Introducing My Revolutionary War Patriot, Elisha Richards

A Journey to understanding the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming, Pennsylvania

I’m laying out my research plan to filling in the gaps in my research of this patriot.

Eleven years ago, a dear friend of mine asked to see my pedigree chart, to see if she could find me a patriot to apply to be in her Daughters of the American Revolution chapter. It took her all of ten minutes to find that I was a direct descendant of Elisha Richards, who died on 3 July 1778 at the Battle of Wyoming. I said, “Wait. Wyoming was a state then?” NO. Wyoming is both a valley and a county in Pennsylvania. The state of Wyoming was named in honor of this battle. I did a deep research dive, and quickly found a 444 page tome, “Wyoming; Its History, Stirring Incidents, and Romantic Adventures.” by George Peck, published in May 1858. In it are transcriptions of many interviews, as well as a detail of the efforts to create a Monument. I went searching for all the early resources, firsthand accounts and found the most accepted historians. Most information and sources are now online, and in the public domain.

I believe that my 5th great-grandfather Elisha Richards, fell during the battle and is buried in the mass grave, as his name is on the monument. I have to admit that I have returned to this research many times, and very quickly the sadness of the accounts of that day overwhelm me, and I turn to other research lines.

As today starts our approach to America’s 250th celebration next July 4, I want to dedicate some real time to being able to know as much as I possibly can about Elisha Richards and his service. And the story of survival of his wife, Sarah Cornwall, and their children, Rhoda (my ancestor), who was around 10 years old at the time of the battle. I believe there was another child, Solomon, who was younger than Rhoda. One family story is that she and her children fled through the forest and made their way back over 200 miles to the home of Elisha’s father.

I want to dedicate some time to finding all these stories and other descendants. I know Rhoda had a sister old enough to be married and may not have been with them at the fort on that fateful day or part of the aftermath.

There was a Battle of Wyoming Celebration held yesterday and the entire ceremony is posted on the Luzerne County Community YouTube Channel. Wilkes-Barre Citizens’ Voice, the Pottsville Republican Herald, Times Leader, and several local T.V. news stations featured articles about the celebration. This celebration has been held for many years. I may make this a bucket list travel destination next summer… Hmmmm. Is anyone else planning an ancestor hunting trip next July?

Since I saw an advertisement stating that this weekend OldNews.com had free newspaper access for July 4th, I jumped over there to see if there were any contemporary reports of the battle. I didn’t see anything on that website, but I also viewed

Denyse Allen

’s recent YouTube video entitled, “Before you write that Revolutionary War story, do this”. and now I know my next step.

Have you written the story of your family lines during the Revolutionary times? This would be a great time to do it! Would you like to join me in a once a month writing club to encourage each other? Let me know!