said certificate...

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and afficsed the self of the Court of Common Place for said Commonwealth, this tewenty sixth day of October in the year of our Lord on thousand eight hundred and thirty eight. 

Samuel Wells
Clerk.
Page 36

I Robert F. Barnard of Sheffield in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Counsellor at Law of lawful age do depose and say, that on opening and breaking the seal of this paper, purporting to be a letter addressed to me, as appears by the superscription hereon I accidentally detached from the same the certificate of Samuel Wells Clerk of the Judicial Court of Hampshire County, and again attached the same to the deposition (to which it was slightly secured) by a wafer, and that no other person
has had possession of this paper but myself & that no new paper was or letter has been added to or taken from the same
R.J. Barnard



Robert F. Barnard Esq
Counsellor at Law
Sheffield Ms
Page 37

I hereby certify that from the best evidence I can obtain respecting the within named James Harris, he is a man of good moral character and temperate habits and that full faith ought to be had to his testimony.
Attest. Eli Hale

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire ss.

I Charles Sedgwick a Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Berkshire do hereby certify that Eli Hale is a Justice of the Peace for said County of Berkshire & that I believe the foregoing signature purporting to be his are genuine -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 28th day of August A.D. 1832
Cha. Sedgwick Clerk
Page 38

Becket June 24th 1832

I James Harris of Becket in the County of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts Husbandman do testify and say that I am well acquainted with Josiah Hill of Tyringham County &  State aforesaid that he served in the regiment with me as musician under the command of Col. John Topham in General Cornwallis' brigade from the sixteenth of March seventeen hundred and seventy eight to the sixteenth of March seventeen hundred and seventy nine 
And further this deponent saith not.

James Harris

Berkshire ss;
On the twenty eighth day of June in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty two the aforesaid deponent was examined, cautioned and sworn agreeably to law to the deposition aforesaid by him subscribed

Before me
Eli Hale Justice of the Peace
Page 39

Becket  June 24th 1832

I Richard Chase of Otis in the County of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts husbandman do testify & say that I am well acquainted with Josiah Hill of Tyringham County and State aforesaid that he served in the regiment with me as musician under the command of Col. John Topham in Gen. Cornwallis' Brigade from the sixteenth of March seventeen hundred and seventy eight to the sixteenth of March seventeen hundred and seventy nine - And further this deponent saith not

Richard Chase

Berkshire ss On the twenty eighth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two the aforesaid deponent was examined cautioned and sworn agreably to law to the deposition aforesaid by him subscribed.

Before me
Eli Hale 
Justice of the Peace
Page 40

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Berkshire ss: I Charles Sedgwick a Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Berkshire do certify that Eli Hale is a Justice of the Peace for said County of Berkshire & that I believe the foregoing & subjoined signature purporting to be his is genuine. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said court his 28th day of August A.D. 1832

Chas Sedgwick Clerk

I hereby certify that the within named Richard Chase is a man of good moral character and temperate habits and that full faith ought to be had to his testimony.

Attest. Eli Hale
Page 41

I, THOMAS DAY, Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and Keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern, 

That Jabiz L. White Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the Certificates hereto annexed, is, and for more than one year last past, has been, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Tolland in said State, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified, having full power and authority, by the laws of said State, to take the acknowledgement of Deeds and to certify the same; also to administer oaths to witnesses and to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give certificates thereof; and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to the official acts and attestations of the said Justice in Court and Country.

In testimony whereof, I have, in my capacity of Secretary as aforesaid, hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of said State, at the City of Hartford, in the said State, the twelfth day of July in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two.

Thomas Day
Page 42

I Zenas Skinner of the town of Vernon county of Tolland and State of Connecticut of lawful age do testify and say that I am well acquainted with Josiah Hill that he was an enlisted soldier with me in Capt Israel Putnam's gun company in General Putnam's regiment in the year 1775 for seven month service and further saith not

Zenas Skinner

Tolland County ss Bolton, July 12th 1832 personally appeared Zenas Skinner and made sollom oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit and [illegible] the same in my presence.

Jabez L. White Justice Peace

and I hereby certify that said Zenas Skinner is a man of good moral character and temperate habits and that full faith ought to be heed to his testimony.

Attst

Jabez J. White
Page 43

I Jacob Fox of the town of Boltan in the County of Tolland & State of Connecticut of lawful age do testify and say that I am well acquainted with Josiah Hill that he was an enlisted soldier with me in Capt Israel Putnam's gun Company in General Putnam's regiment in the year 1775 for seven month service and further saith not

Jacob Fox

Tolland County ss Bolton July 11th 1832 personally appeared Jacob Fox [illegible] of the foregoing certificate and made sollom oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit and signed the same in my presence - Jabez J. White Justice Peace

I hereby certify that the aforesaid Jacob Fox is a man of good moral character and temperate habits and that full faith ought to be heed to his testimony.

attst Jabez J. White
Page 44

[left side]
Vol. Enlisted Br.
A.G.O.
Rec'd Mar 28
1889

East Providence R.I.
[illegible] 22 1889

Geo. R. Hill

For information concerning a Revolutionary soldier named Josiaher Hill

[right side]

War Department
ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington, April 1, 1889

Respectfully returned to George R. Hill, East Providence R.I.

