Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18817, for Joseph Rice, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Rice, Joseph, Mary.
No. 18817.
CONTENTS

Massachusetts 3405
Mary Rice widow of Joseph Rice who was a Private Mass in the Massachusetts for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of Eighty Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the Seventh day of December 1843 and sent to Charles G Prentiss Nuremberg Massachusetts
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 52

6289.
Maine
Joseph Rice, private
Massachusetts line, 2 years in the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
Inscribed on the Roll of the Dist. of Maine - at the rate of $8 - Dollars per month, to commence on the 30 th of March 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 th of Jan y 1819 and delivered to R. C. Dore, Esq. of Augusta, Maine
Arrears to 4th of Sept r 1818. 2 mo. 2/30 41.50 Semi-ann. all ce ending 4 th Mar 1819. 48.00
$89.50
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Waltham
Dear Friend
Informed July 17, 1821 that he could not be reinitiated. - put R d
Not s sent to J. E. Dore, Augusta, Maine. 18th July 1820
Informed May 13, 1822 that he could not be restored - sent to John Holmes, U. S. Senator Alfred, Maine
Copies of Land act Copies of papers sent to the Hon. S. Capps, with letter, Dec. 19. 1835.

Joseph Rice. Malta. H. Col. Putnam, Mass. Reg. 1781 to 1783
th March 30. 1818
Admitted -

I Joseph Rice, aged Fifty eight years, born in West- borough in the state of Massachusetts, but now of Matta in the District of Maine, upon oath testify and declare, that I served as a private in the revolutionary war three or four months at Ticonderoga in 1776. And three months in year 1777 in Col. Cushing's regiment. In May 1778 I enlisted as a private soldier into the continental service for nine months, into the company then commanded by Lieutenant Henry Holland, and regiment commanded by Col. Rufus Putnam of the fifth regiment, Massachusetts line. This term I fully served out, and took my discharge from the army at Colabarrack on the Hudson River near Courtland's manor in February or March 1779. The discharge I have not preserved. I afterwards enlisted again into the continental service in the year 1780 for six months into the company commanded by Lieut d Greene, and regiment commanded by Col. Jackson of the eighth, Massachusetts line, which last period of six months, I fully served out. In November or December 1780 I took my honorable discharge from the six months service aforesaid. The discharge I have not preserved. In March or April 1781 I again enlisted as a private into the continental service for three years into the company commanded by Capt John Prother, and regiment commanded by Col. Rufus Putnam of the fifth regiment Massachusetts line . Under this last enlistment I served until the twenty fifth of December 1783 having been in May or June of that year transferred to the first Massachusetts regiment. On the 25 of December 1783 I took my honorable discharge from the army, which is hereunto annexed. I was at the taking of Burgoyne. I am indigent, and in need of the bounty of the government. And I do hereby relinquish

all my claim to every pension heretofore allowed me by the laws of the U. States, if any.
I request that I may be put upon the pension list for the district of Maine.
Joseph Rice
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Kennebec Co.
On the thirtieth day of March A D 1818, Joseph Rice above named, after having been carefully examined made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration, by him subscribed -
Before me Nathan Weston Esq. Chief Justice C. Court C. Pleas, Second Eastern Circuit Commonwealth of Massachusetts
ap.
I Simon Scates, of Maine, of lawful age upon oath testify and declare that I am well acquainted with the within named Joseph Rice, From his reduced circumstances in life, he needs the assistance of his country for support - he sustains the character of a man of truth.
his Simon Scates mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Kennebec Co.
On the eighth day of April A D 1818 Simon Scates above named, after having been carefully examined made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed -
Before me Nathan Weston Esq. Chief Justice C. Court C. Pleas, Second Eastern Circuit

Joseph Price
[Faint, illegible signature or mark]
6239. — 161. p.
26 Jan 7. 1819.
7
[Faint, illegible signature or mark]
P. B. Vose. Augusta, Maine. —

