Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25,300, Reuben Brownson, Conn.
Page 1

(8-1976)

SERVICE
Conn.

Brownson or Bronson, Reuben
Huldah

NUMBER
W25,300

CONTENTS
(blank)
Page 2

Connecticut 9340.
Reuben Bronson
of New Milford in the State of Conn.t
who was a Serg.2 L.a in the Company commanded by Captain Warner of the Regt commanded by _____ in the Militia line for
Sergeant 13.mo. ____65.00
Corporal 2 " _______7.33
private 5' 7d ------17.42
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn.t   89.75
at the rate of 89. Dollars 75. Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7. day of May
1833. and sent to
Nathaniel Perry, New Milford. Ct.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833. 179.50
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept. 1833.  44.87
$234.37.
{Revolutionary Claim, 
Act June 7}
Recorded by Francis F. Francion Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 3.d  Page 4.
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State of Connecticut,
County of Litchfield,
Probate District of New Milford Ss;
On this 30th day of July AD. 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Probate for this district now sitting at New Milford in said district and County.  Reuben Brownson a resident of said town of New Milford aged seventy one 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 provisions of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
That he entered the service of the United States and served under the following named officers, and service as herein stated
In the fall of the year 1776 he entered the service as a substitute for Lemuel Thayre in Capt. Elirum Warren's Militia Company in the Regt. Commanded by Col. Benjamin Hinman of Southbury and service one month in the City of New York At the expiration of one month the said Thayre; took his place and he (the declarant) left the service the night before the enemy took possession of New York. the following are some of the officers under whom he served in Col. Tillman Leut. Noble Hine, Ensign Benjamin Bronson Genl Putnam & Genl Parson's were there on the 7th day of August 1777 he again entered the service as a Volunteer, marched to
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Fredericksburgh in the State of NewYork ( now called) Paterson and remained there till the 19th of the same month and was then dismissed. The names of the officers under whom he served so far as he can recollect were Capt. Noble Hine, Lieut. Elisha Bostwink, and Ensign Gideon Noble
On the 7th day of October 1777 he again entered the Service as a Volunteer and March to Peekskill on Hudsons River, from Thence to Continental Village so called & to Fishkill and there remained a few days & marched from Thence to Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck & Redhook where he remained three days and then returned to Fishkill Lower Barracks, when he remained till the 30th of October of the same year and was then & there honorably dismissed. The following are the officers under whom he served so far as he can recollect. Col. Morley of Southbury- Capt Noble Hine (as he believes) & Lieut. Elisha Bostwick
In January 1778 he was drafted for 2 months
 On the 11th of the same month he marched to Byram Bridge near Horseneck. He remained there, and in that Vicinity during the whole term of this Campaign and was honorably dismiss.d
on the first day of March of the same year during this Campaign & he did the duty of a Corporal. The following are the names of such of the officers under whom he served as he can recollect- Capt. Peter Mills of Kent, Lieut. Whittlesey & Ensign Jedidiah Durgess
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In October 1779 (the day of the month he cannot recollect) he was drafted for six weeks and again entered the service & marched to Stratford where he remained the whole of the six weeks, at the expiration of which time, those in the draft who were willing to stay, were requested by the officers so to do and he remained six weeks longer
At said Stratford at the expiration of which time he was honorably dismissed at [illegible] Stratford in the month of January 1780, the day of the month he cannot recollect.  He served at that time under Col. Canfield & Capt. Noble Hine the names of the other officers he does not recollect-.
On the first of April 1780 he enlisted as a Sergeant in the Connecticut State troops in sd. New Milford in the company commanded by Capt. Nathan Chapman and marched to Stamford & from thence to Horseneck, where he joined the Regiment Commanded by Col Beebe. He remained there, & in that neighborhood till the first of January 1781. At which time he was Honorably dismissed but has no written discharge. He was in no regular battles during this Campaign. The officers under whom he served so far as he can recollect were Col Beebe, Major Shipman, Capt. Chapman- Lieut. Amos Hubble & Ensign Avery 
On the 14th of March 1781 he again entered the service as Sergeant. et. as substitute for Lemuel Thayre who was drafted 
He marched, through Danbury & directly to Norwalk when he remained till the 14th of April of the same year at which time he was honorably dismissed at Norwalk. the Officers under whom he served so far as he recollected were Capt. Gaylord Lieut. Noble & Ensign Benj.n Mygatt
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on the 25th of July [25th crossed out] 1781 he again entered the service as a substitute for John Baldwin who was drafted. He march'd to West point & there joined the Regiment Commanded by Col. Canfield and was then chosen & served as Sergeant of the Company Commanded by Ebeneser Couch. He remained at West Point three Months and was honorably discharged there on the 26th day of October of the same Year which 
discharge (he thinks) was signed by Genl  Jackson which is lost. The Officers under whom he served as far as he can recollect Col. Canfield
Capt. Ebenr. Couch, Lieut. Amos Hubbel, Ensign Jedidiah Durgy
Genl. McDougal and Genl. Jackson were there 
He also declares that he has in his possession original minutes [taken crossed out] made at the close of the War of the second periods of service which has performed as above stated
He was born at said New Milford June 10th 1761 where he resided at the time of his [enlistment crossed out] entering the service and when he has ever since resided. He has a record of his age in a family bible which is in his possession
He also declares that he has no documentary evidence of his service in his possession- & he knows of no persons by whom he can prove services except those whom testimony is hereunto annexed
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension of the agency of any state.
Reuben Brownson
Sworn & Subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
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224
Connecticut
Hulday Bronson
widow of Reuben Bronson
Con
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private re
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 89. Dollars 75 Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the
16 day of June 1848
and sent to
Julius B. Harrison
New Milford
Con.
(Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 259. Vol 1.
Reported May 16- 1853 [illegible]
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428
Huldah Bronson
widow of Reuben
Con.
act 7. July 38
5 years
aomd
5 mo. 7ds pri
2 mo- Corpl
13 mo- Sergt
$89.75/100
No deduction
died in 1835
N. Perry Esq
New Milford
Con.
Page 9

State of Connecticut,
County of Litchfield
Probate District of New Milford Ss:
On this 9th day of August 1838 personally appeared in Open Court before the Court of Probate for said district now sitting at New Milford in said district and County  Huldah Bronson a resident of said New Milford aged Seventy nine Years, who being first 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 July 7th 1838 entitled "An Act granting half pay and Pensions to certain "widows"  That she is the widow of Reuben Bronson who was a private and Sergeant, and, (she believes) a part of the time a Corporal in the War of the Revolution. He served about two years, or more, in the whole at different periods of the War from the fall of the Year 1776 till some time in the winter of 1779 & 1780  He was, at the time of his death a pensioner of the United States
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under the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
To his declaration and the proof thereto annexed- now on file in the Pension Office she respectfully refers the Department for widows of his service in support of his claims
She further declares that she was married to the said Reuben Bronson on the 21st day of July in the Year Seventeen hundred and eighty two that her husband the aforesaid Reuben Bronson died on the 29th day of September Eighteen hundred and thirty -five; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four Viz at the time above Stated- She further declares that she was married by Abel Hine Esq (now decd) then a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Litchfield who resided in said New Milford at which place the marriage took place. She also declares that she has no family record of her marriage and she knows of no family or other record of [her crossed out] it & does not believe there is any in existence
Huldah X Bronson
her mark
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Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year first above written, before
Nathaniel Perry Judge of said Court
I Noble S. Bennitt Clerk of said Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said in the Matter of the Application of Huldah Bronson for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 9th day of August AD. 1838
Noble S. Bennitt Clerk
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January 25, 1939
BA--J/AWF      OM
Reuben Brownson
W. 25300

Mrs. William F. Steck
201 North Main Street
Muncy, Pennsylvania

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your request, in behalf of Mrs. George Shephard, 110 North Main Street Muncy, Pennsylvania, a descendant of Reuben Brownson of Connecticut, a pensioner in 1832, in whose record she is interested. 
The record of Reuben Brownson or Bronson (the name is shown both ways) is furnished you herein, as requested, as shown in the papers in pension claim, W. 25300, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
Reuben Brownson was born June 10, 1761 in New Milford, Litchfield County, Connecticut. The names of his parents were not stated.
While residing in New Milford, Connecticut, Reuben Brownson enlisted and served with the Connecticut troops as follows:
In the fall of 1776, one month as private in Captain Eleaser Warner's company, Colonel Benjamin Hinman's regiment; from August 7, 1777, to August 19, 1777 in Captain Noble Hine's company; from October 7, to October 30, 1777 in Captain Noble Hine's company, Colonel Moseley's regiment; Captain Peter Mills' company; from sometime in October, 1779, about three months in Captain Noble
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2
Hine's company, Colonel Canfield's regiment; from April 1, 1780, as orderly Sergeant in Captain Nathan Chapman's company, Colonel Bazeleel Beebe's regiment; and was discharged January 1, 1781; from March 14, 1781, one month as Sergeant in Captain Gaylord's company; from July 25, 1781, three months as Sergeant in Captain Ebenezer Couch's company, Colonel Samuel Canfield's regiment.
The soldier, Reuben Brownson, was allowed pension, on his application executed July 30, 1832, at which time he was a resident of New Milford, Connecticut.
He died September 29, 1835.
Reuben Brownson married July 21, 1782 in New Milford, Connecticut, Huldah. She did not give her maiden name, but there are statements made by two different parties, that her maiden name was Beardsley, also, that it was Stilson. There is no explanation given as to the use of these two names. The date and place of her birth are not shown. They were married at the home of her father, names of her parents not stated.
The widow, Huldah Brownson, was allowed pension on her application executed August 9, 1838, at which time she was seventy-nine years of age, and living in New Milford, Connecticut. She was there in 1848. She died May 16, 1853.
Reference was made to one of their children, who was about one year old in the month of October, 1783. Names of their children were not designated.
Reference was made to Ensign Benjamin "Bronson" as serving during the Revolution; it was not stated that he was related to the soldier, Reuben Brownson (Bronson)
The papers on file in this claim contain no
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30
further discernible data in regard to family.
In order to obtain the name and address of the person who received the last payment of this pension, you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, this city, and furnish the following data-
Huldah Bronson, widow of Reuben Bronson (as pensioned) 
Certificate #224
Issued June 16, 1848
Rate $89.75 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1848
Act of February 2, 1848
Connecticut Agency
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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1936 April 13- hist to Mrs. Joseple
M. Kerrigan and
1936 Aug 12- and to Mrs. Grace
S. Cole and
1939 Jan 25: hist to Mrs. Vernon F. Steck for Mrs. George Shepherd and
WIDOW &c.
File No. 252__
Huldah Bronson
Wid of
Reuben Bronson
Priv Reuben
Act Feb 2nd 1848
Index: Vol A, Page 93
[Arrangement of 1870.}
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And this Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the Matter and after putting the interrogations prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certified, that it appears to them that Enoch Huntington who has signed the preceding the Certificate is a Clergyman, resident in the said town of New Milford and that William Taylor who has also signed the same is a resident in the same town and is a credible [Witness crossed out] person and that this Statement is entitled to Credit
Nathaniel Perry Judge
of the Court of Probate
for said District
State of Connecticut
District of New Milford for
J. Williams J Stan Clerk of the Court of Probate in said District do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Reuben Bronson for a pension
In testimony whereof I have set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 30th day of July AD 1832
William  J. Stan
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Mr Enoch Huntington a clergyman residing in the said town of New Milford and William Taylor residing in the same town hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Reuben Bronson, who has subscribed and sworn to the above [certificate crossed out] declaration; that we believe him to be seventy one years of age; that 
he is reputed & believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion
Sworn to & subscribed
the day & year aforesaid}
E. Huntington
Wm Taylor
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Reuben Bronoson
No 4260
Admd
Sergt. 13 Ms  5_  65.00
Corpl. 2 Ms.     3.66       7.33
5 Ms.            7   3,33     17.42
89.75
$89.75. per annum
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I Johamer Canfield of New Milfod [of Southbury crossed out] Litchfield County & State of Connecticut of lawful age depose and say that- I was in the service of the United States at Stratford in this state from about [illegible] October 1779 to about the first of January 1780 and was in the Company commanded by Capt Noble Hine. and that [during crossed out] Reuben Bronson of New Milford who is now present in Court was in the service there at the time I was and when I returned home the first of January 1780 I left him the said Bronson there in the service.
I was also in the service of the United States at Westpoint from about the 1st of August 1781 to sometime in October of the same year and that the sd Reuben Bronson was then in the Service as a Sergeant in Capt. Couch's Company- and first this deponent saith not-  Thomas Canfield
State of Connecticut, County of Litchfield Probate District of New Milford July 30th 1832
Sworn & subscribed this day & year aforesaid in open Court before Nathaniel Perry Esq Judge of the Court of Probate for said District. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of sd Court the day & Year aforesaid
William J Stan Clerk
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I Daniel Jackson of the Town of Stratford in Fairfield County State of Connecticut being duly Sworn Depose & Say 
   That I am in my Seventieth Year & have known Mr. Reuben Bronson of New Milford in Litchfield County since the year 1780. I was in the Continental Army & am now on the Pension Roll & receive ninety six Dollars a year under the [illegible] Act of the United States. Previous to my enlistment in the Continental Army I enlisted & serve nine months in the Connecticut State Troops in Col. Beebes' Regiment under Capt. David Olmsted. We were Stationed at Norse Neck in Connecticut. There were two Regiments of which Col. Beebe had command of one & Col. Wells of the [illegible] period  of Service, began some time in April 1780 & ended in January following 
The above mentioned Reuben Bronson who is now present at the taking of this Deposition was a Sergeant in the same Regiment with me for nine months viz from April 1780 - to January 1781. I know him well when in the service & recollect that he was discharged at the Same time with me at Stamford in Connecticut
The Said Reuben Bronson was not in the same Company - with me but He
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was in a Company commanded by .Captain Nathan Chapman. in the Same Regiment 
Colonel. Wells was the oldest officer. He was taken by the Enemy  & carried unto Newyork City in the Month of November. The aforesaid Reuben Branson was an orderly Sergeant or did the duty of that office in Capt Chapmans Company. I have lived at Stratford in Connecticut ever Since 1810. I have a daughter married & living at New Milford near the Said Bronson & I have for twenty years past occassionally [illegible] the  the said Bronson & know perfectly well that he is the Same Man who was in the service with me as above Stated. I wish to underline in the 10" Line on the full page the word "Pension"
Daniel Jackson
State of Connecticut- District of Stratford
office of the Court of Probate July 25."1832}
I. R.S.Nichols Clerk of Said Court hereby Certify that the foregoing Deposition of Daniel Jackson who is a Credible Witness was Subscribed & Sworn to by Him in open "Court before Siloh Wheeler Esq. Judge of Same Court- In wit.ness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & affixed the Seal of Said Court March 10
R.L.Nichols, Clerk
I, Siloh Wheeler Judge of Said Court hereby certify that R. S. Nichols is Clerk of Said Court & that the foregoing is his Signature with the Seal of Said Court annexed-
Siloh Wheeler Judge
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State of Connecticut, Probate District of New Milford Ss: On this 27th day of July 1832, personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate for said District now sitting at New Milford in said District Charles Randall of said New Milford & being first duly sworn according to Law, testifies & says that- He was in the service of the United States at Norwalk Connecticut. One month in the months of March & April 1781 as a substitute for Jeremiah Randall. That he is now and was at the time well [known to me crossed out] acquainted with Reuben Bronson of sd New Milford who is now present. And that said Bronson served one month at said Norwalk as a Sergeant in the Company to which [illegible] belonged
Charles Randall
Sworn to & subscribed, the day & Year aforesaid, and the Court certified that the said Charles Randall is a Credible Witness  
Nathaniel Perry
 Judge of said Court
Page 23

I Milton Potter of Pittsford in Rutland Co State aforemant of lawful age testify and say That I serve my country in there struggl for Independenc in the yere 1780 from Apriel to Janary. A tern of about nine months and that Ruben Branson then of Newmilfrd first served in the saime Regt was commands by Coln. Bedes company officers Capt Chapman Lieut Hubel Ensctiory we was discharged January 1: 1781 at Stamford and I remember that the said Branson served That time and further the deponant saith not 
Milon Patten
Pittsford 25th June A.D. 1832
State of Vermont
Rutland County} 
Gordon Newell one of the Justices of the Peace in & for the County of Rutland do Certify that the signature to the above affidavit is genuine & that the dependant personally appeared & made oath that the said affidavit was hereto agreeable to truth & was true before me   Gordon Newell Jt. Peace
Page 24

State of Connecticut
County of Litchfield,
Probate District of New Milford Ss:
On this 2d day of May AD. 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate for said district now sitting at New Milford in said District & County Reuben Bronson a resident of said New Milford who is personally know to the Judge of this Court and is the same person who made a declaration before this Court on the 30th day of July 1832 for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the provisions of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 and now for the same purpose makes the following declaration as supplementary to, and now for the same purpose make the following declaration as supplimentary to, and explanatory of his former declaration.
He now declares that he served one Month as a private in the fall of year 1776 as substitute for Lemuel Thayre as stated in his former declaration. He has then stated that he joined the Regt. commanded by Col. Benjamin Hinman which is correct and Col. Selliman under whom he states he served acted & served at that time as a General- He has no proof of this term of his service & knows of no person living who was with hi by whom he can prove it
Page 25

His proof of the Service stated in his former declaration to have been from August 7th to August 19th 1777- and of the service from Oct 7th to Oct 30th the same Year he annexed- to this declaration the deposition & testimony of Elisha Bostwick being all the proof he can obtain of this service. Your declarant believes that Col. Morly had the command in August at Fredericksburgh yet of this fact he is not positive
The Service of two mos stated in his former declaration to have commenced in January & ended the first of March 1778 he cannot state with any more particularity than he has done in his former declaration. He has no proof of this service & knows of no person serving who was with him during this time of service
The service of three months stated in his former declaration as commencing in Oct 1779 & ending in January 1780 he cannot state with any more particularity then he has done in that declaration He has annexed to that declaration the testimony of Thomas Canfield & he knows of no other person serving by whom he can prove it
On the first of April 1780 he enlisted for nine months as a Sergeant in a Company of Connecticut State Troops and service till the first of January 1781 as stated in his former declaration. He has at that time a Sergeant's Warrant in which was signed by Col. [illegible] Barabel Beebe which warrant he declares he has lost by time and accident. He has seen his warrant within a very few years and he has made diligent search for it & cannot find it he therefore
Page 26

has no doubt it is lost as proof of this term of his service he has annexed to his former declaration the testimony of Daniel Jackson and Milton Potter. The deposition of M Potter was sent to this Declarant by his friend M Potter. The official character of the magistrate before whom is was taken is not certified to- but as he had another deposition to the same service he was advised not to be at the expense of sending to Vermont for such certificate.
The service of one month from March 14th to April 14th 1781 was performed by him as stated in his former declaration as substitute for Lemuel Thayer. The said Thayre was a Sergeant & drafted & he (the declarant) took his place as substitute for him & service as Sergeant. As proof of this service he has annexed to his former declaration [illegible] Charles Randall [illegible]
He also declares [illegible] from the 25th July [illegible] formed by him as [illegible] former declaration [illegible] except the one before [illegible] Col Beebe. As proof [illegible] he has annexed to [illegible] the testimony of [illegible] to this declaration [illegible] Hoyt. The (the declarant [illegible] a leaf containing the [illegible] to in his former [illegible] taken from an old [illegible] 
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year [illegible]
Page 27

has no doubt it is lost as proof of this term of his service he as annexed to his former declaration the testimony of Daniel Jackson and Milton Potter. The deposition of M Potter was sent to this Declarant by his friend M Potter. The official character of the magistrate before whom it was taken is not certified to- but as he had another deposition to the same service he was advised not to be at the expense of sending to Vermont for such certificate
the service of one month from March 14th to April 14th 1781 was performed by him as states in his former declaration as substitute for Lemuel Thayre. the said Thayre was a Sergeant & drafted & he (the declarant) took his place as substitute for him & served as Sergeant. As proof of this service he has annexed to his former declaration the testimony of Charles Randall
He also declares that the service of three mos from the 25th July 1781 at West Point was performed by him as a Sergeant as stated in his former declaration. He had no warrant except the one before mentioned as signed by Col Beebe. As proof of this term of his service he had annexed to his former declaration the testimony of Ithamar Canfield and to this declaration the testimony of Elijah Hoyt. He (the declarant) sends herewith a leaf containing the original minutes referred to in his former declaration which is now taken from an old Pocket Book in his possession
Reuben Brownson
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Page 28

Silas Beardsley
[illegible] Paid for him    060
[illegible] paid for him [illegible]
[illegible]  540
Reuben Brownson
[illegible] pay   
[illegible]
Page 29

Testimony of [illegible]
one Month at N York
In the year 1776
Aug 7th 1777 March
to Fredericksburough
Remained in Service until
 the 19th
Janu. 11th 1778 North
to [illegible] Remained 
[illegible]
March [illegible] 1st and [illegible]
May [illegible] 18 March [illegible]
Horseneck and Remained
In Service until Janu
Apr 12th 1779
Three Months [illegible] at
[illegible] 1779
Page 30

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he has stated in is former declaration & as he has stated in this his supplementary declaration
Nathaniel Perry Judge
of the Court of Probate 
State of Connecticut 
Probate District of New Milford Ss:
I William J. Starr Clerk of the Court of Probate for said District do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the supplementary application Reuben Bronson for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 2d day of May AD 1833
 William J. Starr Clerk
Page 31

State of Connecticut
County of Litchfield
Probate district of New Milford Ss:
On this 29th day of April 1833
personally appeared in Open Court before the Court of Probate for said District & now sitting at New Milford in 2d Disttrict & County Elijah Hoyt of said New Milford aged Seventy years who being duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath depon, Certify & say as follows- Viz- 
[illegible] the time in the month of July 1781 I entered the service of United States as a substitute for Nathan Kicher in a Militia Company and marched from New Milford to West Point.Reuben Bronson of said New Milford who is now present was drafted and marched at the same time I did We joined the Regt at West Point commanded by Col Samuel Canfield We both served in the same company which was commanded by Capt Ebenr. Couch. The sd Bronson was chosen & served as Sergeant of said Company
We both remained at West Point in the service of the United States thru
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months when we were both honorably dismissed. The said Bronson was orderly Sergeant of the Company and I was also a Sergeant in the Company. I now draw a pension for services rendered in the Revolutionary War as a Continental Soldier and further saith not
Elijah Hoyt
Sworn to, & subscribed the day & year aforesaid. And I certify that the said Elijah Hoyt sustains a good character for truth and is a credible witness
Nathaniel Perry Judge
of the Court of 
Probate for sd District
Page 33

State of Connecticut
County of Litchfield
Probate District of New Milford Ss.
On this 1st day of May 1833 personally appeared in Open Court before the Court of Probate for said District now sitting at New Milford in sd District & County Elisha Bostwick of said New Milford aged 84 years who being duly sworn doth on his oath, Depon, testify & say as follows-viz-
That in the month of August [illegible] in the year 1777 I was a Lieutenant in the Militia and as such Lieutenant about that time as I verily believe went as a Volunteer to Fredericksburgh ( now called Paterson) in the State of New York where I remained a few days but cannot tell how long Noble Hine was Captain of the Company in which I was Lieutenant. I have no distinct recollection of Reuben Bronson being with me in the service at that time. Yet from circumstances & securences which took place at that time as related to me by the said Bronson I have no doubt he served in the same Company with me at that time.
I was also a Lieutenant in the Month of October of the same year & month as a Volunteer to Continental Village, so called, to Fishkill Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck & Redhook, Col
Page 34

Morley commanded the Regt. Noble Hine was Captain of the Company. How long I remained in the service at this time I am not able to say but it was probably something like three weeks. I do not distinctly recollect that Reuben Bronson was there in the service, but from his relation of Circumstances & occurences that took place on the occasion which I will recollect I am fully satisfied & have no doubt he was there 
I have just heard his declaration read so far as related to their two terms of Service and have no reason to doubt its [illegible] and further the deponent saith not Elisha Bostwick
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid and I certify that the said Elisha Bostwick sustains a good character for truth & is a credible witness
Nathaniel Perry Judge 
of the Court of Probate
for said district
Page 35

2/32/1
Huldah Bronson
$89,75 per an
N. Perry
New Milford
Con
Page 36

State of Connecticut
County of Litchfield} Ss:
On this 21st of June 1843 personally appeared before me Nathaniel Perry a Justice of the Peace within & for said County. Huldah Bronson a resident of New Milford in Litchfield County & State of Connecticut aged 84 years; who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3d March 1843 granting pensions to Widows of persons served during the Revolutionary War
That she is the Widow of Reuben Bronson who was a private & Sergeant in the War of the Revolution and was a pensioner under the Act of 1832. She therefore claims it unnecessary to state the particulars of his service or the Regiment or Regiment or Corps to which he belonged
She also declares that she received an annual pension at the rate Eighty Nine
Page 37

dollars & seventy five cents per annum under the last of July 7th 1838 the further declares that she is still a Widow 
her Huldah Bronson mark 
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year first above written Before me Nathaniel Perry Justice of Peace In presence of Clive H Heacocks I certify that the above named declareant is personally known to me to be the same person who received a pension as above stated under the act of July 7 1838 Nathaniel Perry Justice of Peace
Page 38

STATE OF CONNECTICUT. 
Lichfield County
ss. Lietchfield.
I Geo. Woodruff Assistant Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Nathaniel Perry [Esq?] is Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and by law authorized to administer Oaths and to take the acknowledgment of Deeds. And that his commission was dated on the 8th day of June A. D. 1843 and will expire on the 20th day of June, A.D. 1844
and that the proceeding signatures which purport to be his are genuine 
Given under my hand and the Seal of said Court this 23d day of June Geo. P. Woodruff Assistant Clerk
A.D. 1843
Page 39

STATE OF CONNECTICUT 
NEW-HAVEN COUNTY: 
COUNTY COURT Clerk's OFFICE:
SS.
I Jim Beack, Clerk of the County Court, within and for said County , and Keeper of the Seal thereof, and of the Commissions of Justices of Peace, within and for said County, hereby certify that Jim Beack Esq. is a JUSTICE OF PEACE within and for the said County, duly appointed Commissioner and sworn, with power to administer oaths and take the acknowledgment of Deeds: that his Commission is dated the 28 day of May A. D. 1838 and will expire on the twentieth day of June, A. D. 1839. That I am acquainted with his hand writing, and that the signature hereto annexed, purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and day of August A. D. 1838

Jim Beack     Clerk.
Page 40

State of Connecticut 
County & City of New Haven 
J Beck Hine a resident of said City aged sixty eight years being first duly sworn according to Law depon and say that I am the son of Abe Hine Ex formerly of New Milford (now) decd that I resided in said New milford till about two years ago when I moved to this city and have resided here, while I here at New Milford I had in my possession a great number of old books and papers that formerly belonged to my said father which I considered of little or no consequence after I removed to this place they were sent to me and I considered them of so little consequence that I suffered one box of them to remain out doors and the 2 papers & books in that box have all been lost or destroyed I have examined what papers & books belonging to my said father that yet remain in my possession and A can find no record of any marriages whatever and am satisfied that then are no such records among his papers remain
Page 41

-ing in my possession. I know my father occasionally officiated as a Justice in performing the marriage ceremony, 'I do not know whether he kept records of marriages when he officiated or not. If he did I have no doubt those records are Lost or destroyed
Beebe Hine
Sworn to and subscribed this 17th day of August 1838 before me and I certify that the said Beebe Hine is a credible witness.
J Beach Justice of Peace.
State of Connecticut
County of New Haven}
I Beebe Hine now of the City of New Haven being the Same Beebe Hine above named in addition to the above depositions further depose & say that I [illegible] & brought in the Town of New Milford in Litchfield County in 1? State of Connt. That I was born on the 27 day of Jany. 1770. That I was well acquainted from my youth with Reuben Bronson & Huldah Bronson his wife- her maiden name was Huldah Stetson. The deponent will recollect the time & fact of intermarriage between Said Reuben & Huldah. The deponent was then thirteen or fourteen years of age
Page 42

& the marriage afore took place in the year 1783 or 1784 deponent does not recollect which, but is confident it took place in one of those years- deponents father Abel Hine then a Justice of the Peace for Litchfield County residing in New Milford, married then this fact deponent knows only in the following manner. That the  same Reuben & Huldah lived about three quarters of a mile from my fathers home- That my father when he went away said he was going to marry them, & when he returned said he had married them, their marriage was a matter of public notenity, at that time among all the neighbours, I have known [illegible] Reuben & Huldah, was since who always liv.d together as husband & wife until his death 
Subscribed & Sworn to Beebe Hine
 this 17 Aug 1838
before me
J Beach Justice of peace
Page 43

New Milford (Con) Aug'16. 1838
Sir
I send herewith the declaration of Huldah Bronson an applicant for a Pension under Act July 7. 1838 together with the affidavit of Samuel Ovratt to prove her marriage The affidavit of J. W. Northrup Esq Town Clerk to prove there is no record of marriage & the Affidavit of Walter Booth to prove the time of her husbands death and  that she is a widow.
Please make returns to me
Your Ob. Servt.
N. Perry
Hon J. L. Edwards
Com of Pensions
Page 44

I Samuel Oriatt  of New Milford in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut aged Seventy five years, bring first duly Sworn according to Law, depose and say, that I was a soldier in the Army of the Revolution & am a Pensioner of the United States, that I returned home from the Army. After a service of three years, in the Spring of the year 1782, I went immediately on my return to reside in the family of Job Camp in said New Milford, with whom I continue to live two years from the Spring of 1782. Huldah Bronson the widow of Reuben Bronson decd. who was then unmarried and whose maiden name was Beardsley, resided in his father's family nearly opposite the house [the house crossed out] where I lived. the said Reuben Bronson and the said Huldah were married at her father's house during the time I lived with the said Job Camp, to wit, between the Spring of the Year 1782 and the Spring of the Year 1784. I cannot specify the day on which they were married, I was not at the wedding, but I attended their wedding party at her father's house about a week after they were married. I was married in October
Page 45

1783. the said Reuben Bronson and the said Huldah his present widow wee married in warm weather the year previous to my marriage they have one child nearly a year old when I was married. The said Huldah Bronson has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband the said Reuben Bronson and is still unmarried
Sam Oviatt
State of Connecticut
County of Litchfield
Probate District of New Milford Ss:
Sworn to and subscribed in Open Court before the Court of Probate for  said District this 10th day of August 1838
and I certify that the Said Samuel Oviatt is a credible witness
Nathaniel Perry Judge
of said Court
Page 46

I Joel W. Northrop of New Milford, County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut being first duly Sworn according to law, depose and say that I am and for several years past, have been Clerk of said town of New Milford. That I have thoroughly examined the records of said town for the marriage of Reuben Bronson & Huldah his present widow and can find no record of said Marriage and I am satisfied that the marriage of said Reuben Bronson is not on the Records of said town. I cannot tell the day on which the said Reuben Bronson died tho' I will recollect the fact, but not the exact time. I know that this evidence the sd. Huldah Bronson has remained a widow ever since the death of the said Reuben
Joel W. Northrop Clerk of sd
Town of New Milford
State of Connecticut
County of Litchfield
Probate District of New Milford Ss.
Sworn to and subscribed by the said Joel W. Northrop in open Court before the Court of Probate for said District this 10th day of August 1838
Nathaniel Perry Judge
of said Court
Page 47

I Walter Booth of New Milford, County of Litchfield & State of Connecticut aged 53 years being first duly sworn according to Law depose & say that I have for a great number of years resided in the immediate Neighborhood of Reuben Bronson up to the time of his death & since his death I have resided in the neighborhood of his Widow Huldah Bronson I was present at the time, or about the time he died. I saw him a short time before and soon after he had done breathing. He died on the 29th day of September 1835. I made a memorandum of his death on my book in the time of it. Huldah Bronson, his widow has remained a Widow ever since the decease of the sd. Reuben Bronson and is still unmarried
Walter Booth
State of Connecticut 
County of Litchfield
Probate District of New Milford Ss.
Sworn to, and subscribed in Open Court before the Court of Probate for said District this 13th day of August 1838 and I certify that the said Walter Booth is a credible Witness
Nathaniel Perry Judge
of said Court
Page 48

State of Connecticut
Probate District of New Milford Ss
I Noble S. Bennitt Clerk of the Court of Probate for said District do hereby Certify that the foregoing Contains the original proceedings of said Court in taking the affidavit of Samuel Oviatt, Joel W. Northrop and Walter Booth
In testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 13th day of August 1838
Noble. S. Bennitt Clerk
Page 49

New Milford Augt. 18th 1838
Sir
I send herewith the affidavit of Maj. Beebe Hine taken to be used for benefit of Huldah Bronson & Prudence Phillips [whose records crossed out] for the purpose of showing there is no record of their marriages kept by the Justice Abel Hine Esq who married them
Having been informed what Mr Hine would say on the subject I drew up his affidavit & sent to him for the purpose of proving the above facts
He has thought proper to add to the affidavit drawn up by me other facts to prove the marriage of Mrs. Bronson. He testifies as positively to the fact as any person can who did not see it. Yet I believe he is mistaken as to the time of the marriage because I think the facts stated by Mr. Oviatt show that he had the best means of knowledge, but I believe there can be no doubt but the marriage took place as early as the law requires
He is mistaken. I have no doubt, in the Maiden name of Mrs Bronson, yet I do not concur that, that is a very important fact whether her maiden name
Page 50

was Beardsley or Stilson. There is no doubt but Mrs. Bronson the present Widow of Reben Bronson is the same woman to whom Mr. Hine refers in his deposition. I do not concur there can be any doubts about this case the papers of Mrs Bronson & Mrs. Phillips was sent a few days ago
Very Respectfully Your
Obt. Servt.
N. Perry

Hon I. L. Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
Page 51

Adm
Admitted 
Julius B. Harrison
New Milford
ct
Page 52

Decleration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2d February 1848, entitled an act making further provisions for surviving widows and Soldiers of the Revolution.
State of Connecticut Litchfield County Ss New Milford May 16th. 1848
On this 16th day of May 1848, personally appeared before the subscriber Julius B. Harrison a Justice of the Peace in and for the Country aforesaid Huldah Bronson a resident of New Milford in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut aged 89 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth in her oath make the following declerations, in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed on the  2nd of February 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War, that she is the widow of Reuben Bronson who was a private Corporal and Sergeant during the War of the Revolution; That she was a pensioner under the act of 17th June 1844, at the rate of Eighty nine Dollars and seventy five cents per annum.
She further declares that she is still a widow, 
her Mark
Huldah X Bronson
Sworn and Subscribed to in the day and year above written.
Before Me- Julius B. Harrison  Justice of Peace
I further certify that the declarant above named is personally known to me, and is the identical person who drew a pension as stated in the foregoing decleration
Julius B. Harrison  Justice of Peace
Page 53

State of Connecticut.
I, JOHN B. ROBERTSON, Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and Keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby notify and make known to whom it doth or may concern, 
That Julius B. Harrison
is, and since the 20th day of June last past hath been a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Litchfield in said State duly appointed and commissioned, having full power and authority by the laws of said State to take the Acknowledgement of Deeds and to certify the same; also to administer Oaths, to take Affidavits and Depressions out of Court, and to give Certificates thereof; and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to his official acts and attestations.
And I further certify, That I believe the foregoing signature of the said Julius B. Harrison to be genuine!
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said State? at New Haven this 23d. day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty eight.
John B. Robertson
Secretary of State
Page 54

New Mildord Ct
May 3} 
for
Hon. J. L. Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Admd.
Pension Papers
Page 55

Reuben Bronson Con: act 7 June when each [illegible]?
G.M.
12 Sept. 1838
Died 30th. Sep. 1835 paid to that period
D. H.
Page 56

New Milford Con. May 3d 1833
Sir- I herewith send again the papers in support of the claim of Reuben Bronson for a pension. He has obtained some additional proof and sends the original minutes referred to in his declaration. Please make returns to me 
Your Obt. Serv't.
Nathaniel Perry

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Com of Pensions
Page 57

Connecticut 305
Huldal Bronson, 
widow of Reuben Bronson, dc.d
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7. June '32
and who died on the 29 Sept. 1835
of N. Milford in the State of Connecticut
who was a P[illegible] in the Company commanded by Captain Warren Regt commanded by __ in the Con
line for 20 mos & 7 dys
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut
at the rate of 89 Dollars 75 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Sept
38, and said N. Perry
New Milford, Con
Arrears to the 4th of Sept.     $224.37
Semi-annual allowance}  ending 44.87
Act July 7,
1838, 
Recorded by R Burgess Clerk
Book A. Vol. 1 Page 166
Page 58

Connecticut 2008
Huldah Bronson
widow of Reuben Bronson
who was a Private &c..
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
89 Dollars 75
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1843
Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day of Sepr. 1843
and sent to N. Perry
New Milford, Con
[Act of March 3, 1843]
Recorded in Book A.
Vol 1. Page 62,
Rep
Page 59

Please furnish information in regard to
Reuben Bronson New Milford Conn,
pensioner in 1832. Mail to
Mrs Wm F. Sleck (Sleck)
201 N. Main St.
Muncy,
Pennina.
For
Mrs George Shepherd
110 N. Main st
Muncy
Pennia
Jan. 25, 1939
Personal call
Page 60

703 West Ferry St.,
Buffalo, N. Y.,
July 25, 1938
Veterans Bureau
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Will you please send me a copy of the war record or pension of the following:
1. Huldah Beardsley Brownson which was allowed her on Aug. 9, 1838 for service during Revolution, of her husband Reuben Brownson. Residence, I believe New Milford, Conn.
2. Spicer Greene, born around 1780, who married Lydia- Residence presumably Kent County, Rhode Island
Page 61

3. Lydia Greene wife of Spicer of Kent County, Rhode Island
4. Aaron Arnold son of Noah and born in Glocester 1744 married Rhoda Hunt May 24, 1764
5. Rhoda Hunt Arnold wife of Noah Arnold of Glocester, Rhode Island
Thank you for reply,
[Mrs.] Grace S. Cole
Page 62

295 North Drive
Buffalo, New York
March 18, 1936
[stamp reads: RECEIVED
MAR 23 1936
MAIL SUB-DIV.
illegible APR 17]
Veterans Administration Office 
Washington, D. C.
To whom it may Concern:
I am writing to you concerning a relation of mine, a Reuben Brownson, who served in the Continental Army during the Revolution. I thought that if he had applied for a pension you might give me a little more information as to dates than I already have. I must have more dates than I have in order to become eligible to join the D. A. R's.
His birth date was June 10, 1761. He was born in New Milford, Conn; married to Huldah Beardslee, a daughter or sister of John Beardslee of New Mildord, Conn., and his children were Walter, Samuel, Fanny, and Rebecca. I do not know the date of his marriage, or his death. Neither do I know his wife's birth date nor death date. 
Any information which you may give me as to his rank and to dates concerning him or his family will be greatly appreciated.

