Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 21,244, Southward Griffis, R.I.

SERVICE
NUMBER
R. 2
Griffis, Southward
S. 21, 244.
CONTENTS

21 419 Rhode Island Southward Griffiths Resided in the State of N.H.
He was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Olney of the Regt. commanded by Col. Bracy in the N.H. Militia time for 2 years
Not in full paid service June 1st & July 1st 1832 Enrolled on the Roll of Rhode Island the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6th day of May 1834 and sent to Mrs. Mary Griffiths Burgess House of N.H.
Arrears to the 4th March 1834 $340.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept. " 40.00 $380.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W.H. Addon Clerk, Book E Vol. 2 Page 111

See letter to Mr. T. Gunnell Esq. Postmaster Bank May 7. 1834

Southman Griffith H
22170
12

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Rhode-Island District, sc.
August Term 1832
County of Providence
On this seventh day of August A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court, being a special District Court of the United States within and for said District, now in session— Southward Griffith a resident of Scituate in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged 72 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 Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832, viz.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
He was born March 6 th 1760 in Scituate— Now Foster which is recorded in the Family Bible as he believes  in which town he has always resided both before and since the War — and the Applicant further States that in May 1778 he enlisted in the year's service so called in Col Nathan Olney's company H Col Crisp's regiment of Rhode Island State Troops & served only ten months the service being then out & was in the Battle on Rhode Island in August 1778 and the applicant further States that in the fall of 1779 he was an enlisted soldier three different months in Col Simeon Harrington's company H Col Stephen Knapp's Regiment of Militia and was stationed on Rhode Island and at Trenton &c
and the applicant further States that in the Spring of 1780 he enlisted for one month in Col Jonathan Knight's company H Col Kimball's regiment of Militia and was stationed on Rhode Island and in the vicinity and the applicant further States that immediately after (in the Spring of 1780) he again enlisted for one month in Col Isaac Paine's company H Col Kimball's regiment of Militia and was stationed on Rhode Island in the vicinity during enlistments all of which he served as as a private and was honorable discharged — but never had a written Discharge

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Southward Griffith at the Blameless
I and Ezekiel Hopkins residing in Horton  a Clergyman, residing in the  I am hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Southward Griffith who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 72 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.
Ezekiel Hopkins
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Blameless
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 Ezekiel Hopkins  Oliver Arnold who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in the Ezekiel Hopkins  James Scamans who have and that certified & testified for Applicant who also signed the same is a resident in the  are resident in this state and are and is a credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, BENJAMIN COWELL, Clerk of said District Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Southward Griffith for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 28 th day of December  AD 1832
Benjamin Cowell

Southard Griffin maketh oath that on the seventh day of August AD 1832 he made an application for a pension under the act of June 7, 1832 and he has received a Certificate No 21419. And he further says that in his said application he set forth according to his best recollection that he served ten months & a half in Col Coary's Regiment, Three months under Capt Simon Harrington at three different times a month at a time - one month under Captain Paine & one month under Capt Jonathan Knight fifteen months & one half in all, as by said declaration will appear -
And said Southard now maketh this supplemental declaration, of additional services which were omitted in his first declaration through forgetfulness in the hurry, in which his said declaration was drawn up - He served nine months more than stated in his said declaration viz In the 1775, he enlisted in a company that was raised to keep guard on the shores of Narragansett Bay, to watch the move-

ments of Commander Wallace a commander of a British Frigate who was often making incursions along said Bay for plunder This service was in the Autumn of that year. and he was in it three months before he was discharged. he was a private all the time. And said Southard further says that in the year 1780, orders came to have recruits enlisted to fill up the ranks of the army and he enlisted for six months in Col Green Regiment of Continental Troops, he does not remember the Captain. but he was sta- tioned on Rhode Island he was also a private in this service, six months - To prove this service he now produces the testimony of James Howard, who is his townsman & was knowing to the facts.
Dec 9 1833
Southward Griffith
Shown to before me by said applicant
Brigs Comdr Commsr Dist Court R.I. Dist

James Howard of Fort in the State of Rhode Island being now in the 75 th year of age on oath do testify and say that in the year 1775 I will remember Southard Griffin who is now present before me, he enlisted as a private in Capt James Williams Company being a "Gard Company" to watch the shores of Narragansett Bay against the incursions of Commodore Wallace the British Commodore who was stationed in said Bay, It was in the autumn of said year that this service was performed, I was in Capt John Cains Company & stationed at Fogland Ferry at the same time - and I further testify that in the year 1780 I was in Col. Greenes Regiment, - and I remember that said Griffin enlisted for six months in said Regiment in June 1780. I remember of seeing him stationed on an Right when said Regiment was stationed on Rhode Island I have no doubt he served as stated in the annexed duties then - his James H Howard December 9 1833. Mark. Sworn to before me and J

further certify that said Jones is a credible witness in the premises
Bryon Castle Comish + Clerk, District Court R. S. Diste

22 170
Sethman Griffin
R.I.
Southward Griffin
Mar 15 March
: 14 06
June 13 1833
Letter 13 June 1833
Dr. Powell
Hon. Tristan Burgess
Providence
R.I.

BRIEF in the case of  Southman Griffin  vs of Providence  in the State of  R.I.  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? open court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 72  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days. As a Gen.     May In 1778 entered 10 private Capt Olney Col Gray   1779. " 3 " Capt Sisson Col Kimball   1780 " 1 " Capt Knight " "   Spring " " 1 " Capt Dain " "  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Battle of R.I.  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Suitate R.I.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditional Three Living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? The papers are not properly authenticated 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
George Taylor
Examining Clerk.

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Southward Griffith a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. S. F. 21,244.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     * May, 1778. 10 mos. Pri. Nathan Olney Archibald Crary R. I.   Fall, 1779. 3 " Simeon Harrington Stephen Kimball   Spring 1780 2 " { Jonathan Knight Isaac Paine Kimball "   1780 6 " ✓ Green   * 1775 3 " James Williams ✓  
Battles engaged in, Rhode Island
Residence of soldier at enlistment, { Scituate, which was afterwards called  Foster, Providence Co., R. I.
Date of application for pension, Aug 7, 1832. His cl. was al.
Residence at date of application, Foster, Providence Co., R. I.
Age at date of application, B. Mch 6, 1760, at Scituate, R. I.
Remarks: There is no data relative to family.
The above is the only Southward Griffith (or any similar name) found in the Rev. War records of this Bureau. (See carbon)
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

March 12, 1918
Mrs. Edward N. Griffiths, 15 Star Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
Madam:
In response to your letter of the first instant, you are advised that a careful search of the Revolutionary War records fails to show a claim for pension or bounty land on file for Southward Griffiths. You are furnished, herewith, a history of the claim of Southward Griffiths, S. File No. 21,244, the only soldier of that name, or any similar name, found in the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.
In order to obtain the date of death, last known residence, and name of person to whom the arrears of pension were paid in the case of "Southward Griffiths, Cert. No. 21,419, issued May 6, 1834, for $20 per annum, from March 4, 1831, under the Act of June 7, 1832, at the Rhode Island Agency", you should forward this letter to
The Auditor for the Interior Department, Auditors' Building, 14th and B Sts., S. W., Washington, D. C.
Very respectfully,
S. M. Keogh Commissioner.

15 Star Street Providence, R.I. March 1, 1918.
Dear Sir,
Will you kindly send me an abstract from the pension of Southward Griffiths , a Revolutionary Soldier , living at the time of his death in 1837 in North Sterling, Windham County, Conn.
He received a pension from the government from 1832 to his decease.

If you have the record of the place of his death would like to have the proof.
Sincerely yours,
Mrs Edward N. Griffiths.

21 244 INVALID.
1918, Ind. 12. Hist. to Mrs. Edw. N. Griffiths for
File No. 21, 244
Southward Griffiths
Re: Rev War
Act: June 7 th 82 nd
Index: Vol. 2 , Page 165
[Arrangement of 1870.]

2419 Rhode Island Southward Griffith Providence in the State of Rh. Island who was a Private in the Comp. commanded by Captain Olney of the Regt. commanded by Col. Crary in the Rh. Island line for 13 Mos.
measured to 80/5 when the certificate is returned alleged.
Inscribed on the Roll of Rh. Island at the rate of 30 Dollars 62 1/2 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of Sep. 1832 and Suits Hon. T. Burges Providence
Arrears to the 4th of Sep'31 125 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 M. '24 25 $150
Recorded by { Revolutionary Claim, } Book E. { Not June 7, 1832. } Vol. 2. Page 111. Clerk,

See letter to Hon. J. Burges. May 1 st 1834.

Dear friend L Edwards
Sir
I send you herewith enclosed the papers of Southard Griffin for an increase of pension - Please to have them examined & let me know the result

Providence August 21: 1888
Hon
James L Edwards
Sir
It is now some time since I forwarded to you a certificate of the Majesties touching the credibility of Howard a witness whose deposition he had taken in the case of Southworth Griffith. To day I found Griffiths papers among others in my possession. Should the certificate have been not mislaid & not have arrived to you please inform me & I will furnish another. I send you enclosed Griffiths Papers; & am with high respect
truly yours
William Briggs

Dear L Edmonds
Sir
In your letter
sent to you the certificate
of Sandford Gifford
with high respect
Yours obed serv
William Mayes

Southwold Griffith
Payments to be made at Providence
by President W. B. H.
Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of
Rhode Island
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E. Vol. 2, Page 111 by G. C. Stiles Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Southward Griffith of the State of Rhode Island, who was a private in the Revolutionary Army — is entitled to receive Sixty — dollars and — — cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this — 18 — day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty- Three
John C. Calhoun Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. S. Edward
Commissioner of Pensions.

I James Seamon of Killingly in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut, of lawful Age and engaged according to law — do testify and say, that I am personally acquainted with Southward Griffiths of Foster in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island and have been so acquainted ever since the year A D 1770 and do know the said Griffiths enlisted into Capt. Nathan Olney's Company of State troops and Col. Archibald Crary's regiment, for the years service during the revolutionary war and do know that he served as a good and faithful Soldier in said service for the space of ten months, the years service then being out he was honorably discharged, further the deponent saith Not — dated at Killingly June 29 th 1832
James Seamon
County of Windham ss Killingly June 29 th A D 1832
Be it remembered that on the day before said James Seamon who hath subscribed the foregoing deposition appeared before me the subscriber and after being examined and cautioned to speak the whole truth made solemn oath to the same deposition drawn up by me, and subscribed by him in my presence and that the said deponent is a man of truth and veracity —
Testified by me
J. D. Dixon Justice of the peace
B. Cook Clerk

Admirin Bolles Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut do hereby certify, that John Dixon Esq. before whom the within affidavit was made is duly enrolled as a Justice of the Peace in and for said Windham County, that the within signature of his name is in his hand writing, and that full faith and credit ought to be given to his acts as such J
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Brooklyn in said County this 30 th day of November A.D. 1832
Admirin Bolles Clerk

I James Howard of Foster in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island of Full Age and engaged according to Law do testify and say that I have been many years acquainted with Southward Griffin of Foster County & State aforesaid and do know the said Griffin enlisted into Capt. Nathan Olney's Company of State Troops in Col. Archibald Crampton's Regiment for the year's service, where he served faithfully ten months, and was honorably discharged, and was with him eight or nine months at other times in the State Service in the revolutionary War, and further the deponent saith not. Dated at Foster August first-1832.
His James + Howard mark
Providence ss. On this first day of August A.D. 1832, Then appeared the above named James Howard and after being carefully examined, cautioned and sworn to testify the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth gave the foregoing deposition which was by me in his presence reduced to writing, and by him subscribed in my presence, taken at the request of Southward Griffin, before me
Peleg Place Justice of the Peace
State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
Providence ss.
I, WILLIAM R. WATSON, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Providence, in said State, do hereby certify that Peleg Place is a Justice of the Peace for the town of Foster in said county and State:—that he is by the laws of said State, authorised to administer oaths and take depositions: and that the signature — to the annexed document, purporting to be his, is in the proper hand writing of said Place —
In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the Seal of said Court, at Providence, this 23 rd day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two
Wm R Watson

I Oliver Arnold of Foster in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island of lawful age and engaged according to law
Do testify and say that I am personally acquainted with Southward Griffis of Foster in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island and have been so acquainted ever since the year 1770 and do know the said Griffis enlisted into Capt. Nathan Olney Company of State Troops and Col. Archibald Crarys Regiment for the years service during the Revolutionary War and do know that he served as a good and faithful Soldier in said service for the space of Nine Months the years service then being out he was honorably discharged further the Deponant saith not
Dated at Foster July 21 st A.D. 1832
Sworn to in open Court Oliver Arnold Aug 7 1832 Benjamin Russell Clerk P. and