Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2458, for Caleb Tift, Rhode Island
Page 1

SERVICE | [blank] | NUMBER
R. I.  | Tift, Caleb | W2458
[blank] | or Tifft  | B.L.Wt. 7211-160-55
CONTENTS | Eleanor | [blank]
Page 2

[left half of page]
Set J. B. Watson Deers 23/56
Vol To Page 9/1
[right half of page]
61.564 Act March 7/55
[unreadable] 11/55
Eleanor Tifft, widow of
Caleb Tifft
Eleanor Tift wid Caleb [unreadable]
R. I. State Troops
Revolutionary
Pensioner
Act 160 [unreadable] Oct 2nd 1855
Boynton
[unreadable] Net 53-910 1560
Boynton
C. Babcock
McGrawville
N.Y.
Page 3

1560
New York. Albany.
Eleanor Tifft,
widow of Caleb Tifft
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
R. I. Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 80 dollars 00
cents per annum, to commence 
on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued
26th day of Aug. '53.
and sent to
Chester Babcock,
McGrawsville, 
N.Y.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page [blank] Vol. [blank]
Page 4

3886
Utica New York
Caleb Tift
of Ellsburg in the State of New York
who was a Private in the Company commanded
by Captain Dyer of the Regt commanded
by Col. Stanton in the Rhode Island
line for 2 Years
_________________
Inscribed on the Roll of Utica NY
at the rate of 80 Dollars --- Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
_________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of Janua-
ry 1833 and Sent to Hon Daniel
Wardwell Present
_________________
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 - $120.00
Semi-anl allowance ending 4 Mar 1833 $40.00
160.00
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by [unreadable] Cromwell Clerk
Book D Vol. 7. Page 168
Page 5

State of New York
Montgomery County I John Clark of the town of Broadalbin in
said County being duly sworn doth depose and say that
he this deponent during the Revolutionary War, resided
in the State of Rhode Island and held the several com-
missions of Lieutenant, Captain, and Major in Col.
Dyer's Regiment of Rhode Island Militia during said
war, and that at that time, he this deponent was person-
ally acquainted with Caleb Tift, and that said Caleb
Tift enlisted in Capt. Christopher Dyer's Company of In-
fantry in Col. Joseph Stanton's regiment of Rhode Island
Militia, early in the spring of the year seventeen hundred
and seventy seven, to the best of this deponent's recollection.
And this deponent further says the said Caleb Tift enlisted as aforesaid at a
place called Howland's ferry in the State of Rhode Island
and that he saw the said Tift in the service at that place
very frequently for two years immediately after his enlist-
ment as aforesaid.  And further this deponent says that at 
the expiration of one year from and after the enlistment
of the said Caleb Tift as above stated, this deponent 
informed both by the said Tift and by others that he the
said Caleb Tift had enlisted for another year in Col. Tap-
ping's regiment of Rhode Island Militia, and that this
deponent frequently saw said Tift during that year in
said Tapping's regiment, and further this deponent saith not.
Sworn & subscribed this 11th
day of August 1832 before me
& Allen Burr Justice
John Clark
State of New York,
Montgomery County,
Clerk's office, [unreadable].  I, George D. Ferguson, clerk of
the said County of Montgomery, do hereby certify
that Allen Burr, Esquire before whom the
above affidavit purports to have been sworn
was at the time therein mentioned a Justice of
the Peace in & for the said County, and duly
authorized to act as such: and that I am well acquainted
with the hand writing of the said Justice & verily believe that
the signature "Allen Burr" subscribed to the above affidavit
is genuine.  In testimony whereof I have herewith set my
hand and seal of office this sixteenth day of August A.D.
1832.
George D. Ferguson
Page 6

State of New York
Jeff County
On this 11th day of September 
1832 personally appeared in open court 
before the Judges of the Court of Common 
Pleas in aforesaid county of Jefferson [unreadable]
sitting Caleb Tift a resident of the
town of Ellisburgh, county of Jefferson & state
of New York aged 72 years, who being
[unreadable] duly sworn according to Law, doth
on his oath make the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the
Act of Congress dated[?] June 9th 1832.
That he entered the service of the
United States under the following named
officers & moved as herein stated.
Early in the spring of the year 1777, thinks in
March, he enlisted for one year in Capt
Christopher Dyer's company of Rhode Island
state troops or Militia in Col. Joseph
Stanton's Regiment.  Barber Peckham was
ensign of the company; name of Lieutenant
not known.  Went on to the [unreadable] of Rhode Island, that
year with Capt. Dyer.  Took some boats from
the enemy.  Capt Dyer was shot through the thigh.
Page 7

The company was stationed at Howland's
Ferry most of the year.  He engaged to
go in [unreadable] expedition from Tiverton
to Rho Island.  The expedition failed.
He further declares that before he returned
home after his first year service
had expired he enlisted for another year
in Col. John Toppin's Regiment of Rho.
Island Militia & immediately had a furlough
for fifteen days to go home.  Gen. Cornwall
commended the Brigade & one West commanded the company.  Went to
Newport on 26th day of August in
the year 1778 in Sul[l]ivan's Expedition -
continued there about three weeks.  Was
in the engagement upon the retreat of 
the American troops off the Island.  Went
to Howland's Ferry in state of Rho Island
& there remained till the end of the year.
The British Army was still on the Island.
The time deserved under both enlistments
was two years & was honorably discharged.
Page 8

He has no documentary evidence
of his service & knows of no person
whose testimony he can procure, who
can testify to his service except John
Clark of the town of Broad Albin in
the county of Montgomery, New York, whose
affidavit is hereunto annexed.
In answer to questions put to him by
the court under the [unreadable] of the
War Department he declares
1.  That he was born on the tenth day
of May 1760 in the town of South 
Kingston in state of Rho. Island.
2.  He has a record of his age in the
family bible at home.
3.  He was living in South Kingston in
state of Rho. Island when called into
the service.  Moved about 5 years after the war
to Stonington Point in the state of Connecticut[,] 
lived there about two years, then
moved to Albany County in the state of
Page 9

New York resided there about ten
years - then moved to Broad Albin
in the County of Montgomery state of
New York - resided there about eight
years.  Then moved to Lorraine in
the county of Jefferson in said state where
he now resides & has resided for about
twenty three years.
4.  He was a volunteer in the 
service.
5.  Gen. Sullivan, Gen. Greene, Gen. Cornwall
of the Militia, Major Handy, & Col. Toppin & others
6.  He received a written discharge from
the service & it is lost or destroyed.  Does not recollect who signed the discharge.
Page 10

7.  The names of persons to whom I am
known in my present neighborhood are
Rev Enos Bliss, Rev Leander Cole,  
[unreadable] Randall, Joseph Allen, Truman
[unreadable entire line]
He further declares that the second
year of his service he enlisted as a
sergeant of the company & remained
as such during the year.
He hereby relinquishes every claim
whatever to a pension or annuity except
the present and [unreadable] that his name
is not on the pension rolls of the agency
of any state.
his
Caleb X Teft
mark
Sworn to & submitted
the day & year aforesaid
P. Burchard, Clerk
Page 11

We Enos Bliss, a clergyman residing in
the town of Lorraine in said county & Daniel
Wardwell of the town of Ellisburgh in said county hereby certify
that we are well acquainted with 
Caleb Tift who has subscribed & sworn
to the above declaration, that we believe him
to be 72 years of age, that he is reputed &
believed in the neighborhood where he resides
to have been a soldier of the revolution &
that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn & subscribed this day & year
aforesaid.
Enos Bliss
Daniel Wardwell
P. Burchard, Clerk
and the court do hereby declare their
opinion, after the investigation of the
matter, and after putting the interrogation as
prescribed by the War Department, that the
above named applicant was a revolutionary
Soldier & served as he states.  And the court 
further certifies that it appears to them 
that Enos Bliss who has signed the 
[unreadable] certificate is a clergyman
Page 12

resident in the town of Lorraine in said 
county and that Daniel Wardwell who has
also signed the same is a resident
in the town of Ellisburgh and is a
credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Peleg Burchard, clerk of the Court 
of Common Pleas in & for the county
of Jefferson do hereby certify that the
foregoing contains the original proceedings
of the said court in the matter of the
application of Caleb Tift for a
pension.
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand & seal of office
this 11th day of September 1832
P. Burchard, Clerk
Page 13

I hereby certify that the papers of Caleb Tift were made
out by me & are duly authenticated - by the Clk.
D. Wardwell
Page 14

State of New York
Eleanor Tifft
widow of
Caleb Tifft
Pension of 1832
att Feb 3, 1853
Attach Seal
with Ribbon
& return by mail
to Jesse Johnson
New Centre Ville
Albion
Page 15

State of New York
Oswego County
On this twenty fifth day of March A.D. 1853,
personally appeared before the undersigned Justice of the Peace within and for the
county of state aforesaid, Eleanor Tole aged twenty nine
years, a resident of Sandy Creek in the county of Oswego and state of New
York who, being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that she was
well acquainted with Caleb Tift of Lorraine, Jefferson
County New York and Eleanor, his wife, that this deponent
was present when the said Caleb Tift was married to
the said Eleanor Johnson
That the said Caleb Tift was married to the said
Eleanor (then Eleanor Johnson) on or about the 30 day of August 1832 
in the Town of Lorraine, County of Jefferson and State of New
York.  That this deponent also knew of the death of
the said Caleb Tift, that he died in the Town of
Lorraine, County of Jefferson and State of New York on the
2nd day of May 1843 and at his death he left the
above named Eleanor Tift his widow and that she
still remains his widow and that the said Caleb
Tift was a pensioner of the United States.
Mason Salisbury, witness
Eleanor Tole X her mark
Sworn to and subscribed the day and
year aforesaid before me,
Mason Salisbury, JP
I certify that the above named deponent is a reputable witness; and I further certify that I have no interest
in the result of the case where this is to be used, and am not concerned in its prosecution
Mason Salisbury; JP
Page 16

State of New York
SS.
OSWEGO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, E. M Hill, Clerk of the County of Oswego,
hereby certify that Mason Salisbury Esq. who name
is subscribed to the jurat of affidavit
hereto annexed, was, at the date of said jurat a Jus-
tice of the Peace in and for the said county, dwelling in said county, and duly elect-
ed and qualified to act as such; that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing,
and verily believe his signature to said jurat is genuine.
WITNESS my hand and the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of
said county this sixth day of May
A.D. 1853
J. C. Hugunin, Dept Clerk.
for E. M. Hill, Clerk
Page 17

State of New York,
Oswego COUNTY.
On this 25th day of March A. D. 1853,
personally appeared before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the
county and state aforesaid, Robert Lyon aged fifty
years, a resident of Worth, in the county of Jefferson, and state of New
York who, being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that he was
well acquainted with Caleb Tift of Lorraine, Jefferson
County New York and also with Eleanor his sife
that this deponent was present when the said
Caleb Tift was married to his wife the said Eleanor,
that the said Caleb Tift was married to the said
Eleanor (then Eleanor Johnson) on or about the 30th
day of August A. D. 1832 i the town of Lorraine in
the county of Jefferson, State of New York.
Sworn to and subscribed the
day and year aforesaid
before me.
Mason Salisbury, JP
Robert Lyon
--------
State of New York
Oswego County
On this 25th day of March 1853 personally
appeared before the undersigned a
Justice of the Peace in and for said county and state of NY
said Jesse C Johnson aged 25 years.  A resident of Albion
Oswego County New York, who being duly sworn according
to Law doth depose and say that he was well acquainted with
Caleb Tift of Lorraine Jefferson County New York, that this
deponent knew of the death of the said Caleb Tift, that he
died in the town of Lorraine Jefferson County New York on
the 2nd day of May A.D. 1843 and at his death he left the
above named Eleanor Tift his widow and that she still 
remains his widow and that the said Caleb Tift was a
pensioner of the United States.  Jesse C Johnson
Sworn to and subscribed the day and
year aforesaid before me,
Mason Salisbury, JP
I certify that the above named deponent is a reputable witness and I further certify that I have no interest
in the result of the case where this is to be used, and am not concerned in its prosecution.
Mason Salisbury; JP
Page 18

State of New York
SS
County of Oswego
On the 13th day of April
A.D. 1853 before the county court in and for the
County aforesaid said Court being a court of
record personally appeared Eleanor Tifft
aged sixty four years a resident of the Town
of Sandy Creek in the County of Oswego and
State of New York who being duly sworn accor-
ding to law declares that she is the widow
of Caleb Tifft deceased who was a private
in the War of the Revolution and a pensioner
under the Act of the 7th June 1852 at the rate
of $80 per annum and was [unreadable] at the Albany
NY agency.  That she was married to
the said Caleb Tifft on the thirtieth day
of August 1832 in the Town of Lorraine in
the County of Jefferson in the State of
New York.  That her name before her said
marriage was Eleanor Johnson.  That
her husband the aforesaid Caleb Tifft died
in the town of Lorraine in the County of
Jefferson and State of New York on the 2nd day
of May A.D. 1843.  She further says that she
has remained his widow ever since the death
of him the said Caleb Tifft, that she is still
a widow and that she has never before
made application for a pension.
She makes this declaration for
the purpose of obtaining the benefit
of the Acts of Congress approved the 3rd day of February 1853.
Eleanor Tifft
Her X mark
Page 19

Subscribed and sworn
in Open Court by J.C. Hugunin, Dist Clerk and
by the direction of the judge thereof
and the said Eleanor Tifft says that
she cannot write her name and therefore
she has made her mark to the foregoing
on her signature.  Done this day
and year first above written.
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto subscribed my official
signature and seal.
E M Hill, Clerk
By J C Hugunin
Dept Clerk
Page 20

State of New York
SS
County of Oswego
I Edwin M Hill, Clerk of
the County Court held in and for said County
do hereby testify that at a County Court held
in and for said County on the 13 day of
April 1853 it was proven to the satisfaction
of said Court that Caleb Tifft late of the Town
of Lorraine County of Jefferson State of New
York died at the said town on the 2nd day of
May 1843 leaving Eleanor Tifft (whos[e] declaration
for a pension is hereto annexed) his widow surviving
that at the time of the Death of said Caleb
Tifft he was a pensioner of the United States
under the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832
at the rate of $80
per annum and was paid at the Albany NY
agency, and that she is still the widow
of the said Caleb Tifft deceased.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed 
the seal of said County and by direct
of the judge of said Court the day and year first
above written.  And I further certify
that I am not interested in the result of
this claim nor am I interested in its prose-
cution nor are the Judges of said Court to
my knowledge or belief.
E. M. Hill, Clerk
by J. C. Hugunin, Dept Clerk
Page 21

Eleanor Tifft
widow of
Caleb Tifft
Bounty Land claim
60564
Chester Babcock
Agent
McGrawville
Cortland Co
NY
Page 22

State of New York
SS.
County of Oswego
On this 30th day of March A.D. 1855, personally appeared
before me Mason Salisbury, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid
Eleanor Tifft aged 67 years, a Resident of Sandy Creek in the County
of Oswego and State of New York.  Who being duly sworn, according to law, de-
clares that she is the widow of Caleb Tifft deceased, who was a private in the
War of the Revolution, and was Pensioned under the act of June 1832 at the rate of $80 per
annum, and that she has been Pensioned under the act of February 1853 at the rate of $80 per
annum, as the widow of the said Caleb Tifft deceased.
She further declares that she was married to the said Caleb Tifft in Lorraine 
in the County of Jefferson and State of New York on the 13th day of August 1832
She further declares that her husband, the aforesaid Caleb Tifft died in Lorraine 
in the County of Jefferson and State of New York on the 2nd day
of May 1843 and that she is still a widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled un-
der the act of March 3rd 1855.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written, before me.
Mason Salisbury, JP
John Sherman, witness
Eleanor Tift
her X mark
We John Sherman and Jerome More, residents of Sandy Creek
in the State of New York upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and ac-
knowledged by Eleanor Tifft, in our presence, and that we believe, from
the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
John Sherman
Jerome More
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above
written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she rep-
resents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Mason Salisbury, Justice of the Peace
Page 23

STATE OF NEW YORK,
SS.
Oswego County Clerk's Office,
I, E M. Hill, Clerk of Oswego County, Certify,
That Mason Salisbury Esq., before whom the
annexed affidavit was taken was
at the time of taking such affidavit & Certificate, a Justice 
of the Peace in and for said County, duly
authorized to take the same, and further, that I am well acquainted
with his hand-writing, and verily believe that his signature thereto is
genuine.
In Witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of said
County, this the 6th day of April 1855
E. M. Hill, Clerk.
Page 24

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
MCS/HMM
November 6, 1929.
Ada L. Chamberlin
136 Hansberry Street
Germantown
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension
claim, W.2458, it appears that Caleb Tift or Tifft was born May 10,
1760, in South Kingston, Rhode Island.
While a resident of that place, he enlisted in March 1777 and
served one year as a private in Captain Christopher Dyer's Company,
in Colonel Joseph Stanton's Rhode Island Regiment, and was in Gen-
eral Spencer's Rhode Island expedition.  Immediately after this ser-
vice he enlisted and served one year as a Sergeant in Captain West's
Company, in Colonel John Topham's Rhode Island Regiment.  He was in
Sullivan's Rhode Island expedition and in the battle of Rhode Island.
After the Revolution he resided in Stonington Point, Connect-
icut, Albany County, New York, Broadalbin, Montgomery County, New
York, and Lorraine, Jefferson County, New York.
He was allowed pension in his application executed September
11, 1832, at which time he was living in Lorraine, New York.
He died there May 2, 1843.
The soldier married August 13 or 30, 1832, in Lorraine, New York,
Eleanor Johnson.
She was allowed pension on her application executed April 13,
1853, at which time she was sixty-four years of age and was a resi-
dent of Sandy Creek, Oswego County, New York.
She died February 21, 1864, leaving five children, their names
not stated.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH
Commissioner.
Page 25

[missing text] contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen-
[missing text] in this Bureau.  Caleb Tift or Tifft
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. | STATE
Mar 1777 | 1 year | Pvt. | Captain Christopher Dyer / Colonel Joseph Stanton | R.I.
1778 | 1 year | Sgt. | Captain West / Colonel John Topham | R.I.
Battles engaged in, In Gen Spencer's and Sullivan's Exp. in bat[tle] of R.I.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, South Kingston, R.I.
Date of application for pension, Sept. 11, 1832.  Claim allowed.
Residence at date of application, Lorraine, Jefferson Co. N.Y. (also states that he then lived in Ellisburgh, N.Y.
Age at date of application, born South Kingston R.I. May 10, 1760.  died at Lorraine NY May 2, 1843.
Remarks: [unreadable] at Lorraine Jefferson Co. N.Y. Aug 30, 1832 Eleanor Johnson
She was allowed pension on [unreadable] Apr 13, 1853 while a resident
of Sandy Creek, Oswego Co. N.Y. and 64 years of age.  She died Feb. 21, 1864
leaving five children whose names are not stated.  No further family data.
Very respectfully,
Page 26

1907 May 3.  Hist to Mrs. Anna 
B. Boomer AW
1929. Nov. 6. hist to Ada L. Chamberlin MCS
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 2458
Eleanor Tifft,
Widow.
Caleb Tifft
Priv. Rev. War.
Act. Feb. 3, 1853.
Index: - Vol. M. Page 275
(Arrangement of 1870.)
Page 27

OWM  W.2458
Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir: -
I desire the Record of
"Caleb Tift" who was a
Revolutionary Soldier.
Was he a pensioner?
He died in town of
Lorraine Jeff Co. N.Y.
age 81 years as History
records it - Hough's I think.
Truly yours
Mrs. Anna Cooper, Boomer.
Third vice, D.A.R.
4-12-1907.
Page 28

REVOLUTIONARY & 1812 WARS
SECTION
SEP 4 1929
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
135 Hansberry St.
Germantown, Phila, Pa.
August 31, 1929
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
Will you kindly send me a 
copy of the pension record of Caleb
Tifft or Tefft who served in the
Revolutionary War, supposedly in a
Rhode Island Regiment.
He died in Jefferson Co. New York
Page 29

on May 2, 1843 aged about 85 years.
I found it stated in the old History
of Jefferson Co. N.Y. that he received
a pension.
I am particularly anxious for all
the data concerning him, where he
was born and the date of birth, and
all family data relating to his children,
etc.
Thanking you for your courtesy in this
matter, I am
Very sincerely yours,
Ada L. Chamberlin
Page 30

No. 60564
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received Apr. 11, 1855
Caleb Tifft
Rev. War
Warrant 7211-160-55
C. Babcock
McGrawville
NY
Page 31

May 16, 1853
No 2056
Appl of Eleanor
Tifft widow of
Caleb 
Oswego
N.Y.  P. $80
Act 3rd Feby: 1853
Rev:
Admds $80 per annum
commencing 3d Feb, 1853
Chester Babcock
McGrawsville
N. York
Page 32

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 33

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
DC
Page 34

[unreadable]
Page 35

New [page torn/missing]
Eleanor [page torn/missing]
widow of Caleb
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
80 Dollars 00 
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 3d February 1853
Certificate of Pension issued the
26th day of Aug/53
and sent to
Chester Babcock
McGrawsville 
N.Y.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3/53 Page 84 Vol. A
1832
Page 36

7211
[unreadable]
Page 37

To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Sir: Will you
do us the favor to consider [unreadable]
[unreadable], in relation to the right
of a widow to Bounty land
under the following facts Viz.
Elenor Tift, widow of Caleb
Tift deceased, a Revolutionary
Pensioner of Sandy Creek, Oswego
County New York.  Three or four
years since obtained a Land
Warrant for 160 acres as the widow
of said Caleb Tift for services rendered
by him in the Revolutionary War.
The same Caleb Tift rendered
services for several months as a
soldier in the war with Great Britain
of 1812.  was in the battle of Sackets
Harbor N.Y. in May 1813, for which
Page 38

last mentioned services neither he
nor she has received any County
land.  The question I now propose
is this.  Can Mrs. Tift as the widow
of Caleb Tift, upon proving the services,
marriage & death of her husband & her
present widowhood, according to the instructions of the Department obtain
a County land warrant for 160 acres
for the services so rendered since 1790.  Viz
in the War of 1812, or any bounty
land whatever?
Yours Respectfully 
[unreadable] Watson
Dated Pulaski [,] Oswego County N.Y.
December 17th 1856.
Page 39

Pulaski, Oswego Co.
N.Y. March 7th 1864
Hon. Joseph H. Barrett
Comm of Pensions
Dear Sir:
Eleanor Tifft, widow of
Caleb Tifft, a private in
the Revolutionary War died
Feby 21, 1864.  She was inscribed
on the Role of Pensioners under
Act of Feby 3, 1833, at $80 per
annum, Recorded Page 84
Vol. "A."  At time of death her
Pension was due from
Sept. 4, 1863, nearly 6 months.
She left five children.  What
is it necessary to do to
get the arrearages?  Four of
the children desire to release
their interest to the fifth & let
Page 40

him have the full benefit 
as he took the principal
care of his mother.  Please
give me the proper instructions.
Truly Yours
J.W. Fenton
Claim Agt.
Page 41

State of New York
Oswego COUNTY
On this Second day of July A.D. 1853,
personally appeared before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the
county and state aforesaid, Eleanor Tift aged Sixty four
years, a resident of Sandy Creek in the county of Oswego and state of New
York, who being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that she is
the widow of Caleb Tift late of Lorain Jefferson
County New York, and that she maid [made] a declaration
on or about the 13th of April 1853 claiming a pension
under the act of Feb 3d 1853.  That she makes this
affidavit in addition to said Declaration in which
she says that she has no knowledge of any public
or private record of Marriage with the said
Caleb Tift.
Mason Salisbury, JP witness  Eleanor X Tift her mark
State of New York
OSWEGO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE
I, J C Hugunin, Deputy Clerk of the County of Oswego,
hereby certify that Mason Salisbury Esq. whose name
is subscribed to the jurat of affidavit & certificate
hereto annexed, was, at the date of said jurat & certificate a Jus-
tice of the Peace in and for the said county, dwelling in said county, and duly elect-
ed and qualified to act as such; that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing,
and verily believe his signature to said jurat & certificate is genuine.
WITNESS my hand and the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of
said county this Fourth day of July
A.D. 1853
J C Hugunin Dept Clerk. 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and
year aforesaid before me,
Mason Salisbury, Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named deponent is a reputable witness: and I further certify that I [unreadable] interest
in the result of the case where this is to be used, and am not concerned in its prosecution.
Mason Salisbury, JP
Page 42

McGrawville July 12th 1853
Hon L P Waldo
Sir
I here enclose you an
affidavit of Eleanor Tift widow of Caleb
Tift, which please file with her Declaration
which I mailed you on the 12th of May last
Yours Respectfully
Chester Babcock
McGrawville
Cortland Co
NY
Page 43

McGrawville 12th May 1853
Hon L P Waldo
Sir
Enclosed is Mrs.
Eleanor Tift's Declaration for a pension
under act of 3 February 1853.
When this claim is acted on
please send me the certificate
or if more proof is required, please
say what.
Respectfully Yours
Chester Babcock
McGrawville
Cortland Co
New York
Page 44

Brief in the case of Eleanor Tifft, widow of Caleb Tifft
Oswego County and State of New York
act 3d February 1853
Claim, ("original,")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under
the Act of Congress of June 7, 1832
Marriage proved by parol testimony
- witnesses certified to be credible
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?
Chester Babcock Esq
McGrawsville,
New York
Name and residence of Agent
R Geddes
Examining Clerk.
Page 45

Pension Office
July 29, 1853
Sir
Please state at what
date the within named Caleb Tift
died, and to whom his arrears
were paid.
Very respectfully
L P Waldo
[unreadable]
F Burt Esq
3d Au Dr
Caleb Tift, Act 7th 1832:
Died 2d May 1843, Paid to
his death: and the arrears 
were paid to the widow.
F Burt
Auditor