The records of the Army of the Revolutionary War are not on file in this office, but in the Office of the Commissioner of Pensions.

C.M. Keever
[illegible] General

JCH
Page 45

[stamp]
US PENSION OFFICE.
A
MAY
3
1889

East Providence
March 22nd 1889

To the Office where the Revolution
Pension Rools are

Dear Sirs,

I write for information conserning Josiaher Hill a soldier of the Revoliton who died in the servise and who had never received one cent of his wages, due, his wife and child never called for or received a pension, the Revolution Rool will explain it all

Yours Respectfully
G. R. Hill
Page 46

Sheffield Nov. 15, 1838

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Com of Pensions

Sir

Yours of the 1st Dept in referance to Mrs. Ellen Hill's case was duly recd and the testimony which I now have the pleasure to enclose to you I hope will clear up any difficulties which may have [?] in your mind in regard to her.

In yours of the above date you remark that "there are some circumstances in this case that render further proof upon this point necessary." the point alluded to is the marriage. This fact is proved by Mrs. Wells with whom I am myself acquainted and a more intelligent excellent lady I scarcely know. She is now the only witness living who was at the wedding or by whom the fact can be better established. If you should construe the [illegible] of your circular under date of July 9th 36 in these words, "or the testimony of respectable persons having knowledge of the facts" so as to make it necessary to establish the fact by more than one witness, it would seem to one wrong in principal, and within my own knowledge contrary to precedents already established. It is wrong in principal, speaking in reference to the law as we recognize it in Masstts for we never require but one respectable witness to prove the marriages even when that fact is contested and for this purpose of deceiving divorce a [?].

Mrs Wells' further deposition is taken shewing the either impossibility of obtaining any documentary evidence from the Baptist Clergyman who married Mrs. Hill and also the identity of Mrs. Hill. I am persuaded you do not require more than one witness on this point, least that it is rather a question of identity. So I am lead to believe from this inquiry, "where did Mr. Hill reside after his marriage and during the term from that period to the termination of his last tour of service?" Before referring you to the testimony on then this point, permit me to refer you to the deposition of Bela Davis who gives a copy of the record in the family Bible on the point of the marriage. Could I present you the Book itself I am well convinced the appearance of the Book & hand writing would carry conviction to your mind at once. It has the appearance of much antiquity - this record proves the marriage to be as Mrs. Wells testifies as the the year and season of the year. I certainly corroborate his testimony and assists to establish the fact of marriage.
Page 47

Now as to the residence and identity

Mrs. Wells and Mrs. Brown both say that Hill and wife continued to reside at Hopkinton sometime after the marriage, and while he was in the service log long they cannot say but that a son was born, who they called Josiah. Mrs. Wells says ihey removed to someplace in Massachusetts, and after an abscence of some years the came back to Hopn. on a visit & then had a daughter who they called Thankful. Mrs. Wells recognizes her old friend Elle Parks - The two Mrs; Olds of Belchertown and Mrs Barr of Wilbraham all say that Hill & wife came to Belchertown and lived there 25 or 30 years & that while they lived there they had a daughter (called Thankful) soon we next find them at Tyrengham where the witnesses say they lived from 40 to 50 years - now if we make due allowance for the difficulty of finding precise dates, we find this old man and woman living together from 1774 to 1835 (when he died) a man & wife, having children in those different places, going from one to the other on visits, and recognized by their old friends to be the same persons, who married and lived in Hopkinton in 1774. Can there then be any doubt on this point?

It would appear from Mr Davis' testimony as taken from this family Bible that Hill and Wife resided over 3 years in Hopkinton for Mr Carills & Mrs Brown say that Josiah was born in Hopn. The record shows his birth in 1777 - 3 years 4 months at least - in 1796. Ellen was born at Tyringham [illegible] of 22 years after the marriage. So that the Belchertown and Wilbraham are not vastly correct in their recollections as to the residences therein, but that fact is not so material. The general fact of identity and residence is well established.

You will pardon this analysis of the testimony -  I have long been the friend and agent of these old pensioners & this widower, as you very well knows. I feel much interested for them and have rendered many services often gratuitously, and always for small fees. I feel much interested for Mrs. Hill for I consider her case a strong one.

I am Sir,
with great respect
your svt
R.F. Barnard
Page 48

Nov. 19th, 1838

Hon. T. L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions

Dear Sir,

I [illegible] you also two other cases for examination. Mrs. Studway and Mrs. White both of whom are aged and very inform & will not/not ably want pensions long. I think both cases are made out. Their husbands were both pensioners and seargants in the Army.
I ought perhaps to add one word in regard to Mrs. Hill, can you will observe a certificate of my own on the case of the depositions taken by Jonathan Oldis Esq. The clerk's certificate of his official character was accidentally detached and annexed again by myself - intended to leave made oaths to this fact while before the Judge of Probate on this 13th instant, but I see I have omitted it. You will see however that no interpolation from the nature of this case could take plan.

Please let me know the result in each of the cases as soon as you shall have decided thereon; and forward to me the certificates should pensions be granted.

I am very respectfully
your obt sevt
R. F. Barnard
Page 49

Married in Hopkinton R.I. 1774 and returned home to Hopkinton
from the [illegible]
says the widow
Swed in County Court in May 1775 and retd home then Jan 7 '76 says the dec husband
Page 50

Sheffield Sept. 16th 1838

Hon J.S. Edward
Com of Pen.
Dear Sir

I enclose you the declaration of Ellen Hill for her husband's pension under the law of 1836 together with the evidence of her marriage [illegible]  The part of Hill being a pensioner you will need no other evidence than you can obtain in your department.

As some delay may take place before the examination, will you be pleased to acknowledge the receipt of the papers.

I am sir with much respect your very humble sevt
R. F. Barnard
Atty for Mrs Hill

PS.

Be pleased to forward any certificate or other communication you may make addressed to me [illegible] place
Page 51

Josiah Hill Mass aet 7 June when past pd?
16 Jany 39

Died 20th December 1835
Arrearages paid
L.H.H.

Aet 4 July 1836 - No 3724

2482

Ellen Hill
Wid of Josiah 
Mass
Sas. let N F Barnard
Sept 1, 1838
on roll Drummer
__________
7 mo. pri --
17 --- Drummer
_______
$85.66
commence [illegible] Ded 35

Act 4 July 36
Hon: G.R. Briggs
Page 52

R.I.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 13456
Ellen Hill
Widow of
Josiah Hill
Drummer Rev. War
Act: July 4th 36
Index: -Vol. A, Page 335
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1932 May 23 - Hist. to Mrs. Louise C. Hulfert --- MLB
1939 Apr. 3 - Mrs. Louise C. Hulbert [illegible] other claim found for a Josiah Hill - MLB
Page 53

Old War Div.  Comm R.F.  Josiah Hill  W.13456 Ellen

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C. May 31, 1889
Return this letter with your reply.

Sir,

Your communication of the 22d of March last addressed to the U.S. Adjutant General, did not reach the proper Division of this Bureau until the 27th inst., relative to Josiah Hill who it is alleged died in the war of the Revolution & did not "receive his wages" nor did his widow or child" call for, or receive a pension".

You have omitted to furnish the necessary data for a proper examination of the records, or for identification of the parties, such as his residence when he enlisted, the names of officers under whom he is reputed to have served, the name of  his widow, whether she remarried after the decease of her husband in the service, and her residence,

Congress did not pass a pension law for the benefit of those soldiers until a long time time after his reported death, nor for their widows, before 1836 [illegible] 8.

There was a widow who received a pension for the service of a Josiah Hill in said war, who enlisted in both of the states of Connecticut and Rhode Island, was wounded, lived and was married in the latter state,
Page 54

There is no law existing under which any one of the Executive Departments of the Government can adjudicate and pay a claim for wages in said war, or that this Bureau can allow a pension, or arrears of pension, to a child or other descendant of said soldier.

Very respectfully
                                                    Commfsioner
Mr George R Hill
East Providence
R.I.
Page 55

1104 Grove Ave Richmond Va
Feb 21 -

U.S. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir,

Will you please send me a record of Josiah Hill, who drew a pension for services in the Revolutionary.  He lived in or just out of Great Barrington Mass.  I would greatly appreciate any and all the information.,
Page 56

you can give me about this man.  Especially his place of enlistment and did he originally come from Mass, or was he born & married in another state?  His wife's name was Eleanor.   Was she his first or second wife or does the record tell also names of the children of Josiah Hill.

He was my husbands great great grandfather.  And if possible the date of his marriage to Eleanor.

Thanking you for the courtesy

I am yours cordially

Louise C. Hulbert
Page 57

806 North Blvd
Richmond Va
Mar 21

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir,
Will you please send me a copy of my great great grandfather Josiah Hill Pension.  He went out from R.I. died in Tysingbaum (which joins Great Barrington Mass on
Page 58

Dec 20, 1835

Also please tell me if you have another Pension record for another Josiah Hill who went out from R.I.

Thanking you for your courtesy I am 

Very truly yours 
Mrs, Louise C Hulbert
806 N. Blvd Richmond Va
Page 59

April 3, 1939
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mrs. Louis C. Hulbert                 BA-J/MLB
1104 Grove Avenue
Richmond, Virginia 

Dear Madam: 

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of a Josiah Hill of Massachusetts, who served in the Revolutionary War and drew a pension fo rhis service and who, you state, had wife named Eleanor. 

A careful search of the Revolutionary War records of this office has been made and no claim for pension or bounty land found based upon service in the Revolutionary War, other than that of the soldier of that name who record (W. 15456) was furnished you May 25, 1938. The papers in that claim for pension contain no further information in regard to Josiah Hill than was given in that record. 

It is suggested that information in regard to the military service of this Josiah Hill or any other solider of that name might be obtained from the Adjutent General, War Department, this city. 

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator