Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 22677, Elisha Woodworth, R.I.

SERVICE
NUMBER
R J
Woodworth, Elisha Edith
W 22 677
CONTENTS
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6682
Rhode Island
Cath Woodworth deceased widow of Elisha Woodworth
who was a prisoner under the Act of - and who died on the 16 th July 1827 of Newport in the State of R. Island who was a Private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Simmons of the Reg t commanded by Col l Cook in the R. Island line for 9 months
Inscribed on the Roll of R. Island at the rate of 30 Dollars — Cents per annum to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836. Vending September 30 th 1839
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day of June June 1842 to Betsy Cowell, Providence R. Island
Arrears to the 4 th of Sept 1839 $105:00
Semi-annual allowance ending 30 th Sept 1839 the day of her death $ 16 2/3
$107.16 2/3
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by W. Addison Clerk, Book 9 Vol. 2 nd Page 28

Payment to be made to Wesleyan Methodist Church, Samuel Woodworth, Elihu Woodworth, Elisha Woodworth, Daniel Woodworth, Sarah Woodworth, Mary Woodworth, Abigail Milbur, Sophia Merrill and Rachel Gifford, children of Edith Wood- worth, decd.
Letter to Miss Hall Pension Agent, June 11 th 1842

Mr. Woodworth

Be it remembered that at a Court of Probate held at Little Compton, in the county of Newport on the 13 th day of September 1841, satisfactory evidence is produced before said Court that Edith Woodworth widow of Elisha Woodworth late of said Little Compton departed this life on the 30 th day of September A. D. 1839, that at the time of her death the said Edith left the following children by said Elisha (to wit) Hezekiah Woodworth, Samuel Woodworth, Elihu Woodworth, Elisha Woodworth, Daniel Woodworth, Abigail Wilbor wife of Owen Wilbor, Lydia Devol wife of John Devol, Rachel Gifford wife of Nathaniel Gifford, Sarah Woodworth, & Mary Woodworth, and that all said children are over twenty one years of age.
Also that at the time of her death the said Edith was an Applicant for a Pension under Act of Congress of July 7. 1838.
Given under my hand and the seal of the Court of Probate at Little Compton September 13 th . 1841
Otis Wilbor Probate Clerk

Town Clerk's Office, Little Compton June 19 th A. 1839.
"This may certify that Mr. Elisha Woodworth the son of Zekeiah deceased, and Abigail his wife, and Miss, Edith Wilbur the daughter of Charles & his wife Hannah, deceased were joined in Matrimony.—
Isaac Morse Shepard. Clerk.
Little Compton November 11 th 1790.—"November the Eleventh Seventeen hundred and Ninety.— I certify that the above is a true copy of the record in fair legible letters and figures— excepting the words." November the Eleventh Seventeen hundred and Ninety."
A. H. Brownell Town Clerk.
State of Rhode-Island } County of Newport } ss.
I Alexander H. Brownell above named, depose & say that I hold the office of Town Clerk of the Town of Little Compton, in the County & State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of my office with the exception above named, as certified by me.—
I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Edith Woodworth, and that she is the identical widow of Mr. Elisha Woodworth.
A. H. Brownell Town Clerk.
Sworn before me
P. H. Little Justice of the Peace
State of Rhode-Island } County of Newport } ss.
I Alexander H. Brownell Clerk of the Court of Probate of Little Compton in the R d County of Newport, being a Court of record, do hereby certify that Philip H. Little, is a justice of the Peace, in the Town of Little Compton in the County aforesaid— was appointed by the General Assembly and Commissioned according to Law bearing date May, 7 th 1838. And is fully authorized to act in his R d capacity— and that his foregoing signature by him made is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of my Court at Little Compton on this 22 d day of June, in the year of our Lord. 1839. Eighteen hundred thirty nine.
A. H. Brownell Clerk

