Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 13219, Sherrod Griffin, Continental Va.
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Service
Continental
VA
Griffin, Sherrod
Number
S13219
Barded
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7312
Kentucky
Sherrod Griffin
Greensburg in the State of Kentucky
who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Bell of the Regt commanded 
by Col Washington in the Virginia 
[li]ne for 1 year 10 mo & 15 ds 
Va. and Continental Line
Records corrected Jan’y 22/06. Js
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky
[at] the rate of -75 Dollars ——- Cents per annum
[to] commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of March 1833 and sent to Wm B. 
Allen Greensburg Kent
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $150.00, .  
Semi-anl. allowance ending, 4 Sept 37.50,
$187.50
{Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by daniell Boyd Clerk, Book E, Vol. 7 Page 10
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Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832. State of Kentucky Green County S. S. On this twenty fifth day of August 1832 personally appeared before the circuit court of the county of Green Sherrod Griffin a resident of the County of Green and state of Kentucky aged 73 years on the 29th day of November next. Who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. About the month of January 1781 he served in guarding the prisoners (which had been taken at the Battle of the Cowpens) and taking them from Amherst County Virginia to Winchester in said state of Virginia - under the command of Major Dunn who had charge of the prisoners. About February 1781 he served a tour in the Malitia which were raised in Amherst County Virginia and who went from thence to Prince Edward Court House to the general rendezvous from thence with the army to the Battle of Guilford, and from thence pursued the enemy to Deep River South Carolina - Ramsaurs Mills - the officers were Robert Lawson General - John Hulcam Colonel — Skippoth Major - Landrum -- Dilliard - Franklin Captains the No. of Regiment not recollected ——— 
That in May 1781 he was hired by a certain district in Amherst County Virginia as a substitute for a draft which that district had to furnish from thence he marched to Culpepper Court house in said state of Virginia and enlisted in the army of the United States in June 1781 in the Light horse in the Third Regiment of Cavaldry [sic], Virginia state line of the Continental establishment for the term of one and a half years.
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And was under the following officers viz: John Stith Robert Morrow & Henry Bell Captains - Charles Yarbrough Lieutenant and in said County of Culpepper was appointed a sergeant - and from thence marched to join the regiment with Greens Army near Charlestown in the state of South Carolina - he resided in the County of Amherst state of Virginia when he entered the service said Third Regiment of Cavaldry [sic] was commanded by the following officers viz: William Washington Colonel - Richard Call Major - C. Jones, Joseph Pasons, John Linton Captains - Wm Fitzhugh, Joseph Scott & - Perry, Lieuts. He was at the battle of Eutaw Springs - Battle of Dorchester near Charlestown and a number of skirmishes - he continued in the service until in November 1782 altogether from the tour of guarding the prisoners taken at the battle of the Cowpens a period of two years lacking about one month and a half - in said month of November 1782 he received his discharge at Button Hall about 30 miles from Charlestown South Carolina, he took his discharge to Richmond Va where it was audited, and a certificate was obtained - he has not the discharge in his possession and knows not what has become of it further than has been stated. There are no witnesses in this section of the County by whom he can prove anything in relation to his services in the war of the revolution except his brother Burgess Griffin whose deposition has been obtained and  herewith filed, who is unable to attend Court from disease- He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present and he declares his name is not on the pension roll of any agency of any state
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid - Sherrod Griffin
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State of Kentucky}
Green County Sct}

On this 17th day of December personally appeared in open court before the justices now siting Sherrod Griffin, and in addition to his declaration made before the Green circuit court on the 25th day of August 1832 and answered to the interrogatories propounded by the court as follows. That he was born in the County of Amherst in the state of Virginia on the 29th day of November 1759 as he has been informed and the record of his age is with some member of his fathers family, tho he cannot say with certainty which one - 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid -  Sherrod Griffin

