Dexter S. Remington

Notes:

In the 1840 Federal Census, Dexter Remington's household at East Greenwich consists of the following: 1 male 15 < 20 (Thomas), 1 male 30 < 40 (probably Dexter himself), 1 female < 5 (daughter b 1836 -1840), 1 female 10 < 15 (Sarah, age 13), 1 female 30 < 40 (probably Ruth).

In the 1850 Federal Census, Dexter & Ruth are living at East Greenwich, RI, where their household also appeared in the 1830 and 1840 censuses. In 1850 the extended family consists of: Warren & Hitty Remington, ages 56 & 47; William Greene, 82 (probably father-in-law); Dexter S. & Ruth Remington, both aged 49; and Henry, 27. I am assuming that Henry is Thomas Henry, mentioned in the will of his grandfather Benedict Remington.

Dexter married Ruth Greene Abt 1822. Ruth (daughter of William Greene and Elizabeth Unknown) was born Between 1801 and 1802, RI; died 25 Aug 1866, East Greenwich, RI. [Group Sheet]

1. Thomas Henry Remington was born Between 1823 and 1825, RI; died Aft 1 Jun 1880.
2. Sarah E. Remington was born 10 Jan 1827, RI; died 3 Feb 1850; was buried , Greenwood Cemetery, Fairview Ave., Coventry, RI.
3. Ruth Dexter Remington was born Abt Jan 1840, East Greenwich, RI; died 8 Sep 1840, East Greenwich, RI.
4. Olive Ballou Remington was born Abt Sep 1842, East Greenwich, RI; died Jul 1843, East Greenwich, RI.

Notes:

I have roughly estimated Benedict's year of birth based on records as noted below.

In the 1810 census, Benedict is living in Warwick. He is listed next to Benjamin Remington. How are they related?

Benedict is living at East Greenwich, RI, in the 1830 and 1840 Federal Censuses. I am assuming he died there, as his will was proved there on 31 March 1849.

"Benedick Remington" is in the 1840 Federal Census as a Revolutionary War pensioner. On the census his age is given as 80. He must be the Benedict Remington "of Coventry" who enlisted in 1778, served in Col. Greene's and Col. Angell's regiments, for a total of about two years in the RI Line. According to the sworn testimony of Obediah Potter of East Greenwich, 21 Aug 1820, this Benedict was crippled in one leg. On 21 Aug 1820, he testified that he was 63 years old, and was of Coventry at that time. He was a basket maker by occupation, and owned some land in Voluntown. (see Rev. War Pension files at NARA or online)

His pension application mentions a wife 58 years old, and also a granddaughter, 7 years old, who is dependent on him for support. Possibly this was Betsey, b 1813, daughter of his deceased daughter Huldah.

Benedict's will, dated 21 Oct 1843, mentions three sons: Warren whose wife is Mahitabel Remington; son George Remington; and son Dexter Remington; also grandson Thomas Henry Remingon and granddaughter Sarah Remington, children of Dexter.

No one seems to know who Benedict's parents are. However, I was able to include him and his sons on the family tree through their connections to the Peirce, Rice, and Whitford families.

My guess is that he may have been a grandson of Jonathan Remington (c1702) & Lorana Arnold (1703), as their children were born in East Greenwich. I have no marriage info for their sons Caleb & Thomas; however, one of them may be Benedict's father.

Alternatively, his possible connection to Coventry suggests that he could be a son of Thomas & Lydia (Collins) Remington of Coventry, who were having their children during that time.

Or, perhaps he is a grandson of Daniel & Anne (Gorton) Remington; very little, if anything, is known about the marriages of some of their children.

Benedict married Sarah Unknown Abt 1785. Sarah was born Abt 1762; died Bef 21 Oct 1843. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Sarah's name was obtained from the RI Death Index records of sons Dexter and Warren. She is not mentioned in Benedict's will, so it can be assumed that she had died.

Assuming that she was Benedict's wife when he applied for and received his Revolutionary War Pension, she was age 58 on 22 Aug 1820, when he gave a sworn statement.