Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 22778, George Clarke, R.I.

SERVICE
R. L.
NUMBER _____
Clarke, George Return
No. 22778
CONTENTS

Rhode Island 1878
Heturah Clarke
widow of George Clarke dec'd R.I.
who died on the 22 d Sept 1831 of Newport in the State of R.I.
who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Pendleton of the Rgt. commanded by Col. Myles in the R.I. line for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of R. Island at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents, per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of March 1838 and sent to Noyes Newport R.I.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1838 $140.00 Semi-annual allowance ending Sept. " 10.00
$150.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section, the 3. }
Recorded by N. H. Johnson Clerk Book 4 Vol. 2 Page 84

V 2542
Declaration of Mr Retenak (Clark)
Manila Jan 17/8 died Sept 1831
Allow 6m. per mth for for am comng to Mad 1831
R L militia Captain Puddleton Col Noyes
Mr R Noyes Esq Newport R L

State of Rhode Island &c
Scituate Sc. at Scituate
On the 23 d day of August 1837 personally appeared before Joseph Foster Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for said county, Mrs. Retuah Clarke a resident of the town of Scituate aforesaid of the age of seventy six years, being duly engaged according to law to declare truly, doth on her solemn affirmation make the following declaration (in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of congress passed July 4 th 1836) viz. I am the widow of George Clark who was a private soldier in the war of the Revolution, previous to my marriage with said Clark I lived near him and had knowledge where he was. I recollect that he was drafted and did duty in the militia & as I was informed by him was employed in guarding the shores at Point Judith, Poston Neck, & Noyes' Beach and that he belonged to the South Company of the Town of Westerly, commanded by Capt. George Stillman, in a Regiment commanded by Col. Joseph Hayes. he not only served his own term of duty but that of his father, that he was in said company & said Regiment at Trenton which was the fall before we were married, after we were married (in January 1778) I know he was frequently called out - He was in Sullivan's Expedition I remember his going to the Islands and he told me he had been in the battle, and told me a great deal

about his service in the war, but though my age and lack of memory I can recollect but little of it. He was drawn a soldier & did duty in the Militia till nearly the close of the war. And know that he served for himself and as a substitute for his father. My maiden name was Retuah Maxon the daughter of Joseph Maxon of Westerly R.I. - I further declare that I was married by Elder Joshua Clarke to the aforesaid George Clark in Westerly on the 29 th day of January A.D. 1778 that my said husband died September 22 nd 1831. and that I have remained a widow ever since the latter date, as will more fully appear by the proof hereto annexed. I am aged and infirm and unable to attend in open court to make my declaration. —
Retuah her { Clarke mark
Newport ss. at Newport, August 23 rd 1837, The above Declaration was affirmed to be true and subscribed with her mark by the forementioned Retuah Clark, at the time and place therein described, at her residence and before me, — And I further certify that from age and infirmity she was evidently unable to go abroad for the purpose, and that I believe her character for truth to be good.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand on the day & year above written. Joseph D. Slocum, C. Jus. C. C. P. Bks, Newport.

Newport R.I.
Clerks Office - Court of Common Pleas Aug 24 1837
I George C Shaw clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the aforesaid County, being a court of Records, do hereby certify that Joseph Fosler before whom the Declaration of Keturah Clarke was sworn to, is the Chief Justice of our Court of Common Pleas was elected by the General Assembly and Commissioned by the Governor of this State, and is duly qualified to act in his said capacity, and his signature affixed is genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court, at Newport on the day and year above written
Geo: C Shaw. clerk

Miss Martha Saunders wife of Mr Edward Saunders & Miss Annie Saunders both of Westerly in the County of Washington & State of Rhode Island of lawful age and engaged according to Law testifyeth and said said. that on the 29 th day of January A D 1778 - that they was at the dwelling house of Joseph Manson Esq. in said Westerly and there & then they saw and heard Elder Joshua Clarke join together in Marriage Mr George Clarke son to Mr. Elisha Clarke and Miss Deborah Manson daughter of Joseph Manson Esq both of Westerly according to Law. Before me Sam l Bliven Justice of the Peace Entered. March 16 th A D 1796.
State of Rhode Island &c Washington County ss Town Clerk's Office Westerly July 24 th A D 1837 I. James Manson Town Clerk of said Town do hereby Certify that the foregoing is a true copy of Record Wm James Manson Clerk
Washington County ss, at Westerly this 24 th day of July 1837. Personally came the above named James Manson V. Clerk, and made oath to the truth of the above
Before Beman J. Gavit Justice Peace
I further certify that the above named deponent is a person of credit, and his testimony is entitled to credit
Beman J. Gavit Justice Peace

