Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23004, Henry Eldridge, Conn. R.I.
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
Conn.
R.I.
Eldridge, Henry
Elizabeth
NUMBER
W. 23004,
CONTENTS
Page 2

4.056
Rhode Island Rolls
Henry Eldridge
Private
Connecticut Line
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War

Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of eight dollars per month, to commence on the 13 of April 1818

Certificate of Pension issued the 30 of Oct. 1810
and forwarded to William C. Clarke
South Kingstown, Washington, R.I. 

Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1818       37.86 
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Mar 1819  48.00
 (total)  $85.86

4 mo 22/30

Revolutionary claim
Act 18th March, 1818
One Year

Continued
South Kingstown, Washington Co.
Page 3

Rhode Island 1923
---
Elizabeth Eldridge
widow of Henry Eldridge?
R.I.
who died on the 21st March 1825
of Newport Co. in the State of R. I.
who was a Private in the company commanded
by Captain Allen of the Regt. commmanded
by Col Ward in the R.I.
line for 2 years
---
Inscribed on the Roll of R. Island
at the rate of 80 - Dollars Cents --Cents, per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831
---
Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of April
1838 and sent Hon. D.
 I. Pearce Present
---
Arrears to the 4th of March 1838 $560.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept.
40.00
$600.00
{Revolutionary Claim
Act July 4, 1836,
Section the 3d}

Recorded by D. D. Addison Clerk,
Book A. Vol. 2d Page 86
Page 4

William C. Clarke, Esq. 
Judge
South Kingston
Washington County, 
Rhode - Island

Henry Eldridge
Connecticut Line
Revolutionary Claim

Not found on the Connecticut rolls - The testimony, on oath, of two or more disinterested and credible persons, proving the service stated by the applicant, is required. - The judge is desired to certify under the seal of the Court, that he is satisfied the applicant is in indigent circumstances, and needs the support of his country.
Page 5

Washington ss   South Kingston in the County of Washington, State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

On this thirtieth day of April in the year 1818 before me the (unintelligible) one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for the said county, personally appeared Henry Eldredge aged fifty nine years resident in South Kingston in the said county who being by me first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late 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 that  he the said Henry Eldredge - enlisted in Voluntown in the state of Connecticut in the company commanded by Captain Gabriel Allen of the State of Connecticut on the first of August 1776 in the Regiment Commanded by Col. Andrew Ward that he continued to serve in said corps in the service of the United States until the fourteenth day of May 1777 when he was discharged from service in the State of New Jersey that he was in the battles of White Plains, and Trenton in the Jerseys when the Hessians were taken. 
     And that he is in Reduced Circumstances and stands in need of assistance from his country for support and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services. 
Sworn to and declared before me the day and year aforesaid. 
William C. Clarke Co. Pleas

I William C. Clarke one of the Justices of the Court of Comm(on) Pleas do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Henry Eldridge did serve in the Revolutionary war as stated in the proceeding Declaration against the Common Enemy for the term of none months and 14 days on the Continental Establishment and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me to the Secretary for the War Department pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress. 
South Kingston April 30 1818
William C. Clarke J.C. Pleas

I hereby certify that William C. Clarke Esq. (is) one of the Justice of the said Court of Common Pleas and the seal here impressed is the true seal of said Court
Witness Thomas R. Wells, Clk. (Clerk)
South Kingston April 30, 1818
Page 6

Henry Eldridge
4.056

March (unintelligible)

Cont.
Page 7

State of Rhode-Island & Providence-Plantations.

WASHINGTON, SC--Court of Common Pleas, Special Term, A.D. 1820

On this Sixth dayof July 1820, personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record within and for the County of Washington, in the State of Rhode-Island &c. Henry Eldredge aged 65 Years residing in the Town of South Kingstown in said County who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his Oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows:--

That he Enlisted into the Regiment Commanded by Col. Andrew Ward and continued to Serve in that and other Regiments about five years when he was honorably discharged.

That he made a previous Declaration on the thirteenth Day of April 1818, and that he has received a Certificate for a Pension, being No. 4056--And in pursuance of the Act of Congress, passed May 1st, 1820, I do solemnly swear, That I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not since that tie, 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 18th day of March, 1818; And 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.
Henry X his mark Eldredge

A SCHEDULE of Property and Income, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) of Henry Eldredge (to Wit) One pig Weight by Estimation 120 lb.  Six Chairs one Table one Small looking Glafs one Chest one Iron pott one Tea Kettle one Iron Kettle Six Cups & Saucers  6 plates 6 Knives and forks one Ax one hoe.  That he is by occupation a Shoe Maker but from his enfeebled State of health is unable to Labour at his Trade and has no Other means of Support and Should the pension he now has should be withdrawn he will be dependant on public or private Charity for Support
Henry X his mark Eldredge

Sworn to and declared on the Sixth day of July 1820 before sd. Court--
Witns--Sam? [stricken out] Helme Clk of sd Court.

Washington, sc. Clerk's Office of the Court of Common Pleas.A D 1820

I Samuel Helme Clerk of the Court of Common pleas, for the County of Washington, in the State of Rhode-Island, &c. do hereby certify, that the foregoing Oath, and the Scedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Records of said Court;--And I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the amount in value of the Property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule, is Thirteen Dollars, and Thirty Two Cents.--
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this Sixth Day of July 1820
Sam. Helme Clerk of said Court.
Page 8

