Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7,539, James Goff, Conn.
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE  NUMBER
Conn Goff, James  W7539
Mary

CONTENTS
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[sideways left side]
F.F.C. Triplett 9th August 1853

[regular orientation]
31.745
Ohio Cleveland
James Goff, decd
of Geauga Co. in the State of Ohio
who was a private or teamster in the ___ commanded 
by Captain  ___ of the ____ commanded
by ____ in the Revolution
for 7 months private
9 months Teamster

Inscribed on the Roll of Cleveland
at the rate of 95 Dollars 33 Cents per
age to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
& end 8 February 1849

Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day of
June 1853 and sent to
Titus C. Goff Esq-Burton Geauga County Ohio

Arrears to the 4th of
Semiannl. allowance ending
deduct former payment to
$23.33 per annum up to
4 March 1843 
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832. ⎬
H.R. Wightman Clerk
Book E Vol 8 Page 23
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Ohio Cleveland
Mary Goff decd
widow of James Goff
who served in the Revolutionary
War as a private & teamster
E[illegible]1st April 1857

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
95 Dollars 33 cents per annum, to commence
8th February 1849

Certificate of Pension issued
the 16th day of June 1853
and sent to
Titus C. Goff
Burton
Geauga Co
Ohio
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2 1848, Page 342 Vol 4
342
Page 4

Original Dec.
Act 1832

John Johnson
Isham Chapman
[illegible]
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State of Connecticut
County of Middlesex SS.
On this 25th day of August AD 1832 personally appeared in
open Court before the Court of Probate for the district of
Chatham, now sitting James Goff a resident of the Town of
Chatham in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, 
aged seventy years, who being 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
following named officers and served as herein stated
1st That he enlisted into the teaming service
of the United States in the year 1780 for the
term of four months under the direction of Capt
Jabin Strong that in the first place he drove
a team from Hartford to Danbury and
back to said Hartford and from thence to
Fishkill in the State of New York that the remaining
part of the time that he was in said service
he leaned for the Army at said Fishkill
and at West Point, that at the expiration of
the four months duty he was discharged that
he has no documentary evidence of said service
except the affidavit of Joshua Bailey which
is hereunto annexed-

2nd That in the year 1781 he again enlisted into
the United States teaming service for the term 
of five months under the disposition of Captain John Johnson that in the first place he
drove a team loaded with the Officers baggage
from White Plains in New York to Williamsburg
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in Virginia where the Army was stationed
that the remaining part of said five months
service he performed at said Williamsburg
the expiration of which he was discharged
that he has no documentary evidence of said
service except the affidavit of Samuel Penfield
which is hereto annexed

3d That in the spring of the year 1782 he again
enlisted into the teaming service of the United States
under the direction of Capt Isham
Chapman for the term of seven months
- that he performed said seven months
service mostly at Fishkill and White Plains
in the State of New York that he was discharged
at the expiration of said seven months
that he has no documentary evidence of said
service except the affidavit of Benjamin Goff
which is hereunto annexed

He hereby relinquishes every claim
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

In answer to the interrogatories he says
1st That he was born in Chatham in the year 1762
2nd that he has no record of his age
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3d That at the time he was called into the
service he was living in said Chatham where
he has ever since and still does reside
4. That he was called into the service
in the manner he has stated in this
declaration
5 That he knew General Washington
6 That he never received a written discharge
7 That Rev William Welch and John Johnson
are known in his present neighbourhood
and can testify to his character for veracity
and their belief of his services as a soldier
of the Revolution
James Goff [signature].
Sworn to and subscribed
the day and year aforesaid

And the said Court do hereby declare their
opinion that the above named applicant was a
revolutionary soldier and served as he States

I William G. Comstock Clerk of the Court of
Probate for the district of Chatham do hereby
certify that the foregoing contains the Original
proceedings of said Court in the matter of
the application of James Goff for a pension
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto
set my hand and seal of office
this 27th day of August A.D. 1832
W. G. Comstock Clerk
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State of Ohio
County of Geauga
On this eleventh
day of June eighteen hundred and fifty
three before the Subscriber, a Justice of
the Peace in and for said County
personally appeared Reverend Ebenezer
Bushnell, Pastor of the Congregational
Church in Burton in said County, a
highly respectable witness and made
oath in due form of law, that he was
well acquainted with Mary Goff widow 
of James Goff late of Burton that
she died on the first of April
eighteen hundred and fifty one - that
he attended her funeral as the officiating
Clergyman. that he was not formerly acquainted with the family
of the aforesaid Mrs Mary Goff, but he
has understood from different persons
that the aforesaid Mary Goff left
surviving her two children only, named
Titus C. Goff, and Benjamin Goff, both
of whom are now living, and these are
the only children left by the said Mary
Goff, he fully believes, that he never heard
of any other children left by her - that
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the said Titus C. Goff is a member in
good and regular standing of the Church
of which the deponent is the pastor, 
- that he is a man of the strictest
integrity and irreproachable character,
to whose word he would give the fullest 
credit. no man stands higher in
this community than the said Titus C. Goff.
Ebenezer Bushnell,

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 11th day
of June A.D. 1853
Peter Hitchcock Justice of the peace

I hereby certify that the above named
Ebenezer Bushnell is a respectable and credible
person-
P. Hitchcock Justice of the Peace
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The State of Ohio
Geauga Co

Personally appeared before be me a
justice of the peace in and for the
County aforesaid in this 11th day
of June 1853. Stephen Ford of Burton in said
County, and made oath that he was well
acquainted with Mary Goff widow of James Goff late
of said Burton in said County, said James
Goff was formerly a pensioner of the United States
and that he died in February 1849, Eighteen hundred
and forty nine, that she Mary Goff, died on the
first day of April 1857. That she left two children
only surviving her, both of whom are now living, namely
Titus C. Goff and Benjamin Goff and these are
the only children who are now living, that
they are both respectable persons, that the said
Titus C. Goff is a neighborr of deponent, and is a
man, in whom the community have the fullest
confidence
Stephen Ford [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above
written before me, Peter Hitchcock Justice of the peace

I also certify that the above named Stephen Ford
is a highly respectable person and credible witness
Peter Hitchcock Justice of the peace
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State of Ohio
County of Geauga SS
On this 17th day of June eighteen hundred and fifty
three before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for
said county, personally appeared Samuel Summer a Physician
of the town of Burton in said County and State and made oath
in due form of law that he was acquainted with Mary
Goff late of said town of Burton - that he attended her in her last
illness that she died on the first day of April eighteen hundred
and fifty-four  (1854) that he has been acquainted with the
aforesaid Mrs Mary Goff and her Family about ten years, that she
left only two children surviving her as he has always understood
and fully believes, named Titus C. Goff of Burton and Benjamin
Goff of Troy in said County, both of whom are now living as he believes
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that he never heard of any other children surviving the said Mary Goff, that
he is confident he has heard her Say the above mentioned Titus
Goff and Benjamin Goff were her only surviving children
- that he is well acquainted with the above mentioned Titus G. Goff
and Benjamin Goff, that they are both men of unblemished
reputation, - that the said Titus C. Goff has resided in this town
of Burton about ten years as he knows from his own knowledge
and he never heard anything against his character in any respect
he is a man of strict integrity
and uprightness,
Samuel M. Summer M.D. [signature]

The word ten interlined before execution sworn to
nd subscribed before me
the day and year above
mentioned, also the words as he knows from his knowledge
Peter Hitchcock Justice of the peace

I hereby certify that above named Samuel M.
Summers is a respectable and credible person
Peter Hitchcock J.P
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State of Ohio
County of Geauga
on this eleventh day of the eighteen hundred and fifty
three before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County,
personally appeared Ruth A. Goble a resident of Burton in said
county, and made oath in due form of law, that she was well acquainted with
Mary Goff widow of James Goff late of said Burton for several years - that she lived
the same house with her - that she, the said Mary died about
two years ago last April, - that She left surviving her two children
only named Titus C. Goff and Benjamin Goff both of whom are now living. - that she the
said Mary Goff buried a son while she lived in the house with
the deponent, and the deponent frequently heard the said Mary
after the death of that son say that Titus C. Goff and Benjamin
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Goff were the only children she had left.
Ruth A. Goble [signature] 

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and
year above mentioned
Peter Hitchcock Justice of the Peace

And I hereby certify that the above named Ruth Goble is a highly respectable person
and credible witness,
Peter Hitchcock Justice of the peace
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The State of Ohio
Geauga Co.
Personally appeared on this 11th day of June 1833 before me a justice
of the peace in and for the County aforesaid Fanny Goff wife of Titus C. Goff and made
oath that she was well acquainted with Mary Goff widow of James Giff late of Burton in said
County of Geauga that she knew them many years before their deaths, that the said Mary Goff died on
the first day of April 1851. That the said James Goff died in the eighth day of February 1849. That the
said Mary Goff left only two children surviving her namely Titus C. Goff and Benjamin Goff both of whom
are now living, and that they are the only children of the said Mary Goff and James Goff now living
and that the states this from her own personal knowledge
Fanny Goff [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed before me in the day and year
past above written
Peter Hitchcock Justice of the peace

I also certify that the above named Fanny Goff is a highly respectable person and a credible
witness, and a member in good standing in the Congregational Church of Burton
P.  Hitchcock Justice of the peace
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The State of Ohio
Geauga Co.
Personally appeared before me, a justice of the peace in and for
the county aforesaid on this 11th day of June 1853 Titus Goff and made oath
that he is a son of James and Mary Goff late of Burton in said County of Geauga that the
said Mary Goff died on the first day of April of 1851. That she left two children only surviving her
namely Titus C. Goff the deponent, and Benjamin Goff, the said Benjamin Goff is now living, that
he the deponent supported and maintained the said James Goff and Mary Goff until their
deaths, that in consideration of so doing his brother, the said Benjamin Goff relinquished all
claim to any pension that might be obtained in account of services rendered by the said
James Goff in the Revolutionary War. He believes himself to be the only one of the two children
left to whom a pension would belong, he made this application for it. believing it was only necessary to show to the pension office that he was the only one entitled to receive any thing
which should be obtained. That he has acted under this impression on all he has done in the execution of papers connected with this application he intending to state that he was the only child now living, that was entitled to receive any thing and
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that if it was not so stated in the papers it ought to have been
and that he believed that was the exception if   That in all cases, before executing any paper
in connection with the application for a pension, he consulted with Ex Gov. Seabury Ford and was
advised by him the proper course to pursue that he showed to him, Gov. Ford, all the papers and
blank forms sent to him by his attorney J.M. Thayer of Washington, and was advised by said
Gov. Ford that they the said deponent and Benjamin Goff being the only surviving children, and the said Benjamin Goff having relinquished all claim to the pension, he, the deponent could with propriety make the application in his the name, and execute the papers in the forms in which they have been done. But being recently advised by his said Attorney, J. M. Thayer, that the regulations of the forms require that the
names of all the children now living should be made known to the Department, before the pension
is made payable he has made the above statement & explanatory of the course he has pursued, and desires the certificate to be issued and made payable to himself and his brother Benjamin Goff the only
living children
Titus C Goff [signature] 

Sworn to and subscribed before me in the day and year first above written. And I further certify that the
interlineation of the words "is" and "that he believed 
that was the meaning of it" and the words "is
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made payable", were made before the Execution of the [illegible] affidavit
Peter Hitchcock Justice of the peace

I hereby certify that the under the solemnity of my official oath that the above named Titus C Goff is a
highly respectable and credible person that I have been acquainted with him for about fifteen
years, that he has always shared my fullest confidence, and so far as I know that of the community 
in which he lives. Perhaps no one in the community is more generally esteemed as an upright citizen
and honorable man. I have not the least doubt of his statements in the foregoing affidavit by
to his consultation with Gov. Ford, and there advice received from him, neither have I the least doubt
as to the impressions under which he the said Titus C. Goff acted in the matter as set forth by him
in the pregoing statement. I have the best reason for so thinking as the papers being executed before 
me, & I had frequent conversation with him about it, and always understood there to be his impressions
-
Peter Hitchcock Justice of Peace

I further state that the Ford who is a resident of
Burton & late Gov. of this State who is mention
is absent from hence, on account of ill health
Peter Hitchcock Justice of the peace
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The State of Ohio,
GEAUGA COUNTY,

I A H Gotham Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for the County of Grace in the State of Ohio, do hereby certify that Peter Hitchcock Esq. was at the date of the execution & acknowledging
the several affidavits hereto attached, taken by & before him at this date
and now is an acting Justice of the Peace duly commissioned and sworn agreeably to the
Statutes of said State of Ohio, to all whose official acts as such, full faith and credit is and ought to be given
throughout the United States, and elsewhere, and that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said
Peter Hitchcock and verily believe the signature purporting to be his is genuine
WITNESS my hand and Seal of Office, at Chardon, in said County
this 13th day of June Anno Domini 1853
---

A.H. Gotham CLERK.
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The State of Ohio
Geauga County ss
I Alfred Phelps Judge of the Court of Probate in and for said County of Geauga 
and Clerk of the same Court, do hereby certify that
at a Probate Court held this thirteenth day of June A.D
1853, by & before me, in & for said County, in open Court, it
was satisfactorily proved that Mary Goff late of Burton
in said County of Geauga deceased, was the widow of
James Goff who was a Revolutionary pensioner & soldier, and
died before the said Mary, that the said Mary Goff died
at Burton in said County of Geauga, on the first day
of April in the year One thousand Eight hundred and
fifty one, leaving Titus C. Goff of Burton aforesaid and Benjamin Goff 
of Troy in said County of Geauga, her only surviving children, 
and only surviving children of said James Goff,
both of whom are now living. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto at Chardon in said County set my name and affixed
the seal of said Court this 13th day of June A.D. 1853,
Alfred Phelps Probate Judge
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Power of Attorney
Proof of death & Heirship
Proof of Marriage

James Goff of Ohio
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Proof of Marriage
State of Connecticut
County of Middlesex Ss Chatham

I Wm Russel of said Chatham being duly sworn, depose and say, that I am thirty
seven years of age, and a resident of said Town of Chatham and a pastor of the Congregational Church, in the Society of East Hampton in said town of Chatham, that I have in my possession the records of Marriages Deaths &c, which were kept by the Revd Lemuel Parsons from Feby 10th 1779, to Feby- 1791, and on said records I find in the year one thousand seven hundred and Eighty six March thirtieth the marriage of James
Goff and Mary Carrier - I certify "that the above is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date
which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows," Married March 30th 1786 James Goff
& Mary Carrier 
Wm Russell, Pastor of Cong Church

Sworn to and subscribed this 26th day of July A.D. 1852
Before me
Nath C. Smith
Notary Public
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Certificate of Death and Heirship.
STATE OF
COUNTY of Geauga
It is hereby certified, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me, the Clerk
of the Court of Common Pleas-in and for the County aforesaid, that Mary Goff late of
Burton in said County, who was the widow of James Goff  late a Revolutionary pensioner of
the Pittsburg Agency died in said County, on the first day of April in the year one thousand eight hundred
fifty one leaving surviving the following named children only, viz:
Titus C. Goff of said Township and County who is of full age and now living.
The aforesaid James Goff died on the (8th) eighth day of February eighteen hundred
and forty nine the said Titus C. Goff is the only child who survived the said Mary Goff deceased,

The word "hundred", being first interlined

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office, this
Eighteenth day of November one thousand eight hundred and fifty two.
A.H. Gotham Clerk
Comm Pleas Geauga Co Ohio
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Power of Attorney
STATE OF Ohio
COUNTY OF Geauga ss
Be it known, that on this Eighteenth day of November A. D. eighteen hundred and fifty two, before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Titus C. Goff
a resident of Burton Township in said County, and made oath according to law, that he is the
son of Mary Goff late of said Township and the only child left by her surviving, that she was the widow of
James Goff formerly of Chatham Ct. but latterly of this county and late a pensioner of the Pittsburg Agency, that his said mother died on the first day of April 1851, that his said father died on the 8th of Feb 1849
that he is directly interested as aforesaid, as a claimant, and makes this affidavit for the purpose of obtaining such arrears of Pension as may be due under any of the Laws, Regulations, or decisions that have been or may hereafter be adopted. The said Affiant further declares that he hereby constitutes and appoints John M. Thayer
Washington to be Attorney and Agent to prosecute said claim, with power of substitution,
to examine all papers and documents in relation to it, and to do all things necessary and lawful
in the premises; except drawing the money, which will be hereafter provided for, and I further
State that the said James and Mary Goff were married in Chatham Ct.  on the 30th of March 1788 by Rev Lemuel Parsons
Titus C. Goff [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid, before me,
P. Hitchcock J J. Peace

I, P. Hitchcock Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Titus C. Goff, above named, is a respectable resident of this County, and is, as I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set forth, and acknowledges the above Power of Attorney to be his act and deed.
P. Hitchcock Jr J. Peace.

In testimony that the above-named Peter Hitchcock Jr.was a Justice of the
Peace in and for said County, at the date of the same, I hereby subscribe my name and affix the
County Seal this eighteenth day of November in the year our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two
A H Gotham County Clerk.
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Sede Brainard
[illegible]
[illegible]
Page 26

State of New York
Genesee County Ss Alexander March 4th 1840
Personally appeared before me Horace B. Houghton a Justice of the peace of the said County, Sebe Brainard aged 77 year the 14th day of next month and being duly sworn saith that
I knew James Goff in the revolutionary war he belonged to the same company that I did commanded by Capt John Johnson and did service as teamster, I enlisted in the latter part of April 1781 Capt. Johnson left the Company sometime in the month July following and was gone about a month as near as I can recollect. when he returned James Goff came with him we both went with the French army to the south and remained with it untill some time after Cornwallis was taken I do not recollect that any of us received a written discharge our teams died and an application of Capt Johnson - we were dismissed. James Goff was with me during the whole time that I was at the south, I think it was in the forepart of January 1782 when we returned. Our company was commanded by the French officers and was
under martial law
Sebe Brainard [signature]

Genesee County Ss. Alexander March 4th 1840
Personally appeared the above named Sebe Brainard to me personally known made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed and I certify that he is a credible person
Horace B. Houghton justice of the Peace

State of New York 
Genesee County  ⎬
I. Horace M.. Soper Clerk of said County certify that Horace B. Houghton was a Justice of the Peace of the
and County at the time of taking the foregoing affidavit and that his name above subscribed to is his hand writing
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and official seal this 6th March 1840-
H.M. Soper Clerk
Page 27

A
Department of State
Washington, June 18, 1852
J. M. Thayer Esq. Washington.

Sir
The fact that Jabin Strong and Samuel Wortham were in service in the Quarter Master Department
at the same period during the revolutionary War, is established by the following evidence.-

In the old Congress papers No. 173. 3. 141, there is "a Return of Teams hired and employed by
Nehemiah Hubbard, D.L.M.G. Augt 1,1779, in which under the list of
Conductors the names of both these persons are found

I am

[left margin]
Samuel Northam at 480 per annum
Act 31 New York roll
Page 28

I am Sir, respectfully
Your obedient Servant
Dan'l Webster
Page 29

Sept 30 '43
Jas Goff
Ohio Pittsburgh FREE


Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

[postmark]
CHARDON OHIO
SEP 21
Page 30

Chardon, Geauga Co Ohio
Septr 22d 1843 
Hon J. L. Edwards

Sir
In presenting a number of papers for Collecting pensions at the Pittsburgh agency, I was informed by
the agent that James Goff's pension (one of the number) was suspended, but he could not tell for what reason, thought that proof might be required that James Goff is or was at the time, living - please to inform me as early as convenient what must be done to enable him to obtain his money of the pensioners for whom I have collected, whose pensions are small, make their papers but once a year, in order to save some
expense. The agent, (on such papers), requires the additional proof of identity. The instructions say that "If a pensioner has neglected for one year or more to claim his pension, additional proof of his identity will be required". Where application for payment is made once a year, it appears to me that there could have been a neglect of only six months for a pensioner certainly cannot claim before the first semi-annual
payment in the year becomes due. It would save a small expense to each of those who choose to draw yearly, if the additional proof of identity is not required. Very respectfully
Your obt Servt
Edwin F. Phelps
Page 31

Jas Goff

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


[sideways left side]
Evidence of Heirship
in the case of
Sam'l Brown Decd
Connt
Page 32

Hartford Nov 21st 1833
Sir,
Enclosed is the evidence of heirship in the case of Samuel Brown a deceased applicant for a pension, whose claim was admitted while I was with you in July last. Please forward me the certificate I also enclose two affidavits in the case of James Goff a teamster whose claim has been rejected showing that he was subject to the Martial law. It is legal evidence to
prove that fact and entitles him to a pension please forward the certificate, Ichabod Baily whose claims remains undecided is very anxious to hear from it hope you will dispose of it soon. I know of no objection to its allowance. Since forwarding you the application of Appleton Fox yesterday I have
heard of his death which took place on the 7th should his claim be admitted will forward you
the name of his widow and the proper evidence hereafter
I am, respectfully
F G . Comstock


J.L. Edwards Esq
Page 33

Ct. His Society
J.M. Thayer Esq.
Washington D.C.
Page 34

Hartford, 6th May, 1853
J. M. Thayer, Esq.
Sir,
In answer to your inquiry and in the absence of the Secretary
of the Cont History and being well acquainted with the Roll of Teaming service in the
Soc'y I have to inform you that there are no Rolls in the Rooms of the Sec'y subsequent
to the year 1778
Very Respectfully
E.. Gleason
Page 35

Affidavit of Ansel Brainard
Page 36

The State of Ohio
Medina County
Be it known that before me Charles Childs a justice of the Peace duly authorized
by law to administer oaths in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Ansel Brainard 
and made oath in due form of law that he is the Identical person that made an Affidavit in
Geauga County in 1840 certifying that James Goff was a revolutionary soldier in the war of 1782
served seven months in the same company with me under Capt Isham Chapman in the year 1782
the aforesaid affidavit which is made in Geauga County in 1840 I was there on a visit when I made
my place of residence was then and is now in Westfield Medina County Ohio, I further certify
that I made application for my pension for the same
time and tour and obtained my pension therefore
Ansel Brainard [signature]
Attest Charles Childs
Sworn to and subscribed this sixteenth day of April
AD 1853 Before me
Charles Childs 
Justice of the Peace

The State of Ohio
Medina County ss ⎬ I, John B. Young, Clerk of the Court
of Common Pleas of the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Charles Child is a
Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State afore said and commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 11th day of April A.D. 1852, and
the 17th day of April A.D. 1875 and that
Page 37

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Washington
Page 38

Chardon, Geauga County, Ohio,
September 8. 1840.

Hon. J. L. Edwards

Accompanying this is an amended or additional declaration of James Goff who obtained
pension certificate in May last for such service as he could then make proof of Since he has come here he
has been able to obtain the affidavit of Ansel Branard, who served with him & hopes, therefore, to be allowed an increase of his pension for the time stated in his amended declaration - He has also applied to day, to be transferred to the Pittsburgh Agency.
Very respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Edwin F. Phelps
Page 39

Brief Card
James Goff dec'd

[sideways]
See certificate Sec'y Connecticut
in [illegible] case of Mabel McCarty wid
of Clark NY
Act 7 July 1838
Page 40

Brief in the case of James Goff and Mary Goff his widow dec'd
Geauga County and State of Ohio
act 7th June 1832 & 2 Feby 1848

Claim, (for increase.)

