Richard Goff was born 9 Sep 1763. He was a privateer/sailor in Colchester, New London, Connecticut, and he enlisted at Middletown on the Connecticut River in May 1777. He went on board the United States Frigate Trumbull under Captain Dudley Saltonstall and was employed in the rigging of the ship. As “she was a new ship”, Goff served one year, the last six months as cabin steward. He enlisted in 1778-1779 and served two months as private under Sergeant Mack to guard the seashore between New London and Lyme, Connecticut.
He enlisted and served six months in Captain Betts’ Company, under Colonel Sherman’s Connecticut Regiment. He entered at New London, Connecticut, May 1, 1780 on board the Hawk under Captain Olmstead, cruised between New York and the West Indies, had battle with and captured the Ginny, and continued to serve until September, 1780. He also served two months under Colonel Ledyard and helped to repair Fort Griswold.
Goff applied and received a pension October 9, 1832. He moved after the Revolution to Ballston, Saratoga, New York where he lived about eight years, then to Oxford, Chenango County, New York, and ten years later, moved to New Berlin, Chenango County, New York, where he died 14 Apr 1842.
Richard Goff married Polly Winchester (b. July 12, 1764 d. Jan 13, 1849), daughter of Amariah and Abigail (Sawyer) Winchester of Norwich, Connecticut, on Aug 28, 1782. She is buried with her husband.
References and Notes
“Rev War Pensioner’s Record of Chenango County Census of Pensioner”. (June 1, 1840). Shows Richard Goff as “heads of families” living with Elisha Harrington [the son-in-law] (married to Lucy Goff), Veteran Administration, Nov 1934. w.24287.