William Rickard Timeline

5.14.1777U.S. MilitaryWilliam Rickard is listed as an Ensign in Colonel Henry Jackson’s company.
Feb. 1778Holliston MARickard appears on a list of men raised to serve in the Continental Army. Rickard is described as residing in Boston, engaged for the town of Holliston, joined to Capt. John Langdon’s company in Col. Henry Jackson’s regiment, for a term of 3 years.
April 1779MassachusettsRickard appears on a muster roll in the 4th company of the Massachusetts Bay Forces under Henry Jackson at the garrison in Pawtuxet.
4.24.1779United StatesRickard is promoted to Ensign in Col. Henry Jackson’s regiment.
7.8.1779ProvidenceAppears on a return dated at Providence.
7.28.1779BostonAppears on a return dated at Boston.
9.23.1779Camp Castle IslandAppears on a return of field, staff, and commissioned officers for clothing, dated at Camp Castle Island.
12.31.1779Camp ProvidenceAppears on the regimental return at Camp Providence.
2.27.1782Randolph NCThe court enters a default judgment against Rickard after failing to appear. The court awarded eight pounds to the defendant.
4.14.1782MassachusettsEnsign William Rickard is promoted to Lieutenant.
4.20.1782West PointRickard appears on a list of officers accompanying a recommendation addressed to Governor Hancock, dated at Fair Forest near West Point. The recommendation states that Rickard, Ensign in the 9th Massachusetts Regiment, should be promoted to Lieutenant in the 4th Massachusetts Regiment in place of Lieut. Ray.
2.18.1783Randolph NCRickard files suit against William Jackson for 500 pounds for trespass. Rickard’s legal council is Spruce McCay.
2.21.1783MassachusettsAppears on a return of effectives for the 4th Massachusetts Regiment, reported at the Lines.
8.8.1783Randolph NCRickard buys 640 acres in Randolph County.
9.4.1783Randolph NCRickard enters 200 acres of land.
12.6.1783Randolph NCWilliam Cole files suit against Rickard for trespass.
12.12.1783Randolph NCThe sheriff of Randolph County bonds 1000 pounds for William Rickard to appear at the next court date in March 1784.
12.12.1783Randolph NCWilliam Newby and William Wilson bond $1000 for Rickard to appear in court.
March 1784Randolph NCWilliam Cole files suit against Rickard for 500 lbs. in damages.
November 1784United StatesRickard and others petition Congress for back pay for Revolutionary War service.
11.25.1784Randolph NCRickard is appointed justice of the peace of Randolph County.
December 1784Randolph NCWilliam Rickard of Wayne County releases a claim to a 640-acre tract on the west side of Little River in Randolph County to Samuel Piggott.
9.17.1785Randolph NC William Rickard obtains a license to operate an inn at his residence in Randolph County.
9.19.1785Randolph NCRickard files suit against Sarah Dufkins for trespass.
10.24.1785Randolph NCSamuel Milliken and Daniel Barnett warrant 200 acres to William Rickard.
December 1785Bristol, MAKingsley Abiel files suit against William Rickard, Junior.
2.2.1786Randolph NCWilliam Rickard deeds 200 acres to Henry Cox.
March 1786Sullivan NCWilliam Rickard and Spruce Macay are granted land on Reedy Creek.
June 1786Beaufort, NCGeorge Pickett replaces William Rickard as overseer of the road.
Sep. 1786Goochland VARickard is appointed surveyor of the road.
9.22.1786Randolph, NCRickard bonds 200 lbs. for Robert Brown to appear in court.
10.19.1786Perquimans NCWilliam Rickard sells a 330-acre island (modern-day Humber Island) on the Northeast side of the Perquimans River to Francis Newby.
March 1787Randolph NCWilliam Rickard is a defendant in a court case brought by Robert Anderson.
3.1.1787Perquimans NCNathaniel Williams files suit against William Rickard for damages of 150 pounds.
3.10.1787Randolph, NCRickard recovers damages against Elias in a county court appeal.
5.19.1787Randolph, NCWilliam Rickard and Daniel Brown bond 18 lbs. to Florence Taylor, related to an appeal by Rickard against Florence Taylor, following dissatisfaction with a judgment previously issued.
6.2.1787Randolph, NCRickard is a defendant in a court case against John Graves regarding a boundary dispute.
