Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 1377, Jonas Bruce, Continental Mass.

Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Continental
Mass.

Bruce, Jonas
Sarah

NUMBER
W 1377

CONTENTS
(blank)

Page 2

Vermont 32,353
Jonas Bruce
of Windsor Co. in the state of Vermont who was a sergeant in the company commanded by Captain Watkins of the regt. commanded by Col. Brewer in the Mass. line for 2 years

Inscribed on the roll of Montpelier at the rate of 120 dollars --- cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of pension issued the 30th day of August 1845 and sent to Stephen Thomas, West Fairlee, Vermont

Arrears to the 4th of ____________
Semi-annual allowance ending 

Payments under act of March 18, 1818 at $96 per annum, after 4th March 1831 at $96 per annum to be deducted.

Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by D. Braen
Book E. 2. Vol. 3 Page 57

Page 3

22
Jonas Bruce
14,183
March 1820
Con

Page 4

State of Vermont Windsor County ss

At a special term of the Supreme Court of Judicature, begun and holden at Woodstock in the County of Windsor, on the last Monday in July, Anno Domini eighteen hundred and twenty.
On this thirty first day of July 1820, being the first day of said term, personally appeared in open court, (the same Court being a Court of record agreeably to the laws of this state, having the power of fine and imprisonment, &c.) Jonas Bruce aged sixty six years, resident in Sharon in said County of Windsor, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath declare, that he served in the revolutionary war, as follows: that at Southbury Massachusetts at which place I resided in July 1776 I enlisted as a private in Capt. Nathanl Watkins Company in Col. Tierney's regiment in Gen. Patterson's brigade in the Massachusetts line, the continental establishment one year - I then enlisted as a sergeant in Capt. Nathanl Watkins company in Col. Samuel Brewers regiment for three years I served the full term of my enlistment in the Massachusetts line in the continental establishment - that I was in the battle at Fort Ann - and two battles on the North River, taking of Burgoyne and in the battle of Monmouth.

that he made his original declaration on the eight day of April 1818 has received a pension certificate no. 14,183. And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818;-and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.

1 shoat 3.00. Two pigs 2.00. 1 fire pail kettle 3.00. four chairs 1.50. 1 axe .50. 1 hoe .25. 1 scythe old .25. knives & forks .50.
$8.00
 2.50
   50
$11.00 (total)

I owe to Uriah Hayes 100.00. To Wm. State 30.00
I owe to Chester Baxter 20.00. Jared Parkhurst 10.00
I owe to John Lovejoy 3.00. Freunene Page 1.00I owe to David Moore 25.00.
(total) $180.00

My wife aged 63 years in firm - my own health not the best

Jonas Bruce

Sworn to and declared on the thirty first day of July 1820, before said Court.  Attest, Benjamin Swan - Clerk

State of Vermont (Windsor County) ss
I, Benjn Swan clerk of the Supreme Court for the county of Windsor, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court:-And I so further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is nothing 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, at Woodstock, this fifth day of August 1820.

Benjn Swan Clerk of the Supreme Court for Windsor county

Page 5

Jonas Bruce
Sergeant
Colonel Brewers Regiment
Massachusetts line
1777-3 Years
The certificate of the judge that this claimant shows his reduced circumstances needs  the assistance of his country for support.
14th June 1819
[sideways signature for the  illegible]
To the secretary for the department of the war
Washington City
[illegible]

Page 6

State of Vermont
Wilndsor County SS.
On this Eighth day of April A.D. 1818. before me
one of the Judges of the County Court within and
for said Windsor County personally appears Jonas 
Bruce aged___years, resident in Sharon in said Windsor
County, and for several years last past hath been an inhabitant there
who being by me first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make
the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the
late act of Congress, entitled an act to provide for certain person
engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the
revolutionary war: That he the said Jonas Bruce enlisted in
June or July 1776 in the company commanded by Captain
Nathan Watkins in the Regiment commanded by Colonel
Finney and General Patterson’s Brigade in the Massachusetts
Line that he served accordingly untill the 9th January the
next when he enlisted for a term of three years in the
Company commanded by the said Captain Nathan Watkins and
Regiment commanded by Colonel Brewer and Lieutenant Colonel Carlton that he continued to serve in the said Corps untill the first day of January AD. 1780 when he was honorably discharged from said
service as a Sergeant, which discharge he has lost and also the
warrant as a Sergeant in said service and that he is
in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support, and that he has no other evidence now
in his power of his said service
Sworn to and declared before me the day and year aforesaid
William Strong Judge
I William Strong first Judge of the County Court within and
for said Windsor County as aforesaid, do certify that it appears
to my satisfaction, that the said Jonas Bruce did serve in
the revolutionary war, as stated in the proceeding declaration
against the common enemy; and I now transmit the proceeding
and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the
department of war, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned
act of Congress, and that said Bruce is in reduced to
as stated in said declaration and stand in need of the assistance of his
Country for Support
In witness whereof I hereunto sign my name
and affix the seal of said Court this twentieth
day of November A.D. 1818.
William Strong Judge

Page 7

Reported

157.
Vermont Montpelier
Sarah Bruce
widow of Jonas Bruce
who served in the Revolutionary war
as
Sergeant
Massachusetts Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
120 Dollars___
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848
19th
April,
Certificate of Pension issued the
10th day of May 1849
and sent to
by
W. H. Sylvester
Chief Clerk Patent Office
Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
29 July 1848, Page 143 Volume 1
Book D

Page 8

No. 207

Sarah Bruce
widow of Jonas

Act 29 July 1848

Married 1796
Husb. died April 19, 1848

Adm 2 yrs Sgt.
$120 per annum
19th April 1848


H. H. Sylvester
Ch Clk Sakut office

Page 9

State of Vermont
Windsor County Ss
On this 16th day of September AD 1848
personally appeared before me Oel Billings a
Justice of the Peace within and for the County of
Windsor and State of Vermont Sarah Bruce at
resident of Sharon in said County aged 92 years who being first
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
in relation to widows pensions, passed July 29 1848 and of the joint resolution
of Congress approved July 1. 1848 in relation to evidence in that behalf. That
she is the widow of Jonas Bruce late of said Sharon deceased, who in his
life time was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of One hundred
and twenty dollars per annum and read a certificate to that effect dated
August 30th 1845.
she further declares that she was married to the said Jonas Bruce at
said Sharon on the 25th day of September AD 1796 by Joel Marsh Esquire
that her name before marriage was Sarah Nott; that her husband the aforesaid
Jonas Bruce died at said Sharon on the 19th day of April 1848 that she
was not married to said Jonas prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage
took place previous to the first of January 1800. to wit at the time above stated.
she further declares that she is still a widow.
Sarah Bruce X her mark
Witnesses
Otis Bruce
Lois Bruce
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written.
Oel Billings Justice of the Peace.
I certify that the above named applicant is personally known to

Page 10

STATE OF VERMONT, ⎬ I, Norman Williams, Clerk of the County Court of the County of Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that
Oel Billings
is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county,
duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was
dated on the 30th day of November
in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty seven
and will expire the thirtieth day of November next, and
that his signatures foregoing are
genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court, at Woodstock, in said County
of Windsor, this
19
day of September
A. D. 1848
Norman Williams, Clerk

Page 11

me and that she is the widow of Jonas Bruce within named, who in his
life time drew a pension of $120 per annum as stated by her in the foregoing
declaration
Oel Billings Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont
Hartford District Ss.
I, Lyndon A Marsh Register of the Court of Probate
for the District of Hartford aforesaid, holden at Woodstock
in and for said District, do hereby certify that satisfactory
evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Sarah Brine
the signer of the foregoing declaration is the widow of Jonas
Bruce who in his life time was a pensioner of the United States at the
rate of One hundred and twenty dollars per annum and that said Jonas Bruce died 
at Sharon in said District on the 19th day of April 1848
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
affixed the seal of said Court at Woodstock this 16th day of September AD 1848.
LA Marsh, Register

