Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21208, John Gross, R.I.
Page 1

SERVICE
R. I.

Gross, John
Hannah

NUMBER
W.21208.

CONTENTS
Page 2


0200
Rhode Island

John Gross
of Smithfield in the state of Rhode Island
who was a private in the regiment commanded by
Colonel Olney of the Rhode Island 
line, for the term of nine months

Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 1st of April, 1828.

Certificate of Pension issued the 25th of March 1819
and sent to Benjamin Cowell
Providence, Rhode Island 

Arrears to 4th of Mar 1819. semi [illegible]  89.03
Semi-anl. all’ce ending 4th Sept. 1819.        48.00
                                                                      $:137.03

{Revolutionary claim,   }
{Act 18th March, 1818.}

[“Continued” is pencilled in]
Let 31 March 17
B. Cowell ds 12
Apl ‘37 ds 8 July ‘37
Page 3

1890
July 16 S E Gross - abt  - Prior

1513
Rhode Island 

Hannah Gross deed
widow of John Gross
who died on the 22nd Jany 1830
of Providence Co in the State of Rhode Island 
who was a Pri of S. City 3 Inf in the Company commanded
by Cols Elliott & Olney in the Rhode Island 
line for

Inscribed on the Roll of Providence
at the rate of 96 Dollars 00 Cents
per annum, to commence on the first 
July 1848 [“March 1831” is crossed out] and 26 Jany 1849

Certificate of Pension issued the 22nd day of
Feby 1837 and sent to 
B. Cowell Esq

[“Arrears to the 4th of” crossed out] Providence
[“Semi-annual allowance ending” crossed out] R. I.
Incd from $83.33

{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act July 4, 1836,      }
{Section the 3rd.       }

Recorded by H.R. Weightman  [signature] Clerk
Book I.     Vol. 2,     Page 353
Page 4

I John Gross of Smithfield in the District of
Rhode Island on solemn oath do declare a[nd]
say
that on the Eighteenth day of March AD
1782, I enlisted as a private soldier in 
Capt Thomas Hughes Company in the
regiment commanded Col. Jeremiah 
Olney - in the Army of the United 
States on the continental establishment
& in the Rhode Island line in [insert “which”] service
I continued untill the 19th of December
following when I was regularly discharged 
by a discharged signed by Col Jeremiah
Olney - which discharge I have lost
I also further declare I am now reduced
to indigent circumstances, & stand in need
of the assistance of my country awarding to 
the provisions of the act Congress passed
18 March 1818 —     John Gross [signature]

Rhode Island District April 1, 1818
Sworn to before      David Howell [signature]
District Judge.
To 
The hon: John C. Calhoun, Secretary at War.
Page 5

Rhode Island District, ss
Be it remembered that on the first
day of April AD 1818 John Gross
subscribed to the within declaration
made solemn oath before me that 
the facts by him stated are true -
In witness whereof I
have heretofore set my hand & caused the
Seal of the District Court for said
District to be affixed the day the year
above written     David Howell [signature]
District Judge

Providence April 1 - 1818,
The signature of the Judge and the seal of the 
Dis Court of the U States are hereto affixed
Witness    Benjamin Cowell [signature]
W-
Page 6

John Gross
Private
Judges Certificate
wanting as to 
claimants indigent
circumstances

The certificate of the judge as
to belief of the services of the 
applicant is also wanted —
[“Adm” is written across  this section]

Col. Olney’s R. Island Regt.
1782 - 9 months -
1st April 1818 -
Proof of poverty produced
& certified by the Judge
Page 7

John Gross
S.200
Con
Sept. 1819
Page 8

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
RHODE-ISLAND DISTRICT.
Providence, sc.
On this Fifth day of June 1820, personally appeared in open Court, being a
Court of Record within and for said District, John Gross ——————
aged 63 years, residing in the town of Smithfield in said District 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 as private Nine months in Col Jere Olney[‘s]
regiment of the Rhode Island line
that he made a previous declaration on the First day of April 1818, and that
he has received a certificate for a pension, being No. 8200. 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; 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:  that I 
have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have 
I any income other than  what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
John Gross [signature]

A SCHEDULE of Property and Income (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) of John Gross
Viz. One half of a small house and Garden spot in said Town
of Smithfield containing 3/4 of an acre — Some articles of 
household furniture, 6 old Chairs, 1 Table, some knives and forks
and Spoons, 1 pot, I dish kettle, some earthen plates
And this declarant saith that he is a labourer and works for
a living when he is able but is now so old and infirm that
he can do but little work that before he received he was
assisted by the charity of his neighbours and should his
pension be taken away he must again depend on the same 
charity for support — That he has a wife and one helpless
child — and now owes more than sixty dollars to the doctors
for medicine and advice          John Gross [signature]

[illegible] his wife aged 64 years and a very sickly woman
his helpless child is a daughter aged 19 years named Sarah
who has been helpless from infancy 

Rhode Island District      District Court
Sworn to and declared in open Court on the Fifth day of 
June 1820 before David Howell [signature]     District Court

RHODE-ISLAND DISTRICT.
Clerk’s Office of the District Court, A.D. 182
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, [tha]t it is the opinion of the said Court, that the amount in value of the property exhibited
in the aforesaid schedule, is thirty five dollars and ——-
[“cents” is crossed out] In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this 
thirty first day of July 1822
Benjamin Cowell [signature] Clerk of said Court
Page 9

Hannah Gross 
V1003
Rhode Island


admitted
1 yr pr anty $50
11 mos pr. Inf 33.33
1yr 10 mn $83.33


[illegible writing along the bottom of the left hand side of the page]



John Gross had $28.12, 33 allowed him for depreciation In roll of Col. Elliot's regiment of artillery
Page 10

State of Rhode Island
County of Providence
On this 1st day of October AD 1836 personally appeared before me Benjamin Cowell chief justice of the Court of Common pleas within aforesaid county Hannah Gross a resident in Smithfield in said county aged 78 years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the act of Congress of July 4 1838  That she is the widow of John Gros late of said Smithfield deceased who was a private in the War of the Revolution over four years and who for his services was placed on the pension roll of Rhode Island under the Act of Congress March 18, 1818  He served in various regiments in the state troops under Col Elliott in the enlisted troops under Col Olney in other Corps, but she is is unable to specify, therefore refers to the credence
Page 11

annexed and she further declares she was married to the said John Gross  in May AD 1782 about the 15th of the month but the exact day she cannot remember, she was married by elder John Winsor at the house of Andrew Waterman in said Smithfield the father of Lydia Smith whose deposition is hereto annexed and she further declares she has no certified of her marriage that is is lost if [illegible] she had one nor is it recorded in any public or private record  as she knows or believes- she must therefore depend upon the testimony of witness for proof and she further declares that her husband the said John Gross died in said Smithfield on the 22 of January 1830 and that she has remained unmarried ever since that period as well appear by the evidence hereto annexed she
Page 12

therefore regrets that the same pension may be granted to her that her said husband should have been enlisted to under the act of June 7th 1832.
Hannah her X mark Gross
Attest
Benja Cowell

Jonathan Whitman
Providence 

In Smithfield Oct 31 1836 I sworn to & subscribed before me and I further certify said Hannah is unable to attend court. 
Benja Cowell
C.J.CC Pleas
Page 13

I Lydia Smith of Smithfield bieng now 64 years of age on oath do testify & say that I was well acquainted with John Gross late of said Smithfield &  also with Hannah Gross was his widow. I remember well when they were married I was present & saw them married they were married by elder John Winsor in the year 1782 in the Spring or Summer. I was a little girl then but I well remember the fact and I further testify that said John Gross her husband denied about six years ago & she has remained a widow and unmarried well since, they were married at my father's house which was the reason why I was present. 
Providence & in Smithfield Oct. 19 1836, Lydia Smith I sworn to & subscribed before me and I further certify said Lydia is a edible witness. 
Benja Cowell
CJ.CC. Pleas
Page 14

I Augustus Winsor of Smithfield in the County of Providence being now 72 years of age & upwards on oath do depose & say that I was well acquainted with John Gross late of said Smithfield & the husband of Hannah Gross now his widow. I was present & saw said John & Hannah married her name was Hannah Hicks, before marriage. They were married in the month of May or June 1782 according to the best of my recollection, I also am well acquainted  with the said Hannah & know that she had remained unmarried ever since then doth of her husband then said John Gross died about six years ago last January. 
Augustus Winsor

Providence 
In Smithfield Oct 19 1836 
I sworn to & subscribed before me and I further certify said deponent is a credible witness. 
Benja Cowell CJCC Pleas
Page 15

Hannah Gross
children
Page 16

I Ann Gross of the city of Providence in said county of Providence on oath do testify & say that John Gross late of Smithfield in said county was my father & a soldier of the Revolution & a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death that after his death Hannah Gross my mother his widow applied for and obtained a pension under the act of congress of July 4 1836 & was the same person in certificate in produced that she drew a pension under said act until her death which event took place on the  26 of January AD 1849 and that at the time of her death she left the following children duly to wit Henry Gross & John Gross of Glocester in said county & Samuel Gross & Stephen Gross of Smithfield in said County & Ann Gross  of said [lity] & that fact of said children an [illegible] twenty one years of age attest Robert Knight
Wanton Vaughan
Ann her X mark Gross
Page 17

Providence 
In the city of Providence November 5th AD 1850 then personally appeared Ann Gross and made oath that the within written instrument by her subscribed is true in all its parts - Before me. 
Robert Knight
Justice of the Peace
Page 18

State of Rhode Island
County of Providence
On this eleventh day of November AD 1880 personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in said county. Stephen Gross of Smithfield in said County who being sworn according to the law makes the following declaration for him self and the other children of Hannah Gross late of Smithfield deceased residence of John Gross a soldier of the Revolution in order to obtain all arrears of pension due their said father at the time of his death according to the pensioners of the act of of Congress of July 1 1848 relation to pensions. The said Stephen declares & says that his father the said John Gross was a pensioner of the United States under the acts of Congress of March 18, 1818 & May 1, 1820 at the note of $96 per annum which the pension the said John deceased to the time of his death at the agency of having pensions at the city of Providence and the said Stephen further declares that after the death of the said John Gross his widow the said Hannah Gross applied for & obtained pension payable at the agency at said Providence at the note of $83.33 per annum duly recorded that act of Congress of July 4th 1836 which pension
Page 19

the said Hannah drew up to the time of her death by virtue of said act. But he believes that according to the pensioners of said act of July 1, 1848 & other acts of Congress the said Hannah Gross was entitled to & accept to have remained the same pension in amount her husband the said John received to with the same of $96 per annum & from the time her pension [illegible] under the act of July 4th 1836 and her hereby requests that a certificate may be granted therefore & the agent directed to pay the same to said Children. 
Stephen Gross

Duly sworn to before me this eleventh day of December AD 1850 and the foregoing is entitled to credit
Asa Winsor Justice of the Peace
Page 20

Hannah Gross
Page 21

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations,
Providence, JoS
Municipal Court of the City of Providence, in the County of Providence, in said State
January 28, 1851.
Be it remembered, that satisfactory testimony has been this day produced before this board, that Hannah Gross late of Smithfield in aid County of Providence, widow of John Gross a soldier of the Revolution, died on the twenty sixth day of January, AD, one thousand, eight hundred and forty nine; and that at the time of her death, she left the following names children only, to list:Stephen Gross and Samuel Gross of said Smithfield, Henry Gross and John Gross of Glocester in said County of Providence, and Ann Gross of said City of Providence; who are all over twenty one years of age; and that, at the time of her death, the said Hannah Gross was a pensioner of the United States on the Roll of Pensioners payable of said Providence, at the rate of $83.33 dollars per annum, under the Act of Congress of July 4th AD, 1836.
In Attestation whereof, I
Page 22

have hereunto, set my hand, and have affixed the seal of said Court, this twenty eight day of January AD.1851.
And I hereby certify, that Asa Winsor who has signed the certificate to the amersed declaration of Stephen Gross, was on the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the  twon of Smithfield in the County of Providence, duly elected, and that Robert Knight, who has signed the certificate to the punereed affidavit of Ann Gross, was on the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, within and for said City of Providence, July elected.
Albert G Greene, Clerk
Page 23

I Henry Gross of Smithfield in the County of Providence do testify & say that I am now fifty three years of age & that John Gross Tate of I and Smithfield is an father and that Hannah Gross his widow, is my mother and I further testify that my father had a Bible in the German or Dutch language in his life time in which was a  record of the birth of his family but the Bible was lost it can not nowhere be found.  But I have often seen it & seen my own birth record in it & that of a sister older than myself & all the rest of the family - My sister whose name was Elizabeth was about two years older than myself & died when very young I have often heard my father say that he was married
Page 24

while in the army or went into the army shortly afterwards  He was a Gentmon by birth  My father had also a Hymn Bank in the German language and I have often heard him sing from it  I have often heard him say that he brat the Bible & Hymn book from Germany with him & he used  to keep them very carefully but since his death they have been lost.  I have recently taken great kairs to find them but cannot.  Henry Gross
Providence In City of Providence
July 12, 1837
I went to a Subs caler & before me and I fee there certify since Henry is a credible victual.
Benja Cowell CJCC Plicy
Page 25

I Stephen Tucker of Glocester in 
the County of Providence being now
42 years of age on oath do testify and
say that - about twenty years ago I
Commanded a Company of Artillery in
Smithfield my native town where 
we trained John Gross there living 
used to show us how to manage 
our Field pieces - He said he had
served in Col Elliotts regiment
of Artillery during the War of the 
revolution and was well acquainted
with such things - I also testify that
I am well acquainted with Henry 
Gross who has signed the preceding 
 affidavit - he is a man of truth and 
veracity & has always sustained a fair
character in that respect & his
deposition is entitled to full credit.
Stephen Tucker   [signature]
Page 26

Providence
In City of Providence July 12 1837
Sworn to & subscribed before me
and I further certify said
Stephen is a credible witness
Benja Cowell [signature]
C J C C Pleas
Page 27

by birth & [illegible]
Hooks
22
930 1030 at
a reg [insert “& other”] by 1779 - 8 & 9 [illegible]
7 out


Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 21.208
Hannah Gross
Widow of 
John Gross
Priv. Rev. War
Act July 4” 1836
Index: Vol. A, Page 291.
[Arrangment of 1870.]




He German
Mrs Hannah
He died Jan
Col Elliott
of Smithfield
Page 28

Hannah Gross
Rhode Island

Suspended
let 31st March 1837
B. Cowell   do.
12 April 1837
do 8 July 1837
do do. July. 17. 1837
Page 29

1513
Rhode Island
Hannah Gross
widow of John Gross
who died on the 22 January 1830 — 1830
of Providence in the State of R. Island 
who was a Private of Inf in the company commanded
by Captain — —   of the regt —    commanded
by Cols Elliott & Olney     in the R. Island
line for 1 yr 10 mo.
1 yr Pv Arty          50. —   
10 mo Pv Inf         33.33
                             _______
                                83.33
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island
at the rate of 83 Dollars 33 Cents, per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of Oct,
1837 —  and sent to Benj
Cowell Esq Providence 
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1837                   541.66
Semi annual allowance ending 4 Mch 38     41.66
                                                                         _______
                                                                      #583.32
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act of July 4, 1836,}
{Section the 3rd}
Recorded by Wm S Allison [signature] Clerk,
Book A    Vol. 2     Page 89
Page 30

[inc to pgh] ded $83.33
comp 1 July 1848 & ending
21 July18 69 payable to
Henry Gross
John  Gross
Samuel Gross
Stephen Gross &
Ann Gross only
surviving children
Page 31

Providence  January 30 1857
Sir

I herewith enclose the names of the children of Hannah Gross widow of John Grtosds a pensioner under the act of March 18, 1818 for an increase of pension payment to Joint (richer)? of JUly 1k 1943

I am respectfully
your ()
Benja Cowell
Page 32

Washington July 17 1837
Sir
Enclosed is some further testimony
as to the Marriage of John Gross
which I hope will be satisfactory & as his
services have been admitted 9 months
in Col Olneys regiment 12 months in
Col Elliotts regiment besides I believe 
1 or 2 months in the the Militia I have
to request a certificate may be granted
you stated in your letter of July 8 in it
that the principal witness as to the marriage
whose age was 64 was too young at the time
of the marriage to be a competent witness.
I believe you will find upon examination
that Augustusustus Winsor was over
70. he was also at the marriage —
I am respectfully 
your obt sert
Benja Cowell
JL Edwards Esq
Page 33

John Gross R. Island at March 18,1818
to what time paid 2
Pen. office March 30, 1837
Paid 22 Jan 1830 paid to that period
J H.
Page 34

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law the United States of the of the 4th July, 1836, Hannah Grofs --- of Rhode Island widow of John Grofs who was a Private of Artillery & Infantry in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive & eighty three dollars and thirty three cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually, on the 4th of March and 4th of September:
Given at the War Office of the United States, this thirtieth day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven
J. R. Poinsett
Secretary of War
Examined and
Countersigned.
Geo. Wm Crump
Act
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 35

Providence June 15 1837

Sir, In answer to your letters of March 31, [both?] & of April 12 respecting the claim of Hannah Gross. I have to say that some further testimony is herewith enclosed proving her husbands (John Gross) services in Col Elliott regiment of Artillery as well as in the Militia which I hope will be satisfactory. The proof that he served in Elliotts regiment is ample for it is not only proved by Joseph Place whose deposition is herewith enclosed but by the Regimental Roll made out by the Committee in October 1785 to ascertain the amount of [depreciation?]  But in what company he served is uncertain for is there any way for her to ascertain that fact unless the company Rolls of that regiment are in the Pension office If they are no doubt his name may be found on them if complete. The short history of John Gross, as I have recently been informed, is this. He was a foreigner by birth. He deserted from the enemy to join as "to fight for liberty." As early as December 1776 he enlisted into Elliotts
Page 36

Regiment & continued in it until 1780 when the regiment was disbanded. He then served in the Militia until 1782 when he enlisted into the Continental service and it was during this service he came home on a furlough & was married at the house of his patron & friend, Mr Andrew Waterman of Smithfield. Mr Waterman received him into his family when he first deserted, and it was in his family he became acquainted with Hannah Hicks, whom he married. Lydia Smith & Sarah Foster were daughters of Mr Waterman & it was owing to this circumstance they were present at his wedding  Hannah Hicks was a servant maid to Mr Waterman at the time of his marriage & lived with him -
John Gross was always very poor & it was in consequence of his poverty he was allowed a pension under the Act of March 18. 1818. Since his death his widow has suffered & stil [sic] suffers from the want of the [illegible] of life - The Committee in 1785 in making up his depreciation allowed him $28.12.3 which fact of itself shows he served over two years in Elliotts regiment 
      You observe in your letter, that the only service, Gross alleges in his declaration for a pension under the Act of March 18 1818 is his service in
Page 37

Col Olneys regiment — The reason of that was,
(and I think I remember it) his service in
Olneys regiment was his only service which he
did, which was on the “Continental establishment”
Elliotts regiment was not, it had been decided
on the continental establishment & therefore services
in that regiment would have availed him
nothing — It was my general practice in drawing
up declarations under the Act of March 18. 1818 to state
those services only which you deemed “continental” —
It was of no use to state any other for the 
purpose of obtaining a pension, and I well remember
of so saying to many applicants who came to me to 
prepare their declarations, and if I drew up John
Gross. declaration, I have no doubt I told him
so, altho [sic] I have no particular recollection of it
at this time — Most all that belonged to Elliotts
regiment are now dead so that it is next to impossible
to get testimony of living witnesses But as his name
is on the Regimental Roll & is no doubt on your
Company Rolls if you have them complete —
I do hope her pension may be granted
I am respectfully
yours
Benja Cowell [signature]