7.9.1787Perquimans NCGeorge Walton files suit against William Rickard for trespass and 400 pounds in damages.
9.14.1787Randolph, NCRickard bonds 1000 pounds to John Knight to appear at the next court date.
9.14.1787Randolph, NCRickard is ordered by the court to pay Sarah Dinkins three pounds and fourteen shillings for the costs of a lawsuit. 
9.15.1787Randolph, NCJury duty.
10.4.1787Randolph, NCWilliam and Isaac Rickard enter into a financial obligation of five pounds to Tobias Hendriks and his heirs,
3.13.1788Randolph, NCJury duty.
3.14.1788Randolph, NCThe State vs. William Rickard, overseer of the road.
5.19.1788Randolph, NC
6.13.1788Randolph, NCRickard is security for William Dunkin’s child support paymenets.
6.15.1788Randolph, NCRickard pays a 13-pound suit to Fowler.
9.9.1788Craven, SCRickard’s land is mentioned on a deed in St. George’s Parish. The land is adjacent to land formally owned by William Alston.
9.12.1788Randolph, NCRickard pays a $100 suit to Thomas Caste.
March 1789Randolph, NCThomas Suggs files suit against William Rickard.
April 1789Pitt, NCRickard is a witness on a land deed.
4.23.1789Newbern NCRickard arrives on the Sloop Polly from Norfolk, VA.
June 1789Randolph, NCRickard is compensated for his service as constable.
6.12.1789Randolph, NCReuben Wood, attorney for William Rickard, requests a writ of certiorari regarding a legal case with Thomas Suggs.
6.12.1789Randolph, NCThe court commands the Sheriff to collect two pounds fourteen shillings from the property of William Rickard to pay for costs incurred in a legal suit against John Watkins.
9.12.1789Randolph, NCA writ is ordered to collect 20 pounds from the estate of William Rickard to satisfy a judgement won by Thomas Suggs for damages and court costs related to a legal dispute.
1.20.1790Washington, NCRickard requests a revenue job from Henry Knox.
3.11.1790New YorkHenry Knox informs Rickard that all appointed positions are filled and that he is unable to secure employment for him.
9.12.1790Randolph NCRickard is involved in a legal dispute with Sarah Dunkins.
Nov. 1790Alexandria VAA deed from Valentine Peers to McCloud and Lunsdon is proved by the Oath of Wm. Rickard.
June 1791Randolph NCRickard files suit against Luke Demsey.
6.15.1791North CarolinaRickard asks George Washington for a cutter position in NC.
2.25.1792Pitt, NCRickard witnesses a land transaction with James Steward
March 1792Randolph, NCRickard files writ of certiorari against William Dick.
5.4.1792North CarolinaRickard is appointed Lieutenant of the 2nd infantry.
6.13.1792Randolph, NC14 year-old Moses William Case is bound as an apprentice to William Rickard.
6.15.1792Randolph, NCJustice of the Peace
7.25.1792Pitt County, North CarolinaWilliam Rickard appeared as a witness on a land deed involving John Spear and David Perkins for approximately 500 acres on the south side of Tar River near Busey Swamp.
November 1792Washington District, TNSecretary of War Henry Knox dispatches troops under Captain Joseph Kerr from Salisbury NC to the Washington District.
11.2.1792War OfficeWilliam Simmons certifies James McHenry that $171.80 is due the recruits under the command of Rickard at Tarboro NC.
December 1792United StatesRickard is appointed Lieutenant of the 3rd sub-legion.
12.19.1792MarylandGeorge Washington nominates William Rickard, Junior to be Inspector of the Revenue for Survey #3 in the District of Maryland.
4.10.1793KnoxvilleWm. Rickard acknowledged receipt of $278.13 from David Henley, Agent to the War Department, based on a warrant issued by Governor William Blount
5.30.1793Hillsborough, NCRickard writes Henry Thompson about James Green’s enlistment status.
6.17.1793White TNWilliam Blount mentions Constant Freeman as being a friend of “Mr. Rickard” and that Freeman has been appointed Quarter Master.
7.4.1793KnoxvilleTwo years before the Pinckney Treaty, Rickard participates in a 4th of July celebration and toasts Spanish leaders who opened navigation of MS river.
