Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21408, Peter Holbrook, Mass.
Page 1

Mass.
Holbrook, Peter
Mary
W 21,408
Page 2

5722
New Hampshire Concord
Mary Holbrook
widow of Peter
Mass
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a  private.
Inscribed on the roll at the rate of
21 dollars 33
cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848 and ending
26th April 1850.
Certificate of Pension issued the
23d day of July 1851
and sent to 
E. Sawyer Esq.
West [illegible] N H

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Pag 74, Vol 1.
Page 3

32781 Concord
New Hampshire
Peter Holbrook, decd
of Cheshire Co. in the state of New H
who was a private in the company commanded
by Captain Baker of the Regt commanded
by Col. Denny in the Mass.
line for 6 months & 12 days.
Inscribed on the roll of Concord
at the rate of 21 dollars 33 cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831 
and 3 Dec 1837 when he died.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of Sept.
1850 and sent to 
Hon. H. Hubard, HR
Arrears to the 4th of __________________
Semi annual allowance end ____________
Payable to his widow Mary Holbrook
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by J P Chase, Clerk
Book E. Vol. 1. Page 91

Reported
Page 4

I Pruda Matthews of Swanzy in the County of Cheshire and state of New Hampshire aged seventy eight last March depose and say that I am a sister of Peter Holbrook late of Swanzey aforesaid deceased that I can recollect that my brother Peter Holbrook was in the service in the Revolution he lived in the family with me in Billingham and occasionally went out of town to work at his trade being a mason or a brick layer I can distinctly remember of his leaving home to go into the service several times I recollect of his going to Rhode Island once or twice and at other plans These things are fresh in my mind I can remember the feelings I had at the times of his going in to the army I also remember that two other brothers were out in the same war Henry & Caleb Holbook also a Mr John Darling & a Mr Scott were out at the same time & Isaac Bates was also out with Peter H at one time Darling & Scott were out with my brother Peter H at another time I have heard him say that he was entitled to a pension for his services in the war I never knew any one by the name of Peter Holbrook but my brother at the time of the Revolution I was certain that he was out three or more months at one time I am confidant that my brother Peter Holbrook served during the Revolutionary war more than six months
Page 5

in all the different times that he was out He moved from Billingham Mass to Swanzey NH over 40 years ago
Attest Elijah Sawyer
Lewis Campbell}  Pruda her X mark Matthews
Cheshire Ss September 26, 1848
Thus the above named Pruda Matthews personally appearing made oath that the foregoing deposition in our belief is true
Before me Elijah Sawyer Justice Peace
I certify that the aforesaid deponent is personally known to me and that she is a credible witness E Sawyer Just Peace

State of New Hampshire
Cheshire County Ss
I Leonard Bisco Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature of said state forsaid county do hereby certify that Elijah Sawyer is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified according to law that his commission was dated on the fifth day of August AD 1848 and will expire on the fifth day of August AD 1853 and that his signatures above written are in my belief genuine
I swear under my leael seal the seal of said court this tenth day of October AD 1848
Leonard Bisco Clerk
Page 6

[illegible] October 11, 1848
Sir
I received from the Pension Office pr Mr Wilson MC a line concurring the papers of Mrs Holbrook whose application is now in said office
There has been some considerable pains taken to ascertain if there were in the vicinity in Massachusetts of the residence of the husband of Mrs Holbrook the appliant for the Pension of her late husband any other person at the time of his service in the Revolution by the name of Peter Holbrook found one in Upton & one in Mendon at the time of the Revolution one 50 and the other is 15 years old at that time but no person among the oldest now living thought that either did any service int he war of the Revolution and never heard either of them speak of being out at all at the time The town of Milford was taken off of Mendon as I am informed Mrs Holbrook's statement that he enlisted at Milford may not be correct as these old ladies state from recollection or impressions obtained they hardly know how
The applicants husband Peter Holbrook had just commenced in ernest for his pension but died before he applied for his papers Peter H had a Brother by the name of Seth Holbrook whose name appears on some of the papers in your office he is also dead
I have no doubt myself but the Peter Holbrook whose name is on the papers in your office is the one who did the service & should have the pension
Page 7

The said Peter Holbrook was a man of a good character and one that from personal acquaintance I don't believe would seek to obtain a pension or state that he was entitled to one unless in his belief true.
Respectfully your
obt servt Elijah Sawyer
J L Edwards Esq

Mrs Holbrook

J W Ames

Elijah Sawyer
Keene
NH
Page 8

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of the 7th June 1832 and July 4, 1836
State of New Hampshire
Cheshire County Ss} On the eighth day of February AD 1848 Personally appeared before me Joel Parker Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Judicature Mary Holbrook a resident of Swanzey in the county and state aforesaid aged eighty years widow of Peter Holbrook late of Swanzey aforesaid in the county & state aforesaid deceased who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the pension act of Congress or the provisions thereof passed on the 7th June 1832 &c
That she is the widow of Peter Holbrook late of Swanzey in said county of Cheshire and state of New Hampshire deceased who was a private in the Revolutionary War
That according to his best recollection, knowledge and belief he entered the service as a private and served in the army at several various times and under different officers and at different places as by her stated in her application to the Secretary of the State of Massachusetts for evidence from the Rolls hereto annexed
That her husband the aforesaid Peter Holbrook died at Swanzey in the county and state aforesaid on the third day of December AD one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven
Therefore being advised that she is entitled to the arrears of pension due to her late husband at the time of his death under the act of the 7th June AD 1832 by virtue of service rendered by her late husband the said Peter Holbrook in the Revolutionary war She therefore hereby claims the amount of pension wo which he was entitled under said act from
Page 9

from the fourth day of March AD one thousand eight hundred and thirty one to the third day of December AD one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven the day of his death all which is claimed in right of service performed by her said husband in the Revolution 
She further declares that she has never married since the death of her said husband above named and that she still remains a widow as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed
Witness Lewis Campbell
Mary her X mark Holbrook

Subscribed and sworn to on the day and year above written before me
Joel Parker Chief Justice
Sup Court of NH
The above declaration was taken at the residence of the applicant she being unable from bodily infirmity to attend the court
J Parker Ch Jus
Sup Court

State of New Hampshire
Cheshire County Ss
I Leonard Bisco of the superior court of judicature of said state for said county of Cheshire do hereby certify that Joel Parker whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate was at the date of the same chief justice of said superior court duly commissioned and sworn as such according to law and that his signatures as above written are in my belief genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court this ninth day of February AD 1848
Leonard Bisco Clerk
Page 10

State of New Hampshire
Cheshire County Ss
On this fifth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty personally appeared before the court of Probate in and for the said county of Cheshire Isaac Holbrook of Swanzey in said county Administrator on the estate of Mary Holbrook late of said Swanzey deceased (widow of Peter Holbrook late of said Swanzey deceased and who died on the third day of December AD 1837) and being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the act of Congress passed July 7th AD 1838 Entitled an "act granting half pay and p0ensions to certain widows" and also all other acts amendatory and supplementary of said act That the said Mary Holbrook deceased was the widow of Peter Holbrook deceased who as a private in the war of the revolution and he further declares that the said Mary was married to the said Peter Holbrook deceased (as appears of record) on the twenty sixth day of April in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and eighty seven that he died on the third day of December eighteen hundred and thirty seven that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred ninety four viz at the time above stated
Isaac Holbrook
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me in open court
Larkin Baker Judge of Probate
Page 11

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office Boston July 2 1849
I hereby Certify That at the date of the annexed attestation Savil Metcalf was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk
in the said Commonwealth duly commissioned and constituted and that to his acts and attestations as such full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court

In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth the date above written

Wm Tafts
Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 12

Bellingham April 22d 1848
On the twenty sixth day of April AD one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven Mr Peter Holbrook of Bellingham and Mis Mary Bates of Mendon were joined in marriage by me Noah Alden Baptist Minister in Bellingham
The above is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows "April the 26 1787"
Francis D Bates Town clerk
I Francis D Bates aboved named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk of Bellingham  in the county of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Bellingham with the exception above named
Francis D Bates Town Clerk of Bellingham

Norfolk Ss April 22 1848
There personally appeared Francis D Bates and made oath that the above is a true record as made on the Town Records of said Bellingham
Before me
Savel Metcalf Justice of the Peace
Page 13

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Cheshire, SS
I George F Starkweather Register of the Court of Probate in and for the county of Cheshire aforesaid hereby certify that a Court of Probate holden at KEENE in and for said county on the first day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty 1850 Isaac Holbrook of Swanzey in said county was duly appointed Administrator of the Estate of Mary Holbrook late of said Swanzey deceased intestate and became bound according to law for the faithful discharge of said trust
I also certify that it appears by the records and filed in said office that said appointment remains in full force in no wise revoked reversed or annulled.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said court at KEENE the fifth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty 1850
George F Starkweather
Page 14

State of New Hampshire
Cheshire Ss } Be it remembered that at a court of probate holden at Keene in said county on the fifty day of November 1850 It was proved in open court to the satisfaction of the Judge thereof that Mary Holbrook of Swanzey in said county deceased was the widow of Peter Holbrook late of said Swanzey deceased who was a soldier of the Revolution & whose name has lately been placed on the roll of Pensions that she said Mary died on the twenty sixth day of April AD 1850 that she died leaving the following named children and her only then and now surviving children to wit Elkanah Holbrook, Clark B Holbrook, Helen Holbrook, Isaac Holbrook and Sophia Goodnow that said Mary widow never intermarried but died the widow of said Peter Holbrook deceased 
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and the seal of said court at Keene aforesaid this fifth day of November AD 1850
George F Starkweather
Register of Probate for sd Co
Page 15

State of New Hampshire
Cheshire Ss} I George F Starkweather Register of Probate for said County do certify that Larkin Baker is Judge of Probate for the same county that full faith and credit are & ought to be given to his certificates and attestations as such and that his name subscribed to the within declaration is his own proper signature In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & the seal of the court of Probate at Keene in said county this fifty day of November AD 1850
George F Starkweather
Page 16

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.  3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Washington, D.C.  19

WF 21408

In reply to your request of received for a statement of the military history of Peter Holbrook a soldier of the REVEOLUTIONARY 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 - 1776
1778 or 1778
{check mark]

