Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 1331, for Henry Tabor, Rhode Island
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
R.I.

Tabor, Henry (col.)
or Faber
Esther

NUMBER
W. 1331
B.L.Wt. 27-60-55
BLWt. 3538-100-1794

CONTENTS
Page 2

[left side]
Let: DB. Cowell, Sept 1 1855,
July 53 - Nv 1129

[right side]
22656  Act Mar 3/55
March 29/55

Esther Tabor wid of Henry Tabor, Private

Capt Flagg
Col, Olney [flourish bracket] R.I. Contl. line
Revolutionary Pension
Mars[?] Man

admt 60 acres July, 26/55,
[illegible]
[illegible]

Benja Cowell
Providence
R.I.

[diagonal writing]
War & No 27225 Sept 26 1855
Page 3

8182
Rhode Island

Henry Tabor, or Providence in the State of R. Island who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Olney of the R. Island line, for the term of three years. -

Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 4th of April, 1818.

Certificate of Pension issued the 25th of Mar 1819 and sent to B. Cowell Esq
Providence, R.I.

Arrears to 4th of Mar 1819. 15 mos. 24/30 4/31 87.43
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4th Sept 1819 48.00
$:135:43

{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818}

Discontinued
Page 4

Notification sent 13 Novr 1822, to Benj Cowell, Providence, R.Island
letter of same date to B. Cowell

[vertical writing]
Regulations under this
act of 1 March 1823
sent 28 May 1823
See letter to B. Cowell Esqr
Page 5

[left side]
Died June 29, 1856

[right side]
1.129.
Rhode Island

Esther Tabor widow of Henry Tabor who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private, Rhode Island line.

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.

Certificate of Pension issued 1st day of Aug. '53 and sent to Benj. Cowell, Providence, R.I.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 55 Vol. [illegible]
Page 6

Henry Tabor - 184
R.I.
81.82
Recd. 23 July 1822

Benjamin Cowell,
Providence,
R.I.
Page 7

Providence July 18, 1822

This may certify, that having been in attendance upon Henry Taber, a man of Colour, for 3 or more months past, I can freely pronounce[?] his case one of confirmed Phthisis Pulmonalis, - totally incapacitating him from labour or any bodily exertion.
Jos. Mauran
Practicing Physicn
[illegible] R.I.

Rhode Island District Ss
In Providence July 18 1822
Personally appeared before me the above named Joseph Mauran & made oath to the above certificate by him signed & I further certify that said Dr. Mauran is personally known to me and is a physician of high standing in said town & entitled to the fullest credit
Benjamin Cowell
Comm. for Dist Court
R.I. Dist
Page 8

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
RHODE-ISLAND DISTRICT.
County of Providence District Court, June 10th Special Term, AD, 1822

On this tenth day of June 1822 personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record within and for said District Henry Tabor (a man of colour) aged 70 years, residing in the town of Providence in said District & County who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows: that he served upwards of five years in the Revolutionary army as a Private in Col. Greene's & Col. Onley's regiments of the Rhode Island line - that he made a previous declaration on the seventh day of April 1818, and that he has received a certificate for a pension, being No. 8162 And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen [1818]; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the revolutionary war," passed on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen [1818]: that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, and property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
Henry Tabor
x his mark

A SCHEDULE of Property and Income (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) of Henry Tabor - the equity of redemption in one small one story house & Lot in the easterly part of said town of Providence the same having been mortgaged to Thomas Doring for one half of its value, 6 chairs, 1 table, some knives & forks, 1 pot & 1 kettle & some spoons, other than the above I have no property whatever except as above excepted - And this declarant further saith that he is unable to do any labour being so much of out health, that he is a labourer & always has maintained himself & family by his labour but at present he is entirely unable to do it - that he has a wife aged 39 years & three children, viz, one son not yet two years old & two daughters aged 7 & 4 years under these circumstances he thinks himself entitled to a continuance of his pension
Henry Tabor
+ his mark

District court mark
Rhode Island District -
Sworn to and declared in open court on the 10th day of June 1822 before said Court -
Witness Benja Cowell Clk -

