Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15256, for David Richards, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Kass.
Richards, David Chloe
N. 15256
CONTENTS

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden ss.
On this nineteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven, personally appeared before me the Judge of Probate for the County of Hampden Chloe Richardy of Springfield in said County of Hampden and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy six 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 fourth eighteen hundred thirty six.
That she is the widow of said Richardy, who was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and who served in several army engagements during the struggle for independence. His first term of service was in the Spring of seventeen hundred seventy six. At this time he was at Dorchester near Boston. It is believed he was under the command of Captain Guild.
He also served a period of

4 Jul 23 1837 about four months in seventeen hundred seventy seven. He was then in Colonel Gills Regiment under Captain Aaron Smith. He served at Stillwater, Saratoga, the White Plains, and at several places on the Hudson River.
Nov 11 47 3m 8 end Oct 30 80 He also served a further term of three months in the Brigade of General Shayer under Captain Moses Bullard. This service was performed in the State of Rhode Island. It commenced about the first of August in the year seventeen hundred eighty, and terminated in the following November.
Nov 11 80 She further declares that she was married to the said David Richards at Dedham in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts by Rev. Benjamin C. Gann, and on or about the fifteenth day of June in the year seventeen hundred eighty; that her husband, the aforesaid David Richards died at Hardwick in the County of Worcester on the twenty ninth day of December 1817; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the deposition and proofs hereto annexed.
Chloe Richards

Sworn to and subscribed, this nineteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven,
Before me MOSE MORRIS Judge of Probate for the County of Hampden and I do notify that the said bholo Richards by reason of bodily infirmity is unable to attend the court
MOSE MORRIS Judge of Probate and I the said judge after the investigation of the whole matter do declare my opinion that the said David Richards was a soldier in the army of the Revolution, that he served as stated in the declaration of the said bholo, that he was married to the said bholo before his last period of service that he died on the twenty ninth day of December AD 1817 and that the said bholo has since remained, and now is the widow of said David Richards deceased — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and the seal of the court of Probate this nineteenth day of April AD 1837
MOSE MORRIS Judge of the court of Probate for the County of Hampden
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Hampden ss:
I Justin William Clerk of the Court of Probate within & for said County

Do hereby certify that the Honorable Oliver B Morris before whom the foregoing declaration of Chloe Richards was subscribed and sworn to is the Judge of said Probate Court and that his signature subscribed to the foregoing certificate of said oath & of the infirmity of said testimony  negating respectively & to the foregoing declaration of the opinion of said Judge in the matter of said application, is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Probate Court at Springfield this twentieth day of April A.D. 1937
Justin Willard

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden ss
I Clarissa Warner of Springfield in said County of Hampden, of lawful age testify and say that I am the daughter of David Richard late of Sandwich deceased, and that the said David Richard died at Sandwich in the County of Worcester on the twenty ninth day of December in the year of our Lord one thou- -sand eight hundred and seventeen.
I further testify and say that Chloe Richard, mentioned in the declaration above, is the widow of the said David Richard, and that she has remained unmarried ever since his death.
Clarissa Warner
Hampden
April 19-1837 Then personally appeared the above named Clarissa Warner, and made oath to the truth of the deposition above by her subscribed.
Before me Erasmus D. Read Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that Clarissa Warner is a credible witness.
E D Read Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden ss
I Thomas Richard of Springfield in the County of Hampden aforesaid, of fifty six years of age, the eldest son of David Richard late of Hardwick deceased, testify and say, that my father the said David Richard, died at Hardwick aforesaid, on the twenty ninth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventeen.
And I further testify and say that Chloe Richard, mentioned in the declaration above, is the widow of the said David Richard, and has remained unmarried since his death.
Thomas Richard
Hampden ss April 19-1837
Then personally appeared the above named Thomas Richard, and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed.
Before me Erasmus D. Beach Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that Thomas Richard the deponent above is a credible witness - E. D. Beach, Jus. of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Hampshire ss:
I Justin Willard Clerk of the Probate Court within & for said County the same being a Court of Record do hereby certify that Erasmus D Brattle before whom the proceedings Depositions of Clarissa Warren & of Thomas Richards purport to have been executed as a Justitia of the Peace within & for said County and that his signature subscribed to the inspection certificates thereof is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Springfield this twentieth day of April AD 1837
Justin Willard

To whom it may concern
I Jonathan Richards of Roxbury in the County of Norfolk and state of Massachusetts, being seventy six years of age hereby Testify and say that David Rich Richards a brother of mine engaged from Dedham in said said County, as a soldier and served for a time (how long I can not say) at Dorchester Hill near Boston in the Year A D 1776 in the month of March or April or both of that year - and I believe in Capt Aaron Guild's company but am not certain as to the Captain under whom he served -
And I further Testify and say that I was knowing to the fact that my said Brother David Richards served as a soldier for the term of three months and twenty seven Days in the Company of Capt Aaron Smith, and Col. Gills Regiment, this service was rendered at Still water & Saratoga state of New York and at other places on the Hudson River and last at or near the White Plains above the City of New York, this service began about the fifth of August A D 1777 and ended about the first of December following - and the reasons why I know the above facts, are because I served in the same company at the same places and for the same term of time -
Jonathan Richards
State of Massachusetts
County of Norfolk ss
March 8 th 1837 - Then the above named Jonathan Richards, long known to the subscriber as a man of veracity and a credible witness, subscribed to, and made oath that the foregoing Statement is true -
Before me. Wm Ellis. Justice of Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Sitting Office March 8. 1837.
I hereby certify that Wm Ellis whose name is by him above subscribed is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk in this State. Witness my hand & the Seal of the Commonwealth.
John P. Bigelow
Sec'y of the Commonwealth

