Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26,629, John Yeomans, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
Yeomans, John Martha
NUMBER _____
W. 26.629
CONTENTS

Rhode Island Roll
945
John Yeomans, 4 Lieutenant Massachusetts Line
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence on the 16 th of April 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 th of June 1818 and sent to Nicholas Taylor Esq. Newport Rh. Island.
Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1818.
4 months 19/30 $92.66
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818 }
7 Years
Continued
Newport, Newport Co.
not only there to a pension under the Act of 1818 1 May 1820. Massachusetts sent to 1 May 1820. S. Gamson 10%
Titus Hall Jonah Ralph
July 1820. Newport R.I.

162 Rhode Island
Martha Stearns
Benefit in the State of R.I.
in the commanded of the commanded in the
widow of John Geo. s deceased was a L E the Revolution Years forward
scribed on the Roll of R.I. Island at the rate of 220 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 day of Octo. 1836 and Sept 1836 Noyes Newpnt R.I.
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 1836 $1.760.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending Feb 1837 160.00 $1.920.00
act 4 July '36 { Revolutionary Claim, } 1. 7. 1836 }
Recorded by N. H. Adams Clerk, Book — Vol — 1 — Page — 124
1883 July 26 Henry J. Brightman Sent him Comfr as Lt of military History
Cooper & Rice, Nov. 23, 1857. Since Jan'y 7, 1838

Newport ss State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
At the court of common Pleas begun & held at Newport within and for the county of Newport on the third monday of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty.
Personally appeared John Geomans of the town & county of Newport aged Sixtyfour years who, being duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows. In 1775 in a Regiment commanded by Col d Dannetson in a company commanded by Capt d Thomas Kempton raised in the town of Dartmouth State of Massachusetts In 1776 in a Regiment commanded by Col d William Shepard in a company commanded by Capt d Nathan Peters. From the beginning of the year 1777 to the end of the War in different companies in the fourth Massachusetts Regiment commanded the greatest part of the time by Col d William Shepard, but when the Peace was proclaimed it was commanded by Col d Henry Jackson & it appears from the best of my recollection, that I commanded the 1 st company in said 4 th Regiment, the last three years of the war with the rank of Lieutenant: all of which services have been particularly set forth in my original declaration dated the 16 th day of April 1818.
That I have received a Pension pursuant to a Pension certificate granted by the Honorable Secretary of War dated the ninth day of June one thousand eight hundred & eighteen N o 945. and I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 15 th day of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift, sale or in any manner disposed of any property or any part thereof with intent thereby to diminish it as to bring myself within the provision 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 18 th 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:
Schedule of my Real & Personal Estate
My Estate Situated in Newport consisting in a Lot of land & house standing thereon it being under mortgages to my creditors given prior to my having the benefit of the Insolvent act granted me by The Honorable Genl

Gen l Assembly of this State at their Sessions held at East Greenwich on the third Monday of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifteen Anno Domini To p 2423 And as Estate have depreciated in value I cannot put any value upon it; the first mortgage has possession of it: One half part of one undivided share in the Ohio Company (purchased estimated value $300 it affords no income.
Personal Estate except beds & bedding & nursing apparel one Secretary: one desk: two common looking glasses: Two small looking glasses: one easy chair: Two sets of common chairs: one stand one small box stove & pipe: Two Franklin Stoves: one floor carpet three iron pots: Two iron kettles: one tea kettle: Two pair of hand irons one pair of iron dogs: Two trammels: Two common tables: Three small tables: crockery ware: four plates: three bowls: one doz n plates: eight coffee cups & saucers: one doz n tea cups & saucers: Two Lumps: Four candle sticks: Three glass tumblers: Two decanters: one brass kettle: one small brass kettle: Two tin coffee pots: one teapot: nine silver table spoons: ten silver tea spoons: Two pair of shovels & long handled forks: one pair of kitchen shears: one tin oven: one doz n knives & forks: one pair of bellows: one Japan waiter: one coffee mill in Dept due $21 =
Nearly all the above furniture was acquired when I experienced better days: it is now old & I compute its value to be $158 64 100 . In regard to my petitioning for the benefit of the Insolvent act I conveyed to one of my creditors all my furniture by a Bill of Sale on conditions that I paid him his due in which the greatest part of the above is included: and from his statement recently made there appears due him $224 14 / 100 . Amount of Dept contracted since my separation being principally for necessaries for my family I estimate to be $690 40 / 100 as I have not time to exhibit all my creditors I cannot be positive as to the exact sum, but am guided by my best judgment
Yours Affectionately
Soon after the close of the Revolutionary War I commenced the Butchering business a Dealer in provisions, and I believe that it was in the year 1790 I received from the Hon ble William Ellery Collector for the District of Newport his appointment of Inspector of the Customs: the emoluments proving small I continued my private business: attending to the duties of my office whenever duty called: when I was so unfortunate as to become insolvent I quit my private business and attended only to the duties of my office the emoluments of it has not been sufficient to support my family which is one of the causes of my being in reduced circumstances in life altho the pay of an

Gen l Assembly of this State at their Session held at East Greenwich on the third Monday of February in the year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred and fifteen Anno Domini 1815 And as Estates have depreciated in value I cannot put any value upon it; the first Mortgage has possession of it. One half part of one undivided share in the Ohio Company (purchased) estimated value $300 it affords no income.
Personal Estate except beds & bedding & wearing apparel one Secretary: one desk: two common looking glasses: two small looking glasses: one easy chair: two sets of common chairs: one stand one small box stove & pipe: two Franklin stoves: one floor carpet three Iran Pts: two Iran kettles: one tea kettle: two pair of hand irons one pair of iron dogs: two trammels: two common tables: three small tables: crockery ware: four plates: three bowls: one doz n plates: eight coffee cups & saucers: one doz n tea cups & saucers: two lamps: four candle sticks: three glass tumblers: two decanters: one brass kettle: one small brass kettle: two tin coffee pots: one teapot: nine silver table spoons: ten silver tea spoons: two pair of shovels & tongs four flat irons: four old kitchen chairs: one tin oven: one doz n knives and forks: one pair of bellows: one Japanese Writter: one coffee mill Dept due $21 =
Nearly all the above furniture was acquired when I experienced better days: it is now old I compute its value to be $156 64 / 100 . In excess to my petitioning for the benefit of the Insolvent act I conveyed to one of my creditors all my furniture by a Bill of Sale on conditions that I paid him his due in which the greatest part of the above is included: and from his statement recently made there appears due him $224 14 / 100 Amount of Dept contracted since my spouse's being primarily for necessaries for my family I estimate to be $690 74 / 100 as I have not time to exact all my creditors I am not positive as to the exact sum, but am guided by my best judgment
Y r Affectionately
Soon after the close of the Revolutionary War I commenced the Butchering business a dealer in provisions, and I believe that it was in the year 1790 I received from the Hon ble William Ellsworth collector for the district of Newport his appointment of Inspector of the Customs: the emoluments proving small I continued my private business: attending to the duties of my office whenever duty called: when I was so unfortunate as to become insolvent I quit my private business and attended only to the duties of my office the emoluments of it has not been sufficient to support my family which is one of the causes of my being in reduced circumstances in life altho the pay of an

an Inspector of the customs has been Liberal yet I have been allowed to be employed about one half of my time: which has reduced my pay on an average to about one dollar & 50 cents p r day: but nothing when sickness renders me unable to do my duty in said office
Since Christopher Ellery Esq r has been appointed collector for the District of Newport I have been by him removed from office and reinstated again by order of the Honorable Secretary of the Treasury: Last I have sustained by removal $112.-
Names & ages of those which compose my family
My Wife Martha Aged Sixtyeight in a poor state of health Daughters Abigail Aged 32 years Martha 29 years: Deborah 27 years Son John Aged 26 years in a poor state of health not able to support himself his savings has been spent on him being the eldest son of my first son Nathl deceased. William Brown Aged 16 years Martha Aged 14 years grandson & firm granddaughter will Sworn to in open court. J. G. Groomans H. G. Cranston Clerk
Son of King William
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations County of Cammas Pleas for the County of Newport ss Term. Feb 1820.
I hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the records of the said court: and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is Four hundred Eighty six Dollars Sixty nine Cents.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court this Twenty Sixth Day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred & Twenty & Fourth of American Independence.
H. G. Cranston Clerk

John Yeomans
not entitled
n o 945
9 June 1818
worth £180. 69
W m Cranston
Newport R. I.
10 July 1820
Newport, R. I.

I John Geman of Newport in the County of Newport & State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations on solemn Oath declare & say that I engaged in the Revolutionary War and served in a Company in the year 1775 raised in the Town of Dartmouth State of Massachusetts Com d by Capt s Thomas Kinton who joined a Regiment near Boston Com d by Col s Danson. In 1776 I served in a Company Com d by Capt s Nathan Peters in a Regiment Com d by Col s W m Shepard. In 1777 to the end of the War I served in different Companies in the 4 th Massachusetts Regiment Com d the greatest part of the time by Col s W m Shepard but when the Peace took place it was Com d by Col s Henry Jackson. That I did receive from the Honorable Congress of the United States two Commissions to serve in said 4 th Massachusetts Regiment, the first was an Ensigns which I received (from the best of my recollection) sometime in the month of October 1779 dated at Philadelphia September 29 th 1779 to take rank from the 10 th of Feb y 1778. The second was a Lieutenants Commission dated August 27 th 1781 to take rank from the 14 th of April 1780. It appears from the best of my recollection I served in the 4 th Company in said 4 th Regiment for the term of three years previous to the end of the war and that I did Command said Company nearly the whole of that time, Capt s Elnathan Haskell being an aid to Major Gen t Robert Howe. 1776 That I was engaged in a battle against the enemy at Bells Neck State of New York, in which Col s W m Shepard was wounded. I was at the Taking of a number of Prisoners at Trenton in the State of New Jersey. I was engaged against the Enemy at Trenton when they came to attack us, we was at a fording place above the Bridge & opposed a Column that came that way & kept them back. I was engaged in a battle early the next morning with the Enemy at Princeton. In 1777 I was with the Army in the Northern department Com d by Major Gen t Gates. I was sent by him on many dangerous enterprises in which I was successfull, took some prisoners prisoners, horses, and cattle from the enemy & was inable to give the Gen t much useful information. when I returned from one of those excursions, which I had been sent on, I called on the Gen t & made my report, when I had the satisfaction to hear the Gen t say (addressing himself to some Gentlemen then with him which I believe came from the Gen t Govt Massachusetts to seek after our welfare) that I had done well and that I deserved well of my Country, and that I had ought to be well rewarded. In 1778 I was engaged in the battle of Monmouth & I was engaged in the battle on Rhode Island being there under the Com d of Gen t Sullivan. After we returned off Rhode Island and

the Army being in Providence, I obtained leave of absence for a short time on furlough being at Fairhaven in the State of Massachusetts, at which place the Enemy landed, I immediately volunteered and served with the Militia and beat the Enemy off. Having served in different grades the whole of the Revolutionary War and three years eight months as a Commissioned Officer on the Continental establishment and the War being at an end I did on or about the 20 th of June 1783 call on Gen l Washington for a furlough which he granted with leave to return to this Place, and was not afterwards called into the Army, the War being ended and the British Army soon leaving our Country.
That I now am in the Sixtythird year of my age, that I am in reduced circumstances in life and stand in need of assistance from my Country and claim the provision made in an act of Congress Passed on the 13 th of March 1818
John Yeomans
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Newport ss Personally came before me Nich o Taylor Chief Justice Court of Common Pleas for the County of Newport John Yeomans, Subscriber to the above foregoing declaration and on his solemn Oath declared the same to contain the truth the whole truth & nothing but the truth. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and caused the seal of the Court to be affixed. Newport April 16 th 1818
Nich o Taylor
Clerk's Office Court of Common Pleas
County of Newport 21 st April 1818
I hereby certify that Nicholas Taylor Esquire whose Certificate is affixed to the above Certificate is Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within & for the County of Newport State aforesaid in testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of said Court
Robert Goyers C lk

N o 74 Mrs. Martha Yeomans
widow of John Yeomans R.I.
adm d 2 yrs Lieut.
320
no deduction
Wm R. Noyes Esq Newport R.I.

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Newport sc. On this twenty ninth day of August A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty six personally appeared before me Daniel G. Denham a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Newport and State aforesaid Martha Yeomans a resident of the town of Newport in the County of Newport and State aforesaid aged eighty four years, being infirm and unable to make her declaration in open court, not having been able to leave her house but once in four months, and never having been able to attend at a place of worship since her husband's death, who being first duly affirmed according to law, doth on her affirmation, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4. 1836: That she is the Widow of John Yeomans late a revolutionary pensioner and that he was a Lieutenant in the Massachusetts regimental line, he was in Sullivan's expedition, at the battle of Red Banks, and at the Capture of Cornwallis's army, he entered the Army at Boston and I believe he was in the service eight years three months & six days he held an ensigns Commission from Congress dated February 10. 1778. he also held a Lieutenants Commission in a Regiment of foot in a Battalion raised by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts belonging to the Continental Army said Regiment being com- manded by Col. William Shephard. I have heard much of his services but do not at this late period distinct- ly recollect them so as to affirm to them. My husband was a member of the Society of Cincinnati, his certificate bearing date the first day of January seventeen hundred and eighty four. She further declares that she was married to the said John Yeomans in the month of May seventeen hundred and eighty by the Rev. Mr. Fairweather at South Kingstown and was given in marriage by Amos Gardner Esq of the same place the husband of Mrs. Abigail Gardner whose deposition to that fact is hereunto annexed, and that she still remains his widow, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereunto annexed. She also affirms that he was placed on the pension roll under the act of 1818, and was suspended, under act of May 1, 1820, and

was not restored on account of his holding an office in the Customs and that he died on the twelfth day of July one thousand eight hundred and twenty seven Affirmed to and subscribed on the day and year aforewritten, before Daniel C. Denham Justice of the Peace
Martha her Yeomans X mark
Newport for Newport August 29 th A.D. 1881 Then personally came Martha Yeomans subscriber to the foregoing declaration and made solemn affirmation to the truth of the same - I further certify that the character of the said Martha Yeomans is good for truth and veracity -
Attest Daniel C. Denham
Justice Peace
Martha Yeomans J. H. ... J. ... J. ...

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Newport ss I Harvey Sessions of the town and county of Newport on oath do testify and say that I have been acquainted with Martha Yeomans the present applicant for a pension for the last thirty years and can say that her affirmation to the facts stated in her deposition  declaration , may be relied on with safety and I know that said Martha still remains the widow of John Yeomans late a pension- -er under the Act of Congress of 1818.
Harvey Sessions
Newport ss Newport August 29th 1836
Then personally came Harvey Sessions subscriber to the foregoing affidavit and made solemn oath to the truth of the same - I further certify the character of said Harvey Sessions to be good for truth and veracity.
Attest Daniel C. Denham
Justice Peace

To whom it may concern, I hereby certify, that John Yeomans and Martha Conydon were Married at our house in South Kingston in the County of Washington, State of Rhode Island, in the Month of May 1780, by Mr. Fair- weather an Episcopal Minister, and my Husband gave the Woman in Marriage
South Kingston August 24, 1836
Abigail X Gardiner Signature
Witness Benj. Hull
State of Rhode Island &c
Washington County S.C. At South Kingston (Aug. 24, 1836)
Personally came Mrs Abigail Gardiner and was duly sworn to the truth of the foregoing Certificate
Before me Benj. Hull J. P.

I George Brown of Westerly in the County of Washington in the State of Rhode Island on Solomon Oath do testify and say I am well acquainted with Mrs Abigail Gardner Widow of the late Amos Gardner of South Kingstown and that her character for truth and veracity is good.
George Brown
State of Rhode Island ss
Before the subscriber came George Brown and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him signed
Albert M c Staples
Asst. Jus. S. J. Court of said State

State of Rhode Island 9C
Newport. Ss
I, M. H. Brandall of Newport County of Newport & State of Rhode Island on solemn oath do testify and say that I was employed by Mrs. Martha Yeomans an aged and infirm Lady to examine the records if any could be found relative to her marriage with the late John Yeomans of this town which marriage she said was solemnized at the house of Amos Gardner in South Kingstown in this State. By Mr. Fairweather of the Episcopal church then located at Tower Hill in S. South Kingstown — I accordingly called on the Rev. Mr. De Wolf — the present Pastor of the church who informed me that the ancient records of said church were with the Rev. Mr. Peck — Pastor of the church in Wickford — I then called on Mr. Peck and proceeded to examine said church records but found a break in the records from 1774 to 1787 — I then in company with said Mr. Peck called on the Rev. Mr. Burge former Pastor of said church in Wickford who advised me to call on Daniel Clapdike Esq of Greenwich

-he being the first warden of said church at Tower Hill at the time that no Records could be found & who might be able to inform me where such records were if any had been kept I accordingly saw Mr. Updike at Greenwich who said to me, that when the difficulty broke out between the United States and Great Britain, Mr. Fawcett was receiving a Salary from S d Great Britain, and as the people who attended his Ministry would not allow him to pray for the King and Royal Family as he had formerly done he (Mr. Fawcett) shut up the church and no service was attended there until 1787, when the church was again opened under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Smith (Parson Fawcett being then dead) and that no records of affairs pertaining to that church were kept from the time the church was closed by Mr. Fawcett until it was again opened by Mr. Smith I then called on Mrs. Abigail Gardner widow of the late Amos Gardner, at whose house the said John Yeomans & Martha Congdon were married and obtained her deposition to that effect. I also know Mrs. Abigail Gardner to be a person of undoubted truth and veracity. W. H. Crandall

Newport Is. Newport Sept. 2 d 1836
Then personally appeared William H Brandall and made oath that the within statement by him subscribed is true and correct in all its parts, and I further certify that the said Brandall's character is good for truth and veracity — Sworn to and subscribed before me — John B. Atkinson Justice of the Peace
State of Rhode Island &c &c County of Newport
I George C Shaw Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the County aforesaid being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that Daniel C Denham before whom the declaration of Matthew Yromans was affirmed to, and the deposition of Harvey Tiffons was sworn to, is a Justice of the Peace in the town of Newport 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 the signature is in his own proper hand writing. And I further certify that John B Atkinson before whom the Deposition of William H Brandall was sworn to is a Justice of the Peace in the town of Newport aforesaid, was appointed by the General Assembly and Commissioned by the Governor and is fully authorized to act in his said capacity and that his signature is genuine. And I further certify that William R Staples is a Judge of the Supreme Judicial Court of this State, and Benjamin Hull is a Justice of the Peace in the town of South Kingstown in the County of Washington in said State, and their signatures affixed to the foregoing papers are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court at Newport on this third day of September A D 1836
Geo: C Shaw. Clerk

Know all men by these presents that we the undersigned heirs at law of John Yeoman late of the City of Newport in the State of Rhode Island deceased who was a private and a Lieutenant in the 4th Massachusetts Regiment of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War & who was retained in commission, as said Lieutenant, subsequent to said War do hereby constitute & appoint Joseph Russell, Esq. of the City, County and State of New York, to be our true and lawful attorney & agent for us, & in our names, place & stead to take charge of, investigate, demand, procure & collect for our own use, behoof, & benefit the whole, or in part of any claim or claims, we, or any of us, may have, to any whole, or half-pay, that is now due, or which may become due, or payable to us, by or through any Act of Congress, - decision of any of the courts of the United States, or of the Commissioner of Pensions, for, or in virtue of the Military Services of our said father, the aforesaid Lieutenant John Yeoman, giving & granting unto our said attorney & agent, full power and authority to do and perform all & every act & thing whatsoever requisite & necessary to be done in our behalf in & about the said premises, as fully as we might or could do, if personally present - with full power of substitution or revocation, hereby ratifying & confirming all that our said attorney or his substitute shall lawfully do, or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
It being understood that neither the said attorney hereby made & appointed, nor such substitute whom he may appoint, are to receive to themselves any money on account of said claim, without further and special authority from us.

In Witness Whereof, we have hereunto, Severally set our hands and Seals, this Third day of December in the year one thousand eight hundred and fiftyseven.
Signed, Sealed and Delivered in presence of M. H. Cranston
Abby Yeomans Deborah H. Yeomans
State of Rhode Island.
Newport p. Newport, Dec. 3, 1857.
Then personally appeared the above named Abby Yeomans & Deborah H. Yeomans, both of whom are known to me to be the individuals des- cribed in the within instrument, & who signed said instrument in my presence, & acknowledged the same to be their voluntary act & deed. Said Abby & Deborah are unmarried women.
Before me,
M. H. Cranston,
Mayor of Newport.

The United States of America in Congress Assembled -
To John Yeomans, Gentleman: Greeting: We reposing especial trust and Confidence in your patriotism, Valour, Conduct, and Fidelity, Do by these presents constitute and appoint you to be a Lieutenant in the fourth Massachusetts regiment in the Army of the United States to take rank as such from the 14 th day of April 1780: You are therefore Carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a Lieutenant by doing and performing all manner of things therein unto belonging - And we do strictly charge and require all officers and Soldiers, under your Command to be obedient to your orders as Lieutenant - And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions, from time to time as you shall receive from this, or a future Congress of the United States, or Committee of Congress for that purpose appointed, a Committee of the States, or Commander in Chief for the time being of Army of the United States, or any other your Superior Officer, according to the rules and discipline of War, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you - This Commission to continue in force until revoked by this, or a future Congress, the Committee of Congress, before mentioned, or a Committee of the States -
Witness his Excellency Thomas McKean, President of Congress of the United States of America at Philadelphia the 27 day of August 1781 and in the 6 th year of our Independence
Entered in War Office and examined by the Board attest Jas M c lellan - Secretary of the Board of war -
Thomas McKean Pres dt
Pension Office July 26, 1883
The above is a true and correct Copy of a commission as Lieutenant, issued August 27, 1781 by the U. S. Congress to John Yeomans, which was filed by him with his application for a pension (N o 26.629) and as it is no longer required by this Office, it will be sent to Henry Jackson Brightman, great grandson of said Yeomans, residing in Newport, R.I. in accordance with his request dated July 7, 1883 -
N. E. Robinson Actg Chief of Old War, Bounty Land & Navy Division

Recy
WIDOW, &c.
May-17-1901 Mrs. R.E. Beach Oakland Cal.
File No. 26,629
Martha Geomans Widow of John Geomans Great River War
Act: July 4 th 1836
Index:—Vol. M , Page 369
April 1818 Bays in 63 year of her age [Arrangement of 1870.] May 11 820 aged stated 64 yrs 1775 Co raised in Dartmouth mar d 1780 So Kingston

763 TWELFTH ST., OAKLAND, CAL.
May 8, 1901.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Sir:
I would like some information concerning the pension paid to Martha Congdon Seaman, widow of my great-grandfather Lieut. John Seaman who served in the Army from 1778 to 1783 and died July 13, 1827.
Yours respectfully
Edith L. A. Beach
(Mrs. R. E. Beach)
W. *

In compliance with your request of the 4th inst as the great grandson of John Yeomans, who was an officer from Mass in the war of the Rev, you will receive enclosed original his Compts as Lt, for which, please forward your receipt - The one as Ensign was not filed with his application for a pension, nor does he state that it was in his possession or what had become of it - As he does not give the date & place of his birth, the following statement made by him to made by him of his age & place of enlistment may aid you in determining both, as well as his military service prior to obtaining his Compts as Ensign. In April 1818 then of Newport R.I. he was in the 63 d year of his age & in May 1820 he state his age as 64 years - In 1780 he came to So. Kingston from the 9th to be married - He mar d in 1780 in South Kingston R.I. He engaged in 1775 in a Co raised in Dartmouth Mfs under Capt Kempton or Kenton - written both ways, who joined a (Mass) reg t near Boston Com d by Col o Darnson or Darnmillson - In 1776 he served under Capt Nathan Patten in the 4 th Mass reg t Com d by Col o M c Shepherd & was in the battles at Pell's point when Col o Shepherd was wounded & also at Princeton (Jan 3, 1777) & in the one at Trenton (Dec 26, 1776) when (over 900 Hessians were captured) In 1777 was in the Northern Dept under Gen l Gates who

ordered him on several dangerous enterprises during which he was successful in obtaining important information, & was successful in taking of some prisoners together with horses & cattle, from the Enemy - It as in the battle at Monmouth N.J. (June 28. 1778) Just after the enemy had evacuated at Phila Antioch  for the Campaign of Sullivan in R.I. the same year - After coming off duty from the Island of R.I. he obtained leave of absence & while at Fair Haven, N.J. the enemy having landed, he volunteered with the Militia & beat them off - He rec d from Congress two Comps to serve in the 4 th regt - the first as Ensign which was dated at Phila Sept 29. 1779 to rank from Feb 10. 1778 - the other as Lt which is enclosed - From early in 1777 to the end of the war he was in different Comps in the 4 th regt comd by Col d Shepherd a greater part of the time, but when peace was proclaimed it was com d by Col d Henry Jackson - The 4 th B o he thinks was under his com d the last 3 years of the war, the Capt, Elnathan Haskell, being aid to Maj. Gen d Howe - He served in various grades during the whole war holding Comps - 3 yrs 8 mo's & was furloughed June 20 1783 but was not again required to join the army -

Martha Yeomans
Disch d see let to Mr. R. Stoyes
Sept 9. 1836
ol
act. 4 July 1836

Depo of Mrs. Roberts By Hon. D. J. Pearce

State of Rhode Island &c Newport &c
I Mary Roberts of Newport of the age of seventy five years do solemnly oath declare and say. That in the spring of 1780 I was on a visit at South Kingstown in the county of Washington in said State, at the house called the Ferry house, and a short distance from Amos Gardner. That I was well ac- -quainted with Amos Gardner and with his wife Abigail Gardner. That while I was at the Ferry House. I understood that Lieut. John Yeomans was daily expected to come over to marry Martha Longdon, and on his arrival he was pointed out to me, and I distinctly recollect that he was dressed in full uniform, and that he had per- -mission to leave the army for that purpose as I was in- -formed, I also recollect. That it was reported that they were married and that Parson Fairweather married them I recollect that he married them because he married my brother John L. Bop a few days before. I understand then that they were married and have always so understood and I have never heard it questioned or doubted but that they were married and that I have been acquainted with them until his death, and that owing to particular circumstances I have a clear and perfect recollection of Lieut. John Yeomans marriage with Martha Longdon That I am also well acquainted with Abigail Gardner widow of Amos Gardner late deceased and know her to be a person of high respectability for truth and veracity—
Mary Roberts
Newport &c Newport Sept. 13 1835
Then personally appeared Mary Roberts and solemnly affirmed to the truth of the above statements by her subscribing the same being reduced to writing in her presence and by her signed in my presence. I also certify that the above deponent is a creditable person.
Wm Gilpin Just. Peace

I, Sutee J. Pearce of the town and county of Newport- and state of Rhode Island on solemn oath declare and say, That I was well acquainted with the late Lieut John Yeomans of this town a revolutionary person under the act of 1818, and with Martha Yeomans his widow, and that from many circumstances which have come to my knowl- -edge, I have every reason to believe that they were married at South Kingston in the Year 1780 as declared by Mr Mar- tha Yeomans and as testified to by Mrs Abigail Garand and Mrs Mary Roberts, and I further testify that I am well acquainted with Martha Yeomans, Mary Roberts and William H. Crandall of this town, and Abigail Garand of South Kingston and George Brown of Westerly and that they are persons of truth and veracity and that full faith and credit ought to be given to their declaration and testimony Sutee J. Pearce
Newport ss Newport Sept 15 1835
Then personally appeared before me Sutee J. Pearce and made oath to the truth of the above statement by him subscribed, the same being reduced to writing in my presence and by him signed in my presence and I further testify that the said Sutee J. Pearce is a person of truth and veracity
Wm Gilpin
Just: Pearce

Newport Je { State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantation Clerks Office Court of Common Pleas
I George L Shaw Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the County of Newport being a Court of Records, do hereby certify that William Gilbrin before whom Mary Roberts and Dutee J Pearce where sworn is a Justice of the Peace in the town of Newport in said County, was appointed by the General Assembly and duly commissioned by the Governor of said State and is fully authorized to act in his said capacity and that his signature to the aforeswritten is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court at Newport on this fifteenth day of September One Thousand eight hundred & thirty six
Geo: L Shaw. Clerk

James L. Edwards Esq. Com d of Pensions Washington D.C.

Sir,
Newport R.I. Sep. 4 th 1836
Herewith I forward you the declaration of Mrs Martha Geomans Widow of the late John Geomans deceased. (A Revolutionary Pensioner under Act of 1818)
The husband of the present applicant was a Lieutenant of Infantry in the Continental Line, during the Revolutionary War, and attached to the 4 th Mass. Regt. Com d by Col s Wm Shepherd & Henry Jackson
Also the depositions of Mr Wm H Crandall relative to marriage & Henry Sessions to widowhood &c. which are respectfully submitted for your consideration by
Your Obedt Obt Servant Humble Servt
James L Edwards Esq Com d of Pensions
Wm B. Knight Ag t for Mrs Martha Geomans

Newport Sept. 15 th 1835
Sir.
Yours of the 9 th Inst. was duly rec d . and contents noted. In reply have to observe that the testimony relative to Mrs. Yeomans' marriage was submitted to several of our most distinguished Jurists in this place, all of whom agreed that the evidence was amply sufficient to carry property to any and in this State .
After the papers were forwarded to you, I was so fortunate as to learn by mere accident, that Mrs. Mary Roberts, a highly respectable Matron of this place was at St. Kingston at the time the marriage took place &c. her deposition to that effect is herewith forwarded. Also the deposition of the Hon. Duly S. Pearce M.C. who, was well acquainted with Sir J. Yeomans Mrs. Yeomans & their children - Who testifies and says "That from many circumstances which has come to my knowledge, I have every reason to believe that they were married at St. Kingston in the year 1780 as declared by Mrs. Martha Yeomans, and as testified to by Mrs. Abigail Gardner & Mrs. Mary Roberts."

Mr P also testifying that he is well acquainted with all the affiants in the case and that their characters are good for truth and veracity.
Lieutenant Geolians was a young, "handsome" & distinguished officer in "Full uniform" and had left the Camp of Mars for the express purpose of bearing arms in that of Venus. and no doubt it was well recollected by all of his acquaintance who see him on his way or was in the neighborhood at the time. — With the most  devout  hope that the testimony offered will be satisfactory.
I am, Sir, Your Most Obs.
A very Humble Servt.
Wm R Boyss Esq. for Mr. Townsend

COOPER & RICE, Attorneys & Counsellors at Law, No. 33 PINE-STREET, NEW-YORK.
S. V. B. COOPER. CLINTON RICE.
New-York, Nov. 17, 1887.
To Commissioner of Pensions Washington, (D.C.)
Sir:—I addressed you yesterday from Newport, (R.I.) relative to our desire to obtain for important purposes, the last Reports on Pensions &c. Will you, do us the Service of sending us as soon as possible Certified copies of all papers and documents that may be filed in your Department, rela- tive to Lieutenant John Yeoman, late of New- port, Rhode Island, and who served in the 4th Mass. Regiment, during the whole of the War of the Revolution. He was never we believe fully discharged as before, but was retained in service, and therefore we presume it will be a matter of little difficulty to gratify one desire —
Very Respectfully Yours
Cooper & Rice,

New-York. 29th Dec. 1887.
To the Comr. of Pensions:
Sir: - I addressed you a letter on the 11th inst. relating to a record (of the Service) in the Revolutionary War, of Lt. John Gorman) in your Department, and enclosed a duly executed form of atty from the heirs of said Gorman to Joseph Russell, of this city. Have you replied to the same? If so, nothing has been as yet received. If not, will you please to do so at your earliest moment.
Greatly obliged
Yours &c.
Clinton Rice. In Cooper & Rice

COOPER & RICE, Attorneys & Counsellors at Law, No. 33 PINE-STREET, NEW-YORK.
S. V. R. COOPER. CLINTON RICE.
New-York, Dec. 11 th . 1857.
To the Commissioners of Pensions.
Sir - Enclosed we transmit you power of attorney from the surviving heirs at law of Lieutenant John Grinnell, late of New- port, deceased to Mr. Joseph Russell. Will you please transmit said Russell, in one case, or as you please to his address as "Pub- lisher John Street New-York", a copy of the Revolutionary Service of the late Grinnell as you may have in file in your department, the object of obtaining the same being to use the same as evidence in substanti- ating a claim which the said heirs assume they have against govern- ment.
With respect we are yours &c
Cooper & Rice, 33 Pine Street N.Y.

SETH BATEMAN, Pres A.S. SHERMAN, Cash
MERCHANTS
Bank
Newport, R.I. July 7 th 1883
Gen W W Dudley M c Commissioners of Pensions Washington D.C.
Sir
I have the honor to state that I am the great grand son of Lieutenant John Yeomans of the Massachusetts Continental Line, and as proper male representative am a member of the Society of the Cincinnati in this State of which he was an original member.
During his life time he made an application for a pension and sent to the Pension Office, as I am informed, his commissions and other original revolutionary documents as evidence of his rank in service, as these documents are of no further use to the Department in support of that claim and as they are peculiarly valuable to me as heir-looms. I have the

SETH BATEMAN, Pres't A.S. SHERMAN, Cashier.
MERCHANTS Bank
Newport, R.I. _____ 188
honor to request that I may be favored by a return to me of those documents. I ought to add that Lieutenant John Yeomans died in this City July 12 th 1827. and his wife Martha Yeomans subsequ- ently received a pension and died in this City May 29 th 1842. I have many of his papers but above all would appreciate having his com- missions.
I am Teller of the Merchants Bank of this City any references will be cheer- fully furnished. Asst Commissioner Clark is well acquainted with Doctor Henry S. Turner of this City to whom I beg to refer in substantiation of my claim, also to Judge Advocate Asa Bird Gardner U.S.A.
Your obedient Servant Henry Jackson Dightman.

SETH BATEMAN, Pres. A.S. SHERMAN, Cashier.
Newport, R.I. July 7 th 1883
Major W. B. Webster in charge of the War Division U.S. Pension Office Washington D.C.
Sir
Will you kindly give me the date and place of birth of Lieutenant John Yarnous of the Revolutionary Army when and in what regiment he enlisted before he got his commission.
Judge Advocate Genl. G. Gaudine U.S.A. has his full military record after he was an Ensign.
The above information will greatly oblige Your Obedient Servant Henry Jackson Chapman