Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14,332, James Bowen, R.I.

SERVICE R.G.
Bowen, James Ruth
NUMBER
W. 14,332
CONTENTS
in his home in Portland

Ms. A. 9. 2. 10. 65
from Rev. Dr. William R. D. M.
1742
1
J. G. J. J. J. J. J. John G. J. J. J. Cambridge Massachusetts

Sir,
Warren P.O. Jan'y 31- 1838
Ruth Bowen the widow of James Bowen died before her Certificate of Pension came to hand. She was extremely poor, and was very feeble for a long time, before her death. After she made application for a Pension, her son in law, who is also in very limited circumstances, took her to his house, & took as the neighbours say good care of her until the day of her death and paid funeral expenses. She promised him I am told that he should be paid when her pension was granted. — She was sick a long time, & under medical aid. — But I presume that all would have been done that was done for her comfort as to her last sickness, if no pension was expected. But as it is granted it would be cruel that the demands for nursing , board , & medical assistance & funeral expenses, should not be paid before a distribution among her children. Some of whom have already said that every Dollars of the Pension should be distributed among all these demands for last sickness should be paid, they supposing the law to sanction that expectation. — I apprehend otherwise. — I have examined the law of 1832 & 1836. & find no mention made of such a contingency. — The law of '32 provides for cases for the balance due between  last payment & the death of the Pensioner. The above is not that case. & I discover no reasonable way, but for an Administrator to be appointed on the estate of the deceased & for him to get the money due her from the 4th of March '32 to her death. which will be like years & 8 or 9 months — Will you have the goodness to inform me whether in these cases the money will be paid to her Administrator. & oblige yr obed Servt Samuel Ranney

Dead - let to S. Randall, Feb 6. 1838.
1742 White Island Nath Bown James Bown dec. who died on the 7th November 1823 of Bristol Co in the State of R. I. who was a Pirate in the Company commanded by Captain Gray of the Regt. commanded by Church in the N. Ga line for 17 months R.I.
Inscribed on the Roll of W. Island at the rate of 20 Dollars 67 Cents, per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of June 1838 and sent Saml. Randall Warren R.I.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1837 $368.35 Pemi-annual allowance ending May 38. 28.33
$396.68
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3rd }
H. H. Addison Clerk, Vol. 2. Page 82

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the act of Congress of the 4th July 1836.
State of Rhode Island } ss. County of Bristol }
On this twenty ninth day of October A.D. Eighteen hundred thirty Six, personally appeared me, Levick Haile, one of the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court being the highest court of Record in said State, & holding its sessions in each county Ruth Bowen a resident of Warren in the county of Bristol in the state of Rhode Island aforesaid, aged 79 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, that she is the widow of James Bowen late of said Warren deceased, who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution; That, according to the best of her knowledge or belief, her said husband the said James Bowen, in the year Seventeen hundred Seventy five, enlisted in the war of the Revolution under Col. Thomas Church. William Turner Miller was lieutenant Col. and Henry Sherburne, was Major, in Capt. Thomas Gray's Company, Mares Turner, was Lieutenant, and went to Roxbury in Massachusetts, and served in this Company Eight months, as a private soldier. That in the year Seventeen hundred Seventy Six her said husband, the said James Bowen, enlisted into Captain Pyle Pikes Company, and went to White Plains in New York & served three months, and also served as a volunteer & under drafts as much as three months in guarding the shores in the county of Bristol in this State, and also in the next year Seventeen hundred Seventy Seven, her said husband was at least three or five months on duty in guarding said shores, as a volunteer a part of the time and a part of the time under he was drafted. In Seventeen hundred

Seventy Eight, her said husband was drafted for two months, and served that time and in Seventeen hundred Seventy nine her said husband was drafted for Coast Service for transporting Troops and Provisions on to Rhode Island for three months and that time served in that service three months and from that time to the close of the war her said husband was on guard service in guarding said shores in this state, three or four months, as private soldier.
She she has no means of knowing the names of the officers under whom he served when employed in guarding the shores as aforementioned, nor of the precise periods of time and particularly the particular months of the year, but she knows her said husband was from home a great part of the time in & during said War, and he left home equipped for military operations and that she then had no doubt and now believes he was in the service of State and United States when thus from home and must have served as a soldier in the Revolution - any more than two & a half years.
She further declares that she was married to the said James Bower, on the third day of May in the year Seventeen hundred Seventy Eight, that her husband died on the Seventh day of November Eighteen hundred twenty three, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by the proof herunto annexed.
And she further testifies declares that her maiden name was Ruth Arnold, that she was married to said James Bower by Charles Thompson the then Pastor of the Church in said Warren, and that she is the identical person named in the copy of the record, certified and attested.

by Samuel Randall herunto annexed and that she has not and never had any certifi- cate of her marriage from said Charles Thompson.
her Ruth X Bowen
On this twenty ninth day of October in the year Eighteen hundred thirty six above written, the above written declaration was sworn to, by the above named Ruth Bowen and she subscribed her cross thereto, being unable to write her name, before me. And I hereby certify, that said Ruth Bowen, the said Applicant, cannot from bodily infirmity attend said Supreme Judicial Court, or any other Court of record in said County of Bristol. And I further certify, that I am acquainted with said Ruth Bowen, that she is a credible person and her declaration is entitled to credit.
Levi Earle Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court.

