Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 1134, Reuben Bruce, Mass.
Page 1

Mass.      Bruce, Reuben               Wii34
                   Lucy                B.L.Wt. 26, 438-160-55.
Page 2

Vermont 18.807
Reuben Bruce
Georgia Dr. in the State of Vermont
who was a private in the Company commanded
by Captain Smith of the Regt commanded
by Col Wheelock in the [illegible]
for 6 half months.

Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont
at the rate of 21 Dollars 66 Cents per annum,
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 day of Oct.
1833 and sent to
W. Bridges St: Albans
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833. $ 34.11
Semi-ant. allowance ending [8] March '34. 10.83
                                                           $15.00
                                         {Revolutionary Claim,}
                                         {Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by W. L. Williams, Clerk,
Book [illegible] Vol. 3. Page 54
Page 3

Reuben Bruce's
Declaration
Page 4

STATE OF VERMONT,}
Franklin County, SS.}
On this 30th day of July, 1833, personally appeared in open Court, before the Court
of Probate, now sitting, Reuben Bruce
of Vermont, age 82 years, who being 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 7th, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States,
under the following named Officers, and
served as herein stated.
He was born in Southborough County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts
on the 8th day of May 1757.
Has no record of his age, but was informed
by his parents that he was recorded in sd [said]
Town of Southborough.
When the Revolutionary War began he was a
resident of said Southborough, where he reside,
a member of years, and then moved with his 
parents to the Town of Hopkinton (the year he
does not recollect), Middlesex County and State
aforesaid, that he was a resident of sd Hopkinton
when he entered the service of the United States, and continued to live in sd town till after the
close of the Revolutionary War: moved from 
thence to Petersham County of Worcester and State afsd; from thence to Sheldon where he
has resided for twenty five years and his now
place of residence.
He was a minute man for some months
previous to Lexington Battle was called out at
that time and marched for Concord, but
finding the enemy had retreated, he went to
Cambridge near Boston and stayed about
two weeks
Page 5

and then returned home he was under
the command of John Gleson who took
charge of the company to which the
applicant belonged. He left home at this time
on the 19th day of April 1775 and returned
accord to the best of his recollection on or
about the 5th or 6th day of May being
in actual service two weeks.
In the year 1775, aft he enlisted at 
Southboro under one Capt Smith for five months
marched from Hopkinton his place of
residence on the first day of November and
joined Col Jonathan Woods regt at Cambridge
soon after his enlistment he was put into
the teaming service under the immediate
command of Capt Joshua Smith who had
charge of the military stores then deposited
at Southboro, that he remained in said
service till the first day of April 1776.
The applicant further states that during
the five months after, he drew his rations and
pay from the government at Cambridge
he was not employed on civil contract
but called in to service by competent
authority.
In the year 1776, in month of May he
enlisted for six months under Capt Staples
Chamberlain, Lient [Lieut] Walter McFarland,
Ensign Whiney Col Wheelocks Regt, Brigade Maj
Page 6

Brown, inspected at Hopkinton and marched
from there to Charlestown New 
Hampshire, there forded the River Connecticut and march most of the way through the woods
to Skenesborough (now Whitehall) and from
[illegible] by water to Fort Ticonderoga, there
put under the command of Gen Gates and
he thinks Brig Gen Brown, did garrison duty as a private during the six months campaign: he well recollects the engagement in the lake between the American and British fleets, and that five boats only returned according to his best recollection; well remembers the men that was on board of the fleet returning to the fort after the engagement afsd by land; he served his time out and was discharged on or about the first day of December 76, but saw no written discharge.
The applicant further states that he is
positive that he served in his first campaign
at Cambridge at least fifteen days. In the
second campaign at Cambridge he served
five months, and in his 3d campaign  at
Ticonderoga six months, in the whole eleven months and fifteen days for which he claims 
a pension.
The applicant further states that 
he is acquainted with following named 
persons who can state relative to his
Page 7

character for veracity and their belief
as to his services in the Army of the
Revolution. Josiah Peckham, John Ganson, 
C. A. Keith Esq., Alfred Heath, F. W. Judson, 
James Mason, Levi Hapgood, Dexter Geilbert
Esq., J H. Sheldon Esq., Augustus Burt Esq.,
residents of Sheldon.

He has no documentory [documentary] evidence and
knows of no person whose testimony he
can procure who can testify to his services.

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.

Sworn and subscribed }      Reuben Bruce
the day and year afsd}
Page 8

We Isaac Hill and Alfred Keith
residing in Sheldon hereby certify that we
are well acquainted with Reuben Bruce
who has subscribed and sworn to the above
and foregoing declaration; that we believe
him to be Eight two years of age; and 
that he is [respected] and believed in the 
neighborhood where he resides to have been a
soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur
in that opinion.
                                            Isaac Hill Minister
                                           Alfred Keith

Sworn and subscribed
this 17th day of July AD 1833

Before me Dexter Gibert}     Justice
                                         of the Peace

I hereby certify that the Revd. Isaac Hill
and Alfred Keith Esq. are boath [both] men who
Rank amongst the first of our citizens for
truth and veracity. I further certify that the
applicant Reuben Bruce has lived within a few
Rods [roads] of me for about four years and I concur in the belief that his statements are correct to the best of his recollection.
Sheldon July 17th 1833  
           Dexter Gilbert}  Justice Peace
Page 9

And the said court do hereby  declare their
opinion after the investigation of the matter,
and after putting the interrogatories 
presented 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
that Isaac Hill who has signed the precding [preceding] certificate is a Clergyman, resident of the town of Sheldon, and that Alfred Keith, who has also signed the same is a resident of Sheldon and is a credible person, and that their 
statement is entitled to credit.
Stephen T Brown  Judge

I Aaron S. Beeman Clerk of Probate Court
do hereby certify that the foregoing contains
the original proceed of the said court, in the
matter of the application of Reuben Bruce for
[pension]

In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal of office at
St. Albans in said district this 30th
day of July AD 1833.

Aaron S
Page 10

State of Vermont} I Horace James Clerk
Franklin County SS} of Franklin County Court
                               do hereby certify that
Dexter Gilbert, who has affixed his name
to the within is a Magistrate duly qualified,
and that I believe the same to be his genuine
signature.

In testimony, whereof I
have hereunto set my name
and affixed the seal of said
Court, at St. Albans, this 30th
day of July AD 1833
Horace James Clerk.
Page 11

2.731
Vermont, Burlington
Lucy Bruce,
widow of Reuben Bruce
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private Mass
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
21  Dollars 66
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the 
1st day of November 1853
and sent to 
Wm Bridges
St. Albans
Frankling Co
Vt


Recorded on Roll of Pensioner under act
February 3, 1853, Page 25, Vol. A

(32)
Page 12

State of Vermont Franklin
                         County SS
I Joseph H. Brainerd
Clerk of of Franklin County
Court, do hereby certify that
Joseph Fairbanks and
Richard A Shattuck are
Justices of the Peace in for the County of
Franklin, duly authorized by law to
administer oaths, and their signatures
within written I believe to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal of the Court
aforesaid, at St. Albans in Said County
this 27th day of June 1853.
Joseph H. Brainerd Clerk
Page 13

State of Vermont] on this eight day of June
Franklin County ] 1853, personally appeared
Lucy Bruce before the undersigned
Judge of the County Court, in and for the
County of Franklin and the State afsd Lucy
Bruce a resident of Sheldon, in the County
and State afsd, aged eighty three years, who
being duly sworn according to law, doth
on her oath, make the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions
made by the Act of Congress, passed February
3d, 1853; that she is the widow of Reuben
Bruce, who was a private in the army of
the Revolution, and a pensioner of the United
States, at the rate of twenty one dollars sixty
six cents per annum, under the act of June 7th
1832; was a resident of Sheldon asfd and was paid at the Burlington, Vermont Agency.

She further declares that she was married
to the sd [said] Reuben Bruce in the autumn of the year eighteen hundred and eight; that her husband the afd Reuben Bruce died on the thirty first day of July, eighteen hundred and thirty nine.
She further swears that she was a widow 
at the passage of the act of 3d February, 1853, and is still a widow, and that she has never before applied for a pension.
                    her
             Lucy     Bruce
                    mark
Sworn to and subscribed
the day and year above
written, before me

                        Preston Baylor} Judge of the
                                                  County Court
Page 14

And I further certify that Mrs Lucy
Bruce the applicant who has signed and
made oath to the within declaration
is not able to appear in open court in
consequence of old age, and bodily infirmity.

Preston Baylor  Judge

State of Vermont}  J. Joseph H. Brainerd
Franklin County ss} Clerk of Franklin
County Court, for the
County afsd [aforesaid] do hereby certify that
the Hon Preston Taylor who has
affixed his name to the above and
foregoing is one of the Judges of the 
County Court, for the County of Franklin
afsd, and that the signatures [illegible]
to be his, I believe the same to be
genuine.

In testimony whereof I
have hereunto set my
hand and seal of office,
at St Albans in said County
Franklin this day of
May, 1853.
Joseph H. Brainerd Clerk
Page 15

I hereby certify that I am Clerk of the Town 
of Sheldon in the County of Franklin and State of
Vermont and have the care and custody of the records and files of said town. Have examined the same for the marriage of Lucy Rice to Reuben Bruce but can not find any such record upon said town records and believe there is no such records thereon  Attest

A M Brown Town Clerk of P Sheldon

Sworn to and subscribed this 16th day of June 1833 
Before me  Jos Fairbanks Justice [Peace]

And I further certify that the deponant [deponent] Brown is Town Clerk of Sheldon ofsd
and a credible witness
Jos Fairbanks Justice Peace
Page 16

I Levi Hapgood of Sheldon in the County of
Franklin and State of Vermont of lawful age testify and sat that I was for a great number of years [acquainted] with Reuben Bruce and Lucy Bruce his wife they Raised a family of children and continued to live together in this town until Mr. Bruce died some ten or twelve years since
Levi Hapgood

State of Vermont}   Sheldon 7th June 1853
Franklin County}  The above deposition
taken subscribed and sworn to
Before me R A Shattuck  Justice peace

And I further certify that the above named
Levi Hapgood the deponant [deponent] is a credible witness
R A Shattuck Just peace
Page 17

I Betsey Fairbanks of Sheldon Franklin County
and State of Vermont of lawful age testify and say that I was presant [present] at the marriage of Reuben Bruce and Lucy Rice. They were married by Asa Buckley Esq then acting Justice peace they wase [was] married some time about the year AD 1808 and further this deponant [deponent] saith not
Betsey Fairbanks

State of Vermont} Sheldon 6th June AD 1850
Franklin County}   The above deposition taken subscribed and sworn to
Before me R A Shattuck Justice peace

I Augustus Burt of Sheldon in the
County of Franklin and State of Vermont
testify and say that, I knew Reuben Bruce
and his wife, Lucy more that thirty
five years. Since they then lived together
as husband and wife and continued
so to live together until Mr. Bruce
died which was several years since. 
And Mrs Lucy Bruce is the same
person who now applies for a
pension.                  Aug Burt

State of Vermont}  Sheldon 7th June AD 1853
Franklin County}  Then the above deposition
subscribed and sworn to
before me  R A Shattuck  Justice Peace
Page 18

And I further certify that the within and
 Betsey Fairbanks by Augustus Bust
the  signers of the within depositions
are credible witnesses.

R A Shattuck Justice peace
Page 19

Act March 2/53        Civ. Wm Bridges, Feb1/56
124.098  May 8/55
Lucy Bruce
widow of
Reuben Bruce, private

Revolutionary 
War.
No 26438 is May 26/56
Pensioner under Act Feb.3/53
William Ma 22d/56
[illegible]

Wm. Bridges.
St Albans.              Vol. B[2]. 69.0
Vt.
Page 20

Mrs. Bruce requests
that the answers be
returned to the 
subscriber, Wm Bridges








124.098
Page 21

State of Vermont,}  SS.
County of Franklin}

On this 2 day of May 1855,
before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace duly authorized by law to administer oaths within and for the County and State aforesaid,
personally appeared Lucy Bruce aged 85 years, a resident of Sheldon County of Franklin in the State of Vermont who made oath in due form of law, that she is the identical Lucy Bruce to whom, under the provisions of the Act of February 3, 1853, a pension of 21.66 dollars per annum has been allowed for the services of her late husband Reuben Bruce a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and late of Sheldon County, State aforesaid. She further states that her Pension Certificate, under the aforesaid Act of February 3rd 1853, is numbered 2731 bears date the first day of Nov 1853, and is made payable at the Burlington Agency. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the Act of 3d March, 1855 never having received or known herself entitled, or made application, under any previous act of Congress. In evidence of her marriage and proof of service of her said husband, she respectfully refers to the proofs heretofore adduced, now on file in the Pension Office, and upon which her annuity as aforesaid was granted.
That, since being placed on the list of Revolutionary Pensioners, she has not intermarried, but continues the widow of the said Reuben Bruce.
F. M. Marsh                           her
Attest                               Lucy  Bruce
Lathrop Marsh                      mark

Sworn to, subscribed and acknowledged before me, the day and year above written, and I certify that I knew the aforesaid Lucy Bruce to be the identical person she alleges herself to be, a Pensioner of the United States, ad at the date of the execution of this declaration a widow; and that I am not interested in her claims as Agent, Attorney, or otherwise.

R A Shattuck               Justice of the Peace
Page 22

State of Vermont,} SS.
Franklin County,}
On this 27 day of May 1855
before me, undersigned, a Justice of the Peace,
authorized by law to administer oaths within and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared D. D. Wead and L. H. Hapgood 
residents of Sheldon County of Franklin in the
State of Vermont known to me as credible persons, who made oath in due form of law, that Lucy Bruce who in their presence has sworn and subscribed to the foregoing declaration, is, their personal knowledge, the identical person to whom, under the provisions of the Act of February 3, 1853 a pension of 21.66 dollars per annum has been granted for the services her late husband Reuben Bruce deceased, a soldier of the Revolutionary war.
That since being placed on the roll of Pensioners, she, the said Lucy Bruce, has not intermarried, but remains and now is, a widow: That they have known her for twenty years, and derive their knowledge of the facts herein named from the following circumstances, to wit: We have lived in the neighborhood of the said Lucy Bruce; and personally acquainted with her for more than twenty years last past. And know that she is the widow of Reuben Bruce, also deceased.
They further state that they are disinterested witnesses.                 DD Wead
                                  LH Hapgood
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year above written.
R A Shattuck Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont}  SS.  I James Davis Judge of
County of Franklin}    the Probate Court
I HEREBY CERTIFY, That Richard A Shattuck Esq., before whom the foregoing Declaration, Power of Attorney, and affidavits were made and acknowledged, and who has thereunto subscribed his name was at the time of doing an authorized Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, and that his signature thereto is genuine. I further ceirtify[certify], that in the within application I am not interested as Agent, Attorney, or otherwise.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Probate 
Court for the County aforesaid, this 3d day of May, 1855
James Davis Judge
Page 23

Record Division             3-525
Revolutionary War Records Section
WMS    DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
N. 1134        Bureau of Pensions.
                     Washington, D. C.,   Sept 26, 1922


In reply to your request of, received
for a statement of the military history of Reuben Bruce a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 
you will find below the desired information as contained in his (and his widow's) application for
pension on file in this Bureau.

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment.
Length of Service.
Rank.
Officers Under Whom Service Was Rendered.
Captain.                            Colonel.
State.

Apr. 19-1775
2wks.
Minute Man
John Gleson
Mass.

5 mos. ending Apr. 1, 1776
Pvt.
Joshua Smith         Jonathan Wood
Mass.

6 mos. ending Dec. 1, 1776
Staples Chamberlain      Wheelock
Mass.

Battles engaged in, none stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Southborough, Worcester Co. Mass.
Date of application for pension, Aug. 14, 1832. His cl. was al.
Residence at date of application, Sheldon, Franklin Co. Vermont
Age at date of application, Born May 8, 1751 in Southborough, Mass.
Remarks: He died July 31, 1839.
In the Autumn of 1808 soldier married Lucy Rice who was allowed pension on her ap. ex. June 8, 1853 while a resident of Sheldon, Vt. aged 83 yrs.
They "raised a large family of children", no names are stated.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
6-2356
Page 24

Reuben Bruce's
Declaration
No 5102
Page 25

Declaration.
Revolutionary claim, under an Act of Congress, Passed June 7th A.D. 1832.
State of Vermont}Franklin County Probate Court,
District of Georgia, SS.} August 14th A. D. 1832.
Personally appeared in open Court, being the 
Probate Court for the County of Franklin, and a Court of Record for said County, and said State of Vermont, as will appear by the first section of a Statute Law of said State, entitled "An act,
constituting Probate Courts Courts of Record,"
passed November 15th, A. D. 1821, [see 1st. section of said act,] Reuben Bruce aged 81 years, resident in Sheldon in said County, 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 7th, A. D. 1832.
He  was born in Southborough, Massachusetts, where a record of his age was made.
He was a minute man for some months previous to Lexington Battle, was called out at that time and marched for Concord but finding that the enemy had retracted he wet to Cambridge near Boston and the stayed about two weeks.
In the year 1775 he enlisted at Southborough under Capt Smith for five months, employed in conveying Stone from said Southborough to Cambridge during said five month term.
In the year 1776 in the month of May he volunteered at Hoopkinton [Hopkinton] and marched under Capt Staple Chamberlain, Leieut [Lieut] Walter McFarland, Ensign Whitney of Sherbern [Sherborn]. Regiment commanded by Col Wheelock Brigade Major Brown to Charleston NH, there three days and then proceeded to Ticonderoga  stop at SKenesborough [Skenesborough] one or two days. From there by water to Ticonderoga Fort there put under the command of Gen Gates and Brown. He well recollects the engagement on the lake and that five boats returned. Stationed at the Fort until December then dismissed
Page 26

[illegible] Gates and Brauen he well [illegible]
went on the lake and that five boats returned.
Stationed at the Fort until December then dismissed.

He has no documentary evidence whatever. And knows of no person who can testify to his services.

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present,

Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. Reuben Bruce
We Samuel Wead and F.W. Judson of Sheldon, 
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
Reuben Bruce who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 81 years of age; and that it is generally understood and believed in the neighborhood where he resides that he has been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn, and subscribed   Samuel Wead
the day and year af        F. W. Judson

The Court hereby certify that Samuel Wead, who
has signed the foregoing certificate has heretofore been Postmaster in the Town of Sheldon; and also been one of the Judges of the County Court for the County of Franklin. And F. W. Judson who has also signed the same is a respectable Physician in said town of Sheldon and their statement is entitled to credit being both respectable and credible persons.

And the Court do hereby declare their opinion, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
William Bridges Judge
I, John Gates, jr. Register of the Court of Probate for the district aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matters of the application of Reuben Bruce
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of this office this 14th day of August A. D. 1832.   
John Gates Jr. Register.
Page 27

5102
Reuben Bruce

43.33
10.83
54.16

[illegible]
61/2 mos

CO. Bridges Esq.
St Albans
Vt
[illegible]
Sheldon
Vt
Page 28

War Department,
Pension Office,
May 5, 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[show] 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[showing] the Service of
Period when the service was rendered.
Duration of the claimant's service.
Years/Months/Days
Rank of the claimant.
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
Proof by which the declaration is supported.


I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J.L. Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Mr. Reuben Bruce
Page 29

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 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 County of }ss.
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.
I, 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 it 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
Page 30

3
alleged service, as they are known at 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 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 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 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 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 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 conforming 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 bis 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 mouths 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 au embodied corps called into service by competent authority that lie 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 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.
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 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 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. The notes from [a] to [j] 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.
Page 31

I Joshua W Sheldon of Sheldon
County of Franklin in the State of
Vermont on oath depose testify and say
that I have resided in the Town of 
Sheldon for Fifty years last past. And
I farther say that I am personally acquainted
with Mrs Lucy Bruce, widow of Reuben Bruce
late of said Sheldon, deceased, who was a
Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States.
I farther say that the aforesaid Mr. and Mrs.
Bruce have resided in Sheldon aforesaid
Forty years last past, and that I am
as well acquainted with Mrs Lucy Bruce
aforesaid as I am with any person
in said Town of Sheldon. She is now 
present before me, and I know her
to be the widow of the aforesaid Reuben
Bruce
Joshua W Sheldon

State of Vermont  Sheldon October 15th
Franklin County SS  A.D. 1853. Then
personally appeared the above named Joshua
Fanny Dayer    W Sheldon, and made oath to the
Harriet Case    truth of the above deposition by him this day subscribed. Before me, 
Joseph Fairbanks, Justice of the Peace
And I farther certify that the above named
Joshua W Sheldon, who has subscribed his
name to the above deposition is a
credible witness.
Joseph Fairbanks  Justice of the Peace
Page 32

I Nathaniel Wait of Sheldon, in 
the County of Franklin, and State 
of Vermont of Lawful age on
oath, do depose testify and say, that
I am personally acquainted with
Mrs Lucy Bruce, widow of
Reuben Bruce, late of said Sheldon
deceased. Who was a Revolutionary
Pensioner of the United States. And 
I farther say that Mr. and Mrs.
Bruce above named, have resided
in Sheldon aforesaid Forty [illegible]
years last past, to my certain
knowledge. And that I am as well
acquainted with the said Mrs. Lucy
Bruce as any person in the said
Town of Sheldon. She is now in
my presence, before me, and I
know her to be the widow of the
aforesaid Reuben Bruce.
Nathaniel Wait

Fanny Days State of Vermont
Harriet Case Franklin County SS 
Sheldon October 15th
A.D. 1853. There personally appeared the
above named Nathaniel Wait and made oath
to the truth of the above deposition by him
this day subscribed.    Before me
Joseph Fairbanks, Justice of the Peace
And I farther certify that the above 
named Nathaniel Wait who has 
subscribed his name to the above 
deposition is a credible witness.
Joseph Fairbanks Justice of the Peace
Page 33

State of Vermont
Franklin County
I James Davis
Judge of the Probate
Court within and for this
county of Franklin and State afsd, do hereby
certify that Joseph Fairbanks, who has
affixed his name to the within 
depositions, is a Magistrate, duly authorized
by law to administer oaths, and that
I believe the signatures [illegible] to be
his are genuine.

In testimony where of I
have hereunto set my
hand and seal of the Probate 
Court, this 21st day of 
October, AD 1853.
James Davis, Judge
Page 34

State of Vermont, Franklin Co.
St. Albans July 7th 1853,

Hon. L P Waldo
I herewith send the
declaration of Mrs Lucy Bruce.
You will please send your
answer to the subscriber.
Very respectfully
You Obt Servt
Wm Bridges [illegible]
for Lucy Bruce
Page 35

July 12, 1835.
Appl. of Lucy
Bruce, widow of 
Reuben Bruce,
Franklin Co.,
Vermont.

P$21.13
1880
Act 3d Febr, 1853.

Rev.
$21.66 per an.
Coin Feb 3d, 1853.

Wm. Bridges, 
St. Albans, 
Franklin Co,
Vt.
Page 36

1 wit: pres: 3 to rep & co: large family children
31: July, 39
"Boynton"
Page 37

Brief in case of Lucy Bruce, Widow of Reuben
Franklin County and State of Vermont.
act 3d Feb: 1853.

Claim, ("original")
Proof exhibited, (if original)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under the
Act of 7 June 1832. One witness swears he
was present at marriage, three to reputation
and cohabitation, and large family of children raised.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?


Wm Bridges, Esq.
St. Albans,
Name and residence of Agent
Franklin Co. Vt.  

L.C. Boynton
Examining Clerk.
Page 38

124.098
Hon. L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 39

Sept; 96 [illegible]
pound to
Mrs H D Robinson
Racine Wis.
LWB
1922 SEpt 27 Hist to
Mrs. H. D. Robinson. MMH
1922 Oct 23. Hist. to Mrs.
Edwin H. Van Ostrand. MMH  

Reg Widow, &c.
File No. 1134
Lucy Bruce.
Widow.
Reuben Bruce,
Priv. Rev. War.
Act: Feb 3. 1853.
Index: Vol A, Page 81
[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 40

Pen Off:
27 Oct:/53,
Sir:
Please certify the [time] to which
the within named pension was [full]
or the state of his death.
Very Respectfully,

J. Cole
For the Commission.
Reuben Bruce Act 1832
$1.66 p. an.  Died 31st 1832
July 1839, Paid to his death.
F. Bush
Auditor

Francis Burt, Esq.
Third Auditor [Quality]
Page 41

No 2576
Lucy Bruce, 
wid: of
Reuben
Set to Wm Bu ofrs, 19" Sept: 1853

Act 3rd Feb 1853
Page 42

26.438

160 acres
Page 43

26,438

[illegible]
Page 44

944 Main St.
Racine, Wis. Sept 10 1922.

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

My dear Sir;
Will you please
give me information 
regarding Reuben Bruce
a soldier of the Revolution.
His grave in Sheldon, Vt.
bears the inscription A
Revolutionary Soldier, and I
have been told that he
was given some kind of
a pension and at his
death his wife received
a pension. I am his
Page 45

great granddaughter and
desire the record to use
as proof of eligibility to
the D.A.R.
[Illegible]
Florence Bruce Robinson
Mrs. Henry D. Robinson
Reuben Bruce died in 
about 1838 and at his 
death was about 88 years old.

Aus. Sept. 27, 1922
Page 46

Racine College
B
Racine, Wis. Aug 26, 1896
Commissioner of Pensions,
Dear Sir
Will you kindly
inform me if a Land
Warrant was ever issued
to one Reubun Bruce
or to his widow Lucy
Bruce, for services during
the Revolutionary, or the
War of 1812, and if so
for what services.
Respt,
Mrs. H. D. Robinson,
Racine College,
Racine,
Wisconsin.
Page 47

Racine, Wis. Aug 27, 1922.
944 Main St
Head of the Pension Bureau
Washington D. C.

My dear Sir;
Will you please give me 
the war record from which
one Ruben Bruce of Vermont
a Revolutionary soldier obtained
a grant of land or a pension and his wife
a [illegible] after his death. He died at Sheldon
Vermont in 1837 or 38.
He was my great grandfather and
I wish the record for the D.A.R.
Yours truly
Florence Bruce Robinson
Mrs F. D. Robinson
Page 48

MRS. EDWIN H. VAN OSTRAND
214 WEST GILMAN STREET
MADISON WISCONSIN
September 19th, 1922
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir, -
Will you kindly send me any record of
Revolutionary service that may be found among your
lists for Ruben Bruce of Vermont
He is buried at Sheldon, Vt., and on his tomb
stone is inscription " A soldier of the Revolution.
Of course he may have served from some other state,
but as he died in Sheldon, or near that place, would
likely have drawn pension (if he had one} at that
place, or somewhere in the county - Franklin.
Very truly yours,
Martin C. Van Ostrand
Mrs. E. H. Van Ostrand
214 W. Gilman St.
Madison, Wisconsin.
[stamp] PENSION OFFICE
SEP 21 1922
Page 49

O. W. & N. Div.
L. W. B.
W. 1134.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
WASHINGTON, D. C., September 1, 1896,

Madam:-

Replying to your request for information concerning the military
record of Reuben Bruce, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you are
advised that he made an application for pension on August 14th, 1832,
at which time he was 81 years of age and residing at Sheldon, Vermont,
and his pension was allowed for six months' actual service as a private
in the Mass. troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served
under Capt. Smith and Col. Wheelock. He enlisted at Southborough,
Mass.
His widow, Lucy, made application and received a pension for the
service of her husband as above set forth,
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mrs. H. D. Robinson,
Racine, Wisconsin.