Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23154, Philip Graff, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Graff, Philip Deborah
W 23154
CONTENTS

Recd June 27
587.
New-York Albany
Deborah Graff
N.Y. Philip Graff
widow of Philip Graff
who was a Private
in the New-York line
for 8 months & 6 days
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 27 Dollars & 32 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27th day of June, 1843 and sent to
G. F. Gates Albany Schenectady - N.Y.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 1 Page 106.

New York 28.609
Phillip Graff
of Montgomery Co in the State of New York who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Miller of the Reg't commanded by Col Graham in the New York Militia line for 7 months
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 2 1/3 Dollars 33 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 th day of April 1834 and sent to G. D. Ferguson Esq Johnstown
Arrears to the 4th of March 1834 $ 69.99 Semi-ann. allowance ending Sep r 4 '34 - 12.66
$ 82.65
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Book 8
Sam l H. Page
Clerk,
Vol. 4
Page 126
Pension increased to $27.32 per annum to the day of his death. Pension certificate issued 23 rd Apr. 1839, a copy of which he under their envelope, Pension Agent notified. Certf. sent to John L. O'Shea, Northampton, N. Y.

Philip Graft application

State of New York } Montgomery County } ss
On this 19 th day of September in the year of our Lord one thou- sand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in Open Court, before the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Montgomery & State of New York, now sitting, Philip Gnaff a resident of the Town of Johnstown in the County & State aforesaid aged sixty four years on the sixteenth day of November last past who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832: That he entered the service of the United States and served, as herein stated: Your applicant says that he went as a Substitute for one Conrad Steen, in Militia service in the year 1779, under Captain Pattingales, that he does not recollect the names of any of the other officers, that he resided at this time in John- stown Tryon County, now Montgomery and went from the latter place to Mayfield in said County of Tryon, about ten miles distant, and remained there two weeks and was after that time discharged. Your applicant says, that he again in the year 1780, went as a Substi- tute, in the place of one William White, for two weeks and remained for that time as such Substitute at the Johnstown Fort, until said White returned from visiting his family and that this was in the month of June in that year: Your applicant further says that on the return of said White he your applicant, went from Johnstown, down to Noble Town, then Albany County, now Columbia County & State of New York, for the purpose of going to his fathers family, who had removed from Johnstown to Noble Town, while he lay and remained at the Johnstown Fort, that when he arrived there, he again went on as a Substitute for one Jonathan Reece, in the Militia service under Captain Christopher Miller, Lieutenant John Ostrander, Ensign Jeremiah Miller, a company belonging to Colonel Graham's Regiment, that he went from that place, to wit, Noble Town, to Claverack Albany County, now Columbia, and from thence he proceeded under the above named officers, to Livingstones Manor, and from thence again to Poughkeepsie & from there to Fish Kill where his said company joined the said Regiment & three other Regiments, commanded by

Colonels Malcom, Livingston, & Paine, Malcom being the oldest of the four Colonels, acted as Brigadier General & took the command of the four Regiments: Your applicant went from Fish Kill under the before named officers to West Point, where the army remained for two weeks and from thence proceeded to Stony Point, and from thence to Haverstraw and from thence to Tappan and from thence they proceeded back again to Albany County. Your applicant says that he went out as such Substitute for three months and served the full term of three months, that he went out sometime in the month of July in this Year, but is unable to state the day of the month and was discharged sometime in the latter part of October but cannot state the day: Your applicant further says, that, in the year 1781, he again went out, as a Substitute, in the place of Peter Groat in the Militia Service, for four months, under Captain Peter Van Ransalaer, Lieutenant Spencer, commanded by Colonels Marinus Willett, that he at this time lived at Claverack, Albany County, New Columbia & State, of course, and went from there up to a Place now called Herkimer and then Fort Herkimer, in Tryon County, and that he went there under those officers to guard the frontiers of New York State and prevent the Indians from destroying the whigs of this place and different other places in Tryon County and served for the full term of four months, at this time Your applicant says that he went out in the month of August of this year and was discharged sometime in the latter part of November or the December: Your applicant says that he was born in the Town of Johnstown, County of Tryon & State of New York in the year 1767: He has a memorandum of his age in his family Bible, Your applicant says that he is acquainted with the following persons in his neighborhood who can testify to his character as to truth and veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution; to wit;
Your applicant says that he knows of no person or persons with whom he can prove the two terms of two weeks and the other term of three months when he went out for Jonathan Pierce, but is only able to prove the last four months and has no documentary evidence of his 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 the day & year aforesaid in Open Court. G. D. Ferguson, Clerk Philip Graff

We Abraham Van Horn & Chingyman, residing in the Town of Johnstown and Peter Graff residing in the same town hereby Certify that we are well acquainted with Philip Graff, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 64 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. Abraham Van Horn Sworn, and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in Open Court Geo: D. Ferguson, Clerk Peter Graff
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after due investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories presented 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 them that Abraham Abraham Van Horn who has signed the proceeding cer- tificate is a Chingyman — resident in the Town of Johnstown and that Peter Graff who has also signed the same is a resident in the town Johnstown and is a credible person and that their Statement is entitled to Credit.
I George D. Ferguson Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery, County, do hereby certify that the foregoing, contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Philip Graff for a pension.
In the testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 19 th day of September 1832
Geo: D. Ferguson

State of New York Montgomery County ss
Daniel, Graff, being duly sworn says that he is the brother of Philip, Graff, and says that he is now sixty three years of age that he knows that said Philip went out as a Substitute for one William White in the year 1780 sometime in the spring of the year he this deponent says that he this deponent was a boy of ten or eleven years old he lay in garrison at Johnstown until White returned with his father And this deponent further says that his said brother again in the year 1781 went out as a Substitute for one Groat he went out sometime in the month of August he thinks and was gone until cold weather came on He is younger than Philip: He says he understood at the time that his brother had gone up the Mohawk river to Herkimer: This deponent and his brother Philip lived with their father at that time in Claverack Dutchess County: And this deponent says that Philip was quite young when he went out but was very large and active for his age
Sworn & Subscribed this 30 th day of July 1833
Before me Aaron Haring Jus. Pacis.
Daniel his Graff mark
I certify the deponent to be a credible witness. A. Haring

1538 ✓ Ny 3723 7 July 38
Deborah Griffith
Vol 3. p 42. m Aug 7 0 14 53 1. 28 " 4. 06 " 1. 00 Capt 14 Ref 14
8 6 Admants Husband and 19 th Aug. 1837 Admitted
Private 8 mo 6 days 27.32
Moved 15. Apr 1791 Husband and 19. Aug. 1837
Hon J. Edwards HR

State of New York } County of Montgomery } ss:
On this 15 th day of December 1838, personally appeared before me Samuel A. Gilbert one of the Judges of Montgomery County Court Deborah Graff — a resident of Johnstown State and County aforesaid aged 66 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 th 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of Philip Graff who was a private soldier in the United States troops, in the war of the Revolution, and was a Pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress of June 7 th 1832. — She further declares that she was married to the said Philip Graff at Canajoharie by the Rev. Thomas Romeyn on the fifteenth day of April — in the year seventeen hundred and ninety one and that her name, prior to being married was Deborah Wemple, daughter of Barent Wemple and that her husband, the aforesaid Philip Graff died on the nineteenth day of August in the year eighteen hundred and thirty seven at Glen State and County aforesaid; 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. She further declares that her husband, the aforesaid Philip Graff after serving in the United States troops in the said County of Montgomery for which he was pensioned as above stated, removed to the County of Columbia and there was enrolled in the militia and served there in General Van Rensselaer's division a tour of one month for which he, the said Philip Graff stands accredited on old books of credit at the Pension Office, and that for said service she now claims that her Pension Certificate shall be increased beyond what it formerly was to her husband the said Philip Graff. And that her pay certificate was surrendered up at the time of drawing the arrearages of her said husband.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
Deborah her Graff mark
Sam A. Gilbert a Judge of said County