Very truly yours
Hope M. Kerrigan
Mrs. Jos. M. Kerrigan
Page 63

August 12, 1938
Mrs. Grace S. Cole
703 West Ferry Street
Buffalo, New York
BA-J/AWF
Reuben Brownson
W. 25300
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to the following persons:
Huldah Beardsley Brownson who was allowed Pensions on account of the service of her husband, Reuben Brownson of New Milford, Connecticut;
Spicer Greene born around 1780, married Lydia, of Kent County, Rhode Island;
Aaron Arnold, son of Noah Arnold, born 1744 in Glocester, married Rhoda Hunt.
Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War and War of 1812 data and the limited trained clerical force available for furnishing such information, it is not possible to comply in full with each request which requires so much time and research.
You are furnished herein information in regard to Reuben Brownson and widow, Huldah, as found in papers on file in claim for pension, W. 25300, based on his service in the Revolutionary War.
Reuben Brownson (the name is found, also, ) was born June 10, 1761 in New Milford, Litchfield County, Connecticut. The names of his parents were not stated.
While residing in said New Milford, Reuben Brownson enlisted and served with the Connecticut troops, as follows-
Page 64

Captain Eleazer Warner's company, Colonel Benjamin Hinman's regiment; from August 7, 1777 to August 19, 1777 in Captain Noble Hine's company; from October 7, to October 30 1777 in Captain Noble Hine;s company, Colonel Moseley's regiment; from January 11, 1778, two months as Corporal in Captain Peter Mills' company; from sometime in October, 1779, about three months in Captain Noble Hine's company, Colonel Canfield's regiment; from April 1, 1780 as orderly Sergeant in Captain Nathan Chapman's company, Colonel Bazeleel Beebe's regiment, and was discharged January 1, 1781; from March 14, 1781, one month as Sergeant in Captain Gaylord's company; from July 25, 1781, three months as Sergeant in Captain Ebenezer Couch's company, Colonel Samuel Canfield's regiment.
The soldier, Reuben Brownson, was allowed pension on his application executed July 30, 1832, at which time he was a resident of New Milford, Connecticut.
He died September 29, 1835.
Reuben Brownson married July 21, 1782 in New Milford, Connecticut, Huldah. She did not give her maiden name, but there are statements made by two different parties, that her maiden name was Beardsley, also, that it was Stilson. There is no explanation given s to the use of these two names. The date and place of her birth were not given. They were married at the home of her father, names of her parents were not stated.
The widow, Huldah Brownson, was allowed pension on her application executed August 9, 1838, at which time she was sevently-nine years of age, and living in New Milford, Connecticut, where she was still living in 1848. She died May 17, 1853.
Reference was made to one of their children, who was about one year old in the month of October, 1783.
Page 65

3-
Names of the children of the soldier, Reuben Brownson, and wife, Huldah, were not designated.
Reference was made to Ensign Benjamin Bronson as serving during the Revolution; it was not shown that he was related to the soldier, Reuben Brownson (Bronson).
The papers on file in this claim contain no further discernible data in regard to family.
In order to obtain the name and address of the person who received the last payment of this pension, you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D. C., and furnish the following data-:
Huldah Bronson (as she was pensioned), widow of Reuben
Certificate #224
Issued June 16, 1848
Rate $89,75 per annum 
Commenced March 4, 1848
Act of February 2, 1848
Connecticut Agency.
Very truly yours
A.D.Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 66

April 13, 1936
Reuben Brownson-W.25300
BA-J/AWF
Mrs. Joseph M. Kerrigan
295 North Drive
Buffalo, New York
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Reuben Brownson of New Milford, Connecticut.
The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W.25300, based upon the service of Reuben Brownson during the Revolutionary War.
Reuben Brownson (the name also is found Bronson) was born June 10, 1761 in New Milford, Litchfield County, Connecticut. The names of his parents were not given.
While residing in New Milford, he enlisted and served with the Connecticut troops, as follow:
In the fall of 1776, one month as private in Captain Eleasor Warner's company, Colonel Benjamin Hinman's regiment; from August 7, 1777 to August 19, 1777 in Captain Noble Hine's company; from October 7 to October 30, 1777 in Captain Noble Hine's company, Colonel Moseley's regiment; from January 11, 1778, two months as Corporal in Captain Peter Mill's company; from sometime in October , 1779 about three months in Captain Noble Hine's company, Colonel Canfield's regiment; from April 1, 1780 as orderly Sergeant in Captain Nathan Chapman's company, Colonel Baseleel Beebe's regiment, and was discharged, January 1, 1781; from March 14, 1781, one month as Sergeant in Captain Gaylord's company; from July 25, 1781, three months as Sergeant in
Page 67

Captain Ebenezer Couch's company, Colonel Samuel Canfield's regiment.
Reuben Brownson was allowed pension on his application executed July 30, 1832, at which time he was a resident of New Milford, Connectict. He died September 29, 1835.
Reuben Brownson married July 21, 1782 in New Milford, Connecticut, Huldah. She did not give her maiden name, but there are statements made by two different parties,, that her maiden name was Beardsley, also that it was Stilson. they were married at her father's house, his name is not stated.
The widow, Huldah Brownson, was allowed pension on her application executed August 9, 1838, at which time she was aged seventy-nine years and living in New Mildord, Connecticut. She continued to live in said New Milford in 1848. She died May 16, 1853.
Reference was made to one of their children, who was about one year old in October, 1783; names of children were not given.
Reference was made to Ensign Benjamin Bronson as serving during the Revolution; it is not shown that he was related to the soldier, Reuben Brownson (Bronson).
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 68

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5-41
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
NAME Brownson, Roger GRADE Private
LINE Sheldon's Dragoons
Connecticut
WARRANT NUMBER 5524
ACREAGE  100
ISSUED June 26 1789
to James Percival
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-cocmmissioned 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.