Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 37037, John Griffin, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Griffin, John Griffing
S 37037
CONTENTS

3871 Connecticut
John Griffin
Middletown in the State of Connecticut who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Walbridge of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Parsons in the Connecticut line, for the term of Thirteen months from December 1775 to January 1777
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence the 2 d day of April 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 th of March 1818 and sent to J. G. Brainard New London Connecticut.
Restored to the Roll on the 8 th day of February 1828 and notification sent to H. M. Wait Esq. at Lyme Connecticut Pension commencing on the 17 th of January 1828
Amount due on 4th of } $13.16. March 1828 }
July 28. 1831
{ Revolutionary Claim, Acts March 18, 1818, and May 1, 1820. March 1828
Sept 1819

State of Connecticut
To Lyone April Second  First 1810 —
Be it remembered that at said Lyone on this Second  First day of April A.D. 1810 before me Jeremiah G. Brainard a Judge of the Superior Court of the State of Connecticut Personally came and appeared John Griffin of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex in said State of Connecticut and being Duly and solemnly sworn according to the law and usage of said State did on his said Oath by me to him administered declare depose and say that at Saybrook aforesaid some time in the Month of December 1775 he enlisted for the term of one year as Soldier in Capt. Abraham Waterhouse Company Col. Samuel H. Parsons Regiment in the Connecticut Line on the Continental Establishment that he soon joined the Regiment and faithfully served in said capacity during the full period of his Enlistment and Honorably discharged at or near Livingston Manor in the State of New York some time in Dec r 1776 that he is now in the 65 th year of his age and now is and ever has been a Resident Citizen of the United States
That as to a Pension he thinks he never received a written one during said term of his enlistment and never was authorized or encouraged from the said circumstances he needs the assistance of his Country for Support
John Griffin
Sworn before me the Day and Date aforesaid.
In witness whereof I have caused the Seal of the State of Connecticut to be hereunto affixed the Day, Month and Year aforesaid at my New London in said State
Jeremiah G. Brainard a Judge of the Superior Court of the said State

I, Jeremias G. Brainard Judge as aforesaid do hereby certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said John Griffin did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy and I now transmit the proceedings & testimony taken & laid before me to the Secretary for the Department of War pursuant to the directions of the after mentioned act of Congress. The foregoing declaration was made to me as the applicant declared in order to obtain the provision made by the State act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land or naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War"
New London April 2 d 1818
Witness the seal aforesaid Jeremias G. Brainard a Judge of Superior Court State of Connecticut affixing my seal
John Griffin, (privat) Col. Parsons reg Conn. Line, 1 st year April 2 d 1818
I, Jeremias G. Brainard Judge as aforesaid do hereby certify that John Griffin the applicant in the foregoing case is in poor and indigent circumstances Jeremias G. Brainard Judge as aforesaid Adm c
as aforesaid do appreciate in the circumstances
18

United States of America.
DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT } County of Middlesex.
ss. Haddam 15 th June 1820
On this 15 th day of June 1820, personally appeared in open Adj d Court of Common Pleas, holden at Haddam in and for the County of Middlesex; being a Court of Record, according to the laws of the State of Connecticut; by which it was created; and having the power of fine and imprisonment; John Griffin aged Sixty nine years, resident in Saybrook in the County and District aforesaid, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath, declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War, as follows: to wit: in the Connecticut Line in a Regiment commanded by Col. S. H. Parsons in Capt. A. Waterhouse's company, as more particularly stated in his original declaration, dated 2 d April A. D. 1818; that he has received a Pension, the Certificate of which, bears the Number 8871.
And I do solemnly swear _____ that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.

Schedule of the real and personal estate of John Griffing of Saybrook abovenamed, comprising every article of the same, his necessary clothing and bedding excepted: to wit:
  a Dwelling House Barn & Eleven acres of land value  375 00    Swamp lot 12 acres. 150. 1 1/2 acres of meadow 40.  190    1 Cow — 15. 1 Desk — 2. 3 Tables 3.  20    9 old chairs 1 50 2 old chests 1. 2 Iron pots 1.  3 50    Cash Received from Pension  20    3 pewter platters 1. 4 do plates 34 Knives & forks 34  1 68    Crockery 1 25 1 pt and irons 50 1 Shovel & tongs 25 1 ax 34  2 34     602 52  
The said John Griffing applicant owes the following debts.
  Viz t Joseph Hill Esq r $88 William Parker Sum d $10  98    Cotten M Hayden 6 50 Hayden & Starkey 11 80  18 30    Hart & Pratt 11 50 Daniel Gladding 20  31 50    William & Elias Parker  12 76     160 56  
   602 52     154 56    Balance in fav d of Griffin  447 96    10th. 441 96     David Dickinson A/c  5     442 96  
I Gideon A Dickinson of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex Physician testify & say that John Griffin of said Saybrook co Pensioner in my opinion in consequence of a fall of Sick- ness a few years ago & a subsequent fall is an invalid & unable to perform the hardships of a common labouring man and probably never will be Gideon A Dickinson
Middlesex County ss Saybrook June 6 th 1820
Personally appeared before me Doc t Gideon A Dickinson Signor of above Deposition and made solemn oath that the same contains the truth and nothing but the truth
Sworn before
Joel Pratt Asist t Judge of Middle County Court

I, the said John Griffin , do also swear that my occupation is, and for more than thirty years last past, has been that of a Sailer & farmer — ; that by reason of being a cripple I am unable to labour more than about one month perhaps not that in the year, that my family consists of 2 — persons who steadily reside with me; whose names, ages, and capacity to contribute to their own support, are, as near as can be ascertained by me, as follows, to wit: Hannah Griffin my wife aged 69 — ; ability equal to a small part of her support. Say one Fifth William a son, aged 17 ; ability equal to his support. & not more wholly unable to contribute support
SWORN to and declared on the 15 th day of June 1820 before the Court of Common Pleas for Mid le County
M c Neil Clerk of said Court.
I, John Nick Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas Mid le Co hereby certify, that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court: and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is Six Hundred & Two — dollars and Fifty two cents.
IN TESTIMONY whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this 15 — day of June 1820
M c Neil Atty for Pl ff
Clerk of the Court for the

No 48 John Griffin
not entitled
8871
17 March 1819
x 2
8

37037
Rev. INVALID.
No. 37,037
John Griffin Rev. Rev. Rev.
Act: 18 th March 18 th
Index:—Vol. 2, Page 203
[Arrangement of 1870.]

