Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5,875, Joseph Brown, N.H.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
N.H.

Brown, Joseph
...............Weighty

NUMBER
W. 5.875
B.L.Wt. 32220-160-55

CONTENTS
res. at eul. Alstead, N.H.
In 1832 aged 76 yrs & res. of Stanstead Lower Canada 
d. Jan. 21, 1839 at Derby, Orleans Co. VA
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[left side of page]

Vermont 9585
======================
Joseph Brown
of Orleans in the State of Vermont
who was a pri in the company commanded 
by Captain Oakley of the Regt commanded 
by [blank] in the Vermont 
line for 6 months & 17 days.
======================
Inscribed on the roll of Vermont 
at the rate of 21 Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
======================
Certificate of Pension ifsued the 30th day of May '33 
and sent T.F. Redfield 
Derby Vermont
=======================
Arrears to the 4th of March '33 - 43.76
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept "- 10.94
$54.70

(Revolutionary Claim,  )
(Act June 7, 1832.        )

Recorded by Wm. Miller Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 3 Page 52

[right side of page]

See letter to P. Redfield July 19 1833

[following written vertically]
28th Aug't '33  Certificate retr'd. & altered to 21.88 instead of 21.80 as ifsued
Page 3

728
Vermont Burlington
Weighty Brown
widow of Joseph Brown
Vt
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a private.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
21 dollars 88
cents per annum, to commence on
the 3rd February 1853
Certificate of pension issued the
20th day of June 1853
and sent to Orem Newcomb
Derby Vt
Recorded on roll of pensioners under act
page 25 Vol. A
18?2
1857 May 26 transfer to Bradford Vt from
Mch 14 1857 (see letter book)
Page 4

Civ: B. N. Baldwin Jany 21 /56
Set: "    "      "        Feb 7  "
"      "    "      "       Apl. 19/   "

Vol. Be - 73.
?4.061
Act March 3/58
April 28/53
---
Weighty Brown widow of
Joseph Brown private
Capt
Col.
Ent.
Dis.
Private
Col. Ashley
Vert Mila
Pensioner
Revo. War.
bt Ad. 160 Feb 53 - 728
Ad. 160 ac's June 27th /56
Dodge

Benj H. Baldwin,
Washington DC
32 3 30 of July /56
Page 5

---
the way there (about 50 miles) and was 
obliged to return on account of sickness

Joseph Brown's
Declaration
J. F?. Nequte? Ague? & Attorney
Derby Vermont
22484
Page 6

State of Vermont
Orleans District

As a probate court holder at Derby within and for the County of Orleans on this 16th day of August 1832 personally appeared in said court now sitting Joseph Brown a resident of Standstead in the County of Stanstead in the province of lower Canada aged 76 years who being first duly sworn according to hear? oath on his death make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832

He states that in June 1776 he enlisted for five months into a company commanded by Capt. Weatherbee. Soon after his enlistment he was ordered with the others of the company to have the small pox we were inoculated at Charleston (then called [illegible]) and had the small pox and I was left in so feeble health that I was not able to go on and join the army and was obliged to hire a man to take my place by the name of Martin Beckwith who [illegible][illegible] his enlistment place and gave him a [illegible] from of [illegible] for taking his place

In October or first of November he states he turned and as a  minute man in company commanded by Capt Oliver Ashley to go to Mount Independence where he was gone about one month and returned soon after his return home he enlisted to go to New York into a company commanded by Capt Howard John Flood and [illegible] were hurt in S Company
for the three months marched the face 
part of December marched Peekskill where he was through the winter and returned home about the first of March after his time of service had expired
he states that he was called upon as a minute man when Royalton was burnt went part of way there and were ordered back as news came that the enemy had left Royalton
was also called upon to go to Mount Independence marched part of the way there (about 50 miles) and was obliged to return on account of sickness
Page 7

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on pension roll of the army in any state - 
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid 
/s/Joseph Brown
Mr. Peter Rowe and James Brown Second of Stanstead in the province of Lower Canada hereby certify that we have been long personally and intimately acquainted with Joseph Brown who subscribed & swore to the foregoing declaration and that we have frequently heard him relate the facts set forth in said Declaration long previous to the Pension act of 1818, that he is a man of unimpeachable character for veracity and has always been respected in the neighborhood where he has resided for that term to have been a soldier of the revolution & we concur in that opinion
Subscribed and sworn to the day and year first above written. 
/s/Peter Rowe
/s/James Brown 2d
Page 8

