Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3073, Elijah Clayton, New Jersey
Page 4

State of Pennsylvania
County of Allegheny

On the twenty sixth day of July A.D. 1832. Personally
appeared in open court, being a Court of Records in and
for the Fifth Judicial dist. of Pennsylvania. Now sitting,
before the Honorable Charles Shalen, President of said
Court, and his associates &c. Elijah Clayton, a resident
of said County and State, born 11th December AD. 1757.
In Monmouth County, New Jersey, about two miles from
where the Battle was fought (which in part appears from the
accompanying document, taken from his father's family record.)
Who being first 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.
That he was an apprentice to Aukey Lefferson, a
tailor, in Monmouth County aforesaid.  And in the course of
the second year after the capture of the Hessians by General
Washington. Was drafted in a company of Militia commanded
by Captain Hans Smock, the regiment was commanded
by Col. Asher Holmes, the Major's name was E. Walton,
afterwards, Sheriff of Monmouth County.  The Generals name
David Forman. That he was marched to the sea coast
to prevent the enemy from land, while the man body
of the Army of Regiment lay at Monmouth. He was with
a guard on the beach, under command of Lieut. Benjamin
Vancleafs. The Enemy's flat at New York, used to send
down boats armed with swivels. That about this time,
he was taken sick (from exposure and fatigue, and
when confined, his Captain, Barns Smock, called to see
him. And showed him some of the balls of the enemy he
had picked up. That he was one of the party which
attempted to capture the Light house at Sandy Hook.
That at the end of ten months, whilst going round with
the sergeant, as to a new tour of duty, to give notice
to the Militia to repair to head quarters &c. he and the party
were surprised.  Himself wounded, and the Sergeant
shot by a party of refugees.  He was taken prisoner, carried
to New York and detained there eighteen months. During 
his detention there, the battle of Monmouth was
fought. For some time, during his captivity he was taken
Page 5

with other prisoners from prison, and compelled to
work at his trade in making clothes for the enemy.
While thus employed, he watched his opportunity and
made his escape, accompanied by a British soldier
whom he induced to desist from the enemy.
After his return to his native place, he got married
and resided there about twenty two or twenty three years
after which he removed to Pittsburgh, with his family.
Where he has ever since resided. He recollects of no
company or Regiment, distinctly, who served with his, at
the time, but one from Middletown.
Declarant further saith, that as preparatory for a
making application for a pension in 1827, he traveled
from Pittsburgh to Monongahela County, Virginia,
to obtain the testimony of his Brother Elisha Clayton,
who knew of his services.  And received from him the
deposition accompanying this declaration. That he
has no documentary evidence, and that he knows of no
other person whose testimony he can procure, who can
testify to his service. That he hereby relinquishes
every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except
the present, and declares, that his name is not on
the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn & Subscribed in open Court
the day & year aforesaid
Wm. Candless Pro,
                                                                                 Elijah Clayton

We, Samuel Williams a Clergyman residing in
the city of Pittsburgh, and John McCallister, also, residing
about eighteen years in said city, do hereby
certify, that we are well acquainted with Elijah
Clayton, who has subscribed and sworn to the above
declaration; that we believe him to be about 75 years of age.
That he is reputed & believed to have been a soldier of the
Revolution by his neighbors and acquaintances, and that
we concur in that opinion.
Sworn & subscribed in open Court Samuel Williams
the day and year aforesaid John Waller
Mr M. Candless Pro
Page 6

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after
the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interest
stories prescribed by the war Department, that the above
named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served
as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears
to them that Samuel Williams who has signed the 
proceeding certificate, is a clergyman. Resident in the City of
Pittsburgh, and that John Mcallister who, has also signed
the same is a resident in the City of Pittsburgh, and is
credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Wm M. Candless.
I, William M. Candless, prothonotary of the Court
of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, do hereby certify
that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of
the said Court in the matter of the application of Elijah
Clayton for a pension is hereof I have hereunto set my
          The testimony in hand and seal of my office this twenty sixth day of July
Anno Domini one thousand Eight hundred and thirty one.
                                                                 Wm M. Candles P

City of Pittsburgh ss. Before me, an alderman
in & for said city personally appeared Elijah Clayton, the
above named applicant for a pension who on
his solemn oath doth depose and say that by reason
of old age and bodily infirmity, and consequent loss
loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the
precise length of his service, but according to the best of
his recollection he served, not less than the periods herein
after mentioned, and in the following grades: viz.for
ten months in Capt. Barns Smocks company, in the Regt.
command by Genl. Forman, as a private, drafted Militia
man. That at the end of said time, he was taken
prisoner and detained by the British as a prisoner, at least
eighteen months, when he made his escape, as stated
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in his declaration. Deponent does not know whether he is entitled
to received any pension for the time he was detained as a prisoner
of War. But the time for which he claims a pension is for his service 
ten months, and eighteen months as a prisoner as above stated.
That the deposition of his brother, Elisha Clayton was obtained
subsequent to the date of his declaration, as within set forth, in
consequence of the informality of a former deposition accompanying 
his application.  Which was returned to deponent with
the objections of the department marked 5.14.16. which latter 
deposition.  He has lately procured after traveling to his brother's 
residence in Virginia & is annexed hereunto
Sworn to and subscribed 
before me this 7th day
of December                                   Elijah Clayton
A.D. 1832.
May M. Murray

State of Pennsylvania
Allegheny County.

William McCandles City of
the Court of Common pleas in
for said County 

Do Certify, that M. M. Murray,
before whom the foregoing deposition,
was taken was at the time of reny[ill] such
deposition & now is an alderman of the City of
Pittsburgh.  With the power of an dating Justice
of the Peace, in for the said County duly
Commissioned & Sworn to all whose acts as such
due faith & credit are of right ought to bequest
throughout the United States & where.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto
set my hand affixed the seal of the
said Court at Pittsburgh, in the said County
This 7 day of December A.D. 1832.
Wm. McCandless
Page 8

State of Virginia
County of Monongahela

Before me, a Justice of the Peace in
and for said County, personally appeared Elisha
Clayton, the Twin Brother of Elijah Clayton, an 
applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of the
Seventh June A.D. 1832.  Who on his solemn oath
deposeth and saith, that to his certain knowledge
the said Elijah Clayton is a native of Monmouth
County, New Jersey.  And according to the best in
formation he can obtain, was born in the month of
December A.D. 1757. That the said Elijah, some
time after the capture of the Hessians, the exact
time deponent cannot now recollect, was drafted
in a company of Militia, commanded by Capt
Smock, & Leut. Van Cliff, in the Regiment commanded
by Colonel Herd or Holmes under the command of Gen.
Forman. The Major E. Walton, was afterwards sheriff
of said County of Monmouth. That the said
Elijah Clayton served in said company and
regiment for upwards of nine months, before he
was taken prisoner by the enemy.  And taken
to New York, where he was detained for a
period of eighteen months; (at least it was more than
that period after his capture before he
returned home.) The deponent knows that the
said Elijah Clayton was wounded by a party
(as it was reported) of refugees.  And that he was taken
as a prisoners to New York.  As above stated
and further, this deponent says not.

Sworn to and subscribed
before me this twenty sixth day                      Elisha Clayton
of November A.D. 1832

Geo. McNeely
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Monongahela County
State of Virginia

I, George McNeely, a Justice of the
Peace in and for said County.  Before whom
the foregoing deposition was taken, do hereby
certify, that Elisha Clayton, the witness
above named, who has sworn to and
subscribed the same deposition, is a credible
person, and that his statement is entitled
to credit.
Given under my hand
and seal this 26th
A. D. 1832
day of November
Geo. Mcneely

Virginia,

I, Thomas P. Ray, Clerk of the County court of Monongalia
do certify that George McNeely, Esq. before whom the above affidavit appears to have been taken, and whose name appears in testimony thereof, is one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said count. Duly commissioned and sworn into office.  To all whose official as
as such due faith and credit is due as well in courts of Justice as there out
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and a fixed the seal of said court at Morgantown.
the 26th of November in the year, 1832.
and 57 year of the Commonwealth.
T. J. Ray
Page 11

