Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23,909, for James Mathews, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn. Sea Service Mass (?)
Mathews, James Matthews,
N. 23,909
Desire or Jesiah
CONTENTS

Maine - 3022
Desire Matthews
widow of James Matthews
Mass
who died on the 23 d December 1828 of Kennebec in the State of Maine who was a Seaman in the Company commanded by Captain Prin. of the Regt. commanded by General Br in the Mass. Militia line for 10 m s or 40 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 39 Dollars 76 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 th day of Aug. '39, and sent to Geo. W. Morton, Augusta, Me.
Arrears to the 4 th of Mar. - $318.08 Semi-annual allowance ending 19.88 $337.96
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by R. Binns Clerk, Book A Vol. 2 - Page 12.
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 th April 1838 from 4. March to 4. Sep 1840. age Notified 12 th July 1841.
Date of death unknown

James Matthews.
Mariner
Ship Oliver Cromwell. Burke
Dec 1777 to Sep. 1778
9 Mo
April 24. 1810
Additional service service wanted

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
I James Matthews, aged sixty four years, a citizen of the United States, born in Yarmouth in the State of Massachusetts, but now of Kapsalborough in the District of Maine, upon oath testify and declare, that in the fore part of the month of December 1777, I entered as a mariner on board the United States armed ship, of twenty guns, called Oliver Cromwell, commanded by Captain Parker, in the war of the revolution, against the common enemy, upon the continental naval service, for the period of nine months; This period I fully served out, and received my honorable, but verbal discharge, at New London in the state of Connecticut, on the fifteenth day of September 1778. We sailed from Boston, Massachusetts, soon after my entering on board said ship , bound on a cruise. We cruised to the windward of the West India Islands, during which cruise we captured the British ships Admiral Gage, and the Juno, bound from Bristol, England, for the West Indies, and sent them into the port of Boston. We also captured a British brig, bound from Augustine to New York, which we also sent into the Port of Hyannis. After which the said ship Oliver Cromwell arrived at New London, where I was discharged, as aforesaid. The above facts, together with the deposition herewith annexed, are all the evidence of my service, now in my power to furnish. From my reduced circumstances in life I am in need of assistance from my country for support. And I hereby relinquish all my claim to any pension heretofore allowed me by the laws of the United States, if any; but I am not to my knowledge borne on any pension list whatever. I request that I may be placed upon the pension list for the District of Maine.
James Matthews
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Kennebec Co.
On the twenty fourth day of April A.D 1818, James Matthews, above named, after having been carefully examined, made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration by him submitted.
Before me
Nathan Weston Esq.
Chief Justice C. Court
Com. Pleas Second Eastern Circuit
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
I Enoch Crowell, aged fifty eight years of Hallowell in the District of Maine, upon oath testify and declare that being myself a non commissioned officer on board the Oliver Cromwell at the time by the said James Matthews above stated, I know that he entered on board said ship as a mariner in December 1777, and that he was discharged from her at New London in September 1778 as he has above stated. From his reduced circumstances, he needs the assistance of his country for support.
Enoch Crowell

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Hanover ss.
On the twenty ninth day of May A.D. 1910 Enoch Crown within named, after having been carefully examined, made oath to the truth of the within deposition by him subscribed. Before me, Nathan Wilton Jr. C. Dist. C.C.C. P. H. E. C. and

3866 Desire Matthews. widow of James Matthews who served in the Revolutionary War.
7 mo. in 1776 or 1777 in Round or Crafts Regiment. } 9 months on board Ship Oliver Cromwell. }
act 4 July 36.
Am 754 27 No 19-197- Capt. 1771-401
Comp d Seaman 9 mo
Adm d
1 mo. 40 3/4
9 Seaman
$39.76 3/4
No deduction
Georgetown
Augusta
Maine

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefit of the third Section of the Act of Congress, of the 4th July, 1836.
State of Maine.
Kennebec County, ss.
ON this twenty fourth day of August A. D., 1838, personally appeared before the Hon. Nathan Weston Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court Desira Matthews a resident of Waterville in the County of Kennebec and State of Maine, aged next November seventy eight 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 4th, 1836; That she is the widow of James Matthews who in the year 1776 or 1777 served seven months at Waterville in Boston harbor in a company commanded by Capt. Britton or Capt. Hodge and in Colo. Revere or Colo. Crafts regiment, that in Feb. 1777 he entered on board the U. States Ship Oliver Cromwell. Capt. Parker for nine months, as she knows at the time, she being then married to him and served that period.
She further declares, that she was married to the said James Matthews on the latter part day of November in the year seventeen hundred and seventy five; that her husband, the aforesaid James Matthews died on the twenty third day of December 1828. at Waterville, Maine; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. that her maiden name was Desira Brownell & that she was married at Yarmouth chap. - by the Rev. Timothy Alden.
her Desira X Matthews mark
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before me (the applicant being, from age and infirmary, unable to appear in open court.) Nathan Weston C.J. S.J.C.

