Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 11,646, for Jacob Safford, Vermont
Page 1

(3-1776)
[column headings: SERVICE|[blank]|NUMBER|]
Continental (Vt.)|Safford, Jacob|W. 11,646|
Green Mt. Boys|Tompkins, Elizabeth|B.L.Wt. 102304-160-55|
[end of columns]
Former widow
CONTENTS
Page 2

319442 Act Mch 3/55
Dec 5/63
Elizabeth Tompkins for wid of Jacob Safford Ensign
102304, Iss'd Dec, 5/63
Revolution
Allowed 160 acres, 
L. M. Drury
Examiner 
Dec. 5, 1863. 
Damon E. Cheney
Orange Mass.
Page 3

7172. A.
New York.
Elizabeth Tompkins, formerly widow of Jacob Safford Vt who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Sergt & Ensign.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 197 dollars 33 cents per annum, to commence on the ['3rd February' crossed out] 14 January, 185['3' crossed out] 7. 
Certificate of Pension issued 4" day of December, and sent to D. E. Cheney, Present. 
Sent Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under [illegible: damaged paper]
Page 4

[verso]
9307
Vermont
Jacob Safford of Bennington in the State of Ver who was a Ser't in the Comp commanded by Captain Hopkins of the Reg commanded by Warner in the rev line for 8 mo & 6 dys- 
Ensign 1. ye's 3 mo 14 dys
Gen Stark
______
Inscribed on the Roll of Ver at the rate of 197 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 
______
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 day of May 1833 and sent. Hiland Hall, Bennington. Vt.
______
Arrears to the 4th of March '33 $394.66
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep 4 '33 98.66
$493.32
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by E. D. Bullock Clerk,
Book E Vol. 3 Page 90

[recto]
Let. Hon H. Hall Aug 1. 1834
E7 [illegible]
Page 5

['190+40+2.66=232.66' crossed out]
150+2.39+40=192.33+2.60=194.66
1 yr. 3 mo 14 days
Ensign
8.16 ['private' crossed out] Sergeant
$197.33
Hon Hiland Hall
Bennington Vt
Page 6

No 4568
[illegible numbers]
Page 7

BRIEF in the case of Jacob Safford of Bennington County of Bennington in the State of Vermont
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Judge
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? It does
3. How old is he? 79
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
[column headings: Period.|Duration of Service.(Years,|Months,|Days.)|Rank. As a|Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Gen.|]
May In 1775||([blank]|2 or 3|Weeks)|Private|Col. Allen & Col. Arnold|
Sept " |([blank]|5|Months})|do|Capt Hopkins. Col Warner|
July 1776|([blank]|5|[blank]})|[blank]|Genl Montgomery|
Jany 1777|*{(1.|7|[blank])}|Sergeant|Capt Hopkins Col Warner|
Augt 1778|*{(1|4|[blank])}|Ensign|Genl Stark|
[end of columns]
5. In what battles was he engaged? Ticonderoga, Longate St Johns Bennington
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Bennington Vermont
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? 
Documentary for his services as Ensign & Living for services in 1777 - His own Declaration for Balance
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? - Defective for not having the certificate of the magistrate as to the credibility of the Witnesses
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned. 
*he makes these periods only 23 or 24 months
/s/Jas Wilson 
Examining Clerk.
Page 8

Widows Claim for Pension
Act. 2nd Section Feb 3d 1853. 
Mrs. Elizabeth Tompkins. 
Widow of Jacob Safford. Ensign
Revolutionary War.
Damon E. Cheney
Attorney - Orange, Mass.
Page 9

State of New York Saratoga ss. 
On this twelfth day of November A.D. 1863 personally appeared before me Judge of the Probate Court for the County of Saratoga in the State of New York, Mrs. Elizabeth Tompkins a resident of Half Moon, in the County and State aforesaid aged Eighty Seven years, who first being sworn according to law, doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress on the 3d of February 1853. 2d Section, granting Pensions to Widows, of persons who served in the Revolutionary War. that she was formally the widow of Jacob Safford deceased who was an Ensign in Col. Seth Warner's Regt. of Vermont Troops, and who drew a pension untill he died, at the Agency in the State of Vermont. 
For evidence of the service of her said Husband, she makes reference to her said Husbands Decleration for a Pension Act June 7th 1832. 
She further states that she was married to the said Jacob Safford at Bennington Vt. on the 14th day of February 1828. by Solomon Safford a Justice of the Peace, that her name before her said marriage was Elizabeth Thurston, that her said Husband died in Bennington Vt. on the 27th day of May 1833. 
That She was subsequently married on the 10th day of March 1848. in the town of Half Moon, County of Saratoga and State of New York to Robert Tompkins, that the said Robert Tompkins died in Half Moon aforesaid on the 14th day of January 1857. That she has made diligent search and no public or private Records of her marriages
Page 10

Robert Tompkins died in Half Moon aforesaid on the 14th day of January 1857. That she has made diligent search and no public or private Records of her marriages or of her Husband's death can be found. 
[court seal affixed] She makes the declaration for the purpose of obtaining the ['Bounty Land' crossed out] Pension to which she is entitled under the act of ['March' crossed out] Feby 3d, 1853 ['and May 14, 1856, never having received Bounty Land, or knowing that she is entitled except for the above service,' crossed out] and she hereby constitutes and appoints Damon E. Cheney of Orange Mass. her attorney with power of substitution, to prosecute her claim and procure her warrant. Hereby authorizing and empowering her said attorney to obtain from the proper authorities at Washington City, or elsewhere, certified copies of any Army or Navy records or documents in which her said husband's services may be recorded, and to procure any and all other evidence that may be necessary to establish her claim as fully as if personally present; and revoking and countermanding all former authority that may have been given for the above specified purpose. 
(8) /s/X her mark Elizabeth Tompkins
Witness: 
/s/C. A. Waldron
/s/Frances M. Felkins
Sworn to, subscribed and acknowledged before me, the day and year first above written, and on the same day personally came Calvin DeFreest and Frances M. Filkins residents of Halfmoon aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law, declare that they are personally acquainted with (1)Mrs. Elizabeth Tompkins widow of (2)the late Jacob Safford who has made and subscribed the foregoing declaration, and were acquainted with her and her said husband, and know that they lived together as man and wife, and were so reputed. That she is the widow of the identical (2)Jacob Safford late of Bennington Vt. who performed the military service mentioned in said declaration, and ['has remained' crossed out] is now a widow ['since his death' crossed out]. That their knowledge of his death, and of her widowhood, is derived from long acquaintance. that she remarried to Robt Tompkins on the 10th March 1848 in Half Moon N.Y. that the said Tompkins died on the 14th January 1857. and she has remained a widow since his death, And they further testify that they reside as above stated, and are disinterested in this claim. that they have known the said parties for many years. 
(3)/s/Calvin DeFreest
/s/Frances M Filkins
Sworn to and subscribed before me, and I certify that I am not interested in the claim. or concerned in its prosecution That I believe the affiants to be credible witnesses, and the claimant is the person she represents herself in said declaration. 
I certify that in consequence of Age and Bodily infirmity the Applicant is unable to appear in Open Court ['Justice of the Peace' crossed out]
/s/C. A. Waldron Judge of the Probate Court of the County of Saratoga in the State of New York, the said Court being one of record with a seal
Page 11

No. [blank]
Bounty Land Claim
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
ORIGINAL CLAIM FOR LAND WARRANT
MRS. [blank]
WIDOW OF [blank]
Capt. [blank]
War 1812. 

INSTRUCTIONS.
1. Claimant's name. 
2. Soldier's name. 
3. Here specify the service as follows: "in the company commanded by Captain [blank] in the [blank] regiment of [blank] commanded by Colonel [blank]," or "a [blank]on board of the United States ship [blank] commanded by [blank] in the war of [blank]," or as the case may be. 
4. Enlisted, volunteered, was drafted, or shipped.
5. Add: "that she has never before made application for Bounty Land," or "that she made application for Bounty Land for said service, and her claim was rejected,, or suspended."
6. The claimant will her state that no public or private record of her marriage exists, or can be obtained, if such is the case. If there is a Count, Town, or Church record of the marriage, a duly certified copy of such record must be sent. If there is no public, but a private or family record containing the marriage or the births of children, a copy of such record must be sent, and the magistrate will certify that it is a correct copy of the original. Parol evidence of marriage or of co-habitation, is not admissible until the absence of record evidence is accounted for. If the testimony of persons who were present at the marriage can be produced, it should be sent, and if such testimony cannot be had, the Claimant will so state. This form will not alone be sufficient for the claim, without amendment or additional evidence of the marriage, unless the declarant is unable to present either public or private record evidence of or the testimony of persons who were present, and so states in her declaration.
7. The witnesses will here mention facts and circumstances which induce their knowledge or belief that the husband of the Claimant was the soldier named, that he is dead, and that the Claimant is now a widow. The mere statement of witnesses that their knowledge if derived from "personal acquaintance," or a similar statement, is objectionable.
8. Claimant's signature.
9. Signatures of witnesses.
10. Magistrate signature. The affidavits can be made before a Justice of the Peace, or any other officer authorized to administer oaths for general purposes.
11. Clerk's signature.
Correspondents sending claims unaccompanied by a letter, will please insert their names in the blanks below the Clerk's Certificate.
[seal affixed]
Page 12

No 319, 442
Bounty Land Claim.
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
ORIGINAL CLAIM FOR LAND WARRANT.
MRS. Elizabeth Tompkins. 
WIDOW OF Jacob Safford.
Capt. Ensign, Co. 
Col. Warner's Regt V.t. Troops. 
Revolutionary War, ['1812' crossed out]
Forwarded by [blank]
Page 13

Declaration to be made by a Widow who has never received Bounty Land.
State of New York
Saratoga County,}ss.
On this 10th day of November 1863, before me, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County and State above named, personally appeared (1)Elizabeth Tompkins aged 87. years, a resident of Half Moon who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of (2)Jacob Safford who was a (3)Ensign in ['Captain' crossed out] Col. Seth Warner's Regt. ['Company of' crossed out] Vermont Troops Militia, commanded by Col. Seth Warner in the Revolutionary War ['in the war of Great Britain, declared by the United States, on the 18th day of June, 1812.' crossed out]
That he (4)entered the service in the State of Vermont on or about the first day of ['August' crossed out] March 1777 and continued in actual service ['fourteen days' crossed out] three years, and was honorably discharged [blank] on or about the first day of March 1780 and (5)for evidence of said service refference is made to her Husband's Declaration for a Pension Act of June seventh 1832. For evidence of her marriage widowhood & Identity, refferance is made to her Declaration for a Pension act Feby 3d 1853. 
She further states that she was married to the said (6)['in Bennington' crossed out] Jacob Safford at Bennington Vt. on ['or about' crossed out] the tenth day of February A.D. 1828 by one Solomon Safford a Justice of the Peace that her name, before her said marriage, was Elizabeth Thurston that her said husband died at Bennington Vermont on the twenty seventh day of May 1833. and she is now a widow. And she further states that ['she believes' crossed out] there is no private or public record of her said marriage. (6)that she has made diligent search and no record exists, private or publick of her said Marriage. that she remarried on the 10th day of March 1848 to Robert Tompkins of Half Moon in the Co of Saratoga & State of N.Y. that her Husband Robt. Tompkins died Jany 14, 1857
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she is entitled under the act  of March 3d, 1855, and May 14, 1856, never having received Bounty Land, or knowing that she is entitled except for the above service, and she hereby constitutes and appoints Damon E. Cheney of Orange Mass. her attorney with power of substitution, to prosecute her claim and procure her warrant. Hereby authorizing and empowering her said attorney to obtain from the proper authorities at Washington City, or elsewhere, certified copies of any Army or Navy records of documents in which her said husband's services may by recorded, and to procure any and all other evidence that may be necessary to establish her claim as fully as if personally present; and revoking and countermanding all former authority that may have been given for the above specified purpose. 
(8)X her mark Elizabeth Tompkins
Witness /s/J. Cramer 2d
Sworn to, subscribed and acknowledged before me, the day and year first above written, and on the same day personally came Hiram Morse of Half Moon and Edward Shirs resident of Waterford NY who being first duly sworn according to law, declare that they are personally acquainted with (1)Elizabeth Tompkins widow of (2)Jacob Safford who has made and subscribed the foregoing declaration, and were acquainted with her and her said husband, and know that they lived together as man and wife, and were so reputed. That she is the widow of the identical (2)Jacob Safford who performed the military service mentioned in said declaration, and has remained a widow since his death. That their knowledge of his death, and of her widowhood, is derived from (7)from an acquaintance with the said Elizabeth Tompkins and Jacob Safford her Husband for many years. that she has remarried to Robt Tompkins.
And they further testify that they reside as above stated, and are disinterested in this claim. that the said Tompkins died on the 14th day of January 1857.
(3)/s/Hiram Morse
/s/Edward Shirs
Sworn to and subscribed before me, and I certify that I am not interested in the claim, or concerned in its prosecution and I believe the affiants to be credible witnesses, and the claimant is the person she represents herself in said declaration. 
(10)/s/J. Cramer 2d Justice of the Peace.
Page 14

State of New-York,
SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE,}ss.
I, JAMES W. HORTON, Clerk of the County of Saratoga, and Clerk of the County Courts of said county do hereby CERTIFY, That J. Cramer 2d whose name is subscribed to the annexed affidavit, was, at the date of said affidavit, a Justice of the peace of the County of Saratoga dwelling in said County, duly qualified; and that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Justice of the peace and verily believe that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine. 
[court seal affixed] IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the Seal of said County, this 13 day of November in the year 1863.
/s/James W. Horton CLERK.
Page 15

State of [blank]
[blank] County,}ss.
I, [blank] Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State above named, do hereby certify that [blank] Esq., before whom the foregoing affidavits were made, and who has thereunto signed his name, duly commissioned and sworn, that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit, and that his signature thereto is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of said Court, this [blank] day of [blank] 186[blank]
(11) [blank]
Forwarded by [blank]

No. 319,442
Bounty Land Claim.
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
ORIGINAL CLAIM FOR LAND WARRANT. 
MRS. Elizabeth Tompkins
WIDOW OF Jacob Safford.
Capt. Ensign Co.
Col. Warner's Regt. Vt. Troops.
Revolutionary War, ['1812' crossed out].
Damon E. Cheney Atty. Orange Mass.

INSTRUCTIONS.
1. Claimant's name.
2. Soldier's name.
3. Here specify the service as follows: "in the company commanded by Captain [blank] in the [blank] regiment of [blank] commanded by Colonel [blank]," or "a [blank]on board of the United States ship [blank] commanded by [blank] in the war of [blank]," or as the case may be.
4. Enlisted, volunteered, was drafted, or shipped.
5. Add: "that she has never before made application for Bounty Land," or "that she made application for Bounty Land for said service, and her claim was rejected,, or suspended."
6. The claimant will her state that no public or private record of her marriage exists, or can be obtained, if such is the case. If there is a Count, Town, or Church record of the marriage, a duly certified copy of such record must be sent. If there is no public, but a private or family record containing the marriage or the births of children, a copy of such record must be sent, and the magistrate will certify that it is a correct copy of the original. Parol evidence of marriage or of co-habitation, is not admissible until the absence of record evidence is accounted for. If the testimony of persons who were present at the marriage can be produced, it should be sent, and if such testimony cannot be had, the Claimant will so state. This form will not alone be sufficient for the claim, without amendment or additional evidence of the marriage, unless the declarant is unable to present either public or private record evidence of or the testimony of persons who were present, and so states in her declaration.
7. The witnesses will here mention facts and circumstances which induce their knowledge or belief that the husband of the Claimant was the soldier named, that he is dead, and that the Claimant is now a widow. The mere statement of witnesses that their knowledge if derived from "personal acquaintance," or a similar statement, is objectionable.
8. Claimant's signature.
9. Signatures of witnesses.
10. Magistrate signature. The affidavits can be made before a Justice of the Peace, or any other officer authorized to administer oaths for general purposes.
11. Clerk's signature.
Correspondents sending claims unaccompanied by a letter, will please insert their names in the blanks below the Clerk's Certificate.
[seal affixed]
Page 16

No. 4.568
Jacob Safford's Declaration
Page 17

State of Vermont
Town & County of Bennington ss}
On the 18th day of July AD 1832 personally appeared before me Luman Norton, one of the Judges of the County Court within and for the County of Bennington aforesaid one Jacob Safford a resident in the Town of Bennington aforesaid aged 79 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. 
In the year 1775 I was a resident of Bennington aforesaid I rendered my first service in the revolutionary war as a volunteer under Col Ethan Allen and Col. Benedict Arnold who commanded the company and marched against Ticonderoga sometime in the last of April or the first of May soon after the taking of Ticonderoga I returned to Bennington I think I was in service at this time about two or three weeks. 
The next services which I rendered commenced sometime in September 1775. I enlisted into a Company commanded by Captain Wright Hopkins under Major Sam'l Safford Col. Seth Warner & Gen Montgomery the term of time for which I enlisted I think to Longate near which latter place I was in an advanced party of about eighty men when we had a very serious engagement with an enemy about three hundred strong against where we maintained our ground I was under Montgomery at the taking of St Johns and after having served out my time I returned to Bennington
Page 18

In the month of February 1776. I enlisted into the same Company commanded by Capt Wright Hopkins under Col Seth Warner and marched directly to Quebec I continued in Quebec untill the time for which I had enlisted had expired and when the Seige was raised I returned home to Bennington Making about five months 
Sometime in the month of January 1777 I enlisted into the same company commanded by Capt W. Hopkins under Col Seth Warner we marched to Ticonderoga. Sometime in the first of April we retreated from that place to Hubbardton when we were overtaken by a party of the British; and after a very severe engagement we were entirely routed from which place I marched in Col Warner's regiment to Manchester from which place we were called to Bennington at this place on the 16th of August. there was an engagement between the British under Col. Baum and the Americans under Gen. Stark and Col. Warner. I served under Col Warner until sometime in August 1778 when I received an appointment of Ensign and served as such untill sometime in November or December 1779 making as near as I can recollect twenty three or twenty four months.
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a Pension or an Annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of any Agency in any State.
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
/s/Jacob Safford
s/Luman Norton Judge of County Court
Page 19

State of Vermont
Bennington County ss} Bennington July 18 1832
I hereby certify that the aforesaid applicant Jacob Safford cannot from bodily infirmity attend the County Court.
/s/Luman Norton Judge of County Court

State of Vermont
To all to whom these presents shall come - Greeting
I hereby Certify that the the Hon'a Luman Norton Esq'r whose signature appears to the foregoing was at the date thereof, & Still is one of the Assistant Justices of the County Court, in & for the County of Bennington, duly qualified & Commissioned as such - & that his signature above I believe to genuine - 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I Henry Robinson Clerk of the County Court within & for the County of Bennington aforesaid, have hereunto Subscribed my name & have affixed the Seal of our said Court, at Manchester, this 22d day of August A.D. 1832. & of the Independence of the United States, the Fifty Seventh - 
/s/Henry Robinson Clerk
Page 20

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 11.646
Elizabeth Tompkins 
widow of 
Jacob Safford
Sergt Rev War 
Act: Feb 3d 53
Index: - Vol. M, Page 278
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 21

Elizabeth Tompkins
formerly widow of Jacob Safford.
Saratoga County New York
Act 3d Feb. 1853. 2d Section.
Allowed at the rate of $197.33. per an. as the widow of an Ensign & Sergeant in the revolution to begin in January 14, 1854. 
Damon E. Cheney, Present.
Page 22

[handwritten letter]
Revolutionary Claim
Washington Sept 13th, 1867

Sir:
On the 29th of April last, I filed an application for an increase of pension in the case of Mrs. Elizabeth Tompkins, formerly widow of Jacob Gifford (Safford), a revolutionary pensioner, under the 2d Section of the Act of Feby 3d 1853, on the New York roll. 
I have most respectfully to request that you will favor me with an [illegible] answer at your earliest convenience & oblige
Yr no Ob St
/s/D. D. Addison

Hon'ble J. H. Barrett
Com'r of Pensions}
Page 23

[receipt stamp: DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PENSION OFFICE SEP 14 1867]
Page 24

Lucy Montague & Henry F. Dewey, of Bennington Vt. swear that they knew Jacob Safford for 30 years before his death. Which event occurred 27. May 1833. - That they knew Elizabeth Tompkins, then the widow of the said Jacob Safford, that Lucy Montague, (the first witness) was present & witnessed the ceremony of marriage between the said Elizabeth Tompkins & Jacob Safford, which event took place in Bennington aforesaid in Feb. 1828. - that she (witness) attended the funeral of Jacob Safford. both witnesses have been have been acquainted with said parties for many years & resided in the same village, and that the relation of husband & wife was sustained by them from the time of the marriage to the time of his death, more than five years.
Page 25

Jacob Safford Estate
Certificate of Probate Court
Page 26

State of Vermont
District of Bennington ss} I Thomas White Register of the Probate Court for the district aforesaid, and the only person who has care and custody of the records of said Court and the seal thereby they do certify. 
That I find in the records of said Court, that on the 4th day of December AD 1833 Uel M Robinson was duly appointed administrator on the estate of Jacob Safford late of Bennington in said district deceased, and on the same day Samuel Fay, Stephen Robinson & Alva Rice were duly commissioned by said Court to make an Inventory of the estate of the said deceased; and on the 10th day of Jany AD 1834 said commissioners returned into the registers office of said Court an Inventory of the estate of said deceased in which is the following items viz
⇨Due from the United States for a pension granted to the deceased, supposed to be $500.00
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court and subscribed my name at Bennington in said district this 2d day of November AD 1863
/s/Thomas White Register
Page 27

Elizabeth Tompkins widow of Jacob Safford. Ensign. 
Revolutionary War.
Page 28

Affidavit of Identity, Cohabitation, &c.
State of Vermont County of Bennington 
We, Lucy Montague and Henry F. Dewey residents of Bennington in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont do depose and say that we were personally acquainted with Jacob Safford for about thirty years or more prior to his decease, which event occurred at Bennington in ['or about' crossed out] the month of May on the 27th day A.D. 1833. That we are well acquainted with Elizabeth Tompkins late widow of the aforesaid Jacob Safford deceased; that we knew the said Elizabeth Tompkins and Jacob Safford to live together as man and wife for a term of more than five years, and that they were so reported to be, and the fact of their having been married was never called in question  by their acquaintances, and that the said Elizabeth Tompkins late wife of the said Jacob Safford is now a widow. that the said Lucy Montague was present at the weding and saw the said Elizabeth Tompkins and Jacob Safford married which event took place in Bennington aforesaid in February AD. 1828. that I attend the funeral of the said Jacob Safford and saw him dead. that he died on the 27th day of May AD. 1833. that we have been intimately acquainted with said parties for many years and resided in the same Village a long time, that we have no interest in the claim of the said Elizabeth Tompkins. 
/s/Lucy Montague
/s/H. F. Dewey
Bennington ss. 
On this third day of November A.D. 1863 personally appeared Lucy Montague and Henry F. Dewey both to me well known, and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by them subscribed is true. I further certify that they are credible persons, and that I have no interest in this claim and am not concerned in its prosecution. 
/s/S. F. Harris Justice of the Peace.

STATE OF Vermont
COUNTY OF Bennington} ss. Clerk's Office, County Court, November 4 A.D. 1863.}
I, John V. Hall Clerk of the County Court, in and for said County of Bennington being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that Samuel F. Harris at the date of his certificate, was an acting Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of Bennington that he is duly qualified to administer oaths and take acknowledgement of deeds and other instruments in writing, in the County aforesaid; and that the following signature purporting to be his, is, in my belief genuine. 
[court seal affixed] IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County Court for said state, the day and year first above written. 
/s/John V. Hall Clerk.
Page 29

Affidavit of Identity, Cohabitation, &c.
State of Vermont County of Bennington 
We, Uel M. Robinson and Joshua Hamlin residents of Bennington in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont do depose and say that we were personally acquainted with Jacob Safford for about twenty years or more prior to his decease, which event occurred at Bennington aforesaid in ['or about' crossed out] the month of May on the 27th day A.D. 1833. That we are well acquainted with Elizabeth Tompkins late widow of the aforesaid Jacob Safford deceased; that we knew the said Elizabeth Tompkins and Jacob Safford to live together as man and wife for a term of more than five years, and that they were so reported to be, and the fact of their having been married was never called in question by their acquaintances, and that the said Elizabeth Tompkins late wife of the said Jacob Safford is now a widow. that I Uel M. Robinson was appointed Administrator upon the Estate of the said Jacob Safford December 14th 1833. that I administered the same in behalf of the Heirs and the widow the said Elizabeth Tompkins, then the widow of the said Jacob Safford. that I received from the United States the sum of about five hundred Dollars or less as Pension allowed to the said Jacob Safford for services rendered in the War of the Revolution, that we have both been intimately acquainted with said parties for more than forty years and resided in the same Town, that we have no interest direct or indirect in any Claim of the said Elizabeth Tompkins, late widow of Jacob Safford
/s/Uel M. Robinson
/s/Joshua Hamlin
Bennington ss.
On this third day of November A.D. 1863 personally appeared Uel M. Robinson and Joshua Hamlin both to me well known, and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by them subscribed is true. I further certify that they are credible persons, and that I have no interest in this claim and am not concerned in its prosecution.
/s/S. F. Harris Justice of the Peace.

STATE OF [blank]
COUNTY OF [blank]} ss. Clerk's Office, [blank] Court, [blank] A.D. 186[blank]}
I, [blank] Clerk of the [blank], in and for said County, [blank] being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that [blank] at the date of his certificate, was an acting Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of [blank] that he is duly qualified to administer oaths and take acknowledgement of deeds and other instruments in writing, in the County aforesaid; and that the following signature purporting to be his, is, in my belief genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have set my hand and affixed the seal of the [blank] Court for said state, the day and year first above written.
[blank] Clerk.
Page 30

State of Vermont
Office of Secretary of State
Montpelier Nov. 6th 1863}
I hereby certify that there is on file in this office "A Return of the Commissioned, Noncommissioned Officers and Privates in Col. Seth Warner's Regiment who belong to the State of Vermont. and who are entitled to be made good, the deficiency of their wages agreeable to a resolve of This General Assembly of said State"; on which return is the name of "Jacob Safford, Serg't from March 1st 1777 to Aug. 18th 1778. Ensign from Aug 18. 1778 to March 1st 1780 - 
[official seal affixed] Given under my hand and the Seal of this Office this 6th day of November A.D. 1863
/s/G. W. Bailey jr. 
Secretary of State.
Page 31

7172
WAR OF ['1812' crossed out] the revolution - 
Brief in the case of Elizabeth Tompkins formerly widow of Jacob Safford, a Sergeant & Ensign in the revolution. 
Saratoga County, and State of New York
Act ['of July 14, 1862' crossed out] 3d Feb. 1853. 2d Section - 
Post Office address of Applicant, Half Moon, N.Y.
Claim for widow's pension,
Declaration and Identification in due Form.
PROOF EXHIBITED.
Jacob Safford, of Vt. was a pensioner under the act of 7th June 1832. at the rate of $197.33. per annum. and died on the 27th day of May 1833. as appears by the vouchers in the 3d Auditor's Office. 
Their vouchers show that the last payment by the pension was made to Elizabeth Safford his widow, on proof made to the Probate Court of Bennington Vt. that she was the pensioner's widow, above in the affidavit of Uel M. Robinson that he is/was the administrator of the estate of the pensioner, and that the balance of the pension was a portion of her interest in that estate.
Parol proof of marriage - Testimony of Lucy Montague that she was present & witnessed the marriage of the parties. Affidavits of Uel M. Robinson administrator, Henry F. Dewey Joshua Hamlin, Edward Shires & Eliza C. Shires, Hiram Morse, to the relation of husband & wife.
In the year 1848, claimant married again. to Robert Tompkins who died January 14, 1854. Six persons testify to the date of the last husband's death & to continued widowhood. 
Admitted December ['1862' crossed out] 1863 to a pension of $197.33 ['per month' crossed out] per annum, commencing January 14th, ['186' crossed out] 1857 - 
/s/L. M. Drury
EXAMINING CLERK. 
Damon E. Cheney Esq Present
Name and Residence of Agent
Page 32

Revolutionary
POWER OF ATTORNEY.
Claim of Elizabeth Tompkins, dec'd for Increase
Act 1853
FILED BY 
D. D. Addison
Washington D.C.
29 day of April 1867. 
Printed and sold by W. H. MOORE, 484 11th st., Washington, D.C.
Page 33

POWER OF ATTORNEY.
Know all Men by these Presents, That I Phebe D. Fonda of the County of Saratoga in the State of New York, have made, constituted, and appointed, and by these presents do make, constitute and appoint D. D. Addison of Washington D.C. my true and lawful attorney irrevocable, for me and in my name, place and stead, to prosecute my claim to certain arrears & increase of pension to which my Mother Mrs. Elizabeth Thompkins (Tompkins), was entitled, at the time of her death, as a Revolutionary pensioner for the services of her first husband, Ensign Jacob Safford and to, from time to time, furnish any evidence necessary or that may be demanded, and if necessary to appeal from the decision of the Commissioner of Pensions giving and granting to my said Attorney full power and authority to do and perform all and every act and thing whatsoever, requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could do, if personally present at the doing thereof, with full power of substitution and revocation, ['and to receive and sign all vouchers' crossed out], hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney or his substitute may or shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. 
[court seal affixed] In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and seal, this 22d day of April, eighteen hundred and sixty-seven
/s/X her mark Phebe D. Fonda
WITNESSES:
/s/J. C. Ormsby
/s/J. H. Atkinson 
Two Witnesses 
Turn over
Page 34

State of New York
County of Saratoga}ss.
Be it Known, That on this 22d day of April in the year eighteen hundred and sixty-seven, before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State, personally appeared Phebe D. Fonda to me well known to be the identical person who executed the foregoing Letter of Attorney, and acknowledged the same to be his act and deed, and that I have no interest present or prospective in the claim. 
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand ['and affixed my seal of office,' crossed out] the day and year last above written. 
/s/J. Cramer 2d
Justice of the Peace
⇨Attach Certificate of Clerk of Court.
Page 35

State of New York -- CLERK'S OFFICE SARATOGA COUNTY, SS:
I. JAMES W. HORTON, Clerk of the said County, and Clerk of the County Courts and Supreme Courts in and for said county, do hereby CERTIFY that J. Cramer 2d whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of Proof or Acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing, and endorsed thereon, was, at the time of taking such proof or Acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in said County, and duly authorized to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Justice, and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate of Proof or Acknowledgment is genuine, and that said instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the Laws of the State of New York.
[court seal affixed] In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal, this 23 day of April 1867
James W. Horton. Clerk
Page 36

[handwritten letter]
Washington April 29th 1864

Sir,
Enclosed please find Power of Attorney from Mrs. Phebe D. Fonda, daughter & heir of Mrs. Elizabeth Tompkins, deceased formerly widow of Jacob Gifford (Safford) a Revolutionary pensioner under the 2d Section of the Act of Feby 3d 1853, whom, it is alleged, was allowed a less pension than that to which she was justly entitled on the evidence filed - 
Mrs. Tompkins resided in New York and her name was placed on the Pension roll of that State - 
I am Sir, Yr. Mo. Ob. St.
/s/D. D. Addison
Hon'ble Joseph H. Barrett
Commiss'r of Pensions}
Page 37

[receipt stamp: DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PENSION OFFICE.]
Page 38

Elizabeth ['Th' crossed out] Tompkins formerly widow of Jacob Safford, Vt.
Husband was a pensioner at $197.33. pe annum, widow 87 years old. resides in Half Moon. N.Y. 
Alleges. she was married 10th Feb. 1828. husband died 27. May, 1833. She remarried to Rob't Tompkins 10th March 1848. who died Jany. 14, 1857. at Half Moon N.Y. 
Proof.
Hiram Moore & Edward Shires swear from long acquaintance ['that' crossed out] with Elizabeth Tompkins that Jacob Safford was her first husband. Where they knew and that she married Robt Tompkins on 14. Jany. 1857. State that she is the widow of the latter & was the widow of Jacob Safford.
Certificate from the Register of Probate of Bennington Co. Vt. she states that Uel Robinson was appointed in Dec. 1833. adm'r of the estate of Jacob Safford and that it appeared from an inventory of his estate that $500. was due him from U.S. as pension. 
Uel Robinson & Joshua Hamlin of Bennington
Page 39

state that they knew Jacob Stafford (Safford) & the latter was appointed adm'r that they knew Elizabeth Tompkins, as the late widow of Jacob Safford & that they lived together as husband & wife for over 5 years - that both witnesses have both been intimate with the parties for over 40-years. 
Edward Shires & Eliza Shires. swear that they attended the wedding of Robert Tompkins & Elizabeth Safford, late widow of Jacob, in the year 1848. both attended his funeral 14th Jany, '57 ['and' crossed out]
Hiram Morse & Phebe Fonda swear that Elizabeth Tompkins is the widow of Robert, and was before, the widow of Jacob Safford, late of Bennington Vt. saw ['them' crossed out] her married to Robert Tompkins - he died ['the' crossed out] in Jany, 1857 Hiram Morse administered on his estate. 
that she is now the widow of Robt. Tompkins. Calvin DeForest & Francis M. Felkins swear that that applicant was the widow of Jacob Safford of Bennington Vt. & is the widow of Robt Tompkins, & since the death of the latter. 14th Jany 1857. She has remained a widow.
Page 40

102.304
160 acs
Page 41

Mrs  Elizabeth Tompkins. 
widow of Jacob Safford. 
Ensign.
Revolutionary War. 
Damon E. Cheney
Attorney. 
Orange Massachusetts
Page 42

Affidavit of Identity, Cohabitation, &c. 
State of New York County of Saratoga 
We, Edward Shires and Eliza C. Shires residents of Waterford in the County of Saratoga and State of New York do depose and say that we were personally acquainted with Robert Tompkins for Sixteen years or more prior to his decease, which event occurred at Half Moon, State & Co. aforesaid in ['or about' crossed out] the month of January the 14th day A.D. 1857. That we are well acquainted with Elizabeth Tompkins widow of the aforesaid Robert Tompkins deceased; that we knew the said Elizabeth Tompkins and Robert Tompkins to live together as man and wife for a term of more than eight years, and that they were so reported to be, and the fact of their having been married was never called in question by their acquaintances, and that the said Elizabeth Tompkins wife of the said Robert Tompkins is now a widow. that we both of us attended the weding of the said Robert Tompkins and Elizabeth Tompkins (late widow of Jacob Safford a resident of Bennington Vt.) and saw them married, in the Town of Half Moon on the 10th day of March AD. 1848. that we both attended the funeral of the said Robert Tompkins and saw him when dead, that he died on the 14th day of January 1857. that we have no interest in the claim of Elizabeth Tompkins. that the said Elizabeth Tompkins is the widow of the Late Jacob Safford
/s/Eliza C Shires
/s/Edward Shires
Saratoga County ss. 
On this 10th day of November A.D. 1863 personally appeared Eliza C. Shires and Edward Shires both to me well known, and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by them subscribed is true. I further certify that they are credible persons, and that I have no interest in this claim and am not concerned in its prosecution. 
/s/J. Cramer 2d Justice of the Peace. 
STATE OF [blank]
COUNTY OF }ss. Clerk's Office, [blank] Court, [blank] A.D. 186[blank]}
I, [blank] Clerk of the [blank] Court, in and for said County, [blank] being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that [blank] at the date of his certificate, was an acting Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of [blank] that he is duly qualified to administer oaths and take acknowledgement of deeds and other instruments in writing, in the County aforesaid; and that the following signature purporting to be his, is, in my belief genuine. 
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have set my hand and affixed the seal of the [blank] Court for said state, the day and year first above written. 
[blank] Clerk.
Page 43

Affidavit of Identity, Cohabitation, &c.
State of New York County of Saratoga
We, Hiram Morse and ['Cornelius Vandercook' crossed out] Phebe Fonda residents of Half Moon in the County of Saratoga and State of New York do depose and say that we were personally acquainted with Robert Tompkins for Sixteen years or more prior to his decease, which event occurred at Half Moon aforesaid in ['or about' crossed out] the month of January the 14th day A.D. 1857. That we are well acquainted with Elizabeth Tompkins widow of the aforesaid Robert Tompkins deceased; that we knew the said Elizabeth Tompkins and Robert Tompkins to live together as man and wife for a term of more than eight years, and that they were so reported to be, and the fact of their having been married was never called in question by their acquaintances, and that the said Elizabeth Tompkins wife of the said Robert Tompkins is now a widow. that I ['Cornelius Vandercook' crossed out] Phebe Fonda attended the weding of the said Robert Tompkins and Elizabeth, late widow of Jacob Safford, and saw them married, which event occured on the 10th day of March 1848. that he died on the 14th day of January 1857. that I attended the funeral and saw him dead. that I Hiram Morse administered upon the Estate of the said Robt. and ['Elizabeth' crossed out] Tompkins that the said Elizabeth Tompkins was before her said marriage, the widow of Jacob Safford deceased late of Bennington, Vermont. that we have no interest in the Claim of Elizabeth Tompkins aforesaid
Witness
/s/J. Cramer 2d
/s/Elisabeth Vandercook 
/s/X her mark Phebe Fonda
/s/Hiram Morse 
Saratoga County ss.
On this 10th day of November A.D. 1863 personally appeared Phebe Fonda and Hiram Morse both to me well known, and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by them subscribed is true. I further certify that they are credible persons, and that I have no interest in this claim and am not concerned in its prosecution.
/s/J. Cramer 2d Justice of the Peace.
STATE OF [blank]
COUNTY OF }ss. Clerk's Office, [blank] Court, [blank] A.D. 186[blank]}
I, [blank] Clerk of the [blank] Court, in and for said County, [blank] being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that [blank] at the date of his certificate, was an acting Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of [blank] that he is duly qualified to administer oaths and take acknowledgement of deeds and other instruments in writing, in the County aforesaid; and that the following signature purporting to be his, is, in my belief genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have set my hand and affixed the seal of the [blank] Court for said state, the day and year first above written.
[blank] Clerk.
Page 44

John Welch's Affidavit
Page 45

I John Welch of Pownal in the county of Bennington & State of Vermont of lawful age do depose testify & say that I was a private soldier in Col. Seth Warner's Regiment in the year A.D. 1777 & that at that time Jacob Safford was orderly Sergeant in the first company in said Regiment commanded by Capt. Wait Hopkins, I continued in said Regiment untill January 1780 & Jacob Safford served in said Regiment untill within one or two months of the time when I was discharged - I further say that Jacob Safford was promoted to the office of Ensign & served as Ensign in said Regiment about one year & a half according to my best recollection during the time I was in said Regiment - I further say that Jacob Safford now resides & has resided in the town of Bennington & county of Bennington & State of Vermont from the conclusion to the Revolutionary War untill the present time & further say not. 
/s/John Welch
State of Vermont
Bennington County ss.} Pownal July 26, 1832
Then John Welch of Pownal in the county of Bennington & State of Vermont personally appearing & after being carefully examined & duly cautioned made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed, contains the whole truth & nothing but the truth
Before /s/Sam'l H. Blackmer Justice of the Peace
Page 46

State of Vermont. - 
To all to whom these presents that come - Greeting - 
I hereby certify that, Sam'l H. Blackmer Esqr. whose signature appears to the foregoing Deposition was at the date thereof & Still is a Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Bennington, duly empowered & qualified as such to administer oaths, &c. & that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, & believe his signature to be genuine - 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I Henry Robinson Clerk of the County Court in & for the County of Bennington aforesaid, have hereunto Subscribed my name & have affixed theSEal of our Said County at Manchester this 22nd day of August A.D. 1832 - & of the Independence of the United States the Fifty Seventh - 
/s/Henry Robinson Clerk
Page 47

Wm. Pratt's Affidavit
Page 48

I William Pratt of Pownal county of Bennington & State of Vermont of lawful age do depose testify & say that in the month of March A.D. 1777 as near as I can recollect I enlisted for three years in the Regiment commanded by Col. Seth Warner - I further say that at the time I enlisted, Jacob Safford of Bennington in the county of Bennington & State of Vermont was a sergeant in the Company commanded by Capt. Wait Hopkins, he served in said company as sergeant untill he was promoted to the office of Ensign - I further say that I belonged to the same company he did & that said Jacob Safford served as Ensign untill about the time we were discharged some time in the fore part of the year 1780 as near as I can recollect & further say not
/s/William Pratt
State of Vermont
Bennington County ss} Pownal July 27, 1832
Then William Pratt of Pownal in the county of Bennington & State of Vermont personally appearing & after being carefully examined & duly cautioned made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed, contains the whole truth & nothing but the truth
Before /s/Sam'l H. Blackmer Justice of the Peace
Page 49

State of Vermont
To all to whom these presents that come - Greeting -
I hereby certify that, Sam'l H. Blackmer Esqr. whose signature appears to the foregoing Deposition was at the date thereof & Still is a Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Bennington, duly empowered & qualified as such to administer oaths, &c. & that I believe his signature above to be genuine -
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I Henry Robinson Clerk of the County Court in & for the County of Bennington aforesaid, have hereunto Subscribed my name & have affixed the Seal of our said County Court, at Manchester this 22nd day of August A.D. 1832 - & of the Independence of the United States the Fifty Seventh -
/s/Henry Robinson Clerk
Page 50

[addressed envelope]
[postmark: BENNINGTON V.T. AUG 25 1832 FREE]
Hon. Lewis Cass
 War Department 
Washington
Declaration and Guidance for Pensions}
[margin note: P.O. Sept 3 '32 No 4.568
13 Ver't]
Page 51

[handwritten letter]
Bennington, Vt. Aug't 25, 1832

Sir
I enclose the Declaration & evidence for a Pension of Jacob Safford of this town. Should there be any inaccuracy or deficiency in the papers would like to be informed, that it may be supplied. 
Would be glad to receive the Certificate as soon as the pension may be granted - 
Very respectfully Your Obt. Serv't
/s/Hiland Hall
Hon. L. Cass
Sec'y of War - 
Enclosed are
1. Jacob Safford's Declaration - 
2.  --  --  Commission as Ensign
3. William Pratt's Affidavit
4. John Welch's Affidavit -
Page 52

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICAN. IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED
For Jacob Safford Gen'l Greeting. We, Reposing especial trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct, and Fidelity, DO by these presents constitute and appoint you to be an Ensign in the Regiment commanded by Col'o Seth Warner in the Army of the United States, with the rank as such from the 18th: day of August 1778 - You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a Lieutenant - by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging. And we do Strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers, under your command, to be obedient to your orders, as Lieutenant And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions, from time to time, as you shall receive from this, or a future Congress of the United States, or Committee of Congress for that purpose appointed, a Committee of the States, or Commander in chief for the time being of the Army of the United States, or any other your Superior Office, according to the rules and discipline of War, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you. This Commission to continued inforce until revoked by this, or a future Congress, the Committee of Congress beforementioned, or a Committee of the States.
Witness His Excellency Sam'l Huntington Esq'r: President of the Congress of the United States of America, at Philadelphia the 12th day of November 1779, in the fourth year of our Independence. 
/s/Sam'l Huntington President
Entered in the War Office and examined by the Board
Attest /s/Ben Stoddert Secretary of the Board of War 
Secretary of the Board of War