We, Horatio Chandler a clergyman residing in the state and county aforesaid and Saml. J. Cook residing in the same hereby certify that we are acquainted with Sherrod Griffin who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing Declaration, that we believe him to be 73 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 to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
H. Chandler (Clergyperson)
Saml. J. Cook
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And the 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 revolutionary soldier and served as he state, and the court further certify that it appears to them that Horatio Chandler who has signed the foregoing certificate is a clergyman resident in the state and county aforesaid and that Samuel J Cook who has also signed the same is a resident likewise in said County, and is a creditable person and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
Whereupon I John Barret clerk of the County Court aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Sherrod Griffin for a Pension - In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 17' day of December 1832
John Barret
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The deposition of Burgess Griffin taken at the house of said Burgess Griffin in the County of Green and State of Kentucky this 22nd day of August 1832 to be read in refference [sic] to an application for a Pension by Sherwood [sic] Griffin under the act of Congress of the 7th of June  1832, This deponant being of Lawful age & first duly Sworn deposeth as follows. To wit,
that Sherwood Griffin has served Tower [tour] of three months in the Malitia [sic] from Amherst County Via. and that he Sherwood Griffin was at the Battle of Gilford and that he guarded the prisoners to Winchester Via. which was taken at the battle of Cowpens and that the said Sherwood Griffin Served a tower of Eighteen months in the army to the Southward. And that he believed from report of 2 or 3 men one by the name of Littrel the other Night that ,he Sherwood was in a battle at Dorchester in South Carolina. I also believe from Report of same men that he Sherwood Griffin Captured and took two or three British men or men that was in the British Army. one of Said prisoners a Lieutenant by the name of Cobing. And that I know Said Sherwood Griffin returned home to Amherst County, Via. about December 1782  I also Recollect of Seeing his discharge and I recollect of General Greens name was in the discharge and some others that I do not at his time recollect.
Question by Sherwood Griffin. please State in what way the 2 or 3 prisoners above stated was taken by me.
Witness Answer. I understood that you took them one at the time in battle of Dorchester.
Question by Same. please state whether you know of my being a horseman in the army.
Witness Answer I know that he was a horseman and have every reason to believe that he Served the Eighteen months in horse Company and further this deponant Saith not.
Burgess  his X mark Griffin {seal]}
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Green County, to wit, The foregoing deposition of Burgess Griffin was this day taken. Subscribed and Sworn to, by the Said Bugess Griffin, before the undersigned a Justice of the peace for Said County. at the time and place. And for the purpose Stated in the Caption thereof. Given under my hand as a justice aforesaid this 22nd day of August 1832
Jordan  Owen J.P.GC.

At a circuit court continued and held for the Green circuit at the court house in Greensburgh 
on the 25th day of August 1832~

On the application of Sherrod Griffin to be placed on the pension list roll under the act of congress of 7th June 1832 who filed his declaration for that purpose and made oath to the same. Burgess Griffin whose affidavit also accompanies this declaration being in court made oath to the same - and it being proven by the oaths of Richard A. Buckner and Samuel Brents that the said Griffins are men of varicity and respectability and in his neighborhood to have been an American revolutionary soldier - and it is ordered to be certified as the opinion of this court that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as stated in his said declaration - all which is ordered to be certified to the secretary of War - 

I John Barret clerk of the Green circuit court do certify that the foregoing is a complete copy of the order in the above case. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of my said office this 27th day August 1832
John Barret CGC

[illegible round seal attached]
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9788
Sherrod Griffin
from 1781 private 
1 yr. 10 mo, 15 day
11.12.16
$75.
Int. 1.2.
p -7

See letter Oct. 30. 1832
Wm. B. Allen Esq
Greensburg
Ken
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9788
BRIEF in the case of Sherod Griffin
of Green County in the State of Kentucky
(Act 7 June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 74
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period.  |  Duration of Service.  |  Rank.  |  Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
Jany In 1781 Feby 1781 May 1781 } in all |   4 1/2 mo |  private  |  Maj. Dunn.  Gen. Lawson Col. Hulcum
June * 1781 enlisted & sevd. |  1 yr. 6 mo.  |   |  Capt Bell, Col Washington  Virg Contl line
   |   1yr 10mo  15days  |   |   |

5. In what battles was he engaged? Eutaw Springs
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Amherst County Va.
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence,
by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary living Witness
on Rolls as a private of Infy
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with
above mentioned.
T. Waugh
Examining Clerk.
*3d Regt of Cavalry Va State line continental establishment
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Rev. & 1812 Wars Section

December 12, 1923.