State of Maine.
On the twenty fourth day of August, 1830, Desire Matthews, the applicant within named, was examined and sworn, as within stated. I am satisfied, that she was married to James Matthews, late a revolutionary soldier and mariner of the United States, on the eighth day of February, 1776, although she, from defect of memory, states it to have been at a period somewhat earlier. I am further satisfied, that the said James Matthews deceased on the twenty third day of December, 1820, and that the applicant has ever since remained his widow.
Nathan Weston C.J. P.J.C.
STATE OF MAINE.
Kennebec ss.
I the subscriber Clerk of the Judicial Court for said County hereby CERTIFY That the Honorable Nathan Weston before whom the proceedings were had, is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of said State. I also CERTIFY, That the foregoing document contains the original proceedings of the said Chief Justice in the matter of the application of Desire Matthews for a pension.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court, this Sixth day of October A. D., 1838.
Thomas Swan

A Thaddeus Snell of Augusta, in the county of Kennebec, State of Maine, but formerly of Cape Elizabeth in County and State aforesaid, of lawful age do testify and declare upon oath, that I am well acquainted with Fanny Matthews a resident of Cape Elizabeth aforesaid that she knew well her late departed husband James Matthews as his wife, in the same neighborhood with myself, for many years previous to the death of the said Matthews, and that she has been and remains even since the death of her late departed husband James Matthews, aforesaid.
Thaddeus Snell
State of Maine
Kennebec County ss. October 5 1838. Subscribed & sworn to the deponent being a reputable person before me.
Geo. W. Weston Clerk of Peace
Geo W Weston Esq is a notice of the peace for the county of Kennebec Nathan Weston

"Marriage solemnized by Revd. Timothy Alden" "James Matthews & Deborah Crowell married February eighth, seventeen hundred and seventy six."
The above is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures, as follows, "February 8-1776"
Attest Simeon Crowell
State of Massachusetts Barnstable ss.
Yarmouth September 13 th 1838
I, Simeon Crowell above named, depose and say that I hold the Office of Town Clerk in the County, Town and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town with the exception abovenamed, as certified by me.
Simeon Crowell Town Clerk Affirmed to before me,
Simeon Crowell Jd. Justice of the Peace,

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office, Sept. 13. 1830.
I hereby certify that the within Simeon Crowell, 3 d is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Barnstable witness my Seal of the State
John P. Bigelow
Seal of the Comm th

June 25, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
James Mathews-W.23909 BA-J/AVT
Blanche M. Bryant 10 Everett Street Brunswick, Maine
Dear Madam:
The Revolutionary War record of James Mathews which follows was obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 23909, based upon his service in that war.
James Mathews was born in Yarmouth, Massachusetts, date not given, nor are the names of his parents shown.
He enlisted in 1776 or 1777 and served seven months as private in Captain Britton's or Hedge's company, Colonels Revere's or Craft's Massachusetts regiment. In December, 1777, he went on board the "Oliver Cromwell", Captain Parker, sailed from Boston and cruised around the West Indies, captured the British ships, "Admiral Keppel" and "Cyrus", also a British brig, and served nine months.
He was a resident of Vassalborough, Kennebec County, Massachusetts (Maine), in 1818 and then aged sixty-four years. He died there, December 23, 1828.
James Mathews married February 8, 1776 in Yarmouth, Massachusetts, Desiah or Desire Crowell. She was born in November, 1760, place not stated, nor are the names of her parents given.
The widow, Desiah (Desire) Mathews, was allowed pension on her application executed, August 24, 1838,

at which time she was living in Vassalborough, Maine.
There is no reference to the children of James Mathews and his wife, Desirah(Desire).
Simeon Crowell in 1838 was Town Clerk of Yarmouth, Massachusetts, and Simeon Crowell, 3rd was Justice of the Peace in 1838 in Yarmouth. It is not stated that they were related to the widow, or that they were related to each other.
Very truly yours
A. D. MILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

V 3866
Sett. Gr. Morton, May 13- '39.
all 4 July 36

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 23909
Desire Matthews Wid of James Matthews Seaman Rev. War.
Act July 4 th 1836.
Index: Vol. 11 , Page 11
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1925-Apr. 2- Hist to E. P. Kelley See letter in claim William Matthews-S. 33031 ays 1925-Dec. 23- Hist to Alma Robbins 1935-June 20- Hist to Blanche M. Dreyer for Miss Frances M. Worleide

Brunswick, Maine April 17, 1935 10 Everett St.
B.M.B.
Pension Office, Rev. War section, Washington, D.C.
Will you please send to Miss. Alice S.
Dunning, Cumberland St. Brunswick, Maine, what data you have on the following pensioners - listed '40, Dunlap, Dorcas - age 76. Kennebec  Lincoln Co. Res. Topsham, '358, Dunlap, John, age 64. Lincoln Co. (20) died Oct 25, 1818, also send to Miss. Francis M. Woodside, Summer St. Brunswick data on one listed '40, Mathews, Desire, age 78, Kennebec Co. Res. Vassalborough.
or you may send all to my address, the information you have sent me at different time have been of great value to me, Thanks so much.
Blanche M. Bryant. Treas Topsham Brunswick Chapter D.A.R.

Brunswick, Maine
Nov. 16, 1925
Pensioners Bureau Washington, D.C.
Will you kindly send any information including dates, which you may have concerning James Matthews and his wife Desire Matthews, of Cape Cod, Mass. Particularly would I like the dates of his service in the Revolutionary war and the time and place of his death.
Thanking You:
Alma Robbins
97 Main St. Brunswick Maine

June 24, 1935
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
BA-J/HEI
Blanche M. Bryant 10 Everett Street Brunswick, Maine
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request for Miss Alice S. Dunning, Cumberland Street, Brunswick, Maine, the records of Dorcas Dunlap, listed '40, age 76, Lincoln County, residence, Topsham; John Dunlap, '35, age 64, Lincoln County, died October 25, 1818; and for Miss Frances M. Woodside, Summer Street, Brunswick, data on Desire Mathews, listed '40, age 78, Kennebec County, residence Vassalborough.
The records of John Dunlap, widow Dorcas(W.22978) and James Mathews, widow Desire(W.23909) are furnished you herewith.
Very truly yours
A. D. MILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

Rev. and 1812 War Section.
April 2, 1925.
E. L. Kelley, 24 Pomfret St. Putnam, Conn.
Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 23908, it appears that James Mathews or Matthews was born at Yarmouth, Massachusetts, date not stated.
He enlisted in 1776 or 1777 and served seven months as a private in Captain Britton or Hedge's Company, Colonel Revere or Craft's Regiment, stationed at Nantasket, Massachusetts.
He entered the service Early in December 1777, he went on board the Connecticut ship, "Oliver Cromwell", Captain Parker, they cruised to the West Indies, captured the British ship "Admiral Keppel" and two other vessels, and served nine months. Cyrus
In 1818, he stated that he was sixty-four years old. He died December 23, 1828 at Vassalborough, Ken-

nebec County, Maine.
Soldier married February 8, 1776 at Yarmouth, Massachusetts, Desiah or Desire Crowell, who was born in November 1760. She was allowed pension on her application executed August 24, 1838, while a resident of Vassalborough, Maine.
There is no further data on file as to family.
Respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.

State of Maine.
On the twenty fourth of August, 1830, I took and certified the application of Desire Matthews for a pension, at her residence. She was a feeble and infirm old lady of seventy eight years of age. She was carefully examined, and from her age and infirmities, I felt myself fully justified in certifying her inability to attend in open court.
Nathan Weston C.J.
S.J. Court.
State of Maine.
County of Kennebec.
I the subscriber Clerk of all the Judicial Courts for said County of Kennebec. Certify that the Hon. Nathan Weston is Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of said State, and that the above signature, purporting to be his is genuine. Witness my hand & seal of the said Court this tenth day of June A.D. 1839.
A. Chandler