Declaration
Elizabeth Eldridge
Page 9

State of Rhode Island sc. 
and County of Newport sc. Portsmouth

On this 6th day of December A.D. 1836, personally appeared before Joseph Joslen Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, Elizabeth Eldridge a resident of Portsmouth aforesaid, aged eighty four years, who, being first duly sworn according to how, doth on solemn oath make the following declaration (in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 4th 1836) :  Viz. I am the widow of the late Henry Eldridge who was a private in the war of the Revolution and was inscribed on the Pension List under the Act of March 18th 1818.  I have always understood that the said Henry obtained his pension for services rendered in a company commanded by Capt. Allen, & in Col. Ward's Regiment of the Continental line of the Army.  And I know he was regularly discharged in New Jersey.  He soon after said discharge he came home and remained a short time.  He enlisted again, but in what company I do not recollect.  But I clearly & distinctly recollect at that he was in the action on the Island of Rhode Island in the year 1778 in a Regiment commanded by Col.
Page 10

Topham.  On this term of service, he was absent about twelve months.  He was afterwards quartered in Rhode - Island and occasionally by visited me until the Spring of 1780.   He then obtained a furlough for a short time, and we were married.  He remained a few days and returned to the Army, then quartered on the west side of Narragansett Bay at Greenwich, I believe.  I clearly and distinctly recollect my feelings & situation on the great Dark Day May 1780 on account of my peculiar situation and the absence of my husband, who was at Greenwich I am sure, as I received letters from him requesting me to send clothes to him at that place.  I recollect my father's visiting him while there and that my brother Josias Tanner carried him clothing the day that the regiment marched from Greenwich & that he drove his horse so hard to arrive in time that he rendered his horse almost entirely useless.  My husband was absent about a year on this term of service, and I had a child when he returned.  My husband was in the Army most of the time during the war and we did not go to housekeeping until after peace.  I remained with my father.  When my husband
Page 11

was discharged & returned from the Army, I had two children, both sons - and he greeted them as his soldiers. 
     I further declare and say that I was married to the said Henry Eldridge in March seventeen hundred & eighty  by the Rev. Mr. Pendleton of Richmond R.I. and that my husband the said Henry died on the 21st day of March 1825 - that I have remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proofs hereto annexed, comprising all the documentary evidence in my power to submit. 
Elizabeth Eldridge
(her mark)

Sworn to and subscribed as above, and on the day and year, and at Portsmouth aforesaid before me. 
Joseph Joslen
C. Ins. C. C. Pleas
Newport

State of Rhode Island sc 
and County of Newport at Newport Dec 6th 1836
I do hereby certify that I have this day visited the residence of Elizabeth Eldridge aforesaid for the purpose of taking her declaration above written, for the reason that her health was credibly represented to me to have lately become so miserable as to make it unsuitable for her to attempt to attend in the town of Newport. 
Joseph Joslen, 
C. Ins. C.C. Pleas
Newport
Page 12

Wid. File No. 23,004. Henry Eldridge, was allowed pension on his application executed April 30, 1818, at which time he was a resident of South Kingston, Rhode Island, and 59 years of age. He enlisted at Voluntown, Connecticu, August 1, 1776., as a Private in Captain Gabriel Allen's company, Colonel Andrew Ward's regiment, was at the battle of White Plans and Capture of the Hessians at Trenton, and was discharged May 14, 1777, in New Jersey.
He afterwards enlisted in Rhode Island under Captain West and Colonel Topham, and continued in the army in other regiments until the close of the war, having served five years.
He married at Richmond, Rhode Island, while on a furlough in March, 1780, Elizabeth Tanner (daughter of Josias Tanner and his first wife_ who was then living with her grandfather John crandall at Exeter. Soldier died March 21, 1823, at Exeter, and his widow Elizabeth was allowed a pension on her application executed December 6, 1836, at which time she was 84 years of age and resided with her daughter --- the wife of Ziba Palmer, at Portsmouth, Rhode Island. The names of children are not stated.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 13

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington Sc. South Kingstown Nov. 26th 1836

Mary Hubbard of said So. Kingstown on solemn affirmation declares & says that she is sixty six years old, was born in & has ever lived in said Town, That she knew Venry Eldridge, late of said So. Kingstown & more lately of Exeter & who was for several years before his death a Pensioner of the United States, that she distinctly remembers his coming to her Father's Josias Tanner, to ask consent of her said Father to marry her older sister Elizabeth, who then lived with her Grandfather John Crandall in Exeter, which was asked and fiven in her hearing. That said Eldridge had just come from the Army & as he said on a furlow, that he left the House and on Thusday of the next week he returned with her said Sister Elizabeth & they moth mentioned that they had been married that morning by Elder Pendleton of Richmond, whom she sd. deponant has often since heard preach, & has been informed went away many years since to the westward, and from his age deponent supposes must long since have deceased, & has also heard that he had.
Further -
Page 14

furthermore deponent declares & says that her said Father Josiah Tanner, made an entertainment for said Eldridge & his Bride the next day, & invited several of his relatives & neighbours, and that said Eldrige informed, that his furlow was almost out & that he must rejoin his Regiment the next week & accordingly he went away on the next Monday afterwards; That the marriage aforesaid was in the month of March in the same year of the great dark day (so called) which happened in May AD 1780.  That the next time said Eldridge came to our house (where his said wife refided in his absence) was in the Winter following, about ten or eleven months after his marriage, there was snow on the ground & moreover his sd. Wife had a young child.  That about three or four months after sd. marriage, said Eldridge sent home for clothes, & the letter which contained the request stated that the regiment he belonged to was about to move the next day, and her Brother Josiah Tanner started for East Greenwish where or near to which place he understood the regiment lay, and drove his horse so hard in order to arrive in season that he ruined it, and on his return he stated that he had seen said Eldridge & that the regiment were about going
Page 15

& that if he had been two hours later he should not have been in time to see him.

