Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 14703, for Solomon Tift, Rhode Island
Page 1

(Printed form)
Service                          Number
(Handwritten)
PT          Tift, Solomon  S14703
Carded
(Printed) 
Contents
Page 2

(Handwritten entry, left side)

1892 Apr, 3 Hist  
to E Briggs
Voluntown Conn

(Handwritten entries on a printed page, right side)
9264
Connecticut
Solomon Tift
of Grton in the State of Conn 
who was a pri in the  Conn command
by Captain Co of the Reg command
by Col Gardner in the Conn
line for Nate Troops 12 mo

Incribed on the Roll of Conn
at the rate of 40 Dollars 00 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834

Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of  April
1833 and sent [illegible]
N. Barber. Groton Con
Arrears to the 4th of March: 33         $80.00
Semi-anl allowance ending Sept, 33   20.00
                                                         $100.00
{Revolutionary Claim
 Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by E S Bullock Clerk
Book E Vol. 3 Page 43
Page 3

(handwritten entry top of left page)
obj 5 & 14
do not appear to have been [illegible] in this
case

(handwritten entery bottom of left page)
Hon N Barber
Hon R[illegible]
Page 4

(Printed page with handwritten entries)
Brief in the case of Solomon Tift - County of New London in the State of Conn
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court of Judge? Court
2. If befoe a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 74 years
4. State his service, as directed in the formal annexed.
Period.
In 1777 March
1778m July
Duration of Service.
Years, Months, Days
[illegible strikethrough]
3
9
__
12
Rank.
As a Private
inlisted
Name sof General and Field Officers under whom he served.
Gen. 
Capt Gardener
" Wash
5. In what battles was he engaged?
6. Where did he reside whenhe entered the service? South Kingston [strikethrough Florington] Rhode Island
7. Is his statement supported by living wittmesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental eveidence, or by the rolls? Two living Wittnesses - Traditionary Evidence -
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? No [illegible] to Seal of the Clerk
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
P. Luce Examining Clerk
Page 5

State of Connecticut

Court of New London

On this 30th day of August AD 1832 personally appears in ... Court ... the City Court of the City of New London now sitting Solomon Tift a resident of Groton in the County of New London and State of Connecticut ... four years who being ... according to ... on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress ... of 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following ... office and served as herein stated. That in the month of March 1777 at South Kingston in the State of Rhode Island he enlisted into an independent company belonging to the Regiment commanded by Colonel John Gardner. Barber Peckham was Ensign in the company and there were three independent companies which ... Gardners Regiment that the terms of enlistment were such that all the members of the companies were to hold themselves in readiness for service at any time at a minutes warning but were not to be marched out of the State nor be subject to any draft, that the company was called into service and that he served in the company as various ... the time of his enlistment and the time of his discharge one year, that he enlisted for the term of the year and a half
Page 6

(handwritten entry)
from the inhabitants. during the same term offensive the British ship Cyrene(sic) of 28 guns and armor Brig & a Schooner came ashore in the night at the Point Judith from which we succeeded in offering many untidy offences after which the enemy came from Rhode Island and burnt them.

That afterwards in the month of July 1778 he enlisted at Fort Kingston into Capt Wests company for the term of nine months. the officers of the company were Capt West Lieut West and Ensign Tim Pickham that the company belonged to [illegible] Regiment soon after his enlistment he marched with the company from Little Rest to Providence and from thence with the army under Genl Sullivan to Tiverton from thence the army on the 9th of August crop inland ferry and landed on the Island of Rhode Island from whince they moved nearer to Newport and besiged that place with the intention of making an attack so soon as the French fleet under D Estaing (sic) should return, which [illegible] a sailor from Newport on the appearance of  the English fleet and here driven to sea by a gale. after the french (sic) fleet returned intent of aiding the American army under Sullivan they shortly sails from Boston. and Genl Sullivan's march [illegible] to raise the seige. That he was in the batlle of the 29th August wherein the american (sic) army compelled the enemy to retreat. and the next day abandoned the island without loss. Genl Cornell (sic) commanded the Rhode Island Brigade
Page 7

(handwriten entry)
That he was born at South Kington in the State of Rhode Island May 28th 1758. That has a [illegible] of his age in his family bible That he was living at South Kingston when called into service. that he removed to groton fifty two years since where he has since lived and now lives. that he entered the service by enlistment. he  now recollects to have [illegible]his discharges from service which he has lost - [illegible] never [illegible] any commision. That he has no documentary evidence but Daniel Tift can testify as to his service as stated herein
That he is well known to Rev Roswell Burrowsand Samuel Edgecomb & Joseph Burrows who can testify as to his character for veracity and the belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution. He herby relinquishes every claim what ever to a pension or annuity except the present and declairs that his name is not on the pension role of the agency of any state.
Sworn to and subscribed this day and your affirmed
[illegiblesignature] Clerk
His
Solomon (x for his mark) Tift
mark


Rev Roswell Burrows a clergyman residing in the Town of Groton and Samuel Edgecomb residing in the same place herby certify that we are well acquainted with Solomon Tift of the Town of Groton who has subscribed andsworm to the above declairation the we believe him to be seventy four years of age the he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion sworm and subscribed this day & you affirmed
[illegible signature] Clerk
Roswell Burrows
Samuel Edgecomb
Page 8

and the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter which after putting the interrigation prescribed by the War Department that the [illegible] applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Roswell Burrows who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the Town of Grotonand that Sammuel Edgecomb and Joseph Burrows who have also signed the same is a resident in said Groton and are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit
I Corllium F Bruinard Clerk of the City Court of the City of New London do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Solomon Tift for pension
(vertical writing on right edge of the page: S Tift)
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and the seal of said City Court this 30th day of August AD 1832
(signed) Corllium F Bruinard Clerk

(vertical writing on the bottom right Solomon Tift
19.290
Page 9

(printed letterhead with logo and typed letter to follow, initials in top left corner look to be SK)
OFFICE OF
AUDITOR FOR INTERIOR DEPARTMENT
IN REPLYING QUOTE INITIALS

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON
October 7, 1915

The Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir:
In reply to your letter of the twenty third ultimo you are informed that according to the latest account rendered by the U.S. Pension Agent, at Hartford, Conn., the records of this office show last payment to have been made in the case of (strikethrough xxx) Solomon Tift, Private, Army Rev., certificate No. 9264, at $40.00 per  (strikethrough xxxxxxxx) annum, to December 2, 1850, the date of his death, to Jeremiah Brown, Attorney for Joseph Crumb, Administrator.
He left no widow, but the following named children
Eunice Crumb,
Phebe Chipman,
Betsey Benham,
Mary Briggs,
Sally Capwell,
Nancy Capwell,
Abbyline Starr, and
Solomon Tift.

Letter herewith returned.
Resectfully,
[illegible signature]
Acting Audito
[illegible scribble]
(strikethrough By)
(strikethrough Deputy Auditor)

Form 3577.
Ed. Jan. 24-11-2,000.
Page 10


Rev. & 1812 Wars Section 
Mcs/eel
January 16, 1929
Trenton Printz
Moulton 
Iowa 
Sir: 
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 14703, it appears that Solomon Tift was born May 28, 1758, in South Kingston, Rhode Island. 
While a resident of said place he enlisted early in March, 1777, and served at various times until July, 1776 [1778 written above], amounting to one year in all, as a private in Colonel John Gardner's Rhode Island Regiment. He enlisted in July, 1778, and served nine months as a private in Captain West's Company in Colonel Topham's Rhode Island Regiment; he went with General Sullivan on his expedition to Rhode Island and was in the battle of Rhode Island. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 30, 1832, at which time he was living in Groton, New London County, Connecticut. 
He died December 2, 1850, leaving no widow. 
Dec 3rd Aut Report at back
Page 11

He left the following children: Eunice Crumb, Phebe Chipman, Betsey Behnam, Mary briggs, Sally Capwell, Nancy Capwell, Abbyline Starr and Solomon Tift.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 12

Rev. & 1812 War Section
July 26, 1928
(initialled WCS in upper right corner)

Luella W. MacKenzie
Moulton
Iowa

Madam:

I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War
pension claim, S. 14703, it appears that SOLOMON TIFT was born
May 28, 1758, in South Kingston, Rhode Island,
While a resident of said place he enlisted early in March,
1777, and served at various times until July, 1778, amounting to
one year in all, as a private in Colonel John Gardner's Rhode
Island Regiment. He enlisted in July, 1778, and served nine months
as a private in Captain West's Company in Colonel Topham's Rhode
Island Regiment; he went with General Sullivan on his expedition
to Rhode Island and was in the battle of Rhode Island.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 30,
1832, at which time he was living in Groton, New London County,
Connecticut.
He died December 2, 1850, leaving no widow.
He left the following children: Eunice Crumb, Phebe Chipman,
Betsey Bonham, Mary Briggs, Sally Capwell, Nancy Capwell, Abbyline
Starr and Solomon Tift.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Comissier
Page 13

Rev. & 1812 Wars
Section.
April 1, 1927.
(initialled in upper right)

Mr. Howard W. Preston,
98 Westminster St.
Providence, R. I.

Sir:

I have to advise you, that the Revolutionary War records
of this bureau fail to afford information in regard to a Solomon
Tift, or Teft, or similar name, who lived at Mystic, Connection
the only Revolutionary pensioner, Solomon Tift was a resiment
of South Kingston and Groton, Connecticut and you had
photostat copies of the papers in his pension claim, April 10,
1926.
If you again desire copies of those papers they will be
furnished at the rate of fifteen cents a page, with twenty-
five cents extra for certification, if that is wished.
The number of pages to be copied is sixteen.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this bureau, by
money order or certified check, drawn to the order of the
Secretary of the Interior, ( not to the order of the Commissioner
of Pensions.

Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner.

Send
his [illegible] 1832 & 1833
of Daniel Tefts
of G. Lillibridge
Auditors report
pages
8
4
3
1
---
16
Page 14

Moulton Iowa Apr 3/28 
Pension Bureau Revolution
The State of Connecticut list
Solomon Tift as a Rev
Pensioner residing in
New London Co- 1832
In 1840 - resided in Groton
aged 82 -
Will you please give
me copy of Solomon Tifts
pension claim
children & name of his wife
& date - needed for D.A.R.
Thanking you in advance
Yours Truly
Trenton Pricetz
Moulton Iowa
Page 15

OFFICE OF THE
SECRETARY
Bureau of Records
Pension Office
Washington, D.C.

98 Westminster Street
Providence, R. I.
March 29, 1927.

Gentlemen:-

Will you kindly inform me the expense
with certification of photostating all the papers
in the pension claims of Solomon Tift or Teft, a
Revolutionary Pensioner of Mystic, Connecticut.
Yours very truly
Howard W. Preston
Secretary

(Stamped U. S. Pension Office Mar 31 1927)
Page 16

(handwritten entry)
Moulton-Iowa Sept 27-27
To Bureau of Pensions
Will you kindly send me a copy of Solomon Tifft or Tift &c pension papers-
I would like to find the names of his children & to whom married & name of his wife-
Droper in compensation of Comm- pensions gives file no s.14703 in Pension Bureau at Washington =(Solomon Tift) (Tofft or Tifft) s. 14703 page 551
I will greatly - appreciate this from - And would like to know if Aaron Preston was a pensioner
Page 17

(handwritten second page of letter)
2

Aaron Preston was [illegible]
Comm-may be of R.I.
I am trying to get a D.[illegible]=here & certainly will be glad to get any [illegible] from your office
I am yours sincerely
Luella Nord Mackenzie
Page 18

3-223
113
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
March 30, 1926
Chief Rev Sec. [crossed out: Division.]
I have this day received from Preston and Rounds for Howard W. Preston M.O. No. 694304
For $2.65, requesting
Photostat copy} as per
[crossed out: post office address]
Letter herewith.
1925 Apr. 10
Photos mailed 
& Finance Div
Notif aw
O. J. RANDALL
Chief Finance Div.
H.C.L.
SOCIETY OF COLONIAL WARS
IN THE
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
OFFICE OF SECRETARY
98 WESTMINSTER STREET
PROVIDENCE, R.I.
Page 19

3-2006
Request for Photostating Ex. Aw
(to be prepared in duplicate)
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF CLERK
Job No. 3186  Date Apr. 3.26
Subject Solomon Tift Rev 14703
1 copies of 7 pieces consisting of 16 pages to be forwarded when completed to the Rev & 1812 Wars Section.
Remarks: [null]
Approved:
A E Wilson Chief Sect.
Page 20

March 26, 1926
[Bureau stamp] FINANCE DIVISION MAR 30 1926 BUREAU OF PENSIONS

Dear Sir:
I desire photostat copies of the Papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 14703 of Solomon Tift, sixteen pages and certification for which I enclose a money order for $2.65. 
Kindly forward and oblige. 
Yours very truly,
Howard W. Preston
Secretary
98 Westminster Street
Providence R.I.

HWP-ML 
Winfield Scott, Commissioner 
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section 
Bureau of Pensions 
Washington, D. C. 

SOCIETY OF COLONIAL WARS
IN THE 
STATE OF RHODE IS LAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATORS 
OFFICE OF SECRETARY 
98 WESTMINSTER STREET 
PROVIDENCE, R.I.
Page 21

[top right corner initials] aw
March 25, 1926.
Howard W. Preston, 
98 Westminster St. 
Providence, R. I. 
Sir: 
I have to advise you, that if you wish photostat copies of the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 14703, of Solomon Tift, the same will be furnished you, at the rate of fifteen cents a page, with twenty five cents extra for certification, if that is desired. The number of pages to be copied is sixteen. The proper amount should be forwarded to this Bureau by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior. 
Respectfully, 
WINFIELD SCOTT, 
Commissioner.
Page 22

[state of RI letterhead]
March 23, 1926.
Dear Sir:
Will you kindly inform me the charge for photostating all the papers filed in the claim of Solomon Tift S14703 and oblige.
Yours very truly,
Howard W. Preston
HWP-ML
Winfield Scott Esq.
Commissioner Rev. & 1812 War Sec.
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

[handwritten note on right side]
Former letters have given full address as Providence R.I.

[handwritten bottom left corner] 16 pages
Page 23

[top left corner]
HOWARD W. PRESTON
PREST. AND TREAS.
[middle top of page]
F. WALTON LOVELL
ASST. TREAS.
[top right corner]
HOWARD L. WHEELER
SECY.
[handwritten] [checkmark] prev. sec
PRESTON & ROUNDS COMPANY,
BOOKSELLERS AND STATIONERS
PROVIDENCE, R.I. Sept. 18th, 1915
Revolutionary Record Division, 
Pension Bureau,
Dept. of the Interior,
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen; -
Will you kindly give me what information you have concerning the birth, parentage and military services and family of Solomon Tift of Grater who was placed on the pension roll April 18th [illegible] and pension commenced March 4, [illegible] and oblige.
Very truly yours, 
Howard W. Preston
[checkmark]
Page 24

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S.
WASHINGTON, D.C. April 8 1892.

My Dear Filer,
Enclosed is another request for Revolutionary information from Mr Briggs. Kindly look it up and have letter written to me.

Yours with regards
Charles A. Russell
Page 25

(handwritten letter on printed letterhead)
IRA G.BRIGGS, President
EZRA BRIGGS, Treasurer
The Briggs Manufacturing Co.
MANUFACTURERES OF
SATEENS AND TWILLS
ALSO WHITE OR COLORED, SINGLE OR DOUOBLE COTTON YARNS
DRESSED WARPS S SPECIALTY
Telegraph Address
NORWICH, CON.
Freight Depot
JEWETT CITY, CONN.
Johnstown, Conn., April 4th 1892

Hon Chas A. Russell
Washington D.C.} Dear Sir
Your favor of 26th Sept with the information desired from Pension office was duly read and myself and brothers are much pleased.
As it seems to not be much trouble to get such information I will venture to trespass upon you further [illegible SS maybe so sorry] I said before, my sons, myself and some of my brothers think joining the Sons of the Revolution and wish to get all the information possible about the military services of our ancestors
1st Solomon Trift was born in Rhode Island near to Groton New London County Conn when a when a young man. Early in the war he served on the water and later in the army He is said to have been in the fights at Fort Griswold when the fort was taken and New London burned,  was taken prisoner and confined by the Brittish inb the old "Jersey prison ship" near New York. He lived at Groton Conn and drew pension many years before he died. 2nd Barzilla Knight o soldier of the Revolution. He lived in Cranston or Scituate R.I. Providence County and drew pension several years
Page 26

I would like to know when and from what state these 2 men enlisted in whos Co's and regiments they served. How long they served, when pension was granted as at what rate per month. Also what offices they held if any and any other  pension paters may show. informastion that these
Now friend Russell if you will procure this information for me you will confer a great favor and I will not trouble you again future time
Very Truly Yours
Ezra Briggs
Page 27

(printed form with handwritten entries, Stamped: OFFICE AUDITOR INTERIOR DEPT.
SEP 24 1915 DATE RECEIVED)

3-397.
(Old No. [illegible])
Department of the Interiors,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D.C. Sept. 23, 1915(strikethrough 0) 

Rev. Records (strikethrough Division) Action
S.F. No. 14703
Solomon Tift
Rev. War
V.L.K, Ex'r.

SIR:
For use in above-mentioned claim for pension, you are requested to furnish this Bureau with a report in the case of Solomon Tift pension under the Act of June 7, 1832 by certificate No. 9264, issued Apr. 18, 1833. $40. per annum, from Mch 4, 1832, Comm. Agency, showing date of death, date of last payment of pension and to whom paid.
Very respectfully,
G W Saltzgaber
Page 28

[left side]
May 12 190[illegible] Carolina Noyes Mystic, Conn.
1915 Sept. 23 Hist to Howard W. Preston. V.L.M. and for Int. Dept for date of last payment &c
1926 Apr. 10 photos. Mailed to Howard W. Preston aw
1927 Apr. H.W. Preston of cost of copies etc.
1928 July 26 hist to Luella W. Mackenzie M.C.S
1929 Jan. 16 hist to Trenton Printz M[illegible]

[right side]
Revolution
14703
INVALID.	
File No. 14,703
Solomon Tif(t)
Priv. Rev. War
Act: June 7th 1832
Index:- Vol. 1, Page 376
[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 29

State of Connecticut
County of New London } sb
On this 4th day of February AD 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the City Court of the City of New London now sitting Solomon Tift a resedent of Groton in the County of New Londonand State of Connecticut aged Seventy four years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declarations in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress papers June 7th ad 1832 which declaration is in addition to reacplication hi declaration of the 30th August last
That he [illegible] the service of the United States and service as follows
1777 As South Kingston in Rhode Island early in March 1777 Col John Gardner of said [illegible] an Independent Company called the Kingston [illegible] of which he the said [illegible] was the captain John Wait Lieut of Little Rest (afterwards Captain of said Company) and Timothy Peckham was Ensign. in my former application I state that Barker Peckham was Ensign which was [illegible]. Barker Peckham was Ensign in Capt Wets company in 1778 but Timothy Peckham was Ensign in the Independent Compy This company, a company raised at Greenwich called the [illegible] guards. and a cmpany called the [illegible] formed on Regiment of which Col Gardner has the command. That he the said Tift enlisted into said comapny in March 1777. That immediately afterwards said company was called into a [illegible] and marched to Point Judith to guard the inhabitants against the [illegible] of Capt Wallace. That said company were stationed at Point Judith at least three month and even then in the month of June or  [illegible] at [illegible] sometime in September
Page 30

when a consiquence of the frequest landings and [illegible] from the enemys gained ship said company was ordered to Rhode Island South Ferry and was the stationed until sometime in November following that from the time he enlisted into the company is march [illegible] the company was discharged in November his service was constant and uninterrupted. that from the month of November 1777 when he enlisted with the nine months service in July 1778 he was frequently called into service to guard the [illegible] of the State and remembers that in March 1778 said company was stationed at Greenwich for an and that he was there in sservice one month but cannot state more definitely the other terms of service he performed in said independent company but has no doubt his service terms amount to at least one years service in said Independent Copmpany. The said Tift further acclaims that he has made great efforts to obtain testimony in which to this part of his service. that he has twice performed [illegible] (once before and once since his former application) to South Kingston Little Rest & Tomer Hill in Rhode Island but has not succeeded in finding any survivors of thie service except David Teft (whose testimony was formed with his former applicaton and which it now amends as required in the secretary instructions) and Timothy Peckham of South Kingston who is now about ninety years of age from when the said Teft has expected the obtain further testimony but found him so [illegible] by age and infirmity and his mind so much impaired that he could not remember any particulary of the service of the individuals who [illegible]
Page 31


1778.
That sometime in the month of July 1778 he enlisted at South Kingston into the company of Capt West for nine months Capt Wests brother was Lieut of the company and Barber Peckham (not Timothy Peckham as before stated) was Ensign. the company belonged to Col Topham's Regiment
Soon after his enlistment said company marched as before state to Little Rest Providence & Tiverton & crossed onto Rhode Island. That after the battle of the 29th August he returned with said company to Tiverton where he was stationed during the winter following and that his term of service expired in the spring of 1779 while stationed at Tiverton he performed duty a considerable portion of the time in a great boat around the northend of the Island thence down to Howlands ferry and as high up as Bristol. that he was in service constantly & without interruption for the term of nine months twas discharged at Tiverton & rec a written discharge which he has lost. That Gideon Sillebridge of South Kingston was in service in Dyers Regiment during a portion of the time while your declaimant belongs to Tophams Regiment and can testify on the subject. Daniel Teft also remembers that yourdeclaiment was in the service as well as the service in Col Gardeners Regt I saw your declaimants discharge from the nine months service and to [illegible] it his depoistion.
Sworn to and subscribed to the day and year aforesaid
Wm F Brainard Clerk
Solomon Tift his x mark
Page 32

I William F Brainard Clerk of the City Court of
the City of New London do hereby certify that the
foregoing contains the original proceedings
of the said Court in the matter of the
application of Solomon Tift in additionto
and explaination of his application
of the 30th August AD 1832 for a pension
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and
the seal of said City Court
this 4th day of February
AD 1833
Wm F Brainard

Clerk
Page 33

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington Sc. Daniel Tefft of South Kingston in the County aforesaaid aged
Seventy six years
and engaged according to
law, testifies and says-
That Solomon Tefft, now of the Town of Groton in the
County of New London, and State of Connecticut, was,
in the time of the Revolutionary War, with him the
said Daniel, at the same time, (and in actual service
for the term of one year) a number of an Independent
company which was formed in the Town of South Kingston
in the County of Kings County (now Washington) which
company was at one time, during the War,
stationed at East Greenwich (in this State) one month
That afterwards, the said Solomon enlisted into the
nine months service (so called) in the Regiment under the
command of Col. Topkam, and that the said
Solomon remained in said service during the term
aforesaid. and that he perfectly recollects seeing thesaid Solomon's discharge, on his return from said nine
months servicehis

[illegible] Benj. Hull
Daniel Teft his x signature

Washington Sc. At South Kingston, Any 25th 1832-
Personally came Daniel Tefft the aforesaid Deponent
and made solemn affirmation to the truth of theforegoing Deposition, by him signed - "And I herebycertify that said Daniel Test is a credible witness"
Before me Benj. Hull Just. Peace
Page 34


State of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations

Clerks Office Court Common pleas
& General Sessions of the Peace Sept 14
AD. 1832
I Samuel Helme Clerk of the Court Aforesaid
do hereby certify that Benjamin Hull Esqr
whose signature is hereto affixed is a Justice of the Peace for
the Town of South Kingstown Legally Chosen Commissioned
and qualified as the Law requires that full faith & credit
ought to be given to his attestation throughout the United States of America. I further certify that I will acquainted with
Benj. Hull Esq and say that the signature within is the hand writing
In Witness whereof I have set my hand & seal of office the
day aforewritten

Saml Helme Clk

court seal 25 C
postage 6
31.C
.
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Washington Sc. I hereby certify that the within [illegible], viz "Seventy six years" and "and
I hereby certify that said Daniel Tift is a credible
Witness," were done by me, the latter on suggesting
of the Counsel for Solomon Test; and the former
in consequence of the papers being sent back for want
of the [illegible] of said Daniel Teft being [illegible]
I further certify that said Daniel Teft states his age at the time he gave his deposition, and
that it was an omission of mine, it not being
inserted-- South Kingston Jany 10th 1833
Benj. Hull Just. Peace
Page 35

Daniel Teft of South Kingston, in the County of
Washington and State of Rhode Island, and engaged
according to law testifies and says-
That he was seventy seven years of age, the 14th of
August 1832 -- That Solomon Test (then of South
Kingston now of the town of Groton, in the State of
Connecticut, was in the time of the Revolutionary War,
with him the said Daniel and at the same time in
actual service for the term of one year, a member of
an Independent company which was formed and in the Town of
South Kingston in the County of Washington (then Kings
County, in Gardeners Regiment; the precise year he does not
remember-- which company was at one time stationed
at East Greenwich, one month. After which said Solomon
enlisted into this nine months service (so called) in the
Regiment commanded by Col. Topham and that said
Solomon remained in said service during the term aforesaid
He also recollects that while he and Solomon Teft belonged to
said Independent Company they were called into service seven
at times; one of which was at Point Judith, about one
month, as nearly as he can remember-- Also remembers
that Solomon Tift and he were together at Boston Neck to
guard against the landing from the vessel of Capt. Willam
and that as the times have long since [illegible], and he having always been totally destitute of [illegible] he is now
able to state precisely the month or years in which
the aforegoing transpired-- But that he perfectly [illegible] serving the said Solomon's Discharge, when he returned
from said nine months Service - Daniel Tift
[illegible] Ben Hill}
Page 36

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington County SC. South Kingston Jany 28th 1833
Personally appeared the aforenamed Daniel
left, and before deposing as aforesaid, was by me, carefully cautioned, examined and affirmed to testify the
truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth
and gave the aforegoing Deposition which was reduced
to writing by me in his presence, and he signed the same
in my presence. And I further certify that the
said Deponent is well known to me, and that he
sustains a fair character for truth, and that his deposition is entitled to credit-
Benj. Hull Just. Peace
State of Rhode Island & Providence
Plantations
Washington Sc
ture to his hand
Clerks Office Court Common pleas
& General Sessions of the Peace
I Samuel Helms Clerk of the Courts Aforesaid
do hereby certify that Benjamin Hall Esq.
whose certificate is hereto prefixed is a Justice
of the Peace for the Town of South Kingstown

Legally chosen and qualified as the Law requires
that full faith & credit ought to be given to
his attestation throughout the United States of America. I also certify certify that I am well acquainted with
the hand writing of Mr Hull & pronounce the signature
to be his hand writing in Testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & Seal
offer this Twenty Ninth day of Jany 1833
Saml Helme Clk
Page 37

Gideon Lillibridge
Deposition
Page 38

Solomon Tift
19.290
Page 39

The Deposition of Gideon Lillibridge of South Kingston in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island of lawful age on oath testifies & says
That I am 78 years of age & in my 79 year
That in year 1778 I was on the Island of Rhode Island as a soldier in the expedition under General Sullivan and saw said Solomon Tefft then as a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Topham and know
that he served then. I was under Captain Babcock
in Col. Dyers Regiment and held various conversation
with said Solomon Teft as he had & did live in the same
South Kingston with me. I staid on said
Rhode Island in said expedition about one month
and he staid there all the time I staid, serving in
said Tophams Regiment as a private and when I 
came off said Island I left said Solomon Teft
there. Gideon Lillibridge
Page 40

State of Rhode Island
Washington County} South Kingston January 12th 1832
Personally appeared the written named Gideon Lillibridge and before [illegible] as aforesaid was by me carefullycautioned examined and sworn to testify to the truth the whole truth and nothing but the trust and then gave the written Deposition which was reduced to writing by me in his presence and he signed the same in my presence
And I further certify that the said Deponent is well
known to me and that he sustains a fair charain
for truth and  socity and that his Depositiont [illegible]
is full & implicit credit

Wilkins Updike Justice of the Peace
State of Rhode Island & Providence
Plantations
Washington DC } Clerks Office Court Common [illegible] Gen. Sessions of the Peace
I Samuel Helme Clerk of the Courts Apres
do hereby certify that Wilkins Updike Esqr

whose certificate is hereto [illegible] is a
Justice of the peace for the Town of South
Kingstown legally chosen and qualified as
the Law requires that full faith and credit
ought to be given to his attestation throughout the United States of America
I also certify that the signature is his hand
Page 41

Working in Testimony whereof I have hereto set
my hand & affixed my Seal of Office this Twelfth
day of January AD. 1833
Sam.(Samuel) Helme Clk (Clerk)
Page 42

Solomon Tift
5.13 14 15 
Rev private
$40
Hon N Barber
[illegible]
Groton
Ct (Connecticut)
[illegible] N. Barber

p 174

3mo
4
2
1
--
10
Page 43

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those
answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Solomon Tift which require
further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason
assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?
V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he
served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout of pension
he is entitled? No - the duration of each must be distinctly stated
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of
June 7, 1832?
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished
from any other seal?
Page 44

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he state in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
I should appear whether there are survivors and [illegible]
The best evidence must be produced.
XIV. If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?
The certificate of credibly appears to have been inlisted by another hand
the seal of the court contains no
device which proves its authenticity
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age,
as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
No
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And,
if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how
long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being
duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he
cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection
he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For
year months
and -days, I served as a . For months
and days, I served as a ; and for such service I claim a pension."
Page 45

3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits
the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which be belonged. The magistrate who may administer
the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authentialing papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Page 46

Solomon Tift
19290