Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24758, for Joel Rich, Massachusetts

SERVICE
Continental Mass.
Rich, Joel Elizabeth
NUMBER
W 24758
CONTENTS

12 Augt 1851
Widow died July 12, 1851 (AB)
Martha Elizabeth Rich widow of Joel Rich who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private due from B.B.B. Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
1 July Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of Jan 1851 and sent to
H. D. Johnson Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 32 Vol. 1

19.577
Maine
Doel Rich
of Kennebec Co. in the State of Maine who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Stuart of the regiment commanded by Colonel Phinney in the Massachusetts line, for the term of one year from 31 Dec - 1775 to fall of 1776.
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 3 day of February 1826.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 of Mar 1826 and sent to R. C. Love, Esq. Augusta, Me.
Arrears to 4th of March 1826 $ 8.45 Semi-ann. all'ce ending Sept 1826 48 -
$ 56.45
{ Revolutionary claim, Acts March 18, 1818, and May 1, 1820. }

Joel Rich, Major private Col. Phinney's Mass. Regt January 1776. 10 mo.
April 4. 1818
Rec d August 21. 1821
Proof Jos Hale Reuben Cook
R.C.V.M. assists

I Joel Rich aged 74, do hereby certify that I was a citizen of the United States born in Truro Massachusetts, now of Jackson Plantation Hancock county Maine do hereby certify and declare that after serving in the first eight months service I enlisted in December 1775 for the period of one year in the war of the revolution against the common enemy upon the conti- nental establishment, and into the company commanded by Capt. Wentworth Stewart and Col. Phineas Chapachusett, regiment, I con- tinued to serve in said company and regiment a period of more than ten months in continuation when having procured a substitute which was accepted by my officers I was honorably discharged. my discharge I have not preserved. From my reduced circumstances in life I need the assistance of my country for support, and I hereby renun- -quish all claim to any pension heretofore allowed me by the laws of the United States, if any; and request to be placed upon the roll pension for the District of Maine
Joel Rich
Witness
Geo. W. Morton

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
HANCOCK, ss.
ON the fourth day of April A. D. 1818, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Third Eastern Circuit, of the Court of Common Pleas, in said Commonwealth, including the Counties of Hancock, Washington and Penobscot : Personally appeared Isaac Root who, being by me first duly sworn according to law, on his oath made the statement and declaration by him subscribed, and hereto annexed, 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."
And thereupon, I the said Judge do certify that I am satisfied the said Isaac Root did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in his said declaration, against the common enemy, and that he has made it appear to me, that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support.
Which proceedings and the testimony annexed, being all he has been able to produce, I now transmit to the Secretary, for the department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress.
IN testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my name and caused the seal of said Court to be hereto affixed by Mason Shaw Esquire, Clerk of said Court for said County of Hancock.
William Cawley Judge

Joel Rich
1 st Schedule.
Concord
1888
Hon. William King Barnes Rep
W. M. Merrill

State of Maine.
I, John Davis Clerk, for the County of Kennebec of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the second Eastern Circuit, embracing the counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and that the original was exhibited in open 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, including debts due to the declarant therein stated, is Three hundred thirty one dollars and cents ; and deducting therefrom the amount of what the declarant owes, as set forth in said Schedule, the value of said property in the opinion of said Court, is Thirty one dollars and cents .
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twentieth day of June 1820.
John Davis Clerk of said Court for the County of Kennebec
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.
Joel Rich.
The following is a Schedule of my whole Estate and income, necessary clothing and bedding excepted, viz: The right of possession of fifty acres of land with a small house unfinished and an old barn the right to the soil of the above land is in another person the whole of the value of one hundred and fifty dollars. One horse of the value of fifteen dollars. Two cows thirty dollars, one yoke of oxen fifty dollars. Five young cattle of the value of thirty dollars. Twelve sheep and nine lambs twenty two dollars. Four hogs of the value of sixteen dollars. Old house hold stuff, besides bedding five dollars. Farming utensils of the value of eight dollars. One cart and block wheels, of five dollars. I have no debts due to me which can be collected. Some three hundred dollars. My occupation is that of a farmer, but from my advanced age and infirmity having a bad rupture I am unable to labor.

copy State of Maine.
358
KENNEBEC COUNTY, ss.
ON this Eighth day of June , 1820, personally appeared before  an open Court before  Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, being a Court of Record for said Counties, proceeding according to the course of the common law, having original jurisdiction, unlimited in amount, keeping a record of their proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment, Joel Rich aged
Sixty seven years, resident in Jackson in the County of Hancock now at Augusta within said Circuit, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows, viz. in the Company commanded by Captain Winthrop Stewart and Regiment commanded by Colonel Shirley of the line of the State of N Hampshire upon the Continental Establishment, for the period of ten months .
that his original declaration was made before Judge Crosby on the fourth day of April 1818; that he is now on the  an applicant for a  Maine  Roll, and that his pension certificate is numbered And I, the said Joel Rich do further solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, 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 eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; 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.
Joel Rich.
The following is a Schedule of my whole Estate and income, necessary clothing and bedding excepted, viz: The right of possession of fifty acres of land with a small house unfinished and an old barn the right to the soil of the above land is in another person the whole of the value of one hundred and fifty dollars. One horse of the value of fifteen dollars. Two cows thirty dollars one yoke of oxen fifty dollars. Five young cattle of the value of thirty dollars. Twelve sheep and nine lambs twenty two dollars. Three hogs of the value of sixteen dollars. Old household stuff, besides bedding five dollars. Farming utensils of the value of eight dollars. One cart and block wheels, of five dollars. I have no debts due to me which can be collected. I owe three hundred dollars. My occupation is that of a farmer, but from my advanced age and infirmity having had a rupture I am unable to labor.