I Felix Starkey of Saybrook in Middlesex County depose and say that I am one of the firm of Felix Starkey and Co and that on the 6 of August 1827 John Griffin of said Saybrook formerly a pensioner bought at our store 1/2 lb ouchong tea which was charged to him and on the 16 th of October 1827 Col Joseph Hill
paid us the debt -
Middlesex County ss Sworn & subscribed before me May 20 day of Dec 1827 -
Geo Pratt Justice of the peace
a
Felix Starkey

I Elisha H. Holmes of Saybrook in Middlesex County before me say that on the 20 th day of July A D 1827, I colt John Griffin of said Saybrook, owed me five Dollars 50 Cents, for making a coffin & digging a grave for his wife, and attending the funeral. He never paid me any thing himself - But on the 16 th of Oct A D 1827 colt Joseph Hill paid me my bill in full
Elisha H. Holmes
State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss
I sworn & subscribed before me this 20 day of December A D 1827.
B. Geo. Pratt Justice of the peace

I Amasa Haysden of Saybrook in Middlesex county, depose and say, that I was formerly one of the firm of Haysden & Co. of Saybrook aforesaid; that John Griffin, formerly a pensioner of the United States, took up at our store, various necessaries at our store which we furnished him, at different times previous to the 12 th of March A.D. 1822; that on that day he executed to us a note of that date, for the sum of $14 6 / 100 , being the balance due us for the various articles furnished him as aforesaid - That after the execution of the note, and before the dissolution of our partnership, he contracted a further debt at our store for necessaries to the amount of one dollar - These debts remained against him, until the 16 th day of Oct. last past, when Col. Hill paid me 19 dollars 60 cents the amount of the note interest & book account then due us - The debts were all just and bona fide debts
State of Connecticut ss Middlesex county ss
Sworn and subscribed before me This 20 day of Decr A.D. 1847.
Amasa Haysden
Geo. Pratt Justice of the peace

I Henry M c Waite of Lyme in the county of New-London and state of Connecticut upon oath, that in October 1827 I was employed by John Griffin in Middlesex county to draw an affidavit for him respecting his pension, to conduct the business before the county court, to draw sundry affidavits and to cause his documents to be properly authenticated for a new applica- tion for his pension. — To secure me for my trouble in this business, he gave me an order on Col d Hill for twenty dollars, which Col d Hill paid me in money — The charge I made, I considered no more than a fair and reasonable compensation, for the trouble I must necessarily have — Mr Griffin could not do the business himself, and the whole business of pro- curing the copies of the deeds, drawing affidavits, pro- curing them to be properly authenticated necessarily devolved upon me — and I could not afford to spend my time for him and a very considerable time must neces- sarily be spent, unless I was reasonably paid for it Middlesex county ss — Sworn & subscribed before me                      Henry M c Waite This 20 day of December 1827 —
Geo Pratt Justice of the peace D.

I Charles Starkey of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex depose and say that on the 14 th day of May, A D 1827 while John Griffin's wife was sick, I let said Griffin have ten  four dollars ten money, to go to the stores and buy flour and other necessaries for his family. He went the same day and bought the articles for his family - He was at that time poor and needed them. - On the 25 day of the same month I let him have 20 Cents more for the same purpose - After the death of Capt Griffin's wife I boarded him six weeks for which I charged one dollar per week - I also let him have after the death of his wife the further sum of two dollars & fifty Cents in money to buy some things that he was needed. - On the 16 th of Oct r Capt Hill paid me twelve dollars 70 Cents (being the amount of the above account), in full of the same. The account was all just & was paid as I understood out of the avails of Capt Griffin's land -
Charles Starkey
Middlesex County ss Sworn & subscribed this 20 day of Dec r A D 1827. -
Geo. Pratt Justice of the Peace

I Christopher B. Rogers of Say- brook in Middlesex County depose and say that I am by occupation a butcher and during the last two years have let Capt John Griffin of Saybrook in Middlesex County have several pieces of meat amounting in the whole (exclusive of what he had paid me for) to $4. 34 / 100 dollars. — Col. Hill in Oct- last paid me that amount in full on the account. — I have been paid in no other manner. — Christopher B. Rogers
Sworn and subscribed before me this 20 th day of Dec 1827.
J. Samuel Dyer Justice of Peace

John Guffey
Bot of Samuel M. Hayden
  Oct 16 1826 1 pt Linseed Oil 12 1/2   2 to Spanish White 06   12 pounds of 9 Glass 48   Tobacco 10 Rosin 16   Rum 3 & 03   2 1/2 Homann Cloth 2.92   1/2 Bush Salt 37 1/2   $4.15   9 10/16 to Pork 7 1/2 73   1 qt 1/2 pt Brandy 15   1 in Rum 9 Snuff 15   1 " Rum 1/6 & Do Gin 38   1 pt Rum 9 Do Gin 19   1/2 # Tea 34/100 Do Gin 47   1 qt Brandy 12 1/2   1 " Gin 12 1/2   1 pt Rum 63   Candles 08   3 1/4 Yds Stripe 70 
$27.38 20-13 $27.51
Exp Oct 16 th 1826 Due on Notes
Debit pay of Joseph Miller Same see Hayden

I Samuel M. Hayden of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex, depose and say, that I formerly belonged to the late firm of Hayden and Starkey in Saybrook aforesaid; that Capt John Griffin of said Saybrook, formerly a prisoner of the United States, was furnished from our store with various articles, at different times, previous to the 16 th day of February A.D. 1814 - That on that on that day he executed to said Company (of which I was then a member) a note of hand of that date, for the sum of 11 dollars 96 cents, payable on demand with interest - That subsequently to that time, he contracted a debt at my store, on book, to the amount of 7 dollars 30 cents a copy of which is herewith attached by me subscribed - That on the 16 th day of October A.D. 1827 W th Joseph Hill paid me in full of the said note & my individual account 27 dollars 51, being the amount then due on said note & account. -
Samuel M. Hayden
Sworn & subscribed before me this 20 th day of Decr A.D. 1827 J. G. Samuel G. Hagem - Pastor of Church

John G. Hayden of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex do hereby depose and say that I am a merchant in said town of Saybrook that Capt John Griffin of Saybrook aforesaid purchased at my store various small articles which were charged on book against him amounting to $1147, a copy of which account is subjoined. — That said man on the 16 th day of October 1827 paid me by Col. Joseph Hill in full of that account — John G. Hayden
Sworn & subscribed before me
This 20 day of December 1827 —
Samuel D. Dabney H. Justin of peace

17 To John G. Haysan ~ Dra

I A. F. Whittmore of Saybrook in Middlesex County depose & say that I keep an Apothecaries store in Saybrook and Capt John Griffin formerly a Prisoner of the United States purchased at sundry times previous to the 20 th day of July 1827 at my store several articles of medicines at my store amounting in all to $2.22. - That some time in October last Col Joseph Hill called to settle the account and paid me two dollars which on account of Capt Griffin's poverty I consented to accept in full satisfaction of the debt -
Sworn & subscribed before me - the 29 th day of December 1827.
A. F. Whittmore
Samuel Ingham J. Justin of peace

I Daniel Gladding of Saybrook in Middlesex County, before and say, that John Griffin of Saybrook, some time in the forepart of last September was sick, and in want of medicine and other necessaries, and not having any means to pay for them, requested me to go and get them - I went to Essex Borough and bought him some medicine wine & other things that he needed, and paid of my own money one Dollar 19 Cents - Capt Griffin never paid it to me, until he sold his land, and then Col Hill paid me the debt
Daniel Gladding
Sworn & subscribed before me This 20 day of December 1827 Joel Pratt Justice of peace

I Joseph H. Hayden of Saybrook in Middlesex County, one of the firm of Joseph H. Hayden & Co, depose and say, that John Griffin of said Saybrook, formerly a pensioner of the United States, between the 8 th day of November A D 1825 and the 12 th day of October A D 1827, took up at our store, at different times, various articles of cloathing for himself and for himself and wife, amounting in the whole, to the sum of the sum of 87 dollars 50 cents. on the 16 th day of October A D 1827. The account was paid us by Joseph Hill one of the firm of Joseph H. Hayden & Co out of the annuity of the said John and Hill. - The debt was a just one, and was for articles that in our opinion were suitable and proper for him and his family. Nothing was ever paid on the account except by said Hill as aforesaid -
Joseph H. Hayden
Sworn & subscribed before me this 21 st day of Decr A D 1827
L. Joel Pratt Justice of peace

I Noah Stanley of Saybrook in Middlesex County. I depose and say that I am by occupation a joiner and cabinet maker. And for a number of years past have had an unsettled brot account with Capt John Griffin of Saybrook. In the month of August last past upon examining our accounts I found a balance due me of 8. 88 cents. My account against him consisted principally of work done by me for him in the course of a number of years previous. — This balance was afterwards in the month of October last past paid me by Col Hill as I understood out of the avails of the land sold him by Capt Griffin Noah Stanley
Sworn & subscribed before me this 20 th day of Dec 1827.
Joel Pratt Justice of Peace M.

I Calvin Hayden of Saybrook in Middlesex County depose and say that in the month of June last past while Capt John Griffins wife was sick, and the family distressed, I lent Capt Griffin some Dollars in money to enable him to purchase some necessaries for his family. - This was a few weeks before his wife died. - In the month of October last past Col Hill paid me that sum as I understood out of the avails of Capt Griffins lands.
Calvin Hayden
Sworn & subscribed before me this 25 day of December 1827. -
N. Jedediah Post Justice of peace.

I Elias Parker of Saybrook in Middlesex county depose and say that John Griffin of Saybrook aforesaid, previous to the 3 rd day of January A D 1824, purchased at a store, owned by myself and William Parker Juns of Saybrook, various articles, of such as he needed for his own and his family's use. The articles were pur- chased, at different times, in the course of several years previous to that time - that on the 3 rd day of January A D 1824, we had a settlement with Capt Griffin, and he owed us $29.43 and thereupon he executed to me his note of that date, for 5. 57 / 100 dollars, my part of the debt, and to my partner William Parker Juns another note for 24. 92 / 100 being his part of the debt. - My debt remained against him unpaid until the month of October last past when Col Hill paid me 6. 72 / 100 the amount of my note and interest - The debt was paid me as I understand out of the avails of the land he sold Col Hill
Elias Parker
Sworn & subscribed before me Dec 20 A D 1827.
0. Gurdan Smith Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut Middlesex County
I John Trull Clerk of the County Court of said County of Middlesex do cer- tify - that George Pratt - Sam d Ingham Joel Pratt - Sided h Post & Gordon Smith were on the 20 th Dec r 1827 & now are jus- tices of the Peace within & for said County of Middlesex as p o Com d on file in my Office & that the names of George Pratt subscribed to the preceding Certifi- cates Mark d A. B. C. D. & E. of Sam d Ingham mark d F. G. H. & I. of Joel Pratt mark d K. L. & M. of Sided h Post mark d N. & of Gordon Smith mark d O. are their proper Hand Writing. & Signatures -
In Testimony whereof I have hereto set my Hand & affixed the Seal of s d Court this 2 nd day of January A.D. 1828.
John Trull Clerk
John Trull
John Trull

