Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 11,150, for William Rich, New York

SERVICE
Mass. New York
Rich, William Thankful
NUMBER
W. 11.150 B.L. Ft. 57785-160-55
CONTENTS

End P.
265 471
Act Mar. 3. 18
Sept 16. 16
Thankful Rich. end.
William Rine.
57 Pri.
Ad 16 Oct. Feb. 12/57
Bluffton
Very war.
Peru. Act Feb. 3. 53 ent. 581/8
Vol R. page 82
J. H. Mc. Cutchan Present.

18093
20.931
New York
William Rich
Residence Co., in the State of New York who was a private in the Comp. commanded by Captain Tim Egan of the Regt. commanded by Col. Livingston in the New York — for 2 months
10 July 1833
3rd ad.
Aug 8/56
Entered on the Roll of New York the rate of 30 Dollars — Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of Oct. 1833 and sent to M m Mitchell Retham
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 32 $ 75
Remant. allowance ending 4th 15
$ 90
Revolutionary Claim, W. L. W. L. W. June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Col. Livingston Clerk, Book 6, Vol. 1 Page 118

5848
Michigan
Thankful Rich, widow of William, Rich NY who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 15 th day of July 1856 and sent to
J. H. McCallum Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 203 Vol. A
She died Dec. 7- 1856 (From a B-) mmstf-
265471

State of New York } p. 5 Genesee County
On the 16 th day of October 1832 personally appeared in open Court before
the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County of Genesee now sitting, William Rich a Resident of the town of Wethers in the said County of Genesee aged Sixty Eight years, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. viz.
That he was born in the town of Charlton, in the County of Worcester, and State of Massachusetts, on the 26 th day of May 1764 as he has been informed and as appears from the family record kept by him in his Bible.
That in entering the service of the United States, under the following names Officers are inserted as having served; That in the year 1779 he enlisted at the town of Spencer under Capt Samuel Frost and Lieutenant Nathan Rich, in the Militia of the State of Massachusetts for three months, that they marched to Providence Rhode Island, from that place to Warren, thence to Bristol, and thence to the Island: at that place the party to which he was attached kept a Garrison, and that they remained there until the three months for which he had enlisted had expired; that he then returned home to Spencer Mass.
That in June 1780 he volunteered under a Lieutenant Parker and that there was no other commissioned Officer at that time attached to this Company. that they marched to Glencoe — in the State of New York, at that place the party to which he belonged received orders to march to Fishkill, at that place he drew provisions from the publick Store, that after remaining at Fishkill about a week, he with the party to which he belonged, were ordered to West Point, in which place they went by Water where General Arnold was in command; that after remaining at West Point a few days, he was ordered to King's Ferry, where he joined the Regiment under the command of Col. Livingston, he was now in the Company commanded by Captain Samuel Frost and Lieutenant Frost (a German as he believes) that the Officers under whom he served at this time, were attached to the Continental Service: That about this time he with others volunteered to go to King's Ferry as a reinforcement to the troops stationed at that place, where he remained until the latter

part of November, making six months from the date of his enlistment: that while at Kings Ferry he was sent to West Point after ammunition; that while on his way up the river he met General Arnold coming down, but did not know of his defection. That he went to West Point, and his time expired and he was verbally dismissed. — That he has no documentary evidence of his services and knows of no person living by whom he could prove his services — and that he never received any written discharge, — That Col. Nathaniel  Plow. William C. Mitchell  and  and  his  his neighbors in his neighborhood are well acquainted with him and can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief in his services as a soldier of the Revolution. — That since the war he resided in Halifax, Windham  Barnes Co. N.Y. about 6 years — in Housack, Barnes  Barnes Co. N.Y. about 5 years — in New Canaan in same county — about two years — in Hancock, Hampshire Co., 3 years — in Navesink, Delaware Co. N.Y. about 3 years — in New Canaan again about 1 year — in Lake Pleasant, Montgomery County, N.Y. 6 or 7 years — then in Arm, Livingston County N.Y. — about 8 years — then in Bethlehem where he now resides about 8 years.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any state. Subscribed & sworn to the day & year aforesaid in open court Timothy Fitch clerk William Rich

