Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 22,788, Wills Clift, Conn. Continental
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SERVICE
Conn.
Continental

Clift, Wills
Mary

NUMBER
W. 22.788
B.L.Wt. 368-400- Major
Issued June 6, 1797 to
Nathaniel Satterlee assignee
No papers
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2569
New York    all[illegible]
Conn Mary Clift
widow of Wills Clift
who was a Captain and Major 
in the Revolution
for 18 mos Capt
6  -  Major

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 570 Dollars ___ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 1st. day of Nov. 1843
and sent to H. R. Seldon
Clarkson
N. York

[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1  Page 103

Hon. John R. Thurman
March 1st [illegible]

Examined with Orig. Rolls
Sept. 1883. M. G.
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V              5802
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State of New York
Monroe County ss
On this second day of July in the year of Our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty nine personally appeared before Samuel Mead one of the Judges of Monroe County Courts Mary Clift a resident of the town of Clarkson in said County of Monroe aged Eighty five years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of congress passed July 7, 1838.  Entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows:" That she is the widow of Wills Clift deceased who was a soldier in the army of the United States in the early part of the revolutionary war, and subsequently successively a Captain, and Major in said army during the same war.  That this declarant is not able to state the precise date when the said Wills Clift entered the service, but remembers having heard him say that he went a volunteer from the town of Plainfield in the State of Connecticut (according to her best recollection) to Boston at the commencement of the war and was present at the battle of Bunkers Hill.  That he continued in the Army from that time to the close of the War, and rose by degrees from a private to the rank of Major.  She as often heard him speak of his services.
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and the scenes of the Revolution but does not recollect the regiment to which he belonged nor the officers under whom he served.  That two of his brothers were also officers in the Army of the Revolution viz. Waterman Clift who held rank of Major and Lemuel Clift who held the rank of Captain, both of whom are now deceased.  That the said Wills Clift was a member of the Cincinnati society, instituted on the disbanding of the army at the close of the war, and that the diploma, gold Eagle, and badges, which were his evidences of membership, are now, as this declarant is informed and believes, in the possession of Wills Clift the son of Lemuel Clift above named.

And this declarant further says that from a letter lately received from Leonard D. Clift of Carmel, Putnam County in this State she is informed and believes that he has in his possession the following commissions which were held by the said Wills Clift the husband of this declarant in his life time - viz - lst a commission by which said Wills Clift was appointed Captain in the 20th Regiment.  Dated January 1st, 1776.  Signed by John Hancock President and Charles Thomson, Secretary.
2nd. A commission of which the substance is given in said letter as follows- "In Congress the Delegates of the United States of
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New Hampshire, Rhode Island, [Connecticut marked out] Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania.  The counties of New Castle, Kent & Sussex, on Delaware Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia.  To Willis Clift Esqr. Greeting & [illegible] Do by these presents constitute and appoint you to be Captain of a company in a regiment commanded by Samuel Wyllys Esqr. in the Army of the United States" [illegible]

This commission was dated at Hartford Connecticut. January 1st, 1777.  and signed John Hancock, President,
Attest. Charles Thomson Sec.

3rd  A majors commission in substance as follows.  "The United States of America in Congress assembled.  To Wills Clift Esqr.  Greeting & [illegible] Do by these presents constitute and appoint you to be major of the third Connecticut Regiment in the army of the United States to rank as such from the 15th day of Oct. A. Dom. 1778."  [illegible] witness his Excellency John Jay Esqr President of the Congress of the United States of America, at Philadelphia the 16th day of March 1779. and in the third year of our Independence.  
Attest. P. Seall    John Jay

Sec. of the Board of War."
And the said Mary Clift further declares that she was married to the said Wills Clift in the summer or fall of the year Seventeen hundred & ninety two, the precise day she is not able (owing to ad-
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vanced age and failure of memory), to state that her husband, the aforesaid Wills Clift died in the year Eighteen hundred and ten:  that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four, vis. at the time above stated.  That this declarant and the said Wills Clift at the time of their said marriage resided in Fairfield in the state of Connecticut, and the clergyman of the Parish where they resided being absent, they rode together to Ridgefield, a neighboring town, and were there married by the Rev. Samuel Goodrich, then Pastor of the congregation there, at his own house, that she has no recollection of any persons being present at the marriage. except the embers of the family of said Goodrich, and she has no certificate or a record of such marriage.  that she resided with her said husband at said town of Fairfield from the time of her marriage until his death in the year 1810, and has not since been married.

Sworn to & subscribed, on the day & year above written before me.                 Mary Clift

Sam Mead Judge of [illegible] Co. Courts

I hereby certify that Mary Clift the person who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration is unable to by reason of advanced age and bodily infirmity to
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attend any Court of record.
Dated July 2d 1839

Sam Mead Judge of Monroe
County Courts

State of New York
Monroe County ss

Abigail Henry now a resident of Clarkson in said County of Monroe being duly sworn according to law,
doth depose and say, that she is a sister of Mary Clift whose declaration is hereto attached. that in the year Seventeen hundred and ninety two this deponent resided in Lansingburgh in this State, and in the spring or summer of that year being out of health she went to Connecticut on a visit to her mother who then resided at Fairfield, in that State, that while she was there, her said sister (then the widow Mary Henderson) was married to Major Wills Clift.  that the marriage did not take place at her mothers house, but the parties proceeded to Ridgefield a neighboring town where the marriage ceremony was performed by the Revd Mr. Goodrich, Pastor of the Congregation at that place, as this deponent was informed at that time and believes- That this deponent was not present at the marriage being out of health, but very well recollects her sisters leaving her mothers house.
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in company with said Major Clift for that purpose, and knows that she returned with him in a few days thereafter and lived with him as his wife from that time forward to the time of his death, as stated in the foregoing declaration of said Mary Clift.  That this deponent has no record or memorandum of the year of the marriage but is positive that it was in the year 1792 in the summer or fall, because it took place while this deponent was in was in Connecticut in consequence of ill health, which illness, was occasioned by the birth of her second child, which was born in the early part of the year 1792.  That her oldest child was born in April 1790 and her third child in September 1795, and further this deponent says not.

Abigail Henry

Subscribed and sworn this 2d day of July 1839 before me
Sam Mead Judge
of Monroe Co Courts

State of New York

Monroe County Clerks office
Rochester July eighth 1839
I Ephraim Goss Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said county of Monroe do hereby certify that Samuel Mead before whom the foregoing declaration of Mary Clift and deposition of Abigail Henry purport to have
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been taken and sworn to, is now and was at the time when the same purport to have been so taken & sworn a Judge of said court of common Pleas and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Samuel Mead, and believe the signatures annexed to said declaration and deposition are his genuine signatures.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office the day and year above written.

Ephraim Goss Clerk

State of Connecticut
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In the matter of Mary Clifts application for a pension.

Aff. of Mary Clift [illegible]
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State of New York
Monroe County ss

On this 29th day of October in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine at the town of Clarkson in said County before the undersigned one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said county of Monroe personally appeared Mary Clift, a resident of the said town of Clarkson, who being by me first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath depose and say that she is the eldest daughter of John Hazard formerly a merchant in the town of Fairfield in the state of Connecticut; that her father the said John Hazard died as she thinks some time in the year 1771 leaving seven children viz.  Joseph- Samuel. John. Mary (this deponent) Mercy. Anna and Abigail, of which Joseph was the oldest and John the youngest.  Joseph and Samuel were never married.  the rest were towit, this deponent as hereinafter mentioned Mercy to Adam Eason who settled at Waterford Saratoga County New York.  Anna to the Revd John Avery who was Pastor of the church in Stamford Connecticut until his death.  Abigail to Dr. Michael Henry who was settled Physician in Lansingburgh until his decease, and John to Hannan van Schoonhoven, who also settled at Waterford New York where he is still living.  That her mother the widow Mary Hazard was married to Moss Kent Esquire the father of chancellor Kent about two years after the decease of her father the said John Hazard.  That with her mother after her marriage to said Kent she removed to South East in the State of New York, where said Kent resided.  That here she was married to William Henderson her first husband by the Rev M. Kent father of her stepfather and grand
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father of Chancellor Kent.  That she lived with her husband the said William Henderson at a place in the vicinity of South East called the red mills [red mills underscored] as she thinks between one and two years.  That then her husband the said Henderson went on business to Natches on the Mississippi River, where having purchased a plantation he lived a few years and died; and she was informed by a letter recieved from his brother John Henderson who afterwards visited her and confirmed the account of his death.  That previous to his death her husband the said William Henderson sent for her to come on where he was, but her friends would not suffer her to go, it being considered dangerous on account of the War, and the wild and unsettled state of the country.  That his death took place some time before the termination of the Revolutionary War, but he cannot state the time more definitely.  That on the departure of her said husband to the south as before stated she returned to her mother's at the old home in Fairfield where her mother, with her husband the said Moss Kent, had removed some time previous.  That her marriage to the said Henderson as near as she can recollect took place in March about the year 1775.  That she cannot be certain whether it took place in the year 1774 or 1775 but thinks it was in one of those years.  That she has no certificate of said marriage and knows of no record of it either public or private.  That her sister Abigail who is still living and was probably present at the marriage states that she has no recollection of it, being at that time only about five or six years old, and that her brother John the only other surviving member of the family besides herself is between two and three years younger than Abigail.
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That she recollects having seen many years ago a family record in a large Bible that belonged to her father   the said John Hazard containing the names of the children and the times of their birth, but has no recollection of having seen the book subsequent to the time, when the house of her father and where her step father and her mother dwelt, was burned, which was done by the British at the time when they burned Fairfield in the War of the Revolution, that she is not aware that even that record were it in existence would contain her marriage.  That she has never had any children by either of her husbands. and that after the death of her first husband the said Henderson she remained a widow up to the time of her marriage to Wills Clift her second husband as stated in her former affidavit.  This deponent further says that since her former affidavit, or declaration was made, she has caused inquiries to be made, of the children of the Revd Samuel Goodrich (by whom she was married to said Wills Clift) whether any memorandum or record of said marriage had been left by said Samuel Goodrich, and has been informed by a letter from Charles A. Goodrich one of the sons of the said Samuel Goodrich that both his father and mother are dead and that if his father kept any record of marriages, he left it at Ridgefield.  That he could form no opinion on the point whether he kept such record or not.  That the oldest child of the said Samuel Goodrich (Mrs. Frederick Whittlesey of Litchfield Connecticut) was in 1792 only 8 years of age and could not be expected to retain any recollection of the marriage. Even
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if it were certain that she was present when it took place.

The following papers being chiefly family deeds between some of the parties named in the commencement of this affidavit are added as corroborating the statements of this affidavit and affording additional evidence of the marriage of this deponent first to William Henderson and afterwards to Wills Clift.  From these papers, it appears; that she was known by the name of Mary Henderson up to the 17th of October 1791, a little less than a year previous to her marriage to Wills Clift as stated in her former affidavit, and that on the 5th day of October 1796.  She was known and acknowledged as Mary Clift the wife of Wills Clift of Fairfield Connecticut; in a deed executed to her by her brother John Hazard, which, was only about four years after her marriage to said Clift as stated in said affidavit.

That after diligent search among all the ancient papers and documents which remain in her possession, she has not been able to find any paper or document in which her name is used bearing date between the periods of October 17th 1791, and October 5th 1796.

From the annexed deed (Marked No. 1) Executed to this deponent on the 25th day of January 1784 by Moss Kent and Mary Kent her stepfather and her mother it is evident that she was then known by the name of Mary Henderson.
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Also 
From the annexed Deed (marked No. 2) from the heirs of John Hazard to Benjamin Allen bearing date the first day of March 1791, it appears that she was then known by the name of Mary Henderson.

From the certificate of acknowledgement of this same deed it appears that she was so known on the 17th day of October of the same year.

Also

From the annexed Deed (marked No. 3) executed by Adam Edson and Mercy Edson to Samuel Hazard and others she is named as Mary Henderson and singed it herself as a witness by the name of Mary Henderson, said deed bearing date March 1st 1791.

Also

From the annexed Deed (Marked No. 4) Executed by Michael Henry and Abigail Henry to Samuel Hazard bearing date the 17th day of October 1791 to which instrument she wrote her name as a witness, it appears she was then known by the name of Mary Henderson.

Also

From the annexed Deed (marked No. 5) executed to her by her brother John Hazard bearing date the 5th day of October 1796 it appears that she was then known by the name of Mary Clift and expressly recognized in the Instrument as the wife of Wills Clift of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut

Also 

The same is evident from the annexed Deed (marked No. 6) executed by Adam Edson and Mercy Edon to her mother Mary Kent which
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instrument she signed as a witness, and which bears date the 7th day of October 1796.
Also
From the annexed Deed (marked No. 7).  Executed to her by David Ripley bearing date August 13, 1803, and recorded September 19th of the same year; she was recognized as "Mary Clift: wife of Wills Clift of Fairfield."
Also.
From the annexed Deed (marked No. 8) Executed by Wills Clift to David Ripley bearing date and recorded as the last mentioned deed and conveying the same premises; it appears probable that Wills Clift conveyed the said premises to David Ripley for the purpose of having said Ripley convey the remainder [remainder underlined] (subject to said Clifts life estate) to this deponent as said Clift could not make a valid conveyance directly [directly underlined] to his wife.

And further
this deponent says not

Mary Clift

Subscribed and sworn this 29th day of October 1839 before me

Sam Mead one of the Judges of Monroe County Courts

State of New York

Monroe County Clerks Office
October 30th, 1839.

I Ephraim Goss Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Monroe do hereby certify that Samuel Mead before
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whom the foregoing declaration of Mary Clift (or affidavit) purports to have been taken and sworn to, is now and was at the time when the same purports to have been so taken and sworn a Judge of the said Court of Common Pleas.  and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Samuel Mead and believe the signature of his name to aid affidavit is his hand writing.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office the day and year above written.

Ephraim Goss Clerk
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Dec 18/52

Appl of
The Adm of Mary
Clift decd. Widow of
Wills Clift a major
in the Connecticut line
of the Continental Army
Page 20

State City and County of New York ss.  Be it known that on the fifth day of October 1852 before the subscribed Judge of New York Commons [illegible] & for said City & County personally appeared John V S. Hazard a resident of said City and Administrator of Mary Clift late of Waterford the County of Saratoga widow of Wills Clift deceased who was a Major in the Connecticut line of the Continental Army who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that the said Mary Clift was a pensioner of the United States.  On the Roll of the Albany New York Agency at the rate of five hundred and ten dollars per annum.  That he has reason to believe that said pension ought to be increased to six hundred dollars per annum and he makes this declaration to recover any arrears of pension one to the said Mary Clift at her death, and is directly interested in said claim as her administrator. That she died in Waterford aforesaid are the Twelfth day of March in the year eighteen hundred and forty seven and he authorizes J. Douglas Woodward of Plattsburg New York to act as his attorney and receive a certificate for [illegible] arrears or increase of pension.  This application is made under any of the acts of resolutions of Congress applicable to the case.

Sworn Subscribed and acknowledge
before me the 5 day and [illegible] John V S Hazard


State of New York,
City and County of New York, ss

I GEORGE W. RIBLET, Clerk of the City and County of New-York, and also Clerk of the Supreme Court for the said City and County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, that Charles P. Daly before whom the annexed deposition & declaration was taken was at the time of taking the same a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the City and County of New York being a Court of Record, duly Elected and Sworn, and authorized to administer oaths to and that his signature thereto is genuine.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, the 5 day of October 1852

Geo. W. Riblet Clerk.
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State City and County of New York ss.  Be it known that on the fifth day of October 1852 before the subscribed Judge of New York Common [illegible] & for said City & County personally appeared John V. S. Hazard a resident of said City and Administrator of Mary Clift late of Waterford in the County of Saratoga widow of Wills Clift deceased who was a Major in the Connecticut line of the Continental Army who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that the said Mary Clift was a pensioner of the United States.  On the Roll of the Albany New York Agency at the rates of five hundred and ten dollars per annum.  That he has reason to believe that said pension ought to be increased to six hundred dollars per annum, and he makes this declaration to recover any arrears of pension due to the said Mary Clift at her death, is directly interested in said claim as her administrator.  That she died in Waterford aforesaid on the Twelfth day of March in the year eighteen hundred and forty seven and he authorizes J. Douglas Woodward of Plattsburg New York to act as his attorney and receive a certificate for [illegible] arrears or increase of pension.  This application is made under any of the acts or resolutions of Congress applicable to the case.

Sworn Subscribed and acknowledged before me the 5 day and year first above written and I certify that deponent is a highly credible person.

John V S Hazard
Administrator

Chas. T. Daly
Judge of the 
New York [illegible]
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Res
WIDOW, &c.

File No.  22, 788
Mary Clift
wid of
Willlis Clift
Capt Rev War
Act March 3rd '/43

Index:  Vol A, Page 139

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 23

[illegible]
[illegible] 1853
[illegible] 2 Jun 1853
Same Jan 29/58
[illegible]

V
New York
Mary Clift
Act July 7, 1838
$510 per ann
Married Fall of 1792
Husband died 1810
let. to M. R. Selden 16 Oct 1839
to same 11 Jan 1840
to Hon. Thos. Kempshall
Dec 29, 1840
do to same Feb 5, 1841
Admd. Albany Roll
$510 per annum to commence 4th 
March 1836
Captain 18 months
Major 6 months
Send cert: to Har. Thomas
Kempshall H. R.
Page 24

New York 6031
Mary Clift
widow of Wills Clift, dec'd
who was a pensioner under the Act of 
and who died on the ___ of the year 1810 
of Monroe Co in the State of New York
who was a Captain in the 20 regt and a Major 
of the 3rd regt in the Continental
line for 18 mos. & Capt 26 mos Major.

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany
at the rate of 510 Dollars ___ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of Feby 
1841, & sent to Hon Thomas 
Kempshall, H.R.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1841 $2550.00

Act July 7,
1838.

Recorded by D. M. Curdy, Clerk,
Book A. Vol. 2. Page 82.


Settlement to Morris Bull 8 [illegible] '43
Page 25

Pension Office
January 20, 1858.

From the records of this office it appears that Mary Clift of New Yor widow of Wills Clift an officer of the Revolution who died in 1810, as pensioned for five years under the act of July 7, 1838, and allowed for Eighteen months service of her husband as a Captain in the 20th Regt. and as a Major six months in the 3d Regiment Connecticut line of the Continental army at $510. per annum commencing on the 4th of March 1836, under said act and expired on the 4th of March 1841.  She was pensioned again under the acts of March 3, 1843, & June 7, 1844 at the same rate and appears to have been up to March 4, 1847.  Her marriage with said Wills Clift is proven to have taken place in the fall of seventeen hundred and ninety two.  It also appears that she died on the twelfth day of March Eighteen hundred & forty seven, leaving no children, or child her surviving, but several heirs at law.  Since the admission of her claim record evidence has been filed showing that the said Wills Clift served more than two years as a major in the Continental army.  This service would have authorized an allowance to his widow of six hundred dollars per annum instead of five hundred and ten.  From March 4, 1841 to March 4 1843. (two years) no pension was allowed to Mrs. Clift, there being
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no law embracing that period.  Unless the widow Clift [having marked out] left her surviving, child or children, this office has no power to make an allowance of the arrears which appear to have been due her in this case.

Commssioner
of Pensions
Page 27

Mary Clift  - Wills
N. Y w 1843

Copy paper sent this [illegible]
Feb. 19, 58

Hon. George C. Whiting
Comm of Pensions

J.D. Woodward [illegible]
Page 28

Washington D.C. Jany 20, 1858.

Sir.

Will you have the goodness to send me a Certificate of facts in the case of Mary Clift of New York [illegible] after the form enclosed.  I wish to annex it to the Petition of J VS Hazard Esq Administrator of Mrs. Clift and Lay the same before Congress.  This statement will save the necessity of copying the papers which are rather voluminous.

Respectfully yours,
J. D. Woodward.  

Hon. Geo C Whiting
Comm of Pensions
Page 29

Jan 29 1853.

Case of the Adm of 
Mary Clift widow 
of Wills. Clift.
New York
Act July 17, 1838
Page 30

Washington Jany 29. 1853.

Sir.

Will you ascertain from the 3rd and whether Wills Clift a major in the Connecticut line of the Continental army was returned as entitled to half pay for life under the Resolve of Oct 21, 1780, and whether he received commutation certificates.  The evidence is wanted in the case of the adm of Mary Clift now pending in your office.

Respectfully yours,
J. D. Woodard.
Atty for the Adm
of Mary Clift
by virtue of a power.

James E. Heath Esq
Coms of Pensions

Certificates No. 72
" 73
" 74

March 22, 1783 for $2950
Issued to Wills Clift - a Major Cont line
Page 31

Washington D. C. Dec. 17. 1852.

Sir,

I enclose the application of John V S. Hazard Administrator of Mary Clift of New York deceased who received her pension under the act of July 7, 1838 at $590. per annum to March 4 1847. and died Eight days thereafter, viz. on the 12th of March 1847.  In adjusting the amount of her pension a mistake appears to have been made in her four of $90 per annum.  Her husband having served more than two years as a major in the Continental army as appears from the Evidence, she was entitled to $600. per annum.

Respectfully yours,
J. D. Woodward.
Atty for the Adm

James E. Heath Esq
Comr. of Pensions.
Page 32

Comr of Pensions
Land Granted to 
Major Wills Clift
& Capt. Leml Clift
Page 33

Pension Office
April 13, 1852

Sir,
In reply to the enquiries submitted in yours of the 10th inst. I have to inform you, that Land Warrant No. 368 for 400 acres, issued Jun 6, 1797 to Nathaniel Satterlee assignee of Wills Clift, who was a Major in the Conn. Continental line: also that Land Warrant No. 373 for 300 acres, issued Sept. 2, 1790 to Lemuel Clift, who was a Capt. in the line aforesaid.

I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully 
Your Obt. Svt.
J E Heath
Commissioner of Pensions

Hon Jas Russell
House of Representatives

V4

[illegible]
Page 34

House of Representatives
Feb. 13,1850

To J L Edwards Esqr

Sir;

I beg leave to call your attention to the enquiries contained in the enclosed letter and at your earliest convenience to furnish me such reply as the case requires.

Yours truly

Jno R Thurman
Page 35

644
Apl 28, 1843.
NY 
Mar 3 1843
Mary Clift


J L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Dis. of Columbia
Page 36

Clarkson Monroe Co. New York.
April 24: 1843

J L Edwards Esq
Comr of Pensions.

Dear Sir.

Inclosed I forward you the declaration of Mary Clift, widow of Wills Clift, made according to the form issued from the Pension Office March 29: 1843, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 3d of March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.

Please direct your reply to Norris Bull, Clarkson, Monroe County New York, and Oblige.

Very truly yours 
Norris Bull
Page 37

644
July 29, 1843.
March 3d/43.
Returned [illegible]

Mary Clift,
$510 per an

H. R. Selden
Clarkson,
N York

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 38

Clarkson July 25, 1843
(Monroe Co New York)

J. L. Edward Esqr
Com of Pensions

Sir
I enclose the declaration of Mary Clift an applicant for the Pension under the act of March 3d 1843 with the certificate of the Magistrate corrected so as to comply with the instructions accompanying your letter of the 8th Inst. returning the said declaration to Revd Norris Bull of this place.

To avoid the suspicion which it seemed to me the alteration of the certificate might justly be subject to I have prepared a new declaration & it has been sworn to by the applicant & is I believe duly certified and authenticated.

Whenever the application shall be passed upon please advise me of the result
and oblige 
Yours resp y
H. R. Selden
Page 39

Sept 4
[illegible]
Mary Clift
4 commissions enclosed

Edwards Esq
Comr. of Pensions
Washington D. C.


round stamp
Clarkson
date illegible
30
N.Y.
Page 40

June 30 43
[illegible]
M Evans

L. Edwards Esqr
Com. of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 41

Monroe Co. New York
Clarkson June 26. 1843

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Com. of Pensions

D Sir
The Revd Norris Bull of this place enclosed to you sometime in April last the declaration of Mary Clift to obtain the benefit of the Act of 3d March last granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.  Not having heard from the papers he is fearful that they did not reach you & has requested me to write to you on the subject.  Please inform me as early as convenient after the receipt of this, whether the papers were recd and if examined whether they were found sufficient to entitle her to the benefits of the act.

Very respectfully
Your Obt Serv
H. R. Selden

Mary Clift Marc 30 1843 and 28 April
Page 42

Rep Hall Feb 6 1841

Jas L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions

Sir, I have been long acquainted with Seth Seelye of Lansingburgh in my District and if gives me pleasure to certify in the strongest terms to his character as a man and a professing Christian.  I know of no man in my District who walks higher for moral worth and stern integrity of character. 

Full credit would be given by me to any statement Rev. Seelye might make of any occurrence within his own knowledge. 

I [illegible] the above statement in consequence of having this [illegible]
 

Respectfully [illegible]
H. P. Hunt.
Page 43


House of Representatives

Feby 6 1841

Sir
Your note of yesterday I have received.  In conformity to the requirement made therein I have procured the certificate of Hon. H. P. Hunt which you will find herein with the paper accompanying your note.  I am gratified that this poor old Lady will now receive a pension.

Very respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Thomas Kempshall
Page 44

House of Representatives
Decbr18th 1840
Sir
Enclosed you will find further testimony in the case of Mary Clift's application for a pension.
The writer of the communication to me (Mc Selden) I personally well know as a  very reasonable & respectable  man and from his representations I have no doubt that the application is a meritorious one & I really hope that the proofs will now be considered sufficient to entitle this poor lady to a certificate.
Very respectfully
Your Obt. Srvt.
Thomas Kempshall

Hon J.L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Page 45

J. L. Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions
Washington
D. C.
Page 46

Clarkson Monroe Co.
New York. Aug 30, 1839

J. L. Edwards. Esqr.

Sir

Herewith are enclosed the original commissions of Wills Clift deceased, referred to in the application of Mary Clift for a pension together with one commission not referred to therein.

I hope to hear from her application as early as the business of your office will permit.

Very Respectfully  
Yours
H. R. Selden

As some anxiety is felt for the safety of these commissions, I should be pleased to have you acknowledge their receipt.

H. R. S.
Page 47

5802
July 19.
N.Y.
July 7. 1838

J. L. Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions
Washington 
D.C.
Page 48

Clarkson Monroe Co. N. Y.
July 11, 1839

J. L. Edwards Esq
Com of Pensions 
[illegible]

Enclosed are the papers of Mary Clift, widow of Wills Clift deceased a Major in the Army of the U.S. in the Revolutionary War, claiming a pension under the act of July 7, 1838.  

It is thought that the substance of the several commissions which are set forth in the declaration will furnish such references, as to enable the Department to ascertain from the old records (if in existence) the amount of Mr. Clift's services.  If not it is probably the original commissions can be procured although time has not yet been given since Mrs. Clift discovered where they were to obtain them.

When the papers are examined please advise me of the result.

Very Respectfully Yours
H. R. Selden
Page 49

J. L. Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 50

Clarkson Monroe Co. New
York October 30, 1839

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Com of Pensions
[illegible]
In your letter of the 16th instant in relation to the case of Mrs. Mary Clift widow of Wills Clift you say "The date [illegible] of "the first marriage should be set forth in a sup"plemental affidavit.  The proof in relation "to the second marriage is insufficient; it "should be established by record evidence if attainable.  The record of the birth or baptism "of her children may serve as evidence  re"gard to that fact."

In answer to these suggestions I enclose the further affidavit of Mrs. Clift giving the date of her first marriage, and the time and place of the death of her first husband, as definitely as she is able to give them.

Mrs. C. has not been able to obtain and record evidence of her marriage.  The church record of marriages kept by the clergyman by whom she was married is shown to have been destroyed, by the affidavit of Deacon Hawley annexed to her declaration before sent you, and she has since learned that the clergyman is dead, and has left no record or memorandum of marriages with his family, and that none of his children were old enough to have remembered the marriage if present at it.  This appears by her present affidavit.  She has annexed to her affidavit
Page 51

herewith sent, several ancient deeds, as tending to confirm her statements, and they are the only documentary evidence bearing on the point which she has been able to obtain.  These it is thought furnish strong evidence of the fact of her marriage to Major Clift; and she hopes the time when it took place, may be considered sufficiently established by her own affidavit and that of her sister Mrs. Henry heretofore sent, with the reasons of the latter for recollecting the time.

Mrs. C. has never had any children and cannot therefore refer to any children and cannot therefore refer to any records of birth or baptism to establish the time of her marriage.

The family history given by Mrs.  C. may be deemed out of place; but it was thought necessary, in order to explain the documents which accompany the affidavit.

Very Respectfully
Your Obt Serv.
H. R. Selden

It may be proper to state, lest it should seem irregular that the first husband of Mrs. C. should make a purchase of land in the Natches District, so early as 1776 or 77 that there was about that time an attempt to settle that country from the Northern States a brief notice of this understanding may be found in the memoir of the life of Dr. Dwight late President of Yale College. prefixed to his Theology.  first edition. printed at Middletown Connecticut in 1818. page 17.  Also in the American Universal geography, by Jedediah Morse. 5th. Edition Boston 1805, page 745 in an account of the Mississippi Territory.
H.R. S.
Page 52

Wills Clift Major

Proof of Service

[illegible] where do the relatives of 
Mary Clift reside?
[illegible] New York.
Page 53

(Seal)   State of Connecticut
            Comptroller Office
            Hartford March 8th 1852

I certify that an application for evidence of the service of Wills Clift in the war of the Revolution I have examined the documents remaining in this office, and find the name of Wills Clift in a Pay Roll under the following heading viz. "Settlement with the 3d Con"necticut Regt Samuel Wyllis Esqr Colonel before Jan"uary 1st 1780." and opposite said name are the following entries viz. Rank Capt/Commencement of service Jany 1st 1777. / Time of this settlement May 25th 78/Term 1 yr. 4 mos. 25 days/Amt. of Wages [illegible]202/ Rank Major/Commencement of service May 26th 78/Time of this settlement Jany 1st 1780 & Term 1 yr. 7 mos. 5 days/ Amt of wages [illegible]287.10/Value of [illegible] for clothing & [illegible]8.19/Amt of Debt. [illegible] 498.9./Value of Mo. recd on acct of wages [illegible] 93.8.3./Value of Mo. recd from W.L. &c [illegible] 3.15./ Value of Clothing [illegible] supplied [illegible] 33.13.41 Amt of credit [illegible]175.8./ Balance [illegible] 523.13.2./

In another settlement with the same Regiment "for the year 1780."  Wills Clift is credited with service as a Major from Jan. 1st 1780 to Jan1st 1781 - 1 year.

R. G. Pinney, Comptroller
by Geo Robinson Clerk
Page 54

Hon Thomas Kempshall
Washington
Page 55

Clarkson Dec. 9. 1840

Dear Sir

Herewith I send affidavits in the matter of the application of Mrs. Mary Clift for a pension under the act of July 7. 1838.  Mrs. Clift is the aunt of Mrs. Bull, wife of the Revd Norris Bull of this place, who I believe is known to you, and if so I need say nothing as to his standing in society.  Mrs. Clift resides with him, and the principal witness in her behalf is her sister Mrs. Henry, the mother of Mrs. Bull, who is now here, but resides much of the time with another daughter.  Mrs. Howard of Detroit, wife of the late Mayor of that City.  I mention these facts that you may be satisfied from the character of the parties, that there is no intentional misstatement of facts.  

The first application of Mrs. Clift was made in July 1839, and set: forth that she was the widow of Wills Clift deceased who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.  That he volunteered at the commencement of the war & went to Boston was at the Battle of Bunkers Hill and served this the whole war to its close and rose from a private to the rank of major.  (He is commissions four in number one as Lieutenant, two as Captain, and one as major I have since obtained & forwarded to the pension office, and they are now on file there).  That she was married to Major Clift in the summer or fall
Page 56

of 1792. and lived with him until his death which was in 1810.  That they were married by the Revd Samuel Goodrich at Ridgefield in Connecticut, at his house and she had no recollection of any person being present. Except the family of Mr. Goodrich.  That she had no record or certificate of the marriage.

The affidavit of Mrs. Henry sister of Mrs. Clift stated that in 1792 she resided in Lansingburgh in New York, and in the spring or summer of that year, being out of health she went on a visit to her mother in Connecticut, and was there when her sister (then the widow Mary Henderson) was married to Major Clift.  That the marriage did not take place at her mothers house, but they went to Ridgefield, and were there married but the Revd Mr. Goodrich, as she was informed at that time.  That she distinctly recollected her sisters leaving her mothers house, with Major Clift for that purpose, and knew that they returned together in a few days thereafter, and that she lived with him as his wife from that time forward to the time of his death, as stated in the declaration of Mrs. Clift. That she had no memorandum of the year, but was positive it was in 1792. in the summer or fall, because it took place while she was in Connecticut, in consequence of ill health which was occasioned by the birth of her second child, which was born in early part of the year 1792.  That her oldest child
Page 57

was born in April 1790 and her third child in Sept. 1795.

The affidavit of the town clerk of Ridgefield was also forwarded shewing that there was no record of the marriage in his office and also the affidavit of one of the deacons of the church over which Mr. Goodrich [presided marked out] was pastor, shewing that the record of marriages kept by Mr. G. had been long since destroyed.

After the Examination of those papers on the 16th of Oct. 1839, Mr. Edwards the commissioner of Pensions wrote to me as follows.  "Sir
The papers " of Mrs Mary Clift, widow of Wills Clift have been Examined and filed.  The claimant it would appear from the statement of one of the witnesses, was a widow at the time she was married to the husband how service she claims the benefit of.  The date &[illegible] of the first marriage should be set forth in a supplement affidavit.  The proof in relation to the second marriage is insufficient it should be established by record evidence if attainable. The record of the birth or baptism of her children may serve as evidence in regard to that fact."
I am  [illegible]
J. L. Edwards

After the receipt of that letter Mrs. Clift made and forwarded to Washington a further af
Page 58

fidavit stating that she was married to William Henderson in March 1774 or 1775. & she was not positive which year.  That he died at Natches in Mississippi before the close of the Revolutionary War, but she could not state the time more definitely.  That she never had any children by either husband.