RHODE-ISLAND DISTRICT.
[illegible] Clerk's Office of the District Court, A. D. 1822
I Benjamin Cowell Clerk of said Court do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is one hundred & forty dollars and - cents. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twenty first day of June 1822
Benjamin Cowell
Clerk of said Court.
Page 9

Esther Tabor
Feby 15
x
Page 10

State of Rhode Island

County of Providence
On this fifteenth day of February 1853 personally appeared in open Court being the Municipal Court of the City of Providence in said County Esther Tabor of the City of Providence aged 63 years who being duly sworn according low doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the second section of the act of Congress passed February 3d 1853, granting pensions to widows of Revolutionary officers & solders viz that she is the widow of Henry Tabor late of said Providence deceased, who was a soldier of the Revolution That he was a private in Col Olneys [Olney's] Regiment of Continental Troops of the Rhode Island Line that when the act of March 18 1818 was passed he applied for and obtained a pension at the rate of $96 per annum payable at the agency of the United States for paying pensions in the City of Providence but his name was dropt [dropped] from the Roll under the act of May 1, 1820
Page 11

on account of his having some property pursuant to the provisions of said act, & she refers to the declaration he made at that time for proof of her claim

And she further declares that she was married to the said Henry Tabor on the second day of October 1815, by the Revd Stephen Gano magistrate of the first Baptist church in said City as will appear by the original certificate hereto annexed - and she further declares that her said husband departed this life June 18, 1822 and that she was married to him at the time above stated She further swears that she was a widow at the passage of the act & is still a widow & that she has never before made application for a pension

Witness
Thomas Burgess

Esther Taber
x her mark

In Municipal Court in the City of Providence, February 15, 1853.
Subscribed and sworn to be Esther Taber, in open Court.
Albert G. Greene
Clerk
Page 12

I hereby certify that Henry Tabor & Esther Waterman (people of coulor) were legally joined together in marriage, according to law this 2d day of Octr AD 1814. - - - By me Stephen Gano Clerk
Providence R.I.
Page 13

I George Waterman of the City of Providence
& State of Rhode Island aged fifty three
years on oath do testify & say that I have 
always been acquainted with Esther Taber
the widow of Henry Taber who I always 
understood to have been a soldier of
the Revolution, Said Henry Taber
departed this life above Twenty years
ago & since that period said Esther 
has remained his widow & is now
his widow
George Waterman

Subscribed & sworn to before me this fifteenth
day of February  AD 1853 & I further certify that
the said George Waterman is a man of truth & veracity & that I Charles Hart have no interest in the claim of Esther Taber for a pension
Before me Charles Hart
Justice of the Peace
Page 14

Clerk's office of the Municipal Court of the City of Providence.

I, Albert G. Greene, Clerk of said Court, do hereby certify, that the preceding is the original Declaration of Esther Taber, made in said Court, in the matter of her claim for a pension, and the proceedings of said court therein.

I, also certify that said Court ordered it to be certified, that George Waterman whose has signed the Affidavit hereto annexed, is a credible witness.

I farther certify, that Charles Hart, before whom the said Affidavit of George Waterman was taken, is a Gastice [Justice] of the Peace, within and for said City of Providence, duly elected.

In attestation whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and have affixed the seal of said Court, this third da of March A.D. 1853.

Albert G. Greene
Clerk
Page 15

Henry Tabor

Harry Tabor Col man & musician -
Olney, R Island Reg
1777 During the War
proof of poverty certified by the Judge

Admd
The certificate of the Judge, as to reduced circumstances of the applicant, is wanting also certificate of belief of services.
Page 16

I Harry Tabor of Providence in the District of Rhode Island (a man of Colour) on solemn oath do declare and say - that in the year 1777 I enlisted as a private soldier in Capt. Dexters [Dexter's] Company & Col Olneys [Olney's] regiment in the continental army of the United States in the Rhode Island line in which service I continued untill [until] the month of June 1783 when I rcived [received] a discharge signed by George Washing [Washington] which discharge is hereto annexed - I further declare that I am now in reduced circumstances & stand in need of the assistance of my Country for support.
Harry Tabor
x his mark

Rhode Island District Sc
Be it remembered that on this seventh day of April 1818 came before me Harry Tabor and made solemn oath to the truth of the declaration to which his mark is above affixed - In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand & have caused the seal of the District Court for said District to be hereto affixed the day and year above written - [illegible] he is poor and [illegible] required.
David Howell[?]
District Judge.

