Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19894, Christopher White, R.I.

SERVICE
R. I.
White, Christopher Mary
NUMBER
N. 19894
CONTENTS
died Dec. 16, 1833

No 1575. Connecticut. Christopher White
of Groton, in the State of Connecticut who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Wells. of the Reg't commanded by Col. Noyes in the Connecticut line for 13 months & 15 days.
R. D.
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of $45. Dollars per per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 th day of Nov. 1832 and sent to Houlden Noyes Barber, Groton, Ct.
  Arrears to 4th of March 32 -  45.00    Semizant. allowance ending Sept 32.  22.50     $67.50  
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm Palmer Clerk, Book D. Vol. 3. Page 74.

State of Connecticut County of New London
On this 6 th day of August ad 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the City Court of the City of New London now sitting Christopher White a resident of the Town of Groton in New London County and State of Connecticut aged Seventy four years. Who being first duly sworn according to law. doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That immediately after the battle at Bunker hill in the month of June 1775 Capt Samuel Bailly of Newport in the State of Rhode Island with whom the said White was then living as an apprentice rec d a Captains commission with orders to raise a company. and that he the said White at said Newport joined said Baillys company as a volunteer in the month of June 1775 and marched from Newport to Roxbury and there joined the army. that he belonged and served in Capt Baillys company one month after which he was discharged
That a short time before after the Enemy took possession of Newport in the fall of 1776 he removed to Hopkinton in the State of Rhode Island and there continued to reside. that in the fall of the year 1777 he should think in the month of October he was drafted at Hopkinton R I into Capt Wells company which with other companies were raised for the purpose of taking the island of Rhode Island. That the Officers of the Company were Wells Capt Thos Mills Lieut
that Capt Wells company belonged to Colonel Joseph Noyes Regiment

that the company marched from Hopkinton to Providence thence over Seekonk plains, crossed State ferry and from thence to Tiverton, where a large body of troops was collected under the command of Genl Spencer that attempts were repeatedly made to effect a landing of the troops on the Island, and on one occasion the army embarked in boats and commenced moving across the ferry but the moon rose which enabled the enemy to discover the movement, they commenced firing immediately upon the American troops who were then ordered back and the enterprise was abandoned, after which he was discharged having been in service six weeks , that he has no documentary evidence and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to this service
That subsequently in the month of July 1778 he was again drafted into Capt Wells company at Hopkinton R.I. from which place he mar- ched with the company to Providence and there joined the American army under General Sullivan, that Wells com- pany belonged to Noyes Regiment, that Noyes Regiment marched from Providence to Bristol and crossed Bristol ferry onto Rhode Island, the day before the French fleet sailed from Newport to attack the fleet under Lord Howe in the mouth of August, that he continued with the army under Genl Sullivan on the island till his term of service expired which was a few days before Genl Sullivan raised the siege of Newport, that he was in service six weeks
That prior to either of the services above stated except the term to Roxbury, to wit, in the month of July 1776  that he was drafted into the company before the enemy were taken possession of Newport which they did in August 1776 1776, depredations were frequently committed by the enemy on the coast of Rhode Island and that he was drafted at Hopkinton into Capt Wells company that Capt Wells company belonged to the Regiment commanded by Colo Noyes which was drafted for the purpose of guarding the coast against the enemy that after he had been in service four months was then received that such persons in the Regiment as would enlist for one month should at the expira- tion of that term be discharged, and he accordingly

