Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 8,757, for Benjamin Richards, North Carolina

SERVICE
NUMBER
N 6
Richards, Benjamin Anne
R 8757
CONTENTS

Waller Richards the son of Benjamin Richards & Nancy his wife was Born January the 28 th Day 1786
Gran Smith Richards the son of Benja Richards was Born the 11 th Day of September 1787
Benjamin Richards the son of Benjamin Richards and Nancy his wife was Born October the 14 th Day 1790
Wolfe Richards & Elizabeth Richards Daughters of Benjamin Richards & His wife Ann Richards was Born September 4 th Day 1796
James Richards the son of Benja Richards & Nancy his wife was Born the 4 th of November the year 1798

Archibald Richards was born March 4 th 1802
Benjamin Richards Died May 4 th 1802
A
1809 1801
8

State of North Carolina } Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions, County of Granville } February Term A.D. 1846-
Personally appeared in open Court on this the 5 th day of February James Richards, aged about forty five or more, an reputable & credible man who being first duly sworn, according to law, deposeth: That he is the son of the late Benjamin Richards formerly of Franklin County; that he the said Benjamin lives the husband of Anne Richards, now of Granville County: That his mother, the said Anne is extremely old, & infirm of memory: that he has always understood, among the neighbours, in Franklin, that his father was a soldier in the war of the revolution & served for three years: That he has heard Patty, or Patsy Davis, of Franklin County (now dead & formerly a pensioner) frequently say that his father served in the war with her husband Micajah Davis & was in Gates' defeat: That he has also heard the late John Stone (formerly a pensioner) frequently say that his father served with him in the war: That he has heard many old people speak of his father's services in the war & tell anecdotes of his courage & faithfulness: That his father (as this deponent has always understood) was regularly discharged from the service: that he had a discharge among his papers: that about twenty seven years ago his mother's house was consumed by fire & with it nearly all the papers of his father & among them his discharge from the service: That he has, in the course of his life often & over, heard old people speak of his father's long services & never has heard one person doubt his having been in the war -
Sworn to & subscribed in open Court, this the 5 th day of February, 1846 -
For all the goods etc James Richards

12005 Ann Richards Benjamin R d June 23 1845. M. C.
July 1838 No. 86
8757

State of North Carolina } Granville County }
On this the 15 th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty five — personally appeared before me Jonathan M. Stone one of the Justices of the court of pleas and quarter sessions for the county aforesaid Anne Richards a widow a resident of Granville County aged about twenty six years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions made by the act of Congress passed the 7 th July Eighteen hundred and thirty Eighth (1838)
That she is the widow of Benjamin Richards who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution but does not recollect what service he performed she further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Richards on or about the date seventeen hundred and Eighty seven and she believes her husband served under Capt James Richards and was in garrison defeat and that her husband the aforesaid Benjamin Richards died May the 10 th Eighteen hundred and two (1802) & that she has remained a widow ever since sworn to and subscribed before me this the 15 th day of April 1845
Attest J. M. Stone J.P.
Anne her Richards mark
State of N th Carolina } Granville County }
I Jonathan M. Stone one of the Justices of Granville County as aforesaid do certify that the said Anne Richards whose name is attached to the above declaration is a Lady of respectability and worthy to be believed and that she is too old and infirm to travel from home
J. M. Stone J.P.

State of North Carolina } Court of Pleas County of Granville } & Quarter Sessions, } May Term 1845=
The within Declaration, as taken by Jonathan M. Stone Esq r was this day exhibited in open Court. The same is confirmed by the Court & it is ordered that our Clerk certify the same to the War Department of the United States at Washington City
In testimony whereof, I have here- unto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of my office, at Oxford, the 7 th day of May A D 1845.
Isaac M c Ginnis, CLK
I further certify that Jonathan M c Stone Esq r , whose signature appears to the foregoing declaration by Anna Richards & the Certificate following is and was at the signing thereof an acting Justice of the Peace in and for Granville County; that to all his official acts as such full faith & credit should be given. Given under my hand & seal of office as above the day and date above
Isaac M c Ginnis, CLK

