Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6051, for Solomon Shearman, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER
RJ
Shearman, Solomon Susannah
W 6051
CONTENTS

21. 199 Uncle Mark
Solomon Shearman of Bristol in the State of R.I. who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Bullock of the Art commanded by C. Meyer in the N.J. line for 16 mos Dec 16
Inscribed on the Roll of Shore Island at the rate of 53 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of Aug 1833 and Subt  1833 Bullock Bristol R.I.
Ancars to the 4th of March 1833 $106.66 Semi-ant. allowance ending 1st  1833  $26.67 $133.33
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Book E
J. Edson Clerk, Vol. 2a Page 129

581 Rhode Island Mannah Shearman widow of Solomon Shearman who served in the Revolution war, as a Pirate
Let 16 Rev. Dr. P. Jones 9 Feb 1834
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 53 Dollars 33
Cents per annum, to commence the 4th day of March, 1848.
3 rd February 1853 Certificate of Pension issued the 4 th day of June 1853 and sent to
N. Bullock Bristol R. Island
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 29, 1848, Page 54 Vol. C
1832

DECLARATION.
IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE BENEFIT OF THE ACT OF CONGRESS, PASSED JUNE 7, 1832.
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND, } ss. COUNTY OF BRISTOL, }
On this 29 th day of January personally appeared in open Court, before the Judges or Justices of the Court of Common Pleas now sitting, Solomon Shearman a resident of Warren — in the County of Bristol, and State of Rhode-Island, aged about  73 — years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
That in the month of November 1776, he entered the public service as a private soldier, in Captain Stephen Babcock's company of militia of South Kingstown in the State aforesaid, which company belonged to Col. Charles Dyer's Regiment, Joseph Carpenter was lieutenant and Howard Chapman was brigade of said company, and that he said Shearman served as a private soldier in said company and was stationed part of the time at Boston Neck, so called and at Point Judith, in said South Kingstown, guarding the shores, from some time in said November until the first of June 1777  until the first of June 1777 . The enemy were then in possession of Newport, and were often plundering or attempting to plunder the Narragansett farms. We often repelled them by having skimmers with them but they often succeeded in carrying off stock and occasionally took some of our people, they took Benjamin Gardner & Caleb Allen I well remember prisoners, and one Gorgall & one Lewis, whom they retained till exchanged. I also served as a private soldier in the same company from the first of December 1777 until September, 1778, performing the same kind of guard duty as before and at the same stations except when we were marched to R. Island in Sullivan's expedition, when we were marched to E. Greenwich and crossed the Bay to Bristol and thence to the Island, I was on the watch there in August 1778, after the Battle we were discharged and the company footed its how by way of Providence — afterwards in the summer of 1780, as it was expected or reported
that the enemy were intending to take possession of Rhode Island a second time and when their fleet appeared off Block Island, I was drafted as a private soldier again for one month and marched, with the same company, in the Regiment then commanded by Col. Thomas Potter to Newport, and said company were quartered and stationed at Brenton's Neck where we remained until the alarm of the enemy's intended landing was over, and at the expiration of the month was discharged at Newport and returned to South Kingstown, And the said Shearman further states that owing to the loss of memory and the lapse of time he can not positively swear to the exact amount of time he served during the Revolutionary war but he is positive he served as much as five and  any months, upon his first engagement, in Capt. Stephen Babcock's Company, and as much as nine months, during his second engagement, which terminated with Sullivan's expedition; and that he served a full month in the summer of 1780, in Col. Potter's Regiment, making the whole of his service at the least fifteen months, exclusive of

