Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23,928, for Caleb Matthews, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER
R.I.
Matthews, Caleb Mathews
N. 23,928
Orpha
CONTENTS
[Blank lined area for entries]
[Blank lined area for entries]

811
Rhode Island Asaph Matthews, widow of Asaph Matthews R.I. who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Lieutenant
Reported
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 320 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24, day of July 1848, and sent to
Franklin Greene Providence R.I.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 14, Vol. 3

Orpha Mathews 1842
R.I.
abt 7. July 38.
X m 91
Day in Lippitts 76 6 Serjt 6 Ensign Ciarps. 77. 12 Lieut
adm d 3 ymo Serjt 6 Ensign 15 - Lt
$275
Alma mater
Benjamin Russell Providence R.I.

State of Rhode Island
County of Kent
On this 6 th day of November A D 1838 personally appeared before me Stephen Waterman one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas within & for said County, Orpha Mathews now resident in Warwick in the County of Kent aged 78 years for 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 7 1838 viz that she is the widow of Caleb Mathews late of said Warwick who was on officer of the Revolution that in 1776 he served as Sergeant & Lieutenant in Col. Lippitts regiment a year & afterwards he served as Lieutenant in Col. Brans regiment two years as she believes, but she refers to the evidence of those who were knowing to his services in the Army of the Revolution, the above regiments were of the Rhode Island State Troops. He also served she believes in other regiments. She believes he served pretty much all the war. And she further declares that she was married to the said Caleb Mathews in June 1791 & according to her best recollection on the 17 th of the month but of the day she is not certain. Nor is her marriage recorded in any public

or private record. She was married in the town of East Greenwich in said County by Jonathan Pitcher Esq a justice of the Peace from whom she had a certificate of her marriage, which was burnt up when her house was burnt in 1834 together with all her furniture nor  do she now remembers or knows of any person living who was present she was married 47 years ago last June the then lived three years before her first child was born, which was burnt to death at the age of seven years - Her husband the said Calceh Matthews died on the sixth day of Oc- tober A.D. 1812 & since then she has remained unmarried she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the mar- riage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred & twenty- four to wit at the time above stated
Attest Stephen Waterman
Corpha Mark Matthews mark
Sworn to me this 6 th day of Dec r 1838
Personally appeared before me the above named Corpha Matthews and made oath to the above declaration by her signed in my presence and I further certify that she is too old and feeble to attend a court & also certify that her statements are entitled to full credit
Stephen Waterman Justice of the Court of Common Pleas

I Peleg Weedon of East Greenwich in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island, aged eighty two years, do certify, That Caleb Mathews in the Year 1776. was a Sergeant in Capt Thomas Gorton's Company in Col. Lippitt's Regiment, in the war of the Revolution, and enlisted me into the same Company. He the said Mathews served in said Company in the capacity of Sergeant, five or six Months, and was then promoted to the Office of Lieutenant and served in that capacity the remainder of the Term, which was one Year in the whole; and when the term of one year expired we were discharged; said Mathews was afterwards the husband of Orpha Mathews, who is now his widow.
State of R. Island Kent County ss
Peleg his X Weedon mark
Subscribed & sworn to before me at East Greenwich this seventh day of Nov. A. 1838. and I certify that the said Weedon sustains a good Character for truth.
Witness Nathan Whiting Jus Peace

I Joseph Briggs of East Greenwich in the County of Kent being now 80 years of age & upwards on oath do testify & say that I was well acquainted formerly with Orpha Cory, a girl who used to live in this neighborhood. She used to work in my father's family, spinning flax while she lived in this neighborhood. She married Colch Mathews, when he married her, she lived at the house of William Hamilton in this neighborhood, but none of that family are now living. I was not present at the marriage but according to my best recollection it took place in the year 1791 and they always lived together as man & wife after that period until his death
East Greenwich. Joseph Briggs Kent ss In Wardour this 7 th Days of November 1838
Personally appeared before me the above named Joseph Briggs Who signed the same in my presence and made oath to the same before me and I further certify that he is a credible Witness,
Stephen Waterman Justice of the Court of Common Pleas

I William Wilkinson of Providence, State of Rhode Island, on Oath do Testify and say, that I joined Col. Crary's Regiment of the Rhode Island Brigade, early in July 1777 and served in the same until March 16. 1779. Caleb Matthews was a Lieutenant in the Regiment when I joined it, and to the best of my recollection, continued to serve in the same during the period I was with the same. The Regiment was raised December 16 th 1776 and I believe Lieut. Matthews was appointed at that time, as the depreciation of his wages (£139 11/6 8 Lawful Money) corresponds to that Period. I recollect Lt. Matthews perfectly during the service, but had no knowledge of him either before or after
William Wilkinson
State of Rhode Island 4 c
Then William Wilkinson made oath to the truth of the above, and I further certify that said William is a credible witness before me
Providence Dec. 24. 1838
William Aplin Jus. Peace

