Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5945, Samuel Brooker, Conn.
Page 1

Service  number
Conn Brooker, Samuel W. 5945
Polly B.L. Wt. 81556-160
Page 2

2708
Massachusetts
---
Samuel Brooker
of Berkshire in the State of Mass
who was a private in the Compy. commanded
by Captain Burr of the Regt
by Col Hoyt. the [illegible]
line for 13 months and 14 days
[illegible]
Conn.
WDG

Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts
at the rate of 44 Dollars 99 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 day of Jany
1834 and sent to HW Bishop Esqr Linox Mass
Arrears to the 4th of Sep 1833   $112.23
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4th Mar 34 22.45
-------
$134.68
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by
George Taylor Clerk,
Book E Vol. 2 Page 42
72 Berkshire
Page 3

2575
Massachusetts
Holly Brooker
widow of Samuel Brooker
who CON served in the Revolutionary war
, as a private Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
44 Dollars 89
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the
21st. day of October 1853
and sent to
Timothy Snow
North Becket
Mass
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 41 Vol. A
(32)

Wm J Huntington Aug. 21 1854
Page 4

65874 {illegible]
Polly Brooks, wife of
Samuel Brooks
CT. Contl line
Revolutionary War
Rev Pensioner
Mas Feby 53-no 2575

[Illegible] OCT 11,1855,
[illegible}
Page 5

27032
Samuel Brooker
Application for
a Pension-
Washington DC
Page 6

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
ss
County of Berkshire, ss.
On this sixth day of August A.D. 1832 personally
appeared in open Court, before the Honorable WILLIAM P. WALKER Judge of
the Court of Probate, within and for said County of Berkshire, now sitting,
Samuel Brooker a resident of the town of Washington
in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy-one
years, who being firstly 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 7,
1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers
, and served as herein stated. that he was born at a
place then called Simsbury now called
Granby in the County of Hartford
in the State of Connecticut on the 10th day
of October 1761, where he resided until-
August or September 1783 when he removed
to Washington aforesaid where he now resides
and has ever since he was not absent from
said Simsbury, only in the Service of the United States. This Deponent has no record
of his age but recollects it from what his parents told him

That in the month of January 1778, he
this Deponent entered into the service of the
United States as a volunteer in the Simsbury Company in the Connecticut State troops
Commanded by Captain Job Case.
---
marched to Greenbush in the State of New York where said Case was ordered to
Guard a part of Genl Burgoyne's Artillery
to Farmington in said State of Connecticut
that said Case performed said Duty with his
Company that this deponent served in This Company & marched to Farmington
where he was discharged having
served ten Days
Page 7

Company that this deponent served in
This Company & marched to sd Farmington
where he was discharged
having served ten Days

That about the first of the month of July
1778. This Deponent at said Simsbury
again entered of the United States in the Connecticut State Troops
by enlistment for 2 months
the company commanded by
Captain Adanijah Burr in Col
Regt & Genl -- this Deponent dont recollect the names of Colonel
Brigade and Regt and Genl

Marched in said Company to White plains
Thence to West point where this Deponent
was discharged as was the whole
Company, having performed 2 months service
at this time
Page 8

3rd
This Deponent again in the month
of November 1778 entered the Service
of the United States by enlistment in
the Company commanded by Captain
in the Connecticut State Troops
Ozias Pettibone and marched in said Pettibone
Company and performed duty as a guard
to a part of Gen. Burgoyne's men (then prisoners
of War), from Suffield in said
State of Connecticut to Sharon in
State - where they were received
by the Continental Troops to be marched
to Philidelphia after performing this
duty said Deponent was discharged as
was the whole company having
Served 21 days at this time
---
4th
That on the 1st of July 1779. This Deponent
again entered the service of the United States
by enlistment for three months in
the Connecticut State Troops in the
Company Commanded by Captain
Jonathan Case in Col. Noah Phelps
Regiment-- does not recollect the Genl name
Marched in said Company to Horseck
in said State and Served there the
whole of 3 months when this Deponent
was discharged as were the whole company
Page 9

