Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 22299, for Asa Steere, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER
R.D.
Steere, Asa Mary
N. 2229.9
CONTENTS
7

N. 42 1/2 Rhode Island
Ma Store
Providence in the State of Rh. Island who was a private of Col. in the Corp. commanded by Captain Whipple of the Rgt — commanded by Col. Brown in the Mass — time for 11 mo 15 d 21 h $84.96 P36.66 " " 21.24 1.66 due 1835 4.16 $106.20 $42.48
Inscribed on the Roll of Rh. Island at the rate of 12 Dollars 48 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of Sep. 1833 and due to S. J. Arnold Gloucester
Arrears to the 4th of Sep 33 $ 106.20 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 mo 24 21.24 $ 127.44
Recorded by } Revolutionary Claim, } G. Estlin } Act June 7, 1832. } Clerk Book E. Vol. 2. Page 129.

No 1589 Rhode Island 1585-
Navy Steere widow of Asa Steere - Recd: Mass who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 1832 and who died on the 31 January 1835 - of Providence Co in the State of R Island who was a private in the company: - commanded by Captain Whipple of the Regt: - commanded by Col: Brown - in the Massachusetts line for - 11 months & 15 days -
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 42 Dollars 48 - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of Jan'y - 1839 - and sent to Hon: J. S. Tillinghast. Ho: of Reps -
Arrears to the 4th of Sept: 1838 $106.20 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar 39 - 21.24
$127.44
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by Wm Grant Clerk, Book A - Vol. 2 Page 23 -

No 18861
Asa Steele Providence County Rhode Island
Probate of Infy 11 Mar - 15 May, " " Artly 1 " 12 - 15
10 ob. & proof of former regd 10 July 1833
16 91 N. G. Alvorde Gloucester Rhode Island

BRIEF in the case of Asa Stearn County of Providence in the State of Rhode Island (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? 75 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.     Enlisted In 1775 March - 6 - private Genl Sullivan, Genl   " 1776 Dec. - 1 - private Capt A. Waterman   " 1777 Jan. - 1 - private Capt B. Whipple, Col. Brown   Drafted March - 1 - private Same Company   Sub - " March - 1 - private Same Company   Drafted - " April - - 15 private Same Comp y .   Sub - " October - 1 - private Same Comp y , Genl Spencer   Drafted - 1778 Aug t . 1 1 - private Capt Olney, Same Reg t   Enlisted - 1780 Aug t . 2 1 - private Capt Thos Wood, Col. Elliott, Reg t  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Bunker Hill, Saratoga & Red Bank  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Gloucester Rhode Island  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? traditional - & 1 living witness certificate  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? not properly Attached, Seal defective 
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Richd. H. W. W. W. Examining Clerk.

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Providence & Gloucester November 10 th 1838
On this tenth day of November 1838 personally appeared Abigail Armstrong one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Providence, State aforesaid - Mary Dyer a resident of said town of Gloucester in the County of Providence & State aforesaid aged twenty six years who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7 th 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of Asa Steere late of said Gloucester deceased, who was a Sol- dier of the revolution and a pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 that the said Asa her said husband served in the war of the revolution in the manner, at the times & places and in the capacities set forth in his application for a pension under said act of June 1832 and now on file in the war depart- ment to which she refers. She further declares that she was married to the said Asa Steere on the
27 th day of October in the year seventeen hundred and eighty two (1782) that her husband the afore- said Asa Steere died at said Gloucester on the twenty first day of January in the year eighteen hundred and thirty five (1835) that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but that said marriage took place previous to the first day of January 1794 viz at the time above stated
She further declares on oath as aforesaid that from age and the consequent loss of memory she is not able to state the precise day of the month on which she was married - but that she was married at the house of her father in said Gloucester who was Samuel Dyer that her brothers and sisters as also some of the brothers and sisters of her said husband the said Asa Steere were present at the marriage ceremony not one of whom are now living, that she knows of no person now living who was present at the marriage

by whom to prove the same, That according to the best of her recollection she was married to her said husband the said Asa Stearn by Elder Joseph Winsor of said Gloucester
Her Mary K Stearn mark
Attest Jesse H. Southwick
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written, and I certify that the said Mary Stearn who is well known to me is a cred- ible person and that her statements are entitled to full credit, and I further certify that the said Mary Stearn is from bodily infirmity unable to attend the Court
John L. Southwick, Esq. J.P. C.C. P.H.A.