he served as much as 10 months, during his second engagement, which terminated with Sullivan's expedition; and that he served a full month in the summer of 1780, in Col. Potter's Regiment, making the whole of his service at the least fifteen months, exclusive of occasional services in times of alarm where he served for a few days at a time - And the said Shearman further swears that he was born in North Kingstown in said State of Rhode Island, on the 15 th day of February A.D. 1760, that he can find no record of his birth, that he was living in South Kingstown when he first entered the service, which was his home until after the peace; that he never received any written discharge from any of his Revolutionary services, nor has he any documentary evidence thereof, and that as near as he can ascertain there is not one of the officers under whom he served now living - That the Clergyman whom he is accustomed to hear preach in Warren, is now absent and that he refers to Hon. Samuel Battenworth, a member of this Court, and to Samuel Bowen, his neighbors for their belief of his services -
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State. Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
J Davis Clk Solomon Shearman
We, Samuel Battenworth residing in the town of Warren and Samuel Bowen residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Solomon Shearman who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be about seventy three years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
J. Davis Clk Samuel Battenworth Samuel Bowen
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Samuel Battenworth Esquire of Warren who has signed the preceding certificate, is a member of this Court, resident in the town of Warren and that Samuel Bowen who has also signed the same is a resident in the town of Warren and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Attest J. Davis Clk
I, Ichabod Davis do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Solomon Shearman for a pension.
Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for Bristol.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 29 th day of January A.D. 1833.
J. Davis Clk

State of Rhode Island &c.
Clerk's Office, Court of Common Pleas, County of Bristol,
I, William Bradford, Clerk of said Court, do hereby certify that on the 29 th day of January 1833. Ichabod Davis was Clerk of said Court, and that his name above is his own proper hand writing, and that the seal affixed to his certificate above, was then and still is the seal of said Court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 26 th day of July A. D. 1833.
W m Bradford Clerk.

Simon Skarma
23647

The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations, county of Bristol ss. — On this 7 th day of March, A.D. 1853, personally appeared before the Court of Probate in session, at Bristol in the said county, Susanna Shearman, a resident of said Bristol, who being first sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed February 4 th A.D. 1853; That she is the widow of Solomon Shearman, who was a private Soldier in the war of the Revolution, and who received a pension for his services therein, issued in the year 1833, for the sum of fifty three dollars and thirty three cents, annually, until his death, under the act of Congress, passed June 7 th A.D. 1832; she further declares that she was married to said Solomon Shearman at said Bristol on the the fifteenth day of January in the year eighteen hundred and twenty; and her name before her said marriage was Susanna Kite, and that her husband, the aforesaid Solomon Shearman, died at Warren in said county, on the            day of November, eighteen hundred and thirty eight, and that she has remained a widow since that period, and that she is now, and was, on the 4 th day of February, A.D. 1853, a widow.
Susanna Shearman
Sworn to and subscribed by the above named Susanna Shearman, before said Court of Probate on the day, and year first above written, which Court of Probate I hereby certify to be a Court of Record.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court.
Peter Gladding
Probate Clerk.

I, Peter Gladding, of Bristol in the County of Bristol, in the State of Rhode Island, on solemn oath depose and say, that I am both the Town and Probate Clerk of said Town of Bristol, and have the custody of the Records of Marriages solemnized in said town, and that I find the marriage between Solomon Shearman and Susanna Ritchie, entered on said Records in words and figures of which the following, is a true copy, to wit: Copy.
"This may certify that Mr Solomon Shearman and Susanna, Ritchie were lawfully united in marriage by the subscriber January, 15 th 1820.
Isaac Bonney Preacher M. E. Church."
And I further depose that I have been acquainted with said Susanna Shearman from my childhood and also with said Solomon Shearman, for a number of the last years of his life, and depose that said Solomon died in the adjoining town of Warren, some twelve or fifteen years ago, and that his said wife still lives his widow.
Peter Gladding
Bristol p. Bristol March 8 th A.D. 1853. Personally appeared before me this day, the above named Peter Gladding, and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him signed. And I do certify that I am well acquainted with said Peter Gladding, and that he is a man of truth and veracity.
J. Russell Bulloch Public Notary