J L Edwards Esq
Page 38

Providence Dec 26 1836
Sir
I am requested to forward to your
Department the enclosed applications
for pensions under the Act of Congress
of July 4th 1836. Viz, Molly Bowers. Sarah
Potter & Hannah Gross, In reference to the
latter the widow of John Gross or Groce I
take the liberty to call your attention to 
the roll of Elliotts regiment of Artillary
in which it is believed he served three
years [insert “& upwards”] from the fact that he had 28 12-3
allowed him for depreciation of his pay
yet she is unable to obtain any testimony 
except one year, being the last year of the 
establishment of that regiment — He is supposed
to have served about four years during the War
3 years [insert “+ 3 months”] in Elliots regiment & 9 months in
Col Olneys —
I am respectfully 
your obt svt
Benja Cowell

J L Edwards, Esq
Page 39

Providence. Sept 4 1837 
Sir
In answer to your letter of July 17 which
was handed to me when I was in the Pension
office in Washington respecting the claim of 
Hannah Gross widow of John Gross I have 
to say that since my return I have made
the contents of your letter known to the
two principal witnesses to their marriage
to said Augustus Winsor & Sarah Foster
two highly respectable persons and they
have each of them given a further affidavit
setting forth the reasons why
they know & remember the marriage
to have taken place in 1782 Their
affidavits are herewith enclosed and
knowing as I do the respectability of the
affidavits I presume they are satisfactory
I think it also [illegible] now to add
Page 40

that one of the reasons given by Augustus
Winsor to wit the necessity of the marriage
was suggested to me by Mr Winsor whom 
I took his affidavit the first time but
I then deemed it unnecessary to reduce it
to writing and I have no doubt this was
the principle reason why Gross was sent
for to come home. Captain Andrew
Waterman was then a rich and influential
man & no doubt processed John Gross a
furlough. — A furlough for 10 or 12 days
would be ample time to come from
Saratoga to Smithfield But be that as
it may, there cannot be any doubt but
they were married in the summer of 1782
I have to request that she may be allowed
a certificate for 12 months in Capt Walcotts
Col Elliotts regt as admitted by your letter of 
July 8 & 9 months in Continental service
& one month as proved by Joseph Place
Page 41

yet I have not the least doubt he served
two years in Col Elliotts regiment from
the amount of deposition awarded
him —
I am very respectfully
your obt sert
Benja Cowell

J L Edwards, Esq
Page 42

John Gross
Page 43

By a late advertisement in the payper [sic] We understand that All claims for pentions [sic] by the soldier that served nine months must have his claim accompanyed [sic] with a certificate or be certifyed [sic] by the Judge respecting their circumstances in life .-- We the subscribers being neighbors to Mr. John Gross of Smithfield and have been acquainted with his circumstances as to a living for a number of years, which we know has been many times very destroying by reason of sickness in his family of which has had a large one to support and maintain by dayly [sic] laybour [sci] and no other means , therefore we consider him a fit subject of compation [sic] if as any other and can freely sign for the allowance of his pention [sic] as any man whatever - 
Smithfield July 18th 1818

I have been personally acquainted with the above person for more than thirty years and saith that he has at all times since my acquaintance with him been a hard labouring [sic] man that he is a man of very small property by and that in some part of said time has been in distressing circumstances and has been relived by charity.
Elisha Mathewson 

Duty Winsor
Nathan B. Sprague
Emor Olney
Thos Slack
Joseph Slack
Aaron Aborny
Daniel Winsor
Henry Stone
Felix Ross
Andrew Waterman
Caleb Allen
Thomas Waterman
John Foster

[written in the middle of the page]
Rhode Island District 13March 1819
Att. Secry  of War. I am satisfied with this proof of property and with the other proof as to Gno Lennie D. Howell District Judge
Page 44

I Augustus Winsor of Smithfield the County of Providence being now 73 years of age & upon and on oath do testify & say an addition to my former affidavit as to the marriage of John Gross and Hannah Hicks - I was present and saw them married as I have stated and the reason why I remember the year of their married is that I know & well remember they were unmarried before I was and much as one year at least and I was married in August 1783 when I was unmarried they had had one child I think and I also remember the fact that when they were married said John was a soldier belonging to the army and I also remember it was said & I have no doubt of the fact it was necessary they should be married
Page 45

at the time and I think it probable their was the reason why he come from the army for that before - I was nineteen years old when I was married & little  [illegible] and I was born June 12 1764 according to my family record - 
August Winsor
Providence 
In Smithfield August 3, 1837 sworn to & subscribed before me by me reduced to counting in person and albiant and I further certify said Augustus is a credible & disinterested witness in the [illegible] 
Benjamin Cowell
CJCC pleas
Page 46

I Joseph Place of Gloucester in the county of 
Providence and State of Rhode-Island being of lawful
age and engaged according to law do Testify and 
say.
That I have been well acquainted with John Gross
ever since the year 1777. and was a soldier with him
on Newport [insert “although in a different regiment”] - which he belonged to Col Robert El[l]iots
Regiment of Artillery and verily believe he served in
that Regiment and others during the year 77. 78. & 79.
up to the 16th of March, 1780. but am not positive 
the precise time he served in Col Elliots Regiment I
feel confident he served the principal part of the time
in said Regiment during said term [insert “of service”] from 77. to March
1780. I do not recollect the Captain’s name said Gross served
under while he was a soldier on Newport, I am now in 
the Eighty first year of my age.
Mister Asa Winsor   [signature]            
            his
Joseph + Place
           mark

State of RhodeIsland &c.
Providence ss. In Smithfield on the 24th day of April
A.D. 1837. Then Personally appeared the 
above named Joseph Place and made
Oath to the Truth of the above deposition
by him subscribed. And I further Certify 
That I am well acquainted with the said
Joseph Place he is a credible witness in
the premises.
Asa Winsor Justice of the Peace [signature]
Page 47

for Hannah Gross
Page 48

I Daniel Tucker of Smithfield in the county of Providence
and State of Rhode-Island &c. being of Lawful age
and engaged according to law do testify and say ~
That I was acquainted with John Gross. and Hannah
Gross his wife formerly Hannah Hicks, I think they were
Married before he and myself went to Newport, I enlisted
for one Month in the year 1781. in Clark Daniel Mowry’
co. said Gross was there during the time I was in the service
I am now in the seventy third year of my age.
Daniel Tucker [signature]

State of Rhode Island &c.
Providence ss.   In Smithfield on the thirteenth day of April
A.D. 1837. Then Personally appeared the above
named Daniel Tucker and made oath to the truth
of the above Deposition by him subscribed.
And I further certify that I am well acquainted 
with the said Daniel Tucker he is a credible 
witness in the premises.
 Asa Winsor Justice of the Peace [signature]
Page 49

I Sarah Foster of Smithfield in the county of
Providence and State of Rhode - Island, widow being
of Lawful age and engaged acording [sp] to law do testify
and say.
That I have been well acquainted with
Hannah Gross formerly Hannah Hicks from infancy
and well remember the time she was married to John Gross
——- ——- ——- ——- ——, and think he was a soldier at the
time they were married at My Fathers house, and that they
always lived together as Man and Wife, until the death
of said John Gross, which was in the year, 1830,
she has remained his widow ever since,
I am now in the eighty third year of my age.
Sarah Foster [signature]

State of Rhode_Island &c.
Providence ss. In Smithfield on the 13th day of April 1837.
Then Personally appeared the above named Sarah
Foster and made oath to the truth of the above
Deposition by her subscribed,
And I further Certify that I an well acquainted 
with the said Sarah Foster she is a 
credible witness in the premises.
Asa Winsor Justice of the Peace [signature]

State of Rhode Island &c
Providence ss. 
J Denton Purdall Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas [illegible] for the County of 
Providence being a County Record. do hereby certify that Asa Winsor Esq before whom
the preceding affidavit was sworn is a Justice of the Peace in the Town of Smithfield
[illegible] That by law he is [illegible] & empowered to administer oaths
[cut off]
Page 50

State of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations.
Secretary’s Office Decem. 26 A.D. 1836
I certify that at the session of the General
assembly of said State on the first Wednesday 
of May last, Benjamin Cowell was elected
Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas 
for the County of Providence — George H Moury
a Justice of the Peace for the town of Smithfield 
in said County, and William Harrison a 
Justice of the Peace for the town of Warwick
in the county of Kent: each for one year and 
that they have been severally Commissioned 
accordingly; as appears of record in this office.
witness — Henry Bowen Secry [signature]
Page 51

BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
John Brown Francis
Governor, Captain-General, and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhode-
Island and Providence Plantations.
BE IT KNOWN, that the name, “Henry Bowen,” to the
afore-written attestation subscribed, is the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen,
Esquire, who at the time of the subscribing the same, was Secretary of the 
State aforesaid, duly elected and qualified according to law:  Wherefore unto 
his said attestation full faith and credit are to be rendered.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
caused the seal of said State to be affixed at Providence,
this twenty sixth
day of December in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six
and of Independence the sixty-first
John Brown Francis [signature]
By His Excellency’s Command.
Henry Brown Secry  [signature]
Page 52

Town Clerk’s Office. Smithfield October 17 th 1836
I certify that I can not find the 
record of the marriage of John Gross to Hannah Hicks
on the record of said Town.  I also certify that many
marriages take place & have taken place in said Town for 
many years past which are not recorded.
Thomas Mann Town Clerk  [signature]

Smithfield Octo. 17th 1836
Riverden ss. Then personally appeared Thomas Mann
Town Clerk and made oath that the above Certificate 
is earnest in all its parts according to the best of his
knowledge and belief before me 
Geo. H Moury  Justice of the Peace [signature]
Page 53

It appears by the Regimental Book that John Gross enlisted
into the Army of the United States a Private soldier 
to serve for the term of Nine Months; that he faithfully
fulfilled said engagement in the Regiment commanded
by Lieutenant Colonel Commissioner Jeremiah Olney in
the Rhode Island Line on the Continental Establishment,
and was honourably discharged at Saratoga in the State 
of New York the 19th day of December 1782. ~
Providence October 24.th 1836. ~
Jno Dexter [signature] Major of said
Reg. eodem tempore.
Page 54

I Benjamin Carpenter of Warwick in the 
County of Kent & State of Rhode Island being
now 75 years of age & upwards on oath do testify
& say that during the war of the revolution
I was a private in Capt Carlikes Company
& Col Robert Elliotts regiment of Artillery
part of the time in Capt Glazers
Company I was in said Company in the 
year 1779 & was discharged in March 1780
& was in said regiment one year And
I further testify that according to my best
recollection John Gross, was in said Company
during said year  — & served as a
private therein how long he had been
in said regiment I do not recollect
Benjamin Carpenter [signature]

Kent &c  In Warwick this 27th day of October 1836
Personally appeared Benjamin Carpenter
and subscribed the above in my presence and
made Oath to the truth of the same —
I further certify that he is a credible witness
Wm Harrison Justice of the Peace [signature]
Page 55

I Sarah Foster of Smithfield in the County 
of Providence being now 82 years of age and
upwards on oath do testify & say in addition
to my former affidavit respecting the 
marriage of John Gross & Hannah Hicks
Hannah Hicks lived with my father
Andrew Waterman as a kind servant
when she was married, & John Gross 
also worked for my father when he was
not in the Army. he was a foreigner a
German by birth — I cannot state the 
time when they were married but this
fact I do well remember, that they were
married before Augustus Windsor was
married, — I was present when said 
Augustus, who is a connection of mine,
was married, & according to my last
recollection this was in August 1783
Page 56

and I remember they had a daughter
born one year afterwards, the reason why
I remember this is because I have a 
daughter of the same age —When Augustus
Windsor was married. I well remember
that Ms Gross had had a child born
I was present when the child was
born. — I also remember the fact that 
when John Gross & Hanna Hicks were
married said John belonged to the
army & came home for that purpose.
I was present & saw John Gross and
Hicks married. Yet I cannot state the
exact time. but it was about a year 
before Augustus Windsor was married &
was fifty five years ago as I reckon according
to my own daughters age —
Sarah Foster [signature]
Page 57

Providence
In Smithfield August 24 1837
Sworn to & subscribed before me and I
further certify said affiant is a credible
witness — I also certify said affidavit was 
reduced to writing by me in her presence
from her own words
Benja Cowell [signature]
C J C C Pleas