Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 13,843, for Thomas Ray, Rhode Island

SERVICE
Paul
Ray, Thomas Sarah
NUMBER _____
No. 13,843
CONTENTS

10261 Rhode Island
Thomas Ray
Washington in the State of Rhode Island he was a Private in the Company commanded Captain Adams of the First Regiment commanded Col Elliott in the Rhode Island for 1811 as Private Artillery
inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island the rate of 50 Dollars — Cents per annum, commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of March 1833 and Sept House Babcock Gen. M c Intyre R.S. arrears to the 14th of Mar 1833 $100.00 Pension allowance ending 4 Sept ,, 25.00 $125.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by A. H. Adams Clerk, book 6 Vol. 2a Page 127

Dead
Letter to Hon. N. H. Dixon Esq. 3 d Auditor - 19. Feb 1840
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 th April 1838 from 4 th to the 24 th March 1837 the day of his death - in age notified to Board 1840

3237 Rhode Island
Sarah Ray
widow of Thomas Ray decd.
who died on the 21 st March 1837 of Washington Co. in the State of R. Island who was a Natrop in the Comp y . commanded by Captain Capitain of the Reg t commanded by Col. Clift in the R. Island line for 1 year
Inscribed on the Roll of R. Island at the rate of 50 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1834. 21 st March 1837
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 nd day of Feb y . 1837 and sent Hon. M. J. Nixon Senate United States
Arrears to the 4 th of Sept r 1837 $123.83 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 th March 40. 25.00
$148.83
{ Revolutionary Charms, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3. }
Recorded by W. Madison Clerk Book 4 Vol. 2 nd Page 97

Thomas Ray
15702

State of Rhode Island, County of Washington ss.
On the eleventh day of October A. D. 1832, personally appeared in Open Court, being the Supreme Supreme Judicial Court. at South Kingstown Court, now in Session, in the County of Washington, Thomas (a man of colour) Ray, a resident of Westerly, in the County of Washington, and State of Rhode Island aged eighty 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 th 1832, viz. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated. That he was born October 11 th A. D. 1752, in the town of New Shoreham (on Block Island) where he lived until he was twenty two years old, and removed to Westerly, where he has always since lived. The said applicant further states that he first enlisted in Providence in the month of March 1777 as a private in the Artillery Company, commanded by Capt. Ebenezer Adams, Lieutenant Calver, in a Regiment commanded by Col. Elliot, — first quartered about two weeks in the College at Providence, employed in making Cartridges, afterwards removed to Warwick Neck, and was then stationed with our field Pieces in the Battery, and continued through the Spring and Summer — He was then ordered in said Company in September to go on to Rhode Island in Spencer's expedition, first marched to Tiverton, and there quartered a short time, to wait further orders, thereon marched to Seekonk in Little Compton, and afterwards returned to Tiverton, and was stationed in Fort Barton, and there served until March 1778, when his time expired, making one year's service, and he was then hon- -orably discharged, but had no written discharge. —
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. —
In Open Court.
Hovey, Matthew Merile Clk.
Thomas Ray
in 1778

We Thomas Brightman Jr residing in the town of Westbury and Amos P Chapman residing in said Westbury County of Washington hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas Ray who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be eighty years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. —
Sworn to and Subscribed the day aforenoon in Open
Court
Wilbur Matthews Clerk
Thos Brightman Jr
Amos P Chapman
And the Court do hereby declare their Opinion after the Investigation of the matter and after putting the Interrogatories presented by the respective Departments that the above named Applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as the States, and this Court further certifies that it appears to them that Thomas Brightman Jr and Amos P Chapman who have signed the foregoing certificates are Residents in said Town of Westbury and that they are credible persons and that their Statement is entitled to Credit —
I Matthews Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the Court in the matter of the application of Thomas Ray for a Pension In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of Office this eleventh day of October 1832
Matthews Clerk