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance
Record evidence that James and Mary married on the 30th March 1786.
Record evidence that James (pensioned as a private under act 7th June 1832), died on the 8th Feby 1849
Record evidence that Mary died on the 1st April 1851.
Record evidence that Titus C. Goff is the only surviving child of James and Mary Goff
Record evidence that same served for nine months as a Teamster under Hubbard
Record evidence that James also served seven months as a private.-

*Applicants adduced evidence that they were mistaken in asserting that Titus C. Goff is the only surviving
child of Mary & Benjamin (James) It is now proved that one other child viz Benjamin Goff, survives

Name and residence of Agent
C. Triplett
Washington D C 

Charles H Rhett
Examining Clerk
Page 41

I Benjamin Goff of Chatham in the County of
Middlesex and State of Connecticut of lawful age
depose and say that in the spring of 1782. I enlisted
under Isham Chapman a conductor of teams, as a
teamster and continued in the team service till
late in the fall of the same year I should think
about seven months. I further depose and say
that James Goff then and now residing in said
Chatham enlisted at the same time under the
said Isham Chapman as a teamster and
continued in the team service with me till
late in the fall I should think about seven month

Benjamin Goff [signature]
Sworn to and Subscribed
this 8th day of August A.D. 1832 
Before me
F.G. Comstock Just Pane
Page 42

State of Connecticut
Secretary's office Oct 5th 1832
I, Thomas Day Secretary of said State, and Keeper of the Seal thereof do hereby certify
That Franklin G Comstock Esq before whom the within Affidavit was taken, is and at the
caption of said Affidavit was a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Middlesex duly
appointed, commissioned and sworn, and that I believe the signature purporting to be his, is 
genuine

In testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed the Seal
of said State, the day and year above written
Thomas Day

[left margin] 
Benjamin Goff

[right margin]
Benj Goff Affidavit
in the case of James Goff
Page 43

J.M. Thayer
atty
Page 44

Washington City DC
Feby 28th 1854
Hon. J.E. Heath
Com of Pensions
Sir
I enclose herewith the application of Mary Goff for arrears of pension due her husband
James Goff of Ohio act 1832. James Goff was a pensioner at about $73 per an for service
rendered by him as a teamster in the Revolution, but was stricken from the Roll in 1843 on
the ground that that service was not military. He died in 1849, without being restored,
under the present decisions of the Department, the widow claims the amount of
pension from the time of his suspension to the day of his death, to be computed
at the rate of $192 per annum, the
Page 45

pay now allowed to continental teamsters, and also for the increase
at the same rate from the 4th March 1831 to the time he was suspended.

I also ask for a reexamination of the evidence in this case, believing
it to be sufficient to justify the admission of further service

Very Respectfully
Yours
J.M. Thayer
Page 46

M Randall
Page 47

Pension Office.
27th May 1853

Ohio Rolls, Pittsburgh
Act 7th June 1832.
$23.33 per annum-
James Goff
To what time paid?
J Cole Ch Clerk

To,
Francis Burt Esqr
3rd Auditor.
Paid to 4th March 1843.

F Burt Auditor
Page 48

Samuel Penfield
[sideways]
you may send what for you think is right


---
Page 49

Chatham April 16th 1853.

Dear Sir-

Enclosed I send the deposition of Hon John Stewart who has been a member of Congers
and an intimate friend of the Commissioner of Pension, I thought this deposition might have more influence
that any other persons, which could be obtained. I spent and day in making enquiries and getting
Stewarts deposition
Yours Truly
Nath C. Smith

Samuel Penfield who was a son of Colo John Penfield
lived in Chatham (now Portland) I should judge must
have died some twenty three years ago. David Sears
who was a pensioner was born & always lived in Chatham
untill his death April 20th 1842
N.C.S
Page 50

["cancelled" written over entire text]

James Goff dec
Ohio
Admitted
Act 7th June 1832.
9 months Teamster $72.
7  " "private 23.33
 -------------$95.53

$95.33 per annum from 4th
March 1831 to 8th Feby. 1849
when he died, deducting
$23.33 to 4th March 1845.
when he was last paid.
Pay Titus  C. Goff only child
Certificate to
F.F.C. Triplett

Mary Goff widow dec'd
Ohio
Admitted
Act 2d Feby 1848
9 months a Teamster  $72.-
7  "  " private ---- 23.33
 -----------------95.33
$95.33 per annum from 8th
Feby 1849 to 1st April 1851
when she died.
Benj Goff
Pay Titus C. Goff only child
Certificate to
F.F.C. Triplett
Page 51

Connecticut
James Goff
Rejected
Act 7 June 1832
See letter to Hon. F.G. Comstock
Hartford Ct
25 July 1833
sent to same 8 Sep 1836
Page 52

6686
James Goff
Connecticut
June 7 1832
not in continental Corps
-
Allow 7 mo pri $23.33 per annum
Team service rejected
Isham Chapman
[illegible]

NC Smith Esq
East Hampton
Connt
Page 53

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those
answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of James Goff which require
further proof or explanation

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason
assigned for his not doing so? --
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes
V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he
in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled?  yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than one under the Act of June 7, 1832. yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished
from any other seal? yes
Page 54

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to
their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary
service? No
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? No
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one
living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? --
XIV. If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness
or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath,
certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? One of them,
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the
regulations direct? Yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age,
as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And,
if not, which of them is not so answered? yes

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how
long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being
duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he
cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection
he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year ______ months
and ______ days, I served as a ______ . For ______ months and ______ days, I served as a ______ ; and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 55

3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served,
and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four month is too indefinite,
and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the name of the officers and other 
particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn 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.

QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.

QUERE XVI. 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 paper authenticated, the certificate
must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass
under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly
attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.

[handwritten]
to further this claim it should be satisfactorily shown 
know that the declarant was enlisted in a
Continental Corps of Teamsters
Page 56

James Goff decd
Ohio

Admitted
Act 7th June 1832.
9 months Teamster $72.
7 "  " private --- 23.33
 -------$95.33

$95.33 per annum from 4th March 1831 to 8th Feby. 1849
when he died deducting $23.33 to 4th March when he
was last paid.

Titus C. Goff and Benjamin Goff only surviving children.
certificate to Titus  C. Goff in lieu of one I found 
issued June 1832 Burton
Geauga Co. Ohio

Mary Goff widow decd  
Ohio
9 months Teamster $72.--
7  "  private --- 23.33
 ------95.33
$95.33 per annum from 8th Feby 1849to 1st April 1851 when she died
Admitted. Act 2d Feby. 1848.
-
Pay Titus C. Goff and Benjamin Goff only surviving children 
certificate (in lieu of one I found June 1853) to Titus C. Goff
Burton Geauga Co. Ohio
Page 57

Joshua Bailey affidavit
in the case of James Goff

Proof of 4 months service

1780
Page 58

State of New York
County of Delaware  ss. On this 31 day of July 1832
Personally appeared before me Jabez Bostwick First
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of said county
Joshua Bialey of the town of Meredith in said
[cut off]

Town of Watervliet
County of Albany  ss
I, Joshua Baily of the town of Watervliet County of Albany & State of New York
being of sound mind and memory do testify and say that James Goff
of the town of Chatham County of Middlesex and state of Connecticut was a member of
the company commanded by Capt Jubin Strong in the continental line four months
in the year seventeen hundred and eighty and I have been personally acquainted with him since
Joshua Baily [signature]

Watervliet Jun 17th 1840
Personally appeared the above named Joshua Baily to me personally known and made
solemn oath that the declaration in the above affidavit was true and I certify that
he is a credible person
Supply F. Wilson
Justice of the Peace
Page 59

State of New York
Albany County  --⎬ SS: I Henry B. Haswell Clerk of the said County
do hereby certify that Supply F. Wilson before whom the
within affidavit purports to have been sworn and whose
name is subscribed to the certificate of credibility was
on the day of the date of the same a Justice of the Peace
in and for the said County and that his name subscribed  
to the same is his proper hand writing & signature
Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name & affixed
the Seal of the said County this 18th day of January 1845.
H.B. Haswell Clerk
Page 60

State of New York
County of Delaware ss. 
On this 31 day of July 1832 Personally appeared before me Jabez Bostwick First
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of said county Joshua Bailey of the town of Meredith in said
County (to me known as a man in good standing & credit as to truth & veracity aged sixty eight years
who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath say that he is well acquainted with
James Goff of the town of Chatham in the County of Middlesex & State of Connecticut & has known
the said Goff from his childhood and that the said James Goff was an enlisted Soldier in the continental 
United State troops in a company commanded by Captain Sabine Strong in the teaming Service
for four months in the year 1780
Joshua Baley [signature]
Sworn before subscribed Before me this 27 July 1832
Jabez Bostwick
---
State of New York
County of Delaware
I Cranford B Sheldon Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of
Delaware which is a Court of Record, do certify that Jabez Bostwick Esquire before
whom the annexed affidavit was sworn was at the date of the same First Judge
of the said Court which is a Court of Record and further that I am well
acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge and verily believe that the signatures annexed
is his genuine signature. Witness my hand & seal of office
this third day of August 1832
C B Sheldon Clerk
Page 61