I, James B. White of Bristol in the County of Bristol in the State of Rhode Island of lawful age on solemn oath depose and say, that I am well acquainted with Mrs. Susanna Sherman, and was acquainted with her late husband Solomon Sherman - and I further depose he died a number of years ago, and that she is still living in this town, and remains his widow.
James B. White
Bristol p. Bristol March 8 th A.D. 1853. Personally appeared before me, the above named James B. White, and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him signed in my presence - And I do further certify that said James B. White is well known to me, and is a man of truth and veracity.
Ebenezer Bullock Public Notary

State of Rhode Island &c Bristol County ss
I, M. F. Bennett, Clerk of the Supreme Court in and for the County, and State aforesaid (being a Court of Record) do certify that Peter Gladding is Town, and Probate Clerk for the town of Bristol, and that L. R. Bullock is a Public Notary duly appointed and confirmed, and as such is fully qualified to administer Oaths, examine witnesses and take dep- ositions in said County and that his signature to the foregoing depositions of Peter Gladding and James P. White is in his own proper hand missing
In Witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand, and affix the Seal of said Court this ninth day of March A.D. 1853. — at Bristol —
M. F. Bennett Clerk
#

2364 7 Solomon Sherman Rhode Island
Mar 16 1800
10-16
A. Bullock Bristol Rhode Island

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Salomon Shearman Bristol County State of Rhode Island
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enld 1776 9 privt Capt Babcock Col Dyer 73 years South Kingston Traditionary   " 1777 9 " Same Officers Evidence and   disch 1780 1 " Col Potter Rhode Island Leaving Witness Papers not Authenticated  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army; and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Secretary of the proper department, or by a Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] The declarant must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____; For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the terms, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
x J Davis's seal

Mary Ann Jones for Solomon Sherman
R.I. 52 —
Ex G. W. Hadler Aug 1852.

POWER OF ATTORNEY
For ascertaining whether any increase or arrears of Pension are due the Widow or heirs of Revolutionary Pensioners, &c.
State of New York
County of Monroe
Be it known that before me B. B. Bardwell a Justice of the Peace personally appeared Mary A. Jones aged 83 years, who being duly cautioned and then sworn in due form of law, states that she is the Daughter of Solomon Sherman who was a Revolutionary Soldier, or Pensioner of the State of Rhode Island and that he died on the ... day of ... 18 ... and that her mother named Cyril Sherman died on the ... day of ... 18 20 and that they were married on the ... day of ... in the year 17 ... and that they were residents of ... in the State of ... and that they resided there ... years, and that she resides in the City of Rochester and that furthermore she BY THESE PRESENTS, constitutes, appoints and fully empowers and authorizes irrevocably and with powers of substitution— F. E. Hassler, of Washington City, D. C., as her true and lawful Attorney for her and in her name and stead, to examine into, to prosecute, to demand, and to receive from the U. S. Government Officers her rights in all and in any manner of claim for increase or arrears of Pension or Land, that may be due her as Daughter of Solomon Sherman Rhode Island who died leaving the same undrawn, as in light of law, custom, or equity she is or may be entitled to one half of all monies & lands collected by him
IN WITNESS WHEREOF she has on this ... day of June 185 ... hereunto signed her name and affixed her seal.
Witness John L. Bywater
Witness Daniel P. Jones
Mary Ann Jones
Signed, sealed, acknowledged and sworn to before me, on this 28 day of June 185
B. B. Bardwell J. P. (L. S.)
At the same time personally appeared before me B. B. Bardwell a Justice of the Peace, two credible and disinterested witnesses named Relief Buffum and Caroline Buffum residents of the aforesaid County and State, who having been by me cautioned and then duly sworn according to law, do depose and say each for themselves that they have always heard it said and it is generally believed by the community that Solomon Sherman was a Revolutionary Soldier, and that Mary Ann Jones was by him always treated as and is by the witnesses believed to be the Daughter of the said Revolutionary Soldier.
Relief Buffum
Caroline Buffum
Sworn to before me the day and year first above written.
B. B. Bardwell J. P. (L. S.)
State of New York
County of Monroe to wit:
I HEREBY CERTIFY, That B. B. Bardwell Esq., before whom the foregoing affidavits and acknowledgment were made, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Monroe County Court, this 28th day of June one thousand eight hundred and fifty ... John Lacey Clerk.
* If a Widow applies state "the date of marriage, and date of death of her husband."