in said State, and served there the
whole of 3 months when this Deponent
was discharged as were the whole company
5th
This Deponent in the month of March 1780
again entered the Service of the United States
in the Connecticut State Troops
at said Simsbury in the Company
commanded by Captain Adamiah
Burr.- The Col & Genl. name does
not recollect and marched in said
Company to Horseneck in State and
other places in its vicinity, where this Deponent
& the whole company were discharged
having served 2 months at this time
6th
This Deponent further states that in the latter
part of the month of June 1780
Deponent was Drafted at said Simsbury
into the service of the United States
in the Connecticut State Troops
and ordered to Join the Continental
Troops at West Point in the State of
New York. That said Deponent went
Page 10

6th

immediately to West Point and reported
himself to & joined the Regiment commanded
Col. Jonathan Hoyt
marched to Peekskill and thence
turned and marched with the Troops
to the State of New Jersey, at different
places from time to time where this Deponent
was discharged as were the men who
entered the same time & place within
this about the 1st January 1781 having served
a little more than 6 months at this time,
This Deponent never had a written discharge
but was dismissed regularly & honorably
the service of the United States
This Deponent can further State
that the Revd Caleb Knight, Deacon Enos
Kingsley and Doct Caleb Ensign are

persons in his neighbourhood to whom he is well known and who can testify
to sd Deponent's character for truth and
veracity and their belief of deponents
Services as a soldier of the Revolution
Page 11

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
Samuel Brooker

Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
W. P. Walker I. Probate
We Caleb Knight a Clergyman, residing in the Town of Washington
in Berkshire County Mass, and Caleb Ensign
residing in Dalton in County hereby certify, that we are well acquainted
with Samuel Brooker who has subscribed and sworn to the above
declaration; that we believe him to be Seventy one 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.
Caleb Knight
Caleb W. Ensign
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
W. P. Walker I. Probate

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 Caleb Knight who signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman, resident in the town of Washington in the County of Berkshire
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Caleb W. Ensign who has also signed the same  is a resident in the town of Durham in the County of Berks and Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
W. P. Walker I. Probate

I, HENRY W. BISHOP, Register of the Court of Probate within and for the County of Berkshire in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Samuel Brooker for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office
of said Court of Probate, this Sixth day of August the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
Henry W. Bishop Regr Probate
Page 12

No 65874
Claim of Polly Brooker
Act of March 30 1855
Page 13

State of Massachusetts
County of Berkshire ⎬ss
On this thirtieth day of March - 1855, personally appeared before me
a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State afforesaid Polly Brooker
aged 75 years a resident of the County and State aforesaid
who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Samuel Brooker of Washington who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution and for whose services in said War the said Polly Brooker is now in the receipt of a pension from the United States as his widow and she refers to her declaration and the accompanying documents & proofs as evidence of his services, and continued in actual
service in said war for at least 14 days and was honorably discharged,
She further states that she was married to the said Samuel Brooker in New Lebanon
N. Y. on the 14th day of January 1808. and that her name before her said marriage was Polly Stewart that her said husband died at Washington Mass, on the fifth
day of November 1848, and that she is now a widow
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled, under the Act passed March the 30, 1855. She also declares that she has never received nor applied for Bounty Land under this or any other act of Congress
Eli Taintor of Lee, Berkshire County Mass is duly authorized to prosecute this my claim, and to receive any warants which may be issued hereon
Polly Brooker
Page 14

Affidavit of two Witnesses
Personally came Amos Abbott
Harvey Savery residents of the County of
Berkshire in the State aforesaid, who upon
oath declare, that they are personally well acquainted with
Mrs Polly Brooker and saw her sign
to the foregoing declaration that they know her
to be the identical person therein represented, and
that she is now a widow, and that we have no interest
in this claim. Amos Abbot
Harvey Savery

Magistrates Certificate,
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were
Sworn to and subscribed before me this thirtieth
day of March 1855, and I certify that
I believe the claimant to be the identical person
she represents herself to be; that I know the witnesses
are credible persons, and that I have no interest
in this claim
Philip Eames Justice of the peace

State of Massachusetts
County of Berkshire, ss
I hereby certify that
Philip Eames Esq. before whom the foregoing
declaration and affidavit were made, is and was
at the time of taking the same, an acting
Justice of the Peace within and for the County
and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and
qualified and that his signature above is genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal
of my office this tenth
day of April 1855.
Chas Sedgwick Clerk
Page 15

State of Massachusetts
County of Berkshire SS
On this third day of August 1857 personally appeared
before me Wm S. Huntington a Justice of the peace in &
for the sd County of Berkshire Polly Brooker who being
first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make
the following declaration in order to obtain arrears of
Pension - That she is the widow of Samuel Brooker
who was a pensioner up to the day of his death which took
place on the fifth day of November A.D. 1848, that she was
pensioned under the 2nd Section of the act of February 3rd
1853 & her pension commenced on the aforesaid
third day of Feb. 1853. She now claims arrears
from the fifth day of November 1848 the day of her husband's
the sd Samuel Brooker's death to the third of Feb 1853, at the
rate of forty four dollars & eighty nine cents per annum.
signed in presence of     Polly Brooker her mark
Isaac S Brooker
Wm S Huntington

Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year first above
written, & I hereby certify that the claimant is the widow
of Samuel Brooker who was a pensioner & that she is a
pensioner as stated & is a reputable & credible person.
Wm Huntington
Justice of the peace
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27032
Samuel Brooker
Private 13 mos 14 days
[illegible]
Page 17

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Pension Office,
No 11. 1833
Sir,
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim
Jany 1778
Statement, showing the service of Samuel Brooker

Duration of the      Rank of            Name and Rank of   Age at present and place  Proof by which 
claimant's service.  the Claimant    Field officers under  of abode when he             declaration is 
                                                       whom he served       entered the service           supported


Jany 1778   10 days  Private           Capt Case                   71 Simsbury CT                [illegible]
"                 2 months     "              " Burr
"                 21 days        "              " Pettibone
1779        3 months       "               " Case, Col Phelps
1780         2 months       "               " Burr
"             5 months 13 days "           Col Hoyt capt not mentioned
           13 months 14 days
In any instance the name of the field officers under
when you served should be stated. Application
should be made to the Comptroller of Public
accounts at Hartford Ct for evidence of the claim
under review
I am, respectfully 
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 18

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
County of
of
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 days 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 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
Page 19

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
inquiry 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 Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age the in 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 _______ and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority ; that 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 of the Court is always required.
[h]The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal. if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other 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 to 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 20

September 8, 1909.
Hon. George P. Lawrence,
House of Representatives.
My dear Mr. Lawrence:
In reply to your letter dated the 4"" and received the
7" instant, requesting information for Mr. Charles S. Brooker of North
Adams, Massachusetts, I have the honor to advise you that from the papers
in claim Wid. File No. 5943, it appears that Samuel Brooker was allowed
pension on his application executed August 6, 1833, while a resident of
Washington, Berkshire County, Massachusetts,

He stated that he was born October 10, 1761 at Simsbury, Hartford
County, Connecticut, where he resided when he volunteered and served in
the Connecticut troops as follows.

Enlisted January 1778, in Captain Job Case's company; served ten days.
July 1, 1778, in Captain Adonijah Burr's company, marched to White
Plains and West Point; two months.
November, 1778, in Captain Ozias Pettibone's company, three weeks.
July 1, 1779, in Captain Jonathan Case's company, Colonel Noah
Phelps' regiment, three months.
Latter part of June 1780, (Captain's name not stated) in Colonel
Hait's regiment; six months.
Page 21

Wid. File No. 5,9432
Soldier married at New Lebanon, New York, January 14, 1808, Polly
Stewart; he died November 5, 1848 and she was allowed pension on her application executed July 14, 1853 while a resident of Washington, Massachusetts. Her age is not stated.
In 1833, Isaac Brooker aged seventy-nine years, stated that his
brother Samuel Brooker was born October 10, 1753, and testified to his services.
There is no further family data.
The above is the only Samuel Brooker of Connecticut found on the
pension records of the Revolution.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 22