Jeremiah Place of East Greenwich in the County of Kent being now in the 82 nd year of my age on oath do testify & say that I was well acquainted with Orpha Lovey of said East Greenwich. I knew her when she was a young girl before she married Caleb Matthews. She lived a near neighbor to me. I was not present at her marriage but I re- member the time, when I understood she was married. She married Caleb Matthews according to the best of my recollection in the year 1791. It was about forty seven years ago, & they always lived together as husband & wife after that period until his death
Jeremiah Place
Plaintiff in East Greenwich this 7 th day of November 1838 Personally appeared before me the above named Jeremiah Place Who signed the same in my presence and made oath to the same before me and I further certify that he is a credible witness
Stephen Waterman Justice of the Court of Common Pleas

Jemima Place of East Greenwich in the County of Kent, being now 70 years of age on oath do testify & say. I am well acquainted with Orpha Mathews the widow of Caleb Mathews. I was acquainted with her before her marriage to said Caleb she lived a near neighbor to me at that time, I was not present at her marriage. but according to the best of my recollection she married Caleb Mathews in the year 1791, I believe Jonathan Pitcher married them, he was a justice of the Peace. After that, they lived together as husband & wife until his death Attest Stephen Waterman Jemima has Place
Given etc In East Greenwich this 7 th day of March November 1838
Personally appeared before me the above named Jemimena Place who signed the same in my presence and made oath to the same before me and I further certify that she is a credible witness
Stephen Waterman justice of the Court of Common Pleas

State of Rhode Island Kent County ss
At East Greenwich Nov r 7 th A D . 1838.
I Nathan Whiting of East Greenwich in the County and State aforesaid, do certify. That I hold the Office of Town Clerk in the said Town of East Greenwich, and that I have thoroughly searched the Records of said Office in order to find the marriage of Caleb Mathews, formerly of said East Greenwich, dec d with Orpha Cory, but cannot find any record of the same; I further certify that there are many Marriages celebrated in said Town, that are never carried to the Town Clerk's Office to be recorded, for many years past.
Nathan Whiting T. Clk
Kent ss. At East Greenwich Nov. 7 th 1838.
Sworn to and subscribed before me by the said Nathan who is known to me as Town Clerk of said Town -
Rev. J. Slocum Just. peace

I Caleb Mathews of Warwick in the County of Kent on oath do testify & say that I am now forty years of age that Orpahah Mathews who has signed & sworn to the preceding declaration is my mother & the said Caleb Mathews her husband was my father My father died in October 1812 & ever since that period my mother has remained unmarried and I further testify that before our house was burnt in 1834 my mother had an old pocket book which con- tained sundry old papers & among them were my father's Commencement & the Certificate of his marriage to my mother; I often saw it and remember its contents. I well remember it was signed by Jonathan Pitchers it bore date 1791 but the month I do not remember.
Caleb
Caleb Mathews
Sworn to me In Warwick this 7 th day of November 1838 Personally appeared before me the above Caleb Mathews who signed the same in my presence and made to the same before me Stephen Waterman justice and I further certify that he is a credible Witness of the Court of Common Pleas

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 23928 Alpha Mathews widow of Caleb Mathews Saint Croix, Me.
Act: Feb 29, 48 Index:—Vol. M , Page 17
[Arrangement of 1870.]

✓ 4842
Sec. Benp. Council,
July 5: '39 -
same 10: Aug: '39
To Hon. J. L. Tillinghast -
April 23, 1840.
Act. 7. July '38.

repo
9153 Rhode Island
Orpha Matthews widow of Caleb Matthews who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 6 April 1812 of Kent Co in the State of R.I. who was a Sgt Enltd in the Company commanded by Captain commanded by 3ms Sgt in the Rev line for 6 0 Enltd 15 0 Lieut.
Inscribed on the Roll of R. Island at the rate of 275 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of April 1845 and sent to Benjamin Correll, Providence
Total amount, $ R. Island
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by J. L. Swan, Cle Book Vol 1 Page 111

Reportage
9153
Rhode Island
Orpha Matthews
Widow of Caleb Matthews, who was a pensioner under the Act of _____ and who died on the 6 April 1812 of Kent Co in the State of R. I. who was a _____ in the Company commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Revolution time for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of R Island at the rate of 320 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of March 1848 and sent to B. Carle Providence, R.I.
Total amount, $
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by W. R. Campbell Clerk, Book D Vol. 1 Page 14
Interest from $275.00. Deduct all former payments made this acct.