LENGTH OF SERVICE - 
6 weeks 
3 mos
2 weeks in an alarm under Genl Sullivan Drury
3 mos ending  Nov 1 1781
RANK -
Pvt
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED
CAPTAIN - 
at Rhode Island
no officers stated
COLONEL -
STATE - Mass
Battles engaged in 
Residence of soldier at enlistment Bellingham Norfolk Co Mass
Date of application for pension Feby 8 1848 The cl was al
Residence at date of application Swanzey Cheshire Co NH
Age at date of application, She was 80 yrs old
Remarks He mar Apr 26 1787 at Bellingham Mass Miss Mary Bates and died Dec 3 1837 at Swanzey Cheshire Co N H aged 75 years She died Apr 26 1850 at Swanzey NH Children WEre Elkanah, Clark B, Helon, Sophia Goodnow, Mary and Isaac
Respectfully,
Soldiers sister Pruda Matthews
" brothers Henry, Caleb & Seth Holbrook
ACTING Commissioner.
6-2856
Page 17

Rev
WIDOW &c
File No 21408
Mary Holbrook
widow of 
Peter Holbrook
Pri Rev War
ct: Feb 29 48
Vol A Page 350
[Arrangement of 1870]


19 Mch 8 HIst to Mrs A C Mason
Page 18

No 14286

Mary Holbrook
decd
NH
Act 7 July 1838
Letter to Hon H Hibbard
March 22d 1851
Page 19

Dec 3d Ju 37
6 m 12

No 37121

Peter Holbrook aw
Ns
Let to Hon J Wilson
July 15th 48
Elijah Sawyer Apl 5 49
Elijah Sawyer 18th Augt 1849
" " 15 Nov 1849
Let Hon Jas Wilson 8 Augt 1850
Act 7 June 1832
Page 20

H Hibbard
W Ames
J L Edwards Esq
Comr Pensions
Washington 

Sept 26
Peter Holbrook
NH sus 1832
Page 21

No 14286
Dec 4 150
Dec Dec 
Mary Holbrook 
Dp
Declaration
[post marked
NH DEC 2]

Triplett
Triplett

New Hampshire
Act 7 July 1838

Hon H Hibbard

J L Edwards  FREE
Commr of Pensions
Washington City
DC
Page 22

11153
New Hampshire Concord
Mary Holbrook decd
widow of peter Holbrook
who died on the 3d Decr 1837
of Cheshire in the state of NH
who was a private in the Compy commanded by Captain - of the Regt commanded by Col in the Revolution line for 6 mo 12 days
Inscribed on the roll of Concord at the rate of 21 Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 3d day of December 1837
Certificate of Pension issued the 23d day of July 1851 and sent to E Swayer Esq
Arrears to the 4th of west Swanzey
Semi annual allowance ending NH
{Revolutionary Claim Act July 7 1838}
Recorded by H R Wrightman Clerk
Bood D Vol S Page 33
Page 23

I [illegible] certify that the bearer is served with Povission for the 2nd Infant wNov 1 1781 Sol Stow Q master
[illegible] James 
Hand four rations Nov 4th
Peter Holbrook  for [illegible]
WF 21408 R Muttin
Mass
Page 24

Peter Holbrook a soldier in Col Durys reg is Discharged 
the [illegible] having served the full term of there Hon [illegible] according to
[illegible] of the C [illegible] Massachusetts of June 30th 1781

[illegible] Comm [illegible] will furnish you with Nathal Carpenter Major
[illegible] one year [illegible] 
West Point November 1 1781 M Jackson Colo
Page 25

9043
New Hampshire Concord
Mary Holbrook decd
widow of Peter
who was a private
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 21 Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1843
Certificate of Pension issued the 23d day of July 1851 and sent to E Sawyer Esq
West Swanzey NH
[Acts of March 3 1843 & June 17 1844]
Recorded in Book A Vol 2 Page 16
Page 26

Cornelius Holbrook
Deposition
Page 27

I Cornelius Kollock of Wrentham in the state of Massachusetts, aged ninety four years, _____ and say that, I _____ ______ and paid taxes in this town of Wrentham seventy two years, I think I know all the Holbrooks that have lived in this town, and that I never heard or know of a person by the name of Peter Holbrook, as living or residing in Wrentham, and think that there never was a Peter Holbrook lived here, and I am confident, I was acquainted with all the Holbrooks that have lived in this town.
Cornelis Kollock
Page 28

I Simon P. Bicknell of Mendon, in the
County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts of lawful
age depose and say, that I have many years been
acquainted with people in Billingham a town
adjoining Mendon that I personally knew Peter
Holbrook late of Swanzey in the State of New Hampshire,
deceased, said Holbrook moved from Bellingham to
Swanzey many years ago. I also, was acquainted
with other persons by the name of Holbrook but
never know or heard of any other Holbrook whose
Christian name was Peter, and I know the
Christian names all up to sixty or seventy years
of age. I have also enquired of those I know,
about their fathers, if they know of any of them
of the name of Peter Holbrook, and they have all
stated that they know of no one of that name
except the Peter Holbrook aforesaid that moved
to Swanzey, I have also examined the records
of Bellingham and could find
no person's name on record among the
Holbrooks except the Holbrook that went
to Swanzey, whose given name was Peter
& the oldest inhabitants in Bellingham say 
that they know no other Peter Holbrook
but the one aforesaid.
Said Peter Holbrook of Swanzey, deceased, was
a mason by trade, and persons in the ad-
Page 29