Augusta, June 10. 1836
Sir
I herewith return your letter of 13 th ult. relating to the application of Mrs. Desire Matthews to be pensioned, under the Act of July 4. 1836, and also send an additional certificate of Judge Weston, Mrs. Matthews is confident her late husband served about seven months in Capt. Hovey's company, at Watertown, but has no recollection of the name of the column in which regiment he served, but as it will be attended with considerable expense to obtain proof of any longer service than the rolls show, would be willing to have her pension computed by them. It is hoped the additional certificate of Judge Weston will be deemed sufficient to establish her claim. She is here and solicits your attention to her claim as soon as convenient.
I am respectfully your Obed. Servt
Jeremiah L. Edwards Esq Commr of Pensions Washington City D.C.
Geo. W. Morton

Augusta, October 6. 1838
Sir
I herewith transmit the application of Mrs. Desira Matthews, widow of James Matthews, for pension under Act of July 2. 1836. Should her declaration with the accompanying papers be satisfactory to you in allowing her claim, you are respectfully requested to send me a certificate for her
very respectfully
your Obt Servt
Geo. W. Morton
James L. Edwards Esq Commr of Pensions Washington D.C.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
To the Honorable the Secretary of the Department of War of the United States.
I the subscriber, being Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Second Eastern Circuit of Massachusetts, embracing the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, do hereby certify to your Honor, that James Matthews , a citizen of the United States, now resident in Vassalborough , in the said County of Kennebec , in the District of Maine, on the twenty fourth day of April , A. D. 1818, made application to me to receive his declaration under oath, and such other evidence, as was in his power to produce; and to transmit the same, and the proceedings had thereon, to your Honor; that he might be placed on the pension list of the United States, agreeably to the provisions of an Act, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," passed March 18, A. D. 1818, which declaration, and the other evidence produced by the said applicant, is hereunto annexed.
And I do further certify to your Honor, that after a full examination of the said applicant, and a careful consideration of the evidence in the case, it appears to me that the said applicant did serve as a mariner in the naval service of the U. S., in the war of the revolution, against the common enemy, upon the continental establishment, for more than nine months, as stated in his declaration aforesaid; and that from his reduced circumstances, he needs the assistance of his country for support.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the Seal of the Court in which I preside, to be hereunto affixed, this twenty ninth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
Nathan Weston his C. Just. C. C. C. Pleas 2 d E. circuit.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
KENNEBEC, ss:
THE Subscriber, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts, held within the said County of Kennebec, hereby certifies, that the Honorable NATHAN WESTON, Junior, Esquire, before whom the annexed proceedings were held, is Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Second Eastern Circuit of Massachusetts, embracing the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset ; and that by the direction of the said Judge, I have affixed unto his Certificate bearing his signature, the seal of the said Court in which he presides.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand : Dated at Augusta, in said County of Kennebec, this tenth day of June, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
John Davis

May 13
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner Pensions Washington D. C.

Comptroller's Office Hartford May 10 1839
I certify that on examination of the Books of papers remaining in this Office relating to the Naval or Marine service in the Revolutionary War - for the name of James Matthews, who claims service on Board the ship Oliver Cromwell in 1777 - I find on a roll. Made a list of Officers, Seamen, & Marines - the name of James Matthews - with Two Hundred other names. That no such appears on the above roll but is filed, a list of Seamen on Board ship Oliver Cromwell Feb 1777 delivered in by Captain William Coit.
Henry Kilbourn Comptroller

Comptroller's Office Hartford May 10 1839
Dear Sir,
In reply to your favor of the 7 th . I have examined the papers relating to the naval service of Ship Oliver Cromwell. and find the Pay Roll of Officers & Men belonging to said Ship Containing One hundred & eighty names without finding the name of James Mathews where no date appears - for the Year - Time of entry M c 14 Time of discharge Oct 14 none after that date Signed
Sir, On further examination I found one other List Containing the name of James Mathews as for Enlistment enclosed, which is all I can find
Wm J. L. Edwards Clerk of Purser's Washington
I have the honor to be Your Ob t Servant Henry Wilson C 3

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
July 18 th , 1841.
Sir :
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Desire Matthews — a Pensioner on the Roll of the Maine Agency, at the rate of Thirty nine Dollars and 46 Cents per annum, under the law of the 4 th July 1836 has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March to the 4 th Sept. 1840,
Respectfully yours,
William L. Parris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.