With the affidavit she sent Eight ancient family deeds containing her name either as a party, or witness.  Shewing that she was called Mary Henderson as late as the 17th Oct. 1791.  and that on the 5th of Oct 1796. her brother John Hazard deeded land to her. by the name of "Mary Clift. wife of Wills Clift of Fairfield Connecticut." and the same appeared in several later deeds. and she stated that after diligent search she could find no document in which her name was used between Oct. 17, 1791. and Oct. 5th, 1796.

After these papers were forwarded to the department, and on the 11th January 1840. M. Edwards wrote me as follows.  "Sir
The additional Evidence in support of the claim of Mrs. Mary Clift accompanying your letter of the 30th October last has been Examined.  The proof in relation to the date of the Claimants marriage is not sufficient.  That fact must be established by some higher grade of Evidence than has.
Page 59

yet been produced
I am [illegible]
J. L. Edwards.

From this letter I infer that the proof of Major Clifts services, and of the fact of his marriage to the applicant is considered sufficient, and all which remains to be established is the date of the marriage to entitle her to the pension which she claims.  After very diligent inquiry for nearly a year she has not been able to add any thing to the former evidence. Except the proof of the time of the birth of Mrs. Henry's second child, which was the fact chiefly relied upon at first to fix the year of the marriage as both events were known to have occurred in the same year.

The proof now produced must be conclusive, as to the time of the birth of that child, and although it brings the time of the marriage down one year later than the time fixed by the recollection of Mrs. Henry, the case is still within the provisions of the act of Congress.  This proof although not precisely such as was suggested at the conclusion of Mr. Edwards letter of Oct. 16, 1839. is of the same nature, and our attention was directed to it by that suggestion.  The result whilst it confirms the propriety of the rule Established requiring record Evidence of dates where it is attainable, I hope may be deemed
Page 60

sufficient to entitle Mrs. C. to the bounty of the people which she claims.

I have made this statement with the hope that you might take some interest in the application of the aged widow, and aid her if possible in bringing it to a successful termination

Apologizing for the length of my communication, and also for its form which, anticipating its length I thought the most convenient which could be adopted.  I leave the case in your hands.

With much respect
Your Obt. Serv.
H R. Selden

Hon Thos Kempshall
Page 61

Certificate of the 
Court proving that
John V S. Hazard
is Admr of 
Mary Clift's decd.
Page 62

At a Court of Common Pleas
held in and for the City of [illegible] New York at the City Hall in said City.  It was proven to the Satisfaction of said Court in open court that Mary Clift widow of Wills Clift dec'd a major in the Connecticut line of the Continental Army, was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of five Hundred and ten dollars per annum, and that [s?] he died in the town of Waterford in the County of Saratoga New York on the twelfth day of March in the year Eighteen hundred and forty seven, and that John V S. Hazard a resident of said City merchant is Administrator of said Mary Clift's deceased, duly appointed & acting as such.  The evidence add[illegible] was satisfactory to said Court.

In witness, whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court the day and year first above written.
Geo W. Riblet, Clerk

[illegible]
Page 63

State of New York
County of Monroe ss

On this Eighteenth day of July in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and forty three personally appeared before me Samuel Mead one of the Justices of the Peace of the town of Clarkson in said County of Monroe Mary Clift a resident of the said town of Clarkson aged Eighty nine years who being first 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 of March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.  That she is the widow of Wills Clift who was a captain and Major in the Revolutionary War and died in the year 1810.  That she is the same person to whom a certificate was issued by J.  R. Poinsett Secretary of War bearing date February 8th 1841, by which it was certified that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838, Mary Clift of New York, widow of Wills Clift deceased who a captain and Major in the Revolution and died on the     day of       1810 was entitled to receive five years pension at the rate of Five hundred and ten Dollars per annum and that by virtue of the said certificate she did receive the said five years pension.  She further declares that she is still a widow.  

Mary Clift

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written before me by Mary Clift who is and for several years has been personally known to me 

Saml Mead Justice of the Peace
Page 64

State of New York
Monroe County Clerks office ss
I do hereby certify that at the date of the above affidavit Samuel Mead Esquire was a Justice of the Peace in and for said county of Monroe duly qualified according to law to take the same and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Samuel Mead, and verily believe that the signature to said affidavit purporting to be his, is his genuine hand writing.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said County this 22d day of July 1843

James W. Smith
Clerk of Monroe Co.
Page 65

644
Page 66

State of New York
County of Monroe ss
On this Seventeenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and forty three personally appeared before me Samuel Mead one of the Justices of the peace of the town of Clarkson in said county of Monroe.  Mary Clift a resident of the said town of Clarkson aged Eighty nine years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision of 3d of made by the act of Congress. passed on the 3d of March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.  That she is the widow of Wills Clift who was a Captain and Major in the Revolutionary War and died in the year 1810.  That she is the same person to whom a certificate was issued by J. R. Poinsett Secretary of War bearing date February 8th 1841, by which it was certified that in conformity with the Act of July 7, 1838.  Mary Clift of New York widow of Wills Clift deceased who was a captain and major in the Revolution and died on the     day of      1810 was entitled to receive five years pension at the rate of Five hundred and ten Dollars per annum and that by virtue of the said certificate she did receive the said five years pension.  She further declares that she is still a widow.
Mary Clift

Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year
above written before me by Mary Clift to me personally known.

Sam Mead Justice of the Peace
Page 67

State of New York
Monroe county ss
I certify that Samuel Mead Esquire was on the day of the date of the within affidavit a Justice of the peace in & for said county and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe that the signature to said affidavit purporting to be his is genuine.
Witness my hand and seal of office this nineteenth day of Apil 1843.
James W. Smith Clerk
Page 68

5802
Page 69

State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield ss              Elisha Hawley of the Town of Ridgefield - in said County of Fairfield being duly sworn deposes and says that the Revd Samuel Goodrich was through the year 1792 Pastor of the Church in the Society in which this deponent resides, that the said Samuel Goodrich removed from the said Town of Ridgefield in the Year 1812 or about that time, and at the time of his removal he left the record of marriages kept by him as Pastor of said Church with this deponent, who then was and still is one of the Deacons of said Church, that said record was many years since, destroyed in the family of this deponent, and further this deponent says not.

Elisha Hawley

Subscribed & Sworn this 23 day
of April 1839 before me

Harvey Smith, Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield  SS      Nathan Smith Town Clerk
of the Town of Ridgefield, in said County of Fairfield being duly sworn says that he has carefully examined the Town Records of the said Town of Ridgefield on which many marriages have been Recorded, extending back to the year 1745 and can find no record of the marriage of Wills Clift to Mary Henderson, or of the marriage of either of them and further this deponent says not.

Subscribed and Sworn this 25 day of April, 1839 before me

Nathan Smith, Town Clerk 

Harvey Smith Justice of Peace

I understand the Pension Department has been furnished with Evidence of Harvey Smiths authority as Justice of the Peace in the year 1839.
H.R. Selden
Page 70

IN CONGRESS.
The DELEGATES of the UNITED STATES of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of New-Castle, Kent and Suffex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina, and Georgia, TO 
Wills Clift Esqr Greeting
We, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, DO, by these Presents, constitute and appoint you to be Captain of a Company in a Regiment, commanded by Samuel Wyllys Esqr

in the Army of the United States, raised for the Defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile Invasion thereof.  You are therefore carefully, and diligently to discharge the Duty of Captain by doing and performing all manner of Things thereunto belonging.  And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your Command, to be obedient to your Orders as their Captain.  And you are to observe and follow such Orders and Directions from Time to Time, as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United States, or Committee of Congress, for that Purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief for the Time being of the Army of the United States, or any other your Superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in Pursuance of the Trust reposed to you.  This Commission to continue in Force until revoked by this or a future Congress.
Dated at Hartford in the State of Connecticut the first Day of January A. Dom 1777
By Order of the Congress,

John Hancock
President.

ATTEST.  Cha Thomson
Page 71

The United States of America     In Congress Assembled
For Wills Clift Esquire                               Greeting.  We, Reposing especial trust and confidence in your Patriotism, [illegible] and Fidelity, DO by th[illegible] presents constitute and appoint you, to be a Major of the third Connecticut Regiment in the Army of the United States to take rank as said from the 15th day of October A.D. 1778; You are therefore and carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Major by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging.  And we do Strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your command to be obedient to your orders, as Major.  And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions, from time to time, as you Shall receive from [illegible] a future [illegible] of the United States, or Committee of Congress for that purpose appointed, a Committee of the [illegible] or Commander in chief for the time being of the Army of the United States, or any other your Superior Officer, according to the rules and discipline of war, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you.  This Commission to continue in force until revoked by this, or a future Congress, the Committee of Congress beforementioned, or a Committee of the States.  

Entered in the War Office
and examined by the Board
Attest
[signature illegible]
Secretary of the Board of War

Witness his Excellency John Jay Esqr President of
the Congress of the United States of America, at Philadelphia the 16th
day of March 1779 and in the third Year of our Independence.

John Jay


[word "together' written in lefthand margin]
Page 72

Colony of Connecticut.   JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Esquire,
Captain-General and Governor in Chief, in and over His Majesty's English
Colony of Connecticut, in New-England, in America.

To Wills Clift           GREETING:

By Virtue of the Power and Authority to me given; in and by the Royal Charter, to the Governor and Company of the said Colony, under the Great Seal of England, I do, by these Presents, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage and good Conduct, constitute and appoint you, the said Wills Clift to be second Lieutenant of the fourth Company in the third Regiment of the Inhabitants, inlisted and assembled for the special Defence and Safety of His Majesty's said Colony.  You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Second Lieutenant in leading, ordering and exercising said Company, both inferior Officers and Soldiers,, in the Service aforesaid, and to keep them in good Order and Discipline; hereby commanding them to obey you ad their Second Lieutenant and yourself to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions, as you shall from Time to Time receive from Me, or the Commander in Chief of the said Colony for the Time being, or other your Superior Officers, according to Military Rules and Discipline, pursuant to the Trust reposed in you.

GIVEN under my Hand, and the public Seal of the said Colony, at Hartford the First Day of May in the 15th Year of the Reign of His Majesty King GEORGE the Third, Annoque Domini, 1775.

Jon; Trumbull

By His Honor's Command,
George Wyllys [illegible]
Page 73

IN CONGRESS.

The Delegates of the United Colonies of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of Newcastle, Kent, and Suffex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, and South-Carolina, to Wills Clift Esquire.

We reposing especial trust and confidence in your patriotism, valour, conduct and fidelity, DO by these presents constitute and appoint you to be Captain in the twentieth Regiment of [illegible]

in the army of the United Colonies, raised for the defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof.  You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Captain by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging.  And we do strictly charge and require all officers and soldiers under your command, to be obedient to your orders, as Captain   And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United Colonies, or Committee of.  Congress, for that purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief for the time being of the army of the United Colonies, or any other your superior officer, according to the rules and discipline of war, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you.  This commission to continue in force until revoked by this or a future Congress.

By Order of the Congress
John Hancock President

Attest  Cha Thomson [illegible]
Jany 1, 1776
Page 74

Mary Kent
to Mary Henderson

[illegible]

No. 1
Page 75

To all people to whom these presents shall come greeting know ye that we Moss Kent and Mary Kent of the Town and County of Fairfield & state of Connecticut for the consideration of the sum of twenty pounds lawful [ceremony] reviewed to our full satisfaction of Mary Henderson on the same place do give grant be again tell and confirm unto the Mary Henderson and to her heir and assign  forever two certain pieces of land hoping in [] farmer for which in sd Fairfield in sd county about five acres one which is bounded Southerly by occupied Westerly by land belonging to John Hazard being the some land that the said Mary  thier bought of Bon [jammie] Rosemary dec'd where she was widow  the other piece is bounded Westerly by Highway Jon thirty by Cap Thomas Nash's land Easterly and Northerly by land belonging to Mary Hazard TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the a bond granted and bargained permission  - with the apported names there of unto her the sd. Mary Henderson her heirs & assigns forever to her and their own proper use and [belong] and the said Mary Kent doth further self & heir & executors &  administrator {convergent] with the sd. Mary Henderson her heirs & assigns : That at and  until the [unveiling] of the sd presents she is well served of the permisses as a good Indefeasible estate in [she] simple thath good right to bargain and all the same in manner & same as is above written & that the same is free of all [Incim] [Gamers] whatever doth bind herself & her heirs forever to warrant and do find the above granted and bargained premises unto her the said Mary Henderson her heir and aforsign against - all claims and demand whatsoever in witness wherefore I have - hereunto set our hands and seals the 20th day of January in the year of our lord 1784 Miss Kent Mary Kent 
Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of Abraham Andrews 
Abraham Andrews
Page 76

No. 2 [in left margin]

Know all men by these presents that we John Hazard and Mary Henderson and Adam Edson and Mercy Edson his wife all of Saratoga County and State of New York.  Michael Henry and Abigail his wife of Ransleer County in the state aforesaid, and John Avery and Anne his wife of Stamford in the State of Connecticut for the Consideration of five shillings Removed of Benjamin Allen of Fairfield in the state of Connecticut have given granted bargained sold and forever Quitclaimed unto him the said Benjamin Allen and to his Heirs and assigns forever all right to that Certain Parcel of Land in said Fairfield in Com[illegible] so called being the same Land in said Fairfield  which was Distributed and set to Mrs. Mary Kent as part of her dower in the Estate of Mr. John Hazard late of Fairfield [illegible] in quantity Thirty acres and lying near and Benjamin Allen's Dwelling House To Have and to hold the above granted and Quitclaimed Premises with the Appurtenances thereof unto him the said Benjamin Allen his Heirs and assigns forever to his and their own proper Use and Behoof without any Claim or Molestation from us the said John Hazard Mary Henderson Adam Edson Mercy Edson, Michael Henry Abigail Henry John Avery Anne Avery or any of us or our Heirs or assigns or any Person or Persons whatsoever Claiming under us or them in Witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals this first day of March A.D. one Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety One.


Signed sealed and Delivered                                                  John Hazard
in presence of
Saml Hazard                                                                           Mary Henderson                                             
Ebenr Jesup                                                                            Michael Henry 
                                                                                               Abigail Henry
                                                                                               Anna Avery
                                                                                               Mercy Edson
                                                                                               Adam Edson


Fairfield County [illegible] on the 17th Day of October 1791
personally appeared Mary Henderson Mich. Henry
Abigail Henry Anna Avery Mercy Edson
Signers & Sealers of the above instrument & acknowledged the same to be their free act & Decd before me.
Ebenr Jessup Jus [illegible]
Page 77

Fairfield County [illegible] on the 5th day of November 1791 personally appeared John Hazard Signer & Sealer of the within Instrument and acknowledged the same to be his free act & Decd before me.

Eben Jesup Jus [illegible]

Fairfield County on th 10th day of May 1792 personally appeared Adam Edson Signer & Sealer of the within Instrument & acknowledged the same to be his free act & decd before me.

Eben Jesup Jus [illegible]






The Heirs of John Hazard
Quitclaim Deed to Ben. Allen

No. 2
Page 78

No. 3 [in left hand margin]

Know all men by these presents that we Adam Edson and Mercy Edson his wife of the County of Saratoga and state of New York for the consideration of One Hundred and Twenty Two pounds fifteen shillings lawfull money of Connecticut Received to our full satisfaction of our Mother Mrs. Mary Kent of the same place. And for the further consideration of five shillings Received of Sam Hazard John Hazard- Mary Henderson Abigail Henry wife to Doctor Michael Henry all of the state of New York and Anne Avery wife to Mr. John Avery of Stamford in Connecticut Do Give grant bargain sell Release and quitclaim and by these presents have given granted bargained sold confirmed and forever Quitclaimed unto them the said Samuel John Mary Abigail and Anna and to their Heirs and assigns forever all our right Title Claim and Demand in and unto One Hundred and Twenty Two pounds fifteen shillings Lawfull money aforesaid it being a part of a greater Right we hold as one of the Heirs to the Dower of Mrs. Mary Kent in the Estate of Our Deceased father Mr. John Hazard - as may be seen by the Inventory and Distribution of said Estate.  To have and to hold the above granted Bargained and Quitclaimed Premises unto them their Heirs and assigns forever to them and their own proper Use and behoof And also we the said Adam Edson and Mercy his wife do for ourselves our Heirs Executors and Administrators Covenant with the said Samuel John Mary Abigail & Anne their Heirs and assigns that at and untill the ensealing these presents that we hold the Premises as a good indefeasible Estate in Fee simple and have good Right to Bargain and sell the same in manner and form as is above written and that the same is free of all incumbrances  Except the Use and improvement of the same to the aforesaid Mrs. Mary Kent during her Natural Life.  In witness whereof we have Hereunto set our Hands and seals this first day March A. D. one Thousand seven Hundred and Ninety One.

Signed sealed and Delivered                                                                             Adam Edson
in presence of                                                                                                    Mercy Edson
Mary Henderson                         

Joel Edson
Page 79

Saratoga County  ss

Be it Remembered that on the fifteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety one personally appeared before me John Thompson first July. of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Saratoga.  Adam Edson and Mercy his wife who acknowledge that they signed and sealed the within written instrument as their Voluntary act and deed for the Uses therein mentioned and I having examined the said Mercy Edson separate and apart from her husband and she acknowledged that she singed the same Voluntary without any Comp[illegible] of her husband and I having perused the same and finding no erasures or [entterlination?] do allow it to be Recorded.

John Thompson

James Hazard Jno Hazard Mary Henderson Abigail Henry and Anne Avery   Deed
from Adam Edson and Mercy Edson

No. 3
Page 80

Know all men by these presents. That we Michael Henry and Abigail Henry his wife, of the Town of Troy and County of Renslear [Half Moon & County of Saratoga marked out] in the state of New York:  For the consideration of One Hundred and four pounds sixteen shillings & [illegible] Lawfull money of New York Recd to our full satisfaction of Samuel Hazard of the Town & County of Fairfield & state of Connecticut Do Give, Grant, Bargain, Tell, and Confirm unto the said Samuel Hazard & to his Heirs & assigns forever.  A Certain piece of Land Laying in [Comho illegible] in [illegible] seventeen acres and in Bounded on the North by Land now in the [illlegible] of Step Tharp westerly on Land in possession of
Page 81

Samuel Hazard deed
from Michael & Abigail Henry
[illegible] to Record Nov. 12th 1792
Recorded in [illegible] 5, 61388
[illegible]  

Michael Henry &
Abilgail Henry
Deed to Samuel Hazard

No. 4

Fairfield County for Day and Date within personally appeared Michl Henery & Abigail Henry Signers and Sealers of the within Instrument & acknowledged the same to be their free act & Deed before me

Eben Jesup  Jus P
Page 82

Know all Men by These Presents that I John Hazard of the Town of Half Moon County of Saratoga and State of New York For the Consideration of the Sum of Thirty Six Pounds Lawfull Money of Connecticut do Give Grant Bargain Sell and Confirm unto Mary the wife of Wills Cliff of Fairfield State of Connecticut and to Her Heirs and assigns Forever Two Acres of Wood Land Lying and Being in Said Town of Fairfield State of Connecticut known By the Name of the Windkroop Pratt Being the Equal undivided Fifth part of Ten Acres which I as one of the Heirs of Samuel Hazard do own and hold as my Rite to Have and To Hold the Above Granted and Bargained premises with all the appurtinances and priviledges thereunto Belonging unto her the Said Mary and to her heirs and assigns For Ever to their Own proper use Benefit and Behoof and Furthermore I the said John Hazard do For myself my Heirs and assigns Covenant with the Said Mary her Heirs and assigns that at and untill the Ensealing and Delivery of these presents I am well Leased of the premises and have Good rite to Bargain an Sell the Same in manner and form as is Above written and that the Same is free of All Incumbrances whatsoever and  Furthermore I the Said John Hazard do Bind myself my Heirs Executors and Assigns forever to warrant and Defend the above Granted and Bargained premises unto her the said Mary her Heirs and assigns against all Claims and demands of any person whatsoever in witness whereof I have here unto Set My Hand and Seal this Fifth day of October in year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Ninety S[illegible]

N. B. the word undivided being Interlined in the fifth line before signing and the word six being an erasure.

John Hazard
 
Signed and Sealed & delivered in preasants
of Carni Dibble
Jacobus Schoonoven
Page 83

Be it remembered that on the Sixth Day of September In the year of our Lord one thousand and seven hundred and Ninety Six Personally Appeared before me Jacobus Schoonhoven one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Saratoga John Hazard and Acknowledged the within Deed to be his voluntary Act and Deed for the Purposes therein mentioned and I having purused the same finding no areasures or Interlinations but what are Duly noted allow the same to be recorded.
Jacobus Schoonhoven

John Hazard, Deed
to
Mary Clift

No. 5


No. 5 in righthand margin
Page 84

David Ripley's 
Deed from
Wills Clift
Rec'd to [illegible] Sep 19 1803

Recorded in Vol 30./:100
by

J Rowland [illegible]
Comp.

No. 8
Page 85

No. 8 [in left hand margin]

To all People to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting,
KNOW YE, That I Wills Clift of Fairfield in the County of Fairfield
For the Consideration of Fifteen Hundred Dollars
full satisfaction of David Ripley of [illegible] Fairfield Received to my Do Give, Grant, Bargain, Sell and Confirm unto the said David Ripley A certain piece of Land, lying in Said Fairfield, situate in the Society of Green Farms, in quantity Two Acres & an half more or less, with a Dwelling House, Barn, & Other buildings standing thereon bounded, Easterly on Mrs. Mary Kent & Anna Ripley, Southerly on Ebenezer Coley, westerly on a branch creek from Saugatuck River, & northerly on highway, only reserving to me the said Wills Clift the use & improvement of said land & buildings during my Natural life.

To Have and to Hold the above Granted and Bargained Premise's with the Appurtenances thereof, unto him the said David Ripley
his Heirs and Assigns for ever to his and their own proper Use and Behoof. And also, I the said Wills Clift do for myself my Heirs, Executors and Administrators, Covenant with the said Ripley his Heirs and Assigns, That at and until the Ensealing these Presents I am well seised of the Premises as a good indefeasible Estate in Fee simple; and have good Right to Bargain and Sell the same in Manner and Form as is above Written; and that the same is free of all incumberances whatsoever except the above reservation.  And Furthermore, I the said Clift do by these Presents bind myself and my Heirs forever, to WARRANT and Defend the above granted and bargained Premises to him the said Ripley his Heirs and Assigns, against all Claims and Demands whatsoever except the above reservation.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal the 13th Day of August Anno Domini, 1803
                                                                                              Wills Clift

Signed, Sealed and Deliver,
in Presence of
David Judah
Lucy Woodward

Fairfield County, ss. in Fairfield August 13th 1803
Personally appeared Wills Clift Signer and Sealer
of the foregoing Instrument, and acknowledged the same to be his free Act and Deed before me,

David Judah Jus: Peace
Page 86

Mary Clift's deed
from David Ripley
Rec'd to [illegible] Sep 19, 1803
Recorded in Vol. 30./:101
by J. Rowland Reg

[illegible]

No. 7.
Page 87

No. 7 [in lefthand margin]

To all People to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting.

KNOW YE, that I David Ripley of Fairfield in the County of Fairfield
For the Consideration of Fifteen Hundred Dollars
Received to my full satisfaction of Mary Clift, wife of Wills Clift of said Fairfield Do Give, Grant, Bargain, Sell and Confirm unto the said Mary Clift 
A certain Piece of Land lying in said Fairfield, situate in the Society of Green Farms, in quantity Two acres & an half more or less, with a Dwelling House, Barn & other Buildings standing thereon.  Bounded Easterly on Mary Kent & Anna Ripley, Southerly on Ebenr. Coley Westerly on a Branch Creek from Saugatuck River & Northerly on Highway.  Only reserving the use & improvement of said Land & buildings unto Wills Clift Husband of the said Mary during his Natural Life.
To Have and Hold the above Granted and Bargained Premises, with the Appurtenances therof, unto her the said Mary Clift her Heirs and Assigns for ever, to her and their own proper Use and Behoof.  And also, I the said Ripley do for my self my Heirs, Executors and Administrators, Covenant with the said Mary her Heirs and Assigns, That at and until the Ensealing these Presents I am well seised of the Premises as a good indefeasible Estate in Fee Simple; and have good Right to Bargain and Sell the same in Manner and Form as is above Written; and that the same is free of all incumbrances whatsoever except the above reservation.  And Furthermore, I the said Ripley do by these Presents bind my self and my Heirs forever; to WARRANT and Defend the above granted and bargained Premises to her the said Mary her Heirs and Assigns, against all Claims and Demands whatsoever except the above reservation.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal the 13th Day of August Anno Domini, 1803

David Ripley

Signed, Sealed and Delivered
in Presence of
David Judah
Lucy Woodward

Fairfield County, ss. in Fairfield August 13th, 1803
Personally appeared David Ripley Signer and Sealer
of the foregoing Instrument, and acknowledged the same to be his free Act and Deed before me.