Report
6877 Pluto Island
Aspha Matthews widow of Caleb Matthews who was a Lieutenant in the Revolution Newland died 6 April, 1812.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 320 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6th day of March, 1848 and sent to
Benjamin Comell Providence R.I.
[Acts of March 3, 1843; and June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book  a Vol.  2  Page  45.
Decrease from $275. Deduct all for- mer payments under this Act.

Report
6877. Rhode Island
Aspa Matthews widow of Caleb Matthews who was a Serjt. Co. A. Lieut. in the Perthshire
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 273 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of May, 1843 and sent to Mrs. Aspa Matthews Providence Rhode Island
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book 2 d June 17. 1844. Vol. 2. Page 45

Orpha MacArthur wid. of Caleb      G R.I.      Act March 43 117 June 44 $275 00 per ann
To what time was the last paid? Pension Office      G 6 A July 29. 48      Paid to 4 th Sept. 1847. W B

Yct. to B Lowell Esq Jan 18/48

2333 2333 4
1836
47 50 67 211
4 4 111 4
4 2200 366 4 281
28.47
833 233

Increase Orpha Matthews widow of Oaki
R.I.
Act 7 July 1838
Alone 2 years寿 $320 00 per An-
from 4 March 1836 to 4 March 1841 deducting what has been paid at the rate of $275 00 per An-
Alone acts 3 March 1843 and 17 May 44
$320 00 per An-
from 4 March 1843, deducting what has been paid at $275 00 per An-
B. Lowell Esq Providence R.I.

3 Black man Alth. 5 Alex. David 12 Dick Loring 4 Carr. Jno 8 Gorton Thos. 7 Finner Arthur 9 Hopkins Ben 11 Martin Simeon 6 Dyu Christopher 1 Arnold Thos 2 Bailey Lemuel 10 Jones Wm

Providence July 17 1839
Sir
I recd your letter of 5 inst respecting the claims of Orpha Mathews & others - as regards Mrs Mathews you observe that the alleged service in Col Lippett's regiment must be supported by the Roll. Agreeably to your request I transmitted the Roll of Col Lippett's regiment on the 29 of May last requesting that it might be copied & returned - you wanted to see if it established the claim of Mrs Inman widow of Elisha - Since which I have not heard either from Mrs Inmans claim or the Roll.
I am respectfully your obed servt Benja Coull
J L Edwards Esq

Washington April 18. 1840
Sir,
I have the honor to send herewith a letter from Judge Conwell accompanying Depositions in proof of the marriage of Mrs. Orpha Matthews which, in the absence of the Certificate that has been lost, I trust will prove satisfactory to you, as they would I presume be deemed sufficient in a Court of Justice; and I beg leave to recommend this case to your early favorable consideration, being with great respect Your obedt. Servt
Joseph L. Tinkins
The letter I should be glad to have returned with your reply.
Jas. L. Edward Esq Convent of Paris. 1

Orpha Mathews
Payment to be made at
Providence
by
Samuel Will, Esq.
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Franklin
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book A Vol. 2. Page 45.
Thos. Humphreys, Clerk.

war Department.
Widow's Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the acts of March 3, 1843, Aspha Matthews, of Rhode Island, on June 17th, 1844. widow of Caleb Matthews, who was a Sergeant, Ensign and Lieutenant, in the Revolution, and died on the 16th day of April 1812, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Two hundred and seventy five dollars and  cents per annum, commencing on the 4th March, 1843, and terminating on the 4th of March, 1848, unless the Pensioner shall marry or die before the last mentioned date; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage or death.
Given at the War Office of the United States,
this 8th day of May, one thousand eight hundred and forty five.
W. L. Marcus
Secretary of War.
Examined in. Countersigned.
J. S. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Mch 11 / 48
Penguin leucode case of Orpha Matthews M d of Caleb

Sir
Providence March 7 1848
In your letter of Jany 18 th M r respecting the pension of Orpha Mathews, widow of Caleb Mathews, which had been increased, you observed that Mrs. Mathews must return "her old certificate before a new one could be issued" - I returned her old certificate on 10 th M r which I hope was received. As the time for the half yearly payment has arrived I have respectfully to request that her new certificate be granted.
I am very Respectfully Your obed Servt Benja Cusell
J. L. Edwards Esq