Payment to be made at Cleveland 
by John Barr Esq
Agent for paying pensioners in the Agency of Ohio

Recorded in the Pension Office, in
Book E. Volume 8 Page 23 by
H. R. Weightman Clerk
Page 62

[cancelled overwritten]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Claim for Military Service.
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States,
of the 7th June 1832, James Goff deceased,
late of Ohio, who was a private and Teamster
in the Revolution was entitled to a pension,
and having died on the 8th February 1849, his
only surviving child Titus C. Goff is entitled to
the amount at the rate of ninety-five 33/100 dollars
per annum, from 4 March 1831 to 8 February
1849 when he died; deducting former payments
at the rate of twenty three 33/100 dollars per annum
[illegible] to 4th March 1843

Given at the Department of the Interior, this first day of June
one thousand eight hundred and fifty three
R McClelland
Secretary of the Interior

Examined and countersigned
F.P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 63

[cancelled overwritten]

Payment to be made at Cleveland
by John Bair Esq.
Agent for paying pension , in the Agency of Ohio

Recorded in the Pension Office,
in Book -- Volume 4. Page 342 by
-
H.R. Weightman Clerk.
Page 64

[Cancelled overwritten]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
Claim for Military Service.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States
of the 2d February 1848, Mary Goff decd, widow of James Goff who was a private and Teamster
in the Revolution was entitled to a pension and having died on the 1st April 1831, her only
surviving child Titus J. Goff is entitled to the amount at the rate of ninety five dollars 33/100 
per annum, from February 1849, when he died 1st April 1851. when she died, a

Given at the Department of the Interior this first day of June one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three -
R McClelland
Secretary of the Interior

Examined and
Countersigned. 
L.P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions
Page 65

Benjamin Goff
Page 66

Be it known, That I, John Stewart of Chatham in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut
now fifty eight years of age, depose and say, that for than than twenty years prior to AD 1833. I was personally acquainted with one Benjamin Goff, an inhabitant of said town of Chatham, and a brother of James Goff
who I also knew, and who I verily believe was a soldier of the Revolution.

That during the period of my acquaintance with the said Benjamin Goff, he was for several
years in my employ, and I always considered him a man of integrity Indeed; I do not recollect of
ever hearing his veracity called in question, Agreeably to my best recollection, the said Benjamin Goff
died in said Chatham about the close of the year 1832 or early part of the year 1833. and as I believe
near seventy years old when he died,
John Stewart [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 15th day of April A.D. 1883
Nath'l C. Smith
Notary Public
Page 67

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

[sideways]
Sept 23.1840
[illegible]
Page 68

Pension Agency
Hartford Sept 21. 1840.

Sir,
In answer to your enquiry as to what time James Goff a Pensioner on the roll
of this Agency under the Act of 7 June 1832 at 23. 33/100 dollars per annum was last paid

I have to inform you that no application has been made for payment of his pension
since his enrollment
I am Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servt
A H Pomroy Agt

J. L Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 69

Burton, Geauga Co. Ohio
June 11th 1843

Hon L. P. Waldo
Com of Pensions

Sir, 
On receiving the certificate issued in the case of James & Mary Goff of Ohio, in
favour of Titus. C. Goff as their only surviving child, I repaired to this place for the 
purpose of having the money drawn after meeting Mr. Goff (Titus C.) in conversation, he
remarked that there was one child living beside himself named Benjamin Goff, but that he
supposed it was only necessary that he (Titus C.) should be known to the pension office, as his 
brother, Benjamin had relinquished to him all interest in the pension, in consideration of his 
(Titus C. Goff) having supported his Father and mother. I immediately informed him that he was laboring under a wrong impression,-- that it was necessary to make known to the Pension office the names of all the children living when when the certificate is issued. I at once determined to return the certificates
that new ones may be issued in the names of both the children on that the error may be corrected and new
notification sent to the Agent at Cleveland
Mr Goff also wished me to be the take this course, and stated that he did not
Page 70

wish to receive the money unless it was properly right that he should

I have caused to be taken the affidavit of Several of the most respectable residents of this
town showing that Titus C. Goff above named is a citizen of unexceptionable character and standing in this community, also that he and his brother Benjamin Goff are the only children of the
said Mary Goff now living. I have made extensive inquiries among the people generally, and am satisfied beyond all possibility of a doubt or question, that the facts are as set forth in the accompanying affidavit, I find also that Titus C. Goff has the confidence and respect of the community to the fullest extent also that Peter Hitchcock Esq. is a most respectable citizen and a son of the late Judge Hitchcock who for twenty eight years was one of the Judges of the Supreme court of Ohio,
Sworn to and subscribed
J. M. Thayer
attorney of Washington D.C.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 11th day Of June 1853
Peter Hitchcock Justice of the peace
Page 71

Sam'l Penfield's Deposition in
the Matter of James Goff
application for a pension

1781 - 7 months

[right column]
Samuel Penfield's
Affidavits
5 months service
Page 72

State of Connecticut
County of Middlesex
Ss. Chatham
On this 7th day of October AD 1833 at said Chatham personally appeared
Samuel Penfield whose name is subscribed to the within the deposition, a person
who is known to me to be a man of truth & in all respects a competent and
credible witness & made solemn oath that the matters contained in said 
deposition are true
before me
Horace Toole Justice of the Peace
Page 73

I Samuel Penfield of Chatham in the County of Middlesex & State of Connecticut being of
age of Seventy years & being duly sworn depose and say that in the year 1781 from the middle of
August to about the middle of December a period as this deponent believes of no less than
four months, he served in the revolutionary  army of the United States as a teamster in the company under Capt. John Johnson. That the deponent joined sd army at White Plains & march thence to  Yorktown in Virginia where he was at the time of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis & was discharged

Soon after that event that during his said service, this deponent then supposed & believed & still supposes & verily believes that he was subject in the same manner of the same extent with the soldiers of the Army generally to the army rules & regulations & like there was
compellable to obey all proper order issued by the officers of the army & also punishable for
disobedience thereto or for any other [illegible] according to the rules & articles of War

and this deponent further says James Goff, of said Chatham aged seventy one
years was a private in said Company at the time when this deponent served the same, & had been
a private in the same from nation in the with [illegible] service [illegible] in the month
of May next preceding & that the said Said James Goff continued with said company & served therein, 
subject as this deponent verily believes, to the rules & regulations aforesaid, until his discharge together with this deponent soon after the surrender of Cornwallis
Date at Chatham the 7th day of October AD 1833
Samuel Penfield
Page 74

Brief in case of James Goff decd. late of Connecticut Also Ohio.
Page 75

Brief in case James Goff.

James Goff 25th Augt 1832 aged 70 years in open Court declares he entered service under following Officers & served as set forth

1st Enlisted in U.S. team service in 1780 for 4 months under direction Capt Jabin Strong drove team from Hartford to Danbury & back to Hartford & thence to Fishkill, remaining part of time he was in service for the army at sd Fishkill & West Point, & at expiration of 4 months duty he was discharged - has no documentary evidence of sd service except affidavit of Joshua Bailey annexed.
["4 months" in left margin]

2nd In 1781 again enlisted into U.S. team service for 5 months under Capt. John Johnson 1st place he drove a team loaded with officers baggage from Wht Plains NY. to Williamsburg in Va, where army was stationed; remaining part of sd 5 months service he performed at sd Williamsburg at expiration of which was discharged. no documentary evidence of sd service except affidavit of Saml Penfield annexed.
["5 months" in left margin]

3d
In spring of 1782 again enlisted in U. S. team service under direction of Capt Isham Chapman for
term 7 months performed 7 months service mostly at Fishkill & White Plains in State of N.Y. discharged
at expiration as has no documentary evidence except affidavit of Benj Goff annexed
["7 months" in left margin]
Page 76

Page 2

was born in Chatham in year 1762 & has no record of his age, was living in Chatham when was called into service - never received a written discharge. . Court declares its belief that applicant was a revolutionary soldier

Joshua Bailey (31st July 1832, aged 68 yrs). says he is well acquainted with Jas Goff of Chatham has known sd Jas Goff from his childhood, as was enlisted soldier in Continental U.S. troops in a company commanded by Capt Jabin Strong in term service for 4 months in yr 1780 (On 17th Jany 1840) he says that Jas Goff of Chatham was a member of Capt Jabin Strongs Co. in Continental line 4 mos in 1780-
[left margin above "corroboration of 4 mo service under Capt J. Strong"]
Sam'l Penfield (7th Oct 1833) says he was in 1781, from Middle Augt. to Middle Dec'r a period not less than 6 months, served in Rev. Army of U.S. as a teamster in company under Capt John Johnson, Dept joined army at White Plains, marched thence to Yorktown where he was at time of Surrender Cornwallis & was discharged soon after that event during his service believed & still believes he was subject in same manner & to same extent with the soldiers to rules and regulations of the Army & like them was compelled to obey order of officers & was punishable for disobedience
[left margin above " Corroboration of service under Capt John Johnson"]
Page 77

page 3.

says Jas Goff of Chatham aged 70 yrs. was a private in sd Co. when dept Joined & had been a private from sometime in May preceding & Jas Goff continued with sd Co: & served therein subject as dept verily
believes to rules & regulations aforesd till discharged with this dept soon after surrender of Cornwallis.

Sam'l Penfield (8th Augt 1832) says Jas Goff was engaged in team service under direction of Capt. John Johnson during month Augt Sept Oct Novr Decr in yr. 1781 & during war Rev. Sd. Goff was engaged in
team service for French Army at siege Yorktown

Benj Goff (8th Augt 1832) says that in Spring of 1782 enlisted under Isham Chapman, Conductor of teams,
as a teamster & continued in team service till late in fall of same year should think about 7 months - says
Jas Goff enlisted at same time under Capt Johnson as a teamster & continued in it till late in fall or ?
think about 7 months

James Goff (8th Sept 1840) says that beside the services for which he obtained a pension, he
in the month of April A.D. 1783 enlisted as a teamster under command of Isham Chapman Conductor of
teamsters for transporting army stores to Army

See 1st affidavit X 1782
Page 78

at West Point, Fishkill & White Plains for so long a turn as service of teamster should be
required, immediately after he entered on sd service & continued to serve as a teamster for
the Army & was employed in transporting Army stores to Fishkill, West Point & White
Plains for period of 6 months & at end of time was discharged; during whole sd service
was subject to martial law, same as the soldiers in the line - positive service was for 7 mos
& he believes for 8 - but cannot be certain obtained the affidavit of Ansel Brainard who served
with him proving sd service, at time of making original applct lived in Chatham but in May
last came to reside in Burton when he now lives

Ansel Brainard x1782  (7th Augt 1840), says that in the month April 1783 he enlisted as a teamster
in U.S. Service under command of Isham Chapman conductor of teamsters for transporting any
stores &c to the Army at Fishkill, West Point, White Plains &c. & continued in sd Service about 7 months & that James Goff was in sd service in same company with him during
Page 79

page 5
sd time & while in service were subject to Martial laws as soldiers.

A Brainard addl. (16 April 1853) says he is the identical person that made an affidavit in G. Co. In 1840 certifying that Jas Goff was a revolutionary soldier in 1782, was then on a visit - residence was then & is
now in Westfield Ohio-- made application for pension for the same time & town and obtained my pension therefore

Sebe Brainard (4th March 1840), aged 77 years 14th Apl 1840 says he knew Jas Goff in revolutionary war
he belonged to same company commanded by Capt John Johnson & did service a teamster - enlisted latter part Apl 1781, Capt Johnson left Co. Some time in month July following & was gone about a month when he returned James Goff came with him - both went with French Army to South & remained till after Cornwallis was taken does not recollect that any received a written discharge. Our teams died & on application
of Capt Johnson we were dismissed.  Jas was with me the whole time I was in South - thinks it was in forepart of January when we returned company was under French officers
Page 80

page 6.

is & was under martial law.

David Sears (26th Sept 1833) says James Goff of Chatham was in revolutionary service at White Plains
in 1781 was under same were regulations as soldiers were & subject to Martial law was personally acquainted
with him at that time & since

Additional 10th Decr 1839), says he enlisted in month May 1781, in than service under Capt Saml Northart
& went to Providence to take baggage of French Army when reached White Plains James Goff enlisted into Capt J. Johnson Co in team service & was with us from time of enlistments till discharge after surrender of Cornwallis. Shd say 4 months-  were under martial law recollects send teamster under guard of soldiers for disobeying orders

James Goff (8 Sept 1840) declares he is the same person who belonged to Co. under Capt Jabin Strong, afterwards in Co. of Capt J Johnson in Regt under Col Wadsworth in U.S. Service removed since to Ohio 
Pension Certificate dated 2d May 1840

Capt. John Johnson was a Pensioner on rolls in the office

over
Page 81

page 7

No 1 James Goff in Application of David Sears
18th Aug 1832 days as was engaged in team service under Capt John
son during mos. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. & Decr 1781.

No. 2 James Goff in Application of Ansel Brainard
(25th Novr 1841) says Brainard in Spring yr 1782 enlisted in army for ?
served 8 months & was discharged late in the fall, went to Fishkill West Point and
White Plains under Cap Isham Chapman

Clergyman's Certificate of Marriage of Jo. Goff & Mary Carrier
married in 30th March 1786.

James & Mary Goff married 30th March 1786 James (a pensioner) died 8th Feby 1849
Mary died 1st April 1851. Titus C. Goff only surviving child
Page 82

State of Ohio
Geauga Co
On this 23rd day of May Eighteen hundred and fifty three before the subscriber a
justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Stephen Ford a resident of Burton, in said County of Geauga and made oath in due form of law that he was well acquainted with James Goff late of Burton in said County and formerly of Chatham, Connecticut, and formerly a
pensioner of the United States that the said James Goff died on the Eighth day of February Eighteen hundred and forty nine. That he left a widow named Mary Goff who died in the first day of April eighteen hundred and fifty one in the township of Burton in said County, That she left
surviving her one heir only named Titus C. Goff and that he the said Titus C Goff is now living that James & Mary Goff aforesaid were neighbors of this deponent, and he is enabled to fix the dates of their death by the fact that he attended the funerals, and that he the deponent is
disinterested
Stephen Ford [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me
P. Hitchcock Jr. Justice of the peace

Also at the same time and place, personally appeared before me S.M. Summer, a resident of Burton, in the County of Geauga, Ohio, and made oath in due form of law that he was well acquainted with James Goff late of said County of Geauga, and previously of Chatham Connecticut and previously a pensioner of the United States, That the said James Goff died on the Eighth day of February, Eighteen hundred and forty nine that he left a widow named Mary Goff who died in the first day of April
Page 83

Eighteen hundred and fifty one, in the township of Burton in said County, that she left surviving her one heir only named Titus C. Goff, and that he the said Titus C. Goff is now living, that James and Mary Goff aforesaid were neighbors of this deponent and he is able to fix the date of the death of Mary Goff
by the fact that he was her attending physician during her last sickness at the time of the death of James Goff, deponent was absent from Bristol, and has no means of knowing the exact date of it except from information received after his return- And that he deponent is disinterested-
S.M. Sumner Physician [signature]

sworn to, and Subscribed before me on the day & year above written
P. Hitchcock Justice of the peace

I certify, that the above named Stephen Ford and S.M. Summer, are entitled to full faith and credit in their statements and also further certify that Doct J. H. Chittenham residing in Columbus, Franklin Co. Ohio, was attending physician with James Goff at the time of his death, that Rev. Geo. J. Kearchen
who preached his funeral sermon now resides in Connecticut and the Rev. Ebenezer Bushell who attended the funeral of Mary Goff is were absent from Burton , attending the sittingof the "New school General Assembly "at Buffalo
P. Hitchcock Jr. Justice of the peace
Page 84

Additional Evidence
 in case of
James & Mary Goff
Ohio
Statement
Page 85

Sir

I herewith present additional evidence in the case of James Goff of Ohio, a
suspended Pensioner of act 7th June 1832. He was originally pensioned for seven
months service as a Teamster at the rate of $23.33 per annum, which sum he continued
to receive till 1843. From that time to the date of his death he received no pension (8th
Feb. 1849.) The alleged reason for his suspension being that the teaming service was not military

I conceive that the evidence now on file, and that herewith enclosed, fully
established the military character of his services. I will refer to it in detail.