I certify that by reason of bodily infirmities the within named Deborah Greff is unable to appear in open court & that she made her mark having never learned to write & that she is of good Moral character
Saml A. Gilbert a Judge of Montgomery County
State of New York
Montgomery County
Clerks Office p. I do certify that Samuel A. Gilbert in whose name is subscribed to the jurat of the foregoing affidavit & was on the day of the date thereof a Judge of Montgomery County County County And duly authorized by the Laws of said State to administer Oaths and that his Signature subscribed to the same is genuine In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of my Office this 15 th day of December 1838
A. J. Bonner Clerk

State of New York } County of Montgomery } ss.
On this 15 th day of December 1838 personally appeared before me Richard H. Cushman Commissioner of Deeds etc. Peter Smith of Mohawk aged 67, also Barent H. Vrooman of the said town of Mohawk aged 67, who, each being first duly sworn according to Law doth on their oaths, each one separately depose and say, that they became acquainted with Philip Graff soon after the close of the Revolutionary War, also they were acquainted with Deborah Wemple Daughter of Barent Wemple, all residents of Caughnawaga; that on the 15 th day of April in the year seventeen hundred and ninety one the said Philip Graff was married to the said Deborah Wemple at Caughnawaga by the Revd. Thomas Romcyn in presence of these deponents, and that the said Philip Graff was a Pensioner under the act of Congress of June 7 th 1832, and that on the 19 th day of August 1837 the said Philip Graff died at Glen in said County of Montgomery as they have been informed, leaving the said Deborah his widow, and that the said Deborah Graff now claiming a pension is the same woman, the same identical person as above described to have been married to the said Philip Graff; and that she has remained a widow ever since the death of her said husband as above stated.
Peter Smith
Subscribed & sworn to before me } this 15 th day of December 1838 }
Barent H. Vrooman
R. H. Cushman Commissioner of Deeds
Montgomery County ss. I Richard H. Cushman a Commissioner of Deeds in and for said County do certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Peter Smith and Barent H. Vrooman who have subscribed and sworn to the above affidavit and that they are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to full credit. Given under my hand this 15 th day of December 1838.
R. H. Cushman Comt. of Deeds

State of New York Montgomery County
Clerks office ss. I do certify that Richard H. Bussey whose name is subscribed to the final of the foregoing Affidavit was on the day of the date thereof a Commissioner of Deeds for the said County and duly authorized by the Laws of the said State to administer oaths and that his signature subscribed to the same is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of my office this 15 th day of December 1838
A. Gannie Clerk
1538 V. J. July 38 3723
Deborah Guff
  Vol 3. p 42.  10  4    53  1  28    "  4  06    "  1  00    "  1  14    "  1  14        8  6  
Adm. andy Jan 6th 1838 19 th Aug. 1838 Adm. andy
Printed 8 mo 6 days 27.32
Mar 15 1840 1791 Jan 6th 1838 19 th Aug. 1838
14 on J. Edwards H R

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 23154
Deborah Graff wid of Philip Graff Prin New Mass
Act March 3 d 48
Index: Vol. A , Page 292
[Arrangement of 1870.]

New-York- 1538-
Deborah Graff widow of Philip Graff who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 32 and who died on the 19 August 1837 of Herk Co in the State of N. Yk who was a private in the Co commanded by Captain Miller of the Regt — commanded by Col. Graham in the N. Yk — line for 8 mos: 16 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany — at the rate of 27 — Dollars 32 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. & terminating 19 August 1837
Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of March 1843 and sent to E. F. Yates
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
$39.42
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Book A — Vol. 2 Page 79 Clerk,
Rept: Mar: 11. 43 A new certificate has been iss'd in this case see the opinion of the atty: Genl. of the 2d September 1842

Letter to Hon. John Edwards } 18 Feb. 1839 } do. to J. J. Shew, March 13. 1839 " " do. Nov 12. 1839 same day to T. W. Olcott -
New-York (A) 1538 1539
Deborah Graft, widow of Philip Graft, deceased,
who was a pensioner under the Act of June, 1832. and who died on the 19 th August, 1837 of Montgomery in the State of N. York who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Miller of the Regt commanded by Col. Graham in the N. York mil- itia for 8 months 6 days service.
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 27 Dollars 32 Cents per annum. to commence on the 1 st day of March, 1837 20. August 1837-(B)
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 th day of Janu- ary 1839 and sent to Hon. J. Edwards, N. Y.
Arrears to the 1 st of Sept. 1838 - $68:30 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 th Mo. 39 = 13.66
$81:96
{ Act July 7, } { 1838. }
Recorded by S. A. Elliot Clerk, Book Vol. 2 Page 79.

Payment to be made at Albany by J. W. Keott, Esq. Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of Albany
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E. Vol. 4 Page 126 by D. Brown
Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Philip Graff, dec d — of the State of New York — who was a Private in the War of the Revolution
was entitled to receive 27 \frac{32}{100} dollars and _____ 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. Having rec d only $23.33 per ann. & having died Aug. 19. 1837, the difference from the 4th March 1831 on to the day of the death of said Pensioner is payable to the widow. of said dec d .
Given at the War Office of the United States this 23 rd day of Sept. one thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine.
Secretary of War.
Examined and } Countersigned. }
Commissioner of Pensions.

Rev. Act 7. Jan 1832 Philip Graff Suspended
See letter to Geo. D. Ferguson Johnstown N.Y.
18. Oct. 1833

State of New York Montgomery County
ss.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace, Jacob Shew who being duly sworn says, that he was well acquainted with Philip Graff during the period of the Revolutionary. And says that Philip in the summer of 1780 went out in a company of the State Troops for the term of 3 Months, under Captain Christopher Miller, Lieutenant John O'Strander, Ensigns Jeremiah Miller in Col. Graham's Regiment. That he the said Philip Graff went from Claverack then Albany County, now Columbia to Sippon Dots Ferry and then back to Albany and from Albany to Schoharie Schoharie and from there to the Mohawk River and up to the German Flatts or Herkimer That he served as a private and says that he knows that the said Philip served out the three months and this de- ponent further says that Philip Graff was very young at the time he entered the service, but says that he was very young large for for his age and this deponent says that they were in the habit of taking young boys into the service And this deponent says that in the year 1781. he the said Philip again went out for the term of 4 months under Capt Van Rensselaer Lieutenant John Spencer that that he went from Claverack aforesaid to the German Flatts, and served the term of 4 months. And this deponent says that the said Philip Graff is a man of the strictest truth and vera- -city and has has the reputation of being a very honest man and has says he has never heard his word disputed
Subscribed & sworn to This 21st day of Feb 1833
Jacob Shew
Before me & I certify that the within is a credible statement of a respectable person of the farm- of 6 characters. Aaron Haring Justice of the Peace.
Jan 1833

State of New York Montgomery County
George D Ferguson, clerk of
the County of Montgomery do hereby certify that the within affidavit purports to have been made was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the peace in and for said County and I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe that the name thereunto subscribed as such Justice is genuine
Given under my hand and seal of office this Seventh day of December Eighteen hundred and thirty three
George D Ferguson Clerk of open court

Deborah Graff, widow of Philip Graff Make out a certificate under act June 7, 1832 at the rate of $27.32 per Annum & direct Agent to pay at that rate from 4 th March 1831 up to the day of his death viz 19. August 1837 deducting payments made to the decedent

Sept 21
For Hampton Sept 18
J
My
Dear Sir,
Hon. James L. Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

