Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 33,556, for Abel Richardson, Massachusetts

SERVICE
Mass.
Richardson, Abel
NUMBER
S. 33,556
CONTENTS
[Lined area for handwritten entries]
[Lined area for handwritten entries]

10,133
Massachusetts.
Abel Richardson.
of Ashley, — in the state of Mass who was a Private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Gailly of the Mass line, for the term of One year,
Inscribed on the roll of Mass at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 30 th of April 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 th of Dec 1819 and Sam Dana Esq. Salem Mass.
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1819 121.33 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 Mar 1820 18.
5/31 mo Dols. 139.33
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Discontinued
Notification sent to Hon. Brigadier General Vose No. Cambridge Massachusetts.

Abel Richardson
Proof of service in Greston's reg. required, and judge's certificate of indigence.
not on Rolls. (except for Smith.)

To the Honorable JOHN C. CALHOUN, Secretary of the Department of War of the United States.
I, the undersigned Samuel Dana , Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Middle Circuit, (comprehending the Counties of Essex and Middlesex) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being a Court of Record, duly established by Law, Do hereby certify, That on the thirtieth day of April in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen Personally appeared Abel Richardson and made and subscribed the declaration which is hereunto annexed. and at the same time he exhibited to me a certificate dated Feb y 11. 1779 purporting to be signed by Thos s Doty Ser t
from which it appears to me, that the said Abel Richardson did serve in the War of the REVOLUTION, against the common Enemy, upwards of nine months.
Wherefore, in pursuance of the directions of an Act of Congress, made and passed the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, entitled, "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," I have transmitted the said Declaration & Certificate to you the said Secretary, that such further proceedings may be had in the premises, as the said Act may require.
In testimony of all which, I have caused the Seal of said Court to be hereunto affixed.
Given under my hand within the said Circuit, the thirtieth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen .
Sam d Dana
Samuel Dana Chief Justice above described do further that Abel Richardson above named is a poor man in reduced circumstances, & that he stands in need of assistance for his support
Sam d Dana

Abel Richardson
1800-1850

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Be it remembered that on this Thirteenth day of April in the year of our Lord One Thousand, eight hundred and eighteen before one Samuel Dana Chas justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the middle Circuit comprehending the Counties of Essex and Middlesex in the Commonwealth aforesaid being a Court of Record duly established by law comes Abel Richardson of Ashby  Town in said County of Middlesex, and on Oath declares that he served in the war of the Revolution against the common Enemy, three years and one month
He entered the service at the commencement of the war and served at Cambridge eight months - He then enlisted upon the Continental establishment for one year, he was in Capt. Brins Company in Col. Graytons Regiment in the Massachusetts line, but was ordered to march upon Dr. Holbrook's Regiment in Col. Graytons Regiment, and part of the time upon Wm. Ware a Quaker Master, he completed a year under that engagement and returned home, but does not remember that he had any further discharge given to him. — The next year engaged for nine months upon the Continental establishment and was in Capt. Drew Company in Col. Baileys Col. Regiment where he completed his term and was discharged in the month of February One Thousand seven hundred and ninety nine —
The next was engaged during that year, to go into the Continental Army for six months, by the time a draft of men in the Town of Ashby, he was mustered at Springfield in Massachusetts, and received by Capt. Thayer of the Army and conducted to Poughkeepsie in the State of New York, & placed in Lt. Col. Ware Company in Col. Joseph Ware Regiment, and completed six months service and received a discharge at West Point, which he has lost by accident.
He was at the Capture of Genl. Burgoyne's Army, and went out to Albany with Capt. Daster in both tours, about one or two weeks.
He is now Sixty six years old, has a small property and is encumbered, he is incapable of performing much labor, and by reason of his reduced circumstances in life he stands in need of assistance from his Country for support —
Abel Richardson
Thus made, taken, subscribed, and sworn to at the town in said County of Middlesex, the day and year aforesaid
Sam. Dana

191. Abel Richardson 16. 183.
March 1820.
W. W. entitled
L
L

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
MIDDLESEX, ss.
At the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Middle Circuit, begun and holden at Concord, within and for the County of Middlesex, on the second Monday of June A. D. 1820
Before the Hon. SAMUEL DANA, Esquire, Chief Justice, and
WILLIAM WETMORE, and } Associate Justices
STEPHEN MINOT, Esquires, } of said Court.
In open Court here, being a Court of Record for said Circuit, proceeding according to the course of the common law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a record of its proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment, Abel Richardson resident in
Lowensend
Ashley
in said Circuit, who is named in Pension Certificate No. 15.133
now in his possession, of which the following is a true copy, to wit,
WAR DEPARTMENT.....REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th March, 1818, Abel Richardson late a Private in the army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Massachusetts Agency, at the rate of eight dollars per month, to commence on the thirtieth day of April one thousand eight hundred and eighteen
Given at the War Office of the United States, this fourth day of December one thousand eight hundred and nineteen
J. C. CALHOUN, Secretary of War,
appears, and exhibits to the Court here a Schedule, subscribed by him, as follows, to wit,
SCHEDULE,
containing his whole estate and income, his necessary clothing and bedding excepted, to wit,
11 Real estate consisting of a parcel of poor land with the buildings thereon standing - 900.00
Personal Estate, to wit,
Household furniture - - - - - 16.50
One cow. - - - - - 20.00
$936.50
And the said Richardson of Lowensend in the county of Middlesex & commonwealth of Massachusetts on oath further declares that he owes the following persons the sums set against their names to wit
Abel Richardson junr. by note & interest - - - 200.00
Lewis Gould Esq. by note & account - - - - 60.00
Noble Hart of Ashley by do. do. - - - - 60.00
Cushing Burr of said Ashley - - - - - 40.00
Joseph Eaton junr. of said Ashley - - - - 35.00
William Johnson of said Ashley - - - - 12.00
Capt Stratton of said Ashley - - - - - 7.00

