Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26028, John Williams, R.I.

SERVICE
NUMBER
869
Williams, John Betsey
W 26028
CONTENTS

Died Jan 30, 1845
1863 Rhode Island
Petsey Williams widow of John Williams who was a Pri & Drummer in the R.I. line For 6 Mos. Private " " Drummer
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 72 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7th day of Sept, 1842 and sent to
H: Correll Providence R.I.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1. Page 98.

State of Rhode Island
County of Providence
On this sixth day of December A D 1838 personally appeared before me David Potter one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas within & for said County Betsey Williams now resident in Cranston in said County aged 74 years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declarations in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed July 7 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows that she is the widow of John Williams formerly of said Cranston who was a soldier of the Revolution; that he often served as a Discontinued private in a company of Militia recommended by Capt Frederic Williams and as a private also in a company called the Patuxet Rangers under Capt Benjamin Arnold but she is unable to specify the particular months or years but must refer to evidence of others for the times & stations. — and she further declares that she was married to the said John Williams on the 14 day of February A D 1783 but her marriage

is not recorded in said Cranston where she was married nor has she any documentary evidence of it Her husband died in April about the 15 th of the month 1815 and since that period she has remained un- married she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred & ninety four to wit at the time above mentioned
Attest
Muriel Potter
Betsey her Williams Mark
Providence R.I. In Cranston December 6 th 1938
Personally appeared before me Betsey Williams subscribed to the preceding declaration and made oath to the same & I further certify that said Betsey is too feeble from age and infirmities to attend Court
Muriel Potter Just G.G. News

I Mary Pitcher of Cranston in the County of Providence do testify & say that I am now Seventy one years of age that I am well acquainted with Betsey Williams of said Cranston & the widow of John Williams I have a distinct recollection of being present at the marriage of said Betsey to said John I was then about sep- teen years of age when I saw them married. According to my best rec- ollection they were married in the year 1783 in the winter here Attest Mary Pitcher Mark Merrill Potter
Providence In Cranston December 6 th A.D. 1838 Personally appeared before me Mary Pitcher who signed the foregoing affidavit by making her mark and made oath to the same & I further certify that said affiant is a credible witness Merrill Potter Just G.C. Pleas

I Charlotte Williams of Cranston in the County of Providence on oath do testify & say that I am now twenty years of age that Frederic Williams late of said Cranston was my father. He was a Captain of Militia in the War of the Revolution. I have a distinct recollection that in the year 1777 & 1778. he used to go away from home as Captain of his Company & be gone about a month at a time & went into the service as I understood, I remember he went to Pocumtuck several times & to Warwick near Providence & Newport where his company was stationed - I also have a distinct re- collection that John Williams afterwards the husband of Betsey Williams was a drummer to his company & often went with him & served as drummer in those monthly Forays - The said John was a distant relation of mine & I knew him well. It is impossible for me to state the times the said John served under my father, but I am very confident. he went as much as four times each year & was generally gone a month at a time, - time, - and I believe said John went as many times with him, When my father's Company was stationed at Pocumtuck

I went to see him at these different times I went for the purpose of carrying him clothes, - said John afterwards married Betsey Norton. I was not present at the marriage but I think it was in the year 1783. Said John & Betsey lived together as man & wife until his death. He died in the year 1815 in April & since then said Betsey has remained unmarried
Attest
Charlotte Williams
of J. M. P. M.
Providence J. In Cranston December 6 th D 1838 Personally appeared before me Charlotte Williams who signed the foregoing Affidavit and made oath to the same & I further certify that said Affiant is a credible witness
of J. M. P. M. Just & P. M.

