Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 13199, Abner Griffis, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Griffis, Abner
S. 13199
Carded
CONTENTS

New-York 11.4.19 Pennsylvania
Abner Griffith
of Susquehanna in the State of Pennsylvania who was a Captain in the Company commanded by Captain Shaw of the Regt commanded by Col. ... in the New Jersey Militia
12 Mo 11 3/4 Private - 45.31
Inscribed on the Roll of - Pennsylvania at the rate of 45 Dollars 31 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 th day of May and sent to - 1833 Isa Vinnick - Montrose, Pa
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 - 90.62 Semiant. allowance ending 4 Sept " 22.65
113.27
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. S. Sprague Clerk, Book 8 Vol. 5 Page 21

25 Feby 1834 see let to the Hon: S. Page H o Reps - relg informal app n for transfer & enclosing printed form -
29. March '34 see let: to Pen: agts to know when back 20 -
April 3 d 1834 trans d to New York, fm: 4 Sept 1833 - and notice sent to Abijah H Beach Un= =adilla, Otego County, N. York
7 th same month -
1888 Feby 4 Alner Guffis - history Prior

Sep - 26.
Abner Griffith Pension Application
18830

State of Pennsylvania } Susquehanna county ss. }
On this tenth day of September A.D. 1832. personally appeared in open court before William Thomson and David Simson Esquires, associate judges of the court of common pleas of said county, now sitting Abner Dripps, a resident of Bridgeville township, county of Susquehanna, and State of Pennsylvania. aged seventy eight years. Who being 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 th 1832. —
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as hereinafter sta- ted, to wit:—
That he volunteered in the Militia at Little Hoosack, in Albany county, and State of New York, some- time in the year 1775, as first corporal, in a company commanded by Capt. Samuel Shaw and marched to Stephen- town sometime in March after Tories were out two weeks called a gain went to Saratoga and was out again three weeks called a gain and went to Fort Edward was out four weeks called a gain in the spring of 1776 and went to Old Hoosac Commanded By Capt. Caleb Bently was out three weeks served as first corporal under Capt Bently then left the service Called a gain went to Fort Edward was out four weeks Called a gain went to Boosinkill was out three weeks — a gain went to Old Hoosac was out two weeks and a gain went to Old Hoosac one week and Called a gain in the first part of the year 1777 went to Fort Edward was gone four weeks and a gain and went to Stephenstown was gone one week Called a gain in 1778 went to Boosinkill was gone four weeks and a gain went to Fort Edward and was out three weeks and a gain went to Security and out three weeks a gain went to Boosinkill and was out three weeks

Called a gain went to Phillips town was out two weeks and a gain went to Stephen town was out one week and a gain went to Fort Ann and was out four weeks and a gain went to Phillips town and from there to Schenon was out three weeks and a gain in 1781 went to Old hoose and from there to Pittstown and was out two weeks and a gain and went to Phillips town and was out two weeks.
He hereby relinquishes every Claim to a pension or annuity Except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension rolls of any state, He states that he has no documentary evidence and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure to testify to his Service.
Sworn and subscribed in open Court Sept 10 th 1832 Asa D. Dinsmore
Abner by Griffith Mark
We, David Dinsmore and Luther Hallam, of the Township of Bridgewater, Susquehanna County, & State of Pennsylvania, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Abner Griffith, who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing declaration, and we believe him to be seventy eight years old — 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 the opinion. —
Sworn to, and subscribed in open Court — this tenth day of Sept. Anno Domini 1832 David Dinsmore Luther Hallam
Asa D. Dinsmore

And the 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 stated. The Court further certify, that Davis Dinnock who has signed the preceding Certificate is a Clergyman resident in the township of Bridgewater, Susquehanna County - and that Luther Hallam, who has also signed the same is a resident of the same place and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
By the Court.
Asa Dinnock Pres
State of Pennsylvania
Susquehanna County ss
I Asa Dinnock a Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Abner Griffith for a pension.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at Montrose the tenth day of September A D 1832.
Asa Dinnock Pres

Application for Transfer of pension
State of New York } Otsego County } 1834
On this sixth day of March 1834 before me the subscriber a justice of the Peace for the said County of Otsego
Personally appeared Abner Griffith who on his oath declares that he is the person who formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Captain Caleb Bentley (the Regiment not recollected) in the service of the United States - that his name was placed on the Pension Roll of the State of Pennsylvania from whence he has lately removed - that he now resides in the Town of Unadilla in the County of Otsego - State of New York where he intends to remain and wishes his pension to be there payable in future the following are his reasons for removing from Pennsylvania to the State of New York as aforesaid viz that he has no family or property now left in Pennsylvania or any means of supporting himself there - And has removed to Unadilla aforesaid to reside with his Son who is to provide and take care of him in his old age - he being unable to provide for himself, being 79 years old
Sworn & subscribed to before me the day & year aforesaid Gilbert Lane J.P.
Abner Griffith
State of New York } Otsego County } 1834
Solomon Griffith of Unadilla in Otsego County personally appeared before me the undersigned justice of Peace in & for said County and on being duly sworn according to law doth say that he is personally well acquainted with the above named Abner Griffith who is his Father - And that he well knows him to be the same person who is therein named and who signed the same Affidavit this day in presence of him the said Solomon -
Sworn & subscribed before me this 6th day of March 1834 Gilbert Lane J.P.
Solomon Griffith

State of New York } Otsago County } ss
The within named Justice of Peace do hereby certify that Solomon Griffis who has this day subscribed & sworn to the within Affidavit before me - is personally known to me as a reputable Citizen and as a Man of truth & veracity & a Lawfull & a Creditable Witness.
Gilbert Cope J. Peace
State of New York } Otsago County ss
I Horace Lathrop, Clerk of the said County, do hereby certify, that Gilbert Cope Esquire, before whom the foregoing Affidavits of Abner Griffis & Solomon Griffis purport to have been severally sworn, was, at the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Otsago. That I am acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the said Affidavits, and to the above Certificate, to be his genuine Signatures. Witness my hand, and Seal of Office the 8 th day of March 1834. -
Horace Lathrop, Clerk.

To Clerk of Otago County at Cooperstown — please affix your Certificate & seal Return it by next Mail and charge your fees to me — A. H. Beach Paid 10

16630 Aner Griffith Susquehanna Co. Pennsylvania
Admitted
12 mos. 11 days
$ 45.31
Asa Dimock Montrose Susquehanna County Penns.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Abner Griffith Susquehanna County Penn.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Vol. 1775 14 Corporal None given Age 78 Littleblood ack. Allay Co. N. York Traditionary   21 " — —   28 " — —   1776 21 " — —   28 " — —   21 " — —   14 " — —   1777 28 " — —   7 " — —   1778 28 " — —   21 " — —   21 " — —   21 " — —   14 " — —   7 " — —   28 " — —   21 " — —   14 " — —   14 " — —  
I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
80/331 112-11

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ 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 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) 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.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ 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.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
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 them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. 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. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
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 papers 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.
Proof of Service.
[j] 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 claimant's 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 official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
□ The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

M.E.E.
October 17, 1928
Lewis C. Van Nostrand 410 W. 3rd Street Los Angeles, California
Sir:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 13199, it appears that Abner Griffis enlisted at Little Hoosack, Albany County, New York, and served at various times, amounting to twelve months and eleven days in all, from 1775, to and including 1781, as a first corporal in Captains Samuel Shaw's and Caleb Bently's New York Companies.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 10, 1832, while a resident of Bridgewater Township, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, aged seventy-eight years.
In 1834, he was living in Unadilla, Otsego County, New York, where he had moved to live with his son, name not given. A son, Solomon Griffis, was a resident of Unadilla, New York, in 1834. There are no further family data on file.

Due to the very large number of inquiries similar to yours, and the lack of a clerical force available for the purpose, the bureau is unable to make immediate reply to each request pertaining to soldiers of the Revolutionary War. Letters are being answered as rapidly as possible in order of receipt.
Respectfully,
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.

19. March 1832 (On a dilla) 13th (March) appt. for a transfer
free
War Department
Pension Office
Washington City
Mr Stewart
Abner P. L. 60

Unadilla Otsego County State of New York 13 th March 1834
Enclos d is the application of Abner Griffin for Transfer of his pension with additional evidence as directed) —
Yours respectfully
Ebenezer H. Beach
Pension Office

In reply to your request of _____, received a statement of the military history of Abner Griffin 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. 13,199.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1775- Served at various times up to and including 1781, amounting to 12 mos. 18 das. Corpl. Samuel Shaw Caleb Bently ✓ ✓ N.Y.  
Battles engaged in, ✓
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Enl at Little Hossack, Albany Co. N.Y.
Date of application for pension, Sept. 10, 1832. His cl. was at.
Residence at date of application, Bridgewater Twp., Susquehanna Co., Pa.
Age at date of application, 78 yrs.
Remarks: A son, name not stated Solomon, resided at Unadilla, Otsego Co., N.Y. in 1834.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

54 7
30 ) 378 ( 12 - 30 78 60 18
9 wks.
13.
18
14.
4 ) 54.
13 mos 4 wks.
12 mos

Department of the Interior. PENSION OFFICE.
Washington, D.C. _____, 188

Abner Griffin
In his declaration for a pension, dated in Sept 1832 he stated that he was residing in Bridgewater, Susquehanna Co Penn aged 78 years - Sometime in 1775 he volunteered in the Militia at Little Hoosick in Albany (probably now in Rensselaer) County N.Y. where  3 weeks served as 1 st Corp in A Company Com d by Capt Samuel Shaw which marched to Stephentown after hostile tones he was about two weeks - He also at different times was on duty for 2 weeks at Saratoga & 4 weeks at Fort Edward
In the Spring of 1776 under the Com d of Caleb Bently as 1 st Corp d , he was marched to  to Old House 3 weeks - to Fort Edward 4 weeks - to Poorinkill 3 weeks - to Old House 3 weeks
In early part of 1777 he went to Fort Edward 4 weeks & to Stephentown 1 week
In 1778 he marched Poorinkill 4 weeks - to Fort Edward 3 weeks - to New City 3 weeks - to Poorinkill 3 weeks - to Philipsburg 2 weeks - Stephentown 1 week - to Fort Ann 4 weeks - to Philipsburg & Lebanon 8 weeks
In 1781 to Old House & Pitsloun 2 weeks & Philipsburg 2 weeks
He did not state that he was a minute man, but the character of his service was like that usually required from the subject by young bands of enrolled or Clapsfield Militia who were to be called out on alarm against Tories & Indians to range the country & to watch their movement to protect the Settlement - He did not mention any conflicts with hostile parties - He did not mention the place or date of his birth or any residence other than has been given
In 1834 he removed to Unadilla, Otsego Co NY to live with his Son, as he had no family of his own

Stamp Enclosed
410 - N. 3 d St.
Second Request.
Los Angeles, Calif.
Oct. 9 th 1928
Mr. Winfield Scott, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
I am writing you for information concerning one, ABNER GRIFFIS , who was a soldier in "The Revolutionary War," enlisted from somewhere in New Jersey and again from Albany County New York, Was on the pension roll at Unadilla, N.Y. in 1840.
Would like to know the name of town and state in which he was born, married, date of death and location. Names of parents, their date of birth, location, date of marriage, location, date of death and location. Reason for same, my wife is a direct descendant of said Abner Griffis and desires this information in order to complete her 'family record'.
Awaiting an early reply and thanking you in advance for your courtesy.
I remain,
Yours very truly,
Lewis C. Van Nostrand

Already ans. 10/7/28.
Los Angeles, Calif. Sept. 22, 1928
Mr. Winfield Scott, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
The information I seek concerns one, ABNER GRIFFIS , a soldier of "The Revolutionary War" Was on the pension roll in 1840, (age given as 88) at UNADILLA, OTSEGO CO. N.Y.
Am desirous to know the name of the town and State in which he was born, and in which he was married, also the names of his parents, and the date of his death. If you have any or all of this information, same would be very much appreciated.
Reasons for same is for my wife's "family record" who is a direct descendant of said Abner Griffis.
Thanking you in advance,
I remain, yours very truly.
Lewis C. Van Nostrand. 410- W. 3 d St.

Montrose Luz. Co. Pa. Jan 26. 1888
Blas F. G. Jr. Commissioner of Pensions - Dear Sir -
I am desirous of learning what I can of the early residence of my Grand Father Abner Griffith who died in Otsego Co. N.Y. state in 1874 - aged 87 years - and was a Pensioner of the U.S.
The only paper relating to his Pension that I have been able to get hold of is a notice from the War Dept. dated April 3 rd 1834 saying "you have this day been transferred from the Roll of Pennsylvania to that of New York total effect from and after the 4 September 1833"
Signed P. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions. In some circumstances I am Mr.

clined to think he was not in (as I supposed) the regular Army, but was a Minute Man at home - (so called) Was there any distinction between a Soldier and a Minute Man?
I would be very pleased to learn at what date he went into the service, and if on draft or otherwise.
And when he left it: What pay he drew while in, and at what date he was allowed a Pension and how much and how much back pay did he get if any -
And most particularly I desire to learn his residence at the time he went into service for the Government, and would be glad to learn of his nativity but fear you have not that. It is in information for family History that I am seeking -
My Grand Father Abner Griffis had a Brother Stephen Griffis
who I think was a Pensioner, but am not sure of that. The most that I ever knew of them was from 1820 to 1830 -
Whatever information could be got from your office will be gratefully received. Very truly Yours
A. Griffis Abner Griffis
A. Griffis is my usual S.G. Name after my Grand Father

Rev War
13199 INVALID.
File No. 13,199
Abner Griffith Bw. & Corp. Rev. War
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. _____, Page _____
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1913, Aug. 20. History to Fr. Mrs. Ida B. Clancy. Letter with cl. W. 21286, Selah Heart.
1928 - Oct 17 list to Lucia C. Van Nostrand M. E. C.