Isaac Brooker
Deposition
Page 23

I, Isaac Brooker of Washington in the County of Berkshire & Common wealth of Massachusetts, being Seventy nine years of age do testify and say that my Brother Samuel Brooker and myself
resided and lived together at Simsbury in the County of Hartford in the State of Connecticut from the 10th day of October 1753, at which time said Samuel Brooker was born
Excepting the time we were absent in the service of the United States) until the month of August or September 1783. when we removed to sd Washington where we have lived in the same neighbourhood, and a part of the time the same have ever since,

That this Deponent in the month of January 1778 I saw said Samuel Brooker performing his duty as a Soldier in the Company commanded by Captain Job Case in guarding a part of
Genl Burgoyne's Artillery on their March from Green Bush in the State of New York to Farmington in the State of Connecticut.- That this deponent again saw the said Samuel Brooker performing his duty as a Soldier in the service of the United States in the Month of  July 1778 at White
Plains in the State of New York in
Page 24

a company commanded by Captain Adonijiah Burr -
This Deponent being at the same time in the service
of the United States , in Col. Butler's Regiment, it might have been, Cnl
Willis Regt previous to his being transferred to said Butler's

This Deponent further states that he is well knowing to the said
Samuel Brooker's Inlisting in Captain Adamiah Burr's Company at said
Simsbury for Two months in the month of March 1780 and that
said Samuel was Marched with said Company for Horseneck
in said State and that sd Samuel returned to said Simsbury in the
Month of May 1780 having served as the Deponent verily believes
Two months at this time

This Deponent further States that he is well knowing to said
Samuel Brooker's, being drafted at said Simsbury, in the month
of June 1780 to the service of the United States, 
in the Connecticut State troops for the term
of Six months, and ordered to Join the Continent. Troops
Page 25

at West Point that he did so march with other Soldiers in June 1780, and
that said Samuel, returned home to said Simsbury in January
1781 having been absent six months
Further Deponent saith not
Isaac Brooker

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire Lenox
August 6th 1833

Then Personally appeared Isaac Brooker and in my presence signed
the above and foregoing Deposition and before me made Solemn Oath
that the same is true and correct
I also certify that said Isaac Brooker is a credible person and that by his 
Statement is entitled to Credit
Daniel B. Bush
Justice of the Peace
Page 26

Commonwealth of Massachusette
---
Berkshire, ss. I, HENRY W. BISHOP, Register of the Court of
Probate in and for said County, do hereby certify that Daniel B.
Bush Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition was
taken is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said
County, duly and regularly appointed, and that I am well acquainted
with his hand writing, and have no doubt that the signature
annexed to said deposition is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
the seal of said Court this Sixth day of August
A.D. 1832 Henry W. Bishop Register Probate
Page 27

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
BERKSHIRE SS.

I, Henry W. Taft Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth for the County of Berkshire, do certify that William S. Huntington Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereto annexed, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth

and that full faith and credit are and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Wm S. Huntington and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of he Supreme Judicial Court for said Commonwealth, this fifth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven
Henry W. Taft CLERK.
Page 28

I, Lucretia Murdock of New Lebanon in the
County of Columbia & State of New York aged sixty years
having been duly sworn, deposes and says, that in the
year 1808, according to the best of her knowledge and belief,
she lived in the Town of New Lebanon and saw Samuel
Brooker, of Washington, in the County of Birkshire and
State of Massachusetts and Polly Stewart of Becket in
said County & State of Massachusetts, joined in marriage
that said marriage took place at the house of her
father-- Jonathan Murdock deceased, that she then and
there saw the parties above mentioned married by
Peleg Spencer a justice of the piece of the their Town of
Canaan and further this deponent says not.
Lucretia Murdock

Subscribed & duly sworn to before me this 7th day of June
AD 1853 & I further certify that I know the Deponent
-
.
State of New-York, ss.
Columbia County Clerk's Office.

