Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19,205, for Walter Tiffany, Connecticut
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
Continental (Conn.) 
Tiffany, Walter
Durkee, Sally (or Sarah)
(Former Widow)
NUMBER
W 19,205
B.L. Wt. 2169-100
Page 2

DEPARTMENT OF WAR.
Regulations for the Officers and Soldiers of the Revolutionary Army, who were slain by the enemy, or who have died since the war, and have not received land from the United States.

By an act of Congress of the 16th September, 1776, it is provided that the Officers and Soldiers who engaged for, and continued to serve during the war, or until discharged by Congress, and the heirs of such officers and Soldiers as shall be slain by the enemy, shall receive land in proportion to their rank.

N. B. Those who engaged for three years, or for any other period than during the war, or who died of sickness, fatigue, or casualty, are not entitled to land from the United States.

The following declaration (and enclosed blank form of heirship) must be filled up and signed by the proper authorities:
State of Kentucky
County of Allen
I, Walter Tiffany one of the heirs at law of Walter Tiffany Dec'd do, upon oath, testify and declare, to the best of my knowledge and belief, that said Walter Tiffany did enter the service in 1777, for the term of during the war and served as a private in the Regiment No. 2 under the command of the Colonel Elisha Sheldon of the Connecticut line; and that he continued in the service aforesaid until the end of the war.

I further declare that I have never received a warrant for the bounty land promised to said
Walter Tiffany on the part of the United States; nor do I believe that he ever received
or transferred his claim to it in any manner whatsoever: therefore.

[signed] Walter Tiffany {seal}

know all men by these presents, That I Walter Tiffany aforesaid, do hereby constitute and appoint Joseph R. Underwood to be my true
and lawful attorney, for me and in my name to demand and receive from the Secretary of War of the United States, a warrant for the quantity of land & bounty money due to me as aforesaid; and my said attorney is hereby fully authorized and empowered to constitute and appoint one or more substitutes or attorneys under him, for the special purposes above expressed.  Witness my hand & seal this 11th day of January 1837
Attest,
[signed] Walter Tiffany {seal}
[signed] Lemuel Swearingen, J.P.
[signed] J.J.B. Walker

N.B. The above power of attorney was entered into before signed by Walter Tiffany.  given under my hand officially this 11th day of January 1837.
[signed] Lemuel Swearingen, J.P.
 
Personally appeared the abovenamed Walter Tiffany subscriber to the foregoing declaration, and made oath to the same, and in my presence acknowledged the power of
attorney thereto subjoined to be his free act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned.
Attest,
Given under my hand as Justice of the peace for Allen County Kentucky this 11th day of January 1837.
[signed] John J.B. Walker
Justice of the Peace.
[signed] Lemuel Swearingen, J.P.

In testimony that the above written Lemuel Swearingen was a magistrate authorized to administer oaths, and take acknowledgments, &c. in the State of Kentucky at the above date, and that his name there subscribed appears to me to be his usual signature, I have hereunto affixed the county seal, and subscribed my name and quality, at Scottsville as clerk of the Allen County Court this Eleventh day of January 1837.
D Walker [signature] C. Clerk, &c
Page 3

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by an act of Congress passed July 7, 1838 entitled "An act granting half-pay and pensions to certain widows."

State of New-York, }
Washington County } ss.

On this fifteenth day of February in the year
one thousand eight hundred and forty-four personally appeared before Albert L. Baker
One of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County Sally Durkee a resident of the town of Fort Edward in the County of Washington and said State of New York, aged 79 years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by an act of Congress, passed July 7th 1838 entitle "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."

That she is the widow of Lydus Durkee late of the town of Fort Edward in said State of New York who departed this life on the 22nd day of April 1837.  

That her husband the said Lydus Durkee was her second husband she having been married to him on the 29th day of July 1811 when the widow of Walter Tiffany her first husband, on account of whose revolutionary services she now claims a pension. That her first husband was a soldier during the war of the Revolution, but as this Declarant was not married to him until after his service therein she cannot relate the particulars thereof: but that she has frequently heard her said husband relate that he served for a number of years with the Connecticut troops under
Colonel Sheldon, and that he served at the battle of Mud Island and was present at the battle of York town when Lord Cornwallis surrendered and that his said service was in the capacity of private of Dragoons.

And declarant further said, That she was married to the said Walter Tiffany on the 14th day of January seventeen hundred and Eighty two by Rev'd Mr. Parmley at Lee, Berkshire Co. Mass that the following persons were present at her marriage, to wit: Charles Avery & wife Fanny Mansfield, Reuben Davis Johnson & other, all of whom she believes are dead.

That previous to her said marriage she resided in the town of Lee aforesaid and bore the maiden name of Sally Avery.

That her husband the said Walter Tiffany
died the autumn of the year Seventeen hundred & ninety one.

