Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26003, Joseph Wheaton, Mass. R.I.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Mass R.I.
Wheaton, Joseph Bethiah
W 26003
CONTENTS

3420.
Massachusetts
Joseph Wheaton
of Rehoboth in the State of Mass who was a Sgt in the company commanded by Captain [blank] of the Reg't commanded by Col Walker in the Mass line for 10 May 13 Ds
2 — — Capt 1 — — Sgt 4 — 15 — D Master 17 — 28 —
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 67 Dollars 25 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of Dec 1832 and sent to Bassett's Auction Mass
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 $100.87 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar 33 33.62
$134.59
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J H 169 Blair Clerk Book D. Vol. 2 nd Page 93.
See W Abathar Apr 26 1836
letter to same July 29. 1836 same Nov 2 nd 1836 same — 21 — same Apr. 29. 1837 same May 18 — do. to Pensioner Aug. 5. 1837
Mitol

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss
At a Court of Probate held at Dighton in the County of Bristol on the tenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty two before the Hon. Modyat Baylies Judge of Probate for said County personally appeared Joseph Wheaton a resident in Rehoboth in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid aged seventy nine years & ten months who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 make the following the following declaration. That he entered the service of the United States under the following officers & served as herein named. I enlisted as a minuteman in the company of Captain John Perry of said Rehoboth that marched with said company from said Rehoboth to Roxbury in the night on the nineteenth day of April A.D. 1775 & served in said company at said Roxbury till the first day of January A.D. 1776 in the regiment commanded by Colonel Timothy Walker of said Rehoboth & in General Heath's Brigade making a service of eight months & thirteen days - I afterwards enlisted & served from the last of January till the first of April in the year seventeen hundred & seventy six, about two months at a place called Winter Hill a part of the time & a part of the time at Dorchester Hill in the vicinity of Boston, in the company of Captain John Deum, Colonel French's Regiment & and General Sullivan's Brigade. I afterwards enlisted September of the year 1776 & served two months in the company of Captain Simeon Cole of said Rehoboth & Colonel Thomas Carpenter's Regiment & General Lincoln's Brigade, this term of service was performed at various places in the State of New York, we had skirmishes with the enemy at Mannaroneck, at a place called the Saw pits at New Rochelle we took three prisoners - In November 1776 I enlisted & served between four & five months on board the Galley called the Spit Fire in the capacity of quartermaster, Isaac Tylor Commander, Charles Young first lieutenant, Lebedee Mathews second lieutenant, said Galley was stationed at & near Tiverton in the State of Rhode Island - under the direction of General Tarleton we engaged in various skirmishes with the enemy, one on February the 21 st & one on the 22 nd of the same month; in this last action which lasted near two hours, we received forty four shots in the hull, masts & yard, one man was killed & four wounded - I had the command of an eighteen pounder during this action & the wind of a ball injured the

sight of one of my eyes, which has been almost blind ever since I then enlisted in some time in the last of September of the year 1777 & served one month in the company of Captain Sylvanus Martin in what was called General Spencer's expedition at Tiverton - Colonel French, I think, was the commander of the regiment.
And be further declares as follows to the interrogatories propounded by the Secretary of War; to wit-
1 Where & in what year were you born?
Ans. That he was born in Rehoboth aforesaid in the year one thousand seven hundred fifty two. Oct. the Eighth - A certificate of which is herunto annexed -
2 Have you any record of your age; & if so where is it?
Ans. That his birth is recorded, in records of said town of Rehoboth, & certified as above.
3 Where were you living when called into the service & where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, where do you now live?
Ans. That at the time of being called into the service he lived in said Rehoboth that he has lived there ever since & now lives there -
4 How were you called into the service; were you drafted, did you volunteer or were you a substitute & if a substitute for whom?
Ans. That he was a volunteer & enlisted in all his terms of service
5 State the names of some of the regular Officers who were with the troops when you served; such Continental & Militia Regiments as you can recollect & the general circumstances of your service.
Ans That he has stated such general circumstances as he can recollect in the statement already made to what he refers for an answer to this question

6 Were you a Soldier or an Officer? if a soldier, did you ever receive a discharge from the service: & if so by whom was it given & what has become of it; if an officer did you ever receive a commission & if so by whom was it given & what has become of it? — Ans That I was a soldier private soldier, except when on board the Spitfire & then received any discharge — served as quartermaster as above stated — I never received a written discharge —
7 State the names, the person by whom you are known in your present neighborhood, & who can testify as to your character for veracity & their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution — Ans. — The Rev. Childs Luther and Allen Hunt Esq.
And the said Joseph Wheaton doth further declare that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, & that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any state Joseph Wheaton
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid — Before H. P. Baylies, Judge of Probate
We Childs Luther, a Clergyman residing in N. Ashford in said County and Allen Hunt Esquire residing in Litchfield in said County hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joseph Wheaton who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy nine years of age, that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, & that we concur in that opinion Childs Luther, Allen Hunt
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid Before H. P. Baylies, Judge of Probate