(copy)
State of Maine.
237
KENNEBEC COUNTY, ss.
ON this Thirty first day of May , 1820, personally appeared before Nathan Weston  honor chief , Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, being a Court of Record for said Counties, proceeding according to the course of the common law, having original jurisdiction, unlimited in amount, keeping a record of their proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment, Joseph Rice aged  fifty one years, resident in Malta in the County of Winnobago within said Circuit, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows, viz. in the Company commanded by Captain Guel.  Holloman and Regiment commanded by Colonel Rufus Putnam of the line of the State of Massachusetts upon the Continental Establishment, for the period of Nine months, and in Capt Trotter's company and in the same  Col. Putnam's regiment for the period of three years
that his original declaration was made before Judge Weston on the  Thirteenth day of March 1818; that he is now on the Maine Roll, and that his pension certificate is numbered 6289 . And I, the said Joseph  Rice do further solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled, "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
Joseph Rice
The following is a Schedule of my whole Estate and income, necessary clothing and bedding excepted, viz :
One old horse of the value of eighteen dollars - Two cows of the value of thirty dollars - Two yearlings of the value of ten dollars - One calf worth two dollars - Three sheep and two lambs, worth six dollars - One swine worth five dollars - Old household stuff, besides necessary bedding, not exceeding five dollars - One yoke of oxen of the value of fifty five dollars; one cart of the value of thirty dollars - Two axes worth two dollars - One plough worth five dollars - One chain worth two dollars - One harrow worth three dollars - One old shovel, one old hoe and one old scythe, all worth two dollars - Debts due to me that can be collected not exceeding four dollars, and I owe as much as two hundred, for which I pay interest - My income from the foregoing property deducting the interest of what I owe does not exceed fifteen dollars a year - I am by occupation a farmer, but from age and infirmity being very rheumatic am not able to labor half the time
My family at home consists of myself and my son Isaac aged eighteen, who is very weakly and able to do but little
Except

Except the foregoing and my necessary clothing and bedding I have no estate or income whatever
Joseph Rice
Subscribed Sworn to and declared both the oath and schedule on the thirty first day of May 1820
Before me Nathan Weston, Junior, C. J. C. C. Plas
True copy Attest John Davis Clerk.

Joseph Rice
per Miami Roll No. 6.289
S. I. C. June 4. 1823.
vacant property $36.00
Served 3 years.
R. C. VOP August 2 nd

DECLARATION,
In order to be restored to the Pension List, under the act of the 1st March, 1823.
State of Maine.
COUNTY OF Kennebec ss.
ON this fourth day of June 1823 personally appeared Joseph Rice being a Court of Record for said County, proceeding according to the course of common law, having original jurisdiction unlimited in amount, keeping record of their proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment Joseph Rice , resident in said County, aged Sixty four years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the Acts of the eighteenth of March, eighteen hundred and eighteen, the first of May, eighteen hundred and twenty, and the first of March, eighteen hundred and twenty-three—that he the said Joseph Rice enlisted for the term of three years on the 10th day of June in the year 1781 in the State of Massachusetts in the Company commanded by Captain Brother in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Pitman in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the Continental establishment; that he continued to serve in the said corps until December 1783 when he was discharged from the said service in West Point in the State of New York that his name has been placed on the pension list, and dropt there dropt there upon on account of his property.
AND, in pursuance of the Act of the first May, eighteen hundred and twenty, I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the eighteenth day of March, eighteen hundred and eighteen, and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby, so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the eighteenth day of March, eighteen hundred and eighteen, and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
Signs Joseph Rice
SWORN to and declared, on the fourth day of June 1823 before
Prentiss Mellor Chief Justice of said Court
Total Value $30.00

SCHEDULE of the Real and Personal Estate, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber, viz: I have no Real Estate or Personal Estate Except one cow, one swine, two sheep, I have no farming tools except 1 old Plough, 1 Hoe 2 axes, 1 Shovel & 1 Chain I have no Household Furniture except 1 Iron Pot, 1 Tin Kettle, 2 doz Knives, Forks & 3 chairs, 1 table & 4 cups & Saucers
Joseph Rice
SCHEDULE of the family residing with me Joseph Rice who, by occupation am a farmer which I am unable to pursue by reason of Sthics but a small part of the time
   Names. Ages. Capacity of each to contribute to their support.     Anna my Wife 39 Years Some unwell   Ruth my Daughter 18 Months   Olivia my Daughter 3 1/2  
Joseph Rice
That since the exhibition of my first Schedule, the following changes have been made in my property. All the articles of Personal Property mentioned in my former Schedule except in the above Schedule have been sold to pay my just debts, and for the support of my family
   Names of the persons to whom sold. Time of Sale. Amount of Money, or description of property received in return.      
Joseph Rice
I, Robert C. Vose Clerk of all the Judicial Courts within the said County of Kennebec do hereby certify, that it appears, to the satisfaction of the Court, that the said Joseph Rice did serve in the Revolutionary War, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, under one engagement, on the continental establishment. I also certify, that the foregoing oath, and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Records of said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is Thirty dollars and cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this fourth day of June 1823
Robert C. Vose Clerk of the Court of the County of Kennebec

