Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 38,571, James Bruster, Va.

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Service                                           Number

Va.    Bruster, James                     S38,571

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26763
Kentucky

James Bruster
of Mercer Co in the State of Kentucky
who was a private in the coser [?] commanded
by Captain Cora [?] of the regt. commanded
by Col Boyd in the Virginia
line for 3 Moh [?] for a [?]
 3 " " " Cavalry

Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky
at the rate of 22 Dollars 0[illegible]0 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of May
1834 and Geo of
Waugh [?] Harrodsburg
Arrears to the 4th of March 67.50
Semi-anl. allowance ending [illegible] 11.25
$78.75
                   
Revolutionary Claim
Act June 7,1832                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Recorded by [illegible] Boyd Clerk
Book [?] Vol. [?] Page 36

Fee letter to Hon. G. Tomkins [?] on [crossed out]
Feb . 25. 1837 papers copies [?] [crossed out]
I sent to [illegible] Pemlinson [?]  27 Feb [crossed out]
1837 [crossed out]

Date of death
not on aB [?]

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[illegible] of Kentucky County of [illegible] on this 5th day of May1834 personally appeared before the worshipful the county court of the county of Knox appeared James Bruster a resident of [illegible] in the county of [illegible] and state of [illegible] 71 years who bring first daily sworn according to law doth on this oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.  That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and serve as herein stated: Captain Michail Cogar, and Col Boyd (the latter of Augusta County) in the militia of Rockingham Country Virginia drafted for three months in January 1781 day of the month not recollected went south as far as the dismal swamp and was there stationed the whole time.  The militia were all foot.  he was a waggoner hauling provisions and forage.  Was disbanded at or near D. Swamp. Was drafted a second time for three months (the usual length of such tours) in June 1781 the day of the month not recollected went on the south branch of the Potomac against the tories who were under Gen. Claypole as he thinks.  Went to Claypoles home and remains there. Claypole and his friends being out in the mountains; was disbanded at Claypooles the draft were all horse, he was a private.  He was drafted a third time for a liter (sic) tour of three months in September of 1781 under Capt Michail Cogar colonel not recollected in the Rockingham militia. Was under Gen Washington at the seige of York.

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town in Virginia, La Fayette was there. He was in the trenches when the Brittish (sic) marched out. Cornwallis commanded the Brittish (sic) but he did not see him.  He was three days at what they called the French picket, on guard. There were a good many French troops at the siege.  Understood the Brittish had rifels (sic) then but did not see them. Understood the French had blocked them up. He was a private on foot.  Was disbanded at Williamsburg after the Brittish were taken. He does not recollect the name of any officer of rank except those he has mentioned.  cannot find any surviving Witness of his services in Kentucky but his sister Polly Dunn and her husband Nathaniel Dunn. He has no documentary evidence of his services. had no discharge in writing either
time when disbanded. 1. He was born in Rockingham County Virginia on the (blank)    day of (blank) in the year 1763.  2. Has no record of his age, the old Bible in which it was entered was left by him in Indianna with his nephew William Alexander and upon his return then having been absent it was torn up and destroyed. 3. Returned to Jessamine County Kentucky from Virginia in 1792. Left it for
the State of Indianna in 1814. Returned to Jessamine Ky in 1829. Came to Mercer County Ky 1st. May 1833. Is little known in his present neighbourhood (sic) being old, poor and
obscure. Knows James Ervin and [illegible]. but in Jessamine his former place of residence is acquainted with Polly Dunn Nathaniel Dunn. Rev. James Allman, William Robards and James Hiter whose affidavits he has taken. He lives as before stated in Rockingham County Virginia when called into service. Lived there since the Revolutionary war

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until he removed to Jessamine Cty Ky in 1792. He now resides in Mercer county Ky. 

4th as before stated he was drafted 

5th He has mentioned the names of much of the Regular officers as  were with the troops when he served and the general circumstances of his service. he does not recollect continental or militia regiments more than he has mentioned

6th as before stated he never received any discharge in writing

7th refer to the answer to the 3d question 

he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension  Roll of the agency of any state 
James Bruster [hand drawn seal]
Sworn and subscribed the day & year aforesaid in open court
Tho Allis cc

We Jesse Head a clergyman residing in Mercer County Kentucky and James B Irvin residing in the same County and State hereby Certify Certify that we are well acquainted with James Bruster who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration that we believe him to be Seventy one years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a faithful soldier of the Revolution and we fully concur in that opinion 

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. in open court
Jesse Head [hand drawn seal]
James B Irvin [hand drawn seal]
Tho Allis  c.c.