  Jonas Patch of said Abieby by note & account -  $12.00    Barrett of said Abieby - - - - -  8.00    Taxes in favour of the town - - - - -  12.00    To the estate of Doctor Thomas Barber deceased  30.00    Abel Stearns of Alhambra by note & interest  20.30    Abel Richardson junia by account for four years of labour at 40 dollars per year - -  160.00    Substracted from the amount of his property  830.30     $105.20    Leaves a balance that he is worth
And the said Richardson on oath further declares that he served in the Revolutionary army seven campaigns to wit the first 8 months at Cambridge in Massachusetts In the year service on the continental establishment in capt. Burt's company and col. Grafton's Regt. in the Massachusetts line. Nine months on the continental establishment in capt. Seth Druer's company in col. Baileys Regt. in the Massachusetts line.
Eight months on the continental establishment in capt. _____ company and _____ col. _____ Regt. in the Massachusetts line - this eight months service was done at and near West Point. Six months on the continental establishment in capt. _____ company in col. Elijah Vose's Regt. Three months near Albany. Thirty days at the capture of Burgoyne in capt. Hosley's company and col. Jonathan Reed's Regt. - All which will appear by his original declaration on file in the War Office. I was also in the whole battle of Bunker hill. From all these said service he was honourably discharged.
And the said Richardson on oath further declares I am 67 years old - unable to work and am afflicted with a breach - I have a wife 63 years old feeble & unable to labour - two daughters living with him one nineteen years old - the other twenty years old - one of whom is unable to support herself. I have a son

living with me who has a wife and five children all girls and young who are partly dependent upon me for a support. Abel Richardson -
Declared and sworn to before
Samuel Dana Judge
and at the same time he produces to the Court here the following Oath, taken and subscribed by him, before the Hon. Samuel Dana a Judge of said Court as aforesaid, to wit,
" I, Abel Richardson do 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 prop- erty, 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. So help me God. Abel Richardson.
Middlesex ss. C. C. C. P. June Term, A. D. 1820
Then the abovenamed Abel Richardson took and subscribed the aforeswritten Oath before me,
Samuel Dana, Judge of said Court.
I, ABRAHAM BIGLOW , Clerk of the Court aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing Oath, and Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is nine hundred thirty six dollars
fifty cents, liable to the Debts herein mentioned
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, at Cambridge, in said County of Middlesex, on this 20th day of July, 1820
Attr.
Abraham Biglow 3

I Abel Richardson of Hitehburg in the County of Worcester & State of Mass aduowt do testify & say that I am a pensioner of the United States under the pension Law of 1818. That I never did apply for a pension under the Act of June 7. 1832 and never received a pension Certificate in conformity to said Act of June 7. 1832. The only Pension Certificate I ever received was, dated December 11 th 1819. and which is now lost - as I have before testified - I have now been a resident of this town a little over one year, previous thereto I have resided in Ashby in the County of Middlesex for more than forty years last past, with the exception of a residence of two years in Ashburnham, viz 1832 & 1836. - Ashburnham & Hitehburg are in Worcester County - I recollect serving under Col Gorton, but cannot recollect any Col. whom I served under by the name of Gorton - Still I may be some of the time, have been under such a Colonel - During my service in the Revolutionary War I marched into Canada I crossed the Green Mountains, and was at the taking of Burgoyne - I did not make application for my said Pension Certificate through Judge Paine - and I have no recollection that Abijah Bigelow Esq. of Worcester had any thing to do in procuring my said Certificate - Judge Samuel Dana of Gorton assisted me in procuring my certificate aforesaid -
Dated this 9 th day of April A.D. 1842.
Abel his Richardson mark
attests. Israel Richardson Nathl Wood
Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss. Be it known that on the 9 th day of April 1842 Worcester ss. before me the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Abel Richardson a man known to me to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and acknowledged that he executed the same as his free act and deed.

33556 Rev. INVALID.
Oct. 22, 1901 Helen T. Wild Midford Mass.
File No. 33,556
Abel Richardson
Di Rev. Mass
Act: 18 th March 18 th
Index:—Vol. 2, Page 841
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Middlesex. Court of Common Pleas. June Term 1823.
On this tenth day of June A. D. 1823 personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record, holden within and for said county, proceeding according to the course of the Common Law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount and keeping a record of its proceedings, Abel Richardson resident in said county, aged 72 years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the Acts of Congress of the 18 th March 1818, 1 st May 1820 and 1 st March 1823. That he the said Abel Richardson served seven campaigns in the Army of the Revolution, one of which was a year's service in the Company commanded by Capt. Burt in the Regiment commanded by Col. Grayton in the line of the State of Massachusetts, and the other services are particularly set forth in his original application, from which service he received an honorable discharge; that his name has been placed on the Pension List, and dropped therefrom on account of his property. And in pursuance of the Act of May 1 st 1820 —
I, Abel Richardson do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on