I Reuben Smith of Cranston in the County of Providence being now 77 years of age on oath do testify & say that I was once acquainted with John Williams formerly of said Cranston and the husband of Betsey Williams now his widow. In the years 1777 & 1778 I was a private in Capt Frederick Williams company of Militia & Col Bowers regiment, I that  think, think was an Colonel's name, said John was drummer & served as such. During those years we served a great deal together in monthly tours, the Militia were divided into classes & one third were on duty all the time to guard the shores. The regiment of Artillery commanded by Col Jackson was stationed at Patuxet at that time. The first tour I think was in March or April 1777 and the next was in Summer I think in August & we again served in in October, & again in the winter we served another month. During the above tours we were stationed

at Patuxet, & at Warwick neck the first about four miles from the home of said John & the latter about thirteen miles. we served at least four months for which we were paid & rations. In 1778 we also served together several monthly tours of duty, said John as drummer and myself as a private. we served one month stationary at Patuxet in the Spring & one month on Rhode Island in August and in the fall one month. in same way After such a great length of time I cannot be particular as to dates but the above is according to my best recollection Reuben Smith
Attest
M c Neil Potter
Providence S d In Cranston December 6 th A d 1898 Personally appeared before me Reuben Smith who signed the foregoing affidavit and made oath to the same & I further certify that said affiant is a credible witness
M c Neil Potter Just G.G. Pleas

I Edward Waterman of Johnston in the county of Providence State of Rhode Island, do hereby certify and say that I am now in the eightieth year of my age, that I was well acquaint- ed with John Williams, formerly of Johnston in said State and the husband of Betsey Williams, now his widow. In the month of February 1777 I served one month in company of Militia commanded by Capt. John Waterman in a regiment command- ed by Col. Asa Twitchell in the revolution- ary war, stationed at Pawtucket, I have a distinct recollection of seeing said John Williams on duty at the same in said Pawtucket in the same regiment as a private soldier, I was well acquainted with him. His Captain's name I do not remember. I have no doubt but said John did other tours of duty, as the Militia were divided into three classes and one class was on duty all the time and I never heard of his being absent when called upon.  Edward Waterman
State of Rhode Island
Providence ss. Providence Jan. 2. 1839 Then the aforementioned Edward Waterman subscribed and made oath to the foregoing deposition. And further certify that said Edward is a credible witness.  W. Aplin Jus. Peace.

I Frederic Williams of Cranston in the county of Providence State of Rhode Island do hereby certify that I am now fifty eight years of my age, that I am the son of Frederic Williams late of said Cranston, who died about fifteen years since. My Father the said Frederic was a Captain of Militia in said Cranston during all the war of the Revolution as I always understood from himself and others. Upon his death his papers came into my hands as Executor of his Will. Among his papers were many Company Pay Rolls bearing date during the war of the Revolution, between the years from 1776 to 1779. As many as twelve of said Rolls were among said papers according to the best of my recollection. I used to amuse myself in reading his old military papers being then a Commander of some Company. And I further testify, that in perusing those old Pay rolls I frequently saw the name of John Williams belonging to said Cranston as a drummer in said Company. After the death of my Father all said old papers were taken out of a desk put into a bag and hung up in the garet where they were getting to be destroyed almost all of them. A few ago Reuben Smith who was an applicant for a pension applied to me to look over those rolls. I found but one which I gave to him. The others had all been chewed

up by the niece. The one I gave to Reuben I understood he sent to Washington, when he applied for his pension. I well remember also of seeing among said papers an agreement in writing between my father and the Father of said John whereby it was agreed that said John should be received into said company and learn to be a drummer, and I frequently heard my Father speak of his being his drummer in his said company. I also well remember of hearing my Father say that said John served for three months at one time stationed in Providence.
Frederick Williams
State of Rhode Island
Providence fc. Providence Jan. 9. 1839
Then the aforesaid Frederic Williams subscribed and made oath to the foregoing before me. And I further certify that said Frederic is a credible witness.
W. M. Justice of the Peace

Betsy Williams
4843
R. I.
act 7. July 38.
advised bemo fri bemo. Drum.
42 $
No deduction
Hn. N. R. Knight Senate

I Phoebe Arnold of Cranston, in the county of Providence, & State of Rhode Island, on Oath do testify and say, that I am now seventy five years of age and upwards, That I was well well acquainted with John Williams, formerly officer of militia. I have a distinct recollection that he was a private in a company called the Pawtucket Rangers, at the time that I was. I enlisted into said company in January 1779. Said John then belonged to it, and had belonged to it for one year before that time as I believe. Said company was in actual service a great part of the time, during the war of the Revolution, either in guarding the fort at Pawtucket, or on monthly hours of duty. We were a minute company also, and liable to do duty, at any or all times. In 1779 we did as much as four times of a month each, for which we received pay and rations, stationed at Sishit Beach, Mauvick Neck and Greenwich. We were one month at said Beach, one at Mauvick Neck, one at Greenwich, and one at Pawtucket. It is out of my power to particularize the months, when we were at Sishit Beach. it was shortly after the British left Newport.

and late in the fall of said year during all these four tours, said John Williams served with us. In 1780 we served as much as three months in monthly tours, between January and December, but it is not in my power to name the months, excepting one which was in August, when we were stationed on Rhode Island. One of said tours, was before we went to Rhode Island, and one was afterwards. We were stationed at Pawtucket and Warwick. In 1781 we served a tour of one month on Rhode Island. In all the above tours, said John served with us in said company as a private. — Elisha Arnold
State of Rhode Island 4 c .
Providence 4 c . Providence December 17. 1839
Then the aforesaid Elisha Arnold subscribed and made oath to the foregoing deposition before me and I further certify that said Elisha Arnold is a credible witness. —
William Aplin Jr. Peace

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Providence Je. I, John W. Smith clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within & for the County of Providence in said State, being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that Zuriel Potter Esquire before whom four of the annexed affidavits were sworn, is one of the Justices of our said Court; — that William Aplin Esquire before whom the other three annexed affidavits were sworn is one of the Justices of the Peace for the City of Providence in said County; that by law said Zuriel & William are respectively authorized & empowered to administer oaths and take depositions, (and that their aforewritten signatures are genuine)
In Witness Whereof hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of our said Court at the City of Providence this fourth day of February AD 1839
John W. Smith clerk (H)

December 12, 1935
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
BA-J/EE
John Williams-W.26028
M.P.Carter 78 Lincoln Avenue Attleboro, Massachusetts
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in further quest of the record of a John Williams.
The name of John Williams is borne so many times on the Revolutionary War records of this office, that with no data in regard to the one whose record is desired, it is not possible to make a proper search of the records.
The record is given herein of a John Williams, of Rhode Island, as shown by the papers on file in pension claim W.26028, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of John Williams are not shown.
John Williams enlisted, place not shown, served as a drummer at various times on monthly tours from 1777 to 1781, exact length of service not shown, under Captains Frederic Williams, Benjamin Arnold and John Waterman, Colonels Bowen and Amos Atwell in the Rhode Island Troops.
He died April 15, 1815, at Cranston, Rhode Island.
The soldier married February 14, 1783, Betsey Thornton. The date and place of her birth and the names of her parents are not stated. They were married at Cranston, Rhode Island.
Soldier's widow, Betsey, was allowed pension on her application executed December 6, 1838, at which time she was aged seventy-four years and resided in Cranston, Providence, Rhode Island.
She died January 30, 1845, place not shown.
There is no reference to children.

In 1838, Charlotte Williams, of Cranston, Rhode Island, aged seventy years, stated that she was the daughter of Captain Frederic Williams and that the soldier, John Williams, was a distant relative of hers. In 1839, Frederic Williams, aged fifty-seven years, stated that he was the son of Captain Frederic Williams.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension and the name and address of person paid in the case of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Betsey Williams, widow of John Williams(W.26028), you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Betsey Williams, Certificate No. 1863, issued September 7, 1842, rate $42 per annum, commenced March 4, 1843, Act of March 3, 1843, Rhode Island Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

✓ 4843 Betsey Williams R.I. at 7 July 38

Providence Feb. 28 1839
Sir
I herewith the application of Lucy Field widow of John Field, Betsey Williams widow of John Williams, & Orpha Mathews widow of Caleb Mathews for pensions under the act of Congress of July 7 1838.
I am very respectfully your obed Servt Benja Councill
J. L. Edwards Esq

Hon. N. R. Knight U. S. Senate Washington D.C.
Hon. N. R. Knight Senate 243 Library