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Washington Co. Clerk's Office Supreme Judicial Court
I Powell Helme, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for the County of Washington do hereby certify that Benjamin Gavit Esq. before whom James Brandal Hannah Saunders, Ruth Chapman Samuel Brown and Sips Mason, testified is a Justice of the Peace for the town of Westerly in said County of Washington duly appointed by the General Assembly and commissioned by the Governor, and otherwise qualified as the Law directs, and that his signature certifying the taking of the aforesaid depositions is his genuine hands writing
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hands and affixed the seal of the Court aforesaid this 29th day of July in the year 1837.
Powell Helme, Clerk
James Brandal Hannah Saunders Ruth Chapman Samuel Brown Sips Mason

I James Brennan of Wiltshire County of Washington State of Rhode Island & a Revolutionary pensioner, on Solemn oaths do testify & say, I was well acquainted with George Clark son of Elisha Clark, late of this Town deceased - and late the husband of Hettie Clark the present applicant for a pension. I was well acquainted with him from a lad his two elder brothers enlisted at the commencement of the war, I believe in 1775 - George the third son re- mained at home - and did duty for himself and his father - my impression is that said George & his father both belonged to a company comman- ded by Capt. George Stillman in Col. Joseph Hoyes Regiment. Elisha the father of said George was my of the senior class but was obliged to stand a draft - and was drafted in said company, at the time the Guard was established on the shores of this Town - which I believe was in the fall of 1776 for one month and I understood, said George performed his father's share of duty, I was also knowing to said George Clark being on duty one month at the time the same was stationed, said company was at one time commanded by a Capt. Penatton in the fall of 1777 said George was on duty two months or more in said company in Spencer Expedition at Tiverton R.I. In the summer of 1778 said George served in said company in said Hoyes Regiment two months or more - I understood at the time that he was drafted for one month and at the expiration of his term of service his father the said Elisha was drafted for two months and that said George performed his father's share of duty - I know from what I have heard and from what I have seen of him on duty as before stated, that said George Clark was in actual service for himself and as a substitute for his father the said Elisha more than any other man I know - and this I say from what

I do know I would also state that I understood that said Company & said George was out and on duty at the time Amos Storms found Griswold but for how long I can not say - I am well acquainted with Hettie Clark the present applicant for a pension she is a woman of good character I am her friend
State of Rhode Island &c Washington ss July 25. 1837.
personally appeared the above named deponent James Grandall, and on oath before me gave and subscribed the preceding Deposition by me reduced to writing. I further certify that the said James Grandall is well known to me that he is a person of veracity, that his testimony is entitled to credit.
Bernajah Gavit Justice of the Peace
I Hannah Saunders of Westerly, County of Washington State of Rhode Island &c aged Seventy three years being duly engaged according to law on her affirmation do testify and say that I was well acquainted with George Clark formerly of this Town and late of Newport deceased he was my Brother In 1875 when war commenced my eldest brother Elisha was living in Connecticut, & Thomas the 2 nd enlisted in a Company commanded by Samuel Ward went to Boston and then enlisted again in Washingtons army & went to the West where he remained several years - George Clark was my 3 rd brother he remained with his father until the matter was called out at this time my father belonged to the senior class, but was obliged to stand his draft in the summer of 1876 my father was drafted for one month to go to South Kingston, my brother George was present when he was warned and offered his services & aid gave and perform his tour of duty, he shortly after was drafted himself for the same period of time - the Company was paraded at my fathers house, Thomas Thompson was Capt. Joshua Pendleton was Lieut. and

Nathaniel Pendleton was Ensign, Col. James Babcock's Regiment, the Company was divided and George Stillman was appointed to the Command of the South company in this Town where my father and brother George did duty. Joseph Pendleton was an officer in this company but what at this particular time I can not say, but know that he was after that Capt. of said Company & promoted to Major. I have a more particular recollection of my Father's draft than I have of my brother's as he was apt to be lame when much exposed, my Father was drafted four times for one month at a time and I know that my brother George did perform his tours of duty, and also performed the duty that fell to himself by law, in fact it is more difficult for me to state when he was not on duty as he served nearly all the time for his father and himself, he was drafted in 1777 in said company in the Expedition of General Spencer, and was stationed at Newton & its vicinity, in this term of service, I believe he was absent two months, he then returned and did duty at Green Hill - Noyes Neck and Point Judith, some times all the militia were called out except the senior class and were on duty for fifteen days, & for one month, I know he was in Sullivan's Expedition to Rhode Island in the year 1778 and was on duty near two months after his return he was placed on guard. I also remember that said Company was called out by Lieut. Mattson Commandant of said Regiment at the time that Arnold attacked Fort Griswold at Groton Bank, I recollect this well as I can any thing, as I remember of hearing the cannon, and all that was not on duty went, the length of time of service I cannot say but this I do know, that he performed the services of himself and his Father. I am confident in stating that his tours of service for himself and Father

amounting to three years. I am well acquainted with Keturah Black, the widow of the late George Black the present applicant, and her character is good she has been a member of a Church for fifty years
Hannah Saunders
State of Rhode Island ss Washington ss July 25. 1837 personally appeared the above named deponent Hannah Saunders and on her affirmation before me gave and subscribed the preceding Deposition, by me reduced to writing I further certify that the said Hannah Saunders is well known to me, that she is well known to a person of veracity, that her testimony is entitled to credit
Barnabas Gaint Justin of the Peace

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 221778
Hannah Clarke Wid. of George Clarke Priv. Rev. War.
Act July 4 1836
Index: Vol A , Page 139
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1 Geo. Clarke } mar Nov 76 Retinah } died Sep 1831
1777 No specific
Witness Solomon. 1 m 76 1 1 77 2 u Spencer Esq. 2

Miss H. H.
Ms. B. 1. 6 v. 3 p. 26
Allen - Washington Can be M. ...
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Stephen Retuel Clarke A.D.

Sir-
Newport Jan. 31. 1838
Yours of 22 d Inst addressed to Hon R. B. Cranston relative to several claims that I have forwarded to your Department is before me. And in reply would respectfully beg leave to repeat that there is but one Militia Officer (John Werdew Esq r ) that has withstood the ravages of time, and is now spared to certify in behalf of the claimants. And but very few Soldiers that retain their memory so as to be able to state any more than that they knew such & such men were soldiers in the War of the Rev n that they served with them at such and such places and on some particular time, occasion, or expedition. But as to the exact time or the length of the tour of duty, they are unable to state. It is therefore utterly impossible to comply in every particular with the requisitions of the Department as to dates length of tours of duty, where quartered, subsisted & how paid &c. As the Militia of this State guard the shores for more than 200 Miles: with but few men, and almost constantly in a state of alarm and on the march to different points as occasion might require. As to subsistence, when they could be supplied

by the Commissaries they were, but it was not at all times in their power to furnish them with the necessaries of life, and then the poor fellows were on their own resources - And as far pay nearly all they rec'd was in States or W. State promises -
In regard to the claims of Mrs. Returan Clarke Abigail Gardner, Abigail Douglass & Sophia Sisson I would state that it is proved that their respective husbands were able bodied men, and on them the Militia law was imperative; from the evidence of service forwarded the Department I trust you will find that they all come within the provisions of the law, and will forward me a Certificate for the amount you may find them entitled
Respectfully Your
Col. Frank
W. R. Noyes
J. L. Edwards Esq Comm. of Pensions Washington D.C.

Letter to J. S. Edwards Esq.

Sir.
Newport Augt 24 th '37
Inasmuch as you will receive the declaration of proof to support the claim of Mrs. Deborah Clark to a pension, By her declaration it appears that her husband the late George Clark was a private soldier in the war of the Rev n and that sd George not only served his own tours of duty, but from four to six months for his father the late Elisha Clark Esq. - In support of which James Crandall testifies, that he was well acquainted with said George from a lad & that the the sd George & his father belonged to one company and that his father was drafted & that sd George performed his tours of duty and he was knowing to his being on duty for himself and father at different times to the amt of 7 mos. - Mrs. Hannah Saunders testifies that sd George did duty for himself and father, that her father was drafted four times for one month each & that sd Geo performed the duty, (confirming the statement of Crandall) & to service at different periods, and in short that his "service for himself and father amounted to three years" - Plumb Chapman confirms the statement made by Crandall & Mrs. Saunders and still further states, "recollects distinctly that said George was on duty early in the Revolutionary War," served with him when the stock, hay and grain was removed from Point Judith &c - That he has a clear & distinct recollection of said George Clarke's service, "as we were brought up together & was intimate friends." That he served in Sullivans' Expe n 2 Mos. sd Geo & himself were on duty at the time the "Battle

Schooner" was on stock, and was placed under guard by Col. Myles. In disobedience of orders and said Clark served at least three years during said War. — I, the Mayor Town Clerk of Westerly testifies to the manumission. All of which is most respectfully submitted —
I have the honor to be Yr. Obed Servt
J. V. Odugado Esq. Comm. of Resolutions Washington D.C.
Wm. H. Myles

I Plumb Chapman of Matunke County of Washington & State of Rhode Island & a noncommissioned person, on solemn oath do testify & say that I enlisted in 1775 in Varnums Regiment for eight months & was marched to the vicinity of Boston, after I returned, I enlisted under Capt John Gavit in Col Joseph Vose's Regiment - but a part of the time we did duty under Col. Cook, who was I believe the senior officer then - but a part of the time we did duty I was well acquainted with George Clark late of Newport deceased - he was the 3 d son of Elisha Clark late of this Town Thomas the 2 d son belonging to Samuel Vose's Company & was in the same Regiment I belonged (Varnums) after I returned from Boston - I saw George Clark on duty in a Company commanded by Capt. Stillman & know it was in what was then called the north Company - they were then on duty at South Kingston guarding the shore & for one month - I was then on my way to New- port, this was in the fall of 1776 (in October or November) said George Clark was on duty in the year 1777 in said Company, two months at Tiverton (in said Vose's Regiment) in what was called Spencers Expedition - he was also on duty with me on alarms and on guard several times, but at this late period I cannot state particularly the exact terms of service, nor could I when I made out my own declaration - said Clark was on duty for two months or more in said Company & in said Vose's Regi- ment, in the summer of 1778 in what was called Sullivan's Expedition, I was in the next Company to him in said Regiment, and know he served as before stated, & I also know that said Clark served not only his own terms of duty but that of his father, & know that Elisha his father was drafted several times, I also know that said George was

was on duty for one month or more after the British left Rhode Island in the year 1780 at the time we were expecting the enemy to return to Rhode Island, he said Clark was then stationed at said South Kingston, I lived a near neighbour to said Elisha & George Clark from a child until the year 1775. they then sold their farm to Daniel Rogers, and after that moved, but all terms lived within two miles, until the said George removed to Newport, R.I. and am sure said George performed his father's & his own tours of duty as before stated, and had he lived - or was any of the officers now living to state particularly his said services - his widow would be and every justly entitled to a full pension, but as the officers were generally older than the soldiers they have most all passed off, I do not know a single officer that served in said West Company, of this Town on oath  then , am all as said
Plumb his Chapman mark
State of Rhode Island
Washington ss July 26. 1837
personally appeared the above named deponent Plumb Chapman, and on oath before me gave and subscribed the preceding Deposition, by me reduced to writing.
I further certify that said Plumb Chapman is well known to me that he is a person of veracity and that his testimony is entitled to credit.
Barnabas Gaint Justice of the Peace

I Samuel Brown of Westport, Washington County of Washington & State of Rhode Island & a revolu- tionary pensioner, aged Eighty four years of age Solemn oaths testifies and says, I was  am well acquainted with George Black, son of Elisha Black late of this Town deceased - said George removed to Newport (Rhode Island) several years since - as I am aged & infirm, I cannot recollect particularly, as to dates - but recollect distinctly that said George was on duty, early in the revolution any war - I remember of serving with him when at the time, the stock, grain & hay, was taken from Point Judith, he then belonged to the west company so called, and was commanded if my memory serves, by Joshua Pissitton & in Col. Noyes Regiment, we were on duty the time at this time one month & said George did duty all the time - at the time the Lisbon was stranded said George was on duty at Point Judith & served one month. I recollect this particularly as he was one of the first that boarded her to extinguish the fire - I also recollect, that said George was on duty one month at the time the battle schooner so called was stranded - & saved his town out. I likewise remember that said George was on duty in said company then commanded, I believe by George Stillman in Col. Noyes Regiment, one month and stationed at Green Hills & Point Judith in the fall of 1776 - said George was also on duty at different times for fifteen days & for one month, on Noyes beach & watch Hill & guarding the shores until the fall of 1777 We then served two months in Spencers Expedition and was stationed at Simsbury & a point point in the Town of Little Compton, I am sure of this, as I belonged to the detachment

Stationed at said Point, after we returned to Westerly, we were on guard together several times - I have a very clear and distinct recollection of said George Clark's services - as we were brought up together I was intimate friends - and as he was a brave & deliberate young man and esteemed by all who knew him - In the fall of 1778 said George Clark served in said Company & in said Regiment two months in the Expedition to Rhode Island under the Command of General Sullivan. I would also state, that when the latter Schooner so called, was ran on shore, said George Clark, Benjamin Pendleton & myself were near each other, behind the bank, but not within gun shot of the Schooner - a barge from an English man of war, boarded said Schooner, for the purpose of burning her - all the crew left the barge, except one man, he held the boat under the bows of the Schooner, by a boat hook - as we were not within gun shot - we three (viz) Clark, Pendleton & myself, started contrary to orders, and ran down to the water's edge, and shot the man holding the boat, the British then sent a barge and took them off - after the boat left & we put the fire out, we three Clark, Pendleton & myself, were put under guard by Col. Noyes, for disobedience of orders, but by the entreaty of his son and officers, we were released in a few hours - I was also knowing to said Clark's being on duty standing guard on the shores until after Arnold's attack on New London at least half the time, and part of the time until peace took place & have no doubt said Clark served at least three years during said war.
Sam Brown
State of Rhode Island
Washington Febr. 26. 1837
personally appeared the above named deponent Samuel Brown Esq. and on oath before me gave and subscribed
the preceding Deposition by me reduced to writing. I further certify, that said Samuel Brown Esq. is well known to me, that he is a person of veracity and that his testimony is entitled to credit.
Benjamin Gavit Justice of the Peace