To whom it may concern
I Reuben Richards of Dedham in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, being seventy three years of age hereby Testify and say, that I was knowing to the fact that David Richards a brother of mine served as a Soldier in a tour to Rhode Island in the company of Capt Moses Bullard & I think Jacob Mann was the Lieutenant, the Colonel's name I have forgotten but it was in General Thayer, Briggade, This term of service began about the first day August A.D. 1780 and ended about the first of November following, and that the term of service thus rendered by said David Richards was three months, and other reasons why I know the above facts, are because I served in the same company, at the same place and for the same term of time. — Reuben Richards
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss
February 15 th 1837. Then Reuben Richards known to the Subscriber as a credible Witness, subscribed to, and made Oath, that the matter set forth in the foregoing statement is true.
Before me. W m G. Ellis Justice of Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office. Feb. 15. 1837.
I hereby certify that W m Ellis whose name is subscribed above, is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk in this State without my hand & the Seal of the Commonwealth
John P. Bigelow
Secy of the Commonwealth

I Richard Ellis of Dedham in the County of Norfolk, and Commonwealth Massachusetts hereby certify and say that I am at this time the Clerk of the town of Dedham, and have the custody & keeping of the Books and Records of said town, and having been requested so to do, have critically examined those Books & Records, and can find no trace of the marriage Record of the Marriage of David Richards and Chloe Richards both formerly of Dedham.
Richard Ellis
Dedham April 22 d 1837.
Witness - Richard Ellis

V 1699 Chloe Richards wid of David Mass died Dec 9 1817
M rs Nathaniel B. Mosely Springfield
Said 14 th Mass Adm re per J McR do. $23.88 per ann. commg 4 March 1857. Mass. Militia Col. G. L. Capt. Smith
N B Mosely Esq Print

I Rebecca Richards of Dover in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being ninety years of age hereby depose and say, that I was personally acquainted with David Richards in the year A.D. 1777 and for many afterwards, that he the said David Richards then resided in that part of Dedham which is now Dover, and in my neighborhood, that I was also personally acquainted with Cloe Richards then resident in the same neighborhood at the same time, that the said David Richards and Cloe Richards were married about the middle of the month of June, either in the year A.D. 1779 or 1780, which of those years it was, that this marriage took place I am not certain; and the Rev Benjamin Caryl Solemnized the marriage of said David and Cloe Richards, I know this because I was present on the occasion and an eye witness to this marriage ceremony
Rebecca Richards
State of Massachusetts
County of Norfolk
April 22 nd 1837. Then the above named Rebecca Richards known to the subscriber as a credible witness subscribed to, and made oath to the truth of the foregoing
Statement
Before me Daniel Mann Esq Justice of Peace
Hampden April 20 th 1837 The foregoing deposition being this day produced to me as additional testimony in the matter of the application for a Petition of advice  advice  to be  now cause it to be annexed to the original declaration.
Now Morris head of Probate for said County

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Hampshire ss:
I Nathan Willard Clerk of the Probate Court within & for said County do hereby certify that the signature of Oliver D. Morris (who is the judge of said Court) subscribed to the certified order on the opposite page of this sheet written is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at New Bedford the twenty seventh day of March A.D. 1837
Nathan Willard

Boston February 24 th 1837
Dear Brother
I have been out to Dedham & got all the evidence that I could except Mrs. Letherby, who was at the wedding of my Father & Mother. I under stood that she was not well so therefor I did not call on her; I called on the town Clerk of Dedham & got him to search the records for me, but he could not find the record of Father's marriage as you will see he has testified to that fact; I also called on Relua Richards & I send her affidavit also to you; I should like to go to Washington with you & from there to Virginia but I can not leave my business for the present;
Give my love to all my friends at Springfield
Yours with respect
N. B. Mosely
Wyatt Richards

Massachusetts. . . . . 1299.
Eloe Richards, widow of David Richards, deceased.
who died on the 9 th Dec r . 1817; of Hampden coin the State of Mass ts . who was a private in the camp of commanded by Captain Smith of the Regt. commanded by Col. Gibbs, Mass ts . line for Militia - 7 mos. private.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 23. Dollars 88 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 th day of Au- gust 1837 and sent to N. 73. Norely, present. Springfield, Mass
Arrears to the 4 th of March, '37 $143.28 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Sept. " 11:94
$155.22
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 rd }
Recorded by S. A. Elliott Clerk, Book 4, Vol. 2 Page 58.