Providence April 17 1845
Sir
I herewith enclose the application of Mrs. Orpha Mathews for a pension under the act of March 3 1843, & request also its allowance under the act of June 17 1844
I am respectfully your obed servt Benj. Cowen
J. L. Edwards Esq

Providence Feb 13 1845
Sir
In the case of Mrs Orpha Mathews widow of Caleb Mathews a claim which has been pending for some time under the act of July 7 1838 I herewith enclose further evidence respecting the date of the marriage. The services in this case have been admitted. The only objection has been with regard to the marriage. I now enclose the deposition of a witness whose testimony is unimpeachable and who was present at her wedding. It will be evident there was no record of her marriage, that the only documentary evidence she ever had was the original certificate. This was in a pocket book which had belonged to her husband in his life time and which together with several of his commissions was burnt up when her house was destroyed by fire in 1834. This was asserted in her own declaration & proved by competent & disinterested witnesses. She had therefore to rely wholly on parol testimony for proof. A number of persons whose testimony was unimpeachable testified to the time when she was married but were not present — She alleged she was married in 1791 and the allegation was supported by the witnesses. But still the evidence was not deemed satisfactory.

to you altho no better at that time could be found, The inability of this woman to prove her marriage made considerable talk in her neighborhood. She was poor & much respected & every one thought her entitled to a pension and so things remained until within a few months past, when it came to the ears of a very respectable man living in a distant part of the town who saw her married Benjamin Howland, where deposition is now endorsed, was present at the marriage ceremony & has testified to the fact & to many circumstances which occurred & in such manner as can have no doubt as to the year of her marriage. This witness is now in the 68 th year of his age & was 14 or 15 years old only when the wedding took place, of this he is perfectly confident. This proves her marriage to have taken place in 1791, & thus corroborates the testimony of many witnesses who remembered the time but were not present. But allowing Howland to have been 17 years of age, it would prove her marriage to have taken place previous to the first of January 1794, which is all that can be required according to your decisions in other cases. Mr Howland is a very highly respectable man as appears by the certificate of the Magistrate and I think his testimony cannot but be satisfactory if human testimony

is to be relied upon in any case whatever - But there is another view of this case. When a document is proved to have been lost its contents can be proved by parol testimony. To this rule of law there are no exceptions. The original certificate of marriage having been burnt up, it was competent to prove its contents. This has been done by a witness Caleb Mathews, her son who had frequently seen it, and as his testimony is now confirmed by a living witness. I hope a report & certificate will now be granted without further delay. It may not be improper to add that Mrs Mathews is a very respectable woman but very poor and so poor as I am informed as to depend upon charity an great measure for her support. This I confess is no legal reason why her pension should be granted but it addresses itself to that humanity of government which was the foundation of the pension laws.
I am very respectfully your obed servt Benja. Coulee
J. L. Edwards Esq

Providence Feb 10 th 1848
Sir
In answer to your letter of 18 th ult o respecting the claim of Orpha Mathews widow of Caleb for an increase of pension, informing me that she must return her old certificate before a new one can be granted. I herewith enclose her old certificate No 6877, & have to request that another may be granted for a full pension as her husband served some two years in company of Lieut.
I am respectfully your obed Servt Benja Lowee
J. L. Edwards Esq

Providence Dec 9 1847
Sir
I herewith enclose the application of Orpha Mathews widow of Colb. for an increase of her pension. She now draws $275 per annum only. She is entitled to 360 her husband having served over two years as Lieut as well officer by both parol & documentary evidence such as I think cannot be doubted. The certificate of the Secretary of this State shews three several enlistments or appointments in the R.I. Brigade of State Troops. In the year 1779 he commanded a Company in the regiment This is shown by an original pay Abstract of the Pay Master Thomas Allen. I have enclosed this old Roll for your inspection but have to request it may be returned as it is only loaned to me. I enclose some copies taken from it to be examined by you & if found correct I presume will answer for all purposes as evidence as well as the originals. Mr. Wilkinson

The witness was well acquainted with Lieut Mathews & has a distinct recollection of his serving all three enlistments. I have to request that a certificate may be granted for a full pension for a Lieut & for such further amount for acting as a Captain as may be his due under the laws —
I am very Respectfully Yours at Servt Brya Lowell
J. L. Edwards Esq