enlisted into the Company for one month and was then discharged in the spring of 1777. having served five months he does not remember any other officer except Major Sheffield & Lieut Col Mason. that the Regt of Col Hays was quartered a portion of the time on the shore and on Narragansett Bay. that James Mills is living was a member of same Company and can testify as to this Service
That afterwards in the year 1780 he was again drafted at Hopkinton for the purpose of form- ing a guard at Brenton Point on Rhode Island where he was stationed about  three months that he belonged to Capt Henry Wells Company. that George Wells was drafted at the same time & employed a Substitute & can testify as to this Service. That during this time the French fleet arrived at Newport that he was drafted in the month of July and was discharged in August
That after this he was once called into Service to guard the coast between South Ferry & Point Judith that he was drafted into Wells Company. where he was stationed about one month that he was also at Wickford about two weeks. and was called into Service at the time New London was burnt but did not arrive till after the enemy had left and that James Mills can testify that he was several times drafted to guard the shore
That he was born at Newport Rhode Island 10 th Decr 1758 that he has no record of his age when first called into Service he lived at Newport and when called into Service afterwards he lived at Hopkinton. That he re- moved to Groton in the year 1783 where he has since resided & now lives. that he was called into Service first as a volunteer afterwards by draft & enlistment Does not recollect to have had any discharge if he has lost it and that he never received any commis- sion and has no documentary evidence and that George Wells & Jas Wells can testify as to a part of his service
That he is well known to Rufus Avery. Revd John S. (Wright) and to Nathaniel Darrow
who can testify to his character for veracity and their belief of his Services as a Soldier of the Revolution He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
W m Mainard Clarke
Christopher Stark

8 We John G. Wightman a clergyman residing in the Town of Groton and Rufus Avery residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Christopher White who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be seventy four years of age, that he is of good and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid In Court W. F. Brainard Clerk John G. Wightman Rufus Avery
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the Court Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that John G. Wightman who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the Town of Groton and that Rufus Avery who has also signed the same is a resident in the same town of Groton and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I William F. Brainard Clerk of the City Court of the City of New London do hereby certify that the foregoing containing the original proceedings in the said Court in the matter of the application of Christopher White for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said City Court this 6th day of August AD 1832.
W. F. Brainard Clerk

Deposition of George Willis August 2 nd 1882

George Wells of Westerly in the County of Washington and State of Rhode-Island. of the age of sixty-eight, Last November, and on solemn oath I depose and say, That some time during the war of the revolution, and soon after the British that left New-Port Christopher White now of Groton in the County of New London, and State of Connecticut, formerly of Hopkinton in s d State of Rhode Island, was drafted in to the service, from the Militia Company in s d Hopkinton then under the Com- -mand of Capt Henry Wells, and in pursuence - of s d Draft s d Christopher White left home for the service and served as I supposed his term of Duty, which was two, or three months - What makes me the more certain in my recollection, - tion, is the circumstance of my belonging to the same Company, and having been drafted at the same time - and I recollect s d Whites calling on me the Day before he left to know if I was ready - I then informed him that I had obtained a substitute, - tute, and of course I should not go - and I know, by reputation only, that he continued in the service and did his Duty during the period aforesaid - George Wells Westerly August 2 nd A 1832. ~

State of Rhode Island & C - County of Washington Is. Witnesseth - Personally  there was D o D o 1832 Personally appeared George Willis Elgin Subscribed to the within Deposition, and made solemn oath to the Truth of the same before me Nathan H. Dixon Justice of Peace
3

State of Rhode Island Washington County ss.
On this first day of August A D 1832
Came Personally before me James Wells of Hopkinton & County aforesaid. who after being duly sworn according to Law - doth on his oath make the following declaration - That Christopher White now residing in the town of Groton in the County of New London & State of Conn te in the militia service was a soldier with my self, and served in the Revolutionary war in the Regiment Commanded by Joseph Noyes Col o Juge. Masson Lieut. Col o - and was a private soldier with myself in the Company Commanded by Captain Barker Wells - and was called into service a short time previous to the capture of New Port, (situate on the Island of Rhod Island) by the British fleet - That the Regiment Marched from the dwelling house of Col o Noyes to Narragansett Bay and encamped in the dwelling house near Narragansett Ferry and that we both of us served during the whole of that Campaign - have no written documents to show the precise time when called into service - or at what time dismissed - said White and myself were afterward drafted several times into service to guard the shore from Narragansett Ferry to Point Judith Point - under the Command of the same Colonel & Lieutenant Col o - the Company to which we belonged was at one time Commanded by Captain Ebenezer Wells - and at other times by Captain Henry Wells - That according to
(over)
my

My best recollection said Christopher White did serve his tour of duty as a soldier during the war - at all times when drafted also at all times when the Regiment to which he belonged were called into service - that I was seventy two years of age in January last past James Wells
Washington County Pa. Westerly
At the date within written I hereby certify that the above Subscriber James Wells - is personally known by me that his character for truth and veracity stands high in the estimation of the inhabitants where he resides - and that I believe the declaration above and within given by him, to be as near correct as his recollection or memory could retain
Joseph Potter Justice C.C.P. Pa.