7.17.1793War Dept.Henry Knox appoints Constant Freeman and David Henley as Agents of Georgia and the Southwest Territory, respectively.
11.12.1793Knoxville, TNCaptain Joseph Kerr resigns and is replaced by William Rickard, who was soon promoted to Captain.
12.3.1793Knoxville, TNRickard issues a receipt to the War Department for services rendered.
12.27.1793War Dept.Henry Knox writes Samuel Hodgdon requesting funds for Rickard’s unit.
12.29.1793KnoxvilleRickard places notice in paper forbidding civilians buying military-issued supplies from his troops.
12.30.1793War Dept.John Stagg writes Samuel Hodgdon. Hodgdon is to forward a chest of medicines, marked for Capt. Kerr’s company, at present commanded by Lt. William Rickard.
1794Territory south of the OhioA payment from Rickard, acting as paymaster, to Sampson Williams was deemed problematic by the War Dept.
1.30.1794USAGW promotes Rickard to Captain upon being given a recruiting position in NC.
4.4.1794KnoxvilleRickard writes David Henley and reports that 25 Indians attacked the Tellico Block House.
5.9.1794PhiladelphiaHodgdon to Hamilton: Reports a town meeting where local leaders rallied opposition to taxes. He calls it a staged event where demagogues pushed through anti-tax resolutions and sent them to national leaders, warning Hamilton that organized resistance to excise taxes is growing.
5.17.1794War OfficeJohn Stagg writes an unknown recipient that the chief clerk at the War Office certifies that William Rickard, an Ensign in the Massachusetts Line in 1779, was promoted to and commissioned as a Lieutenant in 1782.
6.5.1794KnoxvilleRickard writes David Henley for guidance on how to file muster rolls. Additionally, mutineers now detained in irons, threatened the life of two men and gave goods to Indians. Mentions supplies have yet to arrive and lists required items and action taken to acquire goods.
6.30.1794Territory South of the OhioLieutenant Rickard certifies the discharge of Randle McDonald, who served as a Private in Doherty’s Regiment.
6.30.1794Territory South of the OhioLieutenant Rickard certifies the discharge of the Jefferson Regiment of the Hamilton District Militia.
7.20.1794KnoxvilleKind words from Henley appreciated. Noted mounting insurrection, and the possibility of a revolution. Request advice on muster rolls.
September 1794USAGW Journal: The Commissioners, who were to meet the west PA rebels are to rendezvous with NJ,PA,MD & VA militias. Leaves Philadelphia with Hamilton. John Stagg reveals Anthony Wayne near Miami has destroyed all Indian settlements.
10.18.1794Territory South of Ohio RiverRickard pays $15 to James McCoy for infantry services.
November, 1794Fort MassacRickard arrives at Fort Massac.
11.29.1794TNWilliam Winchester to Rickard:
“Enclosed is Captain Shannon’s return with my report on it.”
1795KnoxvilleRickard enters a list of privates in his company.
5.29.1795War OfficeSimmons to Pickering: Estimates cost of 1 year’s clothing of a music NCO in Rickard’s company.

Pickering to Rickard:
Pay is on its way. Begin recruiting ASAP for replacements.
5.30.1795KnoxvilleWilliam Simmons notifies Captain William Rickard of his accountability for the recruiting funds disbursed to him.
5.31.1795War OfficeRickard gives Pickering a provision return.
June 1795War OfficeRickard to Pickering: Abstract of payments made by Capt. Rickard to his Company of the 3rd Sub-Legion from October 1794 to June 1795.
2.26.1795Jefferson TNWilliam Rickard receives a total of fifteen dollars and fifty cents from James Greene to settle the estate’s account.
8.5.1795Territory South of the OhioWilliam Rickard receives $668.70 from David Henley.
8.6.1795Alexandria VARickard serves as administrator of the deceased William Allison’s estate.
9.16.1795KnoxvilleRickard acknowledges receipt of letter by Benjamin Herbert express and receipt of money for recruiting his company. Signs duplicate receipts to David Henley agent to War Department.
10.17.1795Telico BlockhouseRickard, James White, Colonel McKee and Silas Dinsmore meet with Creek chiefs to discuss peace and friendship.
