Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 11290, for John Ricker, New Hampshire
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(3-1776)
SERVICE Navy N.H.
Ricker, John
NUMBER S.11290
carded
CONTENTS
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21.314
New Hampshire
John Ricker of Strafford Co. in the State of N Hamp [NEW HAMPSHIRE] who was a Sgt. [SERGEANT] & Midshipman in the ship company commanded by Captain P. Jones of the ___ commanded by ___ in the N.H * line for 1 year Sergeant 1,, [YEAR] Midshipman N.H. * and Navy. Records completed Apr 10 [illegible]
Inscribed on the Roll of New Hamp [HAMPSHIRE] at the rate of 132 Dollars __ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of Sept 4 1833 and sent Wm [WILLIAM] B. Parker Portsmouth N.H.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 $330.00 
Semi-anl. [ANNUAL] allowance ending 4 Mar [18]34 66.00
_______
$396.00
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by H H Jameson Clerk
Book E Vol 1st. Page 112
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Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress approved Jun 7.th 1832.
I John Ricker of Somersworth, in the county of Strafford and State of New Hampshire, aged eighty two years, testify, depose and say :- That in November A.D. 1787, I entered the Services of the U. [UNITED] States, as first or Orderly Sergeant of Marines, at Portsmouth, N.H. on board the U.S. Sloop of War Ranger, Captain John Paul Jones, and sailed from said Portsmouth in the Winter of 1787 and 1788 on a Cruise in the British Channel & coast of France and made the port of Brest, 
Penbouf &  L'Orient in France our principal Rendezvous; that during that Cruise which lasted upwards of twelve Months we captured the British Ship of War Drake mounting twenty carriage guns: & said cruise ended by returning to said Portsmouth. 
That in the action with the Drake Lieut. Sam. [SAMUEL] Wallingsford of the Marines was killed & I had afterwards charge of the said marines until we returned to the U.S. [UNITED STATES] at Portsmouth aforesaid
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That during this first cruise my pay was twelve dollars per month as Sergeant of Marines.
That in the Winter of 1778 and 1779 I sailed again in said Ship Ranger under the command of Capt [CAPTAIN] Thomas Simpson, from said Portsmouth and went to Boston, were [WHERE] we joined a fleet under the command of Commodore Whipple, destined for the
relief of Charleston, South Carolina; said fleet
consisting of the Boston Frigate, Capt [CAPTAIN] Tucker, the Providence frigate Com: [COMMANDER] Whipple, and the Queen of France Sloop of War; and off New York took the British Georgia fleet, so called, and arrived at Charleston S.C. Jan 7 1780 & remained at Charleston S.C. until that city surrendered the 12th May 1780. I believe however the Georgia fleet was taken the Cruise before in company with the U.S. Ship Warren; as it is so long since my memory fails me.
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That until the surrender of Charleston. I believe
I served with Capt Simpson on board the Ranger, about one year and an [A] half, as a Midshipman, and I believe my pay as a Midshipman was the same or a little more than as orderly Sergeant of Marines:-  say from twelve to twenty dollars, a month:
That the prisoners were sent in a cartel to Philadelphia and arrived at Philadelphia at or about the 25th June 1780 and arrived home at Portsmouth about the twenty second July 1780.
That, if in consequence of age & consequent loss of memory, any discrepancy appears in this affidavit from my former declaration,
I beg leave to refer to my former declaration on file in the war department: That I was
placed on the Pension List, Roll of the New Hampshire Agency as appears by my certificate, herewith transmitted, on the 28th of March 1818 which No 9612 Certificate is signed by J.C. Calhoun, Secy [SECRETARY] 
of War and dated 19th April 1819 at 8$ p [PER] month.
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That I beg leave to surrender this Certificate, and that a new one for my pay as a Sergeant of Marines, and as a Midshipman may be granted me. That I served as before stated, as Orderly Sergeant of Marines, one year & afterwards, and as Midshipman one year and six months: - Making at least two years & six months service.
John Ricker
State of New Hampshire Rockingham County Ss Portsmouth April 26th 1833} Then the aforesaid John Ricker personally appearing under Oath in due form of Law that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed was in all points Just and true. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my notarial seal the day and year last aforewritten
Wm [WILLIAM] B. Parker Notary Public

[seal] W.B. PARKER NOT [NOTARY] PUB [PUBLIC] NH
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10
John Ricker
Somersworth
96.12
Not allow

