Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 22145, John Brown, Penn.
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(3-1776)
SERVICE  NUMBER
Penn.  Brown, John  S.22145

Enlist 1776 Hopewell Twp. New Jersey
Res at end Bedford Co. Pa.
res in 1833 Armstrong Co. Pa.
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[Left side of image]
26.193
Pennsylvania
John Brown of Armstrong  Co. in the State of Penn. who was  a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Anderson of the [illegible] commanded by [blank] in the  Penna. line for [blank]
1 year 9 months $70.00
__________
Inscribed on the Roll of Penn. at the rate of 70 Dollars & [blank] Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.
__________
Certificate of Pension issued the 3rd day of April [blank] and Sent to the Hon S.S. Harrison H.R.
__________
Arrears to the 4th of Mch 34   210.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept.  35.00
[total] $ 245.00

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by J. F. Sprague Clerk
Book C - Vol. 5 Page 5

[Right side of image]
Order to pay and letter to R. Brown 30 Jany 1838.
_________
Paid at the Treasury under that Act of 6 April 1838 from 4 Sept 1836 to 4 Sept 1837. Agent had filed 10 July 1838.
_________
Letters to Hon. W. Beatty 3 Jany 1839. Same person & 2nd Auditor 16 Feb 1839.
_________
Paid as above from 4 Set 1838 to 4 Sept 1839. Agt notified 24 July 1840.
_________
Letter to Pension Agt 22 May 1843.
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28312
John Brown
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State of Pennsylvania
Armstrong County ss:
On this eighteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three personally appeared before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Armstrong, John Brown a resident of the county aforesaid aged Seventy three years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed the 7th June 1832 that he enlisted himself in the militia under Capt Anderson for a tour of two months in the year 1780 at the Big Cove in Bedford county. We were marched from Big Cove to Frankstown where the Indians had been committing many depredations. On our arrival in Frankstown we did not see any of the Indians but heard them frequently firing their guns from the adjoining hills.  There was a fort near of the branch of the [illegible] River called Fort Frankstown. When [illegible] his company consisted of about fifty men during our Tour of Two months, we were sent out on scouting around the neighborhood of Frankstown, but never came to any attacks with the Indians. When our time was up we returned to the Big Cove and was dismissed but never received any discharge. Sometime in the summer of 1781 I enlisted under Captain Thomas Campbell for nine months at the Big Cove aforesaid. The bounty given by Capt. Campbell was a promise of a new [illegible] and one hundred acres of land also & from Congress ?? the intention of Capt. Campbell was to join the regiment which lay at Fort Pitt and to proceed down the river there in order to attack the Indians there, but did not go down the river as consequence
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of having received information that no craft would be obtained and that waters were low. We had when the information reached us of the scarcity of craft and the lowness of water marched from the Big cove to Bedford when Capt. Campbell resolved instead of going down the river to guard the frontiers. There were in our company between sixty and seventy men. We remained at Bedford about three days until we were furnished with provisions. We then were marched to Fort Ligonier where we stayed a few days and then to Hannahstown [sic] from that to Fort [illegible] which lies between Hannahstown [sic] and the Conemaugh  River. When we arrived at Fort [illegible] we were informed that the Indians were committing great depredations at Fort Wallace. Parker one of our Lieutenants agreed to go & a few men from Fort [illegible] to Fort Wallace in the night as it was dangerous in the daytime. Eight of agreed to accompany the Lieutenant and started to Fort Wallace which on our arrival we found deserters & which we took possession, and kept until the remainder of company arrived. We were stationed there for 2 or 3 months, and were regularly sent out on scouting parties, & returned to the Fort in the evening. From Fort Wallace we marched to the Allegheny River near the mouth of the [illegible] to [illegible] Fort, (which was also called  Stockade Fort). We remained at Fort [illegible] until late in the fall when we were ordered to Fort Pitt by Gen. Brodhead whose army was then stationed there. We remained at Fort Pitt until our time was nearly expired when we were marched toward home for the purpose of being discharged, but in consequence of the severity of the winter and the deep snow we did not get any further than
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the [illegible] of Fort [illegible] where we were billeted and the farmers who being scarce of provisions could not give us that support we required in consequence of which we got leave to go home in on furlow [sic] until we should be called again. Four of us undertook to cross the mountains and started with the intention of reaching the Big Cove which we did by wading above knee deep through the snow, having suffered severely from the wether and the fatigues of hunger and cold. We were to have been called together early in the spring following to receive our discharges [illegible] & our bounty but we never received any clothing and land nor discharges but we got some Congressional money at the time of enlistment which [illegible] of any service to us. I now was out [illegible] on building parties afterward & which I cannot now specify but I was in all more than one year it was upwards of Ten months from the time I left home under Captain Campbell until I returned. The names of the officers in any such recollection was Parker and Calhoun. Lieutenants, but which of them was first Lieutenant I cannot now recollect, nor do I know any person now living who was in the company with me, nor can I recollect the months I enlisted in the army. He hereby relinquishes eery claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of agency in any state.

Interrogatories
1. When [born and where]
Ans. In New Jersey in Hopewell Township within eight miles of Trenton in the year 1760.
2. Have you any record [of your birth]
Ans. I have a record which I copied from my fathers [sic] bible
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of my age and the copy my possession, but the bible was kept by my Step mother who is since dead and I know not where it is.

3. Where were you living [when you enlisted]
Answer In the Big Cove, Bedford County, State of Pennsylvania and have lived since the Revolutionary in Mifflin County & State aforesaid for 10 years and since that I have lived in Armstrong County.

4. [illegible]
I first enlisted myself in the militia, and afterwards voluntarily enlisted under Captain Campbell. And never was a substitute.

5. State
I cannot recollect any more of the officers names than that stated in my declaration. Nor do I know any of the regiments or troops, or any circumstances other than I have stated, as my memory if serves me having failed much with a few years.

6th

Did you [receive a discharge]
I never received a discharge.

7th State
William Smullen Esq. Samuel C. Orr Esq.

//s// John Brown
Sworn & subscribed this 18th day of Sept. A.D. 1833}
//s// Fredk Roher Prot.

We John Summerville a Clergyman residing in Armstrong County and Queen Meredith of the same county hereby certify that we are acquainted with John Brown who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration, that we believe him be 73 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and the we concur in that opinion.
//s// John Somerville
//s// Queen Meredith
Sworn and subscribed this 18th day of September A.D. 1833
//s// Fredk Rohrer Prot.
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And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogations prescribed by the War Department, that the above-named John Barrow was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and the court further certifies that it appears to them that John Summerville who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in Kittanning Armstrong County and that Owen Meredith who has also signed the same is a resident of Armstrong County - and is a credible witness and that their statement is entitled to credit.  I Frederick Rohrer clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Armstrong County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of John Brown for a pension.

     In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 2nd day of September A.D. 1833.
                                                //s//
                                      Fredk.  Rohrer Pro.

Armstrong County ss

    Personally appeared in open Court John Brown the above-named applicant for a pension who being duly sworn & saith that the last military tour which he served during the Revolutionary War, he was out from the time he left home until he returned was then ten months; nine months of which he was performing military duty.
                                            //s//
                                     John Brown
Sworn & subscribed
in open court this
                 //s//
Fredk. Rohrer Pro.
20th day of March
A.D. 1843.

    In testimony that the above affidavit was made and approved of in open court.  I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court of Kittanning, this 20th day of March 1834.

                                          //s//
                                Fredk. Rohrer Pro.
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28.312
John Brown
Penn.
Adm 1 year & 9 months
Hon S. S. Harrison
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
16th Mov. 1833.

Sir: 
The evidence in support of your claim under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjcined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew [sic] what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace (thus: }). You will, when you return your paper to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by compling [sic] with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, shewing [sic] the Service of John Brown.
[First tour of service] 
Period when the service was rendered. 1780
Duration of the claimant's service. Years. [blank] Months 2 Days. [blank] 
Rank of the claimant. priv. 
Names and rank of the Field officer under whom he served. Capt. Anderson
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. 73 years, Bedford County Pa.
Proof by which the declaration is supported. Traditionary
[Second tour of service]
Period when the service was rendered. 1781
Duration of the claimant's service. Years. [blank] Months. 10 Days. [blank]
Rank of the claimant. [blank]
Name and rank of the Field officer under whom he served. Capt. Campbell

[Note added in table] Other tours not stated, says he served more than a year.

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

The claimant should amend his declaration by stating how long he was in actual military service [underlined] during the last tour. See notes [illegible]
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefits of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicants resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.

State, Territory, of District of [blank] County of [blank] } ss.
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank] A.B. a resident of (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory, or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank] years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in year (d) [blank], with [blank] and served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following officers:

[The following paragraph is enclosed in brackets in the original document.]
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [Pointing finger printer's mark] This form is to be varied so as to apply in the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of [blank.]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [blank], A.B.

[The following is contained in brackets in the original document.] [And then will follow the certificate of the court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of [blank] &c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Trrops, Volunteers, or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A.B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank] and C.D residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank], who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] 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.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[The following is contained in brackets in the original document.] [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that is appears to them that A.B. who has signed the preceding certificate, resident in the [blank] and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this [blank] day of [blank] &c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission, but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witnesses cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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3

alleged service, as they are known to the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service, in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militias of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. {To a Soldier. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
6. {To an Officer.{Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons-one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit it to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper County, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
__________

(a) The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant wil follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
(b) The declarant must make his declaration in the County where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
(c) The age of the claimant must be invariably be mentioned.
(d) The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. 
(e) Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of his claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A.B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For [blank] year [blank] months, and [blank] days, I served as a [blank]. For [blank] months and [blank] days, I served as a [blank]; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expression are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the during which service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
(f) The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
(g) The opinion of the Court is aways required.
(h) The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
(i) The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying office, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof Service.
(j) In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[Pointing finger printer's mark] The notes (a) to (i) are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers, and State Troops. The proof required by in note (j) applies to continental troops only.
(k) The traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. 
(l) If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
(m) The answers to the interrogatories must be written, and sent to the War Department with the declaration.
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[Postmark]
KITTANING 
JAN 23
Pa.

FREE

Jan 29 
Mr. Evans

J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 14

Kittanning 19 January 1838
Dear Sir
I send enclosed to you the oath of Identity of John Brown which has been returned from Philadelphia by the agent for paying Pensions, not having the instructions of June 10th 1833 I am at a loss to know what is wanting. The additional Certificate of the Justice of Identity is I believe in form and I know if the agent was in the neighborhood with Mr. Brown that he would be fully satisfied of his identity and of his being in full life from his  importunity. You therefore please examine the matter and write me what is wanting. I know him to be the person for whom the certificate was procured for it was procured under my supervision & I have always drawn for him the oaths of Identify for him.
Yours truly
//s// R. E. Brown
Page 15

Samuel F. Smith
Pension Agent
Philad. July 20, 1843

[illegible] Vouchers of John Brown
deceased
Page 16

Philad. Bank
May 20, 1843
Sir,
Am I authorized to pay the person due on the Enclosed vouchers.
I am sorry to trouble you with so may for Examination, but do not feel authorized to pay them in conformity to the form prescribed by the department, viz. the Oath of Identify & copy of the pension Certificate. If I am authorized to deviate from those forms, when the proof of the death is well attested by the Prothonotary Certificate  and the proof of there being widow, children or administrator is filed, I will pay them when authority received from you.
Respectfully
//s// Saml F. Smith
Pension Agent
for Chas. W. Racon
To. J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 17

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
July 16th, 1840.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasure of the United States," John Brown, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Philadelphia Agency, at the rate of Seventy Dollars and [blank] Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept 1838, to the 4th Sept. 1839.
Respectfully yours,
//s// Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present
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Treasure Department,
Second Comptroller's Office,
July 7, 1838.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," John Brown a Pensioner on the Roll pf Philadelphia Agency, at the rate of seventy Dollars and [blank] Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832 has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1836 to the 4th of Sept. 1837.
Respectfully yours,
//s// Albion K. Parris
Comptroller

To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 19

Revolution
22145
INVALID.
File No. 22,145
John Brown
Pri Rev War

Act: June 7" 32"
Index:-Vol. 2, Page 50
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 20

J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Sir, 
I enclose you the application of John Brown for a pension under that act of 1832. You will be kind enough to make as early a decision on his claim as you can, and let me know the result.
Your obt. Servt.
Saml. S Harrison