11.2.1795War Dept.Simmons certifies that Private John Glynn, in Captain William Rickard’s Company is due $16.00 pay while confined on suspicion of being a deserter, and for his passage to Charleston South Carolina.
3.28.1796TennesseeWilliam Blount writes Rickard about Indian affairs.
6.1.1796Morrow, OhioRickard receives a 200-acre land grant under the United Brethren Warrant Act.
7.9.1796Port WashingtonWm. Reais to Sam. Hodgdon: Your shipment to Rickard has been received and forwarded to myself. I’d prefer to receive orders from the Treasury Dept. before making changes for next quarterly accounts.
7.23.1796Tarboro NCRickard to Hodgdon: The clothing arrived except for 11 pair of overalls and one sergeant’s shirt. Rickard orders the following items: horsemen’s tents, a marques tent, a fife case and belt, and bell tents to shelter muskets in bad weather.
8.8.1796War Dept.Nathan Jones to Samuel Hodgdon: Rickard states the clothing arrived in good order but some missing. Knox wants to know why mistake was made and directs Hodgdon to supply the missing articles. Rickard states he has 60 men but return only shows 27. Hodgdon is asked to clarify the discrepancy.
9.1.1796Charleston SCRickard surveys 180 acres on Oquonna Creek.
10.6.1796War Dept.Simmons notifies Rickard that Schenck will provide him with funds for the pay of his recruits.
11.21.1796War Dept.Simmons certifies that $177.54 is due the recruits under the command of Rickard at Tarboro NC, being their pay for September 1796.
11.23.1796War Dept.Simmons to Henley:
Will receive money from John Wade that he is to pay to Rickard at Tarboro NC for pay of Rickard’s recruits.
12.23.1796Alexandria, VAWilliam Rickard – Administrator of the estate of George Dewer, deceased
12.31.1796Tarboro NCRickard to Hodgdon:
Acknowledges receipt of public clothing, arms & equipment contained in the enclosed invoice.
1796 or 1797Alexandria, VARickard is appointed guardian of 15 year-old Samuel Toby Baden.
1796 or 1797Alexandria, VA15 year-old John Evans’ father Robert Evans files suit against William Rickard for nine pounds in damages for unspecified reasons.
1797 or 1798Alexandria, VARickard is appointed guardian of minor George Balding
1797 or 1798Alexandria, VARickard is on a jury for the case of Asa Hill vs. several others for trespass, assault and battery, and false imprisonment.
2.9.1797War Dept.Schenck to Simmons: Enclosed is Capt. William Rickard’s receipt for $407.57 being the money received from Simmons and paid to Rickard.
4.5.1797War OfficeStagg to Henley:
Clerk John Stagg submits list of officers of the army for Colonel David Henley. Requests that Henley deliver or forward accordingly.
5.1.1797Knoxville, TNRickard to Simmons: Account balances, enclosed receipts, request for pay, and apologies for possible errors in book keeping.

Simmons to Rickard:
Abstract of money advanced William Rickard for the pay of the militia of Washington, Hamilton, and Mero Districts for 1794 and twelve companies connected with Sevier’s Expedition of 1793.
5.18.1797Washington TNRickard files suit against John Johnston for money owed.
6.2.1797Knox TNRickard sells 5000 acres to Richard Sparks.
6.9.1797Alexandria, VARickard files suit against Martin Hagner, Robert Evans and Alexander Perry for unpaid rent.
6.16.1797War Dept.Wm. Simmons notifies Rickard that his accounts are under examination.
6.18.1797War Dept.Robert Newman writes James McHenry giving an account of the efforts of Judge Sebastian, Thomas Powers and James Wilkinson to use him to their advantage against General Wayne while in Natchez.
6.21.1797Knoxville, TNWilliam Simmons writes Rickard about James Minyard.
6.22.1797Knoxville, TNStephen Hillis to William Simmons:
Hillis intended to send along the accounts of W. Rickard via Lieut. Davidson, but urgent business has prevented it thus far. Intended to mail accounts by next post. Notes on the accounts and their regularity. The accounts will be sent via Col. Henley’s wagons.
7.11.1797BermudaA ship owned by William Rickard arrives in Bermuda from NC with 200 bushels of corn.
7.28.1797Knoxville, TNHillis to Simmons:
Hillis encloses William Rickard’s accounts for acting as paymaster. The Tennessee accounts have been delayed because of the amount of work involved in trying to pay the militia.
