Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File [BLANK], Joseph Brown, N.H.
Page 1

SERVICE  N.H.

Brown, Joseph

NUMBER  S [squiggle]

CONTENTS  res. during Rev., Keene, Cheshire Co., N.H.  there in 1832, aged 68 yrs.
Page 2

1600
New  Hampshire
Joseph Brown
of Keene in the state of N H  who was a Corp & P  in the company commanded by Captain [blank] of the regt commanded by Col Mooney of the N H line, for 6 mos Corpl
10 [mo] Private

Inscribed on the Roll of N H, at the rate of 55 Dollars 55 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 7th day of Nov 1832  and sent to T M Edwards
Keene  N H

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1832 -  - - -  $83.32
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 33  - 27.77
 [total]  $111.09

{Revolutionary claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by I H McBlair  Clerk,
Book D, Vol. 1st, Page 143.

[right side of page]
Aug. 10, 1916
Photostat copy of one page (declaration) sent to Henry Melville 45 Cedar Dr. NY City...see receipt for payment locked up with the special correspondence - AW
Page 3

9876

Declaration of
Joseph Brown

Keene
Co. Chesh[ire]
N.H.
Page 4

Declaration,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE,
COUNTY OF CHESHIRE.}
On this tenth day of August 1832 personally appeared Before the Hon Aaron Matson Judge of Probate for said County of Cheshire, now sitting in open Court, Joseph Brown a resident of Keene in the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire aged 68 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.
1st In 1779 In the spring volunteered for 6 months in Capt Runnels Compy Col Mooneys Regt joined the Compy at Providence R Island afterwards to the Island.  I crossed with them-- the [army?] left the same day. I  was discharged on the Island the precise time do not recollect I engaged for 6 mo but was detained seven mo. before I was discharged
2d 1780 Volunteered for 3 months Capt Houghtons Compy Col Nicholson Regt at Westpoint & at Robinsons Farm was there when Arnold deserted saw Genl Washington at a village several miles east of the farm I do not remember the time of my discharge but recollect the Peaches were ripe when I returned home - [illegible]
3d 1781 volunteered under Capt Pratt Lieut Cook for 6 mons marched & stationed first at Castleton Vermont then at Skenesborough now Whitehall was discharged at or near  the latter place Engaged in the spring & discharged in the fall  I served during this term as first corporal. - went from Keene aforesaid into all the [previous?] where I then resided and now reside - all in the New Hampshire Militia-

He hereby relinquishes every claim 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.
[signed]  Joseph Brown

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
before me [signed] Aaron Matson Judge of Probate
Page 5

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. 
[signed] Aaron Matson Judge of Probate

I, Asa Parker Register of the Court of Probate for said County of Cheshire do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Joseph Brown for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this tenth day of August A.D. 1832
[signed] Asa Parker {Register of the Court of Probate
Page 6

I, Ammi Brown of Keene, depose and say that I am the brother of Joseph Brown aforesaid Keene; that during the revolutionary war, the said Joseph and myself lived together in the same, our father's, family.  That just before the said Joseph was sixteen years of age, he being now sixty-eight, he went into the army and was absent from home according to the best of my recollection about nine months.  That he was into the army again and was absent at least three months.  And that he went into the army again, and was absent at this time at least six months.  I was then between four or five years younger than he and cannot recollect the precise times when he enlisted; but distinctly recollect that he was absent three times on service in the army, that the two last times were for three and six months, and my impression is that the first time he was detained on the road by lameness and the family despaired of seeing him again.  According to my recollection he served at Rhode Island & West Point.  I have not the slightest doubt that he served faithfully during the whole period for which he enlisted, never having heard any intimation to the contrary.
[Signed] Ammi Brown

Cheshire SS. June 22, 1832
Subscribed and sworn to Before me
[Signed] Thomas M. Edwards
Justice of the Peace 

I certify that the above deponent is a credible witness
[signed] Thomas M. Edwards  Jus Peace
Page 7

Cheshire ss.  August 1, 1832
I Salma Hale Clerk of the Judicial Courts in said County certify that Thomas M. Edwards is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County & that his name twice subscribed on the foregoing page is in his own hand writing. In testimony whereof I hereunto affix the seal of our Superior Court of Judicature
[signed] S. Hale
'

Ammi Brown's
affidavit
for Jos Brown
Page 8

Joseph Brown

No 9876

T. M. Edwards 
Keene
N.H.
Page 9

BRIEF in the case of Joseph Brown of Keene in the State of N. H. 
(Act 7th June, 1832.) 

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court 

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily injury? [blank] 

3. How old is he? 68 years

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
[illegible] In 1778, 7 Months, Private, Capt. Remnet, Col. Mooney
1780, 3 Months, Private, Capt. Haughton, Col. Nichols
1781, 6 Months, Corporal, Capt. Pratt, Col. Walbridge

5. In what battles was he engaged?  [blank]

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Keene

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?   Living witnesses 

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and, if so, how?  correct

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned
[signed] D H Addison
Examining Clerk.
Page 10

Pension Office
Sept. 25, 1853
Sir,
Please certify the time to which the within named pensioner was paid; and, if in your power, the date of his death
Very respectfully
Your Obt sert
[signed] S. Cole
For Commissr.

F. Burt Esqr
3d Auditor, 
Present

(See other side)


[along right side]
Joseph Brown  Act 7th June 1832
$55.55, per annum Paid to 1st Sept 1835, 
no date of death on our books
F. Bush, Auditor
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Joseph Brown

No. 9876

Corporal 6 mo
Private 10 

Admitted

$55.55

T M Edwards
Keene
N.H.
Page 12

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Joseph Brown which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes 

III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? {blank]

IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes

V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? Yes

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes

X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes
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[Page] 2

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? [blank]

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? [blank]

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? [blank]

XIV. +If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? yes If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of witness or witnesses? yes Has the proper officer certified to the character and signature of the magistrate as regulations direct? Yes

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes

XVI. ++Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes

EXPLANATORY NOTES. *QUERE V. 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_____ year____months, and ____days, I served as a _______, For _____months and _____days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.["
Page 14

3

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 expressions are objectionable. 

+QUERE XIV . Proof of Service. 
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants 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 affidavits must be properly authenticated, as above directed.

++QUERE XVI. 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 paper authenticated, the certificated 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.
Page 15

Wm Barron

Depo. for Jos. Brown

to 3 [illegible]
Page 16

I William Barron of lawful age, of Alstead in the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire, depose that I was in the service of the United States in the Northern army in the year 1781 - was at Skenesborough in the State of New York, that while there saw frequently Joseph Brown of said Keene, in said County, with whom I had been previously acquainted, and knew that he was also in the service in Captain Pratt's company in Col Walbridge's Regiment - I was in Captain Peter Pages company in the same regiment.  Said Brown & myself were discharged at the same time, at Skenesborough - a part of the Regiment in which said Brown was, was at Castleton in the fore part of my term of service I went for six months and I understood the said Brown to have engaged for the same term- I am well acquainted with said Brown now & have seen him from time to time since-- and a part of the time have lived in the same town with him
[signed] Wm  Barron

Cheshire ss. July 7, 1832.
Subscribed & Sworn to Before me
[signed] T  M Edwards Jus Peace

I certify that the above deponent is a credible witness
[signed] T M Edwards Jus. Peace

Cheshire ss.  August 1. 1832
I Salma Hale clerk of the Judicial Courts in said county, certify that Thomas M. Edwards is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, and that his name twice above subscribed is in his own hand writing. In testimony whereof I hereunto affix the seal of our Superior Court of Judicature
[signed] S. Hale Clerk
Page 17

J. Putnam's Affidavit

[along the side]
Depo. for Joseph Browne
To Th. [Irvin?]
Page 18

I John Putnam of Chesterfield in the County of Cheshire & State of New Hampshire, on oath say that in the year A.D. 1779 a Regiment of Militia was raised in New Hampshire, to go on service to Rhode Island under the command of Colonel Mooney, called N Hampshire Militia or New Levies - At Providence R.I. this Regiment was organized & officered.  I recollect Mr. Joseph Brown then & now belonging to Keene in said County of Cheshire & whom I have this day seen, was one of these new Levies, so called, and belonged to the same Regiment. I met him often at Rhode Island & knew him well.  The soldiers of this Regiment enlisted for six months.  I served my time out (6 months) at Newport & Providence and I believe said Brown also served during the same six months. We both belonged to the army of the Revolution
[signed] John Putnam

Cheshire ss.  June 14, 1832-
Then the said John Putman made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him signed is true
Before me [signed] S. G. Mead  Just. Peace

Cheshire ss.  Aug. 15. 1832
I Salma Hale Clerk of the Judicial Court in said County certify that S G Mead  is a Justice of the Peace in and for said  County & that the foregoing is his signature. In testimony whereof I hereunto affix the seal of our Superior Court of Judicature.
[signed]  S. Hale Clerk
Page 19

I, Luther Heaton of Roxbury in the County of Cheshire of lawful age depose that I am well acquainted with Joseph Brown of Keene in said County. That I served in the Revolutionary war in 1780 in Captain Nehemiah Houghtons Company in Col Moses Nichols Regiment, in the New Hampshire Militia, the term of three months- That the said Brown entered the service at the same time with me, in the same company, that we were marched to West point together & were disbanded at the same time.  That I was acquainted with said Joseph Brown from his birth & have lived near him & known him up to the time of making this affidavit -  & that when in the service with him as above stated[.]  I understood that said Brown had served the year before under Col Mooney in Rhode Island. I also knew at the time, as far as I could know without being personally present that said Brown was in the service in the year 1781, at the north in Captain Pratt & Lieutenant Cooks company.  Lieutenant Cook was of said Keene - and at that time I lived in Keene, and had frequent conversations with both him & said Brown about said last mentioned service
[signed] Luther Heaton
Page 20

Cheshire ss.  June 28, 1832.-
Then Luther Heaton who has subscribed the foregoing affidavit personally appeared and made oath that the same is in his belief true
Before me [signed] Thomas M Edwards
Justice of the Peace 

I certify that the said Luther Heaton is a credible witness
[signed] T M Edwards Jus. Peace

[written sideways]
depo for Jos Brown
To 2 [illegible] 2 others


Cheshire ss.   August 1, 1832
I Salma Hale Clerk of the Judicial Courts in said County certify that Thomas M Edwards is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, & that his name will above subscribed is in his own hand writing. In testimony whereof I hereunto affix the seal of our Superior Court of Judicature
[signed] S Hale ,Clerk
Page 21

John P. Blake

Depo for Jos Brown
Page 22

I John P. Blake of Keene, Newhampshire testify & say, that I have resided in Keene sixty three years.  I remember that Joseph Brown was absent during the revolutionary war, on the Rhode Island [service?].  I believe he served there, & it is the common belief that he did-- In the year 1780 he was at Westpoint, as a private soldier, I was there also as a sergeant & he served in the same company, to wit that commanded by Capt Nehemiah Houghton in the regiment commanded by Col Nichols.  He served the full time of his engagement, which was three months, & I believe he remained a week or two longer-  In the next year the said Brown was engaged again & went into service for six months.  I remember that he left the town with other soldiers, &  returned when they did. I believe, and it is the common belief here, that he performed this term of service in the army
[signed] John P Blake

State of New Hampshire
Cheshire ss.
July 12. 1832. Subscribed and Sworn to before me
[signed] Thomas M Edwards 
Justice of the Peace

I certify that John P. Blake is a credible witness
[signed] Th M Edwards Jus. Peace

Cheshire ss. August 1. 1832
I Salma Hale Clerk of the Judicial Courts in said County certify that Thomas M Edwards is  a Justice of the Peace in and for said county and his name twice above subscribed is in his own hand writing. In testimony whereof I hereunto affix the seal of our Superior Court of Judicature
[signed]  S. Hale
Page 23

Pension Office
Polly Brown 
wife of Joseph 
N. H [illegible]
wants also Pension [illegible]

S. Hale -N.H - let, of [?]

FREE

[along side]
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

[2 postmarks, 1 illegible]
KEENE N.H.
OCT 26 1859
Page 24

[stamp]

PENSION OFFICE.
OCT 15 1859
Page 25

Keene, N.H. Oct 12. 59
Sir  An old lady coming last from Philadelphia has called on me to aid her in obtaining from the national archives some account of the services rendered by her father in the revolutionary war.  She is recognized here as the daughter of Joseph Brown, a former resident, who died, she says, in 1836. She thinks he died a pensioner, but had not been many years a pensioner. I am inclined to believe that he was a pensioner under the act of 1818.  
I presume, if you should find his name on the pension roll, you can easily turn to his application. or declaration in which he gave an account of his services.  Will you do me the favor to send me a copy of it
Respectfully yours
[signed] Salma Hale


Commissioner of Pensions
Page 26

Oct. 22
Page 27

Pension Office, October 22, 1859.

Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 12th instant I have to state that there was a pensioner of the name of Joseph Brown, of Keene
in the State of New Hampshire.  If any arrears of pension be due
they are recoverable before the 3rd  Auditor of the Treasury by his children---
Enquiries of this kind should be accompanied by power of attorney from the parties interested.





Salma Hale Esq
Keene,
New Hampshire.
Page 28

[stamp]

PENSION OFFICE.
OCT 29 1859
Page 29


Keene, N.H. Oct 25, 59
Sir  On reading your answer, dated Oct 22, to my letter to you, dated Oct 12, a second time, the idea occurred to me that you refrained from sending the copy I asked for from a fear that an improper use might be made of it and the more I reflected the more natural the fear appeared to be & I am sure the old lady I mentioned had no dishonest purpose in her thoughts. I knew her father 40 years ago as a respectable trader - & she said she remembered me.  Who sent her to me I do not know-- but supposed it to be some one who knew that I had been a gratuitous adviser of all destitute applicants for pension since 1818 when I voted in congress for the pension act of that year.
One of her claims is for prize money
[end of page]
Page 30

for taking possession of a British vessel in Long Island Sound, & she told me that a member of Congress told her that he could not get it for her until she gave him the name of the officer under whom her father served and thereupon I wrote to you.

[The following paragraph seems to be crossed out]
She said nothing to me about any arrears of pension, but if there is any due she would be glad to know it. She is old and destitute.

If you should send me the copy, I should deliver it to her & will not be answerable if any improper use should be made of it. I suspect none; but cannot tell to whom she would apply to do her business

I am now surprised that I did not think of this before I wrote to you.  I consider it proof that I am perfectly honest in all matters

As to you, I repeat the stern advice of Gen Jackson - "Do your duty"

Respectfully yours
[signed] Salma Hale
Page 31

P. S.
My father served in the revolutionary war, in 1775, & died, I believe, in 1832. A few weeks ago my sister told me that we could have a pension
or something like it, under some recent law. I doubt it, but if it is so will you send me the a copy of the law with directions if you have
any printed for distribution
Page 32

Nov. 3
Page 33

Pension Office, Nov. 3, 1859.
Sir
In answer your letter of the 25th ultim. I have to state that if your father served as long as six months in the revolutionary war, and died after the 4th March 1831 and before June 7, 1832 his saving [surviving] children would be entitled to such amount of pension per annum as he would have been entitled to if he had survived the passage of the act of June 7, 1832 - that is, such amount as accrued from said 4th March 1831 to the date of his death.
I enclose copy the act of July 4, 1836, the 3d section of which grants the pension above indicated. I also enclose copy of act of June 7, 1832 with printed instructions for the preparation of claims under it.
[signed] Salma Hale Esq
Keene N. H.