Mary Rice (1079)
admitted P. 2. #80.
died Sep 11. 1826 Preston list.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester, ss.
I, Charles G. Prouty, Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester, do certify, that Fred Barton is the Judge of said Court, duly commissioned and qualified; and that his signatures to the paper hereto annexed are his own genuine signatures.
I further certify, that Martin S. Stowe is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; and that the three signatures of his name to the paper hereto annexed are his own genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof, I do hereunto set my hand, and affix the seal of said Court this twenty ninth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and thirty-eight.
Chas. G. Prouty, Register.

"Joseph Rice Jr. and Mary Rice both of Westborough were joined in marriage July fifteenth seventeen hundred and eighty four, By me James Hawes. Justice. Peace."
I certify that the above is a true copy from the record of marriages in the town Book of Westborough in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows, "July 15 th 1784" Nahum Fisher
I, Nahum Fisher, above-named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in said Westborough, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town with the exception above-named as certified by me.
Nahum Fisher, Clerk of said Town of Westborough.
Worcester ss. August 29. 1838
Sworn before me Nathaniel D. Stone Justice of the Peace
I Bernice Rice of Westborough in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy two years, depose & say, that I was present at the solemnization of the intermarriage of Joseph Rice Jun. & Mary Rice. They were married by James Hawes a Justice of the peace. I cannot state the year of said marriage but believe it must have been more than fifty years ago. I have seen the latter Mary Rice within a few days - Bernice Rice
Worcester ss. August 29. 1838. Then the above named Bernice Rice made oath to the truth

of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed, and I certify that the said Bernice Nee is well known to me, and is a credible witness. — Martin L. Stone Justice of the Peace
I William Seaver of Northborough in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age, depose, testify & say, that I was acquainted with Joseph Nee and his wife Mary Nee when I was quite young, & have been ever since, until the decease of the said Joseph, which took place in the State of Maine 10 or 12 years since, as I have been informed.
The said Mary Nee is my aunt, and I have been well acquainted with her to the present time: she has remained a widow of the said Joseph & unmarried since his decease. The father of the said Joseph Nee was not living within my remembrance.
William Seaver Worcester ss. August 29, 1838.
Then the above named William Seaver made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed, and I certify that the said William Seaver is well known to me and is a credible witness, Martin L. Stone Justice of the Peace

I Isaac D. Nite of Bethlehem in the County of Lehigh and State of Pennsylvania do hereby say, that I am the son of Joseph Nite and Mary Nite his wife. My said father died at his home in the State of Maine on the eleventh day of September in the year eighteen hundred and twenty six. I was with him when he died. My said Mother Mary Nite, now resides in said Bethlehem, and has never been married since his death.
Isaac D. Nite
Lehigh Co. Aug. 29, 1878 I hereby before you and certify that said Isaac D. Nite is a man of truth.
Isaac Batten Judge of Probate for Lehigh

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Hampshire
On the twenty ninth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight, personally appeared Mrs. Sarah Paton, wife of the late Patrick, for some time of Boston, Mary Paton a resident of Cambridge in said County of Hampshire, aged seventy seven years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth hereupon her oath declare, for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed July 7, 1838, entitled an Act grant- ing half pay and pensions to certain widows. That she is the widow of Joseph Hove, late of Windsor in the County of Hampshire in the State of Maine deceased who was a private in the Army of the United States and a pensioner of the United States

