Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 173, for Charles Reniff, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Peniff, Charles,
Peniff, or
Almira
W 173
B.L.Wt. 4950-100 issued Aug. 24, 1790.
B.L.Wt. 113-60-55-
CONTENTS

19.098 R
New York Charles Reniff
of Jefferson Co in the state of NYork who was a Private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Hartings of the regiment commanded by Colonel Brooks in the Maple line, for the term of 1777-War on Roll
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 6th of October 1823 ,
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 of Oct r 1823 and Scotto Adrail Ely Esq Watertown B. N.Y.
Arrears to 4th of Pa id Semi anl. all ce ending March 1824 $39.74 4 m 3d 8 32 31 7.74 39.74 $ 39.74 { Revolutionary claim, Acts March 18, 1818, and May 1, 1820. } March 1. 1824
File March 1824
Letter to the N.Y. Pen agent Dec 12. 1833.
Dead

18.900 10.988 Charles Reniff application for a Pension
Adrie Ely Watertown. N.Y.C. Agent
Adrie Ely Esq. Watertown N.Y.C.

Medford, Mass t May 28 th 1823. This is to certify that Charles Boniff or Bonuff was a soldier in the 7 th Mass t Reg t . - That he enlisted May 28 th 1777 to serve during the war, & that he served faithfully until June 8. 1783, at which time he was discharged by General Washington. Said Boniff was several years a Sergeant & was discharged as such.
J. Wood Stetson Col o Com d of 3 d Reg t .

To the Hon ble Secretary of War —
Sir — This may certify that Charles Rouse was a Soldier in my Company, ninth Mass- achusetts Reg t commanded by Colonel Henry Jackson, in the Army of the Revolution. He served to the best of my Recollection, two years or more; my old muster Rolls being destroy'd I can't tell precisely the term. He was a faithful and good Soldier — John Hastings

to of New York Jefferson County } } On this 6 th day of October 1823 personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of record for said County by a Law of said State Charles Reniff of the town of Henderson in said County aged 65 years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provisions, made by the Acts of Congress of the 18 th day of March 1818 and 1 st May 1820 That he the said Charles Reniff enlisted in the Continent- al service for during the War in the town of Rehobeth in Mass- achusetts, in a company of Infantry commanded by Captain John Hastings in the month of May 1777 in the 7 th Massachusetts Regiment - Then commanded by Colonel Jackson, afterwards commanded by Lieut. Col. Brooks, and was discharged as a Sergeant at New Windsor in the State of New York in June 1783 by Gen l Washington, and that said discharge, was sent to the Land Office in order to obtain his Land Bounty - That he was in Battles of Monmouth and Sullivan, at which last place he received a wound, and was also in several smaller Battles, and that he has now no further evidence of his services than the papers hereto attached
"Schedule"
1 Cow - 1 - 2 yr old Heifer - 1 Hog - 1 pot - 1 dish kettle 1 tea kettle - 1 frying pan 1 Pail 1 Churn. 3 chairs 4 pewter Basins - 6 Knives and 4 forks - 4 plates 3 Spoons one Wash tub - one old table - My wife is aged 44 years and we have four Children - my oldest Catharine is 16 years and our next a Girl Diademia aged 14 - 2 boys John & Chester the one aged 12 & the other 7
Charles Reniff

And in pursuance of the act of the 1 May 1820 I do Solemnly swear that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18 th day of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposal of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War." passed on the 18 th day of March 1818- and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities, contracts or debts due to me, nor have I any income other than what is contained in the above schedule by me subscribed
Charles Reniff
Sworn & subscribed in open Court This 6 th day of October 1823
H. H. Sherwood Clerk
He further states that his occupation is that of a farmer and that he owns about twenty Dollars
I Henry H. Sherwood Clerk of the Court of Jefferson County do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the records of said court & I do further certify that it is the opinion of said Court that the total amount or value of property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is thirty Dollars and seventy five cents
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 10 th day of October 1823
H. H. Sherwood

3596 Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Almira Reniff widow of Charles Reniff who served in the Revolutiona- ry war, as a Sergeant. Colo Jackson Mass
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 120 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 6 th day of February 1854 and sent to
J. M. Drury Canandaigua N.Y.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 110 Vol. a
Reg 3 m 55-86511

