Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17,422, for Caleb Lewis, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER
R.I.
Lewis, Caleb
No. 17,422
Parsons, Nancy
(Former Widow)
CONTENTS

2579. Connecticut.
Nancy Parsons, formerly widow of Caleb Lewis - dec d who died in the month of April 1790 , of Holland Co. in the State of Connecticut Private who was a Sergeant in the Comp y commanded by Captain West of the Reg t commanded by Col. Dapham - in the line for 21 months - R. Island Increased from 60$ : -
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut - at the rate of 90 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831 .
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 th day of May 1841 , and sent to Mrs. J. H. Brockway House of Reps. -
Arrears to the 4th of Sept: 1840 - $ 855:00 Pens n annual allowance ending 4 Mar: 41  45:00 deducting amount already paid - $ 900:00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 rd }
Recorded by Am. L. Lathinger Clerk. Book C , Vol. 1 , Page 80 .
May 5, 1846 } See Topse Can. } " to Edwards & Smith June 15/52

State of Connecticut } } } Tolland County, } Is Ellington.
On this third day of July 1838 personally appeared before the Court of Pro- bate for the District of Ellington in the county & State aforesaid, Widow Nancy Parsons a resident of said Ellington, a credible person well known to this court, aged Seventy nine years & three months. Who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath declare: That she was born in a place called Middletown, in the State of Rhode Isl and on the 28 th of March 1759.
She furthermore declares that Caleb Lewis formerly of Exeter, in the State of Rhode Island, was a Soldier in the army of the Revolution.
That early in the Spring of the year 1777, she believes that he the said Lewis enlisted into Captain Benjamin Wests company, then attached to Col o Hartsors Regiment, for the term of nine months; & it is her belief that he served out his full term, of not less than nine months, in this tour she does not know whether he served as a Serjeant, or a pri- vate Soldier.
And she furthermore declares, that he again entered the service by enlisting as a Serjeant into Capt Benjamin Wests compa- ny attached, at that time to Col o Tophams Regiment, & to Gen. Cornells Brigade, that he was enlisted, as early as the 9 th of March 1778, to serve for a period of not less than twelve months, & she has heard it was for fifteen months she cannot state the time with any more precu- sion but would leave it to be determined by the

rolls of the Prospective Regiments, if they remain in the Pension Office. If the rolls cannot be found she would claim that the first period of service was not less than nine months & that the second period of service was not less than twelve months, & that he served in the first period as a private, & in his second period as a Serjeant; in the whole, for a period of not less than Twenty one months. Of those who served with him in his first tour she has not been able by diligent search to find a surviving witness, but she trusts as his name is found recorded as an Enlisted man in Capt B West Company, for that year that if it is all that of it is all that she can obtain at this remote period it will be satisfactory to the department. In support of the second tour she has by diligent search found two survivors & Pensioners who served with him.
And she furthermore declares, that in the years 1777, and 1778, she was living at the House of Mr John Whitford of the Town of Exeter, County of Washington State of Rhode Island, & that she having been engaged for some time previous or before he went into the service in the Spring of 1778, to marry him the said Caleb Lewis he went into the service under this engagement, and in the Month of November, of that year, viz of the year 1778, he the said Caleb Lewis was sent out from the army, as a trusty man, to search after several Deserters from the army; who were thought to be lurking in the vicinity of Exeter; some of whom he found & carried back to the army. While he was at home, at this time, viz in the month

of November 1778, the precise day is not 3 recollected. She was married to him at the house of John Whitford, by Elder Sprague Pastor of the Baptist church in the town of Exeter aforesaid, there was present at the Wedding Mr John Whitford's family and Sarah Eldridge who stood up with me but she I hear has been dead six or seven years.
my friends have been down to find evidence at Exeter; but almost all the people I know there 60 years ago are dead; but one per- son who was present at the Marriage & two others who had knowledge of the fact at the time have testified to it: She finds that there is no records of her Marriage.
She believes that her Husband had many years ago, a record of their Marriage in some Book, Bible or Account Book, but by several removals, and a want of proper care, this record, (if there was one) is entirely lost; & has been for many years: And she has furnished now the highest evidence she possesses, or can obtain of these facts and she has no record whatever. And she furthermore declares, that the said Caleb Lewis, (her hus- band as aforesaid) died at said Ellington in the Month of April 1790; And that she again Married in the Month of October 1792, to Rufus Parsons, of said Ellington who died in the Month of October 1835, and she has continued a Widow ever since that period, and has never again intermarried, all which will more fully appear, by reference to the proof herunto annexed.
Sworn & subscribed The day & year aforesaid Nancy her Parsons

In presence of Josiah Hayward. Asa Willey And the said Court hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & putting the appropriate interrogatories that Caleb Lewis, within named, was a Soldier of the Rev- olution & served as is stated, within & that he inter- married with Nancy Greenman in the month of Nov 1778, & that he died in Oct 1790 & that she after- wards intermarried, viz in Oct 1792, with Rufus Parsons of said Ellington, & that the said Rufus Par- sons died in the month of October 1835, & that the said Nancy Parsons, has remained a Widow ever since that period, & has never again intermar- ried.
In testimony whereof, I Moses B Bell Clerk of the Probate Court for the District of Ellington in the County of Tolland, State of Connecticut do hereunto set my hand, & affix the Seal of said Court at Ellington, aforesaid this third day of July A D 1838
And I further certify, that Asa Willey Esq, before whom the annexed certificate of Joseph Wolton, was taken was on the tenth day of June 1838 & is now a lawful Justice of the Peace for said Tolland County, & the signature of said Justice to the said certificate, of said Joseph Wolton, is his genuine signature, well known to me. as is also his signature to the certificate of Jaymar Hayward annexed herunto
In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand & affix the Seal of said Probate Court at Ellington aforesaid this 3 rd day of July A D 1838
Attest Moses B Bell Clerk
Nancy Parsons Declarations

I hereby certify that John Lewis son of Jonathan & Anna Sheldon daughter to Roger North of Exeter were lawfully joined together in marriage by me the subscriber this 28 th Day of September D 1777
Colb. Nicholas D r Benjamin Lewis eldest son of John Lewis and Anna his wife was born October 14 th D 1778
Town Clerks office Exeter August 17. 1840
I hereby certify that the above Certificate is a true copy as appears of Record in this office
Witness H os Phillips S m Clarke

Jesse Charlton Notary Public, for the State of Connecticut do hereby certify that I am knowing to the fact, that the within named Thomas Phillips is Town Clerk of the town of Eastford & I am well acquainted with his hand writing & the within signature is his genuine signature. Copies of record given under the hand of the clerk, are considered as sworn to, as he is under oath & their attested copies are received as evidence in all our Courts of Justice.
In testimony whereof I do hereunto subscribe my name & affix my Seal of office at East Windsor New Bedford County Conn. on this 22 nd day of August A.D. 1840
Jesse Charlton Notary Public

Sally Spencer Declaration

State of Connecticut Hartford County } Is Enfield
On this 30 th day of January 1852 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Enfield in said County, now sitting Mers Sally Spencer, a resident of Enfield in said County aged Fifty two years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain an addition to the Pension of her Mother Nancy Parsons, late of Ellington in Tolland County, State of Connecticut who was pensioned under the act of July 4 th 1836, at the rate of Sixty dollars per annum, & which was afterwards increased to Ninety dollars per annum. She further declares, that she has understood and believes, that by reason of decay of memory, or some other cause, her said mother The said Nancy Parsons, in her declaration stated the time of the service of her said husband to have been Nine months, as a private and twelve months as a sergeant; while the proof sent & not in the pension office (viz the depositions of the witnesses who served with him, and the documentary proof furnished by the Secretary of Rhode Island, shows that he served full two years. Whereupon she the declarant requests that the mistake may be rectified, and such further allowance made as the proof will fully warrant. She further declares that the said Nancy Parsons, died in said Ellington on the 31 st day of July 1845, or Eighteen hundred & forty five and that she left at her decease, five children and no more; viz, James Lewis, & Hannah Carr

and Rufus Parsons, & Nancy Dimock, and Sally Spencer, the declarant, who makes this application in behalf of herself, and the other children above named, the only surviving children of the said Nancy Parsons.
Omni Glanus
A. Johnson
Sally Spencer
State of Connecticut
Hartford county ss Enfield.
I Nholiab Johnson Judge of the Probate Court for the District of Enfield in said County do hereby certify that satisfactory proof has been made this day, in open Court that Widow Nancy Parsons, formerly the widow of Caleb Lewis, and who was pensioned for the ser- vices of said Lewis, died in Ellington in the County of Tolland & State of Connecticut, on the 31 st day of July eighteen hundred and forty five; and that James Lewis; and Hannah Carr; and Rufus Parsons; & Nancy Dimock; and Sally Spen- cer, are the children and the only surviving chil- dren of the said Nancy Parsons.
In testimony whereof, I do hereunto set my hand, at Enfield in the County of Hartford on the thirtieth day of January 1852. Nholiab Johnson Judge Probate
District of Enfield
I Alonzo P. Johnson Clerk of the Probate Court for the District of Enfield in the County of Hartford do hereby certify that the Hon Nholiab Johnson who has signed the above certificate is the Judge of said Court { and that his signature as Judge is his hand writing. In testimony whereof, I do here unto set my hand, & affix the seal of said Court on the 30 th day of January 1852 Alonzo P. Johnson Clerk

State of New Hampshire - loss bounty
On this 21 st day of August A D 1838 personally appeared before me the subscribing authority one of the Justices of the peace for said bounty Mrs Hannah Barr, a resident of Colebrook in the County and State aforesaid, a credible person, who being first duly sworn according to law, and duly cautioned doth on her oath make the following answers to the questions proposed by me (viz)
Ques n Mrs Hannah Barr, what is your age? Answer - I was fifty eight years old last December the year of my birth being as I have been told from my childhood, in 1779, in the month of December the tenth tenth day
Question - who were your Parents? Answer - Caleb Lewis of Exeter, in the State of Rhode Island, was my Father - and Nancy Greenman of Middletown Rhode Island was my Mother -
Question - is your Father living? Answer he is not; he died in Ellington Connecticut when I was about eleven years old - and my Mother Married again to a Mr Rufus Parsons who I have heard died several years ago; as I hear that my Mother is still living, and still a widow, I have not seen my Mother for twenty seven years
Question - have you a record of your own age? Answer - there is a record in our family bible which states that I was born on the tenth day of December 1779 -

Question - have you any doubt of this being your true age - 3
Answer - I have not any doubts; as I have been so informed, and have so accounted it from my childhood Hannah Carr
Sworn and subscribed the day and year first mentioned - Before me Daniel Harvey Justice of the Peace Attest
State of New Hampshire, Coos fs.
I James M. Rice Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County of Coos in the State of New Hampshire, hereby certify that Daniel Harvey Esquire, before whom the annexed certificate of Hannah Carr was taken, is at this time and has been for more than two months last past, a lawful Justice of the Peace for said County & that his signature to the said certificate is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof, I do hereunto set my hand and affix the Seal of said Court at Lancaster aforesaid on this thirtieth day of August 1838.
Attest James M. Rice Clerk

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 17422 Nancy Parsons Former Wife of Caleb Lewis Esq. M.P.
Act: July 7 th 1936
Index:—Vol. M , Page 113
[Arrangement of 1870.]

