Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14384, Nathaniel Brownell, R.I. Mass.
Page 1

service                                                number
R.I.          Brownell, Nathaniel          W. 14384
Mass.                     Sarah  B.L.Wt.28,564-160-55


Contents
(blank)
Page 2

2015
Rhode Island
Sarah Brownell
widow of Nathaniel Brownell
who served in the Revolutionary RI
war, as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
26 Dollars 66.
Cents per annum, to commence on the 
4th day of March 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 
13, day of Sept. 1848
and sent to 
Franklin Greene
Providence
RI
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 2 Vol. 3



(right side handwritten)
Date of death not (illegible)
Page 3

7009
Sarah Brownell
wid: of Nathaniel,
Act: 7 July 1838.
Page 4

State of Rhode Island
County of Newport

On this twenty fourth day of June A.D. 1839 personally approved before the Court of Probate of Little Compton in said County of Newport a court of record. Sarah Brownell a resident of said Little Compton in said county of Newport aged seventy-six years and upwards who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by Act of Congress passed July 7th, 1838, Entitled, " An act granting half pay and pensions to Certain Widows."
That she is the widow of Nathaniel Brownell dec'd late a soldier of the United States during the Revolutionary War. During the Revolutionary War my said husband lived with his father the late George Brownell of adjoining town of Westport in Massachusetts- I was born in this town and always lived herein with my father the late Michael Tompkins up to the time of our marriage-We then removed to said Westport, we lived up to the death of my said husbands- since which period I have lived a part of the time with my Children in this town & a part of the time in said Westport.
At the commencement of the Revolutionary War  in 1775, in May of that year my said husband enlisted in this town into Capt. Aaron Willbors (?) Company in Col. Church's Regiment and was soon after marched to the vicinity of Boston-their troops were laised by the state of Rhode Island for eight months- he faithfully served his time out for 8 months as a private soldier and in January 1776 he was discharged & he returned home-After his return home he was enrolled in the Militia Company to which he belonged in said Westport then under the command of Capt William Hicks-of which Earle (?) was Lieutenant in the Second Regiment of Militia in the County of Bristol in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts- When the Enemy took possession of Rhode Island
Page 5

in December 1776 my said husband was ordered into the public service in said Company of Militia, to Howlands Ferry in Tiverton and was then for one month under Capt William Hicks- and from that time till the Enemy (illegible-evacuated ?) Rhode Island in 1779 my said husband performed much military duty as a private soldier in P Company at Westport harbor, at Westport Points and on the shores of the town. And several times during said period he was in the service on the shores of Narragansett Bay in Little Compton and Tiverton- And in the Expedition on to Rhode Island under General Sullivan, in the Summer of 1778.
I have heard my said husband in his life time tell much about his military service in the Revolutionary War. When he was at Boston, and afterwards when he was in the militia. but I cannot remember to state what he then said-I do not remember how long he was in early tour of service while in the militia, nor the officer he was under except those of his own company as afore said-he left no written proof of his service or anything to show how, where or when it was performed. I know of but two persons now living who belonged to the same company of militia that he did-(vir?) Deacon Sylvester Brownell of this Town and Capt. Gabriel Hicks of Tiverton-
I further declare that I was married to the said Nathaniel Brownell on the 25th day of March Seventeen hundred and ninety (1790) That my said husband the said Nathaniel Brownell died on the 30th day of December A.D. 1825- That I was not married to him prior to his leaving the service. but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred and ninety four (illegible viz?) at the time above stated- Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid before and in Court.

signature       Sarah Sane (Jane?) Brownell
Page 6

And the said Court hereby certify that the afore-named Sarah Brownell is by them known to be the widow of Nathaniel Brownell deceased, for whose services she claims a pension - that she is a credible person - and that they believe the statement by her herein made are true"

State of Rhode-Island &c
County of Newport SS.
Clerk's office of the Court of Probate of Little Compton in said County of Newport.

I Alexander Brownell Clerk of said Court of Probate do hereby certify, that the foregoing are the original proceedings in the application of said Sarah Brownell for a pension.
In testimony, where I have hereinth set my hand and seal of said Court, a Court of record the twenty fourth day of June A.D. 1839.
And of American Independence the Sixty third.
A.R. Brownell Clerk of Probate
Page 7

State of Rhode Island County of, Newport S.S. 
Town Clerk; Office Little Compton January, 4th 1844.
I Otis Wilbor Town Clerk of, Little Compton in the County and State aforesaid do certify that I have by virtue of my said Office the custody of the Records, of said Town and I further certify that in appears, by said Records, that Nathaniel Brownell was, joined in Marriage to Sarah Tompkins, on the Twenty fifth day of March One thousand seven hundred and ninety The Record is as follows, word for word, and figure for figure
"This may certify that Nathaniel Brownell the son of George Brownell and his Wife Sarah deceased of Westport and Sarah Tompkins, the daughter of Michael Tompkins, deceased, and his Wife Sarah of Little Compton were joined together in Matrimony, per me.
Little Compton
Mase Shepard ~ Clerk,"
March 25. 1790
Otis Wilbor Town Clerk

Newport ss In Little Compton January 9th 1844
Personally appeared before me the above named Otis Wilbor known to me as the Town Clerk of the Town of Little Compton and made oath to the above Certificate by him, signed
George C Baley Justice of the Peace for the County of Newport
Page 8

[left side of document]
[illegible] A. Hicks Mch. 24/56

Vol Be — 71. —

[right side of document]
151146 Act Mar 3}
May 28} 55
Sarah Brownell wid.
Nathaniel Brownell Priv
Exit
[illegible]
Rev War
Rev pensions
R.I. Lesly 48-2015
Willed Acr May 24/56
Boynton
Andrew Hicks
Westport. Mass.
Page 9

Claim of Sarah Brownell to 160 Acres Bounty Land Act of March 3. 1855. 

War of Revolution
151146

Address
Andrew Hicks
Westport 
Massachusetts
Page 10

State of Massachusetts
County of Bristol

On this twenty eighth day of April 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 (1) Sarah Brownell aged 91 years, a resident of (2) Westport County of Bristol in the State of Massachusetts who made oath in due form of law, that she is the identical (1) Sarah Brownell to whom, under the provisions of the Act of (3) February 2. 1848 a pension of (4) Twenty Six 66/100 dollars per annum has been allowed for the services of her late husband (5) Nathaniel Brownell a 
(6) Private of the Revolutionary war, and late of (7) Westport of Bristol County, State of Massachusettes She further states that her Pension Certificate, under the aforesaid Act of 
(3) February 2. 1848 is numbered (8) -2015., bears date the (9) thirteenth day of September 1848, and is made payable at the (10) Rhode Island Agency. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the 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 (5) Nathaniel Brownell
She appoints as her attorney for the within specified purpose, and with power of substitution, [illegible sentence] city of Westport [illegible] State of Massachusetts
(11) Sarah X her Mark Brownell
Attest : Abraham Manchester Uriah Brownell
SWORN TO, SUBSCRIBED AND ACKNOWLEDGED before me, the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I know the aforesaid (1) Sarah Brownell to be the identical person she alleges herself to be — a Pensioner of the United States, and at the date of the execution of this declaration a widow; and that I am not interested in her claim as Agent, Attorney, or otherwise. Erasures made before signing
(12) Andrew Hicks J. Peace.

(For NOTES, see opposite page.)