I Gideon Church of Little Compton in the county of Newport and State of Rhode Island, a revolutionary soldier of lawful age, depose and say -
That I was always well acquainted with the late Elisha Woodworth of this town. We belonged during the Revolutionary war to the same militia company in this town - viz - the lower or south company under Capt. Ephraim Simmons. The said Elisha was on duty on the shores, the winter after the Enemy came here - and during all the time the Enemy were on Rhode Island - I did not belong to the same class with said Elisha, but my brother Caleb Church who is now dec d belonged to the same class - I have heard him say in his life time, that the s d Elisha and himself were on Rhode Island, in the same company, in Sullivan's Expedition in Aug. 1778. I remember well that he belonged to our company during the revolutionary war, and that I have seen him in the service, at different times while the British were on Rhode Island. It is a long time since these things were done - and having no written memoranda - made in relation to these events - I have to rely on my memory alone - I can well remember well, about the general nature of our duty - namely - that we had to go on guard duty every other month - but I cannot now tell the exact months - Nor can I state whether our months were began the first of every month, or at some other time in the month - I further solemnly declare that every man in our company had to do military duty, and their full share - there was great vigilance used in this respect - The s d Elisha was the husband of Edith Woodworth, who is now his widow, and an Applicant for a pension, of this town
State of Rhode Island } Gideon Church County of Newport } Sc
Clerk's Office of the Court of Probate of Little Compton in said County of Newport.
Personally appeared the above named Gideon Church known to this court to be a credible witness, who subscribed and was duly sworn to the truth of the above Deposition in Court.
A. H. B. W. M. Clerk of Probate

I Francis Willborn of Little Compton in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island a Revolutionary soldier of lawful age being solemnly sworn depose - That I was always well acquainted with the late Elisha Woodworth of this town, whose widow Edith Woodworth of said town is now an appli- -cant for a pension. we were about of the same age. and belonged to the same Militia company, before, during, and after the Revolutionary war - during said war, our duty in the public service was much of the time together - When the Enemy came to Rhode Island in December, our said company was called into service to guard the shores of this town - and said Elisha, was on duty with myself at Seakon- -net point guard post, upto the month of April 1777, as many as four months - under Capt. Simmons. our said company was then divided into two parts - and served every other month, by turns - I served at Seakonnet more than at any other place but, I served as a substitute for others, and was nearly all of the time in service while the Enemy were in Rhode Island for a term of nearly three years - and served at other places - - I think the said Elisha served his time, at the point guard post, and at Tazewell's Cove. - In the summer and Autumn of 1777 I saw him on duty, and served with him a part of the time, under Capt. Simmons - Not less I think than three months - In Winter of 1778 I stood with him one month at Tazewell's Cove under Lt. B. Coe - and he was again in service there I think in March 1778 one month - He was with us on Rhode Island in Sullivan's Expedition in August of this year - one month under Capt. Briggs in Col. Cook's Regiment - in the fall of 1778 I think he stood at the point guard under Capt. Simmons two months - in the winter of 1779 I think he was at the point, as many as two months - and in the spring and summer at the same place as many as two months to my knowledge - under Capt. Simmons - Capt. Ephraim Simmons was Capt. and he commanded most of the time at the point - M c Intosh, Cornelius Briggs, Wm. Richmond and Benjamin Coe, were also officers of said company, a part of whom were always on command at the guard posts. it belonged to Col. Cook's Regiment. but we never met by Regiment, as I remember, during the whole war - I know that the said Elisha was a good man, and performed his full share of duty - The above is according to my best recollections and belief -  Francis Willborn.
State of Rhode Island &c } County of Newport } ss.
Clerk's Office of the Court of Probate of Little Compton in said County of Newport.

Personally appeared the within named Francis Wilbur known to this court to be a credible witness who subscribed and was duly sworn to the truth of the foregoing Deposition in Court. ~
J. H. Kimball Clerk of Probate

3892
Edith Woodworth widow of Elisha
R.I.
at 7. July 38-
m 90. a 27-
Detach Roll 1mo. Sull. Enfr.
adm d
9 m a pri
30.
To Hesterah. Saml. Elisha Elisha. Daniel. Sarah Mary Woodworth - Abi- gail Willbur. Lydia D. vol & Rachel Eiford deceased from 4 march 36 to 30th Sept 39 the day of her death.
Jan 1840
B. Lovell Southwick Providence R.I.

State of Rhode Island ss County of Newport ss.
On this twenty first day of September - A.D. 1838 personally appeared before the Court of Probate of Little Compton in the County of Newport, a court of record. Edith Woodworth, a resident of sd. Little Compton, in sd. County of Newport, age sixty seven years and upwards, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath, make the following declarations, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7th. 1838. Entitled "An Act granting half pay, and pensions to certain widows."
That she is the widow of Elisha Woodworth, late of sd. Little Compton decd. and also late a Revolutionary soldier, in 1st. or South Company of Militia in said town. - We were both born and ever lived in this town. My said husband was many years older than myself, and if now living would be eighty four years of age - At the breaking out of the Revolutionary war, this town, owing to its being nearly surrounded by water, was much exposed, to the depredations of the Enemy, who had a number of armed vessels in the Bay under the command of Wallen - And on many occasions in the years 1775 and 1776, - the Enemy from these vessels, did land or attempted to land on the shores of this town, to drive off the stock and plunder the inhabitants - On these occasions, which were called 'alarms' the militia were called out to repel them - And I have heard my sd. husband say that he, at that time had been, in those alarms. And once on Rhode Island for several weeks in the fall of the year 1776. - When the Enemy landed on, and took possession of the Island of Rhode Island in Dec. 1776 - it became necessary to defend the shores of Little Compton by a strong military force, or to abandon it altogether to the enemy - The opposite shore on Rhode Island, from one to two miles, across from our shore, was lined by a powerful and well appointed army of our Enemy, and the water between us, filled with their armed ships and bongs, continually on the alert by night, and by day, endeavoring both by stratagem and force, to annoy us by every means in their power - Under these circumstances all the militia in said town were called into the public service, at that time, and continued in the service until the month of April 1777 My said husband was then in the service for four months - the Company to which he belonged, was then divided into

two posts - and one of those posts were continually in the public service for one month at a time, and then relieved by the other post or half of said Company - and so on, in this regular manner, until the Enemy evacuated sd. Island of Rhode Island in the month of Nov r 1779 - during all of this period, my said husband, was in the public service on the west shore of sd. Town, at the guard posts thereon, under the officers of his said company, in the manner aforesaid, for one half of the time.
I have heard my husband, in his life time, tell much about his revolutionary service at that time - I heard him say that in one of his monthly tours of duty, during sd. time - when on guard duty at sea-point, the enemy landed, at night, near them on the shore, and in the conflict that ensued, we had one man killed by the name of Gaggart - And that in August 1778 at the time of Sullivan's Expedition on Rhode Island, he was on sd. Island, in 1 st Company, under Col. Cook And that his brother Samuel Woodworth was there at the same time - that his said brother was then taken sick, was brought home and soon died - I have also heard him say that he was on Rhode Island, after the Enemy left the island, in the years 1780 and 1781 - as a soldier - I have often heard him relate the great sufferings and privations of the soldiers, and of the people of this town, during the time the Enemy were so near us on Rhode Island at that time - some of which sufferings I can remember - The said company during sd. time was under the Command of Capt. Ephraim Simmons, Capt. Southard, Benjamin Cox, and Wm Richmond were also officers, and it belonged to Col. Cook's Regiment - some of these officers, or a non commissioned officer, had the command of the Militia of sd. company, when on duty at sd. Guard posts -
I further on my oath declare, that according to my best knowledge and belief my sd. husband served not less than the following periods of time, in the manner aforesaid, in the grade of a private soldier - namely - On the Island of Rhode Island from July to Dec. 1776 three months - from Dec. 1776 to April 1777 four months - from April 1777 to April 1778 six months - from April 1778 to April 1779 six months and from April 1779 to November 1779 three months - making in all twenty two months service. for which I claim a pension.

I further declare that I was married to the said Elisha Woodworth on the eleventh day of November, Seventeen hundred and Ninety (1790) That My husband the aforesaid Elisha Woodworth died on the 16th day of July A.D. 1827; That I was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seven-teen hundred and Ninety four viz: at the above stated time -
Sworn to and subscribed on the day before me before written before & in open courts Almira Woodworth
Her Edith X Woodworth Mark
"And the said Court hereby certify that the above-named Edith Woodworth is by them known to be the widow of Elisha Woodworth deceased, - for whose services she claims a pension - that she is a credible person - and that they believe the statements by her herein made are true."
State of Rhode-Island ss. County of Newport ss.
Clerk's Office of the Court of Probate of Little Compton in said County of Newport.
I Alexander H. Brownell Clerk of said Court of Probate do hereby certify, that the foregoing are the original proceedings in the application of said Edith Woodworth for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said Court, a Court of record the twenty first day of September A.D. 1838.
And of American Independence the Sixty third A. H. Brownell Clerk of Probate

Providence June 7 1842
Sir
I have received yours of 3 d instant respecting the claim of Edith Woodworth in answer have to say that a certificate of the last of Probate of her death & the names of her children was transmitted by me to the Pension office on the 14 th of December with the other documents. If however it is not before found I will obtain another
I am respectfully, your obed t serv t Benja Lowell
J. L. Edwards Esq

Providence May 31 1842
Sir I have received your letter of 26 inst enclosing a copy of your letter of Dec 24 respecting the claim of Edith Woodworth, children. widow of Eliza I regret to say that no further testimony of witnesses can be produced that would be more satisfactory than what is transmitted. It is now next to impossible to obtain paid testimony at all - This claim however stands upon the same ground, both as to the law and the evidence, of three others, which you have admitted, Margaret Palmer Martha Taylor & Elizabeth Gray their husbands belonged to the Little Crompton Melitiah served on the shores of that town in the same manner as Edith Woodworth died is adjudged to the same acts of the Legislature. In those cases you

admitted as I believe that the act of Dec 77 did place the Militia of that Town on a different footing from the rest of the Militia of the State and indeed, if you will have the said up again to examine it you will see The Militia were under the same rules & regulations as the State troops, & that they were obliged to serve every other month & the evidence is, they did so serve This law converted the citizen into the soldier every alternate month as much so as if he entered In the above cases you offered to allow 9 Months service which was accepted althe they thought they were entitled to None - As this claim stands upon the same ground, both as to law, & the testimony I cannot but think you will allow the same, No one, can doubt but Elisha Wood- worth did as much service as any of the Militia of that Town - In this belief I have to request the same allowance  may be given to you Yours respectfully J. L. Edan was 808 Benjamin Lowell

Providence May 24 1842
Sir on the 16 of December last I forwarded to you some further proof & documents respecting the claim of Edith Woodworth children widow of Elisha together with a Statement of the facts bearing on her claim since which time I have not heard any thing relative to it & am fearful the letter did not reach you. Her claim stood upon the same footing as the other claims from Little Compton did, which you allowed. (Mrs Susannah Hilliard (widow of Elisha Grayson) and I thought there could be no doubt as to this. Copies of the acts of the Legislature under which the Military of that town served during the War were also endorsed -
I am respectfully yours - abt 24 Benja Russell
I L Edith's Ex

Providence Dec 16 1841
Sir
I herewith enclose further testimony in the case of Edith Woodworth deceased, widow of Elisha. This case was first presented by John Clegg Esq. Since his death I have been requested to attend to it - It will appear by the enclosed acts, that the Militia of Little Compton were placed upon an entire different footing from the other Militia of this State. By the act of December 1777 they were divided into two divisions to serve alternately thirty days in guarding the shores in that town and they were placed under the same rules & regulations & command as the State Troops raised for 15 months & used the same pay & rations. This act made the citizens of that town soldiers every other month and it continued in force, with but little variation, until Oct 79 when the enemy having evacuated the State

the guards were dismissed as will appear by the endorsed documents
Until Dec 77 the Militia of this town served as the other Militia did, to wit, every third month agreeably to the provisions of the act of Dec 76 (a copy of which has heretofore been sent you) yet as soon as the invasion took place they were all removed into this town to do duty therein — In further confirmation of the service of Elisha Woodworth I enclose an old Roll recently found among the papers of an officer in that town, on which is borne his name for about a months service in Sullivans Expedition in August 1778. The reason why the Militia of Little Compton did more duty than the Militia of other towns was on account of their exposed situation the British Army lay encamped directly opposite on the Island of Rhode Island & constant guards were required to watch their movements & they were never called to do duty out of that town but once & that was in the above expedition —