Chika Sid from John Griffin copy

To all People to whom these Presents shall come:—GREETING.
Know Ye , That I John Griffin of Saybrook
in the County of Middlesex & State of Connecticut
for the consideration of fifty Dollars
received to my full satisfaction of Elisha Lill Esq. of S. Saybrook
Do give, grant, bargain, sell, and confirm unto the said Elisha Lill his heirs and assigns forever — One certain piece of Meadow land containing about One & half Acres be the same more or less situated in the first South of said Saybrook — at a place known by the name of Hinds point meadow — Bounded northerly on highway — Easterly on said Elisha Lills land — Southerly on Wood Starkes land — and westerly on John Ayers land —
To have and to hold the above granted and bargained premises, with the appurtenances thereof unto him the said Elisha
his heirs and assigns for ever, to his and their own proper use and behoof. And also, I the said John Griffin
do for myself and my heirs, executors, and administrators, covenant with the said Elisha Lill his
heirs and assigns; that at and until the ensealing these Presents I am well-seized of the premises as a good indefeasible estate in fee-simple, and have good right to bargain and sell the same in manner and form as is above written, and that the same is free of all incumbrances whatsoever.
And furthermore, I the said John Griffin do by these Presents bind myself and my heirs for ever, to Warrant and Defend the above granted and bargained premises, to him the said Elisha Lill his
heirs and assigns, against all claims and demands whatsoever.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 29 th day of April Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and twenty four
SIGNED, SEALED, AND DELIVERED, IN PRESENCE OF,
Joel Pratt Anne Pratt
John Griffin
Middlesex COUNTY, ss. Saybrook April 29 th AD 1824
Personally appeared John Griffin Signer and Sealer of the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged the same to be his free act and deed.
BEFORE ME, Joel Pratt Justice of Peace
Subscribed July 31 st 1824 Recorded by C. Root Clerk
Sold by E. & H. Clark, Middletown.

Town Clks Offic ss. } The within is a true copy Saybrook Ctr 22-1827 } taken from the 21 st Book of Saybrook Records page 172.
Attest. Clark Root. Clk of the E. town of Saybrook

To all People to whom these Presents shall come:—GREETING.
Know Me, That I John Griffing of Saybrook in Middlesex county.
for the consideration of Four hundred & sixty five Dollars received to my full satisfaction of Joseph Hill of Saybrook aforesaid
Do give, grant, bargain, sell, and confirm unto the said Joseph Hill two certain pieces of land situated in the first Society in Saybrook aforesaid. The first piece containing about twelve acres more or less. (are) bounded on the east by the Middlesex turnpike road. On the North by the heirs of John Shipman, Westerly & Southerly by the heirs of John Bushnell deceased. The 2 nd piece containing about fifteen acres more or less and bounded on the North by the heirs of said Bushnell. On the East by said Bushnell's heirs & William Dakers lands. On the South by William Dakers & John Whittsey's lands & on the west by said Dakers land called the swamp lot & orchard together with an old dwelling house & barn upon the first mentioned piece. To have and to hold the above granted and bargained premises, with the appurtenances thereof unto him the said Joseph Hill and his
Sold by E. & H. Clark, Middletown.
assigns for ever, to his and their own proper use and behoof. And also, I the said John Griffing do for my self and my heirs, executors, and administrators, covenant with the said Joseph Hill and his heirs and assigns; that at and until the ensealing these Presents I am well-seized of the premises as a good indefeasible estate in fee-simple, and have good right to bargain and sell the same in manner and form as is above written, and that the same is free of all incumbrances whatsoever.
And furthermore, I the said John Griffing do by these Presents bind myself and my heirs for ever, to Warrant and Defend the above granted and bargained premises, to him the said Joseph Hill & his heirs and assigns, against all claims and demands whatsoever.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 15 th day of October Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and twenty seven
SIGNED, SEALED, AND DELIVERED, IN PRESENCE OF Edward Hill Henry M Waite
John Griffing
Middlesex COUNTY, SS. Saybrook October 16 AD 1827 Personally appeared John Griffing Signer and Sealer of the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged the same to be his free act and deed. BEFORE ME, Clark Stott Justice of peace Subscribed & sworn Oct 16 th 1827 Subscribed by C. Stott B.L.

Joseph Hill from John Griffin Copy

The within is a true copy of Deed taken from the 2d. Book of Saybrook Deeds, page 377 (Test) Clark Nott 6 th of the town of Saybrook

1 I Joseph Hill of Saybrook in the county of Middlesex (and state of Connecticut) depose (and say) that Capt John Griffing of Saybrook formerly a pensioner of the United States has in the course of the last year called upon me a number of times to buy his place as he had become involved in debt (and) had no means of paying his debts except by the sale of his land (and) I was his largest creditor - I told him I was unwilling to buy it as it was property I did not want (and) advised him to apply to some other person. He tried to sell it but could not. As he owed me a considerable sum which I knew he could not pay except by the sale of his land I at last consented to take it. - As he was an old man I did not think it best to make an agreement with him for the any price but told him if I took it I would take it at the appraisal of his neighbors - Judge Pratt who was well acquainted with the property (and) one of the Selectmen of the town was finally agreed upon to say what the property was fairly worth - Judge Pratt