[illegible] 19 April 1819
Sep 1819
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To the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas now sitting at Dover within and for the County of Strafford and State of New-Hampshire, on the first Tuesday of July, 1820. John Ricker aged sixty nine, resident in Somersworth in said County, comes into court, and in pursuance of an act passed on the 1st day of May, 1820, brings with him, and in his proper Person exhibits to said Court a Schedule by him subscribed, containing his whole Estate and Income- his necessary clothing and bedding excepted-as follows :-
2/3 of one yoake [YOKE] of oxen in partnership with my son Daniel
one cow 13 years old one cow 3 years old 
2 stears [STEERS] one hog & 2 pigs- 
half of a calf with L. Sawyer 2 old tables 6 chairs
5 old chairs 2 old chests Pewter 1.67
Crockery Ware .75 ct [CENTS] Iron ware $3.50
Loom $4 - Coffee & tea pot 53 c [CENTS]
and I am indebted $21 -
John Ricker

And the said John Ricker - in pursuance as aforesaid produceth [PRODUCE] to said Court the following oath by him duly taken and subscribed:- viz.
I John Ricker - do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of 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 it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," passed on the 18th day of 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, and by me subscribed.
John Ricker

And the said John Ricker doth here in Court further declare on oath, that he served in the revolutionary war as follows, viz. that he served as a Marine more than nine months on the continental establishment during which time he belonged to the Continental ship of war called the Ranger commanded the first cruise  by Capt [CAPTAIN] John Paul Jones and afterwards by Capt [CAPTAIN] Thomas Simpson, that he entered the service as Sergeant of Marines on board said ship Ranger in the harbour [HARBOR]  of Portsmouth N.H. some time in the month of October 1777 went to Sea soon after & returned to said Portsmouth sometime in the autumn of 1778 & during this cruise went to France made a descent up the coast of Scotland, captured the British Sloop of War Drake & made several other cruises - In the summer of 1779 made a short cruise in the same ship upon the Southern coast of the United States in which time they made seven or eight cruises from one fleet bound from New York to Georgia - In the autumn of the same year he again [illegible] on board the same ship sailed to Charleston in South Carolina & was captured there by the British in May 1780 during the two cruises last aforesaid he was a Midshipman on board said vessel, that previous to his entering as a Marine on board said ship in 1777 he had served one year as a private soldier in a Company of artillery commanded by Capt [CAPTAIN] Daniel & stationed at Fort Sullivan in the town of Portsmouth N.H. said service beginning in April 1776 & ending April 1777 said company belonged to the New Hampshire line & to the best of his knowledge & belief belonged to the Continental establishment.
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That the date of his original declaration in order to obtain a pension is Mar 26. 1818 and the number of his pension certificate is 9612: -- That his occupation is that of a Labourer [LABORER] but unable to pursue it - That the number and names of his family residing with him, and their ages and capacities to contribute to their support, are as follows, viz.
his wife Ruth 55 years of age not able to Labour [LABOR] his son Daniel aged 30 years able to support himself Daughter Nancy 22 years able to support herself Harriot aged 20 years unable to Labour [LABOR] being 
a cripple from her birth -

Wherefore he prays the opinion of the said Court as to the value of the property contained in the said schedule, and that the same, together with a copy of the premises be duly certified to the Secretary of War.
Sworn and declared before the said court the fourth day of July
1820.} John Ricker
Attest, A. Peirce CLERK.

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. STRAFFORD ss.
AT a Court of Common Pleas holden at Dover within and for the county of Strafford and state of New-Hampshire, [sic] on the 4th day of July 1820 before
DANIEL M. DURELL, Esquire, Chief Justice, and
VALENTINE SMITH and
SAMUEL QUARLES,} Associate Justices of said Court.
The aforesaid schedule and oath and the above declaration duly subscribed and sworn by the said John Ricker - having been by him exhibited in person, and presented to the Court, and the same being seen and
considered, it is the opinion of said Court that the value of the property contained in said schedule is one hundred dollars, subject to his debts. Wherefore the Court order that a copy of the premises, together with the
proceedings thereon be duly certified to the Secretary of War.
Attest, A. Peirce, CLERK.

STATE OF NEWHAMPSHIRE. STRAFFORD SS.
I, ANDREW PEIRCE, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Strafford, being a court of record, do certify that the foregoing schedule and oath, and the declaration annexed, with the proceedings and opinion of the court thereon are true copies from the Records and files of said court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, the 4th day of July 1820.
A. Peirce, CLERK.
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Invalid
-
No. 11290 Navy
---
John Ricker
Sergt [SERGEANT] Midshipman
Schooner * "Company"
Act June 7. 1832
Index: Vol. 1st, Page 115
[Arrangement of 1870.] 
* N.H. and Navy
Records completed Apr. 10/05 [illegible]
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sched: [SCHEDULED] under act Mar. 23 
dated 5th Aug 1823.
Exhibits - $18.60
-
account for the decrease of property &c [ETC] as follows
He states that everything rendered in 1st sched: [SCHEDULED] was purchased with the savings of his pension money & that since stricken from the roll he has been obliged to Kill 4 Steers, 1 Cow 1 Hog & 2 pigs for the
support of his family -he now lives by private
Charity" aged 72 yr. infirm, wife 58 ill health
1 Daughter 37 in decline
J. P. Moulton Esq
Centre Harbour [CENTER HARBOR] N. H.