Mary Jane Marrs,
Box 52,
Walters, Okla.
Madam:

I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 13219, it appears that Sherrod Griffin was born in Amherst County, Virginia, November 29, 1759. While living in Amherst County, Virginia,
he enlisted in January 1781 and served as a private under Major Dunn. He enlisted in February 1781, served in Colonel John Holcombe's Virginia Regiment, and was at the battle of Guilford. He enlisted in June 1781 and served as a Sergeant in Colonel William Washington's Third Regiment of Cavalry, was at the battles of Eutaw Springs and Dorchester and was discharged in November 1782.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 28, 1832 while living in Green County, Kentucky.
It is not stated whether he was married.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
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MRS. JOHN MCCARTHY
R. R. NO. 30, BADEN
SAINT LOUIS, MISSOURI

June 19, 1925
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Sir: I would like any information
you may have in the Revolutionary 
War records of Harrison Griffin (date 
of his birth not known) and Sherrod 
Griffin born Nov. 29, 1759 - enlisting 
either from Virginia or Ky.

There are pension papers to one 
Harrison Griffin [illegible] not in my 
possession.

[round black ink stamp]
PENSION OFFICE
U.S. 
C JUN 22 1925
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MRS. JOHN MCCARTHY
R. R. NO 30, BADEN
SAINT LOUIS, MISSOURI

On the tombstone marking Sherrod Griffin'
grave is this the inscription "A Revolutionary Soldier." I want to verify this truth of that inscription for D.A.R. purposes as he was my grandfather. Harrison Griffin was my Great-Grandfather.

Also any information of Robert Page - [illegible]
born Sept 17, 1743 - my maternal grand father.
Respl,
(Mrs. John ) Sallie Griffin McCarthy
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HON. J. C. NORMAN, COUNTY JUDGE
M. MARRS, REPORTER

HON. A. S. WELLS, DISTRICT JUDGE
C. L. WOODLIFF REPORTER

OFFICE OF
COURT CLERK COTTON COUNTY
TOBY MORRIS, CLERK
ONEL NORMAN, DEPUTY CLERK
WALTERS, OKLAHOMA
October 29, 1923

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
I am in receipt of a letter from the Adjutant General's Office in response to an inquiry from me, in which he referred me to your office for the information which I am seeking, suggesting that you might be able to give me some light on the matter.
The information I am seeking is the War record of one Sherrod Griffin of the Virginia Light Horse Cavalry of the American Revolution of 1776. 
I desire this information in order that I may prove my eligibility to the Daughters of the American Revolution, said Sherrod Griffin being my great-great-grandfather. Any information you may be a le to give me will be greatly appreciated by me.
If there are any charges for this information, kindly advise me and I will remit immediately.
Yours truly,
Mary Jane Marrs
Mary Jane Marrs,
Box 82,
Walters, Oklahoma.

[ink stamp:  U. S. PENSION OFFICE  D  NOV 1 1923]
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[left hand page]
Rev. War
File No. 13219
INVALID.
Sherrod Griffin
Priv. Rev. war.
Act: June 7th 1832.
Index: - Vol. 1, Page 153
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[right hand page]
1923 Dec. 12- Hist to Mary Jane Marrs [illegible]
1925 Aug. 11 " " Mrs. John McCarthy
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9788
Sherwood [Sherrod] Griffin
affidavit
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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those
answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Sherrod Griffin which require further
proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? --
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes
V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes
VII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes
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2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? No
XIII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? No
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? yes
XIV. +If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes
XVI. # ++Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? [marked out: yes] No
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 1s & 2d
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For ____year___months, and ___ days, I served as a ___. For ___ months and ____ days, I served as a ____ ; and for such service I claim a pension."
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3
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 about three or four months is too
indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
+QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he
must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits
the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer
the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the affidavits must be properly authenticated, as above directed.
# ++ Quere XVI. Mode of authenticating
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not
written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the
certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must
pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being in
properly attached to the certificate.