The signature of the Judge and the seal of the District Court of the United States are hereto affixed
Witness Benjamin Cowell
Clk of said Court

[upside down]
I Henry
Page 17

22656
Esther Tabor
Page 18

State of Rhode Island, &c.
County of Providence

On this sixteenth day of March A.D. On Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty-five [1855], personally appeared before me, Henry L Bowen a Justice of the Pearce [Peace] within and for County aforesaid, Esther Tabor aged sixty nine years, now resident in the City ["Town" crossed out] of Providence in said County, who being duly sworn according to law, declares and says she is the widow of Henry Tabor who was a private in Capt. his name not recollected company, and in a Regiment commanded by Col. Jeremiah Olney in the war of the Revolution, and that her said husband was in actual service more than thirty six months in said war, and was honorably discharged.

And she further declares that she was married to said Henry Tabor on the second day of October A.D. 1814 by Elder Stephen Gano and that her name before marriage was Esther Waterman and that her said husband died on the 18th day of June A.D. 1822 and that she is now a widow.

And she further declares that she is now a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $80 per annum; which pension was granted her on account of her said husband's services in said war; which pension is payable at the Agency for paying pensions in the City of Providence. And she further declares that when she made a declaration to obtain her said pension she produced satisfactory evidence of her said marriage to her said husband and of his death, to which declaration and the evidence therewith filed, she now refers for proof of her said marriage, and of her said husband's death, and her claim to Bounty Land under the Act of Congress of March 3d, 1855, and she makes this declaration for that purpose. She further declares that she has never made any application for Bounty Land before the present.
Esther Taber
+ her mark

We William I. Brown and George Waterman residents of Providence in the State of Rhode Island upon our oath, declare that the foregoing Declaration was signed and acknowledged by Esther Taber in our presence and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the creditable person she represents herself to be.
William N. Brown
George Waterman
Page 19

The foregoing declaration and affidavits were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Henry L. Bowen Justice Peace

THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
PROVIDENCE, SC.
CLERK'S OFFICE, COURT OF COMMON PLEAS,
PROVIDENCE, March 26 A. D., 1855

I, Amasa L. Westcott Clerk of the COURT OF COMMON PLEAS of said State, within and for the County of Providence:
DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Henry L. Bowen is and was on the 16 day of March aforesaid a Justice of the Peace for the city of Providence in said County duly appointed and qualified, and authorized to administer oaths and take depositions and the acknowledgement of deeds and other instruments, and that the signature to the annexed Certificate, purporting to be his, is genuine.

IN ATTESTATION WHEREOF, I hereto subscribe my name, and affix the Seal of said Court, the day and year above written.
Amasi L. Westcott Clerk.
Page 20

June 12, 1933
BA-K/EEL
Henry Tabor-W.1331

The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.1331, based on the military service of Henry Tabor or Taber (he was pensioned Tabor), a man of color, in that war.

Henry Tabor was born in Africa and brought to this county as a slave and at the time of the Revolutionary War was the property of Judge Constant Taber, of Newport, Rhode Island. He received his freedom on account of his services in the Revolution.

He enlisted, place not stated, sometime in 1777, served as a private in Captain Dexter's Company, Colonels Greene and Olney's Rhode Island Regiment and was discharged in June, 1783.

He was allowed a pension on his application executed April 7, 1818, while residing in Providence, Rhode Island. In 1822 he was aged seventy-one years.

He died June 18, 1822, in Providence, Rhode Island.

The soldier was married October 2, 1814, at Providence, Rhode Island, Esther Waterman, a woman of color.

Soldier's widow, Esther, was allowed pension on her application executed February 15, 1853, while residing in Providence, Rhode Island. She was born between 1781 and 1790, exact date not given.

AB [initials handwritten in margin]
She died June 29, 1856.

In 1822, the soldier referred to three children: two daughters, aged seven and four years and a son "not yet two years old", but did not give their names.

In 1853, one George Waterman was aged fifty-three years and resided in Providence, Rhode Island; no relationship to the widow Esther was shown.