I Paris Cory of Plainfield in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged about 82 years being duly cautioned and sworn do Depose and say that I used to know and was well acquainted with Three Persons in Exeter R.I. by the name of Caleb Lewis, (when they lived) One was called Sam Caleb and was a Sailor by occupation. One was called Caleb Lewis Jr and his father was called The Slave Maker Caleb.
Caleb Lewis Jr. I knew from a boy & in the time of the war of the Revolution he served as an officer in the Army in R.I. and else where
That Caleb Lewis Jr aforesaid was reputed to have been married in the time of the Revolutionary war and in the year 1778 to a Girl who was a native of Connecticut, by name of Nancy Greenman.
Paris His X Cory Mark
Witness. Roxey Cory Wm Stanton
State of Connecticut Windham County } Plainfield Feb. 12 th 1840
Personally appeared Paris Cory who subscribed to the above Deposition by His Mark and who is known to the subscriber, from the statements of Wm Stringer and other respectable individuals residing in Plainfield, to be a witness, whose statements are entitled to full credit and belief and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me
Wm Stanton Notary Public

I Sillabridge Barber of Norwich in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged 84 years May 10 th 1839 being duly Cautioned and sworn according to law do Depose and say that I was born as my parents used to tell me in the town of Exeter County of Washington and State of Rhode Island. I there lived from the time of my Birth until sixteen years ago last April at which time I removed from Exeter Rd to this place Norwich.
That I was Married December 30 th 1778 by Newman Perkins Justice of Peace.
That In the time of the Revolutionary war I knew Caleb Lewis called "The Plowmaker Caleb" of Exeter Rd aged and he had a son by the name of Caleb Lewis, who was then called Caleb Lewis Junr. There was another Caleb Lewis whom I knew and he was called "Lame Caleb" from the fact that he was a lame man and was by occupation a Sailor .
That Caleb Lewis Junr aforesaid named, served in the war of the Revolution and was an officer in the service as was said at the time, and served in the Army at New Port & vicinity & other Places as I used to hear stated at the time.
I did not serve in the regular Army, but I served several short tours in the militia.
That Caleb Lewis Jr. aforesaid was reported to have been married while in the service but I was not at the wedding I recollect well of hearing of the marriage of Caleb Lewis Jr aforesaid
The Girl he married was a native of Connecticut and her maiden name was Nancy Ginnman
The time that I first heard of the marriage I well recollect was some months before my son Edward Barber & my Daughter Susan -rich Barber Twins were born. and I think it was about nine months before the birth of the Twins

Caleb Lewis father of Caleb Lewis Jr. married a Girl from Connecticut by the name of Sybel Druery as I used to hear old people say.
The twins I have before mentioned to wit Edward & Susannah Barber were Born July 17 th 1779.
I have always kept a record of my Marriage & also of the Births and Deaths of my Children as they come along the record I always made up at the time of each Birth and Death - and it is in my family Bible and in the following words to wit.
"Lillabridge Barber and Alice Wilcox both of Exeter of Rhode Island was married the Thirtieth day of December 1773."
"William Barber was born March the 2 nd day 1774
"Alice Barber was Born August 28 day 1777
"Joseph Barber was born January 29 th day 1776
{ "Edward Barber and Susannah Barber Born July 17 th "day Both at a Birth 1779"
"Hannah Barber was born October 11 th day 1781
"Leonard Barber was Born November the 30 day 1787
"Rhody Barber was Born July 6 th day 1791
"Hannah Barber the Second was born August the 23 rd day 1793
"Lillabridge Barber, and Alice Barber's Children Births
{ "Lillabridge Barber was born May 10 th day 1755 "Alice Barber wife of Lillabridge Barber was Born June 10 th day 1755

"Alice Barker wife of Lillabridge Barker Died Jan 13 th D 1828.
"Joseph Barker Died September 1776
"Rhody Barker Died September April 29 th day 1818
"Hannah Barker Died August 19 th day 1785 (the first)
"Susannah Barker Died May the 9 th day D 1829
I certify that the above, is a true copy of the family record as kept by me of the Births & Deaths of my family & of my own marriage &c. The reason of the Dates not being in regular order in each year is they were promiscuously entered on different pages in my Bible & are here copied as they were found to be (the original record of my family (of which the foregoing is a true copy) has always kept in my possession - and included in the aforesaid record are my marriage, my wife's Death &c.
Lillabridge Barker
State of Connecticut } Windham County } to Norwich Jan 14 th D 1840
Personally appeared Lillabridge Barker signed to the above & foregoing Deposition, known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit and being and made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
Before me
Wm. C. Stanton Notary Public

22 "Wilcox Barber Eldest son to Lillibridge Barber & Alice his wife was born March 2 nd 1774 Alice Barber Eldest Daughter to Lillibridge Barber & Alice his wife was born August 28 th 1777 Edward Barber Second son & Susannah Barber second Daughter to Lillibridge & Alice his wife was born July 17 th 1779 Both at one birth Leonard Barber Third son to Lillibridge Barber & Alice his wife was born November 30 th 1787 Rhoda Barber Third Daughter to Lillibridge Barber & Alice his wife was born July 6 th 1791"
I Thomas Phillips Clerk of the Town of Exeter County of Washington & State of R.I. do hereby certify that the above is a true extract of the records of Births in this Town Exeter Feb 19 th 1840
Witness Thomas Phillips Jas Clerk
I am well knowing to the fact that the above named Thomas Phillips is town Clerk of said town of Exeter & that the above signature is his genuine signature I have examined the Town records in his possession & have seen him write
Attest Jesse Churchtown Edinburgh Feb 27 1840

State of Connecticut Windham County } to Voluntown —
I hereby certify that the foregoing Testimony was taken taken by request of the widow Nancy Lewis to be improved in the matter of her application for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal This 20 th Day of Feb. 1840.
White Stanton Notary Public

Connecticut - 3379.
Nancy Parsons, formerly widow of Caleb Lewis, deceased -
who died in the month of April, 1790 - of Tolland co. in the State of Connecticut, who was a Sergeant in the company commanded by Captain West of the Regt. commanded by Col. Topham in the line for 12 months Sergeant.
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 60 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 nd day of July, 1840 and sent to Hon. J. H. Brockway, House of Representatives.
Arrears to the 4th of September, 1840. $570:00 Semi-annual allowance ending March 4th. 30:00
$600:00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 rd }
{ Act 3 March, 1837 }
Recorded by S. E. H. Elliot Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 1 Page 80

Feb: 24/52
App d of Nancy Parsons - decl d
Edwards & Smith Present
Commissioner of Pensions
James E. Heath, Esq.
J
Phys

Nancy Parsons wid ow of Caleb Lewis. Conn. act 4 July 1836 - See letter to J. Charlton April 22 d 1839, same Aug t 9 th '39. do to L. Ellsworth Aug t 20 th '39 to same  Charlton 27 Feb. 1840 ✓ Let. to H. N. H. Brookway May 28, 1840.

4 3635 — Cont.
Set. to Jesse Charlton 30 May '38. do — do — Nov. 28 '38 do. Hon. J. M. Miles, Feb. 23. '39. — do. to J. Charlton, Apr. 22. 1839 —
act 4 July '38

Washington, February 21. 1852
Sir,
We enclose herewith the application of Sally Spencer, the daughter of Nancy Parsons, who was pensioned under the act of July 4, 1836, for the service of her husband Caleb Lewis, a revolutionary soldier. The applicant asks for an increase of the pension of Nancy Parsons, as the pension was not granted for all the service proved in the papers sent to the Pension Office.
We request that the case, when examined, may be reported to us.
We are respectfully Your Ob st . Servants Edward V. Smith
James E. Heath, Esq. Commissioner of Pensions.

Nancy Parsons
Payment to be made at Hartford, Conn't. by A. H. Pomroy, Esq. Agent for paying Pen- sioners, in the Agency of Connecticut
Issue new certificate
9 mo per 12 - Serf
90
deduct what has been rec d .
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book 6, Vol. 1, Page 80, by
HR
S. Alfred Elliot , Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th July, 1836, & Act 3 d March, 1837, Nancy Parsons, of Connecticut, formerly widow of Caleb Lewis, deceased who was a Sergeant in the War of the Revolution is entitled to receive Sixty  cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this second day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty four.
R. Poinsett Secretary of War.
Examined and } Countersigned. }
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.