That her second husband the said Lydus Durkey [Durkee] died on the 22nd day of April 
Eighteen hundred & thirty seven being at the time of his death a pensioner of the United States & that she was not married to Tiffany
until after his service in the war.
[signed] Sally Durkee

Subscribed and sworn the day and year aforesaid, before me
Albert L. Baker [signature]
Judge Wash Com Pleas

I hereby certify that the above declarant is
unable to attend Court owing to the infirmities
of old age.
A. L. Baker [signature]
Judge Wash Com Pleas
Page 4

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by an act of Congress, passed July 7, 1838
entitled ""An act granting half-pay and pensions to certain widows."
State of New-York, Washington County ss.
On this fifteenth day of February in the year
one thousand eight hundred and forty - four personally appeared before Albert L. Baker,

One of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for [illegible] 
Sally Durkee a resident of the
town of Fort Edward in the County of Washington and said State of New York, aged 79 years 

who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following
declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by an act of Congress, passed July 7th 1838

entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows;"
That she is the widow of Lydus Durkee late of the town of Fort Edward
in said State of New York who departed this life on the 22d day of April 1837

That her husband the said Lydus Durkee was her second husband
she having been married to him on the 29th day of July
1811 when the widow of Walter Tiffany her first husband, on account of whose revolutionary services, she now
claims a pension. That her first husband was a soldier
during the war of the Revolution, but as this Declarant,
was not married to him until after his service therein she
cannot relate the particulars thereof: but that she has

frequently heard her said husband relate that he served
for a number of years with the Connecticut troops under
Colonel Sheldon, and that he served at the battle of mud
Island and was present at the battle of York town when
Lord Cornwallis surrendered and that his said service
was in the capacity of private of Dragoons

and declarant further said. That she was married to the said Walter Tiffany
on the 14th day of January seventeen hundred and eighty two by
Rev Mr [illegible] at Lep Berkshaw [illegible] as Map 
that the following persons

were present at her marriage, to wit: Charles Avery & wife, Fanny Mansfield
Reuben Davis Johnson & other, all of afore she believes are dead

That previous to her said marriage she resided in the town of Lee aforesaid
and bore the maiden name of Sally Avery

That her husband the said Walter Tiffany died the
autumn day of the year Seventeen hundred & ninety one

That her second husband the said Lydus Durkee
died on the 22d day of April Eighteen hundred &
thirty seven being at the time of his death a pensioner
of the United States & that she was not married to Tiffany
until after his service in the war
Subscribed and sworn the day and year aforesaid before me
Albert L. Baker
Judge Wash Comm Pleas

Sally Durkee

I hereby certify that the above declarant is
unable to attend Court owing to the infirmities
of old age.
A. L. Baker
Judge Wash Comm Pleas
Page 5

State of New York
Washington County ⎬ ss,
Sally Gandal of the town of Fort Edward in said County being duly sworn doth depose and say that she is well acquainted with Widow Sally Durkee (Deponents mother) who now lives in said town of Fort Edward & is an applicant for a pension, That Deponent was also well acquainted with her late husband Lydius Duckee, who died at Fort Edward aforesaid in the month of april one thousand eight hundred & thirty seven being at the time of his death a pensioner of the United States, And this Deponent further saith that she is fifty nine years old & that she verily believes she is the daughter of Walter Tiffany her said mothers' first husband, and that the record attached to & accompanying this affidavit is the record which has been kept in the family Bible & that she recollects being present about fifty years ago when her name & that of her brother Avery C. Tiffany were entered upon the
said record with the date of the birth of
each. And further this deponent saith not.

Subscribed & sworn this fifteenth
of February 1844 before me
I certify that said Sally is a
credible witness.
Sally Gundal

Walter Rogers Justice of the Peace
Page 6

Leota Cors.  Born ^at Hebron December 1781
T  Thomas Cors.  Born ^at Hebron October 23d 1784
Mariah Cors.  Born May 26th 1787
Sophia Corse  Born November 8th 1789
Hiram Corse  Born April 5th 1797
Died April 9th1792
Mercy Corse  Died at Hebron Octr. 20th 1792 
was Born at Springfield Septr. 6th 1757
Thomas Morgan  Born 1793 at Hebron
Sally Tiffany  Born March 1785
[Note:  remainder is torn and illegible]
Page 7

Note:  Document is a passage from the Bible.
Page 8

State of New York
Washington County SS } SS,

John S. Gandal of the town of Fort Edward in said County being duly sworn deposeth & saith that he is well acquainted with the Widow Sally Durkee who now lives in said town of Fort Edward and is an applicant for a pension. That Deponent was also well acquainted with her late husband Lydius Durkee who died at Fort Edward aforesaid to the best of this deponents recollection & belief in the month of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven, being at the time of his death a pensioner of the United States, And this deponent further saith that he is also well acquainted with Sally Gandal a child of the said Widow by her first husband Walter Tiffany, and now the wife of this deponent and who is as this deponent believes now about fifty nine years of age & now resides in Said town of Fort Edward

And Deponent further saith that the record
attached to & accompanying this affidavit is the record which he has seen frequently for forty years past in the family Bible kept by the said Widow. And further this deponent saith not

Subscribed & sworn this fifteenth
day of February 1844 before me
and certify that said John F. Gandal
is a credible witness

John F. Gandal

Walter Rogers Justice of the Peace
Page 9

Sally Durkee

State of New York }
Washington County } ss
Clerks Office. }

I Clerk of said County do
hereby certify that Albert L Baker was at the time of the
execution of the foregoing declaration of Sally Durkee, one of
the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County &
that Walter Rodgers was at the time of the execution of the
accompanying affidavits a Justice of the Peace in & for said County
& that the signatures of the said Judge & Justice appear to be
[official seal]
Genuine. Witness my hand & official seal
this 22nd day of March 1844
[signed] H Shipherd Clk
Page 10

10802 April 13, 1844
Sally Durkee

Applicant for Pension

Act July 7. 1838.
[illegible]

doubtful
case

Hon B. Tappan
Senate U States
Page 11

To whom it may concern.

I hereby certify that in the town book of Records for the
town of Lee, County of Berkshire and Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, the following words and figures are
recorded viz

"Sunday April 13th 1783. Wm Ingersoll Jun.
"and Marcy Crocker were published by N. Dillingham
"Published the following Israel Smith and Mehettable
"Howard ... Walter Tiffany and Sally Avery"

And I further certify that the Records of
said Book shew, that at a legal town meeting April
"7th 1783, the following words, to wit: "Voted to excuse
"Tho's [Thomas] Beecher from serving as Town Clerk and chose
"in his stead Nathan Dillingham."

Being well acquainted as I am with the hand
writing of the said Dillingham (now deceased) I do
not hesitate to say, that both of the original Records
from which the above are extracted, were entered and
made by him. Given at the Town Clerks Office, Lee,
this twentieth day of March A.D. 1844.
Attest [signed] Ransom Hinman Town Clerk
of Lee

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire County ss: Lee, March 20 1844.

Then the above named Ransom Hinman personally
appeared and made Oath to the truth of the foregoing
statement by him subscribed before me, and I
certify that said Hinman is now the Town Clerk
of Lee aforesaid
[signed] Hubbard Bartlett Justice of the Peace
within and for s'd [said] County of Berkshire
Page 12

I Seth Handy of Lee County of Berkshire & Commonwealth of
Massachusetts of lawful age do depose and say that I was
acquainted with the within named Walter Tiffany and
Sally Avery, and they passed for man and wife in the
said town of Lee and in
the year One Thousand seven hundred and Eighty three;
that I then resided, and have ever since resided, in
the town of Lee, and that I am Seventy five years of age.
[signed] Seth Handy

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire County ss:
Lee March 20 1844.

Then the above named Seth Handy well
Known to me personally appeared and made
Oath to the truth of the foregoing Affidavit
by him subscribed before me
[signed] Ransom Hinman Justice of the Peace
within & for the County
of Berkshire.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire County ss:

of Common Pleas
I Charles Sedgwick Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of s'd [said] Commonweath
for the County of Berkshire do certify that Hubbard Bartlett and
Ransom Hinman before whom the within, and foregoing affidavits
were made, were, at the date thereof, both of them Justices of the
Peace, within and & for said County, duly commissioned and
qualified, and that the foregoing signatures, purporting to be
theirs, are genuine.

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunt [hereunto] set my hand
and affixed the seal of said Court this twenty second
day of March A.D. 1844.
[signed] Charles Sedgwick Clk
Page 13

State of Connecticut
Comptroller's Office
Hartford 27th Feby 1844

I certify that on application for evidence of the
revolutionary services of Walter Tiffany, under Col Sheldon
of the Connecticut Line, until after 1780, that I have
made examination and find as follows: viz ---

In the 1st vol of Records of the Connecticut Line,
page 133, on the "Settlement with the 2d Regiment
Light Dragoons, Elisha Sheldon Esq'r Colonel
before 1780", there is this entry - "Water Tiffany, private,
Commencement of this service June 23rd '78 Time of
this settlement 1 Jan'y '80 - Term 1 Y. 6 M 8 Days."

In the same vol - same service & office, page 261
is this entry "Walter Tiffany, private, com'c [commencement] of service
Jany 1st '80 - Term of this settlement January 1st '81
Term 1 year"

I also find in the 2d vol of records of the Connecticut
Line, page 90 - same offices & services this
entry - "Walter Tiffeny - private - Commencent of service
January 1st 1787 - Expiration of service Dec'r  [December] 31st 1787 - Term
12 Months."

Attest [signed] Gideon Welles Comptroller
Page 14

Supplemental Declaration.
Acts July 7. 1838. March 3. 1843 & June 17. 1844 ---

State of New York }
Washington County } ss

Sally Durkee of the town of Fort Edward
in said County aged 80 years on the 21st day of April last
being duly sworn further declares & says: that she has
this day for the first time in her life, seen William B.
Pierce of Albany, NY who has been applying for a pension
in her behalf. That the facts upon which her original
declaration was founded, were communicated by herself
to Winant Van De Werker of Northumberland NY & by
him to said Pierce. That all the facts communicated
she verily believed to be true. She stated the time of
her marriage to be January 1782 which she did from the
best of her recollection, but she had no record thereof, and
spoke from memory only. She is positive of the following
facts & from them corrects her original, statement as to
the time of her marriage viz. Her daughter Sarah
now the wife of John F Gandal of Fort Edward, was her
first child, and was born just one year & two months
lacking thirteen days after her
marriage to her first husband Walter Tiffany. It appears
from record that her said daughter was born March
3rd 1785. so that her own marriage must have occurred
in January 1784. That Declarant was born in
Norwich Conn. but moved with her fathers family to Lee,
Mass, shortly after the commencement of the war of
the Revolution. There she continued to live until married
to Walter Tiffany: That said Tiffany came
to Lee the same summer he was discharged from the
Service. He came to visit his sister Sarah Tuttle who
lived in Lee. It was then that Declarant first became
acquainted with him & she was married to him in the
month of January following. That Declarant then
understood & has always since understood & believed
Page 15

