Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 29,460, for John Skiff, Massachusetts

SERVICE
Mass.
NUMBER _____
S. 29.460
CONTENTS

27590 New York 25702
John Skiff
of Westerlo in the State of New York who was a jst Mat 2 in the com y commanded by Captain Gray of the reg t commanded by Lieut. Colonelson in the Massachusett line for 11 mos private
2 - 10 1 day matrop  \frac{3}{16} \frac{1}{2} \frac{2}{3} " wife
Enscribed on the Roll of New York the rate of 56 Dollars 88 Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 day of Sept r 1834 and sent to Col d J. H. Ingalls Greenwich
Arrears to the 4th of March 170 64 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept r 28 44 $199 08
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Sam l Boyd Clerk, Book 9 Vol. 4 Page 124
Certificate sent to Greenwich instead of Granville; returned & sent to Col d J. H. Ingalls at Granville 3 d Oct 34 - Settled by Mr. Fleming P. Agt Nov. 8 1834
Certificate incorrectly issued for $36 66 instead of $56 88 new as issued 5 th Oct 34 and sent to Col d J. H. Ingalls Greenwich & notification to P. Agt. P. No 34
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 1 st April 1838 from 4 Sept 1837 to 4 March 1838 age notified 10. April 1839.

John Skiff - Easton, Wash. Co. N.York.
Fifer. 24 Months
Albany, Salem West Co. N.York. N.York
23995
Chas. H. Ingalls
Greenwich
Wash Co. N.Y.
adm?
11 mo pri. Subz
2 mo. 1 day. matrop
3 mo 2. " Fifer
Mr. H. H. H.

State of New York, Washington County Personally appeared before me, John Willard Surrogate of said County, in Open Court, John Willard known to me to be the identical person who subscribed and swore to the within declaration, to wit: that affidavit is true and right, being duly sworn, deponent and saith that, by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot now recollect the name of the Colonel under whom he served in the war of the revolution, during the year 1778 - He has for many years past, or recollection, that said Capt. and soldiers company during said war were attached to army. He cannot but that he did serve as in his said declara- tion specified, two months. That his original papers, to which this affidavit is attached, are duly certified by the Court, before whom he made this said declaration and the official character of said Court, is duly certified by the Clerk under his seal of office - together with the undoubted seal of office -
John Shipp
Sworn this 1 July 1833
John Willard
Washington County
Surrogate of said County on this 1 st July 1833
I certify that the above deponent appeared before me - was duly sworn, and I certify that these papers were bound together be- fore me. In witness whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed my seal of office at the Court of the Sullivan by which they are so bound
John Willard

State of New York, Washington County ss. On this 12 th day of March 1833 personally appeared in Open Court, before John Willard Esq. first Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the of the said County, and John Moe and David Woods Judges of said Court, now sitting John Skiff, a resident of the Town of Easton in the said County and State, aged Twenty one years, who being first sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated - That he enlisted the 1 st of May 1775, in the Town of Dartmouth, in the State of Massachusetts into a Company commanded by Capt. Daniel Eddy of said Dartmouth, and in Col. Timothy Dasselson's Regiment for Eight months. That immediately after he enlisted, he marched to Roxbury in said State, where he served his Eight months - That while at Roxbury the Troops were employed in building fortifications - That he knew at Roxbury Genl. Ward and Genl. Washington That on the first of January 1776 he again enlisted in said Town of Dartmouth now called, Farnham, as a fifer in Capt. Benjamin Dillingham's company - Col. French's Regiment, Genl. Sullivan's Brigade for three months - and marched to Winter Hill, near Cambridge in said State - That while there he was employed in building fortifications on Winter Hill, and on Dorchester Heights - That he served his three months - That while there he knew General Sullivan, Major Col. French & others. That on the 1 st of March 1778 he enlisted again, in said Town of Dartmouth