Caleb Lewis D. 1790. Nancy Parsons M. Nov. 1778 77 9. Bury West. Stanton 78 12 a 15. S. " Sopham.
Wt. Caleb Whitman. H. Bullen
Service terminated in March 1779 proportion of pay to her leaving the service not satisfactory —

May 5 1846.
Colebrook
April 29
Paid 10
J.S. Edwards Russian agent
Washington D.C.
May 5. 1846
Rec'd
Mrs. Parsons
a
the
her

Calverton Southampton Co. Co. Co. Co. Dear Sir
April 11. 25 1846
Sir by turning to your files you will find that the Widow Nancy Parsons was placed on the Pension List same time since at 89.00 per Month during Life She Died the latter part of July last She Resided in Ellington County of Dorset let why I write to you at this time is this one Joseph Hagenwood was Entrusted to draw her Money Let it out and he has since drawn it into his own purse and there keeps it the Old Lady had two Lawful Heirs Living James Lewis & Hannah Cain formerly Hannah Lewis which would be entitled to her back pay but this Hagenwood has the Certificate and won't give it up can Sir you want to know what proof we must make to you so that we can draw what is behind if you will answer this letter and write what we must do you will with oblige your Humble Servant Jesse Carr
J. S. Edwards
N.B. this Hagenwood is an worthless fellow has no property
3379

J. L. Edwards Esq
Comm. Pension.
Washington

Washington June 29. 1840.
J. L. Edwards Esq
Sir
At the request of Dr Cump I have carefully examined the accompanying papers relative to Mrs Nancy Parson's application for a pension. I have no acquaintance with most of the persons whose depositions have been given in the case. I know the applicant Mrs Parsons well. She is a neighbor of mine and I have no hesitation in saying that the most implicit reliance may be placed upon her statements. She is a woman of most unquestionable veracity. I am also acquainted with Mrs Fanny Grayward whose deposition is attached to the application and can most unhesitatingly affirm that she too is a person whose truth & veracity is unimpeachable.
I am abundantly satisfied that the claim is a perfectly honest one and I fully believe the marriage of Mrs Parsons with her first husband actually took place as she has testified.
I have the honor to be
Yours most respectfully John A. Macrae

Jedidiah Austin Marriage of Caleb Lewis
Nov - 1778
Received Aug - 1840
Hon. J. H. Brockway

I Jedediah Austin of Stonington in the County of New London and state of Connecticut aged about Seventy Eight years Being Simon and cautioned according to Law, do depose and say that I used to Live with my Father in Charlestown Washington County Rhode Island and during the war of the Revolution I served several terms of duty that I was Well acquainted with Caleb Lewis of Exeter Washington County Rhode Island Son of Caleb Lewis of said Exeter, during the Revolutionary War and until he moved from Rhode Island to Connecticut which was about Seventeen Hundred & Eighty five
That he served at Newport Rhode Island as a Sergeant in Col Benjamin Wests Company
I was also well acquainted with Nancy Greenman who worked at John Whitfords in said Exeter and who afterwards married Caleb Lewis aforesaid I used to frequently be at Exeter when I had a leisure time to visit my Friends who Resided there and Especially Pardon Perkins who lived in Exeter who was Related to me by marriage Mr Perkins Resided near John Whitfords when Nancy Greenman aforesaid Resided at work as aforesaid,
I First became acquainted with said Nancy when up to Exeter a visiting, and I used to Occasionally speak with her, I very well Recollect of going up to Exeter being out of the service a short time and Went and stayed with the said Nancy, I then knowing that Caleb Lewis aforesaid had formally paid his addresses to her, and I having heard that Mrs John Lewis Wife Amy had a son born the night before,
I Joked her pretty smartly about her Dear Caleb Lewis Cousin as I could it and as it actually was I think. This Was in October after the Great august Storm that the next day I Returned home and was up again to Exeter feeling a little jealous that some one might visit Nancy, the latter part of November or forepart of

December of the same year and came to see said Nancy again, she told me she was Married to Caleb Lewis
I put the best side out and to make her think I cared but little about it I began to Enquire of her about her new Cousin and whether it Green partly meaning John & Ann Lewis child that was born when I was up there before, she said and that they had named it Benjamin, so I got out of speaking it with Nancy again
I soon after this saw Caleb Lewis aforesaid at Newport and heard him Boasting about Getting Married in a hurry
I have not seen either Caleb Nor Nancy his wife since about the year seventeen hundred & eighty four Signed in Henry Babcock Providence of Francis Sheffield
Jedediah Austin his mark
New London County Stonington June 10th AD 1840 Then Personally appeared Jedediah Austin of Stonington aforesaid sign to the foregoing Deposition and who is Personally known to the subscriber as a Witness whose testimony is entitled to credit and belief and make solemn oath to the truth of the same before me
George Sheffield Justice of the Peace State of Connecticut Hartford County, S.S. Hartford Jan 11 1841
I do hereby certify that George Sheffield is a Lawful Justice of the Peace for New London County Conn & was at the giving the above certificate that the above is his genuine signature proved to me. Noyal H. Kimman Secretary

May 26. 1840
ct.
Nancy Parsons
L. Edwards Esq.
Comm. Pension
Washington City
Mrs J. H. Brockway Me.
Hon. J. H. Brockway H. R.

House of Reps. Monday May 25. 1840
Sir
I herewith transmit you an open letter directed to yourself which came in a letter to me. It has reference to Mrs Nancy Parsons application for a Pension
I have the honor to be
your obed Servt
John D. Proverbs.
J. L. Edwards Esq Conn. Pen.

Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

East Windsor Hill, Hartford County Connecticut
May 21 st 1840
Sir:
As an unusual time has elapsed since I forwarded the last testimony obtained in support of the marriage of Caleb Lewis and Nancy Greenman, and I have heard nothing from it, I hope you will excuse my importunity if I ask that it may be examined in a few days. It was sent Feb. 27 th 1840.
If I had not considered the case a perfectly fair and honest one, I should not have encouraged her to be at so much trouble and expense to gather the proof as her witnesses were scattered at so wide a distance.
And I can truly say that I have not discovered a single circumstance exciting a suspicion against the correctness of her first statement to me. Her statement that he came up after deserters, is corroborated by those witnesses.
That it was at the time of the first Snow late in the fall is testified to by Stephen Tillinghast one of the most respectable men in Exeter. Two other persons, well acquainted with both Caleb Lewis & Nancy Greenman, testified, that they were married the same year of the great Storm which dispersed the French Fleet an historical event whose Era cannot be mistaken. Two other persons testified that they dined with him in Exeter at the time he was up from the camp after deserters and understood then, that he had been married at this time. The evidence last sent is connected with documentary evidence

can it be that all the persons who have testified in relation to the time of the Marriage are mistaken. The proof has been taken at different times, & by different men, unacquainted with the Widow & unacquainted with me: yet, I affirm it is not in the slightest degree contradictory but that every succeeding deposition has corroborated the preceding. As I have before stated, & may with propriety state again, The imperfection of the Town Records the non existence of the Minniston record, is precisely like what we find in the capital of Connecticut in the City of Hartford.
And the entire loss of the family record in this case, I doubt not has arisen as it has in many cases, within my knowledge, Recorded in the Small Bible which the children have carried to School until it was worn out & dropt to pieces.
This was the fact in my Fathers family: And the loss of the family record under all the circumstances ought not to raise any suspicion unfavorable to the applicant.
And again, the character of the Widow & of her near relatives is such, as to simple heartedness & honest integrity, as to prevent, in all who know them, any suspicion that they are trying to press an unfounded claim.
The Hon: Mr Brockway of Conn, Member of the House of Reps, is well acquainted with them, & I doubt not, will confirm what I have stated, in regard to the Character of the Widow & her family.
If the character of the person can have any influence in the decision of the case, I think you can be well satisfied on that point, by Mr Brockway.

If the widow was not so old, I would urge her to go to Washington, or if it would be the means of removing any doubt from your mind I would willingly call on you in person. The case is certainly a stronger case than I have ever known you to reject:
And when the last testimony shall be examined by yourself, in connexion with all that had been sent before; it seems to me you cannot cherish a reasonable doubt that her declaration is true and that is supported by such evidence as ought to entitle her to that the allowance which her said husband's services claim for one years services as a private and one year as a Serjeant, agreeable to your letter of Feb 23 d 1839 to the Hon John N. Miles of the Senate
I remain Sir most respectfully your obedient Servant Jesse Charlton
Hon J L Edwards.
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D C

East Windsor Hill Hartford County Connecticut, December 10 th 1889.
Rev'd Sir.
Permit me to ask your attention again to the application of Mrs. Nancy Parsons former Widow of Caleb Lewis, Duce of Exeter in the State of Rhode Island.
I ask this favor for the old lady, as some further testimony has been obtained, which when examined in connexion with the evidence before sent, will be found, I think, to corroborate and strengthen it materially.
As I feel the fullest confidence in the soundness and honesty, of her claim, from the uniform, consistent, and uncontradictory statement she has made to me; I ought not to abandon her cause, without making every fair and honest effort, to obtain all the evidence which may be supposed attainable, by diligence & industry.
That we could find no record of the marriage after in the Town or Clergymen's records, is officially proved, and when we consider the State of the Record of Hartford the capital of Connecticut, where we find but one Marriage recorded (viz Col. Bezekiah Hullis) for about 50 years, previous to 1820; and no Ministers Records to be found, covering all that time, as you will find by the certificates of the Town Clerk and the Clergymen of Hartford, sent by me with the claims of the Widows of Tho s H. Seymour & of Timothy Dodd, of James Kilborn, of former Anderson John Kenoll & others,
Two Statements which the widows made to me are well worthy of Notice from the manner in which they have been unexpectedly, and undesignedly corroborated, by proof obtained from various persons in Rhode Island.

with whom, neither herself, nor her Attorney have had any communication or concert. The State which she made, that she was married to the said Caleb Lewis, when he came up from the Camp at Givertown after deserters in Nov 1778; Was corroborated by the testimony of Mery Bates, so far as it respected his being up at Exeter after Deserters, at that period. And by the Deposition of Elisha Sweet, herewith sent it not only appears, that he was up at Exeter, on a Furlough at that time; but it further appears, from Mr Sweets deposition, that he then understood; that he had been married, at that time by Elder Sprague. As Mr Sweet had a considerable opportunity with Lewis & with his companions at that time; having dined with them, at Williams Tavern; nothing is more natural, or probable, than that the jokes passed on that occasion respecting his marriage should have fastened the impression so strongly on the mind of Sweet.
Mrs Parsons also stated to me, that near the time when she was married another girl in Exeter, had laid a child to him, Said Lewis that that girl had twins. I did not put this into her declaration, for I did not then see what bearing it would have; but since it is corroborated by the Deposition of Mrs Keene, herewith sent, I think it furnishes a satisfactory reason, why Lewis would take the earliest opportunity, his circumstances would afford, (even a time when he was up on Furlough, to marry the girl of his choice, if she would consent to have him after his credit & character, had been impaired by a circumstance, of this kind.
This I think, will entirely do away, any suspicion arising from the circumstance of their having been married when he came up after the deserters, and on Furlough, for that object.

