Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 36410, Richard Bettisworth, Va.
Page 1

17.972
Kentucky.
R
Richard Bettesworth
of Warren Co. in the State of Kentucky
who was a Sergeant in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Parker of the Virginia line, for the term of 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence the 5th of Sept. 1818-

Certificate of Pension issued the 19 of Decr. 1820 and sent to Hon. F. Johnson, H.R

Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1820. 191.46
Semi anl. all'ce ending 4 March 1821- 40.00
1 yr. 11 mos. 20/30 $239.46
{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818.}
Continued
Warren Coy

Notification sent to Hon. Francis Johnson, H. Reps. 6 Dec: 1821

Died Nov 9, 1825
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State of Kentucky
Warren County & Circuit Sct.
This day personally appeared before me Benjamin Shackelford sole judge of the Circuit Court for the county & circuit afsd. Richard Bettersworth and made the following statement of facts on oath, to wit,
"I Richard Bettersworth a Citizen of the United States & of the County & State afsd do declare that I served in the war of the Revolution between this Country & Britain fighting against the common enemy, two years. I enlisted in Hanover County Virginia in Capt Richard Cluff Anderson's Company to which Company I continued to belong during my service - I belonged to Col. Josiah Parker's Regt on continental establishment (the No. of which I do not remember) And to Genl Greens division. I do not remember with certainty what year I inlisted; but it was near the beginning of the War & I believe as early as the year 1776 we first march from Hanover County to Williamsburg - then to Hampton then to Portsmouth - then across to Norfolk which had been previously burnt we stayed there not very long 'till we
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we were called back to Williamsburg again. Here we stayed 'till we had orders to march to join Genl Washington
All that were able to go when the first orders came went by water I was among those that were sick - Officers were left to bring us on when we were able to march (one of whom was our lieutenant John Anderson) which they did some time Afterwards - we then marched to Philadelphia where we stayed one night only & commenced our march next morning - The name of the place where we met Washington I do not remember - after which we were at various places - I was in two engagements those of Brandywine & Germantown, I was finally discharged at a place called the Valley forge - My Original discharge I have lost many years since, not knowing that I should ever have use for it. But I was honorably discharged having served out the two years for which I inlisted. I was
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a private Soldier & part of the time a Corporal until after we joined Genl Washington, some time after which I was made orderly sergeant which office I held until I was made fordge master, which office I held 'till I was discharged what length of time I was a private or held either of these offices I cannot say - I am now growing old & am in reduced circumstances & in need of the assistance of my country for a support and am desirous of obtaining the relief afforded by a late Act of Congress to Officers & soldiers of the Revolution who are in need of support And I do hereby relinquish my claim to any pensions heretofore allowed me by the government of the United States, In testimony of all which I hereunto set my hand this 5th day of September 1818
Richard Bettisworth
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State of Kentucky
Warren Circuit Sct
This day Richard Bettesworth appeared before me B Shackelford the sole Judge of the circuit aford. and made oath to the foregoing statement of facts. I am satisfied from the testimony of Byrd Hendrick that the said Richard Bettesworth served two years in in the revolutionary war  ---- in Richd. C. Andersons company which belongs to a regiment on the continental establishment. I am further satisfied from said Hendricks testimony that the said Bettesworth has neither lands, slaves or money for his -----
Given under my hand this 9th day Sept 1818 -
B. Shackelford


State of Kentucky
Warren County Sct
I Jonathan Hobson Clerk of the Circuit Court for said County do certify that the Honorable Benjamin Shackelford who hath signed the foregoing affidavit of Richd Bettesworth is and was at the time of signing the same acting Judge of said Court
In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 10th day of
September 1818

Richard Bettesworth
Sergeant
Col Parkers Regiment
1776 - 2 years

The certificate of the 6th under seal is required to prove the official character of John P. Oldham -

The testimony of Byrd Hendricks in this  ------- did not accompany these papers -

16 Dcr 1820
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Richd. Bettersworth

Continue
17.972
March 1821
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Schedule
State of Kentucky Warren County Court Set
On this 5 day of November 1821 personally
appeared in open Court, being a Court of record for the County of Warren Richard Bettersworth in the seventieth year of his age, resident in the said County of Warren, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary war, as follows
That he served in the 5th Virginia Regiment in Captain Richard C Anderson Company, commanded by Colo. Parker for the term of two years as set forth in his original declaration, which bears date, he believes on the fifth
day of September 1818 and that he has been placed on the pension list of the United States by Certificate of Pension from the Secretary of War date 19 Decr. 1820 and Numbered 17,972-