David Judah Jus: Peace
Page 88

Adam & Mercy Edson
Deed
To Mary Kent

No. 6
Page 89

No. 6 [in lefthand margin]

Know all men by these presents that we Adam Edson & Mercy Edson, my Wife of the Town of Half Moon & County of Saratoga & State if New York For the consideration of the sum of one Hundred pounds Lawfull money of the State of Connecticut Do Give Grant Bargain Sell & Con[illegible] unto Mary Kent of the Town of Fairfield & State of Connecticut to her Heirs & Assigns forever the one [illegible] undivided fifth part of the Estate of Samuel Hazard Deceased in the Com[illegible] Farm so called and also in a wood Lot known by the name of the Wynehoop tract being in Fairfield we being Heirs to the said Estate Do hold of Right.  To Have & to hold the above Granted & Bargained premises with all the Appurtenances & privileges thereunto belonging unto her the said Mary Kent and to her Heirs & Assigns forever to her own proper use Benefit & Behoof & further we the Said Adam Edson & Mercy Edson Do for ourselves our Heirs & Assigns Covenant with the said Mary Kent her Heirs & Assigns that at & until the ensealing & delivering of these presents We are well [illegible] of the premises & have good right & title to Bargain & Sell the same in manner & form as is above written & that the same is free from Incumbrances whatsoever & furthermore [illegible] the Adam & Mercy Do Bind ourselves our Heirs Executors & Assigns forever to warrant and Defend the above Granted & Bargained premises unto her the said Mary her Heirs & Assigns against all Claims & Demands of any person whatsoever in witness whereof we have hereunto set hand & seals this seventh Day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven Hundred & Ninty [illegible]

Adam Edson
Mercy Edson

Signed Sealed &
Delivered [illegible] me
of 
Joel Edson
Mary Clift

NB the word granted 
at the end of the thirteenth 
line was sworn before
the signing & sealing 
of these presents.
Page 90

Personally appeared Adam Edson & Mercy Edson his Wife
the Signers & Sealers of hte within instrument &
Acknowledged it to be their free act & Deed before me

Hoyt Ketchum Justice

Half Moon 7 of
October 79
Page 91

In the matter of Mary Clifts application for a pension

Affidavits

Hon T. Kempshall
HR
Page 92

State of New York
Renselaer County SS  
On this Twenty fourth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight Hundred and Forty at the Village of Lansingburgh in said County before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in Said Village, Personally appeared Seth Seelye a resident of said Village of Lansingburgh, Who being by me first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath depose and say That in former years he was well acquainted with Michael Henry formerly and for many years a practicing physician in said Village of Lansingburgh, & also ;with his wife Abigail Henry & with their children; that he lived a neighbour to them for several years; that he knew of the death & burial of the said Michael Henry at the time when the event took place (and he thinks was present at his funeral); that he recollects the death of their child in the 1806 previous to the death of Dr. Henry himself and has no doubt they were buried in the same yard near the place where he himself was subsequently intered; That he K. [illegible] himself has this day Visited the said grave yard on request, & has been to the spot where his said S[illegible] Henry's two children were interred that he there found a grave stone of dark marble erected to the memory of two children which appear to have been of long standing, but they are perfect, in one stone about 20 inches wide & about twenty eight inches high but at the top to represent a double stone and on it is cut the following Inscription which he [illegible] Seelye has carefully copied;  arraigned as follows, on the left hand as you view the stone is  

On the right is an entire and correct coppy of the inscription on the stone without any change of letters or figures or any omision or alteration whatever & that he fully believes it to be in all respects the same as when first erected some 25 or 30 years ago from the appearance of the monument.  
Should thus judge
Seth Seelye

John H. Henry
Dyed Jany 24 1795
Aged 1 Year 11 mo & 21 days

Abigail L Jane Henry
Dyed Feby 21st 1806
Aged 13 mo & 4 days

Son & daughter of Michael & Abigail Henry
at the bottom of the stone


Subscribed and sworn before me this 24th day of November A.D. 1840 the signer being well known to me
M. L. Filley, Commissioner of Deeds
Page 93

STATE OF NEW YORK.
Rensselaer County Clerk's Office,   ss.

I, LELAND CRANDALL, Clerk of the County of Rensselaer, do hereby Certify,
that Marcus L. Filley whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of proof or acknowledge of the annexed Instrument, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, one of the Commissioner of Deeds of the County of Rensselaer, dwelling in said county; duly authorised to take such proof or acknowledgement.  And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Commissioner and verily believe that his signature to the said Certificate of proof or acknowledgement is genuine.

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the Seal of said County this 25th day of November A. D. 1840

Leland Crandall 
Clerk
Page 94

State of New York
Monroe County ss.
On this fifth day of December in the year of Our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and forty at the town of  Clarkson in said county before the undersigned one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Monroe personally appeared Mary Clift: a resident of the said town of Clarkson, who being by me first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath depose and swear that, in addition to her former declarations in the matter of her claim to a pension; since the receipt of the letter from the commissioner of pensions under date of January 11th 1840 informing her that the proof of the date of her marriage is not sufficient she has made inquiries, in various [laces, and caused search to be made among the old papers of her husband Wills Clift for some recorded proof of the date of their marriage. and that she has not been able to obtain any additional evidence of the time when it took place, save what is derived from the date of the record of the death and age of her sister. Abigail Henry's second child John H. inscribed on the grave stone erected to the memory of said child many years ago. as proved by affidavits hereto attached, which record by determining accurately an event known to have a little preceded her marriage in the same year that it took place, seems to fix the day of said mar
Page 95

riage beyond the possibility of mistake.  That this record makes the date of her marriage to Wills Clift just one year later than the time stated in her former affidavit, which period was fixed and determined in her own mind from two circumstances.   First:  from the aforesaid fact of its having occurred on the same year a little after the birth of her sister Abigail Henry's second child the said John H. who was confidently believed to have been born in the early part of the year 1792, and secondly from a strong persuasion that she had lived with her husband the said Wills Clift Eighteen years at the time of his death, which happened as she is confident in the year 1810.

That although this record varies the date of said marriage just one year, yet as it comes within the period specified by the Act of Congress, and is now ascertained, and fixed by an inscription on marble, she humbly hopes it will be considered, an adequate and sufficient determination of the year when it took place.  

Mary Clift

Subscribed and sworn this 5th day of December 1840 before me.
Sam Mead Judge of 
Monroe County Courts.
Page 96

State of New York
Monroe County SS.
On this fifty day of December in the year of Our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and forty, at the town of Clarkson in said County before the undersigned one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said county of Monroe personally appeared Abigail Henry a resident of the said town of Clarkson, who being by me first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath depose and swear that she is the widow of Doct. Michael Henry named in the affidavit of Seth Seeley, which is hereto attached, that her husband the said Michael Henry previous to his own death which happened in the year 1811, caused a marble monument to be erected in the common burial place of the Village of Lansingburgh, to the memory of two of their children, who died before him, and had been buried in that yard, that on said stone or monument was inscribed the name of the two children which they had lost the date of their death and their ages, that she well recollects the form, and appearance of the stone, which corresponds in every particular. with the description given of it, in the said affidavit of Seth Seelye, and she has no doubt that the monument from which the said Seelye copied this inscription is the identical stone erected by her husband Michael Henry. some thirty years ago or more
Page 97

that it appears from the inscription on this stone as copied in the affidavit of the Said Seth Seelye, that her second child John H. Henry was born in the Early part of February 1793, which corresponds with her recollection of that event, Except that it is one year later than she had supposed.  That accordingly the date of her sister Mary Clift's marriage to Wills Clift, was in the summer or fall of the years 1793, instead of the summer or fall of 1792, instead of the summer or fall of the year 1793. instead of the summer or fall of 1792, as stated in her former affidavit, for she knows that it took place after the birth of her second child the said John H. in the summer or fall of the same year, and when she was at her mothers house in Connecticut, out of health occasioned by that event:  That she has as clear a recollection of her going away with him to be married at that time, as of any event that has ever occurred in her life time, and remembers perfectly well to have seen her sister, then the widow Mary Henderson get into the carriage with Major Clift to ride to Ridgefield for that purpose, as stated in her former affidavit, and that her former affidavit must be considered as amended and corrected in regard to the date of her Sister Mary Clifts marriage to Wills Clift by just one year, that is to say, that said marriage took place in the summer or fall of 1793, instead of
Page 98

the summer or fall of 1792 as [illegible] stated.

Abigail Henry

Subscribed and sworn this 
5th day of December 1840.
before me.
Saml Mead Judge
of Monroe County Courts

State of New York
Monroe County SS
I certify that Samuel Mead Esquire, was at the time of taking the above affidavit, a Judge of the county courts in and for said county, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe that the above signature, purporting to be his, is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the court of common places of said county this ninth day of December 1840.

Ephraim Goss Clerk