This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
June 10, 1897.
Sir:-
Replying to your request for information concerning David Richards, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you are advised that Cloe, widow of David Richards, made an application for pension on April 19, 1837, at which time she was 76 years of age and residing at Springfield; Mass., and her pension was allowed for the actual service of her husband as a private in the Mass. troops, Revolutionary war, for a period of seven months; a part of the time he served under Capt. Smith and Col. Gibbs. He enlisted at Dorchester, Mass.
Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.
Mr. A. S. Hill,
Cor. Boylston and Tremont Sts.,
Boston, Mass.

June 10. 1899 - History to Mr. A. S. Hill, Clg. Boylston + Tremont, Sts. Boston, Mass -
Mass. 15-256 Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15256
Cloe Richards
Widow of
David Richards
Brn Rev War
Act: July 4 th 1836
Index: - Vol. M , Page 163
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
By His Excellency EDWARD EVERETT , Governor and Commander in Chief in and over said Commonwealth.
To all whom it may concern:
Know Ye, That Daniel Marin Esqrs is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk; and that William Duff Esqrs. is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Suffolk, and have been for the month last past, in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commission- ed, and that to their Acts and Attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court; that the within Attestations are in due form, and by the proper Officer.
In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the Public Seal of the Commonwealth to be hereunto affixed, this twentieth day of May, A. D. 1837, and in the sixty first Year of the Independence of the United States of America.
By His Excellency the Governor.
John D. Sleeper Secretary of the Commonwealth.

To whom it may concern
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
NORFOLK ss. Ernest Sampson
I, JAIRUS WARE , Clerk of the Judicial Courts, being Courts of Record, within and for the County of Norfolk, hereby Certify that Daniel Mann Esquire,
is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Norfolk aforesaid, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified to discharge the duties of said office, and that his signature to the annexed oaths  is genuine and true.
In Witness Whereof, I have subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth aforesaid at Dedham, this Nineteenth day of May A. D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty Seven
Ernest Sampson Clerk

To whom it may concern
I Bathsheba Larabee of Dover in the county of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts widow being eighty three years of age, hereby testify and say, that I was personally acquainted with David Richards who then resided in that part of Dedham now Dover in the year A.D. 1776 or about that time and was also acquainted with Chloe Richards his wife, and I well recollect that they were married by the Revd Benjamin Caryl That was a near neighbour at the time of their Marriage I think their marriage took place about the year A.D. 1779
Charles Wilson ?
her Mark
Charlotte Larabee {witness to the mark}
Bathsheba X Larabee
State of Massachusetts } County of Norfolk, s.s
May 19th 1837 then Bathsheba Larabee known to the Subscribers to be a credible witness subscribed to the above statement and made Oath to the truth of the matter therein contained
Before me Daniel Mann } Justice of Peace

I Wyatt Richards of Boston in the County of Suffolk and State of Massachusetts being of lawful age hereby testify and say, that I am knowing to the fact, that my late Father David Richards late of Hardwick in the County of Worcester, Mass tt had an old Bible which contained his family Records but I can not state the particulars of those Records, but can say that to my personal knowledge; that by accident, these Records, and considerable part of said Bible, was some time since, destroyed by my Brothers Children — . Wyatt Richards
Suffolk ss. Boston May 20 th 1837.
Then the above named Wyatt Richards personally appeared and having subscribed the above in my presence, made solemn oath that the matter set forth in his statement is according to his best knowledge and belief true in all its parts.
Before Me. S. D. L. Just Peace for County of Suffolk

Chloe Richards
wid of
David
See lib. N.B. mostly
May 9. 1837 - do. to same
May 29. 1837
ADM
Act 4 July 1836

N B. Moseley, Esq. of Springfield, Mo. Presb. Aug 5 th .

Tullars Hotel
Washington Aug 12 1887.
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commr of Pensions
Sir
By former communications, it appears that in the case of Chloe Richards the Dept are satisfied as to the service or the most of it say 7 months 5 days and that Claimant is the widow of David Richards but owing to the age and infirmities of said Chloe, she cannot remember the day of the month which the marriage took place. Please examine the testimony and see if in all human probability by the age of the oldest son Thomas Richards who testified to his age and his father's death together with the other testimony who saw them married &c will not place it beyond a reasonable doubt
I am respectfully yours Oht Servant
N. B. Mosely
Attorney for Chloe Richards

A. S. HILL, DENTIST, COR. BOYLSTON AND TREMONT STREETS, HOTEL PELHAM, ROOMS 21-22.
Boston, May 20 1897
Pension Bureau Washington D.C.
R
Will you please write me if David Richards of Loftston N.H. who enlisted Apr 23 rd  1775 (or at later dates) ever drew a Pension? If there is any record will you please furnish copy of same?
Yrs truly Sige
Your Resp.
A. S. Hill
P

OLYMPIA WASH. MAY 22 1897
OLD WAR & NAVY MAY 22 1897