Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 27690, Gideon Church, R.I.
Page 1

SERVICE
R.J.
 
Church, Gideon
Pierce, Hannah S.
or Pearce

NUMBER
W. 27690
B.L.WK. 114.125-160-55

CONTENTS
Former widow
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21.3-82
Rhode Island
Gideon Church 
of Newport in the State of R.I.
who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Smithard of the Rgt commanded by Col. Church in the R.I. line for 18 months
[stamp] THE ANTIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES
Inscribed on the roll of R. Island at the rate of 60 Dollars and 00 Center per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of Sept 1833 and sent C. E. Robbens Newport, R.I.

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 $150.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 34 $30.00
$180.00
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by D. D. Addison Clerk,
Book E Vol. 2 Page 105
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No. 332.350
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855
Received Dec. 13, 18 75

((written off to left side) 114.125 Aug. 23/76

Gideon Church Pri. (private)
former Widow - 
Hannah S. Pearce
Capt. Satilla
R.I. Line   Rev. War

see Pens. Cer. 7378
Little Compton, RI
J. 1/12/76
J. 10 July 29/76
[stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES

Admitted for 160 acres Aug. 23/76

F. R. Brownell
Little Compton, R.I.
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No. 7.5_____
& 4378
RHODE ISLAND

Hannah Church - now Pierce
formerly widow of Gideon Church

Rank - Private
Company - Capt. Satillo's 
Regiment - Rev War

Rate per month - $8.
Commencing 22nd June 1874
Ending -
Deduct from payments
Certificate dated 30th April 1878
and sent May 4, 1878
Payable at Boston Mass. Agency

Act 14th July 1862
Book -    Vol. -    Page -
K. Walker, Clerk
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Pension Claim
of Widow 
of 
Gideon Church
A Revolutionary Soldier
& Pensioner
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State of Rhode Island
Newport, S.C.

Stamp - The National Archives of the United States

On this 20th day of March A.D. 1875 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and state aforesaid, Hannah S. Pierce aged eighty two years, who being duly sworn according to law makes the following declaration in order to obtain the pension provided by the Act of Congress granting pensions to widows; that she was married to Gideon Church on or about the 12th day of June AD 1815 that said Gideon Church was a soldier in the "War of the Revolution" and that for his services in that war drew a pension from the United States up to the time of his death and that he received the payments thereof at the agency in the City of Providence in said state of Rhode Island, that said Church died in said Little Compton on the eleventh day of May AD 1847, that she is unable to find the Certificate or to tell the number thereof.  That after the death of said Church she was married to Nathaniel Pierce on the 21st day of September AD 1847 and that said Pierce died on the 24th day of March AD 1868 and that she has since remained a widow, that she in no manner engaged in or aided or ...
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...abetted the rebellion in the United States and that no prior application for a pension has been made, that she hereby appoints F.R. Brownell her attorney to judicate her claim and that her residence and that of her said attorney and post office address is Little Compton Newport County Rhode Island
Hannah Pearce

Also personally appeared Nathaniel Church and Miam S. Church both residents of said Little Compton whom I certify to be entitled to credit and who bring by me duly sworn say they were present and saw Hannah Pierce (see comment) the claimant sign her name to the above declaration, that they believe from her appearance and from their acquaintance with her for over forty years that she is the identical person she represents herself to be and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim, and that said Hannah S. Pierce is now a widow. 

Nathaniel Church
William S. Church
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Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written and I hereby certify that the contents of the aforegoing declaration and affidavit are fully made known to the applicant and witnesses before swearing and that I know the claimant to be the person she represents herself to be and that she is still a widow and that I have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. 
Henry M. Tompkins
Justice of the Peace

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Secretary of State's Office, Providence, March 30, 1875

I hereby certify that Henry M. Tompkins Esquires, before whom the annexed affidavit was made, and who has hereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace of the State of Rhode Island, in and for the town of Little Compton and as such, is by law authorized to take Depositions, and the acknowledgment of Deeds, and other instruments, and to administer all necessary Oaths; that he is duly commissioned, as appears of record, and sworn; and I furthermore believe that his signature is genuine. 
 
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the State aforesaid, the day and year above written. 

Joshua M. Addeman
Secretary of State
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State of Rhode Island
County of Newport

In Little Compton in said county in this 9th day of December A. D. 1875 before Mr. Henry M. Tompkins a justice of the peace within, and for said County personally appeared. Hannah S. Pierce widow of Gideon Church. I who bring by me duly sworn declare that she is the widow of Gideon Church who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, that said Church at the time of his death was a pensioner of the United States and that a pension was granted her of date October 7th 1875
Certificate No 7378 as the widow of said Church. She farther declares that she was Married to said Gideon Church June 12th 1815 that said Church died May 11th 1847, that she married Nathaniel Pierce Sept 21st 1847 and that said Pierce died March 24th 1868 evidence of which Marriages and deaths were produced with her application for
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pension to which, reference is hereby made, and that she has since remained a widow and is now of the age of eighty three years and too infirm to travel to Newport which is the County seat more than twenty five miles from here. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the County land to which she may be entitled under any Act of Congress, and hereby appoints F R Brownell of Little Compton her attorney to prosecute her claim and declares that she has never received or applied for bounty land and that her address is Little Compton Rhode Island
Hannah S Pearce
Signed and sworn to
In presence of
George W Church
Eliza T. Church.
Also personally appeared George W Church and Eliza T Church residents of said Little Compton persons whom I certify to be en-
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titled to credit and who being by me duly sworn say they were present and said Hannah S. Pierce the Claimant sign her name to the foregoing declaration and that from a long acquaintance with her they know her to be the person she represents herself to be in her declaration, and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this Claim, and that the Claimant is too infirm to travel to Newport.
George M. Church.
Eliza T. Church.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 9th day of December AD 1875 and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration were fully made known and explained to the applicant and witnesses before swearing and that I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim.
Henry M. Tompkins
Justice of the Peace

Certificate of Thomas W Wood Clerk of Supreme
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Court that H M Tompkins is a Justice of the Peace may be found with the evidence referred to.

Permission given by the Commissioner to Mrs Hannah S Pierce to make declaration before H M Tompkins, December 1st 1875.

[Following written vertically in center of original page]

Declaration
Hannah S Pierce (late Church)
for bounty land

Gideon Church

Y R Bennett
Atty

OSW  E

[Rubber stamp affixed vertically in center of original page]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
DEC 13 1875
PENSION OFFICE.
Page 13

This may certify that Mr. Gideon Church the son of Wm deceased and his wife Pamell, & Miss Hannah Gifford the Daughter of Wm and his wife Hannah deceased both of this Town were joined in Matrimony by me.
M. Shepard Clerk

L. Compton June 12th 1815

State of Rhode Island
Newport  Sc

Town Clerk's Office
Little Compton  Mar. 10. 1875

I certify that the above is a true Copy of the original marriage certificate whih was shown to me by Mrs. Hannah S. Pierce and I further certify that from its appearance and from a comparison of it with other writing of the said M. Shepard as appears on records of Marriages & Deaths for this Town I believe it to be genuine.
Attest
Henry M. Tompkins
Town Clerk
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22188

Gideon Church
NJ

Served 1 year and 6 months
Private
Capt Southard  Col Church

Amended agreeably to the
acquisition of the Commifsioner
by Declarant's Supplementary
declaration & by duly attaching
and authenticating the papers.