And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident
Citizen of the United States on the 18th March 1818 and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby
so to diminish them as to being myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land & Naval service of the United States
in the Revolutionary War"" passed on the 18th March 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed & by me subscribed, viz
1 Cow & calf, for which  are - 10.00
1 Bed & furniture & bedstead, $15.00 
1 writing desk 5$. 1 Table $3 - 8.00
1 Small Table 175.cts 1 Cotton Wheel 50.cts -2.25
1 Flax wheel 150.cts 6 common cheirs $3- 4.50
1 old trundle bedstead $1. 1 handsaw 3$
1 old axe 50.cts  ......................................4.50
2 -- 1. Jack & 1 smoothing plains   4.00
2 - Mch Chi --lls 50 Cubbard ware 3$ 
2 Bottles  50. cts  ..................................4.00    
2 Small bottles 25.cts 1 Small trunk 25cts 1 coffee Pott -... 1.50
1 pr. candle molds & Tea Cannister 37. cts  
2 Water pail 75.cts. ... 1.12 cts
1 pewter dish & Tin pan 1.25 cts.  I -- 25.cts ..1.50
1 old tea Kettle 1$.  1 Smoke pott 2$. 1 Dutch oven $2. 1 skellett 50. cts ...... 5.50
1 drawing knife & Hammer $1.87.cts. one case of knives & forks 1$ ... 2.87 cts
$64.65 cts
no debts due or owing nor money-   
One Bed Stead & furniture not included considered as necessary
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amounting in all in value to $65.00
Richd. Bettisworth

And I the said Richard Bettersworth do ----state & swear that I am now in the 70th year of my age according to the best information I have, that I am by occupation a House Carpenter
that from old age & infirmity I am unable to labor at my sd. occupation, that my family conn-- of my wife & two children that my wife Elizabeth is now about 55 years old, she is weakly in constition & very infirm, and measurably deaf and unable to do much labor, that the oldest child living with me is named Sally Bettersworth aged about 20 years - the other named Betsey Bettersworth aged about 13 years old - that these constitute the whole of my family - that my sd. two daughters are capable of doing common
house business-
Richd Belttisworth

Sworn to & declared, on the 5th day of November 1821 Before the County Court of Warren County of afd. in open court -
Jona Hobson clk

I Jonathan Hobson Clerk of the County Court of Warren County  aforesaid in the state afd.. hereby certify, that the forgoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Record of said Court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of said Court that the total amount of this Value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is 65.00 In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my and affixed the seal of said Court on this 5 day of November
1821
Jona Hobson
Clerk of the County Court of Warren
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August 28, 1939.

BA-J/AW  [copied E.E.L. hist. 11/2/1934.]
Richard Bettisworth
S.36410

Mr. Kenneth Stansfield
c/o Southern Agriculturist
Nashville, Tennessee

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter relative to
Richard Bettersworth, a soldier of the 
Revolutionary War.

The data contained herein were obtained from
the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim
for pension, S.36410, based upon the military
service in that war of Richard Bettisworth.

The date and place of birth and the names of
the parents of Richard Bettisworth are not shown.

Richard Bettisworth enlisted in Hanover County,
Virginia, some time in 1776, exact date not shown, served in Captain Richard Clough Anderson's Company, Colonel Josiah Parker's Fifth Virginia Regiment. He served as private, corporal, orderly sergeant and at the time of his discharge was foragemaster. He participated
in the battles of Brandywine and Germantown
and was discharged at Valley Forge having served two years.

He was allowed pension on his application executed September 5, 1818. Said application was made in Warren County, Kentucky. He signed Bettisworth, was pensioned Bettesworth. The name is shown also as Bettersworth.

In 1821, Richard Bettisworth was still residing in
Warren County, Kentucky, and stated that he was then in the seventieth year of his age and that his wife, Elizabeth, was aged about fifty-five years; her maiden name and the date of their marriage are not shown. In that year, they had two daughters residing with them. Sally Bettisworth, aged about twenty years and Betsey Bettisworth, aged about thirteen years. There are no
further family data.
Page 10

The soldier, Richard Bettisworth, died November 9, 1825, place not shown.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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36410
Revy INVALID
File No. 36,410
Richard Bettersworth
Serg Rev War

Act: 18 March 18"
Index: - Vol. 2,  Page 34

[Arrangement of 1870.]