Jesse Armstrong of Gloucester in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged Seventy nine years being firstly engaged according to law do testify & say that I was born and have always resided & lived in said town of Gloucester, I was a soldier of the Revolution and am now a pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. I further say that I was well acquainted with Asa Steere late of said Gloucester deceased who was a pensioner under said act of Congress. I was acquainted with said Asa when we were boys together, which acquaintance lasted during the life time of the said Asa. I was acquainted with the said Asa previous to his marriage and at the time of his marriage understood that he married a daughter of Samuel Foss belonging to said Gloucester with whom he lived in the same town with me to wit said Gloucester until his death and reared a large family of children. I never heard a doubt that they were regularly married expressed by any one. I can say that the said Asa Steere and his said wife belonged to two respectable families in said town and that they the said Asa & wife ever maintained a standing in society amongst the most respectable in said town
Jesse Armstrong
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Providence to Gloucester November 16 th 1838
Then personally appeared before me the aforesaid Jesse Armstrong signer of the aforesaid deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the statements therein contained - and I certify that the said Jesse Armstrong who is well known to me is a credible person and that his statements are entitled to full credit
(Jesse Armstrong) Just: B. B. Plummer

I Lusina Sture of Gloucester in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged fifty two years being firstly engaged according to law do testify and say that I am the daughter of Asa Sture late of said Gloucester deceased and Mary his wife. I further testify that my father the said Asa Sture who was a pensioner of the United States died at said Gloucester on the twenty fifth day of June in the year eighteen hundred & thirty five 1835 that he left a widow who is Mary Sture now residing in said Gloucester that she has not intermarried since the decease of the said Asa but still remains his widow
Lusina Sture
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Providence ss Gloucester November 10, 1838 Then personally appeared the aforesaid Lusina Sture who subscribed the foregoing deposition and made solemn oaths to the truth of the statements therein contained, and I certify that the said Lusina Sture who is well known to me is a credible person and that her statements are entitled to full credit — before me — ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Job Armstrong Just. C.C. Pleas

West Block P. 6th.
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations County of Providence ss.
On this twentieth day of October 1882 personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Probate in & for the town of Gloucester in said County now sitting, Mr. Stearn a resident of said Gloucester aged 75 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1882. I (the said declarant) was born in said Gloucester September 28 th 1757. I have a record of my age in a family bible at home. I have always lived in said Gloucester. In September 1775 I enlisted as a Soldier in Capt. Andrew Waterman Company of minute men, R.I. troops to serve until discharged by the General Assembly. While in that Company I was stationed at Providence West  Newport & East R.I. & along the shores of the bay - Our Company was discharged in March 1776 having served six months. We were bound by the terms of our enlistment to do duty at any & all times & were in the field a considerable  part part of the time. In December 1776 when the British took possession of Rhode Island

4 1 1 I was called out as a soldier in Capt. Benajah Whipple's Company, Col. Chas. Brown's regiment R. Island & was stationed at Bristol R.I. one month. In January 1777 I was drafted in the same company & was stationed at Providence R.I. one month. In March 1777 I went as a substitute for my brother in the same company & was stationed at said Providence one month. In April 1777 I was drafted in same company & was stationed at said Providence 15 days. In October 1777 I went as a substitute for my Father Jonah Stone in the same company & joined the troops under Genl. Spencer at Newton R.I. we were stationed there & at Little Compton one month. It was called Granny Spencer's expedition. Col. Brown & Col. Barton were officers that I recollect. In August 1778 I was drafted in Capt. Stephen Olney's company same regiment & joined the troops under Genl. Sullivan on Rhode Island. We marched down to the lower lines & remained there until the day before the battle when we retreated up to Drake's hill & on the morning of the 29 th of August the British & Hessian attacked us in the hollow between Butts & Drake's hill & we had a severe battle. At several times repulsed the enemy & that night lay on our arms. during the action I was stationed on Butts hill The next day we were employed in entrenching & that night we dropped over in boats to Newton where we remained

until we were discharged. I served about one month . Generals Sullivan, of Glover & Lynde Colonels Brown Barton, Eliot, Gray, Green, were officers that I recalled with the troops. In August 1780 I enlisted in Capt Thomas Wood's Company Col. Eliot's regiment or I state artillery & was stationed at Newport R.I. one month . I never received any written discharge that I recollect. I have no documentary evidence. The testimony of such surviving officers as I know of is hereunto annexed. Jonathan Dain, Esq. La- wrence, Richard Burling and Dea. Dyer are persons to whom I am known in my present neighborhood & who can testify as to my character for veracity & their belief of my services as a soldier of the revolution. James H. Smith was lieutenant & Capt Saunders ensign of Capt. Abraham Watkinson's minute company before referred to.
Abiah J. Cooke P. Clerk