N. [NEW] Hampshire John Ricker's Case.
1st Sched.  [SCHEDULE] July 1820
Real Estate - None
Personal Property only $100-
Restored
Age 70- a laborer- wife 56 - 1 son - 30 -
1 Daughter - 22 - another daughter, a cripple
from her birth.

- Army- 1 year-
Navy - about 2 yrs
Hon [HONORABLE] N. Upham
House of Rep [REPRSENTATIVES]
Jany [JANUARY] 15 1823
[sideways] Copy of regulation sent - see within
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Portsmouth April 28, 1779. Mr. John Ricker
has his discharge from the ship Ranger under
my command.-
Thom [THOMAS] Simpson
Ricker, John 5-11290
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Informed July 17, 1821, that he could not
to reinstated
[left sideways]. Notification sent July 14th 1823
Andrew Peirce Esq Dover N.H.

9612 New - Hampshire. [sic]
John Ricker, of Strafford Co: in the State of N. [NEW] Hamps [HAMPSHIRE] who was a Sergt. [SERGEANT] marines on board - of the * Ship Ranger, for the term of One year, N.H. * & Navy Records completed Apr 10/05.
Inscribed on the Roll of New- Hampshire, [ sic]
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 28. of March, 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19. of April [18]19, and sent to Daniel M. Durell Judge, Dover N. [NEW] Hampshire
Arrears to 4th of March, 1819. 90.06
Semi-anl. [ANNUAL] all'ce [ALLOWANCE] ending 4. Sept. 48.,,
11. 8/31 mo.} 1819.} $138.06
{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818.}
copy of regulations sent to Hon [HONORABLE] Wm [WILLIAM] Upham. Rochester, N. [NEW] Hamps [HAMPSHIRE] 20 April 1823
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Strafford Co John Ricker Seargeant of Marines Ship Ranger J.P. [JOHN PAUL] Jones Capt. 1777- 1 year 
Services admitted Wanted the judges [sic] certificate of the reduced circumstance of the applicant 28. March, 1818.
J. Ricker
[sideways] Strafford ss June 27 1818 then Ezra Green made oath that the above deposition by him signed is just and true. before me D.M. Durrell Justice Peace
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State of New Hampshire Strafford ss - 
On the 28th day of March 1818 before me the
Chief Justice of the Courts of Common [PLEAS]
for the first district in said State, personally appeared [JOHN] Ricker aged sixty seven years resident in Somersworth in the County of Strafford in said District, who being by me duly [SWORN] according to law did, on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war" that he the said John Ricker, some time in the month of October 1777 entered the said service, as sergeant of marines on board the Continental ship Ranger of twenty guns, then
lying in the harbor of Portsmouth New Hampshire, and commanded by Capt [CAPTAIN] John Paul Jones - That early in November of the same year he sailed from said Portsmouth, in the same ship Ranger, upon a cruise against the common enemy that the said ship, and that cruise went to France, cruised in St George's channel; made a descent upon the coast of Scotland and, among other cruises, captured the British Sloop of war Drake
and returned again to France where Capt [CAPTAIN] Jones left her and that he the said John Ricker, returned to said Portsmouth in the said ship Ranger, then commanded by Capt [CAPTAIN] Thomas Simpson some time in the autumn of 1778, when and where he was discharged after an absence of about one year during all which time he continued to serve on board said ship Ranger in the service of the United States - And the said John Ricker, further declares on oath as aforesaid on the day & year aforesaid, that in time
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late in the summer of 1779 he made a short cruise in the said Ship Ranger upon the southern coast of the United States, upon
which cruise said ship with her consorts, captured seven or eight British vessels from a fleet bound from New York to Georgia And that in the autumn of the same year he again entered onboard the said ship Ranger, as a
Midshipman that he sailed in her from said Portsmouth to the southern coast of the United States, made some cruises, went into the port of Charleston, South Carolina, where they were blockaded by the British, & by them captured in May 1780. That during the two last cruises he made on board said ship as aforesaid, he was commanded by Capt. Thomas Simpson -

And that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his Country for support.
Sworn to and declared before me, the day and year aforesaid.

