Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 4320, William Griffis, S.C.
Page 1

SERVICE
S.C. 
NUMBER
R. 4320
Griffis, William
‘ Cortney

CONTENTS
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Tennessee, 32009
William Griffis
Carroll, in the State of Tennessee 
he was a Pri. 
in the Company commanded 
by Captain Givin of the Regt commanded 
by          in the S. Carolina 
line for 12 months, 22 days

Inscribed on the Roll of Jackson, Tenn. 
at the rate of 42 Dollars 44 Cents per annum, 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834

Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of Jany
1843, & sent to Robt H. Hawthorn
Chalk Level, Tennessee,

Arrears to the 4th of Sep. ’42    488.06
Semi-annual allowance ending   ’43     21.22 509.28

{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Theo. L. Moody, Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 7. Page 44
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Reported
Duplicate issued
April 30, 1852 sent to
R. H. Hawthorn Clk
Camden,
Tennessee
Page 4

Declaration

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

State of Tennessee}
Carroll County} SS

On this twenty ninth day of August personally appeared William Griffis before me James D. Duke one of the acting Justice of the Peace in and for Carroll county and State of Tennessee the said William Griffis a resident of Carroll County and State aforesaid aged eighty four years the 19th day of last March. Who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June the 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated Col. Frances Marion, Jonas Orie, Second Col. Major Peter Horry and Captain Edward Geogins company in the Spring of the year seventeen hundred and seventy six he entered the service as a volunteer and a private soldier at which time he resided in Marlborough District in the State of South Carolina he volunteered for the term of six months at the end of which time he volunteered during the War as a private in which capacity he served for he was and is entirely an unlettered man and continued in the service until the year seventeen hundred and eighty one in which year he left it. The first place to which he marched was from Gardner’s Bluffs to Lyn(Illegible) Brook from thence to Hadley’s Point on Cooper river from there to Sullivans Island afterwards called Fort Moultrie at which place he was in an engagement or battle with Sir Peter Parker from thence he was marched towards Pee Dee River to the piney woods from thence to Bluford at which place he was in another battle with Col Watson a British colonel from there through various country he cannot say to any important place but was marched from
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Snows Island and back again and was sent by order of Col. Marion then General Marion from various places and return again with small scouting parties till seventeen hundred and seventy nine when we march from Santee River and in the State of South Carolina to Savannah in the State of Georgia by the way of Purysburg at which we stayed some days awaiting the arrival of Count d’Estang as I was told by our officers and General Lincoln whose brigade we had joined at Savannah at which place we were engaged in a siege for near three weeks at the end of said siege an assault was made and the American Army defeated and from thence he was marched back into the State of South Carolina to a place or neighborhood called the Waccamaw Settlement he says after Col. Horry had served a while he resigned and then he was under Col. Canty but he cannot say at what period but he thinks in seventeen hundred and seventy eight or nine he took the Commission of Col. And he then served under him until after Cornwallis was taken which he thinks was in seventeen hundred and eighty one and from the Waccamaw to Charlotte at which place General Marion got his ankle broken and he returned with him to his plantation on Goose Creek in St. John’s Parish. The most battle in which he says he was in was at Lynch’s Creek where Capt. Edward Gwynn was made prisoner-and then he served in Capt. William Snipes until he was permitted to return home in seventeen hundred and eighty one from Lynch’s Creek to Snows Island from at which place Marion left us and Col. James Orie and then we as ordered to join General Gates but before he was marched to Gates Spring he was taken as a detached company with Marion Horry and Snipes to destroy the boats on the Waters of Santee from which place we were marched in haste by Order of his Col and General
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To a settlement between black river and black Mingo. As his officers informed him that Gates was defeated and South Carolina in the hands of the British from thence we was ordered to march to Nelson Ferry between Charleston and Camden at which place we had another little battle with the enemy and rescued several American prisoners from that place he thinks he was marched up Cooper river and crossed Santee and thence to a place called Britons rock and Pee Dee River from thence the next day he thinks he was marched up Pee Dee about sixty or seventy miles at least he was marched all night and part of next day to attack Capt. Barfield and his company of Tories which was attacked and some killed and some taken prisoners and the balance dispersed from which place he was marched back to Britons rock from thence he was marched towards North Carolina and not far from the line as his officers informed him he was ordered to march back again and pursued the Tories in turn which they done and overtook them at Black Mingo Bridge where he was in a severe battle with the Tories from thence he was marched back to the Waccamaw Settlement and Pee Dee or near it. From which we were marched to attack another parcel of Tories commanded by Col. Miles Barfield up Pee Dee from which place he was marched back to Waccamaw from thence to black river from thence up black river between black river and a small river called Sand pit where he was in a skirmish with Col. Tynes a tory Col. Shortly afterwards he states that General Marion and he united their forces and attacked George Town in which battle he was engaged and from that he was marched back to Pee Dee and then returned to Georgetown from there he was marched to Scott's Lake at Fort Watson sometimes called Pine Log fort where he was in another action from thence he was marched to Fort Motte at which place he was
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in another severe battle which was he thinks was the last battle in which he was present but continued in the scouting parties till the British left Charleston at which time he was permitted to return home.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension except the present and declares that his name is not on any Pension Roll of the Agency of any State in the United States.
Sworn to and subscribed to the day and year aforesaid

William (his + mark) Griffis

James D. Duke Justice 
of the Peace for Carroll County

State of Tennessee} SS
Carroll County}

Personally appeared William Griffis before one the undersigned Justice of the Peace for Carroll County and after being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath depose and say that by reasons of old age and consequent lapse of memory he cannot swear precisely or positively to the precise time of his service but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods below in the capacity of a private solider from the Spring of the year 1776 six months and from the fall 1776 till the spring of the year 1781. That he was born in South Carolina State and on Pee Dee as he is informed by his parents, and he does not know anything about his discharge or whether he ever received one at all as he was then told it would do no good. Sworn to and subscribed to before me this day and year above written.
William (his + mark) Griffis

I hereby certify that William Griffis was duly sworn and subscribed to the above the day and year above written.
James D. Duke Justice of 
the Peace for Carroll County
Page 8