Page 12

State of Vermont
Windsor County Ss
Sharon September twenty fifth One thousand
seven hundred and ninety six
Personally appeared Jonas Bruce and Sarah Nott both of Sharon
and took each other as husband and wife and covenanted
to live together as Husband and wife and to perform all the
duties relative thereunto, so long as they both should live
Before me Joel Marsh Justice Peace
I Samuel Shuttleworth Town Clerk of Sharon in the County
of Windsor and State of Vermont do hereby certify that the
foregoing is a true extract from the records of said town of Sharon
with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible words and figures as follows "September 25. 1796.
Samuel Shuttleworth Town Clerk
I, Samuel Shuttleworth above named depose and say that
I hold the office of Town Clerk in and for the Town of
Sharon aforesaid and the above is a true extract from the
records of said two of Sharon with the exceptions above
named as certified by me
Samuel Shuttleworth Town Clerk
State of Vermont
Windsor County of Sharon September 16. 1848
The above affidavit sworn to and subscribed
Before me Oel Billings Justice of the Peace

Page 13

STATE OF VERMONT, 
Windsor County Ss⎬ I, Norman Williams, Clerk of the County Court of the County of
Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that
Oel Billings
is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county,
duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was
dated on the 30" day of November
in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty seven
and will expire the thirtieth day of November next, and
that his signature foregoing
is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court, at Woodstock, in said County
of Windsor, this 17
day of September A.D. 1848
Norman Williams, Clerk.

Page 14

Rev WIDOW, &c.

File No. 1377
Sarah Bruce
Widow
Jonas Bruce
Sgt. Rev. War

Act: July 29, 1848
Index:-Vol. A, Page 81

(Arrangement of 1870.)


Apl. 13-1901
Mrs. Addie Bruce Peter
Wichita,Kansas

Page 15

Col. H. H. Sylvester
Washington DC

Page 16

West Fairlee Vermont May 20th 1845
My Dear Sir
I herewith forward the declaration of Jonas Bruce
for the benifit [sic] of the act of 1832, he thinks his service as
Sergeant was proved when he was pensioned under act of
1818 - I have been led to suspect that the declaration of Widow
Ruth Young which I forwarded you by my last, is wrong that
her husband, name was Clark instead of "Edward Clark”
if so you must inform me and I will forward a new declaration
I find that Elias Hosington was a Sergeant 3 years in
Warners Regiment from March 1777 to March 1780 and that
he served a short time in October 1780 and if the marriage is
stated to have taken place before that time it will be a
good case. I shall be able I think, to forward the Eddy
Declaration by the next mail.
I congratulate you on your appointment to your
new office under our Staunch Democrat E Burke and
hope it will not prevent your attending to the Pension
Business-
I go to day to Concord in pursuit of some evidence
in some new cases which I hope to have prepaired [sic] and sent
to you in the course of 2 weeks and also the Gates case

I am Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
Stephen Thomas

P.S. I have not yet got the evidence in the Corliss case 
Colonel H.H. Sylvester
Washington D C

Page 17

37051
Jonas Bruce
Vt
Act 7 June '32
on rolls - Brewer
Sergt. 77 to 1780 -

Page 18


Declaration
In order to obtain an increase and arrears of Pension
under the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
State of Vermont ⎬
Windsor County Ss. ⎬ On this 16th day of May A.D. 1845
before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace within and for
said County personally appeared Jonas Bruce a resident
of Sharon in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont
aged 90 years who being first duly sworn according to
law doth on his oath make the following declaration
in order to obtain an increase and arrears of Pension due
him under the act of Congress passed 7th June 1832
That he is a Pensioner of the United States under the
act of Congress of March 18th 1818 receiving the sum of
Ninety Six dollars per annum under said act; That
he consider himself entitled to a larger sum than $96
having served as a Sergeant in Captain Nathan Watkins company 
in Colonel Brewers Regiment of the Massachusetts Continental line and that he now ask for the increase to
which he is entitled to for his service as Sergeant
under the act of Congress of the 7th June 1832, having
served as a Sergeant in said Regiment for the
Space of over two years
Jonas Bruce X his Mark
Sworn to and subscribed on this 16th day of May 1845
Before me
Chester Baxter Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the above declarant is personally
known to me and that he is a person of truth and
credibility and the he is a Pensioner as he states above
Chester Baxter Justice of Peace

Page 19

State of Vermont
Secretary of State's Office
Montpelier, May 17th, 1845

I certify that Chester Baxter Esq whose name is subscribed in his own proper hand writing to the foregoing certificate is and was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the county of Windsor duly elected and qualified, and that to his official acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of this office, at Montpelier, this the 17th day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty five.

Ferrand F. Merrill
Deputy Secretary of State

Page 20

Woodstock Vt. September 20th 1848

Sir
I enclose the declaration of Sarah Bruce widow of Jonas Bruce who was a pensioner of the United States in his life time of $120 per annum in order to obtain a pension for said widow

I am respectfully your Obt Sert
Oel Billings

Col. J. L. Edwards
Commr of Pensions
Washington City

Page 21

May 28. 1848
The certificate young
of Jonas Bruce
June 7,1832
Hon GL. Edwards
Connor. Peniney

Page 22

Treasury  department
Third Auditors Office
May 17th 1845
I return you the papers
in the case of William Warren
as one of the claims left 
by you at the Office today. that a 
certificate of Court, as to the
death of the pensioner may be
[illegible] returned as agreeably to
the enclosed forms. The other claim
that of Hugh Warren
has been submitted to the commissioner of Pensions in relation
to which you will receive a 
further communication
very respectfully
Your obedient servant
Peter Hagner Auditor
M. Pyle Esquire

Page 23

Letter in case of Jonas Bruce of Vt

Stephen Thomas Agt
West Fairlee Vt

Page 24

West Fairlee Vt.
July 22d 1845

My dear sir,
I herewith forward the Pension certificate of Jonas Bruce under the act of March 18th, 1878, this application under the act of 1832 was forward to the Department May 20, 1845 & the claim was admitted under said act, but the old certificate was required. This is enclosed. You will please communicate with me at West Fairlee Vt

I am very respectfully your Obt Servt
Stephen Thomas

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

Page 25

Montpelier, Vt Roll, Act 7 June 1832,
Jonas Bruce, Sgt $120 per annum

To what time last paid?
Pension Office
May 9/49

To 3d Auditors Office

Pd to 4th March 1848.
BSB

Page 26

No. 37051

Jonas Bruce
Vt
Let. to Stephen Thomas Esq
July 11, 1845

Act 7th June 1832

Page 27

May 26 [18]45
Sir
I am requested to send you the papers of
Jonas Bruce.
Please reply to 
Stephen Thomas Esquire West Fairlee Vermont
You will also note his remarks in his letter
now enclose to you in relation to Mrs. Ruth
Youngs papers sent you by me, May 19 1845
and also reply to him. I have written
him that
hereafter I cannot attend his business
I am Respectfully
H H Sylvester
Colonel Edwards

Page 28

Payable semi-annually. The first
payment on this Certificate will be
made on the 4th of March
next in Burlington Vermont
by Herman Allen Esquire
agent for paying US
pensioners
Stephen Thomas
West Fairlee
Vermont
Recorded

Page 29

War Department.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I CERTIFY that, in conformity with the Law of the United States
of the 18th March, 1818,
Jonas Bruce
late a Sergeant
in the Army of the Revolution, is inscribed
on the Pension List, Roll of the Vermont
Agency, at the rate of Eight
dollars per month, to commence
on the eighth day of April one thousand
eight hundred and eighteen
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States
this Sixth day of
September one thousand eight
hundred and nineteen
J C Calhoun
Secretary of War.

