Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26021, Ephraim Williams, R.I.
Page 1

(3-1776_

SERVICE
RI

Williams, Ephraim
Patience

NUMBER
W. 26021.

CONTENTS
Page 2

Repented
Let to Hon B B Thruston
HoR. [House of Representatives] Feb 6, 49
to Anson Smith of Apl 5 '49

2724
Rhode Island
Patience Williams
widow of Ephraim Williams
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private 

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
80 Dollars ------- 
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the
30th day of Dec 48.
and sent to
B. Cowell
Providence
R I.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 29 Vol. 3
Page 3

21,.041
Rh: Island

Ephraim Williams
of Providence in the State of Rh; Island
who was a private in the Comp commanded
by Captain Smith of the Reg commanded
by Col. Knight in the Rh: Island
line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of Rh: Island
at the rate of 80 Dollars -----Cents per annum,
to commence on the rth day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of Aug.
1832 and sent to B. Cowell
provider

Arrears to the 4th of May $160
Semi-anl. allowance ending April 5[?] 40
$200

{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }

Recorded by [illegible] Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 2 Page 135 [?]
Page 4

17029
Ephraim Williams
Rhode Island

Private 2 years

5 & 16 [illegible]

April 30 1833
P 362

Benja Cowell Esq
Clk  Co. Providence
RI
Page 5

Brief in the case of Ephraim Williams
County of Providence in the state of Rhode Island
(Act 7th June 1832)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?

3. How old is he?  76 years

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period              Duration of Service       As a            Name of General and Field Officers
                         Years, Months, Days                                under whom he served
Vol In 1776          (blank)                       private          Genl Spencer
                                                                                    Caps. Smith,   Knight
          1777            6 (months)                   "                 same              same
draft   1778          10 or 12 (months)      (blank)           same              same

5. In what battles was he engaged?    none

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Rhode Island

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by department proof, by traditionary evidence, by
incidental evidence or by the rolls?    living witness

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authenticity? and if so, in what respect?  not properly
attached

 Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence on the case above
mentioned,

JNClay Examining Clerk
Page 6

And now on this seventh day of May AD 1833
Ephraim Williams maketh further oath in
addition & explanation of the declaration made
by him in Court Sept 17 1832. [illegible]- Said
Ephraim declared that it was in September
AD 1776 that he volunteered & Joined Col.
Coomer (Coman) Smiths Company as minutemen in his said
declaration & served one year from that time 
in said Company as a private & was honorably
discharged for which he claims a pension
and he the said Ephraim further maketh
oath that immediately after the expiration of
said years service he again Volunteered 
& Joined the same Company &served six 
months - he entered the Company according
to his best recollection in October AD 1777
& served until April 1778 that imme-
diately after in the same month of April 1778
he was drafted & served in the same Com-
pany his tours of duty every other month
& between April 1778 & April 1780 he 
served ten months at least - making
twenty eight in all that he served in 
said Company. during all this service
Page 7

he served as a private and was honorably 
discharged & further maketh oasth that the 
Revd John Hammond is acquainted with
him & also Abraham Walker & their certifi-
cate is hereto annexed in addition to 
the deposition of James Howard-
Ephraim Williams

Rhode Island District
In Providence May 7 1833
Sworn o before me by the said Ephraim
Williams.
Benja Cowell  Clk
& [illegible] of Dist
Court RI Dist
Page 8

Mr. John Hammond residing in [illegible] in the State of Rhode Island and Abraham Walker of the same Forter hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Ephraim Williams who has subscribed and sworn to the annexed dulavations that we believe him to be proud 77 years of age. That he in reputation and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion
[signed] John Hammond Potter
[signed] Abraham Walker
Providence in Fortir May 13th 1833
Personally appears before me the above named John Hammond and Abraham Walker and made oath to the truth of the [illegible] affidavit and I hereby certify that [Illegible] [^] John is a clergyman residing in said Fortir and that he and the said Abraham are both entitled to full credit as certifyig [certifying]
[Signed] Daniel Howard Justice of the Peace
Page 9

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

Providence sc.
I, Dexter Randall, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for
the County of Providence, in said State, do hereby certify that Daniel
Howard is a Justice of the Peace for the town of Foster
n said county and State: - that he is by the laws of said State, authorised to to administer oaths
and take depositions: and that the signature to the annexed document, puporting to be
his, in the proper hand writing of said Howard

In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the 
Seal of said Court, at Providence, this Twenty Third 
day of May in the of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and thirty three

Dexter Randall, Clerk
Page 10

97
Ephraim Williams
17029
Page 11

United States of America
Rhode Island District, sc. August Term 1832
County of Providence
On this seventeenth day of September A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court being a
District Court of the United States within and for said District , now in session Ephraim Williams
a resident of Foster in the County of Providence
and State of Rhode Island aged 75 years, ho being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his
oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832, viz.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.

He was born November 34th 1755 in Scituate R.I. has no record of his
birth, lived there when he entered the service & since the war in Scituate
& for the last 30 years in Foster R.I. where he now resides
and this applicant further states that in the fall of 1776 he volunteered
in Cap Coomer (Coman) Smiths company & Col John Knights regiment
of Rhode Island Militia & served one year at Providence, at
Bristol when the British took possession of Rhode Island, at Warwick
& other places in guarding the shored of Narragansett Bay
and this applicant further states that immediately after the 
above named service he again volunteered in the same company
& regiment & served six months, was in Spencers expedition
in October 1777 & in guarding the shores of Narragansett bay
ad this applicant further states that in April 1778 he was
drafted & served his regular tours of every other month as
much as ten or twelve months in the same company & 
regiment & was stationed guarding the shores at Warwick, 
in Providence, at Bristol & was in Sullivans expedition in 
August & various other places-
in which drafts & he served his time out as a private & was 
honorably discharges, but never has a written discharge.

He hereby relinquished every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declare that his name
is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Ephraim Williams
Attest B Cowell  Clk
Page 12

He hereby relinquished every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declare that his name
is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Ephraim Williams
Attest B Cowell Clk

I James Howard the 1st of Foster aged 73 years on oath do 
testify and say that I have know Ephraim Williams who 
is now before me more than 60 years & know that he was a 
soldier of the Revolutionary War. I know that in the fall 
of 1776 he volunteered & served one year as a private in Cap
Coomer Smiths company & Col Joseph Knights regiment of 
R.I. Militia & also that in the fall of 1777 he again 
volunteered & served six months as a private in the same
company & regiment. I also know that in the Spring of 1778
he was drafted as a private, but do not know how much
he served, but should think as much as he has stated or more in
his declaration. he is a man of truth & veracity & his 
statement is entitled to credit-  James Howard his X mark
Sept 17th 1832
Sworn to in open court
B Cowell  Clk

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. Ant the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that James Howard who has testified for the said 
applicant as resident as he states and is a credible person , and that his statement is entitled to credit.
I, BENJAMIN COWELL, Clerk of said District Court, do hereby certify that the 
foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the applicant
of Ephraim Williams for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office
this 7th day of November 1832
Benja Cowell, Clk
Page 13

State of Rhode Island
County of Providence
On this 26th day of July 1844 personally
appeared before me Josiah Westcott associate
Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within
for said County Patience Williams of 
Foster in said County aged 81 years
who being duly sworn according to law
doth on her oath make the following
declaration in order to obtain the benefit 
of the act of Congress of July 4 1836 & 
Joint Resolution of July 7 1838, that she
is the widow of Ephraim Williams late of
said Foster, who was a soldier of the 
Revolution, that when the act of Congress
of June 7 1832 was  passed granting pensions
to officers & soldiers of the Revolution her
husband applied & obtained a pension
under said act. & his name was placed
on the Pension Roll of Rhode Island & 
she refers to the declaration he made
to obtain said pension for the the evidence
of his services, and she further declares
that she was married to the said 
Ephraim Williams on the 23 day of 
November 1780 as will appear of Record
a copy whereof is hereto annexed, that 
her husband the said Ephraim Williams
departed this life on the 30 day of June
AD 1843 & since then she has remained 
a widow, wherefore she claims a pension 
pursuant to the provision of said act & 
Resolution of Congress
Witness Josiah Westcott           Patience  Williams her X mark
Page 14

State of Rhode Island
Providence County, sc } Foster July 26th AD [illegible]
Personally appeared Patience Williams [illegible] to within
Page 15

Patience Williams
Page 16

I hereby certify that Ephraim Williams of Scituate in the 
County of Providence son of Benoni Williams Esquire and
Patience Arnold of Glouster in [illegible] [illegible] daughter of of Caleb
Arnold Esquire, was lawfully joined together in marriage on the
twenty third day o November one thousand seven hundred and eighty.  John Westcott Justice [illegible]  
Recorded November 12, 1781
John Harris, Town Clerk

I herby certify that the above is a true copy from Scituate
Town  Records for Marriages [illegible] first Book Page 148 with
the [illegible] of the date of the marriage which is  [illegible]
on the Record in [illegible] legible figures as follows on the 23
day of November 1780.  Witness Josiah Westcott, T. Clerk

I Josiah Westcott above name, dipose and say that I now
head the office of Town Clerk in in the town of Scituate in
the county of Providence in the state of Rhode Island
and that the above is a true [illegible] from the Records
of said town of Scituate with the [illegible] [illegible] and 
as certified by me     Josiah Westcott, Town Clerk

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Providence sc} In Providence, on this twenty fourth day of July A.D. 1844 personally ap-
peared Josiah Westcott, subscriber to the afore
-going and made oath of the truth of the same
before me and I certify that said Westcott is Town Clerk of the Town of Scituate and is a credible person. (Gamaliel L Dwight)
Justice of the Peace
Page 17

I Phila Williams of Foster County of Providence
age forty Seven Years, an oath declared that she is the Daughter [illegible] of Ephraim Williams who was a 
Revolutionary [illegible] and that said Ephraim died at
[illegible] Foster on the 30th day of June AD 1843 and
left a wife who is now living and remains the
widow of the said Ephraim Williams deceased
Phila Williams

State of Rhode Island
Providence County sc.} Foster July 26th AD 1844 Here personally
appeared Phila Williams the above subscriber and made oath
to the truth of the above statement. And I further certify that
She is a credible Witness.
Before me Josiah Westcott, J.C.C. Pleas
Page 18

11,358
Patience Williams
R.I.
Act 7th July '38




L.d. June 30th '43
[illegible] act
4 [illegible] 1836



Benj Cowell
[illegible]
Providence
RI
Page 19

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Providence sc}

I, Albert G . Greene, Clerk
of the Municipal Court of the City of 
Providence in said State, do hereby certify,
that Josiah Westcott who has signed
two of the aforegoing annexed certificates,
was on the day of the date thereof, a
Justice of the Court of Common Pleas
within and for the County of Providence 
in said State, duly elected, and that
Gamaliel L. Dwight, who has signed one
of the aforegoing annexed Certificate, was
on the day of the date thereof a Justice
of the Peace, within and for said City of
Providence , duly elected.
In attestation whereof, I
have hereunto set my hand,
and have affixed the seal 
of said Municipal Court
this 17th day of September, A.D. 1844
Albert G. Greene
Page 20

State of Rhode Island
County of Providence sc} at Foster in said County
On this fourteenth day of August A.D. 1843
Personally appeared Before me Daniel Howard one of the
Associate Justices of the Court of Common Pleas within
and for the said County of Providence, Patience Williams
a resident of the Town of Foster in said County of Providence
aged Eighty Years who being first duly sworn according 
to the law doth on her oath make the following declaration in
order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act
of Congress passed July 4th 1836 and of the Joint Resolution
of Congress passed July 7th-1838, for the benefit of the Widows
of certain Revolutionary Officers and Soldiers of whose husbands
have died since the 4th of July 1836,  That she is the widow
of Ephraim Williams who was a Soldier in the Army of
the Revolution and a Pensioner of the United States in the 
State of Rhode Island under the act of the 7th of June 1832,
at the rate of Eighty Dollars per annum for the [illegible] of
Page 21

State of Rhode Island
County of Providence sc}  In Foster of said County

On this fourteenth day of August AD. 1843
Here personally appeared Before the subscriber an associate Justice
of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the said County
Patience Williams within named who subscribed this within
Declaration (by making her cross) and made solemn oath to
the truth of the same - I further certify that the said
Patience Williams, by reason of old age and bodily infirmity
is unable to attend in Court.
Daniel Howard, Associate Justice of the this Court of
Common Pleas, County of Providence
Page 22

I Caleb Williams of Foster in the County of Providence and 
State of Rhode Island being Forty Seven years of age and duly
sworn according to law do depose and say - 
That I was personally acquainted with Ephraim Williams
late of the said Town of Foster deceased and resided in the
same house with him previous to and at the time of his decease
and that the said Ephraim Williams died on the thirteenth
day of June 1843.  I further depose and say that I am
also personally acquainted with Patience Williams the widow
of the said Ephraim Williams that she now resides in said
Foster and the never has been married since her said
husband Ephraim Williams died but still remains his Widow.
Caleb Williams

State of Rhode Island
County of Providence }sc  In Foster in said County
On the fourteenth day of August AD 1843
Here personally came Caleb Williams above named and ade
solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him
subscribed before me.
I further certify that the said Caleb
Williams is a credible person with whom I am acquainted
and that full credit may be given to his testimony.
Daniel Howard, Associate Justice of the Court of Common
Pleas, County of Providence
Page 23

I Phila Williams of Foster in the County of Providence and State 
of Rhode Island being forty six years of age and duly sworn 
according to law due depose and say that I was personally acquainted 
with Ephraim Williams late of the said town of Foster deceased 
that I resided in the same house with him at and previous to 
the time of his decease and that he died on the thirteenth day of 
June A. D. 1843 I further depose and say that I am also 
personally acquainted with Patience Williams the widow of the 
said Ephraim Williams that she now resides in said Foster 
and that she never has been married since her said husband 
Ephraim Williams died but still remains his widow.
Phila Williams


State of Rhode  
County of Providence in foster in said county
Here personally came before me Phila Williams above named 
and made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by her 
subscribed. I further certify that the said Phila Williams 
is a person with whom I am acquainted and that she is 
entitled to full credit as a witness 
Daniel Howard, Justice of the Court of Common Pleas 
County of Providence
Page 24

