Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 42,273, for Godfrey Shreve, Massachusetts
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(3-1776)
Shreve, Godfrey
Service:  Conti    Mass.
Number:  S 42, 273
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3597
Ohio Roll (Crossed out)
to New York
Godfrey Shreve
Col. Shepard
Private
Massachusetts Line 77 War
the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
subscribed on the roll of Ohio
at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 8th of May 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13th of October 1818 and sent to Judge Sharp, Marietta, O.

Arrears to 4th of Sept 1818    $31.26
Semi-an All'ce ending 4 March 1819   $48.00
$79.26
{Revolutionary Claim, Act 18th March 1818}

ILLEGIBLE
Treasury Washington

DEAD
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Notice sent to Robert C Barton Esq 11 Sept 182?
Stedman Mills Ohio

duplicate certificate ILLEGIBLE 13 Jany 1827 ILLEGIBLE old one destroyed - sent to ILLEGIBLE Smith, Schagticoke, N. Y.
Date of death  ILLEGIBLE

ILLEGIBLE lettr to H. Northup 19 June 1834 (REST ILLEGIBLE)
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Application for a Transfer
State of New York
County of Rensselaer
On this 23rd day of December 1826, before me, the subscriber, a Commissioner for said county of Rensselaer personally apeared Godfrey Shreeve who on his oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain ILLEGIBLE Pope in the regiment commanded by colonel Henry Jackson in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the Pension roll of the State of Ohio from whence he was lately removed; that he now reside in the State of New York where he intends to remain and wishes his pension to be there payable, in future; and that his reason for removing to the State of New Your are that he had lost his wife in the State of Ohio and had removed to his friend in the State of New York.
Godfrey Shreve
Sworn and Subscribed to, before me, the day and year aforesaid.
Munson Smith Commissioner

State of New York
Rensselair County
I Allen Cornell do solemnly swear ILLEGIBLE I am acquainted with Godfrey Shreve who has signed the above application for a transfer whom I have understood has ILLEGIBLE in ILLEGIBLE a pension.
Allen Cornell
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State of New York
Rensselaer County
December 23, 1820
Allen Cornell Esq of the said County of Rensselaer personally appeared before me Munson Smith one of the Commissoners of the said County of Rensselaer and made oath to the within affidavit subscribed my him.
Munson Smith Commissioner

State of New York
Rensselair County
I certify that Munson Smith whose signature is affixed to the above certificate and ILLEGIBLE of the within affidavit was at the time of taking the same respectively one of the Commissioners in the County of Rensselaer duly authorized to take affidavits.  In testimony ILLEGIBLE I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said County this fifth day of January 1827.
Archibald Bull  clerk
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Godfrey Shreve
Schedule
3.597
March 1819
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The State of Ohio, Meigs County
Court of Common Pleas  July term AD 1825
On this 25th day of July eighteen hundred and twenty one personally appeared in open Court being a Court of Record for said County, Godfrey Shreve, aged sixty five years resident in Beford Township in said County of Meigs, and being first duly affirmed according to Law doth on his affirmation make the following declaration, that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows: That he was under arms or a minute man the day of the battle of Lexington 19th April 1775 and continued in the service till 1783 the ILLEGIBLE ILLEGIBLE in the Massachusetts line on the continental establishment and enlisted as follows - first for eight month under Capt. Clap Col. Cotton's regiment being then in the Town of Rochester, State of Massachusetts.  Second reenlisted under Capt Hamson Col. Bailey's regiment for one year, then reenlisted under Capt Pope Col. Shephard's Reg. during the War in which I remained until discharged by General Washington and also signed by Colonel Henry Jackson who commanded the regiment as Col. Shephard had resigned-the date of the original declaration eighth May 1818 before Judge Sharp County of Washington State of Ohio and have received a pension until the 4th of March 1820 number of certificate 3597- And I do solemnly affirm that I was a resident citizen of the United State on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not sine that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to being myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress entitled "An Act of provide for certain person engaged in the Land and
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Naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War" passed on the 18sth day of March 1818. And that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities, contracts or debts due to me.  Nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed.

