Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19,537, Thomas Griffin, Conn.
Page 1

(B-1776)
SERVICE CONN.
Griffin, Thomas
Polly 
NUMBER 
W. 19.537 
B.L. Wt. 26598-160-55
||
CONTENTS
Page 2

[illegible]
Polly Griffin
widow of Thomas Griffin
Con
who served in the Revolutionary War as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
40 Dollars. ---
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1848.  ||
Certificate of Pension issued the
13 day of July 1848
and sent to 
Hon. [illegible]
H of R. ||
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 75 Vol. 4
Repts

Reg 47-32167
Page 3

32167
Act March 3/55
April 3/55
Polly Griffin wid of
Thomas Griffin pri
Revolutionary War
Husband & wife both pensioned
WB. Feb 48 - 656
Boynton
AO: 160 [illegible] May 16 / 56
Boynton
M
Cn. Aug. 15
Joseph Clark
Brookfield N.Y.

No 26.598 iss May 19 / 55

Hist. To J. Clark Aug 15” / 55
Feby 48 — no 656
Vol. G. 131 d
Page 4

(ietica)  20537 (crossed out 20557
New York
====================
Thomas Griffin
of Madison Co. in the State of New York
who was a private in the Comp. commanded by Captain Lathom of the Regt. commanded 
by Col. Ledyard in the Connt 
line for half term
====================
Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 40 Dollars _______Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
=====================
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of Sep.
1833 and sent to Clarke Brookfield
=======================
Arrears to the 4th of Sep '33   $100
Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Mrc '24  20
$120


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

Recorded by Go C Stiles Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 4 Page 2


Let. to Thos. Griffin June 15, 1838
Page 5

State of New York}
County of Madison} Ss
On this 9th day of October 1832 personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Madison in said setting Thomas Griffin a resident of Brookfield County of Madon and state of New York aged sixty five years of age 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 7th 1832 that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as honcise stated that he enlisted in the town of Groton County of New London and State of Connecticut under Captain William Lathom and under the command of Col William Ledyard on or about the first of May 1781 and was discharged about the first of May 1782 and that he was in the service the full term of one year including the time he was a prisoner that he was stationed at Fort Griswold aforesaid and continued there until the engagement with the British on the 6th day of September 1781 he was in that engagement and was taken prisoner and carried to New York but soon after was exchanged and returned to Fort Griswold and continued at that place unit discharged about the first of May 1782.
that he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service except Rebert Gallap whose affidavit accompanies this declaration 
he hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not of the pension roll of the agency of any state
Thomas Griffin

Sworn and subscribed in open court the 9th day of October 1932 before me
A.S. Sloan Clk
Page 6

The interrogatories being put to him by the court as prescribed by the War Department he answers as follows under oath
1st he was born in Stonington, County of New London and State of Connecticut October 12th 1766
2. that he has no record of his age except in a bible given him by his parents which is now in his possession
3. he lived in Stonington aforesaid when called into the service and lived there until the year 1796 he moved into the town of Brookfield in  Sherm he now lives and has lived for the last thirty six years.
4. that he enlisted when called into the service
5. there was no continental troops stationed with him and Col. Ledyard was the commanding officer
6. he thinks he never had a written discharge
7. that Joseph Clook and Stephen Breed can testify to his veracity and that belief of the services as a soldier of the Revolution 
And the said court does hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the [unknown word] 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 certified that it appears tio them Joseph Clook and Stephen Breed was have signed the preceding certificate are residents of the town of Brookfield County of Madison and state of New York are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit
I Andrew S Sloan Clerk of the Court of Common pleas of the County of Madison do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Thomas Griffin for a pension

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 7th day of October 1832
A. S. Sloan Clk
Page 7

We Joseph Clook and Stephen Breed residing in the town of Brookfield County of Madison and State of New York hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas Griffin who has subscribed to the above declaration that we believe him to be sixty five years of age that he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Joseph Clook
Stephen Breed

Sworn and subscribed in open court this 9th day of October 1832 before me
A. S. Sloan Clk
Page 8

State of New York 
Chenango County }ss
Personally appeared before me the undersigned Justice of the Peace of the town of Plymouth in said County and State aforesaid Robert Gallop of the Town, County & State aforesaid and being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration that he is of the age of Seventy one years that he lived in the town of Groton in the County of New London State of Connecticut during the whole term of the revolutionary war that he was acquainted with Thomas Griffin who then lived in Stonington County of New London and State of Connecticut but now lives in the Town of Brookfield in the County of Madison State of New York and that he believes him to be Sixty five years of age that he knows that said Thomas Griffin enlisted into the service of the United States for the term of one year in the town of Groton County of New London & State of Connecticut with this deponent under Captain William Latham who was stationed in fort Griswold which fort was commanded by Col William Ledyard he enlisted about the first of May 1781 and was discharged about the first of May 1782 and that he served one year that the said Griffin was in an engagement with the British on the 6th day of September 1781 and was taken prisoner after the death of Col Ledyard was carried to New York was afterward discharged or exchanged and returned to Fort Griswold and served the length of his enlistment 
Robert Gallop 
Subscribed and Sworn September 12th 1832 before me Erastus Foote Justice of the peace
 I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Robert Gallop the above deponent and believe him to be a man of unquestionable truth & Veracity Erastus Foote
Page 9

State of New York [illegible] County ss
I James K. Pike Clark of Said County do certify that Erastus Foot before whom the within affidavit purports to have been Sworn was at the date of the Same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the Said County that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verity believe his name Subscribed to the Said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and Signature —
Witness my hand & Seal of Office this 21st day of September 1832 —
J K Pike Clk
Page 10

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 and the 23d August 1842
State of New York Madison County ss
On this thirtieth day of August one thousand eight hundred and forty four personally appeared before the Subscriber a Judge of Madison County Court Polly Griffin a resident of Brookfield in the County of Madison and State of New York aged seventy two years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 and the 23d of August 1842 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War
That she is the widow of Thomas Griffin who was a private in the Militia, that her husband was a Pensioner of the United States under the act of 1832 at the rate of Forty Dollars per annum, that his pension certificate was issued on the 21st Day of September 1833. She also declares that she was married to the said Thomas Griffin on the third day of November one thousand seven hundred and ninety by the Reverend Simeon Brown Pastor of the Baptist Church in Stonington State of Connecticut, That her name before her Marriage was Polly Brown, that her husband the aforesaid Thomas Griffin died on the nineteenth day of July in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty four, that she was not married to him prior to his having the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four, namely at the time above stated, She further declares that the annexed record of Marriage and births has been her family record more than fifty years and written by her husband the above named Thomas Griffin, that he formaly [formerly] put a ‘g’ at the end of the name Griffin but he omited [omitted] the ‘g’ after the birth of his son [illegible], and that she is still a widow
[signed] Polly Griffin
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
Hiram H. Green Judge of Madison County Courts
I further certify that from old age and infirmity the above named Polly Griffin sustains a good character for truth and veracity, and is unable to attend court without endangering her health
Hiram H. Green Judge of Madison County Courts
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State of New York Madison County ss
Polly Longworthy being duly sworn says she is the daughter of Thomas and Polly Griffin and is aged fifty two years last October, that the records hereunto attached is her fathers family Record which has been in his family more than forty years, and is in the hand writing of her father, that she can well remember when her father wrote his name Griffing, but believes he has omited [omitted] the ‘g’ in his name for forty years past, that her father the above named Thomas Griffin was a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death, at the rate of forty dollars per annum, that he died on the nineteenth day of July last past, that her mother the above named Polly Griffin has not since intermarried but remains the widow of the above named Thomas Griffin, and resides in Brookfield County of Madison and State of New York
[signed] Polly Longworthy
Sworn and subscribed this 10th day of August 1844 before me Hiram H. Green Judge of Madison County Courts
I further certify that the above named Polly Griffin Longworthy sustains a good character for truth and veracity, that the above example of of the word Griffin and Longworthy written above was done previous to signing.
Hiram H. Green Judge of Madison County Courts
State of New York Madison County Clerks Office ss
I certify that Hiram H. Green Esqr the Judge whose name is signed to the foregoing affidavit & certificates was at the time the same [illegible] date a Judge of Madison County Courts duly appointed, Commissioned & sworn residing in said County and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge, and the said signatures as I verily believe are such his own genuine hand writing
Given under my hand this 12th day of August 1844 to which I have also attached my official seal Z. T. Bentley Clerk of Mad. Co.
Page 12

Bounty Land
Act of 3d March 1855
Mrs Polly Griffin
presented by
Joseph Clark
Brookfield
Madison Co
NY
No. 32167
Page 13

State of New York County of Madison ss
On this 26th day March AD one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Polly Griffin aged eighty three years a resident of Brookfield in the State of New York, who being duly sworn according to law declares
that she is the widow of Thomas Griffin deceased who was a private in the Revolutionary War and a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death at the rate of forty Dollars per annum under the act of 1832, that she has drawn a pension since the death of her husband at the rate of forty Dollars per annum under the act of Congress passed February 21 1848, which which pension certificate was issued on the thirteenth day of July AD 1848. She further states that she was married to the said Thomas Griffin in Stonington State of Connecticut on the 3d day of November AD one thousand seven hundred and ninety by one Simeon Brown a Baptist Minister and that her name before her marriage was Polly Brown, that her said husband died at Brookfield on the nineteenth day of July AD one thousand eight hundred and and forty four, and that she is now a widow
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3d 1855, for proof of her marriage and the death of her husband she refers to the proof on file in the pension office on which her pension was granted
[signed] Polly Griffin
Affirmed & subscribed before me this 26 day of March 1855. N. T Brown Justice of the Peace
We S C Griffin and Lucretia Griffin residents of Brookfield State of New York upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was Signed and acknowledged by Polly Griffin in our presence and that we know her to be the identical person she represents herself to be, and that she is a Revolutionary pensioner and the widow of Thomas Griffin, who was likewise a Revolutionary Pensioner, and that she is still the widow of said Thomas Griffin
[signed] S C Griffin
[signed] Lucretia Griffin
Affirmed and subscribed before me this 26 day of March 1855 N T Brown, Justice of the Peace.
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written, and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, that she is still a widow and a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, and that I have no interest in this claim
Nathan T Brown Justice of the Peace
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Hon L. P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions
Please Direct to Joseph Clark Brookfield Madison Co NY he being my legal Agent
[signed] Polly Griffin
State of New-York, Madison County Clerk's Office ss.
I, LUCIUS P. CLARK, Clerk of said County, and of the Courts of Record thereof, do hereby certify, That the annexed Instrument is executed and proved or acknowledged in due form, according to the laws of the State of New-York to entitle it to be recorded therein:
Also that Nathan T. Brown Esquire, before whom the same was proved or acknowledged, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgement, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly elected, sworn and authorized to take the same. And I further certify that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate of proof or acknowledgement is genuine & that I have no interest in the within claim.
In Witness Thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County, this 28 day of March A.D. 1855 Lucius P. Clark CLERK.
Page 15

State of Connecticut, New London County Ss
Stonington Aug 12th 1844
I John D Noyes of the Town of Stonington in the County and State aforesaid Town Clerk of said Town Do hereby certify that I have examined the records of said town of Marriage, Births & Deaths, and find the following on one of said record Books
“These may certify that Thomas Griffing & Mary Brown was joined in the Ordinance of Marriage, Stonington November third AD Seventeen hundred ninety
Pr. Simeon Brown Eldr.”
And I the said John D Noyes do hereby Certify that the above is a true Copy of the Record with the exception of the date which is expressed on said record in fair legible figures as follows “Novr. 3rd AD 1790”
I John D Noyes above named depose and say that I hold the Office of Town Clerk in the County & State aforesaid, and that  the above is a true extract from the records of said Town with the exception above named as certified by me
John D Noyes Town Clerk August 12th 1844
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State of Connecticut New London County
Probate District of Stonington ss
I Asa Fish, Judge of the Court of Probate for the District aforesaid hereby Certify that John D Noyes Esq, within named personally came, and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the certificate and deposition by him subscribed, before me, and I further certify that said John D. Noyes is to me well known & that he is the Town Clerk of said of Stonington in said Probate District, that he has in keeping the records of said town and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine —
In Testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand, and caused the seal of said Court to be affixed the day and year last aforesaid, to wit this 12th day of August A.D. 1844,
Asa Fish Judge
Page 17

OF OUR
LORD and SAVIOUR
JESUS CHRIST,
Newly Translated out of the
Original Greek, And with the former
TRANSLATIONS
Diligently COMPARED and REVISED.
By His Majesty's Special Command.
Appointed to be read in CHURCHES.
OXFORD: Printed by THOMAS BASKETT, Printer to the
UNIVERSITY. MDCCLX.
Page 18

Thomas Griffing & Polly Brown Was Married Nov 3 1790
Polly Griffing Born October 2 1791
Thomas Griffing Born October 17 1793
Ann Ann Griffing Born August 22 1795
Simeon Griffing Born October 8 1797
Avory Griffing Born August 19 1799
Nathan B Griffin Born 20 February 1801
Phebe Griffin Born October 2 1802
Lucretia Griffin Born June 1 1804
James C Griffin Born February 28 1806
Jerasha Griffin Born April 27 1808
Albert Griffin Born July 29 1810
Ashbel H Griffin Born Aug 18 1812
Samuel Crary Griffin Born June 28 1814
John B. Griffin Born July 31 1817
Page 19

19922
Thomas Griffin
W.S.
admd
All.
Joseph Clarke
Brookfield Madison Co. N.Y.
1 Seal
Page 20

WAR DEPARTMENT, 
Pension Office, 
21st May 1833 
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 shew 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. 
|
A Statement, shewing the service of Thomas Griffin Madison Co. N.Y.  |
Period when service was rendered. Entered May '87
Duration of the claimant's service.
Years. 1, Months. Days.
Rank of the claimant.pr.
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Capt. Latham 
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Col. Ledyard
Battles in which the applicant was engaged. 
Country through which he marched.
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. 65 New London Cont.
Evidence by which the declaration is supported. Had 7 witness who swear to the tour -
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J.L. Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions.

1832
65 _
67
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2
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 and 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, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians 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. 
State, Territory, or District of
County of }ss.
On this    day of     personally appeared (a) before A.B. a resident (b) of        in the county of     and State, Territory or District of.  aged(c).    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 provion made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)      , with.    and served in the      (e) regiment of the.    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 served 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 enered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons 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 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 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 revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. 
I    of the Court of     do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of       for a pension. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of    &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 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      and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with        , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be    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 day 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 Revolutionary 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    and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
I,   Clerk of the Court of.     do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the applicacation of     for a pension. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this   day of   & c. 
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission ; 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 services 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 alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 22

3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. 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 declaration above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
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 live now?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And is 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 service.
6. To a Soldier} Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
To an Officer} Did you ever receive a commissioned, 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 testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he 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 his 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 bey particular in the enquiry 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 or Territory, of 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 procure, 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 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 follow 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 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, ------- 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 pensions 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. Some person 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 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 authority 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 public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers. 
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 papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached 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.

Proof of Service.
[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 their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
*The notes [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers, and State Troops. The proof required by rule is 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.

W. D. Wellman C Clk
Page 23

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section
AWF/eel
March 22, 1929
Miss Jesse M. York
[ ]736 East Lake Terrace
Chicago, Illinois
Madam: I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 19537, it appears that Thomas Griffin was born, October 12, 1766, at Stonington, New London County, Connecticut.
While residing at said Stonington, he enlisted, May 1, 1781, and served as a private in Captain William Latham's Company, Colonel William Ledyard's Connecticut Regiment, was stationed at Fort Griswold, and was in the engagement, September 6, 1781, was taken prisoner, carried to New York and soon after exchanged, returned to Fort Griswold and was discharged, May 1, 1782.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 9, 1832, at which time he was living in Brookfield, Madison County, New York. He died there, July 19, 1844.
The soldier married, November 3, 1790, at Stonington, Connecticut, Polly or Mary Brown. She was allowed pen-

See correspondence in re to names of parents of this soldier in claim of James York, S. 17,218. M E E Nov 12, ‘29
Page 24

sion on her application executed August 13, 1844, while a resident of Brookfield, Madison County, New York, and aged seventy-two years.

Their children were:
Polly born October 2, 1791 (In 1844 signed Polly Langworthy)
Thomas “ [born] October 17, 1793.
Ann “ [born] August 22, 1795.
Simeon “ [born] October 8, 1797.
Avary “ [born] August 19, 1799.
Nathan B. “ [born] February 20, 1801.
Phebe “ [born] October 2, 1802.
Lucretia “ [born] June 1, 1804.
James C. “ [born] February 28, 1806.
Jerusha “ [born] April 27, 1808.
Albert “ [born] July 29, 1810.
Ashbel M. “ [born] May 18, 1812.
Samuel Crary “ [born] June 28, 1814.
John B. “ [born] July 31, 1817.

Respectfully, E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner
Page 25

Brookfield Dec 18th
Dec 24 44
P Griffin
NY
James L. Edwards, Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City, D C
Page 26

Brookfield Dec 16th 1844
J L Edwards Esqr
Sir  In your letter of the 5th Oct you say the papers in the case of Polly Griffin Widow of Thomas Griffin have been examined and filled, That the certificate of the comptroller of Conn will be required to establish the service which must state the date of enlistment and the time of his discharge
He says in his declaration he served one year from May 1781 under Capt Lathern Col Ledyard, that on the 5th Sept 1781 he was taken prisoner and carried to New York but was soon discharged, after which he returned again to fort Griswold and served out his time of enlistment &c. I wrote to the comptroller of Conn and the following is his answer
Compt Office Hartford Conn 11th Dec 1844
Sir your letter of 6th instant including the fees one duly received there is no pay raols of Capt Lathern remaining in this office and of [illegible] the enlistment & discharge of the soldier cannot be ascertained the service of the officers; when this is the best evidence the case admits of is received at the Pension Office. If such a certificate will answer your purpose please inform me and I will endeavor to make the proof
Signed A. Corrington Comptroller
I made Mr Griffins original papers in which he presented positive and credible proof of his service, he was a [illegible] I believe to Capt Lathern was but about 14 years, there cannot be any posible doubt of his being in that service, I have lived within about one mile of him about 44 yrs and lived within a few miles of him in my childhood in town & this Town was originally settled by people from his neighborhood
Page 27

& it was always admmited he was in the army and was in fort Griswold when it was taken over his father in law who lived during the Revolution in Stonington Conn. & settled in this place nearly fifty years age who was a Baptist minister of the highest reputation who died at a very advanced age ten or twelve years past always declared Griffin was a solder and taken at fort Griswold & would frequently joke Griffin for running up the chimney when Col Ledyard was murdered but Griffin would never admit he went up the chimney but [illegible] under some rubbish in the fort and after the slaughter was taken out and carried a prisoner to New York, and was afterwards exchanged or discharged and saved to the end of his enlistment that act of Griffin was as noted by the aged people from that place as it was that there was such a prison as Griffin as to his being but 14 years of age it does not offer to me an objection I found a certificate of the service of a soldier of the Revolution from the Secretary of Massachusetts who was but 14 years of age when in fact he made himself in his declaration but 12 just made a mistake of two years not being record of his age, many boys of 14 years one as competent as with of 20. I have a son that was offered a com in the staff of the Col before he was fifteen, even in the late war with England in which I was a commisioned officer boys were needed as waiters very young so [illegible] for capability to very many younger than Griffin was, If the Church certificates of the services of Capt Lathom of the other officers with whom Griffin served  will be satisfactory I will procure it, if not you can allow such amount as you think her entitled to for you know it is impossible to establish a revolution claim by parole evidence at this time: I made the papers for more than 50
Page 28

who found the pension under the act of 1832 & I believe there is but two living & one of them is over one hundred years of age 
Please direct to Joseph Clark 
Brookfield N. York 
Very Respectfully you humble servt.
 Joseph Clark
Page 29

11277
Polly Griffin
widow of Thomas
NY
Act 7 July 1838
Rejected, husb died 1844
Act 3 March 1843
Rejected
Admd. act 17 June 1844
12 mo private
$40 per anm from
19 July 1844
No. Act 1844 — 35,
Joseph Clark Brookfield New York
Page 30

11277
Polly Griffin
Widow of Thomas
NY
Act 7 July 1838
Mgod 44
free
James L Edwards Esqr
Commisioner of Pensions
Washington City, D. C.
Brookfield Aug. 14

11277 Aug 19 44
NY
July 7 1838
Polly Griffin

[in pencil, in background] Admd. by direction of Dr Croft who says that the [illegible] commanded by [illegible] Capt [illegible] be objected to at the time.
Page 31

11277
Polly Griffin
Widow of Thomas
NY
Act 7 July 1838
Mgod 44
free
James L Edwards Esqr
Commisioner of Pensions
Washington City, D C.
Brookfield Aug. 14

11277 Aug 19 44
NY.
July 7 1838
Polly Griffin

[in pencil, in background] Admd. by direction of Dr [illegible] who says that the [illegible] commanded by [illegible] Capt [illegible] be objected to at the time
Page 32