Providence Jan'y 28 1840
Dr Sir
Respecting the claim of Mrs. Betsey Williams for a pension I doubt whether further proof testimony can be produced, most all the witnesses are dead - In looking over however the old papers of Samuel Horn one of the commissaries of issues, which were in the hands of Mr. Crapo who was his Executor, I have found the endorsed, very important paper. It contains the names of officers to whom provisions were delivered at Pawtucket during a part of the year 1777, & among them it will be seen that provisions were delivered to "Capt Fred Williams" from March 10 to June 2. This fully corroborates the testimony of Ruben Smith where affidavit is among the papers. Indeed when it is known that the Militia were obliged by law to serve every third month, being divided into

three classes, there cannot be any doubt as to the service of John Williams I sent this law to the pension office some years ago
After John Williams joined the Patuxet Ran- gers it will appear by the affidavit of Miha- Arousa that he did considerable service how much I cannot now remember.
I feel quite confident that upon a fair examination of the testimony from 8 to 10 months are distinctly proved. If the "Pay Abstracts" of Capt. Frederick Wei- had been preserved it is probable no difficulty would have occurred but those abstracts have all been destroyed, but one, as will appear by the affidavit of his son, Frederick, among the papers.
After the old papers herewith enclosed has been examined I have to request it may be returned; I have sent a copy of it,

which may be left on file. The old paper does not belong to me otherwise I should care to have it returned. It is a very important paper however as it gives a list of the commanders of companies to whom provisions were delivered at Watertown during a certain period & it confirms the parole testimony heretofore given with regard to many of them -
I remain sincerely a respectfully agent
Benja Lowell
Hon A R Knight

Sir
Washington D.C. Feb'y 10. 1840
I send you enclosed herewith a letter of M c Gowell and an original paper of the late Sam t . Aborn by commissary, and a copy of the same as further proof in the case of M c Bitney Williams widow of John - The original paper of M c Aborn is not sent to be filed, but with a request to have it returned after perusal - The copy will remain on file -
Respectfully yours
A. P. Kingsley
The Comm ee of Pensions

2187 Betsey Williams
$42 per ann
B. Cowell Providence R.I.

STATE OF RHODE-ISLAND.
County of Providence
On this Eight day of April A. D. 1843, personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in said County Betsy Williams now resident in Providence in said County, 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 benefits of the Act of Congress, passed March 3d, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War, viz: That she is the Widow of John Williams, late of Cranston deceased, who served in said War as a Soldier . That she received a pension under the Act of July 7, 1838, at the rate of $42 per annum, payable at the Agency for paying pensions at Providence.
attest Wm J. Padoin
Betsy Williams her mark
Providence Sc. In Providence April 8 th A. D., 1843.
Personally came before me the above named Betsy Williams and made oath to the truth of the above declaration by her signed. I further certify that she is a credible woman.
Before me William J. Padoin Justice of the Peace.

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations, Providence, ss.
I, Albert G. Greene, Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Providence, in said State, do hereby certify, that William J. Pabodie, who has signed the within Certificate, was, on the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace within and for said city, duly elected.
In attestation whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and have affixed the seal of said Court, this 13 th day of June, A.D. 1843.
Albert G. Greene, Clerk

To the Commis n . of pensions S

In the case of Mrs Betsey Williams
Mrs Charlotte Williams testifies that John Williams the husband of Betsey served as drummer in Capt. Frederic Williams Company as much as four months in the year 1777 & the same in 1778 making 8 months -
Reuben Smith testifies to his service in March & April 1777 for the term of one month -
1 st - August 1777 one month } At Pawtuxet & Warwick Neck - October 1777 one month Winter of 1777 one month
In the year 1778 one month
August 1778 one month on Rhode Island
Edward Waterman testifies that himself and Williams served in Feb'y 1777 one month at Pawtuxet
Elisha Arnold says that John Williams served in 1779 in the Company of the Pawtuxet Rangers stationed at Seekonk Beach, Warwick Neck & Greenwich four months - Also in 1780 in the month of August at Rhode Island - one month
1 st 1780 one month at Rhode Island
one 1 st at Pawtuxet
one 1 st - at Warwick
1781 one 1 st on Rhode Island
8 months in Pawtuxet Rangers

Edward Waterman testifies to one month in Feb'y 1777
Reuben Smith 5 months service —
making — 6 months as drummer
8 months in Pawtuxet Rangers
14 months exclusive of the general proof by Miss Williams —
Here is positive proof of 14 months service of John Williams by witnesses who cannot be impeached — two of them I know (Arnold & Waterman) never had their veracity doubted — (Mr. Smith I do not know personally) I never heard any thing against his veracity —
The department has decided over & over that the service of the Pawtuxet Rangers was a service within the meaning of the pension laws — Many pensions have been granted for service in that company — I will cite a few from memory — viz,
Remington Arnold James Rhodes Caleb Gorpe John Arnold Simson Smith
Widow Arnold Widow Rhodes Malachi Greene Joseph Hborn Silva Arnold
With a reference to these facts it seems to me that the requisition for further proof showing how this company of Pawtuxet

Rangers was officers paid & rationed is supererogation and may be dispensed with -
Whether the Militia of Rhode Island came within the purview of the pension law is for the departments to decide - I had never before heard it doubted
Decm r . 31. 1839
A. P. Knight

Sickawett Beach is on the North East end of the Island of Rhode Island and about thirty five miles from Providence

I Jesse Howard of Cranston, in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation on oath depose and say that I am Town Clerk of the said Town of Cranston, and by virtue of that office have the charge and custody of the records of said Town for recording marriages, that I have carefully examined said records and do not find any record of the marriage of John Williams to Betsey Thornton —
And I further depose and say that I am well satisfied that many marriages do and have taken place in said Town that are not therein recorded.
Jesse Howard
State of Rhode Island Providence J. Providence Feb. 26. 1839
Then Jesse Howard subscribed and made oath to the foregoing before me, and I further certify that said Jesse is a credible witness
W. Aplin Jr. Clerk

5080
Rhode Island
Betsy Williams widow of John Williams dec d
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 15 th April 1815 of Providence in the State of R.I. who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Arnold of the Regt. commanded by Col. in the R.I. State line for 6 mos. service in Summer
Inscribed on the Roll of R.I. State at the rate of $1. Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 nd day of Feb y . 1840 and sent Hon. S. Knight Senate U. States
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1839 $147.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 March. 21.00 $168.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838 }
Recorded by H. H. Addison Clerk, Book Vol. 2 Page 28

MARION PEARCE CARTER GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH 78 LINCOLN AVENUE ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS
Pension Office Gentlemen
Your answer under date Nov 2-35 does not wholly answer my question.
Was there a John Williams who heirs applied for additional pension for Revolutionary War service. If so please give names of heirs.
I only gave data of his being on Sloop Providence at one time (but perhaps not during the war).

thinking it might identify him more fully -
No doubt there are many John Williams in your records, but if there is one who has asked for additional pension & was refused I should like the record.
Thanking you I remain Very truly M. Martin
Nov 9. 35-

V 4843
Sol. Benj. Powell
✓ July 3 d - '39 -
Let. to Hon. M. R. Knight January 14, 1840,
act 7. July 38.

Rev  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 26 028
Betsy Williams Wid. of John Williams Drum. Rev. War
Act: Act. J. 1843.
Index:—Vol. W , Page 346
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Nov 9 '96 Recd Paid to H.A. Townsend Providence R.I. SWD 1935-See 12-21-35 M.P. Carter, Et

HENRY A. TOWNSEND, P. O. Box 1466, 188 Eddy St., Providence, R. I.
Oct. 31, 1896.
Hon. D. T. Murphy, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
Please give me such facts as the records of your office ad- ford upon the pension issued to Betsey Williams, widow of John William Sept. 7th A. D. 1843 , under Act of Congress March 3rd A. D. 1843 and greatly oblige,
Very truly yours,
Henry A. Townsend

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Williams, John GRADE Sergeant LINE Virginia
WARRANT NUMBER 12647 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED April 6, 1790 To John Williams —
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.