We, Matthew Brown  Mills Averill a clergyman residing in the town of Bethany, in the County of Genesee and State of New York, and the  Honorable William Mitchell residing in the same place, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Rich who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be sixty eight years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion Subscribed & sworn to this 19 October 1832 upon oath in open court Timothy Fitch clerk
J. H. [unclear] William Mitchell Mills Averill
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that after the investigation of the matter and after judging the interrogatories prescribed by the Genesee Department that the said Applicant was a Revolution- ary Soldier and served the State and the Court further Certifies that it appears to them that William Mitchell is a member of this Court and that Mills Averill who has also signed the same is a resident of the town of Bethany in said County of Genesee and is a creditable person and that their State more is entitled to credit
Isaac Wilson James Saggart Robert Clarke p
I Timothy Fitch Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Genesee County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original pro- ceedings of the said Court in the matter of the appli- cation of William Rich for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this sixteenth day of October 1832
Timothy Fitch Clerk

State of New York Genesee County ss.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace of the town of Bethany in the County of Genesee in the State of New York William Nick who being duly sworn depose and saith that according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following Grades for the year for the year 1779 he served three months as a private soldier in Captain the General Halsey's Company in Colonel Brewer's Regiment at the Delaware
That in the year 1780 I served six months in Capt Dentzel's Company in the Regiment commanded by Col. Switzer as a private soldier making in the whole of my service nine months. which time I was actually in the service of the United States in the defense of Massachusetts for which I claim a pension. And this deponent further saith that the reason that he did not procure a clergyman to testify for him in open court is that he had lived in the town of Bethany in the County of Genesee and State of New York where he now resides but a short time that he had formed no particular acquaintance with any clergymen in the place where he now resides and that he is very poor and in such indigent circumstances that he was entirely unable to procure the attendance of any clergymen from any place where he had formerly lived that he procured the certificate of the Hon. William Mitchell one of the Judges of the Genesee County courts and on other Gentlemen of respectability which he supposed and was informed would be sufficient and further this deponent saith not
Sworn and subscribed before William Nick the the 31 st day of May.
1833 - Subscribed and sworn This 31 st day of May 1833 before me Ira West Justice

State of New York Genesee County ss
I Timothy Fitch, Clerk of said county certify that the Affidavit before whom the within affidavit purports to have been taken and made was at the date of taking the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said county and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and verily believe his name subscribed to said affidavit is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and seal of Office this twentieth day of June 1838
Timothy Fitch Clerk By B. Pringle Deputy

State of New York Cattaraugus County
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace in and for the Said County of Cattaraugus Abigail Nicholes who being duly sworn according to Said oath Depose and Say that she is eighty two years of age that during the war of the revolution she resided in the town of Spencer in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts that she well knew William Nich who is a brother of this Deponent that the Said William Nich also lived in the Said town of Spencer that she well remembers that in the year 1777 the Said William Nich was engaged in the Service of the united States as a Soldier but for how long a time or in what Company or regiment she does not know. She remembers that he went into the Service and returned the Same year and she then understood that he was performing Service in the State of Rhode Island - And also in the year 1780 she well remembers that the Said William Nich enlisted or volunteered and went into the Service of United States - but under what officer she does not know nor does she remember the length of time he was absent from home but thinks it was principally through the Summer Season and she understood that the Said William Nich was performing Service some where in the State of New York - and for the this Deponent saith not sworn and subscribed.
Abigail Nicholes
before me this Eighth day of June 1833
Calvin Hall Justice of the Peace
I Calvin Hall the justice before whom the foregoing affidavit of Abigail Nicholes was taken do certify that I have been acquainted with the Said Abigail Nicholes who was sworn to and subscribed the foregoing affidavit and that the Said Abigail Nicholes is a person of truth and full faith and credit ought to be given to her testimony.
Calvin Hall Justice