the 18 th day of March 1818; 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 18 th day of March 1818, and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities, contracts or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereunto annexed, and by me subscribed. So help me God.
Abel Richardson.
Schedule of Property, necessary clothing & bedding excepted.
2 Cows 26.00 - 2 axes .67 - 1 hoe .25 ————— 26.92
1 Scythe .20 - 1 pot .67 - 1 kettle .50 - Shovel & Tongs 1.00 ————— } 2.37
2 Chests 3.00 - 6 Chairs .75 - five Dogs .20 - loom 2.00 5.95
Knives & Forks .40 brooking & Earthen ware 2.00 2.40
All the Furniture & Tools above men. $37.64
tioned, very old & much worn. Abel Richardson.
And the said Abel Richardson further on his oath declares, that on the fourteenth day of November in the year 1818, he conveyed all his real estate to Abel Richardson junior by deed of that date a copy of which is herewith transmitted, expressed in said deed to be in consideration of 1800.00 which is double the value of said real estate, which conveyance was at that time intended to secure the said

Abel junior for my debts due to him mentioned in my first schedule & to raise money to pay the other debts therein also mentioned; and that said real estate was wrongfully inserted in said first schedule, that said Abel junior has mortgaged said real estate, and raised sufficient to pay the principal part of the other debts in said schedule which has been applied accordingly; but said Abel junior by sickness of himself and in his family with other misfortunes has become wholly unable to redeem his mortgage.
And the said Abel Richardson further on oath declares, that he is a husbandman by occupation, but unable to labour on account of infirmities of age, particularly a breach; that his family consists of his wife, Tabitha aged 86 years, feeble and unable to labour, and a daughter Emma aged 23 years. Abel Richardson.
Sworn to & declared on the 10 th day of June 1823 - Before the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Middlesex. Atty. A. Biglow clk.
I, Abraham Biglow clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Middlesex do hereby certify that it appears to the satisfaction of the court that the said Abel Richardson 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, (or affirmation) and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the records

is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is thirty seven dollars and sixty four cents.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court on this first day of July 1923.
John D. Johnson

Abel Richardson
To the Hon James Barbour Secretary of War

I Abel Richardson of Ashley in the County of Middlesex & commonwealth of Massachusetts, Declare upon Oath that when I first conveyed my real Estate to my Son Abel Richardson for in November in the year eighteen hundred & eighteen. I had some hopes at some future time of being able to repurchase a part or all of it. for which reason the Deed was lodged in my Brother's hands & not recorded & when I made application for my pension it was by advice of my friends approved & inserted in the Schedule together with my debts but by reason of sickness & other misfortunes I soon relinquished all idea of redeeming any part of it, but my son neglected to put the Deed on record till he was obliged to Mortgage it to Mr. Fox in July 1820 & by reason of its not being on record Fox asked me to sign the Deed which I did although I had not then nor have I since the least claim on said Estate in Law or Equity as my son had paid the full value of said estate The consideration was put in the deed double the value, it has been a common saying among us it is of no importance what the consideration is it was put down double the value of the Farm without any intention of fraud in any one.  I am now about seventy five years old unable to labor much, my wife is very infirm frequently requiring medical aid. My son to whom I sold my Farm & on whom charity we now depend has a large family his wife & family has been sick much in consequence of which he has been obliged to run in debt considerably every year & is utterly unable to redeem his farm on offer as any assistance I shall soon be under the necessity should we have of applying to the town for assistance unless my country shall deem me a fit subject of its liberal bounty.  I have been made a member of the Bunker Hill Monument Association by the kindness of my friends in town, though I was unable to attend the celebration by reason of poverty, I furthermore testify that when I made application for a pension in the year eighteen hundred & nineteen & in eighteen hundred & twenty three my name is mentioned a belonging to Townsend in which town I belonged when I first went as a soldier but I have made it my home in Ashley which is about 6 miles from Townsend ever since the year seventeen hundred & seventy eight or nine.  Ashley January 3 d 1826 Abel Richardson his mark X
Middlesex ss Jan. 6 1826
Then the above named Abel Richardson appeared before me and made oath that the above statement by him made was true. Amos Willington your Honor

Cannon Mills
Nov 7 1823
May 26
To the Honorable John C. Calhoun Esq.
Recd 12 Nov. 1823.
General
Secretary of War
City of Washington
10

Groton Mass November 4 1823 To the Honorable John C. Calhoun Esq. Secretary at War, Sir I have often given you or your officer Trouble about Pensioners Sir I wish you to Enquire of the Honorable John Locke Esq. who is a Representative to the 13 th Congress from Western north District in Mass about the circumstances of Abd Richardson of Ashby in the County of Middlesex and who is a Neighbour of Locke. I understand from said Locke that the said Richardson is on the Pension list according to the last act of Congress, and I also understand that Richardson applied to said Locke to make out his Papers, but he declined, knowing his circumstances. I understand the facts are that Abd Richardson was a Man of good Property that he made a Deed to his son, or son in law, and then took a life lease to secure his maintenance and by this change of his Estate got on the List of Pensioners. if so it is wrong, and he ought to be struck off, and Punished for the crime of Perjury. — Sir there is one other case that has come to my knowledge when I understand the Papers have been returned for the want of Proof. That is the case of William Parker of Groton in the County of Middlesex

I live with the M rs of Packer and have always know him. he did Service both by sea and land in the American War. He has always lived on a poor place it was mortgaged say 20 years ago for 200 dollars to a Bank in Boston. it lay in that situation until not far from 2 years ago, and then was attached by William S. Brazier for a debt of say 60 or 70 dollars the equity was sold to a son of Packer because no one would give more and pay the Bank debt and interest which in my opinion was all it was worth the land is poor buildings poor and little or no farms on the place. Packer has now living 16 children all by one wife, and is poor enough, and unless he is restored to the list, must be a charge on the Town. all this is true — — — — —
In some of my Neighbours I suspect me of having given you some information about their situation who have been on  off the list, and want as they say to have an other run of uncles Sam's Money Whatever I have said to you on the subject I think can be proved by record; I have seen letters from your office to Col. Butter to you about a number, who have been rejected

from the list. Many of whom I have no knowledge of and some that I think understand their situation. Sir, Banagh of Grotton and Jonathan Banagh of Pippard are amongst those injured you have my statement about William Banagh and perhaps Jonathan's case will vary from his - I had rather my letters would not be made public unless it becomes absolutely necessary. not because they are not True but it makes difficulty among Neighbours. which is unpleasant you Sir will notice that my letters have been sent to your office not from the Post office in Grotton but have been sent in the return - but Sir you may send yours in the ordinary course if you have any thing to communicate to me. Sir there are other cases which I will represent to you when I am in possession of the facts to substantiate the proof I am Sir with sentiments of esteem your Obedt Servant
Samson Woods To the Honble John C. Levesque Esq

Ms. A. 9. 2. 10. 13
To the Hon James Barbour Secretary of War

I Robert Burr of Ashley in the County of Middle- sex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman Declare upon Oath, that I have been acquainted with Abal Richardson of said Ashley for thirty six years, & have ever believed him to be a man of truth & honesty, he was formerly in a good way of gitting a living on a farm on which he has lived ever since he has been in Ashley, which is more than forty years, but by reason of sickness in his family & other misfortunes he has for several years been very much reduced, he conveyed his real estate to his son in the year eighteen hundred & eighteen at which time his debts were such as to leave him but little property since which time he has had much sickness in his family & is at present so much reduced & so infirm in his health that it is my opinion he will soon be under the necessity of applying to the town for assistance, unless he has some relief from his country. As his son with whom he lives & to whom he sold his place has by sickness & bad fortune become much reduced & is unable to assist his father & Mother much longer the farm which he sold to his son is judged to be worth about nine hundred dollars & it is my opinion it was fairly sold to pay his debts & that he has now no claim whatever on said farm for a support. He was made a member of the Bunker Hill Monument Association by the benevolence of his townsmen several of whom subscribed money to make him a member as he was unable of himself Ashley 3 d January 1826
Robert W Burr
Witnesses 3 d January 3 d 1826
the above named Robert W Burr personally appeared and made oath that the above instrument by him subscribed was true before me Amos Willington Jus O'Call

Abel Richardson Jr
To Hon James Barbour Secretary of War

I Abel Richardson Jr of Ashby in the County of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts declare upon oath That my Father Abel Richardson being in debt to the amount of between eight & nine hundred dollars on the 14 th of November 1818 Deeded me his real estate which was deemed to be worth about nine hundred dollars & I became surety for his debts The Deed was left with my uncle Josiah Richardson with the intention that if my Father should be able to pay his debts the Deed should be given up or at least he should have a home of a part of it but by reason sickness in his family he relinquished the Deed & to pay some of the debts I was under the necessity of mortgaging the farm in July 1820 & by the Deed not being on record the mortgagee caused my father to sign the Deed which he did altho' at the time it was the understanding that he had no claim whatever on the same. I further testify that by taking upon myself the debts I have paid my father the full amount of which any judge of real estate suppose it worth & more than I can sell for, & that he has now no claim in justice or law
I further testify that by reason of sickness in my family I am utterly unable to assist my Father & Mother or to redeem my farm should my creditors call & must give up my farm & have no home for my own family my Father & Mother are both infirm frequently requiring Medical aid which makes it necessary that they should look have a portion from the town & also they should have a portion from the united states & county
Ashby January 3 rd 1826 Abel Richardson Jr
Middlesex ss Jany 3 rd 1826
Then the above named Abel Richardson Jr appeared and made oath that the above statement by him subscribed was true before me Amos Willington Jr. Clerk

33556
Abel Richardson
Apr. 30. 1818 - 66
Ashby Mass
76 Ashby Mass
Capt Elizah  Reuben  Moor
Col. Jno. Grafton
Det - 17th
78. Cpt Brent Col. Bailey Det - 9th
79 Cpt Shay Col. Crane Det 6th
- Cpt Patten Col - Det 2nd
75 Cpt Col - 8th
Saratoga

Massachusetts.
Abel Richardson Pav. Rev. $8 pr mo.
Placed on roll 4 Dec. 1819 Dropt 2 d Oct. 1820 Restored Feb. 22. 1826, (commencement of pen- sion 22 Feb. 1826.)
Notification sent to Hon. J. Locke H. R.
Feb. 22. 1826
del to Hon. C. Hudson 20 th April 1842 4 Dec
(Mar. 20) Recd. Book F. Vol. 2. p. 72
See letter March 28. 1842 Hon. C. Hudson H. Reps Duplicate Certificate issued 20 th April 1842 & sent to Hon. C. Hudson, House of Reps.

Dec 9. 1841
Miss. Charles Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
Ch. Hudson H.R.
Washington D.C.

