Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15329, for Obadiah Skiff, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Skiff, Obadiah
W. 15329
Privateer,
Lucy
CONTENTS

10,553
Massachusetts Ebadih Skiff of Williamstown in the State of Mass who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain _____ of the regt commanded by Col Norton in the Mass line for 18 P.M. M 85 M 2 35
78 Hampshire
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 50 Dollars ~ Cents per annum, commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 th day of Apr 1833 and sent to 1 st Huntington Northampton Mass Arrears to the 14th of Apr 1833 $100 ~ Semi-ant. allowances ending 21 Sept " 25 ~ $125 ~
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by S H B Blair Clerk, Book 80. Vol. 2. Page 76

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Hampshire ss.
Sworn and subscribed this day and year aforesaid.
We Henry Lord Clergyman residing in the town of Williamburg and well acquainted with Obadiah Skiff residing in hereby certify, that we are him to be Twenty Six years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion
Henry Lord
Hampshire ss December 3 1832
Then Personally appeared the above named Henry Lord & made oath to the Truth of the foregoing Certificate by him subscribed I further certify that said Henry is a clergyman of said Williamburg. & a credible person
Joseph Bodwell Justice of the Peace
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Henry Lord who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in Williamburg and that who has also signed the same, is a resident in and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
and that he cannot be produced
in open court without too much expense & inconvenience to the applicant Samuel Hinebrey Judge of Probate
I, SAMUEL F. LYMAN, Register of the Court of Probate, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Obadiah Skiff for a pension. That Joseph Bodwell is one of the Justices of the Peace for said County duly qualified that the above signature purports to be his genuine
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this eighteenth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Sam F Lyman
Register.

60 Obelisk Skift Stalitea -
No 2,653
No 2.653

DECLARATION,
IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE BENEFIT OF THE ACT OF CONGRESS OF THE 7TH OF JUNE, 1832.
STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. COUNTY OF HAMPSHIRE. }
ON this Eighth day of August 18 32 personally appeared in open court, before Samuel H. Hovey Judge of the court of Probate now sitting, Obadiah Skiff a resident of Williamsville in the County of Hampshire, and State of Massachusetts, aged 76 years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. In 1775 some time in the Autumn
In 1780 in the fore part of July he was a hired substitute & entered the militia (Mass) service in Capt Sheldon's Company, Col Murray's Regiment, & served at West Point - there stationed till dismissed about the time of Andre's execution. Engaged in guarding posts & driving timber - etc, - See David Strong's affidavit - 26 months in the whole - Cornelius Tilton & Benj. Ludden can testify as to belief of services & reputation for truth.
Samuel Hovey Judge of Probate I, Samuel F. Lyman Register of the Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Obadiah Skiff for a pension. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this eighth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two - Samuel F. Lyman Register

DECLARATION, IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE BENEFIT OF THE ACT OF CONGRESS OF THE 7TH OF JUNE, 1832. STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. COUNTY OF HAMPSHIRE. }
ON this Eight day of August 18 32 personally appeared in open court, before Samuel H. Hovey Judge of the court of Probate now sitting, Obadiah Skiff a resident of Williamburg in the County of Hampshire, and State of Massachusetts, aged 76 years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
In 1775 some time in the Autumn, he enlisted into the Massachusetts State service as a private at Martha's vineyard where he then lived. for a year's service in the company of Benjamin Smith Lieut. Col. Brian Norton's regiment. He was stationed at Edgartown & on the East end of the Island & served one year. He has the certificate of his captain for 7 months' service. About the middle of December 1775, he went on board a pressed sloop with several others & went to sea to take a British transport ship & captured her & brought her into Edgartown & then to New Bedford. He was refused 1/2 his share of prize money because he was a soldier in the service. He went by leave of the captain. The 20th of July 1776 he procured a substitute in said company & enlisted on board a cruiser called the Broom, Capt. Knott, was stationed at the Vineyard & served on board her about 3 months. Took a ship & snow & two brigs, one was retaken & only 3 got into port. If the time of the substitute's serving is not to be allowed he served only 9 months under the 1st enlistment aforesaid, but 3 months more in said second cruise making one year. In 1776 in the month of October or soon after his return, he enlisted on board the Sloop Independence fitted out at New Bedford Mass, & went out on a cruise. He was captain of the marines & served about 2 months. He returned to New Bedford & passed the winter there guarding a prize. In 1777 in September or October he enlisted as a substitute private in the company of Capt. Clapp, Col. Chaplin's regiment - one White Artillery for 3 months. Marched through Great Barrington to Claverack there stationed a while, thence at Hudson a number of days, thence to Albany, & returned at the barracks West of the City. Served said 3 months. His last service was entered into at Williamburg aforesaid. He was born on Martha's vineyard, in 1755 in December of which he has a record at home in a family record. In 1777 he removed to Williamburg aforesaid & has since belonged except 5 years in the adjoining Town of Goshen & 5 years in charge of the canal at Montague. He has never received a written discharge. In 1777 after he had removed to Williamburg in September, being discontented in the country & having been used to the sea, he returned to Edgartown aforesaid & enlisted on board a coasting sloop (I think he thinks) Mr. Wells Merchant Master, & said Skiff failed for S. Carolina & the 2 day taken prisoner by the British & taken on board the Admiral Sir Peter Parker's ship, then at Newport, soon taken on board a prison ship called Lord Sandwich & detained there at Newport then in proportion of the British like the last of February about 6 months. There was great mortality on board the ship. He was discharged while sick by the importunity of American pilots to whom he was known. 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, or (if any,) only on that of the agency in the State of
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Obadiah Skiff
We, Cornelius Tileston residing in the town of Williamburg and Benjamin Ladd residing in Williamburg hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Obadiah Skiff who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Seventy six years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbor- hood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Cornelius Tileston Benjamin Ladd By you my Samuel Hovey Judge of Probate
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Cornelius Tileston who has signed the preceding certificate, is a credible person & resident in Williamburg and that Benjamin Ladd who has also signed the same, is a resident in Williamburg and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Samuel Hovey Judge of Probate
I, Samuel H. Hovey Register of the Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Obadiah Skiff for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this eighth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two .
Samuel H. Hovey Register

Massachusetts
Lucy Skiff, widow of Obadiah Skiff, deceased: who was a pensioner under the Act of June, 1832 and who died on the 18 February, 1835 — of Hampshire Co in the State of Mass: — who was a private in the — commanded by Captain — of the Regt — commanded by Col: Norton in the Mass: Mili- tia for 15 Months —
Specified on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 50 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of May — 1839 and sent to S. D. Hinkley, Northampton, Mass: —
Arrears to the 4th of Mar: 1839 $ 150-00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept — 25-00
$175.00
{ Act July 7, } { 1838. }
Recorded by M. H. Merrill — Clerk Book A — Vol. 1 — Page 130

Lucy Skiff Declaration
with aff.
3769

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, of the 7th July, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows,"
State of Massachusetts, } County of Hampshire } ss
On this fourth day of December A. D. 1838 -
Mrs. Lucy Skiff personally appeared before the Court of Probate of the County aforesaid a resident of Portsmouth in the county of Hampshire aged sixty six years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 7, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows;" That she is the widow of Obadiah Skiff who was a* pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress passed in 1832; that he drew fifty dollars a year under & by virtue of said Act till the fourth day of Sept. 1834; that after his death which took place on the 18 th day of Feb y . 1835 she drew the arrearage of his pension from the 4 th day of Sept. aforesaid till the 18 th day of Feb y . aforesaid and that his pension certificate was returned to the War Department, or Pension Office to which she begs leave to refer the Department for the evidence of her husband's services in the War of the Revolution.
She further declares that she was married to the said Obadiah Skiff on the ninth day of March in the year seventeen hundred and eighty five; that her husband, the aforesaid Obadiah Skiff died on the eighteenth (18 th ) day of February A. D. Eighteen Hundred thirty five that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety-four, viz. : at the time above stated.
Sworn to, and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before me,
Lucy Skiff J. Mannan County judge of Probate
* Here insert the rank the husband held in the army, navy, or militia, as the case may be, and specify the service performed, as directed in rule numbered one of these regulations.

I, Samuel F. Symon Register of the Court of Probate in for said County of Hampshire do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said court in the matter of the application of Lucy Skiff for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this fourth day of December A.D. 1838.
Samuel F. Symon Reg. Prob.
Lucy Skiff petitioner

  James Skiff born July 5 th  1722  Marthas Vineyard    Anna Skiff born March 31  1724  Do - Do    Anna Skiff died October 14  1792  W. T. Canarsie    Obadiah Skiff born Decr 26  1755  Marthas Vineyard    Lucy Skiff born Sept 15  1762  Northampton    Lucy Skiff 2 nd born June 9  1786  Williamsburg    Eliza Skiff born April 19  1788  Do - Do    Valentine Skiff born June 25  1790  Do - Do    Asenath Skiff born Oct 5  1792  Do - Do    a son born Nov 19  1794  Do - Do    which died the same day it was born  1796  Do - Do    Pamela Skiff born April 15  1798  Do - Do    Anna Skiff born Dec 12  1802  Montague    Sophia Skiff born 6 May  1804  Do - Do    Obadiah Skiff born 22 June  1826     Valentine Skiff Decd 1856  1835     Obadiah Skiff Jr. died July 18 th    

I Simon Bartlett of Williamstown I depose- say I was well acquainted with Obadiah Skiff and his handwriting and that the with- out record is in his hand writing, except the last entry which is of his own decease and which I believe is in the handwriting of his son-in-law Martin Bryant who is now believed to be in the Western Country in Ohio I think. Said Obadiah Skiff lived in William- -burg aforesaid and was a Revolutionary soldier of the United States at the time of his decease
Simon Bartlett
a list of the age & names of my family
Dec 4 1838 I personally appeared Simon Bartlett and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed, the word "contains" in the 4th line having been previously erased. And I hereby certify that S d Bartlett is entitled to full credit as a person of truth & respectability
Saml E. Hinckley Justice of Peace
212 3/4

Hannah Mayhew for Skiff-
✓

I Hannah Mayhew of Hancokmont in the County of Franklin Commonwealth of Massachusetts testify & say, that my brother Obadiah Skiff now residing in Williamburgh in this State was a Soldier in the year 1775. Stationed at Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard; I was then about seventeen years old & lived in my father's family on the Vineyard. In the summer of 1776 my brother procured Mr. Hance Took a near of kin acquaintance to take his place as a Soldier at Edgartown & he went on board a privateer vessel and several voyages on board privateers & public ships till he was taken a prisoner in the fall of the year 1776 and was detained on board a prison ship at Rhode Island till the following March. Charlemont 7 August 1832 Hannah Mayhew
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Franklin ss. On this 7 th of August 1832 Hannah Mayhew abovenamed a person well known to me the subscriber as a person of good credit & reputable character personally appeared & made Oath to the truth of the above Deposition by her subscribed Before me Lyman Maxwell Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Franklin ss. I Elijah Alvord, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the County of Franklin do certify that Sylvester Maxwell Esq. before whom the within affidavit was verified is a Justice of the Peace for said County and as such legally qualified to administer oaths & take affidavits. And I believe his name to the within certificate of caption subscribed to be his true and proper signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court, at Greenfield, on the seventh day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hun- dred and thirty two.
E. Alvord Clerk

3769
Lucy Skiff wid of Obediah Mass.
Act July 7. 1838
Married 1785
Died 1835
Allow $50 per ann
Mass Militia
Coapt Smith Col. Vermont
S. L. Hinckley Northampton Mass

I Simon Bartlett of Williamsburgh in the County of Hampshire aged seventy four years depose & say that I was present at the marriage of Mrs. Lucy Skiff (then Lucy Bartlett) to Obadiah Skiff late a pensioner of the United States; that they were married at Northampton at my father's house by the Rev. Joseph Lyman of Batfield in the absence of Rev. Solomon Williams then pastor of the Church in said Northampton; that Mrs. Lucy Skiff aforesaid is my sister and has always lived since her marriage aforesaid with her husband aforesaid at Williamsburgh in said County to the day of his death, and since his death she still resides at Williamsburgh unmarried. Her husband aforesaid died at Williamsburgh in the month of February A. D. Eighteen hundred thirty five. I cannot testify to the day of his death from recollection, but am sure it was in the month of February aforesaid. She has never been married since her husband's death aforesaid.
And I further depose & say that the manuscript book which I this day exhibit to S. L. Hinckley Esq. was a book kept & written by the said Obadiah Skiff in his lifetime and contains a record in the handwriting of said Obadiah as follows
"Obadiah Skiff was Married to Lucy Bartlett March the ninth Seventeen hundred eighty five on Tuesday" which is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date which reads, thus: March "the" 9 th of 1785"
And I further depose & say as I have omitted to mention above the day of the marriage of Mrs. Lucy Skiff to Obadiah Skiff at which marriage I was present, that to my certain knowledge they were married on the ninth day of March Seventeen hundred eighty five.
Simon Bartlett
Massachusetts Hampshire County ss Northampton March 28 th 1838 The personally appeared Simon Bartlett above named & acknowledged that the above statement and further testimony made on the trial of the above entitled cause is true to the best of his knowledge, information and belief. Given under my hand this 28 th day of March 1838. James L. Hinckley S. Pierce

I hereby certify that in a folio volume of the Hampshire Gazette a newspaper printed at Northampton in the County of Hampshire in Massac ts which volume contains the regular files of the Gazette from Jan y . 7 1835 to the 13 th of July 1836 inclusive, and which is now in possession of myself there is a notice in the paper printed on the 4 th of March 1835 as follows: "In Williamsburgh. Feb y . 18 Capt. Obadiah Skiff aged 79 - a soldier of the Revolution." The above notice is among other notices of cases of mortality printed as aforesaid. And I further certify that on examination I have been unable to find any detached newspaper of the date aforesaid and of the description aforesaid. I have no doubt that the death of Mr. Skiff aforesaid occurred on the day above stated, but I have been unable with the aid of his widow Mrs. Lucy Skiff to procure any witness who can testify, under oath, to the day of his death. Northampton Hampshire County Dec r 24 1868 Sam l L. Hinckley Justice of Peace.

Marriages - A. D. Seventeen hundred and eighty five. Obadiah Skiff & Lucy Birtlet March tenth - Mr. Lyman"
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the record of the First Congregational Society in Northampton in Massachusetts with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in plain legible figures as follows "1785 March 10"
Chas. Wiley
I Charles Wiley above named depone & say, that I am pastor of the First Congregational Society in Northampton in the County of Hampshire in Mass s and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Society with the exception above named as certified by me
Chas. Wiley
Hampshire ss 6 - Dec - 1838
Pastor of the 1 st Cong Soc y of Northampton
Sworn before me
Sam l L. Hinckley Justice of the Peace
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Hampshire ss.
I, Samuel Wells, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Hampshire, do certify, that Amasa L. Hinckley Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificates on the paper hereto annexed, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned, and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Amasa L. Hinckley and believe his signature to said certificates is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth, this 10 th day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.
S. Wells - Clerk.

9653
Obadiah Steff
Map
Private 15 Months
The 11 12 & 14 in. terrogals in the brief not coupled with
How L. C. Bates
Nathan
Map
C. P. Huntington
Nathan
Map

BRIEF in the case of  Abiah Duff of Williamsburgh in the State of Massachusetts (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Can't  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? Seventy Six Years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     In 17 75 0 9 11 Private Col. Norton   76 0 3 " Seaman Capt. Root Vessel called the Young   77 0 2 " Capt. of Marines Ship Independence   79 0 3 " Private Col. Chapin   80 0 3 " " Col. Murray  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none stated  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Shellmarke  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living witnesses & documentary proof  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Defective in form. Living witnesses not stated to be credible - Documentary proof for only 8 mo's - 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
L. H. Addison Examining Clerk.

March 30, 1931
Miss Lillian Bryand 8530 College Avenue Jennings, Missouri
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section MAHF:MLB Am
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 15239 , that Obadiah Skiff was born December 26, 1755 on the Island of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.
While a resident of Chilmark, on said island, he enlisted in the fall of 1775 as a private in Captain Benjamin Smith's company, Colonel Beriah Norton's Massachusetts regiment and served one month ending the middle of December, when he went on board a sloop which captured a British transport, and on January 18, 1776, returned to his said company and served until July 20, 1776, when he enlisted on the sloop, "Broom", Captain Knott, and served three months as gunner; took a ship, a snow and two brigs.
In October, 1776 he enlisted on the sloop, "Independence", as captain of marines, and served two months.
In 1777 he moved to Williamsburg, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, and in September of that year he enlisted on the sloop, "Hannah", Captain Sprowell Marchant, and served as mate; the second day at sea was captured by the British and confined on the prison ship, "Lord Sandwich", at Newport, Rhode Island, until the last of February, 1778.
He enlisted in September or October, 1779 and served three months as private in Captain Clapp's company, Colonel Chapin's Massachusetts regiment.

He enlisted in July, 1780 and served about three months as private in Captain Sheldon's company, Colonel Murray's Massachusetts regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 8, 1832, while a resident of Williamsburg, Massachusetts,
He died February 18, 1835 at said Williamsburg.
Soldier married March 9, 1785 in Northampton, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, Lucy Bartlett, born September 15, 1762, in said Northampton.
She was allowed pension on her application executed December 4, 1838, while a resident of Williamsburg, Massachusetts.
The following is the family record:
James Skiff born July 5, 1722 on Martha's Vineyard Anna " ( " March 31, 1724 " " " (died October 14, 1792 at Williamsburg Obadiah " born December 26, 1755 on Martha's Vineyard Lucy " " September 15, 1762 at Northampton Lucy " 2d. " " June 9, 1786 at Williamsburg Electa " " April 19, 1788 " " Vallentine " ( " June 25, 1790 " (died February 18, 1826 Asenath " born October 5, 1792 " " A son " " November 19, 1794, died same day Pamela " " April 15, 1796 at Williamsburg Anna " " December 12, 1798 " " Sophia " " May 6, 1802 " Montague Obadiah " Jr. " " June 22, 1804 " "
Soldier's son-in-law, Martin Bryant, was living in 1838, supposedly in Ohio; the name of his wife not stated.
The above noted is the only soldier named Obadiah Skiff found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner

2227 Prospect Ave Cleveland.
Aug. 15/26.
Dear Sir,
Please advise me if Hadiah Haff James and David Porter all of Hatfield Mass. who served in the Revolution are mentioned in your records.
Respectfully,
Winifred Wolcott.

PENSION H. NOV. S. 11 U. 1925 OFFICE

JEFFERSON BARRACKS MISSOURI
Nov. 9, 1925
Dept. of Interior Bureau of Pensions Washington D.C.
Sir: - I have been informed that I can get a statement of military service of my ancestor, Obadiah Skiff who it is said was a soldier in

the Revolutionary War. Thanking you in advance, I remain most respectfully
Willard A. Bryant "Put." Co. "D" 6th Inf.
Jefferson Bks Mo.

Please furnish history of
Obadiah Skiff
N. 15,329 Mass.
to
Mr. Mason M. Skiff, 310 E. 4 th Street, Jamestown, New York.
Personal request G. M. Pierce Feby. 17, 1916.

POSTAL CARD - ONE CENT.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
THIS SIDE IS FOR THE ADDRESS ONLY.
Financier Union Bureau Washington D.C.

Sioux Falls, S.D. 3/16/1892
Hon. W. B. Gage, Comr., Washington D.C.
Sir: Will you give me from your records the military history of Abadiab Skiff who enlisted from Martha's Vineyard and afterwards from Williams bury Mass. I have date that he was placed on pension roll April 13. 1833.
Please give also exact information as I may need in inquiring of the War Department of the Pension when Abadiab Skiff last drew his pension.
Thanking you, I am
Very truly yours,
R. F. Skiff.

100 Commissioner of Pensions, Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington D. C.,
Dear Sir,
Will you kindly send me the data you have in regard to Obadiah Skiff, who was born at Martha's Vineyard, Mass., at one time lived at Montague and Williamsburg Mass., and died Feb. 18: 1835.
He was a Revolutionary Soldier and his widow Lucy Skiff of Williamsburg Mass. received a pension for a number of years up to the time of her death which occurred April 23: 1841.
Any information you can give will be gratefully received by
Mrs. Louise S. Gray, P.O. Box 356
Greeley, Colorado.
Greeley, Colorado, Jan. 2: 1906

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15329
Lacy Skiff
Widow of
Abadiah Skiff
Pris Rec War
Act: July 14. 88
Index: —Vol. M , Page 207
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Apr. 26-1902 R. F. Skiff - Des. Falls, Ia.
1906 Feb 3 - History to Mrs. Lor Gray.
1916 Feb. 18. Mason M. Skiff &
1925 - Nov. 18 - Hist. to William A. Bryant - MMN
1926 - Oct. 2 - Hist. to Winifred Holcatt - MMN
1928 - Feb 2 - Hist. to William A. Bryant - Letter sent to Rec. Div. for reply to Civil War soldier assay.
1931 - mch. 31 - Hist. to Miss Lillian Bryant and

Obediah Swift Mass. bld June 7 $50.
Died 18 th Feb 1835— (When paid)
H.H.L.
1/2 to Heat fund 1/4

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Hampshire ss.
I, Samuel Wells, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth for the County of Hampshire, do certify, that Samuel L. Hinckley Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereto annexed, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned, and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Samuel L. Hinckley and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth, this 20 th day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.
S. Wells
Clerk.

Certificate of service

Rev. & 1812 Ware Section
MMH 7
the 2 negatives in this recipient's letter were sent by M.B.S.
October 3, 1926
Winifred Wolcott 2227 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, Ohio
Madam:
I have to
enclose in the

MMH Miss Wilson sent 24 page off files for temp. 1/2 these for reference
November 18, 1925
Willard A. Bryant, Private Co. "D" Sixth Infantry Jefferson Barracks, Missouri.
Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 15329 it appears that Obadiah Skiff was born December 26, 1755 at on the Island of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.
While a resident of Chilmark on said Island he enlisted in the fall of 1775 as a private in Captain Benjamin Smith's Company, Colonel Beriah Norton's Massachusetts Regiment and served one month ending the middle of December, when he went on board a sloop which which captured a British transport, and on January 18, 1776 returned to his said company and served until July 20, 1776 when he enlisted on the sloop "Broom", Captain Knott, and served three months as gunner; took a ship, a snow and two brigs.
In October 1776 he enlisted on the sloop "Independence" as Captain of Marines and served two months.
In 1777 he moved to Williamsburg, Hampshire County, Massachusetts and in September of that year he enlisted on the sloop "Hannah", Captain Sprowell Marchant, and served as

mate; the second day at sea was captured by the British and confined on the prison ship "Lord Sandwich" at Newport, Rhode Island until the last of February 1778.
He enlisted in September or October 1779 and served three months as private in Captain Clapp's Company, Colonel Chapin's Massachusetts Regiment.
He enlisted in July 1780 and served about three months as private in Captain Sheldon's Company, Colonel Murray's Massachusetts Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 8, 1832 while a resident of Williamsburg, Massachusetts. He died February 18, 1835 at said Williamsburg.
Soldier married March 9, 1785 in Northampton, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, Lucy Bartlett born September 15, 1762, at said Northampton. She was allowed pension on her application executed December 4, 1838 while a resident of Williamsburg, Massachusetts. The following is the family record:
James Skiff born July 5, 1722 on Martha's Vineyard. Anna Skiff { " March 31, 1724 " " " { died October 14, 1792 at Williamsburg. Obadiah Skiff born December 26, 1755 on Martha's Vineyard. Lucy Skiff " September 15, 1762 at Northampton. Lucy Skiff, 2nd " June 9, 1786 at Williamsburg. Electa Skiff " April 19, 1788 " " Vallentine Skiff { died June 25, 1790 " " { died February 18, 1826. " " Asenath Skiff born October 5, 1792 " " A son " November 19, 1794, died same day.

  Pamela Skiff  born  April  15, 1796  at  Williamsburg.    Anna Skiff  "  December  12, 1798  "  "    Sophia Skiff  "  May  6, 1802  "  Montague.    Obadiah Skiff, Jr.  "  June  22, 1804  "  "  
Soldier's son-in-law Martin Bryant was living in 1838, supposedly in Ohio, the name of his wife not stated.
The above noted is the only soldier named Obadiah Skiff found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.
I did not re search to verify the services as it had been over twice by 2 careful clerks.
I did this exhibition as my inquiries were produced Bryant. It might be of him.

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Obadiah Skiff a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
W 15,329
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1 Autumn 1775 9 mos. Private Benjamin Smith Briah Norton Mass.   2 July 20 1776 3 mos. Quartermaster Knott ship "Brook"   3 Oct. 1776 2 mos. Captain ✓ "Independence"   5 Sept. Oct. 1779 3 mos. Clapp Chapin   4 Sept. 1777 6 mos. Math Shawell Marchant ship "Hannah"   6 July 1780 3 mos. Captured the second day out, & confined in the prison ship "Lord Sandwich" at Newport till last of May; 6 mos.  
Battles engaged in, Captured at Saratoga Oct. 1777 & 1778.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Martha's Vineyard, Mass.
Date of application for pension, Aug. 8, 1832. His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Williamburg, Hampshire Co., Mass.
Age at date of application, born in Dec. 1755 at Martha's Vineyard, Mass.
Remarks: let. m. Northampton, Mass., mch. 9, 1775 Lucy Bartlett b. Sept. 15, 1762.  He died Feb. 18, 1835 at Williamburg, Mass., and she was allowed  pension on her appln. executed Dec. 4, 1838 while a resident of Williamburg  Mass. In 1835 son in law Martin Bryant was blind toh in Ohio. Colonel  Obadiah Mayhew died at Charlemont Mass. in 1826, & sister's brother Simon Bartlett at  Williamburg in 1838 at 74 yrs.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
all p. 136 "Mary" foot. "Brook"  ship "Brook", ship "Hannah", Marchant.

February 18, 1916.
Mr. Mason M. Skiff, 310 East 4th Street, Jamestown, N. Y.
Sir:
In addition to the military history of Obadiah Skiff, W. File No. 15,329, Rev. War. you are furnished the following list of names and ages of his family.
  James Skiff,  born  July 5, 1722, at Martha's Vineyard.    Anna Skiff,  born  March 31, 1724, at Martha's Vineyard.     died  October 14, 1792, at Williamsburgh.    Obadiah Skiff,  born  December 26, 1755, at Martha's Vineyard    Lucy Skiff,  born  September 15, 1762, at Northampton.    Lucy Skiff 2d  born  June 9, 1786, at Williamsburgh.    Electa Skiff,  born  April 19, 1788, at Williamsburgh.    Vallentine Skiff  born  June 25, 1790, at Williamsburgh.    Asenath Skiff,  born  October 5, 1792, at Williamsburgh.    A son,  born  November 19, 1794. did the same day.     died  November 19, 1794.    Pamela Skiff,  born  April 15, 1796, at Williamsburgh.    Anna Skiff,  born  December 12, 1798, at Williamsburgh.    Sophia Skiff,  born  May 6, 1802, at Montague.    Obadiah Skiff Jr,  born  June 22, 1804, at Montague.    Vallentine Skiff  died  February 18, 1886.  
Very respectfully,
E. C. Tieman
Acting Commissioner.

Widow File 15329. Rev. War.
L.M.H.
February 6, 1906.
Mrs. Louise I. Gray, P. O. Box 356, Greeley, Colorado.
Madam:
In response to your letter dated January 2, 1906, and received January 6, 1906, you are advised that the papers in the above noted claim show that Obadiah Skiff served as follows;
Enlisted at Chilmark, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, as private in Capt. Benjamin Smith's Co. Col. Beriah Norton's Mass. Regt. and served one month in 1775 and from Jan. 18, to July 20, 1776 Enlisted July 20, 1776 on Cruiser Broom, under Capt. Knott and served three months. Enlisted Oct 1776 on Sloop Independence as captain of Marines and served two months. In Sep. 1777 he shipped as mate on the Sloop Hannah and two days afterwards was taken prisoner and confined on prison ship "Lord Sandwich" at Newport, for six months. Enlisted Sept. or Oct. 1779 as Private in Capt. Clapp's Co., Col. Chapin's Regt. and served three months. Substituted July 1780, in Capt. Sheldon's Co., Col. Murray's Regt. Mass. Militia and served three months.
His pension was allowed on an application executed August 8, 1832 at which time he was a resident of Williamsburgh, Hampshire Co., Mass. aged seventy-six years. He died February 18, 1835.

He married Lucy Bartlett, March 9, 1785, at Northampton, Mass. Her claim was allowed on an application executed December 4, 1838, at which time she was a resident of Williamsburgh, Mass., aged seventy-six years.
The following is from a paper certified to be a record made by the soldier of births and deaths, but there is nothing to show the relationships of the soldier to the persons named.
James Skiff, born July 5, 1722, at Martha's Vineyard. Anna Skiff, {born Mar. 31, 1724, at Martha's Vineyard, died Oct. 14, 1792, at Williamsburgh.
Obadiah Skiff, born Dec. 26, 1755, at Martha's Vineyard. Lucy Skiff, born Sep. 15, 1762, at Northampton.
Lucy Skiff 2nd, born June 9, 1786, at Williamsburgh. Electa Skiff, born Apr. 19, 1788, at Williamsburgh. Vallentine Skiff, born June 25, 1790, at Williamsburgh. Aisenath Skiff, born Oct. 5, 1792, at Williamsburgh. Pamela Skiff, born Apr. 15, 1796, at Williamsburgh. Ann Skiff, born Dec. 12, 1798, at Williamsburgh. Sophia Skiff, born May 6, 1802, at Montague. Obadiah Skiff Jr. born June 22, 1804, at Montague.
Vallentine Skiff, died Feb. 18, 1826.
Soldier's sister Hannah Mayhew, and the widow's brother Simeon Bartlett, testify in the claim.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

RECEIVED MAR 2 1931 LAW DIVISION
RECEIVED MAR 2 1931 LAW DIVISION

Jennings Mo. Feb. 27, 1931
Gentlemen,
Will you please at your earliest convenience send me a copy of the military history of my ancestor, Abadiah Skiff .
Thanking you
I remain
Miss Lillian Bryant. 8530 College Ave. Jennings Mo.

Wadsworth Williamstown Mass
No 2653—

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Abraham Skipp which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes in his favor 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, the inscription is geor

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? Yes & Citizens XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? Yes 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? documentary & living witnesses XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? Yes XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? they are in the declaration
 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."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
† QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the affidavits must be properly authenticated, as above directed.
‡ QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating 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.

Ms. A. 9. 2. 10 17 July 198 3769
Sir
J. L. Edwards Esq m Pension Office Washington

Northampton Mass 3 Dec 6 1888
LL. Edward Esq -
Dear Sir
I enclose you the decla- -tion of Mrs. Lucy Skiff, with all the evidence that I have been able thus far to procure in support of her claim. There is a discrepan- -cy in the date of the record of marriage 10 th and the testimony of Mr. Bartlett 9 th Mr. Bartlett assures me that the mistake was on the part of the Rev. Mr. Williams She was the pastor of the Church & kept the record. It is very probable , from the fact that the entry must have been made a day, or several days after the marriage if made by Mr. Williams as he was absent at the time and the marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. Mr. Lyman a clergyman from the adjoining town, Hatfield
N.B.
The death of Capt. Skiff is matter of general notoriety to have occurred on or about the 18 th Feb y . 1885, but in the absence of a record, no one is willing to make oath

to the exact day except the widow. Should the evidence prove satis- -factory be so good as to return the widows certificate to me & oblige your obedt Servt very Respectfully Sam l L. Hinckley

Affidavit Burnell for Skift -
Belongs to Obadiah Skift's application — accidentally omitted to be returned when Skift's application was returned -
C. O. Huntington agent.

I Ephraim Burnell of Cummings town in the County of Hampshire and State of Massachusetts having arrived at the age of seventy two years testify and declare that I was personally knowing to Obadiah Skiff entering the service of State of Massachusetts as near as I can recollect in the fall of 1779 for the term of three months that the said Skiff marched in company with me to Albany by the way of Plattsburgh that we were then attached to the Regiment under the command of Col Chapin of Watrous in the County of Hampshire and the company under the command of Capt Clapp that we arrived at Albany until we were discharged and as your deponent believes some day previous to the expiration of the three months Cummings town August 6 1832 Ephraim Burnell
Hampshire ss August 6 1832 Personally appeared Ephraim Burnell and made solemn oath to the truth of the above statement by him subscribed before me Eliphalet Packard Justice of the Peace Hampshire ss Dec 13 1832. I further certify that said Ephraim deponent before me is a credible person. Eliphalet Packard Justice of the Peace. Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampshire ss I William Stoddard Clerk of the Superior Court of the Commonwealth for the County of Hampshire do certify that Eliphalet Packard Esquire whose signature is affixed to the above certificate, was, at the date thereof one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the said County duly commissioned and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth and that full faith and credit is, and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity and that the signature to said certificate is known by me to be the handwriting of the said Eliphalet Packard
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth this eighth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred thirty two Stoddard Clerk

David Strong.
Affidavit - for skiff.
✓

I David Strong of Northampton County of Hampshire, Mass. aged 73 years do testify & say that Obadiah Skiff of Williamsburgh in said County was in the service as a private in the Massachusetts State troops in Capt Sheldon's Company, in Col Murray's regiment, at West Point in 1780 & served 3 months. His time was out just before Andie was executed. I was in the same company, same service the same length of time. Seven or eight of us among whom was said Skiff enlisted in the barge service & was engaged in that branch of duty the most of the time. Said Skiff was left in the company & did duty on land. I have always known said Skiff. July 21 st 1832.
David Strong
Committee of Mass. Hampshire ss July 21 st 1832.
Then personally appeared the above named David Strong & made oath to the truth of the foregoing instrument by him subscribed
Before me
Chas. P. Huntington
Justice of the Peace
Hampshire ss Dec 6 th 1832.
I further certify that said David Strong is a man of truth & veracity & that he deposed before me
Chas. P. Huntington Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
HAMPSHIRE ss. I, SAMUEL F. LYMAN, Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County, do hereby certify that Charles P. Huntington Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition was taken, is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and have no doubt that the Signature annexed to said deposition is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this tenth day of August A. D. 1832.
Samuel F. Lyman Register of Probate.

Ebenezer Smith
Obadiah Skiff w 15329 - Mass.

This may Certify, that Mr. Obediah Skiff was in the Service of the state of the Massachusetts Bay as a Soldier in my Company. About a month in the year 1775 and from the 18 th of Jan y to the 20 th of July 1776 Edgartown 24 th March 1779 Benjamin Smith Cap t .
ms. b. 2
72

obedial sk
not intended as an affidavit strictly, but merely as corroborative.
taken in 1780

To all whom it may concern, These may certify that we the Subscribers hereby Belonging to the Island of Martha's Vineyard Some time in the month of February AD 1778 are well knowing that Obed Ship was admitted to leave the Prison ship then at Newport wherein he was a prisoner & very Sick of a Fever, & was Landed at S t Martha's Vineyard without any exchange in the said month of February as witness our hands
Edgartown February      Lemuel Kelley A.D. 1780.                      Peter Pease
on the day & year above written personally appeared the above named Lemuel Kelley & Peter Pease & made oaths to the truth of the above written statement by them subscribed Before me Benedict Norton Justice of the Peace
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