24 man 48.00 (200)
2 30- 1600 320 4 | 240 800 60
3 Lenz 15- 6 Engin 60- 200 275-

I Benjamin Howland of East Greenwich in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island and Providence Planta- tions do on oath testify and say that I am now in the sixty eighth year of my age - That I was well acquainted with Caleb Matthews formerly of said East Greenwich and the hus- band of Orpha Matthews who is now his Widow; I also knew Orpha Matthews before her marriage her name was Orpha Cory. I have was always acquainted with Caleb Matthews and have been to sea with him, said Orpha Cory was his second wife - And I further testify and say that when I was a youngster of about fourteen or fifteen years of age I have a distinct recollection of being present at her marriage and seeing her married - It was my practice when I was a youngster to go to all the weddings in the neighborhood whither I was invited or not, but it is my impression that Caleb Matthews invited me to attend this, he and I being very intimate, as soon as they were married they went to keeping house in the village of East Greenwich. I know of no person now living that was present at the marriage but myself. I do not remember the year but I was not over fourteen or fifteen years of age at this I am confident. They never had but two children Augustus & Caleb. Augustus was the oldest and he was burnt to death, his Father and mother had gone to Meeting, he got to playing with the fire his clothes got afire and he burnt to death got burnt so badly that he died soon after, I was a near neighbour to them at the time, and

have a perfect recollection of all the facts and circumstances - I recollect another circumstance in regard to their marriage it was the custom in those days when a couple was married to go to the house and to where they were and make a noise about the house by blowing horns and conch shells, and this was done when Mathews was married, and I was one of the boys that helped do this -
Benjamin Howland
State of Rhode Island &c Kent Jr. At East Greenwich October 14 th A D 1844 Personally appeared before me the above named Benjamin Howland and made oath to the above Deposition by him signed, And I further certify that I have been personally acquainted with him ever since I can remember, and his character for Respectability, truth and veracity has never been questioned, and his Deposition aforesaid is entitled to the fullest credit -
Jeremiah S. Hovey Just peace

County of
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Secretary's Office Feb 12. A D 1845.
H. Henry Bowen, Secretary of said State, and Keeper of the Records and the Seal thereof
Do certify, that at the date of his official certificate severally annexed, the said Jeremiah Stoum was a Justice of the Peace within the Town of East Greenwich in the County of Kent, duly elected and commissioned, as appears of record.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State at Providence, the day and year above written.
Henry Bowen

March 2, 1846
Adal to can Caleb Matthews
File in the Caleb Matthews - Oct. 43-6877
belongs to a can prints by Benj. Cowell of R Island

  x x x x x   Christopher Manchester 337 9 11   Caleb Mathews 139 16 8   Saml. Montgomery 185 16 11   Stephen Munro 70 10 5   x x x x x x 
Treasury Department, Register's Office, April 5, 1868.
This is to certify that the foregoing is a list of the names of the officers and privates belonging to Stephen Elliot & McBrearty's [Brady's] regiments of the State of Rhode Island in the service of the United States during the revolutionary war - together with the sums due to each taken from the statement furnished by the State in the settlement of the said accounts.
James Doughty, Clerk.
Pension Office, March 2, 1846.
I certify that the foregoing is truly copied from a book in the possession of Benj. Cowell, of Providence, Rhode Island.
Elo. Robinson

7112 Orpha Matthews ad 40 339
Act of March 3 d 1843 & 17. June, 1844
Adm d : $275 per ann
Penowall, Esq. Providence, Rhode Island. -

STATE OF RHODE-ISLAND.
County of Kent
On this 14 th of April A. D. 1845 personally appeared before me Justice of the Peace in said County Orpha Matthews now resident in East Greenwich in said County, aged Seventy eight years, who be- ing first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in or- der 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 Calab Matthews deceased, who served in said War as a Sergeant Ensign Lieutenant and That she received a pension under the Act of July 7, 1838, at the rate of $ 275 per annum, payable at the Agency for paying pensions at Providence.
Albert William Bailey
Orpha Matthews
Kent Sc. April 14 th In East Greenwich , A. D., 1845 Personally came before me the above named Orpha Matthews and made oath to the truth of the above declaration by her signed. I also certify she is a credible person & is the same person who drew a pension under the act of July 7 1838 at the rate of $275 as above mentioned  William Bailey Juste of the Peace

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Secretary's Office April 16. 1845.
I Henry Bowen, Secretary of said State, and Keeper of the Records and the Seal thereof.
Do certify, that at the date of his official Certificate annexed, the said William Bailey was a Justice of the Peace within the Town of East Greenwich in the County of Kent, duly elected and commis- sioned as appears of Record.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State at Providence, the day and year above written
Henry Bowen