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, 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 Peter Rowe and James Brown 2d who have signed the preceding certificate reside in the township of Stanstead aforesaid and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit - 
I John H. Hinshall Register of the Probate Court for the District of Orleans aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Said Court in the matter of the application of Joseph Brown for a pension - 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 16th day of August 1832 - 
/s/John H. Hinshall Register - 
Joseph Brown Declaration
Page 9

State of Vermont.
Orleans County ss.} On this seventh day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty three personally appeared before the subscriber, a Judge of the County Court, for the County of Orleans aforesaid, Weighty Brown, a resident of Derby in the County of Orleans and State of Vermont, aged Eighty 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 on the third day of February A.D. 1853, that she is the widow of Joseph Brown, who being a pensioner of the United States at the rate of Twenty One Dollars and Eighty Eight cents per annum, that her said husband was a resident of Derby in the State of Vermont at the time of his decease, and that his name was on the roll of the Montpelier Vermont Agency. 
She further declares that she was married to the said Joseph Brown on the eleventh day of November in the year Eighteen hundred and twenty one, by the Rev. Luther Leland a minister of the Gospel, in the town of Derby aforesaid, and that her husband the aforesaid Joseph Brown died on the twenty first day of January 1839, that she was married to him at the time above stated. She further swears that she was a widow at the passage of the act, and is still a widow, and that she has never before made application for a pension. - She also further declares
Page 10

that there is no record or documentary evidence of her marriage to be obtained.
/s/Weighty Brown
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written. And I hereby certify that the said Weighty Brown by reason of bodily infirmity and old age is unable to appear in open Court. 
Before me /s/William Moon Jr Judge of Orleans County Court.
Page 11

State of Vermont Orleans County ss.
I hereby certify, that William Moon Jr. Esq. before whom the foregoing declaration was made, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was, at the time of so doing, a Judge of the County Court, in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn. 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office as Clerk of the County Court of said County this ninth day of April A.D. 1853. 
/s/Hubbard Hastings Clerk
Page 12

104.061
Benj H Baldwin Atty 
Washington DC
Page 13

Widows that has not drawn. Howard & Morris, Prs., Irasburgh, Vt.
State of Vermont,
COUNTY OF Orleans} SS.
On this 4th day of April A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, Weighty Brown, aged 83 years, a resident of Derby in the State of Vermont, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the Widow of Joseph Brown, deceased, who was a private - 
She further states that she was married to the said Joseph Brown in Derby Vermont on the [blank] day of [blank], A.D. [blank] and that she is now a widow. She also swears that she now draws a pension in Vermont from the U.S. Government of $21.88 per annum
She makes the declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3d, 1855. and she hereby constitutes and appoints Benj. H. Baldwin of Washington D.C. her attorney to prosecute her claim and procure her Warrant
/s/X her mark Weighty Brown
WE W. N. Newcomb and M. G. Burr residents of Derby, in the State of Vermont, upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing Declaration was signed and acknowledged by the said Weighty Brown in our presence, that we believe, from the appearances and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. 
/s/W. N. Newcomb
/s/M. G. Burr
The foregoing Declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim. 
/s/C. Carpenter Justice Peace.
State of Vermont, 
COUNTY OF Orleans}SS.
I, Geo. W. Hartshorn, Clerk of Orleans County Court in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that C. Carpenter, whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing Certificate was at the date thereof such officer as he there subscribes himself namely, a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, and as such officer he is duly authorized by the Laws of this State to take acknowledgments and administer oaths. 
[court seal affixed] In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed and affixed the Seal of said Court this 7th day of April, A.D. 1855}
/s/Geo. W. Hartshorn Clerk.
Page 14

22484
Joseph Brown
Canada 
J. F. Redfield Vt. Agent 
Ab Ea C S Wellborn NH Rev Leg. 18.0 adv 15 miles wanl - 
[overwritten: admit as private for 6 mo & 17 days $21.88]
J. F. Redfield
Derby Vt.
Page 15