I, D. C. NEEFUS, Clerk of the County of Columbia, do hereby certify that
Hampton C. Bull whose name is
subscribed to the certificate of proof or acknowledgement of the annexed instrument,
was, at the time, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, and duly authorized
to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said
Justice, and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate is genuine. And
that said instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of the State of
New York.
IN TESTMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the seal of said County, this
June A. D. 1853
D C Neefus Clerk
Page 29

I, Lucretia Murclock of New Lebanon in the
County of Columbia & State of New York aged sixty years
having been duly sworn, deposes and says, that in the
year 1808, according to the best of her knowledge and belief,
she lived in the Town of New Lebanon and said Samuel
Brooker of Washington, in the County of Berkshire and
State of Massachusetts and Polly Stewart of Becket in
said County & State of Massachusetts, joined in marriage
That said marriage took place at the house of her
father, Jonathan Murdock deceased, that she then and
there saw the parties above mentioned married by
Peleg Spencer a Justice of the piece of the their Town of
Canaan and further this deponent says not.
Lucretia Murdock
Subscribed & duly sworn to before me this 7th day of June
AD 1853 & I further certify that I know the Deponant to be
a credible witness

Hampton C Bull
Justice of the Peace
Page 30


In reply to your request of ___________ received
for a statement of the military history of Samuel Brooker
a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
W. File 5945
5945
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
RANK,
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED
CAPTAIN.     COLONEL.
STATE.
Jany 78   10 days   Job Case     x   Conn
July 78  2 months Adoniyah Burr P586  x
Nov 78  21 days Ozias Pettibone  x
Jany 79  3 months Jonathan Case Noah Phillips P. 548┃
Mch. 80 2 months Adoniyah Burr   x
May 80  6 months  x    Hait p165 2 Sep.

Battles engaged in,  x
Residence of soldier at enlistment,  Simsbury Hartford Conn
Date of application for pension, Aug 6, 1833 [illegible]
Residence at date of application, Washington Berkshire Mass
Age at date of application, b.  Oct 10, 1761 at Simsbury Hartford Conn.

Remarks: [illegible] Mar. New Lebanon Jan 14 1808 Polly Stewart
he died Nov 5, 1848
 [illegible]July 14, 1853 while a resident of Washington aforesaid
Page 31

O. W. & N. Division.

F. S.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.,
January 3, 1895.
Sir: --
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history
of SAMUEL BROOKER a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR,
you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his
widow's ) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
DATES OF            LENGTH         RANK.   OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  STATE 
ENLISTMENT OR  OF SERVICE.                     CAPTAIN.                  COLONEL
APPOINTMENT.
Jan. 1778               10 days          Pri.            Job Case                   Not Stated                              Conn
July, 1778            2 months          "               Adonijah Burr            "       "                                         "       
Nov. 1778           21 days             "               Ozaias Pettibone        "       "                                        "
July. 1779             3 months         "               Jonathan Case          Phelps                                          "
Mar 1780              2 months        "               Adonijah Burr            Not Stated                                  "  
June 1780             8 months         "               Not stated                Jonathan Hoyt                             "

Battles engaged in, None mentioned
Residence of soldier at enlistment,  Simsbury, Conn.
Date of application for pension, Aug. 8, 1855.
Residence at date of application,  Washington, N.Y.
Age at date of application,  Born, Simsbury, Conn., Oct. 19, 1783.
Remarks:
Hon. A. B. Wright,
House of Representatives,
Very respectfully,

Commissioner,
Page 32

[two stamps]

CONGRESSIONAL
SEP 7 1909
U.S. BUREAU OF PENSIONS

RECORD DIVISION
Page 33

SIXTIETH CONGRESS
GEORGE P. LAWRENCE, MASS. CHAIRMAN.
J. ADAM BEDE, MINN.
JOHN M. REYNOLDS, PA.
JOHN E. HARDING, OHIO.
JOSEPH L RHINOCK, KY.
J. DAVIS BRODHEAD, PA.
JAMES S. DAVENPORT, OKLA.
J. S. MABBETT, CLERK.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES U.S.
COMMITTEE ON
EXPENDITURES IN THE WAR DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C.
2
information relative to his services.
The records further show that one Samuel Brooker served
as a private, in Lieutenant Colonel HaIt's Company, 2d Connecticut
Regiment, commanded by Colonel Zebulon Butler, Revolutionary War. He enlisted July 1, 1780, and was discharged December 26, 1780.
If you are able from your records to furnish any further
details of these two soldiers. I know that Mr. Brooker would
appreciate the favor very much.
Very respectfully yours,
Geo. P. Lawrence
Page 34

[STAMP]

CONGRESSIONAL
SEP 7 1909
U S BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Page 35

SIXTIETH CONGRESS
GEORGE P. LAWRENCE, MASS. CHAIRMAN.
J. ADAM BEDE, MINN.
JOHN M. REYNOLDS, PA.
JOHN E. HARDING, OHIO.
JOSEPH L RHINOCK, KY.
J. DAVIS BRODHEAD, PA.
JAMES S. DAVENPORT, OKLA.
J. S. MABBETT, CLERK.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES U.S.
COMMITTEE ON
EXPENDITURES IN THE WAR DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C.
North Adams, Mass Sept 4, 1909
The Commisioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
My dear Sir:
Mr. Charles S. Brooker, city clerk of North Adams,
Massachusetts, is very desirous of obtaining some details of the
military career of his grandfather, Samuel Brooker, who served in
the Revolutionary War as a member of a Connecticut organization.
Upon request, the Adjutant General's Office of the War Department
has furnished copies from their records of the services of two
Samuel Brookers who enlisted from Connecticut and suggests that the
Bureau of Pensions may have further details in the event of their
having drawn pensions on account of military services. The
facts taken from the War Department records are given as follows
in the Adjutant General's letter:
It is shown by the records that one Samuel Brooker
served in the Revolutionary War as a private of Captain Adonijah
Burn's Company, in a detachment of Connecticut militia commanded by
Colonel Increase Moseley, jr. Neither the date of his entrance into
nor the date of his separation from the service is of record, but
his name first appears on a muster roll of the company dated July
19, 1778, at White Plains, which shows that Brooker arrived in Camp
July 13, 1778, and his name last appears on a company muster roll
dated at Fort Arnold August 8, 1778, which affords no further
Page 36

3 - 871.
RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by C.B.C.
Claim No.
Certificate No.
Claimant
Soldier Samuel Brooker
Service Conn. Rev.
Additional Service.
No. claim, State records 190-
No claim, combination records , 190
REMARKS:
No O. W. In, Wid, or Reg.
(See F. No. 5945-Mass. Serv.
Sept 7/09.
0 - 8 
Chief Division
Page 37

Jany 8. Hist to
A.B. Wright HofR
1909 Sept. Hist. to Hon
Geo. P. Lawrence 


Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 5945

Holly Brooker
Widow
Samuel Brooker ┃
Pvt. Rev. War
●
Act: Feby 3. 53


Index:--Vol. A Page814
{Arrangement of 1870.}

1895 Hon.
Page 38

[Illegible}
Page 39

Worth Becket July 7th 1853
Dear Sir
By request of Mrs Brooker & unto
her pension papers if there should be any
thing more wanting you will please
inform yours respectfully
Timothy Snow
Page 40

July 14, 1853
Appl. of Holly
Brooker, widow of
Saml Hooker
Berkshire Co.
Mass
$44.89
27058
Act 3d Feby. 1853
$44, 89 per an -
Com Feby 3d 1853
Rev.
Timothy Snow,
North Becket
Mass
Pension Office, Official Business
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Page 41

No. 65874
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received April 13, 1855.
Samuel Brooker
Rev. War
Warrant 8151-160-55
Eli Painter
Lee
Mass
Page 42

8151 
[illegible]
Page 43

Pm 3rd FEB 53 Mass
[illegible]
Page 44

Pension Office
17OCT 1853
Sir
Please certify the time
to which the within named
pensioner was paid, or the date of
his death
Very Respectfully,
L P Waldo
Commissioner

Samuel Brooker
Act 1832 $44. p. annum
Died 5th Novr 1848, Paid to his death

F. Burt
Auditor
Francis Burt Esqr
Head Auditor, [illegible]
Page 45

Lucretia Murdock, New Lebanon, Columbia Co. W.Y. present, Philip James, Amos
Crane, Washington, Berkshire Co. Mass
5 Nov 48 Boynton
Page 46

North Becket Mass.
August 8th 1857
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C
Sir
Enclosed I hand you
application of Widow Holly Brooker
for arrears of Pension-
Any communication relative
to the subject may be directed to me.
Respectfully yours
Wm S Huntington
Page 47

Brief in the case of Holly Brooker, widow of Samuel,
Berkshire County and State of Mas
3. Feby. 1853
Claim (" original, or for increase.)
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pension under the Act of 7 June 1832 Lucretia Murdock
of New Lebanon, Columbia Co. W.Y. Swears she was present & saw the marriage & Philip Eames & Amos Crane testify to reputation of marriage & cohabitation
(If for increase)  
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim

Timothy Snow, Esqr
Name and residence of Agent North Beckett Mass

C.J. Boynton
Examining Clerk
.
-
Page 48

State of Massachusetts
North Becket October 12th 1853
Dear Sir
of the enclosed should not be 
satisfactory you will please inform
inform Respectfully Your
Timothy Snow
Commissioner of
Pensions Washington D.C
Page 49

Elijah Phelps
Comptroller of
Public Accounts
Hartford
Connecticut
Certificate
Decr 4th 1833
In case of
Samuel Brooker
Page 50

Comptrollers Office
Decr 4th 1833
I Elisha Phelps, Comptroller of Public
Accounts of the State of Connecticut, do certify
that it appears by the accounts of the Pay Table
that under date June 3rd 1779 there is charged to ┃
the United States or "To order on Treasurer
Capt Job Case for his company guarding cannon
from Albany to Farmington, 78. No roll of the
company has been found, or proof how long it
was in service

That under date Nov 12. 1778 there is
charged the United States on the book of the
pay table viz "To order on Treasurer Capt
Adonijah Burr for the amount of his County
all for service at White Plains & Moseleys Regt
N.B. County all is only $260, 2,00: No roll 
of this company has been found or proof here
long it was in service
That under date 11th March 1779 there is
also charged the United States, or to order on
Treasurer Capt O. Pettibone guarding convention
Page 51

troops $209, 8, 4. No roll of this company or
of how long in service has been found
That there is charged under date 6th 
of Sept. 1779 to the United States viz, To order on
Treasurer Capt Jonathan Case pay roll his company
Horseneck $3133, 2.9. No roll of this company has
been found, or proof how long it was in service
Capt Jonathan Case belonged to the 18th Regt of
Connecticut, of which Noah Phelps was appointed
Col. in May 1779.
I ought to have stated before, that it appears
by an official return on file that Col Noah
Phelps commanded the guards of the convention
troops, & that Capt. Pettibone commanded one of the
companies
That under date Nov 28th 1780 there is
charged upon the journal of the Pay Table
to the United States, viz, To order on Treasurer
Capt. Adonijah Burns payroll for service at
New Haven & L. Money $337, 17.8. No roll
of his company has been found or proof how
long it was in service
Page 52

And that in a pay roll of the Short Service
in Lt Colo. Hoit Company 2d Connecticut
regiment commanded by Zebulon Butler Colo.
I find the name Samuel Brooker of Simsbury that 
he commenced service therein on
the first day of July 1780 and served therein
as a private to December 13th 1780 being five
months & thirteen days. This pay roll is 
signed T. Hinckley Cap. Cont
E. Phelps
Page 53

State of Massachusetts 
County of Berkshire       ⎬S.S.
Be it known that on this 14th day of July A. D eighteen hundred
and fifty three before Daniel N Dewey Judge of Probate
in and for the County and State aforesaid personally appeared Polly
Brooker a resident of Washington in said County and made oath according to
law that she is the widow of Samuel Booker who was a soldier in the war
of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death
at the rate of forty four 89/100 per annum - that she was married to the
said Samuel Brooker on the fourteen day of January eighteen hundred
and eight in the town of New Lebanon and State of New York
That her said husband died on the fifth day of November eighteen
hundred and forty eight that she makes this declaration for the purpose
of obtaining in a rate of pension as may be due under any law Regulations or omissions that have been or may hereafter be adopted and that she
still continues his widow
Polly Brooker

Sworn to and subscribed the day & year
aforesaid before me in open Court          ⎬
Daniel N. Dewey Judge of Probate
David N. Dewey Judge of Probate in and for the County
and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Holly Brooker above named
is a respectable resident of this County and is the same person she represents
herself to be in the foregoing declaration as I believe
Daniel N Dewey Judge of Probate
Page 54

State of Massachusetts
County of Berkshire,
In Probate Court Lenox July 6. 1833.
It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence
has here exhibited before said Court that Samuel
Brooker was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States
at the rate of $44.89 per annum, and that
he died in the fifth day of November Eighteen
hundred forty Eight, leaving surving a widow
by the name of Polly Brooker who still continues
as his widow. In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and the
seal of said Probate Court this
sixth day of July in the year
Eighteen hundred fifty three

Daniel N Dewey
Judge of Probate
Page 55

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire County ss
I Henry W. Taft Register of
Probate in and for said County do certify that
Daniel N. Dewey Esq. the Judge of Probate before
whom the foregoing proceedings were had was at
the date of the proceedings Judge of Probate in
and for said County of Berkshire, duly commissioned
and qualified as such, and that the
foregoing signatures purporting to be his are
[illegible] genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereto
set my hand and the seal of said
Probate Court this sixth day of
July in the year Eighteen hundred
fifty three
Henry W. Taft Regr of Probate
Page 56

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire, ss.
I, CHARLES SEDGWICK, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth
for the County of Berkshire, do certify that William F. Bell
Esquire whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereto annexed, was, at
the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly
commissioned and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth

and that full faith and credit are and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity, and that I am acquainted with
the hand writing of the said Bell and
believe his signature to said certificate is genuine

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for 
said Commonwealth, this fourth day of
October in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and fifty three
Charles Sedgwick Clerk
Page 57

Holly Brooker
Affidavit
Page 58

State of Massachusetts
Berkshire County    ss

Polly Brooker On this third day of
October eighteen hundred and fifty three
before me a Justice of the peace in and for
said County personally appeared Polly Brookerr
and made oath in due form of law that
she is the widow of Samuel Brooker who was a
pensioner of the United States on the
rolls of the Massachusetts agency at the rate of $44 89/100
per annum that she is now an applicant
for a pension that she was married to the said
Samuel Brooke on the fourteenth day of
January Eighteen hundred & eight as stated in her
declaration and that there is no record of the
marriage to be found Polly Brooker

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day & year above
written And I further certify that I am personally
acquainted with the above named Polly Brooker
and know her to be the same individual she represents
herself to be in the foregoing affidavit
Wm F Bell
Justice of the Peace
Page 59

State of Massachusetts
Berkshire County
We Philip Eames and Amos Crane
resident of Washington in said County having been
duly sworn depose and say that we well know
Polly Booker of Washington in said County
that she is the widow of Samuel Brooker late of
Washington who was a pensioner of the United States
that they were well acquainted with said Samuel
Brooker and that the above mentioned Polly
Brooker has not intermarried since his death
but is still his widow and we further say that we have
known the above named Samuel & Sally Brother for more than forty year & sure
all that time they lived together as husband James
till his death
Philip Eames
Amos Crane
Subscribed and duly Sworn to before me
who certify that the deponents are credible
witnesses this First
day of October A.D. 1853
William F Bell
Justice of
the Peace
Page 60

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES     Division of Veterans' Administration Archives 
Form VAM-51
12 - 5 - 41
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

NAME  Brooker, Walter  GRADE Private   LINE New York

WARRANT 
NUMBER 6816  ACREAGE  100  ISSUED Sept. 15, 1790
to John S. Hobart, assignee

The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of ""Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800"" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800.
Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.