State of North Carolina
Comptrollers Office August 11th. 1851.
I William J. Clarke Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State aforesaid do hereby certify that it appears of record in said office among the payments made by said State to sundry persons for military services in the Revolutionary War that the following payments were made to Benjamin Richards to wit:
Book A No. 11 page 25 £16. S4 D6 specie. (Sixteen pounds four shillings six pence)
Same Book page 58 £1720. currency (Seventeen hundred and twenty pounds) Certificate No. 160 issued by Commissioners of Army accounts on the 15th February 1781, the Exchange or Depreciation being at that time (Book 37 page 273) being 225 for 1 making £7. S8 D4 specie.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office the day and year above written
Wm J. Clarke Compt'r.

PAID
Oct. 18/48
Adams can
Ann Richard
James L. Edward Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Aspore, N. E. Oct. 13 rd - 1885:
Sir:
Enclosed are two depositions in regard to the case of Anne Richards, an applicant for a pension: one proving an additional three months service of her late husband & the other touching her marriage. At the last term of Franklin County Courts, being in attendance there, I examined the records of the office & found no marriage bonds prior to about 1882 - The old papers of the office were in Great Confusion & the official of the clerk can be taken to the effect upon if necessary. You of course can examine only proofs, yet I would state that some years ago the house of this old lady was consumed by fire & in it, a chest of valuable papers & among them the discharge of her late husband from the service. It is my opinion from what I know of the case & of others, that there have been few instances of an application for a pension, where there was less possibility of a fraud & where the bounty intended by Congress could be better bestowed. The old lady is helpless & of an extreme age; yet she promises to live several years of painful deprivation & want. Her marriage dates so far back it is hard to get more than common least proof of it; but as to her husband's service I think perhaps more proof might be got if required. It is a matter of common fame that the husband of the applicant was a faithful & brave soldier & served some 16 months - or two years. She herself, having heretofore been in easy circumstances, has at least petitioned for the support allowed by Congress to widows of her class, on account of reverses of fortune which have lately left her nearly destitute in "the winter of her days." If a current can be got, please send it to me as soon as convenient: if more proof is wanting let me know.
Very respectfully,
C. H. Wiley

Raleigh N.C. August 13. 1857. James E. Heath Esq. Sir.
I herewith enclose you the Affidavits of Mary Richards. James Richards and Eliza Cook in the case of Anne Richards, (widow of Benjamin Richards) who made Application for a pension several years ago. on account of her Husband's services in the war of the Revolution. Her declaration with some other proof as I suppose sent on by some person unknown to me is now on file in the Pension Office at Washington. I also send a Certificate from the Comptroller of State, a power of Attorney from James Richards to me to take up the Application made by his mother the aforesaid Anne Richards for a pension. And also Benjamin Richards' Discharge thought to have been destroyed by fire, but since her declaration was made, has been found. You will confer a favor by attending to this claim as early as practicable. And Adieu 13 F. Jones. Raleigh N.C.
I have the honor to be With Great Respect.
Yr. obt. Servt Benson F. Jones
To the Commissioners of Pensions. Washington City.

This is to certify that Benj. Michal resides in my family of right Hence has lived with him agreeable to the honor of his which must and is hereby discharged given under my Hand this 11 day of July 1781
June AD
Geo. Michal
and Fifty one (1857) Jonathan M. Stone
a Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid James Richards aged Fifty two years a resident of the County and State aforesaid and after being duly sworn according to law deposeth and sayeth as follows that the discharge herewith presented is the discharge of his Father Benjamin Richards who married a Miss Anne Smith his Mother who some years ago made application for a pension and stated in her declaration that the discharge of her husband was destroyed with her dwelling by fire But since that time was accidentally found by the Deponant with some other papers under a draw in a large chest which was taken out of the house with some other articles when the house was first disco- vered to be on fire further this deponant sayeth not
James Richardson
before me the day and year above written
Stone J.P.
I the above Justice of the peace do certify that I am well acquainted with Mr James Richards the above Deponant and have been for forty years and that he is a man of truth and veracity and that full faith and credit should be given to any statement that he may make given under my hand this day and year above written
Stone J.P.