WAR DEPARTMENT, Pension Office, 
[blank] 183[blank]
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 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 the Service of Joseph Brown Vt. or L.C.
[column headings: Period when the service was rendered|Duration of the claimant's service.(Years.|Months.|Days.)|Rank of the claimant.|Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.|Names and Rank of the General and Field Officers|Battles in which the applicant was engaged.|Country through which he marched.|Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.|Evidence by which the declaration is supported.|]
June 1776 enlis'd|([blank]|5|[blank])|private|got sick|and did|not serve|[blank]|76|[blank]|
[blank]|([blank]|2|[blank])|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|
Octo. or Nov turned out turned out about|([blank]|1|[blank])| " |Cpt Ashby|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|
soon after enlis'd|([blank]|3|17)|Cp Howard|[blank]|[blank]|Peeks hill|[blank]|
[blank]|([blank]|6|17)|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|Certificate of two Citizens|
[end of columns]
I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant, 
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2 
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832. 
The following regulations have been adopted: This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line,' State troops," " militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits et 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 [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank] A. B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank] years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank], with [blank] and served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] 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 [blank] 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [blank] 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 [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of [blank] &c. 
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. 
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State 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 [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank], who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. 
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] 
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a RevoIutionary 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 [blank] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal [blank] of office, this [blank] day of [blank]&c. 
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. 
If such surviving 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
Page 17

3
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 most 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 loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making au 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 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 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 place where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the 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 or the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if he has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no 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 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 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 [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule [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 18

[typewritten letter]
July 27, 1939
BA-J/MUB-awf
Joseph Brown
R. 1317 [initials: own]

Mr. W. Murray Brown
39 Hickok Place
Burlington, Vermont

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of
Joseph Brown, of New Hampshire, died about 1830, in Starksboro, Vermont.
The data furnished herein were obtained from papers on file in claim for pension, R. 1317, based on the Revolutionary War service of Joseph Brown.
The date and place of birth of Joseph Brown and the names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of Starksboro, Addison County, Vermont, aged sixty-five years, Joseph Brown applied for pension on April 22, 1818.
It was alleged that while living in Barnstead or Madbury, Strafford County, New Hampshire, Joseph Brown served with the New Hampshire troops as follows: in 1775, eight months in Captain Daniel Moore's company in Colonel Stark's regiment, and was
in the battle of Bunker Hill; in 1776, eight months in Captain Brewster's company; from late in 1776, nine months in Captain Caleb Hodgdon's company in Colonel Mooney's regiment; from sometime in August, 1777, one year in Captain McFee's or McDuffee's company in Colonel Tash's regiment.
The claim was not allowed as proof of the alleged
[handwritten margin note: copy M C. S.]
Page 19

[typewritten letter]
service was not furnished in accordance with the requirements of the pension law.
Joseph Brown died February 19, 1833, in Starksboro, Vermont.
His widow, Elizabeth Brown, was living in 1834, in Hinesburg, Chittenden County, Vermont,
aged seventy-eight years. The date and place of their marriage and her maiden name are not given.
The papers on file in this claim contain no further discernible data relative to family.
Very truly yours
G. H. SWEET
Acting Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 20

Some time in the year 1775; listed into the United States Service by voluntary consent as a minute man including winter as well as summer and preparations were actualy made to meet the indians on the snow in case of invasion I laboured two or three months myself at making snow shoes ['my self' crossed out] for that purpose at this crisis and so on for a long time the minute men service was much more trouble some and distresing than actual service in a campain no business could be done all was agitation preparation tumult and uproar about the last of June 1776 was called upon to go a five months campain to mount independence it was said that Capt. Samuel Wetherbe (Wetherbee) of Charlestown would command the Company & listed and marched from the east part of Alstead to Charlestown about 20 miles and there we had orders to take the small pox the month of July was given us for that purpose to be considered the same as if we were in actual service and our pay the same but the small pox left me in such a feblel (feeble) state of health that I was advised by my friends and doctors not to go but to ['go but to' crossed out] hire a man which at that time was awful dificult at last a man by the name of Abel Beckwith come to me and offered to let his son Martain go and do the four months servie for me to be a counted to me the same as tho I had done it my self for a vrey large yoak of oxen all the property I then had as I had no other alternative I gave up the oxen and martin took my place
Some time a bout the last of october or the first of november was called upon to go to mount independence where I had a dear bought man in my service was gone ['abut' crossed out] about one month Col. Ashly (Ashley) and Col. Benjamin Bellows of Walpole commanded what was calld the rigement Oliver Ashley was my Captain the place of my residence was the east part of Alstead New Hampshire - 
about last of october or the first november a Rigemet (regiment) ['from there' crossed out] was called for to go to New York a three months campain I listed and marched to pickskills (Peekskill) Captain Howard flood and Simon Lieutenant Commanded the Company Col. gilman commanded the Rigement general Macdugle (McDougall) commanded the Brigade the business of our Company for the most part was to gard the stores and and the high land scotch prisoners recently taken by Washington and scouting after tory parties which infested that part of the country. {returned home from new york in march 1777
Page 21