In the depositions before court, one of the Depo- nents (I think two of them), stated, that they rem- embered to have heard of Lewis Marriage the fall after what was called the French Storm. This is a historical fact, as well known as its Era, as the Battle of Bunkerhill.
If the witness had said, that he attended the Funeral of Elder Spragues wife, for instance, on the 20 th day of Nov r 1778, and he heard as he was walking home that Caleb Lewis was Married to Nancy Greenman; Now if the record of Deaths shewed that she died on the 18 th of November, her grave stone told the same story, as to the time; that would seem to settle the matter all beyond all controversy, and yet, it would be only the assertion of the man coupling the event with that of the woman's death; an ascertained fact.
Were the witness or witnesses, testified that they knew Caleb Lewis, & heard of his Marriage, the Fall after the French Storm, as it was then called; and Sweet understood at the time he dined with him, (when he was up on Furlough), that he had been Married, by Elder Sprague.
In your Letter of July 30 th A d 1838 you say "unless there is some Family record or other Documentary proof showing the date of the Marriage, The parol testimony should be based upon something more than the mere the mere force of Memory, in respect to the date, Some incident or event, of lasting impression, or of which there is a record, connected or closely associated with the Marriage, may impart to Such evidence, a very conclusive and satisfactory Character." It appears to me, the witnesses have been able to associate to the time of the Marriage with the incidents and events of lasting impression which you require. And that they do not by

mere force of Memory, say, that it was in the year 1778, But they remember to have heard of it the fall after the French Storm, another in the year of Sullivan's expedition, against Newport, another While he knew he was on Burrough & had some other members of the army with him & the Story Mr Sweet tells, is accompanied with those circumstances of Simplicity, and naturalness, which mark a true Story; and which wear a stiff and suspicious gait where they are attempted to be feigned.
In the Depositions now sent I think Colonel Stanton has given a satisfactory reason for taking the Depositions in Connecticut, tho' the Deponents live in Rhode Island. As the Deponents live but a few rods over the line it was much less to get them to, Voluntown trouble than to go after a Rhode Island Justice & then to send the papers to the Secretary at Providence for his certificate
I remain Sir with very sincere respect your Obedient Servant
Jesse Charlton
Hon. J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

East Windsor Hill, Hartford County, Conn. April 16 th 1839.
Sir.
There is a case, not yet decided, to which I beg leave to call your special attention, as I deem it a case worthy of the most careful consideration, as it is of great consequence to the applicant, and as all the proof has been produced which it is possible to obtain.
I allude to the case, of Mrs Nancy Parsons, former widow of Caleb Lewis of Exeter in Rhode Island.
Your letter to Judge Niles of the 25 th of February last admits, as satisfactory, the proof of the services for one year, as a private and one year, as a Sergeant.
The only objection to any part of the case, is, that the exact period of the marriage cannot be more closely associated with some incident, or event, connected with some records or documents.
In yours of the 25 th of February you say. "The failure to find in the Books and papers of the Town, Church, and Family, any evidence of a fact, so generally susceptible of that grade of proof, would seem to impose on the department the obligation of requiring the most abundant and precise parol proof testimony".
I beg leave to state here, what I have found in relation to the extreme difficulty of obtaining record evidence of Marriage, in this part of Connecticut. All the marriages recorded in the town of East Windsor, a Town

that has been settled Two hundred years, & contains a population of eight four thousand inhabitants: from the first settlement down to the year 1786, is the number sent you by James Moore, Town Clerk, in answer to your letter to him, in the case of Kezibah Crosby, Widow of Simon Crosby.
And in the Town, of Hartford the Capital of Connecticut, which has been settled more than two hundred years, and has a population of eight thousand, There is no regular marriage records after about 1750, until 1820. The certificate of the Town Clerk, in the cases of Timothy Dods, James Sheldon John Knowles Widow, will shew: the Certificate of Dr Bewes, of the first Society in the case of Timothy Dods, & George Seymour, Widow will prove, that the records of his predecessor, Dr Nathan Strong who was pastor of that Church from 1773 to 1817 were entirely lost.
I have not been able to obtain a record of a single marriage solemnized in the City of Hartford, in any case, in which I have made application.
In the West parish, four Miles from the City, one Clergyman, Dr Nathan Perkins, kept a record of the Marriages solemnized by himself: and I have not been able to find any other record, of Marriages from about 1750 to 1820 in the Town of Hartford.
And as to family records this is the account given me, in many instances, We had a Family record, in the Small Bible; the children carried it to school, as a reading Book, and used it until it was worn out and dropt to pieces, & there is no vestige of it left.
This is the exact history of the family record of my fathers family & the only one
Dea. Nathan Town Clerk informs me that for several years there was only one entry Old Secretary George Ripley who was Town Clerk records. That of his Son Capt. Samuel O. Miller of the Connecticut Army found the old manuscript.

that has been settled Two hundred years, & contains a population of nigh four thousand inhabitants: from the first settlement down to the year 1786, is the number sent you by James Moore, Town Clerk, in answer to your letter to him, in the case of Hepzibah Crosby, Widow of Simon Crosby.
And in the Town, of Hartford the Capital of Connecticut, which has been settled more than two hundred years, and has a population of eight thousand, there is no regular marriage records after about 1750, until 1820. The certificate of the Town Clerk, in the cases of Timothy Dods, James Saldon, John Knowles Widows, will shew: the certificate of Dr Hawes, of the first Society in the case of Timothy Dods, & George Seymour, Widow will prove, that the record of his predecessor, Dr Nathan Strong who was pastor of that Church from 1773 to 1817 were entirely lost.
I have not been able to obtain to shew a record of a single marriage solemnized in the city of Hartford, in any case, in which I have made application.
In the West parish, four miles from the city, one clergyman, Dr Nathan Perkins, kept a record of the marriages solemnized by himself: and I have not been able to find find any other record, of marriages from about 1750 to 1820 in the town of Hartford.
And as to family records this is the account given me, in many instances, We had a Family record, in the Small Bible; the children carried it to school, as a reading Book, and used it until it was worn out and dropt to pieces, & there is no vestige of it left.
This is the exact history of the family record of my fathers family & the only one
Docl. H. Chapman Town Clerk informs me that for several years there was only one entry. Mr. Secretary George Myles who was Town Clerk records that of his son Capt. Samuel Myles of the Connecticut line. That he was married.

they ever had to my knowledge:
And this compels me to think that it is not strange, that Mrs. Parsons, bred & married in a country town in Rhode Island more than sixty years ago, should not be able to obtain any record proof of her marriage.
If Sir you will have the goodness to examine the case carefully yourself , when you can afford the time, and then say you do not believe she was married when he came up after deserters, in Nov 1778, I will tell the old lady she must give up the case, and have her mind no longer in a state of anxious suspense.
I know Sir, it is necessary for you to be vigilant against feigned and false claims, and I will never present any that I know to be such:
But as I am fully persuaded that this is as just a case, as I ever presented to you, I cannot forbear to ask the favor of having it carefully reexamined by yourself: believing that so many circumstances unite to corroborate her statement that you will think it more just to admit than to reject her claim.
And now Sir I have done and only await your answer.
With the highest respect I am Sir your Obedt Servt
Jesse Charlton
J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions

Nancy Lewis

East Windsor Hill, Hartford County, Conn. Feb 27 th 1840
Dear Sir:
I wrote you on the 21 st inst, requesting that the additional evidence which I had sent in support of the Marriage of Caleb Lewis of Exeter R.I. to Nancy Greenman might be examined; as it had been sometime in your office, (as I suppose) and had not been heard from.
I have this morning received some further testimony, which I herewith forward.
I can say, with a good conscience, that the applicant in this case, has appeared to me to have as sound & honest a claim as I ever presented to the Hon Commissioner. A sincere wife's woman, telling a plain tale, and entirely uncontradicted: but at every step corroborated. And at present I know not where any more proof can be found on Earth, or until those who sleep in their graves shall come forth.
It is to be presumed that nine tenths of the persons who were acquainted with the Marriage at the time are dead and I doubt not you will now be satisfied that the widow has furnished all the evidence that ought to be required of her.
I remain Sir Most respectfully Your obed t Servant Jesse Charlton
Hon d J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions

Mary Hoxie
No 0
West Greenwich
1839

I Mary Hoxie of West Greenwich in the County of Kent and State of R.I. aged 72 years upwards being duly cautioned and sworn do depose and say that I used to live in the town of Exeter County of Washington and State of R.I. and used to be acquainted with a man by the name of Caleb Lewis who was a Cousin of mine and was son of Caleb Lewis who was then known by the name of "Plow-Maker Caleb", and was so called from his occupation and to distinguish him from his son (my Cousin aforesaid), and from another Caleb Lewis who was son of Sylvester Lewis.
That Caleb Lewis aforesaid son of Caleb Lewis the "Plow-Maker" was reported to have been married in the fall of 1778.
I probably should not have so well recollected this transaction had it not have been for the circumstance that he had a child laid to him by a girl & that other Girl had twins he was married soon after this, twins at the time of found , as was then reported and I never after heard the marriage disputed.
In presence of Tim Stanton
her X Eliza B. Hoxie mark
Her Mary X Hoxie mark
State of Connecticut } Voluntary Nov 5 th 1829 Windham County }
Then personally appeared Mary Hoxie who has subscribed to the above Deposition by her mark and who is known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit a being and made solemn oath to the

Truth of the same
Before me
Wm Stanton Notary Public

Rockington
Nov. 6 th 1839.
Sir,
I send you two Deposition in the case of Wd. Lewis I took them in Conn. where the Deponents resided within a few rods of the Standard & could do it with less expense than to call on a justice in Rd. as none resided very near.
I have taken a journey to Exeter and vicinity and when there learned that Esq. B. Cowell had a short time before been there & taken the Deposition of the person whom I went to see as I think I shall not pursue further unless I hear from you again, as I do not wish to put my self to unnecessary trouble or the Wd. to unnecessary expense.
If you have not read the proof from Esq. Cowell you doubtless will soon.
Have the goodness to write me whether you have read the proof of Esq. Cowell or not
I am Sir
In haste
Very Respectful
Your Obedt Servt
To Jeru Shelton Esq
Wm G Stanton
East Windsor Ct

Elisha Sweet
West Pownal Nov 1839

I Elisha Sweet of West Greenwich in the County of Kent — and State of Rhode Island, aged 76 years, being duly cautioned and sworn do depose and say That I, when a small boy, was well acquainted with Caleb Lewis of Exeter R.I. That the said Caleb Lewis was reported to have been a Private and Officer in the war of the Revolution.
I will recollect, that in fall of the year of Sullivan's Expedition, I was at Wm Hains Tavern in Exeter R.I. and there saw Caleb Lewis aforesaid who was there on a furlough, in company with two men who belonged to the same Company he did. One of the men's names was Caleb Gardner and one was a Bates (surname not now recollected), I took something to drink with them at the Tavern, and took dinner with them. I think this was in the month of November of the year aforesaid, about, 1778. in Sullivan's Expedition.
While said Caleb Lewis was at home on this furlough, he was reported to have been married (by Elda Sprague) of Exeter R.I.
The aforesaid Caleb Lewis' father was also named "Caleb" and he married Sibel Quincy of Preston (now Griswold Connecticut).
That the first mentioned Caleb Lewis aforesaid removed from this State to the west many years ago, and the last named Caleb Lewis died long since and his wife Sibel died before her husband did. I have not heard anything from the first named Caleb Lewis or the last since he moved away to the west.
Elisha Sweet

