Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15350, Asa Brockway, Conn.
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Conn.                  Brockway, Asa           S.15350
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Connecticut 22582

Asa Brockway

of Litchfield Co in the state of Conn. who was a private in the co. commanded by Captain Rogers of the Regt. commanded by Col. Beers in the Connt. line for 8 mos + 12 days

No.8991

Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 28 dollars 00 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of October 1833, and sent to Mrs. P Burrell cc South Canaan Ct

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 70.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending [illegible] 4 14-
                                                    $ 84.

                                    Revolutionary  Claim
                                     Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by Wm. R. Palmer Clerk, 
Book E Vol. three Page 32
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22.582  8991

Asa Brockway
Connecticut
Asa Brockway

Return in

Adm. 8 Months 12 day

26.66 2/3
 1.33 1/1
28.00

Direct returns to Wm
P Barrall Clerk
So. Canaan Ct

56
14
70
Abijah C. Peet Clk
Count Litchfield Cty
Connst
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WAR DEPARTMENT.
Pension Office,
4th June 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 a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined 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 what is necessary to be done. Those 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 papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.

A Statement, shewing the Service of Asa Brockway Litchfield Co Connecticut
Period when the service was rendered. Enlisted 1777. Vol 1777. Vol 1778.
Duration of the claimant's service. Years. Months. 8. Days.-, 7, 5. Rank of the claimant. Private. " "
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Capt Bergers. Toby. Toby. Name and Rank of the General and Field officers. Col Beers. -- --- 
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.-
Country through which he marched. March 06 Horseneck Peekskill New York Danbury
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. 74 years - Litchfield County Connecticut
Evidence by which the declaration is supported. Traditionary Evidence & Witness.
The witness not certified as credible -
I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant, J.L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions.
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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 benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians 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 applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of] ss.
County of 
On this_______ day of ________
personally appeared (a) before______
A.B. a resident (b) of______ in the county of ____
and State, Territory or District of _______ aged (c) 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 the year (d)_____,
with____ and served in the _______ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers: 
[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. This form is to be varied so as to apply to 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 _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[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 _________ of the Court of ________ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _______
for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ 
&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 Troops, 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 _____
and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _______, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _______
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 day and year aforesaid.
[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 it appears to them that A.B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _______
and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _______
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Clerk of the Court of _______ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _______ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this ____ day of _____
& 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 witness 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 alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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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 Militia 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?
{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 he 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 enquiry 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 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
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 will 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 confirming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must 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 the 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 as 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 --year --months, and ---days, I served as a -----. For --- months and days, I served as a -----; 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 expressions 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 his was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the 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 always 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 officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
To every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contain 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 under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of 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 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 official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from [a] to [c] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops, The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This 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 all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
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State of Connecticut County of Litchfield
[illegible] Court of Probate for
the District of Sharon.
At a Court of Probate holden at Salisbury within and for the District of Simon on the 11. day of August AD 1832. Present.
Samuel Church Esq. head.
On this 11. day of August AD 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate for the District of Sharon now sitting
Asa Brockway a resident of the town of Sharon in the County of Litchfield, and seventy four 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 act of Congress passed June 1832. I was born in the town of Amenia in the County of Duchess in the State of New York in the year 1759; I have a record of my age in my family bible but I know of no other record of my age. I resided in said town of Sharon when called into service where I have ever continued to reside on the same farm where I now live. I enlisted into a company of Connecticut State troops in May 1777 for the term of eight months, and I served under the following
named Henry & served as herein stated. The Captain of the company into what I enlisted as aforesaid was Captain Rogers of Cornwall
in the said County of Litchfield; the Lieutenants name was Pritchard, the Ensigns name was David Roscoe of said Sharon; I was attached to
Colonel Beers Regiment, and Major [illegible] was the Major. We marched out to Horseneck in May 1777 where we staid about two months in harboring guard; from thence we marched to Peekskill in the State of New York where I remained til the expiration time of my
8 Months service in harboring guard; there was a large number of Continental troops at Peekskill, but I dont
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remember the names of any other officers than those already named I was engaged in no battle, nor did any of our troops engage in
battle that I know of.  I served 8 Months & was discharged at [illegible] Peekskill but received no written discharge, and I have no documentary evidence by which I can prove this service and that I know of no other person
now living by whom I can prove this service
at the present whose affidavits are annexed hereto.
Before this [strikethrough] I think in the month of May I turned out as a volunteer in an alarm occasion by the attack of the enemy for the town of Danbury in said State of Connecticut
I belonged to the Connecticut Militia at this time & I think I performed this tour of events under Captain Elisha Toby of said Sharon; when we got to Danbury the town was burned but the fire was not yet extinguished. I was absent at this time about one week on this service.
Afterwards I think the next year in the month of April I turned out as a volunteer in the Connecticut Militia under the same Captain Toby to go the Northward we got as far as
Canaan in the said County of Litchfield I was absent about five days and while at said Canaan I enlisted to perform the tour of 8 months service as has been herein before
first stated. I am known to Rev Gen D. Andrew Rev. Frederick Ridley Hon John Cotton Smith, Hon. Ansel Sterling, Charles Sedgwick Cyrus Swan Esq of said Sharon and many
this in my neighborhood who can testify as to my character for herewith and their belief of my services as a soldier of the revolution.
And I hereby declare said any claim whatever to a pension or annuity all the present & declare that my name is not on the Pension roll of the [illegible] of any State.
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid. Asa Brockway
Samuel Church Judge of Probate
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M 9.4 [handwritten]

Rev. & 1821 Wars Section.

May 28, 1925

Miss .Maude R.Coore
Addison, New York.

Madam:
I have to advise you that, from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S 15350 [underlined], it appears that Asa Brockway [underlined] was born in Amenia, Dutchess County, New York in 1758.
While residing in Sharon, Litchfield County, Connecticut, he volunteered in 1777 and served twelve days as a private under Captain Eliaha Toby.
He enlisted in May, 1777 and served eight months as a private in Captain Roger's Company, Colonel Beer's Connecticut Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed, August 11, 1832 while living at Sharon, Connecticut. 
There is no data on file as to family.
Respectfully, 
WILDER S METCALF,
Commissioner.
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15.350

INVALID.
File No. 15350
Asa Brockway
(Illegible)
Act: June 7" 32
Index:---Vol. ....................,Page................
(Arrangement of 1870.}
,
1925 May 28 West Mrs Maude
 R Coove
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State of Connecticut. County of Litchfield
Js. Court of Probate for the District of Sharon.
At a Court of Probate holder at Canaan within
and for the District of Sharon on the 5th day of
August AD. 1833 Present.
William M. Burrall Esq Judge
On this 5th day of August AD 1833 personally
appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate now sitting. Asa Brockway a resident of the Town of Sharon in said district and offered evidence to this Court shewing that Robert Chapman whose deposition or affidavit is hereunto annexed is a man of fair character and a credible witness. The Testimony of the said Chapman having been received before Samuel Church Esq late Judge of this Court on the 11th day of August 1832 in the matter of the application of said Asa Brockway for a pension. And this Court having examined the evidence adduced as aforesaid and duly considered the same do find that said Robert Chapman is a man- man of fair character and a credible witness and that full faith and evidence is to be given to his said Testimony
Certified and signed
Js. Wm M. Burrall Judge
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I William P. Burrall Clerk of the
Court of Probate for the District of Sharon
do hereby
certify that the foregoing
contains
the original proceedings of the said
Court in
the matter of the application of
Asa Brockway for a pension. In testimony
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of Office at the Probate Office in Canaan this
5th day of August AD 1833
Wm P. Burrall Clerk
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We John Cotton Smith and Joshua Lovell
residing in the County of Litchfield in the said town of Sharon
hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Asa Brockway, that he believe him to be seventy four 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 to & subscribed this 15th day of August 1832
John Cotton Smith  Joshua Lovell

Litchfield County Sharon Shown August 15th
AD 1832

Personally appeared John Cotton Smith &
Joshua Lovell
who have (illegible) the foregoing certificate and made solemn oath
to the truth of the same
Before me
Chas F. Sedgewick Justice of the Peace
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At the same Court in open Court personally appeared Robert Chapman a resident of said town of Sharon who being in open court [illegible] duly sworn according to law on his oath doth testify and say that I have been from by youth acquainted with the Asa Brockway who has subscribed the foregoing declarations & have since my youth lived his near neighbor. I know that the said Asa Brockway enlisted with the army under Captain Rogers & went into service as he states and that he was absent from home  I should think about eight months. I was not with him in the service at this time. I remember his coming home from the army and what was said about his going and [illegible] service that been with general opinions in our neighborhood that Mr Brockway was a Revolutionary soldier & served a [illegible] tour of duty as he states & that is now the common reputation in the town of Sharon. I recollect also that Mr Brockway was at our are alarm when Danbuy was harmed, my father was out on the same alarm. I cannot tell how long he was gone. I was sixty nine years of age   come November.
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
Robert Chapman
Samue; Church Judge of Probate
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At the same Court, holdue on the 6th day of September AD 1832
In Court doth hereby declare it opinion after the   minatration of the matter, and after putting the interrogations inscribed by the War Department, that the above named applicants was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states; and the court doth further certify that Hon John Cotton Smith late Governor of the State of Connecticut and Joshua Lovele who have signed the foregoing Certificate are res. citizens of the town of Sharon, and are accredibly known, and that their statement is as to these to [illegible] and who that Hon Charles F. Sidgewick Esq before when said Certificate was sworn and subscribed is a Justice of the Peace for the said county of Litchfield and his name thereto subscribed is in his own [illegible] hence [illegible].
By the Court.
Abijah C Peet Clerk
I Abijah C Peet Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Sharon do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Asa Brockway for a pension. In testimony as hereunto set my hand and seal of Office at the Probate Office on Saturday this 6th day of September AD 1832.
Abijah C. Peet Clerk
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Addison 
N. York,

Pension Department, 

Will you kindly tell me if Captain Asa Brockman, who fought in the Revolutionary War ever applied for a pension.
If so i would like dates of birth, marriage, deaths

Thanking you I am very sincerely

Maude R Coore

Mar 23. 25

Stamped Pension office U. S , March 24, 1925