Schedule  1 Ax, 1 old musket, 1 hoe, 1 chest, 1 table, 1 pot, 3 tea cups and saucers, 1 teapot, 3 knives and forks, 3 old chairs, 1 pail, 3 old books, 1 wheel, 1 cow and calf, 1 Adz - the whole of the above valued at thirty dollars.
Godfrey Shreve
And I, Godfrey Shreve do furthermore solemnly affirm that my occupation is that of farming with a poor ability to do so.  I am ruptured in the right groin, three ribs broke from my breast bone together with the Rheumatism deprives me from working one half my time.  I have no family but a wife named Ruth fifty four years of age decrepit also with rheumatism so as not to be able to do much towards a living and as we have no other income but our hands and as people won't hire old decrepit people, we are much in want of our Country's assistance.  I served my Country eight years six months and fifteen days in the Revolutionary War and was honorably discharged by General Washington.  I was in the battle of Long Island, battle of Harlam, York Island Battle, 
White Plains Battle, Trenton Battle and Princeton.  And wounded I was in both battles of the taking of Burgoyne.  1st battle wounded in the head, 2nd battle wounded in the head and right leg.  In the battle of Monmouth wounded in the thigh.  I was in the battle of Rhode Island with 
Gen. Sullivan.  I was in the battle of Kingsbridge with Col. Scammel.  I was at
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the seige of York at the taking of Cornwallis. I was at the storming of a redoubt there and ther go my ribs knocked from my breast bone and ruptured also by a fall from the top of the fort on carriage wheel.  I fought in ten bloody battles, wounded five times with ball got ruptured and have three ribs broke from my breast bone in the Revolutionary War, which together with the Rhumatism disables me very much.  I am all most a complete cripple and humbly beg my Country's blessing and in getting it granted I shall forever pray. 
Godfrey Shreve
Sworn to and declared in open court.
Robt C. Barton Clerk Com Pleas
State of Ohio
Meigs County
I Robert C. Barton Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing affirmation and the schedule thereto annexed are truly copies from the record of said Court; and I do further certify that is is the opinion of said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is thirty dollars.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court of Common Pleas at Sutton this twenty sixth day of July Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and twenty one and in the nineteenth year of this State.
Robert C. Barton Clerk Com Pleas
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Godfrey Shreve
8 May

*Asterisk refers to the clerks certificate of Judge Sharp being an Associate Judge
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State of Ohio
Washington County
On this 8th day of May in the year of our Lord 1818 before me the subscriber, one of the Associate Judges for the County of Washington in said State, personally appeared Godfrey Shreve, aged sixty years a resident in the township of Fleming, County and State aforesaid who being by me solemnly affirmed doth on his aid affirmation make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late Act of Congress entitle "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United State in the revolutionary war" that he the said Godfrey Shreve, engaged as a Minuteman (then do called) on the nineteenth day of April AD 1775 in Rochester, Plymouth County, Massachusetts and in said Rochester on the first day of May 1775 he enlisted into Captain Clapp's company in Col. Cotton's regiment of infantry of the troops of Massachusetts, in which service he continued until the time for which he enlisted expired - that he then enlisted again in Roxbury, in said Massachusetts, for the term of one year into Captain Hamlin's company in Col. Barley's regiment in the troops of Massachusetts, which term he served out, that he then enlisted again at Trenton in New Jersey, into captain Pope's company in the third regiment in the Massachusetts line, commanded by Col. William Shepard, on the first day of January AD 1777 for during the war, in which Corps he continued until the end of the war and was discharged by Col. Henry Jackson, at Newburg, 
State of New York - his discharge he sent, last winter to the City of Washington, by Col. Levi barber who informs him, that it is now on the files of the House of Representative of the United States - that he was in a Battle at the heights of Hasslin on York Island in Seventy Six - again he was in the Battle of White Plains in the State of New York in the same year 1776-in the battle of Trenton in New Jersey 26th December, same year-that on the 3rd day of January 1777 he was again in the battle of Princetown, New Jersey-he was again at a battle of Burness Heights in the State of New York on the fifteenth of September 1777-and again on the seventh of October of the same year at Stillwater, in said state shortly before the surrender of General Burgoynes Army-again at New Rochelle in said State, on the 9th day of August 1779-again at Kingsbridge in said state on 1781-again at the Siege of Yorktown in Virginia where General Earl Cornwallace surrendered the British Army-that his in in reduced circumstances
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And I stand in need of the assistance of his country for his support he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services.
Godfrey Shreve
Sworn to, and subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid
John Sharp, Judge C C P
Washington County
I John Sharp Judge of the Court of Common Pleas as aforesaid do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Godfrey Shreve, did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in the proceeding declaration, against the Common Enemy for the Term of nine months, or for the time ILLEGIBLE in his declaration on the Continintal Establishment and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me to the Secretary of War pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned Act of Congress.
John Sharp
Lawrence  May 11th 1818

Godfrey Shreve
8 May

*Asterisk refers to the Clerks certificate of Judge Sharp being an Associate Judge
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Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
AWF:MLB
Mr. Arthur P. Burch
1539 Marguette Avenue
Detroit, Michigan
Dear Sir:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 42273, that Godfrey Shreve was a minute man in Rochester, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, April 19, 1775.
He enlisted May 1, 1775 and served eight months in Captain Clapp's Company, Colonel Cotton's Massachusetts regiment; reenlisted in Roxbury, Massachusetts and served one year in the battles of Long Island, Harlem, New Rochelle, White Plains, York Island and Trenton; reenlisted in Trenton in Captain Isaac Pope's company, Colonel William Shepard's Massachusetts regiment, and was in the battles of Princeton, King's Bridge, both battles at the capture of Burgoyne, in the first battle was wound in the hand, and in the second battle wounded in the head and right leg, battles of Monmouth, Rhode Island, and in the siege of Yorktown where he had three ribs broken in storming a redoubt.  He was discharged November 3, 1783 by Colonel Henry Jackson who then commanded the regiment.
He was allowed pension on his app0lication executed May 8, 1818, at which time he was living in Washington County, Ohio, and stated that he was sixty years.
In 1821 he gave his age as sixty-five years and was then residing in Bedford Township, Meigs County, Ohio, and referred to his wife Ruth as age sixty-four years.
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In 1826 he was living in Schagticoke, New York, and stated that he had "lost his wife in Ohio".
On April 19, 1836 it was stated that "soldier is now dead".
There is no reference to children.
Very truly yours
E. W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner
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42273
Invalid
Revy
File No. 42, 273
Godfrey Shreve
Pri  Rev War

Act:  18th March 18
Index:-Vol. 5, Page 458
[Arrangement of 1870]

1931 Jan 24 Hist ILLEGIBLE Burch ILLEGIBLE
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See lett. to Hon. H. P. Hunt H. R. Apr 22, 1836
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Apr 20
Geb Paper
free
H. P. Hunt

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

Hon P Stout
H R
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Reput?? Hall   April 19th '36
Sir
Godfrey Shrieve a pensioner is now dead having due to him as I am informed about thirty nine dollars.  I wish to ascertain what widow will be ILLEGIBLE by the Department to ILLEGIBLE the pension.  Holding the certificate to grant the money due the deceased pensioner.
Your answer will be much obliged
Your Obd Survt
H P Hunt

J. L. Edwards Esq
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APPLICATION FOR A NEW CERTIFICATE
State of New York
County of Rensselaer
On this 23rd day of December 1826, before me, the subscriber a Commissioner for the said county of Rensselaer personally appear Godfrey Shreeves who on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Isaac Pope in the regiment commanded by Colonel Henry Jackson 4th Massachussetts ILLEGIBLE, in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the state of Ohio that he received a certificate of that fact, under the signature and seal of the Secretary of War; which certificate,on or about the first day of December 1826, at or near was forwarded to the office of the Secretary of War
he
Godfrey Shreve
Sworn and subscribed to, before me, the day and year aforesaid
Munson Smith  Commissioner
State of New York
Renselaer County
I Allan Cornell do solemely swear that I am acquainted with the Godfrey Shreive who has singed the above application for a much certificate and I believe him to the the same person who has been a pensioner in the State of Ohio Dec. 23rd 1826
Allen Cornell
Sworn and subscribed before me this day and year aforesaid within
Munson Smith Commissioner
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State of New York
Rensselaer County
I certify that Munson Smith whose signature is affixed to the Certificate as ILLEGIBLE of the within affidavit was at the time of taking the same respectively one of the Commissioners in and of the County of Rensselaer duly authorized to take affidavits.
In testimony whereof I have herewith set my name and affixed the seal of said County this fifth day of January 1827.
Archibald Bull, Clerk
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Washington City
Jany 23rd 1821
I certify that I am now and have been for many years personally acquainted with Godfrey Shrives ILLEGIBLE ILLEGIBLE Ohio, the he gave for 55 1/2 acres land, eighty five dollars payable in instalments, and gave a mortgage for the security of the payments.  I know that he has forward the money to pay the first note of about $20 and that he is sued for the next. That he has not virtually paid one cent toward it nor has he for many years possessed a sufficiency of property to pay any thing nor the amount of his just debts.
L. Barber
Member elect for 
17th Congress
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Marietta  14th May 1818
the Honorable J. C. Calhoun
Sect at War
Sir
The original discharge and Sargeants warrant of Godfrey Shrieve a revolutionary soldier was refered with his petition in December to the "Committee of Pensions and Revolutionary Claims".  They remain with other papers in charge of Mr. Daugherty Clerk of the House of Representatives.  So when ILLEGIBLE may be had them should it be necessary.
Your Obed sert
L. Barber
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Stedmans Mills, Oh
5th August         free

Recd 10 Aug 1821
Hon. J. C. Calhoun Esquire
Secretary for the War Department
Washington City
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Grahams Station Meigs County Ohio
July 29th AD 1825
Sir
At the request of Godfrey Shreve, I have the honor to forward herewith, his amended declaration of service rendered in the Revolutionary War, together with his schedule of property.
Very respectfully
I am Sir
Your Ob Servt
Robert C. Barton