State of North Carolina County of Granville
On This the 17 th of June A D One Thousand Eight hundred and Fifty one (1851) personally appeared before me Jonathan M c Stone a Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid James Richards aged Fifty two years a resident of the County and State aforesaid and after being duly sworn according to law deposeth and sayeth as follows that the discharge herein presented is the discharge of his Father Benjamin Richards who married a Miss Anne Smith his Mother who some years ago made application for a pension and stated in her declaration that the discharge of her husband was destroyed with her dwelling by fire But since that time was accidentally found by the Deponent with some other papers under a draw in a large chest which was taken out of the house with some other articles when the house was first disco- vered to be on fire further this deponent sayeth not
JAMES RICHARDS
before Sworn to and subscribed to me the day and year above written
Attestone JPD
I the above Justice of the peace do certify that I am well acquainted with Mr James Richards the above Deponent and have been for forty years and that he is a man of truth and veracity and that full faith and credit should be given to any statement that he may make given under my hand this day and year above written
Attestone JPD

State of North Carolina Granville County
On This The 13 day of June One Thousand Eight hundred and Fifty one (1857) Personally appeared before me Jonathan M. Stone a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Granville and State aforesaid Claiborne H. Cook aged Eighty four years resident of the County and State aforesaid and after being duly sworn according to law deposeth and sayeth as follows that he was well acquainted with Benjamin Richards a soldier of the war of the revolution and his wife Anne whose Maiden name was Anne Smith both before and after their marriage but did not see them married but was well acquainted with them and all their children to wit Walter Green, Benjamin Polly, James and Archibald and that the said Anne Richards is the identical widow of the afore- said Benjamin Richards who performed the service alledged by her in her declaration now file filed in the pension office at Washington Further this deponent sayeth not the day and date above written
E. H. Cook
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and date above written
J. M. Stone J.P.

North Carolina } J Augustine Landis Granville County } Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarters for the  Superior for the County
and State of said hereby certify that Jonathan M Stone whose signature appears to the foregoing affidavits is now and was at the time of signing thereof an acting justice of the Peace for said County of Granville duly appointed Commission- ed and qualified and that to all his official acts as such full faith and credit should be given
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office at office in Oxford this 24 day of June 1857
J Landis Clerk of Granville County

This is to certify that I am well acquainted with Cladborne H. Cook whose name is subscribed to the foregoing affidavit and have been for forty years and that his evidence is entitled to full faith and credit June 12. 1851
McFhone W.

State of North-Carolina County of Greenville
Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions, February Term A.D. 1846-
This day, personally appeared in open Court Jonathan M. Stone Esq. a man of respectability & credit, who being first duly sworn according to law deposes, that his father Jonathan Stone was a Soldier in the war of the revolution & drew a pension: that he he has often heard his said father say that Benjamin Richards, of Franklin County, the late husband of Anne Richards, was in the war of the revolution, serving as a brave Soldier: that he has frequently heard his said father telling anecdotes of the service of said Richards, & that he was with him in Gates defeat in South-Carolina, where he served with said Stone under Captain Maccon- Sworn to subscribed in open Court, this the 4 th day of February A.D. 1846-
Jas M Wiggins clerk
J. M. Stone