Nov. 9. 1853. Inquiry in behalf of Solomon Sherman's Heirs. Respectfully referred to the Dep. of the Interior Warden Nov 7. 1853
Daniel P. Jones Oct 31 st 1853.
Enquiry as to the rights of children of deceased Revolutionary Pensioners - under the Pension Laws.
Secretary of War Washington D.C.
Respectfully referred to the Commr of Pensions Sept 14 th Nov 8. 53 to W. H. H. H. H. Chf Clk
Rev. Danl. P. Jones, Rochester, N. Y.
Col
P. Mitchell Nov 8 th 1853

To The Secretary of War Dear Sir
I wish to ask of you if you are willing to give me the proper information whether there is a law authorizing the Government of the United States or its Officers to pay the Children of Deceased Revolutionary Soldiers that drew a Pension a few years the unpaid Services and Bounty Land which was never paid and if so will you please see what was due Solomon Sherman a Revolutionary Pensioner who never received his pay for his time in the Service nor his back Pension. His Pension was paid at Providence R.I. he lived in the Town of Swansea Mass.
Please write me an answer to this letter and much Oblige
Your obedient Servt. Address (Rev Daniel P. Jones Rochester N. Y.)
Rochester Oct. 31 st 1853 (Secretary of War)
Daniel P. Jones Son in Law of the Pensioner

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., _____, 190__
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Solomon Shearman a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
W. Ill 6051
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Nov 1776 to June 77 Pri Stephen Babcock Charles Dyer R.I.   Dec 1777 to Feb 78 " " " ✓   June 1780 1 month " " " Thomas Potter   Also served on "alarm" of a few days each.  
Battles engaged in, R. Island Aug 1778
Residence of soldier at enlistment, South Kingston R.I.
Date of application for pension, Jan 29 1833. Alld.
Residence at date of application, Warren Bristol Co. R.I.
Age at date of application, Feb 15 1760, at North Kingston, R.I.
Remarks: He m. at Bristol R.I. Jan 15 1820 Susanna Kilbick. d. Nov 19 1838 at Warren, R.I. she was ill. since her child's m. Feb 7 1858 at which time she was a res. of Bristol R.I. In 1852 m. a son of Solomon Shearman & Cyril Shearman who d. in 1850.  Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

1911 May 17. Hist. to Frank. D. Sherman. 4.
Rey WIDOW, &c.
File No. 6051
Susannah Shearman
Wid.
Solomon Shearman
Prvt. Pen. War
Act: July 29 th 48
Index:—Vol. 16 , Page 205
[Arrangement of 1870.]

App t of Susannah N o 794 Shearman widow of Solomon
R Islands
21199
Act 3 d Feb y 1853. $53. 33 / 100 Per Annum Commencing Feb. 3 d 1853. Reorg.
N. Bullock Bristol R. Islands
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR; Pension Office, Official Business

Loren P. Waldo, Esquire Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Bristol, R. Island, March 29. 1853.
Sir,
I herewith inclose the application of Susanna Shearman for a pension, and presume the evidence accompanying it will be found satisfactory, both as to matter and form.
Please acknowledge its receipt when at hand.
I am, Sir, Respectfully
your obedt. Servt
N. Bullock
Colon P. Waldo Esquire Commissioner of pensions

"Pension Office. 30 th May 1853.
Sir.
Be pleased to inform me to what time, Solomon Shearman, a private in the War of the Revolution, & inscribed upon the Rhode Island Rolls, at the rate of $53. 33 / 100 per Annum, was paid.
I have the honor to be, Sir. Respectfully, J. M. [?]
J. M. Cole, For the Commission.
Died 19 th Nov r 1838, and paid to the day of his death.
J. Burt Auditor.
Francis Burt Esq m . Third Auditor. of the Treasury.

D. P. Jones Rochester N.Y. Feb'y 3. 1854.
Relation of his letter of last Fall. — A Sunday afternoon. —
Respectfully referred to the Comm. of Persons Depts hereof July 7 th 1843, Groton, Vermont Chas. A. Allen
0, 0,

Rochester, N.Y. Feb. 3 rd 1854
Dear Sir Please pass this
To the Pension Commission I would like to ask if my letter of last Fall to the Secretary of War which he says was put into your hands has received the attention from you he wrote it would be entitled to and if so, what disposition did you make of it? Is the right to receive back pay or unpaid services as well as unpaid Pension money of Soldiers in the Revolutionary War the fact as described in some Books circulating in this Section of the Country
I wish you to inform me if Children of deceased Revolutionary Soldiers have a right to receive the aforesaid money if so. Is there any back pay due one Solomon Sherman's Services, He was a Soldier and recd a Pension a few years but did not get any back pay Please write me and let me know
I am Dear Sir Yours Respectfully Address Rev Daniel P Jones Rochester N.Y. (Secretary of the Interior) D P Jones

Brief in the case of Subannah Shearman, widow of Solomon. Bristol County and State of Rhode Island. act 3 d February, 1853.
Claim, ("original," for increase )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner, under the Act of 7 th June, 1832.
Marriage proven by Record evidence.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
N. Bullock Esq. Bristol, Name and residence of Agent R. Island.
S. C. Boynton, Examining Clerk.

J. L. Edwards, Esquire, Commissioner of Pensions

Bristol, July 25 th 1833.
Sir,
I take liberty to return herewith the papers relative to Solomon Shearman's application for a pension.
The seal of the court, for the County of Bristol, has been more legibly impressed than was done before, and so as to make it pretty clearly distinguishable. And in addition, I have obtained the certificate of the new clerk to its authenticity.
To remedy the defect, in the seal of the court, for the County of Washington, I have obtained the required certificate, from the indicated source; all which, I hope, will be satisfactory.
I am, Sir, Respectfully,
Your obdt. Servt.
N Bulloch
J. L. Edwards, Esquire,
Commissioner of Pensions

Benjamin T. Merrill Clerk
The above named Samuel Helme is now & for several years last past has been the Clerk of the Court of Common- pleas for the County of Washington. The above is his own proper signature J. R. Knight Providence July 23 1833.

I hereby knoweth of Southbury town in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island aged Eighty Years or thereabouts do hereby certify and say that in in the years 1776 and 1777 I was knowing to Solomon Sherman being a soldier in Capt Stephen Babcock's Company of Militia belonging to Southbury town and that he was with said Company several Winters being duty on Boston neck in Southbury town guarding the Shore I also know of his being in said Company in Sullivan's Expedition on Rhode Island in 1778 I was there at the time as a Soldier, I also know of his being a soldier on Rhode Island in the year 1780 when the British were called there to Guard said Island Daniel Knowles
Southbury town September 3rd 1832 Personally came Daniel Daniel Knowles State before me the foregoing deposition also to me is well known as a person of truth & sincerity and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me Matthew Write Jr Clerk

Washington Is. State of which Island and Precincts are situated; I Samuel Helme clerk of the court of Common Pleas, within and for the county of Washington in said State, hereby certify that Matthew Teale, whose name is subscribed to or justified of the peace in South Kingston in said county of Washington that the signature above written purporting to be his, is the true hand writing of said Teale. and that full faith and credit are due to the official attestations of said Teale.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said court this fourth day of September 1832. at said South Kingston - Samuel Helme Clerk of the Court aforesaid
Denise T. M. O'Neil Deputy
The above named Samuel Helme is now & for several years last past has been the Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Washington. The above is his own proper signature J. R. Knight Grand Jury July 23 1833.