States under the Act of Congress of March 18. D. 1868. The said husband went from the town of Northburgh in said County into the Army, and she resided at the same time in the town of Hoback in said County of Brooke, and she knew her husband before he came out of the service, but she was not acquainted with the particulars of that service. She must refer for the proof thereof to the wills in the her department, come to the proper place in the case of her said husband.
She further declares, that she was mar- ried to the said Joseph Rice at North- burgh in said County of Brooke on the fifteenth day of July in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty four by James Haws being a pastor of the Peace. That her husband the

of our first trip, due at London in the State of Maine, on the eleventh day of September in the year eighteen hundred and twenty six, now that the her - measure his willow can't see. That she can't measure to him given to his being the son - but the marriage took place from to the first day of January in the year eighteen hundred and twenty four lost at the hour above stated. Mary X Rose I am to our sister much the day over year old brother, life on
 McBath Judge of the Court of Probate for our County of Penobscot 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS:
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Joseph Rice a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. W.F. 18,817.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1776 3 or 4 mos Pvt Officers not stated Record at Ticonderoga Mass.   1777 3 mos Burkings   1778 9 mos. Lt Ivory Hollands Rufus Putnam   1780 6 mos. Lt Green Jackson   Mch. 1781 Dec 25 1783 John Trotter Rufus Putnam  
Battles engaged in, Capture of Burgoyne.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Northborough, Worcester Co. Mass
Date of application for pension, Mch 30 1818. His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Waltham, Middlesex Co. Mass.
Age at date of application, 58 yrs. Born in Marlborough, Mass. died in Mendon, Middlesex Co. Mass.
Remarks: Count. Dec. Sept. 11, 1826. He married in Westborough, Worcester Co. Mass. July 15, 1784 Mary. In 1823 soldier referred to his wife Anna as 39 yrs. and daughters Bath 18 mos. and Olina 3 mos. but his last widow Mary Rice was allowed pension on her application executed Aug 29 1838 while a resident of Oakham, Worcester Co. Mass. as 77 years. In 1838 Isaac D. son of Mary and Joseph Rice was a resident of Oakham Mass. as about 36 yrs.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
Joseph Rice (his 2nd wife?) Isaac 15 in 1820
for Jr. to whom Mary was mar. as the man to whom above account is credited in Mass. archives

J.S.C.
ms
In 1823 soldier ret. to wife Anna, ne 39 + daughters Ruth 18 mos + Maria 3 mos. but his lawful widow Mary Rice was all paid on her appl n 4

I Robert C. Vose, of Augusta, Kennebec County and State of Maine, of lawful age do depose and say that I have been for many years acquainted with Joseph Rice, of Windsor, formerly Malta, in said County a Pensioner under the Law of Congress of March 18. 1818 - I did at the request of the said apart him in establishing his claim to a pension, and when the act passed of the 1 st May 1820, I again assisted him in preparing his schedule - the said Rice had in his possession a yoke of Oxen and some other stock on a place where he lived as a tenant which he had engaged to purchase, but never paid for and the Judge Weston before whom the schedule was made, in Court told Rice, that the debts he owed would be a fair offset against the amount of said stock, Rice still stating the stock was not his unless he paid for it - I was fully acquainted with the circumstances of the said Rice, and under the direction of the Court the schedule was so made, the whole amount of property exhibited in the schedule only amounted to the sum of $161.00 and the debts which he owed exceeded that sum. the Court therefore certified the fact that Rice was worth "Nothing" or not enough to pay his debts. I was much surprised to learn afterwards that a man who was "Nothing" should be stricken from the Pension Roll on account of his property - I further depose and say that to my knowledge the said Rice, is a very poor man and no property; nor has he had any for the last four years, to a greater amount than the Law of our State allows to Poor debtors. to wit, one Cow & six sheep - I state this from my own knowledge of said Rice, as I did purchase for him a Cow for the use of his family and let him have said Cow to keep, he having a family of little children by his second Wife, his wife said to me their necessities were such as to require subsistence and under the belief that he must again draw his Pension, I did consent to bye them the Cow above mentioned - If his the said Rice's schedule under the Law of March 1. 1823. does not satisfactorily explain the disposition of the property mentioned in his first schedule, it was omitted under an apprehension that the explanation had been made and sent to the pension office previous to the passing of the act of March 1. 1823 -
Robert C. Vose
Subscribed and sworn to Jan 7. 24. 1826 before me, the deponent being a credible witness.
Nathan Weston Jr.
Inst S. J. C.

Full name of soldier, Joseph Rice. Widen 18817? Where did he enter service? Grafton, Mass. (Town, county, and State.) Under what officers did he serve? Place of residence after service, Grafton, Mass. (Town, county, and State.) Approximate date of death, Feb. 12, 1789 Given name of widow, Hannah (Leland) Did either the soldier or his widow receive a pension? Additional information, He was a soldier in 1757.
Signature, Henry J. Saunders (Mrs. or Miss to be prefixed if a lady signs.)
Post-office address, including street and number, town, county, and State, } Cody, Big Horn Co., Wyoming.

