Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25416, Michael Clifford, N.C.
Page 1

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SERVICE
N.C
CONTENTS
or
Clifford, Elizabeth
Clifford, Michael
4
NUMBER
1.25416
B.L.Wt. 26975-160-55
Fees
Page 2

Extracted Text

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Illinois 22.719
Dead
Michael Clifford
of Sangamon Co in the State of Ills
Paid at
who was a Private
in the Company commanded the act
by Captain Johnson of the Regh commandedge 4
by Col Lock in the North Carolina June 1835
the for-
J. Mo Pr $63.33
At home
Inscribed on the Roll of Illinoisat

the rate of 63 Dollars 33 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Vol.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of Dec
and sent to -
1833 Edward Jones Esq. in
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 15832
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 3431
&
---
-
1
89.98
===
Recorded by
Revolutionary Claim,
June 7, 1832.
-
Sprague Clerk
Book
Page 65
the Treasury under
of the 6 April 1838
March 1835 to 30
the day of his death,
filed 23 June 1840
Page 3

Elizabeth
912 Act
May
15
30
Clifford Widow
Clifford
Michael
Revolutionary-
Pensioner
Do Feby 53 - 451
-
6 M, 23d
Boyton
Hon
Agent changed to J.
Harris. House of Reps
W
Bringfield
Ills
C. W. Baird Jany 24 16
Vol
152.
Page 4

4451
Illinois
Elizabeth Clifford
widow of Michaelford
N C
who served in the Revolution
any war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of
13
Dollars
33
Cents per annum, to commence
on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate
18th
of Pension issued
and sent to
day of August
Erastus Wright
Springfield
or
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 182, Vol A
24.
Page 5

Declaration of Michael Clifford in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832

State of Illinois
County of Sangamon

On this ninth day of October A D 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the County Commissioners Court for the County of Sangamon, now sitting Michael Clifford a resident in the County of Sangamon and State of Illinois aged seventy three, who first being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.

I was born in New Jersey in 1759 - & removed when about three years of age to Maryland. In 1775 I removed to Rowan County North Carolina where I lived when called into service. In 1784 I removed to Woodford County Kentucky. In 1804 to Davis County, Kentucky In 1827 I removed to Sangamon County Illinois, where I have since resided. I know of no record of my age.

From the year 1775 until the close of the revolutionary war, I served as a minute man & was frequently out during each year, but my memory is so far impaired by age, that I do not recollect with accuracy, the dates of the commencement & termination
my different terms of service. Our operations were against the Tories who were frequently embodying
in large parties. No continental regiments ever street
with us, nor any regular officers attached
to a company of Mounted Troops
commanded by Capt. Jno. Johnson & Lieut James
Chapman. My first expedition was against a
party of Scotch Tours on Cross Creek - Raleigh Co.
Page 6

Mr William Sims & Mr Absolom Burnet are well acquainted with me, & can testify to my character for veracity & their belief of my
services as a soldier of the revolution
Page 7

our party consisted of about three hundred, under the command of Col Lock & Genl Rutherford
We arrived the day after the battle of Cross Creek, & we were afterwards employed in guarding the prisons taken in that action.  I was absent from home on this occasion about a month. I received no discharge.

I was afterwards, (the date of these terms of service I do not remember), engaged in an expedition against a party of Tories at Vandivers Mill on Dutchman's Creek, & in another at Bryants Hill. I was out at the time of Tarlton's defeat, & assisted in bringing away the soldiers wounded in that engagement. I was afterwards engaged in a battle with a party of Tories on Pedee River. On all the occasions I served under the same officers mentioned in the first expedition. I received no discharge.

Sometime before Gates' defeat, I went under the
same commanders against the Cherokees in Tennessee Their towns were on Tennessee River; then we destroyed. We then marched to what were called the Valley Towns. These were destroyed with their provisions. & some Indians were killed. After an absence of more than three months we returned home. I received no discharge.

After my return from this Expedition, I seldom
visited my home, but was continually employed
against the Tories, until the termination of the war.

I have no documentary evidence of my service, nor do I know of any person whose testimony I can procure who can testify to my service.

I do hereby relinquish every claim whatever on a
pension or annuity except the present. I declare
that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State

Sworn & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid. Michael Clifford
his X mark
Page 8

Declaration
Elizabeth Clifford
for Pension
Page 9

State of Illinois
Sangamon County

On this sixteenth day of July 1853 personally appeared before me Noah W Matheny Clerk of the County Court in & for said County Elizabeth Clifford a resident of the County of Sangamon and State of Illinois aged 72 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 the act of Congress
passed on the 3d Feby 1853 granting pensions to
widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Michael Clifford who was a private in the army of the Revolutionary War as reference to the proof thereof on file in the war department when he was placed on the Pension Roll and drew his Pension
in the Illinois Agency at the rate of $63 33/100
per annum, That she was married to the said
Michael Clifford on the ___ day of ___ 1811 in Kentucky.
That her said husband died on the 30th July 1835 in Sangamon County Ill. and that she or his widow drew the arrears due to him during the year 1840. That she was not married to him prior to the 2d January Eighteen Hundred

over
Page 10

but at the time above stated she further
but at the time above states She further declares that she is now a widow that she has no record of their marriage and knows of no person by whom she can prove it in this Country

Sworn to and Subscribed on the day & year above
written before me
N W Matheny Clerk
County Court Sangamon Co

Elizabeth Clifford
her X Mark

Witness
H C Myers,

We Delos W Brown & Benj Tolbert do hereby  certify that we lived in the Neighborhood of Elizabeth Clifford and have been acquainted with her during the last twenty six years and know she is the widow of Michael Clifford, Deceased, and that Michael Clifford her Husband Died in this Sangamon County some 18 years ago

Springfield Ill 16 July 1853
Benjamin Talbott
Delos W Brown
Page 11

State of Illinois
Sangamon County ⎬

I Noah W. Matheny Clerk of the County Court in & for said County do hereby certify that
Elizabeth Clifford whose signature appears to the forgoing declaration personally appeared before me and made oath to the same.
Also that Benjamin Talbott & Deloss W Brown
who signed the foregoing certificate are reputable persons residing in this, Sangamon County and made oath to the same.

Also I certify that I have no interest whatever in the case touching the Pension of Elizabeth Clifford

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Springfield Ill this 16th day of July AD 1853

N W Mathering Clerk

The Commission will please send my certificate of Pension to corr E. Wright of Springfield Illinois my agent

Witness
H C Myers

Elizabeth Clifford
her X mark
Page 12

120,912
Act 3rd Mch 1853

Elizabeth Clifford
wid. of
Michael Clifford
Revy War.

Wm B Baird
Springfield
Ills

[indistinct]
Page 13

State of Illinois
County of Sangamon
ss.

On this Twenty eighth day of April 1855, before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace duly authorized by law to administer oaths within and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Elizabeth Clifford aged 71 years, a resident of Spring Creek County of Sangamon in the State of Illinois who made oath in due form of law, that she is the identical Elizabeth Clifford to whom, under the provisions of the Act of 3rd Feb 1853 a pension of sixty three 33/100 dollars per annum has been allowed for the services of her late husband, Michael Clifford a private of the Revolutionary war, late of Sangamon Co. State of Illinois She further states that her Pension Certificate under the aforesaid Act of 3rd February A.D. 1853 is numbered 4451, bears date the 18th day of August 1854, and is made payable at the Springfield, Ills, Agency. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the Act of 3d March, 1855, never having received or known herself entitled, or made application, under any previous act of Congress. In evidence of her marriage and proof of service of her late husband, she respectfully refers to the proofs heretofore adduced, now on file in the Pension Office, and upon which her annuity as aforesaid was granted, and to the accompanying affidavits.

She appoints as her attorney for the within specified purpose, and with power of substitution, Wm B. Baird, 
of Springfield, Ills.

Elizabeth Clifford
her X mark
(seal)

Attest: Wm B. Baird

SWORN TO, SUBSCRIBED, AND ACKNOWLEDGED before me, the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I know the aforesaid Elizabeth Clifford to be the identical person she alleges herself to be--a Pensioner of the United States, and that I am not interested in his claim as Agent, Attorney, or otherwise, and at the date of this declaration, a widow.

(Interlineations made before signing)
James Parkinson J. Peace
(For NOTES, see opposite page.)
Page 14

State of Illinois
County of Sangamon
ss.

On this 28th day of April 1835
before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, authorized by law to administer oaths within and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Thomas Owen and Joshua Brown resents of Spring Creek County of Sangamon, in the State of Illinois, known to me as credible persons, who made oath, in due form of law, that Elizabeth Clifford who in their presence has sworn and subscribed to the foregoing declaration, is, to their personal knowledge, the identical person to whom, under the provisions of the Act of 3rd Feb. 1853 a pension of Sixty three 33/100 dollars per annum has been granted for the services of her late husband, Michael Clifford, a private of the Revolutionary war. That she is now a widow

That they have known her for twenty years, and derive their knowledge of the facts herein named from the following circumstances, to wit: That they knew them to live together as man and wife for that length of time, and that Mr. Brown attended the funeral of the said Michael Clifford deceased, and that he assisted in laying out said deceased

They further state that they are disinterested witnesses.

Attest.
Wm. B. Baird

Thomas Owen
his X mark

Joshua Brown
his X mark

Sworn to, and subscribed before me, the day and year above written.
Interlineations made before signing.

James Perkins J. P.

State of Illinois
County of Sangamon
ss.

I Hereby Certify, That James Parkinson Esq., before whom the foregoing Declaration, Power of Attorney and Affidavits were made and acknowledge, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing an authorized Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, and that his signature
thereto is genuine. I further certify, that in the within application I am not interested as Agent, Attorney, or otherwise.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of County Court, for the County aforesaid, this First day of May 1855.

Mathew Matheny Clerk of County Court

NOTES.
1. Insert the soldier's full name. 2. Give the Post Office address.
3. Insert the title of the Act under which his Revolutionary Pension was granted. 4. State the amount in dollars and cents.
5. State what rank he held. 6. Insert the registry number of his Pension Certificate.
7. Give its date. 8. State where made payable. 9. Soldier's signature in full. 10. Magistrate's signature.
11. Insert the witnesses' full names. 12: Give their Post Office address.
13. Here give a statement of the facts and circumstances from which the foregoing testimony is adduced, or from which the witnesses knowledge is derived.
14. Witnesses' signatures.
Page 15

No 21287.
Michael Clifford Sangamon County Illinois

Return
4.5.17

Adm 1 yr and 7 Months

40
23.33
----
63.33
Page 16

BRIEF in the case of Michael Clifford
County of Sangamore
in the State of Illinois
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?

3. How old is he? 78

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period.
Minute man in 1775
In a mounted troop

Duration of Service.
Years, Months, Days.
About 1
[indistinct] 3
Served from 1775 to the close of the war

Rank.
As a
Private

Names of General and Field Officers
under whom he served.
Gen.
Capt Johnson Col Lock
Served from 1775 to

5. In what battles was he engaged? [indistinct] with the tories

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Rowan Co. NC.

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary evidence

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

Dyer Castor
Examining Clerk.
Page 17

information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
Michael Clifford W.F. 25416

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
RANK.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
COLONEL.
STATF.

1775 each year to close of war as minute man
He was attached to Capt John Johnson's mounted troops under Col. Locke, was in battle with the Tories on Pedee River and in Expedition against Cherokees in Tennessee
no dates stated

Battles engaged in, see above
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Rowan Co. N.C.
Date of application for pension, Oct. 9, 1832 His cl. al
Residence at date of application, Sangemon Co. Ill.
Age at date of application, born in N Jersey in 1759 died June or July 30, 1835 in Sangamon Co. Ill.
Remarks:
He married in Ky in 1811 Elizabeth She was allowed pension on an application executed July 16, 1855 while a res. of Sangamon Co. Ill. aged 70 yrs. Children are referred to no names stated.

Very respectfully,

Commissioner.