James B. Rutter Suspension
The above named Samuel Helmer is the Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Washington, & has been for several years past - the above is his own proper signature - I have no certificate of his election before me, but am satisfied of the fact fully as from my personal knowledge of the man & of his official acts. July 23. 1833. A. R. Knight

I Samuel R Potter of South Kingstown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island and Providence. Mem d below aged Seventy five Years on solemn Oath both Testify and say that during the Revolutionary war I was personally knowing to Solomon Shipman Being a soldier in Captain Peabody's Company of Militia Trav- eling to South Kingstown and was with him at Boston Neck in South Kingstown as a soldier and did duty in Guarding the Shores in said Boston Neck as much as five months I was also with him in Sullivan Island Expedition on Rhode Island in 1778 but did not at that time belong to the same Company he said should have been at the Lark mentioned time he was there at least one month - Samuel R Potter
South Kingstown September 3 rd 1832 Personally came Samuel R Potter before me to the foregoing Deposition who to me is well known as a person of truth and veracity and made solemn oath to the truth of the same Before me Matthew Waite, J.P.

Washington Jr. State of Rhode Island Providence Plantations
I Samuel Helme clerk of the court of common pleas within and for the county of Washington in said state hereby certify that Matthew Waite whose name is subscribed to a justice of the peace within said county of Washington, and in the town of South Kingston in said county, that the signature above Matthew purporting to be his said signature is the proper hand writing of said Waite, and that full faith and credit are due to the official attestation of said Waite
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said court this fourth  seventh day of September A.D. 1832. at said South Kingston —
Sam l Helme Clk. S.P. Court
Friend B. Patten Superintendent
The above named Samuel Helme is the clerk of the court of common pleas for the county of Washington, & has been for several years past — the above is his own proper signature — I have no certificate of his election before me, but am satisfied of the fact from my personal knowledge from my personal knowledge of the man & of his official acts. July 23. 1833 J. R. Knight

Timothy Pickering Depositor
The above named Samuel Helme is now & for several years last past has been the clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Washington & the above signature is his own proper hand writing -
A. R. Wright Providence July 23. 1833.

I Timothy Pukhann of South Kingstown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island aged Seventy Five Years on solemn Oath do Testify and say that I was and am knowing to Solomon Sherman being a Soldier in Capt Stephen Babcock Company of Militia belonging to South Kingstown and was with him as a Soldier at Boston Neck in the Year 1776 I also know him to belong to Genl Company in Sullivan Expedition on Rhode Island In 1778 I at the last mentioned time belonged to Capt John Winters Company Took how long a time he served as aforesaid I cannot recollect I have always understood at the time of the Revolutionary war he was a Great deal of his time in the Service of his Country Like all the rest of the Militia in this Quarter of the Country and more particularly when the British had possession of Rhode Island which was about three Years
Timothy Pukhann
At South Kingstown in the County of Wash- ington this 3 day of Septmber 1882 Personally Came Timothy Pukhann Subscribed to the foregoing Deposition and made solemn Oath to the truth of the same And I have always understood that and know that that the above Deposition is a true and just one Timothy Pukhann Before me Matthew Winters Barn

Washington St State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
I Samuel Helme clerk of the court of Common Pleas, within and for the county of Washington in said State, hereby certify that Matthew Waite, whose name is subscribed in a portion of the paper in South Kingston in said county of Washington that the signature above written purporting to be his, is the proper hand writing of said Waite, and that full faith and credit are due to the official attestation of said Waite -
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said court this third day of September A.D. 1832 at said South Kingston.
Sam l Helme Clk of the Court -
Timothy Pickering Deputy Clerk
The above named Samuel Helme is now & for several years last past has been the clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Washington & the above signature is his own proper hand writing -
A. R. Knight
Providence July 23. 1833.

W 6051

158 West 105 th Street.
New York, May 12. 1911.
Dear Sir:
At the convenience of the Bureau may I have the record of the following Revolutionary soldier:
Solomon Shearman - on Roll 1835 - of Mistol County, Mass. , - aged 75 years.
Very respectfully yours.
Frederick Sherman.
Hon.
Commissioner of Pensions.