5937
Patience Williams
RI
Act 4 July 36
[illegible]
m 80 d 43
[illegible] [illegible] 1836
Page 25

I hereby certify that Ephriam Williams of Scituate in the County 
of Providence son of Benoni Williams Esq and Patience Arnold of 
Gloucester is [illegible] [illegible]  daughter of Caleb Arnold Esq
lawfully joined together in marriage on this Twenty third day 
of November One thousand Seven hundred and Eighty.
[illegible] November 12th 1781.          John Westcott Justice Peace
John Harris Town Clerk

I hereby certify that the above is a true copy from Scituate 
Town Records for Marriages first Book, Page 148 with the
[illegible] of the date of the marriage which is [illegible] on
the Record in fair legible figure as follows on the 23 day 
of November 1780.                 Josiah Westcott  Tow Clerk

I Josiah Westcott above maned depose and say that I
hold the Office of Town Clerk in the Town of Scituate in
the County of Providence in the State of Rhode Island and
that the above is a true [illegible] from the Records of said
Town of Scituate with the [illegible] above named as
certified by me.   Josiah Westcott, Town Clerk

Sworn to and subscribed on the fifteenth day of August A.D. 1843
Before me
Daniel Howard, Justice of the Court of Common Pleas
County of Providence
Page 26

State of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations

Secretary's Office  Aug. 25, 1843

I Henry Bowen Secretary of said 
State and Keeper of the Records
and the seal thereof
Do certify that at the dates of his official
certificate annexed, the said Daniel Howard 
was an Associate Justice of the Court of Common
Pleas within the County of Providence duly
elected and Commissioned as appears of 
record.  In testimony whereof I have
[illegible] set my hand and affixed the seal
of said State at Providence the day and year 
first above written
Henry Bowen
Page 27

December 4, 1930
Rev. [Revolutionary] and 1812 Wars Section AWF:MLB
Maud E. Shelmerdine
174 Summit Avenue
Summit, New Jersey
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 26021, that Ephraim Williams, the sone of BEnoni Williams, was born November 24, 1755 in Scituate, Rhode Island. It is stated that he was a "regular descendant" of the celebrated Roger Williams.
While residing in Scituate, Rhode Island, he enlisted and served as a private with the Rhode Island troops, as follows:
From September, 1776, one year and six months in Captain Coomer Smith's company under Major Joseph Knight, and was in Spencer's expedition in October, 1777; from April, 1778, in the same company and regiment, every other month, amounting to twelve months, and was in Sullivan's exedition in August 1778.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 17, 1832, at which time he was living in Foster, Providence County, Rhode Island.
He died June 30, 1842 in said Foster.
The soldier married November 23, 1780 in Scituate, Rhode Island, Patience, the daughter of Caleb Arnold. She was then of Gloucester, Rhode Island.
She was allowed pension on her application execute August 14, 1843, at which time she was living in Foster, Rhode Island, and was aged eighty years.
Page 28

Their daughter-in-law, Phila Williams, was a resident of Foster, Rhode Island in 1844 and was aged forty-seven years.
There are no further data as to family.
Very truly yours
E.W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner
Page 29

8431
Rhode Island
Patience Williams
widow of Ephraim Williams
who was a Private
in the Revolution
Husband died 30 June '43
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
80 Dollars ----
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
30th day of Dec. 184? and sent to 
B. Cowell,
Providence, RI.
[Acts of March 3, 1843, and June
17, 1844]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2 Page 49
Page 30

Widow, &c.
File No. 26021
Patience Williams
Wid of
Ephraim Williams
Priv Rev War
Act: Feb 2nd 1848
Index: -- Vol. W, Page 346
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 31

5937
Patience Williams
RI

Set to Daniel Howard Nov 10 4

Act 4 July 1836
Page 32

V   11.358
Patience Williams
R.I.
Set to B.  Cowell, Sep 11, '4?
Set to same Nov 14, '48

Act 7 July '38
Page 33

11 - 358

Patience Williams
R. P.
[illegible]
[illegible] to B. Correll. Nov. 26. 1844
to same June 23. 45
to same March 14. '46

Act July 7th  '38
Page 34

Ephraim Williams Rev. Act 7 June 1832 $80.00 pens

To what time was he last paid?
[initialed] GCA

Pension Office
Decem 16 1848 }
Died June 30th. 1843
Paid to his death
[initialed] BJB
Page 35

174 Summit Ave.
Summit, N.J.
November 11, 1930

Bureau of Pensions,
Veterans Administration,

Gentlemen,
   Please send me a record 
of pension of Mr. Ephraim
Williams, Revolutionary Soldier,
Scituate, Rhode Island, 
United States Pension Office Record,
Pension Book #76.
   I wish this information
for D.A.R. Records.
Yours truly,
Maud E. Shelmerdine
Page 36