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after their investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war Department that the abovenamed applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier & served as he states. And the court further certify that it appears to them that Childs brother — who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman — residing in the town of Rehoboth — in said County of Bristol and that Allen Hunt — who has also signed the same is a resident in the  the town of  said  county  of  Bristol  is a credible person, and their statement is entitled to credit —
H. V. Baylies, Judge of Probate
No 2. 740
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss
I Anselm Basset Register of the Court of Probate in for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Joseph Wheaton of Rehoboth in said County for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of the said Court the day and year first above written.
Anselm Basset

I Jonathan Nash of Rehoboth in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age to give evidence being duly sworn according to law do testify and say, that on the nineteenth day of April in the year of our Lord Seventeen hundred and seventy five Joseph Wheaton now resident in said Rehoboth enlisted into the State service, marched to Roxbury and there served until first day of January Seventeen hundred and seventy six in the Company commanded by Capt John Paine Regiment commanded by Col Timothy Warren and Brigade by General Devens. Also on the last of January Seventeen hundred and seventy six the aforesaid Joseph Wheaton enlisted into the Company commanded by Capt John Paine, Regiment commanded by Col French and Brigade by General Sullivan, and served two months at White Hill (so called) and at Dorchester hill, also the said Wheaton enlisted in the month of September into the Company commanded by Capt Martin, in Spence's Expedition (so called) and there served one month Also that the said Wheaton served on board the Gally Spitfire Stationed at Giverton during three months which I served in the land service and stationed at said Giverton, but how much longer he served on board said vessel I cannot say.  Jonathan Nash
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol County ss. I, Clerk August 8. 1832 Then the above named Jonathan Nash personally appeared and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed Before me Almon H. Dyer Justice of the Peace
Bristol ss November 12 th 1832 I hereby certify, that I am well acquainted with the above named Jonathan Nash, that he is a man of truth and a credible Witness  Almon H. Dyer Just. of Peace

I Ezechiel Pittier of Rehoboth in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age to give evidence being duly sworn according to law, do testify and say, that I enlisted and served three months in Capt James Hills Company, in the Regiment commanded by Col Duggitt and Stationed at Scituate in the fall of Seventy Six hundred and Seventy Six & winter of Seventy, Six hundred while Stationed there I was frequently one of the Galley, Spent five Stationed at said Scituate and was knowing to Joseph Wheaton now Resident in said Rehoboth being on board said Galley, during the time I was at said Scituate, But how long a time he served on board said Galley I cannot say Attest Almon Heavens Ezechiel his Pittier mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol County ss Sukeah August 8. 1832 Then the above named Ezechiel Pittier personally appeared and made Oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed Before me Almon Heavens Justice of the Peace
Bristol ss November 12 th 1832 I further certify that, the above named Ezechiel Pittier is a credible witness
Almon Heavens Just of Peace

I Nathan Newman of Seekonk in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age to give evidence being duly sworn according to law, do testify and say, that Col. Joseph Wheaton now resident in Rehoboth in said County, on the Seventeenth day of September in the year of our Lord Seventeen Hundred and seventy six together with myself enlisted into the Company commanded by Capt Simeon Col. Regiment by Brigade by General Col Thomas Carpenter and Brigadier by General Lincoln, marched into the State of New York and served at Hoosick, Morris Creek and North Castle two Months
Nathan Newman
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol County ss Seekonk August 8. 1832
Then personally appeared Nathan Newman above named and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed
Before me Minot Hunt Justice of the Peace
Bristol ss November 12 th 1832
I further certify that the above named Nathan Newman, is a credible Witness
Minot Hunt Just. of Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts -
Bristol ss. I Anselm Bassett Register of the Court of Probate for and for said County of Bristol, hereby certify that Allen Hunt is a Justice of the Peace for said County of Bristol and duly qualified to administer oaths and that the signatures affixed to the three foregoing affidavits pur- porting to be the signatures of the said Allen Hunt are his genuine signatures - Anselm Bassett
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this twenty sixth day of November Eighteen hundred and thirty two. - Anselm Bassett

Joseph Wheaton son of Nathaniel Wheaton Born October 8th, 1852, As of Record in the Town Clerk's in Rehoboth Rehoboth July 11th, 1832.
Attest James Blanding Town Clerk.