State of New York
Callanagus County
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace in and for the Said County of Callanagus Joshua Rich who being duly Sworn according to law Saith that he is about  one years of age that During the war of the revolution he resided in the town of Spencer in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts that he well knew William Rich who also resided in the Said town of Spencer and was a brother of this Deponent that he well remembers that in the year 1779 the Said William Rich enlisted or volunteered in Capt Samuel Healy's Company of Massachusetts Militia as this Deponent believes for three months and as this Deponent also believes in the Regiment commanded by Col. Brewster that the Said William Rich left home for the Service and was gone some long a time at least as three months before he returned home that I then understood and now believe that the Said William Rich was performing Service in the State of Rhode Island.
And this Deponent further Saith that in the fore part of the Summer of 1780 the Said William Rich again enlisted or volunteered at Spencer aforesaid but in what Company or Regiment this Deponent does not remember that he then understood that the enlistment was for the term of six months that the Said William Rich left his home in the Said town of Spencer and was gone from home more than six months that this Deponent then understood and now believes that the Said William Rich was then performing Service as a Soldier in the Army of the United States some where in the State of New York. And further this Deponent Saith not.
Joshua Rich
Sworn and Subscribed before me this Sixth day of June 1833
Caleb Hall J.P.
I Caleb Hall the justice of the peace before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken do hereby testify that I have long been acquainted with Joshua Rich who has Sworn to and subscribed the foregoing affidavit and that the Said Joshua Rich is a man of truth and honor and that full faith and credit ought to be given to his testimony. Caleb Hall Justice

advised 9 mo. per 30 3/4
New York County ss. I John W. Staunton, Clerk of the said county do certify that Calvin Hall before whom for giving or within the affidavits were sworn, and by him certified, was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said county, and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verify his name subscribed to the said affidavits and certificates to be his own proper hand writing and that in witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of Office this 5th day of June A.D. 1833
John W. Staunton, Clerk
Head and shoulders of the said Calvin Hall before me

1883
William Rich
Abund
1/2
William Mitchel Bethany Genesee Co New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of William Rich Genesee Co New York
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Entry 7/3/79 " 3 " priv Capt's Localey Col's Rhode Island Bristol Charlton Gloucester Massachusetts Dr. A. D. Hovey Living Witness   June 1780 " 6 " priv Enlych Livingston Dishkill age Sixty Eight years  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the life, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d), with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers, the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (a) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will fill out the rule and shown for his absence.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to ascertain or be what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the claimant and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about here or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the terms, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was active in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[1] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to swear to the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[2] The notes from (a) to (e) are equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [1] applies to continental troops only.
[3] This traditional evidence is indispensable in all cases.
[4] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[5] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS ATTENTIVELY.
The paper must be filled up and signed and sworn to by the widow, before a Magistrate or Justice of the Peace. State in what war the husband served: whether in the war of 1812 with Great Britain, or in either of the Indian wars, describing the same.
If the widow has her husband's certificate of discharge, it must be sent to me. In that case strike out the words "she has not his discharge certificate."
If there be a public record of the marriage, a duly certified copy of it should be forwarded, if possible. If there be no public, but a private or family record, such family record, or a certified copy of the same, should be forwarded, with the affidavit of some disinterested person proving the genuineness of the original and correctness of the copy. In that case strike out the words "there is no public or private record of the marriage." If there be no record, let the words remain.
The name of the Captain is indispensable. If the widow has received land, proof of her marriage will not be required, but proof of her identity, and that she is now a widow, will be required, as in the soldier's claim.
WIDOWS' BOUNTY LAND CLAIM.
STATE OF Michigan } ss. COUNTY OF Oakland }
On this Twenty eighth day of November A. D., one thousand eight hundred and fifty
Five personally appeared before me, in open court  Thankful Rich Justice of the Peace within and for the county and State aforesaid, aged fifty six years, a resident of the county of Oakland in the State of Michigan , who being duly sworn according to law, declares, that she is the widow of William Rich deceased, who was a Soldier in the company commanded by Col. in the war of the Revolution
war of the Revolution and a pensioner at the rate of ten dollars per month and drew the same at Albany in the state of New York
That her said husband entered the service as stated in his pension paper  now on  the file in the Pension office and continued in actual service in said war, for the term of
was honorably discharged to which she State of refers for proof
as will appear by the records of said company the records in the office and that she has not his discharge certificate. She further states that she was married to the said William Rich in the county of _____ State of _____
on the _____ day of _____ A. D.,
the ceremony was performed by Rev. Mr. Warren a minister of the Gospel
and that her name before her marriage was Thankful Boorse
and that there is no private or public record of her marriage; that her said husband died at Albany  Livingston County
State of New York on the 10th day of January
A. D., 1853 , and that she is still a widow. She has never applied for, or received under any  pension act of Congress. She has not married since the death of her said husband.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the additional  pension to which she may be entitled under the act approved the 3d day of July 1853 . She also declares that she has never applied for nor received, under this or any other act of Congress, any land warrant  pension but merely
appoints John H. McEntchen of Washington D.C.
her attorney to prosecute her claim.
Sworn to before me & I certify that Mrs. Thankful Rich is one exact  the person  mark
age & likely unable to attend in open court and that she
State here if true the fact "that she has obtained a land warrant for the above service for _____ acres, No. _____ under the act 14th September, 1850, which she has sold, located, or herewith surrendered."
is the person she represent herself to be
Horatio Wright
Justice of the Peace