I Thomas Dowling of the Town of North Stonington, in the County of New London, and State of Connecticut, do certify and say that I am now the Pastor of the 3 rd Baptist Church in said Town, that from 1836 to 1844 I was Pastor of the Warwick & Coventry Baptist Church in Rhode Island, during the whole of which time I was well acquainted with Sophia Matthews, widow of Caleb Matthews, and knew her to be a woman of good moral character, and sustaining a good reputation among her neighbours and a good standing in said Church, and I have known nothing to the contrary since.
Thomas Dowling
North Stonington New London County ss. Sept r 24 th - 1841 -
The above was duly sworn to before me and I further do certify that said Thomas Dowling is a clergyman as above stated and is an un credentialed Witness -
Elias Root Justice of the Peace

Mr Cavell
Dear Sir. I cheerfully comply with the request contained in your letter. I hope that the application on behalf of Mrs Matthews will be successful. The expense is nothing.
Respectfully yours.
J Dowling

J Jenkins Jones of East Greenwich in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations, do testify and say that I am Seventy years of age, that I am well acquainted with Orpha Matthews widow of Caleb Matthews. said Orpha before her marriage to Caleb Matthews used to work in my family. she was the daughter of Caleb Cory, who used to live in this neighbourhood, afterwards I well remember she married Caleb Matthews who then lived in this Town, I was not present at the marriage but remember it took place in 1798 or about that time. Jonathan Pitcher Esquire my near neighbour I understood married them he is now deceased — they lived together as man & wife afterwards until his death, I used frequently to visit them at their House, they were respectable people — Jenkins Jones
Kent Je. The State of Rhode Island &c At East Greenwich this 5 th day of August A 1840. Personally appeared before me the above named Jenkins Jones and made oath to the above affidavit by him signed. & I further certify that he is a credible witness Jeremiah S. Slocum Just Peace

See Col Brans Roll of Honour Room from 16 March 1979 for 12 mo. as Lieut —

Pay Roll of Lieut. Caleb Mathews Company in the Battalion Commanded by Major Manchester in the Service of the United States, and raised by the State of Rhode Island from March 16 th to April 1 st A.D. 1779
   Names Rank Remarks Months Days Wag. per month Sub. per month Sum Total   £ S £ S £ S     Caleb Mathews Lieut 15 11 " " " 3 10 "   Michie Wright Corpl 15 2 4 " " 1 2 "   Nathanial Saltsay Prio t 15 2 1   Asa Grinnell Do 15 2 1   Simon Bates Do 15 2 1   Cuff Blackman Do 15 2 1  
I do swear that the within Abstract is Just & £ 10-12-0 true without fraud to the United States or any individual according to my best knowledge. Cast Greenwich 16 th July 1779  Given to before me on the Caleb Mathews Lieut above date Preserved Record Justice Pleas
Pay Roll of Lieut. Caleb Mathews Company in the Battalion Commanded by Major Manchester in the Service of the United States & raised by the State of Rhode Island from the 1 st of April to May the 1 st A.D. 1779
   Caleb Mathews Lieut 1 11 " " 11 0 0   Michal Wright Corpl 1 2 4 2 4 0   Nathanial Saltsay Prio t 1 2 2   Asa Grinnell Do 1 2 2   Simon Bates Do 1 2 2   Cuff Blackman Do 1 2 2  
   Rank Remarks Months Days Wag. per month Sub. per month Sum Total   £ S £ S £ S  
£ 21-4-0
Attest to as the foregoing Abstract

Pay Roll of Lieut Collet Mathews Company in the Battalion Commanded by Major Manchester in the service of the State of Rhode Island from May 1 st till June 1 st A.D. 1779
   Names Rank Remarks Months Days Wag & Sub Sum Total   Pr mo L. S. D. L. S. D.     Collet Mathews Lt 1 11 11   Michie Wright Capt 1 2 4 0 2 4   Nath l Salsbury Privat 1 2 2   David Grinnell Do 1 2 2   Benoni Bates Do 1 2 2   Cuff Blackman Do 1 2 2  
£ 31-4-0
Pay Roll of Lt Collet Mathews Comp y in the Battalion Commanded by Maj r Manchester in the service of the United States & raised by the State of Rhode Island from June the 1 st till July the 1 st A.D. 1779
   Names Rank Remarks Months Days Wag & Sub Sum Total   Pr mo L. S. D. L. S. D.     Collet Mathews Lt 1 11 11   Michie Wright Capt 1 2 4 2 4   Nath l Salsbury Privat 1 2 2   David Grinnell Do 1 2 2   Benoni Bates Do 1 2 2   Cuff Blackman Do 1 2 2  
£ 31-4-0