My family consists of seven persons, myself, and my wife Betsy aged sixty years, but by reason of the Rheumatism and Palsy, is wholly unable to labor or take care of herself, my son Levi aged nineteen years, Anna aged seventeen, Thomdike aged thirteen years, my son Thomas aged thirty eight years, is totally blind and has been so for twenty four years. Lives with me in the family.
The income of the forgoing property does not exceed thirty dollars.
Except the above and my necessary bedding and clothing, I have no estate or income. Joel Rich
Subscribed, sworn, to and declared before the oath and schedule on the eighth day of June 1820 before me
Nathan Weston EJ C C C Pleas.
A true
Copy

State of Maine, County of Waldo ss.
I William H. Bodman Register of Probate within and for the County of Waldo hereby certify that the Hon Alfred Johnson is Judge of said Court and that the instrument hereto annexed contains the original proceedings of the said Judge relative to the application of Elizabeth Rich for a pension and the signature thereto attached purporting to be the signature of said Judge is genuine —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and seal of Office this twenty fourth day of July A.D. 1839.
W. H. Bodman
Register of Probate for County of Waldo

5953
Elizabeth Rich
widow of Joel Rich
Me
Act 7. July 38.
m 79. d 38
adm d
20 morpi
$66 \frac{66}{100}
Died 22 March 38
Pen: com: 23. March 38
N.H. Bradbury Belfast Me

State of Maine.
County of Waldo, ss.
On this twenty fourth day of July A.D. 1839. personally appeared before Alfred Johnson Judge of the Court of Probate for said County of Waldo, in open court Elizabeth Rich a resident of Jackson in the County of Waldo and State or District of Maine, aged seventy nine years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7th, 1838, en- titled "An Act granting half pay, and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of Joel Rich, late who was a of Jackson, in said State of Maine, a Revolutionary pensioner who was a private in the Army of the Revolution, as by evidence in the War Department of the United States will more fully appear, that she was a widow at the time above stated, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof herunto annexed, and further that her maiden name was Elizabeth Bates.
SHE FURTHER DECLARES, that she was married to the said Joel Rich on the sixteenth day of May in the year seventeen hundred and seventy nine and that her husband, the aforesaid Joel Rich died on the twenty second day of March 1838. that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hun- dred and ninety-four, viz: at the time above stated.
Elizabeth X Rich her mark
witness
John Rich
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
BEFORE
Alfred Johnson Judge of Probate

State of Maine
Cumberland County      Gorham October 5, 1838
I Eben Preble Clerk of the Town of Gorham do certify that in the record of marriages by Solomon Lombard Esquire Justice of the Peace as recorded in the records of said Town, book No 1, page 140, the marriage of Joel Rich and Elizabeth Bates is recorded as follows, viz.,
Joel Rich and Elizabeth Bates - May Sixteenth Seventeen hundred and Seventy nine -
Attest Eben Preble Town Clerk
I Eben Preble as above named Depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the Town of Gorham and that the above marriage is a true extract from the records of said Town now in my possession with the exception of the date which is expressed on the records of said Town in fair legible figures as follows - May 16th 1779 -
Attest Eben Preble Town Clerk
State of Maine Cumberland County ss.
On this Fifth day of October Eighteen hundred and Thirty Eight Personally appeared before me Elijah Hayes a Justice of the Peace in and for said County aforesaid, Eben Preble above named Town Clerk of Gorham, a person by me well known and entitled to full credit as a witness, and made oath that the above extracts by him subscribed are truly copied from the record of said Town, the dates being written out in words, which are put down in figures only in the record with no other alteration -
Elijah Hayes Justice of Peace

State of Maine
Cumberland S.S.
I Charles Cobb Clerk of all the Judicial Courts holden at Portland within and for said County of Cumberland hereby certify that Elijah Hays Esquire is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County and duly authorised to act as such, and that his commission is dated January 17, 1834 and will expire January 17, A.D. 1841 and the foregoing Signature purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the S.E.J.C. of the Supreme Judicial Court this twenty seventh day of July in the year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred and thirty nine
Charles Cobb Clerk

July 29, 1936
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. Sara Higgins R. D. # 1 Brooktondale, New York
JOEL RICH W. 24758 BA-J/MLB
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter of recent date, in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Joel Rich, of Eastern, Massachusetts, and Francis Barsley, Easley or Hearasley, of New Jersey.
There is no claim for pension or bounty land on file based upon service in the Revolution of a Francis Barsley, under any spelling of the surname. Such claims are the source of Revolutionary War data furnished by this office. The record of only one soldier named Joel Rich has been found and it is given herein as shown in the papers on file in pension claim, W. 24758, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
Joel Rich was born in Truro, Massachusetts; the date of his birth and names of parents are not shown.
"After serving in the first eight months' service", no details of which were given, Joel Rich enlisted in December, 1775, place not stated, served as private in Captain Wentworth Stuart's company, Colonel Phinney's Massachusetts regiment, and was discharged in the fall of 1776 after having served on this tour more than ten months.
The soldier applied for pension April 4, 1818, at which time he was aged sixty-six years and a resident of Jackson Plantation, Hancock County, in the District of Maine. His application was executed in Kennebec County, Maine. The claim was allowed. In 1824 he was still of Jackson, Maine. He died March 22, 1838, in said Jackson, Maine.
Joel Rich married May 16, 1779, Elizabeth Cates; the place of marriage, date and place of her birth and names of parents not given. Their marriage was recorded in the Town Clerk's Office of Gorham, Cumberland County, Maine.
Soldier's widow, Elizabeth Rich, was allowed pension on her application executed July 24, 1839, at which time she was aged seventy-nine years and residing in Jackson, then in Waldo County, Maine, where she