Washington Dec 8. 1841
Y. S. Edward Edg. Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir
I am requested to present the following case to your consideration, and to ascertain what action if any must be had in the premises. — Abiel Richardson of Ashby Mass. a soldier of the Revolution, received from the War Department a certificate for a pension, conformably with the law of 1818, in 1823 his name was stricken from the list, but restored in 1825, as appears by a certificate bearing date Feb. 22, 1825, signed Y. S. Edwards; this last certificate is now in the possession of said Richardson or his lawful attorney, but the original certificate is lost . — What is to be done in this case? Can he draw his pension on the last certificate? Or how can the first be renewed?
Please give me the information and oblige
Your Obedt Servt.
Charles Hudson

Washn. March 12/42 Hon. Chas Hudson. Enc. application of Abel Richardson for a new pension certificate. N 92. Rec March 14/42 Pension Office.
Mr Evans
Hon C. Hudson. H.R.

Washington March 12. 1842
Hon John C. Spencer
Dear Sir,
I send you herewith a petition for a new certificate for a Pension. The papers I believe all all correct, and when the new certificate is granted you may send to me and confer a favor upon
Your Obedt Servt.
Charles H. Hutton

apl 20. 1842.
Abel Richardson
Esq.
Mr. Brown will please forward New Certificate in the Cause.
Hn C. Hudson, 1102
Weymouth St.
Connaught Gardens
Weymouth

Washington April 17/1842
Y. L. Edwards Esq.
Dear Sir,
I enclose you an affidavit of Abel Richardson now of Essex Fitchburg, in relation to his Pension certificate. I hope this will answer the purpose and that you will furnish the certificate at an early day.
Yours Obed Servt.
Charles Hudson

Concord Nov 22
Recd Nov 1824
To the Honorable John C. Calhoun Esq
Secretary of War
City of Washington
[Faint vertical text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side: "John C. Calhoun"]

Groton Mass. November 20 1824. To the Honorable John C. Calhoun Sir I understand there will be every exertion made to get Abel Richardson restored to the Benton list. Sir I will state the facts which has taken place about his circumstances when the Benton law was first talked about. Abel Richardson conveyed his Farm to one of his sons. he was then thought to be a Man of handsome interest for a country farmer. and not much in debt. he then got on to the list and so remained until the new law took place he then applied to the Honorable John Lock Esq who now is the Representative of Worcester North District to assist him in getting on to the list again but Mr Lock told him that he could not assist him as he was knowing to the whole of his business. and that he must apply to some one else. this Mr Lock told me in Mr Hall's Barr Room in Groton. there is wraping and wailing and almost waring of teeth among some of our Lawyers who are in the habit of getting Persons on the Benton list. for it is considered a profitable business. I have known some of them Sax 18 or 20

20 Dollars for getting a Private Soldier on to the list — Mr Lock I suppose will not serve what I have stated I have no objection if he does to your showing him this letter. Sir I have been informed that the son of Mr Richardson who took his property has not turned out to be a very good Husband but that is no fault of the government nor no reason why he should be restored to the list I have no interest to serve nor have I any feelings on the subject more than every citizen ought to have — Yours Sir with sentiments of respect and esteem your obdt Servant
Samson Wood
NB. Sir my age is 64. Mary Wood my wife is 33- my little Daughter 4 Month old was christened at church by the name of Mary Calhoun —
S Wood

Ames W. H. H. H.
To the Hon James Barbour Secretary of War

I Amos Willington of Ashby in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, declare upon oath that I have been acquainted with Abel Hubbard of Ashby aforesaid for more than forty years and I well remember his being a soldier in the revolutionary army soon after the close of the war he purchased a piece of land in said Ashby built a house and barn on the same he has ever been considered an honest and industrious man farming in comfortable circumstances but by reason of sickness (himself and family) has now become unable to support himself and wife who is also old and infirm should they continue they will be under the necessity of assistance from the public the farm has been sold to his son who has become security for his debts the farm is considered to be worth nine or ten hundred dollars at most altho the consideration in the deed to his son is eighteen hundred dollars frequently deeds are made in that way in this part of the country the consideration is considered by some to be of no consequence I feel confident there is no fraud in the disposal of his estate Amos Willington
Ashby Jan y 3 1826
Middlesex ss. Ashby Jan y 5 1826. Then personally appeared Amos Willington above named and made oath to the above statement by him subscribed before me Asa P. Merrill Jus. Peace.
3

Know all men by these presents, that I Abel Richardson of Ashby in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, in consideration of one thousand, eight hundred dollars paid by Abel Richardson Jr. of the same Ashby aforesaid Laborer, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give, grant, sell and convey unto the said Abel Richardson Jr., his heirs and assigns forever a certain farm in the southwesterly part of said Ashby, and the farm said Abel Richardson now lives on, and contains about ninety seven acres be the same more or less, and bounded as follows, to wit, beginning at a stake and stones, thence southerly by the road leading to the old school house and crossing the same road to the southwest part of the floor in the Beaver Dam, thence northwesterly by Jabez Lawrence's land to a stake and stones a corner of Stephen Patch's land, thence northerly by said Patch's & Philip Piper's land to the road, thence crossing said road to a stake & stones, thence northerly by said Piper's land to a stake and stones in the swamp, thence easterly by said Piper's land to a stake and stones by the west side of the road leading from said Piper's to the meeting house, thence crossing said road to the east side of the same, to a stake and stones a corner of W m Green's land, thence easterly by said Green's land to a white oak tree, thence southerly by said Green's land to a stake and stones a corner of Asa Kendall's land, thence westerly by said Asa's land to a stake in the swamp, thence southerly by said Asa's land to a stake and stones, thence westerly, southerly and westerly by said Asa's

land to the first mentioned bounds with all the buildings stand- ing on the same premises - Also a certain piece of meadow land situate in the Secretary meadow, so called, containing two lie and one half acres owned by said Abel Richardson and John Hanning in quantity and quality undivided; the true meaning of this deed is, to convey said Richardson's half of said meadow, there is to be had reference to be had to said Richardson's old deeds for the particulars for the bounds. To Have and to Hold the afore-granted premises to the said Abel Richardson Jr his heirs and assigns, to his and their use and behoof forever. And I do covenant with the said Abel Richardson Jr his heirs and assigns, that I am lawfully seised in fee of the afore-granted premises; that they are free from all encumbrances; that I have good right to sell and convey the same to the said Abel Richardson Jr - and that I will warrant and defend the same premises to the said Abel Rich- ardson Jr his heirs and assigns forever against the lawful claims and demands of all persons - In witness whereof I the said Abel Richardson with Tabitha my lawful wife she relinquishing her right of dower or thirds, hereunto set our hands and seals this fourteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen - Abel Richardson Seal - Tabitha Richardson her mark X Seal - signed, sealed and delivered in presence of us, W m Richardson, Josiah Richardson - Middlesex ss. November 16. 1818. Then the above named Abel Richardson acknow- ledged the above instrument to be his free act & deed - before me Josiah Richardson Just. of Peace -
Middlesex ss. June 11. 1823 Rec d & Recorded by W m F. Stone Reg d

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Middlesex ss. Office of Registry of Deeds. June 12. 1823. The foregoing is a true copy from the records of said Office. Attest Wm. F. Stone Regr.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Middlesex ss. I Abraham Biglow Clerk of the Judicial County in the county of Middlesex do certify that William F. Stone is Register of Deeds for said county and his name set to the fore- going certificate is his own proper sig- nature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas this 28 th of July 1823.
Abraham Biglow 3

United States
of America.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Suffolk, ss. } Boston. }
ON this twelfth Day of November , in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nineteen , before me, SAMUEL JACKSON PRESCOTT , Esquire, Notary Pub- lic, by Legal Authority duly admitted and sworn, and dwelling in BOSTON , aforesaid, and a Justice of the Peace, and of the Quorum, within and for the said County of Suffolk , personally appeared Charles King and Samuel Vose , both of Dorchester in the County of Norfolk , in said Commonwealth, Yeomen, and after being severally duly cautioned & sworn, both & each of them on their solemn oath declared that they were soldiers in the war of the Revolution on the Continental establishment. That from about the first of January 1776 until about the first of January 1777, being one entire year, they belong- ed to Captain Elijah Vose's company, in the Regiment in the Massachusetts Line , of which John Greaton was Colonel, and that they were both & each of them there present in said company & regiment, without intermission or absence, during the whole of said term of one year aforesaid, acting as soldiers - That they, said Deponents, are both of them well acquainted with Abel Richardson of Ashby , in the County of Middlesex , in the Commonwealth aforesaid, now present, Applicant for a pension under the Law of the United States of the 18 th of March 1818, and that it is a fact within their own knowledge that he, said Abel Richardson , was a private soldier in Captain Bent

Bent's Company, in the same Colonel Greaton's Regiment, from about the first of January 1776 aforesaid, until the latter part of November in the same year, being about eleven months , and that they were so well acquainted with him, said Abel Richardson, and so constantly in the habit of seeing him acting as a soldier while in the service the eleven months aforesaid, that they, said Deponents, have no hesitation in declaring on their solemn oath that he, said Richardson, served the whole of said term, of eleven months in said Regiment without intermission or absence, and these Deponents will recollect that he, said Richardson, was taken sick at Albany, and that he was there discharged the service the latter part of November 1776 aforesaid, in consequence of his said sickness; and, from the character he uniformly sustained as a good & faithful soldier while in the service the eleven months as aforesaid, they have not the smallest doubt but that he was honourably discharged on leaving the service at the time aforesaid - and the said Deponents severally made solemn oath that said Company & Regiment were on the Continental establishment, & that all the Officers thereof were Continental Officers - and said Deponents also severally made solemn oath that they verily believe from what they know of said Abel Richardson's circumstances in life that he needs the assistance of his Country for support - and further that they, said Deponents, are altogether disinterested witnesses - In true testimony whereof both I each of the said Deponents have hereunto

subscribed their names in my presence, I have been duly & severally sworn to the truth of the premises by oath solemnly taken before me, the said Notary and Justice - IN WITNESS whereof, and for making these presents of full force & effect, and as the said Deponents are not only disinterested, but also men of good name and fair reputation, I the said Notary & Justice, do declare the same to be a Public Act, and that full faith & credit ought to be given thereto, and in testimony thereof I have not only hereunto subscribed my name, but have also affixed my Seal of Office, at said Boston, the day & year herein first aforewritten.
Charles King Samuel Root
J. Prescott Notary Public & Just. Peace & Quorum