Pay Abstract for Subsistence Money due to Lt Collet Mathew Company in the Battalion Commanded by Major Manchaster from March the 16 th till July 1 st A.D. 1749
   Names Rank Remarks Month Days Subs ce Pr Month Sum Total   L o d L o d     Collet Mathew Lt 3 15 8 28 -   Michel Wright Corp d 3 15 6 6 - 32 1 -   Nath l Salisbury Priest 3 15 6 21   Owen Grinnel do 3 15 6 21   Benono Bates do 3 15 6 21   Cuff Blackmad do 3 15 6 21   £ 134. 1. 0  
The following is the whole Amount of Lt Mathews Abstract And what is due from each person and what is due each person
   Names Rank Whole Amount of Wages & Subs 3 months 15 days In Debt Balance due   L o d L o d L o d     Collet Mathew Lt 64 10 0   Michel Wright Corp d 29 15 0 15 12 0 14 3 0 Paid in full   Nath l Salisbury Priest 28 0 0   Owen Grinnel do 28 0 0 Paid in full   Benono Bates do 28 0 0 Paid in full   Cuff Blackmad do 28 0 0 Paid in full  
£ 208. 5. 0

State of Rhode Island County of Kent On this 30 day of May 1847 personally appeared before me Orpha Mathews near sister in Hazard in said County widow of Col. Mathews who was an officer in the war of the Rebellion & made both the following declaration in order to obtain an increase of her pension, for as Orpha declares that her said husband served over two years as a lieutenant in Col. Cross's regiment of Rhode Island State Troops. That when said regiment was first raised for fifteen months in December 1876, he was appointed a lieutenant, not long after- wards in the same & continued to serve until the time expired when  for for which it was raised. That said regiment was again raised for twelve months ending March 16 1879 & he was again appointed lieutenant & served until the said regiment served out its time. That said regiment was again raised for the third time for twelve months ending March 16 1880 when said husband

was appointed Lieutenant & served until the time expired, That during this last twelve Months service the Command- ing Officer as well as the Surgeon for which service she claims as the widow of a Captain - And she further states that when she applied for a pension under the act of July 7 1838, she was allowed only $235 per annum which sum she is not able to be entitled to according to the provisions of said act Wherefor she claims an increase of her said pension as much as she is entitled to by law
Wm Lloyd Garrison
Orpha X Mathews mark
Heard Se. In Warwick May 20 th Then personally appeared before me Orpha Mathews and made oath to the truth of the above declaration by her signed
And I further certify that she is a credible person and that her statement is entitled to credit
Wm Lloyd Garrison Justice of the Peace

I William Wilkinson of Providence in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island, aged eighty seven years, do testify and say; that I served nearly three years in Colonel Crary's Regiment of the Rhode Island Brigade of State troops, during the War of the Revolution: Said Regiment was at first raised for fifteen months, ending March 16. 1778: then it was raised for twelve months ending March 16. 1779: and then for the third term of twelve months, ending March 16. 1780 - I served as a Sergeant in Capt Allen's Company - And I further testify that I have a distinct recollection of Lieutenant Caleb Mathews, was personally acquainted with him, he was in the Regiment when I joined it, and served as a Lieutenant during all the times for which said Regiment was raised, although during the last enlistment I had not such a personal knowledge of his service as during the two first enlistments, as I was taken during the last term of service to act as clerk to General Cornell, who commanded the Brigade.
William Wilkinson
Providence Is. In Providence June 3 d A.D. 1847. then personally appeared the above named William Wilkinson and on oath, testified to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed. and I further certify that William Wilkinson is a credible witness.
Franklin Greene
Jus. Peace.

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
At a Meeting of the Council of War January 22 d A D 1777.
" This Council having taken in consideration the filling up of the vacancies in the Regiment of Artillery & the Two Battalions ordered to be raised by the General Assembly at their session holden in December last Resolve," (among others)
That Caleb Matthews be, second Lieutenant in Capt s Parker's Company, Talmadge's Regiment, in the room of Jonathan Maxson, who declines.
True copy-witness Henry Bowen, Secy
+
I further certify, that at the session of the General Assembly of said State holden in February 1779. Caleb Matthews was appointed Lieutenant, in the First Battalion of Infantry, in the Brigade ordered to be raised, at said session. as appears of record
witness Henry Bowen Secy
+ I further certify, that at the session of the General Assembly of said State holden in February 1778. Caleb Matthews was appointed First Lieutenant in Col. Grary's Battalion: as appears of record -
witness Henry Bowen Secy.

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Secretary's Office Decem r 1. 1847.
I certify, that on the day of their respective Certificate annexed, William Harrison and Franklin Greene were Justices of the Peace duly elected and commissioned, as appears of Record. Witness my hand and the Seal of said State at Providence the day and year above written.
Henry Bowen Secy.