Furthermore said deponent declares that said Eldridge died in Exeter in March AD 1825, and his widow the said Elizabeth Eldridge, sister of this deponent, is still living with her Daughter & his husband, at Portsmouth on Rhode Island & has never been married to any other Person since the death of her said Husband Henry Eldridge
Mary Hubbard

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington fs To Kingstown Novr. 26th 1836

Then & there personally appeared ["Henry Clarke Hubbard" stricken out] Mary Hubbard signer to the foregoing deposition, and on due caution & solemn affirmation, by me administered, according to law, on examination made the declaration contained in the foregoing deposition, which was by me reduced to writing in her presence & the deposition & declarations so made deliberatedly read & explained to her.  I further certify that I am well acquainted with the said Mary Hubbard & that her Character for truth & veracity is good, and that her declarations under Oath or solemn [paper missing] mation are entitled to full faith and [paper missing] Furthermore that the words "& more
Page 16

"lately in Exeter" over the 6th line first page & the word "Exeter" over the 4th line third page were in the lines before [a second "before" stricken out] her signing & alfo that her name "Mary Hubbard" is substituted in 3rd & 4 lines of this Certificate for that of "Henry Clarke Hubbard" her Husband, inscribed by mistake--
Wm Marchant Ch:  Justs
Court of Common Pleas
for sd. County of Washington

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington Co. fc.

I Asa Potter Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Washington and State aforesaid do hereby certify that William Marchant Esq. is Chief Justice for the Court of Common Pleas in the County of Washington aforesaid was appointed by the General Assembly at their May Sefsion A.D. 1836 and commifsioned by the Governor of this State and is fully authorised to act in his said capacity and that his signature above written is genuine--

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court at South King [paper missing] on this twenty  ninth day [paper missing] November one thousa [paper missing] hundred and thirty six
Asa Potter
[Illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]
Page 17

Newport Jany 10th 1837

Sir

I herewith forward you the declaration of Mrs. Elizabeth Eldridge Widow of the late Henry Eldridge and sundry depositions in support of her claim to the benefit of the Act of Congrefs pafsed July 4th 1836--By the declaration of Mrs. E. it appears that her husband obtained a pension for service rendered in a Company comd. by Capt. Allen in Col. Ward's Regt. Connt. Cont. Line.  that he was regularly discharged in N. Jersey, came home, remained a short time & enlisted again, was in the action on this Island in '78 attached to a regiment commd. by Col. Topham, that he obtained a furlough in the Spring of 1780 and they were married & that her husband continued in the service most of the time during the war, and that he died March 21st 1825 and she remains a widow.  In support of Mrs. E. declaration & claim I beg leave to offer the annexed depositions viz.  That of the Revd. H.C. Hubbard
Page 18

who testified respecting the marriage, character & widowhood.  Mrs. Mary Hubbard testifies to the marriage & service after marriage fully confirming the decla'n. of Mrs. Eldridge.  Mrs Margaretta Barber testifies that she was "Informed by Elder Pendleton's wife that sd. Henry & Elizabeth had been there a day or two previous & that the Elder had married them" she also testifies that before, at the time & after the marriage said Eldridge was considered to to be a soldier & in the service [last 11 words underlined]

Mr. Liba Palmer testifies that he was employed by Henry Eldridge to collect the evidence to preparatory for making application for a pension under Act of 1818.  That sd. Eldridge declared before the Hon. William Clarke (of the county of Washington) and that said Clarke told him "That it was necefsary only to obtain evidince in relation to service in the Connecticut line of the Continental Army for that would be sufficient" he therefore directed his
Page 19

to that service only, athough the information he received of other Revolutionary services was as full as it was in the Connt. line.

I also annex a letter from the Hon. B. Cowell of Providence, by which it appears that there is a balance due Henry Eldridge for service in Topham's Regt. of L32.19.11 as reported by a Commr. of the Genl. Afsembly of this state in 1785--Which is most respectfully submited by your Obt. Servt.
Wm. [Illegible] Agt. for
Elizabeth Eldridge

James L. Edwards Esq
Commr. of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 20

[written vertically on left side of page]

Sept 28
Eliz
Mrs. Eldridge
Return of papers reqd.

[Stamp reading "FREE" affixed here]

James L Edwards Esqr
Commr. of Pentions
Washington
D.C.
Page 21

Newport Sept. 15, 1837
Son
The friends of Mrs. Eldridge widow of Henry Eldridge instruct me to task you to return the papers in support of her claim to a pension
I have the Hon to be your obd srvt
Wm. R Boyes
Attorney to E Eldridge
James S Edwards Esq
Comr. of Pensions
DC
Page 22

x1025
Elizabeth Eldridge
widow of Henry
RI
Married March 1780
died ___ 1825
Adv'd pen 2 years
$80 per ann comf
4 March 1831
Hon D J Pearce
PR secty

[following crossed out]
Wm R. Noyes Esq
Newport
R.I.
Page 23

Providence Nov 10, 1836
Dear Sir
In answer to yours of 1 int, I have to say that I find the following Ballances due to the following persons of the RI Brigade - vis 
Henry Eldridge (Tophams rgt L32-19.11 
John Henshaw Elliot de - 135125 
Henry Freeborn de ---23.19.1.
I do not find the name of Berger Holt on the Roll - 
Yours
Benja Cowell
Hon R Noyes Esq
Page 24