C. E. Robbins Esq.

Justice of Peace [3 words stricken through]

Newport RI
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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 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.  Those 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 complying with this request greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, showing the service of Gideon Church NJ
Period when the service was rendered. | Duration of the claimant's service. Years. Months. Days. | Rank of the claimant. | Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. | Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. | Battles in which the applicant was engaged. | Country through which he marched. | Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. | Evidence by which the declaration is supported.
1777 drafted | 6 months | Private | Captain Suthard as or Col | Col Church | | R. I. | [illegible] Little Compton R. I. and [illegible] now | The declaration is supported by two living witnesses and the certificate of two citizens
Aug’t | 1 month | “ | Cap Southard | | | Butts Hill | |
March 1781 | 1 month | “ | Cap Davis | | R. I. | |
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
half of 16 m
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2
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  alleged service, as they are known at the Department.  A very full account of the services of each person
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3
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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Gideon Church

22188
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[stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES
Declaration
State of Rhode Island &c
County of Newport, Town of Little Compton Sc.}
On this third day of October A.D. 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Probate of Little Compton in the County and State aforesaid, at an adjourned session thereof, Gideon Church, a resident of said Little Compton, aged seventy one years who being first duly sworn according to law,  doth on his oath, make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of an act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832.
1. That after the British had been in possession of the Island of Rhode Island nearly a year, viz. in November 1777, he was draughted as a private in Captain William Southard’s company of militia in Little Compton R.I. for the purpose of doing guard duty in protecting the shores of that town from the incursions of the enemy at the neighbouring Island. This declarant immediately entered upon duty in said company, and continued to serve as guardsman for a period of sixteen months. Declarant served steadily on this duty, while the British were in possession of Rhode Island not in his own turn only, but frequently as a substitute for others. Among these he can mention is father William Church.
2. The arrangement of guard duty as declarant recollects, was to the following effect, viz. that one half of the company should be upon duty for one month, and then be relieved by the other half the succeeding month and so on alternately so long as the necessity for a guard continued, the whole company in the mean time being liable at all times to duty and ready at a moments warning if the occasion required. At the time Declarant was on duty, said company of militia was commanded, first, by William Southard, and afterwards by Benjamin Coe. The regiment to which this company was attached was at that time commanded by Col. Nathaniel Church.
3. Declarant further states, upon oath as aforesaid, that he is informed and believes that the foregoing draught
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was made under the authority of the State of Rhode Island in pursuance of an act of the General Assembly passed December 1776, whereby all male persons liable by law to bear arms in said State were draughted into three [illegible], and placed under the orders of the Governor, or commander for the time being to be marched as soon as possible to such places, as said authorities should direct.
4. Declarant further states, that in the month of August   the enemy being expected at Rhode Island, he was draughted and served in Captain William Southards company of Little Compton Militia as a private - was ordered to Butts Hill at the northern extremity of said Island, and did duty there for the period of a month, when declarant was discharged.
5. That in the month of March 1781, when the French troops were at Newport, declarant was again
draughted as a private in the militia company of Little Compton then commanded by Captain John Davis was marched to Rhode Island and did duty there for a month, when declarant returned to Little Compton, and was discharged.
6. Declarant further states upon oath as aforesaid that he was born in the town of Little Compton, in the then Colony of Rhode Island, February 21st 1761; that a record of his birth is to be found in the Town Clerks office of said town, a certificate of which with the attestation of the present town Clerk is hereunto annexed; that he was living at the time of his first entering the service as aforesaid, November 1777, in said town of Little Compton; that he has lived there since the Revolutionary war and now lives there; that he is unable to fix with more precision than he has herein done, the day, month and year when he entered the service, or when he left the same; that he never received any written discharge from either of the said companies nor was it usual in the Revolution to grant such a discharge; that he
has no documentary evidence of the services he has sworn to, nor did he ever possess any: that as to the manner of his being called into service and the names of the officers under whom he served the
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are succinctly stated in the preceding part of this declaration; and that he claims to have served in the whole eighteen months actual duty
[stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES
7. Declarant further states, as aforesaid, that he refers to Timothy Shaw and Elias Brownell as persons to whom he is known in his present neighbourhood, who can testify to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution
8. 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.
Gideon Church
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court, the day and year above written.
Witness A. R. Brownell Probate Clerk
We Timothy Shaw, residing in Little Compton, in the County of Newport, and State of Rhode Island; and Elias Brownell residing in the same Little Compton, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Gideon Church, who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration; that we believe him to be seventy one years of age; and 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:- and that we believe him to be a person of veracity.
Timothy Shaw
Elias Brownell
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court, the day and year above written
Witness A.R. Brownell Probate Clerk
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And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a soldier of the Revolution and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that Elias Brownell, who has signed the preceding certificate is a resident of Little Compton; and that Timothy Shaw who has also signed the same, is also a resident of the same Little Compton, and are both credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
The testimony of the nearest clergyman having been requested, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of the applicant the Court think it proper to state that the Rev. Emerson Paine, having been recently settled in this place, and the only one who could be conveniently called upon, was not sufficiently acquainted with the applicant to be used as a witness.
I Alexander R. Brownell, Clerk of the Court of Probate of the Town of Little Compton, in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Gideon Church for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this third day of October A.D. 1832
A. R. Brownell Probate Clerk
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Town Clerks Office Little Compton October 3d 1832.
I hereby certify, that Gideon Church ye Son of William Church & Parnell his wife was born February [illegible] 21. 1761, as of record doth appear.
Witness A. R. Brownell Town Clerk
[stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES
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This Bureau can furnish the military record of only by such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services. Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
L. W. B.
W. 27690.
OWS
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
June 7th, 1899.
In response to your recent communication you are advised that Gideon Church made an application for pension on October 3rd, 1832, at which time he was 71 years of age and residing at Little Compton, R.I. and his pension was allowed for eighteen months' actual service as a private in the Rhode Island troops, Revolutionary war. He enlisted at Little Compton, Rhode Island, and served under Capt. Southard and Col. Nathaniel Church. His widow, Hannah, (Hannah Pierce), made application and received a pension for the service of her husband as above set forth.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner,
[stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES 
Mr. Clarence Stanhope,
Newport, Rhode Island.
c/o Sons of the Revolution.
Page 25

SONS OF THE REVOLUTION.
RHODE ISLAND SOCIETY.
Office of Registrar.
Newport, R.I. April 19. 1899.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Will you please give me the Revolutionary War service of Gideon Church, of Little Compton, R. I. who served in the Rhode Island Militia, and was placed on the U.S. Pension roll, Sept. 30, 1833, at 60 dollars per annum, pension to date from March 4, 1831. Thanking you in advance for the information, I remain,
Yours truly,
Clarence Stanhope
Registrar.
[stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES
[stamp] U. S. PENSION OFFICE. H APR 21 1899
Page 26

[left page]
Claim’t
White
[illegible] pton Newport
N.J.
[illegible]
Stanhope
R.I.
[middle page]
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 27.690
Hannah Church now Pierce
formerly widow of
Gideon Church
Act 7 June 1832, 22 June 1844
& subsequent acts
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 230
[Arrangement of 1870.]
[stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES	
[right page]
April 16/78 Letter to for Cert
Cir to Pens Agent
[underline]
Sept 24, 1810 [illegible]
to George W Church Little Comp
R.I.
[underline]
July 28 P.A. one to pay George W Church
$135.00 on a reimbursement claim
sent P.A. appl 2 neighbors & 4 bills
June 7’99
Clarence
Newport
Page 27