State of Connecticut Windham County
for Volunlun October 23 d 1837
Then personally appeared Elisha Sweet sign to the within deposition and who is known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit and belief and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me
Wm C Stanton Notary Public

J. L. Edwards, Esquire, Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

East Windsor Hill, Hartford County Connecticut August 15 th 1839.
Sir.
Yours of the 9 th inst in the case of Mrs Nancy Parsons, former Widow of Caleb Lewis of Exeter R. I. is received.
It seems to me Sir, that the last depositions sent; fully met what you required in your letter of July 30 th 1838; in which you say.
"Unless there is some family record, or other documentary proof, showing the date of the marriage; the Parol testimony should be based on something more than mere force of memory, in respect to the date:
Some incident or event of lasting impression, or of which there is a record con- nected or closely associated with the Marriage may impart to such evidence a very conclusive and satisfactory character."
It seems to me that when the Witnesses were able to associate the time of Caleb Lewis Marriage with the great storm which scattered and dispersed the French Fleet, which was expected to cooperate with the American force, in dislodging the Enemy from Rhode Island They did base

it on a known historical event; one nearly as well known as the Storm that scattered the invincible Armada or the Fire that destroyed the Theatre at Richmond.
The witnesses were I never saw and no relative or friend of Mrs Parsons saw them they stand before you without suspicion, their credibility attested.
Is there any more doubt of the certainty of the period with which they say they associate the event of Lewis Marriage than the they had said, they remembered it from the circumstance that such a person was born, or married, or died that day, or that week, which was entered in the Town record. The truth & certainty that the event took place at the time thus ascertained must rest on the veracity of the deponent.
Where the fact on which the deponents based their recollection of the date, is a matter of history, as is this Storm, it seemed to me to come up to your requisition as expressed in your letter of the 30 th of July 1838.
See Goodrich's History of the United States 4 th Edition published at Bellows falls Vt nt 1824 page 151
I find the following "Hearing of this Expedition Admiral Howe followed De Estuing & arrived in sight of Rhode Island the day after the French fleet had entered the Harbor of

Newport; and the appearance of Howe, the French Admiral instead of cooperating with the Americans, sail'd out to give him Battle: A Storm however arising separated the Fleets D'Estaing entered Boston to repair;
Howe, after the Storm returned to Rhode Island &c.
And in the Elements of useful knowledge, by Noah Webster Esq., Vol 2 nd third Edition printed by Hudson & Goodwin 1809, page 42 nd , you will find the following words under date of 1778: "A landing in Rhode Island, was effected by Gen Sullivan but Lord Howe with an English Fleet appearing off Newport, Count D'Estaing left the Siege and sail'd to fight him.
A violent tempest prevented an action, and disabled the Fleets: So that the Count was obliged to put into Boston, to refit."
"In consequence of this disaster, Gen Sullivan raised the Siege of Newport"
The Revd H. L. Ellsworth who is well acquainted with Mr Goodrich & Mr Webster will state that they are good authority for any facts in their histories.
With Great Respect I am Your Obedt Servt J. L. Edwards Esq Com. Pensioner                      Jesse Charlton

J. J. Schenck, Esquire, Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.
1839
Washington Aug 19 As the request of Mr. Charleton I certify as to the high authority of Mr. Goodrich and Mr. Webster, as recorders of chronological events Henry S. Schenck

East Windsor Hill, Hartford County Conn.
Dear Sir.
June 12
1839.
The case of Widow Nancy Parsons, formerly Widow of Caleb Lewis of Exeter R. I. was last reported to me from your Department April 22 nd 1839.
Having confidence that the case was an honest and sound one, from the good character of the woman as certified to you by Judge Pinney, her near Neighbor, as well as from the uniformity of her Story, from the beginning I thought further search ought to be made in her Native place.
A respectable Gentleman in Providence was employed to go to Exeter & see several of the oldest persons in the Town in the belief that some satisfactory evidence might be found. I think we have succeeded to your satisfaction.
And I have one word to add. I have in several instances sent from Hartford in Connecticut the certificate of the Town Clerk, that from

the year 1770 to 1820, a period of fifty years there was not recorded in the town records of Hartford hardly ten Marriages.
See the papers of Missy Knowles, widow of John Knowles, Mrs Seymour Widow of Maj. Thos V. Seymour. of Mrs Dodd Widow of Timothy Dodd, & several others but these will suffice
The same papers will show you that there was no Marriage re- cords kept by the Clergyman before 1817.
You are a man of too much common sense; & sense of Justice to say, after knowing what is the state of the re- cords in Connecticut and Rhode Island, (I believe it is better in Massachusetts,)
That the facts stated and supported by so much proof must take hold of some record, when it is well known that there is none to get hold of.
I remain Sir, very high respect Your Old Servant,
J L Edwards Esq Jesse Charlton Commissioner of Pension

I Roger Sheldon of Exeter in the County of Washington & State of Rhode Island do testify & say that I am now Eighty one years of age that I have always lived in Said Exeter Since I was Born and I was well acquainted with Caleb Lewis formerly of Said Exeter & who was a Soldier in the War of the Revolution. I also well Remember that Said Caleb Married a woman by the name of Nancy Greenman during Said war I was not Consent at the marriage but I well remember & have a distinct recollection of the fact & I remember the time & year from some circumstances which took place The Great August Storm sometimes called French Storm from the circumstance that the French Fleet was Scattered by it took place in 1778 & Said Caleb & Nancy were married a Short time afterwards at least so I under stood at the time & so I have always believed & they lived together as man & wife afterwards. I also well remember the time of marriage from another circumstance I remember they were married the same year that Said Caleb came up to our town after Delinquents Caleb was a Pretty peace man and he used them Rather Roughly and this was over Sixty years ago I believe as much as Sixty or Sixty two years ago according to my best recollection Caleb Lewis wanted me once to Enlist in Capt Benjamin West's Company but I Declined Attest James Sheldon Roger his Sheldon Mark

State of Rhode Island Washington ss
In Exeter June the 20th A 1839
Personally came Before me the within named Roger Sheldon and made oath to the within Deposition which he signed by making his Mark in my Presence and which I swear upon his Presence he made his mark by Reason of being totally Blind he is a man of truth and veracity and his Statement is entitled to full credit
James Sheldon Justice Peace

I Anna Nathan of Exeter in the County of Washington & State of Rhode Island do hereby say that I am Seventy Six years of age that I have always lived in Exeter since I was a child During the war of the Revolution I was well acquainted with Nancy Gremman & lived a near neighbour to her I have a distinct recollection that during the war she married Caleb Lewis then of said Exeter I was not present at the marriage but I well remember of hearing of it at the time she was married the year I had a sister born. she was born in Octob & said Nancy was married a little while afterwards My sister if she had lived would now have been Sixty one years of age I also remember the circumstance of some deserters from the army coming up into Exeter about the time after she was married she lived in Exeter some time, I used frequently to see her My sister was born in the year 1778 & said Nancy was married soon afterwards in that year as I then understood & as I varyly believe another circumstance recuring to me I remember she was married the same year the Great August storm was my father went down to Rhode Island was there during the the storm but he hired some one to take his place among the troops & he came home & it seems to me he told me he paid fifty dollars to the person who took his place. Anna Nathan Mark Widow Tho: Phillips Jr.

State of Rhode Island Washington ss. at Exeter June 8 th AD 1839
Personally appeared before me the within Named Anna Rathbun & made oath to the above deposition by her & subscribed in my presence and I further certify she is well known to me & she is a credible Witness & her Statement entitled to full Credit
Thomas Phillips Jr. Public Notary.

I Lydia Phillips of Exeter in the County of Washington & State of Rhode Island being now 69 years of age do hereby testify & say respecting the marriage of Caleb Lewis & Nancy Greenman as I before testified I was present at the wedding & saw them married Nancy Greenman lived at my father's & had lived at our house for several years as a hired girl when Caleb Lewis married her they were married by Elder Sprague - I was about eight years of age when the marriage took place & it made an impression on my mind it being the first time I ever saw a couple married. I do not remember any other circumstance in particular but the fact of the marriage as above stated I distinctly remember I am now sixty nine years of age and I was eight years old when I saw them married Attest Preserved Hall Lydia Phillips Mark
State of Rhode Island Washington Soc. at Exeter June 8 th AD 1839 Personally appeared before me the above named Lydia Phillips & made oath to the above deposition by her subscription in my presence and I further certify she is well known to me & is a Credible Witness & her statement entitled to full Credit Thomas Phillips Jr. Publick Notary

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Secretary's Office June 10. 1839. I Henry Bowen Secretary of said State, and Keeper of the Records and the Seal thereof.
Do certify, that at the date of the annexed certificates signed "James Sheldon Justice Peace" and "Thomas Phillips Van Public Notary" the said Sheldon was a Justice of the Peace for the town of Exeter in the county of Washington, and the said Phillips a Public Notary within said county: duly elected and commissioned, as appears of record in my office. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of said State at Providence the day and year above written.
Henry Bowen

Nancy Parsons Cunn
Hon. J. M. Kelley Senate Report to L. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

East Windsor Hill
Hartford County Connecticut
December 20 th
1838
Hon Sir
A little before the receipt of your second letter, in the case of Mrs Nancy Parsons, formerly widow of Caleb Lewis, I sent several depositions to prove his services in Capt B Wests Company in 1777: which I fore some had not been opened when yours of Nov 28 th was written. You will have the goodness to look into those at the time you may review the case.
A gentleman of distinguished Character Judge Pinney of Ellington, who has been acquainted with the applicant for thirty years, gives his opinion of her integrity. I believe it to be as honest a case as I ever presented to you. It is her misfortune that they have no family record: But if the case is rejected under the proof sent it will be the hardest measure that has ever been given in any case I have had the honor to present to your consideration.
I know not what more the Widow can do, if you can point out anything that is possible for her to do that will make it more satisfactory she will endeavor to it, but I know not what she can do more.
I am Sir with great respect your Obedient Servant
Jesse Charlton
J L Edwards esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

J. L. Edwards Esq. Commr. of Pensions Washington D.C.

Hartford Ct. Nov. 13 th 1838
Sir
Mr Charlton informs me that by some mis- apprehension at the Pension Office depositions taken in this State before a Notary Public have been rejected. You will perceive by a reference to the statutes of this State that an Act was passed in 1833 entitled "An Act authorizing Notaries Public to administer oaths" that they are expressly authorized to take depositions in any case in which a Justice of the Peace might do so —
I am Sir
Very respectfully
your obed serv
D. D. Fowle
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm r Pensions

Caleb Lewis, Nancy Parsons

East Windsor Hill
Hartford County Connecticut
Sir. In relation to Caleb Lewis service Nov d 22 1838 on the receipt of your letter of July 30 th 1838 in which you say, The length of the first term should be shewn, by a certificate of the Secretary of Rhode Island,
I sent to Rhode Island for proof of Caleb Lewis service from the time of his enlistment in March 1777, which was for a period of 15 months (earlier sooner discharge). I have twice written to the Secretary of State of Rhode Island, stating (explicitly) what I wan- ted; & all he sent me, as the whole informa- tion, was, what I forwarded before.
If he did not say pointedly that it was all the information his office af- forded, respecting the length of time Caleb Lewis served, that year 1777 it is evident, to my mind, that he meant to be so understood.
Desirous to obtain the most satisfactory proof of the service of Lewis in A d 1777; I sent to Providence and have

obtained four certificates of Caleb Lewis services in the year A 1777.
In my last communication to you respecting the claim Mrs Parsons formerly Mrs Caleb Lewis from which I have not yet heard,
I furnished all the additional evidence I could obtain respecting her Marriage. I ought to have said, that the two persons who testified, as to her Marriage, were among the most respectable persons in Exeter. The gentleman had been President of the Bank & the Woman was Mother, to Thomas Phillips Jun Esq; who is Post Master; Cashier of the Bank; Town Clerk; Notary Public; Merchant, Tavern keeper.
Mrs Parsons in her Declaration called the first term, six months in 1777, as this term was before her Marriage she did not know so exactly about the length of the period as she did of the second.
And if she had called it twelve months, & it had been proved to be but six, so if she mistakes & calls it six when her proof shews it to be twelve,

do you not allow according to the time clearly & fully proved.
If you say that in order to be entitled to any more than she de- clared upon, she must make an addition- al declaration, it shall be done, but if you can, consistently spare her that trouble it would be a favor to the poor old Lady.
I am Sir with the highest respect your Obedt Servt
Jesse Charlton
J L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Parsons
Nov 26.
Dear Sir, J. L. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions. Washington. D. C.

East Windsor Hill
Hartford County Connecticut
Nov 22 nd A 1838.
Sir
I have this day sent the additional proof in the case of Nancy Parsons of Ellington Connecticut formerly widow of Caleb Lewis of Exeter Rhode Island.
It is one of the suspended cases sent by me, I think in June last.
I will be much obliged to you Sir, if you will take up this case as soon as you have time to take up any more of my cases.
It has been about 18 months since it was began to be prepared, and has as much claim to be taken up soon, I think, as any I have sent
I am Sir very respectfully your Obed Servt J. L. Edwards Esq Commrs of Pensions. Jesse Charlton

East Windsor Hill, Hartford County Connecticut.
October 8 th .
1838
Sir,
Widow Nancy Parsons, formerly Widow of Caleb Lewis, whose application was sent by me the 4 th of July last, has endeavored to supply the further testimony asked for, as far as she was able.
In your letter of July 30 you ask proof of the length of his services in Col o Stantons Regiment in 1777; The Secretary of State has furnished his certificate of the raising the Corps & the time for which it was raised but gives no information in relation to the time it actually was in service. Great pains have been taken to find some man living who served with Mr Lewis, or who served in Capt B. Nests company in 1777. A gentleman in Providence has been engaged in endeavoring to find a Survivor, He has stated what he can furnish but it seemed to me to be included in the proof I have furnished herewith, The Widow has reason to believe that her husband served more than the Six Months in Col o Stantons Regiment in 1777: As that was before she was Married, she could not be so certain as to the length of the period; and she thought it would be more safe and honest to claim too little than too much; but if there is any proof in the pension office of how long a time Colo Stantons Reg- was in service that year

She humbly intreats that she may have the benefit of it. As it was for 15 months unless sooner discharged cannot some proof be found in the War office of how long that Regiment served, that year.
In relation to the date of the Marriage permit me to add
That with great full propriety you say the Parol testimony should be based upon something more than mere force of Memory, in respecting the respect to the date; some incident or event of lasting impression, or of which there is a record.
The Widow from the first communication to me has stated that she was Married at the time Caleb Lewis (then a Serjeant was sent up from the Camp to Exeter to look after Deserters, She had had no communication with Mary Bates living at Sixty miles distance for more than twenty: She did not know that any person could be found who would know any thing of that circumstance; But when I saw Mary Bates, (who was well acquainted with Lewis & asked whether he, Caleb Lewis came home while he was in the army he immediately stated that he was sent up from the camp after Deserters & that he & his men took several, some of whom he called by Name & told a long story about it a portion of which is in his deposition. It seems to me that the widow uniformly fixing the time when Caleb Lewis

came up after Deserters, which must have been while he was in the army, And Mory Bates having a clear recollection of that circumstance, & mentioning it unprompted in those particulars calculated to impress the mind of its truth strongly corroborates the widows assertion.
What but truth which is uniform & consistent, could have hit on such a circumstance when she could not know that any person could be found to support it; for I am as fully satisfied that they had not seen each, other or had any communication for many years ; as I am of any fact whatever: They both informed me this.
The Widow, from the first has told me she had been married 13 Months when her first child was born, for, to get at the truth I am not backward to ask them close questions.
Of this fact I thought it best to have her make an additional declaration.
And also to obtain the deposition of her oldest daughter, in New Hampshire.
I think I sent my own deposition with her papers, in July, of what she had informally stated to me, if I did not, I am willing to do it.
I could send the Depositions of the first people in the town where she resides of her good character for integrity & veracity if that is

desired: You may rely on it Sir, that the government will not be defrauded, or imposed upon, in allowing this Widows claim.
I do not see how it is possible to do any more than she has done. Her witnesses were scattered in several States, and a long time has been necessary to obtain their testimony; but I do not believe, you have ever rejected a claim where it was as well supported as this, and I do not think the worthy Widow is to experience that disappointment.
I am Sir most respectfully Your Obed t Servant
Jesse Cheytlton
J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.

State of Rhode Island &c.
Tenant's Office Nov 16. 1838.
I certify, that at the session of the General Assembly of said State holden on the first Wednesday of May last, Zuriel Potter was elected associate Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within the county of Providence: William Aplin Justice of the Peace for the town of Providence in said county: and Benjamin Smith Associate Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Washington: each for one year, and commissioned accordingly: as appear of record.
Witness Henry Bowditch Secy

I M c Keen Kenyon of Charlestown in the county of Washington, & State of Rhode Island, being now eighty three years of age, and at this time in the city of Providence, on oath do testify and say, that in the year ... I enlisted into the fifteen months
BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
William Sprague
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 aforewritten attestation subscribed, is in the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen, 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 Provi- dence, this sixteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- eight and of Independence the sixty- third .
Wm Sprague
By His Excellency's Command.
Henry Bowen Secy

I Moses Kimyon of Charlestown in the county of Washington, & State of Rhode Island, being now eighty three years of age, and at this time in the city of Providence, on oath do testify and say, that in the year 1777, I enlisted into the fifteen months service, in Captain Morris Company, in the regiment commanded by Col. Stanton. I enlisted in March of that year, and served until March 1778, when I was discharged. And I further testify, that I was well acquainted with Caleb Lewis of Wester, in said county. I lived in Wester in 1776, and became acquainted with him. In the year 1777, said Caleb enlist- ed in Capt. Benjamin West Company, and in same regiment. Said two companies met together every morning at the Roll Call. I used to see said Caleb every morning. I think he was second Sergeant, and he served until March 1778, and was then discharged. Said regiment was stationed at Howland Ferry. Moses Kimyon

State of Rhode Island
Oct 12. 1838
Providence for Providence
Then the aforementioned Mary Kingston Dabney -bed and made oath to the foregoing depoi- -tion before me, and I further certify that said Mary Kingston is a credible witness
M. Aplin Jus. Peace

I Waity Gardner of Johnston in the County of Providence & State of Rhode-Island do now testify & say that I am now 78 years of age that I am the daughter of Benjamin West formerly of Exeter in the County of Washington in said State that my father the said Benjamin was formerly a captain in the Army of the United States during the war of the Revolution. And I further testify & say that I was well acquainted with Goble Lewis formerly of said Exeter who was a soldier in my father's company I well remembered that soon after my father was commissioned as captain in 1776 said Goble enlisted into his company & he served in his company as much as two years from the Spring of 1777 that year & I further testify & say that I heard my father call him Sergeant Lewis when he first enlisted & afterwards when he came to our house and I think he was orderly sergeant & served as such a part if not all the time he was in with my father's company
Attest
on Muriel Potter
her Waity Gardner Mark
Providence ss In Johnston Sept 21 st A D 1888
Personally appeared before me the above named Waity Gardner who made oath to the above affidavit by her signed And I further certify that said affiant is a credible Witness
on Muriel Potter Just C.C. Pleas

I Oliver Sprick of North Kingston in the County of Washington State of Rhode Island being now eighty three years of age on oath do testify & say that in the time of the War of the Revolution I lived in Exeter in said County & was an Ensign in Capt Jonathan Bates Company of Militia I was well acquainted with Benjamin West. said Benjamin was appointed a Captain in the fifteen months service in 1777. I was also well acquainted with Caleb Lewis of said Exeter & understand that said Caleb enlisted & served in said Captain Wests Company during said year. My father in law George Pearce was instru- mental in getting Capt Wests appointment
Oliver Sprick
Washington I. North Kingston Oct 3 1838
Personally appeared before me the above named Oliver Sprick & made solemn affirmation to the truth of the above deposition by him signed & I further certify said Oliver is well known to me & he is a credible witness & his statement entitled to full credit
Benjamin Smith Justice E. E. Bliss

I George Congdon of Northkingstown County of Washington and State of Rhode Island being more than 78 years of age on oath do testify & say that I was well acquainted with Cealeb Levis of Exeter in said County & State aforesaid and know that he enlisted in Capt Benjamin West Company in Colonel John Topham Regiment in the Spring of Summer of 1777 for the term of one year or more as an orderly Sargant and I further know that he served the whole term out that he enlisted for I myself served in the same Company at the same time And further the deponent saith not
George Congdon
Washington Sc At Northkingstown October 29. 1838 Personally came before me the above named George Congdon and made oath to the above Deposition by him signed and I further certify said George is well known to me and he is a credible Witness and a man of most Excellent memory
Benjamin Smith justice of the peace

Letter in Nancy Parsons case from Joseph Charlton E Windsor Hill Conn

East Windsor Hill Hartford County
Connecticut
Sir
July 4 th 1838
I herewith transmit the application of Widow Nancy Parsons, of Tolland County, Connecticut, for a Pension under the amended act of July 4 th 1836.
Near eighteen months ago, application was made to me in behalf of the Widow, to prepare her case on enquiry. I found the proof or evidence at a distance & obtained what I could by writing; but finding that in some of our country places, if I wrote, I received no answer, & that without some person who knew what was needed, went on to the ground, nothing more could be done, I was so satisfied that the Widow's case was an honest one, that I went down to Exeter & Coventry & obtained such evidence as I hope will be satisfactory. There is no record of the Marriage any where, but I obtained as satisfactory evidence, I think, as the nature of the case admits. Mrs Parsons gave me a list of names of her former acquaintance & of those present at the wedding but they are all dead except those who have testified in her case; and who are among the most respectable persons in the place. There is no circumstance relating to the proof that excites a suspicion that it

ought not to be fully credited. The uniform story of the Woman & the coincidence of the circumstance related by Mary Bates & where there had been no communication whatever between them for more than Twenty years, makes a deep impression on my mind and leaves no doubt of the truth of their statements.
In the first certificate of the Secretary of State of Rhode Island, he put on no seal, but a glance at the writing compared with the two certificates that have the Seal will satisfy I think any one that it is genuine.
As there has necessarily been long delay, may the widow cherish the hope that it will be acted upon pretty soon.
I am Sir, very respectfully, Your obedt Servt.
Jesse Charlton
L. F. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
William Sprague
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 aforewritten attestation subscribed, is in the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen, 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 Provi- dence, this twenty ninth
day of June in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- eight and of Independence the sixty- second
By His Excellency's Command.
Henry Bowen Secy
Wm Sprague

State of Rhode Island &c.
Secretary's Office June 29. A 1838.
I certify that at the session of the General Assembly of said State held on the first Wednesday in May last Joseph Nichols , was elected a Justice of the Peace for the town of West Greenwich in the county of Kent , for one year, and commissioned accordingly, as appears of record in this office.
Witness Henry Bowen Secy.

State of Rhode Island County of Kent
9 To Coventry
On this 14 th day of June 1838 Person ally appeared before me Joseph Nichols one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Kent aforesaid Caleb Whitman a resident of said Town of Coventry a credible person who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on oath declare, That he was well acquainted with Caleb Lewis formerly of Exeter in this state That he served with him in Capt Benjamin Wests company & was an orderly Sergeant of the D Company which company was attached to Col o Joseph Regiment we enlisted in the Spring of the year Seventy Eight. we were under Sullivan as our Commander in chief our Colonel was very resolute & called out his Regiment two or three times and Gen Sullivan rode up to him & said in my hearing & said Col o Joseph is the Devil in you, you shall have a chance; & as we moved forward the enemy retreated this was the 29 th of August 1778 after this we removed back to Swertown Hill & remained until the month of March following when we were dismissed: the said Lewis served until the end of the period & was dismissed on the 16 th day of March 1779 My age is 83 last January
Caleb Whitman
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year first named Before me, Joseph Nichols Justice

State of Rhode Island County of
ss
On this day of 1838 per socially appeared before me one of the Justices of the Peace for said County a resident of said Town of a credible Person who being first duly sworn according to law states on oath declare

BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
William Sprague
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 aforewritten attestation subscribed, is in the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen, 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 Provi- dence, this sixteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- eight and of Independence the sixty- second
By His Excellency's Command.
Henry Bowen Secy
Wm Sprague

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Secretary's office June 16. A 1838.
I certify, that at the session of the General assembly of said State, held on the first Wednesday of May last, Thomas Phillips Jr (whose proper signature is to the papers annexed) was elected a Public Notary within the county of Washington for one year: and commissioned accordingly: as appears of record in this office.
Witness Henry Bowen Secy.

State of Rhode Island County of Washington Is Exeter on this 15 th day of June 1838.
Personally appeared before me Thomas Phillips June, one of the Public Notaries for the County aforesaid Nancy Bates, a resident of said Exeter a credible person aged 75 years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath declare, That he was well acquainted with Caleb Lewis, formerly of this town That he the Deponent married a Sister of the said Lewis, and he is knowing to the fact of the said Lewis being gone from home at different times, when it was said he was in the service of the United States in the Revolutionary War. Deponent did not serve with him, as he was in the service in another place. The deponent was also well acquainted with Nancy Greenman and is well knowing to the fact that she intermarried with the said Caleb Lewis. Deponent was not at the Wedding but remembers it

2 16 perfectly well and he well re- members that the said Caleb Lewis came home after Deserlers he saw him, with one of them at Capt William Homes Tavern & remember the rogues combing the deserters head & powdering it with ashes he was then an officer either a Serjeant or an Ensign Deponent fully believes that he was married at one of the times when he came home, about sixty years next fall. They went to house keeping after he left the service & lived together some years after they removed to Connecticut. Depo- nent was married to the said Lewis sister Fifty six years ago come August next and he has no doubt that the Marriage of the said Caleb Lewis & Nancy Greenman was about four years before but as he has no record made at the time he cannot be any more precise as to the day; but according to his best recollection he was in the service several months after he was married Mary Bates

State of Rhode Island } ss. Washington County } } 79 On this 13 th day of June 1838 per- sonally appeared before me the sub- scribed Thomas Phillips June, a Notary Public for said County of Washington Stephen Tillinghast, a credible per- son who being first duly sworn accor- ing to Law, doth on oath declare, That he was well acquainted with Caleb Leeds & Nancy Greenman, & well remembers the circumstance of their being married to each other at the house of Mr John Whitford where the said Nancy Greenman was then living the deponent was then about twelve years old he remembers the circumstance well but as he has no record of it he cannot state the precise time to a day, I remember it was in cool weather in the fall, or forepart of the Winter, I recollect that my Brother Amos Tillinghast and Oliver Arnold & myself heard that the wedding was to take place on a certain evening & we went to the house of Mr Whitford uninvited, expecting to witness the

20 ceremony but it did not take place that evening but he knew of its taking place soon after that time my age is 72 this day and I do not think I was more than about twelve years old at the time of the marriage
Steph Gillinghast
Sworn & subscribed the day & year first named before me
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Notary Notary at Exeter aforesaid This 13 th day of June 1888.
Attest Thos Phillips for Notary Public

The foregoing certificate, was 17 sworn to and subscribed the day & year first named viz this 13 th day of June 1838
In testimony whereof I do hereunto to set my hand & affix the Seal of said Notary Public at Exeter aforesaid the day & year last named
Attest Thos. Phillips for Notary Public

State of Rhode Island } County of Washington } Is Exeter On this 13 th day of June A 1838 personally appeared before me Thomas Phillips Jr., a Notary Public of the County of Washington aforesaid Mrs Lydia Phillips — a resident of said town of Exeter, a credible person who being first duly sworn according to law with an Oath, declare, that she well remembers that Caleb Lewis and Nancy Greenman were married at the house of her father John Whitford in said Exeter she was then about eight years old, she does not think she was any older than that: she did not have any record of it but thinks it was as long ago as 1778 the old people who were then neighbors & acquaintances and who were present are all most all dead & gone, the said Nancy Greenman lived at our house several years, there is one man living who married Caleb Lewis sister viz Nancy Bates who

24 is living in this town, Deponent herself is now sixty eight years old in presence of her Test Thomas Phillips Lydia + Phillips Jesse Charlton mark
Sworn & Subscribed the day & year first named before me
In testimony whereof, I do hereunto set my hand & affix the Seal of the said Probate Court Notary Public at Exeter aforesaid on this 13 th day of June A 1838.
Attest Thos Phillips for Notary Public

I Thomas Phillips Jun, a resident of the town of Exeter in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, and at this time being & having for six months last past have been Town Clerk & Register of the said Town of Exeter, do hereby declare that I have carefully examined the records of said Town but cannot find therein any entry or record of the Marriage of Caleb Lewis, and Nancy Greenman, under any date, and I further certify, that the Town records of this Town, contains a record of but a small part or portion of the Marriages solemnized in this town for sixty years past In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand as town Clerk, sworn to render correct copies & abstracts
Attest Thos Phillips Jun J. Clerk
And as Notary Public I hereby certify, that I am at this time & have been for more than four years last past, a Town Clerk & Register for said Town of Exeter in the County of Washington State of Rhode Island & that I am under oath to render true & faithful copies &

28 abstracts from the records belonging to said office & that I have stated the facts according to truth and In testimony whereof I do herewith set my hand and affix my Seal of Office at Exeter in the County of Washington & State of Rhode Island. this 13 th day of June A D 1838
Attest Thos Phillips Jr. Public Notary

Clerks Certificate of no Record in the case of Caleb Lewis

State of Rhode Island } County of Washington } S. Exeter August 17 1837 I Christopher C Greene Clerk of the Baptist Church in Exeter of whom Elder Sprague was formerly Pastor hereby certify that I can not find any record of the marriage of Caleb Lewis and Nancy Greenman among the records of said Church under any date. Christopher C Greene Clerk
State of Rhode Island } County of Washington } S. Exeter on this 17 day of August 1837 Personally appeared Christopher C Greene Church Clerk who has signed the preceding certificate and made solemn oath to the truth of the same Before me & he is a credible person
Gardner Tillinghast Justice of Peace
Washington ss. State of Rhode Island ss.
I Asa Potter Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County, being a court of Record, hereby certify that Thomas Phillips Jr Gardner Tillinghast is a justice of the Peace in the town of Exeter in the County aforesaid duly elected, commissioned and qual- ified according to law, and that his signa- ture above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have here- unto affixed the Seal of the said Court at South Kingston this 17 th day of August in the year 1837.
Asa Potter Clerk.