Sir
Newport March 3rd, 1838
Your letter under date of Sept 28, 1837 relative to the return of the papers in support of the claim of  Mrs Elizabeth Eldridge was duly rec'd.  Since then I have been furnished with several depositions to prove the service of Henry Eldridge the late husband of sd. Elizabeth after their inter marriage which I beg leave to offer vis.  The deposition of Gideon Grossman, a pensioner who testifies his acquaintance with said Eldridge , died near him, "believes that he belonged to Army at the time of his marriage, and continued to serve until near the close of the War & knew it is the universal opinion of all the older people that knew him in those days" - And then gives cogent reasoning who they should remember this particular case.  Timothy Pecham a pensioner testifies to acquaintance withe said Eldridge from boyhood, , lived near Josia Tanner the father of said Elizabeth and says, "I distinctly recollect of hearing that said Henry Eldridge had come home from the Army on furlough and that he was married to Elizabeth Tanner, daughter of said Josia Tanner and returned to the Army again, "and that he always understood and believed that said Eldridge was in the service of his country until near the close of the war, and further says, "The situation of Elizabeth Tanner previous to her marriage, the respectability of the  Fathers family re all contributes to make their acquaintance remember where Henry was, as it was generally believed that he could not be taken from the army or an action of that kind, but it turned out, to the contrary and he was obliged to obtain a furlough and was married & returned as before stated." -
Thomas P Tanner a highly respectable resident of S Kingstown testifies that he is 58 years of age, is half brother to Elizabeth Eldridge widow of  said Heirs, knew that said Henry & Elizabeth lied together as man & wife in his Father's house and testified to the tradition of the Family relative to the marriage, that said Eldridge came home from the army on a furlough for the purpose of being married & that very soon after the marriage he returned to the army again.  That illegible is this Josias Tanner (now deceased) was sent to carry
Page 25

clothes to sd. Eldridge while he was in the service, and in course of the journey "the horse he rode was injured and rendered useless, that sd. Eldridge was enlisted as a five years during the war and that he seed in the army until the close of the War, by which it appears that the tradition of the family fully supports the Declaration of Mrs Eldredge & corresponds with the deposition of Mrs Hubbard, Mrs  Bailes, Mr Lunt & others.
I would now beg leave to call your attention once more to the service of sd. Eldridge in Uphams Reg’t. By the documents on file in your department it appears that sd Eldridge was discharged from Allens Company Col Wards Reg't [illegible] D Line on the 14 of May 1777 and that the first enlistment of Tophams’ Reg’t of 15 mos expired in March 1777, two months previous to sd Eldridge’s discharge from Wards Regt, he therefore could not have served any part of the first, a 15 mos enlistment, in Col Tophams Reg’t. It also appears that said Eldredge did serve 8 months in Col Tophams Reg’t ending in March 1779, which was the [illegible] term of enlistment of sd Reg’t. Then as the Committee of the General Assembly of this state did award to said Henry Eldridge 32 pounds 19S 11d as the depreciation of his pay for service rendered in Col Tophams Reg’t this sum amounts to near 14 mo pay as a private. The above facts independant of all the other proof I think furnishes very strong circumstancial evidence that sd Eldredge was at the time of his marriage in March 1780 on furlough from and belonged to sd Tophams Reg't and after his marriage he returned & joined a Regt again. But as all the documentary evidence is now in the hands of the department we are not able to find, to what particular company he belonged. I trust the proof herewith forwarded will be sufficient to convince the Department of the justice of this claim & that you will forward a certificate for the amt due her.
Respectfully your Obt Svt.
Wm R Noyes
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Com’r. of Pensions
Washington
Page 26

I William R. Noyes of Bristol County of Bristol & State of Rhode Island of lawful age & engaged according to law do on solemn oath testify & say, I have examined the records of the Town of So. Kingston where Henry & Elizabeth Eldridge lived for many years after their marriage and am convinced that there is no record of the Marriage of Henry Eldridge & Elizabeth Tanner, or of the birth of their children on records of sd. Town-- I do also testify and say I have conversed with a number of aged people in the vicinity where s’d. Henry & Elizabeth lived when first married and all agree that they were married. While sd.  Henry was attached to the Army & some time previous to his being discharged After sd Eldridge obtained a pension his wife Elizabeth was appointed his guardian by the Court of Probate for sd Town but declined to act and Ziba Palmer was then appointed and drew his pension 
William R. Noyes
Newport Sc Newport March 21. 1837
Then personally appeared before me William R. Noyes and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the above statements by him subscribed. I also certify that I am personally acquainted with said Noyes
and that his character for
Page 27

with and veracity is good-
Wm Gilpin
Just. Peace
Newport Sc
Clerks Office Court of Common Pleas Newport March 24 1837
I George C Shaw Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the aforesaid County being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that William Gilpin before whom the within deposition of William R Noyes was sworn to, is a Justice of the peace in the town of Newport in the aforesaid County, was appointed by the General Assembly and commissioned by the Governor of this State, and is fully authorized to act in his said capacity and that his signature above written is genuine
[seal]
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court at Newport, on
the day and year above written
Geo. C. Shaw Clerk
Page 28

I Reynolds Barber of Exeter in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island of Lawful age and engaged according to Law Do testify and say that I was knowing of Henry Eldridge of South Kingstown in the County and State aforesaid Inlisting himself As a soldier in the United States army in the year 1776 and that he continued in said serves Nine months or more and also being well acquainted with the said Eldridge for many years past believe him to be a man who needs the support of his Country
Reynolds Barber
Washington Ss at Exeter on the 6th Day of October 1818 then personally appeared Reynolds Barber Subscriber to the above Deposition and make Sollomn oath to the truth of the same which was reduced to writing by me in presence of the Deponent and by him subscribed in my presents taken at the request of Henry Eldredge to used before the seretary and War Department taken and sworn before
Sheffield Rathburn Justice of Peace
This may certify that the within and above Named Mr Barber is a Respectable and disinterested Evidence to the above Deposition
Sheffield Rathburn
Justice of Peace
Page 29

I Nathan Rathburn of Exeter in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island of Lawful age and engaged according to Law testified and says That I was knowing of Henry Eldridge of South Kingstown County and State above said Inlisting him self as a soldier in United States army in the year 1776 and that he continued in said service Nine month or more and further the Deponent saith not.
Nathan Rathbun
Son
Washington Jc. at Exeter on the 6th day of October 1818 then personally appeared Nathan Rathbun
subscriber to the above Deposition and make solom oath to the truth of the same which was reduced to writing by me in Presents of the Deponant and by him signed in my presence taken at the Request of Henry Eldredge to be [illegible] before the Secretary and War Department taken and sworn before me
Sheffield Rathburn Justice of Peace
This may certify that the within Name Nathan Rathburn is a Respectable and Disinterested Evidence to the within Deposition
Sheffield Rathburn Justice of Peace
Page 30

State of Rhode Island &c
Washington &c Clerks Office Court Common Pleas & Genl Sessions of the Peace Feb AD 1818
I certify that Sheffield Rathburn Esqr of Exeter in the County of Washington is now a Justice of the
Peace for the Town of Peter afores’d duly Elected.
AD. 1818
Agreably to Law - in Testimony whereof I have the seal of the Court aforesaid hereto affixed
[seal]
Sam. Helme Clk
[bottom of page illegible handwriting]
Page 31

I Gideon Corey of North Kingston in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations of Lawfull and engaged according to Law Do Testafie and Say That I was in the Continental
or United States Servis in 1776 and 1777 and I think at Lest Nine months or more [illegible] with Henry Eldred [illegible] Residing in South Kingstown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island and I was in the Battle at White Plains with Henry Eldred [Eldridge] and further the Deponent saith not
Gideon Corry His X Mark
in the Presents of
Thos A. Haszard
Nathan Gardner
Washington Lc at Richmond on this 28 day of September AD 1818 Then Personaly appeared Gideon Corey Subscriber to the foregoing Deposition and made Solemn Oath to the Truth of the same which was reduced to writing by me in Presents of the Deponent & by him signed in my presents.
Taken at the Request of Henery Eldrege to be used before the Secretary and War Department Taken and sworn before Tho. A. Haszard Just Peace
I think it need not to be douted but that Henry Eldrege was A faithful Sojer in the United States Servis in the Revolutionary War and out to have the Provision made for all such as did help gain our independence.
Thos. A. Haszard
Page 32

I Nathaniel Sheffield of Voluntown in Windham County of lawful age on Oath testify and say that I have some knowledge of Henry Eldridge enlisting himself as a soldier I think in the United States Army, in the year AD 1776 as I was at that time acquainted with the said Eldridge and James Wylie a Sergeant of the Army told me that he had enlisted him the said Eldridge And further saith not. Dated at Voluntown
8th day of October 1818
Nathaniel Sheffield
Windham County Ss.
In Voluntown the 8th day of Oct 1818
Personally appeared Elder, Nathaniel Sheffield before me the subscriber, and made Solemn Oath to the truth of the above Deposition before me
Allen Campbell Justice of Peace
Page 33

Ebenezer Smith's
Deposition
Eldridge's
Page 34

I Ebenezer Smith of South Kingstown County of Washington State of Rhode Island aged 79 years being duly engaged according to law on Solemn Oath do testify and say that I am a Revolutionary pensioner that I was acquainted with Henry Eldred [Eldridge] who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution I recollect that he was under the necesity of leaving the army or obtain a furlow for the purpose of being married which was in the year 1780 he was then attached to a Regment which was quartered a little southwest of East Greenwith [Greenwich] near Hunts Bridge, I also Recollect that he was in the army a long while after he was married, his wife's maiden name was Elizabeth Tanner, and Daughter of Josias Tanner of this town. I was acquainted with him as long as he lived, but do not positively known by whom they were married, and his wife Elizabeth Eldridge was his guardian for some time previous to his Death. I distinctly Recollect this marriage on acount of its being one of those cases which makes much talk among their acquaintance and know that they were married the latter part of 1779 or 80 as well as I can know any thing that I did not witness myself they were respected and always considered as man and wife in this Town
Ebenezer Smith his X mark
State of Rhode Island &c
Washington Jc. South Kingstown March 16th 1837 then personally appeared Ebenezer Smith and make solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition which was wrote by me in his presence and signed by him in my presence. I further certify that said Smith character for truth and veracity is good and entitled to credit
Before me
John P Whitford Justice Peace
Page 35

State of Rhode Island &c
Washington County} &c
Clerk's Office Court Com. Pleas
I Asa Potter Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within & for the County of Washington aforesaid
being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that John P. Whitford whose signature is set to the above written certificate (regarding Ebenezer Smith) was a Justice of the Peace for said County at the time
of taking the same, duly elected, commissioned & qualified, & that his signature aforementioned
is in his own proper handwriting
[seal]
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court this 16th day of
March in the year 1837
Asa Potter Clk
Page 36

Wm. Lunt's aff't.
Page 37

I William Lunt of South Kingston, County of Washington, State of Rhode Island &c.
aged 92 years, being duly engaged according to law on solemn oath do testify and say, that I was a soldier in the war of the revolution, and that I was well acquainted with Henry Eldridge who Married Elizabeth Tanner daughter of Josiah Tanner late of this town, said Eldridge was a private in Col Tophams Regiment in the Rhode Island line in the spring of 1779. This Regiment was quartered at Tiverton R. I. I then belonged to that Regiment, was a sergeant, had enlisted during the war, was ordered to take charge of the Beacon at South Kingstown, where I was wounded by the explosion of a cannon, in consequence of this wound I was confined for about 2 years. I understood that Tophams Regiment came to the west side of the pay for the purpose of filling its ranks, with the expectation of being ordered to the Dist, and in the spring of 1780 my impression is that said Regiment was quartered near East Greenwich. When I left the Regiment in 1779 said Eldridge was a private in said Regiment, he enlisted for one year, but whether at the expiration of that term he enlisted during the war, I do not recollect, in 17[illegible] said Eldred was at home in this town a short time & purchased a lot of land and commenced building a house and returned to the army again but under whom he then served I do not know. I recollect this from the circumstance of his wife remaining so long in her Fathers family during his absence in the army.
Wm. Lunt
[faint writing at bottom]
[illegible] 1781 [illegible] Babcock
Page 38