[left page]
April 10/70 Letter [illegible]
New Dear White
[underline]
April 20/77 above letter repeated
White
[right page]
No.
7.378
ACT OF JULY 14, 1862.
Hannah Pierce
former widow of
Gideon Church
Private Rev. War
R. I. Line.
Discharged _____, 186  .
Died in 1847
[stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES
Received April 2, 1875
F R Brownell
Little Compton
R.I.
Attorney.
Page 28

Rev War
4  No. 7.378
Rhode Island
Hannah Church
now Pierce formerly
Widow of
Gideon Church
Rank Pvt
Company Capt Satilla
Regiment Rev War
Rate per Year $60. -
Commencing 22 June 1874
Ending
Certificate dated 7" Oct 1875
and sent 11 “ 18”
Payable at Providence Agency
T.R. Brownell Attorney
Fee $10.
Acts of June 7 1832. June 22 18[illegible]
Act 14th July, 1862. and subsequent acts
Book A. Vol. ___ Page 50
Childs
Page 29

as the right accrued June 22 1874 I suppose
the date of last husbands death is the date
of commencement
[stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES
Page 30

PENSION BUREAU.
Mr. Seaton
This is the case about which we had conversation this morning.
F. Moore
[illegible] 3/75
[stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES
Page 31

WIDOWS' DIVISION.
Claim No. Rev. War
Soldier Gideon Church
Returned, June 3. 1875,
To ____, Ex’r.
Errors, ____
_______, Reviewer
[stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES
Mr Moore,
Brief shows Character of the claim. Is the Claimant entitled to pension. If so, what rate; from what date; and by reason S
Manfield
Page 32

WIDOWS' DIVISION.
Claim No. _______
Soldier _______
Returned, ______, 187 ‘
To ____________, Ex’r.
Errors,_________
___________, Reviewer.
Mr Moore
In case of the late wid of Gideon Church. Mr Seaton decides that pension may commence Mch 25, 1868, date when the last became a widow – Will the same action hold good in the accompanying case
Page 33

of the late widow of Wm L. Moore whose last husband died Oct 31. 1848
When does he consider right accrued. If 22 June 1874 Should not widow in last mentioned claim make new application
Manifield
Page 34

FOR ATTORNEY'S DESK.
Claim No. Rev. War
Attorney F. R. Brownell
Town, Little Compton
County, Providence
State, R. I.
Lewis C. White
Examiner.
Room No. 40
April 10, 1875.
REMARKS.
Not on B
[stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES
Page 35

PENSION BUREAU.
Hannah
former Wid of
Gideon Pierce Church}
[stamp] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES
Mr. Moore
The decision of Sec’y in the case of former wid of Drury Horn
sent you Jan 8 7.8 governs in this case.
I think probably under that decision she can only [illegible] pension at $60 per annum though $8 can only be denied under [illegible] claim of 4712. On the theory that she is not de
Page 36

PENSION BUREAU.
scribed in that clause not being "The widow of a revolutionary soldier”
[illegible initials]
to commence from second widowhood
[illegible initials]
Page 37

Major:

Please procure for us a decision on the point indicated by the reviewer. 

Respc'y (Respectfully), 

J. (or possibly F.) Moore
July 23/75 (1875)
Page 38

Revolutionary War case

A.L. Merrifield Esq.
Room 43

(over)
Page 39

(handwritten along top of page)

As I am somewhat in doubt about the rate and commencement in these old cases, when you (are) ready to examine them I will come up and bring May and M?     L - Cyx

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Pension Office
__________________187-

Sir: 
You are respectfully requested to furnish this Office with a descriptive list and history of the service of __________________
Page 40

Set (to) go to reviewers
F. M. 

Sept. 10/75 (1875)

O.K.
Page 41

PENSION BUREAU

Hold for decision in Gideon Church case as to (unintelligible) now before Chf. Clerk Minfrid

Aug  6.75 (August 6, 1875)
Page 42

State of Rhode Island &c
Newport  sc

In Little Compton in said county this 30th day of March A.D. 1878 before me F.R. Brownell a Justice of the Peace within and for said County of Newport personally appeared Hannah S. Pierce of said Little Compton who bring(s) by je duly sown says "that her name is Hannah S. Pierce that she is the widow of Gideon Church a soldier in the "Revolution", that as his widow she receives a pension of five dollars a month from the government of the United State(s), that her pension certificate is No. 7378 and bears date Oct. 7th 1875 that she is 85 years of age and that by reason of infirmity of age she is unable to travel to Newport a distance of twenty five miles, the nearest place where there is an officer of a Court of Record, that her claim for county land was signed and sworn to before a Justice of the Peace by permission of the Com. of Pensions, that her Post Office address is Little Compton Newport County, RI that she makes this affidavit for the purpose of receiving an increase of pension to eight dollars a month...
Page 43

...according to the provisions of an Act of Congress passed March 8th 1878
Hannah S. Pierce

George W. Church     Witnesses
Eliza T. Church

Also, at the same time personally appeared George W. Church and Eliza T. Church of said Little Compton who bring by me duly sworn say they saw Hannah S. Pierce sign her name to the above application, that they know her to be the person she represents herself to be and that they have no interest in this claim. 

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30th day of March A.D. 1875 and I certify that the above declaration was fully made known and explained to the applicant and witnesses before signing that the witnesses are entitled to credit, that the applicant - Mrs. Hannah S. Pierce is by infirmity of years unable to leave the house and that I have no interest in this claim. 

F.R. Brownell
Justice of the Peace
Page 44

Stamp to left:
Pension Office Division 1812
Apr. 14, 1875


Stamp top middle:
(partially degraded)
Department of the Interior


Stamp directly middle:
Department of the Interior
Pension Office
Apr. 2, 1875

1/181

Stamp bottom right:
Pension Division 1812
Apr. (day not readable) 1875
Page 45

State of Rhode Island sc
Newport, SC

Town Clerk's Office
Little Compton
Mar. 10. 1875

"Gideon Church died May 11th 1847"

I certify that the above is a true copy as appears of Record in the Records of Deaths Book No. 4, page 534 and that I am the custodian of such records by virtue of my Office as Town Clerk. 
Attest
Henry M. Tompkins, Town Clerk


State of Rhode Island
Newport Sc

Town Clerk's Office
Little Compton March 10th, 1875

This certifies that I have this day united in marriage Mr. Nathaniel Pierce of Cazenovia, N.J. and Mrs. Hannah Church of Little Compton R.I. 
Sam'l. (Samuel) Beane Pastor of the Church in Little Compton Sept. 21. 1847

I hereby certify that the above is a true copy as appeared of record in the Records of Marriage Book No. 4 Page 440 and that I am the custodian of such record by the virtue of my office as Town Clerk. 
Attest,
Henry M. Tompkins 
Town Clerk
Page 46

State of Rhode Island
Newport sc

     On this 22nd day of March A.D. 1875 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid. 
      Edwin Pierce of Coventry, Kent County, State of Rhode Island who being by me duly sworn according to law deposes and says that he is the son of Nathan Pierce and that said Pierce on the 21st day of September A.D. 1847 married Mrs. Hannah S. Church widow of Gideon Church deceased and that said Nathaniel Pierce died on the 24th day of March A.D. 1848 and that said Hannah S. has ever since remained a widow, and that he has no pecuniary interest in the prosecution of the claim. 
Edwin Pierce

Subscribed and sworn to before me on the date afore written and I certify that the applicant is a person entitled to credit. 
Henry M. Tompkins
Justice of the Peace
Page 47

Stamp:

Department of the Interior
Pension Office
Apr 2, 1875
Page 48

This may certify that Mr. Gideon Church the son of Wm. deceased and his wife Parnell & Miss Hannah Gifford the daughter of Wm. and his wife Hannah deceased both of this town were joined in Matrimony by me.