Page 30

Number 37.051
Jonas Bruce
Vermont
Act 7 June 1832
Admitted 2 years Sergeant
$120.00 per annum
deducting what has been
paid under the act of 18th
March 1838 from 4 March
1831. at the rate of $96
per annum
Stephen Thomas
West Fairlee
Vermont

Page 31

14.183
Vermont
Jonas Bruce
of Sharon in the state of Vermont
who was a Sergeant in the regiment commanded by
Colonel Brewer
of the Massachusetts
line, for the term of three years 1777
Inscribed on the roll of Vermont
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 8th of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 6th of September 1819
and sent to William Strongly
Windsor, Vermont
Arrears to 4th of September 1819
$135.20
Semi-annual. allowance ending 4 March 1820 48.
16 months 27/30 
$183.20
{Revolutionary claim,
Act 18th March, 1818.}
Continued

Page 32

1377 - widow
Jonas Bruce
April 8, 1878 -
Sharon Vermont 64
Colonel Phinney
June or July [17] 76
Southbury Massachusetts
Captain Nathan Watkins
Colonel Phinney
Private 6 months
January [17]77
Captain Ditto {Watkins]
Colonel Brewer
Sergeant 3 years
Fort Ann, Stillwater, Monmouthh
married Sarah Nott September 25, 1796
Sharon Vermont
Died April. 19, 1848

Page 33

[stamp]
RECORD and PENSION OFFICE War Department
March 21 1901
647825
Wichita Kansas
March 16 1901.
Rufus Bruce of Vermont
John R or John H. Pettibone
Continental Army
Company of Vermont in RegimentNew York  Revolutionary War
Mrs Addie Bruce Petrie
requests record of the above named
( 515)
WRAPPER.

Page 34

Record and Pension Office,
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, March 22, 1901.
Respectfully returned to
Mrs. Addie Bruce Petrie,
No. 414 Campbell Avenue,
Wichita, Kansas.
The name Rufus Bruce has not been
found on the rolls, on file in this office,
of any organization of Vermont or Continental
troops, nor has the name John R. or
John H. Pettibone been found on the rolls
of any organization of Vermont, New York
or Continental troops in service during the
war of the Revolution.
It is proper to add, however, that the
collection of Revolutionary war records
in this office is far from complete,
and that the absence therefrom of any name
should not be accepted as conclusive evidence
that the person who bore the name
did not serve in the Revolutionary army.
For information as to whether or not
either one of the soldiers in question received
a pension application should be
made to the Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., who is the custodian
of the pension records of the Revolution
ary War.
By Authority of the Secretary of War:
[illegible]
Chief, Record and Pension Office.

Page 35

Wichita, Kansas - March 28th, 1901
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
Will you kindly examine
the enclosed papers, and then have
a careful examination made of your
Pension records of the Revolutionary war
to find if either of the soldiers named
in the letter of enquiry were pensioned
for their military service, and forward
the result to their descendant, Mrs
Petrie. Please also send addresses
of whomsoever the facts recorded of their
military history may be obtained,
and you will greatly oblige
Yours respectfully
Mrs. SRG Burell
For Mrs. Addie Bruce Petrie
414 Campbell Ave.
Wichita Kansas

Page 36

Wichita, Kansas March 16th, 1901
Pension Office War Deptartment
Washington, D.C.
To the Secretary of War,
Dear Sir:
I write for information for
my friend Mrs. Addie Bruce Petrie
One Rufus Bruce, or his father, was a
soldier in the American Revolution,
and was her great, or great-greatgrandfather
He always lived in the
State, or territory, now called the state of
Vermont. Will you kindly look up
the records of the soldier; finding if
he was pensioned, and such facts
necessary to entitle her to membership in the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
If you can find nothing please advise her
where to apply for his military history
Please also look for the same of
facts concerning John R. of John H.

Page 37

RECORD & PENSION OFFICE
Pettibone who held a commission in the Continental Army, and whose home was either in the State of Vermont or New York, with advice where to apply for his military - history, And oblige 
Yours respectfully Mrs. S. R. G. Burrell for Mrs. Addie Bruce Pettie 414 Campbell Ave. Wichita, Kansas 
[stamp:]
US Pension Office April 7 1901