Recorded in the Pension office on the Roll of Pensionry under act Feb. 2 1818, Page 2. Vol 3
Page 11

State of Massachusetts }
County of Bristol             } ss.
On this twenty eighth day of April 1855,
before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, authorized by law to administer oaths within and for the County and
State aforesaid, personally appeared (13) Abraham Manchester and (13) Uriah Brownell 
residents of (14) Westport County of Bristol, in the 
State of Massachusetts known to me as credible persons, who made oath, in due form of law, that
(1) Sarah Brownell who in their presence has sworn and subscribed to the foregoing declaration,
is, to their personal knowledge, the identical person to whom, under the provisions of the Act of (3) February 2d 1848
a pension of (4) Twenty six 66/100 dollars per annum has been granted for the services of her late husband
(5)Nathaniel Brownell deceased, a (6) Private of the Revolutionary war.
That since being placed on the roll of Pensioners, she, the said (1) Sarah Brownell has not
intermarried, but remains, and now is, a widow; That they have known her for fifty years, and derive
their knowledge of the facts herein named from circumstances, to wit: (15) and have
always lived near neighbors
They further state that they are disinterested witnesses.
(16) Abraham Manchester [signature]
        Uriah Brownell  [signature]
Sworn to, and subscribed before me, the day and year above written.
(12) Andrew Hicks J. Peace [signature]

State of Massachusetts}
County of Bristol            } ss.
I herby Certify, That Andrew Hicks 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 so doing an authorized Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, and that his signature
thereto is genuine.  I further 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 Supreme Judicial Court, for the County aforesaid, this
Seventeenth day of May 1855.
Jas Sproat Clerk of said Court [signature]

NOTES.
1. Insert the widow’s full name.     2. Give the Post Office address.     
3. Insert the title of the Act under which her Revolutionary Pension was granted.      
4. State the amount in dollars and cents.
5. Insert the full name of her late husband.     6. State what rank he held.
7. Give the name of the County in which he lived at the time of his death.
8. Insert the registry number of her Pension Certificate.
9. Give its date.     10. State where made payable.     11. Widow’s signature in full.
12. Magistrate’s signature.     13. Insert the witnesses’ full names.
14. Give the Post Office address.     
15. Here give a statement of the facts and circumstances from which the foregoing testimony is adduced, or from which the witnesses knowledge is derived.
16. Witnesses’ signature.
Page 12

August 23, 1937

Miss Jessie M. Kelley
440 Welch Avenue
Ames, Iowa

Nathaniel Brownell
W. 14384
BA-J/AWF

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you
request the Revolutionary War records of George,
Nathaniel, and Samuel Brownell, of Rhode Island.

Revolutionary War data furnished by this office
are obtained from claims for pension and bounty land
which have been made to the United States, based upon
service in that war.  A search of the records fails
to show such claims on file on account of the Revolutionary
War service of George or Samuel Brownell, under 
any spelling of the surname.

The record of Nathaniel Brownell is furnished
herein as found in papers on file in pension claim,
W. 14384, based upon his service in the War of the
Revolution.  This is the record of the only Nathaniel
Brownell found on file in the Revolutionary War records
of this office.

The date and place of birth of Nathaniel Brownell
were not given.  He was the son of George Brownell and 
his wife, Sarah, both of Westport, Massachusetts.

Nathaniel Brownell enlisted at Little Compton,
Rhode Island, sometime in May, 1775, served eight
months as private in Captain Aaron Wilbur’s company in
Colonel Church’s 3rd Rhode Island regiment.  He served
from sometime in December, 1776, in frequent tours in
the Westport, Massachusetts militia, until in November,
1779, in all about ten months, part of the time in
Captain William Hicks’ company, Colonel Manasseh Kempton’s
Page 13

regiment, and during this service, he was in General 
Sullivan’s Expedition in the summer of 1778.

Nathaniel Brownell married March 25, 1790 in 
Little Compton, Rhode Island, Sarah Tompkins, the
daughter of Michael Tompkins and his wife, Sarah, of
Little Compton, Rhode Island.

Nathaniel Brownell died December 30, 1825.  His
widow, Sarah Brownell, was allowed pension on her
application executed June 24, 1839, at which time she
was seventy-six years of age and living in Little
Compton.  She then stated that she lived part of her
time with her children in Little Compton, and part of
her time with her children in Westport.  She was living
in 1855 in Westport.