M. Shepard Clerk
L. (Little) Compton June 12th, 1815


State of Rhode Island
Newport sc
Town Clerk's Office
Little Compton Mar. 10. 1875

I certify that the above is a true copy of the original marriage certificate which was shown to me by Mrs. Hannah S. Pierce, and I further certify that from its appearance and from a comparison of it with other writing of the said M. Shepard as appears on record of Marriages & Deaths for this town, I believe it to be genuine. 

Attest, 
Henry M. Tompkins
Town Clerk
Page 49

State of Rhode Island &c
Newport sc

Town Clerk's Office
Little Compton March 10. 1875

"Gideon Church died May 11th 1847"

I certify that the above is a true copy as appears of Record in the Records of Deaths Book No. 4, page 534 and that I am the custodian of such records by virtue of my office as Town Clerk. 

Attest
Henry M. Tompkins
Town Clerk
Page 50

State of Rhode Island
Newport sc

On this the 22nd day of March A.D. 1875 before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State of aforesaid personally appeared Edwin Pierce of Coventry, Kent County, State of Rhode Island who bring by me duly sworn depose and says that he is the son of Nathaniel Pierce and that after his mother's death his father married Mrs. Hannah S. Church, widow of Gideon Church on the 21st day of September A.D. 1847 and that said Nathaniel Pierce died on the 24th day of March A.D. 1868 and that said Hannah S. has since remained a widow and that he has no pecuniary interest in this claim. 

Edwin Pierce

Subscribed and sworn to before me the year and date above written and I certify that the applicant is a person entitled to credit. 

Henry M. Tompkins
Justice of the Peace
Page 51

State of Rhode Island
Newport sc

Town Clerk's Office
Little Compton March 10, 1875

This certifies that I have this day united in marriage Mr. Nathaniel Pierce of Cazenovia N.Y.  and Mrs. Hannah Church of Little Compton, R.I. 
Sam'l (Samuel) Beane  
Pastor of the Church in Little Compton
Sept. 21. 1847

I hereby certify that the above is a true copy as appears of record in the Records of Marriages Book NO. 4 Page 440 and that I am the custodian of such records by virtue of my office as Town Clerk. 
Attest
Henry M. Tompkins
Town Clerk
Page 52

Isaac Simmons, of Little Compton in the State of Rhode Island of lawful age, upon solemn oath deposes and says, that he is well acquainted with Gideon Church, who has this day subscribed and sworn to his Declaration in open court in order to obtain the benefit of an Act of Congress passed June 7th, 1832, that he is knowing to the fact that said Church was employed  on guard duty at the time the British were in possession of Rhode Island - that is to say while the said Church was in the company commanded by Benjamin Coe.  Deponent served as guard with said Church and was stationed with him at the Deacon William Taylor house - but for what length of time said Church continued on guard in the whole he is unable to state.   This deponent can testify also to the truth of that part of said Church's declaration in this he mentions one month's service under John Davis on the Island of Rhode Island in the year 1781.    This deponent was a fellow soldier with said Church at the time last mentioned and for the term of nearly one month was on duty with (him) at Cornell where the company was stationed. To the best of his recollection. 
Isaac Simmons
Newport sc

State of Rhode Island
Court of Probate. Town of Little Compton
October 3rd, 1832

Then personally appeared Isaac Simmons in open court, subscriber to the foregoing deposition, (who having first heard (and) read the Declaration of Gideon Church to this Court made, in order to obtain the benefit of an Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832) made solemn oath to each and every part of said deposition by him subscribed. And the Court further certifies that said Isaac Simmons is a person of good reputation and standing and that his statements are entitled to full faith & credit. 
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said Court. 
A.R. Brownell
Probate Clerk
Page 53

Joseph Church of Little Compton, in the State of Rhode Island, of lawful age, upon solemn oath, deposes and says that he is well acquainted with Gideon Church, who has this day in open court subscribed and sworn to his Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of an Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832 that he is knowing to the fact that said Gideon Church did guard duty in Little Compton at the time mentioned in his Declaration - while the British were in possession of Rhode Island.  The deponent served with said Gideon in the company of militia which was detailed for guard and which a part of the time was commanded by Benjamin Coe.  Deponent stood guard with said Church at the Deacon Wm. Taylor's house and fully believes that said Gideon served for the term of fifteen months, while deponent was with him. How much more he is unable to state. 
     Deponent is knowing also to the months service in August mentioned by said Gideon, in Capt. William Southard's company at Butt's Hill.   Deponent was a private in the same company and served for the same period of time. He served also with said declarant in John Davis's company of militia, when they were stationed at Cornell's on the west road of Rhode Island in 1781 - and can testify to the truth of the statement thereof in the aforesaid declaration. 
Joseph Church


State of Rhode Island &c
Newport sc
Court of Probate, Town of Little Compton
October 3rd, 1832

Then personally appeared Joseph Church, subscriber to the foregoing deposition who having first read the declaration of Gideon Church to this Court made in order to obtain the benefit of an Act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832, made solemn oath to the truth of each and every part of said deposition by him the said Joseph subscribed.   And the Court further certify that the said Joseph Church is a person of good reputation and standing and that his statements are entitled to full faith & credit.
Page 54

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said court. 

Ar. R. Brownell
Probate Clerk
Page 55

Supplementary Declaration

State of Rhode Island &c
County of Newport
Town of Little Compton sc

On this twelfth day of August A.D. 1833, personally appeared in open court, before the Court of Probate of said Little Compton, in the county and State aforesaid, at a regular session thereof, Gideon Church, a resident of Little Compton, being the same Gideon, who made his declarations to this court on the third day of October A.D. 1832 (in order to obtain the benefit  of an Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832) and having been duly sworn, doth on his oath make the following supplementary declaration and affidavit to be annexed to his original declaration and duly authenticated. 
     1. That as to the service set forth in the final paragraph of declarant's original declaration, of guard duty in Little Compton - he now, on oath, further answers that he was  draughted (not drafted, see comment) and entered on duty as a private in the company commanded by Captain William Southard of the Little Compton militia, on the fifteenth day of November 1777 for the purpose of doing guard duty within the town of Little Compton and protecting the homes of that district from the incursions of the enemy;   What he continued to serve in said company and to act as guard, in various stations of that town from said fifteenth day of November to the fifteenth day of September 1779 every other month, in his own town, making eleven months actual duty in his own town in a period of one year and ten months.  But declarant, in addition to the foregoing service in his own town answers on oath (as he has heretofore stated in his original declaration).  That he served in the intervening months of said period between the 15th day of November 1777 and the fifteenth day of September 1779, five months actual duty as a substitute for his father William Church, now deceased, and for other persons whose names he cannot now recollect - privates in same company of Little Compton militia commanded by Captain William Southard - but that owing to his advanced...
Page 56

