MILITARY: Pension; Sarah Rice widow of Enos Rice; Dekalb, St. Lawrence co., NY submitted by Shelley Morrison (sam2813 at aol.com) ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.org/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.org/ny/nyfiles.htm Submitted Date: October 24, 2004 This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/nyfiles/ File size: 19.1 Kb ************************************************ American Revolutionary War Pension Sarah (Parmenter) Rice wd of Enos Rice Private American Revolutionary War, Greenfield, State of Massachusetts. Claim No. 2639 Obtained from the National Archives, Washington, D.C. Act of July 7, 1838. March 28, 1844 State of NY, County of St. Lawrence. To the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the rolls in his office of the service of my late husband Enos Rice. He was enlisted about the year 1776 from the town of Greenfield in the State of Massachusetts in the company of Captain Dinsmoor and served for a period of 6 months. That after his return, he served again another tour of 3 months. He was, she thinks, in an engagement at White Plains and also at Saratoga. The precise year and other particulars she cannot relate owing to loss of memory. We were married in the year 1793. He died in the year 1831. I am now 66 years old and my memory does not enable me to state anything further material to the search required. I have empowered William B. Pierce of Albany, NY to act in the premises as my attorney. Witness my hand this 28th day of March, A.D., 1844. (Her mark) X (Her name) Sarah Rice Signed before Justice of the Peace Orin M. Fisk October 3, 1844 From: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Secretary's Office, Boston I hereby certify that from an examination of the books and documents relating to military service in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this department, it appears that the name of Enos Rice is borne and from a pay roll of Capt. Abel Dinsmoor, Col. Woodbridged from Aug. 17,1777-3 months & 2 days. Upon a pay roll of Capt. Timothy Child, Col. Wells, at Ticonderoga from May 8, 1777- 2 months & 8 days. Signed & sealed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth John G. ? (Surname unreadable) July 14, 1846 Declaration State of NY, St. Lawrence County On this 14th day of July in the year 1846, personally appeared before (name unreadable) in aforesaid county, Sarah Rice, a resident of the Town of Dekalb in the county of St. Lawrence and said state of NY, aged 69 years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by an act of Congress passed July 7, 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of Enos Rice, late of the Town of Champion in said state of NY who departed this life on the 15th day of March 1831. That her husband, the said Enos Rice was a soldier of the United States during the war of the Revolution but that she, this Declarant, was not married to him until a number of years after said war. She cannot relate the various (unreadable) of his revolutionary Services. She however frequently heard him relate that he enlisted about the year 1776 from the town of Greenfield in the state of Massachusetts in the company of Capt. Dinsmorr and served for a period of 6 months and that after his return he served for another tour of 3 months. He was, she thinks, both in the battles of White Plains and Saratoga. And Declarant further saith, that she was married to the said Enos Rice on the 20th day of March 1793 by Reverend Amasa Cook at Barnardstown, Massachusetts. That the following persons were present at her marriage, to wit: Reuben & Sarah Parmenter, Declarants Parents, Joel & Rachel Parmenter, William Henry & wife Sally Hale. That previous to her said marriage she resided in the Town of Barnardstown and bore the maiden name Sarah Parmenter. That her husband Enos Rice died as aforesaid on the 15th day of March 1831, from which time Declarant has remained a widow. (Her mark) X (Her name) Sarah Rice Sworn before Justice of the Peace (not legible) Sealed by County Clerk Martin Thatcher September 25, 1846 Testimony of Joel P. Rice, nephew of Enos & Sarah Rice. State of New York, Jefferson County Joel P. Rice, resident of the Town of Champion in said county aged 65 years and upwards being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that he is a nephew of Enos Rice deceased and his widow Sarah who now lives in Dekalb in the county of St. Lawrence in said state of NY and now an applicant for pension. Deponent has been acquainted with his Uncle said Enos Rice from his earliest recollection and with his Aunt said Sarah for a period of at least 54 years. He became acquainted with said Aunt previous to her marriage to said Uncle. She then resided in the Town of Gill in the State of Massachusetts and bore the maiden name of Sarah Parmenter. Deponent well remembers the time when his Uncle and Aunt were married. It occurred as Deponent's now calculated from the record of his age in the spring of the year 1793. He also recollected the time said marriage occurred from the following circumstances, to wit: when Deponent was in his 15th year of age he went to live in the family of his Grandfather, the father of his said Uncle Enos and said marriage occurred between 2 & 3 years previous. His Uncle & Aunt, said Enos and Sarah, then had 1 or 2 children. Deponent did not witness the marriage ceremony but well known that it was duly performed at the time, aforesaid, by a proper person duly qualified to administer such ceremony, by, & from, common report among the relatives, & in the neighborhood in which they there resided. Deponent was acquainted with Reverend Amasa Cook who, as he had been informed, performed said marriage ceremony. Deponent said at the time said marriage occurred about 2 miles distant from the residence of his Uncle said Enos is the State of Massachusetts aforesaid. Deponent has always understood and verily believes that his Uncle, said Enos Rice, was a soldier of the Revolution. That heard him frequently relate that he served for a period of 6 months under Capt. Dinsmoor in Massachusetts, aforesaid. His said Uncle moved from Massachusetts, aforesaid, about 44 years ago to