7.28.1797United StatesArchibald Stewart is ordered to arrest William Blount. Major Stagg provided an affidavit confirming the authenticity of William Blount’s letter dated April 21
8.10.1797Knoxville, TNStephen Hillis notifies William Simmons he will receive vouchers and abstracts of payments made by Rickard while he was paymaster for the troops of Knoxville.
8.13.1797BermudaWilliam Rickard appears in customs records as master of the 29-ton vessel Ann, arriving from Antigua with a crew of three and continuing toward Rhode Island.
8.31.1797Knoxville, TNRickard writes David Henley requesting funds for a wagon for his luggage.
9.13.1797KnoxvilleStephen Hillis sends William Simmons copies of Rickard’s pay vouchers. Says that Henry Knox did not intend for Simmons’ office to settle all the charges in the copy of the waste book.
1798Alexandria VARickard appears on the tax list for personal property.
1.2.1798KnoxvilleWilliam Blount writes James Robertson and mentions Rickard’s “ingratitude” towards him. 
2.16.1798Hawkins TNRickard witnesses a deed transfer from James King to William Blount.
2.27.1798KnoxvilleHenley to Simmons: Henley examined Rickard’s account, who acted as Deputy Paymaster to the troops, and found he is due a balance of $686.60.
Report made by agent to the war office states that Rickard made use of planks belonging to the public, and misused a medical chest.
3.16.1798Franklin NCRickard buys 640 acres from Lucas Price.
April 1798Franklin GAAn 1817 court case reveals that Rickard was in Franklin GA, possibly 1798, on the Oconee River operating a store. The witness mentioned that Rickard was the only white person in the area, and Rickard had a wagon full of furs.
5.16.1798MemphisRickard intercepts a letter from John Forbes intended for John McKee.
6.1.1798Richmond GARickard is a juror on a court case regarding the estate of the deceased James Watts.
10.27.1798NatchezCaptain Rickard replaces Captain Heth as a member of the court of inquiry.
1799ManhattanRickard appears on city directory as a mariner living on 14 Cherry Street.
6.2.1799KnoxvilleRickard sells Richard Sparks land in Knoxville. With W.C.C. Claiborne.
7.24.1799KnoxvilleDavid Henley to James McHenry: Announces arrival of Captain Rickard with news from General Wilkinson
8.14.1799KnoxvilleDavid Henley to James McHenry: I personally paid Rickard $60 from Wilkinson for Rickard’s recruiting efforts.
10.10.1799Lexington KYRickard has mail at the post office.
Nov. 1799NashvilleRickard files suit against Thomas Armstrong.
11.15.1799War DepartmentMcHenry suggests to Hamilton that the rule of seniority should be followed with regard to assignment to specific regiments and transfers between regiments should not be detrimental to individual officers. He then lists numerous assignments and transfers that have aided or injured specific officers.
11.20.1799NashvilleJohn A. Davidson writes Alexander Hamilton, notifying him that Rickard’s boats will descend the Cumberland River when the water rises.
11.30.1799NashvilleRickard writes Alexander Hamilton requesting leave of absence.  
12.11.1799KnoxvilleHenley to McHenry: Represents case of officers over unhappy troops due to clothing. Requests clothing be sent to their relief. Captain Rickards’s recruits need clothing, and Captain Taylor complains of clothing for recruits in Kentucky.
12.18.1799Mount VernonRickard leads the military procession at George Washington’s funeral.
12.28.1799Davidson TNRickard and John A. Davidson transaction with William Tait and William Stothart.
1.11.1800Nashville, TNRickard writes David Henley.
5.21.1800Nashville, TNGeneral Winchester delivers to Rickard a pocketbook proven to be the property of William Shelly, a sergeant of the 3rd Regiment, who is believed to have been murdered by Joseph Hargrove and William Johnson while travelling from Knoxville to Nashville.
9.11.1800War Dept.Simmons to Samuel Dexter:
Certification of payment; $97.04 to Captain William Rickard, compensation as paymaster, and to the militia, in territory southwest of the Ohio, ordered into service for the protection of the frontier.
9.24.1800Norfolk VAOrphan Christy Steward chooses William Rickard as her ward.
11.11.1800Norfolk VAQuentin Clark, tailor, is pronounced dead in the Norfolk Herald.
10.4.1800Natchez, MSRickard presides over a court-martial case.
10.24.1800Norfolk, VARickard marries Christy Steward
11.18.1800United States Rickard resigns his commission.
11.25.1801NoordwijkCaptain William Rickard Senior and first mate William Rickard Junior give a deposition discussing being blocked from joining a convoy.
12.29.1800War Dept.Simmons to Dexter: Provides answer to note regarding Captain William Rickard’s petition, referred by Nathaniel Macon. Rickard was dissatisfied with Simmons’ rejection of charges.
12.30.1800United States Samuel Dexter discusses the status of Captain Rickard’s petition with Nathaniel Macon.
1.10.1801United States William Simmons writes Nathaniel Macon justifying Rickard’s compensation as TN paymaster, because while not on the payroll as such, was still carrying out the necessary duties of the position.
9.28.1801Norfolk VAWilliam Rickard is assigned to teach Edward Pitt the tailor trade.
2.08.1802Norfolk, VARickard captains Sloop Morning Star from Philadelphia to Norfolk.
5.12.1802Fredericksburg District Court, VirginiaJames Leitch sued William Rickard in trespass over a disputed land boundary near Richland Run.
8.04.1802HaitiRickard captains the Schooner Superior to Port Republican.
3.3.1803OhioWilliam Rickard, a Lieutenant in the Massachusetts line, is granted 200 acres of land.
1.28.1804University of NCLemuel Sessoms accuses Rickard of recruiting his brother while intoxicated in 1795.
8.2.1804Rutherford TNWilliam Rickard sells 640 acres to Robert Smith for $1280.
10.5.1804Hunter’s Hill, TNRickard does alterations on Andrew Jackson’s uniform.
1806Charleston, SCResident at 2 Elliott Street.  Occupation: tailor.
1.23.1806United StatesA bill that would have allowed evidence to public debt is repealed; Rickard’s petition is referred to Committee of Claims.
March 1806Roane TNRickard and James Blair serve as jurors.
11.17.1806Annapolis MDWilliam Rickard petitions the Maryland House of Delegates for a law confirming titles to property.
6.27.1807Alexandria, VARickard sells Pennsylvania oats and corn from the Sloop Eliza at Ramsey’s wharf.
7.15.1807Savannah, GAPrisoner William Rickard swears under oath to GA governor Edward Telfair that he does not possess any real or personal estate.
Dec. 1807Greene GAThomas Sparks executes a land sale to William Rickard and Jonathan Shockley for White Plains Baptist Church.
2.2.1810Nashville, TNThe Rickard family announces they are leaving Tennessee on the first “convenient passage down the river”.
5.28.1810Nashville, TNUnited States files suit against Rickard for $1800 owed.
10.15.1811Nashville, TNTN district court files writ against Rickard’s land, which was sold to Thos. and Jas. Armstrong in 1788, then was deeded to Jas. Arnold in 1791 to falsify a debt owed by Rickard to U.S. gov’t.
6.4.1812Worcester MDCaptain William Rickard owes $25.80 to the estate of the deceased Arthur Tracey.
7.20.1812Natchez MSRickard brokers a transaction of goods between Ferdinand L. Claiborne and John Henderson.
12.17.1812Nashville, TNRickard’s obituary is printed in the Nashville Whig.
5.11.1815Cornwall, EnglandRickard takes on a parish child as an apprentice.
Oct. 1815SCElias Earle files suit against William Rickard’s estate for $1260.
10.5.1815Rutherford TNA 1640-acre tract was auctioned as the property of William Rickard.
10.25.1815St. Dominic, EnglandRickard is appointed surveyor of the highway for 1816.
11.25.1816Devon, EnglandWilliam Rickard marries Elizabeth Mitchell at Saint Andrew’s Parish.
5.6.1817BermudaRickard is a council member in a guardianship case.
12.4.1823Cornwall, EnglandA poor child from the Parish of Saint Dominick, Cornwall, is apprenticed to William Rickard.
N/AUSASociety of Cincinnati
Date unknownKnoxville, TNRickard writes Andrew Jackson.
Date Unknown JamaicaRickard and Samuel Medley are appraisers for the estate of the deceased John Cooper.