I Daniel W Durell chief Justice of the courts of common Pleas for the first district in the State of New Hampshire, as aforesaid, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction; that the said
John Ricker did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy; And I now submit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me to the Secretary of the Department of war, pursuant to
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the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of said Court for the County of Strafford in said district, to be affixed to the same, this 14th day of April A.D. 1818
D. M. Durell
Attest Danl [DANIEL] Waldron
 Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Strafford

State of New Hampshire
First Judicial District ss} March 30, 1819
I, D. M. Durell Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the district aforesaid, do certify, that it has been made to appear to my satisfaction, that John Ricker who made the foregoing declaration is in reduced circumstances & stands in need of the assistance of his country for support
D.M. Durell
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I Ezra Green of Dover in the County of Strafford & State of N. [NEW] Hampshire depose & say, that I sailed in the Continental
Ship of war Ranger as surgeon thereof upon the two within first mentioned cruises, and do know that the within named John Ricker did sail in said ship upon the cruise first aforesaid, as stated in his declaration hereto annexed,
Ezra Green

Strafford Ss June 27, 1818 Then Ezra Green made oath that the above deposition by him signed is just & true, before me
D.M. Durell Just [JUSTICE] Peace

[sideways] Strafford Co
John Ricker Sergeant of Marines Ship Ranger
J. P. [JOHN PAUL] Jones Capt.
1777- 1 year
Services admitted awarded the judges [sic] certificate of reduced circumstances of the applicant
28. March, 1818.
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The undersigned Selectmen of the Town of Somersworth in the State of New Hampshire depose and say that we are well acquainted with the situation of John Ricker of said Somersworth, and that said Ricker is an industrious, but poor man, he labours [LABORS] as much as could be expected from a man of his age, but his labour [LABOR] will not, in our opinion, support himself and family, that unless he receives assistance from his Country, he will be dependent on private charity for the support of his family over and above what he can possibly earn by his labour [LABOR] -- he has a small amount of property that he saved from his first pension money perhaps all worth about sixty dollars and that is
diminishing every day for his support - he has a son that is very lame and his wife is, and has been for a long time very much out of health
Joseph Doe 
William W Rollins
Ebenr [EBENEZER] Roberts} Select men of Somersworth

Strafford ss. 
On February 12th 1821 The above named Joseph Doe, and on the 13th day of February William W Rollins made Oath to the truth of the above Instrument by them subscribed
before me John Pike Just [JUSTICE] Peace

 On the 13th day of Feby [FEBRUARY] 1821 - Ebenezer Roberts made solemn oath to the truth of the above instrument, before me -
A. Peirce, Justice of the Peace
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I John Ricker depose and say that the property contained in my schedule exhibited to the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Strafford on the first Tuesday of July last was
property purchased with the pension money I received from the United States which I recd [RECEIVED] in Sept 1819 -prior to which I had no property excepting one cow & some small
articles of furniture - that a part of said property is still unpaid for - a part of it has already been used by my family & the residue; or what little remains must go to pay the debts I already owe - I have been at great expense the last season on account of the sickness of my daughter & unless I receive assistance from my Country must be dependent on private charity - for my labour [LABOR] altho [ALTHOUGH], willing to do what I can, will not support me, and my family as I am now old and have spent a good portion of my time in the service of my County
John Ricker

Strafford ss. On the 13th day of February 1821 - Then John Ricker made solemn oath to the truth of the above declaration Before me
A. Peirce, Justice of the Peace
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[stamp] DOVER N.H. July Free [postage]

Hon. [HONORABLE] J.C. Calhoun
Secretary at War
Washington City-
[left sideways] Rec'd [RECEIVED] 31 July 1822
[right sideways] W Edwards
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Dover, July 4. 1822
Hon [HONORABLE] J C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
Dear Sir
I received a letter from the pension office dated July 17th 1821 informing me that my name would not be reinstated on the pension list the reason given was, that my services
in the revolutionary service were short.
but Sir, I was in the service of my country during the whole of the revolutionary war. I engaged in her defense the first year and continued either a prisoner or in actual service
I think there must been some mistake, and under that impression I make another appeal
I asked to be reinstated on account of my poverty I am poor, I am infirm, I cannot support myself & family. I send you two affidavits that my situation requires assistance
as I served during the war & as my little
property does not now exceed thirty
dollars. I cannot but think myself more deserving than many others who now
receive their pension
Your Obt Servt [OBEDIENT SERVANT]
John Ricker
Somersworth, New Hampshire
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Honbl [HONORABLE] Nathaniel Upham
Member of Congress
Washington
City