Procure two respectable persons who can swear to the following:
AFFIDAVIT OF WITNESSES.
STATE OF Michigan COUNTY OF Oakland }
On this Twenty Sixth day of November A. D., one thousand eight hundred and Fifty Five personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the State and county aforesaid, the two persons whose names are hereunto subscribed, residents of the County of Oakland and State of Michigan who being duly sworn according to law, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged in our presence by Thankful Rich who is the widow of William Rich deceased, who was a soldier in the war with of the Rebellious
The said widow was married to the said _____ deceased, at _____ in the State of _____ on the _____ day of _____ A. D., _____ by one _____ a minister of the Gospel; that the name of the said widow before her said marriage aforesaid was _____ ; that her husband, the said William Rich died at Avondale Springs on the 10 day of January A. D. 1853 and that she is still a widow. That they of their own personal knowledge know that the soldier died at or about the time stated; that they were well acquainted with the parties during the lifetime of the husband, and knew them to live together as husband and wife, and to be so reputed, _____ and they swear that they are disinterested witnesses.
(Signature of witnesses.) {
Joseph Rich Emery Darling
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Horatio Wright
J. P.
(After the Justice of the Peace has signed the above, it must be sent to the County Clerk, who will fill up and sign the following under the seal of the Court.)
STATE OF Michigan COUNTY OF Oakland } ss.
I Ebenezer B. Beck Clerk of the County Court, in and for the County and State above mentioned, do hereby certify, that Horatio Wright whose genuine signature appears above, is, and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit; and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of Record, having general jurisdiction. I also certify that I am not interested in this claim, or concerned in the result thereof.
GIVEN under my hand Seal of Office, at Pontiac this Twenty Eight day of November A. D. 185 5

State of Michigan } ss On this Twenty sixth day of November County of Oakland } One thousand Eight Hundred and
Fifty Five personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the State and County aforesaid the two persons whose names are hereunto subscribed residents of the County of Oakland and State of Michigan who being duly sworn according to law declared that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged in our presence by Thankful Rich who is the widow of William Rich deceased who was was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and William Rich her said husband died at Schoharie County in the State of New York on the 10 th day of January 1853 and that she is still a widow. That they of their own personal knowledge know that the soldier at the time stated that they were well acquainted with the parties during the lifetime of the husband and knew them to live together as husband and wife and to be so respected and, that they are disinterested witnesses.
Joseph Rich Emery Darling
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be creditable persons that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim.
Horatio Wright } Justice of the Peace.
State of Michigan } ss County of Oakland }
I Edward W. Peck Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State above mentioned do hereby certify that Horatio Wright whose genuine signature appears above is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn that all his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of Record having general jurisdiction I also certify that I am not interested in this claim or in any part thereof Given under my hand & seal of Office at Pontiac this 28 th day of November 1855

