Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 15401, for James Hooper Owens, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass. Navy
Owens, James Hooper Owen or Stockwell, Elizabeth (Former widow)
W 15401
CONTENTS

Owens, James H. Pass - Navy W15401

These certify that James Brummade and Elizabeth Howens have been this day by mutual consent joined together in Marriage agreeable to the Laws of this Commonwealth and the Rules of the Protestant Episcopal Church in America
Given under my Hand at Boston this 28 day of June 1795
Walter D. D. Rector of Christ Church in Boston Massachusetts
To all concerned

James Owens Last will 1779

In The Name of God Amen.
I James Owens of Boston in the County of Suffolk and State of the Massachusetts Bay mariner of a sound Disposing mind and memory and Considering the uncertainty of Life do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament First I Commend my soul to God that gave it trusting thru the merits of Christ to pardon all my sins and to have a pardon of all my sins and an inheritance among them that are sanctified through faith in him as to such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with I dispose of as follows
Item
I will that all my Just Debts and funeral Charge be paid by my Executrix hereafter named as soon as may be after my Decease
Item
I Give to my good friend Elizabeth Harris spiritual of Boston aforesaid all my whole Estate both personal and real and and all that is Coming to me hereafter or wherever to her and her Heirs and assigns for ever and I do nominate my good friend Elizth Harris to be soul Executrix of this my Last Will revoking and disannulling all other wills made by me to which in testimony hereof I have set my hand this twelveth day July one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine.
James Owens
signed sealed and delivered and published by the said James Owens to be his last will and testament in presents of
Richard Watts Mary Colter Abigail Brett

Massachusetts 30
Let H. a c Hand Mar 25 1840.
Elizabeth Stock formerly widow of James Owen who died on the _____ 1792 of Suffolk in the State of Massachusetts who was a Boatswain in the Fregate commanded by Captain Warren of the _____ commanded by Capt Whipple in the Mass ts Navy longer 6 m or 272 y
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 32 Dollars 77 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 th day of Aug t 39, as sent to Reuben Baldwin and Boston, Mass ts
Arrears to the 4th of Mar. — $262.16
Semi-annual allowance ending 16.38
$278.54
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by R. Burdick Clerk, ok A Vol. 2 — Page 59.

Declaration.
In Order to obtain the Benefit of the 3 d Section of the Act of Congress of the 4 th of July, 1836. and 3 d March 1837. Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Suffolk County, S scilicet On this thirtieth day of May, in the year of our Lord, Eighteen hundred thirty seven; appeared before the Honourable Peter Overbridge Thatcher, Esquire, Judge of the Municipal Court for the City of Boston, in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth aforesaid. Elizabeth Owen of Boston, in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, aged Seventy four years: who being first duly sworn, according to Law, doth, on Oath, make the following Declaration: in order to obtain the Benefit of the Provision made by the Act of Congress, passed 4 th July 1836. and 3 d March 1837. That she is the Widow of James Hooper Owen, who entered on board the American frigate Warren, during the Year 1778; in what month cannot recollect: after serving on board said Ship, he was discharged: and, in the year 1779, he was Impress'd, on board the Ship Monmouth, and failed in that Ship, as one of the Squadron, on the Expedition against Penobscot, prepared at Boston in that Year. After the failure of that Expedition, he returned to Boston, at which place he was married to him, on the Fourth... day of October..... of that Year; by the Reverend Stephen Lewis, then, and afterwards, Rector of the Parish of Christ Church, in said Boston: as by the annexed Certificate from the present Incumbent, will more satisfactorily appear. After his Marriage, he failed thence in a private armed Schooner, on a Cruise against the English Trade: soon after failing, the Schooner was captured, and carried into England, where he was detained, as a Prisoner, more than eighteen months. He then returned to Boston: at his arrival, he found the frigate Alliance, John Barry, Esq. Commander,

was preparing for Sea: he was engaged on board, as a Workman, and, when she was completed and ready for Sailing, he entered on board, in the Quality of Boatswain's Mate.
The Ship was employed, to carry the Marquis La Fayette to France: after landing him there, the Ship sailed on a Cruise, on the Coast, and, in the Channel of England: during the Cruise, she captured five Prizes, which were sent into France: of these Four were sold, and, the Proceeds distributed among the Captors distributed among the remaining Two, were unsold, when the Ship sailed to America: and, it is not known that any Distribution of the Proceeds, was ever made: but, the Declarant, further states, A. Captain Barry, prior to his Sailing, was ordered to convey a twenty gun Ship, commanded by a Captain Green, which Vessel was said to have on board nine Millions of Crowns, loaned by the French to the American Government: and, after a long Chase, and, a very severe one, by three, or more, British frigates, they arrived safely, in the harbour of New London. After the Peace, he quitted the Naval Service: and, for several subsequent Years, practiced and, for several subsequent Years, practiced the Trade of a Rigger: he then quitted that Business, and engaged in a Voyage to South Carolina: and arrived in Charleston: soon after his arrival there, he died: this Event was in the year 1795, as nearly, as it is in her power to recollect.
Signed by the Declarant, in presence of Peter O. Thacher Weaver Hemen
her Elizabeth X Owen mark
who have signed their Names, as Witnesses, pursuant to the Spirit of the second Direction of A. H. Barris, Esq: second Comptroller of the Treasury: given 29. September 1836.

that the proceeds of said Prior were, as she believes, paid to Benjamin Frank Jr. and John D. Dyer, said then American Commissioners, at the Court of France; and, by them deposited in the Treasury of the French Government, for distribution to the claimants at a future time: and, if any of said proceeds should appear to have been the loss, she believes that such portion of the French said Prize, as would have accrued to her husband, according to his Rank in the Alliance, may be paid to her, as his widow.
A Subscribed & sworn to by Elizabeth Owen, on this 30 th May, A.D. 1837, in the presence of Peter O. Thacher, Judge of the Municipal Court
I certify that Elizabeth Owen, the foregoing Applicant, by reason of her age & infirmity, is unable to attend personally in Court: & further that she is represented to me, to be a person of good character & worthy of credit.
Peter O. Thacher, Judge of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston.
Boston May 30 th 1837
I Wm D. Phillips clerk pro tem pro, having been duly sworn, of the Municipal Court aforesaid, the same being a court of Record duly established by law of this commonwealth, do hereby certify that Peter O. Thacher is Judge of said court and that the above signature is his own proper hand writing. In Witness whereof I have hereto set my hand & caused the seal of said court to be affixed this twenty sixth day of June in the year eighteen hundred and thirty seven.
Wm D. Phillips Clerk pro tem pro

that the Proceeds of those Prizes were, as she believes, paid to Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay, Esqrs, then American Commissioners, at the Court of France; and, by them deposited in the Treasury of the French Government, for Distribution to the Captors, at a future time: and, if on Enquiry, such should appear to have been the case, she believes, that such Portion of the Amount of said Prizes, as would have accrued to her Husband, according to his Rank in the Alliance, may be paid to her, as his Widow.

Owens

I do hereby certify that the marriage of James Owen and Elizabeth Harris is recorded on the parish register of Christ Church, Boston, as having been solemnized on the 4 th day of October, A. D. 1779, by the Rev. Mr. Sewes, at that time, minister of the said Church,
William Crosswell, Rector of Christ Ch. Boston.
Boston, March 29. 1837.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts:
Suffolk County, S ci licet:
Nathaniel Emmer of Boston, in the County of Common- wealth aforesaid, Blacksmith;
Declares and Says:
That he has known Elizabeth Owen, more than thirty years, as the Widow of the late James Hooper Owen: during which term, she has been well respected and esteemed, by all who knew her: and, I have no cause to doubt, that she is the identical Person, which she represents herself to be: I have often heard her say, that her Husband, the said Owen: in the time of the American Revolution, belonged to the Continental frigate Alliance, and, that he was on board said ship, eighteen months, in the quality of Boatswain's mate Mate: and, that while on board said ship, they captured two Vessels, called Letters of Marque. I have no doubt, that her statement is correct & true.
I also think, that her Declaration is to be taken, in any court.
At Boston, this 19 June 1837. Nath l Emmer
Signed the Declaration, in presence of Bleazer Homer
Suffolk ss. Boston June 26 th 1837. Personally ap- peared Nathaniel Emmer and met all the contents of the last of the above declaration by him subscribed.
Before me John B. McElroy Justice of the Peace
I certify that Nathaniel Emmer above named is a person of credibility. John B. McElroy Justice of the Peace

3256
Mass. Boston
X Elizabeth Stockbridge Widow of James Owen de Mass-Way W 15401
Mass.
act 4 July 36 & 3 March 37.
adm 3256 6-27-89 Boatswain Mate
32.77.
No deduction
Reuben Baldwin Boston Mass.
cal person who was formerly in my

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Suffolk County ss
On this third day of January - in the Year of Our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirty eight Personally appeared before the Hon Peter O Thacher Judge of the Municipal Court for the City of Boston and Com- monwealth of Massachusetts, Elizabeth Stockwell aged Se- venty three  six years a Resident of Boston aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to Law, both on her Oath makes the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Acts of Congress passed July 4 1836 and March 3 d 1857
That She is the Widow of Joseph Stock- well late of Boston the also the Wife and Widow of James
Brummins who was her Second husband dec d , And that She was also the Wife and likewise the Widow of James Owen her first husband dec d . And that her first husband the said James Owen served as a Mariner on board of Various Vessels of the United States during the War of the Revolution, First in the year 1778 on board of the Private Warren in the Service of the United States Commanded by Cap t Oliver Whipple but how long he served on board said Vessel she does not now recollect
Secondly in the year 1779. He entered on board the Public Armed Ship Monmouth of 20 Guns. Capt. Dyer one of the Squadrons engaged in the Expedition to Penobscot in which expedition he sailed and was absent three months and returned home after having suffered many privations and hardships, then he engaged on board a private armed Schooner and Sailed on a Cruise against the English trade in which Vessel he was captured and carried to England where he remained in Captivity more than twelve months but was at length exchanged and returned home on his arrival, he found the United States Frigate alliance Capt John Barry preparing for Sea
U.S. 20 no 70
ms 6.338 no 11

And on board of that Vessel be said James Owen. Said Vessel as Boatswain Made out performed three Cruises, the first of which was to France to convey the Marquis De La Fayette, and after landing that Officer they Cruised in the English Channel and Captured six prizes which were sent into France, after which the Frigate Alliance Sailed from Havre in France to the United States and took under her Convoy a 20 gun Ship Commanded by Capt Greene having on board a large amount of Specie, and on their homeward bound passage they were chased by several British Frigates and had a running fight with them, and at length arrived at New London in the United States. I further testify and declare that I was betrothed to the said James Owen previous to his Sailing on the Penobscot Expedition on board of the Ship Monmouth, and that he left me by Will all his property which Will accompanies this Declaration.
She further declares that she was married to the said James Owen her first husband by the Rev Stephen Lewis, on the fourth day of October in the year Seventeen hundred & Seventy Nine that her husband the aforesaid James Owen died in South Carolina at Charleston in the year Seventeen hundred & Ninety two or near as she can recollect, And that she married James Brummad her second husband on the twenty eighth day of June in the Year Seventeen hundred & Ninety five. And he said James Brummad died in the year Eighteen hundred and two and she married her third and last husband Joseph Stockwell in September in the year Eighteen hundred & Seventeen and that said Joseph Stockwell died on the twelfth day of July in the year Eighteen hundred & twenty, And that she was a Widow on the 4 July 1836, and still remains a Widow as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Witness to Signature C.W. Atthorp
Elizabeth X Stockwell mark
Subscribed and sworn to before me, on the day and year first above written, Jan'y. 3. 1838, the word "Alliance" at the bottom of the first page was first interlined, before me
Peter O. Draper Judge of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston

I certify that the foregoing Affidavit, by reason of her great age & infirmity is unable to attend personally in court; and that the substance of her character & her statements are worthy to be believed. Peter O. Tracber Judge of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston.
I Thomas Seward of Boston in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged sixty seven years do on Oath testify and say that I knew James Owen formerly of said Boston dec. and I know that he said James Owen was on board the Frigate Alleoua Capt. Barry in the Capacity of Boatswains Mate in the War of the Revolution and sailed one or more cruises in that Ship, said James Owen married Elizabeth Harris and her husband said James Owen died and left said Elizabeth his Widow at what period I cannot state I have understood and believed that said Elizabeth has been twice married since the death of said James Owen, and is now a Widow and has been so for more than ten years last past
Tho s Seward Commonwealth of Massachusetts Suffolk ss. Boston January 1. 1838. Personally appeared the above named Tho s Seward and made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed. I hereby certify that said Witness is a respectable and credible inhabitant of the city of Boston to whose evidence full credence should be given. - Before me
George W. Adams Justin of the Peace of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston within & for said County. Suffolk ss. Commonwealth of Massachusetts Thomas W. Phillips Clerk hereby certify that the within contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application Elizabeth Stockwell for a pension. Witness my hand & the seal of said Municipal Court this fourth day of January A.D. eighteen hundred & thirty eight. Thomas W. Phillips, Clerk

I Nathaniel Emmer of Boston in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Aged Seventy seven years a pensioner of the United States under the Act of June 7 th 1832 being sworn do in Oath testify and say that I have known Elizabeth Stockwell as formerly Elizabeth Owen the Widow of James Owen of said Boston for the space of Forty years last past and that after the death of said James Owen her first husband the said Elizabeth his Widow married James Brummadah who also died and left her again a Widow and that she afterwards married Joseph Stockwell and that her last husband said Joseph Stockwell died over fifteen years ago leaving her a Widow and although I was not much acquainted with said James Brummadah and Joseph Stockwell her two last husbands yet I have continued to know her as the Widow Stockwell I have seen and conversed with her within the present week and know her to be the identical person who was formerly the Wife and also the Widow of the aforesaid James Owen and that she has always maintained the character of a respectable Woman of truth and veracity and that she is now living and resides in the City of Boston
Nath l Emmer
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Suffolk ss Boston January 2 nd 1838 Personally appeared the above named Nath l Emmer a highly respectable citizen of said Boston, whose testimony is entitled to full belief, and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing Affidavit by him subscribed.
Before me George W. Adams Justice of the Peace.
3256 Elizabeth Stockwell
Widow of James Owen
Mass.
act 4 July 36 43 march 37
adm 32
6-27-38 Stockwell
32-77
No check there
Reuben Bassin
Boston
Mass.

J. C. Fisher Esq. Smithsonian Navy Department Washington
E. Homer for Mrs. Owen Ans d July 10 th 1837.
Rec d Jan 10 th
W15401 Owen, James H. Mass - Navy

A list of names of Claimants for service in the Navy.    James H Owen  Frigate  Warren, J. Barry Com d      ditto  Alliance  with La Fayette     Ship  Mommouth  Pensylvania     (Schoner)  never known, taken Prisoner    Jacob Hiler  Sloop  Matthias Liberty - Obion Mast    a Tennent  Ship  Ranger, Adamson     Brig  Gales (Skinner killed)    W m M c Millan  Frigate  Queen of France Rathburn     Ship  Thorn S t Tucker taken    John Page  Ship  Hancock John Hanley    John Plunton  Frigate  Dues of France    (Geo Richards) may be above list - as Charles S. please notice.  
We are directed to meet the case of the Secretary.
The Widows of the above list are the claimants, wh se Declarations are not allways correct, owing to their old age & infirmity. It cannot be expected, that their memory is sufficient to contain all the facts relative to their Husband's Services which are often times deficient, & therefore must correspond in the Rolls now in your Department the as best proof.  I must beg your attention in examining the inclosed Claim of James H Owen's Widow, as soon convenient and make such arrangement as that she may have a Certificate from you or J d Edwards Esq r Commissioner of Pensions as she may be entitled to. she is both feeble & necessitous.  She alleges that her Husband was Boatswain's mate in the Frigate Alliance when La Fayette went into the France, and in other Vessels, as per her Declaration (not explicit perhaps not exact, but she believes it is so, according to the best of her knowledge). I shall be obliged to hear from you as soon as you have concurred to my Instructions as Command and shall be gratefully the received & Strictly attended to, in mean while I remain Sir, the  Your Obedient Servant G. H. Hiler

...the ... of ...
Thayer Homer

Map.
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15401
Elizabeth Stockwell Widow of James Owen Boatswain Rev. War
Act: July 4 th 1836
Index:—Vol. M , Page 246
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Elizabeth Owen Massachusetts Act July 4. 1836 Suspended
Wait until enquiry be made about the case.

3256 V Eliz th Stockwell Suss p . formerly wid. of Jas. Owens Let to R. Baldwin 31 May '38. Let. to Reuben Baldwin, 21 June 1838. do - do - Aug 12 - 39
4 July '39

ACT OF JULY 14, 1862.
N o 1352
Elizabeth Owens Wid of James H Owens.
Discharged _____, 186_____.
Rev. War
Received _____, 187_____.
_____ _____ _____ Attorney.

Eleazer Homer for Mrs. Owens. ansd. 14. Dec. 1837.
Elmer Hamner
Y 367 Dw 13 Rags

Maylon Dickerson Esq. 4 th Auditor, War Department, Washington, D.C.

Hon ble M c Dickerson.
Boston Nov. 26 th 1837.
Sir,
I wrote you on the 9 th of October respecting the Case of the Widow of James H c Owens, and not hearing from you or Mr r Edwards since, I had reference to the copy, wherein I found the name of Benjamin instead of Owens, if so, in yours, it is a mistake, having both Cases before me at the same time, I expect I wrote it wrong, & seal'd it without examination should that be the case & if Mr r Edwards has not received the Case of Mrs s Owens claim I must beg the favour of you to hand it to him, as I expect, she has additional service to complete her claim so as to entitle her to a Pension, which she is truly deserving of, and is entirely dependant on a relation that cannot support her without assistance, to keep her out of the Almshouse, which she dreads.
I hope you will have the goodness to forward her business with Mr r Edwards so that she may be relieved from her distressful situation, and not have to Petition Congress for Assistance.
Please write me a few lines that I may let her know what she may rely on, & you will greatly oblige her, and Yr r respectful Serv t . Eleazer Homer

Aug 22
Mrs. Asaph Root Elizabeth Stockwell
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Boston Massachusetts. August 17 th 1839.
Sir
I herein enclose an authentic extract from the Books kept by the late Thomas Russell Esq deed. during the Revolutionary War. This extract very essentially corroborates the declaration of Mrs Elizabeth Stockwell, former wife of James Owen dec d. , as to his grade & service on board of the Alliance Frigate: Said James Owen served 8 months on board of the Warren, & six weeks on board of the Monmouth in the Penobscot expedition, which service may be difficult to prove to the satisfaction of the Department, at this late day, as it is said in a former letter "we have no roll of the Warren", "also we have no roll of men's names engaged on board of vessels engaged in that expedition", "also the Monmouth was a Privateer" &c; This assertion is erroneous, as shown by the Books in the Treasurers Office of this Commonwealth, where she is stated "the Public armed Ship Monmouth", and her owners received the amount of her value, in consequence of her destruction by the enemy, from this Commonwealth.
Under the circumstances of this case Mrs Stockwell will insist on receiving the benefit of James Owen's service as Boatswain first Mate from the time of the Alliance  her sailing from the port Decem 25 th 1781 untill July 21 st 1783.
Very Respectfully Sir I am Your obt servant
Reuben Baldwin
James L. Edwards Esq deed. Commrs of Pensions Washington.

Boston Massachusetts January 4 th 1838
Sir
Herewith transmit Documents in support of the Claim to a pension of Mrs Elizabeth Stockwell now the Widow of Joseph Stockwell, formerly the Wife and also Widow of James Owen or Owens dec d the latter of whom — her first husband was in the Naval Service of the United States in the War of the Revolution, part of the time as Boatswains Mate, it does not distinctly appear at what period he entered the Service but may have performed several Cruises on board the Warren prior to 1778. in her Marriage Certificate to her Second husband Brummett she is erroneously called Owens. If this claim is admitted be pleased to forward the Certificate for the same at this place. It is hoped that the Session of Congress will not delay the decision of this case to a late period.
I am Respectfully
Sir Your Obedt
Reuben Baldwin
J. L. Edwards Esq Comm r of Pensions Washington

Mar 26 Maple Apple Grove Eliz: Stockwell
James L. Edwards Esq. Comt. of Pensions Washington