Alma Ruff
aff t of Phalaena Overton -

State of Pennsylvania County of Crawford ss.
On this fifteenth day of January 1854. personally appeared before the Subscribers a judge in the said County Almina Reniff resident of the township of Conneautville in said County aged Eighty-four years who being first duly sworn doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed February 3 d 1833.
This declarant states that she is the widow of Charles Reniff, dec d . who was a soldier of the war of the revolution and a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $96. per annum. that he was a resident of the county of Jefferson and State of New York at the time he applied for a pension & for several years subsequent thereto - but that he was a resident of the county of Erie in the State of Pennsylvania at the time of his decease and that he died on the 11 th day of April in the year 1828.
Declarant states that her maiden name was Almina Brisee that she was married to the said Charles Reniff on the fourth day of January in the year (1807-) eighteen hundred & seven - in the town of Henderson County of Jefferson - State of New York by a clergyman by the name of Sampson - that she has no family record of her marriage & knows of none public or private - that from the date of her marriage to the time of the death of the said Charles Reniff she lived with him in lawful wedlock & had children born - and that since his death she has not again married -
Sworn & subscribed to the day & year first above
Almina Reniff
written before me
Thos J Cowley Associate Judge

State of Pennsylvania
County of Crawford ss
I hereby certify that by reason of old age & bodily infirmities the above named Almina Reniff is unable to appear in Open Court. I further certify that the foregoing declaration itself and the affidavit of Diadama Boettler hereto annexed, furnished satisfactory evidence to me that the said Almina Reniff is the identical person she represents herself to be as the widow of Charles Reniff deceased, a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $96 per annum and that he died on the 11 th day of April 1828 & that she has not again married.
Thos J Cowry Associate Judge
State of Pennsylvania
County of Crawford ss.
Diadama Boettler of the Township of Summerhill being duly sworn doth depose & say that Almina Reniff above named is her mother and is the widow of Charles Reniff deceased, who was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $96 per annum. That the said Charles Reniff died on the 11 th April 1828 & that since his death the said Almina Reniff has not again married - but remains a widow, and resides with this deponent.
Subscribed & sworn to this 15 th day of January 1854, before me.
Diadama Boettler
Thos J Cowry Associate Judge

Crawford County ss
I certify that Thos. Kenny is and was at the time of the taking of foregoing affidavit the acknowledged an acting associ- ate judge in and for said County duly qualified by the Law of this Commonwealth to act as such and that the above is his signature in his own proper hand writing Witness my hand and seal of Office this 16 th day of January 1834 W. Brackinridge Clerk of Court

State of New York } On this 9 th day of July 1850 personally Jefferson County } came before me A. A. Davis a Justice of the Peace of Henderson County aforesaid } Philena Overton & made oath as follows (to wit) that she knew Almina Reniff the widow of Charles Reniff, & knew her before her marriage to said Charles Reniff, & was present when the said Almina was married to said Charles Reniff, her maiden name was Almina Breeze & that they were married by Elder Sampson of the Town of Soraine a Baptist preacher on the first day of January 1807 at the dwelling house of Josiah Cook in the Town of Henderson County aforesaid They lived in Henderson aforesaid for several years after their marriage & moved from there to Point Peninsula in said County & since that time deponent has not seen either of them & further this deponent saith not
Sworn before me this 9 th day of July, 1850
Philena Overton
A. A. Davis J. Peace
I, A. A. Davis the Justice above named, do certify that I am & have been acquainted with Philena Overton above named for twenty years last past, & that she is of good moral character & a person of undoubted truth & veracity. A. A. Davis J. P.

STATE OF NEW YORK, } JEFFERSON COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss
I, JOHN L. MARSH, Clerk of the County of Jefferson, do hereby certify that A. A. Davis Esq., whose name is subscribed to the certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument and thereon written, was, at the time of taking such proof of acknowledgment, a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, in and for said County, duly authorized to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate of proof, or acknowledgment is genuine; and further, that the said instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the Laws of this State.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the Seal of said County, this 21 st day of January 1854.
John L. Marsh Clerk.

3 Mr Drury Esq Anderson July 9. 1850
Yours of June 5 th was recd. about one week since I made inquiry of the Overton Family for Philo Overton as you  mentioned in your letter & found no such person ever lived in this Town as Philo Overton, but in inquiring for him I found that Philena Overton the wife of Coster D. Overton was present at the time of marriage but have not been very particular on account of her testifying that she of  was married after 1800 but have taken her affidavit as you see & if her testimony can be of any benefit to Mrs. Reniff write me &c.
Yours & C. A. O'Davis
M.D. Mrs. Philena Overton was married at the same time to a man by the name of Taylor & by the same clergyman. The affidavit she says, contains all she knows about the matter in substance but she is positive & has a record of the time of marriage

86.511 { Act Mar 3/33 April 20/33 Reniff
S.A. Van Tassel Dec 13/58
Almira Reniff widow
Charles Reniff late Pensioner Phil:
Map: Cont. line
Act of 1855 at 60 Acre Nov 16/1855
Revolution War Pension under act 1833
Pa 53 - Feb 2 - no 3596
Fuller
W. A. Billing Springfield Road Pa

Application for Bounty Land.—ORIGINAL CLAIM.
State of Pennsylvania } ss. COUNTY OF Crawford }
On this 26 th day of March A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Almira Ruff aged 83 years, a resident of Crawford County in the state of Pennsylvania who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Charles Ruff deceased, who was a Sergeant in the Company commanded by Captain in the in the war with Great Britain declared by the United States on the 18th day of June, 1812. War of the Revolution
that her said husband in conformity with the laws of the United States of the 18 th March 1815 of May 1 st 1820 & March 1 st 1823 was enrolled in the Pension at the City of New York agency Mr. S. Colles Jr. Inouch, dated the 20 th Oct 1823. That she is now enrolled under act of Feb. 3 rd 1853 in the Pennsylvania Agency at one hundred and twenty dollars per year in the City of Erie under said act and continued in actual service in said war for the term of and was honorably discharged at the officers names, etc. of company, etc. of enlistment, or discharge, but in my examination of the Pension Records and justice accordingly. She further states that she was married to the said Charles Ruff in Honduras Jefferson County New York on the fourth day of January A. D. 1807 by one Elder Sampson a Baptist Clergyman and that her name before her said marriage was Almira Brasee that her said husband died at Erie County Pa. on the 11 th day of April A. D. 1828 and that she is now a widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the Act approved March 3d, 1855. H. A. Billings of Springfield & Reads Cr. Co. Pa. is hereby appointed my Attorney to prosecute my claim and receive any Warrant which may be issued thereon. She further states that to the best of her knowledge and belief no public or private record of her marriage was ever made or now exists.
We Jonathan Holman and Joseph S. Heakman residents of Connect. Crawford Co. in the State of Pennsylvania upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Almira Ruff in our presence, and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
Jonathan Holman Joseph S. Heakman
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written : and I certify that I know the Affiants to be credible persons ; that the Claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Erastus Montague

State of Pennsylvania Crawford County } ss.
On this 26th day of March A.D. 1855 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid Gordon Fish
11598
who being duly sworn according to law declare and say that they were for several years previous to the death of Charles Reniff intimately acquainted with him and Almina Reniff, that they lived together as Husband & Wife, and were so reputed, that they ARE well acquainted with Almina Reniff Widow of Charles Reniff deceased, and know her to be the person who represents herself to be, and that the foregoing declaration is just and true, as they believe, and that they have no interest, in her claim.
Gordon Fish
I am a Brother
Sworn and subscribed before me this day and year above written and I hereby certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons and entitled to full belief.
State of Pennsylvania, )
CRAWFORD COUNTY, ss: )
I, Wm. M. Barron, Clerk of the Courts of said county of Crawford, Certify that E. M. Mingle Esquire, by whom the annexed and foregoing Declaration  WAS taken, was at the date thereof, an acting Justice of the Peace, within and for the said county, duly qualified, and as such duly authorized by the laws of this Commonwealth to take the same. And Further , that I am acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and believe the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the Seal of the said Court, at Meadville, the 11 th day of April A. D. 1855.
Wm Barron
Clerk.