State of Rhode Island &c
Washington Ss. South Kingstown March 11 1837;
Then personally appeared before me William Lunt and made oath in due form of Law to the truth of the within statements by him subscribed, the same being reduced to writing by me in his presents and by him subscribed in my presents, I further certify that I am well acquainted with the said William Lunt and that he is a person of truth and veracity
John G. Clarke Jus. Peace
State of Rhode Island &c.
Washington County} Sc.
I Asa Potter Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Washington being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that John G. Clarke Esq is a Justice of the Peace in the town of South Kingston in the County aforesaid duly elected, commissioned and qualified according to law, and is fully authorized to act in his said capacity and that his signature above written is genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court this 11th day of
April in the year 1837
Asa Potter Clk
Page 39

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations.
Washington St South Kingstown March 22d 1833
Thomas B. Tanner of said South Kingstown of lawful age, & being by me duly examined, cautioned & sworn to testify the truth, the whole truth & nothing but the truth, deposes & says. I am in my fifty eighth year. I am Son of Josias Tanner late of sd S. Kingstown dec’d. & am half Brother to Elizabeth Eldridge, widow of Henry Eldridge dec’d who was a pensioner of the U. States. I knew the said Henry & said Elizabeth to live together in my Fathers house, so long ago as I can remember, & their oldest Child (a Son) was very near my age, he was about 5 weeks older than I. We used to play together. I have always understood & it was so considered & talked in the family, that said Eldridge & my s’d sister were married in the month of March 1780. that she then lived with her Grandfather Crandall in Exeter, that he came from the army on a furlow, for the purpose of being married, & that very soon after his marriage he returned to the Army again.
I have heard it mentioned in our family many years part, that after their said marriage & when my sister Eldridge was living at our house, the said Eldrige wrote or sent from the army for clothes, & that my Brother Josias (now deceased) was sent with the clothes & that on the journey the horse he rode was injured & rendered useless. I have also always understood, that said Eldridge was enlisted for five years or during the war & that he actually served in the army to the close of the War. Furthermore I have always understood that s’d Eldridge & my s’d Sister were married by a baptist minister named Pendleton.
Thos B. Tanner
I hereby certify that the above deposition was taken by me on the day of the date of the caption thereof, that it was by me reduced to writing in the presence of the said deponent, & afterwards subscribed by him in my presence; that the said Deponent Thomas B. Tanner is well known to me, having been for many years part
Page 40

my near Neighbours that his character & reputation for truth & veracity is good, & his declarations under are entitled to full faith & credit.-
W. Marchant Ch Justice
Court of Common Pleas for the County of Washington
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington Sc. Clerks Office Supreme Judicial Court.
I, Powell Helme, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for the County of Washington do hereby certify that William Marchant Esq is Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Washington duly appointed by the General Assembly, commissioned by the Governor and otherwise qualified as the law directs & that his name above written is his genuine signature. That John P. Whitford Esq and Wilkins Updike Esq are both of them Justices of the Peace for the Town of South Kingstown in said County of Washington duly appointed by the General Assembly commissioned by the Governor, and otherwise qualified as the Law directs and that their names certifying the taking of the aforegoing Depositions are their genuine signatures
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court aforesaid this 22nd day of March in the Year 1838.
Powell Helme Clerk
Page 41

Gideon Greenman
Depo
Mrs. Eldridge’s
Claim
Page 42

I Gideon Greenman of South Kingstown and State of Rhode Island a Revolutionary Pensioner aged 85 years on Solomn oath do testify and say I was well acquainted with Henry Eldridge late of this Town deceased we was born and brought up within a mile and half of each other his Father and all the boys that was of suitable age took up arms at the commencement of the Revolutionary war they appeared to have a taste for the army and prefered it to any other business I have no recollection of seeing said Henry Eldridge on duty after his marriage with Elizabeth Tanner But am well satisfyed and believe that he belonged to the army at the time of his marriage and continued to serve untill near the close of the war and know that it is the universal opinion of all the old People that knew him in those days the Peculiar situation of the case makes them remember it, as he was obliged to marry or suffer the Penalty of the law in such Cases.
I am an old man and am not able to State Particulars in Regard to the Company or Rigment he served in but recollect that towards the close of the war he was stationed somewhere to the North When said Henry was a young man he was highly respected But the habits he contracted in the army grew upon him towards the close of his life and he became intemperate
Gideon Greenman His X mark
Washington St South Kingstown March 10th 1833
Personaly appeared the above named Gideon Greenman and made oath to the above deposition which was reduced to writing by me in his presence and subscribed to by him in my presence and I furthermore certify that the above named Gideon Greenman is a man of truth and veracity and his word can be depended on
Before me
John P. Whitford Just Peace
Page 43

I Timothy Peckham of South Kingstown R. I. on solemn oath do testify & say I am a Revolutionary pensioner aged 82 years. I was well acquainted with Henry Eldridge late of this town deceased from boyhood was brought up mar him and lived but a short distance from the late Josias Tanner I was knowing to said Eldredge embarking in the cause of American Independence at an early period, was on to the West, and in the service to near the close of the War. I distinctly recollect of hearing that said Henry Eldridge had come home from the Army on furlough, and that he was married to Elizabeth Tanner Daughter of Said Josias Tanner and returned to the army again, which was the next year after I removed to this (Kingston Village) my impression is they were married in the spring of the year of 1780.  I know it was before the great dark day so called- I have always understood & believed that said Henry Eldridge was in the service of his country until near the close of the war and it was well known that his wife & children were with his father Tanner from the time of their marriage until the close of the war and while said Henry was in the service the army was business he appeared to like above any other.
The situation of Elizabeth Tanner previous to her marriage. The respectability of her Fathers family & all contributed to make their acquaintance remember when he s’d Henry was it was generally believed that he could not be taken from the army in an action of that kind, but it
Page 44

turned out to the contrary and he was obliged to obtain a furlough and was married and returned as before stated.  At first the Tanner family was opposed to the match is an other reason for recollecting the circumstances he gave them much trouble - previous to his joining the army he was a likely young man-- but while in the service he contracted habits of intemperance
Timothy Peckham
State of Rhode Island & Washington sc
Town of South Kingstown March 22d 1838
Then personally appeared Timothy Peckham who subscribed the above deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of its contents and I further certify that said Peckham's character for truth & veracity is good
Wilkins Updike Just. Peace
Page 45