Patience Williams
Page 37

State of Rhode Island
         County of Providence
On this Fourth day of September AD 1848
Personally appeared before the Subscriber
a Justice of the Peace, Patience Williams
now resident in Foster - in said 
County aged 84 years who now makes
the supplemental declaration in 
order to obtain the benefit of the 
several acts of Congress granting pensions
to widows of officers & soldiers  of the
Army of the Revolution That as before
stated she id the widow of Ephraim
WiIlliams late of said Foster who was a 
pensioner under the act of June 7 1832
& drew a pension up to the time of 
his death at the rate of Eighty dollars
per annum. That after his death she 
applied for a pension as his widow,
under the act of July 7 1838 & 
subsequent acts continuing the benefit
thereof & her declaration claiming her
pension and now in the War Department
that her marriage to said Ephraim
was duly proved & allowed but her
claim was not granted not being
able to provide proof satisfactory to the
Page 38

Department but a recent act of Congress
has been passed as she believes & has
understood which does not require her
to produce any further prof of her said
husbands services but allows her
the same pension which her husband 
the said Ephraim drew at the time
of his death.
Wherefore she request that a certificate
may be granted pursuant to the 
provisions of said act July 7 1838
& other acts of Congress since passed,
Patience Williams (her X mark)

Witness
Gamaliel L Dwight

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Providence, sc}   September 4th 1848
Personally came before me, the above named
Patience Williams and made oath to the
truth of the above declaration by her sub-
scribed, and I further certify that her 
statements are entitled to full credit
and that she is a credible person.
Gamaliel Lyman Dwight
Justice of the Peace
Page 39

State of Rhode Island
Providence County sc
I, John W. Smith, Clerk 
of the Court of Common Pleas  within [illegible] said
County of Providence in the State aforesaid, being a 
Court of Record, do hereby certify that Gamaliel L
Dwight Esquire, before whom a [illegible] declaration 
was made, is a Justice of the Peace for the City
of Providence in said County of Providence, & duly qualified 
to act in his said capacity, and is by law authorized
and empowered to administer oaths take depositions
and the aforewritten signature purporting to the that of 
said Dwight, is genuine.
In witness whereof I hereinto set my hand & affix
the seal of our said Court, at the City of 
Providence this fourth day of September
AD 1848
John W. Smith Clerk
Page 40

Providence July 11 1848

Sir

I understand an act of Congress has been
recently passed by which widow applicants for
pensions under the act of July 4/36 & July 7/38 are
entitled to the same pensions their husbands
drew without producing further proof. I have
therefore to request that Patience Williams
widow of Ephraim Williams may be allowed
the pension her husband drew He was a 
pensioner under the act of June 7 1832 & died
June 20 1843 Her claim was sent by Sept 19
1844 under the act of July 7 1838 but objection
was made by the Department for want of further
proof of service & thus has [illegible] Her 
marriage was satisfactorily proved. I have
therefore to request that her claim may be
 allowed. I know not however [illegible] some
further [illegible] must be made, if so
& a "form of proceeding" has been prescribed
will you have the kindness to send me one
I am very
Respectfully
your [illegible] [illegible]
Benja Cowell
J.L. Edwards, Esq
Page 41

Providence Sept 19 1844

Sir
I herewith enclose the application of
[illegible] Patience Williams widow of
Ephraim Williams under the act
of July 4 1836.
I am respectfully
yours [illegible] [illegible]
Benja Cowell
Page 42

Providence  Sept 5 1848

Sir

I herewith enclose supplemental declaration
of Patience Williams widow of Ephraim Williams
Her claim for a pension under the act July 7th
1838 & subsequent acts has been pending a number
of years, but has not been granted, the evidence she
[illegible], not being deemed sufficient. I understand
now that recent acts & resolves of Congress have
been passed which will require no further 
testimony on her part  to be provided. I have
therefore to request that her claim may be
granted without further delay. She a poor
old widow & her husband was a regular
descendant of the celebrated Roger Williams
the founder of the this State. I do not give this 
fact as a reason why her claim should be granted
but I hope her poverty will claim the earliest
attention of the Department
I am respectfully
your [illegible] [illegible]
Benja Cowell

J L Edwards
Page 43

Oct '43  9550
No 11358
2L Reso 410
Patience Williams
wo of Ephraim
RI
Act 7 Jul 1838 and 
[illegible] resolution of 23
January 1845
[illegible] 2 years for 
$80 per a
from 4 March 1836 to 4
March 1841
[illegible] acts 43, 44
& 48 $80
from 4 March 1843
B Cowell
Providence RI
[illegible]
newer act
4 May 76
Page 44

Pension Office
Decem  1848

Sir
Br [illegible] to inscriber on you
Roll the mane Rebecca Boyd widow 
of John Boyd at the sum of Four hundred
eighty dollars per ann.  [illegible]
Page 45

Foster R.I. July 29ht 1848.
Hon. J. L. Edwards

Dear Sir.  Mrs. Patience Williams of the 
County of Providence and State of Rhode Island, widow of
Ephraim Williams who was in the Revolutionary service, wishes
to be informed what further evidence (if any) is necessary to 
establish her claim to a Pension.  Mrs Williams is under
the impression that by a late Resolution or Act of Congress
and by the proceedings in the Pension Department in relations
to claims, a widow is not require to prove the services of her
husband after said services have once been admitted by the 
Department. It is manifestly just and proper, that evidence which was not required sixteen years ago when it could probably
have been obtained, should not be requires now, when the persons
by whom it must be proved are not living, and the papers have
been sent to the Pension Office as evidence in the other claim.
It is the general belief , founded on information derived from
persons who were living at the time, and had personal knowledge
of the service of Mr Ephraim William, that he was in the 
Revolutionary service although none of them are now living that we
know of, and the errors that may occur in making out claims are 
much more frequently chargeable to the carelessness of the officers,
and others than to the misrepresentation of  the claimants.
Mrs. Williams' marriage has been, or can be proved to have taken
place before the first day of January 1794, and if no services of
her husband are admitted after the time of her marriage, then
she claims under the Acts of March 3rd 184, June 17th 1844, and
February 2nd 1848, the annual amount of pension that was allowed
to her husband Ephraim Williams. In behalf of Mrs Williams
and as soon as convenient, please inform me what further evidence (if any)
is necessary to establish her claim or forward to me certificates.
I am , Sir, You Obedient Servant, Anson Smith
Foster,
R.I
to Hon. J.L. Edwards
Page 46

Providence May 12 1845
Sir
In answer to your letter of Nov 10 1843 to
Daniel Howard & to me of [illegible] 16 1844 respecting 
the claim of Patience Williams widow of Ephraim 
I herewith enclose further evidence of her husbands
services. It is now next to an impossibility to
obtain evidence of living witnesses. It is believed
that all who served with her husband are dead.
Had he been [illegible] when his pension was
allowed to have produced more evidence it
could have been done. My information is that
a mistake was made in the statement of his
services as to the names of his officers. My im-
pression is that he served 12 months in
Col. [illegible] regiment as his name is on that
Roll with the sum of £ 165, 10, due him for
[illegible] of pay, and I [illegible] knew [illegible]
of any other Ephraim Williams in this
State who was a soldier in the war of the 
Revolution. I have no doubt that one of those
[illegible] of continue services, which he [illegible]
in his declaration, was in that regiment, and
that he, or whoever drew up the declaration made
a mistake in the officers name. Such mistakes
sometimes happened in the hurry of business
when large numbers of applicants will
Page 47

waiting in Court for their turn. As I took no 
minutes at the time I do not recollect what
evidence was produced in Court. Ephraim 
Williams sustained a very fair character
for truth in his neighborhood & intended to 
make a fair statement, of this I have not a
doubt. The services in Col. [illegible] regiment began
in December 76 . As to the "monthly tours" in 1778
& 79 that law of the State requires the militia to serve every
third month and it is [illegible] that he
always performed his duty & never hired any
one as substitute. As it now out of her power
to attain evidence of living witnesses of those
monthly tours I have to request that what is
fair & right may be allowed, what was in
accordance with the law  of the State at the time
& the evidence that he always performed  his 
duty now [illegible]. There was evidently mistakes
made in the original statement of his service
but I hope these mistakes will not prejudice
the widow.
I am respectfully
your [illegible] [illegible]
Benja Cowell

J.L. Edwards
Page 48

Providence Dec 26  1845

Sir

I reviewed your letter of 23 of June last respecting the 
claim of Patience Williams widow of Ephraim Williams
and regret to say that no further testimony testimony of witness
can be obtained. Most all the old soldiers are dead.
I believe however a portion of his services was as
one of the Guard to the Beacon. This is proved
by the affidavits of Benja Boss & Peter Hopkins
and I believe also it was [illegible] in his own
declaration. I herewith enclose a certificate 
of the Town Clerk of Scituate respecting the
character of that [illegible] [illegible] it was established
by order of the Commanding General & that it
was a military Guard. I am also informed that 
services in this Guard have been repeatedly allowed
as service within the meaning of the Pension act
of June 7 1832. I think the claims of Caleb Westcott,  
Oliver Cornell & [illegible] Williams contains
[illegible] of services in this Guard which were
allowed. If so, I have to request that the services
 of Ephraim Williams when belonging to this Guard
may also be allowed. I am very confident Ephraim 
Williams mistook the names of some of his officers 
when he made his declaration. It was after [illegible]
in the hearing & confusion [illegible] by so many
appearing in the Court at a time, but there can bu
no doubt, he served a great deal during the 
War of the Revolution.
You observe with regard to the [illegible] monthly tours from
Page 49

from April 1778 to April 1780 (in you letter to 
Judge Howard of Nov 10 1843) as claimed by him
in his [illegible] that "such an [illegible] would
appear to be be extravagant". All I can say is that
if this objection had been made in his life time it 
would perhaps have been [illegible] & all others
mistakes perhaps [illegible] as it is
Page 50

Providence August 24 1846

Sir

In answer  your letter of 14 of March [illegible]
respecting the claim of Patience Williams
I herewith enclose the certificate of the Secretary
of this State showing the years in which [illegible]
Smith was Captain under whom her husband
Ephraim Williams serve. It appears there
was no "Colonel Knight" but there was a 
Major Joseph Knight of the 3rd regiment in the 
County of Providence. Major Knight belonged
to Scituate & is no doubt the person alluded 
to by Williams. If it were possible, this claimant
could furnish the specifications of service,
in accordance with your letter of Aug 10 1843
to Judge Howard, But this cannot be done any
further that she has done by the affidavits
Benja Boss & several others transmitted
by me May 12 1845. Most all the old
soldiers are dead. Not one is living who
served with him unless it be Chace
Arnold whose affidavit you have already
It appears to me that this & other circumstance
bring this claim within the true spirit
& meaning of the [illegible] Section of the act of
Page 51

of Congress of May 7 1846. This Section provides that
no further evidence "shall be required"
than what was produced by the husband
in such a claim as this "[illegible] the
[illegible] [illegible] is satisfied that the pension
was properly granted" The evidence produced
was satisfactory at the time and as [illegible]
can be now no further evidence produced
all the witness being dead and as she
has complied with all the requests 
in her [illegible] contained in your letter of Nov
10, 1843 I hope her pension will be granted, if not
a full pension at least such a one as will be
just & proper. If the [illegible] Section above mentioned
does not apply in such a claim as this I know
of no case in which it can apply. If the claim to 
husband did not [illegible] any service as one
of the "Beacon Guard" established by order of
Major General Sullivan it was [illegible],
no doubt, he had enough for a full 
pension without it.  That he did serve as
one of this Guard the evidence in
the case fully [illegible].
I m respectfully
your obt Sevt
Benja Cowell

J.L. Edwards Esq
Page 52

State of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations

Secretary Office  Aug. 12 1846

I certify that at the session of 
the General Assembly of said State in May seventeen
hundred seventy seven, 1777, Coomer Smith
was appointed Captain of the third Company of the 
Militia in the Town of Scituate in the County of
Providence, and continued by annual
appointment until May Seventeen hundred 
eighty one (1781) as appears of record.
In testimony whereof I have 
hereunto set my hand and 
affixed the Seal of said State
at Providence the day and yeas
above written.
Henry Bowen , Secry

I further certify that it does not appear that there
was any Colonel Knight appointed during the time
above mentioned, but Joseph Knight was elected
Major of the third regiment of Militia in the 
County of Providence in May 1776 and so continued
until May 1781 as appears of record.
Henry Bowen Secry
Page 53

I Peter Hopkins of Foster in the County of Providence
n Oath so testify and say that I am now Eighty nine
years of age that I was acquainted with Ephraim
Williams late of said Foster the husband of Patience
Williams now his widow I knew said Ephraim
well during the war of the Revolution we were
soldiers together. I think we served together a 
good many times But my memory is so infirm
I cannot specify all the services I think we served
in Capt Smith company said Ephraim always
performed his duty whenever he was called
upon he was also one of the guard at the Beacon
pole in Scituate while the enemy were in Rhode Island  I think he must have served as much
as four months each year from December
76 to December 79. I never knew of his having
any one to serve for him.
Peter Hopkins his X mark
Attest Paris Mathewson
Providence sc. Foster April 30th 1845
Sworn and subscribed Before me
And I further testify that he is personally known 
to me and he is a credible Witness
Paris Mathewson Justice of the Peaces
Page 54

I Benjamin Boss to Scituate in the County 
of Providence on oath do testify and say that I am Eighty Eight years  of age I was well acquainted with 
Ephraim Williams Late of Foster husband of Patience 
Williams now his widow I never served with Ephraim
I served in Coln Hickocks and Coln. Angells regiments
of the continental army but said Ephraim served
in the Militia I well remember said Ephraim when
he served in watching the Beacon pole established in
said Scituate I think a Sergents yard watched
it and they had the same pay and rations as
those who served in the ranks how long said
Ephraim served I do not remember
Benjamin Boss

Providence sc. Scituate April 3oth, 1845
Sworn to and subscribed Before Me
and I further certify that his is personally
known to me and he is a credible witness
Paris Mathewson Justice of the Peace
Page 55

I Oliver Arnold of Foster in the County of Providence 
on oath do testify and say that I am now Eighty
five years of age that I was well acquainted with
Ephraim Williams Late of said Foster husband 
of Patience Williams now his widow I know 
said Williams during the war of the Revolution
and have a distinct recollection of his serving 
in the guard of the Beacon pole in Scituate
James Aldrich was captain of the guard
I think I have always understood said Guard
was paid and received rations as other soldiers
were how long he served I don not remember
Oliver Arnold

Providence sc. Foster April 30th 1845
Sworn and subscribed Before Me
and I further testify that is personally known
to me and he is a credible Witness
Paris Mathewson Justice of the Peace
Page 56

State of Rhode Island sc
Providence sc.    Clerk's Office Court of
                            Common Pleas.

I, John W. Smith, clerk of the Court of Common
Pleas, within and for the County of Providence, State
aforesaid, being a Court of Record, do hereby
certify that Paris Mathewson Esq, before [illegible]
the aforegoing affidavits were [illegible], is a Justice 
of the Peace for the town of Johnston in said County
of Providence, and is by the law of the State duly
authorized and qualified to administer oaths
& take depositions: and that his three aforewritten
signatures to his certificates are genuine.

In attestation whereof I hereunto set my hand
and affix the seal of our said 
Court at the City of Providence
this twelfth day of May,
AD 1845
John W. Smith, clerk
Page 57

Hon J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Mount Vernon, [illegible]    Washington City
Aug 30th -                           D.C


[side note]
5937   Sept. 1, 1843
Patience Williams
July 4, 1836
Page 58

Foster R.I. August 28, 1843
Hon J. L. Edwards, Count, of P[illegible]
Dear Sir,
I herewithin transmit the declaration
of Mrs. Patience Williams, Widow of Ephraim Williams deceased,
for the purpose of having the pension which was granted to her
said husband under the Act of June 7, 1832 continued to her
during her life, agreeably to the Act of July 4th-1836 and of
the Joint Resolution of Congress passed July 7th 1838, together
with the evidence in support of her claim_
Please to send her Pension Certificate (in case the
same is granted) or any other communication relating to her claim
to e at Mount Vernon Post Office Foster R. Island
It is [illegible] that the last services of her said 
husband were performed subsequent to their marriage, but
if that should not prove to be the case when examination of
the evidence in the War Department on which his pension was granted
then please to inform me whether she is entitled to any pension 
under the present construction of the Pension Acts, and if so
how much, and what course of proceeding and kind of testimony
is required to establish her claim to it
I am respectfully,
Your Obt Servt
Daniel M. Howard
Page 59

"At a Town Council [illegible] in Scituate in
the County of Providence according to law this
11th day of June 1778.
Present, Rufus Hopkins       Jonah Colvin
              Stephen Kimball    Gideon Cornell

Whereas His Excellency General Sullivan
having directed by his letter dated 9th. [illegible]
[illegible] to the Committee of Safety or Select
man of the town of Scituate, that a Guard
consisting of a Lieutenant, Corporal and 
twelve privates, be ordered to take the charge
of the Beacon lately erected in this town and
to observe the instructions contained in [illegible] letter.
The town Council of this town therefore
request Col. Wm West, the commanding officer
of this Regiment, to furnish said Guard agree
-able to his Excellency & direction. ~
Voted that a copy of his Excellency's Letter, togeth
-er with this request, be forwarded to Col. West
immediately."~
A true copy of Record
Witness J.A Harris, [illegible]
[illegible] - 75@
For copy & searching files
Page 60

It. Reso. 23 Jany 45
10522
Rhode Island
Patience Williams
Widow of Ephraim Williams
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 30th June 1843
of Providence in the State of R.I.
who was a private in the Compy
commanded by Captain Smith of the 
Regt. commanded by Col Knight in
the Revolution for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of Providence
at the rate of 80 Dollars ----
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of 
Dec. 48 and sent to 
B. Cowell
Providence
Total amount,    $ R.I.

[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Th. [illegible], Clerk
Book D   Vol. 1  Page 119
Page 61

Providence Nov 28th 1848

Sir
I have received your letter of 24 [illegible] in which
you say you have received my letter of 11 [illegible] respecting
the "claim of Patience Williams widow of 
Ephraim" I think you are under a 
mistaken as respects the purpose of my letter.
I wrote you on 11 or about that time respecting
the claim of Merila Harrington widow 
Job, and Ruth Andrews widow of George
for the increase f their pensions under the 
Joint resolution of July 1 [illegible]. Their claims
has been sent on by me several months ago
and I had received a letter from you dated
Oct 3rd respecting then in which you observed
that before any certificates could be issued "for 
the same amount their husbands drew, 
they must return the certificates granted
under the Act of Feb~1848". These certificates
I sent to you on the same day I received 
your letter, expecting their new certificated
would be granted immediately, but not
hearing any thing about them & requested 
they might be sent and again I have 
respectfully to request that they might be 
sent as their claims have been examined & allowed
Page 62

as respects the claim of "Patience Williams widow of Ephraim" I sent her new declaration 
on the 5th of September last, showing she was
"still living" & claimed  the benefit of the 
resolve of Congress of July 1st [illegible] but have 
not heard from it since. I think you
will find it on file. I hope that too
may be granted soon, but I do hope the two
former will be granted without further delay
I am respectfully
your obt set
Benja Cowell