was still living in November, 1950. She died July 12, 1951.
In 1820, reference was made to the following children of Joel Rich and his wife, Elizabeth, who were living with their parents and aged as follows: Thomas aged thirty-eight years, Levi aged nineteen years, Amos aged seventeen years and Thorndike aged thirteen years.
In 1839, one John Rich and in 1945, one James M. Rich witnessed the signature by mark of soldier's widow, Elizabeth Rich, in Waldo County, Maine, no relationship shown to soldier's family or to each other.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

1936 July 29 Hist. to MN Sen Higgins —————
Reorg
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 24.758
Elizabeth Reich Widow of Joel Reich Prin Rev war
Act Feb. 2 d 1848.
Index: Vol R , Page 165
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Joel Rich
Value $50
2 nd Schedule -

11 State of Maine.
Hancock
THANKS COUNTY, ss.
ON this thirteenth day of July , 1820, personally appeared before  in open court before the Justices of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset  Hancock, Washington, Penobscot , being a Court of Record for said Counties, proceeding according to the course of the common law, having original jurisdiction, unlimited in amount, keeping a record of their proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment. Joel Rich aged sixty eight years, resident in Sackin in the County of Hancock within said Circuit, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows, viz. in the Company commanded by Captain Wentworth  Stewart and Regiment commanded by Colonel Phinney of the line of the State of Massachusetts upon the Continental Establishment, for the period of ten months
that his original declaration was made before Judge Crosby on the fourth day of April 1818; that he is now unemployed for a  Roll, and that his pension certificate is numbered And I, the said Joel Rich do further solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, 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 eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me any property or security
State of Maine.
I Whewetherton Clerk, for the County of Hancock of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the third Eastern Circuit, embracing the counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset  Hancock, Washington, Penobscot , do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and that the original was exhibited in open 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, including debts due to the declarant therein stated, is fifty dollars and not cents; and deducting therefrom the amount of what the declarant owes, as set forth in said Schedule, the value of said property in the opinion of said Court, is Fifty dollars and Cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this thirteenth day of July 1820.
Whewetherton Clerk of said Court for the County of Hancock

State of Maine.
Hancock
Penobscot COUNTY, ss.
ON this thirteenth day of July , 1820, personally appeared me , in open court before the Han. Co. Justices of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Counties of Linn , Kennebec and Sagadahoc , being a Court of Record for said Counties, proceeding according to the course of the common law, having original jurisdiction, unlimited in amount, keeping a record of their proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment. Joel Rich aged sixty five years, resident in Pekin in the County of Hancock within said Circuit, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows, viz. in the Company commanded by Captain Wentworth  Stewart and Regiment commanded by Colonel Phinney of the line of the State of Massachusetts upon the Continental Establishment, for the period of ten months .
that his original declaration was made before Judge Crosby on the fourth day of April 1818; that he is now unemployed for a  Roll, and that his pension  is fixed at  and I, the said Joel Rich do further solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, 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 eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; 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.
signed Joel Rich
The following is a Schedule of my whole Estate and income, necessary clothing and bedding excepted, viz: Real Estate, none
 one cow, of the value of twelve dollars  one yearling steer — — — five dollars  10. sheep — — — — — fifteen dollars  2 swine — — — — — six dollars  Old House hold stuff (beside bedding) five dollars  old plough and block wheels seven dollars 
I have no debts due me which can be collected, and owe upwards of one hundred fifty dollars, which is now in judgment against me. My occupation is that of a farmer but from my advanced age and infirmities having a bad rupture I am unable to labor. My family consists of seven persons, myself; my wife Betsy aged sixty one years, but by reason of the Rheumatism & palsy is wholly unable to labor or take care of herself; my son Levi aged twenty years; Lem aged eighteen for all of his age and feeble; The condition

aged fourteen, and my Son Thomas aged thirty nine years, who is totally blind and has been so for twenty five years, lives with me in the family and always has, he is able to do but little. — Except the above and my necessary bedding and clothing, I have no Estate or income whatever signed. Joel Rich.
Subscribed and sworn to and declared before the oath and schedule in open Court, this thirteenth July A.D. 1821.
Attest William Crosby } Judges James Campbell }
A true copy of the original on file in this office attest Alexander Clerk.