Boston Massachusetts March 22 nd 1839
Sir
In herein enclose a supplemental declaration of Mrs. Elizabeth Stockwell, formerly wife and widow of James Owens the which case on her former application was replied to in your letter dated May 31 st & June 21 st 1838. She cannot find any living witness in support of her claim other than Capt. Thomas Seward whose recollection of the facts he states are quite vivid, and that relates only to the Service on board the Alliance & Providence Expedition. On looking over the Journals of Capt. Matthew Park formerly alluded to, there are the following entries.
1781. August 4 th hauled to North Battery to Copper Carpenters employed to work till 16 th
" December 19 Genl. Lafayette and Suite came on board
" " 25 Went to Sea from Nantasket Roads
This is the period of Service declared by the Widow who has had no access to Park's Journals and does not to my knowledge, know of their existence; there are several persons who say they knew that James Owens went out in a Vessel of War but they can state no particulars. I refer this case again to the attention of the Department.
I am respectfully
Sir Your Obedt.
Reuben Baldwin
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comr of Pensions Washington

I Richard Sullivan of Boston in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do on Oath testify depose and say That I married a daughter of Thomas Russell Esq r late an Eminent Merchant of Boston dec d and that I have in my possession a large collection of Books, papers and Accounts kept by and belonging to the said Thomas Russell during a long period of Mercantile business in Boston and in said collection is an account book labeled
Alliance & Hague, also Ship book N o 2, And in said book is an account, of which the following is a precise Copy Viz t at page 19.
Dr. James Owen, Boatswains Mate, Ship Alliance. 6/13
  1783     Jan y 31 To 4 1/2 yards Calico  2. -- 6    9/     3 3/4 yards Linen  16. 9    5/     Aug t 16 To Cash paid     Your Wife  3. 10 --    1782     Sep r 30 To Cash paid the  2. 17 --     9. 4. 3  
  1783     July 21 By Cash of Mr Olney     By Cash of Peter Mumford      9. 4. 3  
And at page 20 of the same book is an account in the same form headed as follows Viz t
Dr. Sam l Harris Cook of Ship Alliance 6/13 with divers other Accounts in the same form

I further testify that I have examined the foregoing extract with the original entry in the aforesaid account book and it is a Correct Copy thereof,
Richd Sullivan
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Suffolk ss. Boston August 17. 1839
Then personally appeared the foregoing Richard Sullivan and made solemn oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true.
Before me,
Beij. H. Currier Justice of the Peace I further testify the said Richard Sullivan is a man of great respectability and sustains the highest character for truth and veracity. Beij. H. Currier Justice of Peace

Boston Aug d 17 1839
I hereby certify, that I was well acquainted with Thomas Russell Esq deceased, mentioned in the annexed certificate, given by Richard Sullivan Esq. The late Hon. William Van Dy, of Thingmoss, County of Plymouth (Mass.) Grandfather of Sarah Russell, daughter of said Thomas Russell, was her Guardian, and, at his request, and by his appointment, I acted as attorney, in his behalf in his said capacity, in questions and concerns, in the settlement of Dr Russell's estate. I do not recollect the having in seen (in the course of that employment,) the Pleasants Book, now found by Mr Sullivan, nor was there any circumstance occurring to require, any inspection of that Book by me; But, it being now produced, I have no doubt of its genuineness and of the perfect exactness and truth of the entry therein contained, as described by Mr Sullivan, who married the said Sarah Russell, is a son of James Sullivan deceased who was Governor of Mass. is a respectable Citizen of Boston, and entitled to full belief. John D. Sleeper U.S. Dist. Court Mass. Dist.

V no 5597

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
By His Excellency Edward Everett Esq. Esquire, Governor and Commander in Chief in and over said Commonwealth.
To all whom it may conc
Know Ye, That Peter A. Strachan Esq. Judge of the Boston Municipal Court and John B. McHenry Esq. is a Justice of the Peace, both for the County Suffolk, (and have been so for three months past,) in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commission- ed, and that to their Acts and Attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court; that the within Attestation is in due form, and by the proper Officers.
In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the Public Seal of the Commonwealth to be hereunto affixed, this thirtieth day of June, A. D. 1837, and in the sixty first Year of the Independence of the United States of America.
By His Excellency the Governor.
John C. Biglow Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Edward Everett

I do hereby certify that in the list of marriages for the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine, recorded in the parish register of Christ Church, Boston, by the Rev. Mr. Sewes, then minister of the said Church, is the following entry: viz., "October fourth, James Owen & Elizabeth Harris."
I do also certify that the above is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows:— / folio 125. / "Marriages in the year, 1779."
(Then after the names of seventeen couple)
"18 | Oct r 4 James Owen and Elizabeth Harris."
William Crowell,
Rector of Christ Ch:
I, William Crowell, above named, depose and say that Boston , I hold the office of Rector of Christ Church, in the city of Boston, County of Suffolk, and State of Massachusetts, and that the above is a true extract from the parish register of said Church, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
William Crowell, Rector &c.
Suffolk Ss. Boston 3 d January 1838. Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Sworn to — Before me George W. Adams Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk ss. I Thomas W Phillips Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston, hereby certify that George W Adams Esquire is a Justice of the Peace in the County of Suffolk & that the signatures, on these papers purporting to be his, I believe are genuine.
Witness my hand & the seal of said Muni- cipal Court hereto set this fourth day of January A.D. Eighteen hundred & thirty eight
Thomas W Phillips Clerk.

I Eljah the Stockwell formerly the Wife and Widow of James Owens of Boston in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do on Oath testify and say in this Supplemental de- claration in addition to my former declaration.
That my former husband James Owens served eight months as Seaman on board the Ship Warren Commanded by [blank] in the War of the Revolution in 1778 and 79, then he was impressed to complete the crew of the Monmouth in the Penobscot Expedition in 1779 and was in that defeat and returned by land home through the wilderness; That in the year 1781. He was employed in fitting out the Frigate Alliance lying at Battery wharf in this Town, and then shipped as Boatswains first Mate of said Ship under Capt Barry, a Man by the name of Lewis was Boatswain the Father of the declarant. Samuel J Harris was Ships Cook. My husband said James Owens performed two Cruises in that Ship, the first of which was to convey Genl Lafayette to France and after their return to America they made a second Cruise in the Atlantic and Captured six prizes of the same fleet which with the Alliance safely arrived in France where part of the prizes were sold my husband received one hundred thirty one Crowns as his part of the prize Money which he laid out in goods and brought them home to me by way of New London, I had an order for two months pay

which was paid to me during the absence of my husband by Thomas Russell of this Town. I further testify that there is no person living by whom I can prove the Service of said James Owens excepting my Cousin, Capt. Thomas Seward, Assistant Superintendent of the House of Industry in this City. Witness Benj H. Currier                      Elizabeth his  X Mark                      Hockwell
I Thomas Seward of Boston in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Aged Sixty eight years do on Oath testify and say that I am the Son of Major Thomas Seward of the Artillery in the War of the Revolution, that I was well acquainted with James Owens and also with his Wife Elizabeth whose Maiden Name was Harris, Daughter of Samuel J Harris, and she is my Cousin. Said James Owens served in the Penobscot expedition and also my Uncle Samuel and Harris Father of the applicant and my Cousin Benjamin Curtis, and they all came home together through the Woods, as I well remember their arrival here. Afterwards Said James Owens shipped on board the Frigate Alliance Capt Barry as Boatswains Mate, Samuel J Harris my Uncle was Cook, I well remember these facts as I was a lad and very desirous to go to sea, I secreted myself on board the Alliance to go out in her, my Uncle Harris came on board late in the evening and discovered me stowed away in a Hammock amongst the Sailors.

and returned me to my Mother who gave me a severe chastisement. Said James Owens proceeded to sea on board the Alliance under Capt Barry to France as I understood; I distinctly recollect being planned to sleep in the room occupied by said Owens Wife, during his absence, in the house of my Grand Mother, to the best of my recollection he served on board the Alliance until the peace, I always understood that the Alliance made several valuable captures during her cruises and the family were much elated by the prospect that Owens would have considerable prize money
Tho s Seward
witness
Benj. H. Currier
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk County.
Boston March 22 d 1839.
Then personally appeared the above named Elizabeth Stockwell and Thomas Seward, and made solemn oath that the foregoing affidavits by them respectively, subscribed are true
Before me,
Benj. H. Currier
Justice of the Peace
I further certify that the said Tho s Seward is a man of respectability - being Assistant Superintendent of the House of Industry in said Boston, and entitled to full faith & credit
Benj. H. Currier
Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Suffolk ss. I George C. Wilde Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court in & for the County of Suffolk, do hereby certify that Benjamin H. Currier Esq. is a Justice of the Peace in the said County duly qualified & commissioned and that his signatures within written are his true and genuine signatures
In Testimony whereof I have set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this twenty second day of March A.D. eighteen hundred & thirty nine
Geo. C. Wilde, Clerk