I was present when the traytor Lieutenant Strong was executed at Peekskils - 
but there are two more minute man tours not yet mentioned and to which I can fix no particular dates one of them however was to Roylton (Royalton) when that was burnt gone one week or more the next ['last' crossed out] tour was to mount independence and ticontaroga (Ticonderoga) justly what time in the year I cannot tell it might be in may or first of june but in one particular I am posative that is by reason of a warm day and a very heavy pack I fainted away two or three times the first day just before sunset after travaling nearly 90 miles the next day traveled till noon could go no further was ordered back by doctors and officers and was sick by that means five or six weeks was from home prehaps 10 days - I am now in my Seventy Seventh year am broken bodied on both sides and has worn two hoops mor than thirty years
/s/Joseph Brown
Then on the day & year above written personally appeared the said Brown & made oath that the foregoing statement of his services is true & is in his own handwriting.
attest /s/John Kimball Judge
Page 22

32,220
160 acres
Page 23

[Vermont state seal affixed] State of Vermont.
Secretary of State's Office,
Montpelier March 15 A.D. 1856}
I certify that there is in this Office a Pay Roll of Capt. John Trott's Company of Infantry in Col. Ebenezer Walbridge's Battalion in the service of this State A.D. 1781 which bears the name of Joseph Brown as receiving pay for service as a private in said Company from July 1, to November 20th 1781, a period of 143 days.
[official seal affixed] Given under my hand and the seal of this Office this day & year above written.
/s/Charles W. Willard, Secretary of State
Page 24

[handwritten letter]
Washington July 10th, 1856

Hon. J. Minot
Com'r of Pensions

Sir
The Bounty Land case of Weighty Brown widow of Joseph under the act of March 3 1855 No 104,061. was suspended for want of Record Evidence of Service. 
On the 18th of May last I addressed a letter to you stating that Claimant was a Revolutionary pensioner under the act of -- and requested an examination of said pension papers. From the delay which has occurred I am led to think my letter has been misplaced - May I ask that Claimant's Case be examined as above.
Respectfully
/s/Benj H Baldwin
Page 25

104061
Weighty Brown
Page 26

[handwritten letter]
104.061 Washington May 18/56

Hon J Minot
Com'r of Pensions

Sir: The claim of Weighty Brown widow of Joseph for Bounty Land under the act of March 3d 1855. has been suspended for Record Evidence No 104061.
Claimant is a Revolutionary Pensioner on the Vermont Roll act of Feby 3d 1853
I beg leave to refer to her Pension papers in support to her claim to Bounty Land. as per law lately passed allowing such evidence
Respectfully
/s/Benj H Baldwin
Page 27

[handwritten letter]
Washington Feby 3d. 1856

Hon J. Minot
Com'r of Pensions

Sir.
I have Received your Circular of Jany 21. 1856 in the case of Weighty Brown widow of Joseph under ['of' crossed out] the act of March 3d 1855. in which you say that there is no Record evidence of the Revolutionary Service of said Joseph. Claimant is now in the receipt of a pension under the act of -- in Virtue of her husband's service. and I would ask you to inform me the nature of said service that I may apply to the proper office for record evidence. 
The number of the claim is 104061 and was filed by me. 
Respectfully
/s/Benj H Baldwin
Page 28

Brown
Page 29

Brief in the case of Weighty Brown, widow of Joseph Brown Orleans County and State of Vermont, 
act 3d February, 1853. 
Claim, ("original," ['or "for increase."' crossed out]) [blank]
Proof exhibited, (if original.) [blank]
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. 
Husband was a pensioner under the act of June 7. 1832
Marriage proved by parol evidence - witnesses certified to be credible - 
(If for increase.) Has the additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what? [blank]
Page 30

[typewritten letter
June 21, 1939
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MCS
Joseph Brown, R. 1317

Honorable Warren R. Austin
United States Senate
Washington, D.C.

My dear Senator:
Reference is made to your request for information relative to Joseph Brown, a Revolutionary War soldier who died on February 19, 1833, at Starksboro, Vermont.
The data which follow are taken from papers on file in the pension claim, R.1317, based on the Revolutionary War service of Joseph Brown.
The date and place of birth of Joseph Brown and the names of his parents are not shown.
While living at Starksborough, Addison County, Vermont, aged sixty-five years, Joseph Brown applied for pension on April 22, 1818. It was alleged that while living in Barnstead or Madbury, Strafford County, New Hampshire, Joseph Brown served with the New Hampshire troops as follows: in 1775, eight months in Captain Daniel Moore's company in Colonel Stark's regiment and was in the battle of Bunker Hill; in 1778, served eight months in Captain Brewster's company; from November, 1776, served nine months in Captain Caleb Hodgdon's company in Colonel Mooney's regiment; from August, 1777, served one year in Captain McFee's or McDuffee's company in Colonel Tash's regiment. The claim was not allowed as proof of the alleged service was not furnished in accordance with the requirement of the pension law.
Joseph Brown died on February 19, 1833, in Starksborough, Vermont.
His widow, Elizabeth Brown, was living at Hinesburgh, Chittenden County, Vermont, in 1834, aged seventy-eight years. The date of marriage and her maiden name are not shown and there are no further family data.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 31

[typewritten letter]
September 2, 1938
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MCS
Joseph Brown, R. 1317

Mrs. R. B. Davis
Penn-Harris Hotel
Harrisburg
Pennsylvania

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your request for information relative to Joseph Brown of Barnstead, New Hampshire, who served in the Revolution and married Elizabeth Nutter.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, R. 1317, based on the Revolutionary War service of Joseph Brown. The date and place of birth of Joseph Brown and the names of his parents were not given.
While living at Starksborough, Addison County, Vermont, aged sixty-five years, Joseph Brown applied for pension on April 22, 1818. It was alleged that while living in Barnstead or Madbury, Strafford County, New Hampshire, Joseph Brown served with the New Hampshire troops as follows: in 1775, eight months in Captain Daniel Moore's company in Colonel Stark's regiment and was in the battle of Bunker Hill; in 1776, served eight months in Captain Brewster's company: from November, 1776, served nine months in Captain Caleb Hodgdon's company in Colonel Mooney's regiment; from August, 1777, served one year in
Captain McFee's or McDuffee's company in Colonel Tash's regiment. The claim was not allowed as proof of the alleged service was not furnished in accordance with the requirement of the pension law.
Joseph Brown died February 19, 1833, in Starksborough, Vermont.
His widow, Elizabeth Brown, was living at Hinesburgh, Chittenden
County, Vermont, in 1834, aged seventy-eight years. The date of marriage
and her maiden name were not given and there are no further family data.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 32

[typewritten letter]

HENRY F. ASHURST, ARIZ., CHAIRMAN
WILLIAM H. KING, UTAH
WILLIAM E. BORAH, IDAHO
M. M. NEELY, W.VA.
GEORGE W. TORRIS, NEBR.
PATRICK MCCARRAN, NEV.
WARREN R. AUSTIN, VT.
FREDERICK VAN NUYS: IND.
JOHN A. DANAHER, CONN.
M. M. LOGAN, KY.
CARL A. BATCHEN N. MEX.
ALEXANDER WILEY, WIS.
EDWARD R. BURKE, NEER.
KEY PITTMAN, NEV.
TOM CONNALLY, THE
JOSEPH C. O'MAHONEY, WYO.
JAMES R. HUGHES, BEL.
JOHN E. MILLER, ARK.
[handwritten margin note: Navy Bldg 1741-51]
United States Senate
COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY
June 19, 1939.

Veterans' Administration,
Washington, D. C.

Attention: - Revolutionary War Section

Gentlemen: -
I am today in receipt of a letter which reads as follows: - 
"Would you try and obtain for me from the War Department or the Bureau of Pensions whatever information you can concerning one Joseph Brown [margin note: MCS]formerly of Barnstead, who married Elizabeth Nutter of Newington, N.H., December 7, 1778, and who enlisted in the Army of
the Revolution at Madbury, N. H. He died at Starksboro, [margin note: OK-JLL] Vermont, February 19, 1833, aged eighty years. He was born somewhere in New Hampshire about 1753."
I shall appreciate such information as you are able to furnish in response to this request, which is from some one in whom I am much interested.

Sincerely yours,
/s/Warren R. Austin
W:L
[receipt stamp: RECEIVED JUN 20 1939 CONGRESSIONAL Mail Sub-Div.]
Page 33

[handwritten letter]
[receipt stamp: RECEIVED JUN 6 1939 MAIL SUB-DIV. VETS ADM. READER #67]

39 Hickok Place
Burlington, Vermont
June 3rd, 1939

United States Pension Bureau
Washington D.C.

Concerning Joseph Brown born about 1752. His home and residence was at Barnstead, New Hampshire until he moved to Vermont in 1807, died about 1830 in Starksboro, Vt.
He is said to have served as a soldier in the army from New Hampshire during the Revolutionary War.
Will you kindly send me a copy of the enlistment record and Pension record of said Joseph Brown. 
Respectfully yours, 
/s/W. Murray Brown 
[margin note: M.C.S.]
Page 34

[typewritten letter]
[building logo] THE PENN HARRIS
HARRISBURG PENNSYLVANIA
[receipt stamp: RECEIVED AUGUST 29 1938 MAIL SUB-DIV. VETS ADM READER #12]
August 27, 1938
FILE:
Re: BA-J/ MCS
Mr. A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Veterans Administration
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:
The following is data on Joseph Brown from which I believe you will be able to identify the Joseph Brown in question.
Joseph Brown was of Barnstead, New Hampshire, when he married Elizabeth Nutter in Newington, New Hampshire, Dec. 7, 1778.
Joseph Brown moved to Starksboro, Vermont, from New Hampshire in 1807. His five sons, William, Ephraim, Jonathan, Joshua
and Jacob went with him and they all settled in a portion of the town long thereafter known as " Brownsboro. "
From the above I would gather that he was in New Hampshire when he enlisted in the Revolutionary Army and was living in Starksboro, Vermont, at the time of his death.
I am advised by my father that either Joseph Brown or his father (Joseph's father's name is not available in our family records) organized a regiment, supplied and trained it and was appointed by General Washington to some high command.
I would be extremely grateful if any of your genealogical records disclosed any definite information regarding this Joseph Brown.

Sincerely yours,
/s/Rhoda B. Davis
Mrs. R. B. Davis
Penn-Harris Hotel
Harrisburg, Penna.
IN THE HOTELS SYSTEM
NEW YORK. N. Y. THE ROOSEVELT
BOSTON, MASS. THE BRADFORD
ERIE. PA. THE LAWRENCE
THE NIAGARA NIAGARA FALLS, N. Y.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. THE SENECA
FLINT. MICH. THE DURANT
SYRACUSE, N. Y. THE ONONDAGA
SEATTLE, WASH. THE OLYMPIC
HARRISBURG, PA. THE PENN HARRIS
NEWARK. N. J. THE ROBERT TREAT
ALBANY. N. Y. THE TEN EYCK
TUCSON, ARIZ. EL CONQUISTADOR
TORONTO, ONT., CANADA KING EDWARD HOTEL
LANCASTER, PA. THE BRUNSWICK
PHILADELPHIA. PA. THE BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
PATERSON, N.J. THE ALEXANDER  HAMILTON
WINDSOR. ONTARIO CANADA -- THE PRINCE EDWARDIN 
PUERTO RICO SAN JUAN THE CONDAD0
Page 35

1317 REJECTED
P.O. Joseph Brown
Service: [blank]
Enlisted: [blank], 18[blank].
Discharged: [blank], 18[blank].
Application filed: [blank], 18[blank].
Alleges: List of rejected claims printed in 1852, shows cause
Re-enlisted: of rejection as follows: "He did not serve six months." 
This rejection is for claim under Act of June 7, 1832. 
Attorney: [blank]
P.O. [blank]
[blank] Recognized. [blank] Contract.
[blank] Cert. of Dis. Searched for [blank], 18[blank].
Page 36

1938. Sept. 2. hist. to Mrs. P. B. Davis. M.C.S.
1939, June 21. hist. to Hon. Warren R. Austin.
1939-July 27. hist to W. Murray Brown. copied M.C.S. awf
Page 37

[handwritten letter]
Washington April 5/56

Hon J. Minot
Com'r Pensions

Sir. I enclose herewith the required testimony in Bounty Land appl of Weighty Brown Act March 3d 1855 No. 10461 
Respectfully
/s/Benj H Baldwin
Page 38

Derby Vt.
July 11.} Free
Hon J. L. Edwards Com of Pensions
City of Washington D.C.
Page 39

[handwritten letter]
Derby July 10th 1833

to the hon J. L. Edwards commissioner of pensions

Sir Joseph Brown of this town to wit Derby Vermont has obtained a pension Certificate in conformity to the law of the united states of the 7th of June 1832 entitling him to thirty one Dollars 80 Cents per annum commensing on the 4th of March 1831 he made out his power of Atty agreeable to said Certificate and went to Burlington for his money but it was rejected and sent back with the following on the margin "Joseph Brown is entered on the Books of the Pension Office $21.88 per annum have you made some mistake it or is it another man" Eight Cents more than the sum mentioned in said Certificate I made out a certificate on the margin of said Power of Atty under my hand as Justice of the Peace that I had compared said power of Atty with said pension certificate that they signed consequently there was no mistake in it and I again sent said power to the Pension office in said Burlington it is again rejected without assigning any reasons Mr. Brown is sick & destitute and in great need will you inform me sir how the money can be obtained
With difference (deference) & respect yours
/s/Bley Hedfield
Page 40

Weighty Brown 
Revolutionary
Page 41

ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
PENSION OFFICE, January 21 1856.

Sir:
The claim of Weighty Brown for bounty land under the act of the 3d March, 1855, No. 104,061, has been examined and suspended. 
The revolutionary service of Joseph Brown the husband of the applicant, does not appear of record in this office. 
The 3d section of said act requires a service of 'FOURTEEN DAYS' to be established "RECORD EVIDENCE."
Upon the production of such evidence of service, the claim will be favorably considered. 
IT SHOULD BE OBSERVED, that the recorded action of this office, admitting a revolutionary soldier to the list of pensioners upon parole proof, is not considered "record evidence" of service within the meaning of the act aforesaid. In all applications for bounty land under this act, the papers of the soldiers, or their widows, who have applied for or received pensions, as well as the rolls in this office, are carefully examined for records evidence of service, before this circular is issued. 
Respectfully, 
J. MINOT, Commissioner. 
Benjamin H. Baldwin, Esqr.
['Washington, D.C.' crossed out] Present.
Page 42

[handwritten letter]
Pension Office, June 13, 1853. 

Sir,
Please state the time to which Joseph Brown, a revolutionary pensioner, was paid. He was inscribed on the Vermont Rolls, under the act of 7th June 1832, as a private, at $21.88 per annum - pension paid at the Montpelier Agency. 
Very respectfully Your obedient servant
/s/L P Waldo
Commissioner

On Burlington Roll: - Died 21st January 1839 Paid to his death. 
/s/F. Burt Auditor
Francis Burt, Esqr
Third Auditor
Treasury Department 11 Nov. 21
Page 43

[handwritten letter]
Derby Vermont 24. June 1853

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Dear Sir,
I have just received the Pension Certificate of Weighty Brown, under the act of 3d. Feb. 1853. - I am disappointed that the pension does not commence at the date of the decease of the Pensioner - From the terms of the act, it seems clear to me that she is entitled to this. - 
Widows married subsequent to 1800 shall be entitled to draw in the same manner as those who were married before. - Under former acts, widows have and do, draw from the time of the decease of the husband.- It strikes me that to grant the pension from the death of the husband, would be conforming both the spirit and letter of the act. 
Have the kindness Sir, to inform me if this question have been been duly considered, and what are the reasons for not granting pensions to this class of widows, the same as to those who were married before 1800. - 
Very respectfully your obdt. servt.
/s/Orem Newcomb
Page 44

[handwritten letter]
Derby Vermont, 12, April 1853

Hon. J. E. Heath. 
Dear Sir,
Enclosed I send you the declaration of Weighty Brown, widow of Joseph Brown, for a pension under the act of Feb. 3d 1853. - The certificate when issued you will please forward to me. - 
Very respectfully yours, 
/s/Orem Newcomb
Page 45

I Jedidiah Dane of Derby in the County of Orleans and State of Vermont, of lawful age depose and say that I was well acquainted with Joseph Brown, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, and that the said Joseph Brown, at the time of his decease was living in my house, that he the said Joseph Brown died on the 21st day of January A.D. 1839, and that the said Joseph Brown left a widow whose name is Weighty Brown, that she is still living and is still a widow of said Joseph Brown. 
/s/Jedidiah Dane
Sworn to and subscribed this 4th day of April 1853. 
Before me, /s/Orem Newcomb Notary Public.
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above deponent and that he is a person of credibility. 
/s/Orem Newcomb Notary Public.
Page 46

State of Vermont Orleans County ss.
I Hubbard Hastings Clerk of Orleans County Court hereby certify that Orem Newcomb before whom the  foregoing affidavit was made, was at the date thereof a Notary Public, within and for the State of Vermont, duly authorized to administer oaths, and that his signature thereto is genuine. 
[court seal affixed] In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this ninth day of April A.D. 1853. 
/s/Hubbard Hastings Clerk
Page 47

I Hannah Dane of Derby in the County of Orleans and State of Vermont, of lawful age depose and say that I was present and witnessed the marriage of Mr. Joseph Brown and Miss Weighty Hodges. that they were married by the Rev. Luther Leland, minister of the Gospel, in the  fall of the year A.D. 1821, and I think in the month of November. They were married at my father's house. And I further say that I have ever since been acquainted with the widow of said Joseph Brown and that she is still living and is still the widow of the said Joseph Brown. 
/s/Hannah Dane
Sworn to and subscribed this 6th day of April A.D. 1853
Before me /s/Orem Newcomb Notary Public. 
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above deponent and that she is a person of credibility.
/s/O. Newcomb Notary Public
Page 48

State of Vermont
Orleans County ss.} I Hubbard Hastings Clerk of Orleans County Court, hereby certify that Orem Newcomb, before whom the foregoing affidavit was made, was at the date thereof a Notary Public within and for the State of Vermont, duly authorized to administer oaths, and that his signature thereto is genuine.
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this ninth day of April A.D. 1853. 
/s/Hubbard Hastings Clerk
Page 49

I Jacob Bingham of Derby in the County of Orleans and State of Vermont, of lawful age depose and say that I was present at the marriage of Mr. Joseph Brown and Miss Weighty Hodges, that they were married by Rev. Luther Leland, at the house of Mr. Isaac Severing in this town, in the fall of the year 1821, and I think in the month of November. I also further say that I was well acquainted with the said Joseph Brown up to the time of his death, and have also been acquainted up to the present time, with his widow Mrs. Weighty Brown, that she has not intermarried, but still remains the widow of said Joseph Brown. 
I also further say that the said Joseph Brown was at the time of his decease a revolutionary pensioner of the United States. - 
/s/Jacob Bingham
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 5th day of April A.D. 1853. And I hereby certify that the above deponent is a person of credibility. 
/s/Orem Newcomb Notary Public.
Page 50

State of Vermont
Orleans County ss} I Hubbard Hastings Clerk of Orleans County Court hereby certify that Orem Newcomb, before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken, was at the date thereof a Notary Public, within and for the State of Vermont, duly qualified to administer oaths, and that his signature thereof is genuine.
[court seal affixed] In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this ninth day of April A.D. 1853,
/s/Hubbard Hastings Clerk