16,855
Schedule. — Joel Rich priv. Stuart C o . Phinnys Regt.
Original declaration suspended on account of Property — now on file in the Pension Office
R. C. Vose, Augusta Maine
rec d . 16 Feb. 1826

DECLARATION,
In order to be restored to the Pension List, under the act of the 1st March, 1823.
State of Maine.
COUNTY OF Kennebec ss.
ON this seventeenth day of October 1823 personally appeared in open court, before the Supreme Judicial Court being a Court of Record for said County, proceeding according to the course of the common law, having original jurisdiction unlimited in amount, keeping record of their proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment Joel Rich , resident in said County, aged seventy 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 the eighteenth of March, eighteen hundred and eighteen, the first of May, eighteen hundred and twenty, and the first of March, eighteen hundred and twenty-three—that he the said Joel Rich enlisted for the term of one year on the last day of December in the year 1775 in the State of Massachusetts in the Company commanded by Captain Wenworth Stuart in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Phiney , in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the Continental establishment; that he continued to serve in the said corps until the fall of 1776 — when he was discharged from the said service in Boston in the State of Massachusetts that he is  his name  now an applicant for a Pension and his claim suspended  has been placed on the pension list, and dropped therefrom on account of his property.
AND, in pursuance of the Act of the first May, eighteen hundred and twenty, I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the eighteenth day of March, eighteen hundred and eighteen, 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 eighteenth day of March, eighteen hundred and eighteen, 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. Attest, R. C. Vose Signed Joel Rich mark
SWORN to and declared, on the seventeenth day of October A.D. 1823— before Nathan Weston Jr. Justice of the Sup. Jud. Court

SCHEDULE of the Real and Personal Estate, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber, viz :
No Real Estate and no personal property except - one Cow of the value of twelve dollars one Swine, worth Four dollars - old house hold stuff (beds, bedding) viz 6 old chairs - 1 Table, 1 Low Chest, 1 Iron Pot, 100 Kettle, 1 Tea Kettle, few articles of crockery 6 old knives & forks & 5 or 6 Spoons, all not exceeding Five dollars in value - attest R.C. Vose. Joel his Rich mark
SCHEDULE of the family residing with me Joel Rich who, by occupation am a Farmer which I am unable to pursue by reason of old age and a bad Rupture. -
   Names. Ages. Capacity of each to contribute to their support.     Betsy my Wife 63 Years unable to take care of herself by reason of Rheumatism & Spasms   Amos - son - 20 Years Weak & feeble   Thornlike - son - 15 Years as healthy as common    attest R.C. Vose, Joel his Rich mark
That since the exhibition of my first Schedule, the following changes have been made in my property. The land mentioned in my first schedule I held only by possession, it belonged to Mr. Thornlike & being wholly unable to purchase I have relinquished the same to him - No Deed, ever passed between me and the said proprietor of the land -
   Names of the persons to whom sold. Time of Sale. Amount of Money, or description of property received in return.     1 Cow killed in the Fall of 1820 for the use of my family   1 old horse sold to Peter Sill Sept. 1822. for $13.00 he promised to produce, but has never paid me any thing -   1 yoke of Oxen sold August 1821 to pay an old debt due B.P. Field.   The other Stock mentioned in my first schedule, I have sold & killed for my support & that of my family. -    attest signed Joel his Rich mark
I, Robert C. Vose Clerk of all the Judicial Courts within the said County of Kennebec do hereby certify, that it appears, to the satisfaction of the Court, that the said Joel Rich 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 said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is Twenty one dollars and
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this Seventeenth day of October 1823
R. C. Vose , Clerk of the Court of the County of Kennebec -

Dec 14
Me,
FREE
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington DC
Ans.

Belfast, Dec. 7. 1839.
Sir,
In the application of Elizabeth Rich widow of Joel Rich dec d by your letter of the 8 th Oct. you wish for some data for an examination of the Rolls of the Army for 1775 - from the best information that can be obtained Joel Rich enlisted in the service early in that year under the commands of Capt Winthrop Stewart of Gorham (Me) and supposed to be attached to Col. Phinney's Regt. - it may be that he was not all at the time under Capt. S. as Stewart is said to have died of the small pox in the camp near Boston during the service of Rich.
I am very respectfully
H. Edwards Esq Comm. Pensions
Yr. ob t Servt N. H. Bradbury

Augusta Me. Sept 1.
Free R. C. Vose P.M.
16.055-
James L. Edwards Esq Chief Clerk Pension Office War Department Washington
Rec. 16 Sept. 1824

Augusta Maine Sept. 1. 1824
Sir,
I enclose you the depositions in the case of Joel Rich, whose claim has been suspended for a long time in your office, by reason of the amt. of Property mentioned in his first schedule. The second schedule I forwarded on the 29 th of May & it was not until the old man came to me to day, that I discovered the two depositions which I found in his case returned the clerks Certificate as to the signature of the Justice before whom the depositions were taken - you will please to examine the case again & notify me with the result. -
I am very respectfully
Your ob t Serv t
Robert C. Dose
James L. Edwards Esq. Chief Clerk Pension Office War Department Washington

Aug 14
5933
me
1110
July 7. 1838
FREE
L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions Washington
DB

Belfast (Me.) Aug 5. 1839
Sir,
Enclosed are documents to establish the claim of Elizabeth Rich widow of Joel Rich dec d . to a pension; the certificate when issued can be enclosed to me at this place.
I am respectfully Yr. ob t . Serv t .
N. H. Bradbury
J. H. Edwards Esq Com. of Pensions

Augusta Me May 19
Free R. C. Post. P. du
Recd 27 May 1852
James L. Edwards Esq Chief clerk Pension Office War Department Washington City