Jamie Bowen and Ruth Arnold was married May 3 d 1778, by Charles Thompson, Pastor of the Baptist Church, in Warren.
A true copy of the Record
Asst Samuel Randall Town Clerk
State of Rhode Island } Town Clerk's Office and Providence Plantations } Warren Oct 12 th 1836.
I Samuel Randall of Warren, on oath do testify that I am the town Clerk of said town of Warren legally appointed and duly engaged as such, that the laws of this state of this State require all marriages to be recorded in the town Clerk's Office of the Coast town where the marriage is performed, and that the foregoing is a true copy of the record of the Marriage of Jamie Bowen and Ruth Arnold.
Samuel Randall
Town Clerk
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Bristol County } October the 29 th A.D. 1836.
Then the above named Samuel Randall personally appearing and being sworn according to law, made oath to the truth of the above written affidavit to which he subscribed his name in my presence. And hereby certify, that I am well acquainted with said Samuel Randall, that he is, a credible person and his statement is entitled to credit.
Levi Haile Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court
I Nancy Luther of Warren in the county of Bristol in the state of Rhode Island, on oath do depose and say that I was well acquainted with Jamie Bowen the late husband of Ruth Bowen, the same person named in the foregoing certificate of Samuel Ran- dall as town Clerk of said town of Warren, that I lived in the same house with said Jamie Bowen at the time of his decease which took place in

The Seventh day of November A Eighteen hundred twenty three
Nancy Luther
State of Rhode Island ss. Bristol ss. in Warren Oct 29th 1836
Then the above named Nancy Luther before me the subscriber, and being sworn according to law made oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition to which she subscribed her name in my presence.
And I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with said Nancy Luther & that she is a credible person and her statement entitled to credit.
Samuel Randall Justice Peace

State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations County of Bristol ss. Clerks Office Supreme Judicial Court, I Greenwood
Reynolds Clerk of said Court for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Levi Haila is a Justice of said Supreme Judicial Court, duly appointed by the General Assembly and commissioned by the Governor of this State, and is fully authorized to act in his said capacity, and that the signature of his name written under the certificates of declaration of Ruth Bowen, and Samuel Randall as Town Clerk, hereto annexed is his genuine signature.
And I further certify that Samuel Randall before whom the Depositions of Nancy Luther, James Mason, Seth Cole, Deborah Cole and Joseph Munn purport to have been taken is a Justice of the Peace for said County of Bristol, duly qualified to act in said office, and that his signature at the bottom of the certificates to said depositions is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Bristol this first day of November, one thousand eight hundred and thirty six.
Greenwood Reynolds, Clerk

I, Alexander name of Leekins, in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged 78 Years, on Solemn oath, do testify and say That I was well acquainted with James Bowen of Warren, that we were born and brought up within a mile of each other, that he died about twelve Years since, I was acquainted with his wife Ruth before their marriage, and since, to this time, I was not present at the marriage, but they lived together as husband man and wife during the greater part of the War of the Revolution, and were always reputed as such. In the Year 1775, I enlisted in the War of the Revolution, under Colonel Thomas Church, William Sumner Miller was Lieutenant Colonel, and Henry Sherburne was Major, in Capt. Thomas Gray's company. Moses Sumner of Warren was Lieutenant, and William Southard of Freetown was Ensign. I enlisted in what was called the 8 months service, and our regiment was quartered at Roxbury 'till after the battle of Bunker-Hill, and was then removed to Prospect Hill, where I served 'till the first day of January A. D. 1776, and that said James Bowen enlisted in said company at the same time with me, and continued 'till the said first day of January A. D. 1776, at which period our time expired. There were no written discharges then given to any of said company, to my knowledge. The said James Bowen and myself were well acquainted with each other, and saw each other almost daily, and

during the latter part of said service were in the same mess, and after our discharge came home together, I was not with him in any further service, but have understood and believe In the Year 1776, Captain Beles Beck of Providence, in the State of Massachusetts, went to New-York with a Company of Recruits, and my brother Joseph Mason went with him, and I have been in- formed that said James Bowen was in said company, and I have no doubt of the fact. —
Alexander Mason
Providence R.I.
Providence August 25 th 1836.
Personally appeared before me the above named Alexander Mason, who made sol- emn oath of the truth of the above dep- osition by him subscribed in my presence, and I further certify that said Alexan- der Mason is a credible witness in the Premises. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and af- fixed my Notarial Seal on the day and Year first above written.
Gamaliel B. Dright, Public Notary.

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Providence ss. I Dexter Dandace Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within & for said County being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that Garmalick L. Dwight is a Public Notary within & for said County: That by law he is duly authorized & qualified to administer oaths & take Depositions: and that his signature before written, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said Court at Providence this first day of September A.D. 1836
Dexter Dandace Clerk

I James Mason of Warren in the county of Bristol in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, on solemn oath do testify & say, that I am Eighty years of age and more, that I was intimately acquainted with James Bowen late of Warren, from my youth until his death, and am also acquainted with his widow Ruthe Bowen, who is now living and has never been married since the death of her said husband James Bowen.
That in May Seventeen hundred Seventy five said James Bowen enlisted into a Company commanded by Capt. Thomas Gray, and went to Roxbury in Massachusetts and returned home on the Second day of January Seventeen hundred Seventy Six. This was called the Eight months service.
In the year Seventeen hundred Seventy Six the said James Bowen enlisted in Captain Peleg Pick's Company for three months and went to White Plains in the State of New York.
In the same year the said James served as a volunteer and under draught served three months or more in guarding the shores in Bristol in this county.
In the next year Seventeen hundred Seventy Seven the said James served as a volunteer and under draught four months or more in guarding the shores in said Bristol.
In Seventeen hundred Seventy Eight said James Bowen was drafted for & served two months.
In Seventeen hundred Seventy nine said James Bowen was drafted for Boat service, for carrying troops and Provisions on to Rhode Island, for three months.

And from Seventeen hundred Seventy nine the said James Bowen was employed in guard Service, in guarding the shores in this state three months or more
James Mason
Sworn Sept 24
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantation Bristol ss. in Warren Sept 24th 1836.
Then the above named James Mason personally appearing, before me the subscriber and being sworn according to law, made oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition to which he subscribed his name in my presence.
And I hereby certify that I am well acquainted, with said James Mason that he is a credible person and his state- ment entitled to credit.
Samuel Randall Justice Peace.

James Bawen
I sit the Col of Warren in the county of Bristol, in the state of Rhode Island on oath do testify & say, that I am seventy six years old and more. That I was acquainted with James Bawen late Warren, deceased, from his youth to his decease, and am also acquainted with Ruth Bawen, the widow of said James Bawen, who is now living and has never been married since the death of her said husband James Bawen.
In December of the year Seventeen hundred Seventy Six, when the English first came to Rhode Island, I and said James Bawen were called out on an Alarm and were quartered at Bristol, and again in January following were quartered at Bristol, and in February next following, we were quartered at Naylor Point in Barrington. But in May following I enlisted under Maj. Nathan Munro and was not in the same service with said James Bawen afterwards. The time of actual service from said December to May was three or four months.
I afterwards saw said James Bawen on duty as a soldier in guarding some cannon on Graves Hill in that part of said Warren called Kickenawet. but know not how long he served. When I eventually returned home I always heard of said James Bawen's being in the service against the enemy until the very close of the war. he was always reported to be a man always ready and prompt in the discharge of what was required of him. And it is my opinion from the impressions made during the Revolutionary War that said James Bawen was on duty as a minuteman in this vicinity during said war.
During the above named service at Bristol

and Noyes Point in 1776 and 1777 we were in a company commanded by Ezra Orm- sbury.
Seth Cole
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plan- -tations. Bristol ss. in Wards September 30th 1836 Then the above named Seth Cole, personally appear- -ing before me the subscriber, and being sworn according to law made oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition, to which he subscribed his name in my presence.
And I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with said Seth Cole, and that he is a credible person and his statement entitled to credit
Samuel Randall Justice of the Peace

James Bawden
I Ichabod Cole of Warren in the County of Bristol in the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, do hereby certify & say that I am Eighty Seven years old & more, that I was well acquainted with James Bawden before said Warren deceased from his youth, - said James was the husband of Ruth Bawden who is now living and has never been married since the death of her said husband James Bawden.
During the War of the Revolution, I was frequently on guard, with said James Bawden, and I should think his services would amount to, at least half the time for two years. said Bawden was a man that never hung back, - he was always ready and willing to do duty when called on. - He was in other service during the war, but I was not with him or near him, and cannot say where or how much he served.
Ichabod Cole
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Bristol ss. in Warren 19th day of Sept. 1836
Then personally came the above named Ichabod Cole and being sworn according to law, made oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition to which he subscribed his name in my presence.
And I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with said Ichabod Cole that he is a credible person and his statements entitled to credit.
Samuel Randall
Justice Peace.

James Bowen
I Joseph Munro of Bristol in the county of Bristol in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, on oath do testify & say that I am Seventy five years old and more, that I was acquainted with James Bowen late of Warren, deceased, before and during the War of the Revolution.
In the years Seventeen hundred Seventy Seven & seventy Eight the said James Bowen served in the Militia in this county, I have no doubt he served as much as one year. I was frequently in the same company with said James Bowen.
Joseph Munro
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Bristol ss. in Warren, Sept 29th 1836.
Then the above named Joseph Munro personally appearing, before me the Subscribed and being sworn according to law, made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition to which he subscribed his name in my presence. And I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with said Joseph Munro and that he is a credible person and his statement entitled to credit.
Samuel Randall Justice Peace.

I Ruth Bowen, resident in Warren in the County of Bristol in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, being sworn according to law, do testify and say, that I am the Widow of James Bowen late of said Warren, deceased, who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and have remained unmarried ever since the decease of my said Husband, and that I am an Applicant for a Pension under the Act of Congress of July the 4 th 1836, and that I am now in the eighteenth year of my age, that I was born on the 20 th day of March A.D. Seventeen hundred fifty seven, and that I am the Daughter of William Arnold and Charity his Wife, deceased, who resided in and died in said Town of Warren, and that I said Ruth Bowen have always resided in said Town of Warren.
Ruth her Bowen X Crop
The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. County of Bristol ss. in Warren,
On this thirteenth day of December A.D. 1836, the above named Ruth Bowen personally appearing before me, the subscriber, one of the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court of said State, being the highest Court of record in said State, and being sworn according to law, made oath to the truth of the above written affidavit, to which she subscribed her crop in my presence, being unable to write her name. And I certify, that I am acquainted with said Ruth Bowen and that she is a credible person.
Levi Hail. Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court.

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations } Town Clerk's Office Warren Dec. 13 th 1836
Ruth the daughter of William Arnold and Charity his wife was born March 20 th day A.D. 1757 on the first day of the week
A true copy of the record
witness Samuel Randall
Town Clerk
I Samuel Randall on oath do declare that I am the town clerk of said town of Warren, legally chosen and duly quali- fied to act as such, and that the foregoing is a true & correct copy of the record of the birth of Ruth Arnold, in this office.
Samuel Randall
Town Clerk.
The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations County of Bristol ss. } in Warren.
On this 13 th day of December A.D. 1836, the above named Samuel Randall personally appearing before me the subscriber, and being sworn according to law, made oath to the truth of the above written certificate by him subscribed in my presence. And I certify, that I am well acquainted with said Samuel Randall, and that he is a credible person.
Levi Hail Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court aff.

March 13, 1940
Mr. Hubert Bowen 1063- 28th Street Ogden, Utah
Q BA--J/AWF James Bowen W. 14332
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your request for the Revolutionary War record of James Bowen who served as captain from Barrington (Bristol County) Rhode Island.
The Revolutionary War records of this office have been searched and no claim for pension or bounty land found, based upon service of a James Bowen who served as captain with the Rhode Island troops.
You are furnished herein the Revolutionary War record of James Bowen of Warren, Bristol County, Rhode Island, as found in papers on file in claim for pension, W. 14332, based upon his service in that war.
The date and place of birth of James Bowen and names of his parents were not given. His father was living in Warren, Rhode Island during the Revolution.
While residing at his father's home in Warren, James Bowen served as a private with the Rhode Island troops as follows-
From sometime in May, 1775, eight months in Captain Thomas Gray's company, Colonel Thomas Church's regiment; three months in Captain Peleg Peck's company,

in 1776; again in 1776 and in 1777, about six months in guarding the shores in Bristol County, a part of the time in Captain Ezra Ormsbee's company; in 1778, about two months in Captain Ezra Ormsbee's company, Colonel Nathan Miller's regiment; in 1779, about three months guarding the shores in Captain Ezra Ormsbee's company, Colonel Nathan Miller's regiment, also in 1779, about one month in the "boat service" transporting troops and provisions.
The soldier, James Bowen, died November 7, 1823, in Warren, Rhode Island.
James Bowen married May 3, 1778, Ruth Arnold. She was born March 20, 1757, in Warren, Rhode Island, and was the daughter of William Arnold and his wife, Charity who resided and died in Warren, Rhode Island.
James Bowen and wife, Ruth, were married by the Reverend Charles Thompson, Pastor of the Baptist Church in Warren, Rhode Island.
The widow, Ruth Bowen, applied for pension October 29, 1836, at which time she was living in Warren, Rhode Island, where she had lived always. The pension was allowed.
William Bowen, brother of the soldier, James Bowen, was seventy-six years old in 1837, and a resident of Warren, Rhode Island.
Reference was made January 31, 1838 to the widow, Ruth Bowen, as then deceased (definite date not given) and to her children and to a son-in-law, no names stated.
The papers on file in this claim contain no further discernible family data.
In order to obtain the date of last payment

of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the exact date of death of the widow, Ruth Bowen, it is suggested that you apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and furnish the following data:
Ruth Bowen, widow of James Bowen Certificate #1742 Issued January 26, 1838 Rate $56.67 per annum Commenced March 4, 1831 Act of July 4, 1836 Rhode Island Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Warren Nov. 24th 1857
Sir,
In your last communication, May 18th 1857, on the subject of Ruth Bowen's application for a pension, in answer to the Additional Testimony to prove services subsequent to the marriage, is stated "The depositions do not establish a term conformable with the Rules ." You also say "I must have miss understood your letter of the 25th of February, which requires that a term of service subsequent to the marriage, should be established agreeably to the rules, viz. Period, Length & grade, with names of company and field officers, where marched, or stationed, how paid or subsisted &c" — That no pension would be granted, unless a term of service subsequent to the marriage, with all these qualifications, to wit, "period, length & grade, with names of company & field officers, where marched or stationed, how paid, or subsisted, &c." I certainly did not understand, then , but as it is repeated, I suppose that is your construction of the Rules or Law or both.
You are placed in a very responsible station, — A law is passed by Congress, making the compensation which they allow to the revolutionary soldiers for their services, if deceased the property of their widows, with this proviso, that the marriage must have taken place before the last period of his service, whatever sum therefore, would be due to the decedent, if living, is due, by the law of Congress, to his widow if she was married before the expiration of the last period of his service. What therefore is to be understood by these words & terms, is vitally important to the widows of soldiers of the War of the revolution. The rule to construe

Statues is, so that it may have a reasonable effect agreeable to the intent of the Legislature &c" — In this case of pensions, this task was put upon the President & Secretary of War, They therefore take the place of the Supreme Court of the U. States.
They have made or adopted Rules. And they say that the marriage must take place before the last term of Service of the husband expired , now, Sir, if the word term in the rules & period in the law, are not perfectly synonymous, then, most clearly, the rules re- quire something that the law does not .
This, I presume is not the case — Nothing in the Rules intimate, to my understanding, any such conclusion. — But in order to get at a correct purport of the terms or words made use of, in both the law and the rules, with regard to the marriage, is to ascer- tain what services, in the War of the revo- -lution, are included, and what are excluded by the law of 1832: The act includes "all who served, in the continental line, — State troops volunteers or militia. The Rules adopted on that law decides who are , and who are not included under its provisions, to wit. "all persons, enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered & who were bound to military service, and then points out who are excluded, or who are not included, by the act. viz. "those who were occa- -sionally employed by the army, on civil contracts , such as clerks to commissaries & store keepers &c. Teamsters, Boatmen &c." Hence it is clear that any service as volunteer or drafted and employed against the enemy for a period however short, is included, by the law and Rules, both; and that, undoubtedly,

is one of the reasons, why no pay or pension shall be granted unless the several items of service, together, shall amount to Six months.
It is no where intimated by the law or Rules, that a term of service, must be of the duration of any particular number of hours, or days, or wks. or months, to constitute an item of service, and consequently the service of one hour is as really a term of service, as that of a year. The same will apply to the kind of service, Enlistment, drafted or volunteer. And the kind of service is also clearly pointed out by the law. as to the militia, all who served one day, at a time in the capacity of volunteer, is as much entitled to the benefit of the law, if he served days enough to amount to Six months, as he who enlisted into some company of some Regiment & served six months, and he who was drafted and served one day or part of a day at a time until it amounted to Six months, is as much entitled to the benefit of the law as either. But if you have determined otherwise, and will allow of nothing to constitute a term of service unless it was of a certain duration of time we grope in the dark, and our labour is as likely to be in vain, as otherwise; If it be so, you should state the fact, and let us know, how many months, or days or hours, you allow to make a term of service; for the law and the Rules are, both, totally silent as that point. And I have always understood, that the law and Rules to intend, that if a soldier (for instance) served a year and then was

discharged, and after wards was married, and after marriage was drafted into Service, and served one day or one hour, or one minute (There is however no division of days in this kind of Service, and any service would be called a day) under that draft, that his widow would be entitled to a pension. and my hope as it the Supreme Court of the United States would so decide. If it be not so, there is and can be no no Rule. and it must take a certain number of hours, or days, or wks or months or years to constitute, a term of Service. Again, I have always understood that if the term of service (an enlistment, for instance, for one year,) expired on a certain day at sun setting and he was married on that day before sun setting or in other words one hour or one minute before the term of service expired, that the marriage was in time, or in the words of the Rules "took place before the last term of service of the Husband Expired.
Now Sir what is the proof in this case. You have acknowledged proof of service of James Bowers, sufficient for a pension of his widow Ruth Bower, and want of proof of services after the marriage to your satisfaction has hung the case up for many months.
The marriage took place on the third day of May 1778, (proof by Record) and there are four Specific terms of service proved by a witness who had personal knowledge of the fact, because the affiant was with the decedent, in the same service and at the same time. — James Mason

testifies that on the twenty fifth day of May 1778, the British came to Warren, and Burnt the Meeting house, Magazine &c. That the Company of Militia of this town on that occasion, were called out under Capt Ezra Ormsbee, and pursued the enemy to Bristol Ferry, and that himself and James Bawne, were of that Company and on duty on that occasion, and this statement is corroborated by the testimony of William Bawne, — Here is a term of service after the marriages and for ought any one knows, as in present to the country as the battle on R. I.
2 — Immediately after this — this same company of Militia, was drafted to guard the shores and that James Bawne was one and did duty as such at Bristol, one month V.D., the month of June 1778. and here are all the particulars the nature of the service will admit. to wit, " period ". (the month of June 1778) " Length " (one month) " Grade " (private in the militia) " Names of Company & Field Officers ." (Ezra Ormsbee capt. and Nathan Miller lieut.) " Where marched " (to Bristol) " where stationed ," (at Bristol Ferry Battery square and other places on the shores) " How paid " (had no pay) " How subsisted " (draw rations at Bristol of Stephen Smith the then Commissary — Here is another term of service proved after the marriage.
3 The State authorities ordered a guard set over some cannon on Graves Hill in this town. This same Company of Militia, were drafted to perform that duty, that said James Bawne was one and took his turn on guard over these

gums. — There is at least one days actual service within the recognition of the law but not susceptible of all the qualifications you name. but has many of them viz. date, grade, place where the service was performed, — I believe, it was in the summer of 1779.
4. After the British left Newport, Nov. 1779 Another draft took place to procure men to carry soldiers & provision on to R.I. and James Bowen was drafted for a month, and served a month, in the same boat with the officer. and here again are all the qualifications, the nature of the service admits. See the 2 d & 3 d Dispositions of the witness, James Mason.
All these four terms of service are after the marriage two of them a long time after.
I have said that after you receive and examine the 3 d disposition of James Mason herewith forwarded, the whole case will strike you as it does me, most clearly that a full pension should be granted to Ruth Bowen, the widow of James Bowen.
With great respect yr affec Servt Barnard Randall
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions

I James Mason of Warren in the county of Bristol in the state of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations, on solemn oath do testify & say that, I have given two Depositions before this, relative to the appli- -cation of Ruth Bowen widow of James Bowen, late of Warren deceased, after a pension the second deposition was given in March last wherein I stated in substance as follows "that after the English came here and burnt the meeting house here in May 25th 1778. The Company of Militia, in this town were drafted, to guard the shores, half of said company were ordered on duty at a time, & served a term of one month, and then were relieved, by the other half. That I knew that said James Bowen served one month under this draft at Bristol in this county & which was  that in the month of June 1778. In addition to these facts I do testify that I was one of the company afore named and was drafted and served one month viz the said month of June 1778 & the said James Bowen served in the same division of said company. That said division of said company was commanded by Capt. Ezra Dorr. That that we were stationed at said Bristol & a part of the time, at the Bristol Ferry, a part of the time at Pappasouquequaw, and divers other places on the shores. That we drawed rations of Stephen Smith at the then commissary. & we received no pay, & had no promise of any from any quarter.
The Commission which I stated in my former Deposition placed on graves

Hill, & were there guarded, belonged to the State & the guards were ordered by the State authority. & this was accomplished by a draft, I know that James Bawen was one of the men drafted for this purpose, & took his turn as guard over these cannon. & this guard service was in the months of May June July of the year 1779.
In the months service named in my last deposition, under a draft to man the boats to convey Soldiers & Provision on to R. I. from Bristol, which was immediately after the British Troops left Newport, which was the last of October, 1779. James Bawen was with me and belonged to the same boat & was down at Bristol at Bristol of Stephen Smith.
These transactions were under the orders of Col. Nathan Miller, both James Bawen & myself, served one month at Bristol under Col. Nathan Miller, in the month of November 1779, we had no pay, but drew our rations as above stated.
James Mason
State of Rhode Island
County of Bristol ss. in Warren Nov. 20th 1837
Then the above James Mason personally appearing before me the subscriber & being sworn according to law, made oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition to which he subscribed his name in my presence, and I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the said James Mason & that he is a credible person & his statements entitled to credit.
Samuel Randall Jus. Peace

Bristol } State of Rhode Island & } Clerk's Office Supreme Judicial Bristol County, ss. } Court Nov. 21. 1837
I Greenwood Reynolds Clerk of said Court for said County do hereby certify that Samuel Randall before whom the deposition of James Mason purports to have been taken is a Justice of the peace for said County and that the signature of his name at the bottom of the certificate to said deposition is in his own hand writing and is his genuine signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court the day and year above written Greenwood Reynolds Clerk

Ruth Bowen R.S. who James
No 36 - no 1742
Found in Room No. 108, in looking over a map of Old Papers
Oct 28/87
A.H.A.
WARREN, R. I. Nov. 9
FREE.
Ms. A. 9. 2 Ms. A. 9. 2 Ms. A. 9. 2
J. L. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Warren R.I. Nov. 9 th 1836
Sir,
I forwarded on the 2 d inst. the papers in the cases of Ruth Bowen widow of James Bowen and Elizabeth Martin widow of Luther Martin. and believe I did accompany the papers with my name as having charge of them. — Your note to Green Reynolds of Bristol, respecting the papers of Anna Cole widow of Thomas Cole, and Elizabeth Salisbury, he Mr Reynolds knowing, of course, nothing about these papers any further than to affix his certificate and Seal. as Clerk of the S. J. Court. referred them to me who had charge of them by this circumstance I have reason to suppose I did not accompany these last mentioned papers with my name as having charge of them.
Will you have the goodness to note on the above named four applications forwarded by your Very humble Servant Samuel Randall
J. L. Edwards, Esq. Clerk of Pleasants

J. L. Edwards Esq. Curs of Pensylvania

J. L. Edwards Com d Pensylvania

Warren March 3 d 1837.
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir,
I did not understand by your previous communications, that further proof was wanted as to services of James Bawen in the War of the Revolution after his marriage to Ruth Bawen his widow and applicant for a Pension. That evidence is herewith forwarded, which I hope will be decisive of that question. I supposed sufficient evidence to that point was included in the first Depositions forwarded, or I should not have presented her application.
With respect
yr abt Servt
Samuel Bannall

10 Feb Sam d Randall Case B. B. for Grant
J. H. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Warren Feb. 16th 1837
J. Le Edwards Esquire
Sir,
On the 15th of Dec. last I forwarded the amendments required by you, in the Declaration of Ruth Bowen the widow of James Bowen, for a Pension; and in my letter accompanying the same, I requested you to state the amount of service of her husband you considered proved. (if any) as you did not say, in yours of Nov. 23. anything on that subject as to that point.
Not having heard from you since and as the Post office was not long after burnt, I am inclined to trouble you again on her claim, merely however to say we have received no Pension Certificate for a Pension nor any reply to my request. I see my letter (the copy) is dated Dec. 15th but I cannot say that the papers were actually forwarded on that day, & it is nearly possible they were in the office on the night of its destruction. If you received the papers referred to & have not forwarded a certificate of Pension you are requested to forward a certificate for so much time as you find proved - we are tired of delay, and find it difficult to get proofs - such as your Rules require, of services of men so long ago.
I did suppose however that the proofs in her case was clear & positive for two campaigns. -
If you find no proof of services of James Bowen, you will please return all the papers to
Very respectfully yr obt Servt Barnum Randall

J. L. Edwards Esquire

Warren R.I. Dec 25 th 1836
Dear Sir,
The age of Ruth Bowen is herewith forwarded "to supply that defect in her Declaration" taken by the Judge as you suggested, in your communication of the 23 d ult.
With regard to the remainder of your remarks on the evidence required in her case, to-wit, that each term of service should be separately detailed, as to period, length and grade, with the names of the officers, where stationed, how paid and submitted - few, indeed will be the number of dead soldiers' widows, reaping any benefit from the law of July 4 th if these rules of evidence are adhered to: None but those who fortunately are the widows of soldiers who formerly served in those states where evidences of services was recorded, will obtain Pensions - for no dead soldier's widow can tell the time, when, and the place, where, her husband served in the War of the Revolution; nor can she know who to call on, among the few individuals now out of their graves who were personally present with their husbands and who kept a journal of the days, weeks and months and the almost infinite number of points, round the shores of Narraganset Bay, during the several years that the English had possession of that Bay & Newport.
You did not say in your note to me that any portion of James Bowen's services was proved within the rules. I must therefore request you to have patience

with us and state to me how much service (if any) you deem proved. I supposed the proof in this case very clear for 24 months at least. — There is such proof of his having served nearly 2\frac{1}{2} years in all as would be necessary to substantiate claim for money in our courts of law, it being the best evidence the nature of the case admits.
If I understand you rightly you require the same evidence now that would and ought to have been required, the next week after the War closed, that eye witnesses of every period of service, naming the place where performed and all the usual circumstances attending the several periods of service, which could and ought to be demanded and given at that time . — Did Congress mean to mark these poor penniless widows, by hanging a gold cup on the horn of the new moon and let them it should be theirs, if they could reach it, as a reward for the toil of their husbands in the glorious War of the Revolution.
If I mistake not, some of the service of James Bowen was proved by Alexander Mason to have been in the Massachusetts Service in '75. if so, I presume you have the records of that State to prove so much. All the old men that I have called for evidence in this case, (except those who have given their deposition) say "I was not with Bowen but I always, in the time of the War and ever

Since, understand that he (Bauer) was very active and prompt during the war and was on duty as much as as any, except those that enlisted during the war, and they had no doubt of it.
I have not the least doubt, Sir, that if you were here and examined the old people with regard to Bauer's services your mind would be convinced that of the service of Bauer for more than two years. But the proof would not be of the kind your rules demand but it would be the best the nature of law would admit of. and of course, in a court of law, would sustain a money claim.
Very respectfully your Obed Serv't
Samuel Randall
J. L. Edwards Esq (our Pension)

Sam K Randall Feb 6. 1838 G6
Record V40 page 260

War Dept
Pension Office,
Feb y . 1838.
Sir,
In reply to Your letter of the 31 st ulto. in the case of Ruth Brown, dec d , I have to inform You that the amount due up to the day of her death must be paid to the children and not to the Administrator. The pension is not account liable for any debt which the widow may have contracted. during her life
Saml Randall Esq Warren R.I.

In - at Jan 26 Issue Cbt - Issue Cbt. of correct J. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.
FREE.

Warren Jan. 22. 1838.
Sir,
In your note to Mr Robbins you say that, "Mrs. Bowen can have a certificate for 17 months to wit 8 months in 1775 - 3 in '76 and 3 in '78-'79 Should she advise the Department,...
Altho that is 7 months short of what I was in hopes to be was satisfactorily proved, yet we must abide your decision, in this as in every other case. You will please therefore to forward the certificate.
Very respectfully yr obed Servt
General Randall
J. L. Edwards Esquire Clerk of Pensions

Jas Bowen '45. Capt Tho: Gray. Co: Church. Roxbury Mass. pri. 8. mo '76 " Pyle's Pack. ————— White Plains. N.Y. " 3 also Volunteer in guarding shores as much as " 3 '77. " & draft. " " " 5 '78 drafted & served " 2 '79 " in transporting " 3 and from that time to close of the war was guarding Married 3. May '78 - records of Iowa - Warren -

THIS SIDE OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS
W. S. Pension Bureau Washington D. C.

Dear Sirs:- Please give me the date of death or Pension data on Capt. James Bower of Barrington R.I. also Parents names if mentioned his wife was Elizabeth Tiffany in 1821-2. Had son William Hale Bower, Please tell me if there is more than one Captain James Bower in Rev. war from R.I.
Hubert Bower 1063- 28 th Ogden Utah.

1940 march 13 - list to Hubert Bower curry
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 14332
Ruth Bower Wid" of James Bower Priv Rev. War
Act: July 4 th  1836.
Index:—Vol. a , Page 74
[Arrangement of 1870.]

R V Island
Ans d Sam l Randall
Nov 23 '36 -
Do. 23 Feb y 1827.
do May 18, 1837.
Ans d A. Robm ts Jan y 16. '38

I James Mason of Warren in the county of Bristol in the State of Rhode Island do hereby certify and say that I am Eighty one years of Age, that in the year Seventeen hundred Seventy Eight in the Month of May and about the twenty fifth day of that month, the English troops under Command of Col. Campbell landed in this town and burnt the meeting house, & destroyed boats in Kikerneut River. Immediately after this transaction the whole Company of Militia under Capt. Ezra Brinsbee was called out, & followed the British troops down to Bristol Ferry.
I was a Soldier in that Company at that time & went with the Company on that occasion. James Bowen late of said Warren, deceased, the late husband of Ruth Bowen of said Warren who has made application as the widow of said James Bowen for a Pension was at that time a near neighbour of mine and I know he then said James Bowen was with me on that occasion as one of that Company of Militia commanded by said Ezra Brinsbee, and went with us in pursuit of the English troops to Bristol Ferry in the town of Bristol.
Immediately after this, this Company of Militia was under a draught, to guard the shores, half of said Company, was on duty at a time, and served a tour of one month, and then relieved by the other half, for one month. These drafts draughts commenced duty immediately after the appearance in view of the enemy - and began this Service of guarding the shores the first of June 1778, and were stationed in the town of Bristol. And I know that said James Bowen was among those drafted for the above named purpose of guarding the shores in said Bristol, & did duty as such one term that is one month which was the month of June of that year 1778.
In the year Seventeen hundred Seventy Nine, a number of Cannon were placed

an Grays Hill (so called) at that time) for and a guard placed over them. The whole of the Militia were draughted for this purpose and by turns stood duty over their cannon. This Service was three weeks the duration. I know that said James Bawen was draughted and took his turn in guarding these guns. This Service was in the months of May June & July of the said year 1779.
After the Britains left Rhode Island, a draught took place to man the Boats to carry Artillery & Soldiers on to the Island from Bristol. I belonged to one of these boats, and said James Bawen was one of the boat men and served in this boat Service, one month.
James Mason
State of Rhode Island &c Bristol ss. in Warren March 1st 1837.
Then the above named James Mason personally appearing before me the Subscriber, and being sworn according to law, made oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition, to which he subscribed his name in my presence.
And I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with said James Mason & that he is a credible person and his statements entitled to credit.
Benjamin Randall Justice of the Peace.

State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations Bristol ss Clerk's office Supreme Judicial Court March second A.D. 1837 I Greenwood Reynolds Clerk of said Court for said County of Bristol do hereby certify that Samuel Randall before whom the deposition of James Mason purports to have been taken is a Justice of the peace for said County of Bristol, and that the signature at the bottom of the certificate to said deposition is in his own hand writing and is his genuine signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court the day and year above written
Greenwood Reynolds Clerk

I William Bawen of Warren in the County of Bristol and State of Rhode Island, on oath do testify & say that I am Seventy Six years of age, that in the month of May Seventeen hundred Seventy Eight, the British troops landed and marched into this town & burnt the Baptist meeting house, the Parsonage house, the Magazine, and destroyed the Boats in Kickenutt River, this invasion of the British troops was the last of May 1778. - After they had destroyed the Boats, and they returned to town & directed their march towards Bristol I then resided at my fathers house in that part of Warren called Kickenutt. My brother James Bawen and myself and one Jeremiah Pearce armed ourselves & followed the enemy on their retreat & fired upon them and they escaped as we pursued them with others of the Militia in this town & Bristol to Bristol Ferry, where they were taken on board of the British frigate, under cover of her guns. Then we returned home. The aforesaid James Bawen was the husband of Ruth Bawen who is now living and has made her declaration for a Pension, as the widow of said James Bawen, this transaction was about the twenty fifth or twenty seventh of May in said year 1778.
In the month of May in the next year 1779 a guard was stationed on Gravis Hill to guard some Cannon deposited there, and said James Bawen was one of this guard, and took his turn in standing sentry over these guns.
William Bawen
State of Rhode Island &c Bristol County ss. in Warren March. 1 st 1837 Then the above named William Bawen pre-

sonally appearing before me the Subscriber and being sworn according to law, made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition to which he subscribed his name in my presence. The said William Benson is known by me to be a credible person and his declaration entitled to credit.
Hermon Randall Justice of the Peace.
N.B. This Deposition was not ready for the Certificate & Seal of the Clerk and of course was not attached by him to the other I did not think it essential, but if you cannot receive it and it is necessary for the favorable determination of the case you will please return it to me and I will get the Clerk's Certificate & Seal to it.
Hermon Randall

I Grindal Chase of Barrington in the county of Bristol in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, on Oath do testify & say that I am eighty years of age & upwards. That I was personally acquainted with James Bowen late of Warren, in the aforesaid county of Bristol deceased, the husband of Ruth Bowen of said Warren, now living, and who as I am informed has made application for a pension, on account of the services of her said husband in the War of the Revolution.
In the summer of the year, Seventeen hundred Seventy Seven, I was a private soldier in the Company of Militia of the the said town of Warren commanded by Ezra Ormsbee, and was on duty in actual service in the town of Bristol in this county, three months, and said James Bowen was a private soldier in the same Company during the same time of three months.
Grindal Chase Grindal Chase
Swear
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Bristol County ss. in Warren. Dec. 13th 1836.
Then the above named Grindal Chase personally appearing before me the subscriber, and being sworn according to law, made oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition to which he subscribed his name in my presence.
And I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Grindal Chase and that he is a credible person and his statement entitled to truth credit.
Samuel Randall Justice of the Peace

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Bristol ss. Clerk's Office Supreme Judicial Court
December 14 th A. D. 1876 at Greenwood
Reynolds Clerk of said Court in and for said County of Bristol do hereby certify that Saml Hail is one of the Justices of said Court duly appointed by the General Assembly and commissioned by the Governor of the State and is duly qualified to act in his said capacity and that the signa- -ture at the bottom of the certificate to
The declaration of Ruth Bowen and Samuel Randall as Town Clerk, in his genuine signature. And it further certify that Samuel Randall before whom the deposition of Grindall whose purports to have been taken is a Justice of the Peace for said County of Bristol duly qualified to act in his said capacity and that the signature at the bottom of the certificate to said deposition is his genuine signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court the day and year above written
Greenwood Reynolds Clerk