Northampton Fulton County
New York State Sept. 16 th 1839.
Dr. Sir,
In the early part of January last Mrs. Deborah Graff, widow of Philip Graff was placed on the Pension list, at the rate of $27.32 per annum. Her husband was a pensioner under the act of Congress of June 7 th 1832, at the rate of about $23.00 per annum. It has been decided by you, that his widow is entitled to that part which remained unpaid to her husband, to wit: from the 4 th of March 1831 to the 19 th day of August 1837 it being the day of his death. She has here made a declaration for that purpose, which I enclose to you, for your examination, and your most favorable decision will be most thankfully received. As this claim stands in an immediate relation to her former claim, and as it will occupy only a few moments of time to examine it, I trust that it will not be delayed.
I have the pleasure to be with much respect
your friend &c.
John L. Shew
J. L. Edwards Comr. of Pensions
N. B. The Judge before whom she made her declaration has given his opinion as you will find at the close of his certificate &c.

Hon. James L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions
Washington City
D. Col.
This communication to be opened, read- -med and read by the Comm. of Pensions.

Northampton, Fulton County, N.Y. State March 2 nd 1839.
Sir,
Philip Graff was a Pensioner at the rate of twenty three dollars and some odd cents per annum under the Act of June 7 th 1832, and died on the 19 th of August 1837. His widow, (through my influence) has been placed on the pension list at the rate of $27.32 under the Act of July 7 th 1838, her pay to commence on the 20 th of August 1837. Her certificate does not say any thing about the sum which is her due from the 4 th of March 1831 to the day of his death, (August 19 th 1837). I have also received a communication from the pension officer, in the hand writing of Mr. Brown, (I believe) which closes by saying
"The widow of Philip Graff is entitled to the additional allowance of "pension, found on a re-examination of his papers to be due him" "from the 4 th of March 1831 to the day of his death." "To obtain" "which Mrs. Graff must make an application in form under the Act" "of June 7 th 1832." "The Court will certify the facts she may set forth" "in her declaration, viz: that she is the widow of Philip Graff; the day" "of his death, &c."
Now Sir, I would ask, were not these facts fully set forth in her declaration, and attested by witnesses? Also that Judge Gilbert certified that by reason of bodily infirmities she was not able to appear in open court. It is satisfactorily proven to you that she was married to the said Philip Graff within the time specified by the act under which she applied.
Therefore I cannot see any reason why this poor widow should be put to the expense of making another declaration, swearing to the same facts which she has just attested to. I should suppose that a certificate ought to issue from the pension office in her favor, at the rate of $ dollars and $ cents per annum, commencing on the 4 th of March 1831 and terminating on the 19 th of August 1837, which she would surrender up when she would draw the money.
Be pleased Sir, to accept my sincerest thanks for all favors from your office.
An answer will be received with pleasure.
With sentiments of
the highest respect &c.
John J. Shew
The Hon. J. L. Edwards Comr. of Pensions.
The sum which was his due.

Geo. W. Crump Acting Comm. of Pensions
George D. Ferguson Esq. Johnstown New York

War Department
Pension Office
October 18. 1833
Sir,
The papers in support of the application of Philip Graff for a pension have again been examined. The age of the applicant at the time of the alleged service was such as to raise a strong presumption against the validity of his claim; which presumption must be removed by direct proof in regard to that part of it not supported by the affidavit of Sylvanus Wilcox.
The case is suspended, and the papers placed on file —
I am respectfully Your Obet. Servt.
Geo. W. Brien
George D. Ferguson Esq. Johnstown N. York

New York - Albany
Philip Goff on roll under act of June 7. 1882 to what time paid?
V.L.
John Harry Esq. 3 d Auditor office
Died 19 th August 1857 (paid to the day of his death. 3 d Aud t office a.s.