I Joseph Richardson of Townsend in the State of Massachusetts do hereby certify that among the services which I performed as a soldier during the War of the Revolution, I was on the 14th of May AD 1778 procured by Genl Town to go into the Continental Army for nine months, the latter part of May or first of June of that year, I went to Concord in Mass & was there mustered by Col. Ben- -edict soon after I set off to join the Army & with them was received by an Officer at Littleton in Mass. who permitted six of us to re- turn home, if we were all of us so ordered & it was understood we all tied faithful soldiers, from there, we were ordered to Freshkill in New York where we were again mustered by an Continental Officer, & were subjected to the orders of Lt. General  Lord Howe, not long after I was ordered into Col. Seth Dyer's Company and Col. Bailey's Regiment of the Massachusetts Line - in this Compa- ny I continued until I had completed my time of service during this service my Brother Abiah Richardson served as a Sol- -dier in the same Company with me, he left home with me & remained with me until we were encamped with our wagons and teams Company until we had left us about the same time during this period I kept a journal of our proceedings which I now have which says in substance as follows: "The 14th of May that year I was

an account of the transactions of each day until the 26th of July 1864. When I arrived home about noon - About the first of February there was an order that ten of the men were who were going to be detached, to chop a quantity of wood for the use of the Army that under the Command of Genl. McDougal & etc. was agreed that if we received 100 cords of wood, and ten cords each, it should be in full of our work This was to be our 24 feet line began & shipped several cords of that length, when on the arrival of Genl. McDougal came over, when we chopping out wood in a hill, where the trees had been destroyed by the fire He proposed that we should cut it 8 feet instead of 24 feet, which we agreed to do, & completed one hundred cords before finished on the 15th day of February as ap- pears by the order in which I find the following order to cut to the day we finished cutting wood. It was on the 15th day of Feb. that I got a discharge from the Army and returned to pick up my things that were left there all which I perfectly well known and did not from my residence to by the time of the But we did  not  cut  wood  and  then  carried  our  things into the store where that the  time  we  were  not  again  ordered  with

an Company, I have the following minute on my said Second visit Friday 12 (Feb. 1779) we drawn our allowance I went to shopping by the Cards and further south not —
Josiah Richardson
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
On the thirtieth day of July in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and Nineteen, before me Samuel Dana Chief justice of the the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the middle Circuit and a Justice of the Peace throughout the same Commonwealth, personally appeared Josiah Rich- ardson Esq: and made Oath that the above Deposition by him subscribed is just and true in all its particulars. —
And I Article that the said Josiah Richardson who is a magistrate for the County of Middlesex, is well known to me as a respectable Citizen entitled to full faith and entire credit, before all tribunals & in all places — And that he is dis- interested in the application of Abiel Richardson to be placed on the pension list. —
Sam l Dana
the power of that ... -Laws

I Peter Wright of Littleton in the Common Wealth of Massachusetts, do depose & say, that among other services, which I performed during the war of the Revolution I served nine months upon the Continental establishment in May or June of the year 1781. When hundred and Twenty eight I enlisted & entered the service in Capt. Danlys Company in Col. Badys Regiment of the Massachusetts line, & served out my term of nine months, a short time before my enlistment expired, I was with nine others detached under the orders of Genl. W. Douglass to cut wood for the use of the Army, and among them was Abiel Richardson and Joseph Richardson Esq. at the time we commenced our labor, we all turned in our Arms into the Continental store, & were told if we undertook One hundred Cords, or each his ten Cords, it should complete the residue of the time then unexpired, we accordingly com- menced our labor - I have this day examined the De- position of Joseph Richardson Esq. given for said Abiel and so far as relates to the chopping the Wood, I know it to be correct, and I agree with and fully confirm the same. - c -

account given by him, we gained a few days, and went to Camp, & I received my discharge from Capt. Mannell then commanding Col. Bailey's Regt. - I left Camp in company with Sam Able, Joseph and others, & travelled with them to Waverly in Massachusetts, where we parted company & I returned to my home in Littleton. — Peter Wright

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
On the sixteenth day of August in the year of our Lord One Thousand eight hundred and nineteen, before me Samuel Dana, Chief justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the middle Circuit, and a Justice of the Peace throughout the same Commonwealth, personally appeared Peter Wright and made solemn Oath that the annexed deposition by him subscribed is just and true in all its particulars. —
And I certify that the said Peter Wright is a man of good fame and well entitled to full faith and entire credit before all courts and tribunals and in all places, & that he is wholly disinterested in the application of Abiel Richardson to be placed on the Pension list.
Given under my hand the day and year aforesaid —
Sam. Dana

To whom it may concern.
We the selectmen of Ashby in Mass ts Do certify that Abel Richardson (who it is said) was a soldier in the war of the Revolution is a man in indigent circumstances.
Ashby May 17 th 1819.
Oliver Kendall Selectmen for Robert W. Bratt Ashby Cushing Burr

Village February 11 th 1877 these are to certify that I bel Richardson a nine Months man in Col d Baileys Frey t Capt Drew Company has turn in his gun and Culverments
The Doty left

Abel Richardson M rs Role { March 1820 }

I the subscriber do make the following state- ment to wit — I have been acquainted with Abel Rich- ardson who has been stricken from the prussian rose for more than twenty years past, he has always sustained the reputation of an honest man, a man of strict verac- ity — believe the amount he has given in relation to his property and capacity of disposing of it is a true and fair one — am fully persuaded by the facts  affidavit to the sense he has stated that he sold his farm from necessity to pay his debts and that although the consider- ation mentioned in his deed was $1800 — yet in fact it was not worth more than half that sum. I know that clouding the sum in such cases is not uncommon, with many persons though it may be a foolish practice — I am also entirely of the opin- ion from the circumstance that the deed was not on record, That  fore the person to whom Abel Richardson first conveyed his land by Mortgage from me for an abundant caution, induced the father to sign the deed also, he the said fore being a morose and unwholesome usurer. The fact of Richardson's poverty is well known to me and that he has no means of support — is old and infirm, and unless some one takes him up would probably throw him on the town for support or on his neighbours, not relations, for he has none able to contribute — I further state that the persons to wit Amos Wellington Esq. Esq. & Willard Esq. D r Morris Thielsen Deacon Rob. W. Burr, are all well known to me and whose veracity is unimpeachable, and whose situation is such as to give them a good op- portunity to know the facts they have stated. I further state that the said Wellington and Willard are Justices of the Peace, in the County of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts. That I will

I further state that some six or seven years since I held some title deed, if said Richardson was intitled to a pension, and so informed myself in the hearing of one Samson Woods. But not as fully as Woods has stated in his letters. Many of the facts are not true as stated by him, and others distorted and highly coloured coloured. But the impression such as it was on my mind at the time, is altered on an investigation of Richardson's true situation, and that he is justly intitled to a pension.
John Ladd of the H. M.
Feb. 22 d . 1826.

Moses H. Cummings
To the Hon James Barbour Secretary of War

I Moses Kidder of Ashby in the County of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Physician. Declare upon Oath That I have been acquainted with Abel Richardson of Ashby for five years have frequently been called to preside for his family in sickness I think him a man of truth & one who would be unwilling to make use of fraud in any shape to obtain a pension altho he is in much need of assistance. I have made close enquiry respecting the disposal of his real estate & think it was fairly & honestly disposed of to pay his debts without any intention of fraud whatever. The farm is generally thought to be worth from eight to ten hundred dollars. The said Richardson is more than seventy years of age afflicted with other difficulties than those commonly attending men of his age which renders it impossible that he should support himself & wife who is very infirm by his labor. His son to whom he sold his real estate is in my opinion unable to assist his father & Mother very generously as he is much in debt has a large family who are frequently sick requiring Medical aid. Moses Kidder Ashby January 3 d 1826
Middlesex ss Jany 3 d 1826
Then the above named Moses Kidder appeared and made Oath that the above statements by him submitted were true before me Amos Willington Jus Peace

Hon Charles Hudson
4.92.

APPLICATION FOR A NEW CERTIFICATE.
County of Worcester
88.
On this Twentith day of January 18 42 , before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said county of Worcester personally appeared Abel Richardson who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Beut in the regiment commanded by Colonel Graton in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Massachusetts that he received a certificate of that fact under the signature and seal of the Secretary of War; which certificate, on or about the Eighth day of October 18 40 at or near House in which he, the said Abel Richardson resided formerly in Gibby he lost the same, that he has not been able to find it although the most diligent search has been made - Said house was torn down about the time aforesaid & said Pension Certificate is supposed to have been destroyed at that time - it has not been seen since & cannot be found.
Sworn and subscribed to, before me, the day and year aforesaid.
John D. Sleeper Nathaniel Wood Justice of the Peace Abel X Richardson Mark
NOTES.—The last four blanks are left for the applicant to set forth the time, place, and manner of the loss or destruction of the original certificate.
The oath to be taken before a duly qualified magistrate, whose official character and signature must be properly authenticated.
If the pensioner has never received a formal certificate, but has drawn his pension on a mere notification, as was the case in a few instances many years ago, he should leave out the above words in italics , and insert, in lieu thereof, " but has never received a formal certificate, and now wishes to obtain one. "
The pensioner's oath must be supported by the evidence of another person as to identity. The person must swear that he well knows him to be the same person described in the above affidavit. The magistrate must certify that the deponent is a person of veracity. This oath must also be authenticated by the certificate of the proper officer, under his seal of office, setting forth that the officer before whom the affidavit may be made is a Justice of the Peace, Judge, or Notary Public, as the case may be.
When a person acting as an Agent or Attorney for a Pensioner, loses the certificate, the affidavit of that person is also required, which must be authenticated as above.
In every case where the Clerk of the Court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should be sent with the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.—In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or small ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
No attention will be given to applications from persons who act as agents, unless they are known at the War Department or are vouched for as respectable persons by some one who is known to the Department.

Living Kendall of Fitchburg in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age do testify & say that I am well acquainted with Abel Richardson & have known him thirty years last past the said Richardson - and know him to be the identical Abel Richardson described in the foregoing affidavit, which he subscribed in my presence - I know him also to be a Pensioner of the United States - and that he has been in the constant habit of receiving his Pension for years past from the United States - and that I am well satisfied he has lost his Pension Certificate - January 20. 1842. Living Kendall
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester County, ss.
Be it known that on the 20 th day of January A.D. 1842 Before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in & for said County personally appeared the above named Living Kendall who is a person well known to me the said Justice and is a person of veracity - and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day & year last above mentioned
Nathaniel Wood, Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester, I. Jos. G. Kendall. Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court within and for the County of Worcester certify that Nathaniel Wood, within named, is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly qualified, & that the foregoing signature of his name is in his own hand writing — In witness whereof I have hereunto set my name and the seal of said Court at Worcester this ninth day of March A.D. 1842 — Jos. G. Kendall Clerk.