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4
Marion County May Terms 1834.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after a full investigation of the matters and after putting the Interrogations presented by the war department, That the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he has stated in the foregoing declaration and the court further certifies, that Jesse Head who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident of Mercer County and State of Kentucky, and that James B Irvin who has also signed the same is a resident citizen of the same County & State and is a highly credible person and that their statement is entitled to full faith and credit.

I Thomas Allen clerk of this court of Mercer County, State of Kentucky do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of of application of James Bruster for a pension.

In testimony where of I have here unto under my hand and seal of office this fifth day of May A D. 1834.
Tho Allen c.c.

[illegible seal with ribbon attached]

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30.970
James Bruster
Revolutionary Claim
from 1781 [illegible] & [illegible]
6 -
//22.50
100
cannot allow for 1st tour

Geo L Waugh, Harrodsburg Ky
Agent & Attorney

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5
State of Kentucky Jessamine County Sc.

The affiant Polly Dunn states from her oath that she is the sister of James Bruster who is an applicant for a pension under the act of congress passed 7th June 1832. That she and the applicant were living in the same house in Rockingham county Virginia in the month of January 1781 when as she has heard he was drafted for three months in the Rockingham militia under Capt Michael Cogar, and Col. Boyd (the latter of Augusta county).

That she recollects of hearing of his leaving home to go his tour and of his return when it was over. That she remembers of hearing he was drafted a second time in June 1781 for three months that he went from home upon his tour and returned when it was ended.

That he was drafted a third time for a 
like term of three months in September 1781.  went from home to the [illegible] of Yourk Town [Yorktown] and after his tour was out returned home. she remembers the circumstances of his being drafted as above mentioned and of his leaving home to go to York Town and returning Then was hearing & understanding of his going the other tours. 

She was then young and she remembers also the year but not the day in the month after the last tour.

He was born in Rockingham county virginia on the day of _ in the year 1763
as she has always understood from the family. He removed from thence to Jessamine county Kentucky in 1792. Left it for the state of Indiana in 1814 returned to Jessamine Ky in 1829. went to Mercer County adjoining Jessamine 1st May 1833. Where he now resides distan [distance] from this place about 20 miles.

This affiant is old infirm and not well  able to travel to Harrodsburg [Kentucky] the 
[illegible] of Justices  for Mercer which is also distant from this place about 20 miles. and the Kentucky near are cliffs to cross. The applicant is poor his self not very rich.
Polly Dunn 
[her mark] X
Kentucky Jessamine county Sc. this day the above named Pol.

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6
-ly Dunn made oath before me a Justice of the peace for said Jessamine county that the statements in the foregoing affidavit are true.
Given under my hand the 22 day of Oct. 1833.
T. Woodson J.P.J.C.

Also the affidavit of Nathaniel Dunn who states upon his oath that he livd in the county of Rocking ham virginia through the year 1781. That he is the husband of the abov named Polly Dunn whose affidavit foregoing is now before him & to him read. That he always understood from the family of his wife that the now applicant was drafted and served different tours in the revolutionary war and that he knows of his removals himself since he left Virginia which together with the other circumstances relating to him are as stated in now affidavit.

This affiant is old in bad health towit  ill able to go to the seat of Justice for Mercer County Ky Jessamine Cty. Ss
Nathaniel Dunn 

The above named Nathaniel Dunn  before me a Justice of the peace for sd [said] county This day made oath that the statements in his foregoing affidavit are true .
Given under my hand this 22 day of October 1833
T. Woodson J.P.J.C.

Also the affidavits of Revd [Reverand]  James Ellimon, William Robards & James Hiter who state upon their oaths that they have long been acquainted with the aforesaid Applicant who has been always held and esteemed a man of truth and by his neighbors and others knowing him reputed and believed to have served in the revolutionary war as he states. They are also ac[quainted]

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7
[ac]quainted and have been for years with the above named Polly Dunn and her husband Nathaniel Dunn and believe them and the said Applicant Brewster [Bruster] all to be entitled to full faith and and it for their statements respecting the revolutionary services of the J Brewster [Bruster].
James Elmore
Will, Robards
James Hiter [his mark] X

Ky Jessamine Cty Ss.
This day the above named affiants the Revd. James Ellmer William Robards & James Hiter 
who as well as the P. Brewster [Bruster] Dunn & wife in my opinion from Knowledge are entitled 
to full credit made oath before me a Justice of the peace for said county that The statements in this said affidavit are true 
Given under my hand this 22d day of Oct. 1833
T. Woodson J.P.J.C.

State of Kentucky Jessamine County Sch
I Daniel B. Price Clerk of the county court for the county aforesaid do certify that the above named T. Woodson is a justice of the peace in and for Jessamine County, a member of the Jessamine County Court, and that his official acts as done both in and out of court is entitled to full faith and credit-
Given under my hand an seal of office 
at Nicholasville this 22nd day of October 1833 and in the 42nd year
Commonwealth-
Danl. B. Price clk

[illegible round seal attached]

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Mr. Sam F. Brewster
Tennessee Valley Authority
Knoxville, Tennessee
July 24, 1936
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/EEL
James Bruster-S.38571

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to James Bruster, who lived in Virginia during the
Revolutionary War and received pension while residing in the state of Kentucky.
The data which follow are obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.38571, based upon the military
service in that war of James Bruster.
James Bruster was born in 1763, exact date not shown, in Rockingham County, Virginia. The names of his parents are not stated.
While residing in said Rockingham County, James Bruster enlisted in January, 1781, and served three months as a wagoner under
Captain Michael Cogar and Colonel Boyd in the Virginia Troops: he
enlisted in June, 1781, served three months, names of officers not
given, and was out on a tour against the Tories on the South Branch
of the Potomac River; he enlisted in September, 1781, served as a
private in Captain Michael Cogar's Virginia Company and was at the
siege of Yorktown, served as guard on "the French picket" and was
in the trenches when the British marched out length of this service, three months.

In 1792, he moved from Virginia to Jessamine County, Kentucky,
and in 1814 went to the state of Indiana, county not given; he returned
to Jessamine County, Kentucky, in 1829 and May 1, 1833,
moved to Mercer County, Kentucky, where he was residing when he
was allowed pension on his application executed May 5, 1834.
It is not stated that soldier was ever married.
In 1833, a sister of the soldier, Polly Ann and her husband,
Nathaniel Dunn, were residents of Jessamina County, Kentucky.

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In 1834, soldier referred to a nephew, William Alexander, who resided in Indiana.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of
the Revolutionary War pensioner, James Bruster (s.38871), you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records
Division, this city, and cite the following data.

James Bruster, Certificate No. 26783, issued May 23, 1834, rate $32.50 per annum commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Kentucky Agency.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.

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[left hand page]
38,571
INVALID. Revy

File No. 38,571
James Bruster
Pri Rev War

Act: June 7 1832
Index :- Vol. 8, Page 59

[Arrangement of 1870. ]

[right hand page]
1912 Mar. 7 History to 
J. M. Dufour 
1929 July 12 Hist to 
Mrs Allen B Philputt GCL
1936. July 24 - Hist to
Sam F Brewster
EL

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Hon. G. Tomlinson
25. Feb. 1837
G. C.

Record V 42 page 2?.

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War Dept.
Pension Office
Feb. 25. 1837

Sir,
In reply to your enquiry relative to the case of James Bruster I have to in form you that he claimed a pension for three tours of three months each in the Virginia militia.

The claim on account of the first term of alleged service was not allowed, because he was engaged in driving a wagon, and because it is evidant that he could not have been considered as doing the duty of a soldier. 

In the same year he was twice drafted for a tour of three months each, and for these two tours he has been pensioned. I will send you a copy of the papers if you desire it.
I have the time
Hon. G. Tomlinson
Senate U.S.

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Hon G H Tomlinson
Case James Bruster
[illegible] 

James L. Edwards Esq.
Com. of Pensions

ansd. Feb. 25. 1837

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Senate Chamber
Feb. 11. 1837

Sir,
I request you to send me for the information of the Committee on Pensions, any evidence in your possession, tending to show the expediency of augmenting the pension of James Bruster of the state of Kentucky.
I am yours very respectfully 
G. Tomlinson

J. L. Edwards Esq.

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James Bruster

J Bruster 
[illegible]

The Honorable 
Mr. Tomlinson 
Ch. Com on
Pensions

Hon. G. Tomlinson

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In Senate of the United States
January 23d - 1837

On motion by Mr. Clay.
Resolved, That the Committee on 
Pensions be directed to inquire into the expediency of augmenting the pension of James Bruster, of the State of Kentucky.
Attest
Asbury Dickins Secretary 
by Wm Carr Clerk

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Isle give to ack

[oval black ink stamp]
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER
FEB 28 1912

Samuel Dunn
of Capt. Davidsons Co Augusta Co Va 
in Colonial service in 1774 & subsequently 
in Revolutionary Service 
His father James Dunn 
James Bruster of Augusta Co afterwards Rockingham Co. Va
Geo. Grundy of Bedford Co Va

Feb 28 1912
See James Bruster Va., S 38571
(no Brewster)
Augusta & Rockingham Cos. Va

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3-082.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Application No. [blank]
Certificate No. [blank]
NAME OF SOLDIER, [blank]
Co. , Reg't [blank]
INFORMATION DESIRED.
Revolutionary Record on 
Mr J. W. Dufour

[oval black ink stamp]
FEB 28 1912
COMMISSIONER

[right margin]
Jnes Dufour
Mart Rec

8-1736 [form number]

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MRS. ALLAN B. PHILPUTT
3173 CENTRAL AVENUE
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
March 20, 1929

[round stamp]
PENSION OFFICE
MAR 22 1929
U.S.

Pension Department. 
If possible I would like some information about James Brewster (only Va Troops) born in County Derry- 1720 - came to this country when eighteen years of age.
He settled in the Vally of Virginia near the old stone church of Fort Defiance. 

His name is listed with the

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Virginia Militia in  1755
Later James Brewster [Bruster] sold his land in Virginia and located in Jessamine County Ky where he died.
 
I am anxious to connect James Brewster with William Brewster of the Mayflower think perhaps their fathers were brothers.

Very Respecfully 
Mrs Allan B, Philputt
great-great grandaughter 
3173 Central Ave.
Indianapolis Indiana

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Tennessee Valley Authority
Knoxville, Tennessee
Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,
I will greatly appreciate all of the information you can give me concerning JAMES BRUSTER and his family. He was a revolutionary soldier, and I believe was having a pension in Ky. in 1835.  I believe, however he was living in Virginia during the revolution. Try "Ky. Pensions 1835 - V.3:119."
I would particularly like to know what year he was born, what year he died and the names of any male children.
Respectfully
Sam F. Brewster
[circular stamp] RECEIVED JUL 16 1936 MAIL [Illegible]-DIV [illegible]

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July 12, 1929
Mrs. Allen B. Philputt
3173 Central Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 38571, it  appears that James Bruster was born in 1763, in Rockingham County, Virginia.
While a resident of Rockingham County, Virginia, he enlisted in January, 1781, and served three months as a wagoner in Captain Michael Cogar's Company, Colonel Boyd's
Virginia Regiment. He enlisted in June, 1781, and served three months as a private officers not stated. He enlisted in September, 1781, and served three months as a
private in Captain Michael Cogar's Virginia Company; was at the siege of Yorktown and the surrender of General Cornwallis.
In 1792, he moved from Virginia to Jessamina County, Kentucky, and in 1814, he went to Indiana. In 1829, he returned to Jessamine County, Kentucky, where he remained
until 1833, when he moved to Mercer County, Kentucky,

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He was allowed pension on his application executed May 5, 1834, while a resident of Mercer County, Kentucky.
It is not stated that soldier was ever married.
The above noted is the history of the only soldier named James Bruster or Brewster, who served with the Virginia Troops, that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
Respectfully,
EARL D. CHURCH
Commissioner.

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(3-1776)
SERVICE
VA.
Bruster, James
NUMBER
S38,571
CONTENTS