Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1251, John Brooks, New York
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New York
Brooks, John
R.1251
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State of New York
County of Grange  (Illegible)
On the third day of Sept., 1832 Personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas
( Julian Nord Fitisy)? John Brooks of the Town of Monroe County and states aforesaid Ajeel Hinityhaus  James who being duly sworn according to law 
doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the cut of Congrefs Jrafoes Simms the 1832 and the oppening being Charley Taverns (Illegible) and saith that he was born in the year 1741 in the City of New York (illegible) and that in the year 1777 he resided in the town of Monroe in the County of Orange aforesaid that he belonged to Militia and was enrolled under Cap. Francis Smith and served under him as a private in (Illegible) Company which Company was Commanded by Col. Jesse Woodhull & Gen. James Clinton.

Defendent Saith that during the (Illegible) of 1777, he was called out to Fort Montgomery a fortification of the bank of the Hudson River.  Several times for the (illegible) of keeping the enemy from landing at that place and was thus as  seven ors eight days  at a time but can't recollect the days on which he was called nor the precise number of times but thinks as much as seven or eight times.
Defendant further says that he was at the battle of Fort Montgomery before the fort was taken by the Enemy and that he was taken prisoner on the 6th day of October 1777.
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by the enemy and was carried to the City of New York where he was kept in prison one year and four or five days.
Then returned to the Town of Munn in sd. County where he has resided the most of his [illegible] and that he now resides in sd. Town of Munn in and County of Orange aforesaid.
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 in the United States. Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid. John Brooks
before me Asa Dunning Clerk
We Earll Rumsey a clergyman residing in the Town of Munn and county aforesaid and James Weygant residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Brooks who hath subscribed and sworn the above declaration and that we believe him to be ninety years or [illegible] of age and that he is [illegible] and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Earl Rumsey, James Weygant
Sworn and subscribed the day & year aforsaid before me Asa Dunning Clerk
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32366
Pension Papers of John Brooks
Act of June 7th 1832
Amended
Nathan Westcott Attorney
Hon JW Brown
Goshen, Orange County New York
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State of New York, County of Orange ss
John Brooks of the town of Monroe in the said county of Orange applicant for a pension being duly sworn according to law makes the following additional declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That he entered the service under Captain Smith being enrolled in his company. That his service was [illegible] at Fort Montgomery and along the Hundson. That during the periods of his service mentioned particularly in his former declaration he says upon reflection he served not less than the period of two months actual service for which he claims. That Gen. Clinton commanded at Fort Montgomery and that he recollects Col. McLaughry being in the service in the Fort. Recollects Robert Davenport who was a private. That this deponent was taken prisoner at Fort Montgomery October 6th 1777. That he was carried to New York by the enemy and was there kept in actual confinement for the period of one year and some days for which period of time he also claims a pension.
That all his service was done in the grade of a private soldier.
1. He was born in the year 1741 in the city of New York.
2. That he has a record of his age in the town of Monroe aforesaid.
3. He was living at Smith bloue Orange county aforesaid when called into service has lived there ever since.
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4. He was enrolled in Captain Smiths Company and performed duty as militia man.
5. Never recd a written discharge
6. That he is known to James Weyggant Esq., Dr. Joseph Andrews, John McGanal Esq, & others all of the town of Monroe in the said county of Grange.
From bodily infirmities as great inconvenience he earned being his witness in open court.
Sworn in open court before me this 5th day of December 1834.