31793b5m1C-07
Page 18

NATIONAL ARCHIVES MICROFILM PUBLICATIONS

NONSELECTED RECORDS

NATIONAL ARCHIVES MICROFILM PUBLICATIONS
Page 19

James L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City.
Page 20

Springfield April 10th 1833.

James L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensioners
In.

I return the declaration of Michael Clifford in [indistinct] that it may be reexamined. If he cannot receive a pension from the steps he has already taken, he never can. He is very much enfeebled by age and hand when his declaration was made his memory was very much impaired and since it is in complete Chaos. In the Brief objections Nos 4, 5 & 17 are marked in the negative. I take the liberty of extracting such information from his declaration as apply to those questions.
No 4 demands, Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Mr Clifford in his declaration states that from the year 1775 until the close of the Revolutionary War he served as a minute man and was frequently out during each year, but my memory is so far impaired by [age] that I do not recollect with accuracy the dates of the commencement and termination of my different terms of service. Our operations were against the Tories who were frequently embodied in large parties. I was attached to a company of mounted troops commanded by Capt John Johnson & Lieutenant James Chapman. My first expedition was against a party of Scotch tories on Cross Creek Raleigh Co. N.C. Our Party consisted of about three hundred under the command of Col Lock & Gen. Rutherford We arrived the day after the battle of Cross Creek & were [indistinct] employed in guarding the prisoners taken in that action
Page 21

I was absent from home at this occasion about
one month. This it is presumed will be a sufficient specification of "period" if there is any such action on Record. "Some time (from this expression would understand "not very long before) before Gates' defeat I went [indistinct] the same commanders against
the Cherokees in Tennessee. Their towns were on the Tennessee River; there we destroyed-- we then marched to what were called the Valley Towns and destroyed them with their provisions & some Indians were killed and after an absence of more than three months he returned home. This [indistinct] with the service on Cross creek make 4 months
service. Mr Clifford then says "after my return from this expedition I seldom visited my home but was Continually employed against the Tories until the termination of the War." Mr. Cliffords return home could not have been distant and indeed must have been about
the time of Gates defeat which took place in August 1780 and served from then with after the [indistinct] was terminated by the surrender of Cornwallis so far as the South was concerned, which took place some
thirteen months after later defeat. I should think that Mr Clifford has made proof of about 17 months service. In his declaration he mentions some five or six other tours of duty which he served which would certainly be equivalent to the time he might have spent at home between Gates defeat
and Cornwallis' surrender. The above will apply
to No. 5 - as he does not claim the increased pension of a non commissioned officer a musician the [indistinct] presumption is that he served as a private.

No 17 demands, are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the war Department answered satisfactorily? and if not which of them is not so answered? No 2 & 5 of the Interrogatories are marked with Red Ink No 2 asks, have you any Record of your age [indistinct]? Mr. Clifford says in his declaration "I know of
Page 22

no record of my age. Interrogatory No. 5 says, State the names of some of the Regular officers
who were with the troops where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your Service? Mc Clifford in his declaration states
that in as much as he never was with Regular
troops he cannot mention either the Regiment or
officers; he never was with an any. The general circumstances of his service he has stated to the utmost of his ability.

If upon a reexamination of this [indistinct] Mr.  Clifford Claim should be rejected he will have
to live as he has done for several years by the charity of his neighbours. I have conversed with him since the return of his declaration and find
that his memory has failed him altogether.

I am Sir
Respectfully
your obt. svt.
Edward Jones
Page 23

RECORD
DIVISION
AUG
28
1911

U.S.
PENSION
OFFICE
D
AUG 28
1911
Page 24

RECORDS
DIVISION
AUG
28
1911

Springfield,
Illinois
August 25 '11

Pension Department
Washington
D.C.:

Will you kindly send me the military records
Page 25

of
W. 25, 416

1. Michael Clifford
North Carolina
Pensioned Dec. 12, 1833

W. 27,516
2. Christian Carver
North Carolina
Pensioned April 23, 1833

S. 32,459
3. John (Purvians) Provines
North Carolina
Pensioned Oct 23, 1833

These men drew their pensions in Sangamon Co. Illinois.

Thanking you for your trouble, I am
Respectfully
(Miss) Helen G. Converse
1227 South Sixth [indistinct]
Page 26

[indistinct]
WIDOW, &c.

File No. 25, 416
Elizabeth Clifford
Wid. of
Michel Clifford
Pri Rev War

Act Feb 3d 53
Index: Vol. A, Page 140
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1911 Aug. 31. Hist to
Helen G. Converse
1911 Sept. 8. Date & pl. death to
Mrs. ES Walker letter in S.
File 24,608 Wm Haile, 179 N. W. Ind. ¢
Page 27

July 23, 185[?] [corner of page torn and folded over final digit]

Appl. of Elizabeth Clifford, widow of Michael Clifford, S[?]ngam on [?], Illinois.
P. 63.33/100
22719
Act 3d Feb. 1853.
$63.33/100 PerAn:
Com: Feby: 3d.1853.
Rev.

Erastus Wright,
Springfield, Illinois.

[Written on envelope with Department of the Interior, Pension Office, Official Business. Commissioner. Printed on outside corner.]
Page 33

120,912
Page 34

Act 3. Mch 1855

Springfield Ills,
May 1. 1855

Hon. L.P. Waldo
Com. of Pensions,

Sir,
Enclosed please find the application of Mrs. Elizabeth Clifford, widow of Michael
prv. Revy. War, and I respectfully request, that
when the warrant issues it may be sent to my
address.

Yos resply
Wm. B. Baird
Page 37

3 
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration in highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit. 
QUERE XIV. PROOF OF SERVICE. 
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. 
QUERE XVI. MODE OF AUTHENTICATING PAPERS. 
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Page 41

Honl L P Waldo
Comm Pensions
Page 43

For time to which last paid or date of his death. See your endorsement on the original papers within
W. A. G. Taylor
Actg 3rd Auditor
Page 44

Pension Office
August 15 1854.

Sir:

Please Certify the time to which the within named pensioner was paid, or the date of his death.
Very Respectfully,
S. Cole
Acting Commissioner

"Boynton"

Francis Burt, Esq.
Third Auditor [illegible]
Page 45

We William Sims a clergyman, residing in the County of Sangamon in the State of Illinois and
Absolem Burnet residing in the same County, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Michael Clifford who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy three years of age that he is a man of truth & that he is reputed & believed to the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution &
that we concur in that opinion.

Sworn & subscribed to the day & year aforesaid.
William Sims
Absalom Bennet

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Depart. that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states. And the Court further certifies
that it appears to them that William Sims is a clergyman resident in the County of Sangamon & that Absolem Burnet is a resident in the same & is a credible person & that their statement is entitled to credit.

County Commissioners for the County of Sangamon
Joseph B Smith
Reuben Harrison
Thomas Moffett

I, Charles R Metheny clerk of the County Commissioner Court for the County of Sangamon do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Michael Clifford for a pension

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this ninth day of October 1832

C. R. Matheny Cl
Page 47

State of Illinois
Sangamon County

I, John W. Taylor -- Judge of the County Court within and for the County of Sangamon and the State of Illinois do hereby certify that Elizabeth Clifford being in feeble health was unable to attend in Open Court and I went Eight miles to her residence and made known to her contracts of the within Declaration and Conversant with her on the subject matter - That she signed and made oath to the same - Also that I have no doubt as to the statements made by her as time as well as the statements of Caleb Short & Joshua Brown.
Touching this case that said Caleb Short & Joshua Brown are old fellers aged men & reputable farmers personally known to me and that they each of them made oath to the affidavits herein to which they subscribed their respective names, that I believe the said Elizabeth Clifford from general information and conversation with their old acquaintances is the identical person and was ^ is the legal wife of Michael Clifford deceased. and is justly entitled to Pension under the Act 3 July 1853 and Also that I am disinterested in this matter.

Witness my hand & Seal this 5th day of August AD 1854
[signed] John W. Taylor Co. Judge [seal]

Declaration for A Pension
Elizabeth Clifford

State of Illinois
Sangamon County }}SS
I N.W. Matheny Clerk of this County Court ^ within and for said County, do hereby certify that John W. Taylor, whose name appears to the within & foregoing certificate was at the Date thereof & is now Judge of Said Court and that by virtue of his office & in pursuance of a Statute for that purposes are acted he is authorized to Administer Oaths as other Justices are. And that the Signatures above are genuine. and his Public acts as such officer are entitled to full faith & credit.

Writing my hand & Seal of Office at Springfield, Illinois, this 7th day of August AD 1854 

[signed] N W Matheny
Page 48

State of Illinois}
Sangamon County}

On this fourth day of August AD 1854 personally appeared before in John W. Taylor -- Judge of the County Court in and for Said County Elizabeth Clifford aged 72 years a resident of the County of Sangamon and State of Illinois who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following in and to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3rd February 1853 granting provisions to widows of Persons who serve during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Michael Clifford who was a private in the Revolutionary Army That she does not know how long but that he was a Pensioner for said Service on the Roll of the Illinois' Army at the rate of $63.33 Dollars per annum. 
That she was married to the said Michael Clifford in the year 1811, in the State of Kentucky.

That her husband the aforesaid Michael Clifford in Sangamon Co. Illinois on the 30 July 1835 and that she is the Actual person who drew the arrears of Pension due said Michael Clifford from the 4th March 1835 to the 30 July 1835 the day of his death. That she was not married to him prior to the 2n Day 1800, but at the time above stated. That he is destitute of Learning and has no family around or other evidence by which to prove her marriage and no person in the Country by whom she can prove it. That she further declares that she is still now a widow.

[signed] John W Taylor
[writing] Thomas Moffett
Sworn to and subscribed before me this fourth day of August A D 1854
[signed] John W Taylor Co. Judge [seal]

[signed] Elizabeth Clifford  her X mark and seal
Page 49

State of Illinois
Sangamon County ⎬

On this fourth day of August AD 1854 personally appeared before me John W Taylor Judge of the County Court of sd County duly authorized to administer oaths Caleb Short a resident of the
County & State aforesaid in due form of Law that he has lived in the immediate neighborhood of where Michael Clifford & Elizabeth Clifford lived since they moved from Kentucky which is now about Twenty years and know they live together as man & wife up to the time of his death on 30 July 1835 that Elizabeth Clifford who applies herein
for a Pension is the Identical person who always passed for the wife of said Michael Clifford Deceased, that there has never been a question about her being his lawful wife, and furthermore he assests his belief that that she is justly entitled to the benefits of the act 3 Feby 1853 granting pensions to widows of Revolutionary soldiers
as the widow of Michael Clifford Deceased. Also that he is disinterested in the matter

Caleb Short

Sworn to and subscribed before me this fourth
day of August AD 1854
John W Taylor Co. Judge

J W Taylor
Thos Moffett

State of Illinois Sangamon County
Before me John W Taylor Judge of the County Court in Court for said County personally appeared Joshua Brown a credible person and a resident of Sangamon County and personally
known to me and made oath to the following statements that he has lived near to Michael Clifford & Elizabeth Clifton during the Last Twenty
years, living near neighbors ever since they moved from Kentucky to Illinois that he moved them and that he was  was some acquainted with them in Ky, that they always lived together as man & wife from his first acquaintance with them until his death 30 July 1835 that she Elizabeth Clifford whose declaration for a pension appears on this
is the Identical person who drew the arrears of Pension after her husbands death and always passed for his wife having raised a family of children and no suggestion or intimation to the contrary, that the said Elizabeth Clifford is poor and unleaned and he thinks justly entitled to receive that he does not know any person by whom he can prove her marriage now living in this Country. Also that he said I Brown is wholly disinterested in the matter.

Sworn to & subscribed this 5th day
of August AD 1854 before me
John W Taylor Co. Judge (seal)

Joshua Brown (seal)
his X mark
Page 51

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
Second Comptroller's Office,
June 20th, 1840.

Sir:

Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," The widow of Michael Clifford, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Illinois Agency, at the rate of Sixty three
Dollars and 33 Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 2nd of March 1835, to the 30th June 1835, the day of his death.

Respectfully yours
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.