J. L. Edwards Esq. Commr of Pensions Washington D. C.
423

Sir.
I send accompanying this the declaration under the act of 3 rd March 1843, of Deborah Graff widow of Philip Graff deceased.
I am yours truly
G. F. YATES
Albany April 14 th 1843
J. L. Edwards Esq. Committee of Pensions -

Application 423
of Deborah Graft widow of Philip Graft
To be inscribed on the pension Roll under the act of 3 rd March 1843.
Admitted private $27.32
Albany Agency Send to
B. K. LAND Gates Schenectady N.Y.

State of New York Fulton County } ss.
On this first day of April 1843, personally appeared before me the undersigned, one of the Justices of the Peace in & for said County, Deborah Graff a resident of the town of Johnstown in said County, aged forty one years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3 rd March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Philip Graff who served in manner & for the terms set forth in the matter of the application of said Philip Graff for a pension and subsequently of her the said widow under the act of 7 th July 1838. And she further declares that she the said Deborah Graff is still a widow and that the amount of the annual pension she received was $27 32 / 100 .
Witness my hand and seal this first day of April 1843, before me the said Justice of the Peace. I am well acquainted with said Deborah Graff & know her to be the person above described. P. McRae Justice of the Peace.
State of New York County of Fulton } ss. Clerk's Office
I Stephen West Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that Peter McRae the person before whom the foregoing affidavit of Deborah Graff purports to have

been taken was at the date and time of taking the same, an acting Justice of the peace, in and for the said County of Fulton elected and sworn, dwelling in said County, and by the laws of the State of New York duly authorized to take the same, and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe his name subscribed to the same is his genuine signature, In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of said County this 7th day of April 1843
Stephen West Clerk

Feb 1. 1843
Mr.
J. H. [unclear]
Dear
Edwards Esq. Comm ee of Pensions Washington D.C.
Richard Bruff

Deborah Graft
NY.
act 7. July 38
$27.32 from
March 36 to 19
Aug 7 37
Giles F. Yates Esq
Albany
NY

To J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
The undersigned respectfully declares and represents
That ————— Phillip Graff received a pension of $22 per annum under the Act of Congress passed 7 th June 1832 That he departed this life on the 20 th day of August 1837 leaving Debo- rah Graff his widow here surviving — That she also received a pension of $27 32 / 100 per annum under the Act of Congress passed 7 th July 1838 as his widow, but only from the said 20 th day of August 1837 aforesaid, the day on which her said husband died, until the 1 st day of March 1841 — And appli- cation is now made for the balance of her full pay of five years under said Act last named; to wit for her arrear of pay from the 1 st day of March 1836 until the said 20 th day of August 1837 which she has never yet received.
Deborah her  X Graff mark
On this Eleventh day of January 1843 personally appeared before me the subscriber Deborah Graff above named, & who signed the foregoing declaration & made oath that the facts set forth in said declaration by her signed are true & correct.
Peter McHie justice of the Peace of Johnston Fulton County
State of New York Fulton County Clerk's office
P. Stephen Wait Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Peter McHie Esquire the person before whom the above and foregoing

affidavit was taken on this eleventh day of January 1843 and who signed the said certificate or fiat following the said affidavit of Deborah Groff was at the date and time of taking said affidavit a justice of the peace in and for the said County of Fulton elected and sworn, dwelling in said County and by the laws of the State of New York duly authorized to take the same, and further that I am well acquainted with the name writing of the said Justice and verily believe that his signature to the same is genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said County this 11th day of January A.D. 1843
Stephen West Clerk of Fulton County

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir:
You will receive herewith the declaration of Deborah Griff widow of Philip Griff under the act of 7 th July 1838, for her arrear of pay under said act.
I am very respectfully
Your obedt Servt
G. T. Yates
Atty for widow
Albany Jan 27 - 1843