State of Tennessee} SS
Carroll County}

On this first day of August 1836 personally appeared in open court before the county court of said Carroll County – now sitting William Griffis a resident of said county of Carroll and State of Tennessee aged about 74 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed in June 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
This declarant states that he volunteered under Caption Edward Gwin in Marlborough District South Carolina sometime in the year 1778 (day, nor month, not now recollect) but previous to the attack by the British Squadron, upon Fort Moultrie, situated on Sullivans Island near the city of Charleston, which battles this declarant was in, and was present at the time when the flag staff of the American flag was cut down by a shot from the enemies ships and saw the brave Jasper restore it to its place in said company under Capt. Gwin about five months and an half and until said Capt. Gwin was taken prisoner by the Tories at Lynch’s creek in the state of South Carolina and he believes in Darlington District after Capt Gwin was taken prisoner William Snipes was elected Captain he was from Georgetown District State of South Carolina, under whom the declarant served four years namely from sometime in the fall of 1776 to the close of the War, which may have been longer than four years but he this declarant is very certain that he continued in the service of
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the United States until peace was concluded, where he was discharged from the service and received a discharge but what has become of it, this declarant at this time knows not. This declarant further states that after Capt. Snipes took charge of the company. He was in the following battles namely in an engagement with the Tories at the mouth of Catfish creek of Pee Dee River, State of South Carolina, under Genl. Francis Marion, shortly afterwards this declarant was in a skirmish with a party of British between Georgetown & black river in the State of South Carolina commanded by Col. P. Horry, Genl Marion being absent, at which skirmish Capt. Snipes was thrown from his mare and in his descent he grasped from his holster one pistol which was the only weapon he had during the balance of the action to defend himself with, from this place we marched up black river to a place called black Mingo to whites plantation after a party of Tories was in that neighborhood and in endeavoring to attack them we spread our blankets and cloths on black Mingo bridge and crossed our horses over in that manner to keep them from hearing our horses feet and after crossing we attacked their party and took several prisoners on this occasion we were commanded by Genl. Marion from thence we marched to the Blue House on the South side of Santee River where we took a small party of British prisoners every one to a man the Capt of said British we found hid up the chimney, thence we marched to Cooper River where we remained stationed at a Church near Mitchells just below Monks Corner from there we marched to Bunkers Hill where we forted in a fort commanded by Genl Putman, where we were attacked by a party of British, here, Genl Marion gave the command to Genl Putman who ordered us not to touch a trigger until we could see the whites of the eye of our enemies, the first five reported the enemy, but then returned to the attack a second time and we were a second time
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ordered to rescue our five as before after which the enemy retreated. From there Genl Marion marched his forces to Snow Island on Pee Dee River where we rested for a short time. The next engagement this declarant was in was with a party of Tories at the Byne Swamp near (Illegible) Lake. Thence was marched up Lynch Creek nearly to the State line, in present of John Fanning a Tory Col. But we could not overtake him and we returned to Camden or near to that place about the time Genl Gates came into South Carolina and we were in hearing of their firing during the engagement between Genl Gates forces and the British; and the night before Gates defeat we fell in with and captured Lord Cornwallis. Passage wagons amounting to forty in number from thence we marched up into Brittons Neck where we had a sort of head quarters but frequently sallied out in scouting parties both against British and Tories. When we removed from this place we went to Nelson’s ferry on Santee River there we made a stand and scouted the country around. From here we gave Col. Fanning another chase this time we followed him as far as a place called Crops Creek in North Carolina, but as before we were unsuccessful and we returned into South Carolina to a place known as the Pine log fort, where we concealed ourselves and watched the road about that place for sometime day & night during our stay in that neighborhood we made some thirty or forty prisoners. The detachment to which this declarant belonged then marched up the country to some miles six miles above Camden on Watered River where we stayed some time monitoring and making prisoners of all the Tories or other enemies we could come across. Then we went down the country again near to Charleston, after leaving the last neighborhood we marched under Genl Marion to Guilford Court House North Carolina where we were defeated in conjunction with Genl Sumpter by the British under Lord Cornwallis. In this engagement the declarant was badly wounded in the right leg and taken prisoner by the enemy having received two balls through his leg. This declarant being taken by a small party of men, composed of a Sergeant and four men, and on
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our march to join the main Army, the party who had taken me prisoner stopped at a branch to drink, and set down their guns against a tree, and while they were in the act of drinking this declarant seized two of their guns levelled and fired them as near at the same time as (Illegible). He then snatched the other two and made off and soon lost sight of them and this declarant does not know that he ever seen either of them afterward. And in about four hours he got safe to his own Army again. Then we returned to South Carolina again between Cooper and Ashly Rivers and this declarant was not in any engagements of a general nature, until the battle of Eutaw Springs where General Greene, Genl Sumpter, and Genl Marion engaged the British under Lord Rodney where we were successful in defeating the enemy and making a good many prisoners. And this declarant was slightly wounded by a bullet severing the lower part of his right ear from his head and a wound on his head, with a sword or a piece of timber (which he is not certain) in this engagement. This was the last general engagement this declarant was in but our detachment continued to scout and monitor through the State of South Carolina mostly after the Tories until the close of the war. Capt. Gwins company which this declarant first volunteered in belonged to a regiment of Infantry commanded by Col. George Hicks and after Capt. Gwin was taken prisoner Capt. Snipes was elected to the command of said company, and some time after Capt. Gwin was taken prisoner Col. Hicks resigned & was succeeded by Col. P. Horry and our Genl was Francis Marion.
Question by the Court 1st - Where and in what year were you born?
Answer by Declarant – I was born in Darlington District State of South Carolina but what year I do not positively know
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Question 2nd by the same – have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
Answer by Declarant – I have no record whatever of any age

Question 3rd by the same – Where were you living when called into the service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live?
Answer by Declarant – I was living in Marlborough District/South Carolina when called into the service and I continued to live in South Carolina until I came to the State of Tennessee about twenty years ago and I now live in Carroll County State of Tennessee

Question 4th by the same – How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer or were you a substitute, and if a substitute for whom?
Answer by Declarant – I volunteered

Question 5th by same – 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
Answer by Declarant – I was not acquainted with the names of any regular officers nor any others except the officers, of our own detachment, Genl. Francis Marion, Col. P. Horry, Col. Peter O Rea & Col. Jonas O Rea. This declarant served under Genl. Marion from the commencement of his service until the close of the war and was for the most part engaged against the Tories in South Carolina

Question 6th by same – Did you ever receive a Discharge from the Service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
Answer by Declarant – I received a discharge from Capt William Snipes, I believe, but it is lost, I know nothing of it at this time.

Question 7th by same – State the names of persons to whom you are know in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character
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for vivacity, and their belief of your Services as a Soldier in the Revolution.
Answer by Declarant – Saml. Ingram, Esq. & Wilson Lightfoot Esq.
This declarant hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State or Territory of the United States 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid

William (his + mark) Griffis

We George Hern a Clergyman residing in the County of Carroll and State of Tennessee and Samuel Ingram & Wilson Lightfoot residing in the same county and state hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Griffis who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration that we believe him upwards of seventy 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 belief.

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
George Hern
Saml Ingram
Wilson Lightfoot
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And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the Investigation of the matter, and after putting in 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 George Hern who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the county of Carroll & State of Tennessee, and that Saml Ingram & Wilson Lightfoot who has also signed the same is residing in the county & State aforesaid and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

RR Gordon {JP}
John Davis [seal]
Benjamin Phillips [seal]
David Green jp [seal]
Culpeper Green [seal]
Williamson Finch [seal]
John M. Bigham [J.P.]
Enoch Enochs [seal]
Robert A. Robeson [JP]
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I George Hern clerk of the said county court of Carroll County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of William Griffis for a Pension.

In Testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand & Seal of office this first day of August 1836.

George Hern Clerk
Of Carroll County Court
By Joel R. Smith Deputy Clerk
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Camden, Ten. Oct. 6th 1854

Sir,
We send enclosed the proof concerning Nancy is the child of Courtney Griffis. With the best knowledge we know of her being born before the marriage with William Griffis. Also the Account of the (Illegible) Stephen Eason by the clerk – And – Ask You as a favor to furnish us with the law or a copy of it for our private use. We (Illegible) Will be satisfactory to you on every point.
Your Obt. Servant
Hawthorn X Davidson

L. P. Waldo Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D. C.
Page 17

(Crossed out Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.)

4320
P.O.
Cortney Griffis
Service: wid. of William

Stamped REJECTED

Enlisted:                   ,18 .
Discharged:              ,18 .
Application filed:     ,18 .
Alleges:
Re-enlisted:
Attorney:
P. O.
    Recognized.    Contract.
    Cert. of Dis. Searched for     ,18 .
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Letter to J. Bruce
Jany 17 1850

Let. J. Bruce Mar 29/50
Hawthorn X Davidson May 4/53
Same Feb 10 1854
Same Mch 15 1854
Same July 7 1854
Same Sep 9 1854
Hon A. C. Attorneys May 26/58
1844
Hawthorn X. Davidson
13th October 1854
Hawthorn X Davidson
27th Nov 1854
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William Griffis
Tennessee
Suspended
See letter 27th 
Sep ’37 W. Murray 
let 28 Sep ’42 to 
R. H. Hawthorn

Act 7 June 1832
Page 20

Camden Tennessee January 28th 1854

Dear Sir,

Enclosed please find the declaration of Stephen Eason (Illegible) of Griffis deceased. The reason why it has been so long detained was for the purpose of getting the proof necessary for the adjustment of said claim.
Your obedient servants
Hawthorn x Davidson
L. P. Waldo (Illegible)
Page 21

January 29th 1850

Sir,
In the case of Cortney Griffis you will please notify W. Thomas Lumkin to assist you before you take in said case. For I have employed him to assist you in the investigation of said case.

I am respectfully
your obedient
Servant
John Bruce

J. L. Edwards, Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D. C.
Page 22

Decaturville, Decatur County, Tennessee
July 19th, 1850

Sir,
In the case of Courtney Griffis I have it on for the certificate of the county clerk of Chesterfield District & will get it as soon as I can.
Please not receive any papers from any other person except myself nor do not let any other person take said case away from me.

your obedient
servant
John Bruce

J. L. Edwards, Esquire
Commissioner of 
Pensions
Washington City 
D. C.
Page 23

Camden, Tennessee Feb. 6th 1851

Enclosed I sent you an application for a new certificate in lieu of one last. I hope you will attend to it immediately as there has been much time last in trying to find the original certificate by reference you will find that William Griffis Pension Certificate was sent to me at Chalk Level Tennessee.

your obedient Servant
Robert H. Hawthorn

J. E. Heath Esq.
Commissioner of 
Pensions Washington City 
D. C.
Page 24

Huntingdon, Tennessee December 4th 1849

Sir,
I have transmitted to you the papers in the case of Courtney Griffis who is an applicant for a pension und act of congress of 1838. And the act of 2 February 1848. You will please make your returns in said case to me at (Illegible)borough, Tennessee.

I am respectfully
your obedient
Servant
John Bruce

J. L. Edwards, Esquire
Commissioner of 
Pensions
Washington City 
D. C.

P. S. When I shall have received pension certificates in said case the pension will be payable at Jackson in the Western District of Tennessee
J. Bruce
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TREASURY DEPARTMENT
SECOND COMPTROLLER’S OFFICE,
June 4, 1853

Sir:

Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled “An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States,” and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the Pension agents,
the Adm. of William Griffis, dec’d

a Pensioner on the Roll of the Jackson (Tenn.)
Agency, at the rate of Forty two Dollars
and 44 Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th 
June 1832 has been paid at this Department, from the
4th of Sept. 1846 to the 7th April 1847.

Respectfully, yours,
J. M. Brodhead
Comptroller.

32009
wid act 1844
Sirs – Cortney

To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS,
Present.
Page 26

Dec. ‘42

Tenn.
Wm. Griffis

Written sideways this is an envelope
Free
J. L. Edwards, Esquire Commissioner 
of Pensions
Washington City 
D. C.

Chalk Level Tenn.
Oct. 15
Page 27

Chalk Level Tenn. 1842 Oct. 15th 

Sir, I received yours of the 28th Sept. with the certificate of Mrs. Young which has been paid by the agent at Jackson, Tenn.
The claim of William Griffis is no doubt the same that applied in 1836. I have addressed William Laval, Esq. comptroller general of S. C. requesting him to examine the records in his office and forward the same to you under his seal of office which will have time to reach you before you possibly can get this letter if immediately attended to but on reflection Wm. Griffis may be defeated of any further proof by the neglect of the comptroller general or from W. Griffis being entirely unlettered so that he cannot even spell his name therefore different persons spell it as fancy strikes at the instant of writing. These are the two cases either of which may defeat further proof of his services but as I am so settled in my opinion that the old William Griffis did serve as stated in his declaration to the length of time of his service most assuredly it is universally believed for he exhibits the sword he had in the army. Also he shows a flesh wound in his leg that he says was done in the service by the Tories, he also stated there were two musket shot in his leg. About five or six years ago or longer his leg was broken by accident – below where he received the flesh wound and at the time I drew up his declaration his leg was much inflamed so that he could
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with great difficulty walk and since that time the two buck shots came out of his leg at the broken place and his leg immediately healed those shots he holds in his possession and I can assure you that he sustains a character unsullied in anyway therefore if further proof of his character is necessary it can be exhibited by the whole neighborhood where he lives and sworn to for I have made particular inquiry since I received yours of the 28th Sept.  Please therefore inform me if such other proof is required should Mr. Laval fail to answer. I would further ask a certificate from the 4th of March 1831 which I believe to be the usual made granting pensions.
I am also requested by Mary Sarrett widow of John Sarrett deceased who drew a pension of forty dollars per annum to enquire into the cause why her pension was not allowed her. Please therefore to inform me for I could not understand her for it appeared she did not know though a very intelligent woman considering here advanced age. She informed that her declaration was made and filed in your office. I presumed it was because of the opinion of the Attorney General for there is no doubt by any that know her or her deceased husband that she is entitled to the benefits of Act July 7th 1838 therefore please reconsider her case under the tale resolution of Congress.
Remail Your Obt. Servt.
Robert H. Hawthorn

J. L. Edwards, Esquire 
Pension Commissioners of Pensions
Washington City
Page 29

Sept. 20, 1850

Resp case
Courtney Griffis

Charged to Cap Tripplett

Written sideways – Botanic Garden, Te}
8 September ‘50}

J. L. Edwards, Esquire
Commissioners of 
Pensions
Washington City 
D. C.
Page 30

Botanic Garden Post office
Decatur County, Tenn.

In compliance of your direction in Courtney Griffis case. I have previous to this time transmitted to you the certificate of the clerk of the court of Chesterfield district, South Carolina but no certificate (Illegible) prove the marriage of said Courtney Griffis to her husband but if you will examine the papers in said case you will find the witness to of two persons who swore that they lived as neighbors to said Courtney Griffis and her said husband, and knew them to live together as man and wife more than twenty years and (Illegible) that during all that time (Illegible) wife lived together as man & wife & what they were more said wife. You probably recollect the case of Nancy Ragsdale of Williamson county Tenn. in that case, the
Page 31

applicant only proved by one witness, that witness knew said Nancy Ragsdale to live with her husband Benjamin Ragsdale a little more than forty years as man & wife and in that case, you allowed said applicant a pension & transmitted the pension certificate to me. Sir if forty years living together as man & wife, would raise the expectations that they were man & wife, certainly if Mrs. Griffis lived with her said husband twenty years, as man & wife, that would raise equally as strong a pension, that they were man & wife, as if they had lived together forty years as man & wife. I therefore hope you will grant Mrs. Griffis, a pension on the evidence all ready transmitted to you but if you think the evidence which I have already sent to you is not sufficient proof of marriage in time, you will please let me know & I will endeavor to get still stronger proof of said marriage in time you will please make your return in said case to me either to this office or to the Decaturville post office Decatur County. This claim is to be paid at
Page 32

Jackson in Madison County Tennessee 

I am respectfully
your obedient
servant
John Bruch

J. L. Edwards, Esquire
Commissioners of 
Pensions
Washington City 
D. C.
Page 33

Chesterfield Co. S. C.
9 July 1850

Dear Sir,
I rec’d yours of the 18th June last desiring a copy of the marriage bond or decree of Wm. Griffis to Courtney Griffis & I have made a diligent search for the bond & c- but cannot find either. My cost is One Dollar which you can send by mail in So. Carolina (Illegible) if you can such

Yrs Resply
J. C. Craig
Page 34

South Carolina}
Chesterfield District}

I, J. C. Craig Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas & General Sessions and keeper of the Records of the same and also keeper of the papers of Books and Records which ascertain to the County Court (which court has been abolished and its Records and Books transferred to the District Court of which I am clerk) do hereby certify that I have made a thorough search and examination for the Marriage Bond and License of William Griffis and it cannot be found in my office.
Given under my hand & seal of 
Office at Chesterfield CH this 
the ninth day of July 1850

J. C. Craig, Clerk
Page 35

Aug. 30 / 50
Add: Evid: Case of
Cortney Griffis
Widow of William
Also Respecting Case of
Nancy M. McMinn
5399

Written Sideways – 
Botanic Garden, Te}
14 August ‘50}
Page 36

Botanic Gardens Post Office Decatur County, Tennessee August 12 1850

Sir, 
In conformity to your directions in the case of Cortney Griffis, in your last return I have transmitted to you the certificate of the clerk of the county of Common Pleas & General Sessions & keeper of the records of the same & also keeper of the papers of Books and Records of Chesterfield District, South Carolina which operation to the County Court said certificate is in due form. Please sir to make your return to the post office at Decaturville, Decatur County. I am still anxious to learn from you the true reason why you did not transmit to me the pension certificates in Nancy M C Minns case and when you write me in the case last mentioned please let me know who furnished the proof of Col. Willoughby Williams service in the Revolution. And let me know from what source you obtained the evidence of Mrs. M. C. Minns marriage to said Col. Williams and please in your letter to let me know whether Mr. Thomas Lumkin
Page 37

rendered you any service in said case. And if he did whether he has been paid anything for his service. She, Mrs. M. C. Minns employed me & I employed W. Lumkin. And if he has furnished any proof of Col. Williams & (Illegible) or rendered you any service he shall have the full amount of his fee. Please in your letter in said case to tell me who it was that rendered the most service & assisted you most in bringing said case through. When you write me in Mrs. Griffis & Mrs. M. C. Minns case please direct your letter to Decaturville Post Office Tennessee. Please write as soon as possible.

Your obedient 
Servant
John Bruce

J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions Washington City 
D.C.
Page 38

Free

Mr. J. L. Edwards, Esq. Pension
Pension Commissioner
Washington City D.C.

Chalk Level Ten.
Sep. 19th 

Written sideways- Sept. 27 ‘42
Tenn.
Wm. Griffis
Act 1832
Page 39

Chalk Level, Ten. Sept 10th 1842
Sir,
Enclosed you will find Wm. Griffis pension papers or his declaration for the benefit of the Act 1832.
I shall at the setting of Congress in December----lay Mrs. Youngs claim before Congress by her request please therefore keep them filed in your office. I was not aware of any impropriety in asking you to lay my letter before Congress but I now see the justification of your cause therefore excuse me for that which I have written on that subject for be assured there is no man in whom I have more confidence than yourself therefore I would regret asking you to do anything contrary to the rules of the pension department. Yours With the highest esteem.

Robert H. Hawthorn
Page 40

Comptroller General Office
Columbia, So. Ca. 26 Nov. 1842

Indent Book}
O. No. 454}
No 1
Issued 22nd April 1785 to Mr. William Griffis, for eighteen pounds, fifteen shillings and eight pence half penny sterling for militia duty from 1780 to 1783. Jr. Account audited. £18.15. 8 ½ 

State of South Carolina
No. 2
To William Griffis Dr
For 91 days as a private on foot @10/ Cens . £45.10
For 86 days as a private on Horse @20/Cens.  86-
177                                                        £ 131.10
                                         Sterling £ 18.15 8 1/2

I do hereby certify that the above memorandum marked No 1 is a true copy taken from the Margin of Indent Book O No 454 deposited in this office and that the above account marked No 2 is a true copy of the account for which said Indent was paid.
William Laval
Comp Genl 
P. B. Hart

turn over
Page 41

Comptroller General Office
Columbia, So. Ca. 26 Nov. 1842

Indent Book}
S. No. 518}
No 1
Issued 18th June 1785 to Mr. William Griffis, for twenty one pounds, seven shillings and one penny half penny. For duty done in the militias per account audited
 £ 21.7.1 ½ 

State of South Carolina
To William Griffis Dr
No. 2 
For duty. Pr Col Anderson’ return Cury . 
£ 149.10
Sterling £ 217.1 ½ 
                                                                         205 days

I do hereby certify that the above memorandum marked No 1 is a true copy taken from the Margin of Indent Book S No 513 deposited in this office and that the above account numbered 2 is a true copy of the account for which the said Indent was paid.
William Laval
Comp Genl
P. B. Hart
Page 42

J. L. Edwards Esq. – Commissioner
of Pensions 
Washington City
Columbia District

Free

Chalk Level Ten.
Dec. 18th 1842

Written sideways – Jan 2nd ‘43
Tennessee
Page 43

Chalk Level Tennessee Dec. 18th 1842

Sir

Enclosed I send you the certificate and account audited in S. C. as it appears from the certificate of the comptroller general. I directed him to forward the same to you but I did not send his fee in the letter nor did I know that he was entitled to any because the laws of this state prohibits all its officers from receiving any fee for any certificate or any office writing that is to procure the pensions for any invalid or Revolutionary Soldier. I presume that the comptroller gen. wanted his fees therefore he sent it to me with a fee bill of $4.00. therefore Mrs. Griffis is further delayed from getting his certificate of Pension. You will please examine and forward immediately for he has not ever got money enough to pay the above fee of $4.00. I had found more highly respectable (Illegible) testimony. Which I intended to forward to you if the comptroller failed to answer but I hope this certificate will be fully satisfactory to the War department so that Wm. Griffis will receive his just due & you will please examine Mrs. Mary Sarrett’s case under the late resolution of congress and should she need further proof write to me for she informed me that she completed with what her former Agents said were necessary. Your early attention to this letter will much oblige (Illegible)

Your Obet Servt
Robert H. Hawthorn
Page 44

M899

Sept. 25, 1839
Pension Office
Tenn.
Page 45

Huntingdon Te 12th Sept. 1837

J. R. Poinsett Esq

Dear Sir

Enclosed please find the Declaration of William Griffis for a pension, supported by the affidavit of John Gavin, together with other necessary certificates, the earl action of your department on this case is most respectfully solicited.
Your Obt. Servt
Robt. Murray
Page 46

L. P. Waldo Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D. C.

official business

Free

Camden Tennessee 
Nov 18th 

Written sideways – Cortney Griffis
Ten. 1844
Cole
Page 47

L. P. Waldo Esq.

Sir

We send you another certificate in the case of Cortney Griffis together with a copy of Stephen Eason’s Bond. And if this does not satisfy your letter to which you refer we hope you will send us a form to fill out. But we hope it will be satisfactory and the long and little said. Your Obet. Servant
Hawthorn X Davidson

Washington City D. C.
Page 48

Camden Tennessee
official business Free
Nov 18

James E. Heath Com. of Pens
Washington City
D. C. 

Written sideways – Nov. 29
In the case of
Wm. Grffis dec’d
Page 49

Camden Nov. the 17th 1852

James E Heath Com. of Pensions
Dear sir enclosed you will find the claim of William Griffis for Pension which you will please file and attend to as early as practicable & oblige yours 
Hawthorn X. Davidson
Page 50

State of Tennessee}
County of Carroll}
On this 2nd day of August A. D. one thousand eighteen hundred and fifty four personally appeared before me Benjamin H. Hesbitt a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly authorized by law to administer   for general purposes Stephen Eason administrator of the estate of Courtney Griffis who first being duly sworn according to law, say on his oath; that the books and papers belonging to Cortney Griffis is and from her husband William Griffis deceased (Illegible) his possession and there was no record showing the state of Courtney Griffis and William Griffis marriage that the day (Illegible) believe that any such record exist as both Courtney Griffis and her husband were both illiterate and could not read or write. That as to Nancy Gate he has no doubt but she is the daughter of Courtney Griffis. And illegitimate at that for the reason that he defended a suit in Chancery at Huntingdon for the heirs as administrators of the estate aforesaid. And that the decree of the Chancelor ordered nothing to Nancy Gate in consequence as he understood and believes that she Nancy Gate was not considered a legal heir and therefore she had no part of the estate decreed to her though it was not deemed that Nancy Gate was Courtney Griffis child born before the marriage of William Griffis and Courtney deceased. Sworn and subscribed the day and date above written.
Stephen Eason
Before me and 
B. H. Hesbitt {JP}
Page 51

State of Tennessee}
County of Carroll}
I Benjamin H. Hesbitt a Justice of the Peace duly authorized by law to administer by law do hereby certify that Stephen Eason was duly sworn and did subscribe his name and that the words was in his possession and marriage was (Illegible) before assigned and further certify that the officiant Stephen Eason is a man of truth and undoubtedly (Illegible). And I further certify that his (Illegible) as set forth in the foregoing affidavit are free of any (Illegible) knowledge. Given under my hand as Justice of the Peace this 2nd day of August 1854.

B. H. Nesbitt {JP}
Justice of the Peace for Carroll County
Page 52

State of Tennessee}
County of Carroll}
I Wilbron H. Graves clerk of the County Court of Carroll County and State of Tennessee do hereby certify that Benjamin H. Hesbitt is a justice of the peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified and was such at the date of the foregoing affidavit and certificate and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine and I further certify that Stephen Eason is administrator of the estate of Cortney Griffis dec’d and that his bond is to the amount of Five hundred
dollars as appears 
of record. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Huntington this 10th day of August 1854
W. H. Graves Clerk
Page 53

State of Tennessee} SS
County of Carroll}

Be it known that before me John McAuley a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, personally appeared Stephen Eason administrator of the estate of William Griffis deceased and made oath in due form of law that he is the administrator of the estate of William Griffis deceased. That William Griffis is the identical person named in a duplicate Certificate issued in lieu of one dated the 18th day of January 1843 in his possession of which (I certify) the following is a true copy Duplicate.
Department of the Interior
Revolutionary Claim
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States on this 7th day of June 1832 William Griffis of Tennessee who was a private in the Revolution is entitled to received forty two dollars and forty four cents per annum during his natural life commencing on the 4th of March 1831 and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every year. This certificate in lieu of one dated the 18th day of January 1843. Given at the department of the Interior this 30th day of April one thousand eight hundred and fifty two.
H H Stuart
Secretary of the Interior
Examined and countersigned
J. E. Heath
Commissioner of Pensions
That he William Griffis died on the 7th day of April A.D. 1847 in Carroll County in the State of Tennessee that he left a widow Cortney Griffis who is also dead that he Stephen Eason is administrator of the said Cortney Griffis estate. That he Stephen Eason also resides in Carroll County and has resided there for a space of twenty five years last passed and that previous thereto he resided in the State of North Carolina. That the
Page 54

aforesaid William Griffis and Cortney his widow previous to their deaths resided in Carroll County for the space of about twenty years. Sworn to and subscribed this 9 day of April 1852.
Stephen Eason
Before me
John McCauley JP

State of Tennessee}
County of Carroll}
I John McAuley a magistrate in the county above named do hereby certify that I have the most satisfactory evidence from my own knowledge and the testimony of either of the deaths of William Griffis and Cortney his widow and I believe that William Griffis died on the 7th day of April 1847 and that I know that Stephen Eason is their administrator. That William Griffis rec’d a pension in his lifetime. That Stephen Eason is the identical person who administered on the estate of William Griffis and on Cortney Griffis his widow. That I know from satisfactory evidence of Robert H. Hawthorn that William Griffis so named is the identical person named in an original certificate of which the duplicate certificate Stephen Eason administrator he has produced and exhibited before me Numbered 32.009 And hearing state at the (Illegible) office the 30th day of April 1852. And signed by the Secretary of the Interior (Illegible) H. H. Stuart and countersigned J. E. Heath commissioner of Pensions. Given under my hand and seal this 9 day of September 1852.
John McAuley, Justice of the Peace
Page 55

I Wilbron H. Graves Clerk of the Court of Carroll County certify that John McCleary is a magistrate and was such at the time of assigning the same that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine and that it appears of record in my office that Stephen Eason was and is now the true administrator of the estate of William Griffis deceased and also of Cortney Griffis deceased.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name as clerk this 13 day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty two.
Wilbron H. Graves, Clerk
Page 56

State of Tennessee}
County of Carroll}
I Benjamin H. Hesbitt a Justice of the Peace in and fore said county do hereby certify that I I was personally acquainted with William Griffis and Courtney Griffis his widow in there lifetime that they lived together as husband and wife that Stephen Eason administerial on both their estates that I am personally acquainted with Thomas Griffis their oldest child and has been for many years. I further certify that from any own knowledge of his age and transactions that said Thomas Griffis is at least between fifty six and fifty nine years of age. And further certify that said Thomas Griffis was recognized as a legal heir of William Griffis and Courtney Griffis deceased in a Chancery suit defended by Stephen Eason as administrator and that Nancy Gate Courtney Griffis daughter was not recognized as a legal heir. Also James Griffis and Mary Hall a younger brother and sister were also recognized as legal heirs of said estate. And I further certify that I believe that William Griffis and Cortney Griffis were married before the birth of Thomas Griffis or I believe his heirship would have been contested. Given under my hand and seal this 7th day of November 1854.
B. H. Hesbitt {Seal}
JP for Carroll County
Page 57

Application for a New Certificate

State of Tennessee}
County of Carroll}

On this 30th day of January A.D. 1852 before me Robert McClary his subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the County of Carroll in the state of Tennessee personally appeared Stephen Eason administrator of the estate of William Griffis deceased who on his oath declares that William Griffis deceased is the same person whose name was placed on the Pension Roll of the United States at Washington City at the rate of and forty two dollars and forty four cents per annum payable at Jackson in the State of Tennessee that the identical William Griffis died on the 7th day of April A.D. 1847 in Carroll County. That said certificate issued to the said William Griffis now deceased is lost or mislaid so that he cannot find it that there remains due and unpaid from the 4th of September A.D. 1846 to the 7th day of April A.D. 1847. That Cortney Griffis his widow died on or about the 13th day of September A.D. 1851. That the said Stephen Eason is also Administrator of her the said Courtney Griffis estate.  Sworn to And Subscribed the day and date above written.
Stephen Eason
Page 58

State of Tennessee}
County of Carroll}
On this 30th day of January A.D. 1852 before me Robert McClary an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally came Robert H. Hawthorn aged forty six years who first being duly sworn according to law says on his oath that he knows that William Griffis now deceased is the identical man for whom the said certificate of Pension was issued for forty four dollars and forty four cents per annum and payable at Jackson in the state of Tennessee. That he the said Robert H. Hawthorn acted as his agent in placing the said William Griffis on the Pension Roll. Also, that the said Robert H. Hawthorn heard the identical William Griffis say that he served under Capt. Snipes in Col. Horry’s Regiment in the State of South Carolina under General Marion. That he has been informed and verily believes that the said William Griffis died on the 7th day of April 1847. And that there remained due and unpaid said Pension from the 4th day of September 1846 to the 7th day of April 1847 the day on which said William Griffis died. That he has been informed that his widow Cortney Griffis died on the 13th day of September A.D. 1851. That he was well acquainted with said William Griffis and his widow Cortney Griffis for the term of about eighteen years before their deaths. Sworn to and subscribed the day and date above written.
Robert H. Hawthorn
Robert S. McClary {JP}
Justice of the Peace
State of Tennessee}
County of Carroll}
I Robert S. McClary a Justice of the Peace in and for said County do certify that Robert H. Hawthorn is personally known to me that he is a man of good character and a credible witness.
Given under my hand this 30th day of Jan. A.D. 1852
Robert S. McClary JP
Page 59

State of Tennessee}
County of Carroll}
I Young W. Allen clerk of the County Court of Carroll County do certify that Robert S. McClary is a justice of the peace within and for said county duly authorized by law to administer oaths for general purposes and duly commissioned and sworn as appears of record and was such at date of his certificate and that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine that I further certify that Stephen Eason is administrator of the estate of William Griffis deceased that he is also administrator of the estate of Cortney Griffis deceased his late widow as appears of record.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office as clerk of the county court of Carroll County in the State of Tennessee at Huntingdon this 30th day of January A.D. 1852.
Y. W. Allen Clk
Page 60

Decaturville, Tn} A

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of
Pensions
Washington City
DC

Written sideways Cortney Griffis
Ten 44
Page 61

Decaturville, Decatur County Tennessee
June 15th 1850

Sir,
In the case of Cortney Griffis, who is an applicant for a pension under the act of 1838, I see you have received her papers which I transmitted to you and filed them away under the Act of 17 June 1844.
I should be glad to know, sir why you did not file them under the Act of 1838. I see that the proof of service of William Griffis her husband is satisfactory but the evidence of their marriage is not so. Sir in conformity with the instructions which you gave me in your letter dated 17 January last I have written on to the county clerk of Chesterfield district for the purpose of getting his certificate but have not yet received an answer from him. When you issue pension (paper folded over), please, transmit the same to me at this place or rather to this town for I am apprehensive some other person will try to get said certificates notwithstanding I have done the labor.
Your Obedient
Servant
John Bruce

J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of 
Pensions, 
Washington City D. C.
Page 62

Camden Ten. June the 26th 1854

Sir,
We have written two letters in answer and explanation of one of your letters in the case of Stephen Eason administrator of the Estate of Cortney Griffis deceased widow of William Griffis deceased. You sent us a letter requiring certain proof. Which by we over looked. We had failed to send. We sent it to you which you deemed to want an explanation which we have done twice before this and from your letter and from your conduct towards us we think that you intimate that we forged the proof to file your letter now sir, if that is your opinion we want you to be bold and say so. And forward the same to us. And not keep us waiting on you always for we hold your letter acknowledging the proof filled the requisition of the department. We hope that you will pay attention to this. Your obedient Servants
Hawthorn X. Davidson
L. P. Waldo, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D. C.

N. B. N” Gate please to show this to Mr. Waldo
Page 63

State of Tennessee}
County of Carroll}
On this 8th day of September one thousand eight hundred and fifty four personally appeared before and Green Britt a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly authorized by law to administer oaths Stephen Eason Administrator to the estate of Cortney Griffis deceased who first being duly sworn according to law says on his oath that he is the administrator of Cortney Griffis deceased and that all the books and papers belonging to the estate of Cortney Griffis and her husband William Griffis deceased came into his hands and that there were no record of their marriage. That both William Griffis and his wife Cortney were illiterate and could not write. That as to Nancy Gate he believes she is the daughter of Cortney Griffis deceased and he further believes that she Nancy Gate was illegitimate from the fact that he Stephen Eason administrator defended a suit in Chancery and that said Nancy Gate was not recognized as a lawful heir and never applied for any part of said estate. Sworn to and subscribed the day and date above written before me.
Stephen Eason
G. Britt {JP}

State of Tennessee}
County of Carroll}
On this 9th day of September 1854 personally appeared before me Green Britt a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly authorized by law to administer oaths. Robert H. Hawthorn who first being sworn according to law says on his oath that he acted on the Agent of William Griffis to place him William Griffis on the pension roll. That he
Page 64

the affiant informed William Griffis that his wife Cortney Griffis would be entitled to a pension for five years under the Act of 1838 if he William Griffis were married before the first day of January 1794. That said affiant examined the books and papers belonging to said William Griffis and that there were no record of their marriage. Then the said William Griffis began to calculate by the date made in different places so as to find the date of their marriage before the first day of January 1794 if it was not that the said William Griffis settled down that his marriage with his wife Cortney did not take place before the first day of January 1794 but was married in 1795 or  1796 and therefore if his wife should be the longest liver would not be entitled to a pension under that Act if that was the law. That said affiant believes that said William Griffis was married as stated by then. Sworn to and subscribed the day and date above 
Robert H. Hawthorn
Written
Before me
G. Britt {J.P}

State of Tennessee}
County of Carroll}
I Green Britt a Justice of the Peace in and for said County do hereby certify that Stephen Eason and Robert H. Hawthorn were duly sworn and did subscribe their names and I further certify they are personally acquainted with me. That they are creditable witnesses; Given under my hand a Justice of the Peace this 8th day of September 1854.
G. Britt {J.P}
Page 65

State of Tennessee}
County of Carroll}
On this 30th day of January A.D. 1852 personally came Stephen Eason aged fifty one years who first being duly sworn according to law says on his oath that he was personally acquainted with William Griffis who drew a pension at the rate of forty two dollars & 44 cents per annum and Cortney his widow in their lifetime. That he was acquainted with them about twenty four years ago and has been intimately acquainted with nearly ever since that is up to the time of their deaths. That they lived together as husband and wife and that from the long and intimate acquaintance he has had with them he believes they were married that he has heard them both say that they were married in the State of South Carolina in Chesterfield district and as to the date of their marriage he only can say from the ages of the oldest child Thomas Griffis that he knows from his appearance he must be at least fifty five years of age and he thinks reasonably he – Thomas Griffis – was called an old young man twenty four years ago that the said Thomas Griffis, Nancy Gate, James Griffis and Mary Hall are all the children of Cortney Griffis who died on the 13th day of September 1851 in Carroll County. That he Stephen Eason is administrator of said Cortney Griffis’ estate that all the above named children regarded as legal hereof the estate of William Griffis except Nancy Gage who was born before this marriage as he has been informed & that Thomas was born some three years after their marriage as he has been informed and believes that he has no doubt of their marriage some years before the year A.D. 1800. Sworn to and subscribed the day and date above written.
Stephen Eason
Page 66

State of Tennessee}
County of Carroll}
I Robert S. McCleary a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Carroll do certify that I am personally acquainted with Stephen Eason the subscriber to the foregoing affidavit and that he is a man of good character and a credible witness. And that he was duly sworn and did subscribe his name as before represented. That I further certify as Justice of the Peace in and for said County that I was well acquainted with William Griffis and Cortney his widow who died about the 13th day of September last for about twenty seven years ago that they lived together as husband and wife and as to the date of their marriage I must believe they were married before the year A.D. 1800 some years from the age of Thomas Griffis their oldest child who must be at least fifty five years old and from every surrounding circumstances I believe without a doubt they were married. Given under my hand and seal this 30th day of January A.D. 1852.
Robert S. McCleary

State of Tennessee}
County of Carroll}
On this 4th day of December A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty two personally appeared Nancy Sutton before me Robert S. McCleary a Justice of the Peace in and for said county aged sixty four years who first being duly sworn according to law says on her oath that she was well acquainted with William Griffis and Cortney his widow who she believes without a doubt were married about the year 1795 is from the fact that she Nancy Sutton was married to Martin Bingham a son of Cortney Griffis on or about the 16th day of November 1807 or 1808. That she has been acquainted with them up to the time of their deaths. That at
Page 67

the time of her marriage with Martin Bingham which is forty four or forty five years ago the 6th day of November 1852. That at the time of said marriage Thomas Griffis the oldest son of William Griffis and Cortney Griffis was at that time at about eleven or twelve years of age. That their youngest child was two years old that from the fact of her marriage with Martin Bingham the son of Cortney Griffis if she had not been married to William Griffis before the birth of her son Thomas Griffis she believes she would have heard of it but on the other hand she always understood they were married. The reason why she so well remembers the date is from her own age the time of her first husbands death and the time of her second marriage with Martin Lewis Sutton. That she now resides in Carroll County.
Sworn to and subscribed this day and above written.
Robert S. McCleary {JP}
Nancy (her + mark) Sutton

State of Tennessee}
County of Carroll}
I Robert S. McCleary a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Carroll do certify that I believe all the facts set forth in the above affidavit to be true. That Nancy Sutton is a credible witness and was duly sworn according to law and did subscribe her name as witness my hand a Justice of the Peace this 24th day of December 1852.
Robert S. McCleary

State of Tennessee}
County of Carroll}
On this 4th day of December 1852 personally appeared William Jordan before me Robert S. McCleary a Justice of the Peace in and for said county who first being duly sworn according to law says on his oath that he has been well acquainted with William Griffis and Cortney Griffis his wife. That they lived together as husband and wife for the term of thirty years. That he has been informed and believe that said William Griffis the husband of Cortney Griffis drew a pension for his service in the Revolutionary War. That Thomas Griffis their oldest son he believes to be
Page 68

fifty five years of age at this time. That he is reputed to be their oldest child alive. That he saw a decree of a chancery court and acted as a commissioner to direct some land among the heirs of Willliam Griffis deceased. That said Thomas Griffis, William Griffis, James Griffis and Mary Hall were recognized by said decree as legal heirs of the estate of the above named William Griffis decease. That he has no doubt of their marriage for he has never heard it doubted. Sworn and subscribed before me the day and date above written.
William Jordan
Robert S. McCleary

State of Tennessee}
County of Carroll}
I Robert S. McCleary a Justice of the Peace in and for said county do certify that Willima Jordan is a credible witness and all the facts set forth in his affidavit is true from the long acquaintance and knowledge I have of the facts in their case. Given under my hand and seal the 4th day of December 1852.
Robert S. McCleary {JP}

State of Tennessee}
County of Carroll}
I Wilbron H. Graves clerk of the county court of said county do hereby certify that Robert S. McCleary whose signature affixed to the foregoing affidavits are genuine and that he is and was at the time of assigning the same Justice of the Peace within and for said county duly commissioned and qualified as such. And that Stephen Eason is administrator of the estate of Cortney Griffis deceased as appears of record in this Court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office as clerk of said Carroll at Huntingdon this 6th day of December 1852.
Wilbron H. Graves, Clerk
Page 69

Camden Tennessee February the 27th 1854

Sir,
We received your letter of the 10th Feb. 1854 with one interrogatory to Nancy Gate the child of the widow. We did not see her born or suck her mothers breast but from the proof we suppose she is that we know she is so reputed. You also want an explanation relation to forwarding the affidavits. We took the affidavits and intended forwarding them together but by accident the affidavits were not forwarded with the declaration. And we had thought you had misplaced them as many others are misplaced. And before we deemed it just to say that we had forwarded them to search for them accordingly we done so and found the fault was in us. You further ask the question why did not Wm. Graves the clerk affix his seal to his certificate we believe he did. Then you say that in the amount of the bond of Stephen Eason as administrator we cannot say that the amount of the bond was set down in his certificate nor does the law of the United States require the amount the county court made the probable estimate of the amount of her estate and we never knew a bond of the kind that was not large enough to make the administrator responsible for all the effects in his hands. We hope this explanation will be sufficient. Your Obt. Servants
Hawthorn X. Davidson

L. P. Waldo, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City, D. C.
Page 70

5
State of Tennessee}
County of Carroll}
County court of Carroll County in the state aforesaid on this 3rd day of December 1844 personally appeared in open court Joshua Park aged fifty three years being a resident of the county & state aforesaid, who being first duly sworn according to law states as follows: that more than eighteen years previous to the death of William Griffis he this affiant for mentioned is intimately acquainted with him said William Griffis and with Cortney Griffis. And that he said William Griffis and said Cortney Griffis were at the time he first found said acquaintance with them living together as man & wife and known to live together as man & wife till the 7 of April 1847 at which time he said William Griffis died. And he states that at the time he first me them and acquaintance with them he was living a very near neighbor to them & witness to live as near neighbor to them till the death of said William Griffis and he never has heard
Page 71

6
It was disputed that they were man & wife. He states said Cortney Griffis is the same person who is an applicant for a pension in this court.
Joshua Park
Subscribed to & sworn to in open court. 
Y. M. Allen clk.
State of Tennessee}
County of Carroll}
We the undersigned members of the county court of Carroll county in the state aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing affidavit was subscribed & sworn to in this court in open court by said Joshua Park and we do further certify that we are personally acquainted with said Joshua Park and he is a person of credit. In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands this 4th day of December 1849.
Jno N Lindsey {JP}
Wm H Carsen {JP}
Arch Hamilton {JP}
Affidavit of Joshua Park in the case of Cortney Griffis application for a pension member of said court

I Young W. Allen Clerk of the county court of Carroll County in the sate of Tennessee do hereby certify that the foregoing certificate purporting to be the certificate of said court is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my public seal of office at office in the town of Huntingdon this 4th of December 1849.
Y.W. Allen, Clerk
Page 72

Declaration of Cortney
Griffis under the 
Act of 2 February
1848

No. 645
Cortney Griffis
Widow of Wm.
Tennessee
Act 17 June 1844
Wm. Griffis d? Apr 7/47

[1]

J. Bruce
Huntington
Tenn
4320
Page 73

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress, of 2d February, 1848, entitled “An Act making further provisions for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution.”
STATE OF    Tennessee}SS.
         Carroll COUNTY.}
On this 4 day of November 1849 personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the State and County aforesaid, Cortney Griffis a resident of Tennessee in the County of  Carroll aged eighty three 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 William Griffis who was a regular solider in the - Regiment, commanded by Colonel Oree and that she  is entitled to a Pension of forty five dollars per annum, under the (Act of 1848 & the) Act of 17th June, 1844.  She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day}
   and year above written before me,}         Cortney (Her + Mark) Griffis
Joshua Park JUSTICE OF THE PEACE
STATE OF Tennessee  Carroll COUNTY:-Sct.
I, Joshua Park   a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that I am intimately acquainted with Cortney Griffis with the above declarant, (this is crossed out - is personally known), Given under my hand, this 4 day of November 1849.
Joshua Park Justice of the Peace
STATE OF     Tennessee}
          Carroll COUNTY.}
I, Young W. Allen Clerk of the County Court of said Carroll County, hereby certify that Joshua Park whose name appears signed to the foregoing affidavit and certificate is, and was at the time of signing the same, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified as such according to law, and that the foregoing signatures, purporting to be his, are genuine. That his commission was dated on the day of 4 February 1849 and will expire on the 9th day of March in the year 1854.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal of office, at office in the Town of Huntingdon this 3rd day of December 1849.  
Y. M. Allen
Clerk of Carroll County Court
Page 74

1
DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress, of the 4th July 1838, entitled “An Act Granting half pay & pension to certain widows.”
State of Tennessee}
Carroll County}
On this 4 day of November 1849 personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in & for Carroll County in the state aforesaid Cortney Griffis a resident of Carroll County in the state aforesaid aged eighty three years, as 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 July 7th 1848, entitled an act granting half pay as the widow of William Griffis who was a soldier of the Revolution. That in June 1775 the state of South Carolina said William Griffis her husband went into the service of the unlisted and went into said service as a regular private soldier. That he resided in said Chesterfield District in South Carolina. At the time he went into said service that one Sharp was his captain. That Jonas Oree was his Colonel and George Washington was his General. That after he joined the army of the United States in Chesterfield District in South Carolina he marched through different parts
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2
of South Carolina & North Carolina serving against the Tories and British till his fist & only tour ended. That said first & only tour was six years & four months. And at the expiration of said first tour he received a written discharge but she does not know where it is at this time. That he was in the Battle of Bunker Hill and in the battle at the Eutaw Springs. And he served all or a large portion of said tour under General Francis Marion. That he left the service of the United States in October 1781. That in 1783 in Chesterfield District in South Carolina she married the said William Griffis. That after she married him she continued to live with him as his wife till 7th day of April 1847. She then said William Griffis died. That he died in Carroll County in the state of Tennessee. Declarant states that she never has married any other person since the death of said William Griffis and is still a widow. She states that several years previous to his death she applied for & obtained a pension from the Government of the United States. That said pension was forty-five dollars per annum which pension he continued to draw till a short time previous to his death. She states that she does not know where the pension certificate of said William Griffis is at this time. She further declares that she was married to the said William Griffis on the (Ink splotch) day of - 1783 and that here husband the aforesaid William Griffis died on the 7th day of April 1847. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but
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3
the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety-four (Illegible) at the time above stated.
Cortney (her + mark) Griffis
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written before me
Joshua Park a Justice of the Peace

State of Tennessee}
Carroll County}
I Joshua Park an acting Justice of the Peace in & for Carroll County in the state aforesaid do hereby certify that owing to the great age & infirmity of Cortney Griffis the person who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that she cannot conveniently appear in a court of the same.
Subscribed & sworn to 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name this 4th day of November 1849

Joshua Park a Justice of the Peace
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4
State of Tennessee}
Carroll County}
I Young W. Allen Clerk of the county court of Carroll County in the state of Tennessee do hereby certify that at December - term 1849 of the county court of Carroll County in the state aforesaid in open court on the 3rd day of December – 1849. That satisfactory proof was exhibited to said court to prove, and did prove that William Griffis was a regular private soldier in the Revolutionary War, against Great Britain, and that he drew a pension of forty-five dollars per annum in his lifetime. And that he died on the 7th of April 1847. and that he died in and said county of Carroll in the state of Tennessee. And that when he died, he left a widow named Cortney Griffis and that she said Cortney Griffis never has married any other person since the death of said William Griffis. And that she said Cortney Griffis is at this time residing in Carroll county in the state aforesaid. And I do further certify that the court aforesaid does fully approve of all the proceedings of Joshua Park the Justice of the Peace, before whom the foregoing declaration was, subscribed and sworn to in the application of Cortney Griffis for a pension. And I do further certify that said Joshua Park the person before whom the foregoing declaration of Cortney Griffis was subscribed & sworn to was at that time & still is an acting Justice of the Peace for Carroll County in the state aforesaid duly elected, commissioned & qualified, and that his commission was stated on the 16th day of Feby 1849 and will expire on the 9th day of March in the year 1854. In testimony whereof office in open court in the town of Huntingdon on the 3rd day of December in the year 1849.

Y.W. Allen Clerk
Page 78

34.196
William Griffis
M. 899
Tennessee


Mo. 12.22
Adm’d
12 mo. 22 or   
$42.44


Robt H. Hawthorn
Chalk Level
Tennessee
Page 79

State of Tennessee}S.S.
Carroll County}
Be it remembered that on this 12th day of Sept. 1837 before me Nathan Williams a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, personally appeared John Gwin and made and subscribed the following statement in relation to the claim of William Griffis for a pension from the United States under the Act of Congress of 7th June 1832.
I John Gwin a pensioner of the United States became acquainted with William Griffis while he was a member or soldier in Capt. Snipes Company belonging to Genl Marions Brigade and from the accuracy with which said Griffis described crossing a bridge to attack the enemy & a skirmish with Tories at Black river, or Black Mingo I do not recollect which, I have no doubt he was at both places at said times, and I left him in the service in Capt. Snipe? Company when I left Marion’s Brigade to join Genl Caswell’s Brigade and have always understood that he continued in the service until the close of the war but do know this of my own knowledge, and Mr. Griffis was always spoken of as a good soldier, which I have frequently heard from others.
And further this deponent saith not. 
John Gwin
Sworn to and subscribed} 
before me this 12th day of}
September 1837}
Nathan Williams Justice of the Peace
Page 80

State of Tennessee, Carroll County, Sct.
I George Hern clerk of the county court of said Carroll County hereby certify that Nathan William is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand at office in Huntingdon this 12th day of September 1837
Page 81

State of Tennessee}S.S.
Carroll County}
Personally appeared Levi Smith and Stephen Eason citizens of Carroll County and State of Tennessee and after being duly sworn according to law doth on their oaths say they are personally acquainted with William Griffis the subscriber to the foregoing declaration also with his general character which is unimpeachable and all due faith and credit is due to his acts and doings and that they have been acquainted with the aforesaid William Griffis for the term of near fifteen years also the said William Griffis stated reputed as a Revolutionary soldier and they think he is generally believed to have served his country. Also that he is a man of undetected veracity. Sworn to and subscribed to before the undersigned the 29th day of August 1841.
Levi Smith
A (Illegible) James D. Duke J.P.
I hereby certify that the above and named Levi Smith and Stephen Eason whose signatures are attached to the above certificates are men of unimpeachable and full all faith and credit are due to their acts and doings and that they are citizens of Carroll County and was by me duly sworn according to law the day and year above written given under my hand and official seal.
James D. Duke {J.P}
Justice of the Peace for Carroll County and State of Tennessee
Page 82

State of Tennessee}
Carroll County}
We John Horn and John Hodge clergymen residing in the County of Carroll and State of Tennessee hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Griffis who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be eighty four years of age. That he is respected 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 to this 4th day of September A.D. 1841.
John Horn
John Hodge
James D. Duke Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with William Griffis the foregoing subscriber to the declarations and hereby certify that he is unable to attend court on account of old age and other disabilities and further certify that the above named John Horn and John Hodge clergymen are ordained ministers of the gospel and are reputed as such given under my hand and seal this 4th day of September 1841.
James D. Duke
Justice of the Peace for Carroll County
Page 83

State of Tennessee}S.S.
Carroll County}
Personally appeared Wilson Nesbitt before me Nathan Willians an acting Justice of the Peace in and fore said county of Carroll and after being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath say that he has been an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county of Carroll and state aforesaid and that John Gwynn now deceased did on his oath say before him that the said John Gwynn did see and know that the aforesaid subscriber William Griffis was in the service of the United States under the command of General Francis Marion and that the said Gwynn knew him to be in the United States  service in the time of the Revolutionary war but the precise time he does not recollect. Sworn to and subscribed to this 8th day of September 1841.
Wilson Nesbitt
Nathan Williams J. P.
Justice of the Peace for Carroll County
State of Tennessee}
Carroll County}
I hereby certify that the above named Wilson Nesbitt was duly sworn and did subscribe his name to the above and that he is a man of high credibility and undoubted veracity and that all due faith and credit is due to his acts and doings.  Given under my hand and seal this 8th day of September 1841.
Nathan Williams
Justice of the Peace for Carroll County
Page 84

State of Tennessee}S.S.
Carroll County}
I Young W. Allen Clerk of the county court of Carroll county do hereby certify that James D Duke and Nathan Williams were Justices of the Peace and the foregoing signatures purporting to be there’s are genuine and that they were acting Justices of the Peace at the time of assigning the same and that all due faith and credit are due to their acts and doings. In testimony whereof I set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 7th day of September A.D. 1842.
Y. W. Allen Clk

State of Tennessee}
Carroll County}
I John M. Hawkins Chairman (paper folded over) justice of the county court of said county do hereby certify that Young W. Allen whose named is assigned to the above certificate is and was at the time of signing the same Clerk of the County Court of my county and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to all his official acts as such and that said certificate is in due form of law. Given under my hand and seal this 7th day of September 1842.
John M. Hawkins {Seal}
Chairman of the County
Court of Carroll County