[sideways] Rec'd [RECEIVED] Jan. 16 1823
Page 24

Dover Decr [DECEMBER] 31st 1822-

Dear Sir, 
I am requested by Mr. John Ricker late a 
Revolutionary pensioner to solicit of you your assistance in having his name replaced on the pension List presuming there must have
been some mistake in his been striken [STRICKEN] off -
Immediately after the first decision on his
Schedule of property which amounted to only 100$ & that subject to his debts and was the savings from the money he first rec'd [RECEIVED] as a pensioner - I wrote to the Sec. [SECRETARY] at War on the subject and the enclosed answer was returned - now by comparing the service contained in Rickers [sic] declaration with the answer of the 
Secretary they do not seem to agree for by his declaration he (R) [RICKER] served nearly all the time from April 1776 to May 1780 when he was captured at Charlestown S.C. in the service of the U.S. & from that time he was obliged after being released from confinement as a prisoner of war to work his way home - now
can this be the short service mentioned in the Secy [SECRETARY'S] answer when he says "although the amount of your property is small
yet, as your service was very short, and you have already received as a pensioner a considerable sum, he does not consider you entitled on principles of equity to the provisions of the Law" - and is it possible this can be correct? the service of more than four years, a short service? how is it then that Government allows to those that served only nine months!
Page 25

Now my belief is that there was at the time of reconsidering the schedule a mistake made - as there were others of the name of Ricker who served but one year and one of them who after being striken [STRICKEN] off from the list was restored on his second application & at the same time that John Ricker was rejected for his very short service -
It is Mr. Rickers [sic] wish that you would endeavour [ENDEAVOR] to have him restored, he is absolutely in need of assistance from his country - and if his economy in saving the
small amount contained in his schedule (which is now gone for his support) is to prevent him being restored I should think the Law ought to be entitled "an act to encourage Idle and 
intemperate habits in the surviving soldiers of the Revolution, who now support themselves" for it is a fact within my knowledge that a pensioner placed on the list at 20$ per month about the same time that Ricker was at 8$ per 
month had not under the new law property to the amount of more than fifty dollars- the residue of his pension money was expended, and a large portion of it for [illegible] and he thereby was enabled to continue on the pension list without difficulty -
I herewith transmit to you some evidence respecting Mr. Ricker - that is - Carr & Wallingford Depositions - also a copy of his service as contained in his declaration & the
Page 26

letter from the pension office - your attention to this subject is earnestly solicited as you will render a service to one that deserves the aid of his country, and if any other documents are wanted that can be here obtained they shall be forwarded 
You will best know what course is proper to
pursue and to you does Mr. Ricker commit his fate -
I am with respect [illegible]
Your Obt St [OBEDIENT SERVANT] A. Peirce
Honb [HONORABLE] Nathaniel Upham -
Washington
Page 27

I Andrew Rollins of Somersworth in the County
of Strafford and State of New Hampshire of lawful age depose testify and say that I am and have been well acquainted with Mr. John Ricker of Somersworth aforesaid for more than thirty years that I have always lived neighbour [NEIGHBOR] to him and am well acquainted with his pecuniary circumstances I consider him to be a poor man and am confident
that he is not the owner of any real estate
He was the owner of some personal estate
to the amount of about one hundred dollars
and being considerable in debt a part of
said personal estate has been expended
to pay some of his debts and to live upon
He is a very old man aged seventy one
and infirm & unable to do but little work
I think that his friends in town will be under the necessity to afford him relief unless government should assist him for I am confidant [CONFIDENT] that he cannot
support himself and family by his Labour [LABOR] Mr Rickers [sic] wife being a feeble
woman & unable work but a part of the time
Andw [ANDREW] Rollins

State of New Hampshire
Strafford Ss AD 1822
Personally appeared the above named
Andrew Rollins, a person well known to me as a creditable witness, and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him signed is true before me In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my notarial seal
Charles Woodman, Not. [NOTARY] Public
Page 28

I Samuel Rollins of Somersworth in the
County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire of lawful age testify and say that I am well acquainted with Mr John Ricker of said
Somersworth, I am well acquainted with
his circumstances & property and do know
him to be poor. He had some time since 
some personal property about one
hundred dollars worth. He has had
considerable sickness in his family and
to support his family & pay some debts has reduced his very small property to almost nothing. He is very old, about seventy one years of age. His wife is a feeble woman and unable to work but a small part of the time. Mr Ricker is infirm. I do believe that he must
depend upon charity very soon, without
assistance from Government. I do know
know [sic] that he cannot support himself
& family by his labour. [LABOR] Saml. [SAMUEL] Rollins

State of New Hampshire
Strafford AD 1822 Personally appeared
before me, the above named Samuel Rollins
a person well known to me as a creditable
witness and made solemn oath that the above
affidavit by him signed is just & true
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of my office
Charles Woodman Not.[NOTARY] Public
Page 29

Amos Wallingford
affidavit
Page 30

I Samuel W Carr, one of the selectmen of the Town of Somersworth, testify and say, that I am well acquainted with the John Ricker of 
Somersworth, who served in the war of the Revolution & was formerly on the pension list of the United States, that he is now from the best information about seventy two years of age & by reason of bodily infirmity is in a great measure unable to labor, his wife by reason of age & is incapable of maintaining herself and he has no children who are able to maintain him that he really stands in need of assistance
and in my opinion fully merits it.--
Sam [SAMUEL] W Carr

State of New Hampshire
Stafford Ss December 31st 1822 Then personally appeared the above named Carr
& made oath that the above affidavit by him signed is Just & true
Before me
John Pike Just [JUSTICE] Peace
Page 31

I Amos Wallingford, Clerk of the Town of Somersworth depose & say that I am well acquainted with Mr. Jno [JOHN] Ricker of Somersworth who served in the war of the Revolution, that I served one cruise with him on board the Ship Ranger, that he was formerly on the pension List of the United States that he is now about seventy two years old and in consequence of infirmity he is unable to labor that his wife is aged and quite infirm and unable to support herself, that he has no children that are able to maintain him, that he really needs assistance & in my opinion fully deserves it -
Amos Wallingford

State of NewHampshire [sic]
Strafford Ss Dec 31st 1822 Then the
above named Amos Wallingford personally appeared & made oath that the above
affidavit by him signed is just & true
Before me
S W Carr Jus [JUSTICE] Peace
Page 32

Jno [John} Ricker
Payable semi-annually. The first payment on this Certificate will be made on the 4th of September, next, in New-Hampshire, [sic] at the Branch Bank of the United States, Portsmouth.

Recorded
Page 33

War Department.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I CERTIFY that, in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th of March, 1818, John Ricker, of Strafford County, N. [NEW] Hamp [HAMPSHIRE] late a Sergeant of
Marines - in the navy of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the New- Hampshire [sic] - Agency, at the rate of Eight - dollars per month, to commence on the twenty eighth day of March, - one thousand eight hundred and Eighteen.
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this nineteenth day of April, - one thousand eight
hundred and nineteen.
J C Calhoun Secretary of War.
Page 34


Center Harbour [HARBOR] Augt 16 1823
State of Newhampshire [sic] 
J.C. Calhoun Esqr [ESQUIRE] -- Strafford County
Sir agreeable to your instructions of July 20 1823 I herewith enclose to you the papers of Mr. John Ricker relative to his being again placed on the list of Pensioners it is presumed that after a thorough examination of Mr. Rickers [sic] Papers, you will be convinced 
that he had not ought to have been
discontinued. If any doubts should remain
in your mind respecting Mr. Rickers having
purchased the princeble [PRINCIPLE] part of the property contained in the old schedule with the money he [illegible] will be immediately furnished. It will be only doing justice that Mr. Ricker should be paid from the time he was discontinued considering his inability to support himself, and has been for Several years in his present situation
I am with due respect
Sir your most Obt [OBEDIENT Servt  [SERVANT] 
Jon T. Moulton

PS it is requested that the returns should be made to me JTM

A statement of Mr. Rickers [sic] case was left in the Pension office last winter by Hon. [HONORABLE] Nath [NATHANIEL] Upham which may be his
Page 35

To the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas now sitting at Dover within and for the County of Strafford and State of New-Hampshire, [sic] on the first Tuesday of July, 1820. John Ricker
aged fifty nine resident in Somersworth in said County, comes into court, and in pursuance of an act of Congress passed on the 1st day of May, 1820, brings with him, and in his proper
person exhibits to said Court a Schedule by him subscribed, containing his whole Estate and Income -- his necessary clothing and bedding excepted as follows: --
2/3 of one yoak [YOKE] of Oxen in partnership with my Son Daniel -
one Cow 13 years old, One Cow 3 years old, 2 Stears, [STEERS] one hog & 2 pigs
half of a calf with L. Sawyer - 2 old tables, 6 chains, 5 old Chairs- 2 old Chests Pewter $1.67 - Crockery ware .75 cts, [CENTS] Iron ware $3..50 - Loom $4 - Coffee & teapot,, 53 [cents]
and I am indebted $21
John Ricker

And the said John Ricker in pursuance as aforesaid produceth to said Court the
following oath by him duly taken and subscribed :-vix. [VIZ]
I John Ricker do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the
18th day of 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 it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled " an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," passed on the 18th day of 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
and by me subscribed.
John Ricker

And the said John Ricker doth here in Court further declare on oath, that he served in the revolutionary war as follows, viz. that he served as a Maine more than nine months on the continental establishment, during all which time he belonged to the Continental Ship of war called the Ranger commanded the first cruise by Capt. John Paul Jones and afterwards
by Capt. Thomas Simpson that I entered the service a sergeant of Marines on board said Ship Ranger in the harbour [HARBOR] of Portsmouth N.H. some time in the month of October 1777- went to sea soon after & retuned to said Portsmouth sometime in the Autumn of 1778 & during this cruise they went to France made a decent upon the Coast of Scotland captured the British Sloop of War the Drake & made several other cruises - In the
summer of 1779 he made a short cruise in the same ship upon the Southern Coast of the
United States in which time they made seven or eight cruises from one fleet bound from
New York to Georgia - In the autumn of the same year he again entered on board the same
ship sailed to Charleston in South Carolina & was Captured there by the British in May 1780 during the two cruises last aforesaid he was a Midshipman on board said Vessel
Page 36

that prior to his entering as a marine on board said Ship in 1777 he had served one year as a private soldier in a Company of Artilery  [ARTILLERY] commanded by Capt. Daniels stationed at Fort Sullivan in the harbour [HARBOR] of Portsmouth N.H. said service beginning in April 1776 ending April 1777
said Company belonged to the New Hampshire line & to the best of his knowledge & belief belonged to the Continental establishment --

That the date of his original declaration in order to obtain a pension is March 28 1818 and the number of his pension certificate is 9612:- That his occupation is that of a Labourer [LABORER] but unable to pursue it : - That the number and names of his family residing with him, and their ages and capacities to contribute to their support are as follows, viz.
his wife Ruth 55 years of age not able to labour, [LABOR] his son Daniel aged 30 years able to support himself-- Daughter Nancy
22 years able to support herself - Harriet aged 20 years unable to Labour [LABOR] being a cripple from her birth

Wherefore he prays the opinion of the said Court as to the value of the property contained in the said schedule, and that the same, 
together with a copy of the premises, be duly certified to the Secretary of War.
Sworn and declared before the said court the fourth day of July 1820.} John Ricker

Attest, A. Peirce Clerk.

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. STRAFFORD SS.
At a Court of Common Pleas at Dover within and for the County of Strafford and State of 
New-Hampshire, [sic] on the 4th day of July 1820 before DANIEL M. DURELL, Esquire, Chief Justice, and Valentine Smith, and Samuel Quarles,} Associate Justices of said Court.

The aforesaid schedule and oath and the above declaration duly subscribed and sworn by the said John Ricker having been by him exhibited in person, and presented to the court, and the same being seen and
considered, it is the opinion of said Court that the value of the property contained in said schedule is One hundred dollars & subject to his debts. Wherefore the Court order that a copy of the premises, together with the proceedings thereon, be duly certified to the Secretary of War.
Attest, A. Peirce - Clerk.

STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE. STRAFFORD SS.
I, Andrew Peirce, Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature County of Strafford, being a court of record, do certify that the foregoing schedule
and oath, and the declaration annexed, with the proceedings and opinion of the court thereon, are true copies from the Records and files of said court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, the
14th day of Feby [FEBRUARY] 1820.
A. Peirce, Clerk.
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State of New-Hampshire.
Strafford SS.]  COURT OF Sessions 
On this fifth day of August 1823, personally appeared in open Court, (being a court of record for said county of Strafford so constituted by the laws of the State of New-Hampshire,)
John Ricker resident in said county, aged Seventy two years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of the 18th of March, 1818, and the 1st of May, 1820, that he, the said John Ricker enlisted for the term of one year in the month of April in the year 1776 in the State of New Hampshire in the company commanded by Captain Daniels company of artillery stationed at fort Sullivan in the line of the State of New Hampshire on the continental establishment; that he continued to serve in said corps until April 1777, when he was discharged from the said service, in Portsmouth in the State of New Hampshire that his name has been placed on the pension list and dropt [DROPPED] therefrom on account of his property that he served a long time on board U.S.S. Ranger as stated in his first declaration And, in pursuance of the act of the 1st May, 1820, I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of 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 it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled, "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the revolutionary war,” passed on the 18th day of 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, and by me subscribed.

One Cow, half a yearling heifer, 6 chairs one old chest, one old Loom, Pewter, Crockery
& iron ware, worth not more than five or
six dollars, 2 old tables--
My occupation is a day labourer [LABORER] but not able to pursue it on account of age and infirmities-- my family are my wife aged
58 years much out of health, a daughter aged
37 years in a decline-
John Ricker
Page 38

That, since the exhibition of my first schedule, the following changes have been made in my property.
|Articles sold| Names of the persons to whom sold. | Time of sales. | Amount of money, or description of property, received in return.

2/3 of one yoke of oxen| changed for a yoke of steers which was made use of for the use of my family -
one cow 2 Stears [STEERS] one hog & 2 pigs some small articles named in my first schedule not in the one annexed | We made use of for the support of my family having nothing else to support them with since the discontinuance of my pension and have now no other property but what is named in the schedule annexed to my declaration. I am dependant [DEPENDENT] on private charity for assistance - the articles named in my first schedule were purchased with money saved from my pension but since its discontinuance have been obliged to part with them.
John Ricker

Sworn to and declared on the fifth day of August 1823 before said Court
A. Peirce Clerk

I, Andrew Peirce Clerk of the Court of Sessions for said county of Strafford, do hereby certify, that it appears to the satisfaction of the Court, that the said John Ricker did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, under one
engagement, on the continental establishment. I also certify that the foregoing oath, and the schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the records of the said Court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is eighteen dollars and sixty cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this sixth day of August 1823 -
A. Peirce, Clerk of the Court of Sessions for the
County of Strafford
Page 39

Portsmouth N.H. April 26th 1833.
James L. Edwards Esqr. [ESQUIRE] Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir: -
I beg leave herewith, to transmit a pension certificate of John Ricker late a Sergeant
of Marines of the Revolutionary Navy No 9612, dated 19th April 1819, which he wishes to exchange for a New Certificate for his pay as a Sergeant of Marines and as a Midshipman
under the act of June 7th 1832: His affidavit herewith also sent, states that he served two years & an [sic] half in both offices: He has received his pension up to the 4th March last: So I suppose his new certificate ought
to enpress two years of back pay, the difference between 8 $ and 12 $ or more, & then pay from the 4th March last.
He wishes the new certificate or any communication may be sent to me. 

I am Sir Resp [RESPECTFULLY] Yr. Obt. Servt [YOUR OBEDIENT SERVANT] 

Wm [WILLIAM] B. Parker
Page 40

132 00
    2
______
264
 66
______
330

Rickers[sic] Service
John Ricker on Roll of the crew of the Ship Ranger Midshipman 1 year
Sergt [SERGERANT] Marines 1Do [DITTO YEAR]
2 years

72
60
______
132

Dropt [DROPPED] from pension this Roll [illegible] 
18 March 1818 & [illegible] 

Wm [WILLIAM] B. Parker Esq [ESQUIRE]
Portsmouth N H
Page 41

Copy from John Rickers declaration -
"he served as a Maine more than nine months on the continental establishment, during all which time he belonged to the Continental Ship of war called the Ranger commanded the first cruise by Capt. John Paul Jones and afterwards by Capt. Thomas Simpson that he entered the service as sergeant of Marines on board said Ship Ranger in the harbour [HARBOR] of Portsmouth N.H. some time in the month of October 1777 went to sea soon after & returned to said Portsmouth in the Autumn of 1778 & during this cruise they went to France made a decent upon the Coast of Scotland captured the British Sloop of War the Drake & made several other cruises - In the
summer of 1779 he made a short cruise in the same ship upon the Southern Coast of the
United States in which time they made seven or eight cruises from one fleet bound from
New York to Georgia In the autumn of the same year he again entered on board the same
ship sailed to Charleston in South Carolina & was Captured there by the British in May 1780 during the two cruises last aforesaid he was a Midshipman on board said Vessel -
That previous to his entering as a marine on board said Ship in 1777 he had served one year as a private soldier in a Company of Artillery commanded by Capt. Daniels stationed at Fort Sullivan in the harbour [HARBOR] of Portsmouth N.H. said service beginning in April 1776 & ending April 1777
said Company belonged to the New Hampshire line & to the best of his knowledge & belief belonged to the Continental establishment "
Page 42

In conversation with Ricker he says In Dec. 1775 he enter [ENTERED] under Col [COLONEL] Waldren went to Cambrids & served 3 months ending in March 1776 in April 1776 he enter [ENTERED] Capt Daniels Compy [COMPANY] of artillery at Fort Sullivan & did not leave until he entered the ship Ranger & sailed in Oct 1777 did not return until the Autumn of 1778 was at home 2 or 3 month, while they shipping men & again went to sea in same vessel in 1779 & belonged to her until 1780 - when he was captured at Charleston S.C. by the British and did not arrive home until July 1780 - all the above in the Continental establishment & from that time to the close of the war he served on Board of private armed vessels -