Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21449, for Joseph James, Rhode Island

SERVICE
R. d.
James, Joseph Elizabeth
NUMBER
N. 21449.
CONTENTS
Two columns of horizontal dotted lines for recording contents.

Rhode-Island-1565
Elizabeth James, widow of Joseph James, Dec d who died on the 3 d of February, 1795; of Kent co. in the State of R. Island, who was a Sgt. Lt. Col. in the comp y commanded by Captain J. Gullins of the reg t commanded by Col. Lippit in the R. Island for 12 months Sgt. $60 3 months Lt. $40 $100
Inscribed on the Roll of R. Island at the rate of 100 Dollars — Cont y per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 st day of November, 1837 and sent to B. Gowell, Providence, R. Island —
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1837 = $ 650:00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 th '38 = 50:00 $700:00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Pension the 3 d }
Recorded by S. A. Elliott, Clerk. Book A, Vol. 2, Page 91.
Dead Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 th April 1838 from 4 th March 1831 to 10. June 1837 the day of her death. Agt notified 29. Oct 1846

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
October 21 st 1840.
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," Two of nine child ren of Elizabeth James, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Rhode Island Agency, at the rate of One hundred Dollars and _____ Cents per annum, under the law of the 4 th July 1836, has been paid at this Department, from the 1 st of March 1837, to the 10 th June 1837, the day of her death.
Respectfully yours,
William L. Parris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

Kent de Mrs. Greenough Nov 10th 1886 Personally appeared Elizabeth James sign to the foregoing
1353 Elizabeth James 1353 widow of Joseph
married 16. Jan'y 74
Asm D 12 mo. Ser d $60 3 mo. L d Vady. 40 $100
W. B. W. an
no deduction
B. Lowell Providence R.I.

BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
John Brown Francis
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 afore-written attestation subscribed, is the proper hand writing of Henry Bow- en, 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 Prov- idence, this twenty second day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- six and of Independence the sixty- first .
John Brown Francis
By His Excellency's Command.
Henry Bowen Secy

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Secretary's office Feb 6. A 1887
I certify, that at the session of the General Assembly of said State on the first Wednesday of May seventeen hundred seventy seven, Joseph Barnes was elected Lieutenant of the third company of Militia in the town of West Greenwich in the County of Kent - and so continued until after May seventeen hundred eighty three - as appears of record in this office.
Witness Henry Bowen Secy

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Secretary's Office December 22. 1836.
I certify, that at the session of the General Assembly of said State on the first Wednesday of May last, Robert Howard was elected Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within the County of Kent, and John Wood an associate Justice of said Court, each for one year.
That at the session on the third Monday of June last, Benjamin R. Howse was elected a Justice of the Peace for the town of West Greenwich in said County, for and until the first Wednesday of May next. And that they have been severally commissioned accordingly, as appears of record in this office.
Witness Henry Bowen Secy.

State of Rhode Island County of Kent
On this tenth day of November A D 1836 personally appeared before me Robert Hazard one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas within said County. Elizabeth James a resident in West Greenwich in said County aged 82 years who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress of July 4 th 1836 that she is the widow of Joseph James of said West Greenwich deceased, who was a soldier of the revolution from the beginning to the end thereof, that he served at various times & places in said revolutionary war in several regiments of Rhode Island Troops but she greatly fears that if she should undertake to name the officers under whom he served she should mistake them or undertake to specify the services, in what year performed & where they were performed, she should not state them correctly. From the great length of time her memory fails her - she must therefore refer to the evidence of those who were knowing to his services in said war for the sum of their amount.
And she further declares that she was married to the said Joseph James on the 16 th day of January A D 1794 as will appear by the records of said West Greenwich, and that her husband, the said Joseph died on the third day of February A D 1795 & that she has remained unmarried ever since that period, wherefore she requests that the same pension which would have belonged to her husband under the act of June 7 th 1832 by virtue of his services may be extended to her.
Robert H Hazard
Elizabeth James widow

Kent St West Greenwich Nov 10th A 1826
Personally appeared Elizabeth James sign to the foregoing Declaration and made Oath to the truth of the same and I certify that she is a woman of credibility and that she is unable to appear before any Court from home now Robert Wagar Just of the C.C. Pleas

These may certify to all to whom it may concern that Joseph James of West Greenwich and Elizabeth Green of the same town was lawfully married on the 16 th day of January
AD 1774
Judith Dyerworth Justiciary
Town Clerk's office
West Greenwich December 2 nd AD 1836
I certify the foregoing to be a true copy as appears of Record in said office
Witness Benjamin P. Hoxie Town Clerk
Heard at West Greenwich December 3 rd AD 1836
Then personally appeared Benjamin P. Hoxie and made oath to the truth of the foregoing certificate by him signed
Before me John Wood J. C. C. P. Hoxie

I Daniel Rife of Coventry in the County of Kent & State of Rhode Island &c Being 80 years of age and under Oath according to Law do testify in the that in the year 1876 on or about the 18 th January Joseph James of Mt Greenough Enlisted into Capt Thomas Gorton's Company in Col Christopher Lippitt's Regiment for one year to go to the west I was in the same Company we spent time  the first & then to Pompton Morris Town Brunswick &c in the State of New York, We Enlisted as a Sargeant & showed as a S er Sargeant during said time We both served out our times & were dismissed Attest John Wood His Daniel Rife mark
State of Rhode Island
Kent County &c — In Coventry this 15 th Dec r 1836 Sworn to & subscribed before me & certify that the said Daniel Rife is of good Credibility as a witness
John Wood J.C.C. Phas

I, Silas James of West Greenwich in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island &c, being now seventy seven years of age and upward, On Oath do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Joseph James of West Greenwich who is now dead, and am well acquainted with Elizabeth James, the widow of the said Joseph James, and who has made application for a pension.
In October 1775 - I was called upon with the rest of the Militia to go to East Greenwich on the west side of Managanset Bay, and was stationed there. I well remember said Joseph James being there he was in the same company with me he was in Capt. Joseph Dyer's Company - he served three months at that time.
In January 1776 he enlisted as a Sergeant in Capt. Thomas Gorton's Company, Col. Christopher Lippitt's Regiment and went to the westward. I was present when he enlisted when he came back in March 1777, we were drafted and was stationed at Redwood's Neck on the west side of Managanset Bay, he served that time four months at least in Capt. Hopkins Company - after that we were drafted to go to Tiverton in Governor's Expedition in October 1777, he served at that time one month, he served as an adjutant in Col. Matson's Regiment. In January 1778, we were again drafted and was stationed at Redwood's Neck on the west side of Managanset Bay, he served that time four months at least, he served a part of the time in Capt. Hopkins and part in Capt. Benjamin Gorton's Company. In August 1778 we were again drafted and went to Newport on Rhode Island in Sullivan's Expedition, he served at that time one month in Col. Cushing's Regiment. In 1780 in August we were drafted and went to Bristol he served one month at that time in Capt. Joe Angell's Company, Col. Cushing's Regiment. These are all the services that I remember.
Silas James

Twelfth West Greenwich December 11 th Oct. 1836
Then personally appeared Silas James, signor to the within Deposition, and made Oath to the truth of the same, according to his best recollections and I further certify that he is a man of credibility
Before me Benjamin E. Russell Justice Peace
Deposition of Silas James

I, Silas James of West Greenwich was the slave of a gent and state of Rhode Island etc. being now slave seven years of age and upwards, on oath do testify and say as
That I was well acquainted with Joseph James formerly of West Greenwich, and the husband of Eliza- beth James, an applicant for a Pension, the said Joseph James, died on or about the third day of Febru- ary 1795, and the said Elizabeth James, has remained unmarried ever since that period, and is now his - widow.
Silas James
Witness, West Greenwich December 2 nd Dec. 1836
Then personally appeared Silas James, signer to the foregoing deposition and made oath to the truth of the same, and I further certify that he is a man of credibility. Before me -
Benjamin V. Hopkins Justice Peace