The law of Dec 77 as will be seen, placed the Militia upon the same footing as "enlisted men," and the testimony proves that Elisha Woodworth served as the law required and he received the same pay & rations.
In behalf of the children I have to request that one third of the time or four months may be allowed from Dec 76 to Dec 77 and one half of the time from Dec 77, to October 1779 or 11 months; fifteen months in all. It appears by your letter to A. K. Brownell Esq. of Feb 20 1841 that his marriage is admitted -
I am respectfully your obt Servt Benja. Lowell
J. L. Edwards Esq

I Francis Wilbous of Little Compton County of Newport and State of Rhode Island on Oath do testify and say that I am now Eighty five years of age and I do further testify as to the services of Elisha Woodworth the husband of Edith Woodworth since his widow in explanation of my former affidavit. The said Elisha served as I stated as a private. The manner in which the Militia of Little Compton served was as follows Soon after the enemy took possession of Newport the Militia of Little Compton were divided into two classes and one half served at a time stationed at various posts and guard Houses along the shore. There were generally between twenty and thirty stationed at a post for the a Captain of Guard who was generally a commissioned officer of the Militia Companies. They were paid and received rations and were under rules and regulations similar to the State Troops. I have a distinct recollection that said Elisha served as others did and all were obliged to serve every other month or about six months in the year. Francis Wilbous
State of Rhode Island
Newport ss Little Compton November 3 rd 1841
Then the above named Francis Wilbous appeared and made Oath to the above and signed the same in my presence and I also certify that said deponent is a credible witness before me George L. Bailey Justice of the Peace.

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Secretary's Office Decm 15. 1841
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, George C Bailey was elected Associate Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within the County of Newport for one year, and commissioned accordingly: as appears of record.
Witness my hand and the Seal of said State at Providence the day and year above written
Henry Bowen

Edith Woodworth

Town Clerk's office, Little Compton August 17 th 1840.
This may certify that the Elisha Woodworth the son of Hezekiah deceased and Abigail his wife, and Miss Edith Wilbur the daughter of Charles & his wife Hannah, deceased were joined in matrimony. —
Isaac Morse Shepard Clerk.
Little Compton November 11 th 1790. November the Eleventh Seventeen hundred and ninety. — I certify that the above is a true copy of the record in fair legible letters and figures — excepting the words "November the Eleventh Seventeen hundred and ninety" —
A. H. Brownell Town Clerk.
State of Rhode Island }
County of Newport S.S. }
I Alexander H. Brownell above named, depose & say, that I hold the office of Town Clerk of the Town of Little Compton in the County & State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said office, with the exception above named, as certified by me. — I further certify that I was personally acquainted with the above named Edith Woodworth and that she was the identical widow of said Elisha Woodworth. —
A. H. Brownell Town Clerk.
Sworn before me
State of Rhode Island }
County of Newport S.S. }
I Alexander H. Brownell Clerk of the Court of Probate of Little Compton in the said County of Newport, being a Court of record, do hereby certify that Thomas Palmer is a justice of the Peace in the Town of Little Compton in the County aforesaid, was appointed by the General Assembly and commissioned according to law bearing date June 29 th 1840. And is fully authorized to act in his said capacity — And that his foregoing signature by him made is genuine. —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at Little Compton on this seventeenth Day of August, in the year of our Lord 1840. Eighteen hundred forty.
A. H. Brownell Town Clerk.

Not. In. crop , may " 27. '39 - Same. Aug. " 24. '39 " Hon. R. B. Cranston Jan. 17. 1840. " C. R. Brownell Feb. 20, 1841 " R. B. Cranston - 6 Mar. 41 - " B. Cowell Dec. 24. 1841 " Same May 26. 1842 Act of July 38 Jan. June 3. 1842

Recd
WIDOW, &c.
File No.
23,677
Edith Woodworth Widow of Elisha Woodworth Died Rev. War
Act
July 7 th 1838
Index: Vol.
14
Page
367
[Arrangement of 1870.]