Connecticut 694
Mary White of Groton, widow of Christopher White, dec d . who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 1832, and who died on the 16 th December 1833, of New London in the State of Connecticut, who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Wells of the Regiment commanded by Col Noyes in the Connecticut line for 13 mos 15 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 45 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th day of October, 1838, & sent to Nathan Daboll, Esq. Centre Groton, Connecticut
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 1838 $ 112.50 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar ch 39 22.50
$ 135.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838.
Recorded by D. M. Condy, Clerk Book A. Vol. 1. Page 217.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838, Entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows, State of Connecticut & County of New London ) for Probate District of
On this 30 day of August AD 1838 Personally appeared
before the court of Probate for the District of New London now sitting in said district, Mary White a resident of the Town of Groton in S d New London County, and State of Connecticut aged Seventy Eight Years, who being first duly sworn according to 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 7 th 1838, Entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows, — That She is the widow of Christopher White a Revolutionary Pensioner late of S d Groton deceased, who served in the Connecticut Continental line, That he was placed on the pension roll of the United States on the 8 th November 1832 at 45 dollars per year, — She further declares and says That She was married to the S d Christopher White at the Town of Westerly — County of Washington and State of Rhode Island on 15 th day of January 1783, by Pl d Oliver Babcock of S d Town of Westerly who has been dead many years, and that She does Not know of any record evidence of said Marriage nor in existence, but that Mr Clarke Wells now deceased and Thebe Potter, of Westerly, were present at her wedding and acted as Bridesman and Brides maid on that occasion, — She further declares that her S d husband Christopher White purchased some real estate at Groton Ferry in S d Town of Groton & County of New London aforesaid, in the fall of the year 1784, And that in the fall of the year 1785, that She and her S d husband Christopher White went to S d Groton Ferry to reside on S d real estate where they constantly lived until the decease of her husband the afore said Christopher White which took place on the 16 th day of December 1833 — and that She has remained a widow ever since — that period; and That She was Not married to the said Christopher White prior to his leaving the Service but

That the said Marriage took place previous to the first day of January Seventeen hundred and Ninety four (Viz) at the time above stated. Sworn to and subscribed by the said Mary White, on the day and year (within) above written Subscribed & sworn in court, Mary White Before me
Lyman Searle Judge of the Court of Probate
New London District
Ebenezer Searle Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of New London do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Mary White for a pension, And that Lyman Searle Esqr. is Now the Judge of said Court duly appointed and qualified, and that his above signature is genuine, and I also certify that Nathan Daboll White before whom the depositions of Rufus Lacy, Eliza Morgan & Mary D. were taken is Now a justice of the Peace within and for the County of New London duly appointed and qualified, and that his signature thereunto annexed is genuine, In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this 30 th day of August AD 1838
Ebenezer Searle Clerk

I Rufus Avery of Grafton county of Newbender and State of Connecticut aged 79 years do on my oath depose and say that I have been acquainted with Christopher White a revolutionary pensioner late of Grafton dec d and with his wife Mary White (formerly Mary Sheffield) for fifty years past and know that they always lived together as man & wife and have raised up a respectable family of children. I removed to Grafton ferry in the Town of Grafton on the 19 th of March 1789. at which time the S d Christopher & Mary White were living at S d Grafton ferry and had a family of several children. I have always lived a neighbor to S d Christopher & Mary White until the time of the S d Christopher White's decease and know that the S d Mary has remained a widow ever since that period -
Rufus Avery
State of Connecticut
Newbender county of Grafton August 30 th 1838
Personally appeared Rufus Avery who signed the above deposition and made oath to the truth of the same. And certify that he is a credible Witness.
Before me Nathan Daboll Justice of the Peace
I Mary J. White of Grafton county of Newbender and State of Connecticut of Lawful age do depose and say that I know that my father Christopher White late of Grafton dec d died on the 16 th day of December 1833, and that Mary White his wife has remained a widow ever since that time
Mary J. White
Newbender county Newbender August 30 th 1838
Personally appeared the above named Mary J. White and made oath to the truth of the above deposition and certify that she is a credible Witness
Before me Nathan Daboll Justice of Peace