I Sylvester Burdick, of Charlestown in the County of Washington & State of Rhode Island Aged Seventy-eight Years do Depose and say, that I am well acquainted with Thomas Ray, (a man of Colour) residing in Westerly County and State aforesaid, And well remember, that said Ray did serve twelve months as a private Soldier against the British in the artillery Company Commanded by Captain Ebenezer Adams, Robert Calver-Lieutenant of said Company, in the Regiment Commanded by Colonel Robert Elliot, and were Stationed at Warwick Neck in said State, with two pieces of Cannon in the Battery through the Spring and Summer of 1777. In September following was Ordered on to Providence  Tiverton in Spence's Expedition, Marched to Tiverton and was Stationed in Fort Barton and Served until his time Expired which was in March 1778. I Certify to the truth of the foregoing Statement, having Served in the same Company and Regiment with said Ray as above Stated.
State of Rhode Island &c. County of Washington ss { Charlestown October 4 th 1832.
Personally appeared before me Sylvester Burdick, and after being by me cautioned Examined, and sworn to tell the truth, the whole truth and Nothing but the truth, gave the foregoing Deposition which was by me reduced to writing in his presence; and by him Signed in my presence; Said deponent is well known to me as a man of truth and veracity, and his deposition is Entitled to full Credit.
Samuel Stanton Justice of Peace State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Newport to the Supreme Judicial Court October Term Oct 4 1832
I hereby Certify that Samuel Stanton Esq r is one of the Justices of the Peace for the Town of Charlestown in the County, and State aforesaid and that the above signature of his name is his own & proper signature and as a Justice of the Peace he is Duly and Legally Qualified to act as such In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said Court this Eleventh Day of October In the Year 1832
Matthew Write Clerk

15762 Thomas Ray Rhode Island
Proof of Arthley 1 year
Rowse Babcock Jr Mystic R.I.

BRIEF in the case of  Thomas Ray Childs County of Washington in the State of Rhode Island (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 80 years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Entered in 1777 1 Artillery Gen. Spencer Capt Adams Col Elliott  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? None  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Providence R.I.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
For [Signature] Examining Clerk.

V
4692
Sarah Ray widow of Thomas R.S.
Act 4 July 36- Joint Resolution -38-
adm 12 mo malop 50 $
Died 21. March '37 Pen: Com: 22 March '37
Hon. N. F. Dixon of Senate - S. W. Wood Ledyard Con

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of July 4. 1836 (and the joint resolution of Congress passed July 7. 1838.
State of Rhode Island Washington County } ss. Westerly.
On this 12 th day of August A.D. 1839. Personally appeared before George S. Cross Esq. one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas for the County aforesaid, being a Court of Record and having a Clerk and Seal. Sarah Ray a resident of Westerly in the County of Washington aforesaid, aged eighty one years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4. 1836, and of the joint Resolution of Congress passed July 7. 1838.
That she is the widow of Thomas Ray late of said Westerly deceased, that her husband, the said Thomas Ray enlisted into the Artillery company commanded by Capt Adams & in Col Elliot's Regt. in the Spring after she was married to him. (viz. in the Spring of 1777) and according to the best of her recollection and belief, he enlisted for served during one year in said company: — That he was a pensioner of the United States and received a pension of Fifty dollars per annum, under the act of June 1832, from the 1 st of March 1831, to the 1 st of March 1837; but the balance of pension from the 1 st of March 1837 to the 2 nd of March 1837 (the day of her said husband's death) has never been received by her, and that her said husband's pension certificate is herewith annexed. — She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas Ray on Sunday (* look over)

* in December after Christmas in December, Seventeen hundred and Seventy six, and that they had three children viz. Joseph born Nov 8 th 1777, & now residing as she supposes in Falmouth Massachusetts; Gideon born Jan 6 th 1779, and now residing in Westerly aforesaid; and Thomas born May 18 th 1781, now gone in the Navy as supposes if living. — That she has no record of her marriage, and knows of no person living that was present at her wedding. — That her husband, the aforesaid Thomas Ray died on the twentyfirst day of March, eighteen hundred & thirty seven, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Sarah her + Ray mark
In presence of,
Gideon Ray
George D. Cross
Sworn to and subscribed on this 12 th day of August 1839, before me, by the aforesaid Sarah Ray. —
And I certify that she is a credible person and that her testimony is entitled to credit. — I also certify that she is, by reason of bodily infirmity, unable to attend the court of common Pleas aforesaid at the usual place of holding the same.
Test, George D. Cross Chief Justice court Common Pleas
* I certify that the word, " served during ", were interlined, and the words " in December " were erased in the foregoing declaration before signing.
Test, George D. Cross Chief Justice court Common Pleas

