Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20,020, for Nehemiah Richards, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Richards, Nehemiah W. 200020 Hannah
CONTENTS
[Blank lined area for entries]
[Blank lined area for entries]

2167 Massachusetts
Hannah Richards widow of Nehemiah Richards who was a Private in the Massachusetts line.
Letter to Hon. Julius Rockwell March 21 st 1844
Rep. 20. Dec. 1843
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 38 Dollars 94 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Date of widow's death - not on Q.B.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of December 1843 and sent to Honorable J. C. Bates
United States Senate
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 1. Page 52.

6971. Massachusetts
Neheariah Richards
of Hamp d in the State of Mass s who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg t commanded by Col l Bailey in the War d time for 16 Days 11 Days.
Mass. State
74 Hamp. Sh.
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass s at the rate of 54 Dollars 54 Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 th day of Jan y 1833 and due to him J. B. Bale F r of Rep t
Arrears to the 4th of Jan y 1833 $109.08 Pension allowance ending 4 th Feb y 27.27 $136.35
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. H. Blair Clerk, Book D. Vol. 2 nd Page 96.

N o 4355 Nehemiah Richards
Purah 16 mo & 11 days
Retires Not Credit to be credible Nov 24 1832
Adm
504.54.
M rs H. B. Wales
G. P. Huntington Northampton Mass

BRIEF in the case of Nehemiah Richards of the County of Hampshire in the State of Mass. (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the Declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? L  3. How old is he? 72 years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years. Months. Days.     In 1775 Dec. — 6  1 24  15 Private Col. Bailey, Capt. Snow   '76 Jan. — 1 15 do. Same Col. Capt. Turner   " June — 5 20 do. Col. Crary, Capt. Pool   77-78 Eng. — 1 15 do. Col. Sprout, Capt. Keith   " 78 Summer — 1 15 do. Col. Carpenter, Capt. Packard   75-77 Substituted for John Rich 15 Private Capt. Wood & Lt. Burhanks   1780 July — — 11 Private on a farm on R. Island  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? R. Island, slightly wounded, twice.  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Abington  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Depositions  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
ms 44-1-12
Levin D. D. P. Examining Clerk.

Declaration St. Michael
Nehemiah Richards Esq N o 4365 Declaration

DECLARATION, in order to secure the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Hampshire COUNTY OF Worcester , ss.
ON this twentieth day of August in the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court, before me Samuel Hinsdell Justice of the Court — now sitting Nehemiah Richards a resident of Gummington in the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged Twenty Two 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 7th 1832.
THAT he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
I Nehemiah Richards aforesaid, was born at Shington in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts , January 14 th 1760, I was a resident of said Shington twenty three years, of Plainfield a town contiguous to said Gummington one year, and the remaining forty eight years of my life I have resided in Gummington aforesaid. All my Revolutionary services were performed when an inhabitant of Shington in said County of Plymouth , it being in the vicinity of the commencement of the Revolutionary war, and about forty miles from Rhode Island and lying between the last mentioned Place and Boston . Hence we were subject to frequent alarms in consequence of the approach and sometimes anticipated approach of the enemy. Being thus situated will I hope be an apology for adding small items to my account of services, which amount in all I think, to not far from twelve months; omitting at the same time, several days at different times, spent in transporting baggage for, and otherwise aiding the, troops in their march against the enemy. My first entering the service of my country, of which I can obtain the testimony of a living witness, was by an enlistment for six weeks into a company commanded by Capt Nathan Snow and Regt by Col. John Bailey , in December 1775, I think, and it was performed in Dorbury Mass in the immediate vicinity of Boston , the head quarters of the British troops at that time, in part, by cutting fascines to facilitate the fortifying of Dorchester heights , and guarding against the approach of the enemy, which was within fair cannon shot. I next entered the service for six weeks under Capt. Tuane and I think Lieut. Noyes ; Regt. of Col. John Bailey , and was employed in building fortifications on Dorchester heights , which commanded Boston  Harbour and the British shipping, said service was performed in Feb and March 1776, soon after which the British evacuated Boston and the harbour was cleared of their shipping. I next enlisted into the service of my country sometime in June 1776 into a company commanded by Capt. Jacob Root , and Regt. by Col. Carey , and marched from Shington June 30 th for New York through Providence R.I. crossed the Connecticut River at East Haddam and passed on to New Haven Ct. and there took shipping, sailed up Long Island Sound , passed through East Gate to the south part of the city of New York , and remained in that vicinity until