State of North Carolina } Court of Pleas & Quarter County of Greenville } Sessions, February Term A.D. 1846-
Personally appeared, in open Court, this day, James House Esq. aged about Sixty Three years, a man of respectability & entitled to credit, who being first duly sworn according to law, deposes: that he was well acquainted with the late Benjamin Richards formerly of Greenville Franklin, North Carolina, & husband of Anne Richards, now a widow in Greenville that he, the deponent was raised in three miles of the said Benjamin & has known him for fifty years. That he has frequently heard the said Benjamin in speak in the war say he served in the war of the revolution; that such was the general & constant belief in the neighborhood & no one ever doubted that the said Benjamin did serve in the war. That this deponent had two half brothers, Will. D. House & Isham Robertson / Robertson  House is now dead, & the House is in Tennessee. That these half brothers were in the war & this deponent has heard of them speak of the said Benjamin as a soldier in the revolution. That he always understood from the said Benjamin & from others that he was in the battle of Gates' defeat in South Carolina.
Sworn to in open Court, this the day of February A.D. 1846-
Isaac Muggins clerk
J. H. Jones

State of North-Carolina } Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions County of Granville } February Term A.D. 1846
This day personally appeared in open court, before the justices of said Court, Cleiborne Cook, a man of respectability & entitled to credit, aged Seventy nine years & some months, who being duly sworn, according to law, deposes, that he was well acquainted with the late Benjamin Richards, late of Franklin County, North-Carolina, thus begetting of some Richards, now of Granville: that he has often heard said Benjamin Richards say he was in the war of the revolution: that he knew said Richards both before & after his marriage with Anne & all the family of the Richards: that he never heard his word doubted, & as far as this deponent knew (he was well acquainted in the neighborhood of said Richards,) it was the belief current, that he did serve in the war & no one doubted it: & this deponent, having known said Richards well for many years, & known the state of opinion in his neighborhood, never had thus not now the slightest doubt of his having been a soldier in the war of the revolution -
Sworn to & subscribed in open Court: on this the 5 th day of February A.D. 1846 -
Jas M. Miggins C.C.
Cleiborne his X Cook Mark

Rev. Mr. H. Haynes Feb. 1848
B
North Carolina, Granville County. } J. S.
I, James M. Niggins, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the county and state aforesaid, hereby certify, that the foregoing affidavits of Jonathan M. Stone, James Stone, Claiborn Cooke & James Richards were severally made in open court at February Term, AD, 1846 - as therein set forth.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of my office at Oxford, the 10- day of February, AD, 1846-
James M. Niggins, Clerk

✓
June 24, 1848
Recd
Ann Richards
L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.
Mr. Altham

Oxford, N.C. June - 1 st - 1845.
Sir:
I send you the declaration & exhibits of Mrs. Richards, as widow of the County, praying a pension. The proof of the marriage, to wit, the marriage bond, or another copy of it, will be forwarded to you by the Clerk of Franklin Court. The case looks very plain to me. The deposition of W m Jones proves that M aj Richards was actually in the war, & the Certificate from the Office of the Comptroller shows that he must have served some time. I shall be very glad if you can make it convenient to let me hear from you as soon as possible. The old lady is very infirm & helpless & in want of means. I am happy to inform you that your usual promptness in attending to the business of your department meets with universal approbation.
very respectfully
C. H. Wiley

Ann Richards
186

Ann Richards
7 June 1838-
Widow of Benjamin Richards - aged 76.
Married about 1787. Husband died 1802.
W m Jones aged 87 swears that Richards was under Capt. Harrisons command and was in Kats defeat. Time of service from 12 June to 16 August - Private (2 mos 4 days.) No seal of office to testimony of Jones - no evidence of marriage
Comptroller R. G. States B. Richards no pension Certificates L. 16. 4. 6- and L. 1720 deposited Currency

Handwritten mark
May 11 46
PAID
5
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington City, D. C.
Anne Richards Naper accept No Such chaseable statement 9 May accept re 20th
Sept 38 at Nov 45

DeForest N.C. May 2 nd 1846.
Sir:
Some time ago I forwarded other proffs. in the case of June Richards, an applicant for a pension. I cannot learn what has become of them. Will you be so good as to let me know if they have been received by you & if they are sufficient?
Very respectfully,
C.A. Milam
J. L. Godwin Esq.

8707.
P. O. Ann Richards
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

12002
B. F. Jones Nov 6/81
Ann Richards
Col to C. H. Kelley May 6 to Same Mar 11 '61 Hon A. A. Howard 16 May at 15 Ct W. Sep 26 '46 7 July 1838

Birth record

State of North Carolina Franklin County } On this the 17 th day of June one thousand Eight Hundred and fifty and (1857) Personally appeared before me James I Thomas an Acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Franklin and State aforesaid, Miss Mary Richards aged Sixty seven years (67) a resident of the County of Franklin and State aforesaid and after being duly sworn according to Law, deposeth and saith, as follows, That she was well acquainted with Benjamin Richards, the Husband of Anne Richards, who was a Soldier of the War of the Revolution and that the said Anne Richards is the identical Widow of the aforesaid Benjamin Richards who performed the services alledged by her in her de- claration now on file in the Pension Office at Washington City, Further this deponent sayeth not. Mary her Richards mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me the year and day above written James I Thomas J.P.
I the above Justice of the Peace do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Miss Polly Richards, the above deponent and have been for many years, and that she is a woman of truth and respectability and that full faith and credit should be given to any statements that she may make given under my hand the day and year above written. James I Thomas J.P.

State of North Carolina §
Franklin County - } I Young Patterson Clerk of the Court of pleas and quarter Sessions for the County aforesaid. Certify that James S. Thomas whose signatures appear within, is now and was at the time of signing the same an acting justice of the peace in and for the aforesaid County of Franklin duly commissioned and sworn, and authorized to administer oaths for general purposes, and that the same are his genuine signatures.
Given under my hand and seal of Office at office. This the 21 st day of June A.D. 1857.
Y. Patterson bbb

State of North-Carolina } Franklin } County of Graham } 3
May the 28. A.D. 1882
Personally appeared before me an acting justice of the Peace, in & for said County & State, William Jones, aged 87 years, a man of respectability & entitled to credit, who being first duly sworn on the holy evangelists, deposes & saith: That he was well acquainted with the late Benjamin in Richmond the husband of Anne Richards:
1 question was he in the war
Answer he was, and served under Capt Harrison Macon in the battle of gatesburg defeat
2 question how long did he serve
Answer he served from 12 th of June to the 16 August
question had you know he was in the war
Answer I was with him until the
battle took place at which time I was taken prisoner and do not know what became of him
question how long was it supposed he served
Answer I don't know
quest was he a private or officer Sr. private

Sworn to & Subscribed before me, this the 28 day of May, A.D. 1845-
William Jones
D. Stone J.P.
State of North Carolina } County of Franklin }
I William J. Perry blurt of the County of Franklin, State of North Carolina do hereby certify that David Stone whose name appears to the foregoing Certificate is an authorized acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid duly appointed & qualified that full power & credit are given to his official acts as such Justice of the peace whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of office at the office at Lewisburg on the 31 day of May A.D. 1845- W. J. Perry

Comptroller's Office
March 17 th 1845
I William T. Collins Comptroller of Public Accts in and for the State of North Carolina do hereby certify that the name of Ben Richards appears on the Books of this office as having received the sum of Sixteen Pounds Four Shillings and Six pence in a Special Certi- -ficate see Book No 11 page 25. Letter A. Also in same Book page 58 he received a Certificate for Seventeen Hundred and Twenty pounds depreciated currency, which Certificates purport to have been issued for military services given under my hand and seal the day and date above written
Wm T. Collins Compt

State of North-Carolina County of Franklin
30 August 14 th A.D. 1881.
Possibly appeared, this day, his son Mr Isaac Winton for an acting Justice of the Peace in Upper The County. At the adjourned, Isaac Winton was about 90 years of age & a man of unspotted fidelity & fully entitled to credit, who be- ing first duly sworn on the Holy Evange- lists, sought & deposed to:
Question: Have you given the "cure" of the revolution?
I was in the resolution man
Question: Did you see or with him Benjamin Nichols in said way?
I do not recollect seeing him there but I am very sure he was there for I heard him often spoken of at the time we were in at the time we were in safe company. What better evidence is needed
to get them, or where ever you station us. In no battle but stationed at Wilmington in Carolina
Question:
Under what officer did you service in the service? and Capt Benjamin D. [?]
Question: State how long you have been Social High School to Goshen ? Yes
has: that I can't say long
Question - Was he really discharged? and I do not know
Long time - How long have you

reason to believe said Richard served? Ans: Three months
Question: What is your reason for believing he served so long? Ans: Because the Solgers went there over three months later
Question: Can you acquaint with him Richard, now living in Greene County? Ans: I am
Question: Is she the wid. of said Richard? Ans: I do not know that she was within my knowledge but I have reason to believe that she was Question: Did they live together as man & wife? Ans: I don't say whether they did or not
Question: Did they have children which they acknowledged to be their lawful heirs? Ans: I do not know
Question: Where was said Richard married? Ans: I do not know
Sworn to & subscribed before me my commission expires
Witness B.H. Winston Jr
Offade + Winstons mark

State of North Carolina Franklin County
I Young Patterson Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for said County - the same being a Court of Record - certify that Isaac Winston whose signature appears to the Within Certificate is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace duly Commissioned in and for the County aforesaid according to the laws of North Carolina, and to to keep said Court - and to take oaths of office & qualification are entitled to all the rights and privileges as any other Justice of the Peace and that full faith & credit are due and ought to be given to the official acts of the said Isaac Winston as such - and that his Certificate is in due form of law - Given under my hand and seal of Office at Office in Louisburg this the 9 th day of October A D 1845
Y. Patterson C.C.C.

State of North Carolina } September 27 th Granville County } AD 1845—
Anne Richards this day personally appeared before me Jonathan M c Stone one of the acting Justices of the peace in & for the County aforesaid and being Duly sworn on the holy Evangelist of Almighty god says that the leaf marked A is taken from her family Bible which has been in the family for a great many Years and contains a true record of the Births of her children by her Husband Philip Benjamin Richards
Sworn to & subscribed before me
J c Stone J c
Anne her Richards mark
State of North Carolina } September 27 th day Granville County } AD 1845—
I Jonathan M c Stone an acting Justice of the peace in & for the County aforesaid hereby certify that the leaf marked A was in my presence taken from an old Bible in the possession of Anne Richards and by her kept as a family record
J c Stone J c
State of North Carolina } County of Granville }
I James M c Wiggins clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County & state aforesaid do certify that Jonathan M c Stone whose name appears to the above certificate is & was at the time of the signing thereof

an acting Justice of the Peace in & for the said County State, duly appointed & Commissioned to that full faith & credit are to be given to his acts as such -
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of Office - This the 13 th day of October A.D. 1818 -
Jarell Miggins, Clerk

Poems of Ally. Das Richards.

Know all men by these presents That I James Richards of the County of Gran- -villes and State of North Carolina. One of the Legal Representatives of Anne Richards deceased, the widow of Benjamin Richards who was a private in the Revolutionary war, do hereby constitute and appoint Benson F. Jones of the City of Raleigh and State aforesaid, my true and lawful Attorney for me, and in my name, to take up and examine the Application made by Anne Richards for a pension, presented by some person not now recalled, several years ago -
Witness my hand and seal, this 31 day of July 1851. Signed and sealed, in presence of
B. Walker W. D. Jones
James Richards
State of North Carolina } Granville County } }
Be it known, That on the 31 th day of July 1851, before the subscribers a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appe- -ared before me, the above named James Richards and acknowledged the foregoing power of Atto- -rney to be his Act and deed.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year above mentioned.
W. Stone J.P.

State of North Carolina Granville County
I Augustine Candis Clerk of The Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for The County & State Aforesaid. Hereby certify That Jonathan M c Stone Esquire whose signature appears to the foregoing Certificate, is and was at the signing thereof an Acting Justice of The Peace in and for Granville County And That The foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my Name and Affixed The Seal of my Office at Oxford the 31 st day of July A.D. 1851. Francis M c K.