State of Rhode Island & Provid’ce Plantations
Washington Js. So. Kingstown Nov. 26th 1836
Then & there personally appeared before me Margaretta Barber signer to the foregoing Deposition, & being by me duly cautioned solemnly affirmed & examined, made the following declarations contained in s’d deposition, which were by me reduced to writing in her presence & deliberately read & explained to her before signing.
I further certify that I am informed by persons whom I know to be creditable & who are well acquainted with the said Margarette Barber, that she is of good Character for truth & veracity, and her declarations under oath or solemn affirmation are entitled to full faith & credit
W. Marchant Ch: Just:
Court of Common Pleas for
S’d County of Washington
Page 46

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington Co. &c.
I Asa Potter Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Washington & State of Rhode Island aforesaid, do hereby certify that William Marchant Esq is Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Washington aforesaid, was appointed by the General Assembly at the May Session A.D. 1836 and commissioned by the Governor of this State and is fully authorized to act in his said capacity, and that his signature above written is Genuine
[seal]
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court at South Kingston on this twenty ninth day of November in the year 1836
Asa Potter Clk
Page 47

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington Jr. So. Kingstown Nov’r 26th 1836
Henry Clarke Hubbard of said South Kingstown, of Elder of a Baptist Church in said Town, on solemn affirmation declares & says, that he has been well acquainted with Henry Eldridge & Elizabeth Eldridge his widow, who was when a girl Elizabeth Tanner, for about fifty years, deponent being sixty eight years
old last August. That deponent married the ½ Sister of said Elizabeth, & daughter of Josias Tanner late of s’d S. Kingstown deceased; and has lived ever since in said Town & for one year in the same house with s’d Eldrige & his wife, who were always considered & reputed to be man & wife & as such lived together untill his death & reared a large family of children, that the Character of said Elizabeth is good, and that she has never married since the decease of her said husband; that she resides on the Island of Rhode Island, sometimes at Newport with her daughter in law (a widow) & sometimes with her own Daughter & her husband Ziba Palmer in Portsmouth on s’d Island, & that deponent has repeatedly seen her there
Page 48

particularly at the last mentioned place in June last
Henry Cark Hubbard
State of Rhode Island & Provid’ce Plantations
Washington Sc. So. Kingstown Nov. 26th 1836
Then & there personally came before me Henry Clarke Hubbard, signer to the foregoing deposition, & being by me cautioned affirmed & examined, on solemn affirmation, made the foregoing declarations as contained in his deposition, which were by me reduced to writing in his presence & deliberately read & explained to him before his signing. I furthermore certify that I am well acquainted with the said Henry Clarke Hubbard & know that his character for truth & veracity is good, & that his declaration under oath or on solemn affirmation are entitled to full faith & credit.-
W. Marchant
Ch. Just: Court of Com. Pleas for Sd.
County of Washington
Page 49

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington Co. Ss
I Asa Potter Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Washington and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that William Marchant Esq is Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Washington aforesaid, was appointed by the General Assembly at the May Session A.D. 1830 and commissioned by the Governor of the State and is fully authorized to act in his said capacity and that his signature aforewritten is genuine.
[seal]
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court at South Kingston on this twenty ninth day of November in the year 1836
Asa Potter Clk
Page 50

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington St So Kingstown Nov. 26th 1836
Margaretta Barber of said South Kingstown Widow of James Barber deceased, on solemn affirmation declares & says that she is ninety years old, that she well knew Henry Eldrige then of Exeter in said County, afterwards for several years of s’d. South Kingstown, but at & before his death again resident in sd Exeter, & who she understood was a pensioner of the United States; that she was well acquainted with him several years before his marriage & ever since untill his decease; That she was well acquainted with Elizabeth Eldridge wife of said Henry, who before her marriage was Elizabeth Tanner (called Betsey) and daughter of Josias Tanner & his first wife, for whom when a Girl deponent had worked by the week.
That said Elizabeth lived with her Grand father Crandall of Exeter, whose land joined to land of deponents mother. That deponent heard of the marriage of sd Henry & Elizabeth & shortly after having an errand to Elder Pendleton's, went there & was then informed by the Elder's wife, that sd Henry & Elizabeth had been there a day or two previous and that
Page 51

the Elder had married them, & that they had gone to her Fathers in So. Kingstown. That deponent has since often seen them together at their own residence & in other places, & that they were allways considered & held in repute to be man wife, & as such lived together & reared up a large family of children; that before & at the time of their marriage & afterwards, said Eldridge was considered to be a soldier, but in what service Deponent does not know, except that he was in the service of his Country, & has heard him tell of engagements that he was in but cannot tell the places where, or names of the battles; - That said Henry Eldrige died several years since, and not long after said Elizabeth went to Rhode Island to reside with her son in Newport, who was afterwards lost at sea, & has as deponent understands since resided part of the time with her daughter (wife of Ziba Palmer) at Portsmouth on sd Island, and has never been married again to any other person since the decease of her said Husband.
Margaretta Barber her X mark
Witness
W. Marchand
Page 52