Jefferson County, NY. Deponent continued acquainted with his said Uncle and Aunt until the death of his said Uncle and that they continued there together as husband & wife when said day of his death which was in March of 1831. (His signature) Joel P. Rice Sworn before Justice of the Peace Thomas S. Hammond Sealed by Clerk B. ? (Surname not legible) February 17, 1849 Supplemental Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress of July 29th, 1848. State of New York, St. Lawrence County On the 17th day of February in the year 1849 personally appeared before me (name unreadable) a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county duly authorized by law to administer oaths, Sarah Rice, a resident of the Town of Dekalb, in said county of St. Lawrence aged 71 years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following supplemental Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 29th 1848, making further provisions for certain widows (surviving) of the Officers and soldiers of the Revolutionary Army. That she, this Declarant, is now the widow of Enos Rice late of the town of Champion in said State of NY, in which town he departed this life on the 15th day of March, 1831. That her husband, the said Enos Rice, was a soldier of the United States during the War of the Revolution, and enlisted from the town of Greenfield in the State of Massachusetts in about the year 1776 in the company of Capt. Dinsmoor and served for a period of 6 months and that after he came home he served again for a period of 3 months. That as she verily believes he was in the Battles of White Plains and Saratoga. That according to reconning of this Declarant she was married to her said husband on the 20th day of March 1793, in the town of Barnardstown in the State of Massachusetts by the Reverend Amasa Cook. That Declarant applied for a pension some time since, but was informed that the records showed that she was married on the 20th day of March 1794 and in consequence thereof, she could not obtain a pension. That inasmuch as Declarant has not been allowed a pension on her former application, she now applies for a pension under said act of July 29th, 1848. (Her mark) X (Her name) Sarah Rice Sworn before Justice of the Peace Jonathan Horitz Sealed by County Clerk Martin Thatcher March 3, 1849 State of Massachusetts, Franklin County I Henry W. Cashman a resident of the Town of Bernardston in said county of lawful age, being duly sworn according to law, do depose & say that I am Town Clerk of the aforesaid Town of Bernardston & have charge of the records thereof. That I have examined the said records in order to find evidence of the marriage of Enos Rice to Sarah Parmenter, and that I find the same thereon recorded. That the following is a true extract, and copy of an entry upon said records, to wit: "Marriages" Enos Rice of Gill and Sarah Parmenter of Bernardston} Feb. 18, 1794 >From whence it appears that Enos Rice was duly married to Sarah Parmenter on the 18th day of March 1794. The date of said marriage is expressed upon said Records in fair legible figures. Signed Henry W. Cashman Town Clerk Bernardston Certified by Justice of the Peace Z.C. Newcomb No date. >From the Honorable John I. Slingerland to the Honorable J.S. Edwards. Requests a report of this claim. April 20, 1849 Reply from the Honorable J.S. Edwards, Pension Office, to the Honorable J. I. Slingerland, Member of Congress: Sir, I have the honor to inform you that the papers in the case of Sarah Rice, widow of Enos Rice, have been examined and filed under the Act of 29th July, 1848. The evidence as to the marriage is satisfactory, but the proof identifying claimants husband with the soldier credited with service upon the records of Massaschusetts as certified by the Secretary of that commonwealth is not sufficient to justify the allowance of her claim. It must be made clearly to appear by the records of that state the Enos Rice of Capt. Dinsmoor and Capt. Child's Company belonged to Greenfield or that they commanded men from that town. June 21, 1849 From: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Secretary's Office, Boston I hereby certify that from an examination of the books and documents relating to military services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this department, it appears that Capt. Abel Dinsmoor belonged to Hampshire County, town not known. Capt. Tim. Childs belonged to Greenfield and commanded men from that town as appears from roll of his in this office. Certified by the Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth November 1, 1829 Sarah Rice, widow of Enos Rice, who served in the Revolutionary War as a Private Massachusetts Line. Inscribed on the roll at the rate of 20 dollars 0.0 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1849. Certificate of Pension issued the 1st day November, 1849 and sent to Honorable J.I. Slingerland, Albany, NY. (You would think Sarah's pursuit of her pension ended here. Unfortunately, it did not. ) June 27, 1850 >From Honorable J.I.Slingerland, Barneville, NY to Honorable J.S. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions. Dear Sir: On the 1st day of the November last a pension Certificate was issued to Sarah Rice, widow of Enos Rice, under the act of July 29th, 1848, at the rate of $20 per annum. Mrs. Rice has presented her papers to the Pay Agency at Albany several times but has been informed that this Agent has received no instructions to pay the same and that her name is not on the Books for that Agency. You will do her a favor by having her name entered upon those books in order that she may receive her money. November 20, 1850 Letter from Potter Rice, son of Enos & Sarah Rice to the Secretary of War, Washington City. Adams, Nov. 20th, 1850 Jefferson County, NY Information wanted: Dear Sir: I employed attorney by the name of Junice Slingerland to obtain the necessary proof in order that my Mother, Sarah Rice the widow of Enos Rice a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Said Sarah obtained said pension which was 20 dollars a year. My Mother impowered said Slingerland to draw the pension for her last March the 4th. I was then living in Dekalb, St. Lawrence County, NY. I moved in the month of May to the state of Wisconsin and left word with the postmaster at Dekalb should the pension money come to that office from Slingerland to forward it to me as my Mother was living with me. I was not (not legible) with the country and moved immediately back to Jefferson County. I wrote immediately after my return to the Post Master at Dekalb expecting the pension being sent to that office. This was in July last. He informed me that there have not been any sent. I then wrote to Mr. Slingerland living in Schoharry County, NY. He answered my letter and stated that he had not drawn the pension on the account of some neglect of its being sent on from the war department to Albany where he was going to draw the money until it was too late. For he said all sealed instruments must be drawn within 3 months from their date. My Mother lived until the 15th of July last when she died. I have wrote 2 letters since to Mr. Slingerland expecting the matter be ( ink smeared) but got no answer from him. What I want to know from you is whether the said Slingerland has drawn the pension or not. I am some times thinking it is possible he has drawn it and retained it. I have heard that he has done the take before and, has not answering my letters, gives me stronger suspicions no one can draw the money but him for he is the only one that is empowered. If he has not drawn the money I wish you would give me some information what way I must proceed to draw it up to the time of her death as she has not received any thing as yet from the time she was entitled to draw it. I remain your most obedient servant and friend truly. Potter Rice. PS- Please give me immediate information. November 25, 1850 Referred to the Commissioner of Pensions, Department of the Interior for an answer. No copy of reply in file but letter of response is referred to in Potter Rice's next letter. January 9, 1851 >From Potter Rice to the Secretary of War, Washington City Adams, Jefferson County, January the 9th, 1851 State of NY Dear Sir: received your kind favor of the 25th of November stating that you had received my letter requesting some information relative to my Mother Sarah Rice, the widow of Enos Rice once a private in the Revolutionary War. She departed this life last July fifteen. You will probably recollect the information, which was to know whither Junice Slingerland her agent had drawn her pension up to the 4th of last March which he was empowered to do. But we have not received anything yet from him. I wrote to him last summer respecting the matter. The reason he rendered was that the necessary paper had not got to Albany in time to draw it. He said all valid instruments must be attended to within 3 months or it would be to late, so he had done nothing abought it. After the death of my Mother, I wrote to him twice stating her death and the time. But I have never got any answer from him, which caused me some suspitions that something was wrong, which made me write to you. You stated in your letter that you had sent my request to the Commissioner of Pensions with instructions to furnish me with the instruction as requested. I have not heard anything from on it since. Possible it has been sent and miscarried? I am anchious to know. I wish you would favor me with another letter and oblidge your Secretary of War. Potter Rice. (Postscript on side of letter): I wish you would have the goodness to state in your letter how much my Mother would be intitled to from the time she was intitled to draw to the time of her death, which was the 15th day of July last. June 29, 1851 >From the Pension Office, to unknown. Sarah Rice, NY Albany Roll Act 29 July 1848. $20 per annum. To what time paid? Reply: Paid the 4th March 1850 (initialed BLB) September 30, 1851 Hammon Corners Sept. the 30th, 1851 St. Lawrence County, NY Dear Sir: I wrote to the pension office some time last winter respecting a pension of my Mothers that she employed Junice Slingerland to get for her. He obtained it, and then she empowered him to do the business for we wated several months and nothing heard from him. We then wrote to him and he answered our letter stating that he had not drawn the pension on the account of her name not being found on the pension papers at Albany. But we was fearful that he was not honest and then immediately wrote to Washington for information and received a letter stating that he had drawn the money. We then wrote to him what news we had recovered from Washington, but have not received any letter from him since. Sometime after this we received a letter from Washington that they had wrote to him on the subject and that he stated that he had offired to (not legible) over the money to me but I would not receive it. I then wrote to Washington and sent the letter also that we had received from him stating that he had not drawn the money. I requested after you had pursued it that you would have the goodness to send it back to me. But I have not heard any thing from it since. I wrote to you that my Mother departed this life 1 year ago last July the 15th. She died in Wisconsin. You stated in one of your letters that the small balance that was due from the 4th of March to July the 15th the time of her death I could draw at that office by sending the necessary papers. I want you should write whether I must make proof of the day of her death. Please write what I shall do and I will forward the necessary papers to you. Yours Respectfully, Potter Rice PS- my Mother was the widow Sarah Rice widow of Enos Rice a revolution Soldier October 7, 1851 Respectfully referred to the Department of the Interior and the writer so informed. War Department. October 9, 1851 Referred to Commissioner of Pensions for answer. Interior Department The file ends here but the mystery remains as to whether the Rice family ever received their father's pension. Note: The letters of Potter Rice were lightly edited for clarity due to the lack of punctuation. I left in most of the misspelled words except: drawd = drawn pention = pension Additional Comments: Enos Rice was a pioneer founder of Jefferson County appearing in the area about 1805 with his nephew Joel P. Rice.