State of Michigan County of Oakland
On this Twenty sixth day of November
A.D. One thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally
appeared before me a Justice of the Peace for the County and State aforesaid Thankful Rich aged Ninety Six Years a resident of the County of Oakland in the State of Michigan who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of William Rich deceased who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and a pensioner at the rate of thirty dollars per year and drew the same at Albany in the State of New York That her husband entered the service as stated in his pension papers now on file in the Pension Office to which she refers for proof as will appear by the other Records in the office and that she has not his discharge certificate she further declares that she was married to the said William Rich at Colerain in the State of Massachusetts in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and eighty one the ceremony was performed by the Rev Mr Warren a Minister of the Gospel and that her name before her marriage was Thankful Bowers and that there is no private or public record of her marriage that her said husband died at Rensselaer County State of New York in the 10 th Day of January 1853 and that she is still a widow she has never applied for or received a Pension under any act of Congress she has not married since the death of her said husband - She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Pension to which she may be entitled under the act approved the 3 rd of Feb 1853 she also declares that she never applied for nor received under this or any other act of Congress any pension but hereby appoints John H Mc Culloch of Washington D.C. her attorney to prosecute her claim and to receive her warrant when issued
Sworn & subscribed before me this 26 th day of November 1855
Horatio Wright
Justice of the peace
Thankful X Rich widow

STATE OF MICHIGAN, OAKLAND COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. of Oakland, do hereby certify, that
I Edward W. Peck Clerk of said county Noratio Wright Esquire before whom the annexed instrument in writing was proved or acknowledged, was at the time of taking the same a
Justice of the Peace
within and for said county, duly elected and sworn, and authorized by law to take the same, and that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing and verily believe his signature subscribed to the certificate of proof or acknowledgment to be genuine; and that the annexed instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of this State.
Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the Circuit Court for Pontiac, this 28 th day of November A.D. 185
Edward W Peck CLERK.

READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS ATTENTIVELY.
The paper must be filled up and signed and sworn to by the widow, before a Magistrate or Justice of the Peace. State in what war the husband served; whether in the war of 1812 with Great Britain, or in either of the Indian wars, describing the same.
If the widow has her husband's certificate of discharge, it must be sent to me. In that case strike out the words "she has not his discharge certificate."
If there be a public record of the marriage, a duly certified copy of it should be forwarded, if possible. If there be no public, but a private or family record, such family record, or a certified copy of the same, should be forwarded, with the affidavit of some disinterested persons proving the genuineness of the original and correctness of the copy. In that case strike out the words "there is no public or private record of the marriage." If there be no record, let the words remain.
The name of the Captain is indispensable. If the widow has received land, proof of her marriage will not be required, but proof of her identity, and that she is now a widow, will be required, as in the soldier's claim.
WIDOWS' BOUNTY LAND CLAIM.
STATE OF Michigan } ss. COUNTY OF Oakland }
On this 14th day of December A. D., one thousand eight hundred and fifty six , personally appeared before me, Thankful Rich Justice of the Peace within and for the county and State aforesaid, aged 70 years, a resident of the county of Oakland in the State of Michigan , who being duly sworn according to law, declares, that she is the widow of William Rich deceased, who was a pensioner in the company commanded by Captain of the United States  Regiment of  Infantry at Albany New York in the war of the Revolution , that she is now in receipt of a like pension act 3rd July 1853 Certificate No 5-848.
That her said husband entered the service as stated in his pension papers to which she refers for proof of service the term of his  marriage is  and continued in actual service in the war for the term of  and his discharge is in papers State of New York
on the _____ day of _____ A. D., _____ as will appear by the muster rolls of said company _____ and that she has not his discharge certificate. She further states that she was married to the said William Rich in Cohoes State of Mass.
on the _____ day of _____ A. D. 1791.
the ceremony was performed by Rev. Mr Warren a minister of the Gospel and that her name before her marriage was Thankful Brown and that there is no private or public record of her marriage; that her said husband died at Avon State of New York on the 10th day of January A. D., 1853 and that she is still a widow. She has never applied for, or received land under any act of Congress. She has not married since the death of her said husband.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the above bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved the 3d day of March, 1855. She also declares that she has never applied for nor received, under this or any other act of Congress, any bounty-land warrant except as follows:  and truly affirms  John H McCutchen atty at Law of Washington D.C. to prosecute the claim
Signature of claimant Thankful Rich
State here if such is the fact "that she has obtained a land warrant for the above service for _____ acres, No. _____ under the Act 28th September, 1850, which she has sold," located, or herewith surrendered.

Procure two respectable persons who can swear to the following:
AFFIDAVIT OF WITNESSES.
STATE OF } COUNTY OF }
On this _____ day of _____ A. D., one thousand eight hundred and _____ personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the State and county aforesaid, the two persons whose names are hereunto subscribed, residents of the County of Oakland and State of Michigan
who being duly sworn according to law, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged in our presence by Thankful Rich who we know is the widow of William Rich deceased, who was a soldier in the war with of the Revolution a pensioner
We believe The said widow was married to the said William Rich deceased, at Detroit in the State of Mass
on the _____ day of _____ A. D. 1781 by one Rev Mr Warren a minister of the
Gospel; that the name of the said widow before her said marriage aforesaid was and we know ; that her husband, the said William Rich
died at _____ on the 10th day of January A. D. 1853 and that she is still a widow. That they of their own personal
knowledge know that the soldier died at or about the time stated; that they were well acquainted with the parties during the lifetime of the husband, and knew them to live together as husband and wife, and to be so reputed, in the
neighborhood and they swear that they are disinterested witnesses. and being residents of the same county  therefore know the above facts as stated by them {Signature of witnesses.} Joseph Rich
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
_____ J. P.
(After the Justice of the Peace has signed the above, it must be sent to the County Clerk, who will fill up and sign the following under the seal of the Court.)
STATE OF Michigan } COUNTY OF Oakland }
I Edward W Pick Clerk of the circuit Court in and for the County and State above mentioned, do hereby certify, that Horatio Wright whose genuine sig- nature appears above, is, and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit; and that the aforesaid Circuit Court is a Court of Record, having general jurisdiction. I also certify that I am not interested in this claim, or concerned in the result thereof.
GIVEN under my hand Seal of Office, at Pontiac this Second day of Dec A. D. 185 6
Edward W Pick Clerk
167-2896

mmma/1
November 28, 1984
Ella L. Rich 414 Barnes Ave., West Lansing, Mich.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 11150 it appears that William Rich was born May 26, 1764 in Charlton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
While a resident of Spencer, Worcester County, Massachusetts he enlisted in 1779 and served three months as a private in Captain Samuel Healy's Company, Colonel Brewer's Massachusetts Regiment.
He enlisted in June 1780 and served six months as a private in Captain Ten Eyck's Company, Colonel Livingston's New York Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 16, 1832 while living in Bethany, Genesee County, New York. He died January 10, 1853 in Avon, Livingston County, New York.
Soldier married in 1781 in Colerain, Massachusetts,

Thankful Bowers who was allowed pension on her application executed November 26, 1855 while a resident of Oakland County, Michigan, aged ninety- aged ninety-six years.
She died December 7, 1856.
from A13.
It is not stated whether they had any children.
After Res. Resided:
Respectfully,
Halifax, Windham Co. Vt.
Hancock, Rensselaer Co. N.Y.
New Canaan, " "
Hancock, Hampshire Co. (M.H.?)
Neversink, Del. Co. N.Y.
Lake Pleasant, Montgomery Co. N.Y.
Commissioner.
Sister Abigail Nichols (1833)
Bro. John -

Mar. 26. 1921 - His to Mr. Theodore Rich Nov. 28-1924 - His to Mrs. Ella L. Rich
Ruby  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 11850
Thankful Rich Wid of William Rich Brnt Rev. War.
Act: Febr 3 rd 1853
Index: Vol. PM , Page 162
[Arrangement of 1870.]

No. 1434 n o 6.414. Thankful Rich, Widow of William Michigan
J. H. G. McLaughon Dec 8/53 Same June 13, 1856 3 rd Attd July 8/56
Feb 3 rd 1853
Feby 2 1848

n
87,785
Rev Aug

READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS ATTENTIVELY.
The paper must be filled up and signed and sworn to by the widow, before a Magistrate or Justice of the Peace. State in what war the husband served: whether in the war of 1812 with Great Britain, or in either of the Indian wars, describing the same.
If the widow has her husband's certificate of discharge, it must be sent to me. In that case strike out the words "she has not his discharge certificate."
If there be a public record of the marriage, a duly certified copy of it should be forwarded, if possible. If there be no public, but a private or family record, such family record, or a certified copy of the same, should be forwarded, with the affidavit of some disinterested persons proving the genuineness of the original and correctness of the copy. In that case strike out the words "there is no public or private record of the marriage." If there be no record, let the words remain.
The name of the County is indispensable. If the widow has received land, proof of her marriage will not be required, but proof of her identity, and that she is now a widow, will be required, as in the soldier's claim.
WIDOWS' BOUNTY LAND CLAIM.
STATE OF Michigan COUNTY OF Oakland
On this 8 th day of May A. D., one thousand eight hundred and 53 , personally appeared before me, Judge of Probate for said County Court within and for the county and State aforesaid, Thankful Rich aged Ninety seven years, a resident of the county of Oakland in the State of Michigan , who being duly sworn according to law, declares, that she is the widow of William Rich deceased, who was a pensioner  on the company commanded by Captain  roll at Albany N.Y.  in the  Regiment for service in the  in the war of the Revolution , at the rate of $30 per annum.
That her said husband entered the service as stated in his pension papers on the day of _____ A. D., _____ for the term of _____ and continued in actual service in said war, for the term of _____ and was honorably discharged at _____ State of _____ on the _____ day of _____ A. D., _____ as will appear by the muster rolls of said company _____ and that she has not his discharge certificate. She further states that she was married to the said William Rich in the County of Columbia State of New York on the _____ day of _____ A. D. 1781 . the ceremony was performed by Rev. Mr. Warren a minister of the Gospel and that her name before her marriage was Thankful Bowers and that there is no private or public record of her marriage, as she knows that her said husband died at Albany State of New York on the 14 th day of January A. D., 1853 . and that she is still a widow. She has never applied for, or received land under any act of Congress. She has not married since the death of her said husband.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the pension under the act approved the 3d day of July 1853 . She also declares that she has never applied for nor received, under this or any other act of Congress, any pension (except as follows:) that she applied under Act 3 July 1853. on Dec 7th 1855 by Mrs. Catherine her attorney. but has not as yet recd pension. Sworn to and subscribed before me and I certify that Mrs. Thankful Rich unable by reason of age & debility to attend
Court Michael E. Crofoot Judge of Probate Court
In presence of Emery G. Gushing Thankful Rich

Procure two respectable persons who can swear to the following:
AFFIDAVIT OF WITNESSES.
STATE OF Michigan COUNTY OF Oakland
On this Eighth day of May A. D., one thousand eight hundred and fifty six personally appeared before me, a Judge of Probate within and for the State and county aforesaid, the two persons whose names are hereunto subscribed, residents of the County of Oakland and State of Michigan who being duly sworn according to law, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged in our presence by Thankful Rich who is the widow of William Rich deceased, who was a soldier in the war with Great Britain
The said widow was married to the said William Rich deceased, at _____ in the State of _____ on the _____ day of _____ A. D. _____ by one _____ a minister of the Gospel; that the name of the said widow before her said marriage aforesaid was _____; that her husband, the said William Rich died at Staten Island New York on the 10 th day of January A. D. 1853 and that she is still a widow. That they of their own personal knowledge know that the soldier died at or about the time stated; that they were well acquainted with the parties during the lifetime of the husband, and knew them to live together as husband and wife, and to be so reputed, and they swear that they are disinterested witnesses.
(Signature of witnesses.) { Joseph Rich Emery Darling
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Michael E. Confoot J. P.
(After the Justice of the Peace has signed the above, it must be sent to the County Clerk, who will fill up and sign the following under the seal of the Court.)
STATE OF Michigan COUNTY OF Oakland ss.
I Edward M. Peck Clerk of the County  Circuit Court, in and for the County and State above mentioned, do hereby certify, that Michael E. Confoot Esq whose genuine signature appears above, is, and was at the time of signing the same a Judge of Probate in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit; and that the aforesaid County  Circuit Probate Court is a Court of Record, having general jurisdiction. I also certify that I am not interested in this claim, or concerned in the result thereof.
GIVEN under my hand Seal of Office, at Pontiac this Tenth day of May A. D. 185 6
Edward M. Peck Clerk

Thankful Rich, widow of William, who was a pri- soner New York City
Aded Oct Feb 3 1853
$30 per Annum
J. H. the Butcher, Barnes

Treasury Department Third Auditor's Office July 11. 1836.
Sir:
I herewith return the papers "on which William Rich was inscribed on the N. Y. Roll under Act of June 7. 1832 at the rate of Thirty dollars per annum", enclosed in your letter of the 8 th inst. & in reply have to state that he died on the 18 th Jan y 1835, & his pension has been paid in full to that date to his widow Thankful Rich.
Very Respectfully Your O bedt Serv t . W. Wagoner Auditor
J. Vrainot Esq., Comm ee of Pensions

Grief in the case of Thankful Rich, wa. of William Cahoon — County and State of Michigan .
act Feb. 3 d 1852.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Her husband was at her death a pensioner in the Michigan Roll, set June 7, 1832, at the rate of $30. Thankful's interest as her widow satisfactorily shown.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
J. H. McEwen Present.
Examining Clerk.
Osceola Mich 3

Thankful Rich.
Act 3 July 53
June 12/56.
Inclou letter of
Town Clerk. show- ing there is no record of so early a date as Mrs Rich's Marriage. Therefore the proof of marriage by cohabitation & reputation I hope may be found suffi- cient to allow the claim all of which is Respectfully submitted
By Jno M c Cutcheon Present

Columbia May 28, 1856
Dear Sir
I have examined the records of the Town and can find no records of the marriage of the names in your letter. There is no records to be found of so early a date I understand that the old records were burnt so that there is no such record to be found.
Respectfully Jesse Jones
The above under set of Feb 3, 1853,
Yrs Resp. R. Burns G. C. C. for Curran.
H. G. McIntosh Pres.

Custom Office June 2/36
Sir,
I have examined the affidavit of Maryful Richfield by you as additional evidence in her appl n for pen- sion (as the Widow of Mr Rich) under act of Feb y 2. 1848.
She must show by cert: of Francis of the Town in which she was married, that there is no record evidence of their marriage - when parol proof will be admitted. That now on file does not sufficiently establish the fact of marriage, which would suffice to admit the claim under act of Feb y 3, 1853.
Yrs Resp t Burns G. H. C. for Comm.
H. G. McIntosh Pres

Thankful Rich widow of M c Neil
Act 3 Feb. 53
2nd section
Adm Evidence
from M c Batchen Present

Sir
Inclosed please find declaration of Thankful Rich act 5-5- for Bounty Land.
You will find she is a pensioner under act 3rd July 53. Sec 2 - State of Michigan To which papers refer. She files her claim for Land on Dec 7th 1855 - but up to date - it has not been reported. & as no receipt was given I presume it was filed with some other claim. Therefore may I ask that this be made a special claim .
Respectfully Jno H McCutchen Dec 8th 56

500 North Chestnut Lansing Mich February 17. 1921
Commissioner of Pensions. Dear Sir -
Please give me the military record of William Rich of Avon, Livingston County, New York State, who, according to the census of 1840 received a pension at that date - he being 77 years of age.
Respectfully,
Mrs. Theodore Rich -

ELLA LEE RICH 414 BARNES AVENUE, WEST LANSING, MICH.
November 13. 1924
Bureau of Pensions. -
Please give me all data in your files of one Thankful Rich, widow of William Rich, who was granted a pension Nov. 26 1855 while a resident of Oakland County Michigan for services rendered by William Rich in the Revolutionary War.
Respectfully,
(Mrs) Ella L. Rich.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
N.Y. 11,150
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of William Rich a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1779 3 mos. Pvt. Samuel Healy Byner Mass.   June 1780 6 mos. Samuel Healy Livingston N.Y.        
Battles engaged in, none stated.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Spencer Mass.
Date of application for pension, Oct 16 1832 This was a p.
Residence at date of application, Bethany Conn. Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, born May 24 1764 at Charlton Worcester Co. Mass. died Jan 10 1853 at Linton Co. N.Y.
Remarks:
He married in 1791 at Colrain Mass. Thankful Bowers. She was at Painesville on an appt. ex Nov 26 1855 while a resident of Oakland County Mich aged 96 years. It is not stated that there were any children.
Respectfully,
Sister Abigail Nicholas (1833) Mother of soldier.
Commissioner.