Hon. J. C. Cahoun
Secty of War
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Schaghticoke
Jany 5th

M. Smith ILLEGIBLE
The Secretary of War
Washington City

Pen Office
Godgrey Shreves
for new Cert and ILLEGIBLE

M. Smith Schaghticoke, N. Y.
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Dear Sir
I enclose to you the ILLEGIBLE affidavit of Godfrey Shreve.  He is now residing in this town where he says he intends to remain with a brother of his.
ILLEGIBLE
M. Smith

ILLEGIBLE
5th Jany 1827
Sect of War
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Stedmans Mill, O
June 6th 1821

The Honorble John C. Calhoun 
Secty of War
Washington city

Mr edwards
J. C. C.

schedule ret. to G. S. at Stedman's Mills, 16 June 1821, for him to make it in the county where he resides
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to the Hounarable John C. Calhoun Secty of War
Sir it seems that you are palced by our coutry in the place of a fater to the old revilutionary soldiers to dealant to them as your honor thins they deserve.  Honoured Sir I feel somewhat ILLEGIBLE and find my self neglected.  I pary tell me for what reason it is so can't be for want of length of service none could serve longer in that war nor was in more battles nor many that ILLEGIBLE.  ILLEGIBLE can it be passable I am neglected for all this  can it be that I possess to much property that the late law will not admit of my receiving a pension.
ILLEGIBLE for so I must call you I will tell you the truth the ILLEGIBLE of land I mentioned in my schedule is taken from me by the former owner by this morgage together with every ILLEGIBLE of a ILLEGIBLE that should be acre I mentioned in an other place is sold for dated nor is that all every ILLEGIBLE and my ILLEGIBLE Bady Cathers is taken from me I would solemly sware that all that I am now with would not fetch on single dollar nor is that all I have such enemies to insountand cannot any longer ILLEGIBLE against them they are ILLEGIBLE ILLEGIBLE ILLEGIBEso that nature ILLEGIBLE under there ILLEGIBLE and I am no longer able to work to suppliment the body if my country doe not grant to continue my pension.  I must become a popper on the town I live in the little time I am permitted to live
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I see many of my neighbors enjoying your helping and I have you no more helping I pray help me too I my father but felt it be as it may land shall always remane my countrys friend and your ILLEGIBLE most obedant and very hon and much ILLEGIBLE ILLEGIBLE
Godfrey Shreve
ILLEGIBLE
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J. L. Edwards Esquire
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J. L. Edwards Esq
Marietta 8th Aug 1820
Sir
Mr Shreve formerly of this county has requested me to forward his schedule and on account of my being acquainted with his situation.  ILLEGIBLE 1317.18 he petitioned his government to placed on the pension list in consequence of wounds received in the Revolutionary War.  The petition was entrusted to my care and referred to the committee on revolutionary Pension who without hesitation entered his name at ILLEGIBLE in the general pension bill for the session which passed the House of Representatives but was posponed in the Senate for want of time.  before the next session he took the benefit of the law of the 18th March and had his name erased from the Bill, which passed at next session.  
It would seen to me that Mr. Shreve's services, wounds and poverty would entitle him to a continuance of the charity of his country, if it is continued to any one.
His disability from his wounds still continue as will fully appear by reference to a certificate of two very respectable physicians name on file in the House of Representatives with his aforesaid petition.
You will have the goodness to decide on it as soon as possible and inform me of the result.
Your obed Sert
L. Barber
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From:  Arthur P. Burch, 2539 Marquette Ave, Detroit, Mich.
Detroit, Mich.
Dec. 31 1930

Commissioner of Pensions
Veterans Administration
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Please note the enclosed copy of letter, sent to Mr. Godfrey Shreve, Stedmans Mills, Ohio. He was a veteran of the Revolutionary war and perhaps also of the War of 1812.  He was related to my family my marriage, and I am anxious to obtain what information you may have on file for historical purposes.  Please send full military record if possible.  Thanking you, I am,
Your very truly
Arthur P. Burch

Stamped
U. S. Pension Office
Jan 3, 1931
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(Copy of old pension record or letter)
#3597   War Department
Pension Office
Sept 11th, 1821
To:  Mr. Godfrey Shreve
U. S. Pensioner of Meigs County, Ohio
Care of,  Robert C. Barton Esq, Stiemans Mills, Ohio
Sir:
You are hereby informed that the schedule of your property has been examined, and the Secretary of War has directed your name to be continued on the pension roll.
You will be paid, at the ensuing semi-annual payment in March next, the sum that may be then due from the time of suspending your pension.  funds for the purpose will be transmitted at that time; but no arrearages will be paid previous thereto.
lI am respectfully
Your obedient servant
Signed:  I. L. Edwards

Stamped
U. S. Pension Office
Jan 3, 1931