...age and imperfect memory he is unable to designate the particular months in that period when he acted as a substitute as aforesaid.  He can only again state upon oath that he did actually serve five months in the manner now set forth by him. 
     During a part after before mentioned period, when declarant was engaged on duty as guard, the company was commanded by said William Southard, and a part of the time by Benjamin Coe.  Colonel Nathaniel Church was the colonel of the regiment from which said company was detached.  Benjamin Coe was Lieutenant of Capt. William Southard's company aforeoresaid and Sam'l, (Samuel) Coe Ensign. 
     That as to the service specified in the fourth paragraph of declarant's original declaration he now answers of oath that he was draughted (see comment) and entered upon duty in Captain WIlliam Southard's company of Little Compton militia on the first day of August, 1780; that he was immediately marched through Tiverton to the neighboring Island of Rhode Island and did duty in said company one month at Butts Hill at the north end of said Island. When he was discharged to (unintelligible) on the first day of September 1780 Benjamin Coe was Lieutenant and Sam'l (Samuel) Coe ensign of said company. 
     That as to the tour of duty set forth in the fifth paragraph of declarant's original declaration, he now states upon oath that he was draughted and entered upon duty as a private in the company of Little Compton militia commanded by Captain John Davis on the first day of March 1781; was immediately marched 
through Tiverton to the neighboring Island of Rhode Island and did duty at one Cornells for a month in said company when on the first day at April 1781 declarant was discharged.  Ichabod Wood was Lieutenant and John Woodman was Lieutenant of said company. 
Gideon Church 

Sworn to and subscribed in open court, the day & year above written. 
Witness A.R. Brownell
Probate Clerk
Page 57

I Alexander R. Brownell, Clerk of the Court of Probate of the town of Little Compton in the county of Newport and State of Rhode Island, do hereby certify, that the foregoing papers (attached together by one ribbon which papers under the seal hereunto set) contain all the original proceedings of said Court, in the matter of the application of Gideon Church for a pension).  held the third day of October A.D.   1832.  Also the certificate of  the clerk of Little Compton to the birth of said Gideon, dated October 3rd, 1832:  The depositions of Isaac Simmons and Joseph Church  (in the same matter of the application of said Gideon for a pension), taken by said Court, on the third day of October aforesaid: together with the Supplementary Declaration of said Gideon Church now for the first time to said papers annexed and made to this court on the twelfth day of August, A.D. 1833. 
     In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said court this twelfth day of August A.D. 1833. 

A. R. Brownell
Probate Clerk
Page 58

Letterhead -

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Pension Office
Washington, D.C.      April 20th, 1875

Sir:
     In the claim of Hannah Pierce for pension as former widow of Gideon Church, Revolutionary War, you are informed that a new declaration is required.   
      The law requires declarations to be executed before some officer of a Court of Record and this office has no power to waive such requirement except where the parties live more than twenty-five miles from such an office.  Please return this letter with your answer. 

Very respectfully, 
Jos. Lochey
Acting Commissioner

F.R. Brownell Esq. 
Little Compton, R.I.
Page 59

L.C.W. 40
Department of the Interior
PENSION OFFICE
Washington, D.D. April 10th, 1875

Sir:
In the claim of Hannah Pierce for pension as
widow of Gideon Church, Revolutionary war, a new
declaration is required as the one on file was
executed before a Justice of the Peace instead of an
officer o fa court of record. 
Please return this letter with your answer.
Very respectfully
J H Baker
Commissioner

F .R. Brownell Esq.
Little Compton,
R. I.
Page 60

Little Compton RI
April 14th 1875
Hon J H Baker
Com of Pensions
Dear Dir
Yours of the 10th asks for a new declaration of Hannah Pierce to be executed before an officer of a Court of Record.  The reason I had it taken before a Justice of the Peace was this, being Mrs Pierce is an old lady and being infirm, she would be obliged to ride twenty miles in a carriage over rough roads to reach a County seat or any place where there is such an officer and return in the same way; such a ride would be exceedingly fatiguing and to one of her age and state of health it would be quite hazardous.  I would therefore beg the favor in her behalf of waiving this requirement in her case.  
Yours Most Respectfully
Y R Brownell
Page 61

No. 7378
Pension Certificate of
Hannah Pierce
late Church
Payable Quarterly
on the
4th of March, June, September, & December
of each year by the
US Pension Agent 
at Providence.  .R.I.transferred to 
Agency
from
Commissioner
Transferred to 
Agency
from
Commissioner.
Note- No sale or transfer of any kind of the whole or any part of the Pension payable by virtue of this Certificate is of any legal or binding force against either the Pensioner or the United States.
Maekull.
Clerk.
Page 62

Holes B AW
No 7378
United States of America
Department of the Interior
Widows Pension
Bureau Engraving and Printing pension Bureau
It is hereby certified That in conformity with the laws of the United States Hannah Pierce (Church) former widow of Gideon Church who was a Private, Captain Patilla Co Rev. War is entitled to a pension at the rate of Sixty dollars per month, to commence on the twenty second day of June 1874 and to continue during her widowhood.
Given at the Department of the Interior this Seventh day of October one thousand eight hundred and seventy five and of the Independence of the States of America the One hundredth.
B C Caveau 
Acting Secretary of the Interior.
Countersigned
H.M. Atkinson
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 63

114-125-160-55
Gideon Church
[stamped] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
SEP - 7 1876
PENSION OFFICE
Page 64

US [in upper corner of document]

(No. 6.)
BOUNTY LAND.
Department of the Interior,
PENSION OFFICE,
Washington, D.C. August 25, 1876
Sir:
Herewith I transmit Land Warrant No. 114.125
for 160 acres, issued under the
act of the 3d of March, 1855, to Hannah S. Pearce
former widow of Gideon Church -
for service in the War of the Revolution.
Please sign the receipt hereto attached and return this letter without
delay
Very respectfully,
F. R. Brownell Esq
Little Compton
R. I.
Jos Baksass
actg Commissioner.
Little Compton R I
August 29th, 187 .
Received the above-described warrants.
F.R Brownell
Atty
Page 65

The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
COUNTY OF NEWPORT,
OFFICE CLERK SUPREME COURT, } ss.
AND COURT COMMON PLEAS.
I, THOMAS W. WOOD, Clerk of the Courts aforesaid, for and within the State and County aforesaid, the same being
the highest Court of Record established within and by said State, do hereby CERTIFY, That Frederick
R Brownell Esquire, whose genuine signature I verily believe is set to the Deposition or
acknowledgment hereto attached, is a Justice of the Peace
duly elected, sworn, commissioned and fully empowered to administer oaths or take acknowledgments of Deeds that his
Commission runs from June fifth 1877 to June 5th 1878 and that said deposition or
acknowledgment is executed in accordance with the laws of this state.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said Supreme
Court, this fifth day of April 1878
Thos W Wood CLERK.
Page 66

Gideon Church [angled at top of page]
Little Compton R I
July 10th 1876
Dr Sir
Mrs Hannah Pearce
an applicant for Bounty Land
No 332550, is an old woman
in indigent circumstances
and is desirous of seeking the
benefit of any bounty, from the
U.S. to which she may be en
titled, during her natural life.
She is perfectly orthodox in
her religion, and does not be
long to that class of persons who
believe, that whatever they are
denied in this life, will be granted
in the life to come.
Very Respectfully
F R Bonnell
Atty
Page 67

BOUNTY LAND DIVISION.
(CIRCULAR No. 10.)
Department of the Interior,
PENSION OFFICE,
Washington, D.C., July 29, 1876.
Your claim for Bounty Land, No. 332350, has
been filed by F. R. Brownell
Little Compton R.I.
and will receive attention in its regular order.
It appears that the above-named Attorney has a power of attorney
from you, authorizing him to receive warrant for you if issued.
Please advise this Office of the power of attorney was given by
you with a full knowledge of its contents and effect.
Very respectfully,
J A Pruthy[very faint signature]
H. M. Atkinson [lined out]
Commissioner.

Mrs. Hannah Pearce
(former widow of Gideon Church)
Little Compton,
R.I.
Chas R Gill [lined out]
Page 68

Little Compton R I
August 2d 1876
Dear Sir
The power of Attorney
within referred to, was given
by me with a full knowledge
of its contents and effect.
Hannah Pearce
Witness
Eliza T Church.
[stamped] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
AUG -5 1876
PENSION OFFICE
Page 69

WIDOW'S BRIEF.
BOUNTY LAND. - Act of March 3, 1855.
Hannah S. Pearce former, widow of
Gideon Church
Rank, Priv.
Company, Capt Satilla
Regiment, Rev. War-
Residence, Little Compton, Newport County, and State of R, I
Post Office,  "        "              "                                               "
Has not previously received Bounty Land Warrant, 18____,
Attorney, F. R. Brownell, Fees $ no contract.
DECLARATION filed Dec 13, 1875, alleges service as a Rev. Soldier
Company,_____ , , from_____ , 18____, to
___ , 18 ____, and ________
For evidence of service - see Pens Clm- 7378-
The______reports service in _____Company,
fro_____18____, to ________ 18____
Evidence of Eighteen months service in the R.I. Line
Rev. War. From 1777 to 1778- Soldier recd a pension during
his life time-
PAROL EVIDENCE OF SERVICE.
Testimony of _____who served in Captain _______
Company, _______and received warrant No. ______ Act of ____, 18____,
and _____, who served in Captain_______
Company________,and received warrant No._____Act of ____, 18___,
that claimant served in Captain ______, Company, ______
from _____, 18___, t0 _______, 18___.

Claimant advised, and directs warrant be sent to Atty
ADMITTED at 160 ACRES, Aug 12 1876
N. Surbridge
Examiner
APPROVED at 160 acres.
R. O. Adams
Chief B. L. Division
Approved-
D W. Ewing
Aug 18th 1876
Page 70

(Cross ways on separate image)


SUMMARY OF PROOF

MARRIAGE

The marriage of Gideon Church to Hannah Gifford is shown by certified copy of Marriage Certificate - date June 12, 1815
Rec on file in Peas - Clin. Cer. 7378

DEATH
of Gideon Church proven by certified copy of public record of deaths - date May 11, 1847 - 
see Pens. Papers
Death of Record husband - Nathaniel Pearce or Pierce is shown by credible witnesses March 24, 1868. 

WIDOWHOOD
Proven by credible witnesses and also identity - see Pers. Papers.
Page 71

BOUNTY LAND
Widow's Brief

Claim No. 332.350
Soldier, Gideon Church Dec'd. 
N. Surbridge, Ex'r. 

Room No. -
Page 72

Old Pens. 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of the Secretary
Washington, D.C.    August 24, 1876

The Commissioner of Pensions
Sir:

I return, herewith, duly sealed, four bounty law warrants, which accompanied your letter of the 23'd instant, viz:

No. 114.124 issued for service of Ellis Russell
No. 114.125 issued for service of Gideon Church
No. 114.126 issued for service of Isaac Morris
and No. 114.127 issued for service of Lawrence Knickerbocker

I am, Sir, Very Resp'y (respectfully), 
Your Ob't (obedient) servant, 
Chas. J. Gorham
Acting Secretary
Page 73

UNITED STATES PENSION AGENCY
D.W. Gooch         
Pension Agent

 Boston, Mass., July 5, 1878

Sir, 

I have the honor to submit herewith for your approval, (unintelligible) in the following (unintelligible) NY. 
George W. Church, brother of Hannah Church, now Pierce formerly widow of Gideon Church, a dec'd. (deceased) pensioner whose name is borne on the rolls of this agency (Providence Role/Pension Certificate # 7.378 Revolutionary War.  Arrears due from June 22, 1874, on (unintelligible) certificate, paid to March 4, 178- at $5 per mo. times 47 mo. 7 days $155.87. 

I am Respectfully Your ob't (obedient) servant
D.W. Gooch
Pension Agent

Hon. J.A. Bentley
Com. of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 74

Widows' Division   
Department of the Interior
Pension Office 
Washington, D.C.   April 16, 1878

D.W. Gooch Esq.   Pension Agent, Boston

Sir:

Please furnish a report as to payment of Certificate No. 7.378 of Hannah Pierce, widow, of Gideon Church who is alleged to have died on the - day -of -, 1847.   The information is desired for use in the claim of the widow for increase No. 7.378 Revolutionary Way Rhode Island roll. 

Very respectfully, 
J.A. Bentley
Commissioner


REPORT
Payment made to include 3rd March 1878 at $60 per annum increase.   The payment was discontinued on the - day of - 18 -
 because of the --

D.W. Gooch 
U.S. Pension Agent

H.S. Pension Agency 
Boston Apr. 18, 1878         

Note - if any change in amount of pension originally allowed, please so state.
Page 75

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Pension Office

Washington D.C.  April 17th, 1878

Sir:

     In the claim of Hannah Pierce for increase of pension as former widow of Gideon Church, File No. 27.690 the original certificate should be returned to this office. 
     Please return this letter with your answer. 

Very respectfully, 
J.A. Bentley
Commissioner, Pensions

George W. Church Esq. 
Little Compton, R.I.
Page 76

Rev. War
WIDOW'S BRIEF No. 1.
Reissue to change rate
Claim No. -
Soldier - Gideon Church
Lewis C. White Ex'r. 
Room No. 40
April 26/78 (1878)
Page 77

Reissue to change rate of pension to $8. per month as of July 27, 186-   Section 4743

War of the Revolution    
Act of July 14, 1862, and subsequent acts
Boston 
WIDOW'S PENSION
(Original with Increase)

Hannah Church now Pierce, late widow of Gideon Church 
Rank - Private
Company - of Capt. Satillas
Regiment - Rev War
Residence of claimant - Newport
County and State of R.I. 
Post Office - Little Compton, Newport Co. R.I. 
Attorney - 
Fee $ -  Articles of agreement - having been filed
Rate of pension $ eight per month, commencing June 22nd, 1874, the date of passage of Act. 

Payment on all former certificates covering any portion of the same time to be deducted. 
Admitted, April 26, 1878. Lewis C. White, Examiner
Approved April 29th, 1878 . L.Holtz Cashier

DATES SHOWN BY PAPERS
Enlistment - November 1777
Right accrued - June 22, 1874.
Muster into Pensionable Rank - 
Claim completed, May 31, 1875
Discharge in 1778 after 18 months service
Death - 
Invalid app. filed in 1832
Claimant's marriage to soldier - June 12, 1815
Invalid last paid at $60 per year
Death of 2nd husband March 25/68 (1868)
Widow's app. filed, April 2, 1875

Cause of Death -   
Place of Death - Little Compton, R.I. 
Pension paid to March 4/78 (1878) at $60 per annum, cert. surrendered. Increase allowed at 8. under act July 27/68 (1868) and decision of Com. in case of Lucretia Meilner former widow of Elijah Smith Feb. 1877
Page 78

Hannah Church now Pierce late widow of 
Gideon Church 
Rank - Private
Company - Capt. Satilla
Regiment - Rev War

Residence - Newport 
County and State of R.I. 
Post Office - Little Compton, Newport Co. R.I.
Attorney - F.R. Brownell, Little Compton, R.I. 
Fee - $10 as per law
No contract and material evidence filed since July 8, 1870. 
Rate of pension, $ 60 per annum commencing June 22, 1874, the date of passage of act. 

Payments on all former certificates covering any portion of the same time to be deducted. 
Admitted June 3'd 1875 Lewis C. White, Examiner
Approved Sept. 30, 1875 (unintelligible), Reviewer

DATES SHOWN BY PAPERS
Enlistment - November 1777
Muster into rank - 
Discharge - in after 18 months service 1778
Death - 
Invalid app. filed - no
Invalid last paid - at $ 60 for year
Cause of Death - 
Place of death - Little Compton, R.I.
Widow's app. filed - April 2, 1875
Claim completed - May 31, 1875
Marriage to soldier - June 12, 1815
Re-marriage of claimant - Sept. 21, 1847
   Death of 2nd husband March 25/ 68 (1868)

INCIDENTAL MATTER. 
No Duf.
Invalid allowed at $60 per annum. 
Decision of Board of Appeals endorsed by Chief Clerk shows correct date of commencement is June 22, 1874, date of act granting right.

ALLEGATIONS OF CLAIMANT
Prior marriage of herself or soldier - none Children of soldier - none
Loyalty - alleged

Decision of B. of P. and Chief Clerk asa to commencement.  On file with paper in case of widow. Ok. W.L. Moore
Page 79

SUMMARY OF PROOF

MARRIAGE
The marriage of Gideon Church to Hannah Gilford
June 12, 1815.  Shown by Record, 
Remarriage Sept. 21, 1847

Death of 2nd husband March 25, 1868
and that claim has not since married. 
Shown by credible witnesses

SERVICE
The Adjutant General U.S.A. reports name on rolls as - also the rank, company and regiment, and the dates of as stated on proceeding page. He also reports -

DEATH (no selection made)
1st.  Report of Adjutant General 
2nd.  Report of Surgeon General 
3rd.  Certificate of Disability 
4th.  Testimony of Army Surgeon 
5th.  Testimony of Officers
6th.   Testimony of Fellow Soldiers
7th.  Testimony of Attending Physicians
8th.  Other Testimony

Evidence of eighteen months service in the R.I. Line. Rev. War from 1777to 1778. 
Invalid claim allowed.
Page 80

Application for Pension
by 
Hannah S. Pierce

(Stamp)
Department of the Interior Pension Office
May 31, 1875

F.R. Brownell
Atty.
Page 81

State of Rhode Island
County of Newport

On this 27 day of May AD 1875 personally appeared before me Thomas W. Wood Clerk of the Supreme Court within and for the County and State aforesaid Hannah S. Pierce aged 83 years who being duly sworn according to law makes the following declaration in order to obtain the pension provided by any Act of Congress granting pensions to widows, that on June 12th AD 1815 she married Gideon Church of the Town of Little Compton in said County of Newport, that he was a soldier in the War of the Revolution and for his services in that  War drew a pension from the United States government up to the time of his decease that he received his pension money at the agency in the City of Providence in said State of Rhode Island, that she is unable to tell the number or date of his pension certificate that said Church died May 11th 18478, that she married Nathaniel Pierce September 21, 1847 and that said Pierce died March 24, 1868 and that she has since remained a widow, that she has not...
Page 82

...in any manner been engaged in or sided or abetted the late rebellion in the United States that no former application for a pension has been made by her, that she hereby appoints F.R. Brownell her attorney to prosecute this claim and that her post office and that of her said Attorney is Little Compton Rhode Island. 

Hannah S. Pierce


Also personally appeared George H. Richardson and Mary S. Wilbur residents of (unintelligible) R.I. persons whom I certify to be entitled to credit and who being by me duly sworn say they were present and saw Hannah S. Pierce sign her name to the foregoing declaration that they have every reason to believe from her appearance and from their acquaintance with her for 10 & 40 years, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be and that they have no interest in this claim. 

George H. Richardson 
Mary S. Wilbur
Page 83

 Sworn to and subscribed before me this day of May AD 1875 and I hereby certify that the contents of the foregoing declaration were fully made known and explained to the applicant and witness by me before swearing and that I have no interest in the prosecution of this claim, the word " not" in the last line of the first page being inserted before signing.  
Thos. W. Wood
Clerk
Page 84

Application for
Bounty Land
Hannah S Pierce
Widow of
Gideon Church
a Revolutionary Sol-
dier x Pensioner
[parital stamp] DEPARTM
APR 2 1875
PENSION OFFICE
Page 85

State of Rhode Island
Newport Sc
In Little Compton in said County on
this 20th day of March A D 1875 personally
appeared before me a Justice of the Peace
within and for said County and State
Hannah S. Pierce aged eighty two years
a resident of said Little Compton who
being by me duly sworn according to
Law declares that she was married to
Gideon Church on or about the 12th day of
June A D 1815 that she lived with him as
his wife and had by him two children
that the said Gideon Church died on the
eleventh day of May A D 1847 that he
was a soldier in the Revolutionary War,
and for his services in that war drew
a pension up to the time of his death
and that he received the payments thereof in
the City of Providence in said State of Rhode
Island, that she is unable to find his
pension Certificate or to tell the number
thereof.
She further testifies that after the death of
said Church to wit on the 21st day of Sep
tember A D 1847 he was married to Na
thaniel Pierce and that said Pierce
died on the 24th day of March AD 1868
and that she has since remained a
widow
Page 86

She makes this declaration for the purpose
of obtaining the bounty land to which she
may be entitled under the Act approved
[stamped] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
APR 2 1875
PENSION OFFICE
March 3, 1855 and any other acts of the
Congress of the United States, she also
testifies that her post office address is
Hannah S Pierce Little Compton Newport
County R I and she hereby appoints
F R Brownell of said Little Compton
her Attorney for the prosecution of this
claim, and the further declares that she
has never received or applied for bounty land
under any act of Congress.
Hannah Pearce
Also appeared Nathaniel Church and
William S Church both of
said Little Compton in said County of
Newport and State of Rhode Island
who being sworn declare that the fore
going declaration was signed and ac
knowledged by Hannah S. Pierce in our
presence, and that we believe from the
appearance and statements of the appli
cant and from over forty years acquaint 
ance with her that she is the identical
person she represents herself to be, that 
she was the wife of said Gideon Church
and that she is now a widow
Page 87

and that we have no interest in this
claim
Nathaniel Church
William. S. Church
The foregoing declaration and affida
vits 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 claim
ant is the person she represents herself
to be and is now a widow and that
I have no interest in this claim
the word never being interlined before
signing by the claimant on the second
page twelth line
[stamped] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES
Henry M. Tompkins
Justice of the Peace
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Secretary of State's Office, Providence, March 30 1875
I HEREBY CERTIFY, That Henry M. Tompkins Esquire, before whom
the annexed affidavits were made, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at
the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace of the State of Rhode Island, in and
for the Town of Little Compton and as such, is by law au
thorized to take Depositions, and the acknowledgment of Deeds, and other
instruments, and to administer all necessary Oaths; that he is duly commis
sioned, as appears of record, and sworn; and I furthermore believe that his
signature is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the
Seal of the State aforesaid, the day and year above written.
Joshua M. Addeman
Secretary of State
Page 88

CLAIM FOR REIMBURSEMENT.
Certificate No. 7378
Pensioner Hannah Church now Pierce
Soldier Gideon Church
Died 28 May 1878
Court
ann service $135.00
Assets none
C.S.C
Page 89

APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT.
CERTIFICATE NO.
I, George W Church do swear that Hannah Pierce late Church
whose name is borne on the rolls of the U. S. Pension Agency at Boston Mass under Pension Certificate No. 7378, and
who was the Widow of Gideon Church, formerly a soldier (or sailor) in the service of the
United States, died on the 28th day of May 1878 at Little Compton, County of
Newport, State of Rhode Island; that decedent left surviving neither widow or minor child, and did not leave sufficient assets
to meet the expenses of last sickness and burial of said decedent; that the following is a full and correct statement of said expenses, all of which were necessary and have been
actually paid by me to the persons therein named, the amounts paid to each, with the items, being given opposite their respective names:
NAMES.
Mary S Wilbour
J B Cowen MD
Frank N Brownell
Borden Manchester
Eliza T Church
NATURE OF EXPENSES.
For Nursing in last sickness
Medicine & Attendance last sickness
For Coffin and use of Hearse
For digging grave
For Nursing in last sickness
AMOUNT.
15,00
39,00
40,00
  3,00
48,00
_________
135,00
The decedent's sickness continued uninterruptedly from Jan 24th,1878, to the date of death, and its nature and degree were as follows, viz:
a paralytic shock which rendered her unable to help herself and
was succeeded by another about 4 days before her death from the effect of
which she died.
I swear that the total value of all property, personal and real, left by the decedent did not exceed ___________dollars,
and consisted of Nothing except wearing apparel
and that not any of said assets was available for the reimbursement of expenses of decedent's last sickness
and burial. And I do hereby make application for reimbursement under the provisions of section 4718 of the Revised Statutes.
The total sum claimed by me is One hundred & thirty five dollars, no part of which has been refunded.
My residence is at No.--- in the town of Little Compton, County of
Newport, State of Rhode Island, and my post office address is Little Compton
Newport County Rhode Island
Attest: Benjamin Seabury       (Affiant's signature) George W Church
S. Lilla Barber
Sworn to and subscribed before me on this twenty Seventh day of September 1878 and I certify that the affiant is repu
table and entitled to credit, and knew the contents of the above statement before swearing; and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in this claim.
(Signature) F R Brownell
(Official character.) Justice of Peace
STATE OF Rhode Island, COUNTY OF Newport
I, Thomas W Wood, clerk of the Supreme Court of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that 
Frederick R Brownell was, on the date of the above jurat, duly authorized Justice of Peace, and that his signature thereto is genuine.
Given under my hand and seal this Eighth day of October, 1878.
Thos W. Wood, Clerk
Page 90

00 FOR ALLOWANCE FROM ARREARS DUE A DECEASED PENSIONER TO OO
DEFRAY EXPENSES OF LAST SICKNESS AND BURIAL.
-
I George I Church of Little Compton County
of Newport State, of Rhode Island, do solemnly
swear that Hannah S. Pierce died at Little Compton, county
of Newport, State of Rhode Island, on the 28th day
of May 1878, having certain arrears of pension due from the United States upon pension certificate
No. 7378, issued April 30 1878, and payable at the agency at Boston
That the expenses of the last sickness and burial of said Hannah S. Pierce were borne by me, and
that the accompanying bills therefor, to wit:
(A) Frank N Brownell, $40,00
(B) Borden Manchester, $3,00
(C) I B Cowen M D, $29,00
(D) Mary S Wilber, $15,00
(E)
Amounting to $87,00
are true and correct in every particular, and that the entire assets of the decedent are insufficient to pay the above expenses by the amount
of Eighty Seven
(Two witnesses)                      (Signature) George W Church  
Mary Wilbur                           (P. O. address) Little Compton R. I.  
Agnes A Richardson               (Signature)
                                               (P. O. address.)
                                               (Signature)
                                                (P. O. address.)
STATE of Rhode Island, COUNTY OF Newport, ss:
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 25th day of June 1878
(Signature of magistrate.) F R  Brownnell
(Official character.) Justice of the Peace
CERTIFICATE OF PROBATE COURT AS TO DEATH, EXPENSES OF LAST SICKNESS AND BURIAL, ASSETS, ETC.
I, O C Brownell President, of the Probate Court, being the court
having probate jurisdiction in Little Compton county, of Newport R I, do hereby
certify that satisfactory evidence has been produced to said Court that Hannah S Pierce, the identical person
alleged above to have been entitled to certain arrears of [illegible due to crease] Little Compton, county of
Newport, and State of Rhode Island, within the jurisdiction
of this Court, on the 28th day of May, 1878, leaving no widow or minor child, and without sufficient
assets to defray the expenses of her last sickness and burial, and that the same were borne by George W Church
of said Little Compton
and that he itemized accounts therefor herewith attached, marked A.B C and D, are just and true, and that
there is justly due said George W Church, above the assets of said decedent's estate, the sum of $87,
on account of the necessary expenses of her last sickness and burial.
GIVEN under my hand and seal of said Court this 29th day of June, 1878
Oliver C Brownell Presd Court, Probate Isaac B. Cowen, Clerk
$155.87 last pd Mar 78. Pmt due for 22 June - 79 - 47 mo - pd F.P.D.
[top of check] 187
$155.87 ____________, 187 .
Received of _____________, U. S. Pension Agent
Page 91

(Top line partially cut off)

County of Little Compton and State of Rhode Island, within the jurisdiction of this Court, on the 28th day of May 1878, leaving no widow or minor child, and without sufficient assets to defray the expenses of her last sickness and burial, and that the same were borne by Goerge W. Church of said Little Compton and that the itemized accounts therefor herewith attached, marked A. 13, C & D are just and true and that there is justly due said George W. Church, above assets of said decedent's estate, the sum of $87 on account of the necessary expenses of her last sickness and burial.  
     Given under my hand and seal of said Court this 29th day of June 1878
Isaac B. Cowen Clerk 

Oliver C. Brownell 
Pres'd Court - Probate 

$155.87 - last pd. Mar 78 - Inc due for 22 June 74 - 47 mos,.  7 days?  L.P.D. Clerk 

(Copy of checks)
$155.87
Witness F. R. Brownell Justice of the Peace
George W. Church

(no amount filled in
Witness F.R. Brownell Justice of the Peace
George W. Church

From 22 June 74 to 4 May 78 at 3     $133.20
From 4 May 78 to 28 May 78 at 8         22.67
                                                           $155.87
Page 92

(Written Crossways)

Hannah S. Price, deceased
Act of 3 Feb 1853

(Stamp)
Department of the Interior
Pension Office 
Jul 1878

 Pension Agent will require Claimant for Arrears to execute this with the voucher. 
OATH OF ALLEGIANCE

I, George W. Church of Little Compton, RI, a citizen of the United States, do solemnly swear that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States against all enemies whether domestic or foreign, and that I will bear true faith, allegiance, and loyalty to the same, any ordinance, resolution, or law of any State Convention or legislature to the contrary notwithstanding; and further, that I do this with a full determination, pledge, and (page creased)....or evasion whatsoever; and further, that I will well and faithfully perform all the duties which may be required of me by law.  So help me God. 
George W. Church

(unwitnessed)

State - Rhode Island
County Newport ss

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 25th day of June 1878

F.R. Brownell, J.P. 

REVISED STATUTES - SEC. 4718
If any pensioner has died or shall hereafter die; or if any person entitled to a pension, having an application therefor pending, has died, or shall hereafter die, his widow, or if there is no widow, the child or children of such person under the age of sixteen years, shall be entitled to receive the accrued pension to the date of the death of such person.   Such accrued pension shall not be considered as a part of the assets of the estate of deceased, no liable to be applied to the payment of the debts of said estate in any case whatever, but shall inure to the sole and exclusive benefit of the widow or children; and if no widow or child survive, no payment whatsoever of the accrued pension shall be made or allowed, except so much as may be necessary to re-imburse the person who bore the expenses of the last sickness and burial of the decedent, in cases where he did not leave sufficient assets to meet such expenses.
Page 93

114.125
160