I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declare that my name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Asa Stearn
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. in Open Court
J. Cooke Probate Clerk
We, Richard Burlingame Jr & Benjamin Sherburn ,
residing in Sand Glen  75 hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Asa Stearn who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 75 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Attest J. Cooke
Richard Burlingame Jr Benjamin Sherburn X mark
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. in Open Court
J. Cooke Probate Clerk
And, the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department: that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Richard Burlingame Jr who have signed the preceding certificate, residents in Glen are credible persons
and that their statement is entitled to credit. I know no clergyman resides in this vicinity Asa Stearn
I, William W. Knapp Clerk of said Court of Genesee  Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Asa Stearn for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 20 th day of October , A.D. 1832
J. Cooke Probate Clerk
(over)

Providence July 30 th 1833 I hereby certify that said book was on the 20 th day of October 1832 reputed to be the Clerk of the Court of Probate in & for the County & town of Gloucester County of Providence & that the foregoing signature to the above documents & certificate purporting to be in an in the proper hand writing of said Cook as I believe
In witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand the day & year first written
A. R. Knight

I Nathan Brown formerly of Gloucester in the County of Providence now of Stafford in Connecticut being first duly sworn on oath say that I was a Soldier in the revolutionary war. I further say that I was then at the place of said Gloucester. We were a Soldier with me in Capt Andrew Watermans Company of minute men. R.I. Militia. We both enlisted in September 1775 & were discharged in February 1776, by order of the General Assembly of said State. We were stationed at Providence Bristol Newport & Warwick R.I. & along the shore of the bay. We were in the service the greater part of said period - Nathan Brown
State of Rhode Island &
Providence ss. In Gloucester this 11 th day of August 1832 personally appeared before me, Nathan Brown who being first duly sworn on oath says that the above information by him declared is just & true in all its parts, I further certify that the said Brown is a credible person & that his statement is entitled to credit.
Attest-
W. P. Evans J. C. C. P.

State of Rhode Island - Providence ss. I William R Watson Clerk of the court of Common Pleas within and for the county of Providence in said State, hereby certify that Ira P Evans is a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas afore- said, which court is a court of Record - that the signature to the within document purporting to be his, is in the proper handwriting of said Evans. -
In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said court at Providence this eighth day of November in the year 1832 -
W. R. Watson

Application of 3607 Mary Steele for pension
Wed f USA R.D.
U.S. 7 July 1898
Dr Edward G. G. Commiss. w. S. in relation to this application please address me at Florence R.C.
Sam. H. Hardy Atty for applicant
Allow p 42.48 per ann
Hn. J. L. Tillinghast H.R.

I Jesse Steer of Gloucester in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged Sixty six years being firstly engaged according to law do testify & say, that I was born and have always resided in said town of Gloucester. I was well acquainted with Asa Steer late of said Gloucester deceased who was a fan-dancer of the United States under the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 (as I have understood). The said Asa Steer was about fifteen years older than myself - we were born and brought up within half a mile of one another each other, and never resided more than three miles apart since my birth. When I was about ten years of age the said Asa Steer was married to Mary Brown the daughter of Samuel Brown of said Gloucester - as it was then said and I have never heard it contradicted or disputed. The said Asa and his said wife commenced keeping house within half a mile of the place where I was born and where I now live. I worked for the said Asa Steer within a year after his marriage and assisted him in removing to the place where his widow now resides. The said Asa and Mary lived together as husband and wife after their marriage as aforesaid during the life time of the said Asa and brought up a large family of children. The said Asa and Mary always maintained a standing amongst the most respectable in Society and I have never heard a doubt expressed by any one but what they were regularly married.
Jesse Steer
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Providence ss Gloucester December 11 th 1838 Then personally appeared the aforementioned Jesse Steer signer of the above written deposition and made solemn oath before me to to the truth of the statements therein contained And I certify that the said Jesse Steer

who is well known to me is a credible per- son and that his statements are entitled to full credit
Job Armstrong Jur. C. B. P. has