This history to be furnished if ever called for. It was written just to have a record of negroes.
Page 21

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5-41

Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

NAME Tabor, Henry GRADE Private LINE Rhode Island

WARRANT NUMBER 3538 and 27-60-55 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Nov. 4, 1794 to - not shown -

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.
Page 22

To all People to whom these Presents shall come, I Henry Taber of providence in the County of providence a free Man of Colour

SEND GREETING, Know Ye, that I the said Henry for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and fifty Dollars to me in hand, before the ensealling hereof, well and truly paid by Thomas Doring of said providence the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, and am therewith fully satisfied, contented and paid; and thereof and of every part and parcel thereof, do exonerate, acquit and discharge him the said Thomas his Heirs, Executors and Administrators, forever by these Presents: HAVE given, granted, bargained, sold, aliened, enfeoffed, conveyed and confirmed; and by these Presents do freely, fully and absolutely, give, grant, bargain, sell, alien, enfeoffe, convey, and confirm, unto him the said Thomas his Heirs and Assigns, forever. of certain Sale of Land situate in said providence in the Easterly part of the Town in Benevolent Street wherein it bounds Northerly about Eighty feet and holding that Width extends back to the Land which belonged to the late Wait Smith, now deceased being the same wherein I now live & all the Land I purchased of [illegible] Belief and the Benevolent Congregational Society by Deeds bearing Date the 29th Day of June 1795; and Sept 26th 1811 in Reference being had therein for a more particular [illegible] of said premises & be the same more or less than above described.

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said granted and [illegible] Appurtenances, Privileges, [illegible] Commodities to the same belonging, or in any wise appertaining, to him the said Thomas his Heirs and Assigns, forever to him and their only proper use, benefit and behoof, forever. And I the said Henry for myself any Heirs, Executors and Administrators, do Covenant, Promise and Grant, to and with the said Thomas his ----- Heirs and Assigns, that at and before the ensealing hereof I am the true, sole, and lawful Owner of the above-bargained Premises, and am lawfully seized and possessed of the same in my own proper Right, as a good perfect and absolute Estate of Inheritance, in Fee-simple: And have in myself good Right, full Power and lawful Authority, to grant, bargain, sell, convey, confirm, the said bargained Premises, in manner as aforesaid. And that the said Thomas his ----- Heirs and Assigns, shall and may from time to time, and at all times forever hereafter, by force and virtue of these Presents, lawfully, peacefully and quietly Have, Hold, Use, Occupy, Possess and Enjoy, the said demised and bargained Premises, with the Appurtenances free and clear, and freely and clearly acquitted, exonerated and discharged, of and from all and all manner of former or other Gifts, Grants, Bargains, Sales, Leases, Mortgages, Wills, Entails, Jointures, Dowries, Judgements, Executions and Incumbrances, or what name or nature soever, that might in any measure or degree obstruct or make void this present Deed.

FURTHERMORE, I the said Henry for myself my Heirs, Executors and Administrators, do Covenant and Engage the above demised Premises to him the said Thomas ------ his Heirs and Assigns, against
Page 23

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said granted and [illegible] Appurtenances, Privileges, [illegible] Commodities to the same belonging, or in any wise appertaining, to him the said Thomas his Heirs and Assigns, forever to him and their only proper use, benefit and behoof, forever. And I the said Henry for myself any Heirs, Executors and Administrators, do Covenant, Promise and Grant, to and with the said Thomas his ----- Heirs and Assigns, that at and before the ensealing hereof I am the true, sole, and lawful Owner of the above-bargained Premises, and am lawfully seized and possessed of the same in my own proper Right, as a good perfect and absolute Estate of Inheritance, in Fee-simple: And have in myself good Right, full Power and lawful Authority, to grant, bargain, sell, convey, confirm, the said bargained Premises, in manner as aforesaid. And that the said Thomas his ----- Heirs and Assigns, shall and may from time to time, and at all times forever hereafter, by force and virtue of these Presents, lawfully, peacefully and quietly Have, Hold, Use, Occupy, Possess and Enjoy, the said demised and bargained Premises, with the Appurtenances free and clear, and freely and clearly acquitted, exonerated and discharged, of and from all and all manner of former or other Gifts, Grants, Bargains, Sales, Leases, Mortgages, Wills, Entails, Jointures, Dowries, Judgements, Executions and Incumbrances, or what name or nature soever, that might in any measure or degree obstruct or make void this present Deed.