The Deposition of Phebe Potter of Westerly in the County of Washington aged seventy four years, on Oath testified and says, that she has been well acquainted with Christopher White formerly of Hopkinton, and with his wife, who was Mary Sheffield of Westerly from their youth; and that she said Christopher White and Mary Sheffield were married some time other about the year 1782 the precise time this Deponent does not now recollect, not having any charge on her mind at the time; but this she will remember, that she and Mr. Clarke Wells were the Bridesman and Bride Maid, and were present at the ceremony of marriage of the said Christopher White and Mary Sheffield
Phebe Potter
State of Rhode Island
Washington County ss. Westerly May 30 th 1837. Personally appeared the above named Phebe Potter who before me gave and subscribed the preceding Deposition and was by me duly engaged thereto according to Law. I further certify that the said Phebe Potter is personally known to me, that she is a person of veracity, and that her testimony is entitled to credit
Ed. W. Knight Justice of the Peace

State of Rhode Island } County of Washington } No. 7
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 Jedediah W. Knight is a Justice of the Peace in the Town of Westerly in the County aforesaid, duly elected com- missioned and qualified according to Law, fully authorized to act in his said capacity, and that his signature to the within cer- tificate regarding Phebe Potter is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and af- fixed the Seal of the said Court at South Kingston on this 2 d day of June in the year 1837.
Asa Potter Esq.

I Elisha Morgan Town Clerk of the town of Groton in New London County Connecticut do on my oath depose and say that it appears from the records of said town that Christopher White late of said town deceased a revolutionary pensioner on the 16 th day of September 1784 purchased of Elijah & Desire Rathbun a lot of land situated at Groton ferry in said town bounded and described as follows viz Beginning at the Northwest of Elder Park Averys River lots on Groton Bank thence North & by west adjoining said Averys Land to New London River thence Northerly with the river three rods five feet nine inches thence east by south to the road thence southerly to the first bound-
Elisha Morgan Town Clerk
State of Connecticut County of New London
Groton August 28 th 1838 Personally appeared the above named Elisha Morgan and made Oath to the truth of the above deposition and I certify that he is a credible witness Before
Me Nathan Daboll Justice of the Peace

sion on file in this Bureau.
Christopher White, Wd 19894
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     June '75 1 mo. Col. Samuel Bailey R.I.   Fall 76 5 " " Wells Joseph Royal "   Oct 77 6 weeks " " " "   July 78 6 " " " " "   May 80 3 mos. " " " "   — 1 mo. 2 wks. " " " "   Sept. 1781 a few days " " " "  
I left out first names of Captains, so many Wells I could not determine which.
Battles engaged in, In Generals Spencer and Sullivan's Expedition.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Newport R.I.
Date of application for pension, Aug 6, 1832. Her claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Groton New London Co. Conn.
Age at date of application, born Newport R.I. Dec 10 1758, Dies Dec 16 1832
Remarks: Sol. man. at Westadly, Washington Co. R.I. June 11 1783 Mary Sheffield. She was at farm on an op. on Aug 30 1832, res. Groton, Conn. ae. 75. They had several children, no names stated except that of a daughter Mary.
Very respectfully,

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 19894
Mary White wid. of Christopher White Priv. Rev. War
Act: July 7. 1838
Index:—Vol. M , Page 332
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1907 Oct 22, Visit to Lucy M. White Au

Mary, widow of Christopher White - act July 7. 1838
$ 45 per ann.
Send cert: to Nathan Daboll, Esq. Centre Grafton Conn.

