Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15719, for Samuel Lee, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Lee, Samuel Attwood, Lydia Former Widow
W. 15719
CONTENTS

Rhode-Island, 1606
Lydia Attwood, formerly widow of Samuel Lee, Decd.
who died on the 10 th of Oct. 1829; of Bristol co in the State of Rhode Island who was a private in the guard service, commanded by Captain S. Anthony of the R o commanded by _____ in the R. Island mar time for 9 mos. 14 days private. R.I.
Inscribed on the Roll of R. Island - at the rate of 31 Dollars 54 Cents, per annum, ■ commence on the 24th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 th day of De- cember, 1837 and sent to A. Bullock, Bristol, R. Island.
Arrears to the 24th of Sept. 1837, $ 205:05 Semi-annual allowance ending 4. M. 1838 = 15:77
$220:78
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 d . }
Recorded by S. A. Elliot Clerk, Book A, Vol. 2 Page 51.

V2236 Lydia Attwood Widow of Samuel Lee R.I.
adm d 9 mo. 14 ds pri
$31. 54/100
no deduction
C. F. Bullock Bristol

I Grindall Chase of Barrington in the County of Bristol and State of Rhode Island aged eighty years and upwards, on oath depose that I used to be acquainted with Capt. Samuel Lee of Swanzy Neck, from our youth until his death. That I served with said Lee in the Revolutionary war three months on Swanzy neck commencing in the Spring of 1777. We were stationed at the house of Charles Sleaf, our duty being to guard the shores. I was the sergeant of the guard at that place during said three months. I had six men in my guard of which said Lee was one. He staid at said station night and day for three months. The British were at this time in the possession of the island of Rhode Island and detachments of them frequently landed on Swanzy neck and committed depredations, and the town authorities used to establish posts on the shores where guards should be kept and we performed said duty by the direction of the town. After this three months service our station was removed three or four miles to the house of Elisha Wheaton who lived close by the shore. My guard here was increased to twelve men. He patrolled from said Wheaton's house to Sisson's neck a distance of a mile and upwards. He was at this latter station six months. Said Lee served there under me the whole time, making in all nine months in which said Lee and I served together. He was afterwards master of a boat but I cannot say how long. I was also acquainted with Lydia Wolf who married said Lee early in the war. She married quite young. She afterwards married Sheffield Atwood and now remains his widow.
Grindall Chase
Bristol R.I. at Barrington Barrington this 11th day of May 1887 Then personally came Grindall Chase above named and signed and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition, before me, and I certify that said Chase is personally

Known to me and is a man of truth and veracity —
Jos. M. Blake Just. Peace

I James Dyer of Bristol in the State of Rhode Island aged seventy three years on oath depose,
That Capt. Samuel Lee late of Swansey in the State of Massachusetts married my sister Lydia in the Revolutionary war. I lived on a farm situated on the line between said Swansey and Warren R.I. and he in said Swansey. I was well acquainted with him and used to be with him a good deal before and after his marriage. He used to be employed more or less in the guard service on the shores before and after his marriage. I was more acquainted with him after his marriage and well recollect of his being engaged in that kind of service but I cannot state the particulars of his services. He was Captain of a Cartel in 1782. I went with him once myself to New York in that year. I recollect of going with him on board a British man of war lying at New York. I do not know how long we were gone nor how many prisoners were exchanged. The object of the Cartel was to exchange prisoners. He was master of the vessel during the trip. After the death of said Lee my said sister married Sheffield Atwood who also has been dead for some years. Mrs. Atwood now remains his widow and lives in said Bristol.
J. Dyer
Bristol /c. at Bristol this 17th day of June 1837 Then personally came James Dyer above named and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed before me. And I certify that said deponent is personally known to me and is a man of truth and veracity -
S. H. Blake Just. Peace

I, John DeWolf of Bristol, in the State of Rhode- Island aged seventy seven years and upwards on solemn oath, depose and say that I was intimate with Samuel Lee of Swansey before and after he married my sister, now Lydia Attwood; He was married to her in the Spring of the year 1777. I also testify that said Lee was in the guard service on Swansey shores a good deal while the British were in possession of Newport and the Island of Rhode Island. I was a part of that time in the guard service in Warren and Bristol and Baring- ton. And was a while placed on Mawson's and Sisson's Necks. Lee was then I think stationed on the ad- joining shores in Swansey. He used to live near that shore by deer river which was much exposed and there was a range of guard stations all around the Bay. Lee was in this service for a considerable time. I can not say how long I was in Sullivan's expedition and think said Lee was then a part of it. I remember there were a number of alarms during the time the British were in Newport, in and about Bris- tol, I used to be called out on those occasions to the places of alarm in the Warren militia and Lee used to be there with the Swansey militia but I can not specify the periods of his service as mine was mostly in other places. I was a prisoner in a prison ship at New York and while there said Lee came as master of a Cartel to exchange prisoners. He was in this Cartel more than one trip but I cannot tell how many. A trip would occupy a month or thereabout. My said sister after Captain Lee's death married Sheffield Attwood who has been dead a number of years and she remains a widow and was such 4 th July A.D. 1836 -
John DeWolf

Bristol sc At Bristol this 17 th day of June 1837 Then personally came John Dwoy and subscribed and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed. And I certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Dwoy and that he is a man of truth & veracity - Sworn to Before me - Jos. M. Blake Just. Peace
State of Rhode Island Bristol June 24 1837 Personally appeared Benjamin Luther the subscriber to this within deposition and made solemn oath to the truth thereof before me: and I certify that I am acquainted personally with said Luther and that he is a man of truth and veracity Mason W. Pierce Jus. Peace

I Benjamin Luther of Swansey in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy six years on solemn oath depose and say that I have been for many years a member of the Baptist Church in said town of which Elder Russell Mason long since deceased was the pastor and I testify that owing to the confusion of the times for several years of the Revolutionary war especially during the period the Enemy held Newport when all the surrounding shores were in a state of alarm said Mason retired back a short distance into the Country and used to preach but occasionally and I further testify that during all that time I cannot ascertain he kept any Record of marriages solemnized by him and I have made inquiry upon that point and am positive he did not make a record of that part of his ministerial services - and am still more positive if any memorandum were made of marriages nothing of the kind now remains - I further testify that Samuel Lee married Lydia Dellow now Mrs. Atwood at an early period of the Revolution and before he had performed much military service and that while they were married said Lee performed a considerable guard service - He was stationed on the shores of the Bay and kept patrol from one station to another; Grindal Chase was sergeant of the guard to which Lee was attached. I am sure said Lee served on this guard nine or ten months - This service I think was in 1777 and run into 1778 - said Lee was afterwards a Volunteer under Captain Edward Anthony but this was not long before the enemy left Newport and there was not much done by the Volunteer company. Benjamin Luther

I, Stephen Luther of Swansey in the commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventyseven years on solemn oath depose and say that I was acquainted with Samuel Lee formerly of the same Swansey before and during the War of the Revolution - I remember when I returned from my service in the ship Providence to Swansey I found the shores of that town guarded by platoons of soldiers stationed at all the most exposed points and I recollect said Lee was employed as a private soldier at those stations. This was in the Fall of 1777. From that time I was stationed in Swansey a while but soon at Warren and I remember seeing said Lee occasionally at his station in the Guard Service - In the Spring of 1778 I was marched to Rhode Island and was there in the engagement in August 1778, and I am nearly positive said Lee was there - But being in the artillery was not so likely to see him often
Stephen Luther
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss Swansey June 19 th 1837
Then personally appeared the above named Stephen Luther known unto me as a Credible Witness and made oath in due form of Law that the above affidavit by him signed is true
Before me Alinathur White Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Bristol ss
I James Sprout Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for Said County of Bristol. Certify that Abiathar White is a Justice of the Peace now in Commission in and for Said County of Bristol and that the Signature, attached to the within Affidavit Purporting to be his is Genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Affixed the Seal of Said Court this Twentyfour day of June Eighteen hundred and thirty-seven J s Sprout

I David Anthony of Somerset in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the Seventy Seventh year of my age. on oath depose that I used to be well acquainted with Samuel Lee deceased we were neighbours from early age until his death and we lived in the same house through a part of the Revolutionary War. I moved into his house in September in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Eighty nine he had married Lydia Wolf and had a child when I moved in - we were in - we were both volunteers under Capt Edward Anthony for about one year liable to do duty but did not do much we went to Bristol under him when Bristol was burnt by the British in May 1778 and we were stationed under him a little while on high  Swanney in case of an alarm. I was in Sullivan's expedition and served through, I was in Obediah Eddy's Company of Piva Key Militia I was drafted Nathanial Service was Lieutenant Col Doggett's Regiment in that Service but I think not in the same company. I recollect of seeing Samuel Lee in that Service this Service was a fortnight Said Samuel Lee was afterwards Master of a Galleon from Newport to New York the vessel belonged here said Lee made at least two trips. I made one which took one months time in 1782. Somerset was formerly a part of Swanney Swanney June 9 th 1837 David Anthony
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss. June 9 th 1837 Then the above named David Anthony Personally appeared before me the subscriber and made solemn oath to the truth of the above declaration by him subscribed and I further certify that said David Anthony is a man of Truth and veracity John Mason Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Bristol ss. I Anselm Basset Register of the Court of Probate for said County do certify that John Mason whose signature is affixed to the foregoing signature is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County - In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said Court this tenth day of June Eighteen hundred thirty seven - A Basset

Town Clerks Office Swansea June 5 1837.
I John Mason Town Clerk of the town of Swansea County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do certify and say that after examining I cannot find the marriage of Samuel Lee and Lydia D. Wolf was ever recorded in the records of said town. I also certify that I believe that many marriages have taken place in town many years since which never have been recorded particularly from the years 1774 to 1784
John Mason Town Clerk of Swansea
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss Swansea June 3. 1837. Then personally appear- ed before me the subscriber the above named John Mason known to me as town clerk of Swansea and made oath that the above certificate by him subscribed is correct
Before me David Gray Justice of the Peace

State of Rhode Island &c } Clerk's Office Supreme Judicial Bristol County ss } Court June 26. A D 1837
I Greenwood Weymouth Clerk of said Court for said County of Bristol do hereby certify that William Throop is Clerk of the Court of Probate for Bristol, and that the signature of his name at the bottom of the attestation of the declaration of Sybil Alwood is his genuine signature.
And I further certify that Joseph M. Blake before whom the Depositions of Grindal Chase, James D. Wolf and John D. Wolf purport to have been taken, is a Justice of the Peace for said County of Bristol and that the signature of his name at the bottom of the certificate to said deposition is his genuine signature. And I further certify that Mason W. Pearce before whom the deposition of Benjamin Luther purports to have been taken is a Justice of the Peace for said County and that the signature of his name at the bottom of the certificate to said deposition is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court the day and year above written.
Green Weymouth Clerk

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the 3 rd section of the act of 4 th July, 1836, and of the first section of the act of 3 rd March A.D. 1837.
The State of Rhode Island &
County of Bristol ss. On this first Monday of June A.D. 1837, being the 5 th day of said month personally appeared, before the Court of Probate, now in session at Bristol, within and for the town of Bristol in said County, Lydia Attwood, a resident of said town of Bristol, aged seventy 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 4 th 1836, and the act explanatory of said act, passed March 3 rd 1837. That she was married to Samuel Lee, then of Swansey in the State of Massachusetts, who was a private Soldier in a militia company of the said town of Swansey, that his accustomed occupation had been that of a coasting sailor; that after the English entered Newport and blockaded the outlets of Narragansett Bay in December 1776, her said husband was obliged to abandon his former occupation and betake himself to other employment; that in the Spring of 1777, or at least as early as the first of June of that year, her said husband was engaged as a private Soldier with a part of a company of Swansey militia in the guard service in said town about the shores of Mount Hope Bay, which is opposite to and directly in sight of a part of Rhode Island, then wholly under the control of the enemy; that he continued in this service according to the best of her recollection until the Spring of 1778, making a period of not less than nine nor more than ten months; that there were several stations occupied by different guards during the time of this service, around the Swansey shores, and these guards she believes changed stations with each other occasionally; that the line of stations reached from the mouth of Lee's river to Sipsas Neck and she thinks to Kaka

mint river at the Narrows on the other side of which the Bristol soldiers had a station; That after this guard service she does not recollect any other military service performed by her husband until the enemy landed in Bristol and burned a part of that place and Warren; which was in the spring of 1778 and a few weeks only after her said husband had left the guard service; She well recollects that soon after, a messenger came to their house early in the morning, her said husband was out, but she had not risen from her bed, being confined with a young infant; and the messenger in a hurry to give the alarm that the enemy had landed near Warren burst open her bed room door, said the enemy were coming and that the militia must repair without a moments delay to a particular place he mentioned, her said husband had heard the news and soon came in took his gun and left home immediately and did not return for several days, she can not tell the number - in the latter part of the summer of 1778, her said husband was again engaged as a private soldier to Rhode Island in Sullivans expedition for several weeks, and was called a number of other times in alarms but she does not recollect his being out more than one day at a time in any of them except when the mills at Full river were burned when he was out with the militia who pursued the enemy back to the Island she thinks one week - and she further declares that in the latter part of the Revolution, in 1782, her said husband was Captain of a Cartel that performed under his command, two or more trips to New York and back exchanging prisoners and was thus employed in the public service three months as she believes, but she speaks only from the best of her recollection, she has always understood that her said husband was engaged as a soldier at least a year in the Revolutionary war exclusive of his Cartel service; And she further declares she was married to said Samuel Lee, on the 18 th day of April in the year seventeen hundred

and seventy seven; by Elder Russell Mason a Baptist minister then settled over a Parish in Swansea that he has been long dead and as she is informed has left no record of his marriage or of any other to be found; that her husband the aforesaid Samuel Lee died in North Carolina on the day of January A.D. 1798; that she was afterwards married to Sheffield Attwood of Bristol aforesaid who died on the tenth day of October A.D. 1829 and that she was a widow on the 4 th July, 1836, and still remains a widow, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed
Lydia Attwood
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before said Court of Probate.
Attest, Wm Shrop Prob. Cth.
I, Wm Shrop Clerk of the Court of Probate for said Town of Bristol, a Court of Record, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Lydia Attwood, widow, for a pension, for services performed by her former husband Samuel Lee, deceased, in the war of the Revolution.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this fifth day of June A.D. 1837. By order and in behalf of said Court.
Wm Shrop Prob. Cth.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
See
File No. 15719
Lydia Allmond
Widow of
Samuel Lee
Sci Rev War
Act: July 4 th 86.
Index:—Vol. a , Page 21
[Arrangement of 1870.]

✓ Suspended in lib. to N. Bulloch Aug. 29, 1857.

Gen. Chan. Ling Hua
m.
h. —
Walt Green Lunt (at Bridge) Dana Anthony int

Sam. Lee. Swanzey
4:77. until Spring of 1778 9 mo. guard
78 Several weeks
82 Capt. Cartel
Manned Apr. 77

Lydia Attwood

I John D. Wolf of Bristol in the State of Rhode Island aged seventy seven years on solemn oath do testify and say That I am the brother of Widow Lydia Pitwood of said Bristol whose first husband was Samuel Lee, formerly of Strangely Massachusetts, I was at my said sister's house at the time when her first child was born. It was a son and was named Beecher Lee after the late Governor Beecher who was a lineal connexion of the said Samuel Lee. Her said son Beecher was born in January or February 1778. I remember the time well and assert without any hesitation that it was the winter previous to Sullivan's Expedition on the Island which was in August 1778. When a lad Beecher was put into the counting House of the late Mr. Jones Esq. of Providence and died soon after at the house of the said Jones. My said Sister had two other sons by the said Lee, named Samuel & Charles, both of whom were lost at sea returning from Canton in a Brig belonging to me and my brother James, in the Winter of 1802. Said Samuel was a young man grown. I cannot tell his age but he was mate of the said vessel. I recollect that said Lee having been engaged as a soldier had not provided things comfortable for such an occasion & my sister was very sick in her confinement.
John D. Wolf
State of Rhode Island H. Bristol ss. At Bristol this 18th day of September 1837. Then personally came Hon. John D. Wolf above named and gave the foregoing de- position and made oath to the truth thereof and signed the same before me. And I certify that I am well acquainted with said Depo- nent and that he is a man of truth & veracity Jas. M. Blake Just. Peace

I Henry Bradford of Bristol in the State of Rhode Island aged sixty six years on solemn oath depose and say, that I married a daughter of Mrs Lydia Atwood of said Bristol by her last husband, Sheffield Atwood. My wife is now dead. Mrs Atwood now lives in my family and has lived with me ever since she lost her last husband. She has no record of either of her marriages or of the births or deaths of any of her children. We have searched the house to find one without success. I have never seen any such record, and if she ever had one it must have been destroyed or lost long since. The family Bible which was given her by her late mother many years ago, was rebound a number of years past. The first few pages are not in the book and if it contained originally a family record it was lost before it was rebound, only the binder in rebinding it.
Mrs. Atwood had a number of children by Mr. Lee her first husband. With two of them, Charles & Samuel I was well acquainted. They were lost at sea in returning from the Indies in 1802.
Henry Bradford
Bristol ss at Bristol this 20th Sept. 1877 Then personally came Henry Bradford above named and gave the aforewritten deposition and subscribed and made oath to the truth of the same, before me. And I also certify that I am personally acquainted with said deponent and that he sustains a good character for truth and veracity
J. M. Blake Just. Peace

State of Rhode Island } Clerk's Office Supreme Judicial Court Bristol County } October 6 th A.D. 1837
I Greenwood Reynolds Clerk of said Court for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Joseph H. Blake before whom the depositions of John B. Wolf and Henry Bradshaw purport to have been taken is a Justice of the Peace for said County of Bristol duly qualified to act in said capacity, and that the signature of his name at the bottom of the certificates to said depositions is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court the day and year above written
Greenwood Reynolds Clerk