State of Rhode Island Washington County } vs. Westerly August 14 th 1839.
I Jesse Mason, of Westerly aforesaid, do depose and say that I hold the Office of Town Clerk of said town; that I have examined the Records of said town to find the record of the marriage of Thomas Ray and Sarah Bennet, but do not find said marriage on the records of said town,
Attest, Jesse Mason Town Clerk
Sworn and subscribed the day and year above written.
Before me Jer. W. Wright Justice of the Peace

Gideon Ray, of Westerly in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, being duly cautioned and sworn, deposeth and saith that he is, as he verily believes, the second son of Thomas and Sarah Ray, his father, the said Thomas being late of said Westerly, deceased, and his mother the said Sarah being now a resident of said Westerly, that he was according to his reckoning from his earliest recollections sixty years old on the 6th day of January last (1839), that his older brother Joseph was born, as he has ever been informed, on the 8th day of November 1777, that his said father was a pensioner of the United States under the act of June 1832, and received a pension of Fifty dollars per annum; that he died on the twenty first day of March eighteen hundred and thirty seven and that deponent attended his funeral, that since his death, his said mother has remained a widow and now resides in Westerly aforesaid, and further deponent saith not.
Gideon Ray
State of Rhode Island
Washington County ss. August 12 th 1839.
Personally appeared Gideon Ray, who gave and subscribed the preceding deposition, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same according to Law.
I certify that the said Gideon Ray is a person of veracity, and that his, his deposition is entitled to credit.
Col. W. Knight Justice of the Peace

Maxson Chase of Westerly in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, aged sixty three years, being duly cautioned and sworn, deposeth and saith that he has resided in said town of Westerly from his youth, that he was well acquainted with said Thomas Ray late of said Westerly, deceased, and lived in the same neighbourhood with him for the last forty years before his death, that he was a Revolutionary Pensioner, that he died two years ago last spring, and according to the best of deponent's recollection in the month of March 1837, that he was at the house of said Ray at the time of his death, that deponent is well acquainted with Sarah Ray, the widow of said Thomas, that she has remained a widow since the death of said Thomas as deponent verily believes, and now resides in the same neighbourhood and town with deponent I further deponent saith not.
Maxson Chase
State of Rhode Island
County of Washington ss. August 12 th 1839.
Personally appeared Maxson Chase, who gave and subscribed the preceding deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same according to Law.
I certify that said Maxson Chase is a person of veracity, and that this his deposition is entitled to credit.
Fred. W. Knight Justice of the Peace

Content Babcock of Hopkinton in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, aged seventy four years being duly cautioned and sworn, deposed & saith, that when she was a girl, she resided in Westerly, in said County, that while she was residing there, and some time before the British took possession of the Island of Rhode Island on which New-Port is situated, Col. Robt Bennet, moved into said Westerly, and into the neighbourhood, in which deponent then resided, and was reputed to have moved from said New-Port, that Sarah Bennet (now Sarah Ray) lived in the family of said Col. Bennet at said time, that not long after said Bennet moved to said Westerly, the said Sarah was reputed to have been married to Thomas Ray, that deponent was married in the month of April seventeen hundred & eighty four, that according to the best of deponent's recollection, the said Sarah was reputed to have been married as aforesaid about seven or eight years before deponent was married.
Content Babcock
State of Rhode Island
County of Washington } ss. May 30 th 1839. Personally appeared Content Babcock, who gave and subscribed the preceding Deposition, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same according to Law.
I certify that said Content Babcock is a person of veracity, and that this her deposition is entitled to credit.
Proc. W. Knight Justice of the Peace

Catherine Edwards of Westerly, in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, being duly cautioned and sworn, on oath testifies and says, that she is eighty years of age; that in the early part of the Revolutionary War, Col Job Bennet removed with his family, from Newport in the State of Rhode Island to said Westerly, and resided several years in the immediate neighborhood of deponents Father; that Sarah Bennet (now Sarah Ray) lived in the family of said Job Bennet, and according to deponents best recollection, was married at said Bennets house to Thomas Ray some time in the winter of 1776-7; they were married by Joseph Clark Esq: a justice of the peace; said Thomas & Sarah were married about three years before this deponent, and deponent was married in 1780; said Thomas enlisted into the Military service of the United States in the spring after their marriage, and was reputed to have been a Revolutionary Pensioner at the time of his death; deponent further says that she has been acquainted with said Thomas & Sarah since their marriage until the death of said Thomas, which happened about two years ago, and that she has always lived within a few miles of them; deponent further says that said Thomas & Sarah have three sons, and that their second son, Gideon, now lives with his mother, the said Sarah, in said Westerly, and that said Sarah has not married since the death of her said husband, but now remains his widow. Further the deponent saith not.
Catherine Edwards
State of Rhode Island
County of Washington ss. March 13 th 1839. Personally appeared Catherine Edwards who gave and subscribed the preceding deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same according to Law. I certify that the said Catherine Edwards is a person of veracity, and that her testimony, and this, her deposition are entitled to credit.
Ed. W. Knight justice of the Peace