Dear Sir
The difficulty in computing the time of Mr White's service I presume arose from the circumstance that after stating the different terms of his service he concluded by saying, "that James Wells can testify that he was several times drafted to guard the shore" meaning that James Wells' testimony would confirm his declaration. Whereas I presume the gun runner in the pension office supposed that the testimony of James Wells related to further service not stated in the declaration. The additional declaration with this explanation I think will be satisfactory.

Christopher White - no satisfactory computation can be made of the time for which he intends to claim. The amount of his pension, if allowed, is graduated to the exact amount of service alleged & substantiated.

208 Ocean Avenue
New London
Oct 11 th 1907
To the Pension Office Washington D.C.
Can I obtain from here any information of my Grandfather Mr Christopher White who served in the War of the revolution. He came from Hopkinton, R.I. & resided in Groton Conn & drew a pension.
I would like to know what rank he held & the company he served as all such items are

recorded in Washington I thought I could learn what rank he held & some particulars by applying at this office.
Later his son (my father) in the year of 1872 (Capt Isaac White) was taken prisoner & sent to Dartmoor England. taken at sea. I think on a privateer. He was a boy at the time 12 years of age. He died in 1815.
Later in life he sailed the old ship Savannah in 1822, which was the first steam vessel to

cross the Atlantic.
My nephew is now residing in Mobile is desirous to join the Sons of the Revolution as all our family have now passed away I have none to tell me that if I may help him to join but surely he is entitled to the honor of joining
I am not certain if my grandfather took part in the battle of Groton Heights
Respectfully Yours
Lucy M c White

768'61"u

Christopher White Additional Declaration
13 mo. 15 d.
$45 per ann
Hon. N Barber Groton Can-

State of Connecticut County of New London
On the 10 th day of September AD 1832 personally appeared in open court before the lefty Court of the City of New London now sitting Christopher White a resident of the town of Groton in the County of New London and State of Connecticut who being first duly sworn according to law doth make the following additional declaration in explanation of the declaration of the 6 th August AD 1832
That he entered the service as therein stated in the month of June 1775 and joined the army at Roxbury and served in Capt Bailey's company one month
That in the fall of the year 1776 before the British took possession of Newport he was drafted into Capt Wells company in Col Mays Regiment for four months and enlisted for one month and served therein five months and was discharged in the spring of the year 1777. and that the deposition of James Wells attached to the former application goes to prove this service. though the said Wells cannot state the term of service
That in the fall of the year 1777 in October he was drafted into Capt Wells company in Mays Regiment as stated and was in Spencers expedition and served six weeks
That in July 1778 he was drafted into Wells company to join Sullivan's expedition as stated heretofore and served therein for a few days before Genl Sullivan raised the siege of Newport that he at that time served six weeks
That in the month of May 1780 he was drafted into Capt Henry Wells company and was stationed at Brentons Point on Rhode Island about three months during which time the French fleet arrived at Newport that he was discharged in August. That George Wells in his deposition attached to his application states circumstances in relation to this service

That subsequently he was called into service to garrison the Coast between South Ferry & Point Judith in Wells company and was in service one month
That in the same or following year he was called into service in Wells company and was stationed at Wickford two weeks .
That the deposition of James Mills relates to these terms of service as well as to the service in the fall of 1776 and spring of 1777, and as to the services it was meant he could testify about
That in his former application he related the circumstances of his service in the fall of 1777, and in the year 1778 prior to those of 1776 and extending to the spring of 1777 which may possibly have produced the difficulty as to the computation of time.
That in the month of September 1781 he was again called into service in consequence of the alarm at New London and Groton and marched with the Company from Hopkinton to Groton but did not arrive till after the taking of the fort and departure of the enemy that he was then in service only a few days . That his whole term of service exceeded thirteen and a half months for which term thirteen & a half months he intends to claim
Sworn to and subscribe the day and year aforesaid Christopher White Wm H Mainwaring Clerk
I William H Mainwaring Clerk of the New London City Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the declaration additional and in explanation of the declaration of the 6 th August 1832 of Christopher White for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand with the seal of said City Court this 10 th day of September AD 1832
Wm H Mainwaring Clerk