2 afterwards informed me that he had appraised the property at $465.- I then agreed to take it at that price and to pay my own debt, his other debts and to pay him the balance if any thing remained - He owed me a note dated January 29th 1827 for the sum of $115.27 - This note was given for goods & money that I had previously let him have - A part of it he owed me before he lost his pension - and while he drew his pension he paid me some of the interest but not the principal - He also owed me $9.90 on book for sundry articles received by me after the date of my note - He also owed Joseph H. Hayden & Co of which firm I was a member - $37.58 for sundry goods furnished for the use of himself and family during the last two years - and principally during the sickness of his family - These debts I have paid and also the other debts contained in the schedule herunto annexed & by me subscribed - I am acquainted with the several creditors therein named and believe the debts all to

be honest and just. — There is now in my hands $40.06 1/2 only — There are some other debts still to be paid and the remainder I am ready to pay him as he needs it — I do not believe he owns any property whatever except the little balance due him and a few articles of furniture — In my opinion he has managed his property as prudently and as sparingly as any man could considering his age and infirmities and the sickness &c. in his family. —
Sworn and subscribed this 2 day of Nov 1827 Before me
Joseph Hill A. Joel Pratt Justice of peace
  Schedule of debts by me paid within award due from John Griffing are —   Williams Parker and company $ 53.00   Williams Parker firms note & interest 30.34   Elisha Hill 5.62 1/2   Noah Starkey 0.00   Joseph H. Hayden & Co 37.58   Joseph Hill's note & interest 134.10   " " Book account 9.90   Charles Starkey 12.70   292.32 1/2 

I Job Pratt of Saybrook in the county of Middlesex (and state of Connecticut do hereby depose and say that I am now and have been most of the time for the last twenty years one of the selectmen of the Town of Saybrook — that I have during that time lived within three quarters of a mile of Capt John Griffin of said Saybrook formerly a Pensioner of the United States and am well acquainted with him and his situation and circumstances in life — He has for a number of years past been entirely destitute of property with the exception of his real estate — He has lived in his house and improved the little land that he owned but it has been altogether inadequate to the support of himself and family — In consequence of his age and infirmities and poverty his taxes for a number of years past have generally been abated as well upon his head as upon his land — and he has repeatedly been assisted in his support by the charity of his neighbors — He has also become considerably involved in debt for articles purchased for the benefit of himself & family — He called upon me several times in the course of last sum- mer to go with him and look at his land (and advise with him and assist

Brok over — 292.32 3/4 Elias Parkers note & interest — 6.72 Hoagdens & Co ————— do ————— 19.60 John G. Hayden Book ————— 1.47 Calvin Hayden " ————— 6.00 Alvin H. Whittimore " ————— 2.00 Henry M. Waite ————— 20.00 Samuel Carter Book ————— 26.94 Samuel M Hayden Note ————— 27.57 Daniel Gladding for Cash paid for medium 1.19 Elisha H. Holmes for coffin & for wife 6.50 Felix Starkey & Co ————— .34 Christopher B. Rogers parcel ————— 4.34 Cash paid Capt Griffin Oct 17 to way court fees & expenses to Middletown ————— 10.00 _____ 424.93 3/4
Contra By Land sold me ————— 2165.00 Balance still in my hands ————— $40.06 3/4 _____
E. Joseph Hill

I Job Pratt of Saybrook in the county of Middlesex (and state of Connecticut depose (and) say that I am now and have been most of the time for the last twenty years one of the selectmen of the Town of Saybrook — that I have during that time lived within three quarters of a mile of Capt John Griffin of said Saybrook formerly a Pensioner of the United States and am well acquainted with him and his situation and circumstances in life — He has for a number of years past been entirely destitute of property with the exception of his real estate — He has lived in his house and improved the little land that he owned but it has been altogether inadequate to the support of himself and family — In consequence of his age and infirmities and poverty his taxes for a number of years past have generally been abated as well upon his head as upon his land — and he has repeatedly been assisted in his support by the charity of his neighbors — He has also become considerably involved in debt for articles purchased for the benefit of himself & family — He called upon me several times in the course of last sum- mer to go with him and look at his land (and) advise with him and assist

him in selling his land that he might pay his debts - as he could pay them only in no other manner - He also told me that he had conversed with Col Joseph Hill his largest creditor and that Col Hill had consented to take it at what I should say was a fair price - I examined the place and told him I thought the place was worth about four hundred & sixty five dollars and that in my judgment was as much as it was worth and as much as I thought he could get for it and that if Col Hill would take it at that price he had better let him have it - How much he owed I am unable to say but have no doubt it must have been nearly as much as his place was worth - I went with him to examine his furniture and found it very poor and worth little or nothing - He had but one bed and that a poor one -  Col Griffin has formerly been an industrious and prudent man - but has now become aged and infirm - He has in my opinion kept his property as long and managed it as prudently and as carefully as he could consistent with the necessary support of himself & family - His wife died last summer after a long illness - I should think she had been under

The Doctors care for nearly a year previous to her death - His expenses were necessarily increased in consequence of her confinement - I do not believe that he possesses any property except what may remain of the assets of his land (see) Col. Hill - (and in my opinion he is in a situation in which he cannot support himself without the aid of publick or private charity.
Joel Pratt
Saybrook Nov 1 st 1827
sworn & subscribed this
2 nd day of November 1827
Before me
B.
Gurdon Smith Justice of Peace

I Alpheus Parker of Saybrook in Middlesex County depose and say that I am one of the firm of Williams Parker and Co and that Col Joseph Hill paid me about ten days ago $53- for a debt in favour of the company a- gainst Capt John Griffin of this town and also the further sum of $30.34 for a note in my hands for collection against said Griffin in favour of my brother William Parker Jams - The debt of $53 was for necessaries furnished Capt Griffin's family from our store from the year 1824 to the time of payment - The Note was dated January 3 1824 & was for goods previous to that time fur- nished from my brother's store - I know that both of the debts were honest and just debts - Capt Griffin has not had for a number of years any thing to pay those debts with except his land - I believe him to be poor and entirely destitute of property except what is due him from Col Hill -
Sworn & subscribed this 2 nd day of November 1827 before me
Alpheus Parker C. Joel Pratt Justice of peace

I Elisha Sill of Saybrook in Middlesex County, in the State of Connecticut depose and say that I live within about two miles of Capt John Griffing formerly a pensioner of the United States and was well acquainted with him — In April A D 1824 he came to me and said that he had some debts pressing upon him and wanted to sell me a small piece of meadow — As it adjoined my meadow I bought it of him — The Deed he gave me was dated April 29 A D 1824 — The meadow contained about an acre and an half — I paid him for it fifty dollars in money at or about the time of the purchase — He told me at the time of the sale that he wanted the money to pay his debts and I have no doubt that he so applied the money very soon after he received it — Not long after that sale he came to me again and wanted to sell me another piece of land called the swamp lot for the purpose of paying other debts — He said he was owing a number of debts among which the one to Col Joseph Hill he said was the largest & that his creditors he wanted to pay them — I went and examined the lot and found that he had cut the wood off and that it would be of little value to me and therefore declined buying it — He came to me in the fall of A D 1826 and wanted me to sell him a quarter of beef as he was poor and wanted it & I consented to let him have it although I had little expectation that he would ever be able to pay me — The beef weighed 150 lbs and I charged him just 3\frac{3}{4} Cents a pound — He never paid me for it until he sold his land to Col Hill and then Col Hill paid me for it as he said out of the avails of the land —
And I do further say that Capt Griffing for a number past has been poor and needy and an object of charity among his neighbors — I have frequently given him meat & other necessaries for

his family and I believe the same may be done by other neighbors. — He has indeed owned a little land with a small house upon it which was altogether insufficient for his support. — In my opinion Capt. Griffin has been an industrious man — that he is now old and infirm — and destitute of property with the exception of the balance due him for the land he sold Col. Hill —
Saybrook Nov 1st 1827
Elisha Sill
Sworn and subscribed this 3 d day of November 1827.
Before me Samuel Easton Justice of the Peace
D.
Elisha Sill Justice of the Peace

I Samuel Carter of Saybrook in the county of Middlesex and state of Connecticut depose and say that I have been a practising physician in the Town of Saybrook aforesaid for more than twenty years past - and during that time have been well acquainted with Capt John Griffin of said Saybrook formerly a prisoner of the United States - and have been frequently employed in his family - On the 16 th of October last Col Joseph Hill of said Saybrook assumed my debt against said Griffin which amounted to twenty five dollars 94 cents for my professional services for about three years past - The debt was assumed, as I understood, in consequence of the sale of Griffin's land to said Hill - From my knowledge of Capt Griffin's situation and circumstances, I do not believe it was in his power to have paid my debt in any other manner than by the sale of his land - He is himself old and infirm and his wife died within the last year - It is my belief that Capt Griffin has now no property except the balance that may remain from the sale of his land and a few old articles of furniture of little or no value.  Saybrook Nov 3 rd 1827 Samuel Carter
Sworn and subscribed this 3 rd day of Nov 1827
Before me - Geo. Pratt Justice of the peace D.

State of Conn. Middlesex County
I John Park Clerk of the County Court for Middlesex County do hereby Certify that Joel Pratt & Gordon Smith on the 2 d of Nov. last & George Pratt on the 3 d of Nov. last & Samuel Carter on the 5 th of Nov. last were & now are Justices of the Peace within & for said County of Middlesex as per bonds on file in my Office. & that their names subscribed to the preceding Certificates marked A. B. C. D. D. are their proper Hand Writing & signatures. — I further Certify that Clark Nott was on the 16 th of Oct. last & now is Town Clerk of the Town of Laybrook & that his name subscribed to the preceding Certificates marked E. F. are his proper Hand Writing & signatures. — In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Hand & affixed the seal of the said Court this 10 th day of Nov. A.D. 1827
Jno Park Clk of Court

Syme Conn January 19th 1828
Sir Herewith I send you the affidavit of William Parker Jans of New York, relating to the application of Capt John Griffin to be restored to his pension. — The affidavits of the others have been taken and sent to Mr Fink the clerk of the County for his certifi- cate with directions to forward them to you. We have now I believe obtained the affidavits of all persons who have received any part of the avails of the land sold. —
With respect to the small piece of meadow sold Col. Hill, some years ago, it is doubtful whether we could obtain any further testimony. Capt Griffin is so old & forgetful, the transac- tion took place so long ago, that it will be very diffi- culty to find the heirs to whom the money was paid. — And if they could be found it would be very uncertain whether they could now be able to state much about it.
We submit to the Secretary whether further testimony will be required, upon that part. — The amount was small — Capt Griffin states the money was spent soon after it was received and this, if I mistake not, is confirmed by the opinions & belief of his neighbours.
Respectfully Yours & Henry M. Waite

Lynn 66 } Dec 20 }
Dear
Honble James Barbour Secretary of War Washington -
Recd 24
Pension Department

Syme Conn, Dec r 18 A d 1827
J. S. Edwards Esq r
Sir Yours of the 12 th informing me that it is necessary to furnish further proof in the case of John Griffin was this morning received - If I recollect right, among the documents forwarded were the affidavits of Col e Hill, Samuel Carter, Eliza Hill, and a Mr s Parker. The affidavit of Col e Hill in support of his own note, and interest, and his Book account, and the debt in favour of F. H. Hays and Co o (of which firm he was a partner) amounting in all to about 180 dollars - Mr s Parkers affidavit, in support of the debts in favour of William Parker and & his (which debts were paid to him) Daughters of about 80 dollars - and both Carter & Col e Hills in support of their respective debts amounting together to about $32. - Not having kept any copies of these documents, I may not recollect rightly - Will you have the goodness to turn to these documents again and inform whether further proof will be required in support of these debts? and if so in what respects?
Respectfully Yours &c
Henry M. Wait -

Syme Nov r 30 A 1827
Hon ble James Barbour Sir
Herewith I send you the Application of Col John Griffin of Saybrook Conn to be restored to his pension - Respectfully Yours &
Henry M c Waite

I Selah Griswold of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex State of Connecticut Do declare depose & say that I well recollect John Griffin, of said Saybrook Enlisting as a Soldier in Capt. Abraham Waterhouse Compy in the Reg t then commanded by Samuel H. Parsons in the Connecticut line on the Continental Establishment that the said John Griffin Enlisted into said Company some time in the Month of Dec r . 1775 & that he immediately joined his Regiment near Boston in the State of Massachusetts & that he continued & faithfully served as a Soldier in said Reg t untill the expiration of the term for which he Enlisted which was on or about the first day of Jan y 1777 & that he was then discharged with the rest of the Reg t . I further declare depose & say that I belonged to the same Company & same Reg t during the whole of the above period & am well knowing to the facts as above stated being true
Selah Griswold
I Phillip Tooker of Saybrook in Middlesex County State of Connecticut having examined the above deposition of Selah Griswold do declare depose & say that I belonged to said Abraham Waterhouse's Compy during the whole period therein mentioned and am knowing to the facts therein mentioned being true & that I have always understood that the said John Griffin served Eight Months in Capt. Rutland's Compy in Col. Minge's Reg t in the Campaign of 1777 & further saith not.
Phillip Tooker
State of Connecticut ss New London County Mar. 28 th 1818 — Personally appeared Selah Griswold & Phillip Tooker & made solemn Oath to the truth of the facts as stated in the above depositions by them subscribed — Sworn before me Calvin Selden Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above deponents Selah Griswold and Phillip Tooker are men of Integrity & good reputation and are entitled to full credit in their testimony Certified J o Calvin Selden Justice of the Peace

New London County ss
I do hereby certify that Calvin Selden of Lyme in New London County Esquire, within named, is and for more than twelve months last past hath been a Justice of the Peace in said County, duly qualified & acting under the authority of the State of Connecticut & that the signature to the attestation of the within affidavit is his signature and in his proper handwriting
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of the County Court for said New London County in Norwich in said County this 2nd day of December A D 1818
Charles Lathrop Clerk

Wm Parker Jaws affidavit
Mr Henry M. Hale Lyons Connecticut

City and County of New York S c .
I William Parker formerly of Saybrook in the State of Connecticut now of the City County and State of New York being duly sworn depose and say I was formerly engaged in mercantile business in Saybrook in the state aforesaid and then had a Book account against John Griffin of Saybrook formerly a Pensioner of several years standing - On the Third day of January I had a Settlement with the said Griffin and found that he owed me - twenty four dollars and ninety two cents as balance of my account against him - he thereupon executed to me for my benefit his note for twenty four dollars and ninety two cents dated the third day of January One thousand eight hundred and twenty four and payable on demand with interest Upon my removal from Saybrook I left the note in the hands of my brother Alpheus Parker to collect for me It remained in his hands until last October when as I understood it was paid to my Brother for me - The debt against Mr. Griffin was a Just and Bonafide debt and originally consisted of a variety of articles taken out of my Store for the use of himself and family I have never been paid in any other manner.

than as now stated — The sum paid for Principal and Interest was — thirty dollars and fifty four cents State County and City of New York } William Parker, Sworn and Subscribed before me this 17 th day of January 1828
J. Hammond Justice of the Peace
United States of America } State of New York } ss: City and County of New York }
Be it known to all to whom these presents shall come that Judah Hammon Esquire before whom the within deposition was taken is a Justice of the Peace duly Commissioned and sworn appointed for and residing in the said City — the signature "J Hammond" above written is the proper signature of the said Judah Hammond.
Whereof an Attestation being required I have granted this my Notarial seal and my proper signature this seventeen day of January A.D. one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight.
David M. Cowdrey Public Notary.

New York January 17th 1828
Sur I received A line from you some time Gone But my letter would not admit of my going out to A land to this business till the present time I wish you might succeed in the undertaking
William D. D. D.
Paid postage $0-12 3/4 the Gaster & note Republic bill 1-12 3/4  $0-25 Received Cash - 1-00  $0-25 due

United States of America, State of Connecticut County of Middlesex } ss County Court Oct term 1827
On this 18 th day of October A.D. 1827 personally appeared in open court being a court of Record for the County of Middlesex proceeding according to the course of the common law with a jurisdiction unlim- ited in point of amount and keeping a record of its proceedings John Griffin resident in the town of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex aforesaid aged 75 Years who being duly sworn, according to law doth on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions made by the acts of the 18 th of March 1820, the 1 st of May 1820. and 1 st of March 1823, that he the John Griffin requested according to his best recollection for the term of 13 months on or about the month of December in the Year 1775. in the State of Connecticut in the Com- pany commanded by Captain Waterhouse in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Samuel H. Parsons, in the line of the State of Connect- icut on the continental establishment that he continued to serve in the said Corps until some time in January A.D. 1777. when he was discharged from the said service at White Plains in the State of New York he afterwards served in Col Meigs Regiment a period of ten months that he is now advanced in Years and his recollection in consequence impaired and he may not be perfectly correct as to the dates having no memorandums of

the same but the foregoing is according to his best recollection and belief -
And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 10 th of March 1818, and that I have not since since that time by gift, sale or in any man- ner disposed of any property or any part thereof with intent thereby to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War" passed on the 10 th day of March 1818, and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me, nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed -
That since the exhibition of my first sche- -dule the following changes have been made in my property viz -
1. one and half acre of meadow appraised at forty dollars. About four or five years ago I sold this piece of meadow to Col Elisha Finn according to my present recollection for about fifty dollars not having seen the deed since I executed it and unable to state the particulars respecting it. The money at that time was needed to defray the necessary expenses of my family and to pay some small debts that were pressing upon me and I paid out the money for that purpose a considerable part of it went to pay a debt due the Estate of Doct r Gideon H. Dickinson for his services in my family as a physician and the money was all expended very soon after I received it

  2, a dwelling house Barn & 11 acres of sand  $375.00    swamp lot 12 acres  150.00     $525.00  
after the loss of my pension in 1820 I had no means of supporting myself and family except upon the security produce of my land and what little labour I could perform, and I was necessarily obliged to contract a number of debts for necessaries for my myself and family. These gradually increased and I had no means of replenishing them except by selling my little place which I was unwisely so do. A Grandson who lived with me at the time of my former application who there was by mistake called my son lived with me and assisted me in supporting my family until about two years ago when he died - and my wife with whom I had lived 35 years died last July having been confined with sickness for about three years - after the death of my wife I was left alone without any family and without any means of support except from my little land. Upon examining into the state of my accounts I found I owed about as much as all my property was worth being so largely involved my neighbors were unwilling to trust me further - I applied to Col Joseph Hill of Saybrook my largest creditor for assistance - he finally consented though very reluctantly to take the two last mentioned pieces of land for the sum of $465 - and deduct from that amount his debts and pay my other creditors their debts and if any thing remained to pay me the balance - Upon enquiry

I found that I could not get that sum of any other person and accordingly on the 15 th of October A.D. 1827 executed to him a deed of these two pieces of land for that sum
He has already paid for me the following bills viz -    his own note of hand dated January 1825 and interest  $134.10    his book account  9.90    a debt in favor of William Parker Esq  52. "    a note in favor of William Parker Esq  30.54    Noah Harrington account  0.00    Joseph H. Hayden Esq - do  37.50    Charles Sharkey - do  12.70    Elias Parkers note and interest  6.72    Hayden Esq - do  10.60    John G. Haydens account  1.47    Calvin Hayden - do  6. "    A. F. Whittemore  2 "    Doct Samuel Carter  26.94    Daniel Brading  1.19    Samuel M. Hayden Esq and interest  27.80    Henry M. Waite  20. "    Elisha H. Holmes for coffin &c for my wife  6.80    Isaac Sharkey Esq  .34    Christopher B. Rogers  4.34    Elisha Sibley  0. "    he also let me have to pay my expenses to Middlesex Court to make this application to pay court fees &c  10. "    Amounting to  $422.30  
leaving a balance in his hand of $42.60 - out of this sum he is to pay several other small debts and particularly the

Taxes upon my little place for which the same is held, none of which I have paid for the last two or three Years - what may remain of anything he is to set me have for my support - my wish being to pay all my house debts as far as I have the means - I parted with my place very reluctantly as I had no there more than fifty Years; The place had become ruined. The buildings and fences poor and of little value -
3. My cow died about two Years ago. my neighbors got out a subscription to raise money to buy me another - but not raising enough no cow was bought and I have never owned one since -
4. The twenty Dollars saved of my former pension money was spent soon after I lost my pension - My old desk, tables, chairs & mentioned in my former schedule have since that application which was more than seven Years ago, been mostly worn out and gone - some of them still remain but are of little or no value - They are not worth five Dollars and I would willingly sell them all for that sum. I own no other property having never bought any additional furniture nor any thing else except necessaries for my family since my former application and the foregoing account embraces all my property.
My occupation was formerly that of a sailor principally in the coasting line but in consequence of my age & infirmities

I have not been in that business for more than ten Years past my business since that time has been that of a labourer I have had ten children all of whom are now dead except four daughters who have all been married and left me and have families and most of them are in very indigent circumstances, I have no wife no family, no home, and no one but the town in which I live to furnish me any support - I am now 75 Years old have had a bad rupture for about six Years and am in other respects infirm - I believe very few have struggled longer and harder to keep their property than I have. My Pension is now needed for necessary support and should it be granted to me my age and infirmities are such that I can receive it - but a short time longer - I can safely and conscientiously say that I am in such indigent circumstances as to be unable to support myself without the aid of my country
John Griffin
Sworn to & declared on this 18 th day of Oct r A.D. 1827 before the County Court for Middlesex County
W. P. K. Clerk of Court

I John Pirk Clerk of the County Court for Middlesex County aforesaid do hereby Certify that the foregoing Oath & Sched- ule annexed are truly copied from the records of said Court - & I do further Cer- tify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the Total Am t in Value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is Five Dollars -
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the S d Court on the 18 th day of Oct r . A D 1827 -
J. Pirk Clk of S d Court

8871
Connecticut.
John Griffin, of Saybrook, in the state of Connecticut who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Parsons, of the Connecticut line, for the term of one year.
scribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 2 d of April, 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 th of March, 1819 and sent to Jeremiah G. Brainard Judge, New London, Connecticut.
  Arrears to 4th of March, 1819.  88.76    Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 Sept. 2  48 "    10 mo. 29 1819. } 4 4/30 }  $: 136.76  
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
not entitled to a pension under the law 2 May 1820

Probation put the John Stock Day 5 July 1820 Middleton East
Given to Henry M. Moore 19 Dec 1827 & 26 Dec 1827

Letter to Henry W. Morris 12 Dec 1827 8 26 Dec 1827
1820 J. H. H. H. J. H. H. H. J. H. H. H.