State of New York } Chenango County } ss Town of Columbus }
On this 27 th day of May 1837 personally came before the subscribers a justice of the peace of the town aforesaid Joseph Button of the said town of Columbus who being duly sworn according to law deponeth & saith that he is seventy two years of age, that he was a soldier of the Revolutionary War that in the month of March previous to Sullivan Expedition to Rhode Island he cannot now name the year he entered into the company of Benjamin White company of Rhode Island State troops in Colonel John Gopham's Regiment General Samuel Linnell's Brigade this he understood to be for fifteen months service. That he enlisted at Hopkintown Rhode Island & joined the Regiment at Tiverton in the same state in the same month of March that when he joined the Regiment Caleb Lewis was in the service in the same company with himself (viz Benjamin White) & was a Sergeant in the company. That they continued at Tiverton until the month of July following when they moved onto Rhode Island & continued there until the 29 th day of August until the Battle of the day when this deponent was wounded & taken prisoner that during the whole time from his joining the Regiment to said 29 th of August the said Caleb Lewis was constantly an acting Sergeant in the said company, that he did not see the
Joseph Button

32 said Caleb Lewis in Service after the said 29th day of August but after his exchange which was in about one year after he was taken prisoner he frequently saw the said Caleb Lewis & learned from him & from other members of the said company that he served out his time. That this deponent is an invalid pensioner of the United States on account of the loss of a leg in the said battle of the 29th of August & further this deponent saith not
Joseph Butten
Subscribed & sworn Before me this 27th day of May 1837
Isaac Jones Jr Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am acquainted with Joseph Butten who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing affidavit that he is a resident is
STATE OF NEW-YORK, CHENANGO COUNTY } ss. Clerk's Office,
I, PEREZ RANDALL, Clerk of the coun- ty of Chenango, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the said county, do hereby certify, that Isaac Jones, Jr. Esquire, was on the 27th day of May 1837 a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and sworn, and that full faith and credit are to be given to his acts in that capacity: And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Isaac Jones, Jr. and verily believe the signature to the annexed Affidavit
Isaac Jones Jr

said Caleb Lewis in Service after the said 29th day of August but after his exchange which was in about one year after he was taken prisoner he frequently saw the said Caleb Lewis & learned from him & from other members of the said company that he served out his time. That this deponent is an invalid pensioner of the United States on account of the loss of a leg in the said battle of the 29th of August & further this deponent saith not
Joseph H. Burton
Subscribed & sworn Before me this 27th day of May 1837
Isaac Jones Jr Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am acquainted with Joseph Burton who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing affidavit that he is a resident is
STATE OF NEW-YORK, CHENANGO COUNTY } ss. Clerk's Office,
I, PEREZ RANDALL, Clerk of the court- ty of Chenango, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the said county, do hereby certify, that Isaac Jones Jr. Esquire, was on the 27th day of May 1837 a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and sworn, and that full faith and credit are to be given to his acts in that capacity: And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Isaac Jones Jr. — and verily believe the signature to the annexed Affidavit to be his proper hand writing.
of the Peace
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas the said county, and subscribed my name this 30th day of May 1837
Perez Randall Clerk

32 said Caleb Lewis in Service after the said 29th day of August but after his exchange which was in about one year after he was taken prisoner he frequently saw the said Caleb Lewis & learned from him & from other members of the said company that he served out his time. That this deponent is an invalid pensioner of the United States on account of the loss of a leg in the said battle of the 29th of August & further this deponent saith not
Joseph Britton
Subscribed & sworn Before me this 27th day of May 1837
Isaac Jones Jr Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am acquainted with Joseph Britton who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing affidavit that he is a credible person & that his statement is entitled to full credit
Isaac Jones Jr Justice of the Peace

Calib Lewis Henry Bowen Secretary of State

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Secretary's Office Sept 13. 1837
I certify that an original paper lately found in this office entitled "A Return of Soldiers enlisted by Capt Benjamin West in Col Stantons Regimt" contains among others the name "Caleb Lewis - Exeter" Said return is dated "Camp at Fiverton (Howlands ferry) May 2 d 1777" and signed Ben a West Capt.
Also another paper recently found entitled "Return of Recruits enlisted into Col. Dophams Reg t - not included in the Return of March 12 th 78." contains the name "Caleb Lewis" as enlisted March 9. by Capt B. West. Said return is dated Providence April 7-78 and signed G Allen. Witness Henry Brown Ferry.

- Joseph Hall -
Rev. Maynard
1800
1801
1802
1803
1804
1805
1806
1807
1808
1809
1810
1811
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1815
1816

State of Connecticut Tolland County } Ellington
In this 20 th day of June 1838 personally appeared before me, Asa Willey Esq one of the justices of the Peace for said county Joseph Hutton a resident of said Ellington who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath declare that he was well acquainted with Caleb Lewis formerly a resident of said Ellington.
He is well knowing to the fact that the said Caleb Lewis died suddenly at said Ellington Forty eight years last April I think the fifth day, I was present at the funeral the present widow Nancy Parsons was his wife at the time of his death.
I will remember that two or three years after that; Rufus Parsons & the said Widow Lewis both were living at my father's I went after Esq Daniel Ellsworth who was the Magistrate chiefly applied to in this town to solemnize Marriage he came to my Father's House & married them; & they lived together until he the said Rufus Parsons died by falling from a Waggan, two years ago last fall, & she the said Nancy Parsons has remained a Widow ever since that period & is now a widow. Joseph Hutton

32 In the within certificate was this day sworn to, and subscribed this day, Before me: & I certify that the said Joseph Horton is a credible person.
Isa Willay Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut Tolland County } S. Ellington
On this 3 d day of July 1838 Personally appeared before me Asa Willey Esq one of the Justices of the Peace for said Tolland County Tamar Hayward a resident of said Ellington a credible person who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on Oath Declare, That she is well knowing to the fact that Rufus Parsons late of Ellington, the second husband of Mrs Nancy Parsons died very suddenly at Coventry in Connecticut in the month of October A D 1835 Three years the next October that he was thrown from a waggon whereby his neck was broken: & the present widow Parsons still remains a widow has never again intermarried.
She has been acquainted with Mrs Parsons for more than forty five years & has always understood that when she married the said Rufus Parsons she was the widow of Caleb Lewis she has known some of her oldest children by the name of Hannah Lewis & James Lewis The said Caleb Lewis the husband of the said Widow Parsons died a little before her nowembrance, her age, is Forty eight and it is her full belief that the said Hannah Lewis is in her sixtieth year I have known her from a child & always understood her to be between Eleven & twelve years older than myself
Tamar Hayward
Asa Willey Justice of Peace

3635

State of Connecticut Tolland County ss Ellington
On this 3 rd day of July — 1838 Personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Ellington in the County aforesaid Jesse Charlton a resident of East Windsor in the County of Hartford & State aforesaid a credible Person, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on Oath declare, That the Widow Nancy Parsons of Ellington, formerly the wife of Caleb Lewis as is alleged has uniformly stated to me that she was married to the said Caleb Lewis, while he was a member of the army of the Revolution that he the said Lewis was sent up from Riverton to Exeter after Deserters from the army, who were believed to be lurking in that neighborhood, & that while he was in Exeter on that business she was married to him at the House of John Whitford; by Elder Sprague: and that her said Husband returned back to the Army, served his time out, and that this was in the month of November 1778. It is as much as fifteen months since the Widow made application for me to look up the proof in her case, I have seen her often & she has always told the same story
I was much struck with the following circumstance when I called

40 on Mary Bates in Exeter To enquire of him if he knew anything of the services of Caleb Lewis in the army of the revolution he said he did not serve with him at any time but knew of his being in the army and coming up from the camp (I think at Inverton) to Exeter after Desers, that he served as a Serjeant, & came up with a file of men, & took several; he called one of them by name, & told many particulars about it, a part of which are detail'd in his deposition: and as I understood, & fully believe, that the Widow & Mr Mary Bates had not seen one another for more than twenty years, their both mentioning this circum- stance convinced me that it is no dream, & no fabrication.
And I further testify, that I was present when Thomas Phillips Esq. Notary Public administered the Oath to the persons whose certificates are annexed, bearing his name, & when he set his Seal thereto & he assured me he had yet no other Seal of Office & showed me his Commission under hand & Seal of the Governor & Secretary of Rhode Island.
And I further testify, that I was present when Joseph Nichols Esq. of the County of Kent, administered the Oath to Caleb Whitman whose certificate is annexed, & I saw the said Nichols sign his name as Justice of Peace to the said certif- icate: this I add, because the Secretary in his certif- icate of the appointment of Mr Nichols, does not certify that the signature is genuine, & in his letter to me, with the certificate states that he is not ac

51 04 acquainted with the hand writing of the said Joseph Nichols. Mrs Parsons gave me a list of the names of her former acquaintances & Neighbors I found on enquiry that they were all dead or gone where no person there knew their residence those I found readily remembered what they have testified
Jesse Chearltone
In testimony whereof, I Moses B Bull Clerk of the Probate Court for the District of Ellington in the County of Tolland, State of Connecticut do hereunto set my hand, and affix the Seal of said Court at Ellington aforesaid this third day of July — 1838 and I certify that before signing & oath the following words were interlined viz "Bates" & "not" and the foregoing certificate was sworn to and subscribed before said Court the day & year above named viz this third day of July — A 1838 —
Attest Moses B Bull Clerk

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Secretary's office August 6. A 1838.
I certify that at the session of the General assembly of said State holden on the tenth day of December seventeen hundred eighty six an act was passed entitled "An act for raising, embodying, supplying and paying two Regiments of Infantry, each consisting of Seven hundred and fifty men, and a Regiment or Train of Artillery, consisting of Three hundred men, for the defence of the United States in general, of of this State in particular." That said Regiments by said act were raised for fifteen months, unless sooner discharged by the Assembly. That at said session Joseph Stanton Jr was appointed Colonel of one of said Regiments of Infantry. Archibald Crary Lieutenant Colonel, and William Barton Major.
That at the session holden on the twenty third day of said December,

Benjamin West was appointed captain in Colonel Stantons Regiment.
All which appears of record in this office. Witness
Henry Bowen Secy

BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
William Sprague
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 aforewritten attestation subscribed, is in the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen, 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 Provi- dence, this sixth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- eight and of Independence the sixty- third
By His Excellency's Command.
Henry Bowen Secy
Wm Sprague

Nancy Parsons

State of Connecticut Tolland County, S s Ellington On this 17 th day of July 1838 Personally appeared before me Jesse Charlton Public Notary for the State of Connecticut Widow Nancy Parsons, a resident of said Ellington, a credible person, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath declare; That she had been married more than one year; viz, thirteen months, before the Birth of her first child, which was Hannah Lewis, who married Jesse Carr & removed to Colebrook in the County of Coos, New Hampshire we have sent for her deposition, respecting her own age, & the death of her Father, & other facts to her well known.
Signed in presence of James Hayward
Nancy her X Parsons mark
In testimony whereof I do hereunto subscribe my name, & affix my Seal of Office at East Windsor in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut this 3 rd day of August 1838.
Attest Jesse Charlton Notary Public