State of Pennsylvania
County of Allegheny

Personally appeared, Leah Clayton in open
Court before the Honorable J. B. Dallas.
Priundent and his associates, Judges of the Court of Common Pleas
of Allegheny County, in the State aforesaid.  Who being duly sworn
according to law doth depose and say, that she is the widow
and relict of Elijah Clayton, deceased, who was a soldier of the
Revolution. That with the exception of the testimony of witnesses
already produced by deponent on her application for a
pension and the understands was filed with suspended cases
in the pension Department, at the federal city.  She has no
evidence of her marriage or of any person, now alive who knew
her to be a married woman previous to the first of January, 1794.
That the record of the births of the children of the said Elijah Clayton
deceased, and this deponent has entered on full considerations.
Upon the paper or document hereunto annexed in the presence
of this deponent.  And her said husband some short time after
the birth of Abraham Clayton, who was born on the 13th of December
1799. That from summery, circumstances deponent and her said
husband were induced to have the times of the births of their children
entered. So as to have a reference to the same deponent and her.  Said
Husband resided at this time in Monmouth County, New Jersey.
And after the revolutionary war, deponent and her said husband
emigrated to the State of Pennsylvania. This was one reason why they
wanted to have the birth of their children correctly ascertained
and that the paper or document hereunto annexed is correct
and true to the best of her knowledge and belief. Deponent
further saith that her son, Cornelius Clayton served as
deponent has been credibly informed in the late war
against great Britain, in a Cavalry company that his
birth was correctly entered on the document or record above
referred to.   Namely that he was born, 13th September, 1788.
To the best of her knowledge and belief, deponent further
saith that her age, is as far as she can ascertain from the best
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Information she has been able to obtain.  Seventy years
of age and that she is in necessitous circumstances and
had the assistance of her country for her support
Sworn to and subscribed
in open Court this 26 day
of January A.D. 1839.                                                                         Leak Clayton               
Wm Flays

At the same time and place above mentioned, personally appeared
Sarah Clayton before the judges.  Above named, who being duly
sworn according to law doth depose and say that she this
deponent, frequently read in the presence of the above named.
Elijah Clayton deceased and his wife Leah Clayton, the above
named applicant for a pension. The paper or document
purporting to his, a memorandum of the ages (or births)
of their children hereunto annexed. That deponent frequent
heard the said Elijah Clayton and Leah, his wife talk together
about the births and ages of their children and that
they had always a reference to the said memorandum
or record. Annexed to this deposition and without
exception as far as deponent has ever understood,
from either of them.  The same was correct with
regard to the ages and names of the children
Page 13


mentioned in the said memorandum.
Deponent further saith that she is as she
believes thirty four years of age and from her first
recollection the paper or memorandum annexed
as aforesaid has been in the possession of the said
Elijah Clayton & Leah his wife.  That she heard them
frequently say that they had no other evidence of the
births of their children but the said paper or memorandum.
But their own recollection from facts and circumstances
which they related and which deponent doth not know
recollects.
Sworn to and subscribed in open
Court this 26 day of January, 1839.
Wm Hays

Pennsylvania,
Allegheny County.
                  I do hereby certify that the foregoing deponents
Leah Clayton & Sarah Clayton were duly sworn in open
court as above stated, and that the foregoing are their
respective signatures. And that Wm Hays who took
their affidavits is an associate. Judge of the Court of
Common Pleas of said County of Allegheny
Given under my hand and the seal of
said Court this 28 day of January, 1839.
Thomas Liggett Pro.
Page 14

Memorandum of the ages of the children
belonging to Elijah Clayton and Leah his wife.

Elisha Clayton, son to Elijah Clayton and Leah
his wife, was born, June 19,1785.

Cornelius Clayton, son to Elijah Clayton and Leah
his wife, was born September 13, 1782.

Elizabeth Clayton, daughter to Elijah Clayton and
Leah his Wife, was born May 5, 1793.

Ann Clayton, daughter to Elijah Clayton and
Leah his wife, was born Aug 25, 1796.

