Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14926, Baldwin Woodruff, Continental (Conn.)

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental (Conn.)
Woodruff Baldwin or Nathaniel Baldwin
W. 14926
Hough, Betsy
Former widow
CONTENTS

11.375 New York - A
James Bede Hough deceased widow of Baldwin, alias N. B. Woodruff who died on the of Conn in the State of who was a Private in the Origns commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the line for Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 104 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. Ending 3. Apr. 1839.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of August 1852 and sent to
Arrears to the 4th of Hon. P. King Semi-annual allowance ending H. A. R.
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act July 7, 1838. }
Recorded by R. M. Rice - Clerk, Book D Vol. 1 - Page 173

1881 June 25 Geo. C Woodruff. Enclosing original Sheet containing "Pictorial Present" addressed to Bede Barns (the within pennoner)

Declaration. In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of 7 th July, 1838 - entitled "An act granting Half Pay & Pensions to certain Widows" -
State of New York } County of Lewis } ss. On this fourth Day of March one thousand Eight hundred & forty Eight, personally appeared before the undersigned Francis Dyer, County Judge of the County of Lewis in the State of New York - Abigail Danks, a resident of the Town of Turin in the County of Lewis aforesaid - aged Sixty Two years & upwards - who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the balance of an undetermined pension due to Bede Hoag (formerly widow of Nathaniel Baldwin Woodruff) under the provisions of the Act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows" - That the said Abigail Danks is the daughter & the only child of Nathaniel Baldwin Woodruff & Bede his wife - That said Nathaniel was a Soldier of the Revolutionary war & service, as declarant has always been informed & believes, for "during the war" & was entitled to Bounty land for his services - That the mother of this declarant was named Bede or Bedy Barns, & previous to her marriage with said Nathaniel B. Woodruff - resided at the Town of Meriden in Connecticut - And that said Nathaniel was, before & after his marriage with said Bede Barns, declarant's said mother, a resident of Litchfield in Connecticut - & that

She continued to reside or near in Litchfield aforesaid until she did as hereinafter stated -
Declarant further states that her said father as she has been informed by her said mother & others of the friends & acquaintances of her said father & mother. Served about or seven six years in the Revolutionary Army & continued in actual service until he was discharged about the Spring Summer of 1783. That he was a private soldier - or a musician (a Bugler as she has been informed as aforesaid) & belonged to the Regiment commanded by Colonel Sheldon - of Connecticut. & that in 1783 he was in actual service at Danbury in Connecticut & received a regular & honorable discharge from the service about the month of June 1783. Declarant further states that she has also been informed that her said father belonged to the horse or Cavalry - That she has not in her possession any documentary Evidence of such service except the letter which is hereto annexed marked A which has always been preserved by declarant and her said mother & is in the proper hand writing of declarant's said father Nathl B. Woodruff as she has always understood from her said mother & believes to be true except also a partial present entitled as follows - "A Present from Nathl B. Woodruff of Litchfield to Betsy Burns of Meriden - Wrote at Litchfield July 15 th 1783" in which fragment allusion is made to the close of the war & the independence of the United States. & his contemplated marriage with the

Said Bedz Barnes - Declarant's said mother - She has also heard her said mother state that a man named Plumb was in service with said Nathaniel - & that they had their horses kept at Meriden aforesaid at one time during the war - said Plumb was taken prisoner by the British at one time - & he got away by leaping an enclosure without having left his horse - That she does not present recollect further par- -ticulars - Declarant further states that she was always understood from her said mother - & was not any doubt of the fact, that the said Nathan- -iel & Bedz were married at Meriden in Con- -necticut something over a year before the birth of this Declarant - & that Mr. Hubbard a Clergyman of that place officiated on the occasion - and that they from that time until the death of Declarant's said father, resided at Litchfield aforesaid & cohabited together as husband and wife - That this Declarant has no written or documentary evidence of said marriage - But she has a record of her own birth entered on the blank leaf of an old testament in the hand writing of her said father as she has been informed & verily believes - The said Record aforesaid has from Declarant's earliest recollection, been in her own possession & in the possession of her said mother & is hereto annexed marked "B" Declarant further says her said father died at Litchfield aforesaid on the 7 th day of May 1788 - and a record thereof was made on the same blank leaf of said Testament & is hereto annexed - and has been preserved as the record of said death by this

Declarant & her Said Mother from the earliest recollection of declarant -
Declarant further States that soon after the death of her said father - as aforesaid - her Said Mother intermarried with one Matthew up Hough - & lived with Said Hough as his wife until the death of said Hough which took place on or about the Second day of April one thousand Eight hundred and Nineteen and that her Said Mother remained a widow from the time of the death of Said Hough her Second & last husband, until the death of Said Bede Hough formerly Bede Woodruff which took place at Turin aforesaid on the Third - day of April one thousand Eight hundred and Tenth Nine - That Declarant's Said Mother, at the time of her death aforesaid left this declarant the only child of herself & Said Nathaniel Baldwin Woodruff her surviving -
Declarant further says that she has no other written or record evidence in her possession nor has she any knowledge of the existence of any such records  or information written or record evidence of the services of said Nathaniel in the Revolutionary Army - or of his marriage or death than is herein before set forth - She further declares that her Said Mother & father were not married prior to the last period of his service - but that said marriage took place prior to the first day of January one thousand seven hundred & Ninety

four - to wit - at the time above stated - and that her said mother Bede Hough was a widow at the time of her death - Sworn to & subscribed on this day & year first above written before me -  Abigail L.  M rs Seder County Judge Lewis County N.Y.
State of New York, Lewis County - ) p I certify that the following interlineations, erasures & alterations were made in the foregoing declaration of Abigail Danks before the same was signed & sworn to by her - Viz on the first page no material alteration - on second page the words " or near " after " in " - " or seven " after " life " - & " near " after " annexed " were interlined - & the words " Spring or " were erased - & the figures "1783" partially written on erasure - On third page " Evidence " & " or near " were interlined - also " for a few days " interlined & " or " written on erasure - On fourth page " Thirty " written on erasure & " Knowledge or information " erased - " Danks " written on erasure - & " N.B. " erased - on fifth page
I further certify that I am personally acquainted with said Abigail Danks & that she is a credible person & her statements in said declaration are in my opinion entitled to confidence & credit - I further certify that I am satisfied that the facts set forth in said declaration are in all respects substantially correct - In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this fourth day of March 1848 - M rs Seder County Judge

State of New York Seneca County -
vs - Lewis Salin Jr. of Seneca in said County being duly
sworn says that he was well acquainted with Mrs. Bede Haugh, the mother of Abigail Danks - both named in the foregoing Declaration - & was acquainted with said Bede Haugh from deponent's childhood to the time of her death - Deponent further says that he well recollects the fact that said Bede Haugh, died at Seneca aforesaid on Wednesday the 3 rd day of April 1839 - Deponent is now twenty four years of age & further says not -
Sworn before me this 4 th day of March 1848
Lewis Salin Jr.
P. Seder County Judge Seneca Co. N.Y.
Omit
State of New York Seneca County -
vs - Abigail O. Danks of Seneca aforesaid - aged thirty one
years on the 22 nd day of March 1847 - being duly sworn according to law deposes & says that he is a son of Abigail Danks - & a grandson of Nathaniel B. Woodruff & Bede Burns - late Mrs. Haugh in the foregoing declaration - & affidavit heard - That he resided for many years in the same family with his said grand mother Bede Haugh & often heard her speak of said Nathaniel B. Woodruff (carried part the old papers)

Sublime Lady
A
Having an opportunity to write Direct to You I shall Employ the same With the Greatest Pleasure imaginable, just to acquaint You of my Health & Welfare hoping that these may find you in the full Enjoyment of Yours. I have no news to write, Perhaps more than You have heard But I have the greatest reason to think that the army will Be Discharged in Twenty or thirty Days from this. Mr. Atton Came from Camp last Thursday & informed me that we were to Be Discharged By the twentieth of June which will Be the Happiest Day that ever I enjoyed if so be it as true. or then You must expect a letter from me immediately as soon as I obtain an honorable Discharge from this Bloody War Which I have so long Been obliged to Submit to and suffered the hardships & cruelties of so many Disagreeable Campaigns overjoyed at last to meet the happy Day wherein we shall Quit the field With honour after having set our Country at Liberty from a hard and Cruell tyrant master then then shall I fly in Peace and Lodge myself in the arms of my Dear & shall never Be at Rest till I am safely arrived with You in Your Present Now happy will this opportunity Be When I shall have the Pleasure of the full enjoyment of that Lovely Person which I so much admire and Have so long strove to obtain solitary how the month of may hath appeared to Me although it has Deckt the fields and meadows with all the gay flowers it could Yeald & Cloath the lofty trees and Pleasant Gardens with the sweetest of Blossoms But all these Could Yeald me no Delight for I was absent from my only Dear — Then I must Quit With subscribing myself Your true, But Absent Lover — Nathaniel B. Woodruff —
Danbury May 31, 83
Please to Remember me to Your Brother
M c Attons Best Compliments Wait on you and miss are here

THE NEW TESTAMENT OF OUR LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST, Translated out of the ORIGINAL GREEK: AND WITH THE FORMER TRANSLATIONS
Diligently Compared and Revised, By His MAJESTY's Special Command.
APPOINTED TO BE READ IN CHURCHES.
O X F O R D:
PRINTED AT THE CLARENDON PRESS, By W. Jackson and A. Hamilton , Printers to the University; And sold at the Bible Warehouse, Paternoster Row , London.
MDCC LXXXII.
CUM PRIVILEGIO.

Litchfield Fe 8 th February 1786 It Being on Wednesday then Abigail our Daughter Was Born
Salmon Woodruff Died May 7 th 1788
He was the Father of the above mentioned girl
13

and of his services in the Revolutionary war and particularly that he was a Bugler. & that the first time she ever saw her former husband David Woodruff, he was on horseback with a trumpet in his hand - Deponent further says, that he was himself a Bugler in a company of horse - & repeatedly when he was prepared to attend parade - his said grandmother remarked that he reminded her of said Woodruff - & that he resembled him in his features - Deponent further says she was heard his said grand mother speak of Plumb - being a soldier in service with said Woodruff - Deponent further says that he always understood from his said mother & grandmother that said Abigail Davis was the only child of David Nathaniel B. Woodruff. & said Betsy his wife - & that Abigail was born at Litchfield in Con- -necticut as stated in the record annexed to his affidavit - & that said Nathaniel B. Woodruff died when said Abigail was a child - Deponent further says that said Matthew Haugh - the second & last husband of said Betsy Haugh, deponent's said grandmother - died at Turin aforesaid on the second day of April 1819 - & that said Betsy Haugh died at Turin aforesaid on the third day of April 1839 - & further says not subscribed & sworn before me this 4th day of March 1842
Alvin J. Danks
Th. D. Dyer County Judge Lewis Co. N.Y.

13727 State of New York Lewis County - } p - I certify that I am personally acquainted with Lewis Sabin Jr - & Alvin O. Danks who respectively made the foregoing affidavits by them subscribed and that they are credible persons - & that, in my opinion, the statements of each of them respectively - made in the foregoing affidavit signed by them respectively are entitled to confidence & credit -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this 4 th day of March 1848 - I further certify that Abigail Danks who has this day made the foregoing declaration by her subscribed & sworn to before me, on account of indisposition & infirmity is unable to attend the court of which I am a judge for the purpose of making said declaration & for present appearance & her general state of health I am satisfied she will not be able to attend said court at the next term thereof without serious inconvenience & hazard - dated March 4 th 1848 -
G. O. Danks
County Judge Lewis Co. court, N.Y.
State of New York Lewis County - } p - I, Lucian Clark - County Clerk of said County of Lewis - do hereby certify that Francis Seyer Esquire - before whom the foregoing declaration of Abigail Danks was taken - & the foregoing affidavits of Lewis Sabin Jr - & Alvin O. Danks were sworn to & who has executed the two preceding certificates were on that day County Judge of the County of Lewis all bearing date the 4 th day of March 1848, & that the several signatures above purporting to be his are genuine - In testi- mony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal at Martinsburgh in said County this 6 th day of March 1848 - N.B. made one line herein interline after 1844 - before insertion hereof - Lucian Clark Clerk 3 of Lewis County

State of New York, Lewis County —
ss - John Seymour of the
Town of Turin in the said County of Lewis - (being duly known says that he was acquainted with Mrs. Bede Hough - widow of Matthew Hough - of Turin aforesaid - & the mother of Mrs. Abigail Davis - who has made an application for the pension to which said Bede Hough was entitled, or claimed to be entitled, on account of the services of Nathaniel Belbrun Woodruff - formerly of Connecticut, and a soldier in the war of the revolution & a member of Col. Sheldon's regiment of Cavalry - That deponent was personally acquainted with said Bede Hough - formerly Bede Woodruff - during her lifetime & up to the time of her death - That she died at Turin in said County of Lewis on or about the third day of April one thousand eight hundred & thirty nine - That this deponent was a Sexton in said Town of Turin in the year 1839. & for several years before & afterwards - & kept during the year 1839 - a book in which he made entries of all the funerals which this deponent attended as such Sexton & which he superintend- -ed in whole or in part - and that this

Deponent attended the burial of said Bede Hough - at Farm aforesaid or Supt. Sexton - I superintended the same & made an entry, at the time of said funeral of said Bede Hough in the book then & still kept by this deponent in the words & figures following viz - "1839 April the 4 th In digging grave for Mr Bede Hough Comort of Matthew Hough Esq. aged 75"
{ } { }
Deponent further says the aforesaid entry in said Book is in all things correct & true & relates to the said funeral of the above named Bede (or Bed) Hough - & further says he - subscribed & sworn John Seymour to before me this 27 th day of December A.D. 1851 - Nathan Nichols Justice of the peace N.B. "which" interlined
State of New York, Lewis County - ss - I hereby certify that I am personally well acquainted with John Seymour above named and that he is a credible person - & sustains a high character for truth & integrity & that his statements above made are fully entitled to confidence & belief. dated Farm, Dec. 27-1851 - Nathan Nichols Justice

State of New York, Seneca County - } P- Letter
Woodruff of Lowville in said County of Seneca, being duly sworn, doth depose & say that he is aged Seventy Five years & upwards. That he was born at Hartford in the State of Connecticut where he resided with his parents until about the year 1783- when his father, whose name was Benjamin Woodruff, removed from Hartford aforesaid to the town of Litchfield in said State of Connecticut - That This deponent recollects the circumstances of such removal - & also the fact that This deponent was not taken to Litchfield aforesaid until after the removal of his said father, but was subsequently taken from Hartford where he remained with his grand father's family, after his father's said removal, for a time, & until deponent was taken to Litchfield subsequently to the removal of his said father, as aforesaid. Deponent further says that his said father Benjamin Woodruff - was a half brother of Baldwin Woodruff or as deponent understands he was sometimes called Nathaniel Baldwin Woodruff - of Litchfield aforesaid - That the mother of said Baldwin Woodruff - was named Baldwin, previous to her marriage with the grandfather of this deponent, and that the said Nathaniel Baldwin Woodruff was

uniformly called Baldwin Woodruff So far as deponent ever heard or understood - during his lifetime. & was familiarly called by deponent & others of his father's family " Uncle Baldwin " - & was uniformly so called - & deponent further says that, during his acquaintance with said Nathaniel B. Woodruff & during his lifetime, was the name & the usual name by which he was known & distinguished -
Deponent further says that the said Baldwin Woodruff - was absent from his home in Litchfield when deponent's said father removed to that place & when this deponent arrived there - That deponent well recollects that it was then said by those living at the place where said Baldwin Wood- -ruff then resided when not absent in the army that he was absent in the Revolutionary army -
That soon after deponent was so taken to Litchfield, as aforesaid he (said Baldwin) returned home to Litchfield & as was then said, & understood by deponent, had returned from the army from which he had been discharged - Deponent well recollects that his said uncle Baldwin Woodruff was absent from home when deponent first went to Litchfield to live with his said father - but not long afterwards & the

gallant - and was long afterwards & the
Same year he did return to Litchfield & subsequently resided there for several years & at the same house in which deponent & his said father then resided - Deponent further says that he well recollects the circumstances of the marriage of the said N. B. Woodruff with Bede Barnes of Meriden - in Connecticut. That he cannot state the precise date of said marriage but it was within a year or two of the time of the birth of their daughter Abigail - now Abigail Deane & an applicant for an unclaimed balance of pension due said Bede as widow of said Baldwin Woodruff - That deponent perfectly well recollects the time & circumstance of said Baldwin Woodruff & his wife Bede coming to Litchfield together & living together at that place as husband & wife for a year or over previous to the birth of said Abigail their daughter - and also recollects of being at their house in Litchfield after the birth of said Abigail - Deponent further says that he understood that said Baldwin Woodruff removed from his former place of residence in Litchfield & went to Vermont - & died shortly afterwards - but the particulars of his death he does not know -
That after the death of said

Nathaniel B. Woodruff - which as he is informed & believes took place in 1788 - The said Bede Woodruff his widow intermarried with Matthew Hanks - & removed to the Town of Turin in the County of Lewis - where her said second & last husband & herself - died - but the dates of such deaths deponent is not able definitely to set forth. -
That said Abigail Hanks the daughter of said Baldwin & Bede Woodruff still resides in said Town of Turin as he believes - & is the only child of said Baldwin & Bede Woodruff they never having had any other child or children to deponent's knowledge or belief -
Deponent further says that he has never known in Connecticut or elsewhere, another person named Baldwin Woodruff, who could have been a soldier in the Revolutionary war - but he knows the fact that the husband of said Bede Barnes was always reputed among his friends & relatives to have been a soldier & to have served in Connecticut at the time he belonged to Col. Sheldon's Regiment of Casualties - & deponent has always believed & still firmly believes that the facts are as above stated & that the Nathaniel

Baldwin Woodruff mentioned in letters & papers heretofore sent to the Pension Department by Edward A. Brown Esq. agent for Abigail Danks - (of which letters & papers - copies - or papers purporting to be copies thereof, have been exhibited to deponent) is the identical " Baldwin Woodruff " who was the half brother of deponent's father & the father of Abigail Danks above named - & the soldier who served in the war of the Revolution under Col. Sheldon - and further says not - Sworn before me this 18 th day of December A.D. 1851 Luther Woodruff
Gerrit Bostwick Justice of the peace
I certify that the words " when not absent in  the army " were interlined on second page & the words "& to have belonged to Col. Sheldon's Regiment of Cavalry" were erased on fourth page before the above affidavit was sworn to - Gerrit Bostwick Justice of peace
State of New York } p - Lewis County - } d. Gerrit Bostwick
The above named Justice of the peace before whom the foregoing affidavit of Luther Woodruff was sworn to, do hereby certify that I am personally well acquainted with the said Luther Woodruff and that he is a credible witness & sustains a

High Character for veracity & integrity and that in my opinion his statements above made are fully & justly entitled to entire confidence & full credit —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name at Lowville in said County of Lewis the Eighteenth day of December one thousand eight hundred & fifty one —
Gerrit Bestwick Justice of Peace
State of New York
Lewis County-ss — I hereby certify that Nathan Nichols is a justice of the peace in & for the said county of Lewis residing at Turin & also that Gerrit Bestwick is such justice of the peace residing at Lowville in said county & that I know the hand writing of said Nathan Nichols & of said Gerrit Bestwick & that the several signatures to the foregoing affidavits of John Seymour & Luther Woodruff & the certificate thereto annexed which purport to be the signatures of said Nichols & of said Bestwick as such justices are & each of them is the genuine signatures of said Nichols & said Bestwick.
In testimony whereof I have set my seal of office & subscribed my name at Meekstown in said County the 2 nd day of January one thousand eight hundred & fifty one. Garrison Barron Clerk

E. A. Bowen
Nathl B. Woodruff Pay
Charge to Kirby
Rec d Dec 12 1851

Lowville Lewis Co - N.Y. - Decr 6, 1851
Dear Sir,
I have before me a letter from J. S. Barnett Esq - for commission of Pensions - bearing date Nov - 22 nd 1848 - relative to the application of Abigail Banks for a pension - as the daughter of Belle Hough - formerly Betsy Woodruff widow of Nathaniel Baldwin Woodruff or as he was more usually called Baldwin Woodruff - formerly of Connecticut & belonging to Col - Sheldon's Cavalry - or Dragoons - In the letter above referred to I find this sentence "There was a Baldwin Woodruff attached to that Regiment and served therein until the conclusion of peace - to whom a bounty land warrant was issued in 1790; - but as it appears from the declaration, now presented, that Mrs Woodruff's husband died in 1778 - he could not have been that Soldier"
I have at hand proof in relation to this Claim to put prepared & forwarded as early as practicable - but there is so manifest an error in the above extract that I call your attention to it with a view to

ascertain where the mistake is -
— My recollection is that original letters & other papers - particularly one of a private character, were forwarded to the pension office - signed by Baldwin Woodruff - bearing date long after 1778. & that was could not have been intended by the declarant to fix on that year as the date of his death -
As to the issuing of a land warrant in 1790 - to Baldwin Woodruff - it can hardly be contended that that circumstance will establish any thing on the subject one way or the other - for very few land warrants were ever issued directly to the soldier - in fact - though such was sometimes the case - Speculators generally attended to that business -
My recollection also is that I sent forward a leaf from a Bible - or some thing of that description in relation to this claim - I am quite confident that Mrs Woodruff's husband did not die at so early a date; & indeed that some of the old papers (letters from Stamford or Horseshoe) were written as late as 1781 or 1782 - An examination of the papers heretofore sent will show

now this is - The copies which I presumed have been mislaid - or lost - in the confusion of a removal of my law office to this place -
You will greatly oblige me by giving this case a little attention & explaining the facts in relation to the supposed error - in the date of the death of the soldier -
Yours truly E. H. Brown
Hon: James E. Heath Court of Pensions

Hon: Com te of Penhois
Washington

Sowalla Dec. 30. 1857-
Dear Sir -
Since writing you a few days since, relative to the pension claim of Abigail Leaps - on account of the unclaimed balance due her Mother Bede Leaps - formerly widow of N. Baldwin Woodruff, I have found some copies of papers - in relation thereto. I find the date of the death of "Baldwin Woodruff" her father stated in the record sent to your department to be May 7, 1788 - & the same date is contained in the copy declaration returned by me -
I find also the letter dated at "Samburg May 31 - 1783" - & also the Patriotic expression dated "July 15 - 1783" - the letter before & the party after his discharge from the army -
The last named paper also contains the full name of "Nathaniel Baldwin Woodruff" inside the "Apostrophe" - & the record of death contains only the name " Baldwin Woodruff " - These papers without further explanation or proof clearly prove that these two names were applied to one & the same person - during his lifetime -
But I herewith send an affidavit of Luther Woodruff who resided several years

commencing in 1783 - under the same roof with the husband of Bede Barnes. before & after their marriage - & that during all that time he was naturally & peculiarly known as "Baldwin Woodruff" & nothing else - It is not strange therefore that he should have been enrolled as "Baldwin Woodruff" - Even his death is recorded by that name simply -
I have also supplied the omission in the former papers as to proof of the date of the death of the old lady Mrs. Knapp -
It appears by the original Book of entries of the Linton that she died was buried April 4. 1839 - The declaration & the affidavits which accompany it show that she died April 3 rd 1839 - There can be no doubt on this point -
It appears also that she was then seventy five years old - making her age about Nineteen in 1783 - or twenty two when her daughter Abigail was born -
I apprehend there is an error in the declaration as to the place of the death of Mr. Woodruff - It is there stated that he died at Litchfield - Whereas in point of fact as I understand from Mrs. Burrows -

He had removed to Charlotte in Vermont a short time before his death - & probably he died in Vermont - But it may be that his death took place at Litchfield - I have not of late seen Mrs. Danks to make enquiries on this subject & do not know that it is my material -
Now - is there a lingering doubt that Baldwin Woodruff - who served in Cal. Sheldon's Reg t of Cavalry - is Nathaniel Baldwin Woodruff who was in service in Litchfield in May '83 - & received his discharge prior to July 15 - '83 & who served with Orton & Plumb - & married Bede Barnes of Meriden - & was the father of Abigail Danks who was born in 1786 - & who died in 1788 - & whose death is recorded as that of Baldwin Woodruff the father of said Abigail. The record of which birth & death were religiously preserved by the widow & mother for more than fifty years as a sacred family memento - the full record of the only birth & death that ever took place in that little family - It seems to me there can be no doubt - It seems to clear -
The question as to the land warrant having been issued in 1790 - I alluded to in my last - & can only add that if opportunity

after his death - unless by an assignee of his claim, the application, like hundreds of others in those days & some in more modern times, was fraudulent - & of course cannot contrav any one's rights - I hope to receive a favorable answer to this application as soon as your department shall be able to give the case proper attention - In the mean time I remain most respectfully
Your Obedt Servt
E. A. Brown
To Hon J. E. Heath Comr of Pensions

An Role of Sheldon Best Enlisted in 79

Washington Jan y . 17. 1832
Hon J. E. Heath
Sir
Enclosed I send your letter & papers in the claim of Mrs Abigail Dunton for pension due Mrs Bede Hough, &c - to which my correspondent asks your attention as early as may be convenient to you -

Lowville - Lewis Co. N.Y. May 20 - 1852 -
Dear Sir -
I enclose herewith a Certificate of proof of date of death of Mrs. Bede (Nourse) - formerly widow of N. Baldwin Woodruff in obedience to the suggestions con- tained in the letter of the Hon: J. E. Heath, Commissioner of pensions of the 7 th May Inst - & transmitted to me by you -
Will you be pleased to present the same to the Hon: Commissioner with this respectful request that as speedy a decision of the case as possible may be made - & Much obliged
Very Respectfully Yours Affec ly Serv t C. A. Morton
Hon: Preston King Washington }

State of New York } County of Lewis }
J. Harrison Barnes, County- Clerk of said County of Lewis & also Clerk of the Circuit Court held in & for said County of Lewis, at the Court House in Mar- tinsburgh, on the Eighteenth day of May one thou- sand, Eight hundred & fifty two, before the Hon. H. F. Allen one of the Justices of the Supreme Court of said State, do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to the said Circuit Court, that Bede Hough, formerly the widow Baldwin Woodruff, (otherwise called Nathaniel Baldwin Woodruff) died at Lewis in the County of Lewis & State aforesaid, on the third day of April one thousand Eight hun- dred & thirty nine, leaving no husband her surviving, but leaving children whose names are Abigail Daykes, Matthew Hough, Carroll Hough, Mercy Labin, & Obedience Alger, her surviving; & that she left no other children her surviving; & that her said children are now living.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my Seal of Office, at Martinsburgh in said County of Lewis, this Eighteenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred & fifty two - Harrison Barnes Clerk

Hon. M. King Washington -

Lowville Lewis county - Jan'y
7-1852 -
Hon. Preston King -
Dear Sir -
I take the liberty of enclosing to you the enclosed papers - including a letter to the Com - of Pensions -
The claim is so manifestly meritorious that I cannot doubt for a moment, that the pension department will obtain a correct understanding of it - & grant the certificate -
The Claimant has made a slight mistake (doubtless owing to her being unaware at the time her declaration was taken) as to the place of her father's death. It seems he removed to Vermont very shortly before he died - & I presume died there - his widow returned to Coeur - Mr. Sanks lives so far from me & the Browns none here so heavy that I have not been able to see her in relation to it -
I hope you will get an early hearing & a favorable decision - A careful examination of the curious papers must be satisfactory - to Mr. Heath - Yours Truly E. A. Brown

Brief in the case of Bode Hoag, et al County and State of New York , act July 7, 1838.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Record evidence of service and marriage.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
Hea Foster King. H. T.
Examining Clerk.
G. de M.

Litchfield Conn June 23 d 1881 Hon O. P. G. Clarke D r Sir
On the 17 th ult you wrote me that you would send me the original "poetic effusion" of Nath l B Woodruff if I would return the copy. I enclosed the copy to you on the 20 th ult, but have not since heard from you
It has occurred to me that I ought to have returned your letter of the 17 th ult also, as it contains a reference to the pa- pers with which the document was found. I therefore enclose the letter herein, and remain,
Sincerely Yours
Geo. R. Woodruff

Litchfield Conn May 20 th 1881
Hon. O.P.G. Clarke Sir
Yours of the 17 th inst o offering to send me the Original if I will return the enclosed Copy I have just received. I shall value the origin- al as a curiosity, and gladly return the Copy, and with thanks remain Very truly Yoursde Geo. C. Woodruff

Mr Abbott "I guess"
Op 110

Witchfield, Conn May 7 th 1881
Hon. O. P. Clark Dear Sir
Your favor enclosing copy of an Aesthetic — a love song, of Nathaniel B. Woodruff, addressed by him to Bede Barns was duly received. It is indeed a curiosity, and as such I value it highly. The writer belonged to the Woodruff family, and was successful in his pursuit of Bede, as appears by our town records. Whatever poetic fire existed in the family must I think have been exhausted in Nathaniel's production, for I never knew any other of the name distinguished for imaginative power.
The "Crostick" has much amused me and my friends, and I should highly value the Original, but as I cannot boast of Nathaniel as my Ancestor, but only as a collateral relative, I presume I am not entitled to it. I do not know that he left any descendants. Our records only show that he and Bede had one child — a daughter.
Thanking you sincerely for sending me a copy, I remain,
Very truly Yours
Geo. C. Woodruff

B.L. N.R.
Department of the Interior. PENSION OFFICE.
Washington, D.C. May 4 th , 1881.
Sir:-
Enclosed please find a copy of a letter to Miss Bedy Barns of Meriden, by Nathaniel B. Woodruff of Litchfield, a soldier of the Revolutionary War who is supposed to have belonged to your family. If this supposition is correct, it is thought that you may value this curious specimen of poetical erotics. It was discovered with the papers pertaining to the pension claim of Bedy Hough, former widow of Baldwin alias N. B. Woodruff, Old War Widow's File No. 14,926. Woodruff was a private of Dragoons in the Connecticut Line. The original is on file in the pension case, as above, and can be obtained by any descendant of the soldier, by returning the duplicate. Please acknowledge the receipt of this letter.
Very respectfully,
Judge George Woodruff Litchfield, Conn
O. P. Aldabe Acting Commissioner.

A Crostick
 1 st Now I Have Wrote Your Name and mine And see My Heart is Linkt With thine. Thine I Have fixt them Both for one Heavens Grant it Shortly may Be Done  2 nd Another mans You cannot Bee N o Love Your Heart You've Gave to me I Shall Enjoy You for my own Ere Long we'll Both of Us Be one  3 rd Lovely and happy Day twill Be Blestest Hour that Ere I see And Surely be it cannot Be Long Love till this Happy Day comes on  4 th Dear mam im free from M rs alarms With gayety ill'e fly to Your arms Into the same myself ill'e throw Nothing can Pleas my fancy so  5 th With Glory and honour reknown Our little empire we have crown'd Old england When sent ore their troops Did mean to Burn this Empire Up  6 th Rejoyct to think we've Gain'd the Day Unto my Love now ill'e away for She's the Girl thats kept my heart from her till Death ill'e never Part 
 9 th Farewell, You Cruel War adue, Peace Doth Return once more the Proud tyrannick troops are cald again to Britans Shore With Declaring Independence into, the United States Which is all America Doth Crave, for Slavery she hates  10 th Now i've Returned to my Sweetheart and she's Been true to me All' new to her Deceitful Proove But married we will Be And ill'e enjoy my Loving Bride thats so long Kept my heart You are the Person that i've chose from You ill'e never Part. 
A Crostick
 7 th Blest happy morn the wars adue Ere long ill'e Come and marry You Desirous to enjoy my Dear You are my joy and Chieft Care  8 th Be you to me as kind and true As I my Dear have Been to You Receive my heart within your Breast N o re to remove nor it molest So in Pleasure Let it Beft 
 11 th Pleas to Excuse these crooked Lines and Bad Composition too And Be so Kind as to Except this Pleasant int. for You And then my Person I Will Give to You Miss Betsy Barnes With Harmony We'll spend our Lives in Loves most Sweetest Charms  12 th What Happiness Shall we Enjoy When we are Man and Wife May God increas our joys and send A Long and happy Life I hope my Dear twill Not Be Long untill the Knot is tied When I Your happy husband Be and You my Lawful Bride 
Read the first letter of each line and at the top then to begin then have written

N 13 729 Bride Woodruff mo of Nathaniel B MS act 7 July 1838.
Mumma 1786 Hon: J. L. Edwards Govr of Peupians
Washington City Dec -

Lyons - Lewis Co. N.Y. July 7 - 1818 -
Sir,
I enclose some pension papers - I think this case is perfectly explained by the some letters & papers - The Anantine soldier did "her" happy husband he" - & died in 1788 - I think the evidence of his services must be with you - I am expecting returns from the Town Clerk's office at Mendon soon - If the enclosed be insufficient - I hope the deficiency will be supplied.
Yours Truly
E. G. Morris
Hon. J. L. Edwards Com te of Pensions

N 13727
Bede Morrist, dec.
NY
Lt. Col. A. Brown
Nov 22. '48
E. A. Brown, Apr. 26. '52
Same. May 7. 52
Hon. Preston King " "
Oct 7 July 1838

New York Feb. 1890,
Bede Hough, deceased formerly widow of Baldwin alias William Baldwin Wood- ruff, who was a private Hulda's husband 2 years
She died July 7, 1888, from March 4, 1886 to April 3, 1889, when she died ($100 per ann.)
Pay all to Myra Dantz re , Matthew Hough, Carson Hough, Mary Sabins & Olive Algee, and to Rev. Preston King, H.R.

WIDOW, &c.
File No. 14.926
Bede Knapp Former Widow of Goldstein alias N. B. Woodruff Dis Rev War
Act: July 7th 38
Index:—Vol. a , Page 346
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1927 July 6 - Photo to Mr. M.M.F. Evelyn B. Baldwin 1927 July 23 - Photo to Mr. E.B. M.M.F. Baldwin. He presented the neg. copies of 2 pages which he received July 6-1927 as above and had 12 sets made in positive - M.M.F.

BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
July 2 19 1 7.
Chief Rev. War + 1812 -
Sir:
I have this day received from Avelyn B. Baldwin - 1426 2/7, N.W. Rev. War + 1812 Cash draft
for $ .30
representing refundment of an improper payment. order for photo. copy of Baldwin Woodruff - wid. Redeough Participant No.
Recd. N. 14926.
Copies mailed Finance Div. July 6 1917 C. C. - 1917 July 2 1917
Very respectfully, J. H. Kreider Acting Chief of Division.

IN DUPLICATE.
1-681
PHONE Branch 476
Inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No.
16189
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WASHINGTON 25, D. C.
CHIEF, Division of Publications, Room G 137.
Please furnish work specified below.
July 2, 1927
192
Bureau ordering PENSION
Delivered Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job: photostat copies of two pages from Rev. War pension claim W. 14926 of Baldwin Woodruff.
No. of copies 1 of each page Shall form be kept standing? days
For further information see A. E. Wilson
5033
541
Room No.
Phone No.
Approved:
A. E. Wilson Chief Clerk of Bureau.
Margaret M. H. Finch Acting Chief of Branch or Division.
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering
CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate
Multigraph
single or double space?
Facsimile signature?
Mimeograph
one side or both sides?
Facsimile signature?
Folding
once or twice?
Assembling
Once?
Twice?
Side?
End?
Stapling
Electric typewriter
Fill in addresses?
Dated?
Addressograph from lists
Envelopes, size
Proof list
Labels (submit sample)
Fill in letters
Cards, size
Pay rolls
Corrections
Tabulation sheets
Photostat
Size Actual
Official use?
Repay?
$ .30
Blue Print
Size
Official use?
Repay?
$
Remarks
(OVER)

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of bureaus.
.....192
(Date)
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
 Make new addressograph plate  Change present addressograph plate  Destroy present addressograph plate 
} On list.....
as follows:
Now reads       1 ..... 2 ..... 3 ..... 4 ..... 5 .....
Should read     1 ..... 2 ..... 3 ..... 4 ..... 5 .....
FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made ..... 192
Operator .....
MULTIGRAPH
Operator ..... Date ..... Type set by .....
Remarks: .....
MIMEOGRAPH
Operator ..... Date ..... Cut by .....
Remarks: .....

Isam. to s.
July 1, 1927
Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Sir:
Kindly send me photostat copies of two pages from the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 14926, Baldwin Woodruff, widow Bede Hough.
Evelyn J. Baldwin, 1426 - 21st. St., N.W., Washington, D.C.
Received payment Thirty cents July 1, 1927
W. C. Stokes
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
mmmm

SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE.
1-681
PHONE Branch 476
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 16507
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications, Room G 137.
July 20, 1927 192
Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering PENSION
Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job positive photostat copies of two pages from Rev. War pension claim W.14926, Nathaniel Baldwin Woodruff, wid. Bede.
No. of copies 2 of each Shall form be kept standing? days
For further information see M. M. H. Finch Room No. 5033 Phone No. 541
Approved: [Signature] Chief Clerk of Bureau.
[Signature] Acting Chief of Branch XXXXXX
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering Persons for whom order is made, leaving for West this week.
CHECK WORK DESIRED
[Signature]
Duplicate
Multigraph
single or double space?
Facsimile signature?
Mimeograph
one side or both sides?
Facsimile signature?
Folding
once or twice?
Assembling
Once? Twice? Sides?
End?
Stapling
Electric typewriter
Fill in addresses?
Dated?
 Addressograph from lists  Envelopes, size  Proof list  Labels (submit sample)  Fill in letters 
 Cards, size  Pay rolls  Corrections  Tabulation sheets 
  Photostat x  Size actual  Official use?  Repay? yes  $ .60    Blue Print  Size  Official use?  Repay?  $  
Remarks
(OVER)

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerk bureaus.
.....192
(Date)
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
 Make new addressograph plate  Change present addressograph plate  Destroy present addressograph plate 
On list.....
as follows:
Now reads   1 .....  2 .....  3 .....  4 .....  5 ..... 
Should read   1 .....  2 .....  3 .....  4 .....  5 ..... 
FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made ..... 192
Operator .....
MULTIGRAPH
Operator ..... Date ..... Type set by .....
Remarks: .....
MIMEOGRAPH
Operator ..... Date ..... Cut by .....
Remarks: .....

15822
3-2233
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
July 20 1927
Chief Rev. + 1872 Division.
I have this day received from Evelyn B. Baldwin cash in the amount of $ 60/100, requesting photostat copy as per letter herewith.
Handwritten notes: July 27-1927, Copies delivered and Finance Dist. N.Y. City, to B.L. ... July 20-1927 as per J.H.
O. Manders Chief, Finance Division.
by [signature]

July 20, 1927
Washington, D. C.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Sir:
I desire positive photostat copies of two sets of two negative sheets or pages, formerly copied from Revolutionary War pension claim W. 14926 of Nathaniel Baldwin Woodruff, widow Bede.
Evelyn B Baldwin 1426 - 21 st St. N.W., Washington, D.C.
Received payment Sixty cents July 20, 1927
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section