4285 Island 7346
Ref.
Abiah Wheaton
widow of Joseph Wheaton
ad '32
who died on the 24. July 1843 - of Providence Co, in the State of R. Island who was a Pr. Capt. Seaman in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the reg't, commanded by Col. Walker in the Mass. line for 9 mos 424 days Private " " 15 " 16 " corp. " " " " Seaman
Inscribed on the Roll of R Island at the rate of 54 Dollars 86 Cents per a to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834. 21 1/2 July 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 th day of October 1845, and sent to Ben. Russell Providence R Island
Arrears to the 14th of Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836 Section the 5.
Recorded by D/Brew Book C Vol. 1, Pag

FAMILY RECORDS
Joseph Wheaton Children
BIRTHS.
BIRTHS. Ann Maria Wheaton Born January 1 st 1823 Catharine Amelia Wheaton Born April 24 th 1825 Martha Sophia Wheaton Born February 24 th 1827 Anneliza Wheaton Born August 11 th 1828 Nathel Wheaton jun Born Decr 17 th 1829 Joseph Sabin Wheaton Born Apr 19 th 1831
Joseph Wheaton was Born In Rehoboth Oct 4 th 1755 his wife Bethiah was Born Jan y 26 th 1761
Joseph Wheaton Died July 24 th 1843 in the 91 st year of his age

FAMILY RECORD.
MARRIAGES.
MARRIAGES
Joseph Wheaton and his wife Bethah was Married December 2 d 1779.

6454 Bethiah Wheaton Mother of Joseph
born No. 2. 1845, Res.
act 4 July 1826 Married in 1779 Married in 1848

State of Rhode Island
County of Providence
On this 24 day of February  February 1845 personally appeared before me Josiah Westcott Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within & for said County. Bethiah Wheaton now resident in the City of Providence aged 84 years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of July 4 th 1836 & the Joint resolve of Congress of July 7 1838, viz that she is the widow of Joseph Wheaton late of Rehoboth in the County of Bristol & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, who was a soldier of the Revolution & a pensioner under the act of June 7 1832, on the Roll of the Massachusetts Agency, & to his dotation which he made to obtain said pension she refers for the amount of service & the interest of the same, by which it will appear her said husband did a great amount of service as well as before as after her marriage

And the said Bethiah further declares that she was married to the said Joseph Wheaton on the 23 d day of December AD 1779, as appears by the records from her Bible heretofore annexed Her husband the said Joseph died on the 24 th of July 1845 and since that period she has remained a widow, wherefore she requests that she may be allowed a pension according to the provisions of the act of Congress aforesaid.
Catharine Amelia Wheaton, Bethiah her X Wheaton Josiah Westcott, mark
Prandrup State of Rhode Island in the City of Providence on this 26 th day of February AD 1845 personally appeared Bethiah Wheaton and made oath to the truth of the foregoing statement before her Subscribed, and I further certify that the said Bethiah by reason of her great age and infirmity is unable to stand erect and that she is a lawful witness. Before me Josiah Westcott J. C. C. Chan
The leaf of the Family Bible which contains the Marriage of Joseph Wheaton and his wife Bethiah was lost out her hand and annexed to the declaration Witness Josiah Westcott J. C. C. Chan

I Maria Wheaton of the City of Providence of lawful age do testify & say that the said Bethiah Wheaton who signed & made oath to the preceding declaration is my mother in law, the said Joseph Wheaton her husband died on the 24 th day of July A.D. 1843 and since that period the said Bethiah has remained a widow.
Maria Wheaton
Providence in the City of Providence on the 6 th day of March A.D. 1845 personally appeared Maria Wheaton and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit and further said that she is a credible witness.
Before me Josiah Westcott J. C. C. Clerk
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations,
Providence ss. I Albert Greene, Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Providence in the County of Providence in said State, do hereby certify that Josiah Westcott, who has signed the two foregoing Certificates, was on the days of the same thereof, a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County of Providence, duly elected.
In attestation whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and have affixed the seal of said Court, this 28 th day of March, A.D. 1845.
Albert Greene, Clerk

I Noah Hott of Rehoboth in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do certify and say that I am Town Clerk of said Town and have, by virtue of my office, the custody of the records of the Births and Marriages which have taken place in said town.
It appears from said records that Joseph Wheaton and Bethiah Carpenter were lawfully joined in Marriage on the twenty third day of December seventeen hundred & seventy nine.
The Marriage as it stands on record is in the following words and figures to wit—
1779
Dec 23 d
Do— Joseph Wheaton to Betsey Carpenter both of Rehoboth—
All which appears,
Noah Hott, Town Clerk.
Bristol ss Rehoboth June 10 th 1825
Personally appeared before me the above named Noah Hott & made oath to the truth of the above certificate by him signed. I also certify said Noah Hott is known to me & he is Town Clerk of Rehoboth & is a credible Person
Raymond H Burd Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston September 13. 1845,
I hereby Certify , That on the twenty third of February eighteen hundred and forty three Raymond H. Burr was appointed for the term of Seven years a Justice of the Peace for the County of Bristol,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Sleeper. Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Joseph Wheaton
Nov 27/40
Reference in the 5 th 14 & 16 interrogatories in the brief
Forwarded A. Bassett Dighton Mass.

BRIEF in the case of Joseph Wheaton of Rehoboth in the State of Massachusetts (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? Eighty Years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Apr 19 In 1775 to July 1 st 76 8 13 Private Col. Galt   Feb 1 st 76 to Apr 1 st 76 2 " " Col. French   Sept. "76 2 " " Col. Carpenter   Nov 76 between 4 & 5 mos 2 d Lieut. Col. Newton Col. Lyman Valley Spitfire   Sept. 77 1 " Private Col. French  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? None named  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Rehoboth  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living Witnesses & Tradition - on an evidence  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Witnesses not sworn before whom the oath, State as credible & if not sworn before whom the oath, were taken in, not certified to be a true copy of Record 
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Alfred Dorr Examining Clerk.

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
June 10, 1924
Mrs. Francis S. Coff 15 Rhode Island Ave. Newport, R.I.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.26003, it appears that Joseph Wheaton, the son of Nathaniel Wheaton, was born October 8, 1752, in Rehoboth, Bristol County, Massachusetts.
While a resident of said place he enlisted April 19, 1775, and served until January 1, 1776, as a private in Captain John Perry's Company, Colonel Timothy Walker's Massachusetts Regiment.
He enlisted in January 1776 and served until April 1, 1776, in Captain John Paine's Company, Colonel French's Massachusetts Regiment.
He enlisted September 17, 1776, and served two months as a Corporal in Captain Simeon Cole's Company, Colonel Thomas Carpenter's Massachusetts Regiment; was in skirmishes at New Rochelle and Mamaroneck.
He enlisted in December 1776 and served until April 17, 1777, as Quartermaster on board the Rhode Island galley, Spitfire, Captain Isaac Tyler; was in skirmishes on February 21 and 22, 1777.

MS.
He enlisted September 29, 1777, and served until October 30, 1777, as a Sergeant in Captain Sylvanus Martin's Company, Colonel Williams' Massachusetts Regiment, in General Spencer's Expedition to Rhode Island.
He served from July 28, 1780, to August 8, 1780, in Captain Joseph Willmarth's Company, Colonel Thomas Carpenter's Massachusetts Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 10, 1832, while a resident of Rehoboth, Massachusetts. He died July 24, 1843.
He married December 23, 1779, Bethiah Carpenter of Rehoboth, born January 26, 1761. She was allowed pension on her application executed February 26, 1845, while a resident of Providence, Rhode Island.
Respectfully,
Acting Commissioner
Names of children on family record not used as Joseph & Bethiah's cannot be their parents on account of dates of births.

# 6294 Recd 17 March 1835
Savoy, March 11 th 1835
Dear Sir;
By the request of De- saph Wharton (Hheaton) a surviving soldier of the Army of the Red Men Has not received any blank blank from you to make a return to to your Hon. for the pension that was due him the third third inst. he thinks there is some mistake on it has been missent as there is as been nothing received at the office for him
I am Sir with respectfully your Obedient Servant
Liberty Barker
To Secretary of the Treasury

No. 64574
Betulia Wheaton Mother of Joseph R.I.
Act 4 July 1836
Adm.
9 mo 24 d per $32.66
16. Corp. 1.95
4 - 15. Seamen 20.25
$54.86
Commencing on 24 July 1843.
Benjamin Carr Providence R.I.

W 11454 Bethnah Wheeler Sub. to Dr. R. S. 1 Mill May 30th 1845.
act 4 May 1836

1924 June 10. Heab Mrs Francis A. Hoff
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 26003
Bethia Wheaton
Wid of
Joseph Wheaton
before Civil war
Act: July 4 th /36
Index:—Vol. W , Page 325
[Arrangement of 1870.]

15 RHODE ISLAND AVENUE NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND
Dept of the Interior Bureau of Pensions Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen,
Will you kindly send me any information you may have in regard to Joseph Wheaton born Oct. 8 1752 Rehoboth, Mass died July 24, 1843 Providence, R. I.

He was a private, Corporal and bearer serving his country during the American Revolution. He was a prisoner and paroled.
I am anxious to use the information for The Daughters of the American Revolution.
Thanking you in advance for your attention in the matter.
Yours truly, Amelia Seabury Goff.
address Mrs Francis S. Goff 15 Rhode Island Avenue Newport, R. I.

To the honourable J. L. Edwards
Sir I take the liberty to write to you in order that two gentlemen (pensioners) may have their Pension raised to the amount which the law allows them; which through mistake or neglect they have not hitherto received; the first is Joseph Wheaton of Rehoboth; he says that he held the office of Quarter master of the Galley Spit-fire during 4 1/2 months and that his wages were at that time twenty-four Dollars per month; he says that these facts were stated in his declaration excepting the amount of wages he received; he thinks that his Declaration was sent on in September 1832. his Certificate says that he was a Sergeant &c. and Entitles him to receive $67.25 per year; he would be very thankful to you if you would be so good as to Examin into the Circumstances of his Case and write me the Result of your Investigation; The Second is Uriah Reed of Falmouth he draws full pay for a Common Soldier but he actually served as a Sergeant three months; his Warrant or Commission is now before me and was given and signed by Luke Denny Lt. Col. it was given at West Point the twelfth day of October 1781 his discharge he says he sent to Boston soon after he received it in order to draw his pay and he has not seen or heard from it since he also wishes you to write me word whether his Pension cannot be raised without Expense by sending you his present Pension Certificate and the above named Warrant or Commission In Conclusion I would say if you would be so good as to attend to the above requests and write me word you will confer a favour on two worthy Gentlemen who have fought hard to secure to us the blessings of Liberty; Should it be necessary to have anything else done please to state the particulars to me and likewise state whether it would not be a safe and proper way to convey their original Certificates by mail (should it be necessary to return them)
Please to direct your Letter to Dighton North Office
From your Obedient Servant Dighton Mass Bristol County March 21 st 1836
To the honourable J. L. Edwards
P.S. Should not this business belong to your Department please to deliver this letter to that department to which it do belong A. White

Since writing the within I have been requested to ask your attention to the case of Mr Nathaniel Rose of Dighton he says that he is entitled to receive pay for one or two months more than he now receives, whether this time was stated in his declaration or not is not known but he thinks it wasn't he draws 46,66 per year he wishes you to be so good as to examine his declaration and state the facts to me he wishes to know if his pen- sion cannot be raised by his making proof of longer service by his or an other mans affidavit of the fact without applying to the probate for the fees in such a case are bordering on extortion; I ask no compensation for the service I do those men but think it a pleasure to assist the men who fought to secure our liberty before I was born please to give me all necessary directions
Yours A White

North Dighton
July 21 st 1836
Sir I would State that Joseph Wheaton has been allowed a pension under the act of 1832 the 7 th of June he served as a Sergeant as will appear by his declaration and he is Ready to testify that he served 4 1/2 months as as an officer on board the galley Spitfire and Received 24 Dollars per month during the time he thinks that this is also in his declaration if he is Entitled to any addition to his pension he would be pleased to know the Cheapest way he can obtain it he now draws $ 67,33 per annum
Respectfully your ob t serv t
Abiathar White
The Honorable
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
District of Columbia

Acorn x Aug 15 th
Rehoboth Village Or, July 27 Han
Free
J. L. Edwards Commission Merchant City of Washington Dis Col
3420

Rehoboth July 25 th 1837
Y r
Feeling dissatisfied with your decision in my case I felt it a duty I owe to myself and to you to make a fair and full statement of the case.
I first served in 1775 in Capt Perry's company in Col Timothy Walker's Regiment 13 days as a minuteman - I then enlisted and served eight months and 2 days then enlisted under Capt Paine and marched to White Hill and served 2 months - I then marched to the State of New York under Capt Cole in Col Carpenter's Regiment and served 2 months (or more) as corporal - I then entered on board of the Galley Whitfield and served as quarter master from November 27 th to April 17 th at $24 a month - I then served in 1777 one month as Sergeant in Capt Martine's Company in Col French's Regiment, in Spencers Expedition.
The substance of the service was made out in my first declaration in 1832 for which you allowed me $67.25 per annum. Being satisfied that I ought to be allowed more for my service as quarter master I employed Christian Whitet Eagle to write to you upon the subject. Your answer was blind but such as lead me to believe that it would be allowed if my statements were made on oath; accordingly I went to that expense and trouble, you wrote back and said that I had fallen into an error, not understanding the Law. Esq. White answered your letter and stated that the Law was understood and that I did not pretend to ask but half pay &c. - You then stated that the wages of a quarter master's deputy was 9 dollars per month and that I served

as a deputy quarter master - I then stated on oath that I did not serve as deputy quarter master but served as a Master master - You then stated that a Master Masters wages was only 9 $ per month. I likewise made an other declaration of 6 months weeks service as Sergeant in Capt Wilmarths Company in Col Thomas Cypenters Regiment in the year 1780 this declaration was supported by two credible witnesses. in reply to enquiries made you stated that I was allowed for all the service named in my declarations and that I had never claimed for a service of 6 weeks as Sergeant -
(And with a correct answer) I would now ask these statements mean - You say that I have been allowed for all the service named in my declarations I say that I have not been allowed for all that is named in my declarations and that I have not named all the service I have done for I served one month or more in and about Bristol of which there is no living proof (to my knowledge) If you have anything in your office which authorizes you to withhold from me my due as quarter master I would ask by what authority you withhold from me my due for the last six months weeks as Sergeant. I know the power is in your hands to do as you please but I consider it to be very unjust and shall always consider.

it so until some satisfactory explanation is given. I wish for an answer in explanation Yours Respectfully
Joseph Newton
Dr. J. L. Edwards Commission of Pension City of Wilmington

Providence March 30 th 1845
Sir
I herewith enclose the application of Mrs. Bethiah Wheaton widow of Joseph Wheaton, for a pension under the act July 4 1836 & Joint Resolves of Congress of July 7 1838.
I am very Respectfully Your ob t Servt Benja. Cowell
J. L. Edwards Esq

Providence Sept 15 1845
Sir
In answer to your letter of May 30 respecting the estate of Bethiah Wheaton widow of Joseph Wheaton I herewith enclose the Certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts agreeably to your directions. The Row Galley called the "Spitfire" was a Rhode Island vessel, in the public service of this State. But Isaac Tylor was not appointed to Command her until the latter end of December 1776 as will appear by the Certificate of the Secretary herewith enclosed. Joseph Wheaton alleges he went on board this vessel in November 1776. There can be no doubt he made a mistake in the month he entered on board. He says Isaac Tylor was the Commander & he was not appointed to the Command until the latter end of December, so that it must have been after this that entered on board, & besides this he performed a short time of duty of 16 days in the some part of December as is shown by the Secretarys Certificate. It is not strange however, that should have made a mistake of a month after such a great length of time, especially as he had nothing but his memory to direct him when he made

his declaration, In conversation with him in his life, I have frequently heard him speak of his service on board of this vessel on several occasions, he gave his affidavit to assist others in their claims for pensions for the same services.
With regard to the eight months in 1775, altho' the Summary does not entitle to the full amount it entitled to parts amounting to the same This He did enlist & serve for 8 months. If there is any doubt I refer you to the History of Rehoboth a Book I sent you in the case of Nancy Holmes, In that book pages 151 & 152 is a list of the whole of Capt. John Perry's Company who enlisted for 8 mos. This & Joseph Hunton's name is among them. You observe in your letter that the evidence of the marriage is not satisfactory I herewith enclose a certificate of the Town Clerk which I presume will be sufficient.
I am Respectfully your obedt Servt Bryon Laurell
J. L. Edwards Esq

December 3 rd 1832
Joseph Wheaton
No 2740-
  Private  10 Mos & 13 days  34.21    Corporal  2 " "  7.33    Sergt.  1 " "  47.50    Dr. M th Mary  4 " 15  20.21     17 " 28  53.81  
18-2-11 ad d
$67.25-
Forwarded by A. Babbitt
Taunton Stephen Mass

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Joseph Wheaton which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes
Corrected as far as can be V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? Yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes, in His favor
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes, with no inscription

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? Corrected XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? no XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes Corrected XVI. † Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? no XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words :
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____ ; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
† QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the affidavits must be properly authenticated, as above directed.
‡ QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

At the General Assembly of the Governor and Company of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, begun and held by adjournment at Providence, within and for the said State, on Monday the twenty third day of December, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six.
" Both Houses in a Grand Committee, chose the following Officers, viz:
Isaac Tyler, Captain, } of the Row Galley Josiah Simmons, first Lieutenant, Abel Weathers Second Lieutenant,
True copy of Record
witness Henry Bowen
Seury State.
I further certify, that there are no Rolls of the Men enlisted for see or serving in said Galley Ship, in the Secretary's Office
Henry Bowen
Seury State.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
Sep. 4. 1845.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Joseph Wheaton of Rehoboth is borne upon a Muster roll of Capt John Paine's Company of Minute Men as a private from the 19 th to the 27 th April 1775 - 8 days. Upon another Muster roll of said Company, Col Timothy Walker's reg t as a private from April 28. 1775. - Upon a Return of same, dated October 6 1775, and upon an order of said Comp y for coats dated at Roxbury Camp October 26 same year, - As a Corporal upon a Muster roll of Capt Nathaniel Carpenter's Company, Col Carpenter's reg t which marched from Rehoboth to Bristol on an alarm December 8. 1776 - 16 days. - Upon a Muster roll of Capt Silvanus Martin's Company, Colonel Williams reg t for service at Tiverton as a Private from the 29 th September to the 30 th October 1777. Upon a Pay Roll of Capt Joseph Walmarth's Comp y
5.2
aple 16
1 -
9-24

9.2 Col Thomas Carpenter ref which marched from Rehoboth to Silverton, and there did duty under Genl. Heath, from July 28 to 31 st 1780, 5 days, including allowance of 1 day for travel. — Upon another of the same as a private from Aug. 1. to 8. 1780. 99 days, including allowance of 1 day for travel.
Not upon rolls of Capt d Simson Cole, & Paine, and there are no rolls of a vessel called the Spitfire in this office, and the above
10 To all the evidence of Service which can be identified as that
10 And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of the individual named in the
9.2 of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this annexed applica- Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John D. Sleeper, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Joseph Wheaton a resident of Rehoboth in said County, who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, as to the first term of Service mentioned in his declara- tion made on the 10 th day of August A.D. 1833 before the Hon. Theodijah Bayles Esquire Judge of Probate &c in and for said County of Bristol; I cannot be more particular than I have been - I enlisted and served as a private as therein stated (viz) from the first nineteenth day April 1775 to the first day of January 8 mo 13 day A.D. 1776 being eight Months & thirteen days As to the second term of Service mentioned in said declaration I served as a private at least two Months 2 mo as therein stated -
As to the third term of Service mentioned in said declaration I served as a Corporal at least two Months 2 mo as therein stated
As to the fourth term of Service mentioned in said declaration I served as a Quarter Master on board the Spit fire at least four & one half Months as therein 4 mo 15 day stated - for which I drew pay as first Lieut in the land Service
As to the fifth term of Service mentioned in said declaration I served as an orderly Sergeant at least one Month 1 mo as therein stated
and I claim a pension for the above Services 17 28 Seekonk November 10 th A.D. 1832. Joseph Wheaton
turn over?

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss. Seekonk November 10 th 1832 Personally appeared the within named Joseph Wheaton, who after being duly cautioned made oath to the truth of the within affidavit before me Allen Hunt Just. of Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Bristol ss. I Anselm Barrett, Register of Probate in for said County of Bristol do hereby certify that Allen Hunt is a Justice of the Peace for said County, duly qualified to administer oaths, and that the signature above mentioned, which is affixed to the foregoing instrument, purporting to be his, is his genuine signature -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this twenty sixth day of November Eighteen hundred and thirty two - Anselm Barrett

I Jonathan Peck of the town of Cumberland in the County of Providence State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation, being in the seventy eighth year of my age, do testify and say, that I know Joseph Wheaton of the town of Rehoboth County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, that he d belong to the American Army in the war of the Revolution, that he was an orderly Sergeant in a company commanded by Capt Joseph Willsmarth, and Col. Thomas Carpenter's regi ment , and General Larned Brigade, for the term of about six weeks in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty, said service was performed in the town of Grinton, and that I belonged to the same company at the same time.
Attestboroug October 22 d . 1836 Jonathan Peck Attest James Blanding
Bristol ss. Then appeared Jonathan Peck signer to the above written instrument and made oath that the same is true in all its parts.
Before me James Blanding Justice of the Peace Rehoboth October 24 th . 1836 I hereby certify that Jonathan Peck signer to the above is personally known to me and that he is considered a man of truth and that his affidavit is entitled to full credit.
James Blanding Justice of the Peace.

The undersigned Bethiah Wheaton now resident in the City of Providence is widow of Joseph Wheaton late of Rehoboth, deceased, a widow of the Revolutionary War, that some time since she made an application for a pension under the act of July 4, 1836 & Joint Resolves of Congress of July 7, 1838, that her husband the said Joseph had been a pensioner under the act of June 7, 1832 on the Roll of the Massachusetts Agency, & she referred to the declaration which she made to obtain said pension for her right to the same pension. But the Commissioner of Pensions has required her to produce proof of her said husband's services, & states in a letter to her Agent & Attorney that her said husband declared that he served Eight Months in 1775 under Capt John Perry, Col Walker, Two months in 1776 under Capt John Paine Col French Two Months same year under Capt Simon Collee Col Carpenter, four Months, 15 days, as a Quarter Master from November 76 on the board the Gally, called the Spitfire, Capt Tyler Commander, and in 1781 one Month as Sergeant, in Capt Sylvanus Martin's Company.

Col French, and the Commission of Pensions having required that the proof produced should be the Secretarys Certificate of Massachusetts I do therefore request, that the Secretary of Massachusetts to examine the records in his office & certify the same. — Witness my hand at Providence this 11 day of June A.D 1845
Ruthiah X Wheaton mark
In presence of Catharine A. Wheaton.
Providence Is In Providence June 11th 1845. Personally appeared the above named Ruthiah Wheaton & acknowledged the above to be her voluntary act and deed before me Franklin Greene Jus. Peace.
P.S. after the above was executed, Mrs Wheaton remembered that her husband also served in Lafayette Wilmotts Company of Militia

State of Massachusetts } ss County of Bristol }
I Joel Bowen of Seekonk in Said County of Bristol being in the Seventy sixth year of my age on oath testify and say that I know Joseph Wheaton of the Town of Rehoboth County and State aforesaid that Said Wheaton was in the war of the Revolution that in the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty in the month of August he Served in Tiverton State of Rhode Island in a Company Commanded by Capt. Joseph Willmarth in Col. Thomas Carpenters Regiment and General Larnards Brigade that he served in the grade of a Sergeant: that I Served at the same time in the same Regiment under Capt. Jabez Bullock for the term of three weeks when I Left the Said Town and went on to Rhode Island and Left Joseph Wheaton in Said Service but do not know how long he Served
Joel Bowen
Rehoboth November 15th. 1836
Attest James Blanding
Bristol ss. November 15th. 1836 Then appeared Joel Bowen signer to the above written instrument and made Oath that the same is true in all its parts.
Before me James Blanding justice of the Peace.
Rehoboth November 15th. 1836 I hereby certify that Joel Bowen signer to the above is personally known to me and that he is considered a man of truth and that his affidavit is entitled to full credit.
James Blanding justice of the Peace.

Joseph Wheaton, Apprentice

Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss County of Bristol }
I Joseph Wheaton of Rehoboth in Said County of Bristol Esquire, being Eightyfour years old and upwards on Oath Testify and Say that among other Service which I did in the war of the Revolution I Served four months and Seventeen or Twenty days as quartermaster of the navy. and my pay was twentyfour dollars per month; but it appears that I have been allowed a pension for Said Service only four and a half dollars per month as a deputy quartermaster. I further Testify that I did not Serve as a deputy quartermaster but was Commissioned as a quartermaster of the navy and did Serve in that Capacity for the time and pay stated above that I kept my Commission Untill the year 1890 when the mice got at it unbeknown to Me and Entirely destroyed it My Commission was given and signed by Cook who was then Governor of the State of Rhode Island
I certify that the foregoing is the first and second lines in this affidavit was made before it was signed as such by Me Nathaniel White Justice of the Peace
Joseph Wheaton
Bristol ss
March 24 th 1857
Then personally appeared the above named Joseph Wheaton a Credible person and made oath in due form of Law that the above affidavit by him signed is true Before me Nathaniel White Justice of the Peace

Abraham White
M rs
W Wheaton
June 22 nd
May 18 th

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Bristol
At A Court of Common Pleas held at Taunton in and for Said County on the Second Monday in March Eighteen hundred and thirtys even before the Honourable John M Williams one of the Judges of Said Court. Personally appear Joseph Wheaton a Resident of Rehoboth in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts aged Eighty four years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the full benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
That he was a Sergeant in the war of the Revolution and Entered the Service of the United States (at this particular time) Under the following named Officers and Served as herein stated. That he volunteered in the month of August in the year 1780 in the Town of Rehoboth aforesaid and march- ed from said Rehoboth to Tiverton in the State of Rhode Island and Served in that Town and its Vicinity for the Space of Six weeks, that he Served in the Capacity of an Ordinaly Sergeant during the whole Six weeks That the Company in which he Served was Commanded by Capt. Joseph Willmarth in Col. Thomas Carpenter's Regiment and in General Larnard's Brigade. Said Service was performed after the English Left Rhode Island. That he was acquainted with Col. Mitchell and Col. Wells who Served there at that time. That he was discharged by his Captain from Said Service in the month of September in the year 1780 but he has no documentary Evidence in Suppor- t of his Claim that he was Engaged in no Battles during Said Service.
He hereby relinquishes every Claim whatever to a pension for the aforesaid Service Except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any State for Said Service but do declare that his name is on the pension Roll of the agency of Massachusetts for a pension which Pension he do not Relinquish but do make the foregoing declaration in order to obtain an addition to Said Pension.
Sworn to and Subscribed on this twentyfourth day of March Eighteen hundred and thirty Seven before Said Court
Attest Jas. Sprague Clerk of Said Court

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter that the above or before named Applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and Served as he States in the foregoing declaration
Attest Jas. Spreat Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the Said County of Bristol
State of Massachusetts } Bristol County } ss
I James Spreat Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the Said County of Bristol do hereby Certify that the foregoing Contains the original proceedings of the Said Court in the matter of the application of Joseph Wheaton for an addition to his Pension, I further Certify that Abiathar White is a Justice of the Peace now in Commission in and for Said County of Bristol and that the signature attached to the affidavit of Joseph Wheaton is his genuine signature, I further Certify that James Blanding is a Justice of the Peace now in Commission in and for Said County of Bristol and that the Signatures attached to the affidavits of Jonathan Meek and Joel Bensen purporting to be his are his genuine signatures In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Said Court this Twenty-fourth day of March Eighteen hundred and thirty-seven Jas. Spreat

Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss County of Bristol }
I Joseph Wheaton of Rehoboth County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Esquire; being Eighty four years old and Upwards; on Oath testify and declare: that I am a prisoner of the United States; that in the Summer or autumn of Eighteen hundred and thirty two I made out a declaration of the following service in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 Viz. 1 st 8 months and 13 days as Private at 40 Shillings per month 2 d 2 months as Private at 40 Shillings per month 3 rd 2 months as Corporal at 44 Shillings per month 4 th 4 months and a half as Quartermaster of the Gally Ship at twenty four dollars per month 5 th one month as Sergeant at ten Dollars per month that I did not state in said declaration the amount of wages I drew in Either of the grades in which I served: but do testify that the above Statement is a Correct Statement of the wages I drew per month in Each grade; that according to the act of Congress aforesaid (if I understand it) I am entitled to a pension of about one hundred dollars per annum: that a Pension Certificate was sent me soon after I made the declaration aforesaid which Entitled me to draw only Sixty seven dollars and Twenty five Cents which will appear by Reference to said Pension Certificate which is hereto annexed: it is possible I may be incorrect as to the precise time stated but am correct as to wages Joseph H. Wheaton Bristol ss
October 24 1836
then personally appeared the above named Joseph Wheaton who is a Credible Person and made Oath in due form of Law that the above declaration by him signed is just and true.
Before me Abiathar White } Justice of Commonwealth of Massachusetts } the peace County of Bristol } ss
I James Sproat Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the Said County of Bristol: Certify that Abiathar White is a Justice of the peace now in Commission in and for said County and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this twenty fourth day of October Eighteen hundred and thirty six J. Sproat