FURTHERMORE, I the said Henry for myself my Heirs, Executors and Administrators, do Covenant and Engage the above demised Premises to him the said Thomas ------ his Heirs and Assigns, against the lawful Claims or Demands of any Person or Persons whatsoever, forever to Warrant, Secure and Defend, by these Presents.

In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & Seal this third Day of June in the year Eighteen hundred & twenty two.  provided however and the above Deed is upon this Condition, that if I said Henry my Heirs or assigns shall pay or cause to be paid, unto the said Thomas his Heirs or Assigns, the full and just Sum of one hundred and fifty Dollars within one Year from this Date, then then this Deed is to be void, otherwise to remain in full Term and Virtue.

Henry Tabor
+ his mark

Signed sealed & delivered in the presence of us [flourish bracket]
Asa C. Goldsbury
J. B. Dorrance

State of Rhode Island &c providence Sc In providence this fourth Day of June AD 1822, personally appeared Henry Taber Subscriber to the within [illegible] & acknowledged the Same to be his free act and Deed Hand & Seal
Before me
J B Dorrance Justice Peace
Page 24

I certify that the within is a true copy from the original Deed lodged in the Town Clerk's Office for record

Providence July 16, 1822

Witness Nathan W. Jackson
Town Clerk
Page 25

[stamp]
PROVIDENCE R.I.
JUN 27

["FREE" crossed out]
25

James L. Edwards, Esq
Superintendent of the pension office
Washington

[vertical]
Copy of this letter sent to George Tillinghast 8 Nov: 1823.

Henry Taber
Page 26

[background page]
Providence June 2[illegible] 1823.

[foreground page overlaid on background page]
Newport June 22d, 1821
This is to Certify all whom it may Concern that I let Harry Taber a black man formerly belonging to me who listed in Col'l. Greens Regiment in our Revolutionary War when building his house in providence more than Thirty Dollars & that he owes me now I believe more then that amount but Cannot say as I never kept an account with him - Constant Taber

[background page]
land was mortgaged for more then half of its real value

In addition to which it took into consideration the enclosed certificate of Judge Tabor of Newport formerly the master and owner of Henry, which was fair lien upon the property having formed a part of the original consideration & constituting the means by which it was acquired - By the laws for the abolition of Slavery in R. I., all children of Slaves born after the year 1784 cannot be holden in bondage but although Henry attained his personal freedom by enlisting for & serving during the war, yet his owner had by law a [cost?] of lien upon his property for the maintenance of children born after that time. The law provides that all children of Slaves born
Page 27

Providence June 23d 1823.

In answer to your letter of the 19th inst requesting an explanation with regard to the valuation of Henry Tabors property by the Court I have to say that I recollect [presently?] [illegible], it was the opinion of the Court that the land was mortgaged for more then half of its real value

In addition to which it took into consideration the enclosed certificate of Judge Tabor of Newport formerly the master and owner of Henry, which was fair lien upon the property having formed a part of the original consideration & constituting the means by which it was acquired - By the laws for the abolition of Slavery in R. I., all children of Slaves born after the year 1784 cannot be holden in bondage but although Henry attained his personal freedom by enlisting for & serving during the war, yet his owner had by law a [cost?] of lien upon his property for the maintenance of children born after that time. The law provides that all children of Slaves born
Page 28

after March 1784 shall be supported by the owner untill they arrive at the age of 21 = During the Revolutionary war, this was a Slave holding State and on account of its being the seat of the war for several years the the Gen: assembly found it necessary to do something to secure the fidelity of the Slaves to the Country

They therefore passed a law giving personal freedom to all who should enlist for 3 years or during the war in the continental army & have the "Black regiment" so called, commanded by Col Greene, which often [signatured?] itself during the revolutionary contest - hoping that this explanation will [illegible] satisfactory