State of New York County of Fulton
On this 4 th day of September 1839, personally appeared before me Thaddeus St. John one of the Judges in and for said County of Fulton; Deborah Graff a resident of Johnstown, aged 67 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 th 1838 entitled An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows; and also the benefit of the Act of Congress of June 7 th 1832 under which her husband was a Pensioner. That she is the widow of Philip Graff, who was a Pensioner of the United States under the said Act of Congress of June 7 th 1832 at the rate of about twenty three dollars per annum.
She further declares that she was married to the said Philip Graff at the time and place as fully set forth in her original declaration, and the testimony of Peter Smith and Barent H. Brooman accompanying the same for which she was pensioned on the 7 th day of January eighteen hundred and thirty nine, at the rate of $27.32 per annum.
Now, therefore, by virtue of either of the above recited acts of Congress, she claims what was due to her husband from the 4 th of March 1831 to the 19 th day of August 1837, it being the day of his death. That is, she claims whatever was due and remained unpaid.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me
Deborah Her X Graff mark
Thaddeus St. John Judge of Fulton County Court
I certify that there are no courts of Common Pleas &c. in and for the said County of Fulton yet established and thereby there has never as yet been any Seal for said County established; yet if there had been, the above named Deborah Graff , by reason of bodily infirmities, is not able to attend in open Court, and that she subscribed her name, by making her mark to the above declaration in my presence, and that she uniformly sustains an irreproachable character, and I give it as my opinion that her claim is just and ought to be allowed.
Sep r 4 th 1839
Thaddeus St. John Judge &c.

State of New York Secretary's Office
I certify that Thaddeus St. John before whom the preceding affidavit of Deborah Graft was made was on the day of the date thereof a Judge of the County Courts of the County of Fulton in this State duly commissioned and sworn and residing in the said County - that the signature "Thaddeus St. John" to the jurat of the said Affidavit and also to the preceding Certificate is the proper hand writing of the said Judge and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to his Official acts
Given under my hand and the seal of this office at the City of Albany the 12 th day of September A. D. 1839.
Arch d Campbell Dep. Secretary

Additional affidavit of Philip Graff
State of New York Montgomery County ss.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace in & for said County Philip Graff who being duly sworn says that in making his first declaration he did not give such a detailed statement of his services as he is now able to give and at that time was hindered to give. He says that he was very young when he went out into the service, the first time he went out was in the year 1779. Some time in the month of August, and was then in the twelfth year of his age and was very large for his age and of the size of most men. He went out for one Conrad, Stein, as a Substitute. Stein was unable to go and therefore hired him your applicant. Your applicant says that he went from his Johnstown to a Military Block House in the Town of Mayfield under Capt Pettibone belonging to Colonel Newkirk's Regiment, whither this company went for the purpose of keeping garrison and says he remained there on duty for 44 days as a private. In the month of June in the year 1780 he again went out as a Substitute for one William White, often Coughnawaga was burnt, which was on the twenty second day of May in the same year. Your applicant's Father was about preparing to move from Johnstown in the vicinity of Coughnawaga to a place called near Nobletown in the County of Albany at that time New Columbia County. White was then in the service at Johnstown under Capt Walter Brown and who was a resident of the place called Nobletown, the country being new, White offered to go with my Father & his family as a guide provided your applicant would remain and serve in his place, the Capt did not refuse to accept him your applicant as a Substitute, he remained in the service until White returned which was 14 days.

For 3 months I served as a Substitute as stated by me in my declaration and says that after they returned back again to Albany as stated by him in his declaration, he went from Albany (which was not stated by him in his declaration) to Schoharie where he lay in Garrison, and sometimes went out in Scouts while he lay at that place. He was out on three Scouts, at one time he went out to Towlough, at another time at Kobie Hill and at an other time to Duguesborough. While he lay there under the officers named in his declaration, the enemy under the command of Sir John Johnson & Col. John Butler, attacked the Fort with about Eight hundred com- posed of Indians & Tories, this was about the sixteenth day of October 1780. The attack was made a little after sun- rise in the morning. Your applicant was on guard on the mud wall, a little before day light in the morning he discovered a fire at a small distance from the Fort & in a few moments he saw many more springing up in every direction, where upon he called the Serjeant of the Guard and the the Serjeant of the guard told the head officer that there was fire, by orders then the long Roll was beat and the men turned out on the parade. Forty men then immediately volunteered to go and see what fire it was and your appli- cant says that all stepped forward to go, when forty were called off and went under the Com Lieut Spencer. After going about four or five hundred yards they met the advanced of the enemy, where they stood and fired three rounds and then retreated back to the Fort without the loss of a man. After the forty men returned, they were again sent out to guard a Barn containing a large quantity of grain which had been carried there by the farmers to save from being burnt by the enemy.

one of this party that went out to guard the Barn, was killed. They opened a fire upon the Fort by a small piece of Cannon our men had no post hole on that side of the Fort opposite which the enemy were stationed. They had two six pounders and for the purpose of seeing them and they raised a platform and fired once when they the enemy retreated. After that they assembled again at Peter Beckers house and then sent a flag for the purpose of having our men surrender the Fort, the head officers of our Fort forbade firing and were ready to surrender the Fort; when a man by the name of Murphy a genuine Whig swore that the flag should not come in for he would as soon die by the hands of his own officers as by the enemy, for he could ask for no quarters from the enemy and that if they surrendered he was sure that no mercy would be shown him and he would be killed. Murphy fired three times at the flag, after that they went away looting and destroying buildings & cattle.
In the year 1780 he served four months under the officers as stated by me in my declaration; After having at Fort Schuyler he lay there on duty, and went out on an expedition against Rapp, went north from that Fort to the Royal Grants, on the first day night they encamped in the wilderness within a mile of the enemys camp, and the next morning they struck the rear of the enemys and took twenty or thirty of their horses and some prisoners and pursued them to the West Canada creek. When our men & the enemy had an engagement, when Capt. Butler one of the enemy was killed, and the next day they returned. The militia were under the command of Col. Milet this last tour of four months.
Sworn & Subscribed this 8 th day of July 1823
Before me Aaron Haring Justice of the Peace

Sub Vol 34-4 days in 1780
" 152 28 1/2
" 153 10 1/2
Capt. J. S. ... 4, 6 1784
Admitted
Private 3 months
1.6
4
28
10
4.06
28
8.6
Geo. D. Ferguson Esq. Johnstown New York

State of New York Montgomery County ss
Sylvanus Wilcox being duly sworn says that he is now seventy one years of age, that he knows that Philip, Graff did serve during the revolutionary war in a company of which one Van Rinselaer was captain, the company was for the greater part of the time under the command of Ensign John Spencer. He says that the said Philip did serve at Fort Herkimer, and at an old stone mill at The Little Falls. This was in the year 1781. He says that he cannot state precisely the time that he first saw him the said Philip, but knows it was during the latter part of the summer and that he was discharged sometime in the month of December. He the deponent says that he served with said Philip and became acquainted with him while in the service. He says that they were under the command of Col. Willet, who commanded the militia along the Mohawk at that time. He says that Philip was quite a young boy & larger in size than boys commonly are at his age and was very active. He cannot state positively how long he did serve but it must have been between three and four months.
Sworn & Subscribed this 29 th day of July 1833 Before Aaron Haring Jus Pacis
Sylvanus Wilcox Certify the deponent to be a credible & respectable Witness & person A. Haring
State of New York Montgomery County ss
I George D Ferguson clerk of the County of Montgomery do hereby certify that Aaron Haring Esquire before whom the affidavits of Sylvanus Wilcox Daniel Graff and the additional affidavit of Philip Graff purport to have been sworn, was on the day of the date of the same a justice of the peace in & for said County; and I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said justice and verily believe the name thus subscribed to each affidavit as such justice to be genuine.
Given under my hand & seal of office this 31 st day of July 1833
Geo: D. Ferguson.