that her said husband Walter Tiffany had served in Colonel
Sheldons Regiment of Light Dragoons. That Declarant
has never until the present moment been informed that
her husband thus served except from himself & from his
acquaintance during his life time, nor has she ever
heard of any other Walter Tiffany living in Connecticut
or elsewhere. That she has always been informed
that said Walter Tiffany's family lived in Lyme
Conn. and were formerly in good circumstances, but
that by intemperance of Walter Tiffanys father they
were reduced & scattered, & Declarant does not know
whether during the war of the revolution they continued
to maintain a residence in Lyme. Walter Tiffany
had a sister by the name of Mann who lived in
Hebron Conn., and it is quite probable that he
enlisted from that place. And Declarant further
saith, that after marriage to said Tiffany they
continued to live in Lee, Mass two or three years
when she moved to Hudson & lived a few months
then to New Britain & lived one winter & then to
Clarenden [Clarendon], Vermont. That her said husband had by
this time formed intemperate & other vicious habits
so that he was unable to support his family &
declarant then with her two children, (the only children
she ever had by said Walter Tiffany) accepted
an offer to keep school in Fort Edward, NY, her
present place of residence & where she has resided
ever since. That when she moved here, her oldest child
(said Sally) was about five years old, & her youngest
(Avery) was an infant. That her husband the
said Walter Tiffany became a wanderer & a
vagabond & shortly after died, as Declarant was at
the time credibly informed, when Declarant was again
married & is now the widow of Lydus Durkee. And
Declarant further saith that her said husband
Page 16

Walter Tiffany had but one brother whose name was Eleazer
& four sisters. That to the best of Declarants knowledge
he the said Walter Tiffany had no relatives or kindred
living in the State of Kentucky or any western State.
That declarant is willing & anxious that full investigation
should be had of all the facts set forth by her
in this her application for pension and that her character
for truth & veracity should be fully inquired
into. Her mistake with regard to the time of her
marriage was the result of loss of memory & not having
preserved a record thereof, but the facts she has
now stated she is quite sure are true. And she
repeats that she has been informed by her said
husband Walter Tiffany that he served in Sheldon's
Dragoons, and that she so stated to Mr Van Der Werker,
and that she had never been informed from any
person whatever that the name of Walter Tiffany
was borne upon any present existing rolls.
[signed] Sally Durkee

Subscribed & Sworn the 30th
day of October 1844 before me,
& I certify that I have known
the said Sally Durkee for more
than forty years & have lived in the
same town with her for that time,
& have always believed her to be
a person of most excellent character,
& of undoubted truth & veracity:
that her family is among
the most respectable in the
neighborhood & her statements are
entitled to implicit confidence.
[signed] Walter Rogers Justice of the Peace
Page 17

Double paid
[postage] PAID 20
[postmark] TROY N.Y. NOV 1

Henry Shipherd Esq
County Clerk
Argyle
Wash'n [Washington] Co
N.Y.

90
Argyle N.Y. }
Nov. 5 }
W. B. Pierce Esq
Albany
NYork
Page 18

[signed] Walter Rogers Justice of the Peace

State of New York }
Washington County } ss.
Clerks Office }

I Henry Shipherd Clerk of said
County do hereby certify that Walter Rogers above
written is a Justice of the Peace in & for said County
duly elected & sworn. That his term of Office
commenced on the  First  day of January
1841 & will expire on the  last  day of December
1844 & further that his signature above written
appears to be genuine.

[official seal]
Witness my hand &
official seal this 2nd
day of November 1844 ---
[signed] H Shipherd Clerk
Page 19

State of Massachusetts }
Berkshire County } ss

Joseph Willas of South Lee in
said County aged 85 years & upwards being duly sworn
deposeth and saith, that he was a private in Colonel
Sheldons Dragoons of Connecticut during the war of
the revolution, and is now a pensioner of the United
States under the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832
having been transfered from the act of March. 18. 1818.
That Deponent served in said Regiment of Dragoons
from 1777 to 1783 -- That during the latter portion
of this service, Deponent well knew & served in company
with Walter Tiffany. That said Tiffany belonged
to the same Regiment of Dragoons, and
served as Deponent believes for upwards of three
years in said Regiment, or until the twelfth
day of June 1783, when they were discharged with
said Regiment at Danbury Connecticut. That
Deponent well remembers having seen said Walter Tiffany
on the said day of their discharge. That
in the month of October 1786, Deponent moved with
his family to Lee, Mass his present residence. That
shortly after he arrived here, to wit in the fall of 1786,
he heard that one Walter Tiffany was in jail in
the neighboring town of Great Barrington, having
been committed to jail in consequence of having
Page 20

forged a note or order upon a merchant of West Stockbridge
by the name of Munn, (Said Munn had a brother
by the name of Daniel Munn, in said Regiment of
Colonel Sheldon). That deponent then & there visited
the jail and saw said Tiffany, and knew him as
the identical person who had been his fellow soldier
in Colonel Sheldons Dragoons as before mentioned.
Deponent remained at said jail conversing
with said Walter Tiffany for about half an hour.
That shortly afterwards said Walter Tiffany broke
jail and made his escape, and Deponent has never
seen him since. And Deponent further saith
that at this time, to wit, in the fall of 1786,
Deponent was informed that said Walter Tiffany had
a wife whom he had married in Lee and whose
maiden name was Sally Avery. That the next
year 1787, Deponent saw and became acquainted
with said Sally who came upon a visit to Lee
where her father resided, with whom Deponent
had there become acquainted. That said Sally
remained for a time in Deponents family, and
assisted in doing house work, & that at this
time she had one child by said Walter Tiffany,
which Deponent was then informed, although
her child was not with her. That afterwards the
said Sally moved away, as Deponent was informed
Page 21

into the State of New York, and Deponent has seen
her but once since, to wit, upwards of thirty years ago
when she made a short visit to Lee with another
husband, from which Deponent concluded that
said Walter Tiffany was dead, at all events
Deponent has never since heard from him,
but well knows that the identical Walter Tiffany
who served in Sheldons Dragoons
was the husband of said Sally whom Deponent
has always been informed & believes he
married at Lee as aforesaid after his
discharge from the service.
[signed] Joseph Wyllys

Subscribed and sworn this
first day of November AD 1844
I hereby certify that I have been
acquainted with the above named
Joseph Wyllys for more than thirty
years and believe him to be a person
of truth and veracity before me
[signed] Lawson D. Bidwell Justice of the Peace
Page 22

State of Massachusetts }
Berkshire County } ss

Elizabeth Willas of the town of South
Lee in said County aged 84 years, being duly sworn
saith that she is the wife of Joseph Willas as within
named, and has been his wife since the nineteenth
day of June 1783. That Deponent well remembers
that in the year 1787, Sally Tiffany within
named worked in her family for a short time
in said town of Lee, and Deponent was then
informed & has ever since understood & believed that
said Sally was married previous to said time
in Lee, and that previous to said marriage her
maiden name was Avery, and she has since
heard that she was married again and lived
in the State of New York
[signed] Elizabeth Wylsy

Subscribed & sworn this first
day of November 1844 before me
& I certify that said Elizabeth
Willas is a credible witness
[signed] Lawson D. Bidwell Justice of the Peace
Page 23

Sally Durkee

Applicant for pension
Acts of
July 7. 1838. March
3rd 1843 & June 17. 1844

Papers Supplemental

Agent
Wm B Pierce
Albany NY
Page 24

State of Massachusetts }
Berkshire County } ss

Caleb Bennett of Stockbridge adjoining South
Lee in said County, aged 86 --- years, being duly
sworn deposeth saith that he was a soldier in the
State of Connecticut during the war of the revolution & is
now a pensioner of the United States under the act of
June 7. 1832. That in the year 1779 (as deponent
believes) & before said war closed, he moved into said
town of Stockbridge where he now resides. That shortly after
arriving here, he became acquainted with Charles
Avery of Lee, who had two daughters by the names
of Sally & Eunice. Sally was the oldest. That
shortly after the war, (Deponent cannot remember the
precise time, but is confident it was after the war & before
the year 1786) it was reported & believed in the
neighborhood that said Sally had married one Walter
Tiffany. That Deponent never doubted that she
was thus married altho' [although] not present at the marriage
ceremony. That he saw & was acquainted with said
Sally after said marriage when she bore the name of
Tiffany. He also saw her a number of years
afterwards when she visited Lee, with another man
said to be her husband. That of said Walter
Tiffanys revolutionary services Deponent has no
knowledge not having served in company with him.
He was not a native of Lee, but came as Deponent
was informed from the State of Connecticut
[signed] Caleb Bennett

Subscribed & sworn this first
day of November 1844 before
me, & I certify that said
Caleb Bennett is a credible
witness. Note the words
"Stockbridge adjoining" & "Stockbridge"
interlined, & "Lee" erased before
execution, also "1779" written on razure --
[signed] Lawson D. Bidwell Justice of the Peace
Page 25

Berkshire ss

I Charles Sedgwick Clerk of the Court
of Common Pleas for said County of Berkshire do certify that
Lawson D Bidwell Esq before whom the foregoing deposition
of Caleb Bennett & the annexed depositions of Joseph Wyllys
& Elizabeth Wyllys were taken is a Justice of the
Peace within & for said County duly
commissioned & qualified & acting under the
authority of said Commonwealth & that the foregoing
signatures purporting to be his are genuine

In testimony whereof I have hereto
set my hand & affixed the seal of
said Court this first day of November
Eighteen hundred & forty four
[signed] Charles Sedgwick Clk
Page 26

State of New York}
and County of Warren} ss
Avery C. Tiffany of the town of Queensbury in said County of Warren, being duly sworn, deponant [deponent] saith that he is the son of Walter Tiffany, as he verily believes, and that the widow Sally Durkee is his mother, now living in the town of Ford Edward, County of Washington and State aforesaid, and is an applicant for a pension -
That deponant is now fifty five years and upwards old, and has always understood that his father (Walter Tiffany) was a soldier in the revolutionary war, and belonged to the regiment commanded by Colonel Shelden, as he deponant believes, to wit.- That he, deponant, has heard James Tiffany say that his, deponants father - Walter Tiffany, did serve in and under the said Colonel Shelden, and that the said James Tiffany, was a soldier at the same time, in the service, and was well acquainted with the said Walter, and well remembers the fact - Also, the deponant has heard John Branch say that he was in the service with the said Walter Tiffany and was present at [illegible] Fort, and that said Walter belonged to Colonel Sheldens Regiment at that time = And farther the deponant saith not
A. C. Tiffany
Subscribed and sworn to before}
me this first day of April AD}
1844 and I certify that}
Avery C. Tiffany is a credible}
witness}
Harmon Van Tassel Justice of the Peace
Page 27

I certify that I am personally acquainted with Avery C Tiffany and know him to be a person of sound mind and good moral character & standing i Society and verily believe full faith and credit may be given to his affadavit [affidavit] as within set forth
April first 1844
Harmon Van Tassel Justice of the Peace
State of New York}
Warren County}
Clerks Office} ss.
I Thomas Archibald Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Harmon Van Tassel was on the date of the within affidavit a Justice of the Peace in & for said County & that I verily believe the signature of the jurat of such affidavit & to the above certificate purporting to be his are genuine.  Witness my hand & official seal this Eighth day of April A. D. 1844
Thomas Archibald Clerk
Sally Durkee
Please execute the above certificate & return the same to William B. Pierce.  Albany, N. Y.

Note:  Bottom of page appears to be an envelope with only left half included
Page 28

2 Certs:

1838 
1843 [illegible: Ziepo]
&4

6490
Albany 
Newyork [New York]

Sally Durkee, for. [former]
widow of Walter Tiffany
who was a Dragoon
in the Revo. [Revolutionary] War.
Continental

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
100 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the
9 day of Dec. 1844
and sent to
W B Pierce Esq
Albany
New York

[Act of March 3, 1843.]
and June 17. 1844
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2 Page 74
Page 29

Walter Tiffany
No. 2169.

R'd [Received] Jan'y [January] 27th 1837
Page 30

STATE OF Kentucky Allen County 
At a court held for Allen county, at the January term 1837 satisfactory evidence was adduced in court, to prove that Walter Tiffany Sarah Cusick late Tiffany Osa Martin late Tiffany Hulda Martin late Tiffany - Mary Easters late Tiffany who is now deceased & her three children Lavina Elizabeth and Walter Easters - - -
are the children and only heirs at law in fee to Walter Tiffany late a private in the Regiment of Dragoons of the Connecticut line commanded by Col. Elisha Sheldon
I David Walker Clerk of the county court, do certify, that the above evidence is taken from the records in my office.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my official seal, this 11th day of January 1837
D Walker Clerk A.C.C.

The above form will answer for the States of Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and other western States.
Page 31

Aug 4 '46

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington 
D. C.

D Bunch
or Mr Gordon
 Wm. B. Pierce
Walter Tiffany - Connt line
Warrt. No 2169 per 100 acres if used
14" Feby 1837
Page 32

Document is a copy of the previous one
Page 33

(Concerning Bounty Land)
Washington D. C.
August 3rd 1846.
Honl J. L. Edwards
Sir,
Walter Tiffany was a private of Colonel Sheldons Dragoons Connecticut, during the war of the revolution.  After the war he married in the State of Massachusetts, by which wife he had three children.  He was guilty of a crime, and to avoid punishment forsook his family, and secreted himself in a distant State.  Two or three years after he had thus absconded, the report came to his wife that he was dead, having been drowned in crossing a river.  This report was probably manufactured for his own purposes, he having taken up his residence in the State of Kentucky, & married a second wife, his first wife still living in New York.
Sarah Durkee who was his first & only lawful wife, is now living in the State of New York and is a revolutionary pensioner.  Full proof of her marriage to Walter Tiffany is now on file in your office.
The object of this letter is to obtain for Widow Durkee & her children the Bounty Land to which they are entitled on account of the revolutionary services of Walter Tiffany.  A grant of Bounty Land has already
Page 34

been made to the children of Walter Tiffany by his second wife, but these children are of course illegitimate, his first wife & children being still alive, and residents of the State of New York.
I am Sir
Very Respectfully
Yr Obt Servt
Wm. B. Pierce
P. S.  It is possible that I may slightly err in the Statement of all the above facts as I have no memorandum at hand.  I write from memory alone, but a full narrative of said facts will be found among the papers of Sarah Durkee filed in the matter of her application for pension.
Page 35

10.802
Sally Durkee
N. Y.
Act 7th July '38
Addl
2 years
priv [illegible]
$100 per an.
 No. 6468 Also
Act Mar. 3d '43
No. 314
Act of June 17th '44
W. B. Pierce Esqr
Albany
N. Y.
Page 36

Sarah Gandal - Wife of John F. Gandal} 
Avery C. Tiffany - Walter Tiffany} only legitimate Children of Walter Tiffany
Warant prev'ly issued in 1837
Page 37

Albany Nov 4, 1844.
Sir,
I have this day forwarded to you in an accompanying package proofs supplemental and explanatory in the case of Sally Durkee.  As your reply, in this case, of the 26th ultimo involved some very grave suspicions, I would earnestly request that the present proofs may receive an early examination in order that justice may be awarded both to the claimant & myself.
I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
Your Ovt. Servant
Wm. B. Pierce
Honl. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 38

Honl. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington 
D. C.

July 10 1844
add proof
Sally Durkee
Page 39

In the matter of the application of}
Sally Durkee for pension under the}
act of July 7, 1838.}
Sir
I beg leave to call your attention to the fact that Joseph Miller, who lived & still lives in Lee, where  the above applicant was married, knew her husband Walter Tiffany & served with him in Sheldons Dragoons.  This together with the statement of the widow, is respectfully submitted in support of the above claim.
I am very respectfully
Your Mo Obt Serv
Wm. B Pierce

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 40

Sally Durkee
Page 41

Pension Office
October 20, 1844
Sir:
In the case of Sally Durkee, claiming for the services of her first husband Walter Tiffany as a private in Sheldon's Regiment of Cavalry, I would inform you that the rolls show but one soldier of that name in that Regiment who enlisted in 1778, for three years - reenlisted for the war and was discharged in June 1783.  According to the declaration and proof she was married to her first husband of the same name in January 1782, "after his service in the war", and consequently, by her own shewing her husband could not have been the soldier of the same name in the Dragoons, who belonged to Hebron in Connecticut, of whose height, hair, complexion, eyes and occupation a description is given-and whose heirs (residing in Kentucky) obtained his bounty-land, in 1837.
It is a matter requiring some explanation that such a claim so sustained should have been made to appropriate another service, as is clear from the exhibit before the Department.            Respectfully,
Your obt. servant.
J. L. Edwards

Wm. B. Pierce, Esqr.
Albany,
New York.
Page 42

Honl. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D. C.

10802 April 13 1844
Sally Durkee
7 July 1838

Hon B. Tappan
Senate U States
Page 43

In the matter of the application}
of Sally Durkee for pension under}
the Act of July 7. 1838.}
Albany April 10. 1844
Sir,
I would respectfully solicit your attention to the papers in support of the above claim.
The widow was married in 1783.  She proves her marriage by Town & family records supported by affidavits.
The service is proved by the certificate of the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut & by the statement of Joseph Willis a fellow soldier.
I am very respectfully
Yr Mo Obt Sevt
Wm B. Pierce

Honl. J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 44

Sally Durkee
Applicant for pension
Act July 7. 1838.
Supplemental.
Page 45

State of New York
Washington County ss.

Sally Durkee of Fort Edward County
and State aforesaid being duly sworn
deposes and says that Walter Tiffany left the service
of the United States sometime in the Summer, and in
the month of January afterwards was married to this deponent, that after he
left the said service he came to the town of Lee in
the State of Massachusetts where he then had a
Sister residing, at which place this deponent
first became acquainted with him. That his parents
resided at the town of Lyme in the State of Connecticut,
that at present she has no definite recollection of the
place of his enlistment. He served in Colonel Sheldens
Regt of Dagoons was in the battle of White Plains
when he received a wound. The said Walter Tiffany at
the time of his marriage with this deponent stated
his age to be Twenty five years his height was
about or mark Six feet of a complexion neither
remarkably light or dark with dark eyes and
dark hair --- That the said Walter Tiffany had
two Children Sally and Avery, that the said
Sally now resides in the town of Fort Edward
aforesaid and is the wife of John F Gandal, that
she is now in the Fifty ninth year of her age, that
Avery C Tiffany now resides in the town of Queensbury
in the County of Warren and State of New York and
is now in the fifty fourth year of his age, that at
the time Walter Tiffany came to the town of Lee he
had as she believes just returned from the service.
[signed] Sally Durkee

Subscribed and sworn
before me this 11th day
of June 1844.
[signed] Nicholas McIntyre Justice of the Peace }
Page 46

June 23 78 -3 years -Hebron Con: Farmer 55
inches light have

State of New York
Washington County ss⎬ 

I Henry Shipherd Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Nicholas McIntyre Esq. whose signature is affixed to the within [illegible] was at the time the same purports to have been made a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly elected and qualified and his said signature appears to be genuine

In testimony whereof I have here
unto subscribed my name and
affixed the seal of said County
this 22 day of May AD 1844
H. Shipherd Clerk
Page 47

Sally Durkee
Applicant for Pension
Act July 7, 1838

[addresse]
Ranson Hinman Esq
North Lee
Page 48

South Lee 29th March 1834

Dear Sir 
I received yours of the 28 instant in answer to which say that I was well acquainted with Walter Tiffinnay When a solder in the 2d Regiment Light Dragoons Commanded by Col Elisha Sheldon & can give any further inform
you may want concerning him
With due Respect Sir yours &c
Joseph Willis [signature]

Know Ye-
To whom it may concern, That I Ransom Hinman of Lee one of the Justices
of the Peace within, & for, the County of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts do hereby certify that the above letter is in the hand writing of said Joseph Willis, that I am well acquainted with him, he is a man of truth and veracity and that the above is in answer to a letter which I wrote him concerning Walter Tiffany's service in the war of the Revolution. Given under my hand this fifth day of April A.D. 1844
Ransom Hinman [signature]
Page 49

10802

Sally Durkee
New York

let to Hon B. Tappan May 25, 1844
Lett to W.B. Pierce, Oct 26. 44

Act July 7, 1838
Page 50

Walter Tiffany private Connecticut line - Pensioner Kentucky Roll

Inlisted on the 25 June 1778 for 3 years in Sheldons Dragoons, Connecticut line, and a short time before the expiration of said term, enlisted in the same corps for "during the
war" in the Compy commanded by Capt David Edgar, and was regularly discharged on the 23d June 1783  - and that his discharge was signed by Gen Washington
Page 51

Walter Tiffany

sent Regulations for his
heirs to
Hon J.R. Underwood
Page 52

Rev WIDOW, &c.
-------

File No. 19205-
Sally Durkee
Former wid of
Walter Tiffany
Dragn Rev. War

Act: March 3rd /43

Index: -- Vol. A, Page 201

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 53


8924
New York
==========
Sally Durkee
widow of Walter Tiffany
who was a pensioner under the Act of
and who died in the Autumn of 1791
of Washgton in the State of NY
who was a Dragoon in the Co
commanded by Captain --- in the Conn line for 2 years
==========
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany
at the rate of 100 Dollars & 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day
of March, 1836
==========
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of
Dec. 1844 and sent to W. R. Pierce
Albany NY

Total amount $_______

[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by F.J. Swann, Clerk,
Book D.  Vol. 1.  Page 153
Page 54

Walter Tiffany - Conn. Line - Sheldon
Bounty Land?


Land bounty was granted on the 14th Feby 1837, to the heirs of Walter Tiffany a Private of Sheldons Dragoons Connecticut Line-- Warrant delivered to the Hon. J.R. Underwood
Page 55

Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D. C
Page 56

In the matter of the application
of Sally Durkee, for a pension
under the Act of July 7, 1838
March 3, 1843 & June 17, 1844
Albany Nov 7. 1844

Albany Nov. 7, 1844

Sir
Before examination of the accompanying proofs in this claim, I would respectfully request that the papers already on file, may be again refered to, particularly the certificate of the Town Clerk of Lee, Mass which shows that Walter Tiffany & Sally Avery, were not published for marriage until the year 1783. Indeed the Town Clerk who published them, was not appointed to office until April 1783.  
The widows statement that she was married in January 1783 must therefore necessarily be incorrect.  Upon questioning the widow, as to the cause of her mistake, I find that she reported the time of her marriage from memory only, but upon comparing it with the record of the birth of her first child (which record was sent to Washington with her original papers) who was born in the spring of 1785, she at once perceived her error, and found that she was not married until the month of January 1784 instead of 1783. This she has set forth in her supplemental declaration herewith submitted.

Having seen Mrs Durkee and obtained her supplemental declaration just refered to & having become fully convinced that her statement is correct, I visited Lee, Mass & obtained the additional evidence now submitted. This evidence is perfectly conclusive, & will, I trust, be so esteemed upon examination thereof. Joseph Willas (whose affidavit is in-
Page 57

included) served with Walter Tiffany in Sheldon's Dragoons more than three years, and after the war moved to Lee, Mass and saw Walter Tiffany in jail in the neighboring town of Great Barrington, & then ascertained that he had married Sally Avery of Lee, the present applicant. This was in 1786.
The fact of this marriage is fully corroborated
by the other witnesses-

It only remains to account for the claim for Bounty Land made in 1837 by Walter Tiffany's heirs in Kentucky.  I at first thought that this claim was a forgery, but upon further inquiry I am led to suspect that after Walter Tiffany forsook his wife & family & moved to the West, he married again & had a second family. It is true, a report came to the widow that he was dead & that he died in the State of Pennsylvania, which she believed &
& believing, was married again, but this report might have been false.  He was then a young man. He committed a number of crimes, and was obliged to make his escape to avoid the penalties of the law. His wife would not accompany him, but prefered to support herself & family by keeping school in Fort Edward N.Y.  - I do not doubt that he sent her the report that he was dead & married again. At all events, I shall be happy to be so convinced, to avoid the otherwise inevitable conclusion, that the claim for land from Kentucky, is a forgery, for it is very clear me that Walter Tiffany, who served in Sheldons Dragoons was the
Page 58

husband of the present applicant.

The family of the applicant, Widow Durkee, living in & near Fort Edward, are among the most respectable citizens of that vicinity. They promise to furnish abundant proof to sustain the widows declaration, from those who have heard her story, & have known
her history for more than fifty years. Being impatient set this matter right. I have not waited for them to collect this testimony, but send that already obtained which will, I trust, be deemed abundant & conclusive. The remainder I will submit as soon as received.

Had I been able to have seen Mrs Durkee the applicant, before preparing her original papers, the errors therein might not have
occurred, as I should have inquired of her, how she remembered that her marriage was in January 1782, but as applicants live at a distance from me. I see very few of those
who apply for my assistance in obtaining their pensions. I send lists of questions, and upon their answers prepare their papers.  These answers are some times given or written carelessly and hence mistakes.  Such is the case in the present instance, but I trust that the corrections will be deemed satisfactory.

I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
Your ObSrvt
Wm B Pierce


Hon J.L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Page 59

Scottville Ky
Apr 7

Free [postage]

Agent Pension Office
War department
Washington City
D. Columbia

Official
Documents
Page 60

Scottville Ky. April 6. 1835

Dear Sir
Inclosed I send you my Mother's petition for bounty land.  When the Warrant shall be issued, please it to me, I am her atty - as you will see
from the papers.

Walter C. Tiffany [signature]