into Captain Simethy Ingraham Company, for ten months , as a fifer (his name called Fair- hawn). That while there and during the said ten months, he was employed in the fort doing garrison duty - was there when the British burnt New Bedford & Fairhawn in September 1778 - That he knew while there no general officers, as there was none in the fort. That his Lt. name was Gorham Foster. That he was taken a prisoner by the British, at the aforesaid place in the said Month of September and carried to New York and there detained a prisoner two months and one half month - when he was exchanged at Elizabeth Town in New Jersey - That he then served, including the time of his said imprisonment ten months - That on the sixteenth day of July 1780, he enlisted again in the aforesaid Town of Dartmouth, into Capt. George Claghorn's Company, Col. Mitchell's Regiment, for three months as a fifer; that he marched to Bulls Head in Rhode Island - Thence to Narragansett - Thence to Watch Hill - That he was employed in building fortifications and guarding the shores from the British - That he knew General Green and others - That he served there three months, as aforesaid - That he served the United States in the war of the Revolution as above stated twenty four months - That he was born in Martha's Vineyard in the State of Massachusetts on the 14 th January 1762 - That he has no record of his age - That he went to live in the aforesaid Town of Dart- mouth, when a child, where he resided over since, until about ten years since, when he moved to Easton, in the County of Wash- ington & State of New York, where he has resided since and now resides - That he has no discharge from service nor ever had any

That he knows of no Clergyman by whom he can prove his Revolutionary Services - That he knows of no Witness living, whom he can produce, to prove his Revolutionary Services. except the annexed Nor any Clergyman who knows his age - That he is known in his neighbourhood by Benjamin Army, Asa Coggeswell, Noah Adkins - That he has attached the affidavit of Elijah Macomber, which is attached to his Declaration - and which he prays may be considered part of his evidence of Service - That he knows of no Clergyman in his neighbourhood that has any knowledge of his Revolutionary Services - He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State Sworn and subscribed this day and year aforesaid in Open Court J. S. Leigh CLK
John Skiff
We Dorastus Dennis and Benjamin Army residing in Easton - Easton, in the County of Washington and State of New York hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Skiff who has, subscribed and sworn to the above declaration - That we believe him to be twenty one years of age - That he is respected and beloved in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Subscribed and sworn to this 12 th day of March 1833 before me in Open Court J. S. Leigh CLK
Dorastus D. Dennis Benjamin Army
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after putting the Interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states And the Court further certifies, that it appears to

then that Erastus D. Dennis & Benjamin Arny who have signed the preceding certificate are residents of the aforesaid Town of Easton, in the County and State aforesaid, and are creditable persons, and that their statement is entitled to Credit.
I Jesse S. Leigh, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the aforesaid County of Washington and State of New York, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Skiff for a pension - That the affidavit of Elijah Magoon here was attached to said proceedings in tape, before the same were presented and sworn to by said John Skiff, and that I put the seal of said Court over said tape; In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 12 th day of March 1833.
J. S. Leigh C.P.

I Elisha Macomber, of Dartmouth, in the County of Bristol, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, - aged Seventy five years - do testify and say, that I served in the war of the Revolution at one time under Capt. Benjamin Dillingham of Dartmouth aforesaid, for the term of three months, commencing from the first of January, and ending about the first of April 1776, which service was performed partly on Winter Hill, & partly on Dorchester Heights, near Boston - and that during said term of time the British had to leave Boston, which was taken possession of by the American troops, with Genl. George Washington at their head - And that I well knew then & since one John Skiff, then of said Dartmouth but now as I am informed and believe resides in the town of Easton in the County of Washington, & State of New-York, who was a Fifer in the company under the command of Capt. Benjamin Dillingham, and that said Skiff did serve in said Company with me and to my knowledge all of the term of said three months
I also further testify and say that on or about the first of March 1778 I enlisted again in a Company under the command of Capt. Timothy Ingraham of Dartmouth aforesaid, and lived for the term of ten months, which term of service was performed at the Fort in Dartmouth (now Fairhaven) then called Nobs cot Fort situated on the east side of the river or bay now called New Bedford river, that during said term of time the British landed, and burnt the village of Bedford

and also a part of the village of Fairhaven, and the troops had to retreat from the Fort on the approach of the British Army - that some of our soldiers were taken prisoners, and among them was John Skiff above named, who was then a Fifer in our company - that said Skiff enlisted at the same time that I did, and served all of the time at or about the Fort aforesaid, with the exception of about ten weeks, as I should suppose, when he was a prisoner under the British - he returned however to said Fort, after about the lapse of time afore stated (having been exchanged) and did leave out at said Fort, the remaining part of the time which he and I enlisted for to wit ten months.
Wits 27, Macomber
Elijah his X Macomber mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol ss.
September 21 st day A.D. 1832 - Then the above named Elijah Macomber, personally appeared, and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed, and that all of the allegations therein stated are true.
Before me Lebbeus McAninch Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss. I, Francis Sprout, Clerk of the County Common Pleas, for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Zebedee A. Mason Esq., whose signature is affixed to the within Certificate, is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Bristol, and duly qualified to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this third day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
F. Sprout

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of John 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.
S. File 29460
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     May 1, 75 8 mos. Pri. Daniel Eger Timothy Danielson Mass.   Jan. 1, 76 2 mos. Fifer Benj. Dillingham French   Mch. 1, 78 10 mos. Matross Timothy Ingraham ✓   He was captured in Sept. 1778 at Red Bank (Barnesworth). carried to New York & imprisoned 7 1/2 mos. before exchanged.   July 16, 80 3 mos. Fifer Geo. Claghorn Witchell  
Battles engaged in, ✓
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Barnesworth, Mass.
Date of application for pension, Mch. 12, 1833. Allowed.
Residence at date of application, Easton, Washington Co., N.H.
Age at date of application, B. Jan. 14, 1762 at Martha's Vineyard, Mass.
Remarks: ✓ No fare paid

Iowa Falls, Iowa. 12/6/1912
Hon. Commission of Pensions Washington D. C.
Sir;
Will you kindly send me a copy of the history of John Skiff, a soldier in the war of the Revolution? There is the John Skiff who enlisted May 1, 1775- and at the other time, and who applied for a pension March 12, 1833. This request is made by Miss Frances Skiff who wishes to join a patriotic society.
Thanking you in advance, I am Very respectfully,
R. F. Skiff.

Glas
Maywood, Neb. March 14, 1901
To the Pension Bureau Washington, D. C. Dear Sirs.
- About Feb 23, I wrote to you asking for the military record of John Skiff of Worthington, Mass. Revolutionary war soldier I have since found that a John Skiff, supposed to be the same as John of Worthington, lived at Warrensburgh, N. Y., and I send you the information, to assist in identifying John of Worthington, if you have not already sent his record.
Yours truly (Miss) R. Warner

To the Pension Bureau Washington D.C.
Would you kindly give me from your records What date you have about John Skiff who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War - I think he enlisted at New Bedford Mass or Acushnet Mass. He probably lived near New Bedford or Acushnet Mass soon after he was ended later at Easton Colia Cambridge St. Es. He received a pension - I am a great granddaughter of John Skiff & I kindly Hly's Darius Francis Skiff Grandchild
18 th Jan y 1860

29 460 Very INVALID.
File No. 29,460
John Skiff Ph. 8/1/83
Act: June 7 th 83 rd
Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 370
[Arrangement of 1870.]
July 31 1901 R. T. Skiff - Iowa Falls No record of any other Iow. Skiff - How to get date of last payment,
April 4 - 1901 Miss R. Warner magazine re her 1909 May 13. Hist. to Emma Skiff Becker p 1912 Dec 14. R. T. Skiff. 4 1923 Jan. 17 Hist. to Harriet Ward, awj. 1924 May 26. Hist. to Mrs. T. C. Keller
April 13 - 1900-1901 Miss Frances Skiff Greenwich N.Y.

Nov 24 N.Y. per. Capt. of Mississippi Capt.
Free
J. S. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

J L Edwards Commr of Pensions
Charles F Ingalls Esq Greenville Greenville New York

Dear Sir
Greenwich Wash. Co N.Y. Nov 18 th 1834
I enclose you to day the Certificate of John Skiff between which and the transcript of the same at the Bank there is a disagreement, being at the Bank $56.88 which I suppose should be the sum Mr Skiff made positive proof sufficient to entitle to him to more than that sum.
(What is the state of Nath l Warner's certificate, has it been corrected? If so will you be pleased to return it &c)
Yours respectfully Charles F. Ingalls

JKP
1007 Greenwood Blvd. Evansville, Illinois.
April 24, 1924.
Department of Pensions Government of the U. S. A. Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen, Will you kindly give me information regarding pension allowed in 1833, to John Skiff a piper in the Revolutionary War. He was a resident of New Bedford & Dartmouth Mass. Is there any record of his

father's name?
Thank you
Yours Truly,
Jennie Prince Keller.
(Mrs. Theodore C.)

Rev. S.P.
2191-E2758. Oakland. Cal.
Bureau of Pensions:-
Wishing to join the D.A.R. I would like to have you send me a copy of all the information you have of John Shiff who fought in the Revolutionary War.
I think he made his application for a pension from Washington's New York. I am a direct descendant of his.
Hoping to hear from you as soon as possible
I am Yours Truly Harriet Ward. 2191-E2758. Oakland. Cal.

[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page.]

Greenwich, N. Y. May 3rd - 1909
Pension Bureau. Washington, D. C.
I am writing to you for credentials of which I may be able to apply for membership in the D.A.R. of this County.
My Great Grandfather John Skiff enlisted three times for different periods of time. Applying for a pension March 12th 1838. While residing at Easton. his application stating that he was born at Martha's Vineyard January 14 - 1762 and that his wife's name was Mary.
As early as Dec 5 1756, Intention to wed John Skiff of Dartmouth (now New Bedford, Mass.) and Mary Makepeace were recorded at Dartmouth. so he bore the sobriquet of John the Elder having served in

that capacity when a lad under age. I do not know the date of his death. Which of course would be the date of the expiration of his Pension. I have a part of a Deed where he sold his place & Samuel Skiff in 1825 the latter my Grandfather.
I have not the complete Record of the Skiff family. Nevertheless I think there is sufficient to prove my claim to a clear title.
Hoping to hear from you favorably. Very soon. I am Yours Very truly.
Emma Skiff Becker.
Greenwich. N.Y.

Payments to be made at New York by Pres t of Merchants Bank Agent for paying Pension= ers, in the Agency of New York
Recorded in the Pension Of= fice, in Book E Vol. 7 Page 124 by David Boyd Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, John Skiff of the State of New York who was a private, matross & infer in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Thirty-Six — dollars and Eighty-eight cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this First day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty-four
John D. South acting Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.

[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page. It appears to be a formal letter or document.]
27590
[Faint mirrored text, possibly a date or reference number.]
[Faint mirrored text, possibly a signature or name.]
[Faint mirrored text, possibly a title or position.]

In the Matter of
John Skiff
a Pensioner
Secretary of Massachusetts Certificate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, July 30 th 1834.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of John Skiff, as a private, is borne on a Muster Roll of Capt. Daniel Egery's company, in Col. Danielson's regt. where he is allowed from May 6 th to August 1 st 1778. for services and travel three months and two days.
m. d. 3 = 2 8
John Skiff's name as a matross, is borne on an abstract of the wages due to the company, stationed at the Fort in Dartmouth from March 1 st to May 1 st 1778. where he is allowed two months & one day, under Capt. Simon Ingraham 2 = 1
John Skiff's name as a fifer, is borne on a pay roll of Capt. George Claghorn's company, in Col. A. Mitchell's regt. where he is allowed from July 31 st to Oct 31 st 1780. for services and travel three months & two days 3 = 2
John Skiff claims for services under 8 = 5

Amount brought over m 8 = d. 5
Capt. Benjamin Dillingham, in Col. French's regt. in 1776, his name is found on a return of all the men's names marched to headquarters under the command of Benjamin Dillingham. Arrived in Camp from Dartmouth this 15 th of Feby 1776." 3 mo. time of service not mentioned.
John Skiff claims for further services under Capt. Egery in 1775, and under Capt. Timothy Ingraham in 1778, the rolls are not found in this Office, except those mentioned.
Good
Edward D. Bangs Esq
In the Matter of John Skiff a Pseudonym Secretary of Massachusetts Certificate

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Second Comptroller's Office,
April 3 d , 1839,
Sir:
Under the act of the 6 th of April, 1833 entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," John Skiff, _____ a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany, N.Y. Agency, at the rate of Fifty six Dollars and eighty eight Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June, 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept. 1837, to the 4 th March, 1838.
Respectfully, yours,
William E. Parrish Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

Brig S. Lippens Affidavit in John Skiff's Case

I Benjamin S. Sisson of Fair haven formerly Dartmouth in the county of Bristol & State of Massachusetts, testify & say, that I have long known John Skiff, who has applied for a pen- sion, under the act of June 7- 1832, & who some ten years ago moved away from said Fair haven into the State of New York; that he is about seventy two or some years of age, ac- cording to my belief, that he is reputed & believed in this place & vicinity to have been a soldier in the war of the revolution, & that such is my opinion -
Benja S. Sisson Bristol p. Augt. 22. 1832 - Subscribed & sworn to before me
Alden Bradford Just Peace I also certify that said Sisson is a D. Sheriff in & for said County, & a credible man - Alden Bradford Just Peace

Aug 21 st
1871
1871
Free
Hon J. D. Edwards
Adm
Com te of Pensions
Washington
D. C.
 12/5500  733  966  1100  28  1125 
 12/10000  2020  850  2425  14 
 36.62  5.64  39.5  11.28  56.58  55.95  5.62  5.62 

Oronook Aug 14 th 1831
Rev J. L. Edwards Sir
Enclosed you will find the papers relating to the claim of John Shuff The affidavits of Hathaway & Sherman are somewhat informal but are very speci- fic and correct & I believe the case will corroborate. The affidavit of Sisson is sent that the Department may give it such stress as they please. The signature of Brad- ford is authenticated as the other af. ds and a comparison will show it to be genuine
Yours respectfully
Charles F. Ingalls

United States of America
State of Massachusetts - Bristol County New Bedford, July fourth A.D. 1832. Personally appeared before me, the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the County of Bristol, John Sherman aged 83 years & made solemn oath, that he was in Capt. Thomas Kemptons Company & Colo. Time. Danielson's Regt. for eight months, from first of May to last of December A.D. 1775, & that John Skiff, who is a native of Dartmouth, now New Bedford was a private in said Regiment  Regiment & Capt. Daniel Agry for the during that term of time - that said John Skiff is to me well known as now an inhabitant of Easton, County of Washington  in this County of Bristol & State of New York where he removed about ten years ago - that in the year 1779 or 1780, as I recollect, I enlisted for three months in a Capt. Claghorn's company, & I think Col. Mitchell commanded the Regt. & went into R. Island, & thence to Narragansett neck in State of Rhode Island, & that John Skiff aforementioned was in said company at said time, & served in the ranks a part of the time, & then was sent home (about 30 miles) to make fipes for the troops, the said Skiff being a fiper in said Company - In witness of the truth of the above he hereto subscribed his name -
John Sherman Before me Hlden. Bedford
Just. Peace & Quorum
Bristol ss. July 4 th 1832. John Hathaway of New Bed- ford (formerly Dartmouth) said County, aged 77 years, personally appeared before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, & made oath, that he was in the army at Cambridge & Roxbury for eight months in 1775, that he well knew John Skiff at that time who was in the same Regt. commanded by Col.

Time. Danielson, & in Daniel Agry's company, sa th that said Skiff was born in said Dartmouth (but now resides in State of New York & County of Washington, as I understand) & that according to his full & confident belief, said Skiff served out the eight months - that in early in 1776, said Skiff & he (said Hathaway) enlisted for three months, partly on Winter Hill in Cambridge & Charlestown, partly on Dorchester Heights - said Skiff served out the last said three months - said three months service being in Capt. Benjamin Dillingham's Company & Col. French's Regiment - In witness, whereof said John Hathaway hereto signed his name also in my presence - John Hathaway
Be on me
Alden Bradford Just. of Peace of Lynn
I also certify that said Sherman is very infirm & confined to his house and that said Hathaway is also so infirm, that he could not travel twenty miles to the Court at Dighton, without very great inconvenience - Alden Bradford
Further certify Just. Peace That said Sherman & Hathaway are very credible & highly respectable men, & pensioners Alden Bradford
Just Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol ss. I, James Sprague, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Alden Bradford here, whose signature was offered to the foregoing certificate, was, on the fourth day of July, A.D. 1832, a Justice of the Peace in & for said County of Bristol, and duly qualified to administer oaths -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, this fourth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four - Jas. Sprague.