I Ziba Palmer of the town of Portsmouth of county of Newport, of lawful age, on (unintelligible) oath declare as follows, vir.  By the request of Mrs. Elizabeth Eldridge I visited the town of South Kingston where said Elizabeth resided previous to her marriage & the town of Richmond where she was married & the town of Exeter the native town of Henry Eldridge, for the purpose of obtaining town or church records of the marriage of Henry Eldridge & Elizabeth Tanner.  And I was not able to find any records of said marriage, either in any of the offices of said towns or in the keeping of any of the churches therein.  I then called on Mrs. Margaret Barber who previous to her marriage lived in the family of Josias Tanner and procured said Margaret's deposition.  I also called on the Rev. Henry C. Hubbard & Mary Hubbard his wife and obtained the deposition of both of them relative to the marriage character &c of said Elizabeth.  While on this business I inquired of all the elderly people in the neighborhood of the residence of Elder Pendleton, Josias Tanner, & John Crandall, and all understand and had no doubt that said Henry & Elizabeth were legally married.  The common report was, that there were only three present at the marriage besides the Elder and the parties, v'r his wife & daughter, & a laborer by the month.  The Elder & family afterwards removed
Page 53

to the West - and not the Elder, his wife and daughter are dead, - and of the laborer (unintelligible) obtain no information.  I was acquainted with said Henry until 1809 when he died.  I was employed by said Henry to collect evidence in reference to his revolutionary services.  He declared I believe before William Clarke, Esq. who was the judge who gave him directions about it.  And said Clarke told me that is was necessary only to obtain evidence in relation to service in the Connecticut line of the Continental Army, for that would be sufficient.  I consequently directed my attention to that only - but the information which I received from said Henry was as full upon other services in the Revolution, as it was in that line.  A short time before the death of said Henry, I went through Greenwich with him & he showed me the ground where he was encamped & had him many a night.  Who commanded there at the time he did not say - but I have often heard him speak of Capt. West, Col. Topham, & Gen. Sullivan in reference to his services.  I had made preparation for said Elizabeth to go before the Court of Probate for her to make her declaration there, but a
Page 54

week ago last Monday she was taken ill so that she could not go as intended.  I married the daughter of said Henry & Elizabeth Eldridge.

Ziba Palmer

State of Rhode Island &c
And County of Newport sc. at Newport.

On the 10th day of December A.D. 1836, personally appeared Ziba Palmer, who first being duly cautioned & sworn, gave the forgoing deposition which was reduced to writing by me in his presence & subscribed by him in my presence, & of whose good character there is the most satisfactory testimony before me.

Joseph Joslin,
C. Jus. C.C. Pleas,
Newport

Newport Sc
Clerks Office Court of Common Pleas
Newport January 10, AD 1837

I George C Shaw Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the County of Newport aforesaid, being a Court of Records, do hereby certify that Joseph Joslin before whom the Declaration of Elizabeth Eldridge and the deposition of Ziba Palmer was sworn to, is the Chief Justice of our Court of Common Pleas in the County aforesaid, was appointed by the General Assembly and Commissioned by the Governor of this State and is fully authorized to act in his said capacity.  And that his signatures aforewritten are genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of the said Court on the day and year above written

Geo C Shaw, Clerk C.C. Pleas
Page 55

1912 Jan 27 Hist to Herbert O. Brigham letter in W. File 24,113 Samuel Eldridge.

Rev Widow, &c.

File No. 23,004
Elizabeth Eldridge
Widow of
Henry Eldridge
Prin K.J. Rev (unintelligible)
Act: July 4, 1836
Index:--Vol: A, Page 2/5
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 56

Sir,

Newport March 20 1884

By the Hon. D.J. Pearse I learned that your Department required further evidence of the marriage of Henry Eldridge & Elisabeth Tanner, or documentary evidence of the birth of their children to entitle Mrs Eldridge to a pension.

To meet the requisitions of the Department as far as possible I herewith enclose you two depositions which I trust will prove satisfactory as respects the marriage.

In regard to the "Balance due" said Eldridge, I would observe that the sum of 32L (pounds), 19S (shillings), 11D (pence) - or $110 awarded to him by a Com-of the Gen Assembly of this state in 1785 was for the depreciation of his pay as a private in Topham's Reg.  By the report of this committee it appears in evidence that said Eldridge must have served at least more than one year, in that Reg alone, which together with the service admitted by the Department in the Con Corn line I hope will prove sufficient to entitle this aged matron to a full pension.

I have the honor to by your Obt Servant
William R. Noyes Attorney to E. Eldridge

James L Edwards Esq
Com of Pensions
Page 57

Adal Eudin
in case of Elizabeth
Eldridge.  R.Z
(unintelligible)

The claim
Page 58

Newport April 13 1837

Sir - 

The Hon. Dutee J. Pearce has kindly furnished me with a copy of your letter to him relative to the claim of Mrs. Elizabeth Eldridge, for a pension, and in reply beg leave to (unintelligible), that Mrs. E. has been indisposed for a long time, and her mind is now so much impaired that she cannot state the name of any of the officers with whom her husband served.  And as all the documentary evidence of the service of Topham's Regiment is in possession of your departments, I am not able to furnish you with the names of the commanding officers of the Company or companies to which he was attached.   But in support of her claim generally would now submit the deposition of William Lunt a pensioner & a sergeant in said Regiment, who testifies that Eldridge was a private and enlisted for one year, and how much longer does not recollect.  You will pardon me if I again call your attention to the certificate of Judge Cornell relative to the report of the committee of the Gen'l. (General) Assembly of this state, who awarded said Eldridge the sum of 110 dollars as justly due for the depreciation of his pay in said Regiment.   Mrs. Eldridge is now very feeble both in body and mind, and has been prosecuting her claim, a long time & at great expense and if there is anything justly due her for the services of her husband, permit me to state to you it will be very acceptable.  I have the honor to be Yr. Obt.Sevt. (Your Obedient Servant)
Wm. R. Noyes Atty. 
James L. Edwards Esq.