Alexander R. Brownell in 1839 was Clerk of the
Court of Probate in Little Compton, Rhode Island; in
1839, “Deacon” Sylvester Brownell stated that he was
born in Westport, Massachusetts, and lived there until
about 1828, that he served in the eight months’ tour
with Nathaniel Brownell, and was well acquainted with 
him; and in 1855, Uriah Brownell was living in Westport,
Massachusetts.  It was not stated that they were related
to the family.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of
pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly
the date of death of this pensioner, you should address
The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office,
Records Division, Washington, D.C., and furnish the
following data:

Sarah Brownell, widow of Nathaniel Brownell
Certificate # 2015
Issued September 13, 1848
Rate $26.66 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1848
Act of February 2, 1848
Rhode Island Agency.

Very truly yours

A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 14

Providence August 24. 1848.
Sir
Be pleased to receive herewith the
declarations of the following named widows
who were pensioners on the Rhode Island Roll
under the Act of June 17. 1844.  And who now
claim the benefit for the Act of Congress passed
Feby 2 1848. viz.~
Naomi Bacon   Widow of Lot
Mary Brown           “          Joseph T
Lois Brown             “          John
Sarah Brownell      “           Nathaniel
Elisabeth Duval      “          William
Lucy Field               “           John
Elisabeth Gray        “          John
Ruth Jenckes          “          George
Nancy Simmons     “           Benoni
Ruth Whipple           “          Job
& transmit when prepared, their certificates to
my address.
Very respectfully
your Obs Svt
Franklin Greene [signature]

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Page 15

28.564

[illegible]
Page 16

Sarah     7009
Hannah Brownell,
wid: of Nathaniel,
let to Hon: R.B. Cranston
June 13. 1840

Act of July 1838.
Sarah Brownell
Page 17

6447
Rhode Island 
Sarah Brownell,
widow of Nathl” Brownell
[crossed out: “who was a pensioner under the Act of”]
and who died in the year 1825,
of L. Comp, in the State of R. Island
who was a private in the Comp commanded
by Captain Wilbur of the regt, commanded
by Col. Church — in the R. I,d
[crossed out “line for”] Militia for 8 months,
Inscribed on the Rolls of R. Island
at the rate of 26, Dollars 66, Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17. day of Nov,
1841 & sent to [crossed out “and”] Benj Cowell Esqr
Providence R,I,
Arrears to the 4th of March 41,     133.30
[Crossed out “Semi=annual allowance ending”}
                                                          $133.30
{Act July 7,}
{     1838.   }
Recorded by Theo. L Moody Clerk,
Book  a      Vol.  2     Page  2
Page 18

4431
Rhode Island 
Sarah Brownell
widow of Nathaniel Brownell
who was a private 
in the Rd. Island line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
26 dollars 66
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
17 day of January 1846
and sent to A.R. Brownell
Little Compton
R. I.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1 — Page 84
Page 19

1937 — Aug 23 — list to Miss
Jessie M. Kelley [awy]

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 14384
Sarah Brownell
Widow of 
Nathaniel Brownell
Priv. Rev. War
Act Feb 2d” 1848
Index:__Vol. A, Page 84
[Arrrangement of 1870.]
Page 20

Sarah Brownell
aa
4431
Page 21

State of Rhode Island,}
COUNTY of Newport, } ss.
On this fifteenth day of August,  —— 1848,
personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Newport,
——- Sarah Brownell ——- 
a resident of Little Compton in the county of Newport
aged Eighty five  - - - years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath
make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress,
passed on the 2d of February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary
war: — That she is the Widow of Nathaniel Brownell dec. [deceased] - - - who was a 
Private in the war of the Revolution, and that she received a pension of twenty Six
Dollars & Sixty Five Cents per annum, under the act of 17th of June, 1844. She further declares that
she is still a widow.
Sworn and subscribed on the day and }
year above written, before me,              } ss.
A. R. Brownell  [signature] Justice of the Peace.
         Her
Sarah X Brownell.
        mark.

I certify that the above named affiant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual who
drew a pension as stated by her in the foregoing affidavit.
A. R. Brownell [signature] Justice of the Peace.

State of Rhode Island, }
COUNTY of Newport   } ss. 
I Daniel C. Dunham Clerk of the Court of Common
Pleas ——- ——— in the county aforesaid, being a Court of Record, do hereby certify,
that Alexander R. Brownell is a Justice of the Peace
in the county aforesaid, and is fully authorized to act in said capacity, and that his signatures above written are
genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of
said Court, at Newport on this nineteenth
day of August 1848.
Daniel C. Denham Clerk [signature]
Page 22

Town Clerk’s Office Little Compton June 24th 1839.
This may Certify that Nathaniel Brownell the son of George
Brownell, and his wife Sarah deceased, of Westport and Sarah
Tompkins the Daughter of Michael Tompkins deceased, and his 
Wife Sarah of Little Compton, were Joined together in Matrimony.
[Grme] Mase Shepard Clerk — 

Little Compton March 25. 1790. March the twenty fifth
Seventeen hundred and Ninety. — I certify that the above is a true copy
of the record in fair legible letters and figures — excepting the words.
“March the twenty fifth Seventeen hundred and Ninety”
A. R. Brownell Town Clerk. — [signature]

Sworn before me
P. F. Little Justice of the Peace [signature]


State of Rhode_Island }
County of Newport      } SS.
I Alexander R. Brownell Clerk of the Court of Probate
of Little Compton in the sd. County of Newport, being a Court of record, do
hereby Certify that Philip F. Little, is a Justice of the Peace in the Town of 
Little Compton in the County aforesaid — was appointed by the General Assembly
and Commissioned according to Law — bearing date June. 17th 1829. And 
is fully authorized to act in his sd. capacity— and that his foregoing signature 
within made is genuine ~
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand of office
and the seal of sd. Court at Little Compton on this twenty fourth
day of June, in the Year of our Lord 1839. Eighteen hundred thirty nine —
A. R. Brownell [signature] Clerk of Court
Page 23

Sarah Brownell
3390
Page 24

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress 
of the 3rd of, March 1843 granting pensions for one year
to certain widows who have received pensions under 
the Act of July 7th 1838

State of Rhode Island }
County of Newport     } Little Compton
On the eighth day of August AD 1843 personally
appeared before the subscribed a Justice of the Peace
in and for the County of Newport Sarah Brownell
formerly a resident of Little Compton now of Westport
in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts
aged seventy eight Years who being first duly sworn
according to law doth on her oath make the following 
declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the 
provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 
3rd of March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons
who served during the revolutionary war
That she is the widow of Nathaniel Brownell who 
was a private in the Army of the revolution
and that she received five years pension at the 
rate of twenty five and 60/100 Dollars per annum under
the Act of Congress of July 7th 1838
She further declared that she is still a widow
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year
above written before  Sara Brownell [signature]
before me
George C Bailey Justice of the Peace
State of Rhode Island }
County of Newport     } ss. Little Compton August 8th 1843
I hereby certify that Sarah Brownell the
above said declarant is personally known to me
George C Bailey Justice of the Peace [signature]
further certificate on next Page
Page 25

State of Rhode Island 
County of Newport ss  Little Compton January 5th 1844
I hereby further certify that Sarah Brownell
the within said declarant is personally known to me
and that her declaration is entitled to full faith and 
credence
George C Bailey [signature] Justice of the Peace

State of Rhode Island }
County of newport      } ss
I Daniel C Denham Clerk of the Court of 
Common Pleas in the County aforesaid being
a Court of Records, do hereby certify that George
C. Bailey is a Justice of the Peace in the town of 
Little Compton in the County aforesaid was appointed
by the General Assembly and commissioned 
by the Governor of this State and is fully
authorized to act in his said capacity. And that
his signature afore written is Genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal of 
said Court at Newport on this Eleventh
day of January eighteen hundred and 
forty four.   Daniel C. Denham [signature] Clerk
Page 26

State of Rhode Island and 
Providence Plantations.
Secretary’s Office Nov 10. 1841.
I Henry Bowen, Secretary of 
said State and keeper of the 
Records And the Seal thereof.
Do Certify that at the date of the official 
Certificate by him annexed the within named
George C Bailey was an Associate Justice of 
the Court of Common Pleas in the County of 
Newport: and also Justice of the Peace for
the Town of Little Compton in said County
duly elected and Commissioned as appears
of record. In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and affixed the 
Seal of said state at Providence the day
and year above written
Henry Bowen [signature]
Page 27

I John Springer of Little Compton County of 
Newport and State of Rhode Island on oath do
testify and say that I am now Eighty one years
of age. That I was well acquainted with Nathaniel
Brownell husband of Sarah Brownell now
his widow living in said Town  In the early part
of the war of the Revolution in 1775 said Nathaniel
enlisted into Capt Aaron Wilbour’s company and 
Col Church Regiment of Rhode Island Troops and
Marched to Prospect Hill near Boston
I did not serve with him but I have a distinct
recollection of his going and returning he was gone
according to my best recollection Eight months
        his
John X Springer
       mark
Witness Maria G Bailey

State of Rhode Island
Newport ss  Little Compton October 2nd 1841
Then the aforenamed John Springer
testified the above on Oath and subscribed the
same in my presence and he is a credible witness
before me George C Bailey Justice Peace
Page 28

I Francis Wilbour of Little Compton County of 
Newport and State of Rhode Island on Oath do testify
and say that I am now Eighty five years of age 
I further testify in reference to the services of Nathaniel
Brownell formerly the husband of Sarah Brownell
now his widow living in said Town
In 1775 my father Aaron Wilbour commanded
a company in Col Church regiment of Rhode Island 
Troops said regiment was raised for eight months and
went to Prospect Hill  My father had a Roll of
said company which I often saw after the war and 
I have seen it within the last ten Years but the Rolls
is now lost. It appears to me that I well remember
of seeing the name of Nathaniel Brownell upon it
and also that of Sylvester Brownell
These facts have come to my recollection since I gave
my first affidavit
After the expiration of said service the said Nathaniel
Brownell served as I have testified
Francis Wilbur [signature]

State of Rhode Island 
Newport ss.  Little Compton October 2nd 1841
Then the aforenamed Francis 
Wilbour testified the above on Oath, and subscribed
the same in my presence
before me George C Bailey [signature] Justice Peace
I also certify that he is a credible Witness 
George C Bailey [signature] Justice C. CP.
Page 29

Westport Mass.
Nath. Brownell A 1825
Sarah ________ M 1790s.
‘75 8 A Wilbur. Church.  1
dee ‘76. 15 W. Hicks   2
Vil 20 & 12
and much other service
upt 1779. not specified.

1
2 Syl Brownell. wit.
2 Fran. Wibur
Page 30

Sarah Brownell
Wid of Nath.
R I
Act July 7 1838
Married 1790
died 1825
Allow 8 mo for Capt
Wilbur. Col Church
R I militia $26.66
per anm

Benj Cowell Esq
Providence
R. I
Page 31

Providence Nov 10 1841
Sir
I have been requested to forward to you
the enclosed evidence for the claim of 
Mrs Sarah Brownell widow of Nathaniel Brownell
His claim was first sent by John Cross Esq
Since his death I have been requested to attend
to it — Mrs Brownell claims for 8 months 
served by her husband in Capt Wilburs Co &
Col Church’s regiment of R I Troops & also for
further services in the Militia — I presume
the evidence of Sylvester Brownell who enlisted
& served with him and the the testimony of Francis 
Wilbour & John Springee now enclosed
will be satisfactory of the 8 months service
The Roll of Capt Wilbours Co is now lost, but
Francis Wilbour, his son recollects the names 
both, of the applicants husband & the witness
were borne upon it  A great deal of pain
has been taken by me & others to account
if there were any Rolls of Col Church’s
Page 32

regiment & also Col. Varnum’s & Col Hitchcocks
the two other regiments in the R Island Brigade
raised for 8 months in 1775. but no rolls
can be found either in the archives of the
State or elsewhere
I believe her marriage has been admitted.
& hoping the evidence now enclosed together
with what has been heretofore sent will
be satisfactory.  I have to request that her
pension certificate may be granted
I am respectfully
your obt sevt
Benja Cowell [signature]

J L Edwards. Esq
Page 33

Hon. J. L. Edwards.
Commission of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.
Page 34

Little Compton Common May 2d. 1840
Dear Sir, — I have at length obtained the Pensions papers
appertaining to some of the Pension Cases, on our list, which
I herewith forward; with a hope they will be satisfactory
so far as they tuch [sp] the Cases intended for, I do not know what
further I can do for them at present, if ever. — hoping I shave have [sic.]
a favorable answer soon.  the Marriage Certificate of Nancy
Simmons is herewith forwarded, & I know of nothing more
I can do in her Case, & hope that so much as [“her” is crossed out] may
seem right may be allowed her.
I shall send the other Marriage Certificates so [insert “on,”] in Cases alreddy [sic.]
at the Department, they was long since sent to Mr. Cross to be
forwarded, but I suppose they got mislaid.
Very respectfully Your Obt Servt.
A.R. Brownell [signature]
Hon. J. L. Edwards}
Washington City D. C.}
Page 35

I Francis Willbor of Little Compton in the County of 
Newport and State of Rhode Island a revolutionary soldier
of lawful age, being lawfully sworn, declare:
That I was always acquainted with Nathaniel
Brownell of the adjoining Town of Westport, decd. [deceased]
whose widow
Sarah Brownell is now an applicant for a pension.
When the Enemy took Rhode Island in Dec. 1776
I was a soldier on sd. [said] island - we retreated off at
Howland’s ferry into Tiverton, and were quartered there for
a short time — The sd. [said] Nathaniel was at that time 
or before I left sd. ferry in the public services - but to what
Company he belonged I do not know - but think he was
of the Militia
In Sullivan’s Expedition on Rhode Island 
in August 1778 I saw the sd. Nathaniel on Rhode Island 
a soldiering - but in what Company I do not remember
if I ever knew - I knew him well at the time, but
further as regards his military services I do not know —
Francis Wilbor [signature]

State of Rhode Island }
County of Newport }  ss.
Clerks office of the Court of Probate of Little Compton in said
County of Newport ~ Personally appeared this 24th day of 
June A.D. 1839 the above named Francis Wilbor. Known to be a 
credible witness, who subscribed and was duly sworn to the truth of the 
forgoing deposition in Court
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand & seal of said Court, a court of record the day
and year afore written.
A. R. Brownell Clerk of Probate [signature]
Page 36

I Sylvester Brownell of Little Compton in the County of
Newport and State of Rhode Island of lawful age. being 
solemnly sworn depose and say —
That I was a soldier of the United States during the
Revolutionary War, and resided at that time in the adjoining 
town of Westport in the State of Massachusetts. I was born in that
town and always lived there until eleven years since when
I removed to this town of Little Compton ~ Soon after the battle
of Lexington in April 1775. the State of Rhode Island raised men
for eight months to go to Boston. and in May of that year I enlisted
in this town into Capt Aaron Willbor’s company in Col Church’s Regt.
of Rhode Island State troops and were soon after marched to Jamaica Plains near Boston and afterwords to Prospect hill in the vicinity 
of Boston, at which latter place I was discharged in January 1776 after
having served out my time —
At that time I was well acquainted with Nathaniel
Brownell of sd. [said] Westport, who is now decd. [deceased] and whose widow, Sarah 
Brownell now of this town, is an applicant for a pension — The said
Nathaniel enlisted into sd. Capt Willbor’s Company the same time
that I did — we marched together to Boston, we were discharged at
the same time, and came home together — he faithfully served in
said Company Eight Months — when I lived in West Port. we lived
within a half mile of each other up to the time of his death —
Afterwords and during said war my military services, and
those of sd. Nathaniel were performed in the militia Company in
sd. West Port to which we belonged. viz. in the 2d. Regt. in the County of Bristol
under Col Manasseh Kempton — When the Enemy came to Rhode Island in
Dec. 1776 our sd. Company was ordered to Howland’s ferry in Tiverton under
Capt. William Hicks where we were in service one month -  and afterword
all of the time until the enemy left Rhode Island in Nov. 1779 our 2d. Militia Company was much of the time in the public services on 
the shores of sd. town, excepting thereout Six months, when there was
a company of enlisted men, that was stationed at West Port Harbor
our militia company or that part of them in the public services
were under our own Company officers - or some one of theirs
-  I cannot remember the [cross out “among our”] exact length of the time
Page 37

of the many tours of service done by myself or by the sd. Nathaniel,
or any other member of sd. Company — but according to 
the best of my recollection and belief he did not perform 
less then ten months actual service, at sd. Howlands ferry
and at West Port. harbor, and on the shores of the town, during
the occupation of Rhode Island by the Enemy ~ I have no
written Memorandum to assist my recollection ~ and the 
foregoing is according to the best of my recollection.
At the time our sd. company of militia was at Howlands ferry
I was orderly sergeant. and subsequently held the offices of Lt, Captain
and major in sd. Company and Regiments ~
Sylvester Brownell [signature]

State of Rhode Island }
County of Newport } ss.
Personally appeared before me at Little
Compton in said County of Newport this twenty fourth day 
of June AD 1839. the above named Sylvester Brownell and
subscribed and was duly sworn according to law to the foregoing
deposition.
I further certify that said Sylvester Brownell is to me
personally known, and is a competent and credible witness.
P. F. Little Justice of the Peace [signature]

State of Rhode Island }
County of Newport }
Clerk’s office of the Court of Probate of Little Compton in
the County of Newport — — — I hereby Certify that Philip F. Little, whose name is 
affixed to the taking of the within deposition of Sylvester Brownell, is, and was at the 
taking thereof, duly appointed, commissioned, and qualified according to Law, as a Justice
of the Peace in said County of Newport — and that his signature is genuine ~
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
seal of sd. Court a Court [insert “of”] Record, the twenty fourth day
of June A.D. 1839. — And of American Independence
the Sixty third. ~
A. R. Brownell Probate Clerk. [signature]
Page 38

440  Welch  Avenue,
Ames,  Iowa
August 7,  1937.

A.D. Hiller,  Executive Assistant,
Veterans Administration,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir :

The Vital Records of Rhode Island - Volume II - Marriages
state on page 368 that John Brownell of Granville, Washington
County, New York, son of Nathaniel of Granville, Washington Co.,
N.Y.   and Peace  ( dec’d) and Mehitable Wood, daughter Jonathan
and Mary of Dartmouth were married 29th, 10 mo. 1823    c.r. 3.

The Thomas Brownell family History-1619-1910- volume I
on page 71 that George Brownell was a sergeant in Captain Thomas
Kempton’s company of Colonel Timothy Danielson’s regiment in the 
alarm of Lexington.  He received order of bounty coat or its euivalent [sp]
in money, dated at Roxbury, October 30, 1775.  Date of company’s
return was October 6, 1775.  His three sons Samuel, George and 
Nathaniel served in the Revolutionary War.  Please send me their 
records and especially that Nathaniel Brownell as I desire these
records for genealogical research work.

Sincerely yours,
Jessie M. Kelley [signature]
Miss Jessie M.  Kelley