I remain very respectfully your obt servt
Benja Cowell
Page 29

From
Benja Cowell
Ansd May 28th 1823,

[stamp]
PROVIDENCE R.I.
MAY
24

["FREE" crossed out]
25

James L Edwards, Esquire
Superintendent of the pension office
ansd May 18, 1823. Washington

Copy of this letter sent to George Tillinghast, 8 Nov: 1823-
Page 30

Providence May 23 1823

Sir

Permit me, respectfully, once more to call your attention to Henry Tabors case whose name was stricken off from the pension list on account of his property, under the act of May 1, 1820

I presume the following facts ought to have some weight -

Tabor was 70 years old at the time he filed his schedule - he served nearly 8 years in the War & the only valuable compensation he ever recd was the pension under the act of 18 March 1818, which he recd up to the 4th March 1820 = his property under the act of May 1, 1820 was valued by the Court, at only $140

It consisted of an old house situated in a swamp in the outskirts of this Town & manely [mainly] served as shelter from the storms - He was originally, when a boy, imported from Africa as a slave, but his master gave him permission to enter the army & thereby his freedom - and in addition to all this I can add, that to my certain knowledge members have obtained a continuance of their pensions under last mentioned act, whose property was valued at more than his & whose services were not as long in the army, or so meritorious - I therefore think
Page 31

that Justice requires his case should be reconsidered and his name restored. - John A Johnsons case was reconsidered and his name restored whose property was valued at the same as Tabors but whose services were not so long by more than 4 years - and I could mention a number of others, in this State, among them are Thomas Matibal, Samuel Eldred, Reuben Chillsen, Job Shawmen, John Elliott, William Peck, and Thomas H Condy - all them exceeded in valuable Tabors - and a man, by the name of Pearce, an officer, whose property exceeded two hundred dollars was restored, after his name was stricken off - Upon comparison with any of these, Tabors case stands upon equal, if not superior grounds - he served through the whole war had an honorable discharge signed by Gen: Washington himself with the [illegible] honor as will appear, if I mistake not, form his discharge in the pension office - upon these facts I resubmit his case to your consideration not doubting the administration of impartial Justice

I remain respectfully your obt sert
Benja Cowell

NB. Henry Tabors certificate is no. 8162

JL Edwards Esq
Page 32

[stamp]
PROVIDENCE R.I.
JUN
6

["FREE" crossed out]
25

James. L. Edwards, Esquire
Superintendent of the pension office
Washington

Copy of this letter sent to George Tillinghast, 8 Nov: 1823-
Page 33

Providence June 5 1823

Sir

In answer to your letter of the 28 ult. wherein you you observe that "if Henry Tabor will make a new declaration under the act of March 1, 1823, his case will be reconsidered and perhaps his name restored," - I have to observe that no changes have taken place in the property mentioned in his schedule. It is the same now as when made of course if he was not entitled to his pension under the act of May 1, 1820 he is not entitled to it under the act of March 1, 1823

I refer you to the documents in the pension office as the best argument in his favor & hope his case as others have been will be reconsidered.

I am respectfully your obt sert
Benja Cowell

J. L. Edwards Esq
Page 34

The Honble
John C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
Washington

[stamp]
FREE

[stamp]
PROVIDENCE R. I. 
OCT 18
Page 35

Providence (R.I.) Octr. 14th 1828.

Sir
Influenced by a Sense of public Duty, I have recently undertaken to ferret out & explore a Transaction (prima facie of a very suspicious, not to say a fraudulent Character) which has been practised against the U.S. in Relation to a certain Pension Concern.

An Individual residing here, in the Charge of a public Trust, being in a negroe implicated in the affairs, it is considered of the most Importance, as you will readily concede that it should received a rigid & a thorough Investigation.

For this purpose I am under the necessity of requesting from your Department a copy of the proceedings which have been had (before a special District Court as I am led to believe) in the Case of Henry Taber a coloured Man who served in the Rhode Island Line in the revolutionary War. Taber was originally on the pension Roll, & was afterward suspended but renewed his application
Page 36

if my memory serves one correctly, sometime in the Year 1821. - and it is to this last Application that my Enquiry relates.

Presuming that a Schedule of his property was [illegible] to the War office, a Copy of that, considered with the other proceedings in the Case will be material.

