Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 3427, Samuel J Griffith, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Griffith Samuel J.
S 3427
banded
CONTENTS

Chic Pittsburgh 22 6/15
Samuel J. Griffith
of Cincinnati in the State of Ohio.
who was a P. Supt. in the C. commanded by Captain Smith of the Regt. commanded by Col. VanDike in the Wood River line for 1 mo. 45 days.
Inscribed on the Roll of Ohio Pensions at the rate of 53. Dollars 33. Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 th day of Nov. 1833 and sent to E. Winton Elyria, Lorain Co. Ohio.
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 1833 - 133.33. Semi-ant. allowance ending 4th Mar 34. 26.67
$160.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Not June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm Palmer Clerk.
Book E. V. 8 Page 112.

see letter to Pensioner Sept. 18, 1836 see letters 11 Feb. 1836 to P. Agt. & E. Parker, & cert: unlawfull withheld)
Dead
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of 6. April 1838 from 4 th March to 25 Decr 1838. Agt Notified 28 Decr 1842

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
Jany 8 th , 1842.
Sir:
Under the date of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," The child of Samuel Griffith, dec d , a Pensioner on the Roll of the Pittsburgh, Pa. Agency, at the rate of Fifty three Dollars and 33 Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March to the 25 Dec. 1838.
Respectfully, yours,
Albion H. Harris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

Amendments to claim J Griffiths Pension Papers
5 m I commenced my service in the Month of January 1777 by an enlistment for the Period of five Months under Capt John Smith of the State of New York and served said five months as an Orderly Sergeant in said Capt Smiths Company of Troops That just before the five months Service Expired Capt Smith deserted and I could get no written discharge nor pay That the whole of this five months enlistment was faithfully served by me as an orderly sergeant in the year Bunkerhill was taken I think on the 16th of October 1777 my Service I know were in that year as I have stated and that During the whole five months Service I was not engaged in any civil pursuit but faithfully devoted my services to my country as a Soldier of the Revolution -
5 m In June 1777 and on the 15th of the Month I volunteered in a Militia Corps and served as a volunteer as a private Soldier from the fifteenth of June 1777 to the 15th of November 1777 being a period of five months Service as a private Soldier and was during said five months Service commanded by Capt Nathan Herrick in Col Vanderkils Regiment and I earned twelve Dollars towards my Wages which said five months I served faithfully as a Private Soldier and was not during any part of said time engaged in any civil pursuit but was wholly devoted to and in the Service of my country as a faithful Soldier of the Revolution

In the year 1778 I served as a Private Soldier for the Period of one month, in a Militia Company to guard the Frontiers West of Saratoga & on the Borders of the Lake This Service of one Month was in the month of September 1778 During the whole of the month of September 1778 I served faithfully as a Private Soldier and I was not during the said month at any time engaged in any civil pursuit but was wholly devoted to the Service of my country as a Soldier of the Revolution This one month was served under Capt Elisha Gilbert
1 m 15 D y In the fall of the year 1779 I served from the 1st of October to the 15th of November being one Month & 15 days as a Private Soldier as a frontier guard this month and 15 days was served on the Mohawk River near a Place called Johnstown This whole month and a half was faithfully served by me as a Private Soldier in Capt. Herrick's Company as I have State in the months of October and November of the year 1779 commencing on the 1st of the Month of October and ending the 15th of November 1779 and that during the said month and a half I was not engaged in any civil pursuit whatever but at any time and service was wholly devoted to the Service of my country as a Soldier of the Revolution
In the year 1780 I served one Month in the City Guard in the City of Albany under Capt Jonathan Warner, that this one month

was served as a Private Soldier and that I faithfully served said month and was not at any Part of said month engaged in any Civil pursuit whatever but wholly devoted my time and services to my Country as a faithful Soldier of the Revolution
That I have served thirteen months and a half in the War of the Revolution as above stated and that my services commenced on the first of January 1777 and between that time and the first of January 1781 as herein above particularly stated under the officers named and that during the said thirteen months I served five months as an orderly sergeant and eight months and a half I served as a Private Soldier during the period above stated that I claim a pension for the said thirteen months and a half service and no more as herein stated and set forth in this amendment of my Declaration herewith attached
Finchurst October 31st A.D. 1833
State of Ohio Lorain County ss
Subscribed and sworn to before me Josiah Harris Associate Judge
I do hereby certify that in consequence of extreme old age and bodily infirmity of the above named Varnum J. Griffith he is unable to attend in open court Finchurst October 31st A.D. 1833 Josiah Harris one of the Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for Lorain County

State of Ohio Lorain County } ss
I, Ebenezer Whiton Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Lorain in the State of Ohio do hereby certify that Josiah Harris who has taken and subscribed the within and foregoing Deposition and Papers was at the time and date of the taking thereof an acting Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County of Lorain in the State of Ohio and that the Signature thereto is his genuine Signature In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and Seal of Office this 7th day of November A D 1833
Ebenezer Whiton Clerk

William Griffith Declaration in order To Obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832
Library of Congress 407

State of Ohio Lorain County ss
On this 27 th Day of March 1883 Maj. Genl. Harris of the Militia of Ohio Personally before the Court of Common Pleas now sitting
in and for the County of Lorain, Samuel J. Griffith Resident of Oberlin in the County of Lorain and State of Ohio aged Twenty six 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 9 th 1832 That he enlisted into the Army of the United States into the five months service - this was in the year that the war began was taken but cannot recall the month, he enlisted as and there by Sargant under Capt. John Smith and served the full time but took no discharge nor pay for that about one week before the expiration of the enlistment the Capt. Disbanded and the Company could get no papers or pay on that account he further says that in the month of June the same year he volunteered in the Militia Corps under Capt. Nathan Herrick in Col Vance's Regiment served at Lake George and Still Water part of the time and part of the time was Detached as a Pioneer under Capt. in Thud in Greenbush and was discharged the latter part of November of the same year & then due dollars towards my wages in the year following I served in Volunteer Company of Militia one month to guard the Northern part of Sandusky on Sandusky Lake this I think was in the month of September I served under Capt. Elisha Gilbert there were two companies of this guard the other Company was commanded by Captain in the Militia  Bastwick The next call following I served another tour on the Maumee River near Johnstown the month of October and half of November under Capt. Daniel Harrison as a Frontier Guard and in the year following served one month in the City Guard in the City of Albany under Captain Jonathan Warner That during the period of my service I was in the surround with the Indians at Fort Defiance near what was called the Half way Brook in which Capt. of  Harrison was wounded by a shot through the lower part of the body

following service in the The City of Albany under Captain Jonathan Warner That during the period of my service I was in the Skirmish with the Indians at Fort Edwards near what was called the half way Brook in which Capt. Warner was wounded by a shot through the lower part of the body
and died the 2nd day afterwards. one William Goster was wounded at the same time through the nose and eye but recovered this took place the year of Burgoyne's surrender in the same year I was in an other Skirmish the Col. commanded by Capt. Samuel Green which took place some time in the month of August on Jeffery's Porten in which we took one Indian Prisoner and a white man by the name of Ferguson
Ques. put by the Judge
1. where and in what year were you born Answer I was born in the Town of Dartmouth in Massachusetts the 13th day of June 1755 At 2 hours after nine o'clock of your age as if so when is it and none
2. Where were you living when called into service where have you lived since the Revolutionary War and when do you now live Answer When I was called into service I lived in Saratoga in the State of New York since the Revolution I have lived on Delaware in the County of Delaware about six years and lived on the Susquehanna in County of Schenectady about three years I lived north of Albany in Montgomery County about three years and lived in Canadagua in the County of Ontario State of New York ten or twelve years and in the Town of Perry in the County of Orleans in the State of New York about six or seven years I then lived in the County of Cuyahoga in the State of Ohio about three years and now live in Auburn in this County as above stated
3. Did you ever have a still charge and if so what has become of it
Answer I never had any such charge I will name Rev. Caleb Ormsbee and Leonard Johnson Esq. as witnesses as to my character for truth & veracity
Thomas J. Griffith mother
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written before me Josiah Harris Associate Judge

I will name Revd Caleb Ormsbee and Leonard Johnson Esqr as witnesses as to my character for truth & veracity etc.
Samuel J. Griffith with
Subscribed to and acknowledged the Day and year above written before me
Josiah Harris Associate Judge
We Caleb Ormsbee a Clergyman Residing in the Township of Ashford and nearest Clergyman to the above applicant and in the same Township and Royal Barney Residing in the same Township hereby certify that we are well acquainted Samuel J. Griffith who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration that we believe him to be Twenty Seven years of age that he is Respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion Given and subscribed the 15th day of April AD 1833
Before me Eben: Whiton Clerk
Caleb Ormsbee Royal Barney
Where the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after finding the evidence before 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 Caleb Ormsbee who has signed the preceding Certificate is a Clergyman Residing in the Township of Ashford in this County and that Royal Barney who has also signed the same is a Resident in the same Township aforesaid and is a Respectable person and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I, Charles Whitten Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Franklin and State of Ohio do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of Josiah Harris one of the Associate Judges of said Court who took the declaration of the applicant of record his reason of the infirmity of the applicant and of the said Court in the matter of the application of Samuel J. Griffith for a pension in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal at office this 18th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty nine. Charles Whitten Clerk
I Josiah Harris an associate Judge, before whom the foregoing declaration was made and subscribed do hereby certify that, in consequence of extreme old age and bodily infirmity of the above named Samuel J. Griffith, he is unable to attend in open court.
Josiah Harris Associate Judge

22.615.
Samuel J. Griffith Ohio
Return
Adm 1. yr 1. Mo 15 days. 5 Months thereof
Perf. — — —
 42.  26. 66 2/3  1. 97   53. 33 2 1/2   105. 66.  26. 67   133. 33 
E. Whiton Elyria Loraine County Ohio

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
16 th August 1833
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 subjjoined 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, showing the Service of Samuel J. Griffith
   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.     1777. June " 5 Sergeant Capt. Ino Smith Capt. Herrick Lieut. Vandike 77 years Canada N. York Traditionary.   1778 5. 15 Capt. E. Gilbert " Herrick " Marmad   1.   1. 15   1.  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1862.
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.
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 7 th , 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 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 [blank] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] 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, (1) 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 inquiry 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 required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper 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 fix 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.

February 9, 1931
Helen M. Fox 1122 2nd Street Lorain, Ohio
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section EEL Am
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.3427 , that Samuel J. Griffith was born June 13, 1755, in Dartmouth, Massachusetts.
While residing in Canaan, New York, he enlisted and served with the New York Troops as follows: from January 1, 1777, five months as orderly sergeant in Captain John Smith's Company; from June 15, 1777, as a private in Captain Nathan Herrick's Company, Colonel Van Dyck's Regiment, and was discharged November 15, 1777; from sometime in September, 1778, one month as private in Captain Elisha Gilbert's Company, and guarded the frontiers; from October 1, 1779, as private in Captain Daniel Herrick's Company, again guarding the frontiers, and was discharged November 15, 1779; from sometime in 1780, exact date not shown, one month as private in Captain Jonathan Warner's Company, and acted as guard in the city of Albany. He stated that he was in two skirmishes with the Indians, one of which was at Fort Edward, and that he received wounds in the service, nature of wounds and engagements in which they were received, not given. not so!
After the Revolution, he resided on the Delaware River in Delaware County, state not given, about six years; on the Susquehanna River, in Chenango County, state not given, about three years; north of Albany, in Montgomery County, no state given, about three years; in Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York, about ten or twelve years; in Barre, Orleans County, New York, about six or seven years; in Cuyahoga County, Ohio three years; and

then in Amherst, Lorain County, Ohio.
He was allowed pension on his application executed March 27, 1833, while residing in Amherst, Ohio.
He died December 25, 1838.
In 1834, a son, Judah Griffith, is referred to. His age and the name of his mother are not given. In 1835, one Duty Griffith made affidavit in Lorain County, Ohio, in support of soldier's claim, no relationship to soldier shown.
The above is the history of the only soldier named Samuel Griffith, who received pension while residing in the State of Ohio, found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.
Date of death taken from statement of payment of accrued pen to heir.

1931 - Feb. 9 - Rec'd to Helen M. Foy - EEF Letter in case David Foy 5-22-17
Reuben
3427
INVALID.
File No. 3427
Samuel Griffith Sergt Rev War
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. A , Page 149
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Oct 10
Elyria O Oct 13
Free
Mr. attention Sam J. Griffith Mrs Ohio
22515
J. L. Edwards Esq Pension Department Washington D. C.

Elyria Oct 1. 1835
J. J. Edwards Esq. Sir
Saml J Griffiths has employed me to forward the enclosed papers to the Pension Department. He found correct, please inform me, what Vouchers will be necessary to obtain the money at Pittsburgh, as we cannot give a Copy of the Certificate, it being detained as per affidavits -
Yours Obedt Servt E. S. Hamlin

Feb 4.
226/15
John P. ...
FREE
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Merch le & Manuf le ? Bank Pittsburgh 30 th Jan y . 1836
Sir
I have this day paid the Pension of Samuel J. Griffith, whose Certificate is illegally withheld - And herewith transmit one copy of the evidence adduced.
Altho' I was explicit in my instructions to the Pensioner he has misunderstood me, and repeated the testimony on each Sett. I believe however that the voucher will be found correct.
I am, Sir, very respectfully
Your ob t Serv t .
for Mr. Terman Pr. Rev. ag. J. H. McLean
J. B. Edwards Esq. Commission of Pensions Washington

Free
J. G. Edwards Esq War Department Pension Office Washington D.C.
Aug 19. N.Y.

John G. Edwards Esq. (New Zealand Aug 6. 1835)
In pursuance of the direction given in your letter of June 1. I herewith enclose the Affidavits of Jacob & Samuel Griffith, in relation to the illegal detention of the Pension Certificate of said J. Griffith. Also a Certificate of his identity.
Being no longer a Magistrate myself, I have procured the Certificate of Joseph Harriz a Magistrate living in Lorain County.
The proper Vouchers will immediately be forwarded to the Agent at Pittsburgh for which to obtain the amount due.
I am Respectfully Your Obedient Servant
Fredk Whittelsey
The intimation in the enclosed papers came in consequence of my not being informed of the change in the residence of the said Samuel Griffith, at the time of making out the Blanks to be filled by said Magistrate.

Nov. 25. 1834 Post Office
Free
Hon Lewis Cass
War Department
Washington D.C.
Eliza O? Nov 173

Elyria Nov 17 th 1834
Hon Lewis Cop
Sir
Enclosed are the affidavits in the case of Samuel J Griffiths Revolutionary Pensioner made out in pursuance of the forms sent on from the Department In consequence of the letter being written to Griffiths it (the letter) lay in the Office here a long time & after the affidavits were finally made out they were mislaid by mistake or they would have been forwarded long since. I sincerely hope the old man will be placed in a situation to receive his pension so long withheld at the next pay day
Resp Yours
Fredk Whittelsey

ms. at - May 29
FREE James L Edwards Esq
War Department Pension Office Washington City

Elyria May 20 th 1835
Jos L Edwards Esq Sir
Yours of Feb 23 rd 1835
came to hand during my absence from home & I have not had an opportunity to write in reply until now. I retained no copy of the affidavits forwarded to the Dep t in the case of Samuel I Griffith as I supposed that the duplicates which were thus forwarded were all that the case required. Therefore I cannot now make out another duplicate which shall be exactly like them for the Agency at Pittsburg. Will you return one set of those forwarded if not wanted at the Department or a copy that the same may be executed by Griffith & sent to the Agency at Pittsburg. Mr Griffith is very anxious to obtain his pension which altho long since granted him has thus far been detained by the roguery conduct of his former agent & attorney Parker in detaining from him his papers
(Over)

Will you be kind enough to write on rec d of this & forward me the duplicate or a copy
Yours Resp.
Fredk Whittelsey

Nov 20 Elyria O Nov 10 th
Free 3
J. L. Edward Esq Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington
226/12

Elyria November 10th 1834
H. L. Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions Sir I have been informed that there has been a letter addressed to you upon the subject of General Griffiths Pension papers by a Miss Link of the Land in this place in which I am told that I am in some measure implicated, - To obviate which if any, and to procure information upon that subject, is the object of this communication, upon which subject I state that General Griffiths unplained me to obtain his pension papers for upon certain stipulated in writing to the following purport - I was to receive all necessary Disbursements if I failed to have nothing for my trouble nor to receive any thing for the monies disbursed and if I obtained it, to have a lien on the Papers until I should receive my pay That in the prosecution of the Pension be being taken and unable to attend court and being some distance from me, and the Judge and witnesses all having to go to his house it was attended with more expense than usual, and the Disbursement by me actually made made and stand accountable for is something over thirty Dollars That in December last I found his pension warrant

by mail and immediately informed him that I had read it he then proposed to execute to me a Power of Attorney to receive the money. I lalled on him at his request at a time appointed to have him execute the Power but it so happened that the Magistrate before whom the Papers were drawn to be taken had not read his Commission and qualified - and it was suspended for that time, and he and his son both agreed that if I would a new one and send it to Judge Harris he would execute it, I did so, but by this time the son who is a man of matter began to say that I was taking too much and having the control over the old man would not let him execute the Power or do anything about it I have tried him at the request of the old gentleman to close the business, and last time was prevented by the intervention of his son I have allways been ready to surrender to him his warrant and his paying over my dues or giving any proper acknowledgements that it should be paid and am yet ready but should I give up my lien upon the Papers I might consider it as a lost claim, I am totally at a loss to imagine what statement they may have made if any, for I am confident if they state the truth the Department will never interfere between an Attorney and his client -

and if they have stated any news different from what I have herein set forth or have in any the least implicated my character I would be obliged to you to send me a copy of the communication. I set more by my reputation than I do by cash, and am not well pleased with the dis- crediting manner in which the attempt is to be done on me, the attempt is for Political purposes in this County, and I hope and trust the first will be left by the Department to settle his business here and if I do not do and perform what is perfectly right and honorable he may have their business at home I say they believe it is a combination of mormons and others whose to do on me and my business - I am not a speculator in Oregon nor elsewhere This is the only one I have undertaken I have had many applications since but have declined - I am Respectfully your friend and Humble Servant Elijah P. Pester

Pic 4
5 Feb. 1836
Pension Office
Elijah P. Kirtland
W. S. Griffith
Chas. Pitt
Elyria O'Jany 27 th
The Hon. Mr. Free
Secretary of War of
The United States
Washington City

I hereby certify That some time in the fall of the year of A D 1833 or the forepart of the Winter of 1834 being called upon To name the acknowledgment not of a Power of Attorney from Samuel J Griffith to Elijah Paster empowering Said Paster To draw for him the Said Griffith his Pension money at Pittsburgh Agency which Power of Attorney having been drawn To be taken before me as a Justice of the Peace and at that time having not been qualified on my Justice commission - The Said Paster and Griffith Both being Present it was agreed between them That Said Paster should draw a new one To be taken before me as associate Judge of the Common Pleas and said To me and he would execute it & let Said Paster retain his pay out of the money for his fees & disbursements in obtaining Said Griffiths Papers agreeable To a written contract which Said Paster held against Said Griffith That I afterwards received Said Papers from Said Paster and called on the Said Griffith To execute the same the Said Paster being Present. When Judah Griffith son of the Said Samuel objected To his executing the writings unless Said Paster would make a new contract - and the Said Samuel J. declined executing the Power unless Said Paster would make a new contract for a less sum - That Said Paster objected Refused making any new contract. and Remarked That he intended To deal generously with Said Griffith and calculated To make him a handsome Present and in list on the fulfillment of the contract on his part and Told Said Griffith That if he would draw him his pay he would deliver him his Pension Warrant and he might transfer any other Pension To draw his money That Said Griffith

Refused to do any thing about it unless David Parker would make a new contract. David Parker claimed that he had a lien upon the papers until paid but was willing to deliver them to David Griffith on being paid his just demand the above are the facts in substance as near as I can recollect and should so state as a witness if called upon January 22 d 1836 Isaiah Harris
To the Honorable the Secy of War or the United States at Washington
Dear Sir I have lately understood that Samuel Y. Griffith a Revolutionary Pensioner has forawarded affidavits to your Department which implicate me in my Management his Pension Papers, and by the enclosure given to those affidavits has obtained new papers to draw his money; This Business has been transacted here with the utmost secrecy, and it was by accident only that I obtained any information on the subject. Now Sir in this Providence I feel myself Injured as well in Reputation, as pecuniarily and am confident that if the affidavits contained the whole truth and nothing but the truth Respecting it. The Department would never have listened - The facts are that I have never pretended to have any claim on his pension money. I have a lien on the papers until paid any Disbursements and services, and have always been ready to deliver them on receiving my Pay or Security and have so offered him, but his son though willing at first will not let him give security unless

unless I will contract to take a less sum than first agreed — The contract was conditional; A certain sum if I obtained, and nothing if not, and I to lose all disbursements or the old man was, as was also his son perfectly satisfied with it when I first then after obtaining his papers, and then would have never been any difficulty after words had it not been for his said son Jacob, and even he was well pleased at first but has since taken a lease to spend me out of my just dues — And to show the Department the justice of my case, I have inclosed a certificate of Judge Harris of the facts as they came to his knowledge — And Sir in order to remedy the evil I ask the favor of a copy of those affidavits — and in the mean time to suspend the order of payment of said pension money until the business can may be investigated here or else where as justice may require and I am ready and willing to meet it before any public tribunal and am anxious to do before any having jurisdiction but feel injured to have my character assailed and my rights taken from me without an opportunity of be hearing I am Sir with esteem yours Humble Servant                                        Elijah Paine

State of Ohio ss Be it remembered that before me Lorain County 3 d Josiah Harris a Justice of the Peace in & for the County of said, personally appeared Samuel Griffiths, named in an original pension certificate, now illegally withheld by Elijah Parker Esq of Elyria, Lorain County Ohio under the following circumstances - About two years & a half since, he commenced an application for a pension, as a Revolution- ary Soldier under the act of 1831. That he obtained the assistance of Elijah Parker Esq of said in preparing his papers forwarding them to the proper Depart- ment - That a Warrant was received by said Parker for said Griffiths as said Parker says, sometime in the winter of 1833 & 4 (said Griffiths thinks about the first of January A.D. 1834) which said Parker now retains & refuses to deliver to the said Griffiths, unless he will first pay or secure to be paid to him, the amount accruing between the first of March 1831 & the first of March 1834 amounting to about one hundred & sixty dollars, simply & solely as his com- pensation for the assistance rendered as above mentioned by him
That the said Griffiths is entitled to a pension of Four 4 dollars per month, on account of wounds & disabilities received or of service rendered to the United States, during the Revolutionary War - That he served in Capt. Smith's Company of Rangers in the Regiment - That he now resides and has resided in the township of Amherst, County & State of said, for about six years past except eight months residence in the mean time in the township of Black River - That previous thereto he resided in Euclid Cuyahoga County Ohio
Sworn to & subscribed before me - Samuel X Griffiths marks
This 21 st day of Sept - A.D. 1835-
Josiah Harris Justice here

State of Ohio } ss- Lorain County } ss-
Be it known that before me Josiah Harris a Magistrate, in the County aforesaid, personally appeared Duty Griffith and made oath in due form of law, that the statement of Samuel J Griffiths, to which this affidavit is subjoined is true according to his best knowledge & belief -
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 21 st day of Sept - A.D. 1835 -
Duty Griffith
Josiah Harris Justice of peace
State of Ohio - Lorain County ss - Sept - 21 st 1835 - Conformable to the regulations of the War Department of the 27 th of October 1832. I Josiah Harris a Magistrate in the County above named, do hereby certify, that I have the most satisfactory evi- dence viz - from personal knowledge & the affidavit of Duty Griffith a respectable person - that Samuel Griffiths who, this day appeared before me to take the oath of identity, is the identical pensioner, he declares himself to be in the annexed affidavit & I am also satisfied that the statement made by him, in relation to the pension certificate is true - Given under my hand at Astoria the day and year above written -
Josiah Harris Justice of peace

The state of Ohio } Clerk's Office Lorain County ss }
Elyria Sept 23. 1835
I E H Leonard Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County. Certify that Josiah Harris Esq is an acting Justice of the Peace within and for said County duly commissioned and sworn that the signa- ture to the Instrument hereto attached purporting to be his is genuine —
In testimony whereof I here to set my hand and affix the seal of said Court the day and year above written E H Leonard Clerk

State of Ohio } Lorain County } ss
Be it known, that before me Vasiah Harris Justice of the Peace, in & for the County aforesaid person- ally appeared Samuel J Griffiths & made oath in due form of law, that he is the identical Samuel J Griffiths, named in an original pension certificate, now illegally withheld by Elijah Parker esq. of Elyria, Lorain County Ohio, under the following circumstances - About two years & a half since he commenced an application for a pension, as a Revolutionary soldier under the act of 1831 - that he obtained the assistance of Elijah Parker esq. aforesaid in preparing his papers & forwarding them to the proper department - that a warrant was received by said Parker as he says for said Griffiths sometime in the winter of 1833 & 4 (He thinks about the first of January 1834) which he now retains & refuses to deliver to the said Samuel J Griffiths, unless he will first pay or secure the payment to him of the amount accruing between the first of March 1831 & the first of March 1834 amounting to about one hundred & sixty dollars simply & solely as his compensation for the assistance rendered as above mentioned by him - That he is entitled to a pension of Four \frac{44}{100} dollars per month, on account of wounds and disabili- ties received or of services rendered to the United States during the Revolutionary War that he served in Capt Smith's company of Rangers in the                      Regiment - that he now resides and

and has resided in Amherst, County & State aforesaid about six years except eight months residence in the mean time in Black River - that previous thereto he resided in Euclid Cuyahoga County Ohio
Samuel J. Griffiths mark
Sworn to & subscribed before me this twenty first day of September A. D. 1835 Isaiah Harris
State of Ohio } ss. Lorain County } ss.
Be it known that before me Isaiah Harris a Magistrate in the County aforesaid, personally appeared Datus Griffiths and made oath in due form of law, that the statement of Samuel J. Griffiths, to which this affidavit is subjoined is true according to his best knowledge and belief
Datus Griffiths
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 21 st day of September A. D. 1835 Isaiah Harris Justice of the Peace