[a]joining towns, to wit, in the town of Mandon, Bellingham,
Upton, Wrintham, Franklin and other
towns in the vicinity, have informed me that
the said Peter Holbrook built chimneys for their
fathers & grandfathers &c. The above named towns
are situated in the corners of Worcester & Norfolk Counties, and
but a few miles apart.
Simon P. Bicknell

Worcester Ss. The person [illegible] 18 day the [illegible] personally
appeared the above named Simon P. Bicknell
and made oath that the above statement by 
him subscribed is true Before me
John S. Scammell} Justice of the
Peace

J.P. Bicknell's
Deposition
Page 30

N.W. Holbrooks
Statement

Mr. Elijah Sawyer
[illegible]

N.H.
Page 31

Mr Sawyer
Dear Sir on my return to
Boston this morning I received a line from
you asking information relative to Peter
Holbrook of Upton. Peter Holbrook, came from 
Bellingham to Upton, but what year I do not
know. he was my grandfather & died I think
71 or 2 years since. I have frequently heard
my grandmother say that my father was about
3 years old when his father died, & my father if
living would be 74 or five I think.
I have heard Simon Holbrook, brother of Peter
& my grandmother talk of my grandfather &
of the revolutionary war & of the towns people that
wer[e] out in the service, but never heard his name among those.
I think, sir from the time of his death & the
silence of his brother & his wife or my grand-
mother that he could not have been out in
the revolutionary-war
Respectfully Yours
Boston Apr 18/49
N.W. Holbrook
Page 32

Elijah Tafts
Deposition
Page 33

I Elijah Taft of Mendon in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, aged eighty six years, depose and say that I have lived in this town from my birth and that I have been well acquainted with the inhabitants of this town from my earliest recollection.  That I have never known but one man by the name of Peter Holbrook, who ever belonged to this town and that he was the husband of my youngest sister.  The said Holbrook I am certain was never in the military or other service of the United States and except a few years long after the Revolution when he resided in the District of Maine, he always lived in this town.  
Elijah Taft
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester ss
April 13, 1849 personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace for said County, the above named Elijah Taft and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true.  I further certify that the above named Elijah Taft retains the memory of the transactions of his early days and of the acquaintance of his youth and early manhood, as well as any person of his age with whom I am acquainted; and that his credibility as a witness is unimpeachable and that full faith and credit may be reposed in the truth of his above affidavit.
Jno Geo. Metcalf, Justice of Peace
Page 34

Comm. Pensions
Washington
Page 35

Swansey May 2m 1851
Dear Sir,
I have obtained a paper from T. Clerk of Bellingham Mass. in regard to the record of the marriage of Peter Holbrook to Mary his wife which is enclosed.  Also I enclose the affidavit of Mrs. Matthews who was present at the said marriage, which I hope will be sufficient in the premises.
Why Mrs. Holbrook did not apply for a pension for herself is nothing wonderful [illegible].  After the death of her husband the family of the pension laws knew nothing of the proceeding in the case of pensions, and probably supposed the chance of obtaining anything was forever lost and never would have applied for it but through the information and encouragement of some one now informed nor could she apply with any name for herself till she shall prove her husband entitled to a pension.
Other affidavits similar to Mrs. Matthews forwarded herewith can be obtained if required.
From my acquaintance with the family both the parents, children, and connections I am entirely satisfied of the truth of their statements and the deposition also of Mrs. Matthews.
[illegible] the subscriber at Swansey [illegible]
Your obt. servt.
E. Sawyer


Comm. of Pensions
Washington City, D. C.
Page 36

No 37621
Peter Holbrooks d
AH
Act 7 June 1832
Page 37

Secretary's Office, Boston,
February 5th 1848
I Hereby Certify, that from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Peter Holbrook is borne upon a Pay Roll of Lt. Hezekiah Ware's company in Col. Wade's Regt. for service at Rhode Island as a private from June 20 to July 14 1778, 20 days.  Said Lt. Ware belonged to Wentham as appears from rolls in this Office.  Upon a Pay Abstract of Capt. J. M. Baker's Company in Col. Denny's [illegible] for the term of three months to serve on Hudson River, as a private from October 23 to November 23, 1779, including allowance of 10 days for hand, 1 month & 11 days.  This roll is dated "Upton May 6 1780."  Upon a Pay Roll of Capt. Amos Elliss' Company in a Major Seth Ballard's Regt. for service on an [illegible] at Tiverton R. I. as a private from July 27 to August 7 1780, including allowance of 
2

[Margin notes] Wentham [illegible] to half till 25
Upton Worcester Co. 4th 40
25
Mendon Worcester Co. 33834
Page 38

days travel, 14 days this roll is dated "Bellingham Dec 20 1780.  Upon a Pay Roll of Capt. Reuben Davies Company in Col. Luke Drury's Regt. as a private of Mendon from July 7 to November 1 1781 including allowance of 9 days for travel, 3 months & 22 days.
Also signed to an Order in Treasurer for payment of wages for service at West Point in Capt. Davis's Company, Col Drury's Regt. in the year 1781.  The names of Cyrus Thompson & Seth Holbrook are also signed to said Order as witnesses.  The order is dated Bellingham Dec. 20 1780.
And I Further Certify, that, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
W. W. Callum,
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 39

The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office of the service of Peter Holbrook, the husband of the subscriber, now deceased, in the war of the Revolution.
He enlisted from the Town of Milford, Mass in the year 1778 or 1779, mustered at Worcester, rendezvous at Great Barrington, marched to Albany, thence to Mohawk & dismissed there.  Served three months.  Also in 1776 served six weeks at Rhode Island.  Also served at an [illegible] under Gen Sullivan at R. I. 2 weeks.
Also he served three months as appears by a discharge date Nov. illegible] 1781 in Col. Denny's Regt.  The discharge [illegible] thus "Peter Holbrook a soldier in Col Denny's Regt. is discharged the service having served the full term of three months according to a resolve of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts of June 30, 1781.
Nathal. Carpenter Major Court"
"The serving commandary will furnish you with pension in your [illegible] home.  M. Jackson Col."
"West Point November 1st 1780"
I am the widow of said Peter Holbrook deceased who died in December 3rd, 1837 aged 75 years.  He drew no pension, he communed to make preparations for an application but was taken sick and died before affecting anything.
I am now 80 years of age and can state nothing [illegible] further, or more particular about the service of said husband.
Witness my hand this 28th day of Jany. 1868.
Mary Holbrook X her mark
Witness Isaac Holbrook
Signed by said Mary Holbrook
in my person
Elijah Sawyer, Just. Peace
Page 40

[illegible] Jany. 29, 18488
Sir, 
Please address your answers to E. Sawyer, [illegible] N. H.
E. Sawyer
Secy. State
Page 41

To the Comm. of Pensions
Washington City D. C.
A deposition to be used in the case of the application of Mary Holbrook of Swansey N. H. now in the Pension Office at Washington [illegible]
Page 42

The Town & [illegible] that further was out in the army Wentham, Upton, Bellingham and Mendon years 1778 and 25 days 1779 in Col Drury's Regt. in 1780 in Capt. Amos Ellis company Seth Bullard's Regt. [illegible] 1781 in [illegible] the Davis co. Co. Luke Denny's Regt. 2 month and 22   (et.)

I Helon Holbook of Erving Massachusetts of the age of forty one years depose and say that I am the son of Peter Holbrook, late of Swansey in the County of Cheshire, State of New Hampshire deceased and Mary Holbrook wife of said Peter, and whose papers are now in the Pension Office at Washington asking for the pension due to said Peter Holbrook, her husband, at the time of his decease.
I also further depose & say that the paper marked (A.) I recently found among some private papers left by my said father and which I have not seen before since my father's decease.
That said paper contains the amount given by my said father of the times and terms of service done by him in said Revolutionary War, and of which I frequently heard him talk before his decease.  Said statement was made to me, I think, in 1836.  Helon Holbrook
Page 43

State of New Hampshire
Cheshire County ss
July 22, 1850
There the within named Helon Holbrook personally appeared and made oath that the within deposition by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth, relative to the case for which it was taken.
Before me Elijah Sawyer, Justice of Peace.

I certify that I was well acquainted with the within named deponent, Helon Holbrook and that he bears a character for truth and veracity unquestioned and unimpeachable and that his declaration may be relied upon as true.
E. Sawyer Justice of Peace

We the subscribers being acquainted with the afore. Helon Holbrook [word crossed out] do hereby [illegible] subscribe to the above certificate of the character of said Holbrook as certified to by E. Sawyer Esq. 
Amos Baley
Elijah Carpenter
Joseph Woodward
Page 44

The town & [illegible]years that father was out in the army.

House of Reps  Aug 5, 1850
Hond. Sir
I can state in regard to the character of Helon Holbrook who has given the affidavit upon the 1st page of this paper that he is an upright honest worthy man of unblemished character for truth & veracity.  I have known him for many years.  I also know [illegible] Elijah Sawyer, Elijah Carpenter Esq. and Capt. Joseph Woodward who have signed the certificate on the preceding page also Amos Bailey Esq.  They are all of them of the most respectable men in the town in which they reside.  They are wholly incapable of an untruth or an unworthy act.
James Wilson M.C.
from 3rd Dis. N. H.
Page 45

House of Reps. July 6, 1848

D Sir
I send herewith the Declaration of Mrs. Azubah Carpenter of Keene, N. H. for the benefit of the Pension Act of the 2nd Feby. 1848.  She is the widow of David Carpenter late of Keene deceased who was a pensioner and I believe she has also recd. the benefit of the pension laws since the decease of her late husband.  I knew old Mr. Carpenter well in his lifetime, and I also know this applicant.  They were [word crossed out] worthy people and she still is an excellent deserving old lady and is most unquestionably entitled to a pension.  She is the only wife of David Carpenter and I know some of their children old enough to have been born before 1794.
I hope a certificate may be issued to her without delay.  I would also respectfully ask attention to the accompanying letter of Elijah Sawyer.
Page 46

Esq. of Keene N. H. who writes me in regard to some pension papers in your office relating to the case of Mrs. Mary Holbrook of Swansey N. H.
Mr. Sawyer informed me by letter sometime since that he had heard nothing from that case for a long time, if at all, since the papers were filed.
Will you have the goodness to give the subject your attention as early as the pressure of business in your office will permit.
In the case of Mrs. Carpenter's application & also in regard to Mrs. Holbrook's case will you have the goodness to send directly to Elijaah Sawyer Esq., Keene N. H. as I may be absent from the city.
Yours with high regard
James Wilson

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Comm. of Pensions
Washington City D. C.
Page 47

House of Reps. Aug. 5th 1850
D Sir
May I solicit your early attention to the case of Mrs. Holbrook to which the accompanying paper refers.  It seems to me the evidence is sufficient to justify the allowance of her claim.
I understand the point made is that there might have been another Mr. Holbrook who performed the services set forth in the application.  It would seem to be a very severe and arbitrary rule to make applicants furnish negative testimony until every doubt should be removed.
I must say that I have not a particle of doubt that Peter Holbrook the husband of the applicant rendered the services claimed by his widow.
Very truly yours,
James Wilson

Col. J L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions
Washington City D. C.
Page 48

[illegible]
Peter Holbrook dec.
New Hampshire
Act 7 June, 1832
Admitted 6 months 12 days Pri.
$21.33 from 4, March, 1831 to 3 Dec. 1837, the day of his death.  ["In favor of" crossed out]
Payable to Mary Holbrook his widow
Certificate sent to Hon. H. Hibbard
H. of Reps.
Page 49

Mrs. Holbrook

[illegible]
Page 50

State of New Hampshire
Cheshire ss
Be it remembered that at a Court of Probate holden at Keene in and for said County of Cheshire on the third day of September A. D. 1850 it was proved in open court to the satisfaction of the judge thereof that Peter Holbrook deceased for whose pension the papers of Mary Holbrook his widow are now in the Pension Office Washington, died in Swansey in said County where he resided on the third day of December in the year eighteen hundred and thirty seven - leaving the said Mary his widow.  In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and the seal of said Court at Keene aforesaid this fourth day of September 1850.  George F. Starkweather, Register of Probate for said County
Page 51

Official Business
Edwards Esq. Comm.
Washington City D. C.

September 28/49
added [illegible] case
Mary Holbrook wid. Peter
Page 52

Keene N. H. Sept. 24. /49
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir
After receiving your late communication in the matter of Mrs. Holbrook's pension I took the enclosed affidavits and herein forward the same to you.  If with all made in the case with this added is still deemed insufficient and you are still intended to withhold a pension from the party claiming for the wants of satisfactory evidence, I want to thank you (if proper) to send me all the papers in the case in your possession.
You know sir the difficulty in procuring negative testimony, but I thought the evidence forwarded you, was enough to have given us the case in the absence of any positive testimony against us on your side.  If the statement of N. W. Holbrook per letter of his will be [illegible] if in shape of affidavit or any other infirmities can be rectified that may have occurred, please suggest them and they shall be attended to.
Your obedient servant
Elijah Sawyer

J. L. Edwards
Page 53

[illegible] for the Pension Office
[Stamps] 
Keene N. H. 9 Feb.  Free

L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington City D. C.

Feby. 12.48
Peter Holbrook dec.
1837
Page 54

[Stamps]  Free  Keene Sep 21 N. H.

Hon. H Hibbard M. C.
Washington City D. C.

Will Mr. Edwards inform me in respect to the subject of the within inquiry.
[illegible] H. Hibbard
N.B.
Sept. 25 1850
Page 55

Hon. H. Hibbard
[illegible] Sir,
Permit me to trouble you to pass the enclosed to the Comm. of Pensions at Washington, and , as the widow Holbrook the applicant haveing died in April last, ascertain if a certificate can be issued for the pension except to an administrator on the estate of said applicant.
Respectfully & truly yours
E. Sawyer 
Swansey N. H.
P.S. Hon. J. Wilson has attended to my calls in the matter prior to this, but as I hear that he has left Washington I avail myself of your services.
E. S.
Page 56

Official business
Free
[illegible stamp]
J L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Washington City D. C.

Dec. [illegible]
We added of
[illegible] 
Elijah Sawyer file with papers 
Mary Holbrook
Page 57

Concord N. H. Dec. 17, 18[illegible]
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Sir:
I am not certain that I sent in the papers containing the Declarations of Isaac Holbrook admin. of Mary Holbrook for the pension which would have been due her had she been living, directions where as to whom you might address in the premises.
I therefore would inform you to address in the matter,
Your obedient Servant &c
Elijah Sawyer
Swansey N. H. 

P. S.  I some time since sent the Declaration of Mrs. Wilder of Lempster N. H. for (as she says) arrearages of pension to your office which I expect to hear from in due season.  E. S.
Page 58

Mary Holbrook dec.
wid. of Peter  N. H.
Act 7 July 1838
Aa 6 mo 12d Pri.
$21.33 per ann from 3 Dec. 1837 when he died to 26 Apl. 1850, when she died except 2 yrs.
Payable to Isaac Holbrook son for the benefit of Elkanah Holbrook, Clara B. Holbrook, Helon Holbrook, Isaac Holbrook & Sophia Goodnow.
Cert. [illegible] to
E. Sawyer
West Swansey, N. H.
Page 59

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Secretary's Office, Boston, April 24th 1851
I Hereby Certify That at the date of the annexed attestation Francis D. Bates was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and qualified; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are an ought to be given, in and out of Court.

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Amasa Walker
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 60

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk SS
Town Clerk's Office Bellingham April 18th 1851
The record relating to the marriage of Mr. Peter Holbrook of Bellingham and Miss Mary Bates of Mendon.  It was placed on the town record of Bellingham long before I was Town Clerk of Bellingham and by the appearance of the Record Book and other records before and following it, it must have been deposited and put on record in A. D. one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven by Elisha Burr, Town Clerk of Bellingham whose official duty in that office commenced the seventh day of March A. D. one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven and closed the third day of March A. D. one thousand seven hundred and ninety.  Agreeable to the statute laws of Massachusetts then in force every Justice and Minister is required to make a return of all marriages he solemnized before him to the Town Clerk of the town wherein the marriage is so solemnized.
Amos H. Holbrook Town Clerk of Bellingham

I Amos H. Holbrook above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk of Bellingham in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts and that the above is the true way in my belief relating to the record of the above marriage.
Amos H Holbrook Town Clerk of Bellingham
Norfolk [illegible] Bellingham April 18th 1851
Sworn to before me Francis D. Bates Justice of the Peace
Page 61

Swansey Jany. 16, 1851
Dear Sir:
I wrote to the Commissioner of Pensions a short time since concerning some applications for pensions, one for an addition of pension for Mrs. Phebe Wilder, and an application of the heirs of Mary Holbrook for pension due their mother at her death.  The papers have been in the office for a considerable time, and I feel anxious to hear from them.  I suppose the pension department is crowded with business but if reasonable I wish a return from the office to satisfy enquiries here and to satisfy myself in the premises.  If you can ascertain anything about the business and drop me a line you will much oblige.
Your obt. servt.
Elijah Sawyer
Swansey, N. H.

Hon. H. Hibbard
Page 62

Jany. 16, 1850
Dr. Sir:
Yesterday was the Congressional Convention for Dis. No. 3 at which Mr. Morrison was nominated but not to the satisfaction of the Democracy of Cheshire County.  We claimed the turn to furnish the candidates and think it our right.
Hillsborough Delegations I learn as I was not there would hear to nothing to any claim of ours and having the majority proceeded according to their thoughts.  Our delegates returned dissatisfied and almost disgusted with the proceeding not that they have any objection to Mr. Morrison but by being heartlessly denied their rights and not hardly a notice taken of their arguments in the case.  Our Hillsboro friends must not feel too strong nor slight the Cheshire too unceremoniously for unless we left with [illegible] the last can't go.  I think it will require some labor to bring same up to the support of the nominee and there is nothing to induce many to go the ticket but their dislike of Whiggery.  It was not fair, honorable, or manly to treat us as we were treated.  If Hillsboro can do without old Cheshire so be it.  There was [illegible] fans enough in all conscience on Atwood without being stabbed under the 5th rib in this way.  Yours truly E. Sawyer

P. S. Is there law pensioning soldiers of the War of 1812?
Page 63

We Moses T. Thompson and David Woodward of Swansey in the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire, depose and say that we were acquainted with Peter Holbrook late of Swansey in the County aforesaid deceased.
That he died at said Swansey on the third day of December A. D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven.  That he left a widow, Mary Holbrook, with whom we are also acquainted.  That she is the person now making application for the pension due her late husband Peter Holbrook aforesaid.  That she has never married since the death of her said husband, Peter Holbrook, and that she still survives and remains a widow.
Moses T. Thompson
Daniel Woodward

Cheshire Ss February 8, 1848
Subscribed and sworn to before me
Elijah Sawyer Justice of the Peace

I further certify that the above named deponents are from long acquaintance believed to be credible witnesses.
E. Sawyer Just. Peace

State of New Hampshire
Cheshire County Ss
I Leonard Bisco Clerk of the Supreme Court of [illegible] of said State for said County of Cheshire, do hereby certify that Elijah Sawyer
whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificates was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace within and for said County of Cheshire duly commissioned and sworn as such according to law and that his signatures as above written are in my belief genuine.  In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court the eighth day of February A. D. 1848.
Leonard Bisco Clerk
Page 64

8 
Revolutionary
Mr. Ames
29 Apl. 1849

Official Business
J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D. C. 

[illegible] Mary Holbrook
Page 65

Keene N. H. Apl 24, 1849

J L. Edwards Esq. Pension Agent
Dr Sir:
I have obtained some further testimony in the case of Mrs. Mary Holbrook widow of Peter Holbrook which I hope will be satisfactory.  The statement of N. W. Holbrook Esq. was sent me from Boston, he being a member of the House of Representatives [insert illegible] and was there when I was in Upton.  I saw a Mr. Simon Holbrook who made a statement or rather an affidavit that there was a Peter Holbrook [illegible] lived in Upton as he has learned by his relations & that he died over sixty years ago and was his grandfather.  That he has never heard any of his older relatives intimate that he was ever in the Revolutionary War and this was the only Peter Holbrook ever in the town to his knowledge except a young man that was killed by the fall of a tree ["when young" inserted] and is confident he never was in the service of the Revolution, his being too young.  As I was on my way to Providence and no Justice of the Peace within about three miles of the place, I could not wait without losing the case and left the paper for him to make oath to and send me.  If it does not come to hand accordingly and the enclosed not sufficient I will obtain it and send on to the department.
I wish if consistent as this case has been long on the docket to hear from you as soon as circumstances will admit after the receipt of this.
Your very obt. servt.
Elijah Sawyer
Keene N. H.
Page 66

We, Isaac Holbrook, Sophia Goodnow and Mary Holbrook | daughter of the widow Mary Holbrook | depose and say that Peter Holbrook late of Swanzey, deceased, often in his life time spoke of being entitled to a pension for services in the war of the Revolution, he said he served six weeks under Gen. Sullivan - and at various other times. The few times on the records at Boston is all that is found, the six weeks, is not on record as appears. He made application to an attorney to know how to proceed to obtain his pensions in 1836 or 1837 and soon after was taken unwell and was sick till he died. Previous to his being confined to the house he had made some preparations to go to Massachusetts to find evidence of his Service, those being then living witnesses - but now dead, and had it not been for his sickness he would have gone for the proof of service & could then probably have obtained it, or at least he said so at the time.
Mr. Samuel Lane, Mr. Russel Ballon both Pensioners in Swanzey, called on (my)saw(father) Holbrook  after he was sick, they knowing that he had commenced affirmations to obtain his pension before, and offered to assist him to obtain proof, but he died before making further progress. We are all children of said Peter Holbrook deceased and have heard him frequently say that a pension was due him, & have seen a writing informing him how to proceed, given him by T.M. Edwards of known to whom he applied for counsel.
Isaac Holbrook
Sophia Goodnow
Mary Holbrook
Page 67

State of New Hampshire
Cheshire Ss August 30th, 1849
The written or foregoing affidavit was
subscribed and sworn to,
Before me
Elijah Sawyer, Justice of the Peace
Page 68

Mrs. Matthews
affidavit.
in case of Mary Holbrook
Page 69

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Secretary of State's Office

I, John L. Hadley, Secretary of State aforesaid
do hereby certify that Elijah Sawyer is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Cheshire
duly commissioned and qualified, and duly authorized
by the Laws of said State to administer Oaths, take the acknowledgement of Deeds, etc.
His Commission was dated on the fifth day of August 1848 and will expire on the fifth day of August 1853

Given under my hand and the Seal
of the State, this seventeenth
day of April 1851.

John L Hadley Secretary of State
Page 70

I, Peruda Matthews of Swanzey in the County of Cheshire and state of New Hampshire of the age of 81 years depose and say that I am the sister of Peter Holbrook late of Swanzey, aforesaid, deceased, that he the said Peter Holbrook, formerly lived in Bellingham where he married. I was also acquainted with his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Bates, was at the marriage of said Peter Holbrook with, as to the said Mary, at Bellingham, Massachusetts, they were married sixty four years a go this month, by Noah Aldin a minister, I was seventeen years old when the marriage aforesaid took place. That said Peter Holbrook lived in Bellingham Mass. with his said wife Mary, a number of years, until he moved to Swanzey N.H. where he resided with the said Mary, his said wife until his deceased, leaving the said Mary, his widow, and that said widow, Mary Holbrook, died about one year ago in said Swanzey.
And the said Peruda Matthews further declares, that she knows (word underlined) that the said Mary Holbrook late of Swanzey, deceased, was the identical person who mas married to said Peter Holbrook at Bellingham previous to Jany, 1794, to wit, in April 1787 -
her
Peruda X Matthews
mark
attest
Levi Matthews
E. Sawyer

State of New Hampshire
Chishire (sic) P.
April 9th 1851 Then the aforesaid Peruda Matthews made oath to the foregoing deposition by her subscribed, 
Before me, Elijah Sawyer Justice of the Peace
Page 71

May 8. 1851
Addl Evi: in [illegible] by Mary Holbrook
Cap Triplett
E Sawyer
West Swanzey
N.H

[sideways:]
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City, 
D.C.
Page 72

[stamp, otherwise blank page]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE
A
FEB 29 1916
Page 73

One 2¢ stamp recd 
Feb. 28, 1916
Stamp W Rev Sec
Dear Sir: Have you a record of Capt. Peter Holbrook, who fought in the Revolution? 
He was born Nov. 23, 1762, died Dec. 3, 1834.
I think he may have been a resident of Bellingham, Mass where he enlisted. 
Any information you an give me will be very much appreciated.
Mrs. A. C. Mason.
143 Grove St. 
Rutland,
VT.