Dec. 17, 1904. His to Henry J. Saunders. Cody No
1916 June 29. History to Miss Sybil Noyer. Letter in claim S7.18526. David Nelson. M.13.11
1919 June 26. History to Mrs. Chas. F. Davis. and
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 18817
Mary Rice
Widow of Joseph Rice Born Rev. Wash
Act Mar 3 rd 1843
Index:—Vol. M Page 164
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Restore Joseph Rice's name to the Pension Roll & send notification to R. C. Vose, Augusta. Pension to commence 24. th January 1826.
Last papers in this case rec. 9 Feb. 1826

State of Maine.
I John Davis Clerk, for the County of Werneth of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the second Eastern Circuit, embracing the counties of Lincoln, Ken- nebec and Somerset, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and that the original was exhibited in open Court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule, including debts due to the declarant therein stated, is One hundred  sixty one dollars and  cents and deducting therefrom the amount of what the declarant owes, as set forth in said Schedule, the value of said property in the opinion of said Court, is Nothing  dollars and  cents
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twentieth day of June 1820.
J. Davis Clerk of said Court for the County of of Werneth

969
Massachusetts
Mary Rice widow of Joseph Rice deceased
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818 and who died on the 11 th September 1836 at Worcester in the State of M.
who was a Private in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Mass. line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of _____ at the rate of $_____ Dollars _____ Cents per annum. to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1838.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of Sept. 1836 and sent Rev. G. Prentiss Minister M.
Arrears to the 4 th of Sept 1838 $200.00 Semi-annual allowance ending March 4 th 40.00
$240.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by H. Addison Clerk, Book 14 Vol. 1 st Page 126

Hon. J. S. Edwards
Commr. of Pensions
Washington City.

Womeston Aug t . 29. 1838.
Sir,
I send the application of Mary Rice for a Pension.
Please to send the certificate to
Your obedient Servant, Chas. G. Prantiff.
Hon. J. S. Edwards.

3800 Mary Rice
$80 per m
3415-
52
Ch. G. Prentiss
Worcester,
Mass.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
WORCESTER COUNTY, ss. On this second day of August A. D. 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber, one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for the County of Worcester, Mary Rice a resident of Oakharn in said County, aged eighty one years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3d of March, 1843, granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war.
That she is the widow of Joseph Rice deceased who was a private in the War of the Revolution. That his service amounted as near as I can recollect, to about five years. He served at Bannington, at West Point at the time of Arnold's desertion — He served a part of the time under Gen. Putnam — A part of the time in the Company of Capt. Frotter.
and that she received a pension under the act of July 7, 1838, of $ 80 Dollars per annum. She further declares that she is still a Widow. Mary Rice
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me; — and I certify that the said Mary Rice is personally known to me.
James Allen Justice of the Peace.

11 COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
WORCESTER, ss.
I, CHARLES G. PRENTISS, Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester, do certify that James Allen is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature to the foregoing certificate is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I do hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court, this sixteenth day of August one thousand eight hundred and forty- three .
Chas. G. Prentiss , Register.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
To the Honorable the Secretary of the Department of War of the United States.
I the subscriber, being Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Second Eastern Circuit of Massachusetts, embracing the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, do hereby certify to your Honor, that Joseph Rice , a citizen of the United States, now resident in Malta , in the said County of Humboldt , in the District of Maine, on the thirteenth day of March , A. D. 1818, made application to me to receive his declaration under oath, and such other evidence, as was in his power to produce; and to transmit the same, and the proceedings had thereon, to your Honor; that he might be placed on the pension list of the United States, agreeably to the provisions of an Act, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," passed March 18, A. D. 1818, which declaration, and the other evidence produced by the said applicant, is hereunto annexed.
And I do further certify to your Honor, that after a full examination of the said applicant, and a careful consideration of the evidence in the case, it appears to me that the said applicant did serve as a private soldier , in the war of the revolution, against the common enemy, upon the continental establishment, for more than nine months, as stated in his declaration aforesaid; and that from his reduced circumstances, he needs the assistance of his country for support.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the Seal of the Court in which I preside, to be hereunto affixed, this twenty third day of May in the year of our LORD one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
Nathan Weston  his C. Seal C. C. C. Pleas 2 d E. Circuit.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
KENNEBEC, ss.
THE Subscriber, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts, held within the said County of Kennebec, hereby certifies, that the Honorable NATHAN WESTON, Junior, Esquire, before whom the annexed proceedings were held, is Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Second Eastern Circuit of Massachusetts, embracing the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset ; and that by the direction of the said Judge, I have affixed unto his Certificate bearing his signature, the seal of the said Court in which he presides.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand : Dated at Augusta, in said County of Kennebec, this tenth day of June, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
John Davis