Brookfield August 12th 1844
Dear Sir
I inclose the papers of Wd Griffin for a Pension under the act of 1838 & trust all things are correct, I have sent to the town of Stonington Ct for the Town records but have received no answer & presume there is no records of Marriages at so early a period, in fact I have never been able in any case to find the records of Marriage as early as the Revolution, but as her famely [family] record is so antient [ancient] and her original Records it will of course be sufficient.
Please direct Joseph Clark Brookfield N York
very respectfully your Obedient Servt
Joseph Clark

James L Edwards Esqr Washington
Page 33

Hon J. L. Edwards
May I trouble you to furnish me an answer to the enclosed application & return the enclosed letter from Joseph Clark to me with your answer
your obt servt 
Timothy Jenkins
Washington
5 July 48
Page 34

Brookfield
free
Aug 19
James L. Edwards Esqr
Commisioner of Pensions
Washington City D C

Aug 23d 1844
Address
Polly Griffin
Page 35

Brookfield N York May 19th 1844
Dear Sir  I sent you about the 12th instant the proof of Polly Griffin widow of Thomas Griffin to establish her Claim for a pension under the act of Congress of 1838 & yt her proof was complete with her original family record, having sent for the town record of Stonington at a long time since & not hearing from it presumed there was no town record, but I have just received the enclosed properly authenticated as the town Clerk informs me as practiced & allowed at the pension department, you will please as soon as consistant send me Mrs Griffins certificate
Please Direct Joseph Clark Brookfield N York James L Edwards Esqr
Page 36

Additional evidence
Land Claim act of March 1855 Revolutionary
No 32167
Presented by Joseph Clark
Brookfield Madison Co N York
Page 37

Brookfield May 23d 1856
Hon J Minot
Dear Sir  I herewith return your not [note] on the application of Polly Griffin a Revolutionary Pensioner as I discover by the News papers Congress have passed a law [illegible] with record [illegible] Thomas Griffin. The Husband was an enlisted Waiter to a Capt in Col Ledyard’s Regiment for one year & was in the Fort when it was taken saw Col Ledyard murdered & secreted himself under som rubish & [illegible] to New York, kept about two weeks & was liberated, returned to Fort Griswold & remained to the end of his enlistment, I made his application for a pension in 1832, Mr Edward suspended his case for formal evidence after his return from New York, & as the records showed less than 6 months from the time of his enlistment until discharged, he would not allow it, it appeared there was record of his service to that, & [illegible] testimony by those who were with him, he was allowed $40 per annum for the full year
Please direct Joseph Clark Brookfield N Y
Respectfully your obt svt Joseph Clark
Page 38

ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
PENSION OFFICE, August 15" 1855.
Sir: The claim of Polly Griffin, for bounty land under the act of the 3d of March, 1855, No. 32,167 has been examined and suspended.
The revolutionary service of Thomas Griffin, the husband of the applicant, does not appear of record in this office.
The 3d section of said act requires a service of "FOURTEEN DAYS" to be established by "RECORD EVIDENCE.”
Upon the production of such evidence of service, the claim will be favorably considered.
Very respectfully, J. MINOT, Commissioner.
Joseph Clark, Esqr Brookfield NY
Page 39

appvd
Thos. Griffin
19922
please have the certificate payable in [illegible]
Admd
12 mo. pri
[$] 40
Page 40

Land Claim
Act of 1855
presented by
Joseph Clark
Brookfield
Madison Co.
NY
Page 41

Brookfield March 28th 1856
Hon J. Minot
Dear Sir Having been informed that by a concurrent Resolution of Congress all Revolutionary pensioners are entitled to Bounty land without record evidence, I would refer you to the following cases of Revolutionary Pensioners whose cases have been suspended for the want of Record evidence
Polly widow of Thomas Griffin Pensioned under the act of 1838, at $40 per annum land claim under the act of 3d March 1855, No 32167
Anna Hornes Pensioned under 2d section of the act of 3d Feb 1853, pension at the rate of $80 per annum, land claim No 41.715
Mary Brigg Pensioned under the act of 1836, she is nearly 100 years of age, her husband was in the Continental line and drew a pension of $96 under the act of 1818, she is pensioned at the rate of $96 per annum, land claim suspended for record evidence, her land claim is numbered 41719.
I hope you will have the goodness to send me land warrant in the above case as soon as consistant, please direct Joseph Clark Brookfield Madison Co NY
Respectfully your Obedient Servt
Joseph Clark
Page 42

11277
Polly Griffin
NY
Letter to J. Clark 5 Nov. 1844
Act 7 July 1838
Page 43

18
Admd.
Admitted
Hon. T. Jenkins
H of R [House of Representatives]
Page 44

State of New York County of Madison ss
On this 22nd day of June 1848 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Polly Griffin a resident of Brookfield in the County of Madison State of New York aged seventy six years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 2d February 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war
That she is the widow of Thomas Griffin who was a private in the Connecticut line and a pensioner at the time of his death under the act of 1832 and resided in Brookfield County of Madison and State of New York, that her husband died on the 19th day of July 1844, that she drew a pension under the act of 17th June 1844 at the rate of forty dollars per annum from the day of the death of her husband to the fourth day of March last. She further allows that she is still a widow
[signed] Polly Griffin
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before me Wait Clarke Justice of the peace
I further certify that the declarant is personally known to me and that she drew a pension under the act of the 17th June 1844 as stated by her above and is a person of veracity and reputability
Wait Clarke Justice of the peace
State of New York, Madison County Clerks Office ss
I A Scott Sloan Clerk of said County hereby certify that Wait Clarke Esq. whose name is signed to the jurat of the above declaration, & to the certificate thereunder written, was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly elected & qualified & authorized by Law to administer oaths, & that I am well acquainted with hand writing of the said Justice & verily believe that his signatures to said jurat & certificate are genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my office and seal this 27th day of June 1848 — A Scott Sloan Clerk
Page 45

Additional land claims
Act 1855
Polly Griffin No 32167
Anna Homes No 41715
Mary Brigg No 41719

Free
Hon. J. Minot
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

[upside down]
32167
Polly Griffin
[illegible]

41715
Anna Homes

43715
Mary Brigg
Page 46

Additional land claims
Act 1855
Polly Griffin No 32167
Anna Homes No 41715
Mary Brigg No 41719

Free
Hon. J. Minot
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

[upside down]
32167
Polly Griffin
[illegible]

41715
Anna Homes

43715
Mary Brigg
Page 47

26.598
160 Acres
Page 48

Additional [illegible]
Revolutionary
Bounty Land act 3d March 1855
Polly Griffin
No 32167
Presented by
Joseph Clark
Brookfield N.Y.
Boynton
26598-160
26.598/160

Free
Hon. J. Minot
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City DC
Page 49

[cut off]sion on file in this Bureau Thomas Griffin Wid. File 19537
[column headings]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. | STATE.
Mar 1, 1781 | ~ | Private. | Captain William Latham, Colonel William Ledyard. | Conn.
Stationed at Fort Griswold and was in engagement Sept 6 1781 taken prisoner and carried to N. Y. and soon after exchanged and returned to Fort Griswold.
Discharged May 1, 1782.

Battles engaged in, _______
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Stonington, Conn.
Date of application for pension, Oct 7, 1832. His claim was allowed
Residence at date of application, Brookfield, Madison Co. N. Y.
Age at date of application, b. at Stonington New London Co Conn. Oct 12, 1766. d. at Brookfield N. Y. July 19, 1844
Remarks: Soldier married at Stonington Conn. Nov 3, 1790 Mary or Polly Brown. She was allowed pension on an ap. ex. Aug 13, 1844 while a resident of Brookfield, Madison Co, N.Y. 72 years old. Family record shows *Polly Langworthy b. Oct in 1791, Thomas b. Oct 17, 1793; Ann b. Aug 22, 1795; Simeon b. Oct 8, 1797; Avary b. Aug 19, 1799; Nathan b. Feb 20, 1801; Phebe b. Oct 2, 1803; Lucretia b. June 1, 1804; James C b. Feb 28, 1806; Jerusha b. Apr 27, 1808; Albert b. July [?] 1810; Ashbel H. b. May 18, 1812; Samuel Crary b. June 28, 1814; John B. b. July 31, 1817. Widow states that soldier spelled his name Griffing until after the birth of his son Avery when he omitted the final G.
*signed Polly Langworthy in 1844

Commissioner.
Page 50

February 14, 1917.

Miss Pansy York,

Kinney, Minnesota,

Madam: In addition to the military history of Thomas Griffin W. File No. 19,537 Revolutionary War you are furnished the following data as to his children.

Polly born October 2, 1791, (in 1844 signed 
(Polly Langworthy.
Thomas [born] October 17, 1793.
Ann [born] August 22, 1795.
Simeon [born] October 8, 1797.
Avary [born] August 19, 1799.
Nathan B. [born] February 20, 1801.
Phebe [born] October 2, 1802.
Lucretia [born] June 1, 1804.
James C. [born] February 28m 1806.
Jerusha [born] April 27, 1808.
Albert [born] July 29, 1810.
Ashbel H. [born] May 18, 1812.
Samuel Crary [born] June 28, 1814.
John B. [born] July 31 1817.

Very respectfully,

[Signature]

Commissioner.
Page 51

July 26th, 1928

Bureau of Pensions, 
Washington, D. C.
Dear sirs:-

Kindly send me the military history of Thomas Griffin, born in Stonington, Conn. , who fought in the Revolutionary War. 

Sincerely yours, 
Miss Jessie M. York. 

7736 East Lake Terrace, 
Chicago, Illinois- 

Pension Office
F
U.S.
Jul 28 1928
Page 52

Superior Urs
March 1-21

Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sirs. 
Will you please send me a list of the descendents  of Thomas Griffin (who is my great grand father) Revolutionary War Records W. File 19537

And Oblige
Anna York Schlappi

Mrs A L Schlappi
1928 Ogden Ave
Superior
Urs.


Pension Office 
U.S.
Mar 5 1921
Page 53

Kenney, Minnesota,
February 2, 1917.

U.S. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir, 
Will you please send me a statement of the military history of Thomas Griffin, a Revolutionary soldier who was born in Stonington, Connecticut and who received a pension. I will thank you. 

Yours truly,
Miss Pansy York
Page 54

Pension Office
A
Nov 4 1907
U.S.

W19537

Carning, Cal., Oct. 29. 1907

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:
Will you kindly give me any information you can regarding the war record, or service of Thomas Griffin, a Revolutionary soldier? I am about to fill out an application blank for membership in the N.S.D.A.R.
I do not know in just what capacity he served, but believe he served about three years. I do not know from what state he
Page 55

enlisted. He died at Brookfield, Madison Co., N.Y. and is buried there. An audit informs me that he must have received a pension, for she knows his widow received one after his death. His wife was Polly Brown Griffin. Possibly, however, a Revolutionary soldier's widow would receive a pension if the soldier had not received one. Family tradition has it that he received a medal for bravery. I wrote the Adjutant General of Washington - he finds that one Thomas Griffin served as a private - in Captain Cleon Moore's Company, Colonel William Grayson's Regiment
Page 56

of Continental Troops, Revolutionary War, about April 1779, reports transferred to Captain Gist's Company of Colonel Gist's Regiment of Continental Troops. In view of my statement in regard to pension, the Adjutant General suggested that I wrote to you.
Kindly let me hear from you as soon as possible, giving me all the information you can. Thanking you for some I am
Yours respectfully, 
Mrs. Emma L. Johnson.
R.F.D. No. 1. 
Carning, 
Tehanna Co.,
Calif. 


Pension Office 
U.S.
A 
Nov 4 1907
Page 57

Department of the Interior,
United States Land Office,
Williston, N. D.,  (Place)
Jan. 10, 1909. (Date)

Commissioner of Pensions, 

Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir: 

Will you kindly advise me what, if anything, your records show as to Thomas Griffin, born at Stonington, Ct., and who is supposed to have served in the Revolutionary War. 

Very respectfully,
R. B. Griffin
Box 42


Pension Office
A
U.S
Jan 22 1909
Page 58

Revy WIDOW, $c.
File No. 17337
Polly Griffin
widow of
Thomas Griffin
Pri. Rev War
Act: Feb 2. 48
Index:-Vol. A, Page 290
[Arrangement of 1870.}
Page 59

1907 Nov 12 Hist to Mrs. Emma L. Johnson V. L. M.
1909 Feby 3 Hist to R. B. Griffin V. L. M.
1917 Feby 14 Hist to Pansy York
1921 Apr 5 Hist to Mrs. A. L. Schlappi
1929 Mch 22 Hist to Miss Jessie York Sevy.

[cut off] Nov 12 Miss Jessie York further advised M. E. E. [illegible] in claim of Miss York s. 17218 M. E. E.
Page 60

18
Albany
New York
Polly Griffin
widow of Thomas Griffin
who was a Private
in the Conn Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
40 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 19th day of July, 1844.
Certificate of Pension issued the
30 day of December, 1844
and sent to
Joseph Clark
Brookfield
NY
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. W Page 76