AS this Investigation may eventually subserve the public Interest, as well as that of the pensioners themselves, you will permit me to solicit all convenient Dispatch at your office, and making me acquainted with the proceedings in Question - say in all this month, if compatible with the Routine of official Duties.

With Consideration of perfect Respect
I Have the Honor to be, Sir
Yr Obedt Servant
George Tillinghast

P.S.
Persuant now to [illegible] a Request that this Communication for obvious Reasons may be considered for the present as of a confidential matter. GT.
Page 37

From
George Tillinghast,
Providence, R. I.

Dated 3rd Novr. 1823.
Ansd - 8th Novr. 1823
Page 38

J L Edwards Esquire
Pension Office
Washington

Providence RI / Novr. 3d: 1823.

Sir
I have the Honor to acknowledge the benefit of your Favor of the 23d ult. together with the accompanying Documents. Its Reference is had in that Letter, to an application made within a few months, to reinstate Henry Taber on the pension Roll I take the liberty to request a Copy of Mr Cowells Letter containing such application.

I beg Leave also to request, that I may be favoured with this additional Document, if compatible with the Routine of your official Duties, prior to the next Year of the [illegible] Circuit Court to be holden here on the 15th Judant.

I am Sir very respectfully yr obed Servt
George Tillinghast
Page 39

[stamp]
PROVIDENCE R. I.
NOV 5

FREE

J C Calhoun Esquire
Secretary of War
Washington

rec'd. & ans'd. Nov. 11. 1823.
Page 40

Office Bank UStates
Providence 4 Mar 1823

Sir
I was yesterday informed that the attorney of Henry Taber late a pensioner on the roll of this ["of this" crossed out] agency had recently applied to the war office to have his name restored to the roll

I was very much surprised at the information as Taber has been dead sixteen months of which fact his attorney must have been apprised. I feel it my duty to make this communication to you and am very Respectfully your Obdt Servant
Seth Wheaton
Best

J. C. Calhoun Esqr
Secry of War
War Pension
Page 41

Esther Tabor
Wid of Henry Tabor
$80.00

Died 18 June 1822
Page 42

Brief in the case of Esther Tabor Wid of Henry Tabor of Providence County and State of Rhode Island under the act of 3rd Feby 1853

Claim, ("original," or "for increase.") [blank]
Proof exhibited, (if original.) [blank]

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.

Henry Tabor was a musician in the Revl War under the Act 18 March 1818, at 96$ per annum, who died 18th June 1822 ~

Esther Tabor his widow on the 15th Feby 1853 made application to be placed on the Pension List Roll of the United States in the Municiple Court of the City of Providence from the Evidence on file it appears that the Henry & Esther were lawfully married (proof by certificate), that he died as aforesaid, that She is the Widow of the identical Henry Tabor who was a Revl Pensioner, and that She has continued to remain his Widow;- Her name is now inscribed on the Pension Roll of the United States, at Eighty Dollars per annum commencing on the 3rd February 1853

August 1st 1853

[overwritten] (If for increase.) Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

Name and residence of Agent
Benjamin Cowell Esqr
Providence
Rhode Island

Daniel McCook
Examining Clerk.
Page 43

Nar Good 15 July 1853
Municiple Court of the City of Providence Rhode Island

Married 2d. Oct. 1814. Nar
Marriage Certificate on file - 
Identity proven.

Died 18 June 1822 Nar-
Widowhood proven up to filing -
Pensioner died 20 years ago.
Continued widowhood -
Page 44

April 14. 1853
No. 1647

Appl. of Esther Tabor widow of Henry -
Rhode. Island
SJ9

Act 3d Febry: 1853

Revy:
Accd 1 August 1853 at 80$ per annum from 3 Feby 1853
D. McCook
Ex. Clerk

Benj: Cowell
Providence
R.Island

Nar Good
Evidence full

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR;
Pension Office, Official Business
Page 45

1.129
Rhode Island
Esther Tabor widow of Henry who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the ["4th day of March, 1848." crossed out] 15 February 1853

Certificate of Pension issued the 1st day of Augt. 1853 and sent to Benj Cowell
Providence
R.I.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act ["July 29, 1848" crossed out] 3 Feb 1853, Page 55 Vol. A
Page 46

[stamp]
PROVIDENCE R.I.
AUG 29

FREE

Hon J. Minot
Commisr of Pensions
Washington DC

[vertical handwriting]
Esther Tabor
wid
Henry
Reg 3d M 55 - No 22656
Act 3d Feby 53 - no. 1129
Boynton
Page 47

[illegible] 153 R.I.
[illegible]
Page 48

See letters to B. Cowell, June 19. 1823, and July 1. 1823 _ to G. Tillinghast, 23d. Oct. 1823 & Nov. 8. 1823, and to S. Wheaton, Nov. 11. 1823. it is said that application was made to get Tabor's name restored to the Roll, though the applicant knew that T. was dead.
Dec. 1823
Page 49

Pension Office
29 July 53

This case is respectfully refered to 3 Auditor for date of payment and death of Pensions
Very Respectfully
J. Cole
Chief Clerk

D McC (see other side.)
Page 50

Henry Tabor act 1818.
Paid to 4th March 1820, then dropped from the Roll.
F. Rink
Auditor.
Page 51

Providence Aug 28 1855

Sir
I had the honor on 27 of March last to transmit to your predecessor the claim of Esther Tabor widow of Henry Tabor, deceased, for Bounty land, under the act of March 3 1855

The receipt of this claim was afterwards acknowledged, & since which I have not heard from it, altho [although] I have recied [received] land warrants on claims transmitted since that was, Henry Tabor belonged to Col. Greenes & Col Olneys Regiments of U.S. Continental Troops, in the War of the Revolution, records of which will be found in your Department. The widow has this day requested me to write you about it & if there is no objection that it might be granted -

I am Respectfully your obt Sert
Benja Cowell

Hon J Minot
Page 52

27

60 acres
Page 53

[left side]
1914 Apr. 13 Hist. to Gertrude Tabin. Letter in S.F. 21,52[illegible]
Ichabod Tabor.

Rev. WIDOW, &c.
File No. 1337
Esther Tabor
Widow.
Henry Tabor.
Priv. Rev. War.

Act: Feb. 3. 1853.
Index:- Vol. M., Page 262

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 54

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.

3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., [blank], 19[blank]

W. 71331

In reply to your request of [blank], received [blank] for a statement of the military history of Henry Tabor* a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

*a free colored man

[Column 1] DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
1777

[Column 2] LENGTH OF SERVICE.
5 yrs, 4 mos

[Columns 3 and 4] OFFICERS UNDER HOME SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN. COLONEL.
Dexter Jeremiah Olney
Greene

[Column 5] STATE.
R.I.

Battles engaged in, [blank]

Residence of soldier at enlistment, [check mark]

Date of application for pension, April 7 1818 His [illegible]

Residence at date of application, Providence, R.I.

Age at date of application, 70 years He died June 18, 1822

Remarks: He mar. Oct. 2. 1814 Esther Waterman. She was allowed pension on an app. ent. Feby 15, 1853, while a res. of Providence R.I. aged 63 years. Two daughters and a son were referred to in 1822 no names are stated

Respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 55

BY HIS EXCELLENCY
GEORGE WASHINGTON, ESQ;
General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America.

THESE are to CERTIFY that the Bearer hereof Harry Tabor Soldier in the Rhode Island Regiment, having faithfully served the United States five years & four months and being inlisted for the War only, is hereby DISCHARGED from the American Army.

[Note in left margin]
This was found mutilated when opened
AW.
E.H.

BY HIS EXCELLENCY's Command,
I Termbull [illegible]

REGISTERED in the Books of the Regiment, Rhode Island
[illegible] Adjutant,

THE above Harry Tabor has been honored with the BADGE OF MERIT for three Years faithful Service.
Jereh. Phiny Lieut. Col. [illegible]
Rhode Island Regmt.
Page 56

Head-Quarters, June 15, 1783.

THE within CERTIFICATE shall not avail the Bearer as a Discharge, until the Ratification of the definitive Treaty of Peace; previous to which Time, and until Proclamation thereof shall be made, He is to be considered as being on Furlough.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.