Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 1706, John Brewer, New York
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New York  Brewer, John  W.1706
                              Mary
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3229
New York
John Brewer
of Chenango in the State of New York
who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Gray of the Regt. commanded
by Col. V'n Ve--er in the New York
line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 80 Dollars per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of march, 1831
Certificate of Pension issued the 14th day of Dec.
1832 and sent to WM Monroe
Plymouth

Arrears to 4th of Sep' 32                     $120
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4th '32       40
                                                            =====
                                                             $160

Revolutionary Claim, 
Act Jun 7, 1832
Recorded by Geo. C Stiles Clerk,
Book D Vol. 5 Page 146
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539
New York
========
Mary Brewer
widow of John Brewer
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
N.Y. Line
---------------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
80 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence  at
the 4th day of March, 1848
===================
Certificate of Pension issued the 
29th day of Mar. 1850.
and sent to 
Hon. H. Bennett
House of Reps
===================
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under --
July 29, 1848 page 69 vol.
Book A

Letter to Hon. H. Bennett
April 13, 1850 -
Duplicate Certificate 
issued Feb'y 21, 1851, sent
to Hon H. Bennett
Ho: of Reps
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No 6403

Jno Brown

Admitted
2 years
---------
80 $
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State of New York
county of Chenango
Sixth Circuit Court District

On this 13th day of August 1832 personally
appeared in open court before the Hon. Robert
Pronell vice chancellor of the sixth district court of the state of New York at a Court of Chaning held in said District said Court now sitting

John Brewer a resident of Plymouth in the 
County of Chenango and state of New York
aged 70 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 act of Congress passed Jun 7th 1832
The he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated-----
1st on or about the first of February 1777 he volunteered in the Militia Company commanded by Captain Silas Gray in Colonel Van Vecktens Regiment at Saratoga in the State of New York & continued in said company until the first of January 1778 when he was discharged at Saratoga aforesaid during this period he was employed in scouting to the northward of & in fortifying at Saratoga untill the approach of General Burgoynes army was at Saratoga during the siege of & at the surrender of Burgoyne after this event untill the time of his discharge he was employed as before & that he received a written discharge from Capt Gray.
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2d that on or about the first of March 1781 he enlisted at Saratoga aforesaid in Captain Wrights Company in Colonel Marinus Willetts Regiment of the New York Line for three years & served in said Regiment untill [sic] the time of its discharge which according to the best of his recolections [sic] was the last of May or first of June 1782 at Schenectada [sic] in the State of New York that while in this service he went north to fort Edward fort Ann, Wood Creek, fort George & Schroon Lake that he was in one skirmish near fort George that in the fall he went west to forts plain & Herkimer & continued there through the winter in the spring returned to Schenectada [sic] and was there discharged received a written discharge from Capt Wright that in addition to the above mentioned periods he was during the Revolutionary War frequently out in alarms in the Militia once six weeks and others less but cannot detail them particularly that he has no documentary evidence his house having been burnt about 13 years since and his discharges burnt in it.
That he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services except Seth Rowley who was his [illegible cross out] Sergeant which in Colonel Willetts Regiment & whose affidavit will accompany this declaration that he was born at Colabarack Westchester County State of New York in the year 1762 & is now 70 years of age, that he has no record of his age
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That he was living at Saratoga State of New York when called into service & during the whole Revolutionary war & untill the year 1790 removed to Cambridge Washington County State of New York & lived there untill the year 1808 he then removed to Plymouth Chenango County where he has since resided and where he now resides.
he hereby states the names of the following persons living in his neighbourhood to whom he is known & who can testify as to his character & belief of his services viz Silas Holmes Esgr, Robert Colwell & Col William Munroe.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of Any State.
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
[Signed] Robt Monell, his Chancellor
[Signed] John Brewer
The following questions were propounded by the Court to the applicant - 
First where and in what year were you born
Ans. he was born in the year 1782 in the month of August at the town of
Colabarack in the County of Westchester and State of New York
2d Have you any record of your age
Ans. has no record of his age nor never had
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3d Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live-
Ans. was living at Saratoga all the times he was called into service, and has since the Revolution lived in the town of Cambridge Washington and State of New York, and then moved into the town of Plymouth in the County of Chenango where he now lives and has lived for twenty four years-
4th How were you called into service were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a Substitute and if a Substitute for whom-
Ans. Volunteered in captains Grays Company and enlisted for one year and then Enlisted for three years.
Fifth, State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops when you were called into service such Continental and militia regiments as you can recollect and the General circumstances of your Services-
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Ans. That he knew General Gansevoort, and General Schuyler, and Col. Willet and Col. Van Vechten, Col Van Cortlandt, Col Van Schaick who were with the Troops when he served, does not recollect of any Continental Troops except those under the command of Gen. Sullivan & St. Clair recollects that there was a regiment commanded by Col. Van Woert a Militia regiment but general circumstances of my services are recollected only as stated in my declaration.
Sixth. did you ever receive a discharge and if so what has become of it.
Ans. That he did receive a discharge from Captain Silas Gray for the years services and that when I was discharged at the close of the war in my three years tour. I received a discharge from Captain John Wright and has lost them both by his house having been burnt and that they were burnt at that time.
Seventh State the names of some of the persons in your neighborhood who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your Services as a soldier of the revolution.
Ans. Col William Munroe, Silas Holmes Esq Robert Collwell of Plymouth Jerey Randall of Norwich General Thomson Mead, & Col John Randall of the same place
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He Col. William Munroe and Samuel Prentice of the town of Plymouth in the county of Chenango and state of New York and residing in the same place and Thomas Hadlock of Norwich same county thereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Brewer who has signed and subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and that we believe him to be seventy years of age and that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolutionary war and that we concur in that opinion. Wm. Monroe,
Samuel Prentice, Thomas Hadlock

Sworn & subscribed the day and year aforesaid. Robt. Monell, Vice Chanceller

And the said Court does hereby declare his office after the [illegible] prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and [illegible] as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to him that William Munroe, Sanuel Prentice, and Thomas Hadlock who have signed the preceeding certificate are resident as stated and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
Robt. Monell, Vice Chanceller

I Jonathan L. Woods, Clerk of the Court of Chancery of the sixth district of the state of New York do hereby certify that the [illegible] contains the original proceedings of the said court in the
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Matter of the application of John Brown for a pension.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 13th day of August 1832.
Jonathan Woods, Clk.
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State of New York, County of Chenango ss.
On this fifteenth day of March 1850, personally appeared before Smith M. Purdy, Judge of Chenango County Courts, Mary Brewer a resident of the town of Plymouth in said county of Chenango aged eighty three years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed July 29th 1848. John Brewer who was a private in the Revoutionary war and who drew a pension at the rate of eighty dollars per year.
She further declared that she was married to the said John Brewer in the war 1784. And that her husband the aforesaid John Brewer died on the 29th day of November 1846. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the second of January eighteen hundred viz. at the time above stated.
She further swears that she is now a widow. And that she has never before made an application for a pension. Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before. 
Mary Brewer - X her mark

Note. Word in above paper on the day of evan & evan or also May evan & November [illegible] before execution.
Smith M. Purdy, County Judge of Chenango County.
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I, Smith M. Purdy, Judge of Chenango County Court do hereby certify that Barbara Marcus is incapable from autending in open court and that she is presented by bodily infirmity and [illegible] from appearing before the Court.
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State of New York, Chenango County ss.
Olive Brewer being duly sworn depose and says that she is a daughter of John & Mary Brown aged thirty nine years, have always with the exception of a few weeks lived with her parents at home & still resided with her mother in Plymouth. That the paper or Record purporting to be a family Record is a Record of the family and has always been refered to as a Record of the family ever since the rememberance of this deponent which Record is hereto attached and is in my fathers hand writing. Olive Brewer

Sworn before me March 15, 1850.
Smith M. Purdy, County Judge of Chenango County

State of New York, Chenango County ss.
I, Nelson Pellet, Clerk of said county do certify that Smith M. Purdy is the County Judge in & for said county duly elected and qualified to act as such. The same being a Court of Record. And that his signature to the foregoing affidavit and certificate are genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said county this 16th day of March 1850.
A. Purdy, Dep Clerk
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Chenango County Ss.
I hereby certify that the declaiming was unable to appear in open court by reason of Extreme old age, and bodily infirmity.
Smith M Purdy, County Judge
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John Brewer was born aug the 23 1764
Mary Brewer born June the 27 1766
Jacob T. Brewer born Sept the 2 1784
Joseph D. Brewer born Apr the 24 1746
Henry Brewer born Dec the 2 1797
David Brewer Born Oct the 2nd 1790
Joel F. Brewer Born sept the 7 1791
Nancy Brewer born June the 16 1793
James Brewer born Feb the 19 1795
we can judge
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John Brewer nrj Born feb 23 1797
Zana Brewer born feb 19th 1799
Jesse L Brewer Born jan the 19 1800
Peter P Brewer Born June the 13 1803
Merit Brewer born April the 6 1805
Esther Brewer born June the third 1807
Polly Brewer Born Oct the 7 1808

Olive Brewer Born [illegible] 1811
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No. 1403
John Brewer
Not on roles of Cap Major [illegible] Gray
Committee
Acts for Rolls
Not found
William Monroe
Plymouth
Chenango Co.
N.Y.
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No 6403
Brief in the case of John Brewer of Plymouth County of Chenango in the State of New York
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Before a Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? Seventy years 70
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period. Entered the service on or about 1st February 1777 & was discharged 1st January 1778
Duration of Service. 11 Months
Rank. As a volunteer
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Col. VanVeckter, of New York troops, Capt. Silas Gray's Compy.
Period. Enlisted on or about 1st March 1781, and was discharged 1st June 1782
Duration of Service. 1 Year 3 months
Rank. Private
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Col. Marinus Willett, of New York line, Capt. Job Wrights compy.
Period. In addition to above was out on alarms 
Duration of Service. 1 month 15 days but cannot designate the periods particulars

5. In what battles was he engaged? In a skirmish New York George
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? At Saratoga, New York
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by rolls? By living witnesses as regards his service of 15 months; his tradition is supported by the belief on oath of 3 respectable citizens of the same town; the credibility of all is verified according to the regulations.
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? No ribrands

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Chas. G. Wilcox, Examining Clerk.

$2, L2677.10.9
1832.3.10
845.6.6
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Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
MCS:MLB

July 7, 1930
Mrs. Leland Brewer Bonnett
32 Crescent Terrace
Brooklyn, New York

Dear Madam:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 1706, it appears that John Brewer was born August 23, 1764, at Colabarack, Westchester County, New York.

While a resident of Stillwater, Saratoga County, New York, he served as private with the New York troops, as follows:
From about the first of February, 1777 until the first of January, 1778, in Captain Silas Gray's Company, in Colonel Van Vechten's Regiment; was in the battle of Bemis Heights, in the siege of Saratoga and at the surrender of Burgoyne.

From January, 1778 until 1781 he served various short tours during alarms, length of service not given, was under Captains Ephraim Woodworth, Cornelius Baldwin, Peter Van Vort, Hezekiah Dunham, Washburn and Sherwood. He was in a skirmish near Fort George.

From about March, 1781, nine months in Captains Holt Dunham's and Silas Gray's Companies, in Colonel Marinus Willett's Regiment. Immediately after the expiration of the last noted service, he enlisted and served until May or June, 1782 in Captains Job Wright's and Peter B. Tearee's Companies, in Colonel Marinus Willett's Regiment.

His brothers, Henry and Jacob, and father, Henry Brewer, also served during the Revolution. They died prior to 1832.

It is also stated that John Brower was called out about September 1, 1812 and served three months as a private under Lieutenant Colonel Thompson Mead, in the 17th Regiment of New York Militia; was in the battle of Queenstown.

John Brewer moved to Cambridge, Washington County, New York in 1790, and to Plymouth, Chenango County, New York, in 1808.
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He was allowed pension on his application executed August 13, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Plymouth, New York.

He died November 29, 1846, or April 29, 1847.

The soldier married in 1784, Mary, whose maiden name is not stated and who was born June 27, 1766.

She was allowed pension on her application executed March 15, 1850, at which time she was living at Plymouth, New York.

It was stated that John and Mary Brewer had sixteen children, twelve sons and four daughters. The following names are shown:
Jacob T.   born  September 2, 1784
Joseph D.  " [born] April 24, 1786
Henry  " [born] December 2, 1787
David  " [born] October 20, 1790
Joel F.  " [born] September 7, 1791
Nancy  " [born] June 16, 1793
James W.  " [born] February 19, 1795
John Jr.  " [born]  February 25, 1797
Zana  " [born] February 19, 1799
Jesse L.  " [born] January 19, 1800
Peter P. " [born]  June 13, 1803
Merit  " [born] April 6, 1805
Esther  " [born]  June 18, 1807
Polly  " [born] October 7, 1808
Olive  " [born] November 18, 1811

Very truly yours

E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner

[Page #] -2-
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John Brewer, Chenango Co. Albany Agency
4   Act 7 June 1832    $80 p an

To what time was he last paid
Pension Office  RCA
March 22 1850  Ans. To his death April 29 1847
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State of New York
County of Chinango

Personally, came before me Nathanial F. Dunton justice of the peace of the town of Sherburne in the said County. Thomas Higgins of the town of Sherburne aforesaid and to me personally known and being duly sworn, makes oath and saith that he is eighty-one years old, and that John Brewer who is here present is personally known to this deponent and has been for fifty-nine years last past and that the said John Brewer now lives in the town of Plymouth in said county, and this deponent further saith that in the year 1777 at the time this deponent enlisted in the Batteau service  under Captain John Varnham, the said John Brewer was then a soldier under Capt. Silas Gray, who was at the building of the blockhouse at Palmertown in the county of Saratoga & that this deponent was well acquainted with the said John Brewer through the whole siege of Burgoyne after said siege [illegible crossout] lived in the same neighbourhood with the said John Brewer and was knowing to his being subject to, and out in every draft which was frequent - in the year 1780 when fort Ann was taken which was under the command of Capt. Sherrard and fort George was taken in the same year the said John Brewer was out - Several times - after this there was no garrison kept above the said Blockhouse in Palmertown, and there were frequent alarms, and the militia were called out & commanded by Ephraim Woodworth, Capt. Baldwin Van Wort & Hezekiah Dunham after words Major, and Capt. Washburn. In the spring of the year 1781 this deponent was knowing to the said John Brewer's enlisting under Captain Holt Dunham for the term of nine months in Col. Willets Regiment of Infantry and of his having served in the said regiment the said term of nine months, and this deponent states that the Tories who caused the frequent alarms above mentioned were broke up in the summer of 1781 and their Leaders - Thomas Lovlan and his party were taken, & Lovlan was hung & his party kept in confinement. Harris another leader was kept in confinement his party escaped, and Morrill & his party crossed the north river, shot Col. Younglove and were pursued to the green
(Hon W Mason, H.R.)
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[to the; is crossed out] mountains and escaped and this deponent further states that the said John Brewer at the end of the said nine months service enlisted under Captain Job Wright in the three years service and went up the Mohawk River and returned to Schenectada and was discharged at the close of the war and this deponent further saith that he was acquainted with Jacob Brewer brother of the said John Brewer who was also in the said Capt Wrights Company and this deponent was also acquainted with Henry Brewer Father of the said John Brewer and also Henry Brewer Jun. who were always true men and suffered for the cause of their country and that the said John Brewer is now the only surviving son of the said Henry Brewer
[Signed] Thomas Higgins
Subscribed and sworn this 27th day of April 1836 before me [Signed] Nathaniel F Dunton Justice Peace
on the 1st Page in 11th line 'Capt.' in 16th line "Subject" 25th line "Brewer" in 30th line "broke" and on 2 page in 7th line "with" were all inserted before signing
[Signed] Nathaniel F Dunton J.P.
This may certify that Mr Thomas Higgins is a man of truth and veracity and his name can be Depended upon
[Signed] Nathaniel F Dunton J.P.
[Signed] Charles G. Otis Justice Peace
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1st line [illegible]
in 30th line "broke" and on 2 page in 7th line "with" were a before signing.
Nathaniel F. Dunton J.P.

This may certify that Mr. Thomas Higgins is a man and veracity and his name can be depended upon.
Nathaniel

State of New-York, Chenango County Clerk's Office, ss.
I, Perez Randall, Clerk of the county of Chenango, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the said county, do hereby certify, that Nathaniel F. Dunton Esquire, was on the 27th day of April 1836 a Justice of the Peace, in and for said county, duly commissioned and sworn, and that full faith and credit are to be given to his acts in that capacity: And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe the signature to the annexed affidavit to be his proper hand writing.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of the said county, and subscribed my name this 29th day of April 1836.
P. Randall Clk
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John Brewers Papers
Hon M. Mason
H. R.
New York
Dec 7th
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State of New York
Jefferson County Ss. Jonathan Carr of the Town of Philadelphia in the County of Jefferson, being duly sworn doth depose and say, that he is Seventy Eight years old and upwards, that he has been acquainted with John Brewer (now residing in the town of Plymouth in the County of Chenango and State of New York) for more than sixty years last past. That he was well acquainted with said Brewer during the Revolutionary war, and knew him well in the year 1777 during Burgoyne Campaigns. That he knows that the said Brewer enlisted and served as a private soldier under Silas Grey, Captain, nearly the whole of the year 1777. That the said Brewer was frequently called out on alarms, under Ephraim Woodworth Capt. Cornelius Baldin, Capt. Peter Van Wort, Capt. Cyer Dunham Capt. and one Capt. Washburn between the year 1777, and 1781 but called out more frequently during the year 1780, on alarms by reason of one Thomas Loveless and one Harris and one Morrell who were leaders of the Tories and caused considerable alarm among the people; that during all these alarms the said Brewer lived in the town of Stillwater in the County of Saratoga and it was there that the said Brewers service was performed.
That the said Brewer in the year
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1781, enlisted as a private soldier under Holt Dumham Capt. for nine months and served during that time under said Dumham and that said service was preformed in Saratoga County aforesaid. That in said year (1781) the said Thomas Loveless was taken as a spy and hung and his party sent to Albany. That said Harrass another leader of the tories, and said Morrell came with their party across the Hudson River and shot Col. Younglove and one of the escaped, this was in the year last aforesaid.
That after the said Brewer had served his nine months and the said Dumham, he the said Brewer in the same year (1781) enlisted under Job Wright Capt. and marched up the Mohawk River and in the spring of 1782 at the close of the war, the said Brewer was discharged. That he was well acquainted with Jacob Brewer the brother of the said John Brewer that they both enlisted at the same time under the said Job Wright Capt. and were both discharged at the same time. That the said John Brewer had two brothers and that he is the only one now living, that he now lives in Plymouth in the County of Chenango and state of New York. And further this deponent saith not.
Jonathan Carr

Subscribed and sworn before me this 7th day of October 1836
Marinus W. Gilbert, Justice Peace
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both discharged at the same time. That the said John Brewer had two brothers and that he is the only one now living, that he now lives in Plymouth in the County of Chenango and state of New York. And further this deponent saith not.
Jonathan Carr

Subscribed and sworn before me this 7th day of October 1836
Marinus W. Gilbert, Justice Peace

I certify that the above named Jonathan Carr is a man of truth and veracity and fully entitled to credibility.
M.W. Gilbert, Justice Peace

State of New York, Jefferson County Clerk's Office ss
I Peley Bruchard Clerk of said county do certify that Marinus W. Gilbert Esquire before whom the annexed affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same a Justice of the peace in and for said county, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorised to take the same, and further that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the same to be genuine.
Witness my hand and seal of office this seventh date of October in the year 1836. 
P. Bruchard, Clerk
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State of New York, Chenango county ss
Seth Romley of the town of Norwich in the said county of Chenango being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that he was acquainted with John Brewer, in the year 1780. That he became acquainted with him in the month of March in said year. That the said Brewer was a private soldier in the company commanded by Captain Job Wright, and in the regiment commanded by Colonel Marinus Willett of the New York line. That the said John Brewer, served in the said regiment, to my personal knowledge, from March 1780 until the month of May 1782. When he was discharged at Schenectady in the state of New York. And that the said John Brewer
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State of New York, Chenango County ss
I Jarvis K. Pike Clerk of said county do certify that Ralph Johnson Esq. before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same a Commissioner of Deeds in and for said county and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his genuine hand writing and signature.
Witness my hand and seal of office this 16th day of August 1832
P.B. Prindle, Dep. Clk.
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State of New York, County of Chenango ss
We, the undersigned, have been personally acquainted with Mr. John Brewer of Plymouth, in the county aforesaid, who is an applicant for a pension under the Act of Congress passed in 1832, for more than twenty years. And do hereby certify that on or about the first of September 1812, the said John Brewer, being about 50 years of age, volunteer as a private soldier, to go on to the Northern Frontier of this state, in the 17th regiment of the Militia of said state, under the command of the undersigned for the term of three months, and continued in said regiment until he was honorably discharged. We further certify that the said John Brewer to our personal knowledge, was at the Battle of Funnaton, and performed his duty like a brave soldier. And we further certify that during the time we have been acquainted with said Brewer, he has always sustained the character of a man of integrity and true morality.
Norwich, Chenango County August 15, 1832
Thompson Mead Leut Col Comander
John Randall 1st Major said regiment
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John Brewer Dec 14. N.Y.

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pension

Hon. Wm. Mason H.R.
Page 34

Washington H.R. Decemb. 14th 1835

Sir
Enclosed is a supplementary affadavit of John Brewer a revolutionary soldier who has once drawn a pension, but it has been suspended. I am in [illegible] to enquire at the pension office, the reasons of such suspension, and whether the enclosed affadavit is sufficient to remove the obstacles, that pursuant his pension being continued. Mr. Brewer is a resident of the town of Plymouth, Chenango County, N.Y. and is a very worthy old man whose statements are entitled in my estimation to the fullest credit.
Yours very respectfully William Mason

Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 35

June 27
Jm-at- NY

John Brewer
im. attention

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Hon. W. Mason H.R.
Page 36

Washington, H.R. June 25, 1836
Sir
Enclosed is the answer of the [illegible] of the state of N. York, to my enquiries, with regard to records [illegible] the case of John Brewer, it seems by this answer that a list of Col. Willets Regiment & Capt. Job Wrights company in which Mr. Brewer alledges that he served was sent to the pension office some two or three years since, I wish on examintion to be had, and the result, communicated to me, that I may answer the various enquiries of the old man and his [illegible.

I am very respectfully yours
Wm Mason

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Page 37

May 9
N.Y.
John Brewer

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D C

Hon. W. Mason H.R.
Page 38

Washington. H.R. May 9th 1836
Sir,
Enclosed is a paper containing some further evidence in favour of the right of John Brewer to a pension. He is well known to me, and is a very worthy man, declining fast with age and infirmaties, that he served his county, as he states, I have no manner of doubt, for I esteem him as a man of strictest truth and veracity. His case excites so much interest, in my section of country that I am extremely anxious, that it should again be examined with care and if possible, to have him restored to a pension to which I think he is justly entitled. He resides in Chenango county, N.Y.
I am verry respectfully your obedt. Servt.
Wm Mason

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 39

Hon. William Mason
Member of Congress
Washington
Page 40

Secretary's Office
Albany June 16, 1836
Sir,
Your second letter to the Secretary of State in relation to John Brewer, who is said to have served in Capt. Job Wrights company in Col. Willetts Regiment of levies in the revolutionary war, was received some days ago. In the absence of the Secretary I have to state in answer that there is no roll or list in this office of the soldiers who served in the levies. The officers were appointed by the Gov. and Council of Appointment and of course their names are here of course. A list of them was sent to the pension office some two or three years ago. Wm Luce of that office knows that we have no list of the privates of the militia or levies. When your first letter on this subject was received I searched the records of grants in this office. I also examined the Surveyor General's office among the Class Right papers but did not find the name of John Brewer in either place.
I am very respectfully Your Ob. Servant
Archd Campbell, Dept. Secretary

Hon. Wm Mason
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J.E. Heath Esq.
Dr. Sir
A certificate for a pension was granted to Mrs. Mary Brewer of Plymouth, N.Y.
I sent it to her. She has never received it. Cannot a new one issue. This is [illegible] to be found in the P. office in dead letter office, or any where. I ask for a duplicate & that it may be issued immediately.
Respecfully yours
H. Bennett
Page 42

Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Sir,
I have received a pension certificate for Mrs. Mary Brewer. She being absent, & some mistake or blunder, I have no line or direction, where or to whom to send it. Did I enclose any [illegible] with the papers & can you tell me from where I received these papers!
Respectfully H. Bennett
Page 43

Sundy 16th July 1851
H. Bennet Esq.
Dear Sir
Is it possible for you to do anything to hasten the forwarding of old Mrs. Mary Brewers pension certificate. I have great anxiety in procuring it as soon as psosible as I fear the old lady will not live but a short time and should I not receive it before her death I shall [illegible] all that I have done. Will you do me the favour to make personal application for it. I think you will get it at once by so doing. She is now sick and may die but I hope she will hang on a short time to enable me to procur the certificate. I wrote to you before that Esq. Ballou the Port Master of Plymouth informed me that a letter came to his office for Mary Brewer which was mailed at Washington was not called for & returned to Washington.
I dont hear from you nor friend Chandler this winter - [illegible] is the reason. Can not you have time or do you regret writing to a barn burner. Tel Chandler that a week from
Page 44

from next Saturday we have a cause to nominate town officers and he must come home to vote with us against the clique. We shall beat them but we desire to do it so effectually, that the [illegible] will not again being there into action. We shall run Judge York against the combined power of Purdy, Andrew & Chandler. They must be floored. G_d speed all travellers and as  our said Gods will be done.
It is rumored that James L. Edwards is about to open an agency office to aid in procuring pensions. Is this so. Ask Abel if he could not procur something for me on account of the services of my father Major Samuel Carr.
What has been done with the petition which I sent more than a year ago. Has it been acted on or what has been done on the subject. Chandler may know.
Please write to me and where [illegible] a document or a ream or two of Stealings. I have no doubt would [illegible] safe. Nothing of importance.
Yours James M. D. Carr
Page 45

State of New York, County of Chenango ss
James M.D. Carr being duly sworn says that he was employed by Mary Brewer to draw her papers and present them to the War department for a pension on account of the services of her late husband. And that the papers were duly mailed and [illegible] to the Hon. Henry Bennet, member of Congress from the county aforesaid. About one year ago, since which time this deponent has been unable to learn any thing from there until within a few days the Hon. H. Bennet informed this deponent by letter that said Mary Brewers claim had been allowed by the department and mailed to the said Mary Brewer at Plymouth in April last (1850). And deponent says that on receipt of Mr. Bennets letter he called upon Mary Brewer and also upon the family of said Mary and they all informed this deponent that they had never received said certificate. Neither had they ever heard that one was ever sent to the said Mary & that no money had been drawn upon said certificate as mentioned in the one sent to Plymouth or on any other one ever issued by the department. And deponent further says that he has never received any certificate neither has he any knowledge
Page 46

of one having been issued but if a certificate was ever in the port office of Plymouth, for the benefit of Mary Brown. It is unknown to this deponent and believes it was unknown said Mary Brown or any of her family.
James M. D. Cau
Seen before me
January 17 1851
N. Pillit Cleft Chenango

I certify that I mailed Pension Certificate of Mary Brown directed to her at Plymouth, Chenango, as is stated in the foregoing affidavit. [illegible]
it here state March 28, 1850, not having been received - I respectfully ask for a new certificate to lent to her - Jan. 22, 1851. Truly H. Bennett

for certificate Hon. H Bennett
H of R
Page 47

John Brewers
Supplementary Affidavit

Hon. Wm. Mason H.R.
Page 48

State of New York, Chenango County
John Brewer of the town of Plymouth in said county being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that in the month of February 1777 he volunteered as a private soldier in Capt. Silas Gray's Company of Militia. That the volunteer company was composed from the regiment commanded by Col. Van Vechten then at Saratoga. That after he volunteered he was put under the command of Maj. Dan Schaick. That he was immediately ordered to Palmerstown in the county of Saratoga, N.Y. where he was employed in building a block house for the protection of the frontier inhabitants and remained there three months. That he was then employed under the command of Gen Schuyler in scouting and guarding the frontier and was so employed until the surrender of St. Clair. That the army of Gen. Schuyler then retreated to the Mohawk. The country was then laid waste and Gen. Schyuler was engaged in ordering out those who
Page 49

were disaffected. And in assisting and encouraging those who were disposed to join the standard. That among the disaffected families who were removed was one of the name of Fairchild who lived on Jesups Patent. That deponent continued in this service constantly engaged until Gen. Gates took command of the Army when they removed back to Bemus Heights, Saratoga. Gen. Gates headquarters were then at the house of Capt. Ephraim Woodworth. They were then ordered to build a heavy breast work north of the headquarters. That farther north at a place called the School House Hill was annother breast work. That when the latter was finished the enemy were within a mile, engaged in throwing up a smoke breast work. And soon after the battle of the 18th Sept. commenced, and Col. Morgan with his riflemen routed the enemy, that deponent was engaged in the action. After the termination of the action, deponent was still engaged as a priate soldier until the 7th or 8th of October. That he was present at the
Page 50

surrender of Burgoyne, and saw him when he was taken to Gen. Gates quarters. That the greater part of the army then received their discharge and went home. That deponent remained until January 1778 and was then discharged by Silas Gray in writing, which discharge was destroyed by the burning of his house, some sixteen years since. That deponent had a father and two brothers engaged in the same service for the greater part of the time, who have been dead more than twenty years. That immediately after their discharge, they took possession of the little property that remained. That he was afterward occasionally called out in sudden alarm from time to time until the close of the war. That in the spring of 1780, general orders were issued. That every fourth man should turn out to protect the frontiers on the west side of the Hudson. At the Block House at Palmerstown and at Fort Ann then commanded by Capt. Sherwood & Lieut. Baldwin. That classes were found for six weeks service each. That deponent went in
Page 51

one of these classes under the command of Capt. Sherwood at Fort Ann. Served six weeks and returned home. That his brother went in the succeeding class when Caralton came from Canada and took the fort. His brother was taken prisoner to Canada & did not return until the close of the war. That during this time, three parties of Tories were sent from Canada, one commanded by Thomas Lovelace, one by Harris, & the other by Morrill, who set fire to several buildings and committed other devastation to the great alarm and terror of the inhabitants. That in the year 1781, while deponent was in the service, Lovelace was taken and hung. And a few days after there was an alarm that Harris & his party were out. Harris was taken and his party escaped. Harris was sent to Albany. Another alarm was raised by Morrill who crossed the Hudson in the night and shot Col. Younglove in his bed. He was purused by the scouts among whom was deponent to the Green Mountains, but escaped with his whole party. That in March 1781, there was a call for him months
Page 52

men. Under that call deponent volunteered for nine months in Capt. Holt Dunham's Company in Col. Willet's regiment. That this deponent in his declaration on file in the War Department, by mistake, stated that he enlisted at this time in Capt. Wrights company. That he served under Capt. Dunham until some time in the summer of 1781 when Lovelace was hung. When Dunham was imprisoned in irons for some act of treason, then Capt. Silas Gray, before mentioned, then took the command. Under whom deponent served until December of that year and then enlisted in Capt. Job Wright's company above mentioned for the term of three years and served until the army was discharged. That they marched up to Fort Stanwise and during the winter there was a call for volunteers to go to the fort at Oswego. That deponent went as a volunteer under Capt. Peter B. Pierce. Shortly after his return, removed to Schenectady and continued there until he received his written discharge which was lost at the burning of his home above mentions. 
John Brewer

Sworn & subscribed before me this 25th day of Sept. 1835 by me
Smith M. Purdy, first Judge of Chenango County Court
Page 53

We the undersigned having been personally acquainted with the above named John Brewer for a great number of years past, have no hesitation is saying that we believe him to be a man of strict integrity, honesty and veracity. That we have no doubt, that he was an active have and heroic soldier of the Revolution. And that his statement is entitled to full and implicit credit.
John Tracy
Smith M. Purdy
Henry Mitchell M.C.
Charles York, Judge &c.
John F. Hubbard, State senator
John Clapp, District [illegible], the head Judge Chenango County
Jocob Robinson, Sheriff of Chenango Co.
Saml. S. Randall, Counsellor at Law
D.E.S. Bedford, County Treasurer
Page 54

P. Randall, Clk of Chenango County
State of New York, Chenango County Clerks Office ss,
I hereby certify that Smith M. Purdy Esq. before whom the annexed and foregoing affidavit was taken, was at the time of taking the same first Judge of the County Court of said County and duly authorized to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge and verily believe the signature thereto to be genuine.
Witness my hand and the seal of said county this 19 day of October 1835.
P. Randall, Clk.
Page 55

State of New York, Cattaraugus County SS.
Jacob T. Brewer being duly sworn by and before me Jasper Andrews a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly authorised by law to admininster oaths deposeth and saith that he was sixty five years of age on the second day of September last past and that he is the son of John and Mary Brewer and that they have lived together as husband and wife since my remembrance until the time of my fathers death which took place almost three years ago and they had sixteen children, twelve sons & four daughters. At the time of my birth my parents resided in Stillwater, Saratoga County, New York and removed from there to Cambridge Washington County same state and from there to Plymouth Chenango County, New York where he died and my mother has remained a widow since my fathers death.
Jacob T. Brewer

Sworn and subscribed before me this 8th day of November 1849. Jasper Andrews J.P.

State of New York, County of Cattaraugus ss.
I, F.E. Bailelet, Clerk of the County Courts in and for said county, do certify that Jasper Andrews Esq. is a Magistrate as above, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of office, and subscribed my name this 16th day of Nov. 1849.
F.E. Baillet, Clerk
Page 56

No 633
Mary Brewer wid of John 
NY
Act 29 July 1848
Married before 1850
Husb Decd 1847
Ad mo $80.00
pen 4 March 1848

Hon. H. Bennett House of Reps

633 Mary Brewer
Declaration
Page 57

War Department 
Pension Office
Dec.8.1836
Sir,
The affidavit of Jonathan Carr in relation to the revolutionary services of John Brewer has been examined. The additional evidence in this case has been deemed sufficient to authorize the continuance of Mr. Brewer's pension at the rate he was first allowed. The Pension Agent at Albany has therefore been directed to resume payment accordingly.
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Your Obet. Servt. J. L. Edwards

Hon. William Mason
House of Representatives
Page 58

Norwich, New York
July 25, 1934

Veteran's Administration
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sirs;
Wish the Revolutionary service of Nathan Bennet who served in the Massachusetts militia and received a pension in Chenango County, New York. Also service of John Brewer who served in New York state and received a pension in Chenango County, New York.
Very truly yours,
(Miss) Phyllis Evans
12 Front Street
Norwich, New York

Received Jul 27 1934
Page 59

Brooklyn, N.Y.
April 4, 1930
Pension Office
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen
Will you kindly
send me a copy of the Pension issued
to Mary Twist Brewer, the widow
John Brewer who served as a private 
in Col. Willets regiment
during the Revolutionary War.
I wish to use this information
on my childrens applications for
membership in the
C.A.R.
Thanking you for your kindness
Yours sincerely
Irene W. Bonnett
Mrs. Leland Brewer Bonnett
32 Crescent Terrace
Brooklyn
n.y.
[stamp]PENSION IFFICE U.S. APR 7 1930
Page 60

800 W. Burlington St
Fairfield Iowa July 21'[illegible]
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir

Will you please give me the
Military History of one John Brewer, who
was a soldier of the Revolution, from
Plymouth Chenango Co N.Y.
He was born Aug 23, 1764, died Nov. 29 1846
His wife Mary Brewer received a pension as
his widow
She was born June 27 1766 died Apr. 5 1851
Respectfully
Mrs Merritt Borton.
Ack
[stamp] JUL 28 1911 PENSION H JUL
Page 61

Dec 11 96 To Miss
rie L Watkins
┃ Cooper town NY
see Jno. 12775
1911 July 31. To Mrs Merritt Barton
1930 July 7" " Leland B. Bonnett M.C.S.
1934, Nov. 28. Hist to Miss
Phyllis Evans M.C.S.

Revy  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 1706
Mary Brewer,
Widow
John Brewer,
Pri Rev. War
Act July 29. 1848.
Index: - Vol. A, Page 81
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Car
Page 62

November 29, 1934
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Miss Phyllis Evans
Norwich, New York
Nathan Bennett, S. 15325
John Brewer, W. 1706
BA-J/MLB [illegible handwriting]
Dear Madam: 
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Nathan Bennet who served from Massachusetts, and of John Brewer who served from New York State, both of whom were pensioned while residents of Chenango County, New York.
Their records are furnished herewith.
Very truly yours
A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 63

November 28, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MOS
John Brewer, W. 1706
Miss Phyllis Evans
12 Front Street
Norwich, New York
Dear Madam:
The data which follow (sic) were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, W. 1706, based upon the military service of John Brewer.
He was born August 23, 1764, at Calabarack, Westchester County, New York.
While a resident of Stillwater, Saratoga County, New York, he served as private with the New York troops as follows:
From about the first of February, 1777, until the first of January, 1778, in Captain Silas Gray's company in Colonel Van Vechten's
Regiment, and was in the battle of Bemis Heights, in the siege of Saratoga and at the surrender of Burgoyne.
From January, 1778, until 1781 he served various short tours during alarms, length of service not given. was under Captains Ephraim
Woodworth, Cornelius Baldwin, Peter Van Vort, Hezekiah Dunham, Washburn and Sherwood, and was in a skirmish near Fort George.
From about March, 1781, nine months in Captains Holt Dunham's and
Silas Gray's companies in Colonel Marinus Willett's regiment.
Immediately after the expiration of the last noted service, he enlisted and served until May or June, 1782, in Captains Job Wright's
and Peter B. Pearce's companies in Colonel Marinus Willet's regiment.
His brothers, Henry and Jacob, and father, Henry Brewer, also served during the Revolution. They died prior to 1832.
It was also stated that John Brewer was called out about September
1, 1812, and served three months as private under Lieutenant Colonel Thompson Mead in the 17th Regiment of New York Militia and was in the
battle of Queenstown.
Page 64

John Brewer moved to Cambridge, Washington County, New York.
In 1790, and to Plymouth Chenango County, New York, in 1808.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 13,
1832, at which time he was a resident of Plymouth, New York.
He died November 29, 1846, or April 29, 1847.
The soldier married in 1784, Mary, whose maiden name was not
stated. She was born June 27, 1766.
She was allowed pension on her application executed March 15, 1850, at which time she was living at Plymouth, New York.
It was stated that John and Mary Brewer had sixteen children.
twelve sons and four daughters. The following names were shown:
Jacob T. born September 2, 1784
Joseph D. " born April 24, 1786
Henry " December 2, 1787
David " October 20, 1790
Joel F. " September 7, 1791
Nancy " June 16, 1793
James W. " February 19, 1795
John, Jr " February 23, 1797
Zana " February 19, 1799
Jesse L." January 19, 1800
Peter P. " June 12, 1803
Merit " April 6, 1805
Esther " June 18, 1807
Polly " October 7, 1808
Olive " November 18, 1811

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assis
Page 65

Record Division.
July 31, 1911.
Mrs. Merritt Barton,
600 West Burlington Street,
Fairfield, Iowa.
Madam:

In reply to your letter dated the 21"" and received the 24"" instant,
you are advised that from the papers in claim Wid. File No. 1706, it
appears that John Brewer was allowed pension on his application executed
August 13, 1832, while a resident of Plymouth, Chenango County, New York.
where moved
He was born at Colabarack, West Chester County, New York, August 28,
1764, and resided at Saratoga, New York, when he enlisted February 1, 1777,
as private in Captain's  Silas Gray's company   and Colonel Van Vechten's New York
regiment, , was at the siege of Saratoga and surrender of Burgoyne, and served
until January 1, 1778.
Between 1778 and 1781, he was called out on various alarms under Captains
Sherwood, Ephraim Woodworth, Cornelius Baldwin, Peter Van Voort,
Hezekiah Durham and Washburn.
Enlisted May Mar 1, 1781, and served under Captains Holt Durham, Silas
Gray and Job Wright, and Colonel Marinus Willett, until June 1, 1782,
when he was discharged at Schenectady, New York
His brothers Henry and Jacob, and father Henry Brewer, all deceased
prior to 1822, engaged in the same service.
It is also stated that John Brower, was called out about September
1, 1813, served three months as a private under Lieut. Colonel Thompson Mead
Page 66

Wid. File No. ,1706--2
in the 17th regiment New York Militia in the War of 1812. bat. Queenstown
Soldier married in 1784, Mary, born June 27, 1766; he died November 29, 1846, and she was allowed pension on her application executed
Apr 29 47
March 15, 1850, while a resident of Plymouth aforesaid. The date of her
death is not shown.
Their children were:
Jacob T. born September 2, 1784
Joseph D. " born April 24, 1786
Henry " December 2, 1787
David " October 20, 1790
Joel F. " September 7, 1791
Nancy " June 16, 1793
James W. " February 19, 1795
John, Jr " February 23, 1797
Zana " February 19, 1799
Jesse L." January 19, 1800
Peter P. " June 12, 1803
Merit " April 6, 1805
Esther " June 18, 1807
Polly " October 7, 1808
Olive " November 18, 1811
16 Had 12 sons 4 dau
Very respectfully,
acting Commissioner