Orpha Mathews.
ad
6877
Admitted
Franklin Greene Bridgewater

State of Rhode Island, } ss. COUNTY of Kent }
On this fifteenth day of June 1848,
personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Kent Aspka Mathews a resident of East Greenwich in the county of Kent and State aforesaid aged Eighty Six 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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2d of February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war:—That she is the Widow of Caleb Mathews who was a Lieutenant in the war of the Revolution, and that she received a pension of Three hundred and twenty dollars per annum, under the act of 17th of June, 1844. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sworn and subscribed on the day and } ss. year above written, before me, }
Thomas R Dawley
Justice of the Peace.
Aspka X Mathews Crop
I certify that the above named affiant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual who drew a pension as stated by her in the foregoing affidavit.
Thomas R Dawley Justice of the Peace.
State of Rhode Island, } ss. COUNTY of Kent }
I Jeremiah S. Hoxum Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the county aforesaid, being a Court of Record, do hereby certify, that
Thomas that  Rodman Dawley is a Justice of the Peace in the county aforesaid, and is fully authorized to act in said capacity, and that his signatures above written are genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, at East Greenwich on this 20 th day of June 1848
Jeremiah S. Hoxum. Clerk -3-

BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
William Sprague
Governor, Captain-General and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhode- Island and Providence Plantations.
BE IT KNOWN, That the name, " HENRY BOWEN ," to the aforewritten attestation subscribed, is in the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen, Esquire, who at the time of subscribing the same, was Secretary of the State aforesaid, duly elected and qualified according to law: Wherefore unto his said attestation full faith and credit are to be rendered.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of said State to be affixed, at Provi- dence, this first day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- nine and of Independence the sixty- third
Wm Sprague
By His Excellency's Command.
Henry Bowen Secy

State of Rhode Island &c.
Secretary's Office Jan y 31. A 1839.
I certify, that at the session of the General Assembly of said State holden on the first Wednesday of May last, Nathan Whiting and Jeremiah S. Slocum were elected Justices of the Peace for the town of East Greenwich in the county of Kent - and William Aplin Justice of the Peace for the town of Providence in the county of Providence - each for one year. That at the session holden on the third Monday of June last, Stephen Waterman was elected associate Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within said county of Kent, until the first Wednesday of May next: and each commissioned accordingly.
Witness Henry Bowen Secy

I Elizabeth Briggs of East Greenwich in the County of Kent in the State of Rhode Island &c. On oath do testify and say. That I am now seventy three years of age, that I was well acquainted with Orpha being a girl who once lived in this neighbourhood, we lived within about a half a mile of each other, she lived at the house of her William Hamilton her Grandfather, while she lived with him. she married Caleb Matthews, I was not present at the marriage, but to my best recollection it took place in the year 1791. she was married before my daughter Elizabeth was born and she is now forty seven years of age and upwards, I had a record of her birth but it is now lost. The Hamilton Family at whose house she was married are all now extinct or gone off
Elizabeth Briggs
Kent Sc. At East Greenwich October 6 th 1839 Personally appeared Elizabeth Briggs subscriber to the foregoing deposition and made oath thereto. & I further certify that said Elizabeth Briggs is a credible witness — Before me Jer. T. Hlocum Just. Peace

I Elizabeth Johnson of Warwick in the county of Kent do testify and say that I am now Seventy Six years of age that I was well acquain- ted with Caleb Mathews and Orpha Mathews his wife I well remember when they lived together as husband and Wife at East-Greenwich, this was more than forty Six years ago, they then had been married sometime but how long I do not know.
Witnesses Caleb Gorton Elizabeth her Johnson mark
State of Rhode Island
Kent County } ss In Warwick this sixth day of December A D 1839 Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, Elizabeth Johnson the above named deponent who subscribed and was duly sworn to the truth of her deposition according to law.
I further certify that I am personally acquainted with said Elizabeth Johnson and that she is a credible witness —
Wm H Garrison Justice of the Peace

State of Rhode Island &c.
Secretaries Office March 26. 1840
I Henry Bowen, Secretary of said State and Keeper of the Records and the Seal thereof.
Do certify that at the session of the General Assembly of said State holden on the first Wednesday of May last, Jeremiah S. Plocum was elected a Justice of the Peace for the term of East Greenwich in the county of Kent, for one year.
That at the session in June last, William Harrison was elected a Justice of the Peace for the term of Swanwick in said county for and until the first Wednesday of May next. as appears of record, and severally commissioned accordingly.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State at Providence, the day and year first above written.
Henry Bowen