Frelove Bliven of Westerly in the County of Washington & State of Rhode Island aged eighty years, being duly examined, cautioned & sworn, deposes and saith, that during the Revolutionary War, and sometime in the fall of the year previous to the Enemy's taking possession of the Island of Rhode Island, this deponent's uncle, Job Bennet, with his family removed from Newport, to Westerly in the County of Washington & State aforesaid, in whose family Sarah Bennet (now Sarah Ray) then lived; that Thomas Ray and the said Sarah Bennet were reported to have been married at the house of her said Uncle, by Joseph Clarke Esq r a Justice of the Peace, and according to deponent's best recollection, some time in the winter of 1776-7; that deponent has always been acquainted with said Thomas & Sarah since their marriage to the time of his death, and has resided in their neighborhood for more than fifty years past; that said Thomas enlisted in the military service of the United States soon after his marriage, and was a Revolutionary Pensioner at his death, as this deponent is informed & believes.
Said Thomas & Sarah Ray had three sons, viz, Joseph, Gideon and Thomas; the second son, Gideon, now resides with his Mother, the said Sarah, in said Westerly, and is as this deponent believes about sixty years old; that said Thomas died about two years ago last spring ; that said Sarah has not married since the death of her said husband but now remains his widow, and resides in Westerly, aforesaid, and further deponent saith not.
Frelove Bliven
State of Rhode Island } County of Washington } ss. May 30 th 1839 Personally appeared Frelove Bliven, who gave and subscribed the preceding deposition, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same according to Law. I certify that the said Frelove Bliven is a person of veracity, and that her testimony & her deposition are entitled to credit. Ged. W. Knight Justice of the Peace

Dorcas Brumbly of Westerly in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, being duly cautioned and sworn, testifies and says, that she is eighty one years of age, that she was married to her first husband, Simon Pennington when she was in her seventeenth year, that in April following she commenced housekeeping in said Westerly, which was the first year of the War of Revolution, that in August following her oldest child, Simon, was born, that in the fall before the British took possession of New Port in said Rhode Island, Col. Job Bennet moved into said Westerly, and into a house about one half of a mile from deponent's residence, and was reputed to have moved from said New Port, that Sarah Bennet (now Sarah Ray) resided in said Bennet's family at said time, that said Sarah was reputed to have been married to Thomas Ray at the said Bennet's house in the winter after the said Bennet moved into said Westerly as aforesaid, that deponent saw the said Thomas at the time he was going to the said Bennet's on the day he was reputed to have been married to the said Sarah, that the next year after the said Thomas was reputed to have been married as aforesaid, he was absent from home and was reputed to have been a soldier in the Revolutionary Army at said time.
Dorcas Brumbly
State of Rhode Island
County of Washington I ss. May 30 th 1839. Personally appeared Dorcas Brumbly, who gave and subscribed the preceding Deposition, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
I certify that the said deponent is a person

The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington to Clerk of our Court of Common Pleas August 15 th A.D. 1839 I hereby certify that George DeWolf Esq. is the Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the County aforesaid duly com- missioned by the Acting Governor of this State and in all Respects Legally Qualified as such and that the foregoing Signature purporting to be his and attached to the Declaration of Senate Ray is Genuine I also certify that Jeremiah W. Knight Esq. is one of the Justices of the Peace for the Town of Westerly in the County aforesaid and that he is duly commissioned by the Acting Governor of this State and otherwise Legally Qualified to act as such and that the foregoing Signature purporting to be his and attached to the Depositions of Ezra Mason as Town Clerk of Westerly and Solomon Ray, Mason Chase, Constant Bonduke Catharine Edwards, Freedom T. Oliver, Catharine Edwards & Deborah Knowles are Genuine In Testimony of all which I have hereunto set my hand and seal and the Seal of the Court the Day & Year above written
W. M. Wetstone

Rel.
Rev  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 13843
Sarah Ray
Wid" of
Thomas Ray
Indep. Rev. War.
Act: July 4 th 1836
Index:—Vol. M , Page 149
[Arrangement of 1870.]