The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Town Clerks office Gloucester December 8 th 1838.
I Clovis H. Bowen Town Clerk of said town of Gloucester in the County of Providence & State aforesaid, duly appointed & legally qualified, do hereby certify, that I have carefully examined the record of Marriages &c. for said Town in this Office, and do not find the marriage of Abie Stear to Mary Snow therein recorded.
I further certify from my own knowledge that a great many marriages have been solemn- ized in said town of which no record has been made in this office.
Clovis H. Bowen Town Clk.
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Providence ss Gloucester December 10 th 1838 Personally appeared the above named Clovis H. Bowen town clerk of said town of Glouces- ter and made solemn oath to the truth of the statements contained in the above certificate by him signed before me
Job Armstrong Jus. C.C. Pleas

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations,
Providence Sc. I, John W. Smith Clerk, of the Court of Common Pleas, within & for the County of Providence, in said State, being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that Job Armstrong Esquire before whom the annexed five affidavits were sworn, is one of the Justices of our said Court; that by law he is authorized and qualified to administer oaths and take depositions; And that his aforesaid signature - me go mine.
In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand & affix the seal of our said Court, at the City of Providence, this twelfth day of December A D 1838
John W. Smith Clerk

State of Rhode Island &c.
Providence, ss. In Christ Church there this day of July, 1833 before me Samuel G. Bennett a Public Notary in & for said County of Providence duly Commissioned & sworn & authorized by law to administer oaths & take depositions, personally appeared Asa Stearns, a resident of said Church who being first duly sworn on oath, say, (in amendment of his declaration, for a pension under the act of June 1832) that he served as a private soldier at the times set forth in his said declaration, that he served as a private in Capt. Stephen Waterman's Company of minute men, Connecticut and States in his said Decon & that he was in active service in the same at least four months of said time. That from in August 1778 he served as a private in Capt. Stephen Olney's Company as is stated in his said declaration at least twenty days, that from old age & consequence loss of memory he cannot state the particulars of his service more minutely than the same are stated in his said declaration to which he refers.
Asa Stearns
Sworn to & subscribed before me. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal & office this day, & year first mentioned. Sam. G. Bennett Pub. Noty.

I Simon Pae of Glouster in the County of Providence State of Rhode Island aged 80 years being duly sworn on oath do testify & say that I was a Soldier of the Revolution & am now a pensioner of the United States under the act of June 1832 - I further say that I well know Deacon Nathan of Glouster aforesaid. He was a Soldier with me in Capt Thomas Wood Company of Artillery R.I. State Troops, the same stationed at Bristol R.I. on the island one month, it was in the Summer time & I do not recollect the year. Said Stone was a Soldier in said Company first name during said month  Almon G. Stone      Simon Pae 
State of Rhode Island & Providence Pt. In Glouster this twenty third day of July A.D. 1833 before me Samuel G. Stone a Public Notary duly Commissioned & sworn & authorized by Law to administer oaths & to take depositions, personally appeared Simon Pae of said Glouster who subscribed the above deposition in my presence & who being first duly sworn on oath says that the above deposition is just & true in all its parts. I further certify that the said Simon is a credible person & that his statement is entitled to credit In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my Seal at office this day 2 years since mentioned  Sam G. Stone Pub. Noty

I Stephen Hawkins of Glendale in the County of Providence State of Rhode Island aged 79 years being first duly sworn on oath do hereby say that I was a Soldier of the revolution & am now an applicant for an increase of my pension under the act of June 1832. I further say that I am well acquainted with Deacon Asa Stone a resident of said Glendale & have known him from boyhood. I know him as a Soldier in Capt Benajah Whipple's Company Col. Chad Brown regiment R.I. militia in the year 1777. I was a Soldier in the same Company with him & was then stationed at Providence R.I. he served at one time one month & at another at least fifteen days. I cannot recollect the more precise dates. I further say that in October 1777 I was a Soldier in Capt John Corder's Company same regiment in Genl Spencer's expedition & was stationed at Glendale R.I. one month. While there I frequently saw the said Asa Stone as a Soldier. He belonged to said Whipple's Company. I further say that in August 1778 I was a Soldier in said Corder's Company & was in the expedition of Genl Sullivan against the British on Rhode Island. While on the island I saw the said Asa Stone as a Soldier with the militia troops. I do not recollect to what Company he belonged to. He was there during the battle. I lived a near neighbor to said Stone during the revolution & after I was discharged from Lippitt's regiment I saw him very frequently & I know that he frequently served as a Soldier in the R.I. militia during said war. Stephen Hawkins

State of Rhode Island
Providence ss.
In Gloucester this Twenty Fourth day of July 1833 before me Samuel G. Atwell a Public Notary in & for said County personally appeared Stephen Hawkins of said Gloucester who being duly sworn on oath says that the foregoing deposition by him signed in my presence is just & true in all its parts. I further certify that the said Deponent is well known to me, that he is a credible person & that his statement is entitled to credit. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal of office the day & year aforesaid
Samuel G. Atwell Pub. Noty
I Benjamin Hawkins of Gloucester in the County of Providence State of Rhode Island aged 73 years being duly sworn on oath do testify & say that I was a Soldier of the revolution & am now a pensioner under the act of June 1832. I further say that I well know Deacon Isaac Allen of said Gloucester, I have known him from my boyhood I further say that I knew said Allen as a private Soldier in Capt. Benajah Phillips Company, Col. Ladd's Regiment & served with him as such in said Company as follows - In December 1776 at Bristol R.I. one month . In January 1777 at Providence R.I. one month . In March 1777 at said Providence one month . In April 1777 at said Providence, one month , (as I believe) for the particulars of which service I refer to my application for a pension
Benjamin Hawkins

State of Rhode Island &c.
Providence ss. In presence of me this twenty seventh day of July 1833 before me Samuel G. Atwell a Notary Public in & for said County personally appeared Benjamin Rawlinson who being duly sworn on oath says that the foregoing deposition by him signed is just & true in all its parts. I further certify that the said deponent is a credible person & that his statement is entitled to credit. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal & office the day & year aforesaid.
Sam l G. Atwell Pub. Noty.
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Providence ss.
I, Dexter Randall Clerk of the court of Common Pleas of the County of Providence in said State do hereby certify that Samuel G. Atwell before whom the annexed affidavits were sworn was at the time and now is a Public Notary within and for said County, and that the signatures to the annexed documents, purporting to be his, are in the proper hand writing of the said Atwell.
In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court at Providence this twenty eighth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
Dexter Randall Clerk

~
Application { for of { Mrs. Stern } pension
18801
P
!

TO THE HON. LEWIS CASS
SECRETARY OF WAR OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
HUMBLY REPRESENTS
Asa Stearn
of Gloster in the County of PROVIDENCE, State of RHODE ISLAND; that he was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War as will appear by the annexed documents. He therefore requests that a pension may be granted to him in conformity with the provisions of an Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832, entitled "an Act supplementary to the "Act for the relief of certain Officers and Soldiers of the Revolution"
and in duty bound will ever pray.
Asa Stearn by his atty Sam l J. Steele
P.S. Please acknowledge at Gloster R.I.

1585 own
1 Elmwood Ave. Providence R. I. Nov. 13 th 1904 E. S. Ware.
Dear Sir. Will you kindly give me a statement of the military history of this enclosed Isaac Skinner.
Yours respectfully Mrs. P. O. Hawkins.

Steve A sa . . . Prov. Co.
Br. of Art. R.S. State Hosp.
Pension roll. Sept. 18. 1833; $42. 48; age 77.
R.S. Pension roll.

RECEIVED NOV 16 1904 FILES.
U.S. POSTAL OFFICE NOV 15 1904

W. 22, 299 Asa Steele
Oct 20, 1832 Stoneester Providence Co R.I. born there Sept. 28, 1757 + always resided there
End Sept 75 Pm R.I.
Capt Andrew Waterman
6m
Dec. 76 Capt Benajah Whipple
Col. Chad Brown 1m
Jan'y 77 same Co - 1m
March 77 out for hire " " 1m
Ap. 77 " " 15 8
Oct 77 { out for hire gonah " " " " 1m
Aug 78 th Capt Stephen Olney
same reg bet R.I. 1m
Aug 80 Capt Thomas Wood
Col. Elliott R.I. Waterbury
one 1m

Mar. Oct. 1782
Sol. 5. in Gloucester Jan'y 31 1835 Mary date of Samuel Irons

42.48 42.98 21.24 106.20

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 22.299 Mary Steere Widow of Asa Steere Priv. Rev. War
Act July 7 th 1838
Index: Vol. 16, Page 248
[Arrangement of 1870.]