1st Term of service
James Goff swears in his Declaration that he enlisted into the teaming service in 1780 for four months
under Capt Jabin Strong Conductor. This is sustained by Joshua Bailey who swears that Goff was an enlisted teamster in Capt. Jabin Strong's company for the above mentioned them of four months.

The fact that Jabin Strong was a conductor of teams, serving under the direction of Jeremiah Hubbard D.Q.M. General for Ct is established by the letter of Secretary of State marked "A".
herewith filed.
Page 86

2d Term of service.

Goff again enlisted in 1781 for five months under Capt. John Johnson Conductor of Col. Wadsworth's Reg'

Sebe Brainard and Samuel Penfield both swear they were in Capt. Johnson's company, and that Goff was
with them the full term of the enlistment five months, and that they were subject to military regulations

They were engaged during this term in teaming service for the army in its March to Yorktown

David Sears swears he was in the teaming service under Capt Samuel Northam and was engaged in transporting baggage stores of the army & c to the South, and that Goff was in that service
under Capt John Johnson. It is shown by the letter from Secy of State above referred to marked "A". that Samuel Northam was a conductor, serving under D.Q.M. Gen. Hubbard, which proves the military character of his service.

That Capt. John Johnson's company was engaged in the same service as Capt Northams is fully
shown by the testimony of Sebe Brainard, Samuel Penfield and David Sears, and of course was of the same
Military character. David Sears testifies in the most direct and positive manner that they were under Martial Law, and that he well recollects seeing a teamster under a guard of soldiers for disobedience of orders.

[sideways left border]
See the papers of Samuel Northam 
who was a pensioner Act 32 New York at ??80
Page 87

3d term of Service.

Goff again enlisted in the Spring of 1782 under Capt. Isham Chapman Conductor, for seven months and served at West Point and Fishkill,

Benjamin Goff and Ansel Brainard and both testify that they enlisted in the Spring of 1782 under Capt. Isham Chapman Conductor, for seven months, and served out that time and that James Goff served
with them the full period of seven months and that they were subject to Martial Law

Each term is distinctly set forth and proved by several witnesses, as to the Military character of the service in which Goff was engaged, the testimony of each, and all the witnesses, is such as to put it beyond
the possibility of a doubt, for when five or six men certified to be respectable, living some of them hundreds of miles distant one from another, and having no knowledge of each other's testimony, each and all
testifying directly and unqualifiedly to the same fact, there must be something besides mere presumption to
overthrow it. The terms are, that they enlisted and that they were strictly bound by the rules and regulations by which the soldiers of the army were governed. And why should they not have been enlisted? It was most important service; and such that required faithful and reliable men, and how could men be made more reliable than by martial law?
Page 88

4
The interests of the service required that these men should be subject to the control of the officers
of the army, and that they should not stand in such a relation to the army, that they might break it at any
moment they chose to do so, but that they should be bound for the full term of their enlistment. If it were not so, the army might be deprived of their services at any moment while on its March

The evidence abundantly proves that they were military men, and there is nothing to prove the contrary.
Aside from the evidence, the probabilities are altogether in favour of this view of the question. In order to determine the military character of a service, it has only been necessary to show that the men were subject to Martial law. This has been the uniform practice of the Office.

I therefore present the case of James Goff, the following Claims for allowance viz. a pension to be computed at the rate of $16.00 per month (the pay of a continental teamster) from the 4th March 1831 to 1843 when
it was suspended, for sixteen months service, $23.33 per year from 4th of March 1831 to be deducted. And from the time of his suspension to the 8th Feb. 1849, the day of his death, a full pension for sixteen months service at the rate of $16.00 per month
Page 89

I also claim for the widow Mary Goff a full pension for the same
service from the day of his death to the 1st day of April 1851 the day of
her death, each of the Certificates to be payable to Titles C. Goff, their only
surviving child
Respectfully submitted
Dec 1 1852
J. M. Thayer
Attorney
Page 90

I Samuel Penfield of Chatham County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut of lawful age, do depose and say that James Goff of said Chatham was engaged in the team service under the direction pf Captain John Johnson during the months of August, September, October, November, and December in the year 1781, and during the war of the Revolution said Goff was engaged in teaming for the French Army at the siege of Yorktown
and further say not _ Samuel Penfield

Middlesex County Ss Chatham August 8th AD 1832
Personally appeared before me, Samuel Penfield who hath subscribed the foregoing deposition, and after being examined made oath to the above
Daniel Penfield
Justice of the Peace
Page 91

State of Connecticut
Secretary's Office Oct 5th 1832

I Thomas Day, Secretary of said State, and Keeper of the Seal thereof do hereby certify that Daniel Penfield Esq. before whom the within Affidavit was taken, is, and at the caption of said affidavit was, a Justice of the Peace within and for the county of Middlesex duly appointed, commissioned and sworn and that I believe the within signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of said State, the day and year above written.
Thomas Day

Daniel Penfield, Affidavit
in the case of James Goff


Franklin E. Comstock Esq
Chatham
Page 92

East Hampton March 30 1840

Dear Sir
Mr. James Goff made application for a pension under the Act of 1832 and depositions were forwarded by F.G. Comstock it appeared from a communication, some time since made, from the Pension Office to F.G. Comstock that further proof of his service was necessary or his claim would not be allowed.
Inclosed is three depositions to prove his claim, and those forwarded before, now in your office, hope they will give satisfactory evidence, that the claimant is entitled to a pension in his old age_ any communications relating to this claim may be address to N.C. Smith
Very respectfully
Your Obt Servant
Nath'l C. Smith

To. J.L. Edwards
Commiss'r of Pensions
Page 93

David Sears Affidavit
Page 94

State of Connecticut
Middlesex County SS Chatham December 10th 1839
I David Sears of Chatham in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut aged Eighty two years. do depose & say that I enlisted in the month of may 1781 into the train service under Capt Samuel Northum and went to Providence to take the baggage of the French Army and from there preceded through the Country South and when at White Plains James Goff who belonged in said Chatham enlisted into Capt John Johnsons Compy in the train service and was with us from the time he enlisted until discharged after the surrender of Cornwallis should say four months that recourse under Martial Law I recalled well of seeing a teamster under a guard of soldiers for disobeying the orders
David Sears

Middlesex County Ss Chatham December 19th AD 1839
Personally appeared David Sears Signer of the foregoing deposition and made oath to the truth of the same and I certify that the above named deponent is a credible person
Before me Nath'l C. Smith Justice of the Peace
Page 95

David Sears
Page 96

I Daniel Sears of Chatham in the State of Connecticut do testify that James Goff of Chatham in the State of Connecticut was in the Revolutionary Service at White Plains in the year 1781_that he was under the same rules and regulations and laws as the soldiers and subject to the martial laws that I was personally acquainted with him at that time and have been ever since
David Sears

Middlesex County Ss Chatham}
September 26th 1833}
Personally appeared David Sears the signer of the above deposition and made oath to the truth of the same before me Nath'l C. Smith Justice of the Peace. I hereby certify that David Sears signer of the above deposition is a competent witness for any Court
Nath'l C. Smith J. Peace
Page 97

Revy WIDOW, &c
File No. 7539
Mary Goff
Wid.
James Goff
Pri Rev War
Act: Feby. 2  48
Index:-Vol. A, Page 27[illegible]
[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 98

31.745
Ohio Cleveland
==================
James Goff, dec'd,
 of Geauga Co. in the State of Georgia
who was a private/teamster in the _________commanded
by Captain ________ of the _____ commanded 
by _________________ in the Revolution 
for 9 mos. teamster}
 7 mos. Private}
====================
Inscribed on the Roll of Cleveland
at the rate of 95 Dollars 33 Cents per
annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.
=====================
Certificate of Pension issued the 1st day of
June 1853 and sent to F.F. C. Triplett
=========================
Arrears to the 4th of Present,
Semi anl. allowance ending-
Incofrone $23.66
deducted up to 4th March 1843
(illegible word) paid
{evolutionary Claim,}
Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by H. R. Weightman Clerk
Book E2 Vol 8 Page 23

overwritten vertically from bottom to top
Cancelled
Page 99

Ohio_Pittsburgh 31745
Connecticut (Crossed out)
=================
James Goff
of Middlesex in the State of Connecticut
who was a private in the compy commanded
by Captain Strong of the -----------commanded 
by ---------- in the Court Team 
line for 7 months
==================
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut
at the rate of 23 Dollars 33 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
==================
Certificate of Pension issued the 2d day of May 
1840 & sent to N.C. Smith 
Esq East Hampton, Conn.
===================
Arears to the 4th day of Mar 1840 $210.00
Sei-annual allowance ending 4. Sep '40 11.66
$221.66
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by D McCurdy Clerk
Book E2 Vol. 3 Page 15


left side of page is damaged beginning of most sentances/words missing

To Few Agt 17 Sept 1840
to Edwin f. Phelps
Sept 21 1840
to Pow Agt 21 Sep 1840
___________________________
Ohio_Pittsburgh fraud
erdo 1831: 2 Oct 1840
dification to E.F. Plucs
ardow Ohio
____________________________
W. Pension Agent. Pittsburgh
May 5 1843
___________________________
to E.T Pheeps Oct 25 '43
to J.M. Hough April 25/51
Page 100

Left side
CANCELLED written across the page

6098
Ohio Cleveland
Mary Goff, decd
widow of James
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a
Inscribed teamster on the Roll at the rate
of
95 Dollars 33
Cents per annum, to commence
on the 8th February 1849
Certificate of Pensions issued
the 1st
day of June 1853
and sent to
F F C. Triplett
Present
Cudy 1 April 1850
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2,1848, Page 342 Vol. 4
---
Right Side

New notification instructing Pension Agent
to make deduction at $21.13
up to 4 March 1843, when
Jas Goff was last paid sent
June 9/53
H.R.W.
Page 101

From Edwin F. Phelps
Chardon
Geauga Co
Ohio

Hon J. L. Edwards
Washington
Page 102

Mr. Evans
Page 103

The State of Ohio
Geauga County

On this eighth day of September 1840.
before me the subscriber, a justice of
the peace in and for said County of Geauga and State of
Ohio, personally appeared James Goff, who on his oath declares
that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Jaben Strong, (the name of
the Colonel who comanded (sic) the regiment he does not recollect,
under whom he performed his first tour of duty) afterwards
in a company commanded by Captain John Johnson, in the
regiment commanded by Col. Wadsworth, in the service
of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Connecticut, from whence he has
lately removed; that he now resides in the County of Geaugh and state of Ohio where he intends to remain, and
wishes his pension to be there payable (Pittsburgh Agency) in
future, to take effect from and after the 4th of March 1831,
that his pension certificate is dated on the 2d day of May
1840, and that he has never drawn any part of his pension
His reason for removing
from Connecticut, to the state of
Ohio is that his son with whom he lived died and he
came to reside with a son living here
James Goff

Sworn and subscribed to
before me the day and year
foresaid
Saml Magunigal
Justice of the Peace

The State of Ohio
Geauga County
I Titus C. Goff, of lawful age, do
solemnly swear, that I am well ┃
acquainted with James
Goff who has subscribed &
sworn to the above affidavit and that he is the identical person therein described

Titus C Goff

sworn and subscribed to before me this eighth day of
Page 104

September 1840 by the said Titus C Goff, whom I hereby
certify is a person of truth & veracity
Saml Magunigal J.P.
⎬
The State of Ohio
Geauga County ss

I D. D. Aiken Clerk of the
Court of Common Pleas for said County
do hereby certify that Samuel Magunigal
Esq. before whom the foregoing
affidavit appears to have been taken
is a Justice of the peace in and for said
County, duly commissioned and sworn
according to law; and that his signature above
written is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I hereunto set
my hand and affix the seal of said Court this 8th
day of September A.D. 1840
D.D. Aiken Clerk
Page 105

Chardon, Geauga
Ohio, September 8. 1840
Hon. J.L. Edwards

On the other half of this sheet is
an application for transfer by James Goff, who obtained
pension a certificate dated May 2 1840, under the law of
June 7th 1832 while in the State of Connectient, but has
never drawn
Please to address to your obt Servt
Edwin F Phelps
Page 106

Affidavit of
Ausel Braiward
Authur
7 months service
under Isham Chapman
Page 107

(In Side margin: See also affidavit of Benjamin Goff. See his original declaration in 1832 wherein he says he began in this service '82.)

The State of Ohio}
Geauga County ss}
On this Eighth day of September A.D
1840, personally appeared before me Samuel
Magunnigal a Justice of the Peace in and for said County
James Goff a resident of Burton in the County of Geauga and
State of Ohio, a pensioner of the United States under the act of June
7th 1832, for services as a private in the Revolutionary Army, who
received a pension certificate from the
War Department dated
May second A.D. 1840 -- for Twenty three dollars thirty three
cents, being an allowance for seven months service as a teamster at the time of the taking of Cornwallis, & for one other town in the year 1781.
 being first duly sworn
according to law, doth on his oath make the following additional
or further declaration, in order to obtain an increase of said pension,
and an allowance for further services, of which at the time
of making his original declaration he was unable to obtain the
proof, to wit: that besides the services for which he obtained and
allowance of said pension, he in the month of April A.D.
1783 Enlisted as a teamster under the command of Isam Chapman Conductor of teamsters for transporting Army stores to the
Army at West Point, Fishkill & White Plains, for so long a term
as the services of teamsters should be required, that immediately
after he entered upon said service, and continued to serve as a teamster for the Army, & was employed in transporting Army stores to
Fishkill, West Point & White plains for the period of seven
months, when, his services being no longer required, he was discharged;
that during the whole of said service he was subject to martial
law the same as the soldiers of the line of the Army; that he is positive the said service was for fully seven months, and he believes eight
but of this he cannot be certain; that he cannot be certain whether
the service herein stated was set forth in his original declaration, but he believes, from the circumstance that he had no proof of
it at the time, that the agent who drew his declaration omitted
to to state it; that he has since obtained the affidavit of
Ansel Branard, who served with him, which he herewith transmits,
 proving said service herein stated; that at the time of making his original declaration, he resided in Chatham, Middlesex
County State of Connecticut; that he left that place on the fifteenth
Page 108

day of May last & came to reside in Benton aforesaid where
he now resides. He therefore prays that his pension may
be augmented, so as to embrace the tour of service herein
Stated, and made payable at the Pittsburgh Agency State of
Pennsylvania
Sworn & subscribed to
the day and year aforesaid
Sam Magunigal
Justice of the Peace

James Goff
Page 109

The State of Ohio
Geauga County
Before me Matthew D Mirriam one of the
Justices of the peace for said
County, personally came Ansel Brainard
who being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith,
that in the month of April in the year of our Lord 1782 he
enlisted into the service of the United States as a teamster under the
command of Isom Chapman Conductor of the teamsters
for transporting Army stores &c to the Army at Fishkill,
West Point, White Plains &c, and continued in said service
about seven months, and that James Goff was in said
service, in the same company with him during said time
and whilst in the service were subject to martial law as
the soldiers.
Ansel
Branard
Sworn to, and subscribed before me at the county
aforesaid, this 7th day of August A.D. 1840
Matthew D. Merriam Justice of the peace

The above date is undoubted
meant for 1782
Page 110

The State of Ohio
Geauga County
I, D. D. Aiken Clerk of the Court
 of Common Pleas for said County do hereby
certify that Matthew D. Merriam Esq.
before whom the foregoing Deposition of
Ansel Brainard appears to have been
taken, on the 7th day of August A.D.
1840 was at that time and still is a
Justice of the peace in and for said County: and that
Samuel Magunigal Esq. before whom the foregoing declaration appears to have been sworn to is also a Justice
of the peace in and for said County; that both said
Justices have been duly commissioned and sworn according to law; and that their signatures above
written are genuine.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set
my hand and affix the seal of said Court, this 8th
day of September A.D. 1840.
D.D. Aiken Clerk