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Reniff, Charles GRADE Private LINE Lamb's Continental Artillery (Massachusetts)
WARRANT NUMBER 4950 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Aug. 24, 1790 and H. 113-60-55  Wt. 4950 to Benj. Ives Gilman —
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.

mmh
June 21, 1924
Edith E. Gunn 704 Fourth Ave., Joliet, Ill.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 173 it appears that Charles Reniff or Renniff enlisted in Rehoboth, Massachusetts May 28, 1777 served as Sergeant in Captain John Hastings Company, Colonel Henry Jackson's Massachusetts Regiment, was in the battles of Monmouth and Sullivan, the latter in which he was wounded, and several smaller battles, and was discharged June 8, 1783.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 8, 1823 while living in Henderson, Jefferson County, New York aged sixty-five years. He died April 11, 1828 in Erie County, Pennsylvania.
Soldier married January 4, 1807 in Henderson, New York, Almira Brisee who was allowed pension on her application executed January 15, 1854 while a resident of

Conneautville Township, Crawford County, Pennsylvania aged eighty-four years.
In 1823 the following children were referred to: Catharine aged sixteen years(the oldest), Diadama or Dia- damia, aged fourteen years, John and Chester, one aged twelve years and the other aged seven years. Diadamia married ..... Bortles, whose given name is not stated.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

1924-June 21-Heir: to Miss Edith E. Cummins 200H7
173 Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 173
Almira Peniff Widow
Charles Peniff Sgt. Rev. War
Act: Feb. 3, 1853.
Index:—Vol. M. , Page 15-3
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Th. Oct 15 3 . Pa.
W. H. D.

Pension Office Feb 1/54
Sir Please report time of last payment to, or death of author's name pensioner
Yours &c &c
H Burt Esq Bland Present.
J Cole for Comr
Charles Reriff, Act 1818. Paid to 11 March 1828. No death.
J Burt Auditor

113 ✓
Coacere

86511
Admira B... and Charles
ad B Lget ... 60
at ... 596
Ans. Dec. 13/55,

CONSCIENTIOUS CLOTHES SERVICE for Men, Young Men and Boys
Joliet. Ill. 5/14/24
U. S Commissioner of Pensions Washington. D.C.
Dear Sir: Will you please inform me for D.A.R. records if Charles Reniff who was Sergeant in Lieut Col. J. Brooks 7 th Reg of Mass. Militia was given a pension & if so if names of his descendents are given. Thanking you for any information. I am.
Resply.
(miss) Edith E Summ
704 4 th Ave

Brief in the case of Almira Keniff Widow of Charles Crawford County and State of Pennsylvania act of February 3/53
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband a Sergeant in Revolutionary war & pensioner under act of 1818 at $96 per annum & paid to his death
Allowed $120 per annum to commence Feb 3/53 (If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by credible persons present at the ceremony
Death proved by auditor's report & cr. witnesses
Identity & widowhood proved by aud. report & cr. witnesses
Name and residence of Agent
S. M. Deury (Canandaigua) N. York
Examining Clerk.
H. Gray

Canandaigua - N.Y. Jan. 27 th 1854.
Sir:
Herewith is presented the claim of Almina Beniff, widow of Charles, under act of 3 rd February 1853.
An attempt was made several years ago to establish this claim under act of 29 th July 1848, under the supposition that the marriage occurred prior to 1800 - But the affidavit now attached to the declaration showed that it took place in the year 1807 - This affidavit will avail more to establish the marriage, as it is even better evidence than if it had just been taken, to prove the claim under act of 3 rd Feb. 1853.
It will be found on examination that Charles Beniff husband of Claimant was a Sergeant in Col. Jackson's Regt & was discharged as such.
His widow therefore will be entitled to a pension at the rate of $120. per Ann. instead of $96. -
Very respectfully J. M. Drury
Hon. I. P. Waldo Comm re of Pensions Washington D.C.

Dec 7, 1855 Conneautville Crawford County
Dear Sir
Permit me to call your attention to No 113. Revolutionary Warrant issued to Almina Reniff. Wid of Chas Reniff. She is this day in Receipt of Warrant of said No for Sixty Acres. which is undoubtedly a mistake as she is if entitled at all, entitled to One hundred and Sixty Acres. The Application was taken by H. A. Billings Esq who was authorized to receive her Warrant. but he has now moved to Minnesota. which would cause some delay if the Warrant for the balance was forwarded to him. She would therefore like to have it forwarded herself at this place or the Subscriber - She is a very old Lady, and has consequently got me to write for her. Please give information at your Earliest Convenience.
Very Truly Yours, E. B. Van Fassel.
I Merot Commissioner
Conneautville Dec 7 th 1855.
The Commissioner of Pensions will please forward My Warrant if I am entitled to additional Lands to E. B. Van Fassel, at Conneautville. Crawford County Penn a
Almina Reniff
Witness present, M. H. Robinson