Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3677, John Griffin, Va.
Page 1

Service   Number
Va. Griffin, John    W. 3677
Cynthia   B. L. Wt 264-60-55
Contents
Page 2

212.257   Act 3 Mar:
Sept. 18     } S.S.

Cynthia Griffin wid. of John Griffin
Soldier
Revolutionary
Pri:
264 Aug 4 1856

War of Revolution
Pensioner under Act Feb 2nd - 1832
$96 per annum
July 48-987
W: 600 Act July 24/56
Boynton

R. C. Pearson
Morgantown N.C.
Rev War
Page 3

Mar 29/71 Let to CP Benedict Present RH
Page 4

(left hand side of page)
18.443   R
North Carolina
John Griffin
of Haywood C. in the State of N.C.
who was a Private inthe Regiment commanded by 
Colonel Lewis te of the Virginia
line, for the term of 77 War

Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence in the 9 of October 1821

Certificate of Pension issued the 4 of Jany 1862
and Sent to Hon F. Walker.
House of Reps

Part of Arrears to 4th of March 1822
Semi-anl. all'ce ending           $ 38.96
4 Mos. y/                                    38.96
8            31
32
6.96

{Revolutionary claim}
{Act 18th March, 1818}

May 1, 1820

(right hand side of page)
See letter to F. Walker
22 Jan. 1827
Page 5

(left hand side of page)
S A Betty, Feby 22 1833

212287

(right hand side of page)
987
North Carolina - C
Cynthia Griffin
widow of Jon Griffin
Va who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars 
- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 6th day of Jany. 1853
and sent to Hon L Clingman
H of R

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 29, 1848, Page 135, Vol. A
Page 6

John Griffin
Declaration

[illegible]
Haywood Cg
'77 War

Hon. F. Walker took minutes L
this care, Jun. 22, 1822
Page 7

(duplicate of previous page)

John Griffin 
Declaration

[illegible]
Haywood Cg

'77 War

Hon. F. Walker took minutes of 
this care, Jan. 22 1822
Page 8

State of North Carolina
Haywood County
{Sup.2 Court of Law October Term As 1821
on this 9th day October 1821 personally appeared in open court (being a Court of Record for said County) John Griffin aged Sixty eight years Resident in said County of Haywood, who being first duly Sworn, according to Law, doth on his Oath declare that he Served in the Revolutionary war as follows, that he enlisted on the 8th day of February one thousand seven hundred & Seventy Seven, in Albermarle County in the State of Virginia, in the United States Army for two years in the Company Commanded by Capt. Joses Hawkins in the Regiment commanded by Col. Charles Lewis, and that he served in the Same Regiment in or about Twenty two months, and that he then enlisted for an during the war in the Company Commanded by Col. William Davis of the Virginia line, and that he Served Some longer time than one year in said Regiment, and he then came home on Furlough, and at the expiration of his time of Furlough he returned to Capt. Holt's company who was then commanded by Col. William Keith, was Marched to Charleston South Carolina and was then taken prisoner by the British in May 1780, and was detained as a prisoner untill (sic) June 1783 when he made his Escape, and went and applyed (sic) to Genl. Knox, and got a permit to return home to Virginia, That while in Service he was in the Battles of Germantown, Mandirvine, Monmouth (^ Several other Scirmishes (sic) ) and in the Battle of Charleston, and after his return from Service he had no opportunity of
Page 9

of Obtaining a discharge, and that the date of his original declaration was he believes the 12thday of October 1818, and that he has not received any pension, and I do solemnly Swear that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818, and that I have not Since that time by Gift, Sale or in any Manner disposed of my property or any part thereof, with intent thereby to diminish it so as to bring myself within the Provisions of an Act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Said Naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary war passed on the 18th day of March 1818, and that I have not, nor has any person in Trust for me any property or Securities Contracts or debts, due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereunto annexed and by me subscribed. 

Schedule of John Griffins property
9 head of hogs   Value__  $10.00
plates, knieves and forks and Table furniture 5.00
two pots one oven & skillet    8.75
Carpenters Tools Value           25.00
Two beds & furniture             20.00

Sworn & subscribed this 9th day of October 1821
John Griffin
The deponent declares that by Occupation he is a Carpenter
Page 10

and that from age and infirmity he is unable to pursue his Trade so as to obtain a Support for his family, and the State of his family as follows, Demaris a Daughter of 17 years of age Cynthia a Daughter of 15, William a Son of 12 years, Betsy a Daughter of 10, Franklin, a Son of 7 years old, Patsy a Daughter of 5 years of age, all of which is now living with him.

John Griffin

North Carolina}
Haywood County}
Superior Court of Law October Term 1821
I john B Love Clerk of Said Court do Certify that the Court William Norwood presiding Judge while sitting as a Court at the Term aforesaid did Value the property of John Griffin agreeable to the Items Stated & that the whole amounted to sixty eight Dollars Seventy five Cents & that the said John Swore to & subscribed his schedule & declaration in open Court. & that the original is filed in my office.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & private seal this 10th day of October, 1821 there being no publick Seal provided for said office
J B Love, Clerk
Page 11

State of No Carolina}
Cherokee County}  On this second day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty five personally appeared in open court in the Town of Murphy in said County and state Cynthia Griffin aged sixty seven (who is a resident of this county) who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the prevision made by the act of Congress passed July the 7th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows. That she is the widow of John Griffin Decd who was a Revolutionary prisoner & she believes as a sergeant in the Revolutionary (soldier crossed out) war in the land service. She further declares that she was married to the said John Griffin in the summer or fall of the year one thousand seven hundred & ninety two that her husband the aforesaid John Griffin died in the fall of the year eighteen hundred & thirty-eight in the County of Macon in this state. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four (viz) at the time above stated - that she has no family now to which she could [illegible] but from memory alone also as to the services of her husband she relies on his declaration and witness
Page 12

adduced and filed at the time he obtained a pension the date of which she not distinctly recollect but refers the department to that record. Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
           her
Cynthia X Griffin Ret
           Mark

State of No Carolina}
Cherokee County}  I Drury Weeks Clerk of the court of pleas and Quarter Sessions for Said County to hereby certify that Cinthia Griffin whose Signature appears to the foregoing affidavit (after being crossed out) was duly Sworn in open Court and acknowledged her Signature for the purposes therein contained In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my name as Clerk aforesaid and affixed my Seal of office at Office in Murphy. This the 20 Day of June 1840;
Drury Weeks, Cl

1.1999

June 24, 1845

Cinthia Griffin's 
deposition 
in
her claim for a pension -
No 1.
Page 13

Bounty Land Claim
Cynthia Griffin

War of Revolution

Transmitted by 
R. C. Pearson
Morganton 
N.C.
Page 14

State of North Carolina}
County of Cherokee}  Be it known that before me  E. P. Kincaid a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Cynthia Griffin a resident of the County & State aforesaid aged 84 years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, declares on oath that she is the widow of John Griffin late deceased of Haywood County who was a Soldier of the Va line in the Army of the Revolution and a Pensioner of the United States under the act of 18 March, 1818 at the rate of ninety six dollars a year, and died on the 15 Sept 1838. - That her maiden name was Colrict, was married to the said John Griffin in Surry Co. on the __ day of November 1797 - That she has applied for and is now in the receipt of a Revolutionary Pension under the the (sic) act of February 2 d 1848 of $96 per annum as the widow of the aforesaid John Griffin, that she is still a widow and now makes this Declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty Land she is entitled to under the act of Congress, approved March the 3 d 1855 and that in support of her said claim she refers to her papers filed in the Pension Office on which her pension was granted, that this is her first & only application for land bounty

Sworn to and subscribed this 8 day of September 1855 Before me E. P. Kincaid
                       her
JP____  Cynthia  X  Griffin
                        mark

Cutnik
Page 15

State of North Carolina}
Cherokee County}  On this 8 day of September 1855. personally appeared before me E. P. Kincaid a Justice of the Peace in and for said County R. D. McCombs and Jacob F Abernathy Citizens of the County and State aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law, make oath, that they are personally & well acquainted with Cynthia Griffin who has executed the foregoing declaration for Bounty Land and that they declare of their own personal knowledge that she is the person she has therein represented herself to be - further That they are disinterested witnesses

Sworn to and subscribed date last above mention  Before me                        Ser (circled)
E. P. Kincaid JP - Jacob Abernathy  Ser (circled)

And I the said Justice of the Peace, so cerfify that the deponents above are men of good character and standing and their statements in the above case are entitled to credit
I also certify that I am well acquainted with Cynthis Griffin the declarant and that I believe the facts set forth in her declaration to be just and true.
Given under my hand date above
E.P. Kincaid JP-
Page 16

State of North Carolina}
Cherokee County - } I Drury Weeks Clerk of the county Court within and for the County and State aforesaid do hereby Certify that E. P. Kincade whose genuine Signature appears to the foregoing proceedings is and was at the date thereof a duly commissioned and Sworn Justice of the peace within and for Said County fully authorized to administer oaths, take acknowledgements SC and is entitled to full faith and credit to all his official acts as Such. In testimony whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my name as Clerk aforesaid and affixed my official Seal at office in Murphy This 8th day of Sept. A.D. 1855.   Drury Weeks, Clk
Page 17

Copy of Marriage Bond of Mr Griffin to Cynthia Calbert

No. 9th 1797
Page 18

State of North Carolina}
Surry County}

Know all men by these presents that wo John Griffin and Timothy Williams are held and firmly bound unto His Excellency     Governor of the state of North Carolina and his Successors in office in the just and full law of five-hundred pounds Current Money of the State to be paid to the said         Governor, and his Successors in office for the payment of which well and truly to be made and done we bind ourselves our heirs Executors and Administrator jointly severally and firmly  by these presents sealed with our seals and dated this 9th November 1797.   The Condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bounden John Griffin hath made application for a hand for marriage to be celebrated between him and Cynthia Calvert of the county aforesaid.   Now in case it shall not hereafter appear that there is any lawful cause or impediment to obstruct said Marriage then the above obligation to be void, authorise to remain in full force and virtue
November 9th 1797     John Griffin (side)
Test Jno Williams     Timothy Williams (side)
Page 19

State of North Carolina}
Surrey County}

I Francis K Armstrong Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quatio Sepeant in and for said County of Surrey do hereby that the foregoing Transcript is a true copy of the Marriage bond of John Griffin filed in my office for a banes to solemnize the sights of Matrimony between him and Cynthia Calvert

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of our said Court at Office this 22nd day of January A.D. 1832
F. K. Armstrong Clk
Page 20

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION. 8-525

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
am
w. f. 3677  Washington, D.C.,   , 19  

In reply to your request of    , received    for a statement of the military history of John Griffin a soldier of the RECOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

(table with columnar headings)
Dates of Enlistement or appointment.
Feby 8, 1777
then enlisted

Length of service
22 mos
over 1 year

Rank.
Pvt. 

Officers under whom service was rendered.
Captain
Moses Hawkins
Thomas Holt

Colonel 
Charles Lewis
William Davis
William Keith

State
Va.

May 1780 was taken prisoner at Charleston and detained as such until June 1783 when he escaped and returned home.

Battles engaged in, Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth & Charleston
Residence of soldier at enlistment, enlisted in Albermarle Co. Va.
Date of Application for pension, Oct. 9, 1821, [illegible] cl. was allowed
Residence at date of application, Haywood County, N.C.
Age at date of application, 68 years. Died Sept. 15, 1838 at Franklin, Macon Co. N.C.
Remarks: He married in Nov. 1797, Cynthia Calvert She was al. pension an application executed June 2, 1845, while a resident of Murphy Cherokee Co. N.C. aged 19 years. In 1821 Soldier referred to the following children: Damaris 17 years old, Cynthia 15 years, William 12 years, Betsy 10 years, Franklin 7 years and Patsy 5 years old. In 1852, widow was living with her son-in-law Mr. Morgan in Valley River
Respectfully, 

Commissioner
6-285C
Page 21

State of North Carolina}
Surry}  I Joseph Williams, Clerk of the county Court of Surry aforesaid do hereby certify that the within subscribing William Meredith was before and at this time an Acting Justice of the peace in and for the said County of Surry and that all due faith & credit is and ought to be given to this attestation as such in any of the Countys within the United States.
In Testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand and hav e affixed the seal of the said County to the same this 23d day of January AD 1798

Jo Williams Cle
Page 22

State of No Carolina
Surry County}  This day came Robert Quilling before me Williams Meredith a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid & made oath in due form of law/ That John Griffin who is mentioned in the [illegible] power of attorney was an enlisted Soldier for during the war with great Brittain that he belonged to the Virginia line & served to her the S Deponents knowledge to the end of the war - Sworn to and subscribed before me this 25th day of November 1797 - 

W Meredith J.P.           Robt Quillin
Page 23

State of North Carolina}
Surry County}
I Joseph Williams Cler of the Court of said County in the State aforesaid do hereby certify attest and make - known that the names of William Thornton and Jesse Lester subscribed to the torthin in position is the proper hand writing of said William Thornton and Jesse Lester esquiring who at the time of Subscribing the same torn and now an lawfully and duly appointed & commissioned and qualified as Justices of the Peace for Surry County aforesaid duly authorized to administer Oaths and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to any [illegible] such by them Subscribed and with in County of Justin and {illegible] - In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of so County at office this Fifth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety Six

Jo Williams Cle
Page 24

State of North Carolina}
Surry County } Ss.

This day came John Griffin before us, William Thornton and Jesse Lester, two of the Justices of the peace for said County, and made oath in due form of Law, that he enlisted in the service of the United States of America, in the year one thousand seven hundred and Seventy seven, for three years, on Continental establishment in the Virginia line, fourteenth Regiment, and that before his time was out, he enlisted for during the war with great Britain, and that he continued in Service til the end thereof - And he further swears (that he went into the service a Sergeant and same act on Ensign crossed out) and that he never has received any satisfaction for the same from the United States. 

W=Sworn to and subscribed before us this 23 day of June 1796
Wm Thornton J.P.
Jesse Lester J.P.

John Griffin

Griffin, John
Va W 3677
Page 25

Know all men by these presents that I John Griffin a [illegible] Soldier [illegible] during the war in the Service of the United States of America for a Valuable and fair consideration to me in hand paid at or before the [illegible] hereof by Daniel Whiston the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have and by these presents to grant bargain, Sell, release, transfer and assign unto him his heirs, executory  administratory and assigns forever all the right title interest property claim and demand, which I now have or which I my Heirs executors or administrators may at any time hereafter have to all the land due and owing to me from the United States and I do hereby for myself my heirs executors and administrators, covenant and agree to and with the said Daniel Wheaton his heirs executors administrators and assigning, that I my heirs executors and administrators Shall and will at any time or times hereafter at the request cost and charging of him his heirs executors administrators and assings make seal execute and deliver or cause to or procure to be made sealed execute and delivered, all and were such reasonable acts and acts thing to things convergance and conveyanceys assurance and assurances in therefore the perfect greating conveying realising, transferring and assigning all the rights title interest history claim and demand which I now have or which I my heirs executors administrators may at any time hereafter have, of, in and to all and singular the lands hereby granted and assigned unto him his Heirs executors administrators and assigning forever as by his council learned in law shall be reasonably advised; devised or required, and I do hereby make constitutive and appoint the said Daniel Wheaton my ture and lawfull attorney irrevocably, to ask deamand recover and receive of and from the teneted States States or from any person or persons acting y from or under their authority, all and Singular the lands due and belonging to me, or detained from me by any manner of Wage or means whatsoever and upon receipt thereof to collect and deliver up good and Sufficient conveyances and assurance {illegible] to Grant bargain sell, release, and confirm the said land [illegible] purchased or purchases thereof his her of their executors administ {illegible] and assign greivic, with the power or not attorney or after [illegible] under him for the purposes aforesaid to make and substitute a [illegible[ do all lawfull sets requisite for effecting the promises as [illegible] and effectually to all intents and purposes as I might or could do by being personally present and to have done the same, hereby allowing testifying and confirming all and whatsoever my siad attorney or his substitute or Substituting, Shall or may do or cause to be done therein invested heirs X___In Testimony, whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this    day of June in the year of our lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety six

Signed sealed and delivered in presence of :
John Griffin

State of No Carolina
Surry - County 

Be it known that on the day of the date hereof before me William Thornton and Jesse Lester in two of the Justices in and of the county and State aforesaid personally came the above named John Griffin and acknowledged the above and hall and letter of attorney to be his act and deed and we do moreover certify that the said      making this are acknowledgement has been fore          known to us and we do further believe that he is the person he represents himself to be in Testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals this 23 day of June, in the year of our lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety six - 
Wm Thornton
Jesse Lester
Page 26

State of North Carolina{
Surry County} Sr

I Joseph Williams Clerk of the court of said county in the State aforesaid do hereby certify attest and make known that the names of William Thornton and Jesse Lester subscribed to the acknowledgement of the within Deed Poll and Letter of Attorney is the proper hand writing of Said William Thornton and Jesse Lester Esquires who at the time of subscribing the same were and now are lawfully and duly appointed commissioners and qualified as Justices of the Peace for Surry County aforesaid; and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to any acts as such by them Subscribed as well in courts of Justice as thereout - 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Said county this fifth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety six

Jo Williams Cle
Page 27

State of No Carolina
Surry County - } Personally came before me Jesse Franklin a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid Jesse Lester one of the Subscribing Witnesses to the aforesaid Deed [illegible] and on his Solemn Oath declared that he saw the said John Griffin sign Seal and deliver the within power - - - - - - 
Sworn to and subscribed this 13th day of Oct. 1797            Jesse Lester

Before me, J Franklin Jp

Griffin, John
Va. W3677

(written upside down at the bottom of the page)
John Griffin of 
Danl Wheaton
not held for land
N 116

John Griffin belonged to the 14th Virginia [illegible]
Page 28

(duplicate of previous page, but upside down)
State of No Carolina
Surry County - } Personally came before me Jesse Franklin a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid Jesse Lester one of the Subscribing Witnesses to the aforesaid Deed [illegible] and on his Solemn Oath declared that he saw the said John Griffin sign Seal and deliver the within power - - - - - - 
Sworn to and subscribed this 13th day of Oct. 1797            Jesse Lester

Before me, J Franklin Jp

Griffin, John
Va. W3677

(written upside down at the bottom of the page)
John Griffin of 
Danl Wheaton
not held for land
N 116

John Griffin belonged to the 14th Virginia [illegible]
Page 29

Morganton, N.Ca.
February the 2d 1832

Sir,
I inclose to your Department the declaration of Cynthis Griffin and applicant for a Pension under the Act of 29 July 1848. Together with a copy of husband Jn. Griffins Marriage bond and a Power of Attorney authorizing my agency
Please examine these papers at your earliest convenience & report the result to me and oblige.
I am yours,
Respectfully
 S. A. Bettis

J. E. Heath Esquire
Comr of Pensions
Washington City
Page 30

3-565.

No. 212.257
Act of Mar 3, 1855
Received Sept. 18, 1855

John Griffin
Widow
Cynthia Griffin
Pri., Va. Con. Line,
Rev. War
Warrant No. 264
For 60 acres
R. C. Pearson
Morgantown, 
N.C. 

11960b5m2-94
Page 31

Declaration & Power of attorney with copy of marriage Bond of Cinthia Griffin widow of John Griffin

Act 29 July 1848
Page 32

(postmark) MORGANTOWN N.C. sEP 14

FREE
212.257
J. Minot Esq.
Comm of Pensions
Washington City - D.C.
Page 33

Pension Office
June 3 1853

N. Carolina, Ashville
Acts Mch 18 1818 & May 1870}
$96 per annum}
Jno Griffin
To what time paid?
T. Triplett

J. D. Gallaher Esq
B Anortin

Paid to 4th Sept. 1838
BLB
Page 34

Adams Express company,
U. S. TREASURY,
Washington, D. C. March 22d 1871

Sir
The Southern Express Co. lost while in transit a "Bounty Land Warrant" for 60 acres ^No. 264 Act of 1855. for this the owner received $70.
If this express Co. will comply with the terms specified in section 5h of your circular X will you issue a new warrant in favor of said company?

Yours truly,
C.P. Benedict
P. O. Box 71.8
Washington D.C.

Hon W. Drummond
Com. of Said Office
Wash. D.C.
Page 35

No. 12089.

12089
Cynthia Griffin
N.C. 
Sent W. H. Thomas July 31s '45
"  Hon James Graham 13 June 46
N. Leake April 10/46
" S. A. Bettis, June 5, 1852

Ad July (3 crossed out) 4, 1838
(checkmark)
Page 36

Pri., Va. Line
116 - 100 - Rev
264
60 acres
Page 37

Jany 27, 1846
Please at the same time cause an examination of the claim of Cinthia Griffin an applicant under the act of 1838 from N.C, in whose behalf I am also requested to act,
More &en
N. Leake
Hon J L Edwards:
Page 38

Declaration alleged to have been made Oct. 12, 1818, is not on file, and as the pension was allowed from Oct. 9 1821, (underlined) it does not appear to have been on file at that date.

V L. M.
June 18, 1918.
2d declaration dated Oct. 9, 1821
Page 39

[illegible] Dec. 30th 1852
Sir
I am well acquainted with S. W. Wages Esq. of Cherokee Co. He is a man of good character and entitled to the fullest credit
Respectfully
T L Clingman
Page 40

Morganton N. Car
December 23d 1852

Dr Sir
I have now awaiting the return of the Pension office the claim of Cynthis Griffin of Cherokee living with her in Law Mr. Morgan on valley River a mile or so below Abernathys, you may know the old lady.
This claim is one of merit and I have had it some time in hand and am anxious to get it passed, lest by delay I may have to encounter difficulties like I had last summer in the Wicks case, (Forest) be superceded by some of the Washington City Agents whom I understand are trying to get hold of the agency - 
I think the proof I have made that is now awaiting the action of the Department to be complete, certainly if any respect is paid to the testimony of credible witnesses amongst whom is Mr. Hays late member of our Lesgistlature.
You can do me a great favor by giving to the Pension office, look into the papers and certify to the characters of the last witness, M. Hays & _____ Also request an early report - on file is a Power of Attorney authorizing my agency
The certificate of Pension in form of the Montgomery hiers has beenrsecd. All right and the parties in interest feel under obligations to you.  
Hon. T. L Clingman       Yours very truly,
Washington City            S. A. Bettis
DC
Page 41

Morganton N. Ca Sept 21 1862
Sir,
Enclosed you will receive in support of the claim of Cyntha Griffin, reported June 5 (last) the affidavits of William Wilet a gentleman of high standing and G. W. Hayes Member of our last Legislature which I hope may explain to the satisfaction of your Department the difference in the old lady's declaration, as well as to satisfy you that the present applicant was the wife of John Griffin not only at the time of his obtaining a pension but for years before Mr. Welch states that he knew these parties as far back as 1809 at which time they lived together as husband & wife and continued so up to the time of Mr. Griffins death - That in 1822 they had children grown & married -
Mr. Hayes says that he has known these parties since the year 1820 at which time they had a family of several children & were regarded by all that knew them as Lawful Man & wife - 
I sincerely hope these affidavits may satisfy your Department of the justness of this claim & that you will send me ^"Pension cerftificate at your Earliest Convenience - 
- On file with her late declaration is a Power of Attorney in my favor.  
Yours very Respectfully, 
S. A. Bettis

Hon. J. E. Heath, Washington City}
Page 42

pour Jesse Lester
relating to land warrants - 

The Hon " able

Joseph Winston Esquire
Washington City

Free
Page 43

Very Dear Sir.     Rockford Decr 23d 1803

Permit me to request the favor of you to enquire at the war office for all the land warrants issued to Daniel Wheaton inconsequence of a number of powers of attorney deposited with one of the clerks in that - department, November 1802 by myself under the direction of said Daniel Wheaton and whatever the Secretary has issued or may issue be so good as to receive them and receipt if if required and send the same under cover to me by post to this place, as I have been requested by Mr. Wheaton to apply for them is issued, if not, for the powers filed their the time above stated. Gold will be plenty in North Carolina a bed of ore has been lately discovered in Cabarrus county in a creek funning through the Land of W. John Reed a native of Germany, which promises to be a Source of great riches to the proprietor. The metal was first found by two or three children of W. Reed who were fishing. They brought a few pieces home to their father as a curiosity ignorant of it value. on examination the ore was found not only to be Gold, but Gold of a Very Nice quality. Since the discovery the little boys have picked up daily from 100 to 120, penny weights, (Worth upwards of twenty pound Sterling) but the proprietor has lately found a lump of the ore twenty eight pounds Weight which
Page 44

116
Letter from Jesse Lester to Joseph Winston Esq.
Member of Congress dated 23. Decr. 1803. requesting him to receive the land warrants to be issued on claims "presented by Danl. Wheaton.
They were delivered accordingly - 25r Jan. 1804. viz.
to John Griffin.
Wm. York
Nath. Freeman
Frederick Desarn
Isomer Doucle
Sam. Smith
Page 45

it is supposed when sluiced will yield twenty seven pounds of pure Fold, and is worth upwards of five thousand six hundred Dollars, These facts may be depended on. I shall always to happy to hear from you & that you may have an agreeable  session and enjoy a good state of health in the heary and Sincere wish of your friend
Y Huml Servt -

Jesse Lester.
Page 46

Copy
Department of the Interior
June, 24th 1830,
Sir,
I herewith return the papers relative to the claim of Bashoba Easow, deceased, and have to inform you that your report thereon has been affirmed by this Department,

I remain
Very Respectfully
Your Obd Servt,
(Signed) T. Erwing

J L Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 47

Brief in the case of Cynthia Griffin widow of John
County and State of North Carolina
acts July 24 1848 VC

Claim, ("original" (or "for increase." crossed out))

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under acts 18 March 1818 & May 1 1820 -
Proof of Marriage Record

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?


Name and residence of Agent
Hon. T. L. Clingman
H of R

Thornton Triplett
Examining Clerk
Page 48

Jan 9 '46
Recd
Cynthia Griffin

J L Edwards

H J Graham
HR
Washington DC
Page 49

H R Jany 7th '46

Mr. J. L. Edwards
Will you please inform me the condition of the claim of Synthia Griffin widow of John Griffin who filed a Declaration for a Pension under the act of 1838. I also wish to know the condition of the claim of Samuel Queen who filed a declaration under the act of 1832 Some 8 or 10 years since.

Yours, James Graham
Page 50

Cynthia Griffin 1.191
Widow of John
 N.C.
adm? July 29 1848
$96 per annum from 4 March 1848 (to 30 June 1848 $96 per annum from 1 July 1848 crossed out)
No. 1.191
Act 29, J 18

Cert fo Hon. T. L. Clingman
H of R
Page 51

Washington .City
June 23, 1845

Hon. Jas. L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions,

Sir,

I beg leave herewith to enclose the claim of Cinthia Griffin for a pension. Marked nos. her deposition no 2 deposition of Thos W. Poindexter. no 3. her power of attorney.
I have been personally acquainted with the claim - and about thirty years I was also acquainted with her husband John Griffin who was a pensioner to the time of his death. The widow at this time is poor and destitute, being entirely dependent upon a married daughter - who is also poor - for a aupport. The only interest that I have in the claim is a desire to aid those unable to prosecute their claims in obtaining what may be due them from the Government of the United States, while I am compelled to remain here on other business.
Very respectfully,
Your obt Servt
W. H. Thomas
Page 52

Know all men by these presents that I Cintha Griffin of the County of Cherokee and State of No. Carolina and widow of John Griffin Decd. who was a Revolutionary Pensioner having some time since Executed a power of attorney authorising Wm. W. Thomas Esqr. Now at Washington City, D.C. to do and perform all acts and things in my name & behalf that may be necessary to be done in procuring my  name to be placed on the United States pension list & having not authorised him to draw on the proper departments for the amt. that may be due me do now know ye that I have by these presents nominate constitute and appointed J. W. King Esqr. of said county & state my true and lawful attorney in fact for me & in my behalf to apply to the propper Departments of the Government of this United States for all monies that may be due me as a pensioner and to authorise an appoint an attorney in this behalf to do the same in as full & ample a manner as I myself could or would do if I was personally ]illegible] ratifying & confirming all my said attorney may lawfully do in the premises & this my power to be irrevocable except at the pleasure of the parties In testimony of which I the said Cyntha Griffin have hereunto set my hand an seal this 14th of Aprl. 1845
The above power of attorney was fuly acknowledged before me the date above}
Drury Weeks     
            her
Cynthia  X  Griffin  (seal)
           mark
Page 53

State of N. Carolina}
Cherokee county.} I Drury Weeks Clerk of the Court of pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for Said County do hereby Certify that the foregoing power of Attorney from Cynthia Griffin to J. W. King was this day duly ackowledged before me for the purposes therein contained. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto Set my Name as Clerk aforesaid and affixed my SEal of Office at Office in Murphy 14th day of April 1845.
Drury Weeks, Clk

Cynthis Griffin
power of 
atts. to W H J
no.3

No. Carolina Cherokee county = I william Manchester Chairman of the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for said County do certify that Drury Weeks whose name appears to the above certificate is the Rugular [illegible] acting Clerk of our said Court and that his signature appears to be genuine and in due form of Law and is entitled to due faith and credit to all his official acts as such in Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name as chairman of Said Court at office in the Town of Murphy NC
This 17 April 1845 - 
Wm. Manchester Chn. C. C.
Page 54

Cuyntha Griffin
widow of John
act of 2 February 1848
Page 55

State of N. Carolina}
Cherokee County - } On this 25th day of August 1852 Personally appeared before me the Subscriber an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid. William Welch. who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following Declaration, For the purpose of Explaining a discrepancy that appears between the first and Second Declaration, made by Cynthia Griffin Widow of John Griffin Decd. a Revolutionary Pensioner now filed in the Pension office for the Recovery of a Revolutionary Pension She believes due her. And further to states the first Retetive to the said John Griffin his widdow  (sic) and children Deponent on his oath states that as to the first declaration got up by J. W. King agent of the said Cynthia Griffin he the deponent was Requested to do the writing or take down his statement on questioning the old lady as to the time of their Marriage. She being old and forgetfull (sic) stated that her Husband John Griffin Some Short time before his death told her they have bin (sic) Married So many years, from which statement he made the calculation which but their Marriage in the year 1792- which circumstance may considering the age and infirmity of the Cynthis Griffin fully account for
Page 56

the apparent error or discrepancy, that oppose between her first and second declaration on She have in a Reconcile the court only state from that circumstance to the best of her Recolection. (sic)

Deponent further states that he was well acquainted with the Said John & Cynthis Griffin from the year 1809 until his death, that they were living together and were living together at the time he obtained his pension about 1822 - at which time they have Six or Eight children, Some of them Grown and Married deponent further states they were Seniors of Respectable Standing. Good citizens, and Regarded by all who new (sic) them as lawfull Husband & Wife. Deponent further States that the present applicant is the Same Identified Cynthia Griffin Widdow (sic) of the Said John Griffin Decd., and now living in the Said County of Cherokee N. Carolina, Sworn to and Subscribed before me day and date above written - Wm. Welch
Wm Manchester J. P.
Page 57

I hereby certify that due Faith and credit Is due to character and testimony of Wm. Welch whose Signature appears to the written affidavit. Sept. 8th 1852   Wm. Manchester J.P.

I also certify that William Welch whose signature appears to the within affidavit, is a man of good character and his statements are entitled to full faith and credit, Sep. 8th 1852   G. W. Hayes

Affidavit of Wm. Welch
(flourish)
Page 58

State of North Carolina } 
Cherokee Count            } On this 8th day of September, 1852, Personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid G. W. Hays, a resident of Said County, Who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following statement, to wit, That he had been acquainted with John Griffin a revolutionary Pensioner who died in Franklin, Macon County NC and his wife Cinthia Griffin the present applicant for a pension (She believes due her) Since the year 1820. That when he first knew them they had a family of children and lived together as husband and wife and were regarded as such by all who knew them. That he further states that the present applicant for a Revolutionary Pension Cynthis Griffin is the identical person who lived with John Griffin the above named Pensioner. Sworn and Subscribed to before me day and date above written.
E. P. Kincaid J.P.               G. W Hayes
Page 59

State of North Carolina}
Cherokee county         } I Drury Weeks Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for said County do hereby certify that Williams Manchester and E. P. Kincaid whose genuine signatures appear to the within affidavits are both acting Justices of the peace within and for the County aforesaid and their official acts entitled to full faith and credit.
I also certify that G. W. Hays whom the attached affidavit was proven by was a Member to the last Legislature of North Carolina.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name as clerk aforesaid and Affixed my seal of Office in Murphy this the 11th Day of September A.D. 1852
Drury Weeks Clk
Page 60

Cyntha Griffin
Widow of John
act of 2 February 1848
Page 61

(circled, stamped) RECORDS DIVISION
OCT 30 1920

Oct. 28
Watt
VLW
Page 62

Webster, N.C.
Pension Bureau
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir
Record E.D.
(stamp, circled) PENSION OFFICE
Oct 28 1920 U.S.
Please give me the record of John or Jonathan Griffin and of his wife who drew a pension, her name was Cynthia Griffin. Thanking you for any information you can give me - Very truly,
Mrs. W. W. Watt
Page 63

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

Gentlemen:
Will you please send me the Revolutionary War Records and names of children of my ancestor, John Griffin who served as a private in the Virginia Continental line. In 1821, at the age of 81, he lived in Haywood County, N.C.
I want also the Revolutionary War Records of Thomas Griffin and Names of his children too. He served as a private in the North Carolina Continental line. In 1833 he lived in Nash Co. North Carolina.
I shall be grateful for any data that you may send.
Yours truly,
Mrs. C. S. Weismann
Castaneda Apts,
Venice, California
(stamped) PENSION OFFICE, U.S.
L Jun 13 1918
Page 64

Revy Widow, &C.
File No. 3677
Cynthia Griffin
Widow
John Griggin
Pvt. Rev: War.
Act: July 29, 1818
Index: - Vol. A, Page 286
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 65

1918 June 18 Hist to Mrs. C. S. Weismann
1920 Dec. 4 Hist. to Mrs. W. W. Watt
Page 66

Declaration of Cintha Griffin
Act of 29, July 1848
Page 67

Declaration
State of North Carolina
Cherokee County} On this 29 day of December, 1851, personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the acting Magistrates in and for the said County, Cynthia Griffin, a resident of the said County & State, Aged 81 years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 19 July, 1848. granting Pensions to certain widows of Revolutionary soldiers. That she is the widow of John Griffin who was a soldier in the Army of the Revolution, and a pensioner of the United States under the act of 18th March, 1818, and died in the County of Macon North Carolina in 1838, Eighteen thirty eight.
She further declares that she was married to the said John Griffin in the county of Surry North Carolina in (the spring of crossed out) the year seventeen hundred and ninety seven (1797) that her husband the aforesaid John Griffin died on the 15th day of September, 1838, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, that she was not married to her said husband prior to his leaving the service, but that their marriage took place before the year 1800. She also declares that she has heretofore applied for a Pension and her papers are supposed to be on file in the Pension Office which declarant refers to in support of this declaration.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year first above written before
W. Manchester, J.P.} 
            her
Cynthia  X  Griffin
            mark
Page 68

And I the said Magistrate do hereby certify that Cynthia Griffin who has this day sworn to and subscribed the foregoing declaration before me is a person whose statements are entitled to full faith and credit. _ I also certify that she is the widow of John Griffin who was a Revolutionary Pensioner and is now dead, and that she has not intermarried since the death of her said husband _ In testimony of all which I have hereunto set my hand, this 29 December 1851.
Wm. Manchester J.P.

Power of Attorney
Know all men by these presents, that I Cynthia Griffin of the County of Cherokee & State of North Carolina, widow of the late John Griffin, do hereby constitute and appoint S. A. Bettis of Burke County N.C. My Agent and Attorney to prosecute my claim for a Revolutionary Pension, and to receive any and all certificates of Pension that may be issued in my name, I hereby satisfying and confirming all that my said Agent may lawfully do or cause to be done in the premises - Given under my hand and seal this 29, day of December, 1851.

Sealed and delivered in presence of two witnesses}                               her
Wm. Manchester        Cynthia  X   Griffin  Seal
R. D. McCombs                      mark

State of North Carolina
County of Cherokee}  BE it known, That on this 29 day of December 1851, before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, personally appeared Cynthis Griffin above named and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her act and deed In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, date above Wm Manchester, J.P.
Page 69

State of North Carolina
I Drury Weeks Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Cherokee, & State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Wm Manchester, Esquire, before whom the foregoing procedings (sic) have been proven & acknowledged is and was at the time of the signing of the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for our said County, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office, at office in Murphy this 30th day of December, A.D. 1851.
Drury Weeks, Clk
Page 70

Thomas W. Poindexter's 
deposition
in support of the claim
of Cinthia Griffin
for a pension
no. 2.
Page 71

State of N. Carolina}
Cherokee County} I Drury Weeks, Clerk of the Court of pleas and Quarter Sessions for Said County do hereby certify that J. W. King Esqr, whose name appears to the foregoing [illegible] affidavit, is and was a regular sworn and commissioned Justice of the peace in and for said County at the time of Signing the same. and that his signature is in his own proper hand writing  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name as Clerk aforesaid and affixed my seal of office at office this the 14th day of April 1845.
Drury Weeks, Clerk

State of North Carolina}
Cherokee County} I William Manchester chairman of the (illegible, crossed out) Court of Pleas and quarter sessions for said County do hereby certify that Drury Weeks whose name appears to the above certificate is the Regular Sworn acting clerk of our Said Court and that his signature appears to be genuine and in due form of Law and is entitled to full faith and credit to all his official acts as Such in Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name as chairman of said court at office in the town of Murphy this the 17th day April 1845
W. Manchester CW, C, C,
Page 72

State of No Carolina}
Cherokee county} This day personally cmae T. W. Poindexter before me J W King ione of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said county and after being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that he was personally and well acquainted with the Calvard family in Surry County and state aforesaid from his youth up to manhood and knew Cyntha Calvard, now Cyntha Griffin and after due consideration and mature reflection to the best of his knowledge and belief she was (illegible crossed out) married to a man by the name of John Griffin about in the years of one thousand seven hundred and ninety two three or four. That they shortly afterwards were said to have removed from that section of county and he again became acquainted with them in one thousand eight hundred and twenty two in the western part of the said state in the county of Haywood and from that untill (sic) the death of said Griffin and is still acquainted with the said Cyntha and knows her to be the same Cyntha Calvard formerly as above specified which facts are to the best of his memory and belief correct.

Sworn to and subscribed before me]
this 14th day of April 1845}
J W King J.P.  seal      Tho. W. P. Poindexter
Page 73

We the undersigned citizens of Cherokee of Cherokee county no. Carolina do certify that we are personally and well acquainted with T. W. P Poindexter and believe him to be man of varaity & truth and that as such all statements he makes an oath we are bound to believe - 
April 14th 1845   Saml J. Finch
W. P. Powell
John Brysons
Wm Berry
R. Smith
W. Welch
Drury Weeks
B. Brilletts

I am well acquainted with Thos. W. P. Poindexter and the other witnesses above. The [illegible] man of good character for veracity so are most of the above witnesses. I also know well the handwriting of Finch, Powell, Weeks, and Onittain, whose signatures are above. They are all entitled to full credit. I also know the Calvard family and that they are of respectable standing.
T. L. Clingman