Augusta May 18. 1822
Dear Sir,
Ord Mr. Joel Rich has travelled here again to see me about his pension - His case is peculiarly hard - The proportion of 50. acres of Land appears to be the difficulty - the circumstances relative to his first schedule, are fully explained in his 2 d . made in the county where he resides & I do think upon a reexamination of his case you will admit him on the Roll - From my own knowledge he is very poor, and in firm wholly unable to labor and is now nearly seventy years of age; His oldest which was his principal support has arrived to the age of 21 years left his father. as the Old mans request I write this letter & do sincerely hope you will give his case further consideration. -
I am very respectfully Your ob t Servant
Robert C. Dose
J. L. Edwards Esq. Chief Clerk Pension Office Washington

ALBION K. PARRIS, Governor of the State of Maine:
TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS,
Greeting:
KNOW YE,
That Joseph Williamson, Esq r of Belfast, whose signature is borne on the paper hereunto annexed, was, on the twenty ninth day of December, one thousand eight hundred and twenty four, ever since has continued to be, and now is, one of our Justices of the Peace for the County of Hancock. _____
Albion K. Parris
duly nominated and appointed, commissioned and qualified; and that to his Acts and Attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed.
GIVEN under my hand, at PORTLAND, this third day of February , in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty six ; and in the fiftieth year of the Independence of the United States of America.
BY THE GOVERNOR:
A. Nichols
Secretary of State.

Dep o William Moody Esq in the care of Joel Root
Send to Mr. Sprague

State of Maine.
I William Moody of Belfast in the County of Hancock, Esquire, agent of S. Thorndike, Jr. David Sears & William Prescott, Esquires all of the City of Boston owners and proprietors of lands in Jackson in said County do hereby testify and declare that I am well acquainted with Joel Rich of said Jackson the lot of land on which the said Rich now lives & upon which he has lived for a number of years belongs to the said Proprietors and they have permitted the said Rich to remain in possession of said premises but have never given him a deed - the said Rich & his son Levi once made a contract to purchase the before-mentioned land, but have not made the payments, & to the best of my knowledge the old man has been unable to pay any part of the same, and has not paid any thing, since said contract was made. Wm Moody
Hancock, p: Dec 17 29. 1824. Personally appeared William Moody, Esquire, to me well known as a credible & disinterested witness, and he made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him signed.
Before me Joseph Williamson } Justice of the Peace

State of Maine
Secretary of State's Office,
Portland 12 July 1825.
It is hereby certified, that Joseph McWilliamson, Esq., of Belfast, whose signature is borne on the within, is an Acting Justice of the Peace for the County of Hancock. —
J. Nichols
Secy of State

Letter to George B. Woodbury May 29. 1848
No 397. Care: No 582 Certificate under Joint Reso: 25th Jan'y 1845 as within
Maine 1118
Elizabeth Rich widow of Joel Rich who was a Private in the Mass. line for 20 months
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 66 Dollars & 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26th day of July, 1848. and sent to
N. H. Bradbury Beaufort Maine
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1. Page 9.

1883
Oct 4
To the subscribers, signers of the Petition of Jackson in the county of Hancock and District of Columbia, we certify that per Rich of some time past and late a soldier in the revolutionary war, by reason of his extreme circumstances stands in need of assistance from his country for his last days in our service is well entitled to the benefits of the country provided by law for the necessitous survivors of the army and navy of the late revolutionary war
Ezra Abbot Thos Water } Approvers of Jackson Plantation

Received July 12, 1857. (210)
4439.
Name Elizabeth Rich widow of Joel who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 66 Dollars 66 ,
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of March 1849 and sent to
M. W. Bradbury Belfast Me.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 3 / W

Maine — 5245
Elizabeth Rich, widow of Joel Rich, deceased.
who was a pensioner under the Act of 18 March, 1818. and who died on the 22 nd day of March, 1838. Waldo Co. in the State of Maine who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Stewart of the regiment commanded by Col. Plummer in the Maine Militia. time for 20 months service.
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 66 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 1st 23 rd day of March, 1838. }
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of April 1840 - and sent to N. H. Bradbury, Belfast, Maine.
Arrears to the 1 st of March 1840 $131.23 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 th March 33.33
$164.56
{ Act July 7, 1838. }
Recorded by S. A. Elliot Clerk Book 4 Vol. 1 Page 22
Sept Sept 16 th 48 Certificate issued under the Joint Resov. 23 rd June 1845 at the rate of $66.66 per annum, commencing 4 th March 1836, and ending 23 rd March 1838. and sent to
Geo. B. Moody Bangor Maine

855 Maine.
Joel Rich - priest
[Original claim]
Aged 60 yrs - a farmer - is infirm & has a bad rupture - Wife, aged 61 yrs - has the rheumatism & palsy - cannot take care of herself - 1 son, 20 yrs old - 1 D o 10 - feeble. 1 D o 14. 1 D o 39 yrs old - has been blind for 25 yrs past. -
Served 1 yr. in 1776. - (Proof within)
1 st sched: dated 8 th June 1822 & exhibits "The right of possession of 50 acres of land, with a small house unfinished, & Barn thereon - the right of sale is in another person" - the whole valued at $: 150. - 1 horse, $: 15. - 2 cows, $: 30. - 1 yoke of oxen, $: 50. - 5 young cattle, $: 30 12 sheep & 9 lambs, $: 22. - 4 Hogs, $: 16. - Old household fur- niture & some farming utensils - whole amt. of sched: $: 331. -
Says he owes $: 300.
2 nd sched: dated 13 th July 1821, & exhibits "real estate - none" - 1 cow, $: 12. 1 yearling steer, $: 5. - 10 sheep, $: 15 - 2 swine, $: 6. - "household stuff, $: 5 etc. amt. of sched: $: 50. - Says he owes $: 150, for which judgment is against him. (over.)
see letter Oct. 5. 1824, to R. G. Vose, Esq l .
Augusta -
Maine -
20 th Sept r 1824.

Joel Rich, of Maine. Claim rejected - See letter to Hon. J. Holmes, Senate, 1 st April 1822.
See letter to R. C. Vose, 28 Octo: 1823. & 27 th Aug. 1824.

Maine, 5933.
Elizabeth Rich widow of Joel Rich
Sec let. to N. H. Bradbury, Oct. 8. 1839. " " " " " Dec 17 "
Act 7. July 38.

Payment to be made at Portland by W m Woodbury Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Maine
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners, under act February 2d, 1848, Page 31 Vol. 1 G. H. King Clerk.
7 66.66 for full

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d; 1848, Elizabeth Rich. widow of Joel Rich who was a Private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Sixty six , dollars and Sixty six , cents per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior this 2  th day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty eight
T. Emory
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

376 Dec.
Rich
41439
Due to p. 9th, Dec 29th 1886: 66 2/3 per annum, com'g 1 July 1918,
W. A. Johnson, Present

County of Cumberland
ss.
Clerk's Office,
Pittland November 13th A. D. 1850
I, Charles C. Harmon Clerk of the Judicial Court to certify that in and for said County of Cumberland
Arthur W. Arthur
is an ACTING JUSTICE OF THE PEACE,
within and for every County of said State duly qualified to act as such, that the commission of the said Arthur is dated August 6th 1850 and will expire August 6th 1857
and that the foregoing SIGNATURE, purporting to be his, is Genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court, the day and year first above written.
C. C. Harmon,
CLERK.

State of Maine County of Waldo
} ss.
On this day of fifth day of November A. D. 1850 before the Subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, within and for every  said County in said County personally appeared Elizabett Rich of Jackson in the county of Waldo & State of Maine aged ninety years
and made oath in due form of law that she is the widow of Joel Rich late of Jackson  of the county of  Waldo who was a Revolutionary Pensioner, that she has drawn a pension since his death at the rate of sixty six dollars and sixty six per annum, and is now a Pensioner under the Act of 2 d February 1848 that she now asks for all arrears or increase of Pension to which she may be enti- tled under any of the Acts or Resolutions of Congress applicable to her case, viz. 7 th July, 1838; 3 d March, 1843; 17 th June, 1844; 2 d February, 1848; Joint Resolution of 23 d January, 1845; and 1 st July, 1848; that she now resides in said County and State.
Witness, Mary Ann Roberts
her Elizabeth Rich mark
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year first above written.
Before me, Arthur M c Allen
Justice of the Peace.
Thereof my hand & seal

Report, Me. May 29, 1882.
Commission of Pensions
Sir, In the month of March last I wrote the Department in relation to a bal. of pension due the heirs of Elizabeth Rich widow, dec d . - the original pension certificate having been lost - the agent for paying pensions in Portland declined to pay the bal. due, unless authorized by the Commission. Will the Commission direct the payment to be made?
Respectfully yours N. K. Bradley

On file like
15
J. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Belfast (Me) Sept 25, 1848
J. S. Edwards Esq Com. of Pensions
Sir;
I enclose the Declaration of the following widows of Revolutionary Pensioners, made pursuant to the Act of Feb 2 d - 1848. viz.
Hannah Smith, Elizabeth Rich & Hannah Jordan
It is supposed by some persons, that an Act passed at the last Session of Congress making an allowance to certain widows, that were married prior to 1800 - if such an act was passed, will you please to favor me with a copy & the instructions &c
Respectfully Yours N. H. Bradburn

Bangor May 16. 1848
James L Colman's Esq Comr of Pensions. Sir
I take the liberty of inquiring whether Mrs Elizabeth Rich's Papers for arrears of Pension forwarded by me to you on the 19 th of March last have been received - My apology for troubling you is that nearly double the time has elapsed which a similar case sent by me last year occupied & hence I fear a mislaying of the Papers - on the 17 th April last I forwarded Mrs Mary Howes Papers which I presume were received -
Very Respectfully
Yours
Geo. B. Moody

March 23/98 Geo P Woodley for Elizabeth Rich wid of Dea. March 118.93
James P. Schumann Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Banga March 19. 1848
James P. Colwants Esq Commissioner of Pensions Sir
I have the honor of enclosing to you the Declaration of Mrs Eliza bett Rich for arrears of Pension under Reso- lution of 23 rd Jan y 1845 and if a certificate issues thereupon you will be kind enough to send it to me as her Agent.
I am Very Respectfully Your Obedient Geo. B. Moody

No Elizabeth Rich wid of Joel Mr act 7 May 1838 and first Revolution of 23 Jany 1845 added $66 40 remain from 4 March 1836 to 23 March 1838, from which time she has already been paid
Gro B Moody Esq. Bangor Me

- Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the Resolution of Congress of the 23 d January 1845.
Whereas, the Act of the 30 th of April 1844 prohibited me from drawing a pension for the same period during which my husband was a pensioner, I now make the following statement under oath to obtain the benefits of the Resolution of Congress above mentioned. I am the widow of Joel Rich who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution; I have drawn a pension at the rate of sixty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum from the 23 d day of March 1838, and now ask for the amount due me from the 4 th day of March 1836 to the 23 d day of March 1838 when my former pension commenced - I made my declaration before the 30 th of April 1844 and it was filed in the Pension Office before the 23 d of January 1845.
Witness Isaac Abbott James M c Rich
her Elisabeth K. Rich marks

- State of Maine -
Waldo SS. Sworn to and subscribed before me on this sixth day of March in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and forty eight at Jackson in said county of Waldo.
Before me, Isaac Abbot Justice of the Peace
I certify that the declarant is personally known to me and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit
Isaac Abbot, Justice of the Peace
I certify that the figure 5 as it now ap- pears in 1845 in said declaration at the end was put there before signing -
Isaac Abbot Justice of the Peace

State of Maine
Waldo I William H. Prentiss Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County, certify that Isaac Abbot is an existing Justice of the Peace in & for said County, that he is duly qualified to act as such; that his commission is dated February 8 th 1844 & will expire February 8 th 1851 & that the within signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of our Supreme Judicial Court this 18 th day of March A.D. 1848
W. H. Prentiss Clerk

Elizabeth Rich mo of Joel Mrs
act 7 May 1838 and bapt resolution 123° Nancy 45
Adria, # 66 th place
Mr & Mrs to

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the Resolution of Congress of the 23 rd January 1845.
Whereas the Act of the 30 th of April 1844, prohibited me from drawing a pension for the same period during which my Husband was a Pensioner, I now make the following statement under oath to obtain the benefits of the Resolution above mentioned - I am the Widow of Joel Rich who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution; I have drawn a Pension at the rate of sixty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum from the 23 rd day of March 1838 and now ask for the amount due me from the 4 th day of March 1836, to the 23 rd day of March 1838, when my former pension commenced - I made my declaration before the 30 th of April 1844, and it was filed in the Pension Office before the 23 rd of January 1845.
Witness Oliver S. Scriven Francis M. Rich
Elizabeth her X Rich Mark
State of Maine } ss. Waldo County { Sworn to and sub- scribed before me on this tenth day

of June in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty eight at Bethel in said County -
Thos T. Scribner Justice of the Peace
I certify that the Declarant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit -
Thos. T. Scribner Justice of the Peace -
State of Maine
Waldo Co
I William H. Pennoyer Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County certify that Thomas B. Disher is an acting Justice of the Peace in & for said County, that he is duly qualified to act as such; that his Commission is dated August 3 1847 & will expire August 2 1854 & that the above signatures purporting to be his are genuine -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of our Supreme Judicial Court for said State this fourteenth day of June A.D. 1848
W. H. Pennoyer Clerk

of June in the year one thousand eight hun- dred and forty eight at BROOKS in said county -
Thos S. Scribner Justice of the Peace
I certify that the Declarant is personally known to me, and that she is the same in- dividual she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit -
Thos. H. Scribner Justice of the Peace -
I hereby certify that my signature used as above is genuine and that my commission bears date August the thirty A.D. 1847
Thos S. Scribner

994 11. May 1843 Eloise B. B. B. Act 3 May 1843.
$66.66 per am
John Bradbury Belfast Washington 22
FREE

Belfast Me, May 3 rd 1843
Sir Enclosed is the Declaration of Elizabeth Stick in order to obtain the pension under the act of 3 rd March 1843. - The Certificate of pension can be sent to me -
I am respectfully yr N. H. Bradburn
J. L. Edwards Esq Com. of Pensions

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 3 d of March 1843 granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7, 1838.
State of Maine
Waldo County ss. On this twenty sixth day of April A.D. 1843. personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, Elizabeth Rich a resident of the town of Jackson County aforesaid aged eighty two years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3 d March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Joel Rich who was a private in Col. Phinney's Reg t in said war. That she was a pensioner under the act of 7 th July 1838, and received sixty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum. She further declares that she is still a widow
Witness. Isaac Abbot
Elisabeth her X Rich mark
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year
above written. Before Isaac Abbot Jus Peace
I further certify that the above named Elizabeth Rich is personally known to me. Isaac Abbot Jus Peace
(# certif. dates ap r 6. 1840.)

I William H. Burrill Clerk of the Judicial Court, for the County of Waldo, certify, that Isaac Abbot is a Magistrate as within, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my Seal of Office and subscribed my name this third day of May in the year Eighteen hundred and forty three.
W. H. Burrill Clerk.

Joel Rich M c act 1878- When last pd?
[Handwritten signature: JMC]
2 age 40
p d 4 th March 1838
SA

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, January 8. 1820.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services, in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Joel Rich is borne on a "Return of Captain Waterworth Stuart's Company in the 31 st Regt. of Foot Commanded by Col d Edmund Phinney. Sept. 29. 1775 with an Abstract of Pay due from the last of July inclusive" where it appears he enlisted from the town of Gorham on the 24 th day of May, and by the said "abstract of pay due" it further appears that the sum of £2.18.7 is placed against his name.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John D. Sleeper Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Jan 20. 1840 me not paid Eliz. Smith
FREE
L. Edwards Esq Commission of Pensions Washington D.C.

Belfast (Me.) Jany 11. 1840
Sir,
In the case of Widow Elizabeth Rich for pension, the enclosed Certificate I presume will be sufficient evidence to show the service of her late husband in 1775, which seems to be all that is wanting to make out the case by your letter of Oct. 8 th . I hope the certificate of pension will be forwarded in season for this poor woman to draw on the 4 th March next.
I am very respectfully Yr. Ob. Servt.
N. H. Bradbury
J. P. Edwards Esq. Com. Pensions

I Reuben Cookson, aged seventy five years. a pensioner 2 under the late law of Congress - do hereby on oath testify and declare, that I well knew Joel Rich , a continental soldier, in the war of 1812.
State of Maine.
Kennebec, ss:
The subscriber Clerk of all the Judicial courts within & for the County of Kennebec, do certify that Robert C. Vose, Esquire, before whom the annexed proceedings were had was at that time & now is a Justice of the Peace within and for the said County of Kennebec & duly qualified as such.
In testimony whereof, I subscribe my name & affix the County Seal of the said County of Kennebec this first day of September Anno Domini 1824.
R. C. Vose, Clerk.
C. J. C. C. Mear ~h

I Reuben Cookson, aged seventy five years. a pensioner under the late law of Congress - do hereby on oath testify and declare, that I well knew Isaac Rich , a continental soldier in the War of the revolution, to my knowledge the said Rich, enlisted in January 1776. and joined Col. Stewart's Company and Col. Phinney's Reg't he enlisted for one year and served to my knowledge more than ten months in Connecticut - when he procured a substitute which was accepted and the said Rich was discharged - I belonged to the same Company and well knew of the service of the said Isaac Rich - attested R. Cookson
State of Maine
Kennebec County March 18 th 1820. Reuben Cookson above to me well known to be as a credible witness, and made Oath to the truth of the above deposition by subscribed, the same being first read to him - before Robert C. Vose Justice of the Peace
Robert C. Vose Esq is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Kennebec. Nathan Weston 2 C.J. C.C.C. P.M.
C.J. C.C. P.M.
P. 1000000

I Job Hall, age sixty two years a pensioner under the late law of Congress - do upon oath testify and declare that I well knew Isaac Rich, a Continental soldier in the war of the revolution, to my knowledge the said Rich after serving in the first eight months Enlisted in December 1775. for the period of one year and joined Capt Stewart's Company and Col. Phinney's Regt. and after serving more than ten months in anticipation in said Company and regiment the said Rich procured a substitute one Mark Mace, and the said Rich was discharged - I belonged to the same company & Regiment and well knew of the service and discharge of the said Rich. Job Hall mark attest. R. O'Con
State of Maine
Kennebec County
March 29 th 1820
Personally appeared Job Hall, above named to me well known and he made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed - and I certify that the truth is in my opinion a credible witness -
Before me Robert L. Vose Justice of the Peace
Robert L. Vose Esq. before named is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Kennebec.
Nathan Weston Clerk. CC. P.M.

Elisabeth Rich
20
1818

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of 2 d Feb y 1848, entitled "An act making further provision for surviving widows and soldiers of the Revolution."
State of Maine, Waldo County ss; On this eleventh day of August 1848, personally appeared before me, Isaac Abbot a Justice of the Peace in and for said County - Elizabeth Rich a resident of Jackson in said County, aged eighty eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2 d February 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Joel Rich who was a private in the Army of the Revolution.
That she received sixty six dollars 66 cents per annum as a pension under the act of 17 th June 1844. She further declares that she is still a widow,
Witness - Ellen Varney
Elisabeth her Rich mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written by Elizabeth Rich who is personally known to me,
Before Isaac Abbot
a Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Waldo - Maine

State of Maine Waldo County ss.
I William H. Burritt clerk of the Judicial County for said County, certify that Isaac Abbot is a Magistrate as within, and that the foregoing certificate purporting to be his, is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this twenty fifth day of September A. D. 1848
W. H. Burritt Clerk

Veterans Administration Bureau. Washington D. C.
Paymaster:
Have you any record of these two Rev. Soldiers?
✓ Joel Rich - Eastern Mass. and
Francis Earsley , Hearsley or perhaps Ensley of N. J.
We may not have the correct spelling of the latter name but know he served under Gen. Washington.
Very Truly Yours
Mrs. Sara Higgins P. O. Box 1, Brooktondale

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Josh 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.
24,758     DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1775 8 mos. Private ✓ ✓ Maine   Dec. 1775 10 mos. Nathaniel Stewart Shiner Mass.        
Battles engaged in, ✓
Residence of soldier at enlistment, ✓
Date of application for pension, Apr. 4, 1818. The claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Lockswood Plantation, Hancock Co., Maine.
Age at date of application, inst. 68 yrs. born at Paris, Maine.
Remarks: Sol. man. Gorham. Married March 16 1779. Elizabeth Cates. He died Mch. 22, 1838. She was allowed pension on her application July 24, 1839 while 79 yrs. of age & a resident of Jackson, Waldo Co., Me. Children referred to in 1826: Thomas 38 yrs.; Levi 19; Anna 17 & Sarah 13 yrs.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.