June 13, 1905. History to Mrs. Ruth B. Norcross, Los Angeles, Calif.
1934 - Nov 2- Hist to Mrs Ward C. Sumpter - Utah-  Letter in case of John Moss S. 16488
1939 Aug. 28. Hist to Kenneth Stansfield, Copies
M. M. Luke.
Page 12

11/4 W
3/4 1 Each

Middletown Ky 3d. March 12 1/2
Mr. Richard Bettisworth
Bowling green.
Kentucky
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It is necessary in all cases that the Judge should certify to the credibility of the Witnesses - Capt Anderson nor his hand writing is known at this office
War Depart
Pension Office
June 7. 1820

I certify that Richard Bettisworth joined the fifth Virginia Regiment when that Regiment was ---- ------- 1776, and served two years in my Company in the said Regiment I being at that time a Captain Given under my hand on this 29th day of February1820
Richard C. Anderson

I Jno P. Oldham one of the circuit Judges for the commonwealth of Kentucky do certify that I believe the foregoing certificate to be the hand writing of Richard C Anderson. That I have had a long acquaintance with him and know him to be a man of excellent character
Given under my hand at Elizabeth Town Ky. this
8th Sept 1820
Jno. P Oldham
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J L Edwards Esq
War department

Admd.
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City of Washington
Decr. 18. 1820

Sir
yours of the 16th. Inst. enclosing several documents has been recd. and also the Certificate of Application of Mr. Richd. Bettersworth - you suggest that the Certificate of the Clerk is counting upon the official character) John Oldman to the certificate he was given of the Character of R. C, that perhaps I might be able to Certify to that fact.
That Colo. Richard C Anderson who gave that Certificate and who is the father of the Honble Richard C Anderson at present a member of Congress is notoriously a gentleman of high Character and so general known to be in Kentucky That, Judge Oldman wrote & signed his name to the Certificate that he has given I have no sort of doubt, was formerly practiced law together in some Court, and I was one of the Senate when Judge Oldman appointed as a Judge of the Circuit Courts of Kentucky was Confirmed - I have never seen him on the bench in the [illegible] of his office - Being notorious and of Record in Kentucky that he is one of the Judges of the Circuit Courts & filled one of the Judges also of the General Court - I have not heard either of his doubt or magination and have no sort of doubt but the date of that Certificate that he was in the exercise of the Justice of his Office - but if it is Necessary Mr. Anderson & Hardin of Kentucky both of the House of Representatives, who practice where he presides, can certify to his belief of their own knowledge and if necessary. I will obtain their Certificate
I know the applicant Recd. Bettersworth and knowing his power I feel anxious that should receive the relief contemplated by Congress with as little delay as possible
Respectfully yrs &c
Richd Johnson
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Los Angeles, Cal.
May 20th 1905.

U.S. Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir: 
In Heitman's "Historical Register, Officers of
Continental Army", is the following record:
"John Overton (Virginia) First Lieutenant, 14th Virginia, 10th March 1777: Captain 4th Oct. 1777; regiment designated 10th

O.W. & N

OLD WAR & NAVY FILES.
MAY 29 1905

U.S. PENSION OFFICE
A
MAY 27 1905
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Virginia 14th September 1778; transferred to First Virginia 12th February 1781; retired first January, 1783."
This John Overton was my great, great grandfather, and I am anxious to find out the dates and place of his birth and death, and any
other information regarding him.
Also any information regarding Wm & Richard
Bettersworth or Bettisworth
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who were also my ancestors and were from Virginia -
I thought if they were pensioners,  you could send me their military history.
Respectfully,
(Mrs.) Ruth Bettersworth Norcross
1240 W. 30th St.
Los Angeles,
California.

U.S. PENSION OFFICE
A
MAY 27 1905
Page 19


S. 36,410
Richard Bettisworth
Sept. 5, 1818 res Warren Co. Ky
66 yrs.

Enl. in Hanover Co. Va
Pri & Corpl -
76 - Capt Richard Cluff Anderson
Col. Josiah Parker
5 Va regt Contl Set.
at Brandy & Germt.
dis Valley Forge
2 yrs -
Pri - Corpl - Ordley Sergt - 
Forage Master

1821 wife Elizabeth 55
dau Sally 20 Betsey 13
No further data

No claims for John Overton
William Bettes or Bettersworth
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FIRST IN THE FARM HOMES OF THE SOUTH
ESTABLISHED 1869
Southern Agriculturist
Nashville, Tenn.

August 23, 1939.

Veterans Administration,
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:

I am very anxious to ascertain from which
county in Virginia, Richard Bettersworth,
who was a Revolutionary War soldier came.
This Richard Bettersworth was a Sargeant
and fought in Virginia. He moved to Warren
County, Kentucky where he died in 1825, at
the age of 74.

I would also like to know if your records
indicate who his father was or any other
information.

This Richard Bettersworth was my great great
grandfather, and I am anxious to learn something
of his family beyond him.

He was a Revolutionary War pensioner.
Very truly yours,
Kenneth Stansfield

RECEIVED
AUG 24 1939 
MAIL SUB-DIV
Reader No. 31
VETS ADM
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November 2, 1934

BA-J/EEL
Richard Bettisworth - S.36410
John Moss - S.16488

Mrs. Ward C. Sumpter
1352 Chestnut Street
Bowling Green, Kentucky

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you furnish further information in regard to certain Revolutionary War soldiers whose records you desire.  } MMF

There are no claims for pension on file based upon service in the Revolutionary War of an Anthony Foster or Mark Andrew, as described
by you, nor of William Winlock or Fielding Bettersworth. No record of a William Andrew or Andrews could be identified.  } MMF

The records of John Moss and Richard Bettisworth (variously spelled) are furnished herein as found in the claims for pension
based upon their service in the Revolutionary War.

Richard Bettisworth
S. 36410

The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of Richard Bettisworth are not shown.

Richard Bettisworth enlisted in Hanover County, Virginia, sometime in 1776, exact date not shown, served in Captain Richard Clough Anderson's Company, Colonel Josiah Parker's 5" Virginia Regiment. He served as private, corporal, orderly sergeant and at the time of his discharge was forage master. He participated in the battles of Brandywine and Germantown and was discharged at Valley Forge having served two years.

He was allowed pension on his application executed September 5, 1818. Said application was made in Warren County, Kentucky. He signed Bettisworth, was pensioned Bettesworth. The name is shown also as Bettersworth.

[see record corres Nov. 15 under regt. for Jesse Andrew]
Page 22

In 1821, Richard Bettisworth was still residing in Warren County, Kentucky, and stated that he was then in the seventieth year of his age and that his wife, Elizabeth, was aged about fifty-five years; her maiden name and the date of their marriage are not shown. In that year, they had two daughters residing with them, Sally Bettisworth, aged about twenty years and Betsey Bettisworth,
aged about thirteen years. There are no further family data.

The soldier died November 9, 1825, place not shown.  [AB]

*****
John Moss
S.16488
John Moss was born in August, 1762, in Prince William County, Virginia. The names of his parents are not shown. He moved from Prince William County, to Fauquier County, and thence to Loudoun County, the dates of his removals are not shown.

John Moss enlisted in Loudoun County, Virginia, in February, 1781, and served three months as a private in Captain Humphreys' Company, Colonel Churchwell's Virginia Regiment; shortly after the
expiration of this tour, he volunteered, served as private in Captain Hancock's Virginia Company, marched to Gloucester, was there when Lord Cornwallis surrendered, after which he acted as guard to the prisoners taken at the surrender and marched with them to a point on the Potomac River, where the Maryland Troops took charge
of said prisoners. He was discharged in November, 1781, having served three months.

He moved from Loudoun County, Virginia, to Fauquier County, lived there four or five years; then returned to Loudoun County in two years returned to Fauquier County; thence in 1794, to Madison County, Kentucky; thence to Clark County; thence to Montgomery County.

He was allowed pension on his application executed October 2, 1832, while residing in Montgomery County, Kentucky.

He died September 27, 1837, place not shown.

A widow survived him: there are no data in regard to her and no reference was made to children.

-2-
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In 1832, one William B. Moss was residing in Fleming County, Kentucky; the name Moses Moss also appears; no relationship of either of the above named persons to the soldier was shown and there are no further family data.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator.

-3-