Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4213, Thomas Griffith, New Jersey Penn. And Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
New Jersey Penn. and Va.
Griffith Thomas Mary
W. 4213
CONTENTS

Virginia 3096
Dead. See pen. cert. within.
Mary Griffith
widow of Thomas Griffith, dec. a pensioner act 7 June 1832 who (as per No) 26 April 1835, of Loudoun in the State of Virginia who was a private in the Co. commanded by Captain Smith of the regt commanded by Col Dean in the Penn a line for 9 mo. 12 ds.
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond at the rate of 31 Dollars 34 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834. 26 April 1835.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 st day of Nov 1839, to Geo. Richards Esq. - Leesburg, Virg a
Arrears to the 4th of Sept r 1839 $109.69 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar ch 40 15.67
$125.36
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3d }
Recorded by D r M c Curdy Clerk, Book A. Vol. 2. Page 156.

6327 Virginia
Thomas Griffith - of Loudoun in the State of Va - who was a Pr. - in the Compy commanded by Captain Smith of the Regt commanded by Col. Dean - in the Penna - line for 9 mo. 12 days -
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 31 - Dollars 34 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 th day of Feby. 1832 - and sent Geo: Richards, Present.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept - 1832 47.01 Semi-ant. allowance ending 6 Nov: 33 15.67 $62.68
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Nathan Rice - Clerk, Book C Vol. 7 Page 99
Dec 26 April '35

State of Virginia
London June 3 1832
On this 11 th day of September personally appeared in open court before the Justices of the Court of London County sitting Thomas Griffith, president of London County State of Virginia, aged seventy five years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as hereinafter stated.
Brackets
1. [Dunbar the 2 nd Cav of April 1757. in Braddock's Country Hill town Township, Pennsylvania, there no record of my age. I first volunteered in Montgomery Coy. Pa.
3
In three regts. in a company commanded by Capt. Jas. Smith, Samuel Hinds Lieut. Lieut. Humphrey Ensign; Col. Wm. Dean commanded the Regt. to which I was attached. This was from August to November 1755. I was marched into New Jersey with the first Militia ever raised for the defense of that State - after doing duty from Trenton to Amboy at various points I was discharged at the end of the year. — I was re-enlisted in the summer of 1776 in Comp No 1. of New Jersey
Militia, under Command of Capt. David Hart, Patrick Mearns Lieut. — Col. J. Hester — I performed much the same kind of duty and had some sharp skirmishing with Scouting parties of pickets (Guard) about Somerset, Woodbridge — Princeton, P. Amboy & other places. This tour continued for
2
2 mos. when I was discharged in Sept. 1776. In the fall of 1777 when the British lay near Phil a I volunteered and joined a company which was then commanded by Lieut. Walter Evans — our Captains were already out — General Howe had the Command of the Militia Troops — This was soon after the Battle of Brandywine & I think the Enemy lay along from Wilmington to Chester

6 or 8 w.
We were marched to Horristown on the Schuylkill This place was then called Schuylkill Ferry.  Rever , where we continued in Garrison as usual
as I can remember for six or eight weeks.
after which I returned home. — In the spring of
1778 while the British occupied Philadelphia
I was at home for a short period with orders to
— had myself in readiness at a moment's
notice, when a party who were conveying
some cattle to the American camp was surprised
by a body of cavalry commanded by Col. Tarleton
passing by my residence, they took me
with them. — I was a prisoner for about
6 w.
six weeks when I effected my escape &
returned home. In the summer of 1778 I
removed to Londonderry Va. and when I was
drafted, I went into Court & proved that
I had recently served a term in Pennsylvania
which exempted me for that time. I was
I think about July 1781 I was drafted into a company
of Loudoun Militia commanded by Capt.
Cannon — for 3 mos. and started to York T.
va. I was then removed to Capt. Hugh Douglass
Company. My term of 3 mos. was out &
3 m.
little before the siege of Yorktown commenced —
I had been at home about 15 days when I
heard of his surrender. —
I remember a Col. Dark who commanded that
portion of Va. Militia to which I belonged —
I recollect
also Col. Matthews U.S. Officer, Major Hard-
inon of Mass. Attorney U.S. officers who used
much with our Troops. —
My diary has been long since room out of sight
to me. The only documentary evidence I have

is the Certificate of Issack Brown a Continental Soldier who remembers me in the army - his certif- icate enclosed accompanies this declaration. I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a Pension or annuity, except the present of below that my name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State.
Given to and subscribed Thomas Griffith the day and year aforesaid.
We William Gilmore a clergyman residing in the County of Londonderry and Issack Brown residing in the same, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas Griffith, who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy five 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.
Wm Gilmore Issack Brown Given and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories presented by the fourth War Department mark, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served at least one year the last for the certifies that it appears to them that William Gilmore is a clergyman, resident in the County of Londonderry and that Issack Brown who has also signed the same is a creditable person & resident of said County - is a credible person & that their State next is entitled to credit.
I Charles Binns Clerk of the Court of Londonderry do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Thomas Griffith for a Pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of my office this 11 th day of Sept. 1832. C Binns clk

London Falls N.Y.
ss. Issacher Brown, a Revolutionary soldier appeared in open court this day and made oath that he was well acquainted with the mother named Thomas Griffith and knew him in the army when he was attached to the two companies commanded by Capt. James  Levi L. Evans - but does not know any thing of his services in Virginia - sworn to the facts
This 11 th day of Sept. 1882. Issacher Brown
Thomas Griffith
10564.
Captain Griffith has not in his possession any record of his services in Virginia
John A.
9 mo. 17 day 1882
34-34

State of Virginia, } Loudoun County } 3 rd set.
On this 22 nd day of July 1839, personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, Mary Griffith, a resident of said County, and State, aged seventy nine years and nine months, who made solemn affirmation to the truth of the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 4. 1836: that she is the widow of Thomas Griffith, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution being a volunteer & drafted man in the Militia of Penn a and Virg a as will fully appear by reference to the Declaration of said Thomas Griffith now on file in the War Department of the United States, and in the Pension Office of the United States, under the act of Congress of 7 th June 1832. She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas Griffith, in Loudoun County Va. in the fall of 1779 (by publication of Banns) by the Rev: John Marks, then a Baptist Preacher, that such was then the mode of marrying, and she retained any certificate of her marriage - She further declares that she and her husband continued to reside with her father, Philip March, as well as she can recollect for nearly two years, and it was after the birth of her first child, they went to Home keeping, where they had not been long established before her husband was drafted to go to Norfolk and married in August 1781 - She further declares that her said husband died on the 26 th day of April 1835 and that she has remained a widow since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. She further declares that she has no documentary evidence of any sort relating to her marriage to her said husband, and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me, Timothy G. Griffith mark
Taylor, a Magistrate of Loudoun (over)

county, and I certify that I am well acquainted with Declaration, that she is a credible person and her declaration entitled to full credit and confidence: I further certify that said Mary Griffith is now suffering under a stroke of Palsy which renders it impossible for her to appear in open court to make her Declaration, witness my hand Timothy Taylor J.P.
Richland State of Virginia Loudoun County 30th
Be it known that on this 22 nd day of July 1809 personally appeared before me Timothy Taylor a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, Issacher Brown a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, residing in said County, who made solemn affirmation that he is now in his 79 th year - that he was raised in Pennsylvania & personal years knew Mary March, who afterwards removed with her father into Virginia, and there as he heard, married Thomas Griffith - that in the year 1787 the said Affiant removed into Loudoun County, Virginia where he has resided resided ever since, that he found the said Mary March married to Thomas Griffith and has known Mr & Mrs Griffith ever since until the time of Mr Griffiths death - that he also knew the Rev: Mr. Marks at that time a Baptist Preacher then living in Loudoun County, about one mile from present residence of Affiant. Affiant further saith that he was informed on his arrival in Virginia that the Rev: Mr. Marks had married Mr. Griffith to Mary March, (now Mrs. Mary Griffith) and he further saith that he knows that Mrs. Mary Griffith has remained a Widow since the death of her husband - Affiant and Subscribed
before me, the day and year first above written; and I certify that the Affiant is known to me as a credible person and his statement entitled to full credit and confidence. Timothy Taylor J.P.

State of Virginia } London County } set.
Be it known that on this 22 nd day of July 1839, personally appeared before me, David Reece, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County David Rogers, Widow of Hamilton Rogers of said County, and a resident of the same, now in her sixty ninth year, who made solemn affirmation, that she can well remember Mary Griffith, Widow of Thomas Griffith, dec d . of said County for sixty years, or nearly so, that she did not know Mrs. Griffith before her marriage, but soon after and she distinctly remembers that S t . Thomas Griffith went one tour of Militia duty in the Army after their marriage took place. Affiant further saith that she knew the Rev. Geo. Marks the Baptist Preacher referred to in the Declaration of Mary Griffith, and the Deposition of Isabella Brown - that she has seen him perform the marriage ceremony for others in that way - She further saith that Captains or Officers for marriage were not then in use - the marriage taking place by the publication of banns between the parties. Affiant further saith that her acquaintance with the Rev. Geo. Marks did not commence till some four or five years after the marriage of Mary Griffith. Affiant saith she knows that S t . Thomas Griffith has remained a widower since the death of her husband. Affirmed, before me and subscribed by Affiant the day and year first above written, and I also certify Dinah Rogers that said David Rogers is a credible person, and her statement entitled to full credit and confidence
David Reece J.P.

Virginia Loudoun County to wit
I Charles G. Eskridge Clerk of the County Court of Loudoun in the Commonwealth aforesaid do hereby certify that Timothy Taylor Jr and David Reece are Magistrates as within, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office this 22nd day of July 1839 and in the 64th year of the Commonwealth
C. G. Eskridge C.R.
Virginia to wit
At a Court held for Loudoun County on the 11th October 1839
On the Motion of George Richards it is ordered that the declaration of Mary Griffith widow of Thomas Griffith dec'd a revolutionary soldier and the affidavits thereto annexed be referred to the War department of the United States, the same having been examined and approved by the Court.
A copy true C. G. Eskridge C.R.
Virginia Loudoun County to wit
I Charles G. Eskridge Clerk of the County Court of Loudoun in the State aforesaid do hereby certify that I have examined my office and find no evidence of the marriage of the said Griffith and Mary March. And I further certify that the above copy is a true transcript from the records of said Court
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office this 16th day of October 1839 and in the 64th year of the Commonwealth
C. G. Eskridge C.R.
Mary Griffith 4645 Loudoun Co. Va. Oct 16th 1839

BRIEF in the case of  Thomas Griffith  v. the  County of Loudoun  in the State of  Va.  (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? 75 years  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.     Aug t In 1775 to Novem r 3 Private Gen. Capt Smith Col l Dean   Summer of 1776 2 " Capt Kent Col l Hunter   Fall of 1777 1 12 " Lt Evans Gen l Bull   Spring of 1778 (Autumn) 1 12 " no officers. Captured by Linton   July 1781 3 " Capt Coomes Col l Dark  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? None  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Montgomery Co ty Pennsylv a  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? By a living witness  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Richard Cutts Examining Clerk.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
W.F. 4213
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Thomas Griffith a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Aug. 1775 to Nov. 1775 Pvt. George Smith Wm Dean Penn.   Summer 1776 Encl. Josiah Hest De Heister N.J.   Fall of 1777 6 months Lieut Walter Coane   In Spring of 1778 while at home for a short period was taken prisoner by a body of Tarleton's Cavalry & kept 6 weeks when he escaped.   July 1781 3 mos Canon Dark Va.   Hugh Douglass  
Battles engaged in, none stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Vol in Montgomery Co. Pa.
Date of application for pension, Sept 11 1832. He was al.
Residence at date of application, Loudoun County, Va.
Age at date of application, born Apr 2 1757 in Hilltown Twp. Bucks Co. Penn.
Remarks: { died Apr 26 1835
He was in fall of 1779 in Loudoun Co. Va. Mary daughter of Philip March. She was allowed pension on an application executed July 22 1839, while a resident of Loudoun Co. Va. aged 79 years. June 22, 1842 Mary Griffith is referred to as "late mother of Philip Griffith" then a resident of Leesburg, Va.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Mary Griffith, Va. m. A., act 1836, at $31: 44 per annum. Be pleased to say to what time she was paid.
Pension Office } p st . 4 Sep 1841 June 23. 1842 } JH

41445
Mary Griffith Wid of Thomas No 5
Ad July 4. 1836.
Moved 1779 due March Aple 24. 1835.
Allow $ 37.34 per ann from 26 Aple 1835
Mr. Richard E. G. Seesburg Va.

Sir
Leesburg Vt. June 22-1842
Mr Philip Griffith, Son of Mary Griffith, having returned me the Certificate of her late Mother, return it to the Pension office. —
Very respectfully
Geo. Richards
H. Edward Esq. Com. Pension Washington

Leesburg Oct. 16/39
Sir:
I return the declaration of Mary Griffith with the approval of the Court as required.
I know that Mrs. G. has no family Bible, or other record of her marriage for I asked her particularly when I went to her house in July. They are poor and uneducated, but worthy honest people. Col. Timothy Taylor Jr. who took her affidavit is a neighbor of hers. - He is a wealthy farmer & has been one of our duty also for several years past - He would, if desired, give you a certificate to the undoubted worth and integrity of old Mr. Griffith, and that no doubt can exist as to the time of the marriage; that is to far as weight is given to the oath of a person who has always sustained a fair character and been known in a neighborhood for half a century or more, as a married woman.
I am Sir
Very respectfully
Yrs. ob. Serv.
Geo. Nichols
By Edwards Esq

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th July, 1836, Mary Griffith — of Virginia, — — widow of Thomas Griffith, deceased, — who was a private in the Revolution, and died on the 26th day of April 1835, is entitled to receive Thirty one — dollars and thirty four cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the twenty sixth April A. D. 1835, — and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September.
GIVEN AT THE WAR OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES, this first — day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine.
J. B. Poinsett Secretary of War.
G. W. Green act g Commissioner of Pensions.
Examined and Countersigned.
March 1840 (69 1/2) J.P.R.

Rec. Sec. m
BUTTE, MONTANA. November 11th, 1919.
U. S. Pension Bureau, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sirs:
Can you give me any data on Thomas Covenhaver (Conover) who married Abigail Cook and served in the Revolutionary War from Hunterdon, N. J. He fought in Benjamin Randolph's Company. I would like any other information in regard to this person, also any data you have of Thomas Griffith who fought in Anthony Wayne's Company, Chester County, Pa. Would like to know where born, died and who he married. he may have enlisted
from Montgomery Co.
Trusting to hear from you soon, and thanking you in advance for any information you may give me, I remain,
Yours truly,
Mrs. Chester Steele, 1063 W. Mercury St. Butte, Montana

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 4213
Mary Griffith Wid.
Thos Griffith Prvt. Pa. line
Act: July 14/86, Sec. 3d
Index:—Vol. a , Page 286
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Books Calcutta

1919 July 9 Hist. to Mrs. Flora B. Steel. Letter in N.F. 37.947 Joshua Fry. 1919 Nov. 26. Hist. to Mrs. Chester Steel.

Leicester 1 st July 24 1839.
Josh. Edwards Esq. Sir
I enclose you and the declaration of Mary Griffith, widow of Thomas Griffith, late a Royal Pensioner for whom Pension was granted in July 1833. I wanted on Mrs. G. after residence about 10 miles from Leic. on the 22 nd and as the 2 witnesses lived in different neighbourhoods, I had to get different Notaries -
Mrs. G. is suffering from a paralytic stroke, but able to talk. She is a respectable, but very poor woman - Eleanor Brown, now a Pensioner is a cousin, and Mr. Rogers is the widower of one of one of our most respectable Barons, now deceased. I like you all the evidence the (Mrs. G.) has. She has no record in Family Bibles, or certificate of the marriage -
Does good not have this small case into his son, for I should think Mrs. G. will not live long - perhaps a few weeks or possibly months, and I should be pleased to let her have her money (if possible) before she dies.
I am Sir
Very respectfully
Your Ob. Servt.
Josh. Edwards.

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Griffith, Thomas GRADE Private LINE Lamb's Artillery (New York)
WARRANT NUMBER 7192 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Sept. 15, 1790 To John D. Hobart et al, assignees
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.