ted Boston and the harbour was cleared of their shipping, & next morning into the service of my country sometime in June 1776 into a company commanded by Capt. Jacob Root, and Regt. by Col. Carey, and marched from Shington June 30th for New York through Providence R.I. crossed the Connecticut River at Fort Gladden and passed on to New Haven Ct. and there took shipping, sailed up Long Island Sound, passed through Hart Gate to the south part of the city of New York, and remained in that vicinity until the British took possession of the city, and then retreated from the city north towards Kings Bridge, in which retreat we were nearly intercepted by
the British troops and received a heavy fire of musketry, there being in the retreat at that place one Brigade only under General Sullivans. The Brigade crossed Kings Bridge and continued their retreat with the main Army to White Plains in State of New York and remained there and in the vicinity for five months for which term of time I had enlisted, and were dismissed at Cratons Manor in November 1776. During this campaign I suffered almost intolerable privations for want of a tent, food and clothing. My next service was at North Kingston R.I. in the winter of 1777 and 1778, having enlisted from the militia into a company commanded by Capt. Keith and Regt. I think, by Col. Sprout, raised for three months, and served the last half of that period, and one David Forrey by agreement at the time of enlistment the other half. The company being divided to guard the shores, I was under the immediate com- mands of Lieut. Joshua Shaw of the same company. My next service was on Rhode Island in the State of Rhode Island having enlisted for six weeks into a company commanded by Capt. Nathan Packard, and Regt. by Col. Carpenter I believe, in Gen. Sullivans expedition in the summer of 1778. I think in July and August, and I think we crossed the east passage on to the north end of the Island the fore part of August, at the time of the expected co-operation of the French fleet and army commanded by Admiral D'Estaing, being disappointed in this co-operation the whole Army retired from the Island, after taking possession of a Fort, which the enemy had abandoned and remaining on the Island near Newport several weeks. — The Brigade of Gen. Lovell, to which I belonged, was on the right wing of our army, and the enemy attempting to force that wing, we were brought into an action in which I was slightly wounded divine, but the enemy completely repulsed in that attempt. I served during the several subsequent campaigns for which I enlisted and was dismissed without any written discharges.
Of the following services of short duration I can obtain the testimony of no living witness viz. I served as substitute for Joseph Richards one week at Roxbury, in the summer of 1775 in a company commanded by Capt. William Reed, I also served as substitute for the said Joseph Richards one week on Coastle Hill (now Fort Independence) in the summer of 1777 under Lieut. Burhanks. I also served eleven days at an alarm in July I believe 1780, in the State of Rhode Island. I have no record of my age, but suppose it is on Town Clerks Books in Shington aforesaid. My nearest neighbours are Messrs Joseph Brewth, Ebenezer Hunt, Thomas Cook, and Luther Packard, those at a greater distance with whom I am acquainted are the Hon. S. C. Bates Rep. presentative to Congress from the County of Hampshire and Hon. G. N. Briggs Representative from the County of Berkshire, and he was My services were done in the militia of Massachusetts G. Packard
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Before me Samuel Hinckley Judge of Probate for P. County

We Moses Hallock a Clergyman residing in the Plainfield and Jason Richards residing in Plainfield hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Nehemiah Richards who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 72 years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Moses Hallock Jason Richards Samuel Winckley Judge of Probate
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 mentioned applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that Nehemiah Richards Moses Hallock who signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the Town of Auburn Plainfield and that Col. Jason Richards who has also signed the same is a resident in the Plainfield and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Samuel Winckley Judge of Probate
I Sam F. Lyman Register Clerk of the Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Nehemiah Richards for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this twentieth day of August in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty two.
Sam F. Lyman Register
Declaration of Jason Richards

I James Richards of Plainfield in the county of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts have knowledge of services done by Nehemiah Richards of Cummington in said county at several periods. Of the first of his services I have not so clear a recollection as to recognize his identity, but well remember his absence from his and my fathers house for the well known purpose of being in the war of the revolution at Roxbury in the immediate vicinity of Boston near the commencement of the year 1776 for six weeks during which time the fortifications were built on Dorchester heights and after his alleged service in a company commanded by Capt Nathan Snow of both of which services I have no doubt.
I have also the same recollection of his services at New York, by an enlistment into a company commanded by Capt Jacob Post and the Regiment by Col. Carey for five months in the summer and autumn of 1776.
I also have personal knowledge of his being in the revolutionary service at North Kingston in the state of Rhode Island for one month and a half in the company commanded by, I think, Capt. Welch. This service was performed in the winter of 1777 and 1778 from the militia raised for three months, served the last half of that period, and one David Sorey by agreement at the time of enlistment served the other first half. The company being divided to guard the shores he was under the immediate command of Lieut. Joshua Shaw of that company.
I also have personal knowledge of his services on Rhode Island by an enlistment from the militia for six weeks into a company commanded by Capt. Nathan Packard (the Col. I do not recollect) in the Brigade of General Sowell in an expedition of General Sullivan in the summer of 1778.
The means by which I have knowledge of the two last named services was by being in the same service at the same time. The above enlistments were all made at Abington in the county of Plymouth and state of Massachusetts.
James Richards
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire to wit Plainfield August 6th 1832 personally appeared James Richards of Plainfield in said county and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed before me
John Mark
} one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said county
Hampshire ss Dec 75 1832
I hereby further certify that James Richards the above deponent is a person of Credibility John Mark, Jus Pax

James Richards Esq Affidavit W Richards Esq
James Richards for W. Richards

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire ss.
I Solomon Stoddard Clerk of the Judicial Court of the Commonwealth for the County of Hampshire do certify, that John Mack Esquire whose signature is affixed to the within certificate was at the date thereof one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth, and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity, and that the signature to the said certificate is known by me to be the hand writing of the said John Mack —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth this fifteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty two —
S. Stoddard Clerk

2834
Richards
Mark
cit 7 July 38
m 82. a 37
11 mo. 20 only claimed under will of 7 June 32-
Adm
11 mo. 22 d pr
$38.94/100
died 16 Jany 37
pen: Com: 17 Jany 37
E. Jack and Cummings W. Mass
2834 Kumrah Richards
Declaration
m 82. a 37

2834
Richards Mass at 7 July 38 m 82 a 37
11 mo. 20 only claimed under act of 7 June 32 - Adm
11 mo. 22.0 per
$38.94/100
died 16 Jany 37 pen: com: 17 Jany 37
E Packard Committee to Mass
2834 Kannah Richards
Declaration
m 82 a 37

State of Massachusetts } ss Hampshire County }
On this Sixteenth day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight Personally appeared before the Hon. Nathaniel Conkey Judge of Probate within and for said County Hannah Richards a resident of Cummington in the County of Hampshire and State aforesaid aged seventy seven 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 7. 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows. That she is the Widow of Nehemiah Richards who was a private in the War of the Revolution and served under Capt. Snow and Puchara in Col. Bailly & Carey Regiments the length of time he was in the service she is unable to state and the place where said service was performed excepting at one time he was on Rhode Island at the time Gen. Sullivan retreated from it. The evidence of her late Husband's service was forwarded to the War department in the fall of 1832 for which he received a pension certificate for the sum of fifty four dollars and fifty four cents dated March 11. 1833.
She further declares that she was married to the said Nehemiah Richards on the twentieth day of May in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty two that her husband the aforesaid Nehemiah Richards died on the fifteenth day of January one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January sixteen hundred and ninety four viz at the time above stated.
Hannah Richards
Sworn and subscribed this day and year above written Before Nathaniel Conkey Judge of Probate
I, N. Lyman Register of the Court of Probate in said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Hannah Richards for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 16 th day of October A.D. 1838. Sam. L. Lyman Regt of Probate

"April the twelfth one thousand seven hundred and Eighty two Nehemiah Richards and Hannah Shaw was Married by the Rev James Briggs"
This may certify that the above extract is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows "April the 12 1782"
Eliphat Packard Clerk of the town of Cummington
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Cummington Hampshire County Oct 12 1838
I Eliphat Packard above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the Town County and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town of Cummington with the exceptions above named as certified by me
Eliphat Packard Clerk of the Town of Cummington
Sworn before me
Wm Packard
Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampshire ss
I Samuel J Lyman Register of the Court of Probate within and for the said County of Hampshire do hereby certify that William Packard Esq before whom the above deposition was taken was at the date thereof one of the justices of the peace within and for said County duly and regularly appointed and that the signature thereto annexed purporting to be his I know to be genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this sixteenth day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight
Sam J Lyman Regt Prob

I John Brutt of Cummington in the County of Hampshire and State of Massachusetts of lawful age do hereby say that Nehemiah Richards my late of said Cummington deceased who was at the time of his death a prisoner of the United States did to my certain knowledge on the fifteenth day of January one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven and that he left Hannah Richards his widow now resident in said Cummington who has ever since the death of her said husband remained a widow.  Cummington Oct 15 1838. John Brutt
State of Massachusetts } ss Hampshire County }
On this fifteenth day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before me John Brutt who is a credible person and subscribed and swore to the truth of the foregoing affidavit.  Eliphalet Packard Justice of the Peace
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Hampshire ss.
I, SAMUEL F. LYMAN, Register of the Court of Probate within and for said County of Hampshire, do hereby certify that Eliphalet Packard Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that the signature thereto annexed purporting to be his, I know to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this sixteenth day of October A. D. 1838.
Samuel F. Lyman Register of Probate

April 7, 1938
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mr. C. R. Richards 9 West Irving Street Chevy Chase, Maryland
NEHEMIAH RICHARDS W. 20020 BA-J/MLB
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of Nehemiah Richards (with two carbon copies of same), of Abington, Massachusetts, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
You are furnished herein, as requested, the record of Nehemiah Richards as found in the papers on file in pension claim, W. 20020, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
Nehemiah Richards was born January 14, 1760, in Abington, Plymouth County, Massachusetts. The names of his parents are not shown.
While residing with his father in Abington, Massachusetts, Nehemiah Richards enlisted in the summer of 1775, as a substitute for one Joseph Richards, whose relationship to him was not designated, and served one week as private in Captain William Reed's Massachusetts company, stationed at Roxbury. He enlisted in December, 1775, and served six weeks as private in Captain Nathan Snow's company, Colonel John Bailey's Massachusetts regiment, again stationed at Roxbury engaged in guarding Dorchester Heights which commanded Boston Harbour. He enlisted in February, 1776, served six weeks as private in Captain Turner's company, Colonel John Bailey's Massachusetts regiment and assisted in building fortifications at Dorchester Heights. He enlisted in June, 1776, and served five months as private in Captain Jacob Poole's company, Colonel Carsey's Massachusetts regiment, stationed in the vicinity of New York City until it was taken by the British and he was in the retreat from New York towards Kings Bridge. He served a tour of one week in the summer of 1777 as a substitute for Joseph Richards in Castle William (later Fort Independence) under Lieutenant Burbank in the Massachusetts troops. He enlisted in the winter of 1777-1778, served one and one half months as private in Captain Keith's company, Colonel Sprout's Massachusetts regiment. He enlisted in the summer of 1778, served as private in Captain Nathan Packard's company, Colonel Carpenter's Massachusetts regiment in General Sullivan's Expedition

to Rhode Island, length of tour six weeks. During his service in Rhode Island, he was in an engagement with the British near Newport, in which he received two slight wounds. He served, also, eleven days in July, 1780, on an alarm in Rhode Island, names of officers for that tour not given.
Nehemiah Richards resided in Abington, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, twenty-three years; one year in Plainfield, Hampshire County, then moved to Cummington, same county, Massachusetts.
The soldier was allowed pension on his application executed August 20, 1832, while residing in Cummington, Massachusetts. He died there January 15, 1837.
Nehemiah Richards married Hannah Shaw in Cummington, Massachusetts April 12, 1782, as shown by a copy of the marriage record found in the Town Clerk's Office of Cummington, or May 20, 1782, as stated by soldier's widow.
Hannah Richards, widow of Nehemiah, was allowed pension on her application executed October 16, 1836, at which time she was aged seventy-seven years and a resident of Cummington, Massachusetts, where she was still living in 1844.
Reference was made to children of Nehemiah Richards and his wife, Hannah, but no names designated as children.
In 1832, soldier's brother, James Richards, of Plainfield, Massachusetts, age not stated, testified that he served with Nehemiah in 1777 and 1778. In 1832, reference was made to Colonel Jason Richards living in Plainfield, Massachusetts, his relationship to the soldier, Nehemiah, was not stated.
In order to obtain date of last payment of pension, the name and address of the person paid and possibly the date of death of Hannah Richards, widow of Nehemiah, you should write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data: Hannah Richards, widow of Nehemiah Richards, certificate #2167, issued December 19, 1843, rate $38.94 per annum, commenced March 4, 1843, Act of March 3, 1843, Massachusetts Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 20020 Kannah Richards Widow of Nehemiah Richards Prin New Mar
Act: March 3 rd 48
Index:—Vol. M Page 164
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1895 Feb. 2 "Hist." Mr. Elias Bryce Bureau of 1935 Jan. 20 - Hist. to Mr. Irving L. Richards M.L.S. 1938 Mr. T. M. A. Richards copy of Preston copy
D Purvis
E I

I Jacob Snow of Windsor in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do hereby and say that I have personal knowledge of services done by William Richards of Cummington County of Hampshire Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the war of the Revolution viz he in the year 1776 some time in June enlisted into a company commanded by Capt Jacob Peabody Regiment by Col. Cary for five months and he received his discharge from Abington on the 30th of June of that year and in said company until the expiration of the term of his enlistment and discharge.
I also have knowledge of his service at North Kingston in the state of Rhode Island for one month and half in a company commanded by Capt. Smith Regiment by Col. Sprout this service was performed in guarding the shores west of Newport in said state against the invasion of the enemy who were in possession of said Newport several during that period and discharged.
I also have knowledge of his services on Rhode Island in the state of Rhode Island during six weeks by an enlistment into a company commanded by Capt. Nathan Packard Regiment by Col. Carpenter saw him in a battle with the enemy slightly wounded he served during the term of his enlistment and discharged. The Brigade commanded by Gen. Lavel Division by Gen. Sullivan. The means by which I know of his services is by being in the same company in each campaign.
Jacob Snow
Hampshire ss August 13 1832 Personally appeared Jacob Snow and made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed before me Eliphalet Packard Justice of the Peace.
Hampshire ss Dec 13 1832 I hereby certify that Jacob Snow the above deponent is a credible person. Eliphalet Packard Justice of the Peace.

Jacob Snow Affidavit W. Richards Esq.
Jacob Snow for M. Nichols

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampshire
I Solomon Stoddard Clerk of the Judicial Court of the Commonwealth for the County of Hampshire do certify that Eliphalet Park and figure where signature is affixed to the within Certificate was at the date thereof one of the Justices of the Peace within & for said County duly Commissioned and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth - and that full faith and credit is, and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity and that the signature to the said certificate is known by me to be the handwriting of the said Eliphalet Park and
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth this fifteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
S. Stoddard Clerk

Vinson Curtis for Mr. Richards
Vinson Curtis Affidavit N. Richards Esq
22/1 38

I Vinson Curtis of Plainfield in the county of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do testify and say I have knowledge of the services of Nehemiah Richards of Cummington in said county in the war of the revolution done by an enlistment into a company commanded by Capt Nathan Snow and Regiment by Col John Bailey for six weeks said service commencing in December 1775 and performed at Roxbury in the immediate vicinity of Boston and before the fortification on Dorchester heights.
Vinson Curtis
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire to wit Plainfield August 6th 1832 personally Vinson Curtis of Plainfield in said county and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed before me
John Mark,
} one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said county
Wamphier fs Dec 15-1832 I hereby further certify that Vinson Curtis the above deponent is a person of credibility John Mark, Justice Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire
I Solomon Stoddard Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth for the County of Hampshire, do certify that John Mark Engane whose signature is affixed to the within certificate was at the date thereof one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County duly Commissioned and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth: and that full faith and credit is, and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity and that the signature to said certificate is known by me to be the hand writing of the said John Mark —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth this fifteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
S. Stoddard Clerk

Wormwood Rubus
$38.94
Hn. H. Bates - Senate -
2556

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of the 3 d March 1842 granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7 th 1835
State of Massachusetts Hampshire County ss.
On this twentieth day of July 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid Hannah Richards a resident of Farmington in the County aforesaid aged Eighty two years who is personally known to me 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 of March 1842 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Nehemiah Richards who was a private in the Army of the Revolution in Capt. Snow and Richards Company in Col. Backus and Cargey Regiments and that she received a pension under the act of July 7 th 1835 of thirty nine dollars and ninety four cents per annum.
She further declares that she still is a Widow.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Hampshire ss.
I, Samuel Wells, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Hampshire, do certify, that Eliphalee Peckham Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereto annexed, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned, and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity; and that I, am acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Eliphalee Peckham and believe his signature to said certificate to be true.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said Commonwealth, this twenty eighth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three
Samuel Wells Clerk.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of the 3 rd March 1842 granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7 th 1835
State of Massachusetts Hampshire County ss.
On this twentieth day of July 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid Hannah Richards a resident of Cummington in the County aforesaid aged Eighty two years who is personally known to me who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed on the 3 rd of March 1842 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Nehemiah Richards who was a private in the Army of the Revolution in Capt. Snow and Packard's Company and Col. Badger and Clegg's Regiments and that she received a pension under the act of July 7 th 1835 of thirty nine dollars and ninety four cents per annum.
She further declares that she still is a Widow Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written
Hannah Richards mark
Before me Elizabeth Packard justice of the peace Witnesses: Pamelia Mitchell.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire ss. I Sam l S. Dymore Register of the Court within and for said County of Hampshire do hereby certify that Elizabeth Packard Esquire before whom the above declaration was sworn was at the time thereof one of the Justices within and for said County duly and regularly appointed & that the signature thereto purporting to be his I know to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 25 th day of July A.D. 1843
Sam l S. Dymore Reg t of Probate

Ann J. Rockwell
(Mar. 21. 1844)

Sir
P Sen At March 21. '44
I return you the letter of Mr Packard & enclose a form to enable Hannah Richards to obtain the annuity due her -
In the case of the widow of a dec d pension- er, who died alive subsequently to the passage of the act of 4 July 36 & was married before Jan'y 9/44 she is entitled & it is competent for her children to assert her claim & receive the amount due her at her death - The same annuity is given to the other enquiries of your correspondent
Hon. Julius Rockwell N.Y.

Dear J. Rockwell Sept 3, 1849

Sir
Pen off Aug 5th 3 44
In the case of Hannah Richards I have the honor to inform you that the interpretation under which she claims arrears under act 7. July 38 has been overruled by the act of 30 ap l last which provides that "no pension shall hereafter be granted to a widow for the same time that her husband rec d one" She is therefore not entitled
Hon: J Rockwell Pittsfield Mass-

Dear Sir
House of Reps April 16. 1846
I enclose to you, at request of Eliphalet Purchart Esq, of Bloomington, Mass - The Declaration of Henrich Richards for arrears of pension
Respectfully yours
J. L. Edwards Esq Comm ee of Pensions
J. Rockwell

N o 4365.
Nehemiah Richards

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Nehemiah Richards which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned 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 determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? no
And is the official character and signature of the magistrate certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes .
 EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants 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.
†QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain arrears of Pension due from March 4, 1836, under the act of July 7, 1838.
On this sixth day of April 1844, personally appeared before the Subscriber a justice of the Peace  Hannah Packard resident of Leicester in the County of Hampshire aged Eighty two
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Hampshire ss.
I, Samuel Wells, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth for the County of Hampshire, do certify, that Eliphalel Packard Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the proper hereto annexed, was at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned, and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Eliphalel Packard and believe his signature to said certificate to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said Commonwealth, this ninth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four .
Samuel Wells
Clerk.

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain arrears of Pension due from March 4, 1836, under the act of July 7, 1838.
On this sixth day of April 1844, personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace  Hannah Richards a resident of Connington in the County of Hampshire aged eighty two years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following de- claration, in order to obtain the amount of pension which she claims from the 4th of March, 1836, to the fifteenth day of January 1837 from which period she has been already paid under the act of the 7th July, 1838. And the declarant further alleges that she is still the widow of Nehemiah Richards who was a Private during the revolutionary war; that her pension was allowed at the rate of thirty eight dollars and ninety four cents per annum, and was paid to her at the Agency in Boston in the State of Massachusetts And further she saith not.
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before me Elizabeth Peck as a Justice of the Peace  Hannah Richards mark
(N. B.—In case the widow should have died since receiving the pension, her children must make application for the arrears, and prove before a Court of record that they are her children. The administrator of the deceased widow may, if the children are willing, receive the money. The papers must be properly authenticated.)

Nehemiah Richards Mass. at 7 June 32. when last paid? 6 Feb 39. G. M. C.
Since 16 th Jan. 1837 p. 4. that period 217

Let. 6 Packer, May 7: 29
Massachusetts 2678
Hannah Richard widow of Nehemiah Richard who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 th June 22 and who died on the 15 th January 1827 of Hampshire in the State of Massachusetts who was a P er in the Company commanded by Captain Drown of the Reg t commanded by Baily in the Mass ts line for 11 mos 22
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass ts at the rate of 38 Dollars 94 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836. 16 th January 1827
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 th day of May '29, and sent to S. Packer, Concord, Mass ts
Arrears to the 4 th of March - $ 85. 46 Semi-annual allowance ending 19. 47 $104.93
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by R Burdick Clerk, Book Vol. 1 - Page 126.

Letter to Mr. Rockwell Sept 30 1844

REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
O. W. & N. Div.
MEMORANDA.
Please supply as much as possible of the data called for below.
Full name of soldier:
Nehemiah Richards
Place of residence before service: (Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Somewhere in Mass
Place of residence after service: (Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Same
Date of death (as near as possible):
About 1837
Christian name of widow:
Hannah Richards
Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
Yes & Ascentain
Remarks:
It is known just what the organization was in which he served but Mass Troops.
Your name and address:
Silas Boyle, Southern Div., Pension Office.

9 WEST IRVING STREET CHEVY CHASE, MD.
OK Mar 25, 1938
Mr. A. D. Hill Executive Assistant to the Administrator, Dear Sir:
Please send to me the facts in re service of Nehemiah Richards of Abington St. Ctr, Mass., in the Revolutionary war, given in your letter of Jan 20, 1938 (W. 20020 - BA JFM B), to Irving R. Richards of 3207 McComb St. D. C.
If you can enclose 2 carbons it would please me greatly. Very truly yours Clifford R. Richards

Mr. Irving R. Richards 3307 McEub St. N.W. Washington, D.C.
(Employee of the Vet. Admin.) Branch 957.
Requested by telephone the Rev. War record of Nehemiah Richards of Abington, Plainfield and Cummington, Mass.
January 19-1938 MST

January 20, 1938
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mr. Irving R. Richards 3307 McComb Street, N. W., Washington, D. C.
NEHEMIAH RICHARDS W. 20020 BA-J/MLB
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your request by telephone January 19, 1938, for the Revolutionary War record of Nehemiah Richards, of Abington, Plainfield and Cummington, Massachusetts.
You are furnished herein the record of Nehemiah Richards as found in pension claim, W. 20020, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
Nehemiah Richards was born January 14, 1760, in Abington, Plymouth County, Massachusetts. The names of his parents are not shown.
While residing with his father in Abington, Massachusetts, Nehemiah Richards enlisted in the summer of 1775, as a substitute for one Joseph Richards, whose relationship to him was not designated, and served one week as private in Captain William Reed's Massachusetts company, stationed at Roxbury. He enlisted in December, 1775, and served six weeks as private in Captain Nathan Snow's company, Colonel John Bailey's Massachusetts regiment, again stationed at Roxbury engaged in guarding Dorchester Heights which commanded Boston Harbour. He enlisted in February, 1776, and served six weeks as private in Captain Turner's company, Colonel John Bailey's Massachusetts Regiment and assisted in building fortifications at Dorchester Heights. He enlisted in June, 1776, and served five months as private in Captain Jacob Poole's company, Colonel Carey's Massachusetts regiment, stationed in the vicinity of New York City until it was taken by the British and he was in the retreat from New York towards Kings Bridge. He served a tour of one week in the summer of 1777 as a substitute for Joseph Richards in Castle William (later Fort Independence) under Lieutenant Burbank in the Massachusetts troops. He enlisted in the winter of 1777-1778, served one and one half months as private in Captain Keith's company, Colonel Sprout's Massachusetts regiment. He enlisted in the summer of 1778, served as private in Captain Nathan Packard's company, Colonel Carpenter's Massachusetts regiment in General Sullivan's Expedition to Rhode Island, length of tour six weeks. During his service in Rhode

Island, he was in an engagement with the British near Newport, in which he received two slight wounds. He served, also, eleven days in July, 1780, on an alarm in Rhode Island, names of officers for that tour not given.
The soldier was a resident of Abington, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, twenty-three years; resided one year in Plainfield, Hampshire County, then moved to Cummington, same county, Massachusetts.
Nehemiah Richards was allowed pension on his application executed August 20, 1832, while residing in Cummington, Massachusetts. He died there January 15, 1837.
Nehemiah Richards married Hannah Shaw in Cummington, Massachusetts, April 12, 1782, as shown by a copy of the marriage record found in the Town Clerk's Office of Cummington, or May 20, 1782, as stated by soldier's widow.
Hannah Richards, widow of Nehemiah, was allowed pension on her application executed October 16, 1838; at which time she was aged seventy-seven years and a resident of Cummington, Massachusetts, where she was still living in 1844.
Reference was made to children of Nehemiah Richards and his wife, Hannah, but no names designated as such.
In 1832, soldier's brother, James Richards of Plainfield, Massachusetts, age not stated, testified that he served with him in 1777 and 1778. In 1832, reference was made to Colonel Jason Richards living in Plainfield, Massachusetts, his relationship to the soldier, Nehemiah, not shown.
In order to obtain date of last payment of pension, the name and address of the person paid and possibly the date of death of Nehemiah Richards' widow, Hannah, you should write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data: Hannah Richards, widow of Nehemiah Richards, certificate #2167, issued December 19, 1843, rate $38.94 per annum, commenced March 4, 1843, Act of March 3, 1843, Massachusetts Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

O. W. & N. Division.
F. S.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.,
February 2, 1895.
Sir:-
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of + NEMENIAH RICHARDS + 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.     Dec., 1775 8 weeks Pri. Nathan Snow John Bailey Mass.   Summer, 1775 1 week Substitute -- John Read John Bailey "   March, 1776 8 weeks Pri. Turner John Bailey "   June, 1776 8 mo. " Jacob Pool Chey "   Winter, 1777 8 weeks " Keith Sprea "   Summer, 1777 1 week Subst. Lieut. Burbank ----- "   Summer, 1778 2 weeks Pri. Nathan Packard Carpenter "   July, 1780 11 days " Not stated Not stated "  
Battles engaged in, Skirmish on Rhode Island. Residence of soldier at enlistment, Abington, Mass. Date of application for pension, Aug. 20, 1832. Residence at date of application, Cummington, Mass. Age at date of application, Born, Abington, Mass., Jan. 14, 1760.
Remarks: He married Hannah Snow April 12, 1782, and died January 15, 1857.
Mr. Silas Boyce, Bureau of Pensions.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Richards, Paul GRADE Private LINE Maryland
WARRANT NUMBER 11633 ACREAGE _____ ISSUED January 4, 1796 To — not shown —
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.