John Brooks
Asa Dunning Clerk
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State of New York, County of Orange ss
Personally came before me James Weygant one of the Justices of the Peace in and for county, Elisabeth Weygent a resident of the town of Munn in sd county and to me known who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that she was well acquainted with John Brooks of Munn now an applicant for a pension, that she knew him before the Revolutionary War and ever since, that her father was Capt. of the Malitia and the Company Rendevous at her fathers house. She knew that John Brooks belonged to the company and done duty in sd. company. She knew by report sd. Brooks was taken prisoner at the battle at Fort Mongomery and was caried to the city of New York. That while he was absent from home her husband worked said Brooks farm upon shares and that they lived in sd. Brooks house untill he returned home. That it was some time in the fall of the year after his captivity but is not certain whither in September or October. She heard sd. Brooks frequently speaking of the treatment he recd. when taken and while a prisoner and that in conversation with others that were taken at the same time. She never doubted nor heard any other one doubt but what he was taken prisoner and remaining such during his absence. Elizabeth Weygent
Sworn & subscribed this 1st day of September 1836 before me. James Weygant Justice of the Peace
I James Weygant one of the Justices of the Peace of the County of Orange aforesaid and before whom the above named Elisabeth Weygant was duly sworn do depose and say that said Elisabeth Weygant is a person of truth and veractiy and that her statement is entitled to full credit. James Weygant Justice of the Peace
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State of New York, County Orange
Personally appeared before me James Weygant one of the Justices of the Peace of said county; Robert Lamoreux a resident of the town of Munn in said county and to me known. Who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he was ten years old when the battle was fought at Fort Mongomery that he was well acquainted with John Brooks of Munn (now an applicant for a pension) before at the time and ever since the Revolutionary War. He knows that he was taken prisoner at the battle of Fort Mongomery and carried to New York. That he has a brother taken prisoner at the same time and imprisoned in the same prison. That he recollects well when his brother came home that they both came home at the same time. But cannot tell his day nor the month but that he recollects it was seed time from the circumstance that his brother assisted in [illegible] the first work he done; he recollects of hearing them often speaking of there capture and treatment while prisoners and often tell how long they were in prison. That they were then over ten months but cannot tell how many days. That he never doubted but he was in prison, nor heard any doubts by any person. He further saith his recollection of things in the Revolutionary war was fresher in his memory than things that transpired in the late war. Sworn & subscribed this 2d day of September 1834 before me. Robert Lamoreux
James Weygant Justice of the Peace
I James Weygant one of the Justices of the Peace of the County of Orange aforesaid, and before whom the said above named Robert Lamoreux was duly sworn do depose and say that the said Robert Lamoreux is a man of truth and veracity and that his statement is entitled to full credit. James Weygant Justice of the Peace
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State of New York, County of Orange ss
I Asa Dunning Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said county of Orange hereby certify that James Weyggant therfore whom the above affidavits of Elizabeth Weyggant and Robert Lamaraoux was taken was at the time of taking the same and now is a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county of Orange duly commissioned & sworn as witness thereof I have here unto set my and affixed the seal of the said court of Common Pleas this eighteenth day of December 1834. Asa Dunning Clerk
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John Broks
W. Supended
'32
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State of New York Orange County SS
Be it known that on this the seventh day of March AD 1853 before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the county and state aforesaid duly authorized by Law to administer oaths personally appeared John Brooks of the town of the Town of Monroe in said county and made oath in due form of law that he is and legal heir of John Brooks, deceased, who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and who has heretofore made application for the benifit of the Pension act of 1832. And that said John Brooks died on the thirty first day of December AD 1834 and that his wife died several years before that time. That he the said John Brooks is directly interested as claimant in said pension, and that he is now seventy three years old. And it is understood and it is understood and believed that there is a pension due for said services. Now therefore the true intent of all this is to qualify and irrevoally appoint and empower James Weygant of the town of Monroe and county of Orange and state of New York as my attorney with Power of Substitution to investigate Substantiate, demand and receive the avails of said claim or claims and to say and to do all things relative thereto as amply as I might do hereby ratifying every thing done by my said attorney or his substitute, in virtue hereof. Also revoking all Powers of attorney or other authority previously given for any such purposes. John Brooks
Alfred Cooper Witness
Sworn to subscriber and acknowledged before me the day and year above written and I hereby certify that I believe the said John Brooks to be directly interested in said claim as set forth and to be the identical party therein alleged. Mogan Shuit, Justice of the Peace
State of New York, Orange County SS
It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me clerk of the Court of Orange County aforesaid, that John Brooks who has sworn to and acknowledged the foregoing declaration and power of attorney is the identical son and heir of JOhn Brooks reputed soldier aforesaid. I further certify that Morgan Shuit Esq before whom the preceding affidavit and Power of Attorney were made and acknowledged has at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for said county and that the signature purporting to be his I believe to be genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of said county this 12th day of March 1853. A Westcott Clerk
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Add evidence case of heirs of John Brooks for [illegible] if Rev Pension act 1832, New York unfunded file
Cole
filed by John S. Edwards
Dec 28 1853
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State of New York, County of Orange SS:
I, James W. Fowler, the Surrogate of the said County of Orange, do hereby certify that from the affidavits produced before me, and which are hereunto annexed, it satisfactorily appears to me that John Brooks, late of the Town of Munn, in the said County of Orange, now deceased, was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and was taken prisoner at Fort Montgomery in the year 1777, and was imprisoned in the City of New York; that the said John Brooks died at the said Town of [illegible], on the 31st day of December, A.D. 1834, leaving him surviving no widow, and leaving surviving four children only. Namely, John Brooks and Elizabeth Woodruff who reside in the County of Orange aforesaid and Mary Knapp and Katharine Gaffen, who reside in the City and County of Albany, and State of New York, all of whom are now living. And I do further certify, that I am well acquainted with James Weygant, whose deposition is hereunto annexed, and that the said James Weygant, is a credible person and his statements are entitled to full credit and belief.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office, at Goshen in the County of Orange this twenty sixth day of June, in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty five. James W. Fowler Surrogate
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State of New York, Orange County SS
On this the eighth day of June in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace within for the County and State aforesaid duly authorized to administer oaths personnally appeared Elisabeth Woodruff aged fifty seven years a resident of the town of Monroe, County and State aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law declares on oath that she is the daughter of John Brooks who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and was taken prisoner at Fort Montgomery in the year 1777. And was held a prisoner for over a year in the City of New York as she has frequently been informed by her father the said John Brooks in his life time. And which she believes to be true. And that her mother died before her father the said John Brooks and left four children one son and three daughters now living, whose names and residence are as follows viz. John Brooks, in the County of Orange and this deponent Mary Knapp Katharine Gaffin who reside in the county and city of Albany State of New York. That her father John Brooks died in the town of Monroe County of Orange and State of New York on the 31st day of December AD 1834, and that the said John Brooks left no widdow him surviving and left him surviving and now living the four children above named. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the pension that her father the said John Brooks applied for under the act of the 7th of June AD 1832. Elizabeth Woodruff - her mark X
Subscribed and sworn to before me this eighth day of June AD 1855
[illegible] making her mark
Morgan Shuit, Justice of the Peace in & for Orange County
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I the said Justice do hereby certify that I am acquainted with Elizabeth Woodruff who subscribed and was sworn to the Foregoing Declaration is a credable person and that her Declaration is entitled to full credit and belief, I further certify that the words Been Informed and now Living and the word a were entertined before execution.
Morgan Shuit, Justice of the Peace
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State of New York, Orange County Ss
On this the 8th day of June in the year 1855 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the county and state aforesaid James Weygant, aged seventy two years a resident of the town of Monroe County and State aforesaid. And being duly sworn according to law upon his oath doth depose and say that he was well acquainted with John Brooks in his life time. That he frequently heard him say that he was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and that he was taken prisoner in the war of the Revolution in the year 1777 at Fort Montgomery. And was held a prisoner in the City of New York for over a year, and that he has heard Robert Davenport and John Weygant and John Lamoreux who were soldiers in the War of the Revolution and were at Fort Montgomery at the time it was taken say that the said John Brooks was there and was taken a prisoner and was shown by the said John Lamoreux where the said John Brooks was held a prisoner in the old Sugar House in New York City. And that the said John Brooks was reputed and believed and known to have served in the war of the Revolution and also a prisoner in New York, as much so us, General Washington was reputed to have served in the war of the Revolution, by those that did not actually see him serve. And that the said John Brooks died at the town of Monroe on the 31st day of December AD 1834, and left no widdow, him surviving. But left him surviving and now living four children one son and three daughters. Whose names and residences are as follows vis, John Brooks and Elizabeth Woodruff residents of the county of Orange and State of New York and Mary Knapp Katharine Gaffer who are residents of the city and county of Albany and state of said and he further says that the said John Brooks applied for a pension under the law of act of the 7th of June AD 1832. And he further says that
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that he heard the said John Brooks say in his life time that he served under Capt. Francis Smith and Colonel Woodhull at the time he was taken prisoner at Fort Montgomery. And that Capt Francis Smith made his escape when the Fort was taken. James Weygants
Subscribed and sworn to before me this eighth day of June AD 1855. Morgan Shuit, Justice of the Peace in & for said county.
Said [illegible] do hereby certify that I am acquainted with James Weygant who subscribed and was sworn to the foregoing declaration as a credable person and that his declaration is entitled credit and belief. I further certify that I was acquainted with the said John Brooks in his life time and that he was reputed believed and known to have served in the war of the Revolution and held a prisoner as stated in the foresaid affidavit of the
Orange County Clerk's Office, ss.
I, Nathan Westcott, Clerk of said County, and the county Court of said County, (a Court of Record,) do hereby certify that Morgan Shuit whose name is subscribed to the annexed declaration & affidavit was, at the time of taking the same, a Justice of the Peace of said county, duly elected and qualified and having full power to take the same; and further, that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of said Justice, and verily believe that the signature Morgan Shuit subscribed to the said declaration & Affidavit is genuine. In witness whereof I hereto subscribed my name and affix the seal of said Court and county, this 26th day of June 1855. N. Westcott, Clerk
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that he heard the said John Brooks say in his life time that he served under Capt. Francis Smith and Colonel Woodhull at the time he was taken prisoner at Fort Montgomery. And that Capt Francis Smith made his escape when the Fort was taken. James Weygants
Subscribed and sworn to before me this eighth day of June AD 1855. Morgan Shuit, Justice of the Peace in & for said county.
Said [illegible] do hereby certify that I am acquainted with James Weygant who subscribed and was sworn to the foregoing declaration as a credable person and that his declaration is entitled credit and belief. I further certify that I was acquainted with the said John Brooks in his life time and that he was reputed believed and known to have served in the war of the Revolution and held a prisoner as stated in the foresaid affidavit of the said James Weygant, and I further certify that word Francis was entertined before execution.
Morgan Suit, Justice of the Peace
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November 29, 1938
BA-J/MCS
John Brooks, R.1251
Mr. Donald F. Clark
Fort Montgomery
New York
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your request for information relative to John Brooks, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The date which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, R. 1251, based on the military service of John Brooks.
He was born October 7, 1741, in New York City. The names of his parents are not shown.
It was alleged that while living in Monroe or "at Smith's Clove" in Orange County, New York, in 1777 he was enrolled in Captain Francis Smith's company of New York militia under Colonel Jesse Woodhull and during that summer served on various short tours of as much as seven or eight days each, amounting to not less than two months in all, as a private, and during the battle of Fort Montgomery on October 6, 1777, he was taken prisoner and held captive for a year and four or five days and was confined in the "Old Sugar House" in New York City.
John Brooks applied for pension on September 3, 1832, while living in Monroe, Orange County, New York, at which time he stated he had lived in Monroe most of his life. The claim was not allowed as he failed to furnish proof of the alleged service in accordance with the requirement of the pension law.
John Brooks died December 31, 1834, at Monroe, New York and was survived by the following children: John who in 1853 was living in Monroe, New York, aged seventy-three years; Elizabeth Woodruff who in 1855 was living in Monroe, New York, aged fifty-seven years; Catharine
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Gaffit who in 1853 was living in Albany, New York, aged seventy-eight years; and Mary Knapp who in 1853 was living in Albany, New York.
The wife of the Revolutionary War soldier, John Brooks, predeceased him by several years. The date of her death and her name are not shown.
In 1853 one Samuel Woodruff was living in Orange County, New York, relationship not shown.
There are no further data relative to family.
Very truly yours
A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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Hon Wm Murray
Jany 9/54
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120
Pension Office
January 9, 1854
Sir
In reply to the enclosed letter, I have to inform you that the claim of the heir of John Brooks has been agained examined and with the same results as stated in my letter of the 15 alt.
Hon. Wm Murray
W of K
Ru
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Pension office
December 15/53
Sir,
The papers filed in support of a claim for pension of Mrs. Catharine Gaffin, daughter of John Brooks, an alleged soldier of the revolutionary war, have been carefully examined and filed.
It appears from our files that John Brooks made application in 1834 for a pension, under the act of June 7. 1832. The claim was then suspended on the ground of the insufficiency of the proof of service and of his captivity. The required proofs upon there print were never addressed. The applicant died on the 31st December 1834 - as shown by papers subsequently filed.
In March last John Brooks (alleged son of the above soldier) filed a Decalaration, claiming such amount as might be found due in the premises; but he adduced no proof whatever of service. His claim was pre-
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sented by James Weygant, as attorney. In the present application the evidence is wholly confined to the mere statement of the claimant herself, which, of course, is unavailable, were it sufficiently definite.
Such is the present condition of the case. It is deemed proper to add, that upon the face of the paper, it appears that, should the service of the soldier be hereafter satisfactorily established, the pension one would be only such amount as would accrue from the 4th March 1831 to 31st December 1834 - the date of the soldiers death.
Very respectfully KC
Hon Wm Murray, House of Representatives
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Core.
Hon Wm Murray
H of R
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Kegh and Mills Nov. the 28th 53
Mr. William Murry Esq.
Dear Sir from a hint you [illegible] when I gave you the affidavit of Mrs. Gaffern as respected her knowledge of her fathers service in the Revolutionary war her character as to truth might be questioned.
Has enduced me to get the affidavits of two witnesses testifying to her character as you may see enclosed, if you will attach the same to the affidavit of Mrs. Gaffin to be handed at pension office you will much oblige. Yours James Weygant
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State of New York, Orange County ss
Personally appeared before me Morgan Shuit a Justice of the Peace in and for said county Horace Hudson & Samuel Woodruff to me known and being duly sworn saith that they are well acquained with Catharine Gaffern the daughter of John Brooks who made an affidavit stating her knowledge of her fathers service in the Revolutionary War and have been acquainted with her for more than thirty years and they believe her to be a woman whose oath would be taken in any court without suspicion, and they further say they was well acquainted with said John Brooks knew that he was reported to be a Revolutionary soldier and was taken prisoner at Fort Mongomery and they verily believe the same to be true. Samuel Woodruff, Horace Hudson
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 26th day of Nov 1853. Morgan Shuit Justice of the Peace
Orange County, Clerk's Office, ss:
I, Nathan Westcott, Clerk of said county, and the County Court of said county, (a Court of Record,) do hereby certify that Morgan Shuit whose name is subscribed to the annexed declaration affidavit, was, at the time of taking the same, a Justice of the Peace of said county, duly elected and qualified and having full power to take the same; and further that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of said Justice, and verily believe that the signature Morgan Shuit subscribed to the said Declaration & affidavit is genuine. 
In witness whereof, I hereto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court and county this 28th day of November 1853. N. Westcott, Clerk
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State of New York, Orange County ss
Personally appeared before me Morgan Shuit a Justice of the Peace in and for said county Horace Hudson & Samuel Woodruff to me known and being duly sworn saith that they are well acquained with Catharine Gaffern the daughter of John Brooks who made an affidavit stating her knowledge of her fathers service in the Revolutionary War and have been acquainted with her for more than thirty years and they believe her to be a woman whose oath would be taken in any court without suspicion, and they further say they was well acquainted with said John Brooks knew that he was reported to be a Revolutionary soldier and was taken prisoner at Fort Mongomery and they verily believe the same to be true. Samuel Woodruff, Horace Hudson
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 26th day of Nov 1853. Morgan Shuit Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Samuel Woodruff and Horace Hudson and are both men of character and standing and their oaths would not be questioned in any court. November 28th 1853. Morgan Shuit, Justice of the Peace
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State of New York, Albany City & County SS
On this 9 day of November 1853, personally appeared before me the subscriber, Catharine Gaffit of the City of Albany to me satisfactorily proven to be such person and the daughter of John Brooks herein after referred to by the oath of Jane Tuton who being by me duly sworn did depose and say that she is the daughter of John Brooks formerly of the town of Monroe Orange County NY. That the said John Brooks was a soldier of the Revolution & did actual service as a soldier in the American Army during the revolutionary war and has since made application for a pension. That this deponent is now seventy eight years of age. That she has a distinct recollection of the said John Brooks being in the american service and knows he was taken prisoner at the battle of Fort Montgomery in the  County of Orange where he the said John Brooks her father, lived at that time. That she recollects well of going with her mother to carry some provision to her father where he was in the service near the line, where
State of New-York, City and County of Albany, Clerk's Office, SS.
I, Robert Harper, Clerk of the said City and County, and of the Courts of Record therein, do hereby CERTIFY, that Wm D. Morange whose name is appended to the jurat of the annexed affidavit was, on the day of the date thereof, a Commissioner of Deeds in and for the City of Albany, duly authorized to administer oaths for general purposes; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Wm D Morange and verily believe that the signature to the said jurat is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my official seal, this 9th day of November 1853. R. Harper, Clerk
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State of New York, Albany City & County SS
On this 9 day of November 1853, personally appeared before me the subscriber, Catharine Gaffit of the City of Albany to me satisfactorily proven to be such person and the daughter of John Brooks herein after referred to by the oath of Jane Tuton who being by me duly sworn did depose and say that she is the daughter of John Brooks formerly of the town of Monroe Orange County NY. That the said John Brooks was a soldier of the Revolution & did actual service as a soldier in the American Army during the revolutionary war and has since made application for a pension. That this deponent is now seventy eight years of age. That she has a distinct recollection of the said John Brooks being in the american service and knows he was taken prisoner at the battle of Fort Montgomery in the County of Orange where he the said John Brooks her father, lived at that time. That she recollects well of going with her mother to carry some provision to her father where he was in the service near the line, where they were met by the British who took away their provision.
That the name of the captain commanding the compaany in which said John Brooks served was Francis Smith and the Colonel's name Jesse Woodhull. Catharine Goffit
Sworn to before me this 9th day of November 1853. Wm. D. Morange, Comer of Deeds
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JL Edwards Esquire
Pension Office
Washington
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House of Representatives
Washington Dec 23, 1834
J L Edwards Esquire
Sir
Will you take the enclosed pension cases into your consideration & send me your determination as soon as you conveniently can.
I am very respectfully yours,
John W. Brown of New York
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11201
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And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogation presented by the war department that the above name applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states; and that the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Earll Ramsey who has signed the preceeding [illegible] is a clergyman resident in the town on Monroe and that James Weygant, of the same is a resident of the Town of Monroe aforesaid is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Asa Dunning Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Orange do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of John Brooks for a pension. And I further certify that James Weygant before whom the annexed affidavit of Robert Davenport purports to have been sworn was at the time a Justice of the Peace in & for the said county and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proven hand writing and signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this [illegible] day of September 1832. Asa Dunning
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State of New York, Orange County ss
Personally came before me James Weygant one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said county Robert Davenport. To me known who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he was well acquainted with John Brooks before and at the time of the Revolutionary War and knows that he [illegible] duty in the same company with him under Capt. Francis Smith and he verily believes in the served times that he knew him in the service he was in as much as three or four months and that he was then taken prisoner at Fort Mongomery and further deponent saith. Robert Davenport - his mark X
Sworn & subscribed this 3d day of Sept. 1832 before me. James Weygant, J Peace
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That the said John Brooks continued a prisoner to the British nine months before he was released. He belonged to the same company with deponent lived when at home in the same neighbourhood. Deponent well recollects when he returned. Patty Regent of Baker town in the town of [illegible] had a brother who was prisoner at the same time.
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New York
John Brooks
Suspended
Sett 30 Dec 1834 cannot find
To Hon J W Brown
Let. Hon Wm. Murray Dec 15/53
Let. Hon Wm Murray Jany 9/54
Jno S Edwards Jany 2/55
not found
1351
Act of June 7/32
Revy
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Catharine Gaffin daughter of John Brooks for arrears of Rev. pension act 1832 filed from New York
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1251
P.O. John Brooks
Service:
Enlisted:
Discharged:
Application filed:
Alleges: List of rejected (or suspended) claims printed in 1852, shows cause of suspension as follows: "Tours in 1776 not recited as to period and length. Twelve mos. and four days captivity not proved satisfactorily."
Attorney:
P.O.
Recognized. Contract.
Cert. of Dis. Searched for
1924 Mar 30 Hist to J Roscoe Walker, MCS
1938 Nov 29 hist to Mr. Donald F Clark, MCS
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Joseph Roscoe Walker
Minister
Methodist Episcopal Church
148 Warren Street
Tunkhannock, Pa.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
I would like a copy of the Revolutionary War service of William Reynolds born May 5, 1754; died June 18, 1816 married Martha Lamoreaux. One daughter was named Sarah Reynolds born Jan. 23, 1783 died ____.
Also copy of the record of John Brooks, Sr. born Haarlem, Holland Feb. 22, 1741. died at Fort Montgomery, New York, Dec. 31, 1834. Married (eir 1777) Ann Paul, born Paris, France Feb. 22, 1748, died Sept 10, 1819.
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2.
John Brooks was private in 3rd. Regt. Orange Co. (NY. Militia - Col. Wm Allison. Taken prisoner by British at Ft. Montgomery Oct. 6, 1777. Exchanged in Aug. 1778.
Very truly Yours, J. Roscoe Walker
19th February, 1924.
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MCS
Re. & 1812 War Section
March 20, 1924
Rev. J. Roscoe Walker
148 Warren St.
Tunkhannock, Pa.
Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the pension claim, R. File 1251, it appears that John Brooks was born October 7, 1741, in New York City.
It is allowed that while residing in Monroe or "at Smith's Clove", Orange County, New York, in 1777, he was enrolled in Captain Francis Smith's Company of New York Militia under Colonel Jess Woodhull, and was called out several times during the summer for seven or eight days at a time, also that during the battle at Fort Montgomery October 6, 1777, enter serve [illegible] to not less than 2 mos. he was taken prisoner and held captive in New York City in the "old Sugar House" for a year and four or five days. He served as pvt.
He applied for pension September 3, 1832, while living in Monroe, Orange County, New York, [illegible] dated [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] but the claim was not allowed as he failed to furnish proof of six months military service as required by the pension laws.
He died at Monroe, New York, December 31, 1834, leaving four children, John aged 73 years a. Monroe, N.Y. in 1853, Elizabeth Woodruff age 57 years in 1855,
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residents of Orange County, New York, Catharine Gaffit aged 78 years in 1853, and Mary Knapp, residents of Albany, New York.
The soldier's wife (name not stated) predeceased him by several years.
Respectfully, Commissioner
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Fort Montgomery, N. Y.
October 14, 1938.
Veterans Administration,
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
Information would be appreciated as to whether there is on file in your office a pension application of John Brooks who was born about 1741, served in the Revolutionary War, and died in 1834 in Orange County, N. Y., and if so, as to whether the application contains data concerning the soldier's family and his military service.
Yours very truly,
Donald F. Clark.
Stamp - Received Oct 15 1938