4692
See S. W. Waco, Sept. 21: '39 -
Act of July 36

Thos Ray R.I. 50 pp an m . Act 7. June. When last paid? G. M. C.
16. Feby 40
p to 4 th March 1837 SH

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Thomas Ray (Alb D Man) which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes V. * Has he mentioned 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? Yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? 2 citizens
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? no
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? Yes - Living witness
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Yes
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? Yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes
XVI. † Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; 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 shewn 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.
QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
QUERE XVI.  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 paper 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.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
February 21 st 1832.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1833, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," (The widow of Thomas Ray, dec d , a Pensioner on the Roll of the Rhode Island Agency, at the rate of fifty — Dollars and — Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March, to the 21 st March 1837. the day of his death,
Respectfully, yours,
Morris B. Harrison Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

R 2.
S. Ray
Rev. William S. Dison
Hon. A. F. Dixon Senate MS
Feb 15 - 1840.

Westerly January 28 th 1840
Dear Sir,
Herewith I forward additional proof in the case of Sarah Ray. Her declaration and the evidence first obtained of her marriage are in the Pension Office, but the Department requires further proof of the marriage. There is no record of the marriage, no certificate of the Officiating Officer, nor have I been able to find any person living who was present at the wedding, altho' no one acquainted with the parties question that Thomas & Sarah Ray were lawfully married at the time, and in the manner she has avowed, the proof however is circumstantial only; yet it seems to be sufficient to bring her claim within the rules, and that by law, she cannot be abandoned.
I also forward a power of Attorney to receive the balance due on Thomas' Certificate; altho' is very small, yet it affords proof of his service, and the time of his death, & may be useful in proving Sarah's claim. Your attention is respectfully solicited to this case, which will oblige the Applicant as well as You.
Most Ob t . Serv t
Ed. W. Knight
P.S. Col Wood forwarded this case in the first instance, same has since returned it to me.

Ledyard Aug 23 d 1839
Respectful Sir,
Enclosed herewith, you have the papers of Sarah's Ray widow of Thomas Ray deceased who was a pensioner of the United States whose pension certificate is annexed to said Sarah's papers.
Enclosed also is a letter to the 2 d Comptroller which you are respectfully requested to hand to him, unless you shall think it proper to have the certificate to be issued for the said Sarah to be made payable from the 4 th of March 1837, (the day to which the said Thomas was paid,) instead of the 2 nd of March 1837, (the day on which he died.)
Please to address your returns to the undersigned Ledyard P.O. Conn t
I am Sir very respectfully your most O bl Serv t Samuel W Wood
Hon James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Dorcas Brumby of Westerly in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, testifies & says, that she is eighty one years of age, that she was married to her first husband (Simon Pendleton) when she was in her seventeenth year; that in the April following, viz in April 1775, she commenced housekeeping in said Westerly, which was the first year of the Revolutionary War; that in the next August (viz in August 1775) her eldest child (Simon) was born, that at the time her said son Simon about one year old or a little more (viz in the fall of 1776) again she fled before the British took possession of Newport on the Island of Rhode Island, Col Job Bennet moved from said Newport into Westerly, to a House about half of a mile distant from where respondent then resided, that Sarah Beman (now Sarah Ray) lived with said Bennet's family at said time; that she (the said Sarah) was reputed to have been married to Thomas Ray at the said Bennet's House in the winter after the said Bennet moved into said Westerly as aforesaid (viz in the winter of 1776-7); that respondent saw the said Thomas on the day he was reputed to have been married to the said Sarah, as he was going to said Bennet's house to be married, that he, the said Thomas, and his company, made quite a splendid appearance as they were going to the wedding, which made quite a talk in the neighborhood at the time, as they, said Thomas and Sarah were colored people; that the next year after said Thomas was married as aforesaid, he was absent from home, and was reputed to have been in the service in the Revolutionary Army at the time he was so absent.
DORCAS BRUMBY
Washington ss. Westerly January 6 th 1840. Then personally appeared Dorcas Brumby, who gave and subscribed the above deposition before me, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same according to Law. I also certify, that said Dorcas Brumby is a person of truth and veracity, and that this, her deposition is entitled to credit.
Geo. W. Knight Justice of the Peace