The widow Mary Rice, married soldier July 15, 1784, and was alive in 1843-
It is evident that he left her and went from Worcester Co., Mass., to Malta, Kennebec Co., Me. (where he lived in 1818) and later to Windsor, Me., where he died Sept. 11, 1826.
Isaac, aged 15 yrs. in 1820, was the son of soldier and Mary. He is mentioned in 1820 by soldier and in 1838 testifies in his mother's claim.
It seems that "wife" Anna aged 39 in 1823, (by whom soldier then had 2 children, Ruth (Over)

aged 18 mos. and Olivia aged 3 mos.) became his so-called "wife" in Me. while Mary his lawful wife was living in Mass. M. R.
APR 6 - 1911
Soldier in 1820 states that his family consisted of himself and his son Isaac -
In 1838 son Isaac D. states that he was son of Joseph & Mary and that he was with his father in 1826 when he died at Windsor Me.
The marriage record shows that Soldier was junior in 1754 and the Mass Archives gives to Joseph Jr. the services alleged by this pensioner in 1818.
All of this shows connection of sol. & widow Mary.
No explanation given about wife Anna in 1823 apparently no question raised in allowing Mary's pension as there is no correspondence in the matter.

Joseph Re- 237 Total Value — 161.00 debts owed — 200 —
found 3 years
old and lame and unable to labor —

War Department,
PENSION OFFICE,
13 th July 1820.
SIR,
You are hereby informed that the Secretary of War does not, on account of the amount of your property, consider you entitled to a Pension under the Acts of the 18th March, 1818, and 1st May, 1820; and has, therefore, directed your name to be stricken from the Pension List.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. G. Edwards
To Mr. Joseph Rice, Malta.
Name

I Joseph Rice, a pensioner under the law of Congress of March 18 th 1818 do upon oath declare that the yoke of oxen and cart which mentioned in my schedule of the 31 st day last I do not own, they are only in my possession, another person having bought them for me, and I only have the use of them, being wholly unable to purchase them a Mr. Barton purchased them for me to work with which was done for me upon the strength of the appearance of my pension. I am poor and needy and have no means of getting a support, if deprived of my pension, except my labor, and being infirm and very subject to the Rheumatism I am able to do but little labor. I also owe debts which I am wholly unable to pay, and what little personal property I have I am only permitted to hold thro' the money of my creditors, if deprived of my pension I must depend upon public or private charity for support - all the property I am in possession of does not exceed fifty dollars, &c.
Subscribed & sworn to Dec 10. 1820
Before me, Nathan Weston the Not. S. J. C.
I Robert C. Vose, of Augusta Maine of lawful age do depose and say that I am well acquainted with Joseph Rice above named to my knowledge he is quite infirm and able to do but little labor - he is poor and owes to my knowledge over one hundred dollars. The property in his possession may possibly amount to fifty dollars but not be considered by me to be worth that sum to sell for cash, to another person. If he is deprived of his pension he must depend on public or private charity for support - Robert C. Vose
Cumberland Feb 6. 1821
Subscribed & sworn to the deponent being in my opinion a credible witness Before me
Isaac Adams, Just. Peace

RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by W. Rice
Claim No. W. F. 18817
Certificate No. _____
Claimant _____
Soldier Joseph Rice
Service Mass., Rev. War.
Additional Service _____
No. _____ claim, State records _____, 191 _____
No claim, combination records _____, 191 _____
REMARKS:
No Surv. Wid or Ref'd claim for Joseph Rice (or an Anna Rice as his widow) except above and S.F. 21446 (not identical, Lt. in R.S. service and always lived in R.S.)
Chief Division
1911

enclosed stamps for reply