June 8, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXXX
RA-J/1888/801 Joseph James-W.21449
A.P. Coram Framingham Massachusetts
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Stephen Flagg, whose will was filed in 1815 at Boylston, Massachusetts and Joseph James, of Rhode Island, wife Elizabeth Greene or Reynolds, who, you think, drew a pension on account of the services of her husband.
There is no claim for pension or bounty land on file based upon the military service in the Revolutionary War of a Stephen Flagg. Such claims are the source of the data furnished by this office. The record of Joseph James is furnished herein, as found in pension claim, W.21449, based upon his service in the Revolution.
The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of Joseph James are not given.
While a resident of West Greenwich, Kent County, Rhode Island, Joseph James enlisted in October, 1775 and served three months as private in Captain Joseph Draper's Rhode Island Company; he enlisted January 18, 1776, served one year as sergeant in Captain Thomas Gorton's Company, Colonel Christopher Lippitt's Rhode Island Regiment, then four months longer in Captain Hopkins' Rhode Island Company; May 7, 1777, he was elected lieutenant of the 3 d Company, West Greenwich, Kent County, Rhode Island Militia, was in actual service at various times, about eight months, under Captains Hopkins, Benjamin Gorton, Job Angell and Draper. Colonels Waterman and Gorton, was in General Spencer's Expedition where he acted as adjutant for one month and in General Sullivan's Rhode Island Expedition.
He died February 3, 1795, in West Greenwich, Rhode Island.

Joseph James married January 18, 1774, in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, Elizabeth Gratrix. Both were then of said West Greenwich and their marriage was recorded on the records of the town clerk of that town. The date and place of birth of Elizabeth and the names of her parents are not shown.
Soldier's widow, Elizabeth, was allowed pension on her application executed November 10, 1838, while a resident of West Greenwich, Rhode Island, aged eighty-two years.
She died June 10, 1837 and was survived by nine children, their names not stated.
In 1838, one Silas James, aged seventy-seven years resided in West Greenwich, Rhode Island. No relationship to the soldier was shown.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension and the name and address of person paid in the case of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Elizabeth James, widow of Joseph James(W.21649), you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Elizabeth James, widow of Joseph James Certificate No.1555 Issued November 31, 1837 Rate $100 per annum Commenced March 4, 1831 Act of July 4, 1838 Rhode Island Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. MILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

1929 Feb 9. Nick. to Chas T. James 11/18/57
Rev
WIDOW, &c.
No. 21449 Elizabeth James Widow of Joseph James Ex Brn. War
Act: July 4 th 1886
Index: —Vol. 8 , Page 372
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Suspended See let. to Prof. Conwell May 20. 1837.

Mrs James -
D Rice
Sept 12 mo. in 76. Gorton - Lippett - maybe allowed J. James
x pri. 3 mo. Oct 75 Drapers -
Sept 12 mo 76. Gorton - Lippett
x pri. 4 mo. March 77. Hopkins -
Sept 1 mo. Oct 77. Col Manning Spencer expedition
x — 4 " Jan 78. " Hopkins
— 01 " Aug 78 " Capin
Sullivan -
— 01 " Aug 80 " "
Secy certf. St in May 77, Married Jan 74

Providence Sept 12 1837
Sir
I received your letter of May 30th respecting the claim of Elizabeth James widow of Joseph James a number of others and in answer to so much of it as respects the death of this James. I have to say that her principal witness Silas James is dead & therefore the mistake which he made in stating that Joseph James was a private 4 months from March 1777 cannot be corrected. The fact was, that all his services after May 1777 were as Lieutenant. To the end of the war & there can be doubt but he served 4 months as such but not as a private but as a Lieut. and as the service is recorded and a mistake only as to the grade was made by the witness I hope the

service will be allowed - especially as the mutual is dead & cannot restore his match You observe that "the marriage is duly es- tablished as also 12 months as longest in Lippitt's regiment in 1776" I have to request that a certificate for that & for all other services as Lieut or as acting Adjutant that are proved agreeably to your rules may be allowed - I have the enclosed another deposition proving some service in 1776
1780
I am respectfully Yours etc etc Dea Lowell
J. L. Edwards Esq

D. Matteson Deposition Mrs James

Dr. David Matteson, of West Greenwich in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island, being now seventy three years of age and upwards, do hereby certify and say, that he was well acquainted with Joseph James formerly of said West Greenwich, and the husband of Elizabeth James who some time since made application for a Pension.
He was at Bristol in August 1780, at which time said Joseph James being then a Prisoner in Capt. Joseph Snipes Company of Militia, in Col. Cushing's Regiment served about twenty days, said Joseph James was then a Lieutenant in said Capt. Snipes Company, and served as such while he remained therein.
David Matteson
State of Rhode Island
Kent County ss, at West Greenwich this 21 st June 1837, Sworn to and subscribed before me, And I further certify that the said David Matteson is a man of Credibility, and his statements are entitled to credit.
Benjamin R. Howsoe Justice Peace
Kent ss. Clerk's office Court of Common Pleas — I certify that Benjamin R. Howsoe Esq. is a Justice of the Peace for the Town of West Greenwich in said County of Kent, that the annexed is his proper signature in his own hand writing & that full faith & credence is & ought to be given to all his official acts In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said Court, at least Greenwich this sixth day of July in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven —
Per S. Slocum Atty

LAW OFFICES BROWN & JAMES 303 THAYER BUILDING NORWICH, CONN.
ARTHUR M. BROWN      CHARLES V. JAMES
November 16, 1928.
Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
Will you kindly furnish me with a statement of the service record of Joseph James of West Greenwich, R. I., under whom Elizabeth James of said West Greenwich was a pensioner, by virtue of the act of July 4th, 1836, and oblige,
Very truly yours,
Charles V. James
J/R

THIS SIDE OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS
Public Administration, Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir: Will you please tell me if the two following men were pensioners or received monthly pay for their services in the Revolutionary War.
Stephen Fogg who married Judith Taylor, Dec. 1750, at Shrewsbury, Mass. His will is filed 1815 at which time he was of Boylston, Mass.
Joseph James of Rhode Island. Wife was Elizabeth and I think she drew a pension for her husband's service. She was Elizabeth Greene I think - possibly Elizabeth Reynolds.
If these men were pensioners will you please send me data appearing on their applications?
Thanking you, I am
Sincerely,
A. A. Leason Framingham, Mass.
March 27, 1937.

February 9, 1929
Charles V. James 303 Thayer Building Norwich, Connecticut
Sir:
I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W.21449 it appears that Joseph James while a resident of West Greenwich, Kent County, Rhode Island, enlisted in October 1775 and served three months as private in Captain Joseph Draper's Rhode Island Company.
He enlisted January 18, 1776, served one year as sergeant in Captain Thomas Gorton's Company, Colonel Christopher Lippitt's Rhode Island Regiment, then four months longer in Captain Hopkins' Rhode Island Company.
On May 7, 1777 he was elected Lieutenant of the 3 rd Company, West Greenwich, Kent County, Rhode Island Militia, was in actual service at various times, about eight months, under Captains Hopkins, Benjamin Gorton, Job Angell and Draper, Colonels Waterman and Casson, was in General Spencer's Expedition where he acted as adjutant for one month

and in General Sullivan's Rhode Island Expedition. He died February 3, 1795 in West Greenwich, Rhode Island. His age is not given.
Soldier married January 16, 1774 in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, Elizabeth Greene; both then of said West Greenwich.
She was allowed pension on her application executed November 10, 1836 while a resident of West Greenwich, Rhode Island aged eighty-two years. She died June 10, 1837 and was survived by nine children, their names not stated.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.