Barney Sisson of Westerly in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, being first duly cautioned and sworn, deposeth and saith; that he is Seventy two years old; that he has always from his youth resided in said Westerly and has lived in the same neighbourhood of Thomas Ray for more than sixty years previous to said Thomas's death, and within one mile of the said Thomas's residence. Deponent further says that he well remembers when said Thomas brought his Bride home to his, said Thomas's Mother's house, that there was much talk in the neighborhood about the Bride, and how handsomely the Bride was dressed, as she lived in Col Bennets family and dressed in a style better than, was used in the country at that time; and deponent further says that he, with many others, went to see the said Thomas & his Bride when they came to said Thomas's home; that they remained there that night; & the next day, the wedding party went to Mr Joseph Babcock's and spent the day. Deponent further says, that said Thomas & Sarah, since their marriage have lived in his neighbourhood, as husband and wife, that they had three sons with whom he was well acquainted, and that Fisher their Second Son, now lives with his mother, Sarah Ray widow of said Thomas; and that said Thomas & Sarah were lawfully married in S t Westerly, has always been informed and believes truly, by Joseph Clark Esq r one of the Justices of the Peace for said Town of Westerly, and that said Sarah now remains the Widow of said Thomas Ray.
his Barney J Sisson mark

Washington ss. Westerly January 6 th 1840.
Then personally appeared Barna Sisson, who gave and subscribed the within deposition before me, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same according to law. I also certify that said Barna Sisson is a person of truth and veracity, and that this, his deposition is entitled to credit.
Geo. W. Knight Justice of the Peace

John Thompson of Westerly in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island being duly questioned and Affirmed, testifies and says, that he is in the seventy first year of his age; that he was born, and has always lived in said Westerly, and within the distance of two miles of the residence of Thomas Ray and Sarah his wife, until the death of said Thomas, which happened three years ago sometime this winter, according to deponent's best recollection. Deponent further says that said Thomas and Sarah were reputed to have been married when he, this deponent, was a lad, and that he well remembers the conversation in the neighborhood on the subject at that time; that he has always been well acquainted with said Thomas & Sarah, before and since their reputed marriage; that they always lived together as Husband and Wife; that they had three sons; and that said Thomas and Sarah altho' colored people, were respectable, and always esteemed in their neighborhood for their probity and good conduct.
John Thompson
Washington ss. Westerly January 2 nd 1841. Then personally appeared John Thompson, who gave & subscribed the above deposition before me, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same according to Law. I also certify that said John Thompson is a person of truth & veracity, and this his deposition is entitled to credit.
Ed. W. Knight Justice of the Peace

I Certify that I am the Clerk of the first Baptist Church in Westerly County of Washington and State of Rhode Island and have the records of sd Church in my care the records of sd Church State show that Sarah Ray widow of Thomas Ray Ray of sd Westerly was admitted a member of sd Church more than forty years ago that she is a Resident of sd Westerly and has been and is now a worthy member of said Church in wholesome standing
Westerly Decm 7 th 1839
Wm Vincent Clerk Aged 45 years
Peter Sofft of Westerly in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, being duly cautioned and affirmed, testifies and says, that he is sixty two years old; that he has been a Member of the first Baptist Church in said Westerly for forty years past; that at the time this deponent, became a member of said Church, Sarah Ray of said Westerly, widow of Thomas Ray, was then a member of said Church, and that she, the said Sarah, and that said Church has ever since that time remained, and is now a wholesome member of said Church in good and regular standing.
Deponent further says that William Vincent, who signed the above Certificate is the Clerk of said Church, and that said Vincent has conscientious scruples against making Oath or Affirmation in any case whatever. Peter Sofft
Washington ss. Westerly Decm 7 th 1839. Then personally appeared the above named Peter Sofft before me, the subscriber & affirmed in due form of Law to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed. I also certify that said Peter Sofft is a person of truth and veracity, and that his said deposition is entitled to credit.
Geo. W. Knight Justice of the Peace

Hon. J. F. Dyer Senate U.S.
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington to Clerk of Supreme Court of Common Pleas January 21 st 1840
I hereby certify that Frederick W. Knight Esq. is one of the Justices of the Peace for the Town of Westerly in the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified by the Chief Governor of this State and that the within and foregoing Signatures purporting to be his to the Certificate to the depositions of Deacon Moseley Barny Sisson John Thompson and Philip Tift are genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of the Court the day and Year above written -
Matthew Westcott Clerk