Abraham Clayton, son to Elijah Clayton and
Leah his wife, was born Dec. 13, 1799.
Page 16

State of Pennsylvania
County of Allegheny
City of Pittsburgh

On this, fifth day of November, in the year of our
Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight. Personally
appeared before the Court of Common Pleas T. B.
Dallas Esquire President of James, Riddle, Francis,
McCline Esquires. Associate Judges of said court the same
being a Court of record. Leah Clayton, a 
resident of the City of Pitts, in the County, State aforesaid.
Aged abt 69 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 7th 1838.
Entitled "An Act granting half pay and Pensions
to certain widows. That she is the widow of Elijah
Clayton who was a private in the army of the Revolution.
As by the accompany my Certificate of Pension will
appear that Elijah Clayton, her said Husband
was discharged or that his term of service expired
before the first day of January 1794.  The further
declares that she was married to the said
Elijah Clayton on the twenty sixth day of Feburary
1784 by the
in the Revd. Davis who is now dead.
In the county of Monmouth in the State of New
Jersey.
That Elijah Clayton her said husband,
and on the twentieth day of March, 1837.
That she was not married to him previous to his leaving
the service but the marriage took place previous to
Page 17

The first of January, 1794 viz at the time above
stated.

            Deponent further saith that from the best
information she has been able to obtain. The said
Elijah Clayton, entered the service in the year
17[ill] and left it about the year 1783.
That she has no record or documentary evidence
of her marriage.   That the Clergyman by
whom they were married, in a number of
years ago where his books and papers and the
does not know.  That she knows of no person
now living who can prove her marriage except
the evidence of individuals of the report of
her marriage. I long cohabitation together
and further deponent saith that she has
not married since the decease of her said
husband. Deponent further saith that she
is poor needs the assistance of her country for
her support.

Sworn to & subscribed
in Open Court the day                                    Leah Clayton 
& year first above written
Thomas Liggett Pro

At the same time & place personally appeared
Samuel Kingston Esq. who on his solemn oath
saith that he has been acquainted with Elijah
Clayton.  Leah, his wife for a number of
years, that they live cohabited together as
Page 18

man & wife & were so devised & reputed by their
neighbors, acquaintances. That they had sundry
children who were considered to have been born in
lawful wedlock       That the said Elijah who is
now deceased obtained a certificate of pension as
Private in the army of the Revolution.  As testified
to by her and that deponent verily believes the
statement made by her as within set forth it
correct and true.

Sworn to & subscribed
in Open Court this 5th                               S. Kingston.
day of Nov. A.D. 1838.
              Thomas Liggett Pro.

At the same time of place, personally appeared James
Riddle Esq. who on his solemn oath saith that he
was acquainted with the above named, Elijah Clayton
& Leah - his wife who is now an applicant
for half pay & pension. About 19 or 20 years ago
that they rented a house or tenement from deponent
& lived & cohabited together as man & wife & that
he fully concurs in the statement above set
forth.
                                                               James Riddle

sworn & subscribed before
me the Prothonotary of Allegheny
County this 5th November. 1838.
Thomas Liggett
Page 19

At the same time & place personally appeared, Sarah
Clayton of said city who being duly sworn according to
Law doth depose & say that she is the daughter
of Elijah Clayton.  Who was a private in the army
of the Revolution.   that she is now about 34 years
of age and lived with her said father & the wife
named Leah- Clayton her mother from her
infancy from her birth in New Jersey until her fathers death.
That she has no doubt on her mind with regard
to the marriage of the said Elijah her Father
& Leah her mother.  That she frequently
heard them state the time & place where they were
married corresponding in every particular with
the statement made by her said mother.
That her said father died on the 20th day of
March 1837. in the City of Pitts.

Sworn to & Subscribed
open Court this 5th                      Sarah Clayton          
day of November A.D.
1838
Thomas Liggett Pro.

At the same time place personally appeared, Robert
Patterson, who being duly sworn according to law.
Doth depose and say that he was acquainted with
Elijah Clayton in his life time & with his widow
Leah Clayton since his death for the space
of about 30 years.
That he was married to their
daughter in 1807.  Who is now deceased that he has
no doubt in his mind of the marriage of the
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said Elijah. I, Leah from all he has heard from
the parties themselves, as well as from the
report of their neighbors & other, that
he is the same person to whom a certificate
of pension was given.  As a Private in the army
of the Revolution, bearing date the 18th day of
February 1833 for $80 per annum during his
natural life.
Sworn to & Subscribed
in open court this 5th                           
day of Nov. A.D. 1838.                    Robert Paterson
Thomas Liggette Pro

Pennsylvania
Allegheny
County ss.

I, Thomas Liggett Prothonotary
of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County.
aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing
witnesses, Leah Clayton, Samuel Kingston,
James Riddle, Sarah Clayton and Robert
Patterson, respectively appeared in open Court
before the Judges of the said Court and were duly sworn according
law.  And that the foregoing depositions and affidavits are
originals as taken in open Court.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto
my hand and the seal of said court this 3 day of
November A.D. 1838
Thomas Liggett  Pro.
Page 28

Do you have the name of Elijah
Clayton on the pensionroll, as a
Revolutionary soldier?
There is some controversy as to the
name of said Clayton.  Whether it
was Elisha or Elijah.
As I have it, Elisha Clayton was
born in Monmouth Co. N. J. in
1756 or 1757
and died in Marion
Co. Va. in 1845 or 1846.
Possibly there, were two men by
the name of Clayton,
kindly give me record of
each.

Respectfully
Mrs C. M. Cunningham
510 Stanley Ave.
Clarksburg
W. Va.
Nov 29, 1921
Page 32

Sir,
Enclosed is a paper which
has been transmitted to me in reference
to the claim of Leah Clayton
to a pension.
Very resp.
R. Biddle

Washington
4 Febry. 1839.
Page 34

Sir,

I have been requested
to make inquiry as to the
application of Leah Clayton,
widow of Elijah Clayton
for a pension.  Forwarded
to your office for Pittsburgh
by Samuel Kingston
very resp.
R Biddle

H. of R.
7 Jan, 1839.
Page 35

be good enough to furnish
to me a copy of the
forms of Application
under the act of July, 1838.
Page 39

Pittsburgh Dec. 31. 1838.

Sir
              I forwarded some time since the
application of Leah Clayton the widow of
a Revolutionary soldier for a pension under the
late Act of Congress since which to
time I have read to communication from
the Pension Department.  The Poor
woman is extremely anxious to know the
result of her application and earnestly
requests that I should address you on.
I shall deem it a particular favor that you answer this
letter as soon as possible and let her
know what prospect she may face &
also any instruction you may deem necessary
in the case.

Respectfully your Obt. Servt.
L. Wilton

Hon J. L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions.
Page 41

Pittsburgh & Dec. 1832

Sir,
              Enclosed you have the deceleration
 and proofs &c. of Elijah Clayton
an applicant for a pension under the act
of the 7 June, 1832. The poor old man
traveled on foot, all the way from Pitts.
to his brothers residence in Virginia, to
procure his Deposition. I am sure that
he is honest, and that his statement is
correct to the best of his knowledge and
belief.
Be pleased to present his
claim to the proper office for examination.
I do fair hope that it will be found
sufficient, and that he will received
a pension for the longest period allowed
by act of Congress. He is, I presumes
entitled to pay during his captivity, as well as
for the time he served from
to his capture. I know you will
act for this poor soldier in such a manner
in as is usual with you on such or
caring.

I remain Sir, Respectfully
your obt. servant.
L. Kingston

Hon. Harmer Fanny
Page 43

Pittsburgh Nov. 10. 1838.

Sir,
Enclosed you have the application of Leah
Clayton for a pension together with the Certificate
of Pension of her late husband, Elijah Clayton.
Which it is hoped will be found sufficient to
entitle her to the same, under the late act of
Congress.  Should any further testimony
be required to establish her claim it is believed
she must fail as she has produced the best
evidence in her power or possession.

Please to correspond with me on the
subject as soon as convenient.

I remain sir, respectfully 
your obt. servant
J. Kingston

---
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions