Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3676, Gideon Gifford, R.I.
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RI  Gifford Gideon  3676
         Betsey         B,G, W,i 11423-160-55


Little Compton RI
Moved from that place between 1785 & 1790 to Pawlet VT where he died in 1810
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995
New York
Betsey Gifford
widow of Gideon Gifford
RI
who served in the Revolutionary 
war as a Privat

Inscribed on the roll at the rate of
80 Dollars 00
cents per annum to commence on
the 4th day of March 1848

Certificate of Pension issues the
12th day of february 1853
and sent to 
J.J. Combs
[]
Recorded on roll of Pensioners under act
July 29, Page 74  Vol A
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97.101  ACct Mar 3rd/55
April 153
Betty Gifford widow
Gideon Giffor, Pensioner
Revolutionary pension
{}? ac  29th July 1848

R.J. Troop
160 (?)) Dec 4, 1855
.M. July 48
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[Title page of a book]

The New Testament of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ with Arguments prefixed to the different books: 
and Moral Theological observations at the end of every chapter. 
Composed by The Reverent Mr. Ostervald Profession of Divinity, and one of the ministers of the church at Neufchatel in Swisserland. [sic]

Translated at the desire of and recommended by the Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge

Berwick
Printed by and for the Taylor

[hand written]
Gifford, Gideon
R.I.W 3676
Page 5

Gideon Gifford neighbor to Betsey Willey third day of September AD 1796-- 
Betsey was born 15th day of August 1767 on the 26 days of August 1797 was & lived [illegible] that never really breath the breath of life till expired. 

Ruth our daughter was born the 2 day of March AD 1800

[illegible]

Stephen Butts Gifford our son was born the 17 day of October 1816
Maryann our daughter was born 28th day of August [illegible]
Elijah Lilley Gifford  our son was born 18th day of December 1800
Elijah and daughter departed this world for a better world we hope on the 5th day of November AD 1808 in the 19th of her age. 
Henry Gifford our son was born  [illegible] AD 1809
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No. 1008

Betsey Gifford
and of Gideon
New York

July 25, 1848
John A. Gifford
St. Helena

Said by mail to L.M. Drury
Canaedea
L.M. Drury
Canaedea NY
Page 7

I Martha Gifford  of Little Compton in the county of Newport and State of Rhode Island widow aged eighty years on my oath do depose and say that I am the widow of Noah Gifford of said Little Compton - that my husband was the brother of Gideon Gifford - they were sons of Caanan Gifford of said Little Compton - I went to house keeping in Little Compton fifty four as fifty four year age and the said Gideon had moved away into the State of Vermont before that for we went to housekeeping where he moved out when he went away I don't know what town he moved to . We heard that his wife died and that he married again. Upon hearing the name "Pawlet" mentioned I recollect seeing that name on the letters sent to us from him and the family the said Gideon Gifford died before eighteen hundred and thirteen for I remember we had news of his death before my son Gideon was born and that was in that year. 
I have no knowledge of the Revolutionary services myself but I have often heard my husband tell of his brother the said Gideon being a solder in the war of the Revolution that he served a good deal, that he was at Nowlands Ferry in the army and on Rhode Island and Bristol. I have heard others also speak of his being a soldier I remember his mother told me that one time it was very cold weather when he was in the army near Nowland's Ferry he had leave to come home that when h went back to camp he took a pan of frozen milk and turned it into his handkerchief to carry with him. He was always spoken of as known and believed to be a soldier of the Revolution. My husband if now living would be ninety three years old, and Gideon was next to him. I think he would be ninety one if living. 
Martha Gifford
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State of Rhode Island
Newport County
On the fourteenth day of February AD 1851 before the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for said county of Newport, personally appeared Martha Gifford and subsented and made solemn affirmation to the truth of her within deposition; and I further certify that said Martha Gifford is known to me to be a person of truth and veracity and her statements are entitled to full credit. 
Asa Gray Justice of the Peace

State of Rhode Island
Newport 
Clerks Office Supreme Court
I William Gilpin clerk of the supreme court in and for the county of Newport do hereby certify that Asa Gray before when the above affidavit [illegible] had been made is a justice of the peace in an for the county of the Newport duly authorized by law to administer oaths and that his signature above written is [illegible].
In witness whereof I have beneath set my hand and affix the seal of said court this eighteenth day of February on this one thousand eight hundred and fifty one. 
William Gilpin
Clerk S.C.
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I Benjamin Taber of Little Compton in the county of Newport and state of Rhode Island aged seventy seven years on oath do depose and say: that I knew Gideon Gifford formerly of this town, he resided a next neighbor to me before he moved away into the country, he followed Blacksmithing while here and moved into the state of Vermont. I should think as much as sixty years age. I do not remember what town he moved to. I have seen him down here since he moved away, he came down on a visit. I heard of his wife's dying and of his marrying his second wife and I heard of his death a great many years age. I have no personal knowledge of his revolutionary services but when I was a boy I have often heard him tell of his soldering on Rhode Island and other places; and I have heard others tell of their going a soldering in the Revolution and of the said Gideon Gifford being with them. I don't know what regiment said Gideon served in if he told me, I have forgotten, but I think I can remember that he or some one else told me that he was in Capt. Christopher Manchester's Company
Benjamin Taber

State of Rhode Island
Newport 
On the fourteenth day of February AD 1851 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace within and for said county personally appeared Benjamin Taber and subscriber and made oath to the truth of the above deposition and I further certify that said deponent is personally known to me and he is a person of truth and veracity and his statements entitled to full credit. 
Asa Gray Justice of the Peace
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State of Rhode Island
Newport
Clerks Office Supreme Court 
I William Gilpin clerk of the supreme court in and for the county of Newport do hereby certify that Asa Gray before when the within affidavit purport to have been made is a Justice of the peace in and for the county of Newport duly authorized by law to administer oaths aim that he signed him within written is genuine. 
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said court this eighteenth day of Februrary one thousand eight hundred and fifty one.
William Gilpin
Clerk, S.C.
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State of New York
County of Wyoming

On this ninth day of May 1851 personally appeared before the subscribed Judge of said county Betsey Gifford  resident of the town of Carlisle in said county aged eighty three years who having first duly sworn doth make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of congress passed 29th July 1848.
This declarant states that she is the widow of Gideon Gifford deceased. Who was a native of the town of Little Compton currently of Newport and state of Rhode Island. That the said Gideon Gifford was (as she has said this & others say) a solider in the war of the revolution - that he served three years or more in the war of the revolution in said state and was under Col. Crary as she believes and in Capt Manchester's company. This declarant states that  its said Gideon Gifford left Little Compton between the years 1785 & 1790 and went to the town of Pawlet in the state of Vermont to reside and he resided there until the the time of his death which occurred in the year 1810. This declarant states that she was married to the said Gideon Gifford on the 29th day of September in the year 1796 that she was the second wife of the said Gideon - that her maiden name was Betsy Willey & that she was married in the said town of Pawlet. This declarant state that the annexed is the original  family record of her said husband and is in his own hand writing and that
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it continues a correct statement of the time of her aforesaid marriage & the with of her children. 
This declarant further states that since the death of her aforesaid husband she was not again married. 
Betsy her X mark Gifford

Sworn subscribed to the days year first above written. 
Before me. 
W. Riley Smith County Judge of Wyoming County

State of New York
County of Wyoming
I hereby certify that by reason of old age & infirmities the above named declarant is unable to appear in open court. I further certify that the satisfactory evidence was 

State of New York
Wyoming County

I Ransom B. Crippen Clerk of Wyoming County do hereby certify that W. Riley Smith County Judge of said county before whom the annexed instrument in writing was proved or acknowledged, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgement the county judge in and for said county duly authorized to take the same. And that I well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe that the signatures to said certificates of proof or acknowledgement are genuine and that said instruments is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of this land. 

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal at Warsaw in said county this 11 day of May 1851
Ransom B. Crippen Clerk
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it continues a correct statement of the time of her aforesaid marriage & the with of her children.
This declarant further states that since the death of her aforesaid husband she was not again married.
Betsy her X mark Gifford

Sworn subscribed to the days year first above written.
Before me.
W. Riley Smith County Judge of Wyoming County

State of New York
County of Wyoming
I hereby certify that by reason of old age & infirmities the above named declarant is unable to appear in open court. I further certify that the satisfactory evidence was adduced before me that the Gideon Gifford mentioned above died in the year 1810 & that the above named declarant still [illegible] his widow. 
W. Riley Smith Co. Judge of Wyoming Co.
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BOUNTY LAND CLAIM.
FORM OF DECLARATION
To be made by the Widow of a deceased person who has not had a Land Warrant.

STATE OF New York
County of Wyoming

On this eleventh day of April A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Betsey Gifford aged eighty seven years a resident of Castile Wyoming in the State of New York who being duly sworn according to law, declares, that he is the widow 
of Gideon Gifford deceased, who was a private in the Revolutionary War. 
That she is now a pensioner under the act of 29th day of July 1848

She further states that she was married to the said Gideon Gifford in Pawlett Vermont on the 29th day of September AD 1796 by one John Griswold a Congregational Minister and that her name before her said marriage was Betsey Willey and that her said husband died at
Pawlett on the 10th  day of January A.D. 1810 and that she is now a widow at the date of executing this her declaration.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the act approved
March 3, 1855.
Abial S. Cook
John A Gifford
Witnesses
Betsey her X mark Gifford


We, Henry Dixon  and John Dixon residents of Castile New York in the State of New York upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Betsey Gifford 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. 
Henry Dixon
John Dixon

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 represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim. 
Abial S. Cook J.P.
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POWER OF ATTORNEY.
Know all men by these presents, That I, Betsey Gifford of the County of Wyoming and State of New York and the widow of Gideon Gifford deceased who was a soldier in the service of the United States, do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint true and lawful attorney, irrevocably, for me and in my name, to prosecute and receive from the United States the Bounty Land certificate, or warrant, due me by virtue of my deceased husband's service in the United States, under existing laws granting Bounty Lands to the officers and soldiers, or their widows and minor heirs, for services rendered in the different wars, and generally to do all lawful acts and things whatsoever touching the premises, an attorney or attorneys under him
for the purpose aforesaid to make, and at his pleasure to revoke, hereby confirming all and whatsoever my said attorney shall in my name legally do or cause to be done in and about the premises, as much so as if present myself,
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
eleventh day of April 1855.
Abial L. Cooke Witness
Betsey  her X mark Gifford
Acknowledged and subscribed before me, a Justice of the Peace

STATE OF NEW YORK,
SS.
WYOMING COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
I CERTIFY That Abial L. Cook Esquire, was, at the date of the certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized to take the same; that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and
verily believe that the signature to said certificate is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 18 day of April A. D. 1855.
N.P. Currier Clerk


BOUNTY LAND
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Mrs. Betsey Gifford
Widow of Gideon Gifford
E.D. Souridge
Attorney
Castile
N.Y. 

NOTES.
The declaration to be executed before a Justice of the Peace, or other officer authorized to administer oaths for general purposes. If the deceased officer was a regimental or staff officer, the declaration must be varied so as to express the fact. After the words " in the war," state in what war, whether in the war with Great Britain, declared by the United States on the 18th day of
June, 1812, the Mexican war, (if an officer, or any of the Indian wars since 1790, describing the same. After the words "that her said husband," insert whether he enlisted, volunteered, or was drafted, After the words "as will appear by," if the discharge be in existence, say " as will appear by his original certificate of discharge herewith presented . If the discharge be lost or destroyed, or it is ascertained on inquiry or examination that one was never received, insert after the words " as will appear by the words "by the muster rolls of said company," and in the two following lines, state the facts in reference to the missing discharge. This declaration must be accompanied by satisfactory proof of the marriage, of the husband's death, and the present widowhood of the claimant If there be a public record of the marriage, a duly certified copy of it should be forwarded, if possible. If there be none but a private or family record, such family record, or a certified copy of the same should be forwarded, with the affidavit of some disinterested person proving the genuine ness of the original and the correctness of the copy. If no public or private record of the marriage exist, or can be procured, that fact should be set forth in the declaration, after giving her maiden name; and in such case, other evidence--such as the testimony of persons who knew the parties in the lifetime of the husband, and know them to cohabit as husband and wife, and to be so reputed -- will be admissible. In no case, however, will the mere statement of witnesses that the claimant is the widow of the deceased be taken as evidence of the marriage, but the witnesses must state facts and circumstances from which they derive their knowledge or opinion that she is the widow of the deceased. The affidavit of two witnesses must be taken to establish the identity of the claimant.
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POWER OF ATTORNEY.
Know all men by these presents, That I, Betsey Gifford of the County of Wyoming and State of New York and the widow of Gideon Gifford deceased who was a soldier in the service of the United States, do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint true and lawful attorney, irrevocably, for me and in my name, to prosecute and receive from the United States the Bounty Land certificate, or warrant, due me by virtue of my deceased husband's service in the United States, under existing laws granting Bounty Lands to the officers and soldiers, or their widows and minor heirs, for services rendered in the different wars, and generally to do all lawful acts and things whatsoever touching the premises, an attorney or attorneys under him
for the purpose aforesaid to make, and at his pleasure to revoke, hereby confirming all and whatsoever my said attorney shall in my name legally do or cause to be done in and about the premises, as much so as if present myself,
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this
eleventh day of April 1855.
Abial L. Cooke Witness
Betsey  her X mark Gifford
Acknowledged and subscribed before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Wyoming this eleventh day of April 1855
Abial S. Cook J.P.


STATE OF NEW YORK,
SS.
WYOMING COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
I CERTIFY That Abial L. Cook Esquire, was, at the date of the certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized to take the same; that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and
verily believe that the signature to said certificate is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 18 day of April A. D. 1855.
N.P. Currier Clerk


BOUNTY LAND
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Mrs. Betsey Gifford
Widow of Gideon Gifford
E.D. Souridge
Attorney
Castile
N.Y. 

NOTES.
The declaration to be executed before a Justice of the Peace, or other officer authorized to administer oaths for general purposes. If the deceased officer was a regimental or staff officer, the declaration must be varied so as to express the fact. After the words " in the war," state in what war, whether in the war with Great Britain, declared by the United States on the 18th day of
June, 1812, the Mexican war, (if an officer, or any of the Indian wars since 1790, describing the same. After the words "that her said husband," insert whether he enlisted, volunteered, or was drafted, After the words "as will appear by," if the discharge be in existence, say " as will appear by his original certificate of discharge herewith presented . If the discharge be lost or destroyed, or it is ascertained on inquiry or examination that one was never received, insert after the words " as will appear by the words "by the muster rolls of said company," and in the two following lines, state the facts in reference to the missing discharge. This declaration must be accompanied by satisfactory proof of the marriage, of the husband's death, and the present widowhood of the claimant If there be a public record of the marriage, a duly certified copy of it should be forwarded, if possible. If there be none but a private or family record, such family record, or a certified copy of the same should be forwarded, with the affidavit of some disinterested person proving the genuine ness of the original and the correctness of the copy. If no public or private record of the marriage exist, or can be procured, that fact should be set forth in the declaration, after giving her maiden name; and in such case, other evidence--such as the testimony of persons who knew the parties in the lifetime of the husband, and know them to cohabit as husband and wife, and to be so reputed -- will be admissible. In no case, however, will the mere statement of witnesses that the claimant is the widow of the deceased be taken as evidence of the marriage, but the witnesses must state facts and circumstances from which they derive their knowledge or opinion that she is the widow of the deceased. The affidavit of two witnesses must be taken to establish the identity of the claimant.
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July 29, 1933
XXXXXXXXXX

Gideon Gifford-W.3678
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. F. B. Porter
Grinnell
Iowa

Dear Madam:
The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 3676, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Gideon Gifford.

He was born in the year 1760 in Little Compton , Newport County, Rhode Island. He was the son of Canaan Gifford, the name of his mother is not shown, but she was living during the War of the Revolution.

Gideon Gifford enlisted at Tiverton, Rhode Island, December 18, 1776 and was a private in Captain Christopher Manchester's company, Colonel Crary's Rhode Island regiment, and served until March 16, 1780.

He left Little Compton, Rhode Island, between the years 1785 and 1790 and went to Pawlet, Vermont. His first wife was then living and moved with him to Pawlet, the name of first wife not given. & no firm data on this claim in regard to her. 

Gideon Gifford married September 29, 1796, in
Pawlet Vermont Betsey Willey who was born August
15, 1767, place not stated, nor are the names of her
parents shown.

Gideon Gifford died January 10, 1810 in Pawlet, Vermont. His widow, Betsey Gifford, was allowed pension on her application executed May 9, 1851, then a resi-
Page 18

dent of Castile, Wyoming County, New York, and was still living there in 1855. The following is a list of their children as found in the claim
A son born dead born August 26, 1797
Asa Willey born July 30, 1796
Ruth born March 25, 1800
(faded) John ( faded) born March 4, 1801
Betsey (faded) born July 27, 1802
Stephen Butts born October 17, 1803
Ezra Dyer born January 23, 1805
Maryann born April 28, 1806
Elijah Lilley born December 18, 180-(torn)
Henry born April 29, 1809

The following also appears Joseph, our son, died August 18, 1801, aged eighteen years and five days; Delilah, our daughter, died  November 4, 1808, in her nineteenth year.

In 1851 Martha Gifford, widow of Noah Gifford (brother of the soldier, Gideon Gifford) was eighty years of age and living in Little  Compton, Rhode Island, stated that her son, Gideon Gifford, was born in the year 1813.  John A. Gifford in 1855 was in Wyoming County, New York, his relationship to the family not stated. 

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
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Mrs C.L. Bromley
1926 Dec. 23 fur. hist
1933 July 28 best to Mrs. 
FR.Porter
938 Sept. 13 hist. Mrs. Paul W. Cleveland 

Widow, &c
Nile No. 3676
Betsey Gifford
Widow
Gideon Gifford
Pri Rev War

Act: July 29, 1818
Index: Vol. A Page 271

[Arrangement of 1870]
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No 1008
Betsy Gifford
N.Y. 
Let to [illegible] 4/57

July 29, 1898
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A difft husband & widow from 251.224
11.420


160 acct
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Hon. L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pension 
Washington D.C.
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Castile April 1853

Hon L.P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Dear Sir, 
Enclosed I send application of Betsey Gifford a Revolutionary War service for county land. I understand her pension was granted on record evidence of service of her husband and all the evidence of her marriage is I suppose in your office. 
I also send affidavit & of transfer of warrant issued to Elisha Garzee under Act Sept 8th 1830, NO. 63169
I have before sent you his application. 
Yours respectfully
E.K. Loveridge
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E.D. Loveridge
atty
Castile
N. York

affidavit for Elisha Garzee
taken out
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R. R. 1-
Pawlet, Vermont
Oct 25, 1926.
To the Com of Pensions
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir, Please will you send me the military history of Gideon Gifford born about 1750 d. Pawlet, Vt. 1810. Was in Col. Crasy's reg a private in 78 & 79. His second wife Betsy Willey Gifford rec. pension. At time of death his youngest son Henry was an infant.
Also the military history of Samuel Staples of Adams, Mass whose wife was Martha Sprague.
-over-
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Thanking you for a reply as your early convenience. I am, yours truly
Mrs. C. L. Bromley
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Pm act 29th July, 48, My
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Commission office
December 1st, 1855

Sir: 
In reply of your letter of the 28th Inst. Year.
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Betsey Gifford
wid. of Gideon
N. Y. Act 1848

Addl Evidence

J. J. Coombs
Page 30

POWER OF ATTORNEY
State of New York
County of Wyoming
SS. Know all Men by these presents,

That I Betsey Gifford of Castile do hereby authorize constitute and appoint L. M. Drury of Cunindaryen state of New York my true and lawful Attorney to prosecute for me and on my behalf all and singular claim or claims I may have against the General Government of the United States on account of the service of my husband Gideon Gifford deceased in the war of the Revolution the said power of Attorney to be irrevocable for the space of three years from the within date: and the said L. M. Drury is hereby authorized to take all necessary and proper steps in the prosecution of said claim or claims on my behalf. 
In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 17 day of Nov. 1851 subscribed of & sworn to the aforesaid day of November 1851
Witness Anson Howard
Betsey her X mark Gifford (L.P)

State of New York
County of Wyoming

Be it known that on the 18th day of November before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly authorised by law to administer oaths personally appeared Betsey Gifford above named and acknowledge the foregoing. Paver of Attorney to be her act and deed. 
In testimony whereof I have herunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned. 
Anson Howard

State of New York
Wyoming County Clerk Office
I certify that Anson Howard Esquire was at the date of the certificate of proof or acknowledgement of the annexed instrument in writing a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly authorized to take the same; that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verity believe that the signature to said certificate is genuine; and taht the annexed instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of the state. 

In testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county this 31st day December AD 1852

Ransom B. Crippen
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POWER OF ATTORNEY
State of New York
County of Wyoming
SS. Know all Men by these presents,

That I Betsey Gifford of Castile do hereby authorize constitute and appoint L. M. Drury of Cunindaryen state of New York my true and lawful Attorney to prosecute for me and on my behalf all and singular claim or claims I may have against the General Government of the United States on account of the service of my husband Gideon Gifford deceased in the war of the Revolution the said power of Attorney to be irrevocable for the space of three years from the within date: and the said L. M. Drury is hereby authorized to take all necessary and proper steps in the prosecution of said claim or claims on my behalf.
In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 17 day of Nov. 1851 subscribed of & sworn to the aforesaid day of November 1851
Witness Anson Howard
Betsey her X mark Gifford (L.P)

State of New York
County of Wyoming

Be it known that on the 18th day of November before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly authorised by law to administer oaths personally appeared Betsey Gifford above named and acknowledge the foregoing. Paver of Attorney to be her act and deed.
In testimony whereof I have herunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned.
Anson Howard

State of New York
Wyoming County Clerk Office
I certify that Anson Howard Esquire was at the date of the certificate of proof or acknowledgement of the annexed instrument in writing a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly authorized to take the same; that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verity believe that the signature to said certificate is genuine; and taht the annexed instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of the state.

In testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county this 31st day December AD 1852

Ransom B. Crippen
Page 32

I Silas Cook of Tiverton in the
County of Newport, State of Rhode Island
on solemn oath do testify and say
That I am eighty nine years of age
and I further testify that I was well
acquainted with Gideon Gifford
formerly of said Tiverton. I have a
distinct recollection that said Gideon
was an enlisted Soldier of the Revolution
he belonged to Colonel Crary's Regiment
in the fifteen months service after the
War some years, Gideon Gifford aforesaid
and myself lived in the same house
together, and I have frequently heard
him speak of his services in said
Regiment, many years ago he moved
away from said Tiverton into the
State of New York, I believe, and I
have not seen him since to my
recollection. I do not exactly recollect the
years it was when he was in the service,
but it was when I was about thirteen
or fourteen years of age
Tilas Cook

State of Rhode Island &c
County of Newport
In Tiverton Sept 21st 1852
Then personally appeared the above
named Silas Cook and made oath
to the truth of the above deposition
by him signed, I further certify
that he is a credible witness, full
faith and credit is due to his
testimony.
William G Borden
Justice of the Peace
Page 33

Tiverton May 30 1777
We the subscribers do solemnly engage and
enlist ourselves as soldiers in the Battalions
raised by the State of Rhode Island, and in
the defence of the United States in general and
of this State in particular, for and during the
term of ten months and nine days unless
sooner discharged by the General Assembly,
and faithfully to observe and obey all such orders as we shall receive from our officers -

As witness our Hands this 30 day of May 1777
Stafford Borden
Stephen Peckham
Philip Manchester
Gideon Gifford
Phillip Samunyon
Samuel Russell
Samuel Sherman
Walter Perry
Lemuel Durfee
William Sanford
Daniel Coggshall
John Albert

State of Rhode Island &c.
Secretary's Office Nov. 4. 1852
---

I certify that the preceding is a
true copy of an original enlistment of
certain soldiers dated Tiverton May 30th
1777 into the Brigade of Rhode Island State
Troops exhibited to me this day by Benjamin
Cowell of the City of Providence
among whom is the name of Gidion
Gifford, and from the appearance of the paper I have no doubt of its antiquity and genuineness

Asa Potter
Secretary of State
Page 34

Copy

Trenton May 30, 1777
Then received in full each of us twelve
Pounds (illegible) as a bounty given to us 
for our within written entitlement- we say received by us
Stafford Borden
Stephen Peckham
Philip Manchester
Gideon Gifford
Philip Lumunyon
Samuel Shearman
Walter Perry
Lemuel Durfee
William Sanford
Samuel Russell
Daniel Coggshall
John Albart
Page 35

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantation
Secretary's Office Providence Nov. 4 AD 1852

I certify that in December AD 1776 a d Brigade of State Troops was raised for fifteen months ending March 16th 1778, that subsequently said Brigade was raised for another term of twelve months and afterwards for a third term of twelve months ending March 16th 1780 in which said Brigade Christopher Manchester was appointed a Captain in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Crary and subsequently a Major in said Regiment. 
And I further certify that their are no rolls of said regiment on file in this office, but Benjamin Cowell has exhibited to me this day an original pay abstract of Captain Manchester's Company of the pay of his company from the first to the 16th of March 1778 in which is borne the name of Gideon Gifford private said Abstract is dates March 20, 1778 and signed "Christopher Manchester Capt." and I have no doubt of its genuineness.
I further certify that William G. Borden before whom the affidavit of Silas Cook was sworn is a Justice of the Peace for the town of Tiverton in the County of Newport in said Sate and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts as such . In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said state the day and year before written. 
Asa Potter
Secretary of State
Page 36

Providence Dec 21 1852

Dr Sir
I have concluded to send you the evidence I have obtained in the "Gideon Gifford" case. Enclosed is the affidavit of Silas Cook relating to his service & also a copy of the original enlistment in Capt. Manchester company & in Col. Crary's regiment in the Spring of 1777. This was his first enlistment & was during the "fifteen months services" in which he served upwards of ten months & the commissioner knows or eight to know that the depreciation of pay under the first enlistment in 1777 was not also 50 from ; of under had he served no longer his depreciation would have been only $12.00 or about that sum but his depreciation as allowed him was $36.03 as certified by the secretary.
This This proves conclusively that he served the two following statement making in all nearly three years and there is no dodging this conclusion as there is no other soldiers by that name on the roll within from Tiverton or where please acknowledge the receipt of this & [illegible] & 
Benja Cowell
Drury Esq.
Page 37

Brief in the case of Betsey widow of Gideon 
County and State of New
act 29 July 1868

Claim ("original") 
Proof exhibited, (if original)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. 

Record, present & traditionary proof of
Service
Documentary proof of marriage
(if for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? if so, what? 


Name and residence of Agent
J.J. Coombs Esq
Present

Thornton Riflett
Examining Clerk.
Page 38

Washington Sept. 14, 1834
Dear Sir:
The enclosed certificate in the care of Elizabeth Gifford of N Y under act 29 July 1848, I wish you would give to the clerk.
The case was sent to Pen. office 6th of June last, & will be reached in a few days to be examined.
Yours
L. M. Drury
F. S. Evans, Esq.
Page 39

Washington Feby. 10th 1853

Sir: 
Enclosed please find additional evidence in support of the claim of Betsey Gifford, widow of Gideon Gifford dece.d under act of 24th July 1848. the evidence enclosed I apprered, fully
Page 40

in service two times of 12 months each.   The cerfiticate showing a payment of [] 36 ($120.00) depreciation to Gideon Gifford is conclusive evidence that he was in service more than two years.
That he was in the first 15 months service from Dec. 1776 to March 1778 is proved by both record and hard evidence.  At this early date the depreciation was small - certainly not more than 50 cents to the dollar, so that for this 15 months tour the depreciation could not have been more than $50.  There still remains $80 of depreciation to be accounted for,  equal to one years full pay.  He probably served over three years, or the whole time the regiment was in service

Very respectfully
your [ ]?
J.J. Combs

JE Heath Esq
Court of Pensions
Page 41

J. Wilson
Wash Nov 14/51

Pension Office. -
Gideon Gifford

J.J. Coombs 787 is hereby authorized to
examine the within Claim for use 

L M  Drury
Feb 16. 1852

Ex by [illegible]
Feb 20 1852
Page 42

Pension Office
November 14, 1851
Sir
I have examined the application of
Betsey Gifford, widow of Gideon Gifford for
the benefit of the Act of July 29, 1848. Her 
proof the date of the marriage is satisfactory;
but the identity of her husband with
the soldier who received £36.0.3d for depreciation of pay and the amount of service for which
the depreciation was awarded, are not shown by the testimony filed.
Satisfactory evidence may probably be obtained from old comrades, who
are themselves pensioners; and without such 
evidence, even of the identity was admitted, the amount of the pension could not be computed
Very Respectfully
L. M.
[illegible]
Wilson
L. M. Drury, Esq.
Canaudaigua
New York
To Com of Pensions
Page 43

I Benjamin Cowell of the City & County of Providence 
and State of Rhode Iland do certify that I have
in my possession a List of three officers & soldiers
belonging to the Rhode Island Brigade of State
Troops in the war of the Revolution who were
entitled to depreciation of pay. The said Brigade was
composed of these Regiments commanded by
Colonels John Topham Archibald Crary & Robert
Elliott the latter a Regiment of Artillery, By
the authority of said State they were enlisted
at first for fifteen months from December 16
1776 to March 16 1778 & then again enlisted
for Twelve months ending March 16 1779
& the third time for Twelve months ending
March 16 1780 as the archives of said State
will show -- At the session of the General
Assembly of said State AD 1785 a Committee
was appointed to ascertain the amount of
depreciation of pay due to each & all of said
officers & soldiers who had served under any
or all of said enlistments -
And I further certify that on the Roll of
Col Crarys Regiment is borne the name of
Gideon Gifford, as a private & the
sum of £360.3 found due him for
depreciation of pay
Providence August 6 1851
Benja Cowell
Providence ss.
August 5 1857
Subscribed and sworn to this sixth day of August A.D 1875 , 
and I also certify that the statements of the said Benjamin
to all and
Page 44

State of Rhode Island &c
Secy's Office Aug. 6- A.D. 1851-
I certify that there are no Rolls of those of
officers and soldiers of the Rhode Island Brigade of
State Troops who were allowed depreciation of
pay as Reported by a Committee at the October
Session of the General Assembly A.D. 1785 on file
in this office
I further certify that
Benjamin Cowell has exhibited to me a List of
the names referred to in his certificate annexed,
which I have reason to believe is correct, and on
said List is borne the name of Gideon Gifford,
and the sum of £36 0 3d. found due him.
I further certify that Thomas C. Greene, before whom
the above certificate of said Cowell was sworn to,
is a Justice of the Peace in the City of Providence,
duly qualified to act, and that full faith
and credit are due to his acts as such.
In witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and the Seal of said
State the day and year above
written
Asa Potter
Secy. of State
Page 45

Betsey Gifford
widow of Gideon
Adm.d NY
29 July 1848
2 year pri $80
per annum from 
4 March 1848



Cert to J.J. Coombs Esq
Present
Page 46

Canandaigua, NY
Jany 5, 1852

Sir: 
Here with is presented additional testimony in the case of Elizabeth Gifford widow of Gideon Gifford under act of 29th Jul 1848.
In the first place there is persecuted a power of attorney an authorizing me to act again. As I understand power of attorney have been obtained by another person taking the care from me. 
The service & identity it is submitted are clearly established by its proof were addressed and as to the length  of service, shown by the amount of depreciation viz $36. Allowed to Gideon Gifford. I would invite attention to the letter of Benj Cowell ere - 
It appears that there is but over Gideon Gifford who performed any service & he was from Tiverton who enlisted 30th May 1777 for 10 months to him $36. creation was allowed. But he could have received no more than $12 for ten months service - 
He went therefore have re-enlisted & have served long enough to be
Page 47

entitled to receive $36 which as will be [illegible] by the certificate heretofore filed in this case he died received in 1783 - 
It is submitted that a full pension should be allowed to Mrs. Gifford. 
Very respectfully yours abt. servt.
L. M. Drury 

J.E. Heath
Court of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 48

Grinnell, Ia. July 18, 33
Pension Bureau
Rev. War Department

[Handwritten]
(2 in file)
other one not father of Wm [William] a Rev [illegible]

Dear Sir

Would like the pension records of Gideon Gifford and
his son William in the Revolutionary War. His first wife I believe
was Ruth Butts and they lived in Vermont but may have lived else
where earlier Either Mass. or R. I. but later lived in Erie Co. Pa.
Wm. Alleym, a great grand son of Wm. Gifford wishes this information
to complete the records for his daugh(er so that she may join the
D. A. R.
Wm. Gifford had a son Enos P. born 1790 in Vt. and who died at the age of 90.
We want all the information there on record on these two men
Enos [handwritten: Off or Orr] P. Gifford served in the War of 1812 and was taken prisoner
when sent out as a spy and was taken up into Canada and when the war
was over remained there and neglected to get his discharge so was
considered a diserter but am sure this was not the case but according to
the records there in the War Department of the 1812 War he was a
deserter. He came later to Madison, Wisconsin and lived there the 
rest of his life and is buried there. He and his wife went back to
Erie Co. Pa. on a visit to, and am sure he would not have done that
if he had been a deserter so if there is any way of straightening
out this record after such a long time it would be a great satisfaction
to the family.

Yours truly
Olive K. Porter Chas. F. R.
Mrs. F. R. Porter
Grinnell, Iowa.

[Stamp]
RECEIVED JUL 19 1933
MAIL SUB-DIV.
VETS. ADM.
READER # 64
Page 49

PRESQUE ISLE CHAPTER
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA

VICE REGENT
MRS. C. DEAN KLAHR
313 MADISON AVENUE

SECOND VICE REGENT
MRS. CLINTON D. HIGBY
523 WEST 10TH STREET

RECORDING SECRETARY
MRS. CHARLES A. McNEILL
239 WEST 8TH STREET

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY
MRS. HARRY SWENSON
1605 SOUTH SHORE DRIVE

[Stamped]
RECEIVED 
AUG 11 1938
MAIL SUB-DIV.
VETS. ADM.
READER # 12

REGENT
MRS. W. EDWIN COON
611 CRANBERRY STREET

TREASURER
MRS. SUMNER E. NICHOLS
515 WEST 9TH STREET

REGISTRAR
MISS MARGERY A. BACON
256 WEST 6TH STREET

CHAPLAIN
MRS. GEORGE W. WELCH
330 WEST 22ND STREET

HISTORIAN
MRS. FORREST F. FEIDLER
WESTMINSTER, ERIE, PA. R. D. 2

Erie, Penna.,
August 2, 1938.

To the Pension Bureau,
Washington, D. C.

May we please have a copy of the following pension
application for service in the American Revolution War?
1. Gideon Gifford, who is listed in Vermont Books living in Pawlet, Va.
2. Timothy Fuller, " " " " New York in the Revolution
3. Timothy Fuller, "  " " " Conn. Men " " ".
4. Timothy Fuller, 2 " " " " " " " " ".
5. John Jordan, Census of Pensioners for Rev. 1840. Orange Co., N.Y. age 93 yrs.
6. John Jordan, Upper Penn's NeckSalem Co., N. J.
7. William Jordan, New Jersey Service.
8. Mathias Shutius ( Shultus ) Rensselaerville, Albany Co., N. Y.
10. James Whaley, whose wife Hannah was living in Conn. 1840, age 82.

I realize this is a great deal to ask but we are very anxious to
get these lines through before our fall work in the organization begins.
If it is impossible to send all at this time please keep this letter
on file and send as soon as convenient.
The first two names and sixth name are the most anxiously awaited
at this time.
Thanking you most sincerely, I am,
no signature [handwritten]
Mrs. Paul Wood Cleveland,
1016 Chestnut Street,
Erie, Penna.
Senior Pres. C. A. R.
Page 50

September 12, 1938

BA-J/MLE

Mrs. Paul Wood Cleveland
1016 Chestnut Street
Erie, Pennsylvania

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter of recent date, in which you
requested the Revolutionary War records of the following soldiers:
Gideon Gifford, of Pawlet, Vermont; Timothy Fuller who served in
that war from New York; Timothy Fuller and Timothy Fuller, 2nd, who
served from Connecticut; John Jordan, of Orange County, New York
John Jordan, Upper Penn's Neck, Salem County, New Jersey; William
Jordan, who served from New Jersey; Mathias Shultus of Rensselaerville, Albany County, New York, and James Whaley whose wife, Hannah
in 1840 was living in Connecticut, aged eighty-two years.
Because of the large number of requests for Revolutionary War
data and the limited trained clerical force available for furnishing
such information, it is impossible to comply in full with each request
which requires so much time and research. You are furnished herewith
the records of Gideon Gifford and of the only Timothy Fuller found in
the Revolutionary War records of this office,

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 51

July 28, 1933.
Mrs. F. R. Porter
Grinnell
Iowa.
BA-J/ILL
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the
Revolutionary War record of Gideon Gifford who married Ruth Butts,
and lived in Vermont and who had earlier resided in Massachusetts and
Rhode Island, and the record of his son, William, who had a son Enos 
P. Gifford, born in 1790 in Vermont, said Enos P., a War of 1812 soldier.
The Revolutionary War records have been searched and no claim
for pension found based upon service of a William Gifford who stated
that he ever lived in Vermont, nor do the War of 1812 records show that
a claim was forpension was ever made on account of service in that war
of an Enos Gifford.
A claim for pension has been found based upon service of one
Gideon Gifford of Vermont and Rhode Island, in which the name Butts is
shown and may be the soldier in whom you are interested. That record
is furnished herewith as found in the papers on file in claim, W. 3676,
based upon service of Gideon Gifford.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 52

September 13, 1938

BA-J/AWF
Gideon Gifford
W. 3676

Mrs. Paul Wood Cleveland
1016 Chestnut Street
Erie, Pennsylvania
Dear Madam:

The data furnished herein were obtained from papers on file in claim for pension, W.3676, based on the military service of Gideon Gifford in the Revolutionary War.
He was born in the year 1760 in Little Compton, Newport County, Rhode Island.  He was the son of Canaan Gifford, the name of his mother was not given, but she was living during the War of the Revolution.
Gideon Gifford enlisted at Tiverton, Rhode Island, December 16, 1776, served as a private in Captain Christopher Manchester's company, Colonel Archibald Crary's Rhode Island regiment, and continued in the service until March 16, 1780.
He left Little Compton, Rhode Island, between the years 1785 and 1790 and went to Pawlet, Vermont.  His first wife was then living, and moved with him to Pawlet.  The name of his first wife was not given, and there are not further data in this claim in regard to her.
Gideon Gifford married September 29, 1796 in Pawlet, Vermont, Betsey Willey.  She was born August 15, 1767, place not stated, nor were the names of her parents shown.
He died January 10, 1810, in Pawlet, Vermont.  His widow, Betsey Gifford, was allowed pension on her
Page 53

application executed May 9, 1851, then a resident of
Castile, Wyoming County, New York.
The widow, Betsey Gifford, was allowed, also,
one hundred sixty acres of bounty land on her
application executed April 11, 1855, still living in
Castile, New York.
The following are the names of the children of
Gideon Gifford, and his wife, Betsey, as found in the
claim:
A son born dead born August 26, 1797
Asa Willey " July 30, 1798
Ruth "March 25, 1800
(faded) John (faded) " March 4, 1801
Betsey (faded) " July 27, 1802
Stephen Butts " October 17, 1803
Ezra Dyer " January 23, 1805
Maryann " April 28, 1806
Elijah Lilley "December 18, 180- (torn)
Henry " April 29, 1809

The following is shown, also- Joseph, our son,
died August 18, 1801, aged eighteen years and five days; Delilah, our daughter, died November 4, 1805 in her nineteenth year.

Martha Gifford, widow of Noah Gifford (brother
of the soldier, Gideon Gifford) was eighty years of
age in 1851 and a resident of Little Compton, Rhode
Island, her son, Gideon Gifford, was born in the year 1813.
John A. Gifford was in Wyoming County, New York,
in 1855, his relationship to the family was not stated.
The papers on file in this claim contain no
further discernible data in regard to family.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of
pension, name and address of person paid and possibly
Page 54

-3

the date of the death of the widow, Betsey Gifford, you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C. and furnish the following data:

Betsey Gifford, widow of Gideon Gifford
Certificate #995
Issued February 12, 1853
Rate $80 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1848
Act of July 29, 1848
New York Agency.

If you desire information relative to location of the land referred to herein, you should apply to The Commissioner of the General Land Office, this city, and furnish the following data:

Warrant #11423 - 160 acres, Act of 1855.

Very truly yours

A.D. HILLEY
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 55

Rev. and 1818 War Section.
December 22, 1926

Mrs. C.L. Bromley
Pawlet, R.R. I
Vt

Madam:

I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 3676, it appears that Gideon Gifford (son of Caanan Gifford) was born in Little Compton, Newport County, Rhode Island, date not stated.
He enlisted at Tiverton, Rhode Island, December 16, 1776 and served as a prviate in Captain Christopher Machester's Company, Colonel Crary's Rhode Island Regiment, and served until March 16, 1780.
He died January 10, 1810 at Pawlet, Vermont.
Soldier married September 29, 1796 at Pawlet, Vermont, Betsey Willey, who was born August 15, 1767.  She was his second wife, the name of his first wife not stated.
The widow Betsey was allowed pension on her
Page 56

application executed May 9, 1851 while a resident of Castile, Wyoming County, New York.

Their Children -
Son born dead       born    August 26, 1797
Asa Wiley                born July 30, 1798
Ruth                        born  March 25, 1800
(faded) John (faded) born     March 4, 1801
Betsey (faded)        born     July 27, 1802
Stephen Butts         born   October 17, 1803
Ezra Dyer                born January 23, 1805
Maryann                 born  April 28, 1806
Elijah Lilley              born  December 18, 180 (torn)
Henry                      born   April 29, 1809


The following is also found on family record - Joseph, our son, died August 18, 1801, aged eighteen years and five days; Delilah, our daughter, died November 4, 1808, in her nineteenth year.

The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to a Samuel Staples as described by you.

Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner