Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8616, Nathan Griffith, Md.
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Md. Griffith, Nathan S: 8616 

carded
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Ohio 25.912
===========================
Nathan Griffith
Butler, Co. in the State of Ohio
who was a [illegible] in the Company commanded 
by Captain Heard of the Regt commanded 
by Col Hyde in the Maryland 
line for 9 mo for $30.00
============================
Inscribed on the Roll of Ohio 
at the rate of 30 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, 
to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.
============================
Certificate of Pension issued the 31st day of July
and sent to
[illlegible] J. B. Weller Hamilton B. Co. Ohio
============================
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1833 75.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mch '34 15.00
$90.00
=====

{ Revolutionary Claim, }
{ Act June 7, 1832. }

Recorded by John I Sprague Clerk,
Book E Vol. 8 Page 9
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2366
The State of Ohio Butler County
Nathan Griffith application for pension
PO
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The State of Ohio Butler County
SS Court of Com pleas of the term of July 1832
On this day to wit: the 30th day of July A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open court, before the Hon. Daniel Milliheu, Hohn Knox & Joel Collins Judges of the Court of Common pleas, now sitting within and for the county aforesaid, Nathan Griffith an resident of Milville, in the said county of Butler and state of Ohio, aged seventy three 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 the fifth 1832 -
That he entered the service of the  United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated towit he the said Nathan Griffith enlisted under Captain John E. Howard of the IV Company and IV Regiment the same having been called the Flying Camp of Maryland - said regiment was commanded by Major John Craydock, Colonel Hyde Brig. General Bell - The Company officers were Captured John E. Howard as aforesaid, Thomas Landale, Lieutenant Robert Morrow, Ensign - said Claimant entered the service as afore said about the first day of June 1776 - the engagement in which applicant was, was about the 15th day of September 1776 at the siege of New York, he being commanded then by the same officers heretofore named - A short time afterwards applicant was in one other engagement called the Battle of the Buckwheat field, upon York Island - the next engagement was at the battle of the white planes in the same year and not long after the last named battle - The next was the vacation of Fort Lee, under the same officers so named, here commenced the retreat through North Jersey and said Applicant was discharged at Philidelphia on the last of November 1776 having then been in the service as aforesaid, six  months; he received a written discharge from the said John E. Howard, but states that the same has been, along time since last - Applicant states that he resided in Baltimore County Maryland, near Baltimore, when he entered the service, and was enlisted in to the service as before stated - After applicant was discharged from this campaign as before mentioned - he a few days afterwards entered the service again, by joining himself to the antificers at Carlisl, and remained with them about one whole
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year - Applicant then went from Carlisle back to Philadelphia about the summer of seventy eight as applicant believes, and remained there with the artificers nine months and that during the times that Applicant was amongst the artificers at Carlisle and Philadelphia, as aforesaid, he was many times drafted and many times went as a volunteer two, two months tour applicant states, that her served under Captain John Hudson - the other Officers under whom he served in the manner aforesaid, he does not now reccollect except that he went as a substitute for Nathan Chapman - Applicant was then under the command of Cape Owens, - Applicant engaged as a substitute, as above, for the term of two months, but was then in no engagement - That he served as a revolutionary soldier during the whole time as aforesaid for more than two years -  Applicant has no documentary evidence of his services as aforesaid That he knows of no person, whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service - he is of the opinion however that his honor Samuel Smith, now a member of the Senate of the United States may have some reccollection of his having served as an enlisted  soldier under said captain John E. Howard  - as the said Samuel Smith commanded a company at the same time and applicant thinks, belonging to the same regiment to which Captain Howard was attached and whom was very intimate with applicants Captain - John E. Howard -
Applicant states that he was born on the 4th day of March 1759 - he was born in the state of Maryland - the record of his age was destroyed by fire - he was living as he has before stated, when called into service, in Baltimore County Maryland - he has lived in this neighborhood about thirty five years - and has lived in the County of Butler ever since the same was organized -  he emigrated to this section of Country immediately after he performed the revolutionary services before mentioned - -
Applicant is personally known to Daniel Allhands and Francis Morefort of his neighbourhood, and who can testify, as applicant believes, to his good character for truth and veracity - and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution -
He hereby relinquishes every claim what ever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of
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of the agency of any state - nor has he even received a pension -
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court the 30th day of July A.D. 1832 - John Reily Clerk
Nathan Griffith

The State of Ohio Butler County SS

Mr. Francis Monfort, a clergyman residing in The Hamilton Butler County Ohio and Daniel Allhands  residing in Reily Township Butler County Ohio hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Nathan Griffith who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy three years of age - that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood, where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. 
Sworn and subserved the 20th day of July 1832 in open court - John Reily Clerk

Francis Monfort
Daniel Allhands

And the said court to hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states - And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that Francis Montfort, who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the County of Butler and that Daniel Allhands of sd County who has also signed the same statement is entitled to credit.

I John Reily, Clear of the Court of Common pleas of the County of Butler aforesaid do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the appli=cation
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cation of Nathan Griffith for a pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office at Hamilton this fourth day of August One thousand eight hundred and thirty two. 
John Reily
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The State of Ohio }  Court of Common Pleas of the Term
Butler County } Ss  of Septr. 1833-

On this day to wit the fifth day of Octo
ber 1833 personally appeared in open Court Nathan
Griffith a resident of Milville in the County of Butler
and state of Ohio, being the same Nathan Griffith
who made application to the War Department
for a pension, the first application having been made
by him and sworn to on the 30th day of July 1832
and an amended declaration sworn to before
James Rice a justice of the peace on the 19th day
of November 1832.  And the said Nathan Grif
fith having first duly sworn according to law
deposeth and saith, That the first year of his service
as an artificer during the Revolutionary War
to wit: at Carlisle in Pennsylvania, as is stated
in his Declaration for a pension, was [begin underline]not[end underline]
under
any private contract made with any person or
party, and that he drew no pay for the same, exce
pt the pay of a common soldier which he states was
six dollars per month and rashions-he states that
he was put at the business of Black something by his
commanding officers-they believing that he could
do more service in that way than he could in
any other.  Applicant further states that the last
nine months that he served as Artificer he [begin underline]did[end underline]
serve under a private contract made with Dan
iel Ofley for which he received twelve dollars
per month and boarded himself during this nine
months he did not consider himself as a common
soldier in the service of his country; but the first
year that he served at Carlisle as he has before stated,
he says that he was in every sense of the word in the
service of his country and was under no private con
tract as he has before stated.  Applicant stated that he
knows of no one living by whom he could prove his
services as an artificer during the Revolution.  he says
what he has stated, however, is true, and that he has a distinct
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recollection of the same.

Applicant further swears that he omitted to state
in his former Declarations for pension, that he,
shorty after he arrived at the age of sixteen years, to wit
in the month of May 1775 that he attached himself
to the company of Captain Stephen Cromwell of Ma
ryland, William Hudson was Lieutenant of the same
company, and that he served under the affiliation
of a "minute man," for one whole year this was
previous to his enlistment in Capt John E Howards
company of "Flying Camp"-during this year that he serv
ed as a minute man, he was employed in various
ways but most frequently in the removal of governm
ent stores and making preparations for the defense of
his county.  Applicant states that his services during
said year, as a minute man, was not made under
any private contract-and that he wholly neglected
to state this fact in his former declarations.

Sworn to and subscribed }
in open Court the 5th day }  Nathan Griffith
of October 1833 }
John Reily Clerk }

The State of Ohio } 
Butler County } Ss

[illegible] personally appeared in open Court James Hill
Esquire a resident of Milville Butler County Ohio
who swears that he is well acquainted with Nathan
Griffith who has signed the above Deposition, that he
is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where
he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution
and that deponent concurs in that opinion.  And
believes that what the said Nathan Griffith has sw
orn to above is nothing but the truth.

Sworn to and subscribed }
in open Court the 5th day of }  James Hill
October 1833. }
John Reily Clerk }
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And the Court do hereby declare their opinion after the
investigation of the matters and after having heretofore putting the in
terrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the
above named Nathan Griffith was a soldier in the Revolution and served as
he states in this affidavit and in his declarations
heretofore made.  And that the Court further certify
that from their own personal knowledge that James
Hill Esquire who has signed and sworn to the preceeding
certificate, is a respectable citizen of the Town of Milville
in the County of Butler, and is entitled to the full
credit and belief.

I John Reily Clerk of the said Court do hereby
certify that the foregoing contains the Original
proceedings of the said Court on the matter of
the renewal of the application of the said Na
than Griffith for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set 
my Han & seal of office this fifth day 
of October 1833.
John Reily

[Note written vertically in right margin:
Nathan Griffith
Affidavit]
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Nathan Griffith
Butler Co
Ohio

[word Return lined through]

Adm 9. Months
$30

John B. Weller
[following lined through:
John Reily Esqr
Clerk]
Hamilton
Butler County
Ohio
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[begin bold]WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,[end bold]
9. July 1833

[begin italics] Sir:

The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned.  The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form.  On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will show what is
necessary to be done.  Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace: (thus: }).  You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them ; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.
_________________________________________________________________
[begin bold]A Statement,[end bold] showing the Service of[end italics] Nathan Griffith
========================================================
 Period when the |
service was |
rendered. |
______________
25 June 1776

Duration of the |
claimant's service. |
_______________
Years. |
______
[number struck out]
Months. |
________
6
Days. |
______
[number struck out]

Rank of |
the |
claimant. |
_________
private

Names and rank of the Field of |
ficers under whom he served. |
___________________________
Capt J. E Howard
Maj Craydock
Col. Hyde

Age at present, |
and place of abode |
when he entered |
the service. |
________________
73 years
Baltimore
Co Md.

Proof by which the declaration is supported.
______________________________________
[Blank]

[begin italics] I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,[end italics]
[begin bold] J. L. EDWARDS,[end bold]
[begin italics]Commissioner of Pensions.[end italics]

[Handwritten note:]
It mite be necessary for the applicant to show by some
satisfactory evidence, that his service as an Artificer was
not under a private contract.
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REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

The following regulations have been adopted:

This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c.  Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.

Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.

As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claim
ing the benefit of this law as officers, non commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides.  And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832,

[begin italics] State, Territory, or District of } ss.
County of } [end italics]

On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank]
[blank] A. B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District
of [blank] aged (c) [blank] 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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832.  That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank], with [blank] and 
served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers :
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers ; the time he left the service ; (and if he serv
ed under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers ;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service ; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched.  [index finger pointing right] This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and per
sons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of [blank]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [blank] , A. B.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolu
tionary solider, and served as he states.
I [blank] of the Court of [blank]
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
[blank] day of [blank] &c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.

Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank], who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration ; that we believe him to be [blank]
years of age; that 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.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revo
lutionary Soldier, and served as he states.  And the Court further certifies, that it appears, to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank]
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank]
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank]
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this [blank] day of [blank] &c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power.  This is the original discharge or commis
sion ; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the ser
vices of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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3

alleged service, as they are known at the Department.  A very full account of the services of each person
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case.  The facts stated will afford one on the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be at
tempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be ex
pected.  All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his
case.

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of
service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.

No payments can be made on account of services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can pro
cure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary
war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service ; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served ; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
 {To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it giv
6. {en, and what has become of it?
 {To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom  {was it signed, and what
{has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can tes
tify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.

The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons-one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character
and standing of other persons giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party.  And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.

Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before
required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper
county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, 
or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper 
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a 
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
his genuine signature. 

No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can pro
cure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

____________________________

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity ; in which case the declarant will fol
low the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides.  If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not
conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served ; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim cannot be had.  Every claimant must state, 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 amount of pension he is entitled.  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."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each 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 [begin italics]about three or four months,[end italics]
is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.  Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years
in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service.  This form of a declaration is
highly objectionable.  It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served ; the duration of each term of engagement ;
the particular place or places where the service was performed ; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent au
thority ; that he was either in the field or in garrison ; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil
pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no pub
lic seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the
papers.

[begin italics] Mode of authenticating papers.[end italics]

In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which con
tains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends 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.

[begin italics]Proof of Service.[end italics]

[j] 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 the affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well
as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged.  The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the wit
nesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[index finger pointing right] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops.  The proof required by rule in
note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 15

The claim of Nathan Griffith is again returned.
In his amended declaration he alleges to have
entered the service as a [begin underline]Minute Man[end underline] for 1 year
and claims for the same.  This is altogether
inconsistent with the Minute Service of the
Revolution.  Let him amend by showing
what portion of this year, (as if the whole)
he was in [begin underline]actual mitilita[end underline] service,
where engaged and in a word a minute
detail thereof.  His service as an Artificer
is rather doubtful in a military point
of view.  Let him try to get proof.

Pension Office
9th Nov. 1833.
Page 16

December 5, 1936.

BA-J/ILL [illegible]
Nathan Griffith
S. 8616

Hazel G. Siberts
802 South Iowa Avenue
Washington, Iowa.

Dear Madam:

The data given herein were found in pension claim, S. 8616,
based upon service of Nathan Griffith in the Revolutionary War.

Nathan Griffith was born March 4, 1759 in Maryland; the
exact place of his birth and the names of his parents were not given.

While residing near Baltimore, in Baltimore County, Mary
land, he was a minute man from May 1775 for one year in Captain Stephen
Cromwell's Maryland company, during which period he was engaged in
guarding the city of Baltimore, was at Plumpoint near Benedict on
Chesapeake Bay, and also in the vicinity of Reisterstown, Maryland.  He
enlisted June 25, 1776 and served six months as private in Captain John
E. Howard's company, Colonel Hyde's Maryland regiment of the Flying
Camp, during which he was in the battles of Harlem and White Plains.  In
about two weeks after his discharge, he joined the artificers and served
as blacksmith in Carlisle and Philadelphia for one year and five months.
He served also four months under Captain John Hudson and late in 1776,
served two months as private in Captain Owens' Maryland company.

After his service in the Revolutionary War, Nathan Griffith
emigrated to Ohio.

He was allowed pension on his application executed July 30,
1832, at which time he resided in Millville, Butler County, Ohio.

There are no data pertaining to the family of Nathan Griffith.

Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
Page 17

December 5,  1936.

BA-J/ILL
Nathan Griffith
S. 8616

Hazel G. Siberts
802 South Iowa Avenue
Washington, Iowa

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the
Revolutionary War records of Jonathan Morris of Dunkard, Greene
County, Pennsylvania, and Nathan Griffith of Ross Township, Butler
County, Ohio.

The records of the above noted pensioners are furnished
you herewith as found in their claims for pension, based upon service
in the Revolutionary War.

Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
Page 18

Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
ADY

April 27, 1929.

Dorothy Clay McCabe,
Clear Ridge, Linwood,
Maryland.

Madam:

I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary
War pension claim, S 8616, it appears that Nathan Griffith
was born March 4, 1759 in Maryland.

While residing in Baltimore County near Baltimore,
Maryland he was a minute man from May 1775 for one year in
Captain Stephen Cromwell's Maryland Company.  On June 25,
1775 he enlisted and served as a private six months in Cap
tain John E. Howard's Company, Colonel Hyde's Maryland Regi
ment in the "Flying Camp" and was in the battles of Harlem
and White Plains.

About two weeks later he joined the artificers and
served as a blacksmith in Carlisle and Philadelphia for one
year and five months.  He also served under Captain John
Hudson four months and late in 1778 he served as a private
two months in Captain Owens' Maryland Company.

He was allowed pension on his application executed
July 30, 1832, while a resident of Millville, Butler County,
Page 19

There are no family data.

This is the history of the only Nathan Griffith found
on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.

Respectfully,

E. W. MORGAN,
Acting Commissioner.
Page 20

November 9, 1923

Mrs. G.D. Scott
Sherman Building
Sullivan, Ind.

Madam:

I have to advise  you that from the papers in the Revolutinoary War pension claim S. 8616 it appears that Nathan Griffith was born March 4, 1759 in Maryland.

While residing in Baltimore County near Baltimore, Maryland he was a minute man from May 1775 for one year in Captain Stephen Cromwell's Maryland Company. On June 25, 1776 he enlisted and served as a private six months in Captain John E. Howard's Company, Colone Hyde's Maryland Regiment in the "Flying Camp" and was in the battles of Harlem and White Plains.

About two weeks later he joined the artificers and served as a blacksmith in Carlisle and Philadelphia for one year and five months. He also served under Captain John Hudson four months and late in 1778 he served as a private two months in Captain Owen's Maryland Company.

He was allowed pension on his application executed July 30, 1832 while a resident of Millville, Butler County, Ohio. There is no family data on file.

Respectfully,

Commissioner.

Date of Death not on . A.B.
Page 21

802 So Iowa Ave
Washington, Iowa
Nove 20, 1836

A.D. Hiller, Asst.
Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

Will you send me the names of children of Jonathan Morris of Dunkard Green Count, Penna. from his pension records for Revolutionary War service. Also any other date given.

I would also like the record of Nathan Griffith of Ross Twp, Butler County, Ohio.

I would appreciate this information and send soon.

Yours truly,

Hazel G. Siberts

Vet Admin Date Stamp - Received Nov 24, 1936
Page 22

Clear Ridge
Linwood, Maryland
Oct 3, 1928

Dept. of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

PENSION OFFICE SEAL: Oct 4, 1928

Dear Sir:

Will you please give me a statement of the military history of Nathan Griffith a soldier of the Rev. War?

Your truly, 

Dorothy Clay McCabe
Clear Ridge Linwood
Carroll Co. Maryland
Page 23

Form 3-049.

Ex. AWF
Div. Rev War Sec

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washing, D.C. July 27, 1923

US PENSION SEAL: Oct 4, 1923

The attached letter is respectfully returned with the information that the data furnished is not sufficient to enable this Bureau to make intelligent answer to the queries therein contained.

Please fill out such of the blank spaces below and as the information in your possession will permit, and return to this Bureau.

!st Name of Widow. (Rebecca)
Name of soldier: Nathan Griffith

Address of Soldier at enlistment and after service: Lived in Maryland ten miles from Baltimore - after service moved to Pennsylvania Center Co later to Newport Ky

Date of birth: March 4th, 1755
Date of death: [blank]

If unable to furnish company and regiment give names of commanding officers: Nathan was recruiting Lieutenant

Return attached letter with reply.

Hays Haymaker

Acting Commissioner.
Page 24

Dr. G.D. Scott
Sherman Building
Sullivan, Indiana

Pension Department
Washington, D.C.

I would be very grateful to know if Nathan Griffith a recruiting Lieutenant in the Revolutionary army ever drew a pension.

Mrs. G.D. Scott
Sullivan, Indiana

US PENSION OFFICE Date Stamp: Oct 4, 2923

US PENSION OFFICE Date Stamp: Jun 18, 1923
Page 25

8616

Rev War

INVALID.

File NO: 8616
Nathan Griffith
Priv Rev War

Act: June 7th, 1832

Index: - Vol. [illegible]  Page 151

[Arrangement of 1870}
Page 26

1923 - Nov 9, Hist to Mrs. G.D. Scott - MMH
1929 Apr 27, Hist to Dorothy Clay McCabe A.D.Y.
1936 Dec, Hist to Hazel G Siberts - ILL
Page 27

Hamilton B.C.
11th 1st mo 1834

Dear Sir

Mr. Nathan Griffith an applicant for a pension has just called on me with his papers returned from your department. In answer to your letter of the 16th [illegible] he authorizes me to say that he is unable to produce at present any proof of his having served as an officer and that he will be  perfectly satisfied with the compensation proposed in your last [illegible] Please send him an order for whatever you may think him under the circumstances entitled and with that he will be content.

Respectfully
Your servant

John B Weller - Atty at Law

J L Edwards, Esq.
Page 28

Land Office, Annapolis, July 2nd 1833

I hereby certify that it appears by a muster roll, remaining in the office of the Company commanded by Captain John E. Howard of Baltimore County that the name of Nathan Griffith appears upon said roll, to have been enrolled on the 25th day of June 1776, to serve in the "Flying Camp'.

George G Brewer
Reg Land Office
Page 29

Land Office, Annapolis, July 2nd, 1833

Sir,

Yours of the 28th {ultimo} with the declaration of Nathan Griffith enclosed was received. ON examination, I find his name upon the rolls of Capt. Howard's Company of the Flying Camp - I herewith send you enclosed a certificate - the declaration is also herewith returned.

I am very respectfully
your obedient servant

George G. Brewer

J.L. Edwards, Esq.
Page 30

War Department
Pension Office
16 Dec 1833

Sir

The claim of Nathan Griffith has been again examined and the papers are herewith returned. Unless he shall produce the testimony of due an more witnesses having a personal knowledge of his services, his claim cannot be admitted for more than nine months. Viz - three months minute services, and six months in the Flying Camp.

I am sir
Very respectfully
your obedient servant

J.L. Edwards

John Reily Esq.
Hamilton
Butler County, Ohio
Page 31

The State Ohio
Butler County

ON this day [illegible] the nineteenth day of November eighteen hundred and thirty-two personally appeared before me James Hill a Justice of the peace within and for the county aforesaid, Nathan Griffith a resident of Milville in the said County of Butler and state of Ohio being the same Nathan Griffith who placed an application to the war department for a pension which application was sworn to by him the said Nathan Griffith, before the court of common pleas in and for the county aforesaid on the 30th day of July 1832 and certified by the Clerk of said court at Hamilton on the fourth day of August eighteen hundred and thirty-two - who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in addition or by way of amendment to the former declaration above alluded to in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress passed June the 7th 1832. Applicant saith that he served as an enlisted soldier for six months in the summer and under the officers set forth in the application to which this is intended as an amendment - applicant is satisfied that he commenced said service in said regiment called the Flying Camp of Maryland on the first of June 1776 and he served as aforesaid and fought in the several battles therein enumerated continually from the said first of June 1776 until the last of November in the same year, at which last mentioned time he was regularly discharged and that he received a written discharge from his said Captain John E Howard which was at Philadelphia as aforesaid, but said discharge has been lost as he before stated.
The applicant states that it was not exceeding two weeks after his discharge as aforesaid, that he joined himself to the artificers he states attached himself to said artificers at Philadelphia but that said artificers with himself proceeded immediately to Carlisle and there he wrought for the army at the [illegible] of a Blacksmith for one whole year - he says that he does not recollect whom was the general superintendent of this company of artificers but he recollects that one Moore had an approved to have a general management of said company - this he recollects from the fact that he sometimes kept the books
Page 32

for said Moore relative to the business of said artificers when he the said Moore was absent from them - he says that the company to which he was attached is an artificer - all as he thinks, wrought at the Black Smithing business - he states that during this time he was constantly employed for the army but during this year he recollects of being called off to Smiths Mill on Antetum Creek and assisted in the breaking up a nest of Torries, he thinks that he was not out at this time but about fifteen days, but by whom he was lead or commanded he cannot now recollect - he was frequently called out on such excursions and led by various individuals whom he cannot now recollect the names of but often they expected the object of these excursions as aforesaid[illegible] as he would return and go to work at his blacksmith business as aforesaid - The reason of applicants having attached himself to the artificers as aforesaid was that when the retreat commenced through New Jersey as stated in his former application, General Washington not knowing what course the British would take, or where this applicant services would be best appreciated, it was that advisable for him, applicant, as he was a Blacksmith, to attach himself to the artificers in the manner that he before states that he did.

After applicants having remained one year as aforesaid at Carlisle, he returned to Philadelphia as did the greater part of the company to which he was attached as aforesaid at Carlisle and he wrought at Philadelphia as an artificer, [illegible] at the blacksmith business for nine months during this time they the company of artificers to which he was attached worked at ship building at Whartons Shipyard - during this nine months service however, he was always held in [illegible] to do military duty in the service of the U. States sometimes he was drafted for short periods, but he cannot recollect by whom he was commanded except that two, two month tours during the nine months aforesaid he was called out and served under John Hudson and one other time he went as a substitute for Nathan Chapman for two months under the command of Capt Owens this two months, however, he applicant states was after his last service as an artificer to wit the nine months at Philadelphia, he states that it was after his return
Page 33

have to the state of Maryland - he states that this Chapman was about half of a tory and applicant that he could do his country more justice by taking his, Chapmans, place, he [illegible] and served the term of two months - he says that he was moved to the lead of Elk and acted generally as a guard, they were engaged in no battle however at this time - the applicant states that his service for six months as an enlisted soldier as foresaid, and his service one year at Carlisle as a blacksmith in the artificers, and his services nine months at Philadelphia in the same capacity and his two months service afterwords for said half Tory Chapman, was in all two years five months - he says that it was the spring of 1778 that he went from Carlisle to Philadelphia and in the latter part of the same year he served the said two month tour for said Chapman.

Applicant says that his recollection of his services as aforesaid doe not permit him to be more particular in detailing the facts connected therewith than he has done.

He knows of no person living except the Hon Samuel Smith of whom he has spoken in his first declaration by whom he could prove any part of his services.

He states in the conclusion that he did not serve the one year and nine months as aforesaid, as a [illegible] artificer but said service was rendered by him in capacity of a public laborer in the cause of his country.

Nathan Griffith

Sworn to and subscribed before me the 19th day of November A.D. 1832

James Hill - JP
Page 34

Magistrate as within and that the foregoing signature puporting to be his is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name at Hamilton this twentieth day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.

John Reily

Nathan Griffith
Page 35

The State of Ohio
Butler County

Personally appeared before me James Hill a Justice of the Peace within and for the county aforesaid, Nathan Griffith who is an applicant for a pension, and on being first duly sworn by me, make the following statement in addition to what he has heretofore stated in reference to his service in the revolutionary war viz.

The said Nathan Grifith swears that he was correct in stating in his last declaration that between the ages of sixteen and seventeen years to with in the month of May 1775 he attached himself to the company of Captain Stephen Cromwell of Baltimore County Maryland he was firstly [illegible] said Cromwell as a city guard for Baltimore City he was sent as a member of said company to Plumb point near Benedict on the Chesapeake Bay, this [illegible] was made in consequence of a fear which at that time was entertained that the ships of the enemy would come up to that point in order to plunder.
Said applicant swears that he was engaged as above stated three months agreeable to the best of his recollection. The next movement was that he, applicant, was placed under the command of a Sergeant Named Edward Young and this applicant was then ordered to apprehend [illegible] and surround them who refused to take the oath of fidelity agreeable to the requisitions of the [illegible] and laws when in favor he states that he served in this capacity about two weeks. This service was in the neighborhood of Reisterstown in Maryland. He states his employment afterwards and during the balance of the year during which he served as a minuteman to be in following up and routing the Tories whenever they were to be found in and about the port of Maryland, of which he has spoken above, and also in the removal of government stores from one point to another as they were wanted or ordered to be
Page 36

removed, he states that he served in this way that is in following up and routing the Tories and removing the government stores from place to place as the same were wanted up to the end of said year which was in May 1776 and was at all times during said year in rendering to undertake the execution of any order which was given him by his commanding officer, Stephen Cromwell, he states that this same Captain Cromwell died in June or July following applicants services during said year as a minuteman as they were often called. Applicant states that in June following the expiration of his services as a minuteman, he enlisted in the Flying Camp of Maryland and served as heretofore stated by his former declarations. Applicant expressly states that he was under no private contract nor did he draw any pay for his services during the year of 1775 as a minute man. It is true he [illegible] to state anything about his service as a minute man in any of his declaration heretofore made, except the last but his was in consequence of the fact of his neglecting to do so not coming in to his mind at the time the former declarations were made out. He states that then was a great deal of service at the period of which he speaks called minute service and that all who were engaged in that service was bound to hold themselves in readiness to obey any and all orders of their commanding officers. He states that it is true that he was in no engagement during this year with the army of the enemy yet he was engaged in the duties above name agreeable to the command of his officers, which duties it was highly [illegible] to perform in the defense of the country.
Applicant states that he knows of no living proof of his services as an artificer in the manner heretofore stated in his declaration but he again repeats under oath that what he has heretofore said and that subscribed is the truth and nothing but the truth to the best of his recollection and memory of the same. That during the first year of his services as an artificer at Carlisle he was not under any private contract but
Page 37

that he was subject to the order of his commanding officer and did actually during said service as an artificer frequently go out as heretofore stated for short periods to do military service when his services were in that way required - and when it was for the benefit of the army, or at least so that to be, this applicant was employed as a black smith and worked for the army.

Applicant is growing old and frail and his memory fast failing him, but his recollection still enables him to say that his statements heretofore and now made, are nothing but the truth - and he states that he cannot at this time recollect of any new fact in connection with his revolutionary services which could be of any benefit to the Department in determining upon his claim - he states that he can much more readily remember general facts than more minute details of his services - that is he cannot recollect from month to month how at all times he was engaged during his services, but he can well recollect the length of time that he was in the services of his country and that during that time he was not otherwise engaged.  Nathan Griffith

Sworn to and subscribed before me the 26th day of Nov 1833

James Hill JP

The state of Ohio Butler County 
I John Reily Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that James Hill Esq above named before whom the supposition herein before stated of Nathan Griffith was taken was at the taking thereof a Justice of the Peace in the said county of Butler

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and official seal at [illegible] the twenty seventh day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.

John Reily
Page 38

Nathan Griffith
Last Ammended Declalration

Hamilton Ohio 26th Nov 1833

Dear Sir

It would give me much pleasure to know that the claim of Mr. Nathan Griffith could be investigated with as much liberality as his statements will justify.

Mr. Griffith has shown a great deal of caution in making out his declarations and the respectable standing which the old gentleman holds in the society where he is known and his strictly moral character gives me every evidence that his statements are entitled to the fullest credit. Besides, he is very poor.

Respectfully Yours
E. Fance

J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

PS - I believe he is known to our representative Mr. Webster. I have been acquainted with Mr. Nathan Griffith the applicant for a pension for many years he has as I [illegible] and esteemed a man of truth [illegible] - he was for several years a Justice of the peace in the county of Hamilton therein the territory of